Tape printing device having tape cut position regulator

Abstract

A tape printing device for printing characters on an elongated tape-like print medium and for cutting the print medium at a desired leading and trailing cutoff end positions. The device includes a tape feed mechanism for feeding an elongated tape-like print medium, printing means for printing the tape-like print medium, and tape cutting means positioned downstream of the printing means with respect to a tape feeding direction for cutting the tape-like print medium. The tape cutting means provides a predetermined tape cutoff execution position at which the tape-like print medium is subjected to cutting. The device is characterized by cutoff position data inputting means for inputting cutoff positions spaced from a leading end and trailing end printed position for obtaining an intended top and bottom marginal lengths, and tape feed controlling means for controlling the tape feed mechanism to feed the tape-like print medium based on the input cutoff position data so that the input cutoff position will reach the tape cutoff execution position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tape printing device including a tape feed mechanism for feeding an elongated tape-like print medium in a tape feeding direction; printing means for printing the tape-like print medium, the printing means providing a print start position;   tape cutting means positioned downstream of the printing means with respect to the feeding direction for cutting the tape-like print medium, the tape cutting means providing a predetermined tape cutoff execution position at which the tape-like print medium is subjected to cutting, the improvement comprising:   cutoff position data inputting means for inputting a cutoff position with respect to a position in which the tape-like print medium is printed; and   tape feed controlling means for controlling the tape feed mechanism to feed the tape-like print medium based on the input cutoff position data so that the input cutoff position will reach the tape cutoff execution position.   
     
     
       2. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutoff position data comprises a first data indicative of a first distance between a leading cutoff end of the tape-like print medium and a leading end of a printed area, and a second data indicative of a second distance between a trailing cutoff end and a trailing end of the printed area. 
     
     
       3. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cutoff position data inputting means comprises: a CPU;   a character selector dial connected to the CPU for inputting the first and the second data into the CPU;   display means connected to the CPU for displaying the first and the second distances; and   key pad connected to the CPU for providing the data inputting function.   
     
     
       4. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
       5. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tape .[.feeding.]. .Iadd.feed .Iaddend.mechanism comprises a pulse motor, and a tape feed roller connected to the pulse motor. 
     
     
       6. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tape .[.feeding.]. .Iadd.feed .Iaddend.mechanism further comprises an auxiliary roller confronting the tape feed roller and interposing the tape-like print medium between the tape feed roller and the auxiliary roller. 
     
     
       7. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cutoff position data inputting means comprises: a CPU;   a character selector dial connected to the CPU for inputting the first and the second data into the CPU;   display means connected to the CPU for displaying the first and the second distances; and   a function key pad connected to the CPU for providing the data inputting function.   
     
     
       8. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tape feed controlling means comprises .[.:.]. a motor driver circuit connected to the pulse motor. 
     
     
       9. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises: a first judging means for judging whether the first distance is greater than a given distance between the print start position and the tape cutoff execution position; and   controlling means for controlling the motor driver circuit in order to feed the tape-like print medium by a first length .[.corresponding.]. .Iadd.necessary to provide .Iaddend.the first distance if the judgment in the first judging means .[.falls.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.that the first distance is greater than the given distance.   
     
     
       10. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises: means for driving the motor driver circuit so as to feed the tape-like print medium by the second distance after completing the printing.   
     
     
       11. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the tape .[.feeding.]. .Iadd.feed .Iaddend.mechanism further comprises an auxiliary roller confronting the tape feed roller and interposing the tape-like print medium between the tape feed roller and the auxiliary roller. 
     
     
       12. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cutoff position data inputting means comprises: a CPU;   a character selector dial connected to the CPU for inputting the first and the second data into the CPU;   display means connected to the CPU for displaying the first and the second distances; and   a function key pad connected to the CPU for providing the data inputting function.   
     
     
       13. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises: a first judging means for judging whether the first distance is smaller than a given distance between the print start position and the tape cutoff execution position;   one character print commanding means for printing one character on the tape-like print medium if the judgment in the first judging means .[.falls.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.that the first distance is smaller than the given distance, the one character printing providing a predetermined tape feed length;   a second judging means for judging whether .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance;   means for repeating operation of the one character print commanding means and the second judging means until the subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance.   
     
     
       14. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises.[.;.]..Iadd.: .Iaddend. means for driving the motor driver circuit so as to feed the tape-like printing medium by a distance which is subtraction of incremental predetermined tape feed length from the given distance.   
     
     
       15. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tape .[.feeding.]. .Iadd.feed .Iaddend.mechanism further comprises an auxiliary roller confronting the tape feed roller and interposing the tape-like print medium between the tape feed roller and the auxiliary roller. 
     
     
       16. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cutoff position data inputting means comprises: a CPU;   a character selector dial connected to the CPU for inputting the first and the second data into the CPU;   display means connected to the CPU for displaying the first and the second distances; and   a function key pad connected to the CPU for providing the data inputting function.   
     
     
       17. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises.[.;.]..Iadd.: .Iaddend. one character print commanding means for printing one .[.?;.]. character on the tape-like print medium if the judgment in the first judging means .[.falls.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.that the first distance is smaller than the given distance, the one character printing providing a predetermined tape feed length;   a second judging means for judging whether .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance;   means for repeating operation of the one character print commanding means and the second judging means until the subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance. .Iadd.   
     
     
       18.  The tape printing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tape feed mechanism comprises a motor, and a tape feed roller connected to the motor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tape feed controlling means comprises a motor driver circuit connected to the motor. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises: a first judging means for judging whether the first distance is greater than a given distance between the print start position and the tape cutoff execution position; and   controlling means for controlling the motor driver circuit in order to feed the tape-like print medium by a first length necessary to provide the first distance if the judgment in the first judging means is that the first distance is greater than the given distance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises:   a first judging means for judging whether the first distance is smaller than a given distance between the print start position and the tape cutoff execution position;   one character print commanding means for printing one character on the tape-like print medium if the judgment in the first judging means is that the first distance is smaller than the given distance, the one character printing providing a predetermined tape feed length;   a second judging means for judging whether a subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance; and   means for repeating operation of the one character print commanding means and the second judging means until the subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.22.  The tape printing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises: a first judging means for judging whether the first distance is smaller than a given distance between the print start position and the tape cutoff execution position; and   a second judging means for judging whether a subtraction of a predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the tape feed controlling means further comprises a second judging means, utilized if the judgment in the first judgment means is that the first distance is smaller than the given distance, for judging whether a subtraction of a predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first distance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The tape printing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutoff position data comprises at least one of a first data indicative of a first distance between a leading cutoff end of the tape-like print medium and leading end of a printed area, and a second data indicative of a second distance between a trailing cutoff end and a trailing end of the printed area. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. A tape printing device including:   a tape feed mechanism for feeding an elongated tape-like print medium;   printing means for printing the tape-like print medium, the printing means providing a print start position;   tape cutting means positioned downstream of the printing means with respect to movement of the tape-like print medium for cutting the tape-like print medium, the tape cutting means providing a predetermined tape cutoff execution position at which the tape-like print medium is subjected to cutting;   cutoff position data inputting means for inputting a cutoff position with respect to a position in which the tape-like print medium is printed; and   tape feed controlling means for controlling the tape feed mechanism to feed the tape-like print medium so that the input cutoff position will reach the tape cutoff execution position. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. A device for printing a tape, said device comprising:   a tape feed mechanism;   a print head disposed along said tape at a print start position;   a tape cutter positioned at a tape cutoff execution position that is a predetermined distance downstream of the print start position with respect to movement of the tape;   a CPU;   a data inputting mechanism connected to the CPU for inputting a cutoff position with respect to a position at which the tape is printed; and   circuitry that, along with the CPU, controls the tape feed mechanism to feed the tape so that the input cutoff position reaches the tape cutoff   
     
     
        execution position. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27.  A tape printing method comprising: inputting at least one of a desired first marginal distance from a leading tape end and a desired second marginal distance from a trailing tape end to a tape printing device;   if the first marginal distance has been inputted, printing the tape starting at a position that is the first marginal distance from the leading tape end;   after printing is complete, and if the second marginal distance has been inputted, feeding the tape by a sufficient distance to provide said second marginal distance to said trailing tape end; and   cutting off the tape at said trailing tape end. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. The tape printing method of claim 27, wherein an operator is prompted to input said at least one of said first and second terminal distances to a CPU of said tape printing device, the operator then inputting said at least one of said distances through a data inputting mechanism of said device.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.29.  The tape printing method of claim 27, further comprising: judging whether the first marginal distance is greater or less than a given distance between a print start position and a tape cutoff execution position of a tape printing device; and   feeding the tape prior to printing by a first length necessary to provide the first marginal distance if the judgment is that the first marginal   
     
     
        distance is greater than the given distance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30.  The tape printing method of claim 29, further comprising: printing one character on the tape if the judgment is that the first marginal distance is smaller than the given distance, the one character printing providing a predetermined tape feed length;   judging whether a subtraction of the predetermined tape feed length from the given distance reaches the first marginal distance; and   repeating the steps of printing and judging one character at a time until reaching the first marginal distance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. The tape printing method of claim 27, wherein both said desired first marginal distance from a leading tape end and said desired second marginal distance from a trailing tape end are inputted to the tape printing device. .Iaddend.