Tape cassette

Abstract

This tape cassette allows for the placement of gears in addition to the tape and ink ribbon within the enclosure. [Solution] The tape cassette 100 comprises a tape roll 41, a ribbon spool 46, a housing 20, a first gear 34, and a second gear 31. Tape is wound on the tape roll 41. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable around a shaft 49. An ink ribbon is wound on the ribbon spool 46. The housing 20 comprises a separator plate 21M. The separator plate 21M divides the internal space of the housing 20 into a first space and a second space. The tape roll 41 and the ribbon spool 46 are located in the first space. The first gear 34 is located in the second space. The second gear 31 is located in the second space. The second gear 31 is operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear 34.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tape cassette.

Background Art

[0002] The tape cassette of Patent Document 1 accommodates a tape spool, a ribbon spool, and a ribbon take-up spool inside the casing of the tape cassette. A tape is wound around the tape spool. An ink ribbon is wound around the ribbon spool. The ribbon take-up spool winds up and collects the used ink ribbon.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 【1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above tape cassette, a tape spool, a tape, a ribbon spool, a ribbon take-up spool, an ink ribbon, etc. are arranged in the space inside the casing. There is a desire to arrange a gear in addition to the tape and the ink ribbon inside the casing of the tape cassette.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tape cassette that contributes to arranging a gear in addition to a tape and an ink ribbon inside a casing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A tape cassette according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a tape cassette comprising: a tape roll on which tape is wound; a ribbon spool rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, on which an ink ribbon is wound; a housing having a first opening, comprising a separation plate that divides the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space; an arm located on the second space side in the first direction relative to the separation plate, comprising an arm having a second opening that allows the tape and the ink ribbon to be discharged to the outside of the housing, wherein the first space and the second space are located side by side along the first direction, and the tape roll and the ribbon spool are located in the first space, wherein the tape cassette further comprises: a first gear located in the second space; and a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, the second gear being exposed from the first opening.

[0007] In the tape cassette described above, the gears are located in the second space. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to securing space for housing the gears.

[0008] In the first embodiment, the tape cassette may be provided with a tape guide that guides the tape to the second opening. Therefore, the tape guide contributes to the smooth transport of the tape.

[0009] In the first embodiment, the tape cassette may be provided with a ribbon guide that guides the ink ribbon to the second opening. The ribbon guide contributes to the smooth transport of the ink ribbon.

[0010] In the first embodiment, the housing includes a third opening communicating with the first space, and the first gear includes a cam, the cam may be exposed through the third opening. The tape cassette contributes to the insertion of a member that drives the cam through the third opening.

[0011] In the first embodiment, a third gear may be provided, which is located in the second space and meshes with the first gear and the second gear. The tape cassette contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear and the second gear via the third gear.

[0012] In the first embodiment, a double gear may be provided, which is arranged in the second space and consists of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear. In a tape cassette, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force while changing the operating speed between the first gear and the second gear.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the second gear may be a helical gear. The thrust force generated by the helical gear contributes to suppressing the movement of the tape cassette in the width direction of the transported tape.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the first gear may rotate around the second axis, and the second gear may rotate around the third axis. The tape cassette contributes to transporting the tape and ink ribbon by transmitting driving force through the rotation of the first and second gears.

[0015] In the first embodiment, a portion of the teeth of the second gear may be exposed from the first opening. Since a portion of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening, the tape cassette contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the tape roll may be configured such that the tape is wound on a tape spool. Since the tape cassette has the tape wound on a tape spool, it contributes to the stable transport of the tape.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the second gear may overlap the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to miniaturization of the housing.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the third gear may overlap with the tape roll and the ribbon spool in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to miniaturization of the housing.

[0019] A tape cassette according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a tape cassette comprising: a tape roll rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the tape roll having tape and an ink ribbon wound in an overlapping state; a housing having a first opening, the housing comprising a separation plate that divides the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space; an arm located on the second space side in the first direction relative to the separation plate, the arm having a second opening that allows the tape and the ink ribbon to be discharged to the outside of the housing, the first space and the second space being located side by side along the first direction, and the tape roll being located in the first space, wherein the tape cassette further comprises: a first gear located in the second space; and a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, the second gear being exposed from the first opening.

[0020] In the tape cassette described above, the gears are located in the second space. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to securing space for housing the gears.

[0021] In a second embodiment, the tape cassette may be provided with a tape guide that guides the tape and the ink ribbon to the second opening. Therefore, the tape guide contributes to the smooth transport of the tape and the ink ribbon.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the housing has a third opening that communicates with the first space, and the first gear has a cam, the cam may be exposed through the third opening. The tape cassette contributes to the insertion of a member that drives the cam through the third opening.

[0023] In the second aspect, a third gear located in the second space and meshing with the first gear and the second gear may be provided. The tape cassette contributes to transmitting a driving force between the first gear and the second gear by the third gear.

[0024] In the second aspect, a double gear including a fourth gear meshing with the first gear and a fifth gear meshing with the second gear, both located in the second space, may be provided. In the tape cassette, the double gear contributes to transmitting a driving force between the first gear and the second gear while changing the operating speed.

[0025] In the second aspect, the second gear may be a helical gear. The thrust force generated in the helical gear contributes to suppressing the movement of the tape being conveyed in the tape cassette in the width direction of the tape.

[0026] In the second aspect, the first gear may rotate about a second axis, and the second gear may rotate about a third axis. The tape cassette contributes to transmitting a driving force by the rotation of the first gear and the second gear to convey the tape and the ink ribbon.

[0027] In the second aspect, a part of the teeth of the second gear may be exposed from the first opening. Since a part of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening, the tape cassette contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force outside the cassette.

[0028] In the second aspect, the tape roll may be configured such that the tape is wound around a tape spool. Since the tape is wound around the tape spool, the tape cassette contributes to stably conveying the tape.

[0029] In the second aspect, the second gear may overlap the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to reducing the size of the housing.

[0030] In the second embodiment, the third gear may overlap the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to miniaturization of the housing.

[0031] A tape cassette according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a tape cassette comprising: a tape roll rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, on which a heat-sensitive tape that changes color with heat is wound; a housing having a first opening, comprising a separation plate that divides the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space; an arm located on the second space side in the first direction with respect to the separation plate, comprising an arm having a second opening that allows the heat-sensitive tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing, wherein the first space and the second space are located side by side along the first direction, and the tape roll is located in the first space, the tape cassette further comprising: a first gear located in the second space; and a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, the second gear being exposed from the first opening.

[0032] In the tape cassette described above, the gears are located in the second space. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to securing space for housing the gears.

[0033] In a third embodiment, the tape cassette may be provided with a tape guide that guides the thermal tape to the second opening. Therefore, the tape guide contributes to the smooth transport of the tape.

[0034] In a third embodiment, the housing includes a third opening communicating with the first space, the first gear includes a cam, the cam may be exposed through the third opening, and the tape cassette contributes to the insertion of a member that drives the cam through the third opening.

[0035] In a third embodiment, a third gear may be provided, which is located in the second space and meshes with the first gear and the second gear. The tape cassette contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear and the second gear via the third gear.

[0036] In a third embodiment, a double gear may be provided, which is arranged in the second space and consists of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear. In a tape cassette, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force while changing the operating speed between the first gear and the second gear.

[0037] In a third embodiment, the second gear may be a helical gear. The thrust force generated by the helical gear contributes to suppressing the movement of the tape cassette in the width direction of the transported tape.

[0038] In a third embodiment, the first gear may rotate around the second axis, and the second gear may rotate around the third axis. The tape cassette contributes to transporting the tape and ink ribbon by transmitting driving force through the rotation of the first and second gears.

[0039] In a third embodiment, a portion of the teeth of the second gear may be exposed from the first opening. Since a portion of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening, the tape cassette contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0040] In a third embodiment, the tape roll may be configured such that the thermal tape is wound on a tape spool. The tape cassette contributes to the stable transport of the tape because the thermal tape is wound on a tape spool.

[0041] In a third embodiment, the second gear may overlap the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to miniaturization of the housing.

[0042] In a third embodiment, the third gear may overlap the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette contributes to miniaturization of the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of printer 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of printer 1 with the rear cover 3 removed. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the printing section 50. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the platen unit 80, showing the configuration of the parts before assembly with a dashed line. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the drive shaft 63. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the drive shaft 63. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the Tape Cassette 100. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the second space S2. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the first space S1 and the second space S2. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the first space S1. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the tape roll 411 housed in the tape cassette 100A of the first modified example. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the first space S1 of the tape cassette 100A of the first modified example. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the first space S1 of the tape cassette 100B of the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] A printer 1 and tape cassette 100, which are embodiments of this disclosure, will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that may be adopted in this disclosure. In other words, the configurations shown in the drawings are not intended to be the sole limiting factors, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0045] The configuration of printer 1 will now be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, printer 1 is a portable label printer. Printer 1 can print images onto tape 40, as shown in Figure 10, to create labels. Printer 1 can print images such as text and graphics onto tape 40.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printer 1 comprises a housing 2, a rear cover 3, a display unit 4, and an input unit 5.

[0047] The housing 2 is a box shape that is long in the left-right direction. The rear of the housing 2 is open. An inner cover 6 is fitted into the opening. The inside of the housing 2 is protected. The top wall 2A of the housing 2 has an discharge passage 9 and a retaining hole 2C. The discharge passage 9 penetrates in the left-right direction. The retaining hole 2C engages with the opening / closing part 8 of the rear cover 3.

[0048] The rear cover 3 is detachably attached to the housing 2. The rear cover 3 extends in the left-right direction. When attached to the housing 2, the side of the rear cover 3 facing the housing 2 is recessed. When attached to the housing 2, the rear cover 3 covers the entire back of the housing 2, including the inner cover 6 and the rear opening.

[0049] The rightmost end of the rear cover 3 has a window 7. The position of the window 7 corresponds to the rear end of the cassette mounting section 10. For example, the user can visually inspect the label affixed to the top surface of the tape cassette 100 through the window 7. The label displays the type of tape 40, etc.

[0050] The display unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying various types of information. The display unit 4 is located at the right end of the lower surface 2B of the housing 2.

[0051] The input unit 5 accepts various types of information input from the user. The input unit 5 is located at the right end of the bottom surface 2B of the housing 2. In other words, the input unit 5 is located to the left of the display unit 4. The input unit 5 includes multiple keys, such as character keys, a print button, and an Esc key.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the printer 1 includes a cassette mounting section 10, a battery storage section 19, and a printing section 50 inside the housing 2.

[0053] The cassette mounting section 10 is used to detachably mount a tape cassette 100. The cassette mounting section 10 is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the inner cover 6 on the back of the housing 2. The cassette mounting section 10 is recessed downwards. The cassette mounting section 10 has a bottom surface 11 and peripheral walls 12-15. The peripheral walls 12-15 are connected to the edge of the bottom surface 11 and surround the perimeter in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0054] The battery compartment 19 houses a battery (not shown). The battery compartment 19 is recessed downwards at a position to the left of the center of the housing 2 in the left-right direction, on the inner cover 6 on the back of the housing 2.

[0055] When the rear cover 3 is removed from the housing 2, the cassette mounting section 10 and the battery compartment 19 are exposed to the outside of the printer 1. Therefore, the user can remove the rear cover 3 from the housing 2 and replace the tape cassette 100 and the battery.

[0056] The printing unit 50 is a printing unit that prints on the tape 40. The printing unit 50 is located in the front part of the housing 2, below the left end of the cassette mounting section 10.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the printing unit 50 includes a base 51, a head unit 70, a platen unit 80, a drive mechanism 60, and the like.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the base 51 supports the configuration of the printing section 50. The base 51 is a metal plate. The base 51 has its plate surface facing vertically. The base 51 extends longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back direction. The base 51 is provided with a mounting section 141, a pin 51B, a shaft 52, etc.

[0059] Printer 1 is equipped with a cutter (not shown). The cutter comprises a cutter blade and a cutting board. The cutter cuts the tape 40 by placing it between the cutter blade and the cutting board according to user operation.

[0060] The mounting portion 141 is located at the right end of the base 51 and in the center in the front-to-back direction. The mounting portion 141 extends upward. The plate surface of the mounting portion 141 is oriented in the left-to-right direction. The mounting portion 141 is a metal plate. The mounting portion 141 supports a cutting board (not shown).

[0061] Pin 51B is located in the center of the base 51. Pin 51B extends upward from the base 51. Pin 51B is cylindrical. To the right of pin 51B is a pin not shown. The configuration of the pin not shown is the same as that of pin 51B. Shaft 52 is located at the rear right of the base 51. Shaft 52 extends upward.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, the head unit 70 is mounted on the base 51. The head unit 70 includes a heat sink 72 and a print head 71.

[0063] The heatsink 72 holds the print head 71. The heatsink 72 is a metal plate for dissipating heat from the print head 71. The heatsink 72 is located in the center in the left-right direction at the front end of the base 51. The heatsink 72 comprises a first plate 72F and a second plate 72U.

[0064] The first plate 72F extends long in the left-right direction. The first plate 72F has its surface facing up and down. A hole 72A is formed in the first plate 72F. Hole 72A penetrates the first plate 72F in the up-down direction. In addition, a hole not shown is formed in the first plate 72F. The hole not shown is formed to the left of hole 72A. The configuration of the hole not shown is the same as hole 72A.

[0065] A pin 51B is inserted through hole 72A. A pin not shown is also inserted through a hole not shown. In this state, the first plate 72F is fixed to the base 51 with a screw 51C.

[0066] The second plate 72U extends upward from the right edge of the first plate 72F. The second plate 72U has its surface facing in the front-to-back direction. The second plate 72U extends longer in the left-to-right direction than in the up-to-down direction. The upper right surface of the second plate 72U functions as a support part 18 when the tape cassette 100 is mounted.

[0067] The print head 71 is fixed with adhesive to the left side of the second plate 72U of the heat sink 72. The print head 71 is a rectangular circuit board on which multiple heating elements 71A and a driver circuit 71B are mounted. The multiple heating elements 71A are arranged vertically at the right edge of the board. The driver circuit 71B is located at the rear edge of the board. The driver circuit 71B is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) of the printer 1 via a harness 73.

[0068] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the platen unit 80 is positioned in front of the base 51. The left end of the platen unit 80 is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 53. The pivot shaft 53 is located to the left of the rear end of the base 51. The pivot shaft 53 extends upward. The right end of the platen unit 80 is pivotable in the front-rear direction.

[0069] The platen roller 82 can move between a close position (not shown) and a distanced position (shown in Figure 3) due to the oscillation of the platen unit 80. The close position is a position close to the print head 71. The distanced position is a position far from the print head 71.

[0070] For convenience, the orientation of each part of the platen unit 80 in the following description will be based on the orientation of each part of the printer 1 when the platen roller 82 is in close proximity.

[0071] The platen unit 80 includes a platen holder 81, a platen shaft 84, a platen roller 82, a platen gear 83, and a detection unit 91.

[0072] The left end of the platen holder 81 opens to the rear. The rear end of the platen holder 81 has a lower wall and an upper wall. Support holes 81A, 81A that penetrate vertically are open in the lower and upper walls of the platen holder 81. The upper support hole 81A penetrates the upper wall vertically. The lower support hole 81A penetrates the lower wall vertically. The rotating shaft 53 of the base 51 is inserted through the support holes 81A.

[0073] The lower and upper right ends of the platen holder 81 are provided with platen support plates 81B, 81B. The platen support plates 81B, 81B extend to the rear. A platen roller 82 is rotatably supported between the platen support plates 81B, 81B.

[0074] The platen shaft 84 is an axis. The platen shaft 84 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the platen shaft 84 has an insertion hole 84A. The vertical center of the platen shaft 84 has an insertion hole 84B.

[0075] Engaging pins 85 and 86 are inserted into insertion holes 84A and 84B. The length of the engaging pins 85 and 86 is longer than the diameter of the platen shaft 84. Both ends of the engaging pins 85 and 86 are exposed from the insertion holes 84A and 84B. In addition, a groove 84C is formed at the lower end of the platen shaft 84 that engages with the retaining ring 87.

[0076] The platen roller 82 has a roller sleeve 82B and a roller body 82A.

[0077] The roller sleeve 82B is cylindrical. The platen shaft 84 is inserted through the roller sleeve 82B. The roller sleeve 82B rotates together with the platen shaft 84. In addition, a notch 82E is formed at the upper end of the roller sleeve 82B, corresponding to the position of the groove 82D. The notch 82E passes radially through a portion of the roller sleeve 82B.

[0078] The roller body 82A is cylindrical. The roller body 82A is fitted onto the outer surface of the middle section of the roller sleeve 82B. The roller body 82A rotates together with the platen shaft 84 and the roller sleeve 82B. The roller body 82A rotates around the axis L8 of the platen shaft 84.

[0079] The platen gear 83 is fixed to the upper end of the platen shaft 84. The platen shaft 84 protrudes upward from the upper platen support plate 81B. The platen gear 83 is a helical gear. The gear teeth of the platen gear 83 are twisted at a predetermined angle with respect to the shaft L8.

[0080] The engagement pin 85 of the platen shaft 84 engages with the groove 83B. The groove 83B is formed on the inner surface of the through hole 83A. The engagement pin 85 transmits torque from the platen gear 83 to the platen shaft 84. As a result, the platen shaft 84 rotates together with the platen gear 83.

[0081] In close proximity to the platen roller 82, the roller body 82A sandwiches the tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 between the print head 71. The platen gear 83 meshes with the second gear 31 shown in Figure 7 of the tape cassette 100.

[0082] The driving force of the drive shaft 63, described later, is input to the platen roller 82 via the tape cassette 100 and the platen gear 83. The rotation of the platen roller 82 causes the roller body 82A to transport the tape 40, which is sandwiched between it and the print head 71, toward the discharge passage 9.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, the platen holder 81 has a holding portion 81C located slightly rearward from the center in the left-right direction. The holding portion 81C is concave, recessing forward. The holding portion 81C holds the detection unit 91.

[0084] The detection unit 91 is composed of a mechanical switch. The detection unit 91 is switched on and off by a detectable part (not shown) of the tape cassette 100. Based on the combination of on and off states of the switch, the detection unit 91 detects the cassette identification information provided to the tape cassette 100.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the drive mechanism 60 is assembled to the base 51. The drive mechanism 60 comprises a motor 61, a gear group 62, and a drive shaft 63. The motor 61, gear group 62, and base 51 are located inside the housing 2, below the inner cover 6.

[0086] The motor 61 is the drive source for the drive transmission mechanism 30, which will be described later. The motor 61 is located at the left end of the base 51. The driving force of the motor 61 is transmitted to the drive shaft 63 by a gear group 62, which is a combination of multiple gears.

[0087] The drive shaft 63 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The drive shaft 63 is located at the right rear corner of the base 51. The drive shaft 63 is inserted through a shaft 52 provided on the base 51. The drive shaft 63 is exposed inside the cassette mounting section 10.

[0088] The drive shaft 63 is inserted into the first gear 34, which will be described later. The drive force transmitted from the motor 61 is input to the drive shaft 63 via the gear group 62. The drive shaft 63 rotates the first gear 34 due to the drive force from the motor 61.

[0089] The drive shaft 63 includes a drive gear 66, a clutch spring 68, and a drive cam 67.

[0090] The drive gear 66 receives the driving force from the motor 61 via the gear group 62. The material of the drive gear 66 is, for example, resin.

[0091] The drive gear 66 comprises a gear 66A and a shaft 65.

[0092] Gear 66A meshes with the downstream gear in the gear group 62 shown in Figure 3. Gear 66A rotates via the gear group 62, driven by the motor 61 shown in Figure 3. Shaft 65 extends upward from gear 66A.

[0093] The shaft 65 is cylindrical. The shaft 65 has a smaller diameter than the gear 66A. The shaft 65 is inserted through the shaft 52 shown in Figure 3. The shaft 65 rotates around the shaft 52 together with the gear 66A.

[0094] The shaft 65 comprises a first shaft 66B, a taper 66C, a second shaft 66D, and a third shaft 66E.

[0095] The first shaft 66B extends upward from the center of the gear 66A. The first shaft 66B is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the first shaft 66B is constant in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the first shaft 66B is called the first diameter R1. The taper 66C extends upward from the first shaft 66B. The outer diameter of the taper 66C decreases as it extends upward.

[0096] The second axis 66D extends upward from the upper end of the taper 66C. The second axis 66D is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the second axis 66D is constant in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the second axis 66D is called the second diameter R2. The second diameter R2 of the second axis 66D is smaller than the first diameter R1 of the first axis 66B.

[0097] A hook 75 is positioned on the second shaft 66D. The hook 75 is positioned around the second shaft 66D. The hook 75 positions the drive cam 67 and prevents it from coming loose.

[0098] The hook 75 has an extended portion 75A and a protruding portion 75B.

[0099] The extension portion 75A extends upward from the lower end of the second shaft 66D. The extension portion 75A is flexible with respect to the radial direction of the shaft 65.

[0100] The projection 75B protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the extension 75A along the shaft 65. The projection 75B is provided with a tapered surface 759. The tapered surface 759 is inclined radially outward as it extends downward.

[0101] The protruding portion 75B is located above the upper end of the drive cam 67 when the drive cam 67 (described later) is mounted on the shaft 65, and protrudes radially outward from the inner wall of the drive cam 67. The lower surface of the protruding portion 75B contacts the upper end of the drive cam 67 from above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drive cam 67 from coming off.

[0102] The third axis 66E extends upward from the upper end of the second axis 66D. The third axis 66E extends upward from the second axis 66D. The third axis 66E is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the third axis 66E is constant in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the third axis 66E is called the third diameter R3. The third diameter R3 is smaller than the second diameter R2.

[0103] A transmission gear 679 extending in the vertical direction is positioned on the third shaft 66E. The third shaft 66E is inserted into the first gear 34, which will be described later. The third shaft 66E transmits the driving force from the motor 61 to the first gear 34 via the transmission gear 679.

[0104] The clutch spring 68 is a coil spring. The clutch spring 68 has a body 68A, a first arm 68B, and a second arm 68C.

[0105] The main body 68A is mounted on the outer circumference of the first shaft 66B of the drive gear 66. The main body 68A extends spirally in the vertical direction. When not mounted on the drive gear 66, the main body 68A has an inner diameter R4 that is smaller than the first diameter R1 and larger than the second diameter R2. The third diameter R3 of the third shaft 66E is smaller than the inner diameter R4 of the clutch spring 68 when the clutch spring 68 is not mounted on the first shaft 66B.

[0106] The first arm 68B extends radially outward from the upper end of the main body 68A to the shaft 65. The second arm 68C extends radially outward from the lower end of the main body 68A. As shown in Figure 6, the second arm 68C is radially separated from the first arm 68B before being attached to the first shaft 66B.

[0107] When the main body 68A is mounted on the first axis 66B, the inner diameter R4 of the main body 68A before mounting expands to the first diameter R1. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the second arm 68C is radially closer to the first arm 68B than it was before mounting on the first axis 66B.

[0108] The drive cam 67 is mounted on the shaft 65. The drive cam 67 is cylindrical. The material of the drive cam 67 is a different resin material from, for example, the drive gear 66. In this case, the drive cam 67 is made of a different type or grade of resin material than the drive gear 66.

[0109] The drive cam 67 has a cam 67A and a spring housing 67B.

[0110] Cam 67A is cylindrical and extends vertically. Cam 67A has an inner diameter R5. The inner diameter R5 of cam 67A is larger than the second diameter R2 of the second shaft 66D. Cam 67A is positioned around the second shaft 66D.

[0111] The spring housing 67B is provided at the lower end of the cam 67A. The spring housing 67B is arranged around the first shaft 66B.

[0112] The spring housing section 67B comprises an upper wall 675 and a peripheral wall 676.

[0113] The upper wall 675 extends radially outward from the lower end of the cam 67A. In other words, the upper wall 675 is disc-shaped, with its central portion penetrating vertically. As shown in Figure 5, the upper wall 675 covers the clutch spring 68 from above.

[0114] The peripheral wall 676 extends downward from the radially outer end of the upper wall 675. As shown in Figure 5, the upper wall 675 covers the clutch spring 68 from the radially outer side.

[0115] A notch 67C is formed in the peripheral wall 676. The notch 67C is cut out from the lower end of the peripheral wall 676 upwards.

[0116] As shown in Figure 6, the notch 67C comprises a first portion 671 and a second portion 672.

[0117] The first part 671 has a circumferential length of first length L11. The second part 672 extends upward from the circumferential center of the first part 671. The second part 672 has a circumferential length of second length L13, which is shorter than the first length L11.

[0118] The second section 672 has a first wall 672A and a second wall 672B. The first wall 672A and the second wall 672B are opposite each other in the circumferential direction.

[0119] The first wall 672A abuts against the first arm 68B from one side in the circumferential direction. The second wall 672B abuts against the first arm 68B from the other side in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the first arm 68B of the clutch spring 68 is abutted against the second portion 672 and positioned in the circumferential direction.

[0120] The second arm 68C of the clutch spring 68 is positioned inside the first portion 671. The second arm 68C does not contact the first portion 671.

[0121] The tape cassette 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 7-9. The tape cassette 100 can be mounted in the cassette mounting section 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0122] The tape cassette 100 includes a ribbon roll 45 and a tape roll 41. By replacing the tape cassette 100 installed in the cassette mounting section 10 of the printer 1, the tape 40 can be replenished and the type of tape 40 (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) can be changed.

[0123] The ribbon roll 45 includes an ink ribbon 43 and a ribbon spool 46. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L21 extending in a first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction may be the vertical direction. The first rotation axis L21 may correspond to the direction in which the shaft 49, described later, extends.

[0124] Furthermore, the ink ribbon 43 is wound around the ribbon spool 46. More specifically, with the ink ribbon 43 wound around the ribbon spool 46, the ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L21 extending in a first direction. As a result, the ribbon roll 45 is also rotatable about the first rotation axis L21 extending in a first direction.

[0125] The ribbon spool 46 is cylindrical in shape, extending in a first direction. The ink ribbon 43 is strip-shaped. The ink ribbon 43 is used for printing on the tape 40. The ink ribbon 43 is superimposed on the tape 40 at the head opening 24 and used for printing by the print head 71.

[0126] The tape roll 41 includes a tape 40 and a tape spool 47. The tape spool 47 is rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in a first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction may be the vertical direction. The second rotation axis may correspond to the first axis L1 of the first gear 34, which will be described later.

[0127] Furthermore, the tape 40 is wound around the tape spool 47. More specifically, with the tape 40 wound around the tape spool 47, the tape spool 47 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation extending in the first direction. As a result, the tape roll 41 is also rotatable about the second axis of rotation extending in the first direction.

[0128] The tape spool 47 is cylindrical in shape, extending in a first direction. The tape 40 is strip-shaped. For example, the tape 40 has a structure in which release paper is attached to the adhesive surface of the printing tape to cover it. Printing is performed on the tape 40 by the print head 71.

[0129] The tape roll 41 is located inside the housing 20, on one side of the housing 20 in the second direction. The ribbon roll 45 is located inside the housing 20, on the other side of the housing 20 in the second direction. In other words, the tape spool 47 is located inside the housing 20, on one side of the housing 20 in the second direction. The ribbon spool 46 is located inside the housing 20, on the other side of the housing 20 in the second direction.

[0130] As shown in Figure 2, the tape cassette 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figures 7, 9, 10, and 13, the tape cassette 100 includes a housing 20.

[0131] The housing 20 further includes an arm 25. The arm 25 is located at one end of the housing 20 in a third direction. In other words, the arm 25 is located closer to one end of the housing 20 than to the other end of the housing 20 in a third direction. The arm 25 has a second opening 17. The second opening 17 of the arm 25 allows the tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20.

[0132] The enclosure 20 comprises cases 21, 22, and 23. Case 21 is positioned between cases 22 and 23 in a first direction. Case 22 is coupled to case 21 from one side in the first direction. Case 23 is coupled to case 22 from the other side in the first direction.

[0133] As shown in Figure 7, the case 21 comprises a separation plate 21M, a plate 21B, a plate 21R, a plate 21L, and a plate 21F. The separation plate 21M, plate 21B, plate 21R, and plate 21L are rectangular plates.

[0134] The separation plate 21M extends in the second and third directions described above. The separation plate 21M includes an opening 48, two shafts 961 and 962, and a shaft 49. The opening 48 penetrates the separation plate 21M in the first direction.

[0135] Shafts 961, 962, and 49 extend from the separation plate 21M in a first direction. Shaft 961 is located on the other side of the housing 20 in a second direction and near one end of the housing 20 in a third direction. Shaft 962 is located on the other side of the housing 20 in a second direction and near the other end of the housing 20 in a third direction.

[0136] The shaft 49 is positioned in the center of the housing 20 in the third direction. The shaft 49 is positioned offset from the center of the housing 20 in the second direction. The shaft 49 extends along the first direction.

[0137] Plate 21R is located at one end of case 22, on one side in the second direction. Plate 21B is located at the other end of case 22, on the third direction. Plate 21L is located at the other end of case 22, on the other side in the second direction.

[0138] Plate 21F is positioned at one end of the housing 20 in a third direction. Plate 21F comprises plates 211 to 216. Plates 211 to 216 are rectangular in shape. Plates 211, 213, and 215 extend in a first direction and in a second direction of the housing 20. Plates 212, 214, and 216 extend in a first direction and in a third direction of the housing 20.

[0139] Plate 211 is located at one end of the housing 20 in a third direction. Plate 212 is located across the end of plate 211 and the end of plate 213. The end of plate 213 is connected to the end of plate 214. The end of plate 213 is connected to the end of plate 214. The end of plate 214 is connected to the end of plate 215. The end of plate 215 is connected to the end of plate 216.

[0140] Case 23 comprises plates 23D, 23B, 23R, 23L, and 23F. Plates 23D, 23B, 23R, and 23L are rectangular in shape.

[0141] As shown in Figure 7, the plate 23D extends in the second and third directions of the housing 20. The plate 23D has a third opening 23H. The third opening 23H penetrates the plate 23D in the first direction.

[0142] Plate 23R is positioned at the end of plate 23D. Plate 23B is positioned at the end of plate 23D. Plate 23L is positioned at the end of plate 23D.

[0143] Plate 23F is positioned at the end of plate 23D. Plate 23F comprises plates 231 to 236. Plates 231 to 236 are rectangular in shape. Plates 231, 233, and 235 extend in the first and second directions. Plates 232, 234, and 236 extend in the first and third directions.

[0144] Plate 231 is positioned at the end of plate 23D. Plate 232 is positioned between the end of plate 231 and the end of plate 233. The end of plate 233 is connected to the end of plate 234. The end of plate 234 is connected to the end of plate 235. The end of plate 234 is connected to the end of plate 236.

[0145] Cases 21 and 23 define the arm 25 of the tape cassette 100. The arm 25 consists of plates 21F and 23F of case 21. More specifically, the arm 25 consists of the separation plate 21M, plates 211-214 of case 21, and plates 23D, 231-234 of case 23.

[0146] The end of the arm 25 consists of a plate 212 of the case 21 and a plate 232 of the case 23. The arm 25 has a second opening 17 at its end. The second opening 17 extends in the width direction of the tape 40, i.e., in the first direction. The second opening 17 is slit-shaped.

[0147] The housing 20 has a guide 78. The guide 78 has a slit. The slit extends in a first direction. The tape 40 ejected from the second opening 17 of the arm 25 is sent to the slit of the guide 78. The guide 78 guides the tape 40, which has passed through the slit of the guide 79, to the ejection path 9 of the printer 1.

[0148] A head opening 24 is formed between the arm 25 and the guide 78. When the tape cassette 100 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 10, the head unit 70 is inserted through the head opening 24.

[0149] Cases 21 and 23 define the first space S1. The first space S1 is the space enclosed by the separation plate 21M, plate 21F, plate 21B, 21L, and 21R of case 21, and the plates 23D, plate 23F, plate 23B, plate 23L, and plate 23R of case 23. The third opening 23H is connected to the first space S1.

[0150] The first space S1 contains a tape roll 41, a tape spool 47, a ribbon roll 45, a ribbon spool 46, tape guides 441 and 442, and the like.

[0151] The tape spool 47 is slidably fitted into the outer circumferential wall of the opening 48. The second rotation axis of the tape spool 47 is coaxial with the first axis L1 of the first gear 34, which will be described later.

[0152] A holder 42 is fitted inside the ribbon spool 46 in a way that prevents it from rotating. The end of the holder 42 is inserted through the shaft 49. The holder 42 is rotatable together with the ribbon spool 46 around the first rotation axis L21.

[0153] The two tape guides 441 and 442 are cylindrical. Tape guide 441 is inserted onto the shaft 961 of the separator plate 21M. Tape guide 442 is inserted onto the shaft 962 of the separator plate 21M. The two tape guides 441 and 442 rotate around the shafts 961 and 962, respectively.

[0154] On the other hand, case 22 comprises plates 22U, 22F, 22B, 22R, and 22L. Plates 22U, 22F, 22B, 22R, and 22L are rectangular in shape. Plate 22U extends in the front, back, left, and right directions. Plates 22F and 22B extend in a second direction. Plates 22L and 22R extend in a third direction.

[0155] The plate 22U is equipped with shafts 26-28. The shafts 26-28 extend from the plate 22U in a first direction. The shafts 26-28 are cylindrical. The outer shapes of the shafts are different from each other.

[0156] Shaft 26 is positioned at the corner of plate 22U. Shaft 27 is positioned off-center from the center of plate 22U. Shaft 28 is positioned off-center from the center of plate 22U.

[0157] Plate 22F was positioned at the end of plate 22U. Plate 22B was positioned at the end of plate 22U. Plate 22R was positioned at the end of plate 22U. Plate 22L was positioned at the end of plate 22U.

[0158] The housing 20 has a first opening 16 at its end.

[0159] Cases 21 and 22 define the second space S2. The second space S2 is a three-dimensional space enclosed by the separation plate 21M, plate 21F, plate 21B, 21L, and 21R of case 21, and the plates 22U, plate 22F, plate 22B, plate 22L, and plate 22R of case 22.

[0160] The second space S2 is where the drive transmission mechanism 30 is located. The drive transmission mechanism 30 transmits the driving force transmitted via the transmission gear 679 of the third shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 to the platen roller 82.

[0161] The drive transmission mechanism 30 comprises a first gear 34, a second gear 31, and a third gear 37. The first gear 34 is inserted through the shaft 28 of the plate 22U. The second gear 31 is inserted through the shaft 26 of the plate 22U. The third gear 37 is inserted through the shaft 27 of the plate 22U.

[0162] The first gear 34, the second gear 31, and the third gear 37 rotate around the first axis L1, the second axis L2, and the third axis L3, respectively. The first axis L1, the second axis L2, and the third axis L3 each extend in the first direction.

[0163] The first gear 34 is connected to the second gear 31 via the third gear 37. The first gear 34 transmits the driving force to the second gear 31. The first shaft L1 of the first gear 34 is coaxial with the second rotation axis of the tape spool 47.

[0164] The first gear 34 has a gear 35 and a cam 36. The gear 35 and the first cam 36 rotate around the first shaft L1. Gear 35 is an external gear that meshes with the gear 38 of the third gear 37.

[0165] The cam 36 is fixed to the gear 35. The cam 36 is a cylindrical internal gear with spline teeth on its inner surface. The cam 36 of the first gear 34 is exposed through the opening 48 from the third opening 23H. The third shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 is inserted into the cam 36 through the opening 48 from the third opening 23H.

[0166] The second gear 31 is an external gear. The second gear 31 meshes with the platen gear 83. The second gear 31 transmits the driving force to the platen gear 83 for transporting the tape 40.

[0167] The second gear 31 is a so-called helical gear. In the second gear 31, the gear teeth are twisted at a predetermined angle with respect to the second shaft L2. The twisting direction of the gear teeth of the second gear 31 is opposite to the twisting direction of the gear teeth of the platen gear 83. The second shaft L2 of the second gear 31 is parallel to the shaft L8 of the platen gear 83.

[0168] The second gear 31 is exposed to the outside of the tape cassette 100 through the first opening 16. More specifically, a portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed in a space communicating with the head opening 24. The second gear 31 meshes with the platen gear 83 in the space communicating with the head opening 24 when the tape cassette 100 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 10.

[0169] The third gear 37 reduces the rotational speed of the driving force input to the first gear 34 and transmits it to the second gear 31. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism 30 includes a reduction mechanism.

[0170] The third gear 37 meshes with the first gear 34 and the second gear 31. The third gear 37 transmits the driving force input to the first gear 34 to the second gear 31.

[0171] The third gear 37 is a double gear. In the third gear 37, gears 38 and 39 are arranged side by side on the coaxial axis of the third shaft L3. The diameter of gear 39 is smaller than the diameter of gear 38. Also, in the first direction, gear 38 is positioned closer to the tape roll 41 than gear 39.

[0172] Gear 38 meshes with the first gear 34. Gear 38 is an external spur gear.

[0173] Gear 39 meshes with the second gear 31. Gear 39 is an external helical gear. The twist direction of the gear teeth of gear 39 is opposite to the twist direction of the gear teeth of the second gear 31.

[0174] As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with the ribbon spool 46 in the first direction.

[0175] Referring to Figure 10, the printing operation of printer 1 will be described. When printing is performed, the user loads the tape cassette 100 into the cassette mounting section 10. In this case, the print head 71 is positioned in the head opening 24 so as to overlap the tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 in the vertical direction.

[0176] When the rear cover 3 is attached, the platen roller 82 moves to a close position. This causes the platen gear 83 to mesh with the second gear 31. The third shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 is inserted into the cam 36 of the first gear 34, which is housed in the second space S2.

[0177] The motor 61 drives the third shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63, causing it to rotate. This causes the gear 35 of the first gear 34 to rotate together with the cam 36. The rotation of the first gear 34 causes the third gear 37 to rotate, which in turn causes the second gear 31 to rotate.

[0178] The rotation of the second gear 31 causes the platen gear 83 to rotate. Therefore, the platen roller 82 of the printer 1 is rotated.

[0179] The rotation of the platen roller 82 causes the tape 40 to be fed out from the tape roll 41. The tape spool 47 rotates in conjunction with the transport of the tape 40 by the platen roller 82. Simultaneously, the ink ribbon 43 is fed out from the ribbon roll 45. The ribbon spool 46 rotates in conjunction with the transport of the ink ribbon 43 by the platen roller 82.

[0180] The tape 40, unwound from the tape roll 41, is guided to the second opening 17 of the arm 25 by tape guides 441 and 442. The ink ribbon 43 is guided to the second opening 17 of the arm 25 by ribbon guide 97. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are transported from the second opening 17 to the head opening 24.

[0181] At the head opening 24, the tape 40 is pressed against the print head 71 via the ink ribbon 43 by the platen roller 82. In this state, the heating element 71A of the print head 71 is selectively heated. As a result, a portion of the ink from the ink ribbon 43 is transferred to the tape 40. Characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the tape 40.

[0182] The rotation of the platen roller 82 transports the printed tape 40 to the guide 78. The tape 40 is then transported towards the output path 9 of the printer 1. The used ink ribbon 43 also passes through the guide 78 and is transported along with the tape 40 towards the output path 9 of the printer 1.

[0183] Once printing is complete, the user operates a cutter to separate the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 that have passed through the printer 1's output path 9 from the printer 1.

[0184] As described above, the tape cassette 100 has a housing 20. The housing 20 is equipped with a separator plate 21M. The separator plate 21M divides the internal space of the housing 20 into a first space S1 and a second space S2. The tape spool 47 and the ribbon spool 46 are located in the first space S1. The first gear 34 is located in the second space S2. The second gear 31 is located in the second space S2.

[0185] In the tape cassette 100 described above, the gears 31 and 34 are arranged in the second space S2. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 contributes to securing space to accommodate the gears 31 and 34.

[0186] The tape guides 441 and 442 guide the tape 40 to the second opening 17. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 contributes to the smooth transport of the tape 40 by the tape guides 441 and 442.

[0187] The ribbon guide 97 guides the ink ribbon 43 to the second opening 17. The tape cassette 100 contributes to the smooth transport of the ink ribbon 43 by the ribbon guide 97.

[0188] The housing 20 has a third opening 23H that communicates with the first space S1. The first gear 34 has a cam 36. The cam 36 is exposed through the third opening 23H. The tape cassette 100 contributes to the insertion of a drive shaft 63 that drives the cam 36 through the third opening 23H.

[0189] The third gear 37 is located in the second space S2. The third gear 37 meshes with the first gear 34 and the second gear 31. The tape cassette 100 contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31 via the third gear 37.

[0190] The third gear 37 is a double gear. The third gear 37 consists of a gear 38 that meshes with the first gear 34 and a gear 39 that meshes with the second gear 31. In the tape cassette 100, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force while changing the operating speed between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31.

[0191] The second gear 31 is a helical gear. The thrust force generated in the helical gear helps to suppress the movement of the tape 40 being transported by the tape cassette 100 in the width direction. When the second gear 31 transmits driving force to the platen gear 83 attached to the platen roller 82 of the printer 1, a thrust force is generated in the second gear 31. The direction of the thrust force is such that it pushes the tape cassette 100 into the printer 1.

[0192] The first gear 34 rotates around the first axis L1. The second gear 31 rotates around the second axis L2. The tape cassette 100 contributes to transporting the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 by transmitting driving force through the rotation of the first gear 34 and the second gear 31.

[0193] A portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed through the first opening 16. Because a portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed through the first opening 16, the tape cassette 100 contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0194] The tape roll 41 has a configuration in which the tape 40 is wound on the tape spool 47. The tape cassette 100 contributes to the stable transport of the tape 40 because the tape 40 is wound on the tape spool 47.

[0195] The second gear 31 overlaps with the tape roll 41 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 contributes to the miniaturization of the housing 20.

[0196] The third gear 37 overlaps with the tape roll 41 and the ribbon spool 46 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 contributes to the miniaturization of the housing 20.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the vertical direction is an example of the “first direction” of this disclosure. The first rotation axis L21 is an example of the “first axis” of this disclosure. The first axis L1 of the first gear 34 is an example of the “second axis” of this disclosure. The second axis L2 of the second gear 31 is an example of the “third axis” of this disclosure. The third gear 37 is an example of the “double gear” of this disclosure. Gear 38 is an example of the “fourth gear” of this disclosure. Gear 39 is an example of the “fifth gear” of this disclosure.

[0198] This disclosure can be further modified from the embodiments described above. The following modifications can be combined in a manner that is not inconsistent.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the housing 20 had the configuration shown in Figure 7, but it is not limited to this. The structure of the housing 20 and the arrangement of the components may be changed as appropriate. The shapes of cases 21, 22, and 23 may also be changed as appropriate.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the space of the housing 20 is separated at the position of the separation plate 21M shown in Figure 7, but it is not limited to this, and the position of the separation plate 21M may be changed as appropriate. The size of the space can be adjusted to match the dimensions of the tape 40, ink ribbon 43, and drive transmission mechanism 30.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism 30 is composed of gears 31, 34, and 37, but it is not limited to this. For example, the third gear 37 may be omitted. In this case, the gear 35 of the first gear 34 may directly mesh with the second gear. The dimensions of each gear 31, 34, and 37 may be changed as appropriate.

[0202] In the above embodiment, gear 37 was a double gear, but it is not limited to this. Gear 37 may be a single gear.

[0203] The drive transmission mechanism 30 of the above embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a gear 34 that rotates around a first axis L1, a gear 37 that rotates around a second axis L2, and a gear 38 that rotates around a third axis L3.

[0204] The drive transmission mechanism 30 may be configured to transmit driving force using, for example, spur gears, helical gears, external gears, internal gears, worm gears and worm wheels, etc.

[0205] The drive transmission mechanism 30 may be configured to transmit driving force using components other than gears that rotate around an axis, such as a toothed belt and toothed wheel, a bevel gear and drive shaft, or a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0206] In the above embodiment, shafts 26 to 28 are arranged on the plate 22U of case 22, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, shafts 26 and 27 may be arranged on the separation plate 21M of case 21. The relative positions of shafts 26 to 28 can be adjusted as appropriate to match the dimensions of each gear 31, 34, and 37.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the shafts 961, 962 and tape guides 441, 442 are arranged on the separation plate 21M of the case 21, but are not limited to this. For example, the shafts 961, 962 may be arranged on the plate 23D of the case 23. The shafts 961, 962 can be arranged anywhere as long as the tape guides 441, 442 can be positioned to guide the tape 40 in the first space S1.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the tape roll 41 was formed by winding tape 40 onto a tape spool 47, but it is not limited to this. For example, the tape roll 41 may be formed by winding only tape 40 into a roll. In other words, the tape roll 41 does not need to have a tape spool 47.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the ribbon roll 45 was an ink ribbon 43 wound around a ribbon spool 46, but it is not limited to this; the ribbon roll 45 may be an ink ribbon 43 wound in a roll shape. In other words, the ribbon roll 45 does not need to have a ribbon spool 46.

[0210] A first modification of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The configuration of the tape cassette 100A of the first modification is the same as that of the tape cassette 100 of the above embodiment. Therefore, in Figures 11 and 12, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the tape cassette 100 of the embodiment. The following description will detail the differences.

[0211] In the first modified example, the tape roll 411 shown in Figure 11 is housed in the tape cassette 100 instead of the tape roll 41. The tape roll 411 has the ink ribbon 43 wrapped around the tape 40. The tape 40 has the print tape 41A attached to the release paper 41B.

[0212] As shown in Figure 12, the tape roll 411 is placed in the first space S1 while wound on the tape spool 47. The drive transmission mechanism 30 is located in the second space S2.

[0213] The printing operation of printer 1 will now be described. When printing is initiated, the platen roller 82 is driven by the drive transmission mechanism 30, similar to the case of tape cassette 100. This causes the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 to be fed out from the tape roll 411.

[0214] The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are guided by tape guides 441 and 442 to the second opening 17 of the arm 25. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 pass through the second opening 17 and are transported to the head opening 24.

[0215] At the head opening 24, the tape 40 is pressed against the print head 71 via the ink ribbon 43 by the platen roller 82. The print head 71 prints characters, symbols, etc., onto the tape 40.

[0216] Once printing is complete, the tape 40, along with the ink ribbon 43, passes through the guide 78 and is ejected from the output path 9 of the printer 1.

[0217] Once printing is complete, the user operates a cutter to separate the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 that have been ejected from the printer 1's output path 9, and peels the ink ribbon 43 from the tape 40.

[0218] As described above, the tape cassette 100A includes a tape roll 411. The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are wound on the tape roll 411 in an overlapping state. The tape roll 411 is located in the first space S1. The tape cassette 100A further includes a first gear 34 and a second gear 31. The first gear 34 is located in the second space S2. The second gear 31 is located in the second space S2.

[0219] In the tape cassette 100A described above, the gears 31 and 34 are arranged in the second space S2. Therefore, the tape cassette 100A contributes to securing space to accommodate the gears 31 and 34.

[0220] The tape guides 441 and 442 guide the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 to the second opening 17. Therefore, the tape cassette 100A contributes to the smooth transport of the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 by the tape guides 441 and 442.

[0221] The tape cassette 100A of the first modified example is composed of components having the same function as the tape cassette 100. Therefore, the tape cassette 100A of the first modified example provides the same effects and advantages as the embodiment to a consistent extent.

[0222] Modifications of the tape cassette 100 in the above embodiment can be applied to the tape cassette 100A of the first modification to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0223] In the first modified example described above, the second rotation axis and the first axis L1 are examples of the "first axis" in this disclosure.

[0224] A second modification of the present disclosure will now be described. The configuration of the tape cassette 100B of the second modification is the same as that of the embodiment described above. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the tape cassette 100 of the embodiment. The following description will detail the differences.

[0225] The difference from the above embodiment is that instead of the tape roll 41, a tape roll 412 with a thermal tape 40A wound around it is housed. The tape roll 412 is located in the first space S1. The thermal tape 40A changes color when heated. The thermal tape 40A is wound in a roll shape on a tape spool 47.

[0226] The printing operation of printer 1 will now be described. When printing is initiated, the platen roller 82 is driven by the drive transmission mechanism 30, similar to the case of tape cassette 100. This causes the thermal tape 40A to be fed out from tape roll 412.

[0227] The thermal tape 40A, unwound from the tape roll 411, is guided by tape guides 441 and 442 to the second opening 17 of the arm 25. After passing through the second opening 17, the thermal tape 40A is guided to the head opening 24.

[0228] At the head opening 24, the thermal tape 40A is pressed against the print head 71 by the platen roller 82. The print head 71 prints characters, symbols, etc., onto the tape 40.

[0229] Once printing is complete, the thermal tape 40A passes through the guide 78 and is ejected from the printer 1 via the ejection path 9.

[0230] As described above, the tape cassette 100B includes a tape roll 411. A heat-sensitive tape 40A that changes color with heat is wound around the tape roll 411. The tape roll 411 is located in the first space S1. The tape cassette 100B further includes a first gear 34 and a second gear 31. The first gear 34 is located in the second space S2. The second gear 31 is located in the second space S2.

[0231] In the tape cassette 100B described above, the gears 31, 34, and 37 are arranged in the second space S2. Therefore, the tape cassette 100B contributes to securing space to accommodate the gears 31, 34, and 37.

[0232] Tape guides 441 and 442 guide the thermal tape 40A to the second opening 17. Therefore, the tape cassette 100B contributes to the smooth transport of the thermal tape 40A by tape guides 441 and 442.

[0233] The tape cassette 100B of the second modification is composed of components having the same function as the tape cassette 100. Therefore, the tape cassette 100B of the second modification performs the same functions and effects as the embodiment to a consistent extent.

[0234] Modifications of the above embodiment can be applied to the tape cassette 100B of the second modification to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0235] In the second modified example described above, the second rotation axis and the first axis L1 are examples of the "first axis" in this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0236] 16, 17 Second opening 20 cabinets 21M separation plate 23H 3rd opening 25 Arms 31, 34, 37 gears 36 Cam 40 tapes 441, 442 Tape guides 41, 411 Tape Rolls 47 Tape spool 43 Ink Ribbon 46 Ribbon Spool 49, L1, L2 axis 97 Ribbon Guide 100, 100A, 100B Tape Cassettes S1, S2 space

Claims

1. It's a tape cassette, A roll of tape with tape wound on it, A ribbon spool rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, comprising a ribbon spool on which an ink ribbon is wound, A housing having a first opening, A separation plate divides the internal space of the aforementioned enclosure into a first space and a second space, The device comprises an arm located on the second spatial side in the first direction relative to the separation plate, having a second opening that allows the tape and the ink ribbon to be discharged to the outside of the housing, The first space and the second space are located side by side along the first direction, The tape roll and the ribbon spool are located in the first space. The casing and A tape cassette equipped with, The aforementioned tape cassette further, The first gear located in the second space, A tape cassette characterized by comprising a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, wherein the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

2. The tape cassette according to claim 1, further comprising a tape guide for guiding the tape to the second opening.

3. The tape cassette according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a ribbon guide for guiding the ink ribbon to the second opening.

4. The housing is provided with a third opening that communicates with the first space, The first gear is equipped with a cam, The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the third opening.

5. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is arranged in the second space and comprises a third gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

6. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is arranged in the second space and comprises a double gear consisting of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear.

7. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

8. The first gear rotates around the second shaft, The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second gear rotates about the third axis.

9. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a portion of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

10. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tape roll is configured such that the tape is wound on a tape spool.

11. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second gear overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

12. The tape cassette according to claim 5, characterized in that the third gear overlaps with the tape roll and the ribbon spool in the first direction.

13. It's a tape cassette, A tape roll rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the tape roll having tape and ink ribbon wound in an overlapping state, A housing having a first opening, A separation plate divides the internal space of the aforementioned enclosure into a first space and a second space, The device comprises an arm located on the second spatial side in the first direction relative to the separation plate, having a second opening that allows the tape and the ink ribbon to be discharged to the outside of the housing, The first space and the second space are located side by side along the first direction, The tape roll is located in the first space, The casing and A tape cassette equipped with, The aforementioned tape cassette further, The first gear located in the second space, A tape cassette characterized by comprising a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, wherein the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

14. The tape cassette according to claim 13, further comprising a tape guide for guiding the tape and the ink ribbon to the second opening.

15. The housing is provided with a third opening that communicates with the first space, The first gear is equipped with a cam, The tape cassette according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the third opening.

16. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it is located in the second space and comprises a third gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

17. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it is located in the second space and comprises a double gear consisting of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear.

18. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

19. The first gear rotates around the second shaft, The tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the second gear rotates about the third axis.

20. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that a portion of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

21. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the tape roll is configured such that the tape is wound on a tape spool.

22. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the second gear overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

23. The tape cassette according to claim 16, characterized in that the third gear overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

24. It's a tape cassette, A tape roll that is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the tape roll on which heat-sensitive tape that changes color with heat is wound, A housing having a first opening, A separation plate divides the internal space of the aforementioned enclosure into a first space and a second space, The system includes an arm located on the second space side in the first direction relative to the separation plate, which has a second opening that allows the thermal tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing, The first space and the second space are located side by side along the first direction, The tape roll is located in the first space, The casing and A tape cassette equipped with, The aforementioned tape cassette further, The first gear located in the second space, A tape cassette characterized by comprising a second gear located in the second space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, wherein the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

25. The tape cassette according to claim 24, characterized in that it is provided with a tape guide for guiding the thermal tape to the second opening.

26. The housing comprises a third opening that communicates with the first space. The first gear is equipped with a cam, The tape cassette according to either 24 or 25, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the third opening.

27. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that it is located in the second space and comprises a third gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

28. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that it is arranged in the second space and comprises a double gear consisting of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear.

29. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

30. The first gear rotates around the second shaft, The tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the second gear rotates about the third axis.

31. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that a portion of the teeth of the second gear is exposed from the first opening.

32. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 31, characterized in that the tape roll is configured such that the thermal tape is wound on a tape spool.

33. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that the second gear overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

34. The tape cassette according to claim 27, characterized in that the third gear overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

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