Tape transport apparatus

Abstract

A tape transport apparatus including: a housing (10); a spool support (20) for holding and rotating a spool of tape; the spool support having a first end for receiving the spool of tape, and a support mechanism (30) which supports the spool support, the housing (10) having a first configuration, in which the spool support permits a spool of tape to be mounted, and a second, in use, configuration, wherein moving the housing from its first configuration to its second configuration, in which the support mechanism (30) causes the spool support (20) to expand such that the spool of tape mounted on the spool support is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support.

Description

[0001] TAPE TRANSPORT APPARATUS

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to a tape transport apparatus. The invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a tape transport apparatus for use in a thermal transfer overprinter.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Printing apparatus, including transfer printers, operate by transferring marking medium onto a target substrate, for example paper, labels or other materials. Some printers, such as thermal transfer printers, include a ribbon which carries the marking medium to be transferred to the substrate. Such ribbons are typically supplied in the form of a roll of material wound onto a hollow core or bobbin. It is known to provide cores which are constructed principally of a cardboard material and / or a plastics material. The printing apparatus typically includes a first spool, which carries the roll of unused ribbon, and may also be referred to as a supply spool, and a second spool, which receives ribbon after use, and which may also be referred to as a take up spool. Either or both of the supply spool and the take up spool may be driven, for example by one or more motors, and movement of the take up and the supply spool, and hence transport of the ribbon between the spools is typically controlled by a control device.

[0006] Ribbon roll cores are typically secured to the respective spool to allow torque transmission from the motor or other drive apparatus. It is important that the torque transmission is adequate since any rotary slippage of the ribbon relative to the spool upon which the ribbon is mounted can cause damage to the ribbon or affect the quality of the printing. Printing may stop or print quality may be affected if the tension in the tape is not maintained within a suitable range. Therefore, the ribbon is wound evenly on to the supply spool and the take-up spool.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention facilitates fitting and removal of ribbon cores in a printing apparatus. This may improve operator experience, reduce the risk of injury, and reduce the time taken to complete this aspect of routine operation.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a tape transport apparatus including: a housing; a spool support for holding and rotating a spool of tape; the spool support having a first end for receiving the spool of tape, and a support mechanism which supports the spool support, the housing having a first configuration, in which the spool support permits a spool of tape to be mounted, and a second, in use, configuration, wherein moving the housing from its first configuration to its second configuration, in which the support mechanism causes the spool support to expand such that the spool of tape mounted on the spool support is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support.

[0010] The spool support may include a second end attached or mounted to the housing. The spool support may have a first state in which it is possible to deflect the spool support and reduce its original circumferential size. The spool support may have a second state in which the spool support is engaged with the support mechanism and the spool support held in an expanded position. The spool support may contract when a spool of tape is mounted on the spool support.

[0011] The spool support may include a slot that extends axially from the first end. The spool support may include a pair of slots, each of which extends lengthwise from the first end. Each of the slots may be located on generally opposing sides of the spool support.

[0012] The housing may include a first part on which the spool support is located and a second part on which the support mechanism is provided. The support mechanism may have a deployed state and a non-deployed state. The support mechanism may include a projection which is engageable with the spool support when first and second parts of the housing engage and / or are positioned in an in use position. The projection may be received by the spool support and may hold the spool support in its deployed state.

[0013] The support mechanism may also include a driving portion. When the support mechanism is in the deployed state and engaged with the spool support, the driving portion may prevent the spool support from rotating relative to the support mechanism. The support mechanism may be biased to its deployed state. The support mechanism may be biased by a biasing member.

[0014] The spool support may be at least partially formed from a deflectable material. The spool support may include a ribbon removal device to assist with removing a spool of tape from the spool support.

[0015] The housing may include a first part upon which the spool support is mounted, and a second part such that when the housing is in its first configuration the first part is disengaged from the second part and when the housing is in its second configuration the first and second parts engage.

[0016] The support mechanism (also referred to as an expanding mechanism) may include a first engagement formation on the spool support and a second engagement formation on a portion of the housing. The first engagement formation may include a projection that extends outwards from the first end of the spool support. The second engagement formation may include a contact surface or portion, which is configured to engage with the projection of the first engagement formation.

[0017] As the housing moves from its first position to its second position, the projection may contact the contact surface or portion and may be moved inwards towards the first end of the spool support. The first engagement formation may include a biasing member to bias the projection outwards and away from the first end of the spool support. Optionally, the biasing member may be a spring.

[0018] The support mechanism may include a gripping member that extends lengthwise of the spool support. A plurality of gripping members may be provided. Optionally, the or each gripping member may include a toothed outer edge. The gripping members may be spaced around the spool support.

[0019] The spool support may have a generally cylindrical body and may include one or more openings / slots. Each opening / slot may have a gripping member that extends through it. The projection may form a dog which is coupled to the or each gripping member. When the projection is moved towards the first end of the spool support, the or each gripping members may be moved outwards. A direction of movement of the or each gripping member may be substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the projection.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIGURE 1 is an illustrative view of part of a tape transport apparatus;

[0023] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a spool support, embodying the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a spool support, embodying the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGURE 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a spool support, embodying the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a gripping member of a spool support, according to the present disclosure,

[0027] FIGURES 6A and 6B show a schematic cut-away side view and a schematic perspective view of a tape transport apparatus,

[0028] FIGURES 7A and 7B are a side view and perspective view of an alternative spool support, embodying the present disclosure,

[0029] FIGURE 8 shows a perspective view of a spool support and spool of tape, and

[0030] FIGURE 9 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a tape transport apparatus, embodying the present disclosure . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0031] Referring to figure 1, a part of a tape transport apparatus is shown. The tape transport apparatus includes a housing 10 (part of which is illustrated in figure 1 ), a spool support 20 and a support mechanism 30. The spool support 20 is for holding / supporting a spool of tape. In this example, the spool support 20 is configured to rotate the spool of tape (and may be driven by a motor or similar). The support mechanism holds the spool support 20 in a predetermined state. In some embodiments, the support mechanism may provide an expanding mechanism 30 that controls expansion and / or contraction of the spool support 20.

[0032] It should be appreciated that the term ^expanding mechanismD is used to indicate that the spool support is encouraged or held to its DlargestD diameter. The expanding mechanism, thus, controls the size of the spool support be either causing enlargement or holding the spool support in an expanded / large state.

[0033] The housing 10 supports the spool support 20 and other components of the tape transport apparatus. In some embodiments, the housing 10 has a first and a second part 10a, 10b. When the tape transport apparatus is in use (or ready for use), the two housing parts are engaged or in contact with each other (or at least in a fixed position relative to each other). This is illustrated in figures 6A and 6B 0 the first part of the housing 10a supports the spool supports 20 and the second part of the housing 10b supports one or more motors 50.

[0034] The housing can be opened for maintenance or to replace the spools of tape on the spool supports 20. In other words, the first and second parts of the housing 10 can be moved apart from each other in order to access the internal components. In the present example, the first part 10a of the housing 10 (shown in figure 1 ) may be disengaged completely from the remainder (second part) of the housing 10. This allows access to the spool supports 20. In this example, the first part 10a is known as a cassette and can be removed from the remainder of the housing (second part 10b).

[0035] The second part of the housing 10b, supports other components of the tape transport apparatus. In an embodiment in which the tape transport apparatus forms part of a printer (e.g. a thermal transfer overprinter), the second part of the housing 10b may support at least one of a printhead (not shown), one or more motors 50 for rotating the spool supports 20, a control unit for controlling the printhead and / or the rotation of the spool supports 20.

[0036] The second part of the housing 10b forms a box or cuboid with an opening on one face (it should be appreciated that the sides of the housing are not shown in the figures). The first part of the housing 10a is received in the opening and when in position the housing can be locked in position / together. It should be appreciated that the first and second parts 10a, 10b could be connected through a hinge or other mechanism that allows the parts to move relative to each other.

[0037] The spool support 20 includes a first end 20a for receiving the spool of tape. In this example, the spool support 20 has a second end 20b, which is attached to the housing 10 (as illustrated in figure 1 ). Thus, the first end 20a is configured to allow a spool of tape to be located on the spool support 20. A core of the spool of tape fits over the first end 20a and is moved towards the second end (and, where the spool support 20 is attached to the housing 10).

[0038] In embodiments, the spool support 20 has a generally cylindrical body 22. The body 22 extends generally transversely / perpendicularly from the housing 10. The outer surface of the body 22 contacts the spool of tape when in use.

[0039] The spool support 20 further includes a ribbon removal device. The ribbon removal device is generally planar and, in this example, is a disc member 24. The disc member 24 has an opening through which the body 22 of the spool support 20 extends. In the present example, the opening is generally centrally positioned with respect to the disc member 24 but it should be appreciated that this does not necessarily need to be the case.

[0040] In embodiments (see for example, figure 2), the disc member 24 also includes a formation that engages a corresponding formation on the body 22 of the spool support 20. The formation is a projection 26 that extends radially inwards from an inner periphery of the disc member 24. The corresponding formation is a groove / recess 28, which, in this example, extends longitudinally along the body 22 of the spool support 20. The groove 28 has a stop 28a which defines the range of movement of the projection 26 along the groove 28 (and, hence, the range of movement of the disc member 24 relative to the body 22).

[0041] The ribbon removal device is moveable along the body 22 of the spool support 20 to aid an operator in removing a spool of tape from the spool support 20. The disc member 24 extends further radially outwards than the spool of tape. Thus, an operator may grasp the disc member 24 and move it outwards from the end of the spool support 20 that is attached to the housing 10 / towards the first end 20a. This movement, in turn, forces the spool of tape to move along the body 22 away from the housing 10 / first end 20a.

[0042] It should be appreciated that the disc member 24 may include more than one formation (and, thus, the body 22 may also include more than one corresponding formation). The formations / corresponding formations may be spaced around the inner periphery of the disc member 24 / outer surface of the body 22. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the support mechanism is an expanding mechanism 30 (see particularly figures 2 and 3), which controls expansion and / or contraction of the spool support 20. In this example, the expanding mechanism 30 has a first state and a second state. In its first state, the spool support 20 has a first circumferential size (illustrated in figure 2). In its second state, the spool support 20 has a second circumferential size (illustrated in figure 3) which is bigger / larger than its first circumferential size.

[0043] In some embodiments, the expanding mechanism 30 is biased to its first state. In other words, when the expanding mechanism 30 is not actuated (e.g., by the presence of the housing / state of the housing 10), the mechanism 30 defaults to its first state and, as such, the spool support 20 diameter is reduced.

[0044] In embodiments, the expanding mechanism 30 includes a first engagement formation on the spool support and a second engagement formation on a portion of the housing 10. In some embodiments (such as illustrated in figure 2 and 3), the first engagement formation includes a projection 32 that extends outwards from the first end 20a of the spool support 20. The projection 32 is moveable towards and away from the first end 20a of the spool support 20. The second engagement formation includes a contact surface or portion, which is configured to engage with the projection 32 of the first engagement formation (when the tape transport apparatus is in an Din useD configuration), such that the contact surface or portion engages and exerts a force on the projection 32, which pushes the projection 32 inwards (towards the first end 20a).

[0045] In some embodiments, the first engagement formation includes a biasing member (not shown) to bias the projection 32 outwards and away from the first end 20a of the spool support 20. In other words, the projection 32 is urged outwards when not interacting with another component (e.g. the projection is biased towards an axially outermost position). It should be appreciated that the biasing member could be a spring or other device that exerts such a force to urge the projection 32 to its default outer position.

[0046] In some embodiments, the expanding mechanism 30 includes a gripping member 34 that extends lengthwise of the spool support 20. The body 22 of the spool support 20 includes an opening / slot / channel which receive the gripping member 34. When the expanding mechanism 30 is not actuated (i.e. the projection 32 is in its outer position), the gripping member(s) 34 are located in the channel 0 the radially outer most edge of the gripping member 34 is aligned with or close to alignment with the outer surface of the body 22 of the spool support 20. In such a position, a spool of tape can be pushed onto the body 22 of the spool support 20 with little or no resistance.

[0047] In some examples (see the figures), a plurality of gripping members 34 are provided. In embodiments, one or more of the or each gripping member 34 includes a toothed outer edge. Figure 5 illustrates a single example gripping member 34 and includes a plurality of pyramidal teeth 36 positioned adjacent one another along an outer facing surface.

[0048] In some embodiments where a plurality of gripping members 34 are provided, the gripping members 34 are spaced around the spool support 20. The teeth 36 of gripping members 34 on opposing sides of the body 22 of the spool support 20 may be arranged with the same or similar angle on their surface so that they are substantially parallel.

[0049] In some embodiments (see particularly the cross-sectional figure 4), the projection 32 forms a dog which is coupled to the or each gripping member 34, such that when the projection

[0050] 32 is moved towards the first end 20a of the spool support 20 (illustrated by arrow A), the gripping members 34 are moved outwards. In other words, the direction of movement of the or each gripping member 34 is substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the projection 32.

[0051] As the projection 32 is pushed inwards (by engagement with another part of the housing 10), the gripping member(s) 34 are moved outwards and, as such, increase the outer radial circumference of the spool support 20. In turn, the gripping member(s) 34 increase contact and engage more fully the spool of tape and the spool of tape is no longer able to (or at least inhibited from) rotate with respect to the spool support 20.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the expanding mechanism 30 includes a spring 40 which connects the to the projection 32 and the gripping member 34. The spring 40 is biased to push the projection 32 outwards. When the projection 32 is depressed towards the first end 20a of the spool support 20 (i.e. in the direction A illustrated on figure 4), the spring 40 acts to move the gripping member 34 in generally the same direction. The gripping member 34 includes an angled surface which contacts a ramp, such that when the spring 40 moves the gripping member 34 the angled surface moves up the ramp (i.e. forcing the gripping member 34 away from a central axis of the spool support 20).

[0053] Thus, the outer size of the spool support 20 increases. When a spool of the tape / ribbon is located on the spool support 20, it is gripped more tightly on an inside surface of the core. This additional gripping is automatically achieved when the housing 10 is moved to the Din useD position and the projection 32 contacts the contact surface (and is depressed automatically) by the normal housing engagement to put the tape transport apparatus 10 in order for use.

[0054] When the housing 10 is opened, the projection 32 is no longer pressed inwards by the contact surface and, thus, it moves outwards under the biasing effect of the spring 40. In other words, the outer circumference of the spool support 20 automatically reduces again once the housing 10 is opened. In other embodiments, there is a second spring (not shown) which acts to push the projection 32 outwards once the inwards contact surface force is removed or reduced. Thus, actuation of the expanding mechanism 30 depends on the housing 10 and the configuration of the housing 10 > the housing 10 has a first and second configuration. In the first configuration, the housing 10 is configured so that the spool support 20 permits a spool of tape to be mounted. In this state the projection 32 is in the position shown in figure 2 and the expanding mechanism 30 is in its smallest size / state. In this state, when a spool is positioned onto the spool support 20, it is only lightly held and may still be rotated relative to the spool support 20. This may be held with enough force, so the spool does not fall off when held upside down (say, for example, an operator may be walking back to the printer), or removing the cassette / first part of the housing 10a from above head height. Thus, if the spool isnt help tightly enough, it could become a hazard

[0055] The second configuration is an Din useD configuration 0 i.e. the tape transport apparatus can be activated and used to transfer tape from one spool to the other. Moving / transitioning the housing 10 from its first configuration to its second configuration actuates the expanding mechanism 30. Actuation of the expanding mechanism causes the spool support 20 to expand such that the spool of tape mounted on the spool support 20 is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support 20 (i.e. gripped tightly and stopped from rotating relative to the spool support 20 and from falling off). In this state the projection 32 is in the position shown in figure 3 and the expanding mechanism 30 is in its largest size / state.

[0056] In other words, as the housing 10 moves from its first position to its second position, the projection 32 contacts the contact surface or portion and is moved inwards towards the end of the spool support 20.

[0057] In some embodiments (see figures 6A and 6B) , the first and second parts of the housing 10a, 10b engage to provide the Din useD configuration. The second part of the housing 10b includes a coupling mechanism 52. The coupling mechanism 52 is connected to the motor 50 and is driven (rotated) by operation of the motor 50. When the first and second parts of the housing 10a, 10b engage, the coupling mechanism 52 engages the expanding mechanism automatically. In other words, the projection 32 initially contacts the coupling mechanism 52 as the first part of the housing 10a is moved into a position to contact the second part of the housing 10b. As the first part of the housing 10a is moved in further, the coupling mechanism 52 engages the projection 32 and depresses the projection 32 (i.e. moves in the direction A already discussed above). Thus, as the first and second parts of the housing 10a, 10b reached their locked / operational configuration, the coupling mechanism 52 has driven the projection 32 inwards and the expanding mechanism 30 has expanded the spool support 20 automatically to provide more friction / better gripping with the ribbon spool. A ribbon spool 70 is illustrated on the spool support 20 in figures 6A and 6B.

[0058] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in figures 7A and 7B. Components / features that are similar or have similar functionality to the tape transport apparatus already described are labelled with an additional 01 > at the start of the reference number. Figure 9 illustrates the first and second parts 110a, 110b of the housing. Thus, it can be seen that the spool support 120 and support mechanism 130 illustrated will cooperate with the housing features in figure 9 and those outlined above. In this example, the support mechanism 130 is used to support the spool support 120 in a stable condition in which a spool of tape is inhibited / prevented from rotating relative to the spool support 120.

[0059] In some embodiments (see particularly figure9), the housing 110 supports the spool support 120 and other components of the tape transport apparatus. The housing 110 includes the first part 110a and the second part 1 10b. Thus, when the tape transport apparatus is in use (or ready for use), which is illustrated in figure 9, the two housing parts 110a, 110b are engaged or in contact with each other (or at least in a fixed position relative to each other).

[0060] A spool support 120 is shown and a separate support mechanism 130. In this example, the spool support 120 is attached to the first part of the housing 110a and the support mechanism 130 is attached to the second part 110b of the housing. The support mechanism 130 may be connected to the motor 150, so that rotation can be transferred to the spool support 120 through its connection to the support mechanism 130.

[0061] In this embodiment, the spool support 120 has a first state in which it is possible to deflect the spool support 120 0 and, hence, reduce its original circumferential size. The spool support 120 has a second state in which the spool support 120 is engaged with the support mechanism 130 and the spool support 120 held in an expanded position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the spool support 120 includes a slot 160 that extends axially from the first end 120a (i.e. the free end that isnDt attached to the housing, onto which the spool of tape 170 is mounted). In this example, a pair of slots 160 are provided. Each one extends lengthwise (i.e., generally parallel to the axis) from the first end 120a towards the second end 120b. The slots 160 are spaced apart and on generally opposing sides of the spool support 120. This allows the spool support 120 to contract when a spool of tape 170 is mounted on the spool support 120 (as described below).

[0063] In this example, the slot(s) 160 allow the spool support to change outside diameter slightly to aid the loading / unloading of a spool of tape 170. In effect, the spool support 120 changes shape / deflects from a DnormalD or default shape when the spool of tape 170 is loaded. In other words, the spool support 120 is formed from two lengthwise leg portions that can flex towards and / or away from each other. The two leg portions / DsidesD 121 , 123 of the spool support 120 are designed to give an interference contact that is good enough to hold the spool of tape 170 in the cassette. The spool support 120 includes a pair of projections 162 (each one extends away from the first end 120a on either DsideD of the spool support 120). These projections 162 can be pressed inwards (as illustrated by direction B in figure 7) and towards each other. This further reduces the size of the spool support 120 and makes it easier to remove the spool of tape 170 from the spool support 120. In other words, the contact force between the spool support 120 and the spool of tape 170 is reduced or removed, which means the spool of tape 170 is easier to pull off the spool support 120.

[0064] In some embodiments, one or more of the projections 162 includes a radially extending portion 162a. The radially extending portion 162a extends beyond the radially outer surface of the spool support 120 (i.e. the main body of the spool support). Thus, once a spool of tape 170 has been moved in the direction of the first end 120a of the spool support 120 sufficiently far that the radially extending portion(s) 162a are inside the spool of tape 170, the spool support 120 will be held in a contracted state (not contacting the spool of tape 170) while the spool is removed.

[0065] Further, the radially extending portion 162a may include a chamfered or angled spool contacting surface. Thus, the portion 162a may contact the spool of tape as it is being pushed onto the spool support and automatically be pushed inwards due to the angled surface provide a camming mechanism over which the spool of tape travels.

[0066] Once the spool of tape is pushed completely on to the spool support 120 (i.e. both ends of the spool have been pushed onto the support), the projections 162 will extend outwards of the edge of the spool. Thus, the spool support 120 is no longer held in the contracted state and is able to expand outwards (i.e. to contact the inner surface of the spool of tape 170). In other words the two side 121 , 123 move outwards to contact the spool of tape 170. It will be appreciated that the radially extending portions 162a also assist holding the spool 170 in position when the cassette is not yet connected to the rest of the printer 0 they extend beyond the spool and thus, provide a DstopD to help hold the spool in place.

[0067] In some embodiments, the spool support 120 is at least partially formed from a deflectable material. In other words, the size changes described above occur because of the form and material of the spool support 120 and that it can deflect from its natural and default position (i.e. when no spool of tape 170 is mounted, etc.) to a smaller size to allow the spool of tape 170 to be loaded. Further, it will return (as far as possible) to its natural position with the spool of tape 170 mounted and be supported in its expanded / second state by the support mechanism 130.

[0068] In some embodiments (for example, see figure 9), a biasing member 190 may be included. The biasing member 190 is provides an outwards force on sides 121 , 123 of the spool support 120, so that the spool support is biased outwards / to an (at least partially) expanded state. The biasing member 190 may be provided by a coil spring which is positioned inside and across the sides 121 , 123 of the spool support 120. Thus, when the spool support 120 is pushed / held in its contracted position, the force required to maintain the position is both the material biasing of the spool support (i.e. the force from the material itself wanting to return to its default or original form) and the spring force of the biasing member 190.

[0069] In embodiments, the support mechanism 130 includes a projection 132 and a driving portion 182. In the illustrated example, the support mechanism 130 has a deployed state and a non-deployed state. The support mechanism 130 may engage the spool support 120 in either the deployed or non-deployed state. However, when the support mechanism 130 is engaged with the spool support 120 and in the deployed state, it inhibits rotation of the spool support 120 relative to the support mechanism 130. In other words, the support mechanism 130 is able to drive rotation through the spool support 120.

[0070] The projection 132 is engageable with the spool support 120 when the first and second parts 110a, 110b of the housing connect together / engage (and / or the first and second housing parts 110a, 110b are positioned in an Din useD position). In more detail, the support mechanism 130 is received by the spool support 120 and the support mechanism 130 holds the spool support 120 in its second / expanded state (i.e. either side of the slots 160 is held and supported in an outermost position to maximise the gripping contact with the spool of tape 170). In other words, in either the support mechanismfe 130 deployed or non-deployed state, the support mechanism 130 (through the projection 132) is able to hold / support the spool support 120 in its expanded position (and, thus, a mounted spool of tape 170 is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support 120).

[0071] Only when the support mechanism 130 is in its deployed state (and engaged with the spool support 120), does the support mechanism inhibit rotation of the spool support 120 relative to the support mechanism 130. In embodiments, the driving portion 182 engages the spool support 120 and prevents the spool support 120 from rotating relative to the support mechanism 130.

[0072] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 130 is biased to its deployed state. This biasing may be provided by a biasing member 184.

[0073] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 130 includes a shaft / base 180, the driving portion 182, the projection 132 (described above), and the biasing member (in the illustrated case a spring 184). In the present example, the motor 150 (shown in figure 9) is non-rotatably coupled to the base 180 of the support mechanism 130 0 this allows the motor 150 to transmit rotation to the support mechanism 130. Thus, it also transmits rotation to the spool support 120 when it is coupled to the support mechanism 130 (i.e. the support mechanism 130 is in its deployed state and the driving portion 182 is engaged with the corresponding portion on the spool support 120). In this example, the driving portion 182 is moveable axially along the shaft / base 180 and is loaded by the compression spring 184. The driving portion 182 transmits the motor motion to the spool support 120. In this example, the driving portion 182 include a slot 182a on either side to correspond to the projections 162 that extend from the spool support 120.

[0074] The slots 182a include a chamfered edge / shallow angle on their walls (i.e. on either side of the channel forming the slot or groove), so that the projections 162 are received tightly in the slot 182a to minimise or prevent backlash (when rotation is transferred from the support mechanism 130 to the spool support 120).

[0075] It should be appreciated that the rotational orientation of the driving portion 182 will not always match that of the projection 162 of the spool support 120. In other words, when the first and second parts of the housing 110a, 110b are brought together (i.e. when the cassette is loaded into the housing) the projection 162 of the spool support 120 may be angularly offset from slots 182a of the driving portion 182. In this situation, the driving portion 182 is pushed back towards motor and motor coupling (direction C illustrated on figure 7A) 0 this is the support mechanismfe 130 nondeployed state. In other words, the first part of the housing may be loaded completely in the second part without completely / drivingly engaging the support mechanism 130 with the spool support 120. Once the cassette is loaded an initial alignment calibration process is initiated in which the motor 150 and linked support mechanism 130 is rotated (preferably, at a slow rate). This process continues until the orientation of the slots 182a on the driving portion 182 matches that of the projections 162. Once the angular orientation of the two corresponds to each other, the driving portion 182 will be pushed by the biasing member 184 (i.e. the compression spring). The slots 182a then receive the projections 162, which provides complete coupling between the spool support 120 and the motor 0 the support mechanism 130 is in its deployed state. Once this calibration process is complete, the motor 150 is rotatably coupled to the spool support 120 and the spool support 120 is held in an expanded configuration to grip the spool of tape 170. In other words, the spool support 120 is inhibited from rotating relative to the support mechanism 130 and the spool of tape 170 is inhibited form rotating relative to the spool support 120.

[0076] In some embodiments, the outer surface of spool supports 120 and / or an inner surface of ribbon spools 170 may be altered to improve the gripping effect between them. One or more of the surfaces may be or include one or more of the following:

[0077] 1) a high friction material such as rubber (or a similar suitable material),

[0078] 2) self-adhesive,

[0079] 3) an anti-slip material, and

[0080] 4) blades or pins. As can be seen in figure 8, ribs 120c are provided on the spool support 120. In some embodiments, a corresponding groove pattern 170c is provided on an inner surface of the ribbon spool 170. The ribs 120c and corresponding grooves 170c are chosen to be relatively small (in this example, the width and height < 1 .5mm). Each may include a leading chamfer to make sure that the operator does not waste time in orienting the grooves 170c on the ribbon spool 170 to match the ribs 120c on the spool support 120. The small splines in this example, make the mounting of the ribbon spool 170 on the spool 120 much easier.

[0081] Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous over prior spool supports / tape transport apparatus because the mechanism does not rely on an operator to expand the spool support 20, 120. The spool(s) of tape are held on the spool support(s) 20, 120 automatically when the housing 10 is in an in use configuration. Further, the engagement on the spool(s) of tape is reduced automatically when the housing 10 is opened. Thus, the spools of tape are easier to unload from the apparatus as well as easier to load. This makes the tape transport apparatus easier to operate and maintain.

[0082] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0083] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0084] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0085] REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

[0086] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.

[0087] 1 . A tape transport apparatus including: a housing; a spool support for holding and rotating a spool of tape; the spool support having a first end for receiving the spool of tape, and an expanding mechanism which controls expansion and / or contraction of the spool support, the housing having a first configuration, in which the spool support permits a spool of tape to be mounted, and a second, in use, configuration, wherein moving the housing from its first configuration to its second configuration actuates the expanding mechanism to cause the spool support to expand such that the spool of tape mounted on the spool support is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support.

[0088] 2. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 1 wherein the spool support includes a second end attached or mounted to the housing.

[0089] 3. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 1 or 2 wherein the expanding mechanism has a first state in which the spool support has first circumferential size and a second state, in which the spool support has a second circumferential size which is bigger than its first outer circumferential size.

[0090] 4. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 3 wherein the expanding mechanism is biased to its first state.

[0091] 5. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein the expanding mechanism includes a first engagement formation on the spool support and a second engagement formation on a portion of the housing.

[0092] 6. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 5 wherein the first engagement formation includes a projection that extends outwards from the first end of the spool support.

[0093] 7. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 6 wherein the second engagement formation includes a contact surface or portion, which is configured to engage with the projection of the first engagement formation.

[0094] 8. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 7 wherein as the housing moves from its first position to its second position, the projection contacts the contact surface or portion and is moved inwards towards the end of the spool support.

[0095] 9. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of clause 6 to 8 wherein the first engagement formation includes a biasing member to bias the projection outwards and away from the first end of the spool support, and optionally the biasing member is a spring.

[0096] 10. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding clause wherein the expanding mechanism includes a gripping member that extends lengthwise of the spool support. 11 . A tape transport apparatus according to clause 10 including a plurality of gripping members, and optionally one or more of the or each gripping member includes a toothed outer edge.

[0097] 12. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 11 wherein the gripping members are spaced around the spool support.

[0098] 13. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of clauses 10 to 12 wherein the spool support has a generally cylindrical body and includes one or more openings or slots through which the or each gripping member extends.

[0099] 14. A tape transport apparatus according to any of clauses 10 to 13 where further dependent directly or indirectly on claims 6 to 9, wherein the projection forms a dog which is coupled to the or each gripping member, such that when the projection is moved towards the first end of the spool support, the gripping members are moved outwards.

[0100] 15. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 14 wherein a direction of movement of the of each gripping member is substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the projection.

[0101] 16. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the spool support contracts when a spool of tape is mounted on the spool support.

[0102] 17. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 16 wherein the spool support includes a slot that extends axially from the first end, and optionally wherein a pair of slots extend lengthwise from the first end on generally opposing sides of the spool support.

[0103] 18. A tape transport apparatus according to clauses 16 or 17 wherein the housing includes a first part on which the spool support is located and a second part on which the expanding mechanism is provided.

[0104] 19. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 18 wherein the expanding mechanism includes a projection which is engageable with the spool support when the first and second parts of the housing engage.

[0105] 20. A tape transport apparatus according to clause 19 wherein the projection is received by the spool support and holds the spool support in an expanded state.

[0106] 21 . A tape transport apparatus according to any one of clauses 16 to 20 in which the spool support is deflectable. 22. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein the spool support includes a ribbon removal device to assist with removing a spool of tape from the spool support. 23. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses wherein the housing includes a first part upon which the spool support is mounted, and a second part such that when the housing is in its first configuration the first part is disengaged from the second part and when the housing is in its second configuration the first and second parts engage.

[0107] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A tape transport apparatus including: a housing; a spool support for holding and rotating a spool of tape; the spool support having a first end for receiving the spool of tape, and a support mechanism which supports the spool support, the housing having a first configuration, in which the spool support permits a spool of tape to be mounted, and a second, in use, configuration, wherein moving the housing from its first configuration to its second configuration, in which the support mechanism causes the spool support to expand such that the spool of tape mounted on the spool support is inhibited from rotating relative to the spool support.

2. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spool support includes a second end attached or mounted to the housing.

3. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spool support has a first state in which it is possible to deflect the spool support and reduce its original circumferential size and a second state in which the spool support is engaged with the support mechanism and the spool support held in an expanded position.

4. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spool support contracts when a spool of tape is mounted on the spool support.

5. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spool support includes a slot that extends axially from the first end, and optionally wherein a pair of slots extend lengthwise from the first end on generally opposing sides of the spool support.

6. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing includes a first part on which the spool support is located and a second part on which the support mechanism is provided.

7. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support mechanism has a deployed state and a non-deployed state.

8. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the support mechanism includes a projection which is engageable with the spool support when first and second parts of the housing engage and / or are positioned in an in use position.

9. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the projection is received by the spool support and holds the spool support in its deployed state.

10. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the support mechanism also includes a driving portion that when the support mechanism is in the deployed state and engaged with the spool support, the driving portion prevents the spool support from rotating relative to the support mechanism.11 . A tape transport apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the support mechanism is biased to its deployed state, optionally wherein the support mechanism is biased by a biasing member.

12. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spool support is at least partially formed from a deflectable material13. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spool support includes a ribbon removal device to assist with removing a spool of tape from the spool support.

14. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing includes a first part upon which the spool support is mounted, and a second part such that when the housing is in its first configuration the first part is disengaged from the second part and when the housing is in its second configuration the first and second parts engage.

15. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support mechanism includes a first engagement formation on the spool support and a second engagement formation on a portion of the housing.

16. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the first engagement formation includes a projection that extends outwards from the first end of the spool support.

17. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the second engagement formation includes a contact surface or portion, which is configured to engage with the projection of the first engagement formation.

18. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 17 wherein as the housing moves from a first position to a second position, the projection contacts the contact surface or portion and is moved inwards towards the first end of the spool support.

19. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the first engagement formation includes a biasing member to bias the projection outwards and away from the first end of the spool support, and optionally the biasing member is a spring.

20. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein the support mechanism includes a gripping member that extends lengthwise of the spool support.21 . A tape transport apparatus according to claim 20 including a plurality of gripping members, and optionally, one or more of the gripping members includes a toothed outer edge.

22. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the gripping members are spaced around the spool support.

23. A tape transport apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the spool support has a generally cylindrical body and includes one or more openings / slots and a gripping member extends through each one of the one or more opening / slots.

24. A tape transport apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 23 where further dependent directly or indirectly on claims 16 to 19, wherein the projection forms a dog which is coupled to the gripping member, such that when the projection is moved towards the first end of the spool support, the gripping member is moved outwards.

25. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 24 wherein a direction of movement of the gripping member is substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the projection.

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