JP4844579B2 - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that performs printing on a printing tape, and discharges the printed tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with an adhesive applied on the back surface exposed, and a printing method of the printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers that perform printing on a printing tape and cut the printed printing tape to create a label are widely used. The printing tape used in this printer has an adhesive applied to the back surface of the printing tape layer on which printing is performed, and a release tape layer is stuck on the adhesive application surface so that the adhesive application surface is not exposed. Is protected. And when using the produced label, the peeling tape layer of a label is peeled, an adhesive agent is exposed, and a label is affixed on a desired target object.

On the other hand, as a printer that prints on a printing tape and discharges the printed printing tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this printer, since the printing tape is discharged with the adhesive exposed, it is convenient to remove the peeling tape layer when using the label as in the other conventional printers.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-312545

  In the printer shown in Patent Document 1, since the adhesive is exposed on the back surface of the printing tape that is printed and discharged out of the apparatus main body, the printing tape taken out of the apparatus main body is twisted and the adhesive on the back surface It may adhere to the printed surface of a printed printing tape, which may be difficult to handle. In particular, the longer the length of the printing tape, the easier it becomes to twist, and the possibility of such troubles increases. There is a risk of problems such as being wasted.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and in a printer in which the printing tape after printing is discharged with the adhesive exposed on the back side of the printing surface, the printing tape discharged outside the apparatus is twisted and exposed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer that can create a printed matter that can be handled safely and minimizes troubles such as adhesives that adhere to the printed matter itself and damage the printed matter.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, printing is performed on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and the printed printing tape is discharged out of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. In the printer, the remaining tape detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, the input means for inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and the input means The calculating means for obtaining the tape length necessary for printing the input data, and the tape length obtained by the calculating means are determined in advance so as to become shorter as the remaining amount of the printing tape decreases corresponding to the remaining amount of the printing tape. If the printable maximum tape length is larger than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the remaining amount detected by the remaining tape amount detecting means, the data input from the input means is selected. Characterized in that it comprises a control means for performing predetermined processing for limiting the printing of data.

The invention according to claim 2 is capable of printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different tape widths, performing printing while conveying one of the plurality of types of printing tapes loaded in the apparatus main body, and performing printing. A printer comprising: a printed printing tape configured to be discharged out of the apparatus main body in a state where the adhesive applied to the back surface is exposed; and a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape. Tape width detecting means for detecting the tape width of the printing tape loaded in the main body, input means for inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and printing of data inputted from the input means A calculating unit for obtaining a necessary tape length; a tape conveying amount calculating unit for calculating a conveying amount of the print tape after the cutting unit is operated most recently; and the calculating unit. The length obtained by adding the tape transport amount calculated by the tape transport amount calculating means to the determined tape length is the maximum printable tape length determined corresponding to the plurality of types of print tapes having different tape widths. Control means for performing a predetermined process for restricting printing of data input from the input means when the printable maximum tape length corresponding to the print tape having the tape width detected by the tape width detection means is larger It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 3 is capable of printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different rigidity, and printing is performed while conveying one of the plurality of types of printing tapes loaded in the apparatus main body. The printer main body is configured to discharge the printed tape to the outside of the apparatus main body in a state where the adhesive applied to the back surface is exposed, and includes a cutting means for cutting the printed print tape. A tape type detecting means for detecting the type of the printing tape loaded in the printer, an input means for inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and necessary for printing the data inputted from the input means. A calculating means for obtaining a tape length, a tape carrying amount calculating means for calculating a carrying amount of the printing tape since the cutting means was operated most recently, and a calculating means for obtaining the tape length. Of the maximum tape length that can be printed, the length obtained by adding the tape conveyance amount calculated by the tape conveyance amount calculation means to the tape length that is determined corresponding to the plurality of types of different rigid printing tapes, Control means for performing a predetermined process for restricting printing of data input from the input means when the printable maximum tape length corresponding to the type of printing tape detected by the tape type detection means is larger. It is characterized by that.

According to the invention of claim 4 , printing is performed on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and the printed printing tape is discharged out of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. And a tape remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and the apparatus comprising: a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape; An input means for inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the main body, an arithmetic means for obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data inputted from the input means, and a cutting means after the cutting means has been operated most recently. Tape transport amount calculating means for calculating the transport amount of the printing tape, and a length obtained by adding the tape transport amount calculated by the tape transport amount calculating means to the tape length determined by the calculating means But among the maximum tape length printable be predetermined to be shorter enough to be less print tape remaining amount corresponding to the remaining amount of the print tape, corresponding to the detected remaining amount by the remaining tape detecting means printing Control means for performing a predetermined process for restricting the printing of data input from the input means when it is larger than the maximum possible tape length.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the control means prohibits the input of data from the input means.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the control means issues a warning to the input of data from the input means.

The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that the control means prohibits printing of data inputted from the input means.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the control means generates a warning for printing of data inputted from the input means.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, printing is performed on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and the printed printing tape is discharged out of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. A printing method performed by a printer, the step of detecting the remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus body, the step of inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus body, and the input A step of obtaining a tape length required for printing the data, and a maximum printable tape that is determined in advance so that the obtained tape length becomes shorter as the remaining amount of the print tape decreases corresponding to the remaining amount of the print tape. A step of performing a predetermined process for restricting printing of the input data if the length is larger than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the detected remaining amount. Characterized in that it obtain.

The invention according to claim 10 is capable of printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different tape widths, performing printing while conveying one of the plurality of types of printing tapes loaded in the apparatus main body, and performing printing. Printing method in which the printed printing tape is configured to be discharged out of the apparatus main body in a state where the adhesive applied to the back surface is exposed, and which is provided with a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape. A step of detecting a tape width of a printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, a step of inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and a step of inputting data inputted from the input means. A step of obtaining a tape length necessary for printing, a step of calculating a conveyance amount of the printing tape after the cutting means is operated most recently, and the obtained The length obtained by adding the calculated tape transport amount to the tape length is the detected tape width out of the maximum printable tape length determined corresponding to the plurality of types of print tapes having different tape widths. A step of performing a predetermined process for restricting the printing of the input data when the printable tape length is longer than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the print tape.

The invention according to claim 11 is capable of printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different rigidity, and printing is performed while conveying one of the plurality of types of printing tapes loaded in the apparatus main body. A printing method performed by a printer that is configured to discharge the printed tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed, and that includes a cutting means for cutting the printed print tape. A step of detecting a type of printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, a step of inputting data to be printed on the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, and a printing of data input from the input means. A step of obtaining a necessary tape length, a step of calculating a transport amount of the printing tape since the cutting means was operated most recently, and the obtained tape length The length obtained by adding the calculated tape conveyance amount corresponds to the detected type of printing tape among the maximum printable tape lengths determined for the plurality of types of different rigid printing tapes. When the printable tape length is longer than the maximum printable tape length, a step of performing a predetermined process for restricting printing of the input data is provided.

The invention of claim 12 prints on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and the printed printing tape is discharged out of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. And a printing method performed by a printer comprising a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape, the step of detecting the remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus body, A step of inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body, a step of obtaining a tape length necessary for printing of data inputted from the input means, and a step after the cutting means is operated most recently. calculating the conveyance amount of the print tape, the tape transport amount a length obtained by adding that is the calculated tape length the obtained is printed tape corresponding to the remaining amount of the print tape Of the maximum tape length printable be predetermined to be shorter enough to power is low, when the larger detected maximum tape printable corresponding to the remaining length limits the printing of the data the input And a step of performing a predetermined process.

According to the invention 請 Motomeko 1, when performing printing on the printing tape wound into a roll, and detect the remaining amount of the print tape loaded in the apparatus body is determined in response to the remaining amount Since it is configured to limit printing with a tape length that is larger than the maximum printable tape length, the printed tape length of the finished printed product is longer than the specified length, so the adhesive that is exposed to the back side when the printing tape is twisted is printed. It is possible to create a printed matter that can be handled safely by minimizing the occurrence of troubles such as bonding to itself and damaging it. That is, the printing tape wound in a roll shape and loaded in the apparatus main body has a curl because it is wound and held in a roll shape. Is relatively small when the roll diameter is large, and relatively large when the remaining tape amount is small and the roll diameter of the roll is small. If the winding roll is large, the discharged printing tape is more likely to be twisted and difficult to handle. Therefore, the tape length that can be handled safely according to the remaining amount of tape is set as the maximum printable tape length, and by limiting the tape printing exceeding that length, the printing tape can be used regardless of the amount of remaining tape. It is possible to prevent troubles such as damage of the printed matter by being adhered with its own adhesive.

According to the invention of claim 2 , when printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different tape widths, the cutting means for detecting the tape width of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body and cutting the printing tape is the nearest. The maximum printable length is determined according to the tape width, which is calculated by calculating the transport amount of the print tape after the operation and adding the calculated tape transport amount to the required tape length. Since the printing of data is restricted when the tape length is longer than the tape length, the printed tape itself is twisted and exposed to the back surface because the length of the printing tape discharged outside the main body is longer than the specified length. It is possible to eliminate as much as possible the troubles such as bonding to and damaging it.

According to the invention of claim 3 , when printing on a plurality of types of printing tapes having different rigidity, the type of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body is detected, and the cutting means for cutting the printing tape is the latest. The print tape transport amount after the printer is operated is calculated, and the length obtained by adding the calculated tape transport amount to the required tape length is determined according to the rigidity of the print tape. If it is larger than the maximum tape length, the printing of data is restricted, so the length of the printing tape that is discharged out of the main unit is longer than the specified length, so that the printing tape twists and the adhesive exposed on the back is printed. It is possible to minimize the occurrence of troubles such as bonding to the object itself and damaging it.

According to the invention of claim 4 , when printing is performed on a printing tape wound in a roll shape, the cutting means for detecting the remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body and cutting the printing tape Calculates the amount of print tape transport since the most recently operated, and the length obtained by adding the calculated tape transport to the required tape length is determined according to the remaining amount. If it is larger than the maximum tape length, the printing of data is restricted, so the length of the printing tape that is discharged out of the main unit is longer than the specified length, so that the printing tape twists and the adhesive exposed on the back is printed. It is possible to minimize the occurrence of troubles such as bonding to the object itself and damaging it.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the printer as seen from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the apparatus main body 11 of the printer 10, the first housing portion 12 and the second housing portion 13 are L-shaped in a side view. The printer 10 is formed in a size that allows the apparatus main body 11 to be carried. The printer 10 holds the first housing 12 with one hand, and prints the label with another hand such as inputting print data, editing it, or printing output. A series of operations for creation can be performed.

  A key input unit 14 and a display unit 15 are provided in front of the outer surface of the first housing unit 12. In addition, an electronic circuit that performs various controls necessary for the printer device and a battery power source that serves as an operating power source for the printer device are housed in the first housing portion 12. Further, the second casing 13 includes a cover 16, in which a printer mechanism is provided, and consumables for printing can be accommodated.

  The key input unit 14 is a power key for turning on / off the printer device, a character input key for inputting arbitrary character data as print data, a print key for instructing start of printing, and a cursor on the display screen of the display unit 15. A cursor key for moving operation, various control keys for setting a print mode and various setting processes are provided. The display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display device, displays character data input from the key input unit 14, displays a selection menu screen for various setting processes, and other necessary messages regarding various processes. And so on. The display unit 15 also displays various information such as the length of the label to be created and the state of the print mode.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tape cassette mounted on the printer with the printer cover opened. FIG. 4 shows a state where the cover of the printer is opened and the tape cassette is mounted. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a tape member 50 wound around a tape supply reel 41 is held inside the tape cassette 40, and is wound around a ribbon supply reel 42 to form a ribbon take-up reel 43. The ink ribbon 53 to be wound is held.

  The tape member 50 is fed out of the cassette from the tape supply reel 41 and is fed to the tape through the head arrangement portion 44 where the print head 22 of the printer 10 is arranged. The tape member 50 includes a printing tape 51 on which printing is performed. An adhesive is applied to the back side of the printing surface of the printing tape 51, and the peeling tape can be separated from the printing tape 51 so as to protect the coated surface of the adhesive. 52 is affixed.

  Further, supported portions 45 that are supported at predetermined positions by a support structure provided in the printer 10 when the tape cassette 40 is mounted on the printer 10 are provided at a plurality of corners on the outer surface of the tape cassette 40. One of the supported portions 45 is provided with a tape width identifying portion 46 that represents the tape width of the tape member 50 accommodated in the tape cassette 40 and is detected by the printer 10. Is provided with a tape type identifying unit 47 that represents the type of material of the tape member 50 accommodated in the tape cassette 40 and is detected by the printer 10. The detection means provided in the printer 10 corresponding to the identification units 46 and 47 is composed of, for example, a plurality of electric switches, and is accommodated in the tape cassette 40 by a combination of the on / off states of the plurality of electric switches. The width and type of the tape member to be detected are detected. Therefore, the identification units 46 and 47 provided in each tape cassette 40 are formed in a predetermined shape according to the width and material of the tape member so that information can be detected by the detection means of the printer 10, and the plurality of the plurality of identification units 46 and 47 are provided. Electric switches are turned on and off in a predetermined combination.

  A plurality of types of tape cassettes 40 are prepared, and one of the tape cassettes is selected and loaded into the printer 10 for use. First, three types with different tape widths of 9 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm are prepared. The tape width identifying unit 46 provided in the tape cassette 40 is for identifying these three types of tape widths. Also, three types of standard tapes, metallic tapes, and design tapes having different configurations of the printing tape 51 corresponding to each tape width are prepared. The standard tape printing tape 51 is formed by laminating a transparent PET base material, a printing ink layer, and an adhesive layer, and has a thickness of about 50 μm. The metallic tape printing tape 51 is formed by laminating a transparent PET base material, an aluminum vapor deposition layer, and an adhesive layer, and has a thickness of about 40 μm. The design tape printing tape 51 is formed by laminating a transparent PET overcoat layer, a printing ink layer, a white PET base material, and an adhesive layer, and has a thickness of about 60 μm. . In these tapes, if the tape width is the same, the rigidity of the printing tape 51 increases in the order of metallic tape, standard tape, and design tape. The tape type identifying section 47 provided in the tape cassette 40 is for identifying these three types of printing tapes 51 having different rigidity.

  In addition, a cassette housing portion 20 for mounting the tape cassette 40 is formed in the second housing portion 13 of the printer 10. The cassette housing portion 20 is covered by a cover 16 that is pivotably coupled to the bottom of the second housing portion 13 by a hinge 17 so that the cassette 16 can be opened and closed. The cassette 40 is mounted, and the cover 16 is closed after the tape cassette 40 is mounted.

  The cassette housing portion 20 is provided with a printing mechanism for printing on the tape member 50. That is, a platen roller 21 is provided to stand from the bottom of the cassette housing portion 20 and convey the tape member 50, and a print head (thermal head) 22 is provided opposite the platen roller 21. The platen roller 21 is rotationally driven by a motor drive source (not shown), and transports the tape member 50 toward the downstream side with the tape member 50 sandwiched between the thermal head 22 and printing. The thermal head 22 has heating elements arranged in a line in the width direction of the tape member 50 perpendicular to the conveying direction of the tape member 50, and performs printing in the length direction of the tape member 50. The thermal head 22 is provided so as to be able to contact and separate from the platen roller 21 by a head moving mechanism (not shown). This head moving mechanism is interlocked with the opening / closing movement of the cover 16, and when the cover 16 is closed, the thermal head 22 is pressed against the platen roller 21, and when the cover 16 is opened, the thermal head 22 is separated from the platen roller 21. It is supposed to be.

  Further, inside the cassette housing portion 20, the ribbon take-up reel 43 of the tape cassette 40 is engaged with the ribbon take-up reel 43 to rotate in the ribbon take-up direction, and the ink ribbon 53 used for printing is supplied to the tape cassette 40. A ribbon take-up shaft 23 is provided to take up inside. The ribbon take-up shaft 23 is also rotationally driven together with the platen roller 21 by a motor drive source.

  The peeling tape 52 is peeled from the printing tape 51 of the tape member 50 downstream from the printing position where the thermal head 22 contacts the platen roller 21 and printing is performed on the printing tape 51 of the tape member 50. The peeling part 25 for this is provided. This peeling part 25 is arranged facing the peeling tape 52 on the opposite side of the printing tape 51 of the tape member 50, and only the peeling tape 52 of the tape member 50 is reversed and conveyed at an acute angle, thereby printing. The tape 51 and the release tape 52 are separated. Further, a pinch roller 24 is provided opposite to the printing position by the thermal head 22 across the platen roller 21 so as to face the platen roller 21 and is peeled off by the peeling portion 25 between the platen roller 21 and the pinch roller 24 during printing. The release tape 52 is sandwiched and conveyed outside the apparatus main body 11. The pinch roller 24 is configured to come in contact with and separate from the platen roller 21 in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the cover 16.

  Further, a printing tape discharge port 26 communicating with the outside of the apparatus main body 11 is formed on the downstream side of the peeling portion 25, and the printing tape 51 of the tape member 50 is cut between the thermal head 22 and the peeling portion 25. The cutter 27 is provided so that the printing tape 51 from which the peeling tape 52 has been peeled can be cut. The cutter 27 has a fixed blade and presses the printing tape 51 against the fixed blade for cutting. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the fixed blade and the movable blade are provided to fix the movable blade by operating the operation lever. It may be a manual cutter for cutting by moving toward the blade, or an automatic cutter for cutting by moving the movable blade toward the fixed blade by driving a motor. Further, when detecting that the cutter 27 has been operated for predetermined control, a switch, a sensor, or the like can be provided in the vicinity of the cutter 27.

  Further, in the second casing portion 13, the peeling tape 52 peeled from the printing tape 51 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 11 on the other side surface different from the side surface on which the printing tape discharge port 26 is provided. A release tape discharge port 28 is provided. Further, the cassette housing portion 20 is provided with a support portion 29 that engages with a supported portion 45 provided in the tape cassette 40 and supports the tape cassette 40 at a predetermined position in the cassette housing portion 20. Further, a tape width detection switch 30 comprising a plurality of electrical switches as tape width detection means corresponding to a tape width identification section 46 provided in the tape cassette 40, and a tape type identification section 47 provided in the tape cassette 40. Is provided with a tape type detection switch 31 comprising a plurality of electrical switches as tape type detection means. Although not shown, a cover open / close detection switch for detecting the opening / closing of the cover 16 is also provided.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the configuration of the electronic circuit of this printer. As shown in the figure, the electronic circuit of this printer is provided with a control unit 60 comprising a CPU. The control unit 60 activates a device control program stored in advance in the ROM 61 in response to a key operation signal from the key input unit 14, and controls the operation of each circuit unit using the RAM 62 as a work memory. In addition to the key input unit 14, ROM 61, and RAM 62, the display font ROM 63 that stores character fonts for display, the print font ROM 64 that stores character fonts for printing, and the thermal head 22 are printed data. A drive circuit 65 that generates heat in response to the motor, a platen roller 21, and a drive circuit 67 of a transport motor 66 that includes a step motor for driving the ribbon take-up shaft 23 are connected to display character data of input text. A display unit 15 is connected. Further, a tape width detection switch 30, a tape type detection switch 31, a cover open / close detection switch 32, a tape remaining amount detection sensor 33, 34, and the like are connected. Further, a battery power source 35 is provided, and a power source circuit 36 that adjusts the voltage of the battery power source to the operating voltage of each circuit unit and supplies the operation voltage to each unit is provided.

  The ROM 61 stores a program for printing characters input from the key input unit 14. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a memory area 61a for maximum tape length information storing information for determining the maximum tape length that can be printed according to the tape width, the type of tape, and the remaining amount of the tape is provided. FIG. 6 shows data for determining the maximum tape length that can be printed according to the tape width and the tape type. The larger the tape width, the longer the printable tape length, and the tape type (printing tape excluding the release tape 52). 51, the longer the tape, the longer the printable tape length. That is, in this printer, since the printing tape 51 is discharged outside the apparatus with the adhesive exposed on the back side after printing, if the printing tape 51 is twisted, the printed matter is inadvertently bonded by its own adhesive. May become unusable. Therefore, a maximum tape length that can print an appropriate longest tape length that prevents troubles caused by twisting of the printing tape is set. FIG. 7 shows data defining the maximum tape length that can be printed according to the tape width and the remaining amount of tape. Although FIG. 7 shows data related to the standard tape, similar data is held for other types of tapes. When the remaining amount of the tape is reduced, the print tape 51 wound in a roll shape and accommodated in the tape cassette 40 has a strong curl and is easily twisted when discharged from the apparatus. Therefore, the maximum printable tape length is set according to the remaining amount of tape. Appropriate values for the maximum tape length defined in FIGS. 6 and 7 are determined by experiment. In this printer, printing processing is performed using the data shown in FIGS.

  The RAM 62 includes an input data memory for storing key-input character data, a print data memory for storing print pattern data, and a display data memory for storing pattern data displayed on the display unit 15. Are provided, and a register a-d, a counter and the like for temporarily storing data necessary for the printing process are provided.

  Next, the printing operation of the printer 10 will be described. The cover 16 of the printer 10 is opened, and the tape cassette 40 is loaded into the cassette housing portion 20. When the tape cassette 40 is loaded, the print tape 51 and the release tape 52 are separated in advance at the tip of the tape member 50, and the tape member 50 fed out from the tape cassette 40 is moved to the thermal head 22 and the platen roller. 21, and the peeling tape 52 peeled off from the tape member 50 is inserted between the platen roller 21 and the pinch roller 24. By closing the cover 16 in this state, the tape member 50 is disposed between the thermal head 22 and the platen roller 21, and the peeling tape 52 at the tip of the tape member 50 is sandwiched between the platen roller 21 and the pinch roller 24. .

  When printing is started by an instruction operation to start printing, the tape member 50 and the ink ribbon 53 are pulled out from the tape cassette 40, and are sandwiched between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22 and conveyed together. Then, the thermal head 22 is driven to generate heat, and the ink on the ink ribbon 53 is thermally transferred to the printing tape 51 to perform printing. Further, the peeling tape 52 is peeled off by the peeling portion 25, and the printed part of the printing tape 51 from which the peeling tape 52 has been peeled is discharged from the tape base material outlet 26 to the outside of the apparatus main body 11 with the adhesive exposed. The Further, the peeling tape 52 peeled off from the printing tape 51 is discharged from the peeling tape discharge port 28 to the outside of the apparatus main body 11.

  When the printing is finished, the transport of the tape member 50, the printing tape 51, and the peeling tape 52 by the platen roller 21 is stopped, and the leading end of the printing portion of the printing tape 51 discharged from the printing tape discharge port 26 to the outside of the apparatus main body 11 is stopped. The printed portion of the printing tape 51 is cut by pressing it against the cutter 27. Thereby, the label without the peeling tape 52 can be created, and after creating the label, the label can be immediately applied to the object.

  Next, the printing process of the printer will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the printing process of the printer. First, in FIG. 8, when the power switch is turned on, the maximum printable tape length is set (step S1). This maximum tape length setting process is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the state of the tape width detection switch 30 is read to detect the tape width of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing portion 20 (step S1A), and the state of the tape type detection switch 31 is read to accommodate the cassette. The type of tape in the tape cassette 40 loaded in the section 20 is detected (step S1B), and the print shown in FIG. 6 stored in the memory area 61a of the ROM 61 based on the obtained tape width information and tape type information. The corresponding maximum tape length data A is read out from the maximum possible tape length data, the maximum tape length data A is set in the RAM 62 (step S1C), and the process returns to FIG.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. 8, and data to be printed is input (step S2). Next, the tape length L necessary for printing is calculated according to the data input (step S3). The tape length L necessary for printing is obtained by calculation based on the number of input characters, the set character size, the character spacing, the margins provided before and after the character string, and the tape length L is calculated in step S2. This is done each time a character is entered character by character. Next, it is determined whether or not the tape length L required for printing is equal to or less than the set maximum tape length A (step S4). If the tape length L exceeds the maximum tape length A (NO in step S4). In order to limit the input data from being printed, error notification is performed (step S5), and the process returns to the data input step of step S2. In order to print data, it is necessary to shorten the tape length L by deleting the overflowing data. That is, when the tape length L required for printing exceeds the set maximum tape length A, the data input is invalidated and the input is prohibited.

  On the other hand, if the tape length L required for printing is equal to or less than the set maximum tape length A (YES in step S4), then the end of data input is determined (step S6), and if the input of data is not completed. (NO in step S6), the process returns to step S2 and the processes in steps S2 to S6 are repeated. When the end of data input is determined (YES in step S6) and the next print start instruction is received (step S7), whether the cover 16 of the printer 10 has been opened between when the apparatus is turned on and when the print start instruction is issued. It is determined whether or not (step S8). If it is determined that the cover 16 has been opened (YES in step S8), there is a possibility that the tape cassette 40 has been replaced after data input, so the maximum tape length A shown in FIG. 9 is set again. Repeatedly (step S9). Then, after resetting the maximum tape length A, the tape length L necessary for printing is calculated again based on the input data (step S10), and the maximum tape length A is set again. In order to limit the printing of the input data if the tape length L exceeds the maximum tape length A (NO in step S11). Then, error notification is performed (step S12), and the process is terminated without printing. That is, when the tape length L required for printing exceeds the set maximum tape length A, data printing is prohibited. The control unit 60 monitors the state of the cover open / close detection switch 32 while the apparatus is powered on, and stores the change in the state of the switch 32 due to the opening / closing of the cover 16.

  Further, when the tape length L necessary for printing is equal to or less than the set maximum tape length A (YES in step S11), and when it is determined in step S8 that the cover 16 of the printer 10 is not opened (NO in step S8). ), Printing on the printing tape is executed (step S13). In this printing, printing of the maximum tape length A or less is performed. Regardless of whether the opening / closing operation of the printer cover 16 is determined in step S8 or not, the maximum tape length is reset in the same procedure as in step S1 or S9 after the instruction to start printing in step S7. It may be.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration for detecting the remaining amount of the tape member accommodated in the tape cassette 40. In the figure, 33 and 34 are tape remaining amount detection sensors, which are constituted by reflection type optical sensors. The tape cassette 40 is provided with a window 48 in the roll radial direction corresponding to the position where the tape member 50 (printing tape 51) is wound around the tape supply reel 41 and accommodated. Two sensors 33 and 34 are provided at predetermined intervals. The first sensor 33 is installed at a position that is about 2/3 of the maximum winding diameter of the tape member 51 (the initial use state of the tape cassette), and the second sensor 34 is at a position that is about 1/3 of the maximum winding diameter of the tape member. is set up. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the operation of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 and the winding of the printing tape 51. As shown in FIG. 11, the sensor output is turned on when a tape is present at the detection position of the sensor, and is turned off when no tape is present. As the roll diameter of the roll becomes smaller due to the consumption of the tape member and the remaining amount of the tape becomes smaller, the volume of the label produced at that time becomes larger.

  Using the tape remaining amount detection sensors 33 and 34 thus configured, the maximum printable tape length setting process shown in FIG. 12 can be performed. That is, in FIG. 12, the state of the tape width detection switch 30 is read to detect the tape width of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing portion 20 (step S1a), and the states of the remaining tape detection sensors 33 and 34 are read. Then, the tape remaining amount of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing unit 20 is detected (step S1b), and stored in the memory area 61a of the ROM 61 based on the obtained tape width information and remaining tape information. The corresponding data of the maximum tape length A is read from the data of the maximum tape length shown in FIG. 7 and set in the RAM 62 (step S1c), and the process returns to FIG. Hereinafter, as described above, the printing process of FIG. 8 is performed based on the set maximum tape length.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the maximum tape length setting process according to another embodiment. In this processing, a register a-d provided in the RAM 62 is used, and the maximum tape length is obtained by calculation according to the tape width, tape type, and remaining tape amount of the print tape 51. First, in step S101, in order to detect the tape width of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing unit 20, the state of the tape width detection switch 30 is read to determine whether or not the tape width information is 9 mm ( Step S102). If it is determined that the value is 9 mm, a value of 75 is stored in the register a (step S103). If it is determined that the width is not 9 mm, it is determined whether the width is 12 mm (step S104). If it is determined that the width is 12 mm, a value of 100 is stored in the register a (step S105). If it is determined that the width is not 12 mm, a value of 150 corresponding to the 18 mm width tape is stored in the register a (step S106). The values of 75 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm indicate reference values of the maximum printable tape length of the tape member 50 (printing tape 51) having a width of 9 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm, respectively.

  Next, in order to detect the tape type of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing unit 20, the state of the tape type detection switch 31 is read (step S107), and whether or not the tape type information is a standard tape. Is determined (step S108). If it is determined that the tape is a standard tape, the coefficient 1 is stored in the register b (step S109). If it is determined in step S108 that the tape is not a standard tape, it is determined whether the tape is a metallic tape (step S110). When it is determined that the tape is a metallic tape, the coefficient 0.8 is stored in the register b (step S111). If it is determined in step S110 that the tape is not a metallic tape, a coefficient 1.2 corresponding to the design tape is stored in the register b (step S113). Each coefficient is determined in accordance with the rigidity of the tape. The coefficient is 1 on the basis of the rigidity of the standard tape, and the coefficient of the metallic tape whose rigidity is smaller than that of the standard tape is 0.8. The coefficient of the design tape having higher rigidity than the standard tape is 1.2.

  Next, the states of the remaining tape sensors 33 and 34 are read in order to detect the remaining tape amount of the tape cassette 40 loaded in the cassette housing unit 20 (step S113). It is determined whether the first sensor 33 and the second sensor are both ON or not (step S114). If it is determined that the remaining tape amount is large (YES in step S114), the coefficient is stored in the register c. 1 is stored (step S115). Further, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the tape is medium when the first sensor 33 is OFF and the second sensor 34 is ON (step S116), and when it is determined that the remaining amount of tape is medium (step S116). In step S116, the coefficient 0.9 is stored in the register c (step S117). If NO is determined in step S116, the coefficient 0.8 in the case where the tape remaining amount is small is stored in the register c (step S118). The coefficient corresponding to the remaining tape amount is set to 1 when the remaining tape amount is large, and the coefficient value decreases as the remaining tape amount decreases.

  Accordingly, the maximum tape length A that can be printed is calculated by multiplying the numerical values stored in the registers a, b, and c (step S119), and the value of A is set in the register d (step S120). . The maximum tape length obtained by this FIG. 13 becomes smaller as the tape width is smaller, the tape rigidity is smaller, and the tape remaining amount is smaller. When the setting in step S120 in FIG. 13 is completed, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. 8 described above, and the printing process after step S2 in FIG. 8 is performed.

  As described above, according to the printer of the present embodiment, the maximum tape length that can be printed is set according to the tape width, the tape rigidity, and the remaining amount of the tape. It is configured to limit printing of larger tape lengths. In printers that print out printed tapes with the adhesive exposed on the back side of the printing surface, the printed tape length of the printed matter is It is possible to create a printed matter that can be handled safely and minimizes the occurrence of troubles such as the adhesive that is exposed to the back surface due to twisting of the printing tape because it is longer than the predetermined length and adheres to the printed matter itself. .

  In the above embodiment, it is assumed that when printing of one data on the printing tape 51 is completed, the printed portion of the printing tape 51 is cut by the cutter 27 to form one label. It is not limited to such use. In some cases, the next data is continuously printed without cutting the previous printed portion. In such a case, even if the tape length L required for printing the data this time is smaller than the maximum tape length A determined according to the type of tape, etc., the tape used for the printing so far, such as the previous time or the previous time If the length B remains outside the apparatus main body without being removed, the printing tape 51 having a length of A + B is discharged out of the apparatus main body at the time when the current printing is finished, and the total length thereof When the length exceeds the maximum tape length A, a problem may occur.

  Therefore, a switch or a sensor capable of detecting the operation of the cutter 27 is provided, and the operation of the cutter 27 is detected by this sensor or the like, and the conveyance amount of the printing tape 51 after the cutting operation of the cutter 27 is grasped. , Determine whether the length of the tape transport after the most recent cutter operation added to the tape length required for the current data print exceeds the specified printable tape length. A predetermined process that does not print is performed. For example, in order to calculate the tape conveyance amount, in FIG. 8, the tape conveyance amount after the most recent operation of the cutter 27 is calculated from the number of steps of the conveyance motor 66 constituted by the stepping motor during the printing in step S13. Or can be obtained based on the data to be printed as in step S3. Then, in order to calculate the tape transport amount after the most recent cutter operation, the tape transport amount after the cutter operation is integrated and held based on the output of a sensor or the like provided for the cutter. Is used. Further, in steps S4 and S11 of FIG. 8, instead of determining whether or not the tape length L necessary for printing the current data is equal to or less than the maximum tape length A determined according to the type of tape, the current data It may be determined whether or not the length obtained by adding the tape transport amount after the operation of the latest cutter to the tape length L necessary for printing is equal to or less than the maximum tape length A.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. The perspective view which shows the external appearance which looked at the printer from the rear part. The perspective view of the tape cassette with which the cover of the printer is opened and the printer is mounted. The front view of the state which opened the cover of the printer and mounted the tape cassette. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the printer. Explanatory drawing of the data memorize | stored in ROM of the electronic circuit of the printer. Explanatory drawing of the data memorize | stored in ROM of the electronic circuit of the printer. The flowchart which shows the printing process of the printer. The flowchart which shows the printing process of the printer. The arrangement explanatory view of the tape remaining amount detection sensor of the printer. The operation | movement explanatory drawing of the tape residual amount detection sensor. The flowchart which shows the printing process of the printer. The flowchart which shows the printing process of the printer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer 11 ... Apparatus main body 14 ... Key input part 15 ... Display part 16 ... Cover 20 ... Cassette loading part 21 ... Platen roller 22 ... Print head (thermal head)
24 ... Pinch roller 25 ... Peeling part 26 ... Print tape discharge port 27 ... Cutter 30 ... Tape width detection switch 31 ... Tape type detection switch 33, 34 ... Tape remaining amount detection sensor 40 ... Tape cassette 46 ... Tape width identification part 47 ... Tape type identification section 50 ... tape member 51 ... printing tape 52 ... peeling tape

Claims (12)

In a printer that performs printing on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and discharges the printed printing tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed.
A tape remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body;
Input means for inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
A calculation means for obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
Of the maximum printable tape length predetermined so that the tape length obtained by the calculating means becomes shorter as the remaining amount of the printing tape decreases corresponding to the remaining amount of the printing tape, the remaining tape amount detecting means Control means for performing a predetermined process for restricting printing of data input from the input means when the printable maximum tape length corresponding to the detected remaining amount is greater than
A printer comprising: Printing is possible on multiple types of printing tapes with different tape widths, printing is performed while conveying one of the multiple types of printing tape loaded in the main body of the device, and the printed printing tape is on the back In the printer configured to discharge the applied adhesive to the outside of the apparatus main body in an exposed state, and provided with a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape,
A tape width detecting means for detecting a tape width of a printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body;
Input means for inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
A calculation means for obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
A tape conveyance amount calculating means for calculating a conveyance amount of the printing tape since the cutting means is operated most recently;
The maximum printable length in which the length obtained by adding the tape conveyance amount calculated by the tape conveyance amount calculation unit to the tape length obtained by the calculation unit is determined corresponding to the plurality of types of printing tapes having different tape widths. A predetermined process for restricting printing of data input from the input means when the tape length is larger than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the print tape having the tape width detected by the tape width detecting means. Control means for performing
A printer comprising: Printing is possible on multiple types of printing tapes with different rigidity, printing is carried out while transporting one of the multiple types of printing tape loaded in the main body of the device, and the printed printing tape is applied to the back side In a printer configured to be discharged out of the apparatus main body in a state where the adhesive is exposed, and provided with a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape,
A tape type detecting means for detecting the type of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body;
Input means for inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
A calculation means for obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
A tape conveyance amount calculating means for calculating a conveyance amount of the printing tape since the cutting means is operated most recently;
The maximum printable length determined by adding the tape conveyance amount calculated by the tape conveyance amount calculation unit to the tape length obtained by the calculation unit is determined for the plurality of types of printing tapes having different rigidity. If the tape length is larger than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the type of printing tape detected by the tape type detection means, a predetermined process for restricting the printing of data input from the input means is performed. Control means to perform;
A printer comprising: It is configured to print on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and to discharge the printed printing tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. In a printer comprising a cutting means for cutting a printed printing tape,
A tape remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of the printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body;
Input means for inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
A calculation means for obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
A tape conveyance amount calculating means for calculating a conveyance amount of the printing tape since the cutting means is operated most recently;
The length obtained by adding the tape conveyance amount calculated by the tape conveyance amount calculation unit to the tape length obtained by the calculation unit is shortened as the printing tape remaining amount is reduced corresponding to the remaining amount of the printing tape. When the maximum printable tape length is larger than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the remaining amount detected by the tape remaining amount detecting means, printing of data input from the input means is limited. Control means for performing predetermined processing for
A printer comprising: The control means according to claim 1 to the printer according 4 and inhibits the input of data from the input means. The control means according to claim 1 to the printer according 4, characterized in that a warning to the input data from said input means. The control means according to claim 1 to the printer according 4 and inhibits the printing data input from said input means. The control means according to claim 1 to the printer according 4, characterized in that for generating a warning with respect to the print data input from said input means. A printing method performed by a printer that prints on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the main body, and then discharges the printed printing tape to the outside of the main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. There,
Detecting the remaining amount of printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
Inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body; and
Obtaining a tape length necessary for printing the input data;
Printing corresponding to the detected remaining amount of the maximum printable tape length that is determined in advance so that the determined tape length becomes shorter as the remaining amount of the printing tape becomes smaller corresponding to the remaining amount of the printing tape. If greater than the maximum possible tape length, performing a predetermined process to limit printing of the input data;
A printing method characterized by comprising: Printing is possible on multiple types of printing tapes with different tape widths, printing is performed while conveying one of the multiple types of printing tape loaded in the main body of the device, and the printed printing tape is on the back It is a printing method performed by a printer comprising a cutting means for cutting a printed printing tape and configured to discharge the coated adhesive to the outside of the apparatus main body in an exposed state,
Detecting a tape width of a printing tape loaded in the apparatus main body;
Inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body; and
Obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
Calculating the transport amount of the printing tape since the cutting means was most recently operated;
A length obtained by adding the calculated tape conveyance amount to the calculated tape length is detected among the maximum printable tape lengths determined corresponding to the plurality of types of print tapes having different tape widths. A step of performing a predetermined process for restricting the printing of the input data when the printable tape length is longer than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the tape width print tape;
A printing method characterized by comprising: Printing is possible on multiple types of printing tapes with different rigidity, printing is carried out while transporting one of the multiple types of printing tape loaded in the main body of the device, and the printed printing tape is applied to the back side A printing method performed by a printer comprising a cutting means for cutting the printed printing tape, wherein the printed adhesive is configured to be discharged out of the apparatus main body with the exposed adhesive exposed;
Detecting the type of printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
Inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body; and
Obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
Calculating the transport amount of the printing tape since the cutting means was most recently operated;
A length obtained by adding the calculated tape conveyance amount to the obtained tape length is detected from among the maximum printable tape lengths determined corresponding to the plurality of types of different rigid printing tapes. A step of performing a predetermined process for restricting the printing of the input data if the printable tape length is longer than the maximum printable tape length corresponding to the type of print tape;
A printing method characterized by comprising: It is configured to print on a printing tape wound in a roll and loaded in the apparatus main body, and to discharge the printed printing tape to the outside of the apparatus main body with the adhesive applied to the back surface exposed. A printing method performed by a printer having a cutting means for cutting a printed printing tape,
Detecting the remaining amount of printing tape loaded in the apparatus body;
Inputting data to be printed on a printing tape loaded in the apparatus body; and
Obtaining a tape length necessary for printing data input from the input means;
Calculating the transport amount of the printing tape since the cutting means was most recently operated;
The maximum printable tape length that is determined in advance so that the length obtained by adding the calculated tape transport amount to the obtained tape length becomes shorter as the remaining amount of the printing tape decreases corresponding to the remaining amount of the printing tape. A predetermined process for restricting the printing of the input data when the printable maximum tape length corresponding to the detected remaining amount is greater than,
A printing method characterized by comprising:

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