Tape cassette

Abstract

This invention provides a tape cassette that helps position the tip of the used ink ribbon outside the casing. [Solution] The housing 20 of the tape cassette 100 includes a separator plate and an arm 25. The separator plate divides the internal space of the housing 20 into a first space S1 and a second space. The second space is aligned with the first space S1 in a first direction. The ribbon roll 45 is located in the first space S1. The ribbon roll 45 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The tape roll is located in the second space. The tape roll is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The arm 25 is located closer to the first space S1 than to the second space in a first direction. The arm 25 has an outlet 57. The outlet 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 and tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20. The tip of the ink ribbon 43 being discharged from the outlet 57 is located outside the housing 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tape cassette.

Background Art

[0002] The printing tape cassette of Patent Document 1 accommodates a first roll, a second roll, and an input spool in a case. A tape is wound around the first roll. An ink ribbon is wound around the second roll. The input 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] There is a need to position the tip of the used ink ribbon outside the case. However, in the above printing tape cassette, the used ink ribbon is wound up by the input spool, and the tip of the used ink ribbon is located inside the case.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide a tape cassette that contributes to positioning the tip of the used ink ribbon outside the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The tape cassette according to this disclosure comprises: a ribbon roll on which an ink ribbon is wound and which is rotatable about a first rotation axis extending in a first direction; a tape roll on which tape is wound and which is rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction; a housing comprising: a first separation plate that divides the internal space of the housing into a first space where the ribbon roll is located and a second space where the tape roll is located, the second space which is aligned with the first space in the first direction; and an arm located in the first direction closer to the first space than the second space, the arm having an outlet that allows the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing, wherein the tip of the ink ribbon being discharged from the outlet is located outside the housing.

[0007] In the tape cassette described above, the ink ribbon ejected from the output port is used for printing. Since the tip of the ink ribbon ejected from the output port is located outside the casing, the used ink ribbon does not remain inside the casing. In this way, the tape cassette contributes to positioning the tip of the used ink ribbon outside the casing.

[0008] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the ribbon roll may overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction compared to a case where a portion of the ribbon roll does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction.

[0009] The tape cassette described above includes a second separator plate that divides the first space into a third space where the ribbon roll is located and a fourth space aligned with the third space in the first direction, a first gear located in the fourth space, and a second gear located in the fourth space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, wherein a part of the second gear may be exposed from the housing. Therefore, the tape cassette can secure space for housing the gears.

[0010] The tape cassette described above has a housing that has a cam opening communicating with the first space, and the first gear has a cam, which may be exposed from the cam opening. The tape cassette contributes to the insertion of a member that drives the cam through the cam opening.

[0011] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the second gear may overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the second gear does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the first gear may overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the first gear does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the first gear may overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the first gear does not overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In the tape cassette described above, the second gear may be a helical gear. The thrust force generated by the helical gear allows the tape cassette to be miniaturized in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] The tape cassette is located in the fourth space and may include a third gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear. The tape cassette can transmit driving force between the first gear and the second gear via the third gear.

[0016] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the third gear may overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the third gear does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the third gear may overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the third gear does not overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] The tape cassette is located in the fourth space and may be equipped with a double gear consisting of a third gear that meshes with the first gear and a fourth gear that meshes with the second gear. The tape cassette can transmit driving force between the first gear and the second gear by the double gear.

[0019] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the double gear may overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the double gear does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] In the tape cassette described above, a portion of the double gear may overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the double gear does not overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction, the tape cassette can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] In the tape cassette described above, the ribbon roll may have a ribbon spool extending in the first direction on which the ink ribbon is wound. The tape cassette can smoothly transport the ink ribbon using the ribbon spool.

[0022] In the above tape cassette, the tape roll may have a tape spool around which the tape is wound and extending in the first direction. The tape cassette can smoothly convey the tape by means of the tape spool.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the printer 1. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the printer 1 with the back cover 3 removed. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the printing unit 50. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the drive shaft 63. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette 100. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the fourth space S4. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the fourth space S4. [Figure 8] It is a view of the tape cassette 100 seen from the other side in the third direction. [Figure 9] It is a view of the third space S3 seen from the other side in the third direction. [Figure 10] It is a view of the second space S2 seen from one side in the third direction. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the tape cassette 100 taken along the line Y1 - Y1 shown in FIG. 8 and viewed in the arrow direction. [Figure 12] It is a view of the second space S2 of the tape cassette 100A of the modified example seen from the other side in the third direction.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The printer 1 and the tape cassette 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain the technical features that the present disclosure may adopt. That is, the configurations and the like described in the drawings are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The housing 2 is a box shape that is long in the left-right direction. The housing 2 has an opening at the rear. 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 outlet passage 9 and a retaining hole 2C. The outlet passage 9 penetrates in the left-right direction. The retaining hole 2C engages with the opening / closing part 8 of the rear cover 3.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The rightmost part 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 attached to the top surface of the tape cassette 100 through the window 7. The label displays the type of tape 40, etc.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 recessed bottom surface 11 and recessed circumferential surfaces 12-15. The recessed circumferential surfaces 12-15 are connected to the edge of the recessed bottom surface 11 and surround the periphery in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 replace the tape cassette 100 and the battery with the rear cover 3 removed from the housing 2.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 mounting portion 141 faces left-to-right. The mounting portion 141 is a metal plate.

[0040] Pin 51B is located at the right end of the base 51 and in the center in the front-to-back direction. Pin 51B extends upward from the base 51. Pin 51B is cylindrical. To the right of pin 51B is another pin, not shown, which is identical to pin 51B. Shaft 52 is located at the right rear of the base 51. Shaft 52 extends upward.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The first plate 72F has its surface oriented vertically and extends longer horizontally than horizontally. A hole 72A is formed in the first plate 72F. The hole 72A penetrates the first plate 72F in the vertical direction.

[0044] A pin 51B is inserted through hole 72A. In this state, the first plate 72F is fixed to the base 51 with a screw 51C.

[0045] The second plate 72U extends upward from the rear end 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 portion 18 when the tape cassette 100 is mounted.

[0046] The print head 71 is fixed to the front surface of the second plate 72U of the heat sink 72 with adhesive. The print head 71 is a rectangular circuit board on which multiple heating elements 71A and a driver circuit section 71B are mounted. The multiple heating elements 71A are arranged vertically at the right edge of the board. The driver circuit section 71B is located at the rear edge of the board. The driver circuit section 71B is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) of the printer 1 via a harness 73.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the platen unit 80 is positioned in front of the base 51. The left end of the platen unit 80 is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 53. The pivot shaft 53 of the platen unit 80 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.

[0048] The platen roller 82 is slidable 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 that penetrate vertically are opened in the lower and upper walls of the platen holder 81. The rotating shaft 53 of the base 51 is inserted through the support holes. A platen roller 82 is rotatably supported between the lower and upper walls at the right end of the platen holder 81.

[0052] The platen shaft 84 is the axis. The platen shaft 84 extends in the vertical direction. The platen roller 82 is a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The platen shaft 84 is inserted through the platen roller 82. The platen shaft 84 rotates together with the platen roller 82.

[0053] The platen gear 83 is fixed to the upper end of the platen shaft 84. The platen shaft 84 protrudes upward from the upper wall of the platen holder 81. 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 vertical direction. The platen shaft 84 rotates together with the platen gear 83.

[0054] In close proximity to the platen roller 82, the platen roller 82 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 5 of the tape cassette 100.

[0055] 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 platen roller 82 rotates to transport the tape 40, which is held between it and the print head 71, toward the discharge path 9.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the platen holder 81 has a holding portion 81C located behind the center in the left-right direction. The holding portion 81C is concave, recessed inward. The holding portion 81C holds the detection unit 91.

[0057] 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 92 detects the cassette identification information provided to the tape cassette 100.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The drive shaft 63 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The drive shaft 63 includes a drive gear 66, a clutch spring 68, and a drive cam 67.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The drive gear 66 comprises a gear 66A and a shaft 65.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The upper end of shaft 65 is called shaft 66E. Shaft 66E is cylindrical. A transmission gear 679 extending in the vertical direction is positioned on shaft 66E. Shaft 66E is inserted into the first gear 34, which will be described later. Shaft 66E transmits the driving force from the motor 61 to the first gear 34 via the transmission gear 679.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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. The first arm 68B extends radially outward from the upper end of the main body 68A. The second arm 68C extends radially outward from the lower end of the main body 68A.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The drive cam 67 has a cam portion 67A and a spring housing portion 67B.

[0072] The cam portion 67A is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. The spring housing portion 67B is provided at the lower end of the cam portion 67A. The spring housing portion 67B is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. The diameter of the spring housing portion 67B is larger than the diameter of the cam portion 67A. The spring housing portion 67B houses the clutch spring 68.

[0073] Shaft 65 passes through drive cam 67. Shaft 66E is the portion of shaft 65 that protrudes above drive cam 67.

[0074] The tape cassette 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5 to 11. The tape cassette 100 can be mounted in the cassette mounting section 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0075] The tape cassette 100 comprises a housing 20. The tape cassette 100 comprises a tape roll 41 and a ribbon roll 45. 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.

[0076] The ribbon roll 45 includes an ink ribbon 43 and a ribbon spool 46. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about a rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction. The rotation axis L42 will be described later. 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 the rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction. Therefore, the ribbon roll 45 is also rotatable about the rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction.

[0077] 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 described later and used for printing by the print head 71.

[0078] The tape roll 41 includes a tape 40 and a tape spool 47. The tape spool 47 is rotatable about a rotation axis L49 extending in a first direction. The rotation axis L49 will be described later. 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 the rotation axis L49 extending in a first direction. Therefore, the tape roll 41 is also rotatable about the rotation axis L49 extending in a first direction.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, the tape cassette 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 8, the tape cassette 100 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 further includes an arm 25. In a third direction, the arm 25 is located at one end of the housing 20. In other words, in a third direction, the arm 25 is located closer to one end of the housing 20 than to the other end of the housing 20. The arm 25 has an outlet 57. The outlet 57 of the arm 25 can discharge the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 to the outside of the housing 20. The arm 25 will be described later.

[0082] The enclosure 20 comprises cases 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, case 21 constitutes the other end of the housing 20 in the first direction. Case 22 is located on one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 22 is coupled to one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 23 is located on one side of case 22 in the first direction. Case 23 is coupled to one side of case 22 in the first direction. Case 24 is located on one side of case 23 in the first direction. Case 24 is coupled to one side of case 23 in the first direction.

[0084] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, case 21 comprises plates 21D, 21R, 21B, 21L, and 21F. Plates 21D, 21B, 21R, 21L, and 21F are rectangular plates.

[0085] The plate 21D extends in the second and third directions described above. The plate 21D has an opening 21H. The opening 21H penetrates the plate 21D in the first direction.

[0086] Plate 21R is located at the end of plate 21D. Plate 21B is located at the end of plate 21D. Plate 21L is located at the end of plate 21D. Plates 21R, 21B, and 21L extend from plate 21D in a first direction.

[0087] Plate 21F is positioned at the end of plate 21D. Plate 21F comprises plates 211 to 216. Plates 211 to 216 are rectangular in shape. Plates 211, 213, and 215 extend in the first and second directions. Plates 212, 214, and 216 extend in the first and third directions.

[0088] Plate 211 is positioned at the end of plate 21D. The end of plate 212 is connected to the end of plate 211. The end of plate 212 is connected to the end of plate 213. 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.

[0089] The end of plate 216 is positioned in the same location as plate 213 in the first direction.

[0090] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 9, the case 22 comprises a separation plate 22M, a plate 22R, a plate 22B, a plate 22L, and a plate 22F. The separation plate 22M, a plate 22R, a plate 22B, a plate 22L, and a plate 22F are rectangular plates.

[0091] The separation plate 22M extends in the second and third directions described above. The separation plate 22M comprises openings 22H, 97, columns 98, plates 93, 94, and a shaft 96.

[0092] The positions of the opening 22H in the second and third directions are the same as the positions of the opening 21H in the second and third directions. The opening 22H penetrates the separation plate 22M in the first direction.

[0093] The opening 97 penetrates the separation plate 22M in the first direction.

[0094] The column 98, plates 93 and 94, and shaft 96 extend from the separation plate 22M in a first direction. Column 98 is located on the other side of the housing 20 in a second direction relative to the opening 97.

[0095] The plate 93 extends in a third direction. The end of the plate 93 is connected to the end of the column 98. The end of the plate 93 is located closer to the other end of the housing 20 in the third direction than to one end of the housing 20 in the third direction.

[0096] Plate 94 extends in a second direction from the end of plate 93. The end of plate 94 is located at the end of arm 25, which will be described later.

[0097] The shaft 96 passes through the tape guide 44. The tape guide 44 is cylindrical. The tape guide 44 is rotatable around the shaft 96.

[0098] Plate 22R is positioned at one end of the housing 20 in the second direction. Plate 22R extends in the first and third directions. Separation plate 22M is positioned between the ends of plate 22R in the first direction.

[0099] Plate 22B is positioned at the other end of the housing 20 in the third direction. Plate 22B extends in the first and second directions. Separation plate 22M is positioned between the ends of plate 22B in the first direction.

[0100] Plate 22L is positioned at the other end of the housing 20 in the second direction. Plate 22L extends in the first and third directions. Separation plate 22M is positioned between the ends of plate 22L in the first direction.

[0101] Plate 22F is positioned at one end of the housing 20 in a third direction. Plate 22F comprises plates 221, 223, 224, 225, and 226. Plates 221, 223, 224, 225, and 226 are rectangular in shape. Plates 221, 223, and 225 extend in a first and second direction. Plates 224 and 226 extend in a first and third direction.

[0102] Plate 221 is positioned at one end of the housing 20 in the third direction. Plate 223 is located on the other side of plate 221 in the third direction. Plate 94 is located between plate 221 and plate 223 in the third direction. That is, a gap is formed between plate 221 and plate 94. A gap is formed between plate 94 and plate 223.

[0103] The end of plate 223 is connected to the end of plate 224. The end of plate 224 is connected to the end of plate 225. In other words, a gap is formed between plate 93 and plate 224.

[0104] The end of plate 225 is connected to the end of plate 226. The end of plate 226 is positioned in the same location as plate 223 in the third direction.

[0105] Cases 21 and 22 define the arm 25 of the tape cassette 100. The arm 25 consists of plates 21F and 22F. More specifically, the arm 25 consists of plates 21D, 211, 212, 213, and 214 of case 21, and the separation plates 22M, 221, 223, and 224 of case 22.

[0106] The arm 25 has a first discharge port 58 and a second discharge port 59 at its end. The first discharge port 58 and the second discharge port 59 are slit-shaped and extend in a first direction. The first discharge port 58 communicates with the gap between plate 221 and plate 94.

[0107] The second outlet 59 is located closer to the other end of the housing 20 in the third direction than the first outlet 58. The second outlet 59 communicates with the gap between plate 94 and plate 223. The outlet 57 consists of the first outlet 58 and the second outlet 59.

[0108] The housing 20 has a guide 78 as shown in Figure 9. The guide 78 has a slit. The slit extends in a first direction. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 discharged from the output port 57 of the arm 25 are sent to the slit of the guide 78. The guide 78 guides the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 that have passed through the slit of the guide 78 to the output path 9 of the printer 1. The space located on one side of the arm 25 in a second direction is called the head opening.

[0109] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 10, the case 23 comprises a separation plate 23M, a plate 23B, a plate 23R, a plate 23L, and a plate 23F. The separation plate 23M, plate 23B, plate 23R, and plate 23L are rectangular in shape.

[0110] The separation plate 23M extends in the second and third directions. The separation plate 23M includes an opening 231, a column 232, and a shaft 233.

[0111] The opening 231 penetrates the separation plate 23M in a first direction. With case 23 coupled to case 22, the opening 231 communicates with the opening 97 shown in Figure 9.

[0112] The column 232 and shaft 233 extend from the separation plate 23M in a first direction. The column 232 is located closer to one end of the housing 20 in a second direction than the opening 231.

[0113] The shaft 233 is positioned at the corner of the separation plate 23M. The shaft 233 is positioned on one side of the column 232 in the third direction. The shaft 233 passes through the tape guide 234. The tape guide 234 is cylindrical. The tape guide 234 is rotatable around the shaft 233.

[0114] Plate 23R is positioned at one end of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. Plate 23R extends in the first and third directions. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23R.

[0115] Plate 23B is positioned at the other end of the separation plate 23M in the third direction. Plate 23B extends in the first and second directions. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23B.

[0116] Plate 23L is positioned at the other end of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. Plate 23L extends in the first and third directions. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23L.

[0117] Plate 23F is positioned at one end of the separation plate 23M in the third direction. Plate 23F extends in the first and second directions. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23F.

[0118] The housing 20 has an opening 16.

[0119] As shown in Figure 5, case 24 comprises plates 24D, 24R, 24B, 24L, and 24F. Plates 24D, 24B, 24R, 24L, and 24F are rectangular plates.

[0120] Plate 24D extends in a second and a third direction. Plate 24R is located at the end of plate 24D. Plate 24B is located at the end of plate 24D. Plate 24L is located at the end of plate 24D. Plate 24F is located at the end of plate 24D. Plates 24R, 24B, 24L, and 24F extend from plate 24D in a first direction.

[0121] The internal space of the enclosure 20 is divided into a first space S1 and a second space S2 by a separation plate 23M. The first space S1 is the space enclosed by plates 21D, 21F, 21B, 21L, and 21R of case 21, plates 22F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 22, and separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 23. The second space S2 is the space enclosed by separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 23, and plates 24D, 24F, 24B, 24L, and 24R of case 24.

[0122] The first space S1 is aligned with the second space S2 in the first direction. The arm 25 is located closer to the first space S1 than to the second space S2 in the first direction. The openings 21H and 22H communicate with the first space S1.

[0123] The first space S1 is divided into a third space S3 and a fourth space S4 by a separation plate 22M. The third space S3 is the space enclosed by plates 21D, 21F, 21B, 21L, and 21R of case 21, and separation plates 22M, 22F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 22. The fourth space S4 is the space enclosed by separation plates 22M, 22F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 22, and separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 23. The third space S3 is aligned with the fourth space S4 in the first direction.

[0124] A tape roll 41 is located in the second space S2 of the tape cassette 100. The tape roll 41 is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the third direction within the second space S2. The tape roll 41 is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction.

[0125] A holder 49 is fitted inside the tape spool 47. The holder 49 has a rotation axis L49 extending in a first direction. The tape spool 47 is rotatable about the rotation axis L49.

[0126] A ribbon roll 45 is located in the third space S3 of the tape cassette 100. The ribbon roll 45 is positioned in the third space S3 between the plate 93 and the center of the separation plate 22M in the second direction.

[0127] A holder 42 is fitted inside the ribbon spool 46. The holder 42 has a rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about the rotation axis L42.

[0128] A drive transmission mechanism 30 is located in the fourth space S4. The drive transmission mechanism 30 transmits the driving force transmitted via the transmission gear 679 of the shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 to the platen roller 82.

[0129] The drive transmission mechanism 30 comprises a first gear 34, a second gear 31, and a third gear 37. The first gear 34 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The positions of the first gear 34 in the second and third directions are the same as the positions of the openings 21H and 22H in the second and third directions.

[0130] 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 gear 34 has a gear 35 and a cam 36. Gear 35 is an external gear that meshes with the fourth gear 38 of the third gear 37.

[0131] The cam 36 is fixed to the other side of the gear 35 in the first direction. The cam 36 is a cylindrical internal gear having spline teeth 361 on its inner surface. The cam 36 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20 through openings 21H and 22H. The shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 is inserted into the cam 36 from below.

[0132] The second gear 31 is an external gear. The second gear 31 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The second gear 31 is spaced further away from the first gear 34 in the third direction.

[0133] The second gear 31 meshes with the platen gear 83 to transmit the driving force for transporting the tape 40 to the platen gear 83. 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 first direction. 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.

[0134] A portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20 through the opening 16. In other words, a portion of the second gear 31 is exposed to the space communicating with the head opening. The second gear 31 meshes with the platen gear 83 in the space communicating with the head opening when the tape cassette 100 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 10.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The third gear 37 is a double gear in which the fourth gear 38 and the fifth gear 39 are arranged coaxially. The diameter of the fifth gear 39 is smaller than the diameter of the fourth gear 38. Also, in the first direction, the fourth gear 38 is positioned further from the tape roll 41 than the fifth gear 39.

[0137] The fourth gear 38 meshes with the first gear 34. The fourth gear 38 is an external spur gear.

[0138] The fifth gear 39 meshes with the second gear 31. The fifth gear 39 is an external helical gear. The twist direction of the gear teeth of the fifth gear 39 is opposite to that of the second gear 31.

[0139] 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.

[0140] As shown in Figures 7, 9 to 11, a portion of the ribbon roll 45 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. 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 and a portion of the ribbon spool 46 in the first direction.

[0141] The printing operation of printer 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. When printing is performed, the tape cassette 100 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 10. In this case, the print head 71 is positioned so as to overlap the tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 in a third direction at the head opening.

[0142] The shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 is inserted into the first gear 34 housed in the fourth space S4. The platen roller 82 moves to a close position. As a result, the platen gear 83 meshes with the second gear 31.

[0143] With the tape cassette 100 installed, the first gear 34 rotates together with the cam 36 by the shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63. The rotation of the first gear 34 causes the third gear 37 to rotate. This causes the second gear 31 to rotate.

[0144] The rotation of the second gear 31 causes the platen gear 83 to rotate. Therefore, the platen roller 82 rotates.

[0145] The rotation of the platen roller 82 causes the tape 40 to be fed out from the tape roll 41. At the same time, the ink ribbon 43 is fed out from the ribbon roll 45.

[0146] In the second space S2, the tape 40 is guided to the column 232 by the tape guide 234. The tape 40 is then guided to the opening 231 by the column 232. The tape 40 passes through the opening 231 and the opening 97 and is transported to the third space S3.

[0147] In the third space S3, the tape 40 is guided by the column 98 to the tape guide 44. At this time, the tape 40 is transported in the third direction through the gap between plate 22L and plate 93. The tape 40 is guided by the tape guide 44 to the first discharge port 58. At this time, the tape 40 is transported in the second direction through the gap between plate 221 and plate 94. The tape 40 is discharged from the first discharge port 58 to the outside of the housing 20.

[0148] The ink ribbon 43 is transported toward the edge of the plate 93 in the third space S3. At this time, the ink ribbon 43 is transported in the third direction through the gap between the plate 93 and the plate 224. The ink ribbon 43 is guided to the second discharge port 59 by the edge of the plate 93. The ink ribbon 43 is transported in the second direction through the gap between the plate 94 and the plate 223. The ink ribbon 43 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 from the second discharge port 59.

[0149] The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 discharged from the discharge port 57 overlap in a third direction. At the head opening, the tape 40 is pressed against the print head 71 via the ink ribbon 43 by the platen roller 82. The print head 71 is selectively heated by the heating element 71A. As a result, some of the ink placed on the surface of the ink ribbon 43 is transferred to the tape 40, and characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the tape 40.

[0150] The printed tape 40 is guided by the guide 78 to the output path 9 of the printer 1. The used ink ribbon 43 is also transported towards the output path 9 of the printer 1 together with the tape 40. In other words, the leading edge of the tape 40 and the leading edge of the ink ribbon 43 being ejected from the output port 57 are located outside the housing 20 without returning to the inside of the housing 20.

[0151] Once printing is complete, the user detaches the printed tape 40 and the used ink ribbon 43 from the printer 1.

[0152] As described above, the tape cassette 100 includes a ribbon roll 45, a tape roll 41, and a housing 20. The housing 20 includes a separator plate 23M and an arm 25. The separator plate 23M divides the internal space of the housing 20 into a first space S1 and a second space S2. The second space S2 is aligned with the first space S1 in a first direction. The ribbon roll 45 is located in the first space S1 and has an ink ribbon 43 wound around it. The ribbon roll 45 is rotatable about a rotation axis L42. The tape roll 41 is located in the second space S2 and has a tape 40 wound around it. The tape roll 41 is rotatable about a rotation axis L49. The rotation axes L42 and L49 extend in a first direction. The arm 25 is located closer to the first space S1 than to the second space S2 in a first direction. The arm 25 has an outlet 57. The discharge port 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 and tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20. The leading edge of the ink ribbon 43 being discharged from the discharge port 57 is located outside the housing 20.

[0153] In the tape cassette 100 described above, the ink ribbon 43 discharged from the discharge port 57 is used for printing on the tape 40. Since the tip of the ink ribbon 43 discharged from the discharge port 57 is located outside the housing 20, the used ink ribbon 43 does not remain inside the housing 20. In this way, the tape cassette 100 contributes to positioning the tip of the used ink ribbon 43 outside the housing 20.

[0154] A portion of the ribbon roll 45 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 can be made smaller in the direction perpendicular to the first direction compared to a case where a portion of the ribbon roll 45 and a portion of the tape roll 41 do not overlap in the first direction.

[0155] The tape cassette 100 comprises a separator plate 22M, a first gear 34, and a second gear 31. The separator plate 22M divides the first space S1 into a third space S3 and a fourth space S4. The ribbon roll 45 is located in the third space S3. The first gear 34 and the second gear 31 are located in the fourth space S4. A portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed through the opening 16. Therefore, the tape cassette 100 can secure space to accommodate the first gear 34 and the second gear 31. In addition, because a portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed through the opening 16, the tape cassette 100 contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0156] The housing 20 has openings 21H and 22H. The openings 21H and 22H communicate with the first space S1. The first gear 34 includes a cam 36. The cam 36 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20 through the openings 21H and 22H. The tape cassette 100 contributes to the insertion of a drive shaft 63 that drives the cam 36 through the openings 21H and 22H.

[0157] A portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the second gear 31 does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100 can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0158] A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the first gear 34 does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100 can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0159] The second gear 31 is a helical gear. 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. Therefore, the upward lifting of the tape cassette 100 into the printer 1 can be suppressed.

[0160] The third gear 37 is located in the fourth space S4. 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.

[0161] A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the third gear 37 does not overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100 can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0162] A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45 in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the third gear 37 does not overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll 45 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100 can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0163] The third gear 37 is located in the fourth space S4. The third gear 37 is a double gear. The third gear 37 consists of a fourth gear 38 that meshes with the first gear 34 and a fifth gear 39 that meshes with the second gear 31. In the tape cassette 100, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31.

[0164] The ribbon roll 45 consists of an ink ribbon 43 wound on a ribbon spool 46. The tape cassette 100 contributes to the stable transport of the ink ribbon 43 because the ink ribbon 43 is wound on the ribbon spool 46.

[0165] 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.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the rotating shaft L42 is an example of the “first rotating shaft” of the present disclosure. The rotating shaft L49 is an example of the “second rotating shaft” of the present disclosure. The separating plate 23M is an example of the “first separating plate” of the present disclosure. The separating plate 22M is an example of the “second separating plate” of the present disclosure. The openings 21H and 22H are examples of the “cam openings” of the present disclosure. The third gear 37 is an example of the “double gear” of the present disclosure.

[0167] This disclosure can be further modified from the embodiments described above. The following modifications can be combined in a manner that is not inconsistent.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the housing 20 had the configuration shown in Figure 7, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shapes of cases 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be changed as appropriate.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the separation plate 23M separates the internal space of the housing 20, but the position of the separation plate 23M may be changed as appropriate. The size of the space can be adjusted to match the dimensions of the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism 30 is composed of a first gear 34, a second gear 31, and a third gear 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 the first gear 34, the second gear 31, and the third gear 37 may be changed as appropriate.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the third gear 37 was a double gear, but it is not limited to this. The third gear 37 may be a single gear.

[0172] The drive transmission mechanism 30 has, but is not limited to, a first gear 34, a third gear 37, and a fourth gear 38 that rotate around a rotating shaft extending in a first direction. 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. 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.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the shaft 96 and tape guide 44 are arranged on the separation plate 22M of the case 22, but are not limited to this. For example, the shaft 96 may be arranged on the plate 21D of the case 21. The shaft 96 can be arranged anywhere as long as the tape guide 44 can be positioned to guide the tape 40 in the third space S3.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the separation plate 22M divides the first space S1 into a third space S3 and a fourth space S4, but it is not limited to this. The position of the separation plate 22M may be changed as appropriate. The size of the space should be adjusted to match the dimensions of the tape 40 and the drive transmission mechanism 30.

[0177] The first gear 34 does not need to have a cam 36. The housing 20 does not need to have an opening 21H. The housing 20 does not need to have an opening 22H. The cam 36 does not need to be exposed to the outside of the housing 20 through openings 21H and 22H.

[0178] The positions of the ribbon roll 45, tape roll 41, and drive transmission mechanism 30 in the second and third directions may be changed as appropriate. A portion of the ribbon roll 45 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction.

[0179] A portion of the second gear 31 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41 in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 does not need to overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll 45 in the first direction.

[0180] A modified example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 12. The configuration of the modified tape cassette 100A is the same as that of the tape cassette 100 in the above embodiment. Therefore, in Figure 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.

[0181] The modified tape cassette 100A includes a ribbon roll 450, as shown in Figure 12, instead of the ribbon roll 45. The ribbon roll 450 has the same configuration as the ribbon roll 45. The position of the ribbon roll 450 in the third space S3 is different from the position of the ribbon roll 45.

[0182] The ribbon roll 450 is located in the third space S3 between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in the second direction. In the first direction, the ribbon roll 450 overlaps with the first gear 34 and the third gear 37.

[0183] When printing is performed, the platen roller 82 is driven, causing the ink ribbon 43 to be unwound from the ribbon roll 450. The ink ribbon 43 is transported through the gaps between plate 93 and plate 224, and between plate 94 and plate 223, and discharged to the outside of the housing 20 from the second discharge port 59. In the tape cassette 100A as well, the leading edge of the ink ribbon 43 discharged from the discharge port 57 is located outside the housing 20.

[0184] As described above, the tape cassette 100A includes a ribbon roll 450. A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 450 in the first direction. Compared to the case where a portion of the first gear 34 does not overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll 450 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0185] 16 aperture 20 cabinets 22M, 23M separation plate 25 Arms 31, 34, 37 gears 36 Cam 40 tapes 41 Tape Rolls 43 Ink Ribbon 45,450 Ribbon Rolls 46 Ribbon Spool 47 Tape spool 100, 100A tape cassette S1, S2, S3, S4 space

Claims

1. An ink ribbon is wound around a ribbon roll that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation extending in a first direction, A tape roll on which tape is wound and which is rotatable about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction, It is a casing, A first separation plate divides the internal space of the housing into a first space where the ribbon roll is located and a second space where the tape roll is located, the second space being aligned with the first space in the first direction, An arm located closer to the first space than the second space in the first direction, and having an outlet that allows the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing. A tape cassette equipped with, The tip of the ink ribbon being discharged from the discharge port is located outside the housing. A tape cassette characterized by the following features.

2. The tape cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribbon roll overlaps with the tape roll in the first direction.

3. A second separating plate divides the first space into a third space where the ribbon roll is located and a fourth space aligned with the third space in the first direction. The first gear located in the fourth space, A second gear located in the fourth space and operable in conjunction with the operation of the first gear, Equipped with, A portion of the second gear is exposed from the housing. A tape cassette according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The housing is provided with a cam opening that communicates with the first space, The first gear is equipped with a cam, The tape cassette according to claim 3, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the cam opening.

5. The tape cassette according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a part of the second gear overlaps with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

6. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a part of the first gear overlaps with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

7. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a part of the first gear overlaps with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

8. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

9. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a third gear arranged in the fourth space and meshing with the first gear and the second gear.

10. The tape cassette according to claim 9, characterized in that a part of the third gear overlaps with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

11. The tape cassette according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a portion of the third gear overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

12. The fourth space is arranged and includes a double gear consisting of a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by the following:

13. The tape cassette according to claim 12, characterized in that a portion of the double gear overlaps with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction.

14. The tape cassette according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a portion of the double gear overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

15. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the ribbon roll extends in the first direction and has a ribbon spool on which the ink ribbon is wound.

16. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the tape roll extends in the first direction and has a tape spool on which the tape is wound.

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