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 20A of the tape cassette 100A comprises a ribbon roll and the housing 20A. The housing 20A includes a separator plate and an arm 25. The separator plate divides the internal space of the housing 20A 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 is located in the second space and has an ink ribbon 43 wound around it. The ribbon roll is rotatable about a pivot axis extending in a first direction. The arm 25 is located closer to the first space S1 than to the second space in the first direction. The arm 25 has an outlet 57. The outlet 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20A. The tip of the ink ribbon 43 being discharged from the outlet 57 is located outside the housing 20A.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] The ink ribbon cassette of Patent Document 1 accommodates a supply reel and a take-up reel in a cassette body. An ink ribbon is wound around the supply reel and the take-up reel. The supply reel supplies the ink ribbon to the print head of the printer. The take-up reel winds up 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 around the input spool, and the tip of the used ink ribbon is located inside the case.

[0005] An object of the present 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 rotation axis extending in a first direction; a housing comprising a first separation plate that divides the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space in which the ribbon roll is located and 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 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] The tape cassette described above includes a tape roll located in the first space on which the tape is wound, and the discharge port may allow the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the tape cassette can improve user convenience compared to a tape cassette that does not include a tape roll.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The tape cassette described above includes a tape roll located in the second space on which the tape is wound, and the discharge port may allow the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the tape cassette can improve user convenience compared to a tape cassette that does not include a tape roll.

[0011] In the tape cassette described above, the ribbon roll is wound with the ink ribbon overlapping the tape, and the discharge port may allow the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing in an overlapping state. Therefore, the tape cassette can improve user convenience compared to a case where the ink ribbon is not wound overlapping the tape.

[0012] The tape cassette described above includes a second separator plate that divides the first space into a third space where the tape roll is located and a fourth space which is aligned with the third space in the first direction and is located closer to the second space than to the third space; a first gear located in the fourth space; and a second gear located in the fourth space which is 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.

[0013] In the tape cassette described above, the housing is provided with a cam opening that communicates with the first space, the first gear is provided with a cam, and the cam 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 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, the second gear may be a helical gear. The thrust force generated by the helical gear can prevent the tape cassette from lifting away from the printer.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The above tape cassette is disposed in the fourth space and may include a double gear including a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear. The tape cassette can transmit a driving force between the first gear and the second gear by the double gear.

[0022] In the above tape cassette, a part of the double gear may overlap a part of the tape roll in the first direction. The tape cassette can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the first direction as compared with a case where a part of the double gear does not overlap a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

[0023] In the above tape cassette, a part of the double gear may overlap a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction. The tape cassette can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the first direction as compared with a case where a part of the double gear does not overlap a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

[0024] The above tape cassette includes a second separation plate that divides the first space into a third space and a fourth space that is arranged in the first direction with the third space and is closer to the second space than the third space, a first gear located in the fourth space, and a second gear located in the fourth space and operable in accordance with the operation of the first gear, and a part of the second gear may be exposed from the housing. Therefore, the tape cassette can secure a space for accommodating the gear.

[0025] In the above tape cassette, the housing includes a cam opening that communicates with the first space, the first gear includes a cam, and the cam may be exposed from the cam opening. The tape cassette contributes to inserting a member that drives the cam through the cam opening.

[0026] In the above tape cassette, a part of the first gear may overlap with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction. The tape cassette can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the first direction as compared with a case where a part of the first gear does not overlap with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

[0027] In the above tape cassette, the second gear may be a helical gear. Due to the thrust force generated in the helical gear, the tape cassette can suppress the floating of the tape cassette from the printer.

[0028] The above tape cassette is disposed 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 a driving force between the first gear and the second gear by the third gear.

[0029] In the above tape cassette, a part of the third gear may overlap with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction. The tape cassette can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the first direction as compared with a case where a part of the third gear does not overlap with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

[0030] The above tape cassette is disposed in the fourth space and may include a double gear including a fourth gear that meshes with the first gear and a fifth gear that meshes with the second gear. The tape cassette can transmit a driving force between the first gear and the second gear by the double gear.

[0031] In the above tape cassette, a part of the double gear may overlap with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction. The tape cassette can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the first direction as compared with a case where a part of the double gear does not overlap with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In the tape cassette described above, the tape roll may have a tape spool extending in the first direction on which the tape is wound. The tape cassette can smoothly transport the tape using the tape spool. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [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 front view of the drive shaft 63. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of a 100A tape cassette. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the fourth space, S4. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the fourth space, S4. [Figure 8] This is a view of tape cassette 100A from the other side of the third direction. [Figure 9] This is a view of the third space S3 of tape cassette 100A from the other side in the third direction. [Figure 10] This is a view of the second space S2 of tape cassette 100A from one side in the third direction. [Figure 11] This is a disassembled perspective view of the tape cassette 100B of the first modified example. [Figure 12] This is a view of the third space S3 of tape cassette 100B from the other side in the third direction. [Figure 13] This is a view of the second space S2 of tape cassette 100B from one side in the third direction. [Figure 14] This is a disassembled perspective view of the second modified tape cassette 100C. [Figure 15] This is a view of the third space S3 of tape cassette 100C from the other side in the third direction. [Figure 16] This is a view of the second space S2 of tape cassette 100C from one side in the third direction. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing ribbon roll 411. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] A tape cassette 100A, which is one embodiment 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 etc. shown in the drawings are not intended to be the sole limiting factor, but are merely illustrative examples. The tape cassette 100A is used when installed in the printer 1.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 100A through the window 7. The label displays the type of tape 40, etc.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The cassette mounting section 10 is used to detachably mount the tape cassette 100A. 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] When the rear cover 3 is removed from the housing 2, the cassette mounting section 10 and the battery housing section 19 are exposed to the outside of the printer 1. Therefore, the user can replace the tape cassette 100A and the battery with the rear cover 3 removed from the housing 2.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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, identical to pin 51B. Shaft 52 is located at the right rear of the base 51. Shaft 52 extends upward.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The first plate 72F has its surface oriented vertically and extends longer in the front-to-back direction than in the left-to-right direction. A hole 72A is formed in the first plate 72F. The hole 72A penetrates the first plate 72F in the vertical direction.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 100A is mounted.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 100A.

[0066] The driving force of the drive shaft 63, described later, is input to the platen roller 82 via the tape cassette 100A 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 100A. Based on the combination of on and off states of the switch, the detection unit 92 detects the cassette identification information assigned to the tape cassette 100A.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The drive shaft 63 includes a drive gear 66, a clutch spring 68, and a drive cam 67.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The drive gear 66 comprises a gear 66A and a shaft 65.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The drive cam 67 has a cam portion 67A and a spring housing portion 67B.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Shaft 65 passes through drive cam 67. Shaft 66E is the portion of shaft 65 that protrudes above drive cam 67.

[0085] The tape cassette 100A will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5 to 10. The tape cassette 100A can be mounted in the cassette mounting section 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0086] The tape cassette 100A includes a housing 20A. The tape cassette 100A includes a tape roll 41A and a ribbon roll 45A. By replacing the tape cassette 100A 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.

[0087] The ribbon roll 45A 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 45A is also rotatable about the rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The tape roll 41A 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 41A is also rotatable about the rotation axis L49 extending in a first direction.

[0090] 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.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, the tape cassette 100A has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 8, an arm 25 is positioned at the front end of the tape cassette 100A. The arm 25 will be described later.

[0092] The tape roll 41A is located inside the housing 20A, on one side of the housing 20A in the second direction. The ribbon roll 45A is located inside the housing 20A, on the other side of the housing 20A in the second direction. In other words, the tape spool 47 is located inside the housing 20A, on one side of the housing 20A in the second direction. The ribbon spool 46 is located inside the housing 20A, on the other side of the housing 20A in the second direction.

[0093] The housing 20A further includes an arm 25. The arm 25 is located at one end of the housing 20A in a third direction. In other words, the arm 25 is located closer to one end of the housing 20A than to the other end of the housing 20A in a third direction. 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 20A. The arm 25 will be described later.

[0094] Enclosure 20A comprises case 21, case 220A, case 230A, and case 240A.

[0095] As shown in Figure 5, case 21 constitutes the other end of the housing 20A in the first direction. Case 220A is located on one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 220A is coupled to one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 230A is located on one side of case 220A in the first direction. Case 230A is coupled to one side of case 220A in the first direction. Case 240A is located on one side of case 230A in the first direction. Case 240A is coupled to one side of case 230A in the first direction.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The plate 21D extends in the second and third directions described above. The plate 21D has an opening 21H. The opening 21H is formed at the corner of the plate 21D. The opening 21H penetrates the plate 21D in the first direction.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The end of plate 216 is positioned in the same location as plate 213 in the first direction.

[0102] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 9, case 220A comprises a separation plate 22M, plate 22R, plate 22B, plate 22L, and plate 22F. The separation plate 22M, plate 22R, plate 22B, plate 22L, and plate 22F are rectangular plates.

[0103] The separation plate 22M extends in the second and third directions described above. The separation plate 22M comprises a shaft 22P, openings 22H and 97A, a column 98A, plates 93A and 94, and shafts 95A, 96, and 99A.

[0104] The shaft 22P, column 98A, plates 93A and 94, and shafts 95A, 96, and 99A extend from the separation plate 22M in a first direction. The shaft 22P is cylindrical.

[0105] The opening 22H is a hole that penetrates the shaft 22P and the separation plate 22M in the first direction. 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.

[0106] The end of the opening 97A is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The end of the opening 97A is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The opening 97A penetrates the separation plate 22M in a first direction.

[0107] Column 98A is located between the ends of opening 97A and the ends of opening 97A.

[0108] Plate 93A extends in a third direction. The end of plate 93A is separated from column 98A.

[0109] Plate 94 extends in a second direction from the end of plate 93A. The end of plate 94 is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in the second direction.

[0110] The shaft 95A passes through the tape guide 85A. The tape guide 85A is cylindrical. The tape guide 85A is rotatable around the shaft 95A.

[0111] The shaft 96 passes through the tape guide 44. The tape guide 44 is cylindrical. The tape guide 44 is rotatable on the shaft 96.

[0112] The shaft 99A passes through the tape guide 89A. The tape guide 89A is cylindrical. The tape guide 89A is rotatable around the shaft 99A.

[0113] Plate 22R is positioned at the end of the separation plate 22M. Plate 22R extends in a first direction and a third direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 22M is located between the ends of plate 22R and plate 22M.

[0114] Plate 22B is positioned at the end of the separation plate 22M. Plate 22B extends in a first direction and a second direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 22M is located between the ends of plate 22B and plate 22M.

[0115] Plate 22L is positioned at the end of the separation plate 22M. Plate 22L extends in a first direction and a third direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 22M is located between the ends of plate 22L and plate 22M.

[0116] Plate 22F is positioned at the end of the separation plate 22M. 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.

[0117] Plate 221 is positioned at the end of the separation plate 22M. Plate 94 is positioned between plate 221 and plate 223 in the third direction. That is, there is a gap between plate 221 and plate 94. There is a gap between plate 94 and plate 223.

[0118] 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, there is a gap between plate 93A and plate 224.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Cases 21 and 220A define the arm 25 of the tape cassette 100A. 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 220A.

[0121] A first outlet 58 and a second outlet 59 are formed at the end of the arm 25. The first outlet 58 and the second outlet 59 are slit-shaped and extend in the first direction. The first outlet 58 communicates with the gap between plate 221 and plate 94.

[0122] The second outlet 59 is positioned further away 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.

[0123] Cases 21 and 220A have a guide 78. 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 in the guide 78. The guide 78 guides the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 that have passed through the slit in 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.

[0124] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 10, case 230A comprises a separation plate 23M, plate 23B, plate 23R, plate 23L, and plate 23F. The separation plates 23M, 23B, 23R, and 23L are rectangular in shape.

[0125] The separation plate 23M extends in a second and a third direction. The separation plate 23M includes an opening 231A, a column 232A, and a shaft 233.

[0126] The end of the opening 231A is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. The end of the opening 231A is located between the end of the separation plate 23M and the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. The opening 231A penetrates the separation plate 23M in the first direction. With case 230A coupled to case 220A, the opening 231 communicates with the opening 97A shown in Figure 9.

[0127] Column 232A and shaft 233 extend from the separation plate 23M in a first direction. Column 232A is located between the ends of opening 231A.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Plate 23R is positioned at the end of the separation plate 23M. Plate 23R extends in a first direction and a third direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23R and plate 23M.

[0130] Plate 23B is positioned at the end of the separation plate 23M. Plate 23B extends in a first direction and a second direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23B and plate 23M.

[0131] Plate 23L is positioned at the end of the separation plate 23M. Plate 23L extends in a first direction and a third direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23L and plate 23M.

[0132] Plate 23F is positioned at the end of the separation plate 23M. Plate 23F extends in a first direction and a second direction. In the first direction, the separation plate 23M is located between the ends of plate 23F and plate 23M.

[0133] Cases 220A and 230A have an opening 16.

[0134] As shown in Figure 5, case 240A comprises plates 24D, 24R, 24B, 24L, and 24F. Plates 24D, 24B, 24R, 24L, and 24F are rectangular plates.

[0135] The plate 24D extends in a second and a third direction. The plate 24D includes a shaft 241. The shaft 241 extends from the plate 24D in a first direction. The shaft 241 is located in the center of the plate 24D in the third direction. The shaft 241 is located between the end of the plate 24D and the center of the plate 24D in the second direction. The shaft 241 is cylindrical.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The internal space of the enclosure 20A 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 220A, and separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 230A. The second space S2 is the space enclosed by separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 230A, and plates 24D, 24F, 24B, 24L, and 24R of case 240A.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 220A. The fourth space S4 is the space enclosed by separation plates 22M, 22F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 220A, and separation plates 23M, 23F, 22B, 22L, and 22R of case 230A. The third space S3 is aligned with the fourth space S4 in the first direction.

[0140] A ribbon roll 45A is positioned in the second space S2 of the tape cassette 100A. In the second space S2, the ribbon roll 45A is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the third direction. The ribbon roll 45A is located between the end of the separation plate 23M and the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction.

[0141] Inside the ribbon spool 46 of the ribbon roll 45A, the shaft 241 and holder 42 shown in Figure 5 are fitted. The holder 42 has a rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about the rotation axis L42.

[0142] The tape roll 41A is located in the third space S3 of the tape cassette 100A.

[0143] The shaft 22P shown in Figure 9 fits inside the tape spool 47. The tape spool 47 is rotatable around the shaft 22P.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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 axis of rotation of the first gear 34 is coaxial with the shaft 22P. 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.

[0147] 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 circumferential surface. The cam 36 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20A through openings 21H and 22H. The shaft 66E of the drive shaft 63 is inserted into the cam 36 from below.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] A portion of the teeth of the second gear 31 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20A 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 100A is mounted in the cassette mounting section 10.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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. In addition, the fourth gear 38 is positioned closer to the tape roll 41A than the fifth gear 39 in the first direction.

[0153] The fourth gear 38 meshes with the first gear 34. The fourth gear 38 is an external spur gear.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, a portion of the ribbon roll 45A overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A in the first direction.

[0157] A portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A in the first direction.

[0158] The printing operation of printer 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. When printing is performed, the tape cassette 100A 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] With the tape cassette 100A installed, the first gear 34 is rotated 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, in turn, causes the second gear 31 to rotate.

[0161] The rotation of the second gear 31 causes the platen gear 83 to rotate. Therefore, the platen roller 82 rotates.

[0162] The rotation of the platen roller 82 causes the tape 40 to be fed out from the tape roll 41A. At the same time, the ink ribbon 43 is fed out from the ribbon roll 45A.

[0163] In the third space S3, tape 40 is guided to tape guide 89A by tape guide 85A. At this time, tape 40 is transported in the second direction while separated from column 98A. Tape 40 is then guided to tape guide 44 by tape guide 89A. At this time, it is transported in the third direction through the gap between plate 22L and plate 93A.

[0164] The tape 40 is guided to the first discharge port 58 by the tape guide 44. At this time, the tape 40 is transported in the second direction through the gap between the plate 221 and the plate 94. The tape 40 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20A from the first discharge port 58.

[0165] In the second space S2, the ink ribbon 43 is guided to the column 232A by the tape guide 234. The ink ribbon 43 is then guided to the opening 231A by the column 232A. The ink ribbon 43 passes through the openings 231 and 97 and is transported to the third space S3.

[0166] In the third space S3, the ink ribbon 43 is guided to the end of the plate 93A by the column 98A. At this time, the ink ribbon 43 is conveyed forward through the gap between the plate 93A and the plate 224. The ink ribbon 43 is guided to the second discharge port 59 by the end of the plate 93A. The ink ribbon 43 is conveyed 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 20A from the second discharge port 59.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 20A without returning to the inside of the housing 20A.

[0169] Once printing is complete, the user detaches the printed tape 40 and the used ink ribbon 43 from the printer 1.

[0170] As described above, the tape cassette 100A has a ribbon roll 45A and a housing 20A. The housing 20A includes a separator plate 23M and an arm 25. The separator plate 23M divides the internal space of the housing 20A 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 45A is located in the second space S2 and has an ink ribbon 43 wound around it. The ribbon roll 45A is rotatable about a rotation axis L42. The rotation axis L42 extends in a first direction. The arm 25 is located closer to the first space S1 than to the second space S2 in the first direction. The arm 25 has an outlet 57. The outlet 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20A. The tip of the ink ribbon 43 being discharged from the outlet 57 is located outside the housing 20A.

[0171] In the tape cassette 100A described above, the ink ribbon 43 discharged from the output port 57 is used for printing. Since the tip of the ink ribbon 43 discharged from the output port 57 is located outside the housing 20A, the used ink ribbon 43 does not remain inside the housing 20A. In this way, the tape cassette 100A contributes to positioning the tip of the used ink ribbon 43 outside the housing 20A.

[0172] The tape cassette 100A has a tape roll 41A. The tape roll 41A is located in the first space S1 and has the tape 40 wound around it. The discharge port 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 and the tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20A. Because the tape cassette 100A has a tape roll 41A, it can improve user convenience compared to a tape cassette 100A that does not have a tape roll 41A.

[0173] A portion of the ribbon roll 45A overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. Therefore, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in the direction perpendicular to the first direction compared to a case where a portion of the ribbon roll 45A and a portion of the tape roll 41A do not overlap in the first direction.

[0174] The tape cassette 100A 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 45A is located in the second space S2. 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 100A 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 100A contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0175] The housing 20A 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 20A through the openings 21H and 22H. The tape cassette 100A contributes to the insertion of a drive shaft 63 that drives the cam 36 through the openings 21H and 22H.

[0176] A portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A 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 41A in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0177] A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A 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 41A in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0178] A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A 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 41A in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0179] 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 100A into the printer 1. Therefore, the upward lifting of the tape cassette 100A into the printer 1 can be suppressed.

[0180] 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 100A contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31 via the third gear 37.

[0181] A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41A 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 41A in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0182] A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A 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 45A in the first direction, the tape cassette 100A can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0183] 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 100A, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31.

[0184] The ribbon roll 45A consists of an ink ribbon 43 wound on a ribbon spool 46. Because the tape cassette 100A has the ink ribbon 43 wound on the ribbon spool 46, it contributes to the stable transport of the ink ribbon 43.

[0185] The tape roll 41A has a configuration in which the tape 40 is wound on the tape spool 47. The tape cassette 100A contributes to the stable transport of the tape 40 because the tape 40 is wound on the tape spool 47.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the rotating shaft L42 is an example of the “rotating shaft” of this disclosure. The separating plate 23M is an example of the “first separating plate” of this disclosure. The separating plate 22M is an example of the “second separating plate” of this disclosure. The openings 21H and 22H are examples of the “cam openings” of this disclosure. The third gear 37 is an example of the “double gear” of this disclosure.

[0187] This disclosure can be further modified from the embodiments described above. The following modifications can be combined in a manner that is not inconsistent.

[0188] In the above embodiment, the housing 20A had the configuration shown in Figure 7, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shapes of cases 21, 220A, 230A, and 240A may be changed as appropriate.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the separation plate 23M separates the internal space of the housing 20A, 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the shafts 95A, 96, 99A and tape guides 85A, 44, 89A are arranged on the separation plate 22M of the case 220A, but this is not limited to that. For example, the shafts 95A, 96, 99A may be arranged on the plate 21D of the case 21. The shafts 95A, 96, 99A can be arranged anywhere as long as the tape guides 85A, 44, 89A can be positioned to guide the tape 40 in the third space S3.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the tape roll 41A was a tape 40 wound around a tape spool 47, but it is not limited to this. For example, the tape roll 41A may be a roll of only tape 40 wound around it. In other words, the tape roll 41A does not need to have a tape spool 47.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the ribbon roll 45A was an ink ribbon 43 wound around a ribbon spool 46, but it is not limited to this; the ribbon roll 45A may be an ink ribbon 43 wound in a roll shape. In other words, the ribbon roll 45A does not need to have a ribbon spool 46.

[0196] 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.

[0197] The first gear 34 does not need to have a cam 36. The housing 20A does not need to have an opening 21H. The housing 20A does not need to have an opening 22H. The cam 36 does not need to be exposed to the outside of the housing 20A through openings 21H and 22H.

[0198] The positions of the ribbon roll 45A, the tape roll 41A, and the drive transmission mechanism 30 in the second and third directions may be changed as appropriate. A portion of the ribbon roll 45A does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction.

[0199] A portion of the second gear 31 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the first gear 34 does not need to overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 does not need to overlap with a portion of the tape roll 41A in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 does not need to overlap with a portion of the ribbon roll 45A in the first direction.

[0200] A tape cassette 100B, which is a first modification of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The tape cassette 100B is used by being mounted in the printer 1 of the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences between the tape cassette 100B and the tape cassette 100A of the above embodiment will be mainly described. In the tape cassette 100B, components having the same shape or function as those in the tape cassette 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0201] The tape cassette 100B comprises a housing 20B, a ribbon roll 45B, and a tape roll 41B. The housing 20B comprises a case 21, a case 220B, a case 230B, and a case 240B.

[0202] As shown in Figure 11, case 21 constitutes the other end of the housing 20B in the first direction. Case 220B is coupled to one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 230B is coupled to one side of case 220B in the first direction. Case 240B is coupled to one side of case 230B in the first direction.

[0203] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the case 220B comprises a separation plate 22M, a plate 22R, a plate 22B, a plate 22L, and a plate 22F.

[0204] The separation plate 22M comprises a shaft 22P, openings 22H and 97B, a column 98B, plates 93B and 94, and a shaft 96.

[0205] The shaft 22P, column 98B, plates 93B and 94, and shaft 96 extend from the separation plate 22M in a first direction. The end of the opening 97B is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The end of the opening 97B is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The opening 97B penetrates the separation plate 22M in a first direction.

[0206] Column 98B is located between the ends of opening 97B.

[0207] Plate 93B extends in a third direction. The end of plate 93B is separated from column 98B.

[0208] Plate 94 extends in a second direction from the end of plate 93B. Shaft 96 passes through tape guide 44.

[0209] Cases 21 and 220B specify the arm 25 of the tape cassette 100B. The arm 25 consists of plates 21F and 22F. The arm 25 has a first outlet 58 and a second outlet 59 at its ends.

[0210] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the case 230B comprises a separation plate 23M, a plate 23B, a plate 23R, a plate 23L, and a plate 23F. The separation plate 23M comprises an opening 231B, a column 232B, and a shaft 233.

[0211] The end of opening 231B is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. The end of opening 231B is located between the end of the separation plate 23M and the center of the separation plate 23M in the second direction. Opening 231B penetrates the separation plate 23M in the first direction. With case 230B coupled to case 220B, opening 231 communicates with opening 97B shown in Figure 12.

[0212] Column 232B and shaft 233 extend from the separation plate 23M in a first direction. Column 232B is located between the ends of opening 231B. Shaft 233 passes through tape guide 234.

[0213] Cases 220B and 230B have an opening 16. Part of the teeth of the second gear 31 are exposed to the outside of housing 20B through the opening 16.

[0214] As shown in Figure 11, case 240B comprises plates 24D, 24R, 24B, 24L, and 24F. Plate 24D includes shafts 242 and 243. Shafts 242 and 243 extend from plate 24D in a first direction. Shaft 243 is separate from shaft 242. When case 240B is coupled to case 230B, shaft 243 is separate from column 232B.

[0215] The ribbon roll 45B is located in the second space S2 of the tape cassette 100B.

[0216] The ribbon roll 45B comprises an ink ribbon 43 and a ribbon spool 46. Inside the ribbon spool 46 are the shaft 243 and holder 42 shown in Figure 11. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about a rotation axis L42 extending in a first direction.

[0217] Tape cassette 100B differs from tape cassette 100A in that, instead of tape roll 41A being located in the third space S3, tape roll 41B is located in the second space S2.

[0218] The tape roll 41B comprises a tape 40 and a tape spool 47. Inside the tape spool 47 are fitted a shaft 242 and a holder 49, as shown in Figure 11. The holder 49 has a rotation axis L49, which extends in a first direction. The tape spool 47 is rotatable about the rotation axis L49 extending in the first direction.

[0219] A drive transmission mechanism 30 is located in the fourth space S4. The drive transmission mechanism 30 comprises a first gear 34, a second gear 31, and a third gear 37.

[0220] As shown in Figure 13, a portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45B in the first direction. A portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41B in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the tape roll 41B in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 45B in the first direction.

[0221] The printing operation of printer 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The rotation of the platen roller 82 causes the tape 40 to be fed out from the tape roll 41B. At the same time, the ink ribbon 43 is fed out from the ribbon roll 45B.

[0222] In the second space S2, the tape 40 is guided to the column 232B by the tape guide 234. The ink ribbon 43 is also guided to the column 232B by the tape guide 234 in the second space S2. The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are superimposed on the tape guide 234.

[0223] The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43, in an overlapping state, are guided to the opening 231B by the column 232B. The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43, in an overlapping state, pass through the opening 231B and the opening 97B and are transported to the third space S3.

[0224] The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are superimposed and guided to the tape guide 44 by the column 98B. At this time, the tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are transported in a third direction through the gap between the plate 22L and the plate 93B.

[0225] The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are guided to the first discharge port 58 by the tape guide 44 while stacked together. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are transported in the second direction through the gap between the plate 221 and the plate 94. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are discharged to the outside of the housing 20B from the first discharge port 58 while stacked together. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are stacked together from the tape guide 234 until they are discharged to the outside of the housing 20B via the first discharge port 58, but this is not limited to the stacked state. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 may separate from each other between the tape guide 234 and the discharge to the outside of the housing 20B via the first discharge port 58.

[0226] As described above, the tape cassette 100B has a tape roll 41B. The tape roll 41B is located in the second space S2 and has the tape 40 wound around it. The discharge port 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 and the tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20B. Since the tape cassette 100B is equipped with a tape roll 41B, it can improve user convenience compared to a tape cassette 100B that is not equipped with a tape roll 41B.

[0227] A second modified example of the present disclosure, tape cassette 100C, will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Tape cassette 100C is used by being mounted in the printer 1 of the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences between tape cassette 100C and tape cassette 100A of the above embodiment will be mainly described. In tape cassette 100C, components having the same shape or function as tape cassette 100A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0228] The tape cassette 100C comprises a housing 20C and a ribbon roll 411. The housing 20C comprises a case 21, a case 220C, a case 230C, and a case 240C.

[0229] As shown in Figure 14, case 21 constitutes the other end of the housing 20C in the first direction. Case 220C is coupled to one side of case 21 in the first direction. Case 230C is coupled to one side of case 220C in the first direction. Case 240C is coupled to one side of case 230C in the first direction.

[0230] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the case 220C comprises a separation plate 22M, a plate 22R, a plate 22B, a plate 22L, and a plate 22F.

[0231] The separation plate 22M comprises a shaft 22P, an opening 22H, 97C, a column 98C, plates 93C, 94, and a shaft 96.

[0232] The shaft 22P, column 98C, plates 93C and 94, and shaft 96 extend from the separation plate 22M in a first direction. The end of the opening 97C is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The end of the opening 97C is located between the end of the separation plate 22M and the center of the separation plate 22M in a second direction. The opening 97C penetrates the separation plate 22M in a first direction.

[0233] Plate 93C extends in a third direction. The end of plate 93C is connected to the end of column 98C.

[0234] Plate 94 extends in a second direction from the end of plate 93C. Shaft 96 passes through tape guide 44.

[0235] Cases 21 and 220C specify the arm 25 of the tape cassette 100C. The arm 25 consists of a plate 21F and a plate 22F. The arm 25 has a first outlet 58 and a second outlet 59 at its ends.

[0236] As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the case 230C comprises a separation plate 23M, a plate 23B, a plate 23R, a plate 23L, and a plate 23F. The separation plate 23M comprises an opening 231C, a column 232C, and a shaft 233.

[0237] The end of the opening 231C is located between the end of the separation plate 23M and the center of the separation plate 23M in a second direction. The end of the opening 231C is located between the end of the separation plate 23M and the center of the separation plate 23M in a second direction. The opening 231C penetrates the separation plate 23M in a first direction. With case 230C coupled to case 220C, the opening 231 communicates with the opening 97C shown in Figure 15.

[0238] Column 232C and shaft 233 extend from the separation plate 23M in a first direction. Column 232C is located between the ends of opening 231C. Shaft 233 passes through tape guide 234.

[0239] Cases 220C and 230C have an opening 16. Part of the teeth of the second gear 31 are exposed to the outside of housing 20C through the opening 16.

[0240] As shown in Figure 14, case 240C comprises plates 24D, 24R, 24B, 24L, and 24F. Plate 24D includes a shaft 244. The shaft 244 extends from plate 24D in a first direction. The shaft 244 is located in the center of plate 24D in the first direction.

[0241] Tape cassette 100C differs from tape cassette 100A in that, instead of ribbon roll 45A being located in the second space S2, ribbon roll 411 is located in the second space S2. In the second space S2, ribbon roll 411 is located in the center of the separation plate 23M in the third direction.

[0242] As shown in Figure 17, the ribbon roll 411 comprises a ribbon spool 46, an ink ribbon 43, and a tape 40. Inside the ribbon spool 46 are the shaft 244 and holder 42 shown in Figure 14. The ribbon spool 46 is rotatable about the rotation axis L42.

[0243] The ribbon roll 411 has the ink ribbon 43 and tape 40 stacked on top of each other and wound around the ribbon spool 46. The tape 40 has a printable tape 413 attached to the release paper 412.

[0244] A drive transmission mechanism 30 is located in the fourth space S4. The drive transmission mechanism 30 comprises a first gear 34, a second gear 31, and a third gear 37. The second gear 31 is a so-called helical gear. The third gear 37 is a so-called double gear. The cam 36 is exposed to the outside of the housing 20C through openings 21H and 22H.

[0245] As shown in Figure 16, a portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 411 in the first direction. A portion of the second gear 31 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 411 in the first direction. A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 411 in the first direction.

[0246] The printing operation of printer 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Due to the rotation of the platen roller 82, the ink ribbon 43 and tape 40 are fed out from the ribbon roll 411 in an overlapping state.

[0247] The ink ribbon 43 and the tape 40 are guided to the column 232C by the tape guide 234 while overlapping. The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are then guided to the opening 231C by the column 232C while overlapping. The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are then transported to the third space S3 by passing through the opening 231C and the opening 97C while overlapping.

[0248] The tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are superimposed and guided to the tape guide 44 by the column 98C. At this time, the tape 40 and the ink ribbon 43 are transported in a third direction through the gap between the plate 22L and the plate 93C.

[0249] The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are guided to the first discharge port 58 by the tape guide 44 while overlapping. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are transported in the second direction through the gap between the plate 221 and the plate 94. The tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 are discharged to the outside of the housing 20C from the first discharge port 58 while overlapping. Alternatively, the tape 40 and ink ribbon 43 may separate from each other between the time they are unwound from the ribbon roll 411 and the time they are discharged to the outside of the housing 20C, as long as they are overlapping when they are discharged to the outside of the housing 20C.

[0250] As explained above, in the tape cassette 100C, the ribbon roll 411 is wound with the ink ribbon 43 overlapping the tape 40. The discharge port 57 allows the ink ribbon 43 and the tape 40 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 20C while they are overlapping. In the tape cassette 100C, the ribbon roll 411 is wound with the ink ribbon 43 overlapping the tape 40. Therefore, the tape cassette 100C can improve user convenience compared to a case where the ink ribbon 43 is not wound overlapping the tape 40.

[0251] The tape cassette 100C 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 first gear 34 and the second gear 31 are located in the fourth space S4. Part of the teeth of the second gear 31 are exposed through the opening 16. In the tape cassette 100C, the first gear 34 and the second gear 31 are arranged in the fourth space S4. Therefore, the tape cassette 100C can secure space to accommodate the first gear 34 and the second gear 31. In addition, because part of the teeth of the second gear 31 are exposed through the opening 16, the tape cassette 100C contributes to reliably transmitting the driving force to the outside of the cassette.

[0252] The housing 20C 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 20C through the openings 21H and 22H. The tape cassette 100C contributes to the insertion of a drive shaft 63 that drives the cam 36 through the openings 21H and 22H.

[0253] A portion of the first gear 34 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 411 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 411 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100C can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0254] 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 100C into the printer 1. Therefore, the upward lifting of the tape cassette 100C into the printer 1 can be suppressed.

[0255] 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 100C contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31 via the third gear 37.

[0256] A portion of the third gear 37 overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll 411 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 411 in the first direction, the tape cassette 100C can be made smaller in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0257] 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 100C, the double gear contributes to transmitting driving force between the first gear 34 and the second gear 31.

[0258] The tape cassette 100B of the first modified example and the tape cassette 100C of the second modified example are composed of components having the same function as tape cassette 100A. Therefore, tape cassettes 100B and 100C perform the same actions and effects as the embodiment to a consistent extent.

[0259] Modifications of the above embodiment can be applied to tape cassettes 100B and 100C to the extent that they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0260] 16 aperture 20 cabinets 22M, 23M separation plate 25 Arms 31, 34, 37 gears 36 Cam 40 tapes 41A, 41B Tape Rolls 43 Ink Ribbon 45A, 45B, 411 Ribbon Rolls 46 Ribbon Spool 47 Tape spool 100A, 100B, 100C Tape Cassettes S1, S2, S3, S4 space

Claims

1. An ink ribbon is wound around a rotatable ribbon roll with a rotation axis extending in a first direction, It is a casing, A first separation plate divides the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space in which the ribbon roll is located, and which is 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 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 having the following features.

2. The first space is located and includes a tape roll on which tape is wound, The tape cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge port allows the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing.

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

4. Located in the second space, and comprising a tape roll on which tape is wound, The tape cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge port allows the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing.

5. The aforementioned ribbon roll is wound with the ink ribbon overlapping the tape. The tape cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge port allows the ink ribbon and the tape to be discharged to the outside of the housing while the ink ribbon and the tape are stacked on top of each other.

6. A second separator divides the first space into a third space where the tape roll is located and a fourth space which is aligned with the third space in the first direction and is located closer to the second space than the third space. 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 any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the following:

7. 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 6, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the cam opening.

8. The tape cassette according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a part of the second gear overlaps with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

9. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a part of the first gear overlaps with a part of the tape roll in the first direction.

10. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a part of the first gear overlaps with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

11. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

12. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that it is arranged in the fourth space and comprises a third gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

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

15. 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 6 to 11, characterized by the following:

16. The tape cassette according to claim 15, characterized in that a portion of the double gear overlaps with a portion of the tape roll in the first direction.

17. The tape cassette according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a portion of the double gear overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

18. A second separating plate divides the first space into a third space and a fourth space which is aligned with the third space in the first direction and is located closer to the second space than the third space. 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 or 5, characterized by the above.

19. 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 18, characterized in that the cam is exposed from the cam opening.

20. The tape cassette according to either 18 or 19, characterized in that a part of the first gear overlaps with a part of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

21. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the second gear is a helical gear.

22. A tape cassette according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a third gear arranged in the fourth space and meshing with the first gear and the second gear.

23. The tape cassette according to claim 22, characterized in that a part of the third gear partially overlaps with the ribbon roll in the first direction.

24. 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 18 to 21, characterized by the following:

25. The tape cassette according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a portion of the double gear overlaps with a portion of the ribbon roll in the first direction.

26. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the ribbon roll extends in the first direction and has a ribbon spool on which the ink ribbon is wound.

27. The tape cassette according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 6 to 17, 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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