Tape cassette

Abstract

To provide a tape cassette capable of stably conveying a tape.SOLUTION: A tape cassette is attached to a printer, when used, and comprises: a housing; a tape spool held inside the housing and wound with a tape; a tape ejection part which ejects the tape out of the housing; a first guide part that guides the tape towards a detection target position of the tape where tape information about the tape is detected by a sensor of the printer; a second guide part that guides the_tape passing through the detection target position, towards the tape ejection part; and a plurality of pins, which are arranged at positions separating away with respect to a straight line connecting the tape spool to the first guide part, and bend a tape conveyance path from the tape spool to the first guide part so as to guide the tape to the first guide part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The tape cassette of Patent Document 1 includes a tape roll, a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a discharge port, and an opening. A tape is wound around the tape roll. The first rotating body is provided upstream of the opening in the tape conveyance path. The second rotating body is provided downstream of the opening in the tape conveyance path. The first rotating body guides the tape fed out from the tape roll toward the second rotating body. The second rotating body guides the tape conveyed by the first rotating body toward the discharge port. The opening is where the sensor of the printer is inserted. The sensor detects the tape information of the tape conveyed between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above tape cassette, the tape conveyance path from the tape roll to the first rotating body is straight and the distance is long. Since the rigidity of the tape changes depending on types such as thickness, width, and material, the tape conveyance of the tape cassette may become unstable depending on the type of the tape.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cassette capable of stably conveying a tape.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses, for example, the following aspects.

[0007] The tape cassette according to the present invention is a tape cassette used by being mounted in a printer, and is characterized by comprising: a housing; a tape spool held inside the housing and around which tape is wound; a tape discharge section for discharging the tape to the outside of the housing; a first guide section for guiding the tape toward a detected position on the tape where tape information of the tape is detected by a sensor of the printer; a second guide section for guiding the tape, after it has passed the detected position, toward the tape discharge section; and a plurality of pins arranged at positions separated from a straight line connecting the tape spool and the first guide section, which bend the transport path of the tape from the tape spool to the first guide section, thereby guiding the tape toward the first guide section.

[0008] A tape cassette uses multiple pins to bend the tape's transport path. This ensures that the tape, unwound from the tape roll, is transported to the detection position via these multiple pins. Therefore, the tape cassette can transport the tape stably. Furthermore, the tape cassette can configure multiple different transport paths using its various pins. Consequently, when storing tapes with different characteristics, the tape cassette can transport them along a transport path suited to those characteristics. This ensures that the tape pulling force during transport is stable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of printer 1 with the cassette cover 6 in the open position. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the tape cassette 30 and the cassette mounting section 8. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the cassette mounting section 8 into which the tape cassette 30 is installed. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the upper right part of tape cassette 30. [Figure 5] This figure shows the transport path 599 in region C. [Figure 6]This is a diagram illustrating the pin 211 in a modified example. [Figure 7] This figure shows the transport path 599A in region C. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating a modified pin 212. [Figure 9] This figure shows the transport path 599A in region C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The printer 1 and tape cassette 30 according to this embodiment will now be described. In the following description, the lower left, upper right, lower right, upper left, upper, and lower sides of Figure 1 will be referred to as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower sides of the printer 1, respectively. The lower right, upper left, upper right, lower left, upper, and lower sides of Figure 2 will be referred to as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower sides of the tape cassette 30, respectively.

[0011] Hereinafter, the various tapes stored in the tape cassette 30 (for example, printed tape and the half-cut tape 57 described later) will be collectively referred to as "tape." The types of tapes stored in the tape cassette 30 (for example, tape width, printing pattern, tape color, text color, etc.) will be collectively referred to as "tape type."

[0012] Printer 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Printer 1 is a general-purpose tape printing device that can use various types of tape cassettes, such as thermal type, receptor type, laminate type, and half-cut type, with a single unit. The thermal type tape cassette is equipped with thermal paper tape. The receptor type tape cassette is equipped with printable tape and an ink ribbon. The laminate type tape cassette is equipped with double-sided adhesive tape, film tape, and an ink ribbon. The half-cut type tape cassette is equipped with half-cut tape and an ink ribbon.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1 is equipped with a roughly rectangular main body cover 2. A keyboard 3, including character keys and function keys, is located on the front of the top surface of the main body cover 2. Behind the keyboard 3 is a display 5 capable of displaying characters (letters, numbers, and shapes) entered on the keyboard 3. Behind the display 5 is a cassette cover 6 that is opened and closed when replacing the tape cassette 30 (see Figure 2).

[0014] The cassette cover 6 is a lid that is roughly rectangular in plan view. The cassette cover 6 is pivotally supported at both the left and right ends of the upper rear of the main body cover 2 and is rotatable between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (shown in Figure 1). Inside the main body cover 2 is a cassette mounting section 8. The cassette mounting section 8 is capable of detaching the tape cassette 30.

[0015] An ejection slit 111 is provided on the rear left side of the main body cover 2. The ejection slit 111 ejects the printed tape from the cassette mounting section 8. An ejection window 112 is provided on the left side of the cassette cover 6. When the cassette cover 6 is in the closed position, the ejection window 112 exposes the ejection slit 111 to the outside.

[0016] The internal structure of the main body cover 2 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 2, the cassette mounting section 8 includes a cavity 811 and a corner support section 812. The cavity 811 is a recess with a flat bottom surface. The recess of the cavity 811 corresponds to the shape of the bottom surface 302 of the cassette case 31. The corner support section 812 is a flat section that extends horizontally from the outer edge of the cavity 811. When the tape cassette 30 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 8, the corner support section 812 supports the lower surface of the periphery of the tape cassette 30.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, a sensor 20 is provided on the right part of the cassette mounting portion 8. The sensor 20 includes sensors 201 and 202. The sensors 201 and 202 are arranged to face each other left and right. The sensor 201 is located on the left side of the sensor 202. One of the sensors 201 and 202 is a light emitting part, and the other is a light receiving part. The light emitting part emits light. The light receiving part receives the light emitted from the light emitting part.

[0018] When the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 8, the sensors 201 and 202 are respectively arranged inside the opening portions 801 and 802 described later. The sensor 20 detects a pattern provided in a predetermined range from the end of the tape conveyed between the sensor 201 and the sensor 202. The printer 1 detects the remaining amount of the tape among the tape information based on the detected pattern. Hereinafter, the position of the tape passing between the sensor 201 and the sensor 202 is referred to as the detected position P. Among the tape conveyance path 59, the position near the sensor 20 on the upstream side of the detected position P is also referred to as the detected position P inlet, and the position near the sensor 20 on the downstream side of the detected position P is also referred to as the detected position P outlet.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, a head holder 74 is provided at the front part of the cassette mounting portion 8. A thermal head 10 is mounted on the head holder 74. A tape drive motor 23 is disposed on the upper right side of the cassette mounting portion 8. The tape drive motor 23 is, for example, a stepping motor. A gear 91 is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft of the tape drive motor 23. The gear 91 meshes with a gear 93 through an opening. The gear 93 meshes with a gear 94. The gear 94 meshes with a gear 97. The gear 97 meshes with a gear 98. The gear 98 meshes with a gear 101.

[0020] A ribbon take-up shaft 95 is erected on the upper surface of the gear 94. The ribbon take-up shaft 95 is detachable from the ribbon take-up spool 44. The ribbon take-up shaft 95 is a shaft body extending in the vertical direction. A tape drive shaft 100 is erected on the upper surface of the gear 101. The tape drive shaft 100 is a shaft body detachable from the hole portion 461 of the tape drive roller 46.

[0021] When the tape drive motor 23 rotates gear 91 in a counterclockwise direction, the ribbon winding shaft 95 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction via gears 93 and 94. The rotation of gear 94 is transmitted to the tape drive shaft 100 via gears 97, 98 and 101. As a result, the tape drive shaft 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction.

[0022] An arm-shaped platen holder 12 is provided on the front side of the head holder 74. The platen holder 12 is pivotally supported around a pivot 121. A platen roller 15 and a movable transport roller 14 are pivotally supported on the tip side of the platen holder 12. The platen roller 15 can move toward and away from the thermal head 10. The movable transport roller 14 can move toward and away from the tape drive roller 46.

[0023] When a half-cut type tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette mounting section 8, the platen roller 15 presses against the thermal head 10 via the half-cut tape 57 and the ink ribbon 60. At the same time, the movable transport roller 14 presses against the tape drive roller 46 via the half-cut tape 57. In this case, the printer 1 becomes capable of printing on the half-cut tape 57.

[0024] To the right of the discharge slit 111 (see Figure 1), a cutting mechanism 17 is provided for cutting the printed tape 50 at a predetermined position. The cutting mechanism 17 has a fixed blade 18 and a movable blade 19. The movable blade 19 is movable in the front-rear direction opposite to the fixed blade 18.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, the appearance of the tape cassette 30 will be described. The tape cassette 30 can be used to store different types of tapes. For example, the tape cassette 30 can be mounted on half-cut tapes, etc. In the following description, a tape cassette 30 with a half-cut tape 57 mounted on it will be described as an example.

[0026] The tape cassette 30 comprises a cassette case 31, which is the housing. The cassette case 31 is rectangular in shape and has rounded corners when viewed from above. The cassette case 31 includes an upper case 311 and a lower case 312. The lower case 312 includes a bottom plate 306 having the bottom surface 302 of the cassette case 31. The upper case 311 is fixed to the top of the lower case 312. The upper case 311 includes a top plate 305. The top plate 305 includes the top surface 301 of the cassette case 31.

[0027] The cassette case 31 has side sections formed by an upper plate 305 and a bottom plate 306. The side sections of the cassette case 31 have four corners 321 to 324. When the tape cassette 30 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 8, the lower surfaces of the corners 321 to 324 are supported by the corner support section 812. An ejection guide section 49 is provided at corner 324.

[0028] The cassette case 31 is provided with three support holes 65, 67, and 68. The holes located on the left rear and right front of the cassette case 31 are called the first tape support hole 65 and the ribbon support hole 67, respectively. The hole located between the first tape support hole 65 and the ribbon support hole 67 in a plan view is called the take-up spool support hole 68.

[0029] The first tape support hole 65 rotatably supports the tape spool 40 (see Figure 3). The ribbon support hole 67 rotatably supports the ribbon spool 42 (see Figure 3). The winding spool support hole 68 rotatably supports the ribbon winding spool 44 (see Figure 3).

[0030] The opening 80 is located at the right end of the cassette case 31 and in the center of the cassette case 31 in the front-to-back direction. The opening 80 includes a pair of openings 801 and 802. The openings 801 and 802 are spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side. Opening 802 is located to the right of opening 801. In plan view, the openings 801 and 802 are rectangular in shape, elongated in the front-to-back direction. The openings 801 and 802 penetrate the bottom plate 306 and the top plate 305 in the vertical direction. The openings 801 and 802 are defined by the first restricting section 75 and the second restricting section 76, respectively, which will be described later.

[0031] The front end of the cassette case 31 is provided with a front wall 32, an arm front wall 35, and an arm rear wall 37. The front wall 32 is located on the right side of the front end of the cassette case 31. The arm front wall 35 is located to the left of the front wall 32. The arm rear wall 37 is located at a position spaced rearward from the arm front wall 35.

[0032] The arm portion 34 is defined by the arm front wall 35, the arm rear wall 37, etc. The arm portion 34 extends from the right front of the tape cassette 30 to the left. The arm portion 34 has an outlet 341 at its left end. The outlet 341 is a gap that extends vertically between the left end of the arm front wall 35 and the left end of the arm rear wall 37.

[0033] The head insertion section 39 is located adjacent to the rear side of the arm section 34. The head insertion section 39 is defined by the arm rear wall 37, the head peripheral wall 36, etc. The head peripheral wall 36 extends rearward from the right end of the arm rear wall 37 and extends parallel to the arm rear wall 37. The head insertion section 39 penetrates the tape cassette 30 in the vertical direction. The head insertion section 39 is a roughly rectangular space in plan view.

[0034] The head insertion section 39 connects to the outside on the front side of the tape cassette 30 via the exposed section 77. When the tape cassette 30 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 8, a head holder 74 that supports the thermal head 10 is inserted into the head insertion section 39. The separation section 61 and the ejection guide section 49 will be described later.

[0035] The interior of the cassette case 31 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, the cassette case 31 is provided with a tape area 400 and a pin arrangement area 410. The tape area 400 is the area adjacent to the left rear corner 321 of the cassette case 31. The tape area 400 is roughly circular in plan view and occupies approximately the left half of the cassette case 31. The pin arrangement area 410 is the area adjacent to the right rear corner 322 of the cassette case 31. The pin arrangement area 410 occupies the upper right area of ​​the cassette case 31.

[0036] The tape area 400 houses a tape roll 571 around which a half-cut tape 57 is wound. The pin arrangement area 410 is provided with multiple pins 21. An adjustment pin 16 is provided between the tape area 400 and the pin arrangement area 410. The adjustment pin 16 is positioned at the rear end of the tape spool 40 in the front-to-back direction. The adjustment pin 16 is positioned at the left end of the ribbon winding shaft 95 in the left-to-right direction. The adjustment pin 16 extends upward from the bottom plate 306. The vertical length of the adjustment pin 16 is longer than the length of the half-cut tape 57.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple pins 21 are located to the right of the tape spool 40. The multiple pins 21 are positioned at a distance to the right and rear with respect to the straight line L1. The straight line L1 is the line connecting the rear end of the tape spool 40 and the rear end of the first rotating body 71.

[0038] Multiple pins 21 are provided in a number of N. In this embodiment, for example, there are four multiple pins 21. The multiple pins 21 are spaced apart from each other and extend upward from the bottom plate 306. The vertical length of the multiple pins 21 is longer than the length of the half-cut tape 57. The multiple pins 21 have the same shape.

[0039] The multiple pins 21 include a first pin 21A, a second pin 21B, a third pin 21C, and a fourth pin 21D. The first pin 21A is positioned at the rear end of the tape spool 40 in the front-to-back direction. The first pin 21A is positioned in the center of the ribbon winding shaft 95 in the left-to-right direction. The first pin 21A is located to the right of the adjustment pin 16. In other words, the first pin 21A and the adjustment pin 16 are positioned side by side in the left-to-right direction. The first pin 21A is positioned closest to the tape spool 40 among the multiple pins 21.

[0040] The second pin 21B is located to the right of the first pin 21A. In other words, the first pin 21A and the second pin 21B are located side by side in the left-right direction. The second pin 21B is located closest to the tape spool 40 among the multiple pins 21 excluding the first pin 21A. The line connecting the tape spool 40 and the second pin 21B is called straight line L3. Here, the first pin 21A is located on straight line L3. overlapping It is positioned.

[0041] The third pin 21C is located to the right front of the second pin 21B. In the front-to-back direction, the third pin 21C is positioned between the upper end of the tape spool 40 and the center of the tape spool 40. In the left-to-right direction, the third pin 21C is positioned at the left end of the opening 801. Of the four pins excluding the fourth pin 21D, the third pin 21C is positioned closest to the first rotating body 71.

[0042] The fourth pin 21D is positioned to the right front of the third pin 21C. In the front-to-back direction, the fourth pin 21D is positioned at the winding center 572 of the tape spool 40. In the left-to-right direction, the fourth pin 21D is located at the center of the opening 801. The fourth pin 21D is positioned closest to the first rotating body 71 among the four pins 21A to 21D. The fourth pin 21D is located on the straight line L2 connecting the third pin 21C and the first rotating body 71. overlapping It is positioned.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the first rotating body 71 is located to the right and in front of the winding center 572 of the tape roll 571. The first rotating body 71 is positioned at the entrance to the detected position P, behind the opening 801. The first rotating body 71 faces the opening 801 in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the distance between the first rotating body 71 and the opening 80 is shorter than the diameter of the first rotating body 71.

[0044] The first rotating body 71 is cylindrical. The first rotating body 71 includes a support shaft 712 and a through hole 711 (see Figure 3). The through hole 711 extends in the vertical direction. The support shaft 716 is inserted into the through hole 711. The vertical length of the first rotating body 71 is longer than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57. The material of the first rotating body 71 is, for example, ABS resin.

[0045] The first rotating body 71 forms a transport path 59 for the half-cut tape 57 pulled from the tape roll 571. The first rotating body 71 is capable of following the transport of the half-cut tape 57 in a clockwise direction in plan view. The first rotating body 71 guides the tape unwound from the tape roll 571 towards the second rotating body 82, which will be described later, via the detected position P.

[0046] The first restricting section 75 is provided on the front side of the first rotating body 71. The first restricting section 75 includes wall sections 751, 752, 753, 78 and an extending wall section 85. Wall section 751 is positioned in front of the first rotating body 71. In the front-rear direction, wall section 751 is positioned at the center of the ribbon winding spool 44. In the left-right direction, wall section 751 is positioned at the location of the first rotating body 71. Wall section 751 extends in the left-right direction.

[0047] The wall portion 752 extends rearward from the right end of the wall portion 751. The rear end of the wall portion 752 is located forward of the center of the opening 801 in the front-to-back direction. The wall portion 752 is positioned on the left side of the tape at the detected position P and extends along the tape transport direction.

[0048] The wall portion 753 extends upward from the left end of the wall portion 751. The upper end of the wall portion 753 is approximately at the same position as the front end of the first rotating body 71 in the front-rear direction. The wall portion 78 extends to the right from the rear end of the wall portion 753. The length of the wall portion 78 in the left-right direction is approximately half the length of the wall portion 751 in the left-right direction. The extension wall portion 85 extends rearward from the right end of the wall portion 78. In this case, the extension wall portion 85 extends along the first rotating body 71 on its left side. That is, the extension wall portion 85 is curved along the first rotating body 71. The first rotating body 71 is supported by the extension wall portion 85.

[0049] The first regulating section 75 and the first rotating body 71 define the first opening 87. The first opening 87 opens toward the left side of the tape passing through the detected position P. The opening 801 is also defined by the first regulating section 75 and the first rotating body 71.

[0050] The second regulating section 76 is provided to the right of the first regulating section 75 via the tape transport path 59. The second regulating section 76 faces the first regulating section 75 to the left and right. The second regulating section 76 includes wall sections 761, 762, 763, 79 and an extending wall section 86. Wall section 761 is positioned in the same location as wall section 78 in the front-rear direction. Wall section 761 extends in the left-right direction.

[0051] The wall portion 762 extends forward from the left end of the wall portion 761. The front end of the wall portion 762 is located behind the center of the opening 802 in the front-to-back direction. The wall portion 762 is positioned on the right side of the tape at the detected position P and extends along the tape transport direction.

[0052] Wall section 763 extends forward from the right end of wall section 761. The length of wall section 763 in the front-rear direction is the same as the length of wall section 753 in the front-rear direction. Wall section 79 extends to the left from the front end of wall section 763. The length of wall section 79 in the left-right direction is approximately half the length of wall section 761 in the left-right direction. Extending wall section 86 extends forward from the left end of wall section 79. In this case, extending wall section 86 extends along the second rotating body 81, to the right of the second rotating body 81, which will be described later. Extending wall section 86 is curved along the second rotating body 81.

[0053] The second regulating section 76 and the second rotating body 81 constitute the second opening 88. The second opening 88 opens toward the right side of the tape, opposite to the left side. In addition, the second regulating section 76 and the second rotating body 82 define the opening 802.

[0054] The second rotating body 81 is located at the exit of the detected position P, in front of the opening 802 and to the left of the extended wall portion 86. The second rotating body 81 is supported by the extended wall portion 86 on its left side. The second rotating body 81 is cylindrical. The second rotating body 82 includes a support shaft 822 and a through hole 821. The through hole 821 extends in the vertical direction. The support shaft 822 is inserted into the through hole 821. The vertical length of the second rotating body 81 is longer than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57. The diameter of the second rotating body 81 is the same as the diameter of the first rotating body 71. The material of the second rotating body 81 is, for example, ABS resin.

[0055] The second rotating body 81 forms the transport path 59 for the half-cut tape 57 pulled from the tape roll 571. The second rotating body 81 contacts the half-cut tape 57 from the right. The second rotating body 81 is capable of following the transport of the half-cut tape 57 in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view. As a result, the second rotating body 81 bends the tape transport path 59, guiding the tape to the third rotating body 82.

[0056] The third rotating body 82 is positioned in front of the opening 802 and to the left of the extended wall portion 86. In the front-rear direction, the third rotating body 82 is positioned at the rear end of the ribbon spool 42. In the left-right direction, the third rotating body 82 is positioned at the opening 802. In other words, in the tape transport direction, the third rotating body 82 is positioned downstream of the second rotating body 81 and upstream of the fourth rotating body 72. The third rotating body 82 is cylindrical.

[0057] The third rotating body 82 includes a support shaft 813 and a through hole 814. The through hole 814 extends in the vertical direction. The support shaft 813 is inserted into the through hole 814. The vertical length of the third rotating body 82 is shorter than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57. The diameter of the third rotating body 82 is larger than the diameters of the first rotating body 71 and the second rotating body 81. The material of the third rotating body 82 is, for example, ABS resin.

[0058] The third rotating body 82 forms the transport path 59 for the half-cut tape 57 pulled from the tape roll 571. The third rotating body 82 contacts the tape from the left as it passes the detected position P. The third rotating body 82 is capable of rotating in a clockwise direction in plan view as the half-cut tape 57 is transported. As a result, the third rotating body 82 bends the tape transport path 59, guiding the tape to the fourth rotating body 72.

[0059] The fourth rotating body 72 is positioned to the left front of the third rotating body 82 and behind the front wall 32. The fourth rotating body 72 is cylindrical. The fourth rotating body 72 includes a support shaft 722 and a through hole 721. The through hole 721 extends in the vertical direction. The support shaft 722 is inserted into the through hole 721. The vertical length of the fourth rotating body 72 is shorter than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57. The diameter of the fourth rotating body 72 is the same as the diameter of the third rotating body 81. The material of the fourth rotating body 72 is, for example, ABS resin.

[0060] The fourth rotating body 72 forms the transport path 59 for the half-cut tape 57 pulled from the tape roll 571. The fourth rotating body 72 contacts the half-cut tape 57 from the left rear. The fourth rotating body 72 is capable of rotating in a clockwise direction in plan view as the half-cut tape 57 is transported. As a result, the fourth rotating body 72 bends the tape transport path 59, guiding the half-cut tape 57 to the arm portion 34.

[0061] A guide portion 33 is provided at the left end of the arm portion 34. The guide portion 33 extends in the vertical direction. A projection portion 331 that protrudes forward is provided at the vertical end of the guide portion 33. The half-cut tape 57 is positioned between the upper and lower projection portions 331. The half-cut tape 57 is guided by contacting the guide portion 33. The guide portion 33 guides the half-cut tape 57 to the discharge port 341.

[0062] The ribbon spool 42 is located to the right of the head insertion section 39. An ink ribbon 60 is wound around the ribbon spool 42. An unused ink ribbon 60 is wound around the ribbon spool 42. The ink ribbon 60 is used for printing on the half-cut tape 57. The ink ribbon 60 faces the opening 801 in the front-to-back direction.

[0063] A ribbon winding spool 44 is provided behind and to the left of the ribbon spool 42. The ribbon winding spool 44 is located between the tape area 400 and the ribbon spool 42. The ribbon winding spool 44 winds up the ink ribbon 60 after it has been used for printing.

[0064] A separation section 61 is provided to the left of the head insertion section 39. The separation section 61 separates the half-cut tape 57 used for printing from the ink ribbon 60 on the downstream side of the exposed section 77 in the tape transport direction. The separation section 61 includes regulating members 361, 362 (see Figure 2), and a ribbon guide wall 38, etc.

[0065] A tape drive roller 46 is rotatably supported on the left side of the separation section 61 (see Figure 2). The front surface of the tape drive roller 46 is exposed to the outside of the cassette case 31 and contacts the half-cut tape 57.

[0066] A discharge guide section 49 is provided on the downstream side of the tape drive roller 46 in the transport direction. The discharge guide section 49 is provided slightly forward from the front end of the left side. The discharge guide section 49 is a plate-shaped member that spans the top surface 301 and the bottom surface 302 of the cassette case 31. The discharge guide section 49 discharges the printed tape 50, which has been transported via the tape drive roller 46, to the outside of the tape cassette 30.

[0067] The transport path 59 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The transport path 59 consists of transport path 591, transport path 599, and transport paths 592 to 595. The transport path 59 is an ideal path for the half-cut tape 57 to pass through without bending. Furthermore, the tape is transported from the tape roll 571 to the multiple pins 21 via the adjustment pins 16.

[0068] The transport path 591 is the path from the tape roll 571 to the adjustment pin 16. The transport path 599 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the first rotating body 71. The transport path 599 will be described later. The transport path 592 is the path from the first rotating body 71 to the second rotating body 81. The transport path 593 is the path from the second rotating body 81 to the third rotating body 82. The transport path 594 is the path from the third rotating body 82 to the fourth rotating body 72. The transport path 595 is the path from the fourth rotating body 72 to the guide section 33.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5, the multiple transport paths 599 that pass through the multiple pins 21 will be described. As shown in Figure 5(A), the transport path 599 is a path that passes through the first pin 21A to the fourth pin 21D. The transport path 599 consists of paths A1 to A5. Path A1 is the path between the front end E16 of the adjustment pin 16 and the end E1 of the first pin 21A. Path A2 is the path between the end E1 of the first pin 21A and the end E2 of the second pin 21B. Path A3 is the path between the end E2 of the second pin 21B and the end E3 of the third pin 21C. Path A4 is the path between the end E3 of the third pin 21C and the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D. Path A5 is the path between the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D and the right rear end E71 of the first rotating body 71.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(B), the transport path 599 is a path that passes through the first pin 21A to the fourth pin 21D. The transport path 599 is composed of paths B1 to B5. Path B1 is the path between the front end E16 of the adjustment pin 16 and the end E1 of the first pin 21A. Path B2 is the path between the end E1 of the first pin 21A and the end E2 of the second pin 21B. Path B3 is the path between the end E2 of the second pin 21B and the end E3 of the third pin 21C. Path B4 is the path between the end E3 of the third pin 21C and the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D. Path B5 is the path between the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D and the right rear end E71 of the first rotating body 71.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5(C), the transport path 599 is a path that passes through the first pin 21A to the fourth pin 21D. The transport path 599 consists of paths C1 to C5. Path C1 is the path between the end E1 of the adjustment pin 16 and the end E1 of the first pin 21A. Path C2 is the path between the end E1 of the first pin 21A and the end E2 of the second pin 21B. Path C3 is the path between the end E2 of the second pin 21B and the end E3 of the third pin 21C. Path C4 is the path between the end E3 of the third pin 21C and the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D. Path C5 is the path between the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D and the right rear end E71 of the first rotating body 71.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5(D), the transport path 591 is a path that passes through the first pin 21A to the fourth pin 21D. The transport path 599 consists of paths D1 to D3. Path D1 is the path between the front end E16 of the adjustment pin 16 and the end E1 of the first pin 21A. Path D2 is the path between the end E1 of the first pin 21A and the end E2 of the second pin 21B. Path D3 is the path between the end E2 of the second pin 21B and the end E3 of the third pin 21C. Paths D1 to D3 are straight lines. Path D4 is the path between the end E3 of the third pin 21C and the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D. Path D5 is the path between the end E4 of the fourth pin 21D and the right rear end E71 of the first rotating body 71.

[0073] In the paths shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(D), the half-cut tape 57 can contact the first pin 21A, the second pin 21B, the third pin 21C, and the fourth pin 21D in that order, from the tape roll 571 toward the first rotating body 71. Here, the straight line connecting the adjustment pin 16 and the first pin 21A is called straight line L11. The straight line connecting the first pin 21A and the second pin 21B is called straight line L12. The straight line connecting the second pin 21B and the third pin 21C is called straight line L13. The straight line connecting the third pin 21C and the fourth pin 21D is called straight line L14. The straight line connecting the fourth pin 21D and the first rotating body 71 is called straight line L15.

[0074] In this case, the angle θ1 between line L11 and line L12 is greater than 105 degrees. The angle θ2 between line L12 and line L13 is greater than 105 degrees. The angle θ3 between line L13 and line L14 is greater than 105 degrees. The angle θ4 between line L14 and line L15 is greater than 105 degrees.

[0075] The manufacturer selects different transport paths depending on the type of tape, based on factors such as the thickness and rigidity of the half-cut tape 57 medium. For example, the manufacturer selects the transport path 599 shown in Figure 5(A) and places the half-cut tape 57 inside the tape cassette 30.

[0076] The following describes the case in which printing is performed on the half-cut tape 57 by the printer 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a half-cut type tape cassette 30 is mounted in the cassette mounting section 8. In this case, sensors 201 and 202 are positioned inside the openings 801 and 802. The rotation of the tape drive shaft 100 of the printer 1 rotates the tape drive roller 46 mounted on the tape drive shaft 100. The tape drive roller 46 and the movable transport roller 14 work together to pull out the half-cut tape 57 from the tape roll 571. As the half-cut tape 57 is pulled out, the tape roll 571 rotates clockwise in a plan view.

[0077] The half-cut tape 57 pulled from the tape roll 571 is transported through the transport path 591 toward the adjustment pin 16. In this case, the adjustment pin 16 will contact the adjustment pin 16 regardless of the amount of tape stored in the tape area 400 of the tape roll 571. The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the adjustment pin 16 toward a plurality of pins 21. The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the plurality of pins 21 toward the first rotating body 71. For example, the tape is transported by the transport path 599 in Figure 5(A). The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the transport path 592 toward the second rotating body 81. The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the transport path 593 toward the third rotating body 82. The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the transport path 594 toward the fourth rotating body 72. The half-cut tape 57 is transported through the transport path 595 toward the arm section 34.

[0078] Meanwhile, the ribbon winding shaft 95 of the printer 1 rotates the ribbon winding spool 44 mounted on the ribbon winding shaft 95. The ribbon winding spool 44 rotates counterclockwise in a plan view as the ribbon winding shaft 95 is driven, and the ink ribbon 60 is drawn out from the ribbon spool 42. As the ink ribbon 60 is drawn out, the ribbon spool 42 rotates counterclockwise in a plan view. The ink ribbon 60 drawn out from the ribbon spool 42 is conveyed toward the arm section 34.

[0079] Within the arm section 34, the half-cut tape 57 passes through a transport path 595 that extends approximately parallel to the front wall 35 of the arm. The half-cut tape 57 is bent diagonally to the left and rear by the guide section 33 and discharged from the discharge port 341 to the exposed section 77. The ink ribbon 60 passes through the cylindrical section 333, the wall section 332, and the area behind the guide section 33 within the arm section 34, overlapping with the half-cut tape 57, and is discharged from the discharge port 341 to the exposed section 77.

[0080] In the exposed portion 77, the release paper of the half-cut tape 57 discharged from the discharge port 341 is exposed forward, and the printing surface faces the thermal head 10. The thermal head 10 prints on the half-cut tape 57 located in the exposed portion 77 using the ink ribbon 60.

[0081] After printing, the ink ribbon 60 is separated from the half-cut tape 57 by the separation unit 61, moves along the ribbon guide wall 38, and is wound onto the ribbon winding spool 44. The printed half-cut tape 57, i.e., the printed tape 50, is guided downstream in the tape transport direction by the regulating members 361 and 362, and is transported towards the discharge guide unit 49 via the tape drive roller 46 and the movable transport roller 14. The printed tape 50 is discharged to the outside from the discharge guide unit 49. In this way, the printer 1 creates the printed tape 50.

[0082] As explained above, the multiple pins 21 are positioned at intervals from the straight line L1 connecting the tape spool 40 and the first rotating body 71. The multiple pins 21 bend the tape transport path 59 from the tape roll 571 to the first rotating body 71, guiding the tape to the first rotating body 71.

[0083] The tape cassette 30 bends the tape transport path 59 using multiple pins 21. As a result, the tape unwound from the tape roll 571 is transported to the detection position P via the multiple pins 21. Therefore, the tape cassette 30 can transport the tape stably. Furthermore, the tape cassette 30 can reliably detect information about the tape using the sensor 20. In addition, the tape cassette 30 can configure multiple transport paths 599 that are different from each other using the multiple pins 21. Therefore, when tapes with different characteristics are stored in the tape cassette 30, the tape can transport the tape using a transport path 599 that matches the characteristics of the tape. As a result, the tape cassette 30 can maintain a stable tape pulling force when transporting the tape.

[0084] In Figures 5(A) to 5(D), angles θ1 to θ4 are greater than 105 degrees. In this case, the tape cassette has obtuse angles θ1 to θ4 that are greater than 105 degrees. This allows the tape cassette 30 to reduce the load on the tape when the tape is being transported.

[0085] The fourth pin 21D is positioned closest to the first rotating body 71 among the four pins, and is located on the straight line L2 connecting the third pin 21C and the first rotating body 71. overlapping It is positioned in the correct location. In this case, the tape cassette 30 can stably transport the tape to the first rotating body 71.

[0086] The first pin 21A is connected to the straight line L3 that connects the tape spool 40 and the second pin 21B. overlapping It is positioned in this location. In this case, the tape cassette 30 can bend the tape transport path 59 from the tape roll 571 to the second pin 21B using the first pin 21A. This allows the tape cassette 30 to transport the tape stably.

[0087] The first pin 21A and the second pin 21B are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In this case, the tape cassette 30 can configure multiple transport paths 599 with a simple pin arrangement.

[0088] Multiple pins 21 are composed of four pins. The tape cassette 30 can configure multiple transport paths 599 using these four pins.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the vertical direction is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The left-right direction is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. The half-cut tape 57 is an example of the "tape" of the present invention. The discharge port 341 and discharge guide section 49 are examples of the "tape discharge section" of the present invention. The first rotating body 71 is an example of the "first guide section" of the present invention. The fourth rotating body 72 is an example of the "second guide section" of the present invention.

[0090] The tape cassette 30A of the first modified example will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the description of the first modified example, components having the same function as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. The tape cassette 30A of the first modified example differs in that it has multiple pins 211 instead of the multiple pins 21 of the above embodiment. The number of pins is 3 (N=3). Multiple transport paths 599A are formed by the multiple pins 211.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, the multiple pins 211 include a first pin 21A, a fifth pin 21E, and a sixth pin 21F. The first pin 21A is the same as in the above embodiment. The fifth pin 21E is positioned between the first pin 21A and the first rotating body 71. In the front-rear direction, the fifth pin 21E is positioned between the winding center 572 of the tape spool 40 and the rear end of the tape spool 40. In the left-right direction, the fifth pin 21E is positioned at the right end of the ribbon winding spool 44.

[0092] The sixth pin 21F is positioned between the fifth pin 21E and the first rotating body 71. In the front-to-back direction, the sixth pin 21F is positioned between the winding center 572 of the tape spool 40 and the front end of the tape spool 40. In the left-to-right direction, the sixth pin 21F is positioned at the winding center of the ink ribbon 60.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7(A), the transport path 599A is composed of paths F1 to F4. Path F1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the first pin 21A. Path F2 is the path from the first pin 21A to the fifth pin 21E. Path F3 is the path from the fifth pin 21E to the sixth pin 21F. Path F4 is the path from the sixth pin 21F to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that passes through all of the multiple pins 211.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7(B), the transport path 599A is composed of paths G1 to G3. Path G1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the fifth pin 21E. Path G2 is the path from the fifth pin 21E to the sixth pin 21F. Path G3 is the path from the sixth pin 21F to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that does not use the first pin 21A among the multiple pins 211.

[0095] As shown in Figure 7(C), the transport path 599A is composed of paths H1 and H2. Path H1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the sixth pin 21F. Path H2 is the path from the sixth pin 21F to the first rotating body 71. Path H3 is the path from the sixth pin 21F to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that does not use the first pin 21A and the fifth pin 21E among the multiple pins 211.

[0096] Furthermore, the tape cassette 30A of the first modified example can also transport the tape via a path other than the one described above. The manufacturer can select the appropriate pins from among the multiple pins 211 to be used.

[0097] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a second modified tape cassette 30B will be described. In the description of the second modified tape cassette, components having the same function as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. The tape cassette 30B of the second modified tape cassette differs in that it has multiple pins 212 instead of the multiple pins 21 of the above embodiment. The number of pins is 5 (N=5). Multiple transport paths 599B are formed by the multiple pins 212.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple pins 211 include a first pin 21A, a second pin 21B, a seventh pin 21G, an eighth pin 21H, and a ninth pin 21J. The first pin 21A and the second pin 21B are the same as in the above embodiment. The seventh pin 21G is positioned between the first pin 21A and the first rotating body 71. In the front-rear direction, the seventh pin 21G is positioned between the winding center 572 of the tape spool 40 and the rear end of the tape spool 40. In the left-right direction, the seventh pin 21G is positioned at the right end of the ribbon winding spool 44.

[0099] The eighth pin 21H is positioned to the right of the seventh pin 21G. The eighth pin 21H is aligned left and right with the seventh pin 21G. The ninth pin 21J is positioned to the right front of the eighth pin 21H. The ninth pin 21J is positioned between the eighth pin 21H and the first rotating body 71. In the front-to-back direction, the ninth pin 21J is positioned at the winding center 572 of the tape spool 40. In the left-to-right direction, the ninth pin 21J is positioned at the center of the opening 801.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9(A), the transport path 599B is composed of paths I1 to I6. Path I1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the first pin 21A. Path I2 is the path from the first pin 21A to the second pin 21B. Path I3 is the path from the second pin 21B to the seventh pin 21G. Path I4 is the path from the seventh pin 21G to the eighth pin 21H. Path I5 is the path from the eighth pin 21H to the ninth pin 21J. Path I6 is the path from the ninth pin 21J to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that passes through all of the multiple pins 212.

[0101] As shown in Figure 9(B), the transport path 599B is composed of paths J1 to J5. Path J1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the first pin 21A. Path J2 is the path from the first pin 21A to the seventh pin 21G. Path J3 is the path from the seventh pin 21G to the eighth pin 21H. Path J4 is the path from the eighth pin 21H to the ninth pin 21J. Path J5 is the path from the ninth pin 21J to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that does not use the second pin 21B among the multiple pins 212.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9(C), the transport path 599B is composed of paths K1 to K4. Path K1 is the path from the adjustment pin 16 to the first pin 21A. Path K2 is the path from the first pin 21A to the seventh pin 21G. Path K3 is the path from the seventh pin 21G to the ninth pin 21J. Path K4 is the path from the ninth pin 21J to the first rotating body 71. In this way, the manufacturer can select a path that does not use the second pin 21B and the eighth pin 21H among the multiple pins 212.

[0103] In addition, in the tape cassette 30A of the first modification, it is also possible to transport the tape using a path other than the one described above. The manufacturer can select the appropriate pins from among the multiple pins 212 to be used.

[0104] The above embodiment can be further modified in various ways as follows. In the tape cassette 30 of the above embodiment, a half-cut tape 57 was transported, but it is not limited to this. The tape cassette 30 may be a thermal type cassette or the like. For example, the tape may be in the shape of a tube. In this case, the tape may shrink due to heat.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the tape was transported via the transport path 59, but this is not limited to that. For example, the half-cut tape 57 may be transported via the transport path 59 without passing through the second rotating body 82 and the third rotating body 81.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the tape was transported via the adjustment pin 16, but this is not limited to this. For example, the adjustment pin 16 may be omitted. In this case, the tape cassette 30 may be configured to transport the tape from the tape roll 571 to a plurality of pins 21.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the transport path 599 was transported as shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(D), but is not limited to this. For example, the manufacturer may change the path as appropriate. For example, a path that passes through at least one of the multiple pins 21 may be configured. The manufacturer may select the pins to be used as appropriate from the multiple pins 21.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the case where N=4 was described, but it is not limited to this. For example, N may be an integer of 3 or less, or an integer of 5 or more. For example, if the number of pins 21 is N pins (where N is an integer of 3 or more), the tape may be able to contact the first pin 21A, ... the N-1 pin, and the N pin in the order from the tape roll 571 toward the first rotating body 71.

[0109] Here, if n is an integer from 2 to N-1, it is desirable that the angle between the (n-1)th line connecting the (n-1)th pin and the nth pin, and the nth line connecting the nth pin and the (n+1)th pin, be greater than 105 degrees.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the fourth pin 21D is connected to the straight line L2. overlapping The pins are positioned as described above, but are not limited to these positions. For example, the center of the fourth pin 21D may be positioned at a distance from the straight line L2 connecting the eighth pin 21H and the first rotating body 71. In this case, the tape cassette 30 can stably transport the tape to the first rotating body 71.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the multiple pins 21 are arranged in the positions shown in Figures 2 to 5, but are not limited to these positions. The arrangement of the multiple pins 21 may be changed as appropriate.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the shapes of the multiple pins 21 were the same, but this is not limited to this. For example, the multiple pins 21 may each have different shapes. The vertical length of the multiple pins 21 was longer than the length of the half-cut tape 57, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vertical length of the multiple pins 21 may be the same as the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57, or it may be shorter.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the first rotating body 71, the second rotating body 82, the third rotating body 81, and the fourth rotating body 72 were rotatable, but are not limited to this. For example, at least one of the first rotating body 71, the second rotating body 82, the third rotating body 81, and the fourth rotating body 72 may be a pin.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the vertical lengths of the first rotating body 71 and the second rotating body 82 were longer than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vertical lengths of the first rotating body 71 and the second rotating body 82 and the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57 may be the same or shorter.

[0115] The vertical lengths of the third and fourth rotating bodies 81 and 72 were shorter than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vertical lengths of the third and fourth rotating bodies 81 and 72 may be the same as or longer than the vertical length of the half-cut tape 57.

[0116] In the above embodiment, angles θ1 to θ4 were set to 105 degrees or more, but other angles are also acceptable. For example, angles θ1 to θ4 may be set to 105 degrees or less. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1. Printer 20, 201, 202 sensors 21, 21A~21J pins 30, 30A, 30B Tape Cassettes 31 Cassette Cases 40 Tape Spools 59, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 599 Transport routes 71, 72 Solids of revolution 341 Outlet 571 Tape Roll L1~L3, L11~L15 straight line

Claims

1. A tape cassette used by being inserted into a printer, The casing and A tape spool, which is held inside the aforementioned housing and on which tape is wound and rotatably supported, A tape discharge unit for discharging the tape to the outside of the housing, A first guide unit guides the tape toward the detected position on the tape where the tape information of the tape is detected by the sensor of the printer, A second guide unit guides the tape that has passed the detected position toward the tape ejection unit, When the tape cassette is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tape spool, a plurality of pins are positioned at a distance from the straight line connecting the rear end of the outer circumference of the tape spool and the rear end of the outer circumference of the first guide portion, and the tape transport path from the tape spool to the first guide portion is bent to guide the tape to the first guide portion. A tape cassette characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned plurality of pins consist of N pins (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3), The tape is capable of contacting the first pin, ... the N-1 pin, and the N pin in the order of the first pin, from the tape spool toward the first guide portion. When the tape cassette is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tape spool, the angle between the (n-1)th straight line, which connects the outer circumference of the (n-1)th pin (where n is an integer from 2 to N-1) and the outer circumference of the nth pin and is along the transport path for transporting the tape, and the nth straight line, which connects the outer circumference of the nth pin and the outer circumference of the (n+1)th pin and is along the transport path for transporting the tape, is greater than 105 degrees. The tape cassette according to feature 1.

3. The N-pin is positioned closest to the first guide portion among the N pins, and is positioned such that, when the tape cassette is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tape spool, the outer circumference of the N-pin coincides with the straight line connecting the outer circumference of the N-1 pin and the outer circumference of the first guide portion. The tape cassette according to feature 2.

4. The N pins are positioned closest to the first guide portion among the N pins. When the tape cassette is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tape spool, the center of the N pin is positioned at a location separated from the straight line connecting the outer circumference of the N-1 pin and the outer circumference of the first guide portion. The tape cassette according to feature 2.

5. The aforementioned plurality of pins include the first pin and the second pin, The first pin is positioned closest to the tape spool among the plurality of pins. The second pin is located closest to the tape spool among the multiple pins excluding the first pin. When the tape cassette is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tape spool, the first pin is positioned such that its outer circumference coincides with a straight line connecting the outer circumference of the tape spool and the outer circumference of the second pin. A tape cassette according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. The first pin and the second pin are arranged side by side. The tape cassette according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned multiple pins consist of four pins. A tape cassette according to any one of features 1 to 6.

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