cassette

Abstract

A tape cartridge capable of being downsized in a vertical direction perpendicular to an up-down direction, includes a ribbon case (21) including a first side wall (16a) extending in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction, a second side wall (16b) extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and a recess wall (16c) defining a recess (99) extending from the second side wall (16b) to one side of the second direction and extending in the third direction at a position on the one side of the second direction with respect to the second side wall (16b). At least a part of the recess (99) overlaps the print tape roll (26) in the first direction. Thus, the print tape case (20) including the print tape roll (26) overlaps the ribbon case (21) including the recess wall (16c) in the first direction, i.e., the up-down direction, at least a part of the recess (99) overlaps the print tape roll (26) in the first direction, and thus the tape cartridge (10) is downsized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202080026096.2, filed on March 13, 2020, entitled "With Box". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a tape cassette that can be installed into and removed from a printing device. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, a tape cassette is known, comprising a printing tape and an ink ribbon for printing on the printing tape. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an ink ribbon cassette comprising a ribbon cassette and a printing sheet cassette. The ribbon cassette houses the ink ribbon and a take-up spool for winding the ink ribbon. The printing sheet cassette houses the printing sheet. Multiple positioning claws are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the printing sheet cassette. The printing sheet cassette overlaps the ribbon cassette and is integrated with it by cooperating with the multiple positioning claws. The ribbon cassette has a head opening into which the print head of the printer is inserted. In the printing sheet cassette, at a position opposite to the head opening relative to the printing sheet roll, a sheet opening is provided for the printing sheet to pass through. After the printing sheet is pulled out from the printing sheet roll, it is pulled out through the sheet opening to the outside of the printing sheet cassette. Then, the printing sheet passes around the outer peripheral wall of the printing sheet cassette and through the head opening. At the head opening, the printing sheet and the ink ribbon overlap and are printed by the print head of the printer. After printing, the printed sheet is guided by the retaining claws on the head opening side to the sheet gate for ejecting the printed sheet. The used ink ribbon is wound up by the take-up shaft.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 63-156762 Summary of the Invention

[0005] For the aforementioned ribbon cartridge, by placing the ribbon and printhead opening at different positions in the vertical direction (the direction in which the ribbon cartridge and print sheet are arranged, i.e., the up-down direction), the cartridge can be miniaturized. Further miniaturization of the cartridge in the vertical direction is needed.

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a cassette that can be miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up and down direction.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a tape cartridge comprising: a rotatable printing tape roll wound with a printing tape as a printing medium; and an outer peripheral wall located on one side of the printing tape roll in a first direction, the first direction being the width direction of the printing tape. The outer peripheral wall includes: a first sidewall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall defining a recess extending from the second sidewall toward one side of the second direction, and extending upward in the third direction at a position relative to the second sidewall on the side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

[0008] In a second aspect of the invention, the printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft, and at least a portion of the recessed wall overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

[0009] In a third aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape roll is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft, wherein, in the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the invention includes: a first housing for receiving the printing tape roll; and a second housing located on the side of the first housing in the first direction, having the outer peripheral wall, the second housing including a discharge port defined by the second side wall, located in the third direction between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction, for discharging the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll from the second housing into the recess, wherein in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape shaft is located between the discharge port and the one end of the recess in the third direction.

[0014] In an eighth aspect of the invention, the recess overlaps with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the invention includes: a rotatable supply shaft located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction for winding an ink tape used for printing from the printing tape roll; and a rotatable take-up shaft located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction for taking up the ink tape supplied from the supply shaft, wherein at least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the invention includes a rotatable adhesive tape roll located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, the adhesive tape roll being wound with adhesive tape for bonding to the printing tape, at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll overlapping the printing tape roll in the first direction.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the adhesive tape roll is formed by winding the adhesive tape onto an adhesive tape shaft, the adhesive tape shaft overlapping the printing tape roll in the first direction.

[0018] In a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the second direction and the third direction, the distance from the center position of the tape cartridge (which is the center in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the rotation center of the printing tape roll is less than the distance from the center position to the recess.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a tape cassette comprising: a printing tape roll wound with a printing tape; a spacer abutting the printing tape roll in a first direction which is the width direction of the printing tape; and an outer peripheral wall located on one side of the printing tape roll and the spacer in the first direction. The outer peripheral wall includes: a first sidewall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall defining a recess extending from the second sidewall toward one side of the second direction, and extending upward in the third direction at a position relative to the second sidewall on the side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the spacer in the first direction.

[0021] A tape cassette according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a rotatable printing tape roll wound with a printing tape as a printing medium; and an outer peripheral wall located on one side of the printing tape roll in a first direction, the first direction being the width direction of the printing tape. The outer peripheral wall includes: a first sidewall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall defining a recess extending from the second sidewall toward one side of the second direction, and extending upward in the third direction at a position relative to the second sidewall on the side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction. Thus, because a first housing including the printing tape roll and a second housing including the recessed wall overlap in the first direction (vertical direction), and at least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0022] In a second aspect of the invention, the printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft, and at least a portion of the recessed wall overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction. Thus, compared to a case where at least a portion of the recessed wall does not overlap with the printing tape shaft in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0023] In a third aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction. Thus, compared to the case where at least a portion of the recess does not overlap with the printing tape shaft in the first direction, the tape cartridge is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] In a fourth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape roll is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction. Thus, compared to the case where it is not located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction, the tape cartridge is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft, wherein at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction. Thus, compared to cases where at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is not located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] In a sixth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction. Thus, compared to the case where the rotation center of the printing tape shaft is not located between the outlet and one end of the recess in the third direction, the tape cartridge is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0027] A seventh aspect of the invention includes: a first housing for receiving the printing tape roll; and a second housing located on the side of the first housing in the first direction, having the outer peripheral wall, the second housing including a discharge port defined by the second side wall, located in the third direction between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction, for discharging the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll from the second housing into the recess, wherein, in the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape shaft is located between the discharge port and the one end of the recess in the third direction. Thus, compared to a case where the rotation center of the printing tape roll is not located between the discharge port and the one end of the recess in the third direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0028] In an eighth aspect of the invention, the recess overlaps with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction. Thus, compared to the case where the recess does not overlap with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction, the cartridge is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] A ninth aspect of the invention includes: a rotatable supply shaft located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction for winding an ink tape used for printing from the printing tape roll; and a rotatable take-up shaft located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction for taking the ink tape supplied from the supply shaft, wherein at least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction. Thus, compared to a case where at least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft do not overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0030] A tenth aspect of the invention includes a rotatable adhesive tape roll located on one side of the printing tape roll relative to the printing tape roll in the first direction, with an adhesive tape for bonding to the printing tape wound around it, at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll overlapping the printing tape roll in the first direction. Thus, compared to a case where at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll does not overlap the printing tape roll in the first direction, the tape cartridge is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0031] In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the adhesive tape roll is constructed by winding the adhesive tape onto an adhesive tape shaft, the adhesive tape shaft overlapping the printing tape roll in the first direction. Thus, compared to cases where the adhesive tape shaft and printing tape roll do not overlap in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0032] In a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the third direction, the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction. Thus, compared to the case where the rotation center of the adhesive tape roll is not located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the second direction and the third direction, the distance from the center position of the tape cassette (which is the center in both the second direction and the third direction) to the rotation center of the printing tape roll is less than the distance from the center position to the recess. Therefore, compared to the case where the distance from the center position of the tape cassette to the rotation center of the printing tape roll is greater than the distance from the center position to the recess, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0034] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a tape cassette comprising: a printing tape roll wound with a printing tape; a spacer abutting the printing tape roll in a first direction which is the width direction of the printing tape; and an outer peripheral wall located on one side of the printing tape roll and the spacer in the first direction. The outer peripheral wall includes: a first sidewall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall defining a recess extending from the second sidewall toward one side of the second direction, and extending upward in the third direction at a position relative to the second sidewall on the side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the spacer in the first direction. Thus, because a first housing including the printing tape roll and a second housing including the recessed wall overlap in the first direction (i.e., the vertical direction), and at least a portion of the recess overlaps with the spacer in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lower surface of the box.

[0037] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the structure and internal structure of the housing with a box, showing the first housing component, the second housing component, the third housing component and the fourth housing component that make up the housing.

[0038] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 Front view of the upper surface side of the first shell component.

[0039] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower surface of the first shell component.

[0040] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 The upper surface side of the second housing component and the front view of the printed tape roll.

[0041] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the box, with the first shell component removed.

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view VIII-VIII shows the state in which the printing tape is held inside the ribbon housing from the printing tape housing.

[0043] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower surface of the second shell component.

[0044] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the upper surface of the third shell component.

[0045] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower surface of the third shell component.

[0046] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the upper surface of the fourth shell component.

[0047] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 A bottom view of the lower surface of the fourth shell component.

[0048] Figure 14 Use as shown Figure 1 The diagram of the lower surface of the third housing component is used to illustrate the paths of the printing tape pulled from the printing tape roll, the adhesive tape pulled from the adhesive tape roll, and the ink tape pulled from the ink tape roll, respectively.

[0049] Figure 15 It is used to explain from Figure 1A diagram of the laminate of printing tape and adhesive tape fed from the tape cassette.

[0050] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 The top view of the tape cassette is a diagram showing the relative positions of the printing tape roll, adhesive tape roll, ink tape, and take-up spool.

[0051] Figure 17 yes Figure 6 Sectional view of XVI I-XVI I.

[0052] Figure 18 This is for explaining the installation process. Figure 1 A diagram of the cartridge mounting section of a cartridge-equipped printing device.

[0053] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of a non-layered type of box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 19 A three-dimensional view of the lower surface of the box.

[0055] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the structure and internal structure of the housing with a box, showing the first housing component, the second housing component, the third housing component and the fourth housing component that make up the housing.

[0056] Figure 22 It is shown Figure 19 Front view of the upper surface side of the first housing component with box.

[0057] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the lower surface of the first housing component with a box.

[0058] Figure 24 It is shown Figure 19 The upper surface side of the second housing component with a box and the front view of the printed tape roll.

[0059] Figure 25 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the box, with the first shell component removed.

[0060] Figure 26 yes Figure 24 XXVI-XXVI sectional views, showing in Figure 19 The printing tape in the tape cassette is held inside the ribbon housing from inside the printing tape housing.

[0061] Figure 27 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the lower surface of the second housing component with a box.

[0062] Figure 28 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the upper surface of the third housing component with a box.

[0063] Figure 29 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the lower surface of the third housing component with a box.

[0064] Figure 30 It is shown Figure 19 A perspective view of the upper surface of the fourth housing component with a box.

[0065] Figure 31 It is shown Figure 19 A bottom view of the lower surface of the fourth housing component with a box.

[0066] Figure 32 It is shown Figure 19 The longitudinal section view of the box is Figure 24 Sectional view of XXXI I-XXXI I.

[0067] Figure 33 Use as shown Figure 19 The diagram of the lower surface of the third housing component is used to illustrate the paths of the printing tape pulled from the printing tape roll and the ink tape pulled from the ink tape roll, respectively.

[0068] Figure 34 It is used to explain from Figure 19 A diagram of the laminate of printing tape and adhesive tape fed from the tape cassette.

[0069] Figure 35 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the relative positions of the printing tape roll, ink tape, take-up shaft, and recess in a cassette.

[0070] Figure 36 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the box according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 37 It is shown Figure 36 A three-dimensional view of the lower surface of the box.

[0072] Figure 38 It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the structure with a box according to the embodiment, showing the first shell member, the second shell member, the third shell member and the fourth shell member that constitute the shell.

[0073] Figure 39 It is shown Figure 36 Front view of the upper surface side of the first housing component with box.

[0074] Figure 40It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the lower surface of the first housing component with a box.

[0075] Figure 41 It is shown Figure 36 The upper surface side of the second housing component with a box and the front view of the printed tape roll.

[0076] Figure 42 It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the lower surface of the second housing component with a box.

[0077] Figure 43 It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the upper surface of the third housing component with a box.

[0078] Figure 44 It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the lower surface of the third housing component with a box.

[0079] Figure 45 It is shown Figure 36 A perspective view of the upper surface of the fourth housing component with a box.

[0080] Figure 46 It is shown Figure 36 A bottom view of the lower surface of the fourth housing component with a box.

[0081] Figure 47 Use as shown Figure 36 The diagram of the lower surface of the third housing component is used to illustrate the paths of the printing tape pulled from the printing tape roll and the adhesive tape pulled from the adhesive tape roll, respectively.

[0082] Figure 48 It is used to explain from Figure 36 A diagram of the printing tape being delivered from the cassette.

[0083] Figure 49 It is shown Figure 36 A diagram showing the relative positions of the printing tape roll, adhesive tape roll, and recess in the tape box.

[0084] Figure 50 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the box according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 51 It is shown Figure 50 A three-dimensional view of the lower surface of the box.

[0086] Figure 52 It is shown Figure 50 A perspective view of the structure with a box according to the embodiment, showing the first shell member, the second shell member, the third shell member and the fourth shell member that constitute the shell.

[0087] Figure 53 It is used to explain from Figure 50 A diagram of the printing tape being delivered from the cassette.

[0088] Figure 54 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a box according to other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0089] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] [Implementation Method 1]

[0091] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown from the front side, i.e., the top surface. In the description of this embodiment, Figure 1 The top side is the front side of the box 10, the bottom side is the back side of the box 10, the right side is the left side of the box 10, the left side is the right side of the box 10, the upper left side is the top side of the box 10, and the lower right side is the bottom side of the box 10. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the box 10 shown from the back side, i.e., the lower surface. Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the tape box 10 by separating the first housing member 12, the second housing member 14, the third housing member 16, and the fourth housing member 18. The tape box 10 is generally rectangular in shape and is installed in a detachable manner as described later. Figure 18 The printing device 102 shown has a tape cassette mounting section 104. The tape cassette 10 includes a first housing, namely a printing tape housing 20, composed of a first housing member 12 and a second housing member 14, and a second housing, namely a ribbon housing 21, composed of a third housing member 16 and a fourth housing member 18. The first housing member 12 to the fourth housing member 18 are located in... Figure 1 The shell components 12, 14, 16, and 18 are stacked and overlapped in the vertical direction. They are fixed to each other in an overlapping state by the engagement of multiple mating claws 27 and fixing claws 28 respectively located between their outer peripheral walls, and by the positioning of positioning protrusions 29. In this embodiment, the upper surface of each shell component 12-18 is referred to as the upper surface or front surface, and the lower surface is referred to as the lower surface or back surface.

[0092] The ribbon housing 21 is located on one side in the vertical direction relative to the printing tape housing 20. In this embodiment, the ribbon housing 21 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the printing tape housing 20. The printing tape housing 20 rotatably accommodates the printing tape roll 26 in a first space S1 formed therein, and the printing tape roll 26 is wound around the printing tape 22, which is the printing medium. The printing tape roll 26 is configured to wind the strip-shaped printing tape 22 onto the printing tape shaft 24, which is a cylindrical shaft core member. The width direction of the printing tape 22 is the vertical direction, which is the first direction. The radial direction of the printing tape roll 26 is the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and the radial direction is a vertical direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical direction can be any direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The printing tape 22, the printing tape shaft 24, and the printing tape roll 26 correspond to the printing medium, the printing medium shaft, and the printing medium roll.

[0093] The ribbon housing 21 rotatably houses the ribbon roll 72, the adhesive tape roll 64, and the take-up shaft 76 within a second space S2 formed therein. The ribbon roll 72 is configured such that a strip of ribbon 68 is wound around the take-up shaft 76, with the width direction of the ribbon 68 being vertical. The ribbon 68 is used to print onto the strip-shaped printing belt 22. The take-up shaft 76 takes the ribbon 68 pulled from the ribbon roll 72. The adhesive tape roll 64 is configured such that a strip of adhesive tape 60 is wound around the adhesive tape shaft 62 for bonding to the printed printing belt 22, with the width direction of the adhesive tape 60 being vertical.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, a take-up shaft support hole 94 is provided on the lower surface of the fourth housing member 18 of the tape cassette 10. The connecting hole 96 of the take-up shaft 76 (described later) is exposed through the take-up shaft support hole 94. When the tape cassette 10 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 of the printing device 102, the take-up shaft drive shaft 108 provided in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the connecting hole 96. Furthermore, recesses 99 are formed on the side surfaces of the third housing member 16 and the fourth housing member 18, that is, on a portion of the outer peripheral wall 16w of the ribbon housing 21 and a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second housing member 14. When the tape cassette 10 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 of the printing device 102, the print head 106 (described later) provided in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the recesses 99. Figure 2 As shown, the upper end of the recess 99 is defined by the surface of the lower side of the second housing member 14.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the upper surface side of the first housing member 12. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the first housing member 12. Figure 6 This is a front view showing the upper surface of the second housing member 14 and the printed tape roll. Figure 6The printing tape 22 pulled out from the printing tape roll 26 is omitted in the text. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the second housing member 14. Furthermore, Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view VIII-VIII shows the state in which the printing tape 22 is mounted inside the ribbon housing 21 from the printing tape housing 20. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the second housing member 14. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the third housing member 16. Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the third housing member 16. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the fourth housing member 18. Figure 13 This is a bottom view showing the lower surface side of the fourth housing member 18.

[0096] In the first space S1 between the first housing member 12 and the second housing member 14, the printing tape roll 26 is accommodated in a manner that allows it to rotate about a first rotation center line C1 parallel to the vertical direction. The first rotation center line C1 is not only the rotation center of the printing tape roll 26 but also the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 24. The first housing member 12 and the second housing member 14 are rectangular. The first rotation center line C1 is located slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction (a second direction) and approximately near the center in the front-back direction (a third direction). For example... Figure 15 As shown, a release tape 22c is laminated onto the side of the printing tape 22a opposite to the printing surface through an adhesive 22b to form a printing tape 22.

[0097] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a cylindrical first support protrusion 30 and a first circumferential wall 34 are provided on the lower surface side of the first housing member 12. The first support protrusion 30 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 24 to rotatably support the printing tape roll 26. The inner diameter of the first circumferential wall 34 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 26. The first support protrusion 30 and the first circumferential wall 34 are configured to protrude downward from the lower surface side of the first housing member 12 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a cylindrical second support protrusion 32 and a second circumferential wall 36 are provided on the upper surface side of the second housing member 14. The second support protrusion 32 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 24 to support the printing tape roll 26 in a rotatable manner. The inner diameter of the second circumferential wall 36 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 26. The second support protrusion 32 and the second circumferential wall 36 are configured to protrude upward from the upper surface side of the second housing member 14 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. The printing tape roll 26 is disposed between the first housing member 12 and the second housing member 14 with circular spacers 38 having an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 26, respectively located above and below the printing tape roll 26. The spacers 38 are used to allow the printing tape roll 26 to rotate smoothly, and are made of, for example, a sheet of tetrafluoroethylene resin.

[0098] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, printing tape doors 40 and 42 are formed on the lower surface of the first housing member 12 and the upper surface of the second housing member 14 by cutting a portion of the first circumferential wall 34 and the second circumferential wall 36, for pulling the printing tape 22 out from a certain position from the printing tape roll 26. Figure 7 As shown, a guide wall 50 extending to the left from the left end of the printing tape gate 42 is formed on the upper surface side of the second housing member 14 for guiding the printing tape 22 pulled out from the printing tape roll 26 in a certain direction.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the guide wall 50 extending to the left from the left end of the printing tape door 42 bends backward toward the long side 46b before reaching the short side 46a of the outer peripheral wall 46, extends along the second circumferential wall 36, and connects with the long side 46b.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, a through hole 52 is formed in the base plate 14a of the second housing member 14, extending along the long side 46b of the guide wall 50 and the outer peripheral wall 46 in both the front-rear and left-right directions, and is generally L-shaped when viewed from the front. In the base plate 14a, between the portion of the second circumferential wall 36 opposite to the guide wall 50 and the long side 46b and the through hole 52, a plurality of guide ribs 54 are formed. The plurality of guide ribs 54 guide the printing tape 22 pulled out from the printing tape roll 26 and through the printing tape doors 40, 42 into the through hole 52.

[0101] Figure 7 The image shows the cartridge 10 with the first housing member 12 removed. (See image.) Figure 7As shown, the printing tape 22 pulled from the printing tape roll 26 is guided through the through hole 52 into the second space S2 between the third housing member 16 and the fourth housing member 18. The printing tape 22 is supported between the printing tape housing 20 and the ribbon housing 21 through the through hole 52 formed in the base plate 14a, which serves to separate the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0102] like Figure 8 As shown, the printing tape 22 is obliquely mounted inside the ribbon housing 21 from within the printing tape housing 20 through the through hole 52. More specifically, as described later. Figure 14 As shown, the printing tape 22 is mounted in the recess 99 of the tape housing 21. Figure 9 The lower surface side of the second housing member 14 is shown. (As shown) Figure 9 As shown, on the back side of the bottom plate 14a of the second housing component 14, a through hole 52 is opened, and a guide wall 56 is erected along the through hole 52 in the vertical direction. Figure 10 The upper surface of the third housing member 16 is shown. On the top plate 16e of the third housing member 16, a through hole 58, an adhesive tape roll support hole 66, an ink tape support hole 74, a take-up shaft support hole 78, and a roller support hole 82 are formed. The through hole 58 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 52 of the second housing member 14, for allowing the printing tape 22 pulled from the printing tape roll 26 to access the second space S2. That is, a portion of the through hole 52 and a portion of the through hole 58 repeat each other in the vertical direction.

[0103] The bottom plate 14a of the second housing member 14 and the top plate 16e of the third housing member 16 separate the first space S1 inside the printing tape housing 20 and the second space S2 inside the ribbon housing 21.

[0104] The adhesive tape roll support hole 66 is inserted into one end of the adhesive tape shaft 62 on which the adhesive tape 60 is wound, supporting the adhesive tape roll 64 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a second rotation center line C2 parallel to the first rotation center line C1. The second rotation center line C2 is not only the rotation center of the adhesive tape roll 64 but also the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft 62. Figure 15As shown, the adhesive tape 60, used to protect the printing surface of the printing tape 22, is made of a transparent film 60a with adhesive 60b coated on the surface in contact with the printing surface. One end of the supply shaft 70, on which the ink tape 68 is wound, is inserted into the ink tape support hole 74, thereby supporting the ink tape roll 72 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a third rotation center line C3 parallel to the first rotation center line C1. The third rotation center line C3 is not only the rotation center of the ink tape roll 72, but also the rotation center of the supply shaft 70. One end of the take-up shaft 76, which takes the ink tape 68 pulled from the ink tape roll 72, is inserted into the take-up shaft support hole 78, thereby supporting the take-up shaft 76 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a fourth rotation center line C4 parallel to the first rotation center line C1. The fourth rotation center line C4 is the rotation center of the take-up shaft 76. In order to press the printing surface of the printing tape 22 and the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape 60 together, the roller 80 applies pressure to the printing tape 22 and the adhesive tape 60 between itself and the roller of the printing device 102. One end of the roller 80 is embedded in the roller support hole 82, so that the roller support hole 82 supports the roller 80 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the fifth rotation center line C5, which is parallel to the first rotation center line C1.

[0105] like Figure 11 As shown, on the lower surface of the third housing member 16, an adhesive tape roll holding wall 84, an ink ribbon roll holding wall 86, a cylindrical protrusion 88, and an arc-shaped wall 92 are formed. The adhesive tape roll holding wall 84 and the arc-shaped wall 92 are used to determine the arrangement position of the adhesive tape roll 64, and are formed in an arc shape around the adhesive tape roll support hole 66. The ink ribbon roll holding wall 86 is used to determine the arrangement position of the ink ribbon 68 wound on the take-up shaft 76, and is formed in an arc shape around the take-up shaft support hole 78. The cylindrical protrusion 88 is formed to protrude downward from around the ink ribbon support hole 74 and has convex and concave protrusions arranged in the circumferential direction on its end face. In addition, on the lower surface of the third housing member 16, a support protrusion 93 is provided, which rotatably supports the upper end of the anti-adhesion roller 91 used to prevent the adhesive tape 60 from adhering. Figure 12 As shown, a support protrusion 95 is provided on the upper surface of the fourth housing member 18, and the support protrusion 95 supports the lower end of the anti-adhesion roller 91 in such a way that it can be connected to the lower end of the anti-adhesion roller 91.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, the clutch spring retainer 90, which houses the clutch spring, is embedded at the other end of the supply shaft 70 that winds the ink tape 68. The supply shaft 70 applies appropriate rotational resistance to the ink tape roll 72 through the clutch spring located in the clutch spring retainer 90.

[0107] Figure 12 and Figure 13The upper and lower surfaces of the fourth housing member 18 are shown. The fourth housing member 18 has a through-hole take-up shaft support hole 94, into which the other end of the take-up shaft 76 is inserted, and the take-up shaft support hole 94 rotatably supports the take-up shaft 76. The fourth housing member 18 has a cylindrical support protrusion 97, into which the other end of the supply shaft 70 is inserted, and the support protrusion 97 rotatably supports the supply shaft 70. A connecting hole 96 formed on the end face of the other end of the take-up shaft 76 is exposed to the lower surface of the fourth housing member 18 through the take-up shaft support hole 94, as shown. Figure 2 As shown. When the tape cassette 10 is installed in the printing device 102, the take-up shaft drive shaft 108 of the printing device 102 (described later) is inserted into the connecting hole 96 and connected to the take-up shaft 76, and the take-up shaft 76 is driven to rotate by the aforementioned drive shaft.

[0108] The fourth housing member 18 has a roller protrusion hole 98 at a position corresponding to the roller support hole 82 formed in the third housing member 16, allowing the shaft end of the roller 80 to protrude. The connecting portion 80a of the end of the roller 80 formed on the fourth housing member 18 side protrudes through the roller protrusion hole 98 onto the lower surface of the fourth housing member 18. Figure 2 As shown. When the tape cassette 10 is installed in the printing device 102, the roller drive shaft 110 of the printing device 102 (described later) is connected to the connecting part 80a, and the roller 80 is driven to rotate by the roller drive shaft 110.

[0109] like Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, a recess 99 is formed in the ribbon housing 21, which is composed of the third housing member 16 and the fourth housing member 18. The recess 99 is used when the ribbon cartridge 10 is installed... Figure 18 The tape cassette mounting section 104 shown accommodates a printhead retaining plate 114, which is used to hold the printhead 106 erected on the tape cassette mounting section 104. Figure 11 As shown, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 16w of the third housing member 16 is formed with: a first sidewall 16a extending in the front-rear direction, the front-rear direction being a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction corresponding to the stacking direction; a second sidewall 16b extending from the front end of the first sidewall 16a in a third direction perpendicular to both the vertical and front-rear directions, i.e., the left-right direction; and a U-shaped recessed wall 16c surrounding the recess 99. The recessed wall 16c is composed of an inner wall 16h extending in the left-right direction opposite to the second sidewall 16b in the front-rear direction, an inner wall 16i extending rearward from the right end of the inner wall 16h, an inner wall 16j extending leftward from the rear end of the inner wall 16i, and an inner wall 16k extending forward from the left end of the inner wall 16j. Through the second sidewall 16b and the recessed wall 16c, the recess 99 is defined as extending rearward from the left end of the second sidewall 16b and extending in the left-right direction behind the second sidewall 16b. In the fourth housing member 18, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a U-shaped cutout 18a corresponding to the concave wall portion 16c is formed. The concave portion 99 is formed by the concave wall 16c and the cutout 18a. Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the upper end of the recess 99 is defined by the lower surface of the second housing member 14. That is, the recess 99 overlaps with the second housing member 14 and the first housing member 12 in the vertical direction.

[0110] Figure 14 The lower surface of the third housing member 16 is shown when the tape cassette 10 is installed in the tape cassette mounting section 104 of the printing device 102. As described above, the printing tape 22 is pulled out from the printing tape roll 26 and obliquely mounted in the second space S2 within the ribbon housing 21 from the first space S1 within the printing tape housing 20 through through holes 52 and 58. Therefore, the lower surface of the third housing member 16 is shown. Figure 14 In the middle, the printing tape 22 is shown through the through hole 58 at the rear of the third housing member 16. (As shown) Figure 14 As shown, the printing tape 22 and adhesive tape 60 are held under pressure by the roller 80 and the pressure roller 118 of the printing device 102, and pulled out from the printing tape roll 26 and adhesive tape roll 64 respectively by the drive of the roller 80. The ink tape 68 is pulled out from the ink tape roll 72 by the drive of the take-up shaft 76 and wound on the take-up shaft 76. Figure 14 The transport paths of the printing tape 22, ink tape 68, and adhesive tape 60 are shown. The printing tape 22 is represented by a double-dotted line, the adhesive tape 60 by a dashed line, and the ink tape 68 by a single-dotted line.

[0111] like Figure 14 As shown, when the take-up shaft 76 and roller 80 are driven to rotate, the print belt 22 and ink ribbon 68 are discharged from the discharge port 130 towards the print position P in an overlapping state. The discharge port 130 is a gap extending in the left-right direction, defined by the left ends of the second sidewall 16b and the left ends of the sidewall 16h. At the print position P between the print head 106 and the pressure roller 116, the print belt 22 is pressed against the print head 106 with the ink ribbon 68 in between. In this state, multiple heating elements disposed on the surface of the print head 106 are selectively driven to generate localized heat, thereby transferring a portion of the ink 68a disposed on one surface of the ink ribbon 68 to the print belt 22, printing text, symbols, etc. on the print belt 22. The used ink ribbon 68 that has passed through the print position P is fed into the ribbon housing 21 through the input port 132 and wound onto the take-up shaft 76. The input port 132 is located to the left of the discharge port 130 and is disposed in the third housing member 16. Roller 80 presses and adheres the transparent adhesive tape 60 onto the printing surface of the printing tape 22, which has passed the printing position P. Thus, the printing surface of the printing tape 22 is protected by the adhesive tape 60.

[0112] Figure 15The diagram schematically shows a stack of printing tape 22 and adhesive tape 60 fed from tape cassette 10. The adhesive tape 60, consisting of a transparent film 60a with one side coated with adhesive 60b, adheres to the printing surface side of the printing tape 22, i.e., the printing surface side. This protects the ink 68a transferred to the printing surface of the printing tape 22. Figure 15 The dimensions and aspect ratios of the components 22a to 22c, 60a, 60b, and 68a in the laminate are illustrative only and not accurate.

[0113] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the lower surface of the third housing member 16. Within the second space S2 between the third housing member 16 and the fourth housing member 18, i.e., within the ribbon housing 21, the adhesive tape roll 64, the ink tape roll 72, the take-up shaft 76, and the roller 80 are housed. As described above, the ribbon housing 21 is configured to overlap the printing tape housing 20 below. When the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38 housed in the printing tape housing 20 are projected in the second space S2 in the vertical direction onto a projection plane extending in the front-back and left-right directions, the projection positions of the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38 are determined by… Figure 16 The single-dotted line indicates this. Since the spacer 38 has approximately the same diameter as the printing tape roll 26, therefore... Figure 16 The image only shows a single-dotted line indicating print roll 26. (See image for example.) Figure 16 As shown, the adhesive tape roll 64, ink tape roll 72, and take-up shaft 76 are positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 26 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 64 and at least a portion of the adhesive tape shaft 62 overlap with the printing tape roll 26 in the vertical direction. More specifically, a portion of the adhesive tape roll 64 and a portion of the adhesive tape shaft 62 overlap with the printing tape shaft 24 and the printing tape 22 wound on the printing tape shaft 24, respectively, in the vertical direction.

[0114] exist Figure 16In this configuration, the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38 having substantially the same diameter overlap vertically with at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 64 having the adhesive tape shaft 62 and its second rotation center line C2, at least a portion of the ink tape roll 72 and its third rotation center line C3, at least a portion of the take-up shaft 76 and its fourth rotation center line C4, and at least a portion of the recess 99 and the recess wall 16c. When the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38 are projected vertically, the adhesive tape roll 64 and its second rotation center line C2, the ink tape roll 72 and its third rotation center line C3, the take-up shaft 76 and its fourth rotation center line C4, the recess 99 and the recess wall 16c are located within the projection plane of the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38. Furthermore, at least a portion of the recess 99 and the recess wall 16c overlaps vertically with the printing tape shaft 24. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, a portion of the printing tape roll 26 and the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 24, are located between one side end (right end 99a) and the other side end (left end 99b) of the recess 99 in the left-right direction. Additionally, the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 24, is located between the discharge port 130 and the right end 99a of the recess 99 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the adhesive tape shaft 62 is located between the right end 99a and the left end 99b of the recess 99 in the left-right direction. In particular, the second rotation center line C2, which serves as the rotation center of the adhesive tape roll 62, is located between the right end 99a of the recess 99 and the discharge port 130 in the left-right direction. Moreover, in Figure 16 In the front-back direction and the left-right direction, the distance from the center position M, which is the center of the tape cassette 10 in the front-back direction and the center in the left-right direction, to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 26 is set to be less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 99.

[0115] Figure 17 yes Figure 6 The XVI I-XVI I sectional view. In the vertical direction, the distance D between the lower end of the printing tape roll 26 and the upper end of the adhesive tape roll 64 is less than the width W1 of the adhesive tape 60. Since the printing tape 22 and the adhesive tape 60 have the same width, the distance D is less than the width of the printing tape roll 26.

[0116] Figure 18The diagram shows a cassette mounting section 104 disposed in a portion of the printing apparatus 102 included in the printing system 122. The cassette mounting section 104 has a rectangular positioning hole 112 for positioning the embedded cassette 10, and a take-up shaft drive shaft 108 and a roller drive shaft 110 erected on the lower surface of the positioning hole 112. The positioning hole 112 serves as a receiving portion, accommodating a portion of the ribbon housing 21, which is part of the lower housing of the cassette 10. The take-up shaft drive shaft 108 and the roller drive shaft 110 are driven to rotate in the same direction by a stepper motor (not shown) via a gear mechanism. On the lower surface of the positioning hole 112 of the cassette mounting section 104, a printhead retaining plate 114, on which a thermal printhead (thermal printhead) 106 is fixed, is erected, and a pressure roller retaining member 120 is disposed in a manner rotatable about its base end. The pressure roller 116 and the pressure roller 118 are rotatably disposed at the head end of the pressure roller retaining member 120. The printhead retainer plate 114 is, for example, an aluminum metal plate that also serves as a heat sink for the printhead.

[0117] When the tape cassette 10 is installed into the tape cassette mounting section 104 of the printing device 102, the take-up shaft drive shaft 108 and the roller drive shaft 110, which are provided in the tape cassette mounting section 104, are erected and connected to the take-up shaft 76 and the roller 80. Then, when the cover (not shown) of the printing device 102 is closed with the tape cassette 10 installed in the tape cassette mounting section 104, the pressure roller holding member 120 rotates about its base end, and the pressure roller 116 and the pressure roller 118 are pressed against the print head 106 and the roller 80 of the tape cassette 10. The printing device 102 and the tape cassette 10 constitute the printing system 122.

[0118] The tape cassette 10 of this embodiment includes: a rotatable print tape roll 26 wound around a print tape 22, which is the printing medium; and an outer peripheral wall 16w located on one side (lower side) of the print tape roll 26 in the width direction (first direction) of the print tape 22, having a first sidewall 16a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second sidewall 16b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and a recessed wall 16c defining a recess 99 extending upward in a third direction from the second sidewall 16b on one side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess 99 overlaps with the print tape roll 26 in the first direction. Thus, because the print tape roll 26 overlaps with its lower recessed wall 16c in the first direction (vertical direction), and at least a portion of the recess 99 overlaps with the print tape roll 26 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0119] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 10 has a printing tape roll 26 that winds the printing tape 22 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 24, and at least a portion of the recessed wall 16c overlaps with the printing tape shaft 24 in a first direction. Therefore, compared to a case where at least a portion of the recessed wall 16c does not overlap with the printing tape shaft 24 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0120] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the recess 99 of the tape cassette 10 overlaps with the printing tape shaft 24 in the first direction. As a result, compared to the case where at least a portion of the recess 99 does not overlap with the printing tape shaft 24 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0121] In this embodiment, the cassette 10 has its rotation center line C1, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, located in the third direction between one end 16a and the other end 16b of the recess 99. Therefore, compared to cases where it is not located between one end 16a and the other end 16b of the recess 99, the cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0122] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 10 has a printing tape roll 26 that winds the printing tape 22 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 24. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 24 is located between one end and the other end of the third direction of the recess 99. As a result, compared to the case where at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 24 is not located between one end 16a and the other end 16b of the third direction of the recess 99, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0123] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10 has its rotation center line C1 of the printing tape shaft 24 located between the discharge port 130 and the third-direction end of the recess 99 in the third direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape shaft 24 is not located between the discharge port 130 and the third-direction end of the recess 99, the cartridge 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0124] The tape cassette 10 of this embodiment includes a printing tape housing (first housing) 20 that houses the printing tape roll 26 and a ribbon housing (second housing) 21 located on one side in a first direction relative to the printing tape housing 20 and having an outer peripheral wall 16w. The ribbon housing 21 includes a discharge port 130 defined by a second side wall 16b, located in the third direction between one end 16a and the other end 16b of the recess 99, for discharging the printing tape 22 supplied from the printing tape roll 26 from the printing tape housing 20 into the recess 99. In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape roll 26, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, is located between the discharge port 130 and the third end 16a of the recess 99. Thus, compared to the case where the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 26 is not located between the discharge port 130 and the third end 16a of the recess 99 in the third direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0125] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 10 has a recess 99 that overlaps with at least a portion of the printing tape housing (first housing) 20 in a first direction. As a result, compared to the case where the recess 99 does not overlap with at least a portion of the printing tape housing (first housing) 20 in the first direction, the tape cassette is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0126] The tape cassette 10 of this embodiment includes: a rotatable supply shaft 70 located on one side of the printing tape roll 26 in a first direction, for winding an ink tape 68 for printing on the printing tape 22 supplied from the printing tape roll 26; and a rotatable take-up shaft 76 located on one side of the printing tape roll 26 in the first direction, for taking up the ink tape 68 supplied from the supply shaft 70. At least a portion of the supply shaft 70 and at least a portion of the take-up shaft 76 overlap with the printing tape roll 26 in the first direction. Thus, compared to the case where at least a portion of the supply shaft 70 and at least a portion of the take-up shaft 76 do not overlap with the printing tape roll 26 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0127] The tape cassette 10 of this embodiment includes a rotatable adhesive tape roll 64, which is located on one side of the printing tape roll 26 in a first direction and is wound with adhesive tape 60 for bonding to the printing tape 22. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 64 overlaps with the printing tape roll 26 in the first direction. Thus, compared to the case where at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 64 does not overlap with the printing tape roll 26 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0128] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 10 has an adhesive tape roll 64 constructed by winding adhesive tape 60 onto an adhesive tape shaft 62. The adhesive tape shaft 62 overlaps with the printing tape roll 26 in a first direction. As a result, compared to the case where the adhesive tape shaft 62 and the printing tape roll 26 do not overlap in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0129] In this embodiment, the second rotation center line C2, which serves as the rotation center of the adhesive tape roll 62, is located between one end and the other end 16b of the recess 99 in the third direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the second rotation center line C2 of the adhesive tape roll 62 is not located between one end and the other end 16b of the recess 99 in the third direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0130] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position M (which is the center of the tape cassette 10 in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 26 is less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 99. Therefore, compared to the case where the distance from the center position M of the tape cassette 10 to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 26 is greater than the distance from the center position M to the recess 99, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0131] The cartridge 10 of this embodiment includes: a printing tape roll 26 wound with a printing tape 22; a partition 38 abutting against the printing tape roll 26 in a first direction; a first sidewall 16a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall 16b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall 16c formed in a U-shape for defining a recess 99, the recess 99 extending from the second sidewall 16b toward the second direction side, on the second direction side of the second sidewall 16b ( Figure 16 The left side of the recess 99 extends upward in a third direction, wherein the first sidewall 16a, the second sidewall 16b, and the recess wall 16c are part of the outer peripheral wall 16w located on one side of the printing tape roll 26 and the spacer 38 in the first direction. At least a portion of the recess 99 overlaps with the spacer 38 in the first direction. Thus, because at least a portion of the recess 99 overlaps with the spacer 38 in the first direction, the tape cassette 10 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0132] [Implementation Method Two]

[0133] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, common parts in the various embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

[0134] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a non-layered tape box 210 of another embodiment of the present invention, showing the front side, i.e., the top surface. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the tape cassette 210 shown from the rear side, i.e., the lower surface side. The tape cassette 210 is generally rectangular in shape and is designed to be detachably mounted to components that are otherwise identical to those in the original tape cassette, except for those that are slightly different in size and do not include the roller drive shaft 110. Figure 18 Printers with the same structure. The following uses... Figure 18 The printer will be described using printing equipment 102. Since the tape cassette 210 of this embodiment is a non-laminated type excluding the adhesive tape roll 64 and roller 80, it is smaller than the laminated type tape cassette 10. Like tape cassette 10, tape cassette 210 includes a first housing, i.e., a printing tape housing 220, composed of a first housing member 212 and a second housing member 214, and a second housing, i.e., a ribbon housing 221, composed of a third housing member 216 and a fourth housing member 218. The first housing member 212 to the fourth housing member 218 are... Figure 18 The shell components 212, 214, 216, and 218 are stacked vertically. They are fixed to each other by the engagement of multiple mating claws 227 and fixing claws 228 respectively located between their outer peripheral walls, and by the positioning of positioning protrusions 229. In this embodiment, the upper surface of each shell component 212-218 is referred to as the upper surface or front surface, and the lower surface is referred to as the lower surface or back surface.

[0135] The ribbon housing 221 is located on the vertical side relative to the printing tape housing 220. In this embodiment, the ribbon housing 221 is located on the lower side relative to the printing tape housing 220 in the vertical direction. The printing tape housing 220 rotatably accommodates the printing tape roll 226 in a first space S1 formed therein, and the printing tape roll 226 is wound around the printing tape 222, which is the printing medium. The printing tape roll 226 is configured to wind the strip-shaped printing tape 222 onto the printing tape shaft 224, which is a cylindrical shaft core member. The width direction of the printing tape 222 is the vertical direction, which is the first direction. The radial direction of the printing tape roll 226 is the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and the radial direction is a vertical direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical direction can be any direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The printing tape 222, the printing tape shaft 224, and the printing tape roll 226 correspond to the printing medium, the printing medium shaft, and the printing medium roll. The ribbon housing 221 rotatably houses the ribbon roll 272 and the take-up shaft 276 within a second space S2 formed therein. The ribbon roll 272 is configured such that a strip-shaped ribbon 268 is wound around the take-up shaft 276 such that the width direction of the ribbon 268 is vertical. The ribbon 268 is used for printing onto the strip-shaped printing belt 222. The take-up shaft 276 takes the ribbon 268 pulled out from the ribbon roll 272.

[0136] like Figure 20 As shown, a take-up shaft support hole 294 is provided on the lower surface of the fourth housing member 218 of the tape cassette 210. The connecting hole 296 of the take-up shaft 276 (described later) is exposed through the take-up shaft support hole 294. When the tape cassette 210 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 of the printing device 102, the take-up shaft drive shaft 108 provided in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the connecting hole 296. Furthermore, recesses 299 are formed on the side surfaces of the third housing member 216 and the fourth housing member 218, that is, on a portion of the outer peripheral wall 216w of the ribbon housing 221 and a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second housing member 214. When the tape cassette 210 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 of the printing device 102, the print head 106 of the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the recesses 299. Figure 20 As shown, the upper end of the recess 299 is defined by the surface of the lower side of the second housing member 214.

[0137] Figure 21 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the housing 210, showing the first housing member 212, the second housing member 214, the third housing member 216, and the fourth housing member 218 separately. Figure 22 This is a front view showing the upper surface side of the first housing member 212. Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the first housing member 212. Figure 24 This is a front view showing the upper surface side of the second housing member 214. Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the second housing member 214. Figure 26 yes Figure 24 The XXVI-XXVI cross-sectional view shows the state in which the printing tape 222 is mounted inside the ribbon housing 221 from the printing tape housing 220. Figure 27 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the second housing member 214. Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the third housing member 216. Figure 29 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the third housing member 216. Figure 30 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the fourth housing member 218. Figure 31 This is a bottom view showing the lower surface side of the fourth housing member 218.

[0138] In the first space S1 between the first housing member 212 and the second housing member 214, the printing tape roll 226 is accommodated in a manner that allows it to rotate about a first rotation center line C1 parallel to the vertical direction. The first housing member 212 and the second housing member 214 are rectangular. The first rotation center line C1 is located slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction (a second direction) and approximately near the center in the front-back direction (a third direction). For example... Figure 34 As shown, a release tape 222c is layered on the side opposite to the printing surface of the printing tape 222a through an adhesive 222b to form a printing tape 222.

[0139] like Figure 21 and Figure 23 As shown, a cylindrical first support protrusion 230 and a first circumferential wall 234 are provided on the lower surface side of the first housing member 212. The first support protrusion 230 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 224 to rotatably support the printing tape roll 226. The inner diameter of the first circumferential wall 234 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 226. The first support protrusion 230 and the first circumferential wall 234 are configured to protrude downward from the lower surface side of the first housing member 212 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, a cylindrical second support protrusion 232 and a second circumferential wall 236 are provided on the upper surface side of the second housing member 214. The second support protrusion 232 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 224 to support the printing tape roll 226 in a rotatable manner. The inner diameter of the second circumferential wall 236 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 226. The second support protrusion 232 and the second circumferential wall 236 are configured to protrude upward from the upper surface side of the second housing member 214 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. The printing tape roll 226 is disposed between the first housing member 212 and the second housing member 214 with circular spacers 238 having an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 226 located above and below the printing tape roll 226, respectively.

[0140] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, printing tape doors 240 and 242 are formed on the lower surface of the first housing member 212 and the upper surface of the second housing member 214 by cutting a portion of the first circumferential wall 234 and the second circumferential wall 236, for pulling the printing tape 222 out from a certain position from the printing tape roll 226. Figure 23 As shown, a guide wall 248 extending to the left from the printing tape gate 240 is formed on the lower surface side of the first housing member 212 for guiding the printing tape 222 pulled out from the printing tape roll 226 in a certain direction. Figure 24 As shown, a guide wall 250 extending from the left end of the printing tape gate 242 to the left is formed on the upper surface side of the second housing member 214 for guiding the printing tape 222 pulled out from the printing tape roll 226 in a certain direction.

[0141] like Figure 24 As shown, a through hole 252 is formed on the bottom plate 214a of the second housing member 214, extending in both the front-rear and left-right directions between the short side 246a and the long side 246b of the second circumferential wall 236 and the outer circumferential wall 246, and is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the front. Multiple guide ribs 254 are formed between the portion of the second circumferential wall 236 opposite to the corners of the short side 246a and the long side 246b and the through hole 252. The multiple guide ribs 254 guide the printing tape 222, which is pulled out of the printing tape roll 226 and fed through the printing tape gates 240 and 242, into the through hole 252. Figure 25 The first housing member 212 is shown with the tape 210 removed. (See diagram.) Figure 25 As shown, the printing tape 222 pulled from the printing tape roll 226 is guided through the through hole 252 into the second space S2 between the third housing member 216 and the fourth housing member 218. The printing tape 222 is supported between the printing tape housing 220 and the ribbon housing 221 through the through hole 252 formed in the base plate 214a, which serves to separate the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0142] like Figure 26 As shown, the printing tape 222 is obliquely mounted inside the ribbon housing 221 from within the printing tape housing 220 through the through-hole 252. More specifically, as described later. Figure 33 As shown, the printing tape 222 is mounted in the recess 299 of the tape housing 221. Figure 27 The lower surface side of the second housing member 214 is shown. (As shown) Figure 27 As shown, on the back side of the bottom plate 214a of the second housing component 214, a through hole 252 is opened, and a guide wall 256 is erected along the through hole 252 in the vertical direction. Figure 28 The upper surface of the third housing member 216 is shown. A through hole 258, a tape support hole 274, and a take-up shaft support hole 278 are formed on the top plate 216e of the third housing member 216. The through hole 258 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 252 of the second housing member 214, for allowing the printing tape 222 pulled from the printing tape roll 226 to access the second space S2. That is, a portion of the through hole 252 and a portion of the through hole 258 repeat each other in the vertical direction.

[0143] The bottom plate 214a of the second housing member 214 and the top plate 216e of the third housing member 216 separate the first space S1 inside the printing tape housing 220 and the second space S2 inside the ribbon housing 221.

[0144] One end of the supply shaft 270, on which the ink tape 268 is wound, is inserted into the ink tape support hole 274, thereby supporting the ink tape roll 272 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a third rotation center line C3 parallel to the first rotation center line C1. One end of the take-up shaft 276, which takes the ink tape 268 pulled from the ink tape roll 272, is inserted into the take-up shaft support hole 278, thereby supporting the take-up shaft 276 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a fourth rotation center line C4 parallel to the first rotation center line C1.

[0145] like Figure 29 As shown, a ribbon roll holding wall 286 and a cylindrical protrusion 288 are formed on the lower surface of the third housing member 216. The ribbon roll holding wall 286 is used to determine the ribbon roll configuration position of the ribbon 268 wound on the take-up shaft 276, and is formed in an arc shape around the take-up shaft support hole 278. The cylindrical protrusion 288 is formed to protrude downward from around the ribbon support hole 274 and has convex and concave protrusions arranged in the circumferential direction on its end face.

[0146] like Figure 21As shown, the clutch spring retaining part 290, which houses the clutch spring, is embedded between one end of the supply shaft 270 of the winding ink tape 268 and the head end face of the cylindrical protrusion 288. The supply shaft 270 applies appropriate rotational resistance to the ink tape roll 272 through the clutch spring located in the clutch spring retaining part 90.

[0147] Figure 30 and Figure 31 The upper and lower surfaces of the fourth housing member 218 are shown. The fourth housing member 218 has a winding shaft support hole 294 extending through it. The other end of the winding shaft 276 is inserted into the winding shaft support hole 294, which rotatably supports the winding shaft 276. The fourth housing member 218 has a cylindrical support protrusion 297, the other end of the supply shaft 270 is inserted into the support protrusion 297, which rotatably supports the supply shaft 270. A connecting hole 296 formed on the end face of the other end of the winding shaft 276 is exposed to the lower surface of the fourth housing member 218 through the winding shaft support hole 294, as shown. Figure 21 As shown. When the tape cassette 210 is installed in the printing device 102, the take-up shaft drive shaft 108 of the printing device 102 is inserted into the connection hole 296 and connected to the take-up shaft 276. The take-up shaft 276 is driven to rotate by the take-up shaft drive shaft 108.

[0148] Figure 32 yes Figure 24 XXXI I-XXXI I sectional view. A third space S3 with a predetermined volume is formed between the printing tape housing 220 and the ribbon housing 221, that is, between the bottom plate 214a of the second housing member 214 and the top plate 216e of the third housing member 216.

[0149] like Figure 20 and Figure 29 As shown, a recess 299 is formed in the ribbon housing 221, which is composed of the third housing member 216 and the fourth housing member 218. The recess 299 is used when the ribbon cartridge 210 is installed... Figure 18 The tape cassette mounting section 104 shown accommodates a printhead retaining plate 114, which is used to hold the printhead 106 erected on the tape cassette mounting section 104. Figure 29As shown, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 216w of the third housing member 216 is formed with: a first sidewall 216a extending in the front-rear direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction; a second sidewall 216b extending in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to both the vertical and front-rear directions; and a U-shaped recessed wall 216c surrounding the recess 299. The recessed wall 216c is composed of an inner wall 216h extending in the left-right direction opposite to the second sidewall 216b in the front-rear direction, an inner wall 216i extending rearward from the right end of the inner wall 216h, an inner wall 216j extending leftward from the rear end of the inner wall 216i, and an inner wall 216k extending forward from the left end of the inner wall 216j. Through the second sidewall 216b and the recessed wall 216c, the recess 299 is defined as extending rearward from the left end of the second sidewall 216b and extending in the left-right direction behind the second sidewall 216b. In the fourth housing member 218, as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, a U-shaped cutout 218a corresponding to the concave wall portion 216c is formed. The concave portion 299 is formed by the concave wall 216c and the cutout 218a. Figure 21 As shown, a portion of the upper end of the recess 299 is defined by the lower surface of the second housing member 214. That is, the recess 299 overlaps with the second housing member 214 and the first housing member 212 in the vertical direction.

[0150] Figure 33 The lower surface of the third housing member 216 is shown when the tape cassette 210 is installed in the tape cassette mounting section 104 of the printing device 102. As described above, the printing tape 222 is pulled out from the printing tape roll 226 and obliquely mounted in the second space S2 within the ribbon housing 221 from the first space S1 within the printing tape housing 220 through through holes 252 and 258. Therefore, the lower surface of the third housing member 216 is shown. Figure 33 In the diagram, the printing tape 222 is shown through a through-hole 258 at the rear of the third housing member 216. When the tape cassette 210 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104, which is upright and equipped with a take-up shaft drive shaft 108, the take-up shaft 276, driven by the take-up shaft drive shaft 108, winds up the ink tape 268, thereby pulling the printing tape 222, which is pressure-clamped between the print head 106 and the pressure roller 116 together with the ink tape 268, out of the printing tape roll 226. Figure 33 In the diagram, the path of the printing tape 222 and the path of the ink tape 268 pulled from the ink tape roll 272 by the drive take-up shaft 276 are shown by double-dotted lines and dashed lines, respectively.

[0151] like Figure 33As shown, the print belt 222 and ink ribbon 268 are discharged from the discharge port 300 toward the printing position P. The discharge port 300 is a through gap defined by the left ends of the second sidewall 216b and the left ends of the sidewall 216h in the left-right direction. At the printing position P between the print head 106 and the pressure roller 116, the print belt 222 is pressed against the print head 106 with the ink ribbon 268 in between. In this state, multiple heating elements disposed on the surface of the print head 106 are selectively driven to generate localized heat, thereby transferring a portion of the ink 268a disposed on one surface of the ink ribbon 268 to the print belt 222, printing text, symbols, etc. on the print belt 222. The used ink ribbon 268 that has passed through the printing position P is fed into the ribbon housing 221 through the input port 302 and wound onto the take-up shaft 276. The input port 302 is located to the left of the discharge port 300 and is disposed in the third housing member 216.

[0152] Figure 34 The stacked structure of the printing tape 222 fed from the tape cassette 210 is schematically shown. The printing tape 222 is a stack of printing tape 222a and a release tape 222c adhered to the non-printing side of the printing tape 222a through an adhesive 222b. The printing surface of the printing tape 222a is transferred with ink 268a from the ink tape 268. Figure 34 The dimensions and aspect ratios of the components of the laminate are illustrative only and not accurate.

[0153] Figure 35 This is a diagram showing the lower surface of the third housing member 216. Within the second space S2 between the third housing member 216 and the fourth housing member 218, i.e., within the ribbon housing 221, the ribbon roll 272 and the take-up spool 276 are housed. As described above, the ribbon housing 221 is configured to overlap the print tape housing 220 below. When the print tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 housed in the print tape housing 220 are projected in the second space S2 in the vertical direction onto a projection plane extending in the front-back and left-right directions, the projection positions of the print tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 are determined by… Figure 35 The single-dotted line indicates this. Since the spacer 238 has approximately the same diameter as the printing tape roll 226, therefore... Figure 35 The image only shows a single-dotted line representing print roll 226. (See image for example.) Figure 35 As shown, the ink tape roll 272 and the take-up shaft 276 are positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 226 in the vertical direction.

[0154] At least a portion of the supply shaft 270, at least a portion of the ink ribbon 268 or ink ribbon roll 272, and at least a portion of the ink ribbon 268 wound on the take-up shaft 276 via the take-up shaft 276 and the printing position P overlap with the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 in the vertical direction. That is, at least a portion of the ink ribbon 268 or ink ribbon roll 272 that has been wound on the take-up shaft 276 or is being wound from the input port 302 onto the take-up shaft 276 is located in the projection plane of the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 in the vertical direction.

[0155] exist Figure 35 In this configuration, the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 having substantially the same diameter overlap vertically with at least a portion of the ink tape roll 272 and its third rotation center line C3, at least a portion of the take-up shaft 276 and its fourth rotation center line C4, the recess 299, and at least a portion of the recess wall 216c. When the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238 are projected vertically, at least a portion of the ink tape roll 272 and its third rotation center line C3, at least a portion of the take-up shaft 276 and its fourth rotation center line C4, the recess 299, and at least a portion of the recess wall 216c lie within the projection plane of the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238. Furthermore, at least a portion of the recess 299 and the recess wall 216c overlap vertically with the printing tape shaft 224. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, a portion of the printing tape roll 226 and the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 224, are located between one side end (right end 299a) and the other side end (left end 299b) of the recess 299 in the left-right direction. Moreover, the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 224, is located between the discharge port 300 and the right end 299a of the recess 299 in the left-right direction. Figure 35 In the front-back direction and the left-right direction, the distance from the center position M, which is the center of the tape cassette 210 in the front-back direction and the center in the left-right direction, to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 226 is set to be less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 299.

[0156] The tape cassette 210 of this embodiment includes: a rotatable print tape roll 226 wound around a print tape 222 as the printing medium; and an outer peripheral wall 216w located on one side of the print tape roll 226 in the width direction (i.e., the first direction) of the print tape 222, having a first sidewall 216a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second sidewall 216b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and a U-shaped recessed wall 216c defining a recess 299 extending upward in a third direction from the second sidewall 216b on one side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess 299 overlaps with the print tape roll 226 in the first direction. Thus, because the print tape housing 220 having the print tape roll 226 overlaps with the ribbon housing 221 having the recessed wall 216c in the first direction (i.e., the vertical direction), and at least a portion of the recess 299 overlaps with the print tape roll 226 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0157] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 210 has a printing tape roll 226 that winds the printing tape 222 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 224, with at least a portion of the recessed wall 216c overlapping the printing tape shaft 224 in a first direction. Therefore, compared to cases where at least a portion of the recessed wall 216c does not overlap the printing tape shaft 224 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0158] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the recess 299 in the tape cassette 210 overlaps with the printing tape shaft 224 in the first direction. Therefore, compared to cases where at least a portion of the recess 299 does not overlap with the printing tape shaft 224 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0159] In this embodiment, the cassette 210 has its rotation center line C1, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, located in the third direction between one end and the other end of the recess 299. Therefore, compared to cases where it is not located between one end and the other end of the recess 299, the cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0160] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 210 has a printing tape roll 226 that winds the printing tape 222 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 224. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 224 is located between one end and the other end of the third direction of the recess 299. Therefore, compared to the case where at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 224 is not located between one end and the other end of the third direction of the recess 299, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0161] In this embodiment, the cartridge 210 has its rotation center, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, of the printing tape shaft 224 located between the discharge port 300 and the third-direction end of the recess 299 in the third direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape shaft 224 is not located between the discharge port 300 and the third-direction end of the recess 299, the cartridge 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0162] The tape cassette 210 of this embodiment includes a printing tape housing (first housing) 220 that houses the printing tape roll 226 and a ribbon housing (second housing) 221 located on one side in a first direction relative to the printing tape housing 220 and having an outer peripheral wall 216w. The ribbon housing 221 includes a discharge port 300 defined by a second side wall 216b, located in the third direction between one end 216a and the other end 216b of the recess 299, for discharging the printing tape 222 supplied from the printing tape roll 226 from the printing tape housing 220 into the recess 299. In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing tape roll 226, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, is located between the discharge port 300 and the third end of the recess 299. Therefore, compared to the case where the first rotation center line C1 of the tape roll 226 is not printed in the third direction and is located between the outlet 300 and the third-direction side end 216a of the recess 299, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction that is perpendicular to the up and down direction.

[0163] In this embodiment, the recess 299 of the tape cassette 210 overlaps with at least a portion of the printing tape housing (first housing) 220 in a first direction. As a result, compared to the case where the recess 299 does not overlap with at least a portion of the first housing 220 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0164] The tape cassette 210 of this embodiment includes: a rotatable supply shaft 270 located on one side of the printing tape roll 226 in a first direction, for winding an ink tape 268 for printing on the printing tape 222 supplied from the printing tape roll 226; and a rotatable take-up shaft 276 located on one side of the printing tape roll 226 in the first direction, for taking up the ink tape 268 supplied from the supply shaft 270. At least a portion of the supply shaft 270 and at least a portion of the take-up shaft 276 overlap with the printing tape roll 226 in the first direction. Therefore, compared to a case where at least a portion of the supply shaft 270 and at least a portion of the take-up shaft 276 do not overlap with the printing tape roll 226 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0165] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position M (which is the center of the tape cassette 210 in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 226 is less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 299. Therefore, compared to the case where the distance from the center position M of the tape cassette 210 to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 226 is greater than the distance from the center position M to the recess 299, the tape cassette 210 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0166] The tape cassette 210 of this embodiment includes: a print tape roll 226 for winding a print tape 222; a partition 238 abutting against the print tape roll 226 in a first direction; a first sidewall 216a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall 216b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall 216c formed in a U-shape for defining a recess 299, the recess 299 extending from the second sidewall 216b toward the second direction side, on the second direction side of the second sidewall 216b ( Figure 16 The left side of the recess 216 extends upward in a third direction. The first sidewall 216a, the second sidewall 216b, and the recess wall 216c are part of the outer peripheral wall 216w located on one side of the first direction relative to the printing tape roll 226 and the spacer 238. At least a portion of the recess 299 overlaps with the spacer 238 in the first direction. Thus, because at least a portion of the recess 299 overlaps with the spacer 238 in the first direction, the tape cassette 210 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0167] [Implementation Method 3]

[0168] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of the tape cassette 410 of another embodiment of the present invention, shown from the front side, i.e., the top surface. The tape cassette 410 is a thermal tape cassette in which the printing tape 422 itself develops color due to heat. Figure 37 This is a perspective view of the tape cartridge 410 shown from the rear side, i.e., the lower surface. The tape cartridge 410 is generally rectangular in shape and is installed in a detachable manner onto a device that is otherwise identical to the one shown, except for a slight difference in size and excluding the tape roll 72 and the take-up spool 76. Figure 18 The cassette mounting section 104 has the same structure. This cassette mounting section 104 does not include the take-up shaft drive shaft 108, but has a protruding roller drive shaft 110.

[0169] The tape cassette 410 of this embodiment includes an adhesive tape roll 464 and a roller 480, but does not include a take-up shaft and an ink ribbon roll. The printed tape 422a of the printing tape 422 in the tape cassette 410 is made of thermal paper that self-develops color when heated. Like tape cassettes 10 and 210, the tape cassette 410 includes a first housing, namely the printing tape housing 420, composed of a first housing member 412 and a second housing member 414, and a second housing, namely the ribbon housing 421, composed of a third housing member 416 and a fourth housing member 418. The printing tape housing 420 has a printing tape roll 426 in a first space S1 formed therein. The ribbon housing 421 is located below the printing tape housing 420 and has an adhesive tape roll 464 in a second space S2 formed therein. The first housing member 412, the second housing member 414, the third housing member 416, and the fourth housing member 418 are overlapped and fixed to each other by the engagement of multiple mating claws 427 and fixing claws 428 respectively provided between their outer peripheral walls, and by the positioning of positioning protrusions 429. In this embodiment, the upper surface of each housing member 412-418 is referred to as the upper surface or front surface, and the lower surface is referred to as the lower surface or back surface.

[0170] The ribbon housing 421 is located on one side in the vertical direction relative to the printing tape housing 420. In this embodiment, the ribbon housing 421 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the printing tape housing 420. The printing tape housing 420 rotatably accommodates the printing tape roll 426 in a first space S1 formed therein, and the printing tape roll 426 is wound around the printing tape 422, which is the printing medium. The printing tape roll 426 is configured to wind the strip-shaped printing tape 422 onto the printing tape shaft 424, which is a cylindrical shaft core member. The width direction of the printing tape 422 is the vertical direction, which is the first direction. The radial direction of the printing tape roll 426 is the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and the radial direction is a vertical direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical direction can be any direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The printing tape 422, the printing tape shaft 424, and the printing tape roll 426 correspond to the printing medium, the printing medium shaft, and the printing medium roll.

[0171] The ribbon housing 421 rotatably accommodates the adhesive tape roll 464 in a second space S2 formed therein. The adhesive tape roll 464 winds the strip-shaped adhesive tape 460, which is used to adhere to the printed tape 422 after printing, onto the adhesive tape shaft 462, such that the width direction of the adhesive tape 460 is vertical.

[0172] like Figure 37As shown, a roller exposure hole 498 is provided in the fourth housing member 418 of the tape cassette 410. The roller exposure hole 498 exposes the shaft end of the roller 480, which will be described later. When the tape cassette 410 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 of the printing equipment 102, the roller drive shaft 110 provided in the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the shaft end of the roller 480. Furthermore, recesses 499 are formed on the side surfaces of the third housing member 416 and the fourth housing member 418, that is, on a portion of the outer peripheral wall 416w of the ribbon housing 421 and a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second housing member 414. When the tape cassette 410 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104, the print head 106 of the tape cassette mounting portion 104 is inserted into the recesses 499. Figure 37 As shown, the upper end of the recess 499 is defined by the surface of the lower side of the second housing member 414.

[0173] Figure 38 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the internal structure of the housing 410, showing the first housing member 412, the second housing member 414, the third housing member 416, and the fourth housing member 418 separately. Figure 39 and Figure 40 The upper and lower surfaces of the first housing member 412 are shown, and the structure is the same as that of the first housing member 212 of the box 210 in Embodiment 2. Figure 41 and Figure 42 The upper and lower surfaces of the second housing member 414 are shown, and their structure is the same as that of the second housing member 214 with box 210 in Embodiment 2. The upper surface of the first housing member 412 is shown as follows. Figure 22 As shown, the lower surface side of the first housing member 412 is as follows: Figure 23 As shown in the diagram. Figure 43 and Figure 44 This is a diagram showing the upper and lower surface sides of the third housing member 416. Figure 45 and Figure 46 This is a diagram showing the upper and lower surface sides of the fourth housing member 418.

[0174] In the first space S1 between the first housing member 412 and the second housing member 414, the printing tape roll 426 is accommodated in a manner that allows it to rotate about a first rotation center line C1 parallel to the vertical direction. The first housing member 412 and the second housing member 414 are rectangular. The first rotation center line C1 is located slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction (a second direction) and approximately near the center in the front-back direction (a third direction). In this embodiment, as... Figure 47 As shown, the printed tape 422a is made of a heat-sensitive material that can be heated to a color such as black, and a partially colored area 422d is shown in a portion of the printed tape 422a.

[0175] like Figure 38 and Figure 40 As shown, a cylindrical first support protrusion 430 and a first circumferential wall 434 are provided on the lower surface side of the first housing member 412. The first support protrusion 430 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 424 to rotatably support the printing tape roll 426. The inner diameter of the first circumferential wall 434 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 426. The first support protrusion 430 and the first circumferential wall 434 are configured to protrude downward from the lower surface side of the first housing member 412 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. Figure 41 As shown, a cylindrical second support protrusion 432 and a second circumferential wall 436 are provided on the upper surface side of the second housing member 414. The second support protrusion 432 is inserted into the cylindrical printing tape shaft 424 to support the printing tape roll 426 in a rotatable manner. The inner diameter of the second circumferential wall 436 is larger than the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 426. The second support protrusion 432 and the second circumferential wall 436 are configured to protrude upward from the upper surface side of the second housing member 414 with a centerline that is the same as the first rotation centerline C1. The printing tape roll 426 is disposed between the first housing member 412 and the second housing member 414 with circular spacers 438 having an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 426 located above and below the printing tape roll 426, respectively.

[0176] like Figure 41 As shown, a through hole 452 is formed in the base plate 414a of the second housing member 414, extending in both the front-rear and left-right directions along the short side 446a and long side 446b of the second circumferential wall 436 and the outer circumferential wall 446, and is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the front. Multiple guide ribs 454 are formed between the portion of the second circumferential wall 436 opposite the corners of the short side 446a and long side 446b and the through hole 452. The multiple guide ribs 454 guide the printing tape 422 pulled from the printing tape roll 426 into the through hole 452. Thus, the printing tape 422 is supported between the printing tape housing 420 and the ribbon housing 421 through the through hole 452 formed in the base plate 414a, which serves as a partition wall separating the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0177] like Figure 42 and Figure 43 As shown, the bottom plate 414a of the second housing member 414 and the top plate 416e of the third housing member 416 separate the first space S1 inside the printing tape housing 420 and the second space S2 inside the ribbon housing 421.

[0178] like Figure 44As shown, an adhesive tape roll retaining wall 486 and a cylindrical protrusion 488 are formed on the lower surface of the third housing member 416. The adhesive tape roll retaining wall 486 is used to determine the configuration position of the adhesive tape roll 464. The cylindrical protrusion 488 is inserted to support the adhesive tape shaft 462 of the adhesive tape roll 464 in a rotatable manner. The adhesive tape roll retaining wall 486 is formed in an arc shape concentric with the cylindrical protrusion 488 for retaining the adhesive tape shaft 462.

[0179] Figure 45 and Figure 46 The upper and lower surfaces of the fourth housing member 418 are shown. A through-hole 494 for the adhesive tape shaft is formed in the fourth housing member 418. The adhesive tape shaft support hole 494 is inserted to rotatably support the end of the adhesive tape shaft 462 on the fourth housing member 418 side. Furthermore, a through-hole 498 for the roller exposure is formed in the fourth housing member 418. The roller exposure hole 498 is inserted to rotatably support the end of the roller 480 on the fourth housing member 418 side, and exposes the shaft end of the roller 480 on the fourth housing member 418 side, thereby enabling the roller 480 to be connected to the roller drive shaft 110.

[0180] like Figure 37 As shown, a recess 499 is formed in the ribbon housing 421, which is composed of the third housing member 416 and the fourth housing member 418. The recess 499 is used when the ribbon cartridge 410 is installed... Figure 18 The tape cassette mounting section 104 shown accommodates a printhead retaining plate 114, which is used to hold the printhead 106 erected on the tape cassette mounting section 104. Figure 44 As shown, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 416w of the third housing member 416 is formed with: a first sidewall 416a extending in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; a second sidewall 416b extending in a left-right direction perpendicular to both the vertical and front-rear directions; and a U-shaped recessed wall 416c surrounding the recess 499. The recessed wall 416c is composed of an inner wall 416h extending in a left-right direction opposite to the second sidewall 416b in the front-rear direction, an inner wall 416i extending rearward from the right end of the inner wall 416h, an inner wall 416j extending leftward from the rear end of the inner wall 416i, and an inner wall 416k extending forward from the left end of the inner wall 416j. Through the second sidewall 416b and the recessed wall 416c, the recess 499 is defined as extending rearward from the left end of the second sidewall 416b and extending in a left-right direction behind the second sidewall 416b. In the fourth housing member 418, as Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, a U-shaped cutout 418a corresponding to the concave wall portion 416c is formed. The concave portion 499 is formed by the concave wall 416c and the cutout 418a. Figure 37As shown, a portion of the upper end of the recess 499 is defined by the lower surface of the second housing member 414. That is, the recess 499 overlaps with the second housing member 414 and the first housing member 412 in the vertical direction.

[0181] Figure 47 This diagram shows the lower surface of the third housing member 416 when the tape cassette 410 is installed in the tape cassette mounting section 104 of the printing device 102. The printing tape 422 is pulled out from the printing tape roll 426 and, through through holes 452 and 458, is inclined from the first space S1 within the printing tape housing 420 into the second space S2 within the ribbon housing 421. Therefore, in the diagram showing the third housing member 416… Figure 47 In the diagram, the printing tape 422 is shown through a through-hole 458 at the rear of the third housing member 416. When the tape cassette 410 is installed in the tape cassette mounting portion 104, which is upright and equipped with a roller drive shaft 110, the roller 480, driven by the roller drive shaft 110, pressurizes and conveys the printing tape 422 and the adhesive tape 460. Thus, the printing tape 422 is pulled from the printing tape roll 426 between the print head 106 and the pressure roller 116 and discharged from the discharge port 500. Figure 47 In the diagram, the paths of printing tape 422 and adhesive tape 460 are indicated by double-dotted lines and dashed lines, respectively. Figure 47 In the process, when the roller 480 (not shown) is driven to rotate, the printing tape 422 is pulled out from the discharge port 500 toward the printing position P, and overlapped with the adhesive tape 460 by the roller 480. The discharge port 500 is a gap that runs through the left and right directions, defined by the left end of the second sidewall 416b and the left end of the sidewall 416h.

[0182] At the printing position P between the print head 106 and the pressure roller 116, the printing tape 422 is pressed against the print head 106. In this state, multiple heating elements disposed on the surface of the print head 106 are selectively driven to generate localized heat, thereby causing the printed tape 422a of the printing tape 422 to develop color, and text, symbols, etc. are printed on the printing tape 422.

[0183] Figure 48 The stacked structure of the printing tape 422 fed from the tape cassette 410 is schematically shown. The printing tape 422 is a stack of the printing tape 422a and the release tape 422c adhered to the non-printing side of the printing tape 422a through an adhesive 422b. The printing tape 422a has a partially colored area 422d. A transparent film 460a of adhesive tape 460 is stacked on the printing tape 422a, which serves as the substrate of the printing tape 422, through an adhesive 460b.

[0184] Figure 49This is a diagram showing the lower surface of the third housing member 416. Within the second space S2 between the third housing member 416 and the fourth housing member 418, i.e., within the ribbon housing 421, an adhesive tape roll 464 is accommodated. As described above, the ribbon housing 421 is configured to overlap below the printing tape housing 420. When the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 accommodated in the printing tape housing 420 are projected in the second space S2 onto a projection plane extending in the front-back and left-right directions, the projection positions of the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 are determined by… Figure 49 The single-dotted line indicates this. Since the spacer 438 has approximately the same diameter as the printing tape roll 426, therefore... Figure 49 The image shows only a single-dotted line representing roll 426 of printed tape. (Example) Figure 49 As shown, the adhesive tape roll 464 is positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 426 in the vertical direction.

[0185] At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 and the second rotation center line C2 overlap with the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 in the vertical direction. That is, at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 and the second rotation center line C2 are located in the projection plane of the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 in the vertical direction.

[0186] exist Figure 49 In this configuration, the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 having substantially the same diameter overlap with at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 and the second rotation center line C2, as well as at least a portion of the recess 499 and the recess wall 416c, in the vertical direction. When the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438 are projected in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 and the second rotation center line C2, as well as at least a portion of the recess 499 and the recess wall 416c, lie within the projection plane of the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438. Furthermore, at least a portion of the recess 499 and the recess wall 416c overlap with the printing tape shaft 424 in the vertical direction. In addition, in the horizontal direction, the printing tape roll 426 and the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing tape shaft 424, are located between one side end (right end 499a) and the other side end (left end 499b) of the recess 499 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the first rotation center line C1, which serves as the rotation center of the printing belt shaft 424, is located in the left-right direction between the discharge port 500 and the right end 499a of the recess 499. Moreover, in Figure 49 In the front-back direction and the left-right direction, the distance from the center position M, which is the center of the tape cassette 410 in the front-back direction and the center in the left-right direction, to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 426 is set to be less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 499.

[0187] The tape cassette 410 of this embodiment, like that of Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, includes: a rotatable print tape roll 426 wound around a print tape 422, which is the printing medium; and an outer peripheral wall 416w, located on one side of the print tape roll 426 in the width direction (i.e., the first direction) of the print tape 422, having a first sidewall 416a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second sidewall 416b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and a U-shaped recessed wall 416c defining a recess 499 extending upward in a third direction from the second sidewall 416b on one side of the second direction. At least a portion of the recess 499 overlaps with the print tape roll 426 in the first direction. As a result, since the printing tape housing 420 with printing tape roll 426 overlaps with the ribbon housing 421 with recessed wall 416c in the first direction, i.e., the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the recess 499 overlaps with the printing tape roll 426 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 is miniaturized in the vertical direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0188] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 410 has a printing tape roll 426 that winds the printing tape 422 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 424, with at least a portion of the recessed wall 416c overlapping the printing tape shaft 424 in a first direction. Therefore, compared to cases where at least a portion of the recessed wall 416c does not overlap the printing tape shaft 424 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0189] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the recess 499 in the tape cassette 410 overlaps with the printing tape shaft 424 in the first direction. Therefore, compared to cases where at least a portion of the recess 499 does not overlap with the printing tape shaft 424 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0190] In this embodiment, the cassette 410 has its rotation center line C1, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, located in the third direction between one end and the other end of the recess 499. Therefore, compared to cases where it is not located between one end and the other end of the recess 499, the cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0191] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 410 has a printing tape roll 426 that winds the printing tape 422 onto a rotatable printing tape shaft 424. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 424 is located between one end and the other end of the third direction of the recess 499. Therefore, compared to the case where at least a portion of the printing tape shaft 424 is not located between one end and the other end of the third direction of the recess 499, the tape cassette can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0192] In this embodiment, the cartridge 410 has its rotation center, i.e., the first rotation center line C1, of the printing tape shaft 424 located between the discharge port 500 and the third-direction end of the recess 499 in the third direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape shaft 424 is not located between the discharge port 500 and the third-direction end of the recess 499, the cartridge 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0193] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 410 has a recess 499 that overlaps with at least a portion of the printing tape housing (first housing) 420 in a first direction. Therefore, compared to a case where the recess 499 does not overlap with at least a portion of the first housing 420 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0194] The tape cassette 410 of this embodiment includes a rotatable adhesive tape roll 464, which is located on one side in a first direction relative to the printing tape roll 426, and is wound with adhesive tape 460 for bonding to the printing tape 422. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 overlaps with the printing tape roll 426 in the first direction. Thus, compared to the case where at least a portion of the adhesive tape roll 464 does not overlap with the printing tape roll 426 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0195] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 410 is constructed by winding adhesive tape 460 onto an adhesive tape shaft 462. The adhesive tape shaft 462 overlaps with the printing tape roll 426 in the first direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the adhesive tape shaft 462 and the printing tape roll 426 do not overlap in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0196] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 410 has a second rotation center line C2, which serves as the rotation center of the adhesive tape roll 462, located between one end and the other end 416b of the recess 499 in the third direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the second rotation center line C2, which is not the adhesive tape roll 462, is located between one end and the other end 416b of the recess 499 in the third direction, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0197] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position M (which is the center of the tape cassette 410 in both the second and third directions) to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 426 is less than the distance from the center position M to the recess 499. Therefore, compared to the case where the distance from the center position M of the tape cassette 410 to the first rotation center line C1 of the printing tape roll 426 is greater than the distance from the center position M to the recess 499, the tape cassette 410 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0198] The tape cassette 410 of this embodiment includes: a print tape roll 426 wound with a print tape 422; a partition 438 abutting against the print tape roll 426 in a first direction; a first sidewall 416a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second sidewall 416b extending upward in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction; and a recessed wall 416c formed in a U-shape for defining a recess 499, the recess 499 extending from the second sidewall 416b toward the second direction side, on the second direction side of the second sidewall 416b ( Figure 49 The left side of the recess 4169 extends upward in a third direction. The first sidewall 416a, the second sidewall 416b, and the recess wall 416c are part of the outer peripheral wall 416w located on one side of the first direction relative to the printing tape roll 426 and the spacer 438. At least a portion of the recess 499 overlaps with the spacer 438 in the first direction. Thus, because at least a portion of the recess 499 overlaps with the spacer 438 in the first direction, the tape cassette 410 is miniaturized in the vertical direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0199] [Implementation Method Four]

[0200] Figure 50 and Figure 51 These are perspective views of the upper and lower surfaces of the cartridge 510 according to other embodiments of the present invention. The cartridge 510 of this embodiment, as shown... Figure 52 As shown, only the printing tape roll 526 is present. The printing tape 522 of the printing tape roll 526 in this embodiment is the same as the printing tape 422 in embodiment three, in that the release tape 522c is laminated on the side opposite to the printing surface of the printed tape 522a, which serves as the substrate, through the adhesive 522b. Figure 53 The printed tape 522 after printing is shown, fed from tape cassette 510. The printed tape 522 of this embodiment is similar to... Figure 34Similarly, the printing tape 422 of Embodiment 3 shown is composed of a printable tape 522a as a substrate and a release tape 522c laminated to the printable tape 522a with an adhesive 522b. The printable tape 522a is made of a heat-sensitive material that self-colors by heating, for example, to black. A partially colored area 522d formed by localized heating is shown in a portion of the printable tape 522a.

[0201] The cassette 510 in this embodiment, as... Figure 52 As shown, compared with Embodiment 2 Figure 21 The first housing member 212, the second housing member 214, the third housing member 216, and the fourth housing member 218 of the tape cartridge 210 shown are similarly composed of the first housing member 512, the second housing member 514, the third housing member 516, and the fourth housing member 518. However, the tape cartridge 510 does not have a tape roll 272 for winding the ink tape 268 on the supply shaft 270 and a winding shaft 276 for winding the ink tape 268, which is different from the tape cartridge 210.

[0202] In this embodiment, the belt box 510, like the belt box 210, has a first sidewall 216a, a second sidewall 216b, and a recess wall 216c for forming a recess 299 in the third housing member 216. Therefore, the belt box 510 has the same effect as the belt box 210.

[0203] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit.

[0204] In the above embodiments, the four shell components 12, 212, 410, and 510—first shell components 12, 212, 412, and 512; second shell components 14, 214, 414, and 514; third shell components 16, 216, 416, and 516; and fourth shell components 18, 218, 418, and 518—overlap in the vertical direction. However, the shell components are not limited to this structure. For example, as... Figure 54As shown, boxes 10, 210, 410, and 510 can be configured such that the first housing member 12, 212, 412, 512, the fifth housing member 501, and the fourth housing member 18, 218, 418, and 518 are stacked vertically. The fifth housing member 501 has a through hole 502 in the vertical direction, corresponding to the through holes 52, 58, etc. in the above embodiment, and is used to separate the first space S1 and the second space S2. The upper surface of the fifth housing member 501 can also be configured to have the same shape as the upper surface of the second housing member 14, 214, 414, and 514, and the lower surface can be configured to have the same shape as the lower surface of the third housing member 16, 216, 416, and 516. In this modified example, a first shell having a first space S1 is formed by the first shell members 12, 212, 412, 512 and the fifth shell member 501, and a second shell having a second space S2 is formed by the fifth shell member 501 and the fourth shell members 18, 218, 418, 518.

[0205] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the recesses 99, 299, 499, and 599 are shaped by U-shaped recess walls 16c, 216c, 416c, and 516c, but are not limited to this shape. For example, they can also be circular recesses.

[0206] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the radial directions of the printing tape roll, adhesive tape roll, ink tape roll, and take-up shaft are set to be horizontal relative to the front-back and left-right directions; however, they may not be set to be horizontal. For example, if the printing tape roll is not horizontal relative to the front-back and left-right directions, the width direction of the printing tape, i.e., the first direction, is a different direction from the vertical direction in the above embodiments. In this case, the second direction perpendicular to the width direction of the printing tape, i.e., the first direction, and the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, are respectively different from the front-back and left-right directions in the above embodiments.

[0207] Furthermore, the arrangement of the printing tape roll, adhesive tape roll, ink tape roll, and take-up shaft is not limited to the positions shown in the above embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, the adhesive tape roll 64 may be arranged to the right of the take-up shaft 76, and the take-up shaft 76 may be arranged in front of the ink tape roll 72.

[0208] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the recess 99, adhesive tape roll 64, supply shaft 70, and take-up shaft 76 are all arranged in a position that overlaps with the printing tape roll 26 in the vertical direction; however, this structure is not limited to this. At least the recess 99 may be arranged in a position that overlaps with the printing tape roll 26 in the vertical direction. Similarly, in Embodiments 2 to 4, at least the recess may be arranged in a position that overlaps with the printing tape roll in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 4 above, the recess or recess wall overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the vertical direction; however, at least the recess or recess wall may overlap with the printing tape wound on the printing tape shaft in the vertical direction.

[0209] Furthermore, the printing tape rolls in embodiments one to four are configured such that the printing tape is wound around a printing tape shaft, which serves as a cylindrical core member. However, the printing tape roll may also be configured by winding around the first support protrusion and the second support protrusion instead of winding it around the printing tape shaft. Similarly, the adhesive tape 60 may be wound without being wound around the adhesive tape shaft 62, and the outer periphery of the adhesive tape 60 may be defined by the adhesive tape roll holding wall 84 and the arcuate wall 92.

[0210] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0211] 10, 210, 410, 510: with box

[0212] 12, 212, 412, 512: First shell component

[0213] 14, 214, 414, 514: Second shell components

[0214] 16, 216, 416, 516: Third shell components

[0215] 16a, 216a, 416a, 516a: First sidewall (outer peripheral wall)

[0216] 16b, 216b, 416b, 516b: Second sidewall (outer peripheral wall)

[0217] 16c, 216c, 416c, 516c: concave wall

[0218] 16h, 216h, 416h, 516h: Inner wall

[0219] 16i, 216i, 416i, 516i: Inner wall

[0220] 16j, 216j, 416j, 516j: Inner wall

[0221] 16k, 216k, 416k, 516k: Inner wall

[0222] 18, 218, 418, 518: Fourth shell component

[0223] 20, 220, 420, 520: Print with housing (first housing, upper housing)

[0224] 21, 221, 421, 521: Ribbon housing (second housing, lower housing)

[0225] 22, 222, 422, 522: Printing tape (the medium being printed, the first medium)

[0226] 22a, 222a, 422a, 522a: Printed tape

[0227] 22b, 222b, 422b, 522b: Adhesives

[0228] 22c, 222c, 422c, 522c: Stripping band

[0229] 24, 224, 424: Printer with shaft

[0230] 26, 226, 426, 526: Printing tape rolls

[0231] 27, 227, 427: For use with claws

[0232] 28, 228, 428: Fixed claws

[0233] 29, 229, 429: Positioning protrusions

[0234] 30, 230, 430: First support protrusion

[0235] 32, 232, 432: Second support protrusions

[0236] 34, 234, 434: First circumferential wall

[0237] 36, 236, 436: Second circumferential wall

[0238] 38, 238, 438: Spacing sheet

[0239] 40, 240: Printer with door

[0240] 42, 242: Printer with door

[0241] 44, 244, 444: Outer peripheral wall of the first shell component

[0242] 44a, 244a, 444a: Short side

[0243] 46, 246, 446: Outer peripheral wall of the second shell component

[0244] 46a, 246a, 446a: Short side

[0245] 46b, 246b: Long side

[0246] 48, 248, 448: Guide wall

[0247] 50, 250, 450: Guide wall

[0248] 52, 252, 452: Through holes

[0249] 54, 254, 454: Guide ribs

[0250] 56, 256, 456: Guide wall

[0251] 58, 258, 458: Through holes

[0252] 60, 460: Adhesive tape

[0253] 60a, 460a: transparent film

[0254] 60b, 460b: Adhesives

[0255] 62, 462: Adhesive tape shaft

[0256] 64:464: ​​Adhesive tape roll

[0257] 66, 466: Adhesive tape roll support holes

[0258] 68, 268: Ink ribbon

[0259] 68a, 268a: Ink

[0260] 70, 270: Supply axis

[0261] 72, 272: Ink ribbon roll

[0262] 74, 274: Ink ribbon support holes

[0263] 76, 276: Winding shaft

[0264] 78, 278: Winding shaft support holes

[0265] 80, 280, 480: Rollers

[0266] 80a, 280a: Connecting parts

[0267] 82, 482: Roller support holes

[0268] 84, 484: Adhesive tape roll retaining wall

[0269] 86, 286: Ink ribbon roll retaining wall

[0270] 88, 288: Cylindrical protrusions

[0271] 90, 290: Clutch spring retainer

[0272] 92, 292: Arc-shaped wall

[0273] 94, 294: Winding shaft support holes

[0274] 96, 296: Connecting holes

[0275] 98, 498: Roller exposed holes

[0276] 99, 299, 499, 599: concave part

[0277] 102: Printing equipment

[0278] 104: Box-mounted installation section

[0279] 106: Printhead

[0280] 108: Winding shaft drive shaft

[0281] 110: Roller drive shaft

[0282] 112: Positioning hole

[0283] 114: Printhead Holding Plate

[0284] 116: Paper pressure roller

[0285] 118: Pressure roller

[0286] 120: Paper pressure roller retaining component

[0287] 122: Printing System

[0288] 130, 300, 500: Discharge outlets

[0289] 132, 302: Input ports

[0290] S1: First Space

[0291] S 2: Second Space

[0292] C 1: First rotation centerline

[0293] C2: Second rotation centerline

[0294] C3: Third rotation centerline

[0295] C 4: Fourth rotation centerline

[0296] C5: Fifth Rotation Center Line

Claims

1. A box-type device, comprising: A rotating printing tape roll, wound around a printing tape used as the printing medium; The first sidewall extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the width direction of the printing strip; The second sidewall extends upward at a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and intersects the second direction; as well as A recessed wall defines a recess that extends from the second sidewall toward one side in the second direction and extends upward in the third direction at a position relative to the second sidewall on one side in the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printed tape roll in the first direction.

2. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. At least a portion of the recessed wall overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

3. The cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

4. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printed tape roll is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

5. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

6. The cassette according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

7. The cassette according to claim 5, characterized in that, include: A first housing accommodates the printed tape roll; as well as The second housing, located on one side relative to the first housing in the first direction, has the recess. The second housing includes a discharge port defined by the second sidewall, located in the third-third direction between one end and the other end of the recess, for discharging the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll from the second housing into the recess. In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between the outlet and the side end of the recess in the third direction.

8. The cassette according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing houses the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll.

9. The cassette according to claim 7, characterized in that, The recess overlaps with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction.

10. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: A rotatable supply shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to wind the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape roll. as well as A rotatable take-up shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to take up the ink tape supplied from the supply shaft. At least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

11. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Includes a rotatable roll of adhesive tape, the roll of adhesive tape being located on one side relative to the print roll in the first direction, and the adhesive tape being wound for bonding to the print roll. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

12. The cassette according to claim 11, characterized in that, The adhesive tape roll is formed by winding the adhesive tape onto an adhesive tape spool. The adhesive tape shaft overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

13. The cassette according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

14. The cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the second direction and the third direction, the distance from the center position of the tape cartridge (which is the center in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the rotation center of the printed tape roll is less than the distance from the center position to the recess.

15. A box-type device, comprising: A rotating printing tape roll, wound around a printing tape used as the printing medium; as well as The outer peripheral wall, located on one side relative to the printing tape roll in a first direction, the first direction being the width direction of the printing tape, includes a recess extending upward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printed tape roll in the first direction.

16. The cassette according to claim 15, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

17. The cassette according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

18. The cassette according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printed tape roll is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

19. The cassette according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

20. The cassette according to claim 19, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

21. The cassette according to claim 19, characterized in that, include: A first housing accommodates the printed tape roll; as well as The second housing, located on one side relative to the first housing in the first direction, has the outer peripheral wall. The second housing includes a discharge port located in the third-third direction between one end and the other end of the recess in the third-third direction, for discharging the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll from the second housing into the recess. In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between the outlet and the side end of the recess in the third direction.

22. The cassette according to claim 21, characterized in that, The second housing houses the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll.

23. The cassette according to claim 21, characterized in that, The recess overlaps with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction.

24. The cassette according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, include: A rotatable supply shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to wind the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape roll. as well as A rotatable take-up shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to take up the ink tape supplied from the supply shaft. At least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

25. The cassette according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, Includes a rotatable roll of adhesive tape, the roll of adhesive tape being located on one side relative to the print roll in the first direction, and the adhesive tape being wound for bonding to the print roll. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

26. The cassette according to claim 25, characterized in that, The adhesive tape roll is formed by winding the adhesive tape onto an adhesive tape spool. The adhesive tape shaft overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

27. The cassette according to claim 26, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

28. The cassette according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, In the second direction and the third direction, the distance from the center position of the tape cartridge (which is the center in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the rotation center of the printed tape roll is less than the distance from the center position to the recess.

29. A box-type device, comprising: A rotating printing tape roll, wound around a printing tape used as the printing medium; as well as The housing, located on one side relative to the printing tape roll in a first direction, the first direction being the width direction of the printing tape, includes a recess extending upward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printed tape roll in the first direction.

30. The cassette according to claim 29, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

31. The cassette according to claim 30, characterized in that, At least a portion of the recess overlaps with the printing tape shaft in the first direction.

32. The cassette according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printed tape roll is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

33. The cassette according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The printing tape roll is formed by winding the printing tape onto a rotatable printing tape shaft. In the third direction, at least a portion of the printing tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

34. The cassette according to claim 33, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

35. The cassette according to claim 33, characterized in that, Includes a first housing that accommodates the printing tape roll. The housing is located on one side relative to the first housing in the first direction. The housing includes a discharge port located in the third-third direction between one end and the other end of the recess in the third-third direction, for discharging the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll from the housing into the recess. In the third direction, the rotation center of the printing belt shaft is located between the outlet and the side end of the recess in the third direction.

36. The cassette according to claim 35, characterized in that, The housing houses the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape supplied from the printing tape roll.

37. The cassette according to claim 35, characterized in that, The recess overlaps with at least a portion of the first housing in the first direction.

38. The cassette according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, include: A rotatable supply shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to wind the ink tape used for printing from the printing tape roll. as well as A rotatable take-up shaft, located on one side of the printing tape roll in the first direction, is used to take up the ink tape supplied from the supply shaft. At least a portion of the supply shaft and at least a portion of the take-up shaft overlap with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

39. The cassette according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, Includes a rotatable roll of adhesive tape, the roll of adhesive tape being located on one side relative to the print roll in the first direction, and the adhesive tape being wound for bonding to the print roll. At least a portion of the adhesive tape roll overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

40. The cassette according to claim 39, characterized in that, The adhesive tape roll is formed by winding the adhesive tape onto an adhesive tape spool. The adhesive tape shaft overlaps with the printing tape roll in the first direction.

41. The cassette according to claim 40, characterized in that, In the third direction, the rotation center of the adhesive tape shaft is located between one end and the other end of the recess in the third direction.

42. The cassette according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, In the second direction and the third direction, the distance from the center position of the tape cartridge (which is the center in the second direction and the center in the third direction) to the rotation center of the printed tape roll is less than the distance from the center position to the recess.

Images