JPH0331591B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a label printer that prints and issues data from a scale, such as unit price, weight, price, etc., on a label. .

(Prior art) A label printer prints and issues data such as the weight determined by an electronic scale and the price calculated from that weight and the unit price per weight on each label. It has been widely used for pricing individual products, especially in supermarkets.

Among these type of label printers, printers that use ribbons with both ends wrapped around spools feed the ribbon in one direction and, when it reaches the ribbon end, reverse the ribbon feeding direction. .

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in a label printer, the ribbon is fed intermittently every time a label is issued. When the detected state is reached, a large tension is applied to the ribbon, which poses a problem that adversely affects the ribbon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a label printer that prevents large tension from being applied to the ribbon during reversal.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention is a label printer that prints and issues data on a label every time data is given from a scale, and includes a print head that prints data from the scale on a label. a ribbon inserted between the print head and the label and wound around a spool at both ends; at least one ribbon feed motor for controlling the feed and direction of the ribbon; A ribbon end detection device detects when the ribbons fed in different directions by the drive reach the end of each spool and outputs a ribbon end detection signal, and the ribbon is fed by the drive of the ribbon feed motor. an identification means for storing the feeding direction of the ribbon; an inversion means for reversing the contents stored in the identification means; a print end detection means for detecting the end of printing; and when printing the data from the scale on a label. The reversing means controls the drive of the ribbon feed motor according to the contents of the identification means, and when there is a ribbon end detection signal from the ribbon end detection device while the end of printing is detected by the print end detection means. and a control means for inverting the content of the identification means and then driving the ribbon feeding motor for a predetermined period of time in accordance with the inverted content of the identification means.

(Function) The present invention prints and issues data on a label each time data is given from a scale,
The drive of the ribbon feed motor is controlled according to the contents of the identification means that stores the feeding direction of the ribbon fed by the drive of the ribbon feed motor when printing. Then, when the printing end detection means detects the end of printing of the data given from the scale and there is a ribbon end detection signal, the reversing means inverts the contents of the identification means, and then,
The ribbon feed motor is driven for a certain period of time in accordance with this inverted content, and the state in which large tension is applied to the ribbon is released.

(Example) The present invention will be described below based on an example shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a label printer 1 according to an embodiment. This label printer 1 has a plurality of scales, for example, first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ installed outside the housing 2.
It has a structure that allows connection of The first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ connected to the label printer 1 are connected to the main body a.
A weighing plate b is provided above the weighing plate b, and a keyboard and display (not shown) are provided on the front. After setting the unit price per weight using the keyboard in advance, when the object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan b, the weight of the object to be weighed is measured, the price is calculated from the weight and the unit price, and the price is calculated from the weight and unit price. It has a function of displaying each data, that is, unit price, weight, and price, on a display, and transmitting each of these data to the label printer 1 in accordance with a request from the label printer 1. Further, the casing 2 is provided with an operation panel 3 on the front thereof, and a cover 6 having a label issuing port 4 and a mount paper delivery port 5 on the top thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 3 is provided with a plurality of types of switches, keys, and status lamps. In other words, the switches include a power switch 7, a mode changeover switch 8 for selecting a mode corresponding to each of automatic, manual and fixed amount positions, and a label issue switch 9.
A date setting switch 10 consisting of six digital switches is also provided. Further, as keys, a print key 11 corresponding to the first scale _H1 , a print key 12 corresponding to the second scale _H2 , and a total key 13 are provided. Furthermore, status lamps include a power lamp 14 that is lit when the power switch 7 is in the on state;
Confirmation lamps 15 and 16 that are lit in response to the pressed key when is pressed, and a label abnormality detection lamp 17 that is lit when there is no label.
are provided for each.

FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the casing 2 of the label printer 1. As shown in FIG. Inside this housing 2, a buzzer 21 is attached to one rear side wall, and a reel 23 in which a band-shaped mount 22 is wound in a roll shape is attached to the other side of the rear side. A pair of feed rollers 24 and 25 are provided, respectively, to sandwich and feed both sides of the mount 22 pulled out from the mount 23. One feed roller 25 is
It is rotated by a label feed motor 26 and sends out the mount 22 held between it and the other feed roller 24 to the mount paper outlet 5 along a guide plate 27. Further, the reel 23 and a pair of feed rollers 24, 2
5, a guide plate 28 and a mount 22 guided along the guide plate 28 are bent at an acute angle,
A peeling body 31 peels off the labels 29 adhered to the outer surface at regular intervals from the mount 22 and projects them into the label issuing port 4 through the optical axis of the label detector 30 consisting of a light emitter and a light receiver. It is provided. The label detector 30 outputs a label detection signal LD when the optical axes of the emitter and receiver are blocked by the label 29. Further, a dot-type printing head 33 is provided at a position facing the peeling body 31 with a gap between the ribbon 32 and the label 29. Also, ribbon 32
Both ends of the ribbon are detected through the ribbon end detection device 34
Ribbon feed motor 35 rotates forward (clockwise in the figure)
It is wound around a spool 36 to which the rotation is transmitted at times, and a spool 37 to which the rotation is transmitted when the ribbon feed motor 35 is reversed (counterclockwise in the figure).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ribbon end detection device 34 includes a pair of ribbon end detecting devices that are in contact with the ribbon 32 between the print head 33 and the spool 36 and between the print head 33 and the spool 37, respectively, on the frame 41. Fixed rollers 42a, 42
b, 43a, 43b are rotatably fixed, and a tension lever 44 is provided between the fixed rollers 42a, 43a and the fixed rollers 42a, 42b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the ribbon 32 is stretched. It is provided so that it can slide freely. The tension lever 44 is formed with a long hole 46 that slides on the guide column 45 screwed onto the frame 41, and has the fixed rollers 42a, 42b, 43a at one end and approximately in the middle. , 43b, tension rollers 47, 48 that meander the ribbon 32 in contact with the ribbons 32 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tensioning direction thereof.
is rotatably fixed. The tension lever 44 has a spring 49 stretched between the tension roller 48 and the guide column 45.
However, when the ribbon 32 reaches the winding end of the spools 36, 37 due to the rotation of either of the spools 36, 37,
Due to the increase in tension at that time, it is displaced in the other direction,
The tip is operated so as to enter onto the optical axis of the ribbon end detector 50 consisting of a light emitter and a light receiver. At this time, the ribbon end detector 50 outputs a ribbon end detection signal RD.

FIG. 6 shows the circuit configuration of the label printer 1. As shown in FIG. 51 in this figure 6 is the central processing unit
It is the CPU. The CPU 51 has functions as print end detection means, inverting means, and control means.The CPU 51 also has I/O units 53, 54, input ports 55, 56 through an address bus and a data bus 52. , a lead-on memory ROM 57, and a chip selector 58 for selecting each of the chips described above are connected to each other, and a ribbon end detection signal RD from the ribbon end detector 50 and a label detection signal LD from the label detector 30 are connected. It's starting to be given. The I/O unit 53 is internally set by the timer set signal TS from the CPU 51 for a set time (approximately 10 ms).
There is a built-in key scan timer 61 that gives an interrupt signal TW to the CPU 51 after the elapsed time, and externally the buzzer 21, status lamps (confirmation lamp, label abnormality detection lamp, etc.), ribbon feed motor 35, and label feed motor. 26, driver circuit 6 for driving each print head 33
2, 63, 64, 65, and 66 are connected.
The I/O unit 54 also has a built-in random access memory RAM 67, and an external key matrix that generates code data according to the operations of various keys and switches on the operation panel 3. circuit 68 and said first;
Driver circuits 69 and 70 for operating the second scales H ₁ and H ₂ are connected. Furthermore, output data from the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ are applied to the input ports 55 and 56 via photocouplers 71 and 72. Furthermore, the above
The ROM 57 stores a program for executing the processes shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

The ROM 67 in the I/O unit 54 includes:
As shown in FIG. 7, various flags, registers, memories, etc. are allocated to predetermined addresses. The flags include a command reception flag CPF that is set to "1" when the CPU 51 receives a print command from the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ ; _H1 ,
When importing output data from H ₂ , whether the data is from the first scale H ₁ or the second
A data identification flag DAF that identifies whether the data is from the scale _H2 ; a total key flag that is set to "1" when the total key 13 is pressed;
There is a ribbon feeding direction identification flag SPF which is an identification means for identifying TOF and the ribbon feeding direction.
Further, as the register, there is a working register WOR used for calculations. Furthermore, as the memory, the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂
a data storage memory DAM that stores the data when output data is taken in from the printer; and a print buffer memory that edits the print data to be printed by the print head 33 among the data stored in the data storage memory DAM. (PBM), a key buffer memory KBM that stores the code data of the pressed key when various keys on the operation panel 3 are pressed; and a key buffer memory KBM that stores the data set by the date setting switch 10. Setting data storage memory DGM, first and second scales that aggregate and store price data from the first and second scales _H1 and _H2 , respectively;
The first and second scales store the total memories TO ₁ M, TO ₂ M and the number of processing points of the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ .
There are point memory CO ₁ M, CO ₂ M, etc. Note that the setting data storage memory DGM normally contains
Digit, 2 digits for the month, and 2 digits for the day are set, but in the case of yearly data, it is changed once a year, so in this embodiment, the count data in the flat rate mode is set by the digital switch 10a corresponding to the 2 digits of the year. is beginning to be remembered. In addition, the RAM 67 contains a buzzer on/off flag that is set to "1" when the buzzer 21 is on and "0" when it is off.
A BUF is provided.

Next, the operation of the present label printer 1 will be explained along the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. Now, when the power switch 7 is turned on,
As shown in the main routine of FIG. 8, the CPU 51 sets initial conditions (step 1), clears the I/O units 53 and 54 (step 2),
Clear RAM67 (step 3) and ribbon 3
2 is sent by a certain amount (step 4). At this time, if the ribbon feed direction identification flag SPF is "1", the ribbon feed motor 35 is rotated in the forward direction for a certain period of time, and if the ribbon feed direction identification flag SPF is "0", the ribbon feed motor 35 is rotated in the reverse direction for a certain period of time. By doing so, the slack of the ribbon 32 is absorbed. Next, the timer set signal HS is sent to the I/O unit 5.
3 and sets the key scan timer 61 (step 5), the loop from step 6 onwards is repeated. In the process of repeating the loop from step 6 onwards, when the key scan timer 61 has elapsed for the set time (approximately 10 ms),
Interrupt signal TW from the key scan timer 61
is given to the CPU 51. Then, the CPU 51
After executing the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 8 to continue the process. In the timer interrupt process, it is determined whether a key is pressed (step 31), whether the command reception flag CMF is "1" (step 32), and whether the buzzer 21
is on (step 33), and if both are negative, directly resets the key scan timer 61 (step 3).
4). Therefore, since the key scan timer 61 is reset at the end of the timer interrupt process,
Timer interrupt processing is executed every time the set time of the key scan timer 61 elapses.

Therefore, a specific usage method will be explained. The method of use involves automatically printing and issuing the data sent from the first scale _H1 or the second scale _H2 on a label 29, which is selected by the mode changeover switch 8. Automatic issuance of print key 11 or print key 1
2. Manual issuing task of printing and issuing data from the first scale _H1 or second scale _H2 corresponding to the pressed key on a label 29 each time 2 is pressed, and print key 11 or print key 12.
In addition to the fixed amount issuance business in which the data entered from the keyboard on the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₃ corresponding to the key pressed each time is printed as a price on the label 29, the above-mentioned There is a mode in which the data compiled in each business is printed on a label and issued.

In the case of automatic issuance work, the mode changeover switch 8 is switched to the automatic position. Then, the 8th
In the loop after step 6 of the main routine shown in the figure, it is determined whether there is code data in the key buffer memory KBM (step 6) and whether mode changeover switch 8 is in automatic mode (step 8), and the result of step 8 is determined. , sends the automatic mode code to the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ (step 15), and checks if there is a print command from the first scale H ₁ (step 16), then prints from the second scale H _2. Determine whether there is a command (Step 1)
7). Here, if there is no print command from either the first or second scale H ₁ or H ₂ , step 12 is executed.
After performing the processing in step 13 or 14 depending on the result of the judgment, the process returns to step 6. Therefore, in this case, steps 6, 8, 1
5, 16, 17, 12, and 13 (or 14) are repeatedly processed, and the key scan timer 61 executes timer interrupt processing every time a set time elapses.

Here, the first scale H ₁ or the second scale
In H ₂ , after setting the unit price per unit weight using the keyboard, when the object to be weighed is placed on weighing pan b, the weight of the object is measured, and
The price is calculated from the unit price data and weight data,
After these data are displayed on the display, a print command is sent to the label printer 1.

Now, when a print command is sent from the first scale _H1 , it is determined in step 16, and then the command reception flag CMF is set to "1" (step 21), and the data identification flag DAF is set to "1".
(Step 22), and the data from the first scale _H1 , that is, the unit price, weight, and price, are taken in and stored in the data storage memory DAM (Step 23). When a print command is sent from the second scale _H2 , it is determined in step 17, and then the command reception flag CMF is set to "1" (step 18), and the data identification flag CAF is set to "0". Reset (Step 1)
9), the data from the second scale _H2 is taken in and stored in the data storage memory DAM (step 20).
At this time, the first scale H ₁ or the second scale
When the command reception flag CMF is set based on the print command from _H2 , when the timer interrupt process is entered after the set time of the key scan timer 61 has elapsed, the buzzer 21 is turned on as a result of the judgment in step 32. On/off flag BUF is set to “1”
(step 36), and reset the command reception flag CMF to "0" (step 3).
7) After that, the process of step 34 is performed. As a result, when the timer interrupt process is entered again, the command reception flag CMF is reset to "0" and the buzzer 21 is on (determined by the buzzer on/off flag BUF being "1"), so step 31,
As a result of the determination in steps 32 and 33, the buzzer 21 is turned off (the buzzer on/off flag BUF is reset to "0") (step 38), and then the process of step 34 is performed. Therefore, when a print command is given from the first scale _H1 or the second scale _H2 , the setting time of the key scan timer 61 (approximately 10 ms)
Since the buzzer 21 is sounding during this time, it is possible to notify that the process is actually being performed even if the label issuing switch 9 is off in the judgments in steps 25 and 73 to be described later, that is, the label is not issued. In this way, data from either scale H ₁ or H ₂ is stored in the data storage memory.
Once stored in DAM, the data storage memory
Set the DAM data, that is, the print data, to the print buffer memory PBM (Step 2)
4) It is determined whether the label issue switch 9 is on (step 25). At this time, if the label issuing switch 9 is not on, the process proceeds directly to step 27 without issuing the label 29.
If the label issue switch 9 is on, label issue processing is performed (step 26).

In the label issuing process, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the ribbon feed direction identification flag SPF is checked, and if it is "1", the ribbon feed motor 35 is rotated in the forward direction, and if it is "0", the ribbon feed motor 35 is rotated forward. 3
5 is reversely rotated (step 41), label feeding is started by driving the ribbon feeding motor 26 (step 42), and the print buffer memory PBM is
The data is applied to the I/O unit 53 and printed on the label 29 by the print head 33 controlled by the driver circuit 66 (step 43). When all the data in the print buffer memory PBM is given to the I/O unit and the end of printing is detected by the print end detection means (step 44), the drive of the label feed motor 26 is stopped. After label feeding is stopped (step 45), it is determined whether or not there is a ribbon end detection signal RD from the ribbon end detector 50 (step 46). At this time,
If there is no ribbon end detection signal RD, that is, if the ribbon 32 is not at the end, the process directly advances to step 50. If there is a ribbon end detection signal RD, that is, if the ribbon 32 has reached the end, then the ribbon feeding direction identification flag SPF is inverted by the inverting means and the buzzer 21 is turned on (the buzzer on/off flag BUF is set to "1"). (step 47), rotates the ribbon feed motor 35 in reverse or forward direction depending on the state of the ribbon feed direction identification flag SPF (step 48), sets a timer (not shown) (step 49), and causes the set time of the timer to elapse. Stop the rear ribbon feed motor 35 and turn on the buzzer 21.
is turned off (step 50). Therefore, if the ribbon 32 reaches the end after the label is issued, the feeding direction of the ribbon 32 is reversed and the ribbon 32 is preliminary fed for a certain period of time, so that the ribbon 32 can be fed smoothly during the next printing. . Also, during this time,
Turning on the buzzer 21 prompts the operator to wait for key operation.

After this, the data identification flag DAF is checked (step 27), and if it is "1", the price data of the print data is stored in the first total memory TO ₁ M, and "1" is stored in the first point memory CO ₁ M. ” are added respectively, and if it is “0”, the second total memory
After adding the price data of the print data to TO ₂ M and adding "1" to the second point memory CO ₂ M, it is determined whether or not there is a label detection signal LD from the label detector 30 (step 12). . here,
If the label detection signal LD is present, that is, if the label 29 is normal, the process (step 13) of turning off the label abnormality detection lamp 17 is performed using the label detection signal LD.
If there is no LD, the process of lighting the label abnormality detection lamp 17 (step 14) is performed, and then the process returns to step 6, key-in.

Therefore, in the case of automatic issuing work, each time a print command is received from the first scale _H1 or the second scale _H2 , the label issuing switch ₉ is turned on. The data from H ₂ is automatically printed on the label 29, and the price data is sent to the first or second total memory TO ₁ M, TO ₂ M, and the score data is sent to the first or second score memory CO ₁ Addition processing will be performed to M and CO ₂ M respectively. In addition, the label issue switch 9
If is off, no labels will be issued, but only price data and point data will be aggregated.

In the case of manual issuance work, the mode changeover switch 8 is switched to the manual position. Then, the 8th
In the loop after step 6 of the main routine in the figure, after the judgments in steps 6, 8, and 9, the manual mode code is sent to the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ (step 10), and then in step 12. After performing the processing in step 13 or 14 depending on the judgment, the process returns to step 6. Therefore, in this case, the loop of steps 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 (or 14) is repeatedly processed, and
The key scan timer 61 is in a state in which timer interrupt processing is executed every time a set time elapses.

Here, after measuring the weight at either the first or second scale H ₁ or H ₂ , for example, the second scale H ₂ ,
To print the data, press the print key 12. Then, in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.
5), perform the processing of steps 36, 37, and 34.
Thereafter, the processing in the main routine of FIG. 8 continues, but when the key scan timer 61 returns to the timer interrupt processing again after the set time has elapsed, the buzzer 21 is activated in the judgment in step 33 after the judgments in steps 31 and 32. Since this is on, the buzzer 21 is turned off (step 38), and then the process of step 34 is performed. Therefore, when a key is pressed, a key confirmation sound is emitted in synchronization with the timer interrupt processing at a constant period. On the other hand, the 8th
When continuing processing in the main routine shown in the figure,
The key buffer memory is determined in step 6.
Since the KBM has code data, the next step is key processing (step 7).

In key processing, as shown in FIG. 11, after first reading the code data in the key buffer memory KBM (step 51), it is determined whether the code data is print key 11 (step 52) or print key 12. (Step 53), and whether it is the total key 13 (Step 54) is sequentially determined. In this case, the print key is 12, so after resetting the data identification flag DAF to "0" (step 56), the total key flag
It is determined whether TOF is "1" (step 57). In this case, the total key flag TOF is "0", that is, the total key 13 is not pressed, so
Next, it is determined whether the mode changeover switch 8 is in the automatic mode (step 63). Since the mode changeover switch 8 is in manual mode, next, after sending the print request code to the second scale _H2 (step 64), it is determined whether or not there is a print command from the second scale _H2 . (Step 65). here,
In the second scale _H2 , if it receives a print request code from the label printer 1 before weight measurement, it does not issue a print command, but after weight measurement, it sends a print command in response to the print request code. Then, when it is detected in the judgment at step 65 that a print command has been sent,
The command reception flag CMF is set to "1" (step 66), the data from the second scale _H2 is taken in and stored in the data storage memory DAM (step 67), and the mode selector switch 8 is checked to see if it is in the fixed rate mode. A judgment is made (step 68). Since the mode changeover switch 8 is in manual mode, after setting the next data in the data storage memory DAM, that is, unit price, weight, and price data as print data to the print buffer memory PBM (step 69), the label issue switch 9 is on (step 73). here,
If the label issue switch 9 is not on, the process will directly proceed to step 75;
is on, after performing the label issuing process (Figure 10) (step 74), the second total memory is
Price data in TO ₂ M, second point memory CO ₂ M
Add “1” to each (step 7)
5).

On the other hand, to print the data from the first scale _H1 , press the print key 11. Then, in the timer interrupt process, the code data of the print key 11 is stored in the key buffer memory KBM.
is stored in As a result, in the key processing shown in FIG. 11, after the print key 11 is detected in the determination at step 52, the data identification flag DAF is set to "1" (step 76), and the total key flag TOF is determined to be "1". (Step 77), and it is sequentially determined whether the mode changeover switch 8 is in the automatic mode (Step 79). Here, since the total key flag TOF is "0" and the mode changeover switch 8 is in manual mode, next, after sending the print request code to the first scale _H1 (step 80),
It is determined from the scale _H1 whether or not there is a print command. As a result, if there is a print command from the first scale _H1 , then the command reception flag (CMF) is set to "1" (step 82),
After taking in the data from the first scale _H1 and storing it in the data storage memory DAM (step 83),
The process then proceeds to step 68 for determination.

Therefore, in the case of manual issuing work, after placing the object to be weighed on the first scale _H1 or the second scale _H2 , press the print key 11 corresponding to that scale.
Alternatively, if the print key 12 is pressed, the data from the scale will be printed on the label, provided the label printing switch 9 is on, and the price data will be stored in the first or second total memory TO ₁ M, TO _2. Then, the point data is added to the first or second point memory CO ₁ M, CO ₂ M, respectively. In addition, the label issue switch 9
If is off, no labels will be issued, but only price data and point data will be aggregated.

In the case of fixed amount issuing business, the mode changeover switch 8 is switched to the fixed amount position. Then, the 8th
In the loop after step 6 of the main routine shown in the figure, after the determination in steps 6, 8, and 9, the fixed amount mode code is sent to the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ , and then the determination in step 12 is made. Step 1
After performing the processing in step 3 or step 14, the process returns to step 6 (step 11). Therefore, in this case, steps 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13
(or step 14) is repeated, and the key scan timer 61 executes timer interrupt processing every time the set time elapses.

Here, after setting the count data using the digital switch 10a corresponding to the two-digit year of the date setting switch 10, the print key 11 or the print key 12 is pressed. Then, in the timer interrupt process, the code data of the pressed key is stored in the key buffer memory KBM. As a result, in the key processing shown in FIG. 11, processing based on print key 11 or print key 12 is performed in the same way as in the manual issuing operation. However, in the case of this fixed-rate issuing business, since the mode selector switch 8 is set to the fixed-rate mode as determined in step 98, the print data, in this case unit price data, is set in the print buffer memory PBM (step 70) and the setting data is stored. Set the count data of the memory DGM to the print buffer memory PBM (step 71), and set the label name of the flat rate label, for example "Flat rate", to the print buffer memory PBM.
After setting (step 72), step 73
The process proceeds to a decision.

Therefore, in the case of flat rate issuance business, the unit price data from the scale is printed as the price, and the count data set by the date setting switch 10 and the label name of the flat rate label are printed. This is the same as manual issuance work.

The above is the processing in the automatic issuance business, manual issuance business, and fixed amount issuance business. In these businesses, price and point data are stored in the first and second total memories TO ₁ M, TO ₂ M, and in the first and second memories. The scores are stored in the point memories CO ₁ M and CO ₂ M sequentially. Therefore, when these data are printed on the label 29 and issued, it can be done by operating the total key 13 and the print key 11 or the print key 12. Note that the mode changeover switch 8 in this case can be in any position.

first. Press total key 13. Then, in the timer interrupt process, the code data of the total key 13 is stored in the key buffer memory KBM. As a result, in the key processing, the total key flag TOF is set to "1" based on the judgment made in step 54 (step 55).

Subsequently, either the print key 11 or the print key 12 is pressed. Then, in the timer interrupt process, the code data of the pressed key is stored in the key buffer memory KBM. As a result, in key processing, as a result of the judgments in steps 55 and 53, after performing the processing in steps 76 and 56,
Judgments in steps 77 and 57 are made. For example, when the print key 12 is pressed, the total key flag TOF is set to "1", so next, the second total memory TO ₂ M and the second score memory
Print buffer memory PBM for _CO2M data
(Step 78), sets the label name of the total label, for example, "Total", in the print buffer memory PBM (Step 59), performs the label issuing process (Fig. 10) (Step 60), and sets the total key flag TOF. After resetting to "0" (step 61), the data in the second total memory TO ₂ M and the second score memory CO ₂ M are cleared (step 62). Furthermore, when the print key 11 is pressed, since the total key flag TOF is set, the data in the first total memory TO ₁ M and the first score memory CO ₁ M are transferred to the print buffer memory. After setting to PBM, steps 59, 60, 61, and 62 are performed.

Therefore, when issuing a total label, first press the total key 13, then press the print key 11.
Alternatively, since it is sufficient to press the print key 12, there is no need to provide total keys corresponding to the first and second scales H ₁ and H ₂ respectively.

According to the above embodiment, when the label printer 1 prints the data from the scales H ₁ and H ₂ on the label 29, the ribbon is fed according to the contents of the ribbon feeding direction identification flag SPF that stores the feeding direction of the ribbon 32. When there is a ribbon end detection signal that controls the drive of the motor 35 and detects that the ribbons 29 sent in different directions after printing have reached the winding ends of their respective spools 36 and 37, the ribbon feeding direction is identified. Since the contents of the flag SPF are inverted, only one ribbon end detection device 34 is required.
The feeding direction of the ribbon 32 can be controlled by the inverted ribbon feeding direction identification flag.
Since the ribbon feed motor 35 is driven for a certain period of time according to the contents of the SPF, in other words, the ribbon 3
When the ribbon 2 reaches the winding end, the ribbon 32 is sent in the opposite direction for a certain period of time.
This prevents large tension from being applied to the

In the above embodiment, the feeding of the ribbon 32 and its feeding direction are controlled by one ribbon feeding motor 35, but for example, each spool 36, 37 may be driven by a separate ribbon feeding motor. You can do it like this.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, when printing for one label is completed, that is, when the print end detection means detects that printing has ended and there is a ribbon end detection signal, the reversing means inverts the contents of the identification means. By driving the motor for a certain period of time according to the contents of the reversed identification means, it is possible to prevent a state in which large tension is applied to the ribbon during reversal, so especially in a label printer that operates intermittently, This can prevent the ribbon from being affected.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figures show an embodiment of the label printer of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external appearance of the label printer, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the operation panel, and FIG. 3 is the same as in FIG. 1. 4 is a plan view showing the ribbon end detection device, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the - line in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the RAM. 8 is a flowchart of the main rune, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of label issuing processing, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of key processing. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Label printer, 29... Label, 32... Ribbon, 33... Print head, 34... Ribbon end detection device, 35... Ribbon feed motor, 36, 37...
Spool, 51...CPU having functions as print end detection means, reversing means, and control means;
57...ROM, SPF...ribbon feeding direction identification flag as identification means, _H1 , _H2 ...scale.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A label printer that prints and issues data on a label every time data is given from a scale, comprising: a print head that prints data from the scale on a label; and the print head and the label. a ribbon whose both ends are wound around spools, and at least one or more ribbon feed motors that control the feeding of this ribbon and its feeding direction; a ribbon end detection device that detects when the ribbon fed in the direction reaches the winding end of each spool and outputs a ribbon end detection signal; and a ribbon end detection device that stores the ribbon feeding direction in which the ribbon is fed by driving the ribbon feeding motor. an identifying means; an inverting means for reversing the contents stored in the identifying means; a printing end detecting means for detecting the end of printing; and controls the drive of the ribbon feed motor, and when there is a ribbon end detection signal from the ribbon end detection device while the print end detection means detects the end of printing of the data given from the scale, the reversing means controls the ribbon feed motor. A label printer comprising: control means for inverting the content of the identification means and then driving the ribbon feed motor for a certain period of time according to the inverted content of the identification means.