U.S. patent application number 14/226289 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for tape cassette.
This patent application is currently assigned to Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. The applicant listed for this patent is Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Takashi Horiuchi, Tsuyoshi Nagae, Akira Sago, Yasuhiro Shibata, Koshiro Yamaguchi.
Application Number | 20140205346 14/226289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44502294 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140205346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamaguchi; Koshiro ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
Tape Cassette
Abstract
A tape cassette that includes a housing having a front wall, a
tape feed exit located on the front wall, and a bottom surface, and
a tape at least partially included within the housing and
configured to be fed along a tape feed path extending to the tape
feed exit. The tape cassette also includes a latching aperture, a
first tape type indicator aperture, and a second tape type
indicator aperture, each formed on the front wall. The second tape
type indicator aperture is located below the latching aperture in a
tape width direction, and at a bottom edge of the front wall. The
first and second tape type indicator apertures are positioned such
that the first tape type indicator aperture is not aligned with the
second tape type indicator aperture in a direction orthogonal to
the portion of the tape feed path extending generally parallel to
the front wall.
Inventors: |
Yamaguchi; Koshiro;
(Kakamigahara-shi, JP) ; Nagae; Tsuyoshi;
(Kasugai-shi, JP) ; Horiuchi; Takashi;
(Kariya-shi, JP) ; Sago; Akira; (Seto-shi, JP)
; Shibata; Yasuhiro; (Okazaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
44502294 |
Appl. No.: |
14/226289 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13848750 |
Mar 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
14226289 |
|
|
|
|
13755174 |
Jan 31, 2013 |
8651756 |
|
|
13848750 |
|
|
|
|
12644555 |
Dec 22, 2009 |
8382389 |
|
|
13755174 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
400/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 35/36 20130101;
B41J 3/4075 20130101; B41J 33/14 20130101; B41J 2/32 20130101; B41J
11/009 20130101; B41J 15/044 20130101; B41J 32/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
400/236 |
International
Class: |
B41J 35/36 20060101
B41J035/36; B41J 32/00 20060101 B41J032/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331634 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331635 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331638 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331639 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331641 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331642 |
Dec 25, 2008 |
JP |
2008-331643 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
JP |
2009-088440 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
JP |
2009-088441 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
JP |
2009-088456 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
JP |
2009-088460 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
JP |
2009-088468 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-156398 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-156399 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-156403 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-156404 |
Claims
1. A tape cassette, comprising: a housing having a front wall, a
tape feed exit located on the front wall, and a bottom surface; a
tape at least partially included within the housing and configured
to be fed along a tape feed path extending to the tape feed exit,
wherein a portion of the tape feed path extends generally parallel
to the front wall, and wherein a tape width direction of the tape
is generally parallel to the front wall; a latching aperture formed
on the front wall; a first tape type indicator aperture formed on
the front wall; and a second tape type indicator aperture formed on
the front wall, wherein the second tape type indicator aperture is
located below the latching aperture in the tape width direction,
and at a bottom edge of the front wall, and wherein the first tape
type indicator aperture and the second tape type indicator aperture
are positioned such that the first tape type indicator aperture is
not aligned with the second tape type indicator aperture in a
direction orthogonal to the portion of the tape feed path extending
generally parallel to the front wall.
2. The tape cassette of claim 1, wherein the first tape type
indicator aperture is disposed downstream of the second tape type
indicator aperture.
3. The tape cassette of claim 1, wherein the first tape type
indicator aperture is disposed on an upper side of the second tape
type indicator aperture.
4. The tape cassette of claim 1, wherein the tape cassette is for
use with a label printer having a latching piece, wherein the
latching aperture is configured to receive the latching piece of
the label printer, and wherein the latching aperture is disposed on
an upper side of the first tape type indicator aperture.
5. The tape cassette of claim 1, wherein the second tape type
indicator aperture is a recess.
6. A tape cassette for use with a label printer having a latching
piece and a plurality of tape type detecting switches each having
two possible states, the tape cassette comprising: a housing having
a front wall, a tape feed exit located on the front wall, and a
bottom surface; a tape at least partially included within the
housing and configured to be fed along a tape feed path extending
to the tape feed exit, wherein a portion of the tape feed path
extends generally parallel to the front wall, and wherein a tape
width direction of the tape is generally parallel to the front
wall; a latching portion formed on the front wall, wherein the
latching portion is configured to receive the latching piece of the
label printer at a first time when the cassette is in the label
printer; and a first non-pressing portion on the front wall and a
second non-pressing portion on the front wall, wherein the first
non-pressing portion and the second non-pressing portion are
positioned to oppose the tape type detecting switches of the label
printer at the first time when the cassette is in the label
printer, wherein the first non-pressing portion and the second
non-pressing portion are configured to avoid changing a state of a
corresponding opposing one of the tape type detecting switches at
the first time when the cassette is in the label printer, and
wherein the second non-pressing portion is located below the
latching portion in the tape width direction, and at a bottom edge
of the front wall, and wherein the first non-pressing portion and
the second non-pressing portion are positioned such that the first
non-pressing portion is not aligned with the second non-pressing
portion in a direction orthogonal to the portion of the tape feed
path extending generally parallel to the front wall.
7. The tape cassette of claim 6, wherein the first non-pressing
portion is disposed downstream of the second non-pressing
portion.
8. The tape cassette of claim 6, wherein the first non-pressing
portion is disposed on an upper side of the second non-pressing
portion.
9. The tape cassette of claim 6, wherein the latching portion is
disposed on an upper side of the first non-pressing portion.
10. The tape cassette of claim 6, comprising a surface portion
formed on the front wall connecting the first non-pressing portion
and the second non-pressing portion, wherein the surface portion
includes a pressing portion, the pressing portion being positioned
to oppose the tape type detecting switches of the label printer at
the first time when the cassette is in the label printer, wherein
the pressing portion is configured to change a state of a
corresponding opposing one of the tape type detecting switches at
the first time when the cassette is in the label printer.
11. The tape cassette of claim 6, wherein the second non-pressing
portion is a recess.
12. The tape cassette of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first
and second non-pressing portions is an aperture.
13. A tape cassette for use with a label printer having a plurality
of tape type detecting switches each having ON and OFF possible
states, the tape cassette comprising: a housing having a front
wall, a tape feed exit located on the front wall, and a bottom
surface; a tape at least partially included within the housing and
configured to be fed along a tape feed path extending to the tape
feed exit, wherein a portion of the tape feed path extends
generally parallel to the front wall, and wherein a tape width
direction of the tape is generally parallel to the front wall; a
latching portion formed on the front wall, wherein the latching
portion is configured to receive a latching piece of the label
printer at a first time when the cassette is in the label printer;
and a first tape type indicator portion on the front wall, a second
tape type indicator portion on the front wall, and a third tape
type indicator portion on the front wall, wherein the first,
second, and third tape type indicator portions are positioned to
oppose corresponding ones of the tape type detecting switches of
the label printer at the first time when the cassette is in the
label printer, wherein the first tape type indicator portion and
the second tape type indicator portion has a first elevation with
respect to the front wall, wherein the third tape type indicator
portion has a second elevation with respect to the front wall, and
wherein the first elevation is different from the second elevation,
wherein the first tape type indicator portion and the second tape
type indicator portion are configured to avoid changing a state of
a corresponding opposing one of the tape type detecting switches
between ON and OFF states, and the third tape type indicator
portion is configured to change a state of a corresponding opposing
one of the tape type detecting switches between ON and OFF states,
at the first time when the cassette is in the label printer, and
wherein the second tape type indicator portion is located below the
latching portion in the tape width direction, and at a bottom edge
of the front wall, and wherein the first tape type indicator
portion and the second tape type indicator portion are positioned
such that the first tape type indicator portion is not aligned with
the second tape type indicator portion in a direction orthogonal to
the portion of the tape feed path extending generally parallel to
the front wall.
14. The tape cassette of claim 13, wherein the first tape type
indicator portion is disposed downstream of the second tape type
indicator portion.
15. The tape cassette of claim 13, wherein the first tape type
indicator portion is disposed on an upper side of the second tape
type indicator portion.
16. The tape cassette of claim 13, wherein the latching portion is
disposed on an upper side of the first tape type indicator
portion.
17. The tape cassette of claim 13, comprising a surface portion
formed on the front wall connecting the first tape type indicator
portion and the second tape type indicator portion, wherein the
surface portion includes the third tape type indicator portion.
18. The tape cassette of claim 13, wherein the second tape type
indicator portion is a recess.
19. The tape cassette of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
first tape type indicator portion and the second tape type
indicator portion is an aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser.
No. 13/848,750, filed Mar. 22, 2013, which is a Divisional
Application of U.S. Ser. No. 13/755,174, filed Jan. 31, 2013, which
is a Divisional Application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/644,555, filed Dec.
22, 2009, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos.
2008-331634, 2008-331635, 2008-331638, 2008-331639, 2008-331641,
2008-331642, 2008-331643, respectively filed on Dec. 25, 2008,
Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2009-088440, 2009-088441,
2009-088456, 2009-088460, and 2009-088468, respectively filed on
Mar. 31, 2009, and Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2009-156398,
2009-156399, 2009-156403, and 2009-156404, respectively filed on
Jun. 30, 2009. The disclosures of the foregoing applications are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a tape cassette that is
removably installed in a tape printer.
[0003] A tape cassette has been known that, when installed in a
housing portion of a tape printer, selectively presses down a
plurality of detecting switches provided on the cassette housing
portion to cause the tape printer to detect the type of a tape
stored inside a cassette case (a tape width, a print mode, etc.)
More specifically, a cassette detection portion is provided on a
section of the bottom surface of the tape cassette, where
through-holes are formed in a pattern corresponding to the type of
the tape. When the tape cassette is installed in the cassette
housing portion, the plurality of detecting switches, which are
constantly urged in an upward direction, are selectively pressed in
accordance with the pattern of the through-holes formed in the
cassette detection portion. The tape printer detects the type of
tape in the tape cassette installed in the cassette housing portion
based on a combination of the pressed and non-pressed switches
among the plurality of detecting switches.
SUMMARY
[0004] The pattern of through-holes formed in the cassette
detection portion is basically only designed to allow the tape
printer to detect the type of the tape. Accordingly, different
patterns are allocated randomly in accordance with the type of the
tape. In other words, the patterns of through-holes do are not
formed in a pattern in accordance with rules to allow them to be
identified from the outward appearance. Therefore, it is difficult
for a person to visually identify the type of the tape. For that
reason, for example, in a tape cassette manufacturing process, it
may be difficult for a worker to visually identify the type of the
tape that should be mounted inside the cassette case from the
external appearance of the tape cassette.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tape
cassette that allows a type of a tape to be identified by visually
checking an external appearance of the tape cassette.
[0006] As described herein, a tape cassette includes a housing
having a front wall, a tape feed exit located on the front wall,
and a bottom surface, and a tape at least partially included within
the housing and configured to be fed along a tape feed path
extending to the tape feed exit, wherein a portion of the tape feed
path extends generally parallel to the front wall, and wherein a
tape width direction of the tape is generally parallel to the front
wall. The tape cassette also includes a latching aperture formed on
the front wall, and a first tape type indicator aperture formed on
the front wall, and a second tape type indicator aperture formed on
the front wall. The second tape type indicator aperture is located
below the latching aperture in the tape width direction, and at a
bottom edge of the front wall. The first tape type indicator
aperture and the second tape type indicator aperture are positioned
such that the first tape type indicator aperture is not aligned
with the second tape type indicator aperture in a direction
orthogonal to the portion of the tape feed path extending generally
parallel to the front wall. Other features are described in further
detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described below in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape printer 1 when a
cassette cover 6 is closed;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tape cassette 30
and a cassette housing portion 8;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cassette housing portion 8 with
a laminated type tape cassette 30 installed, when a platen holder
12 is at a standby position;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cassette housing portion 8 with
the laminated type tape cassette 30 installed, when the platen
holder 12 is at a print position;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cassette housing portion 8 with
a receptor type tape cassette 30 installed, when the platen holder
12 is at the print position;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cassette housing portion 8 with
a thermal type tape cassette 30 installed, when the platen holder
12 is at the print position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of a cassette-facing
surface 12B on which is provided an arm detection portion 200;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along a I-I line shown in
FIG. 7 as seen in the direction of the arrows;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of the tape printer 1;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a wide-width tape
cassette 30 as seen from a top surface 30A;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the tape cassette
30 as seen from a bottom surface 30B;
[0019] FIG. 12 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of an
arm portion 34 of the wide-width tape cassette 30;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a front view of the wide-width tape cassette 30,
and illustrates the positional relationship of various elements
provided on an arm front surface 35;
[0021] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a specified area R0 in the
wide-width tape cassette 30;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged front view of the wide-width
tape cassette 30;
[0023] FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a narrow-width
tape cassette 30, as seen from the top surface 30A;
[0024] FIG. 17 is an enlarged external perspective view of the arm
portion 34 of the narrow-width tape cassette 30;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a partial enlarged front view of the narrow-width
tape cassette 30;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along a II-II line shown
in FIG. 15 as seen in the direction of the arrows, when the platen
holder 12 shown in FIG. 8 opposes the wide-width tape cassette 30
shown in FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along a III-III line shown
in FIG. 18 as seen in the direction of the arrows, when the platen
holder 12 shown in FIG. 8 opposes the narrow-width tape cassette 30
shown in FIG. 18;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing relating to
printing of the tape printer 1;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data structure of a tape type
table 510;
[0030] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first mode
in which an error is detected by the tape printer 1, and the tape
cassette 30 is opposed to the platen holder 12;
[0031] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second mode
in which an error is detected by the tape printer 1, and the tape
cassette 30 is opposed to the platen holder 12;
[0032] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third mode
in which an error is detected by the tape printer 1, and the tape
cassette 30 is opposed to the platen holder 12;
[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged external perspective view of the arm
front surface 35 of another wide-width tape cassette 30;
[0034] FIG. 27 is an explanatory view of a structure of indicators
800A to 800E in the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG.
26;
[0035] FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of a structure of the
indicators 800A to 800E in yet another wide-width tape cassette
30;
[0036] FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of a structure of the
indicators 800A to 800E in another narrow-width tape cassette
30;
[0037] FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of a structure of the
indicators 800A to 800E in yet another narrow-width tape cassette
30; and
[0038] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view along the II-II line shown
in FIG. 15 as seen in the direction of the arrows, which shows the
tape cassette 30 of a modified example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
explained below with reference to the figures. The configurations
of the apparatus, the flowcharts of various processing and the like
shown in the drawings are merely exemplary and do not intend to
limit the present invention.
[0040] A tape printer 1 and a tape cassette 30 according to the
present embodiment will be explained hereinafter with reference to
FIG. 1 to FIG. 30. In the explanation of the present embodiment,
the lower left side, the upper right side, the lower right side,
and the upper left side in FIG. 1 are respectively defined as the
front side, the rear side, the right side, and the left side of the
tape printer 1. In addition, the lower right side, the upper left
side, the upper right side, and the lower left side in FIG. 2 are
respectively defined as the front side, the rear side, the right
side, and the left side of the tape cassette 30.
[0041] Note that, in actuality, a group of gears, including gears
91, 93, 94, 97, 98 and 101 shown in FIG. 2, is covered and hidden
by the bottom surface of a cavity 8A. However, for explanation
purposes, the bottom surface of the cavity 8A is not shown in FIG.
2. Furthermore, in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, side walls that form a
periphery around a cassette housing portion 8 are shown
schematically, but this is simply a schematic diagram, and the side
walls shown in FIG. 2, for example, are depicted as thicker than
they are in actuality. Moreover, in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, for ease of
understanding, the states in which various types of the tape
cassette 30 are installed in the cassette housing portion 8 are
shown with a top case 31A removed.
[0042] First, an outline configuration of the tape printer 1
according to the present embodiment will be explained. Hereinafter,
the tape printer 1 configured a as a general purpose device will be
explained as an example. As the general purpose device, the tape
printer 1 may commonly use a plurality of types of tape cassettes
30 with various types of tapes. The types of the tape cassettes 30
may include a thermal type tape cassette 30 that includes only a
heat-sensitive paper tape, a receptor type tape cassette 30 that
includes a print tape and an ink ribbon, and a laminated type tape
cassette 30 that includes a double-sided adhesive tape, a film tape
and an ink ribbon.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 is provided with a
main unit cover 2 that has a rectangular shape in a plan view. A
keyboard 3 is provided on the front side of the main unit cover 2.
The keyboard 3 includes character keys for characters (letters,
symbols, numerals, and so on), a variety of function keys, and so
on. A display 5 is provided on the rear side of the keyboard 3. The
display 5 displays input characters. A cassette cover 6 is provided
on the rear side of the display 5. The cassette cover 6 may be
opened and closed when the tape cassette 30 is replaced. Further,
although not shown in the figures, a discharge slit is provided to
the rear of the left side of the main unit cover 2, from which the
printed tape is discharged to the outside. Also, a discharge window
is formed on the left side of the cassette cover 6, such that, when
the cassette cover 6 is in a closed state, the discharge slit is
exposed to the outside.
[0044] Next, an internal configuration within the main unit cover 2
below the cassette cover 6 will be explained with reference to FIG.
2 to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the cassette housing portion 8 is
provided in the interior of the main unit cover 2 below the
cassette cover 6. The cassette housing portion 8 is an area in
which the tape cassette 30 can be installed or removed. The
cassette housing portion 8 includes a cavity 8A and a cassette
support portion 8B. The cavity 8A is formed as a depression that
has a flat bottom surface, and the shape of the cavity 8A generally
corresponds to the shape of a bottom surface 30B of a cassette case
31 (to be described later) when the tape cassette 30 is installed.
The cassette support portion 8B is a flat portion extending
horizontally from the outer edge of the cavity 8A.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, two positioning pins 102 and 103 are
provided at two positions on the cassette support portion 8B. More
specifically, the positioning pin 102 is provided on the left side
of the cavity 8A and the positioning pin 103 is provided on the
right side of the cavity 8A. The positioning pins 102 and 103
(refer to FIG. 11) are provided at the positions that respectively
oppose pin holes 62 and 63, when the tape cassette 30 is installed
in the cassette housing portion 8. The pin holes 62 and 63 are two
indentations formed in the bottom surface of the common portion 32
of the tape cassette 30. When the tape cassette 30 is installed in
the cassette housing portion 8, the positioning pins 102 and 103
are respectively inserted into the pin holes 62 and 63 to support
the tape cassette 30 from underneath at the left and right
positions of the peripheral portion of the tape cassette 30.
[0046] The cassette housing portion 8 is equipped with a feed
mechanism, a print mechanism, and the like. The feed mechanism
pulls out the tape from the tape cassette 30 and feeds the tape.
The print mechanism prints characters on a surface of the tape. As
shown in FIG. 2, a head holder 74 is fixed in the front part of the
cassette housing portion 8, and a thermal head 10 that includes a
heating element (not shown in the figures) is mounted on the head
holder 74. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, an upstream
support portion 74A and a downstream support portion 74B
(hereinafter collectively referred to as head support portions 74A
and 74B) are provided on both the right and left ends of the head
holder 74. The head support portions 74A and 74B support the tape
cassette 30 from underneath when the tape cassette 30 is installed
in the tape printer 1. A cassette hook 75 is provided on the rear
side of the head holder 74. The cassette hook 75 engages with the
tape cassette 30 when the tape cassette 30 is installed in the
cassette housing portion 8.
[0047] A tape feed motor 23 that is a stepping motor is provided
outside of the cassette housing portion 8 (the upper right side in
FIG. 2). A drive gear 91 is anchored to the lower end of a drive
shaft of the tape feed motor 23. The drive gear 91 is meshed with a
gear 93 through an opening, and the gear 93 is meshed with a gear
94. A ribbon take-up shaft 95 is standing upward on the upper
surface of the gear 94. The ribbon take-up shaft 95 drives the
rotation of a ribbon take-up spool 44, which will be described
later. In addition, the gear 94 is meshed with a gear 97, the gear
97 is meshed with a gear 98, and the gear 98 is meshed with a gear
101. A tape drive shaft 100 is standing upward on the upper surface
of the gear 101. The tape drive shaft 100 drives the rotation of a
tape drive roller 46, which will be described later.
[0048] If the tape feed motor 23 is driven to rotate in the
counterclockwise direction in a state where the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the cassette housing portion 8, the ribbon take-up
shaft 95 is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction via
the drive gear 91, the gear 93 and the gear 94. The ribbon take-up
shaft 95 causes the ribbon take-up spool 44, which is fitted with
the ribbon take-up shaft 95, to rotate. Furthermore, the rotation
of the gear 94 is transmitted to the tape drive shaft 100 via the
gear 97, the gear 98 and the gear 101, to thereby drive the tape
drive shaft 100 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The tape
drive shaft 100 causes the tape drive roller 46, which is fitted
with the tape drive shaft 100 by insertion, to rotate.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, on the front side of the head
holder 74, an arm shaped platen holder 12 is pivotably supported
around a support shaft 12A. A platen roller 15 and a movable feed
roller 14 are both rotatably supported on the leading end of the
platen holder 12. The platen roller 15 faces the thermal head 10,
and may be moved close to and apart from the thermal head 10. The
movable feed roller 14 faces the tape drive roller 46 that may be
fitted with the tape drive shaft 100, and may be moved close to and
apart from the tape drive roller 46.
[0050] A release lever (not shown in the figures), which moves in
the right-and-left direction in response to the opening and closing
of the cassette cover 6, is coupled to the platen holder 12. When
the cassette cover 6 is opened, the release lever moves in the
right direction, and the platen holder 12 moves toward the stand-by
position shown in FIG. 3. At the stand-by position shown in FIG. 3,
the platen holder 12 has moved away from the cassette housing
portion 8. Therefore, the tape cassette 30 can be installed into or
detached from the cassette housing portion 8 when the platen holder
12 is at the stand-by position. The platen holder 12 is constantly
elastically urged to remain in the stand-by position by a spiral
spring that is not shown in the figures.
[0051] On the other hand, when the cassette cover 6 is closed, the
release lever moves in the left direction and the platen holder 12
moves toward the print position shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. At the
print position shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the platen holder 12 has
moved close to the cassette housing portion 8. At the print
position, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when the laminated type
tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8,
the platen roller 15 presses the thermal head 10 via a film tape 59
and an ink ribbon 60. At the same time, the movable feed roller 14
presses the tape drive roller 46 via a double-sided adhesive tape
58 and the film tape 59.
[0052] In a similar way, as shown in FIG. 5, when the receptor type
tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8,
the platen roller 15 presses the thermal head 10 via a print tape
57 and the ink ribbon 60, while the movable feed roller 14 presses
the tape drive roller 46 via the print tape 57. Further, as shown
in FIG. 6, when the thermal type tape cassette 30 is installed in
the cassette housing portion 8, the platen roller 15 presses the
thermal head 10 via a heat-sensitive paper tape 55, while the
movable feed roller 14 presses the tape drive roller 46 via the
heat-sensitive paper tape 55.
[0053] As described above, at the print position shown in FIG. 4 to
FIG. 6, printing can be performed using the tape cassette 30
installed in the cassette housing portion 8. The heat-sensitive
paper tape 55, the print tape 57, the double-sided adhesive tape
58, the film tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 will be explained in
more detail later.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, a feed path along which a printed tape
50 is fed extends from a tape discharge portion 49 of the tape
cassette 30 to a discharge slit (not shown in the figures) of the
tape printer 1. A cutting mechanism 17 that cuts the printed tape
50 at a predetermined position is provided on the feed path. Note
that the cutting mechanism 17 is not shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. The
cutting mechanism 17 includes a fixed blade 18 and a movable blade
19 that opposes the fixed blade 18 and that is supported such that
it can move in the back-and-forth direction (in the up-and-down
direction in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6). The movable blade 19 is moved in
the back-and-forth direction by a cutter motor 24 (refer to FIG.
9).
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, an arm detection portion 200
is provided on the rear side surface of the platen holder 12,
namely, a surface on the side that opposes the thermal head 10
(hereinafter referred to as a cassette-facing surface 12B). The arm
detection portion 200 is provided slightly to the right of a center
position in the longitudinal direction of the cassette-facing
surface 12B. The arm detection portion 200 includes a plurality of
detecting switches 210. Switch terminals 222 of the detecting
switches 210 (refer to FIG. 8) respectively protrude from the
cassette-facing surface 12B toward the cassette housing portion 8
in a generally horizontal manner. In other words, the detecting
switches 210 protrude in a direction that is generally
perpendicular to a direction of insertion and removal (the
up-and-down direction in FIG. 2) of the tape cassette 30 with
respect to the cassette housing portion 8, such that the detecting
switches 210 oppose the front surface (more specifically, an arm
front surface 35 which will be described later) of the tape
cassette 30 installed in the cassette housing portion 8.
[0056] When the tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette
housing portion 8 at a proper position, the detecting switches 210
are respectively positioned at a height facing an arm indicator
portion 800.
[0057] The arrangement and structure of the arm detecting switches
210 in the platen holder 12 will be explained in more detail with
reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 7, five
through-holes 12C are formed in three rows in the vertical
direction in the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen holder
12. More specifically, the through-holes 12C are arranged such that
two holes are arranged in an upper row, two holes are arranged in a
middle row and one hole is arranged in a lower row.
[0058] Positions of the through-holes 12C are different from each
other in the right-and-left direction. Specifically, the five
through-holes 12C are arranged in a zigzag pattern from the left
side of the cassette-facing surface 12B (the right side in FIG. 7),
in the following order: the left side of the middle row, the left
side of the upper row, the right side of the middle row, the right
side of the upper row, and then the lower row. The five arm
detecting switches 210 are provided from the left side (the right
side in FIG. 7) of the cassette-facing surface 12B in the order
210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, and 210E, at positions corresponding to the
five through-holes 12C.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, each of the arm detecting switches 210
includes a generally cylindrically shaped main unit 221 and a
switch terminal 222. The main unit 221 is positioned inside the
platen holder 12. The bar-shaped switch terminal 222 can extend and
retract in the direction of an axis line from one end of the main
unit 221. The other end of the main unit 221 of the arm detecting
switch 210 is attached to a switch support plate 220 and positioned
inside the platen holder 12.
[0060] In addition, on the one end of the main units 221, the
switch terminals 222 can extend and retract through the
through-holes 12C formed in the cassette-facing surface 12B of the
platen holder 12. Each of the switch terminals 222 is constantly
maintained in a state in which the switch terminal 222 extends from
the main unit 221 due to a spring member provided inside the main
unit 221 (not shown in the figures). When the switch terminal 222
is not pressed, the switch terminal 222 remains extended from the
main unit 221 to be in an off state. On the other hand, when the
switch terminal 222 is pressed, the switch terminal 222 is pushed
back into the main unit 221 to be in an on state.
[0061] If the platen holder 12 moves toward the stand-by position
(refer to FIG. 3) in a state where the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the cassette housing portion 8, the arm detecting
switches 210 are separated from the tape cassette 30. Consequently,
all the arm detecting switches 210 are therefore in the off state.
On the other hand, if the platen holder 12 moves toward the print
position (refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6), the arm detecting switches
210 oppose the front surface (more specifically, the arm front
surface 35 that will be described later) of the tape cassette 30
and the arm detecting switches 210 are selectively pressed by the
arm indicator portion 800, which will be described later. The tape
type is detected based on a combination of the on and off states of
the arm detecting switches 210, as will be described in more detail
later.
[0062] Further, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, a latching piece 225
is provided on the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen holder
12. The latching piece 225 is a plate-like protrusion that extends
in the right-and-left direction. In a similar way to the switch
terminals 222 of the arm detecting switches 210, the latching piece
225 protrudes from the cassette-facing surface 12B in a generally
horizontal manner toward the cassette housing portion 8. In other
words, the latching piece 225 protrudes such that the latching
piece 225 opposes the front surface (more specifically, the arm
front surface 35) of the tape cassette 30 installed in the cassette
housing portion 8. When the tape cassette 30 is installed in the
cassette housing portion 8 at the proper position, the latching
piece 225 is positioned at a height facing a latching hole 820
formed in the arm front surface 35 of the tape cassette 30.
[0063] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the latching piece
225 is provided on the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen
holder 12 and is positioned above the arm detecting switches 210B
and 210D in the upper row, and extends rightwards (the left side in
FIG. 7) from a position in the right-and-left direction between the
arm detecting switch 210D and the arm detecting switch 210E.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the latching piece 225 is integrally
formed with the platen holder 12 such that the latching piece 225
protrudes from the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen holder
12 in the rearward direction (the left side in FIG. 8). A length of
protrusion of the latching piece 225 from the cassette-facing
surface 12B is generally the same as, or slightly greater than, a
length of protrusion of the switch terminals 222 of the arm
detecting switches 210 from the cassette-facing surface 12B.
Furthermore, an inclined portion 226, which is a horizontally
inclined part of a lower surface of the latching piece 225, is
formed on the latching piece 225 such that the thickness of the
latching piece 225 becomes smaller toward the leading end (the left
side in FIG. 8).
[0065] Next, the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1
will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the
tape printer 1 includes a control circuit 400 formed on a control
board. The control circuit 400 includes a CPU 401 that controls
each instrument, a ROM 402, a CGROM 403, a RAM 404, and an
input/output interface 411, all of which are connected to the CPU
401 via a data bus 410.
[0066] ROM 402 stores various programs to control the tape printer
1, including a display drive control program, a print drive control
program, a pulse number determination program, a cutting drive
control program, and so on. The display drive control program
controls a liquid crystal drive circuit (LCDC) 405 in association
with code data of characters, such as letters, symbols, numerals
and so on input from the keyboard 3. The print drive control
program drives the thermal head 10 and the tape feed motor 23. The
pulse number determination program determines the number of pulses
to be applied corresponding to the amount of formation energy for
each print dot. The cutting drive control program drives the
cutting motor 24 to cut the printed tape 50 at the predetermined
cutting position. The CPU 401 performs a variety of computations in
accordance with each type of program.
[0067] The ROM 402 also stores various tables that are used to
identify the tape type of the tape cassette 30 installed in the
tape printer 1. The tables will be explained in more detail
later.
[0068] The CGROM 403 stores print dot pattern data to be used to
print various characters. The print dot pattern data is associated
with corresponding code data for the characters. The print dot
pattern data is categorized by font (Gothic, Mincho, and so on),
and the stored data for each font includes six print character
sizes (dot sizes of 16, 24, 32, 48, 64 and 96, for example).
[0069] The RAM 404 includes a plurality of storage areas, including
a text memory, a print buffer and so on. The text memory stores
text data input from the keyboard 3. The print buffer stores dot
pattern data, including the printing dot patterns for characters
and the number of pulses to be applied that is the amount of
formation energy for each dot, and so on. The thermal head 10
performs dot printing in accordance with the dot pattern data
stored in the print buffer. Other storage areas store data obtained
in various computations and so on.
[0070] The input/output interface 411 is connected, respectively,
to the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E, the keyboard 3, the
liquid crystal drive circuit (LCDC) 405 that has a video RAM (not
shown in the figures) to output display data to the display (LCD)
5, a drive circuit 406 that drives the thermal head 10, a drive
circuit 407 that drives the tape feed motor 23, a drive circuit 408
that drives the cutter motor 24, and so on.
[0071] The configuration of the tape cassette 30 according to the
present embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2
to FIG. 6 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 18. Hereinafter, the tape cassette 30
configured as a general purpose cassette will be explained as an
example. As the general purpose cassette, the tape cassette 30 may
be assembled as the thermal type, the receptor type and the
laminated type that have been explained above, by changing, as
appropriate, the type of the tape to be mounted in the tape
cassette 30 and by changing the presence or absence of the ink
ribbon, and so on.
[0072] FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 are figures relating to the
tape cassette 30 in which a width of the tape (hereinafter referred
to as a tape width) is equal to or greater than a predetermined
width (18 mm, for example) (hereinafter referred to as a wide-width
tape cassette 30). More specifically, the wide-width tape cassette
30 represented in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 is assembled as the
laminated type cassette (refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) including the
ink ribbon 60 with an ink color other than black (red, for
example), and the width of the tape is 36 mm. On the other hand,
FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 are figures relating to the tape cassette 30 in
which the tape width is less than the predetermined width
(hereinafter referred to as the narrow-width tape cassette 30).
More specifically, the narrow-width tape cassette 30 represented in
FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 is assembled as the receptor type cassette
(refer to FIG. 5) including the ink ribbon 60 with a black ink
color, and the width of the tape is 12 mm.
[0073] Hereinafter, the configuration of the tape cassette 30 will
be explained, mainly using the wide-width tape cassette 30 (refer
to FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15) as an example. However, the
configuration of the narrow-width tape cassette 30 (refer to FIG.
16 to FIG. 18) is basically the same as that of the wide-width tape
cassette 30.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the tape cassette 30
includes a cassette case 31 that is a housing having a generally
rectangular parallelepiped shape (box-like shape), with rounded
corner portions in a plan view. The cassette case 31 includes a
bottom case 31B that includes the bottom surface 30B of the
cassette case 31 and the top case 31A that includes a top surface
30A of the cassette case 31. The top case 31A is fixed to an upper
portion of the bottom case 31B.
[0075] When the top case 31A and the bottom case 31B are joined, a
side surface 30C of a predetermined height is formed. The side
surface 30C extends between the top surface 30A and the bottom
surface 30B along the peripheries of the top surface 30A and the
bottom surface 30B. In other words, the cassette case 31 is a
box-shaped case that has the top surface 30A and the bottom surface
30B, which are a pair of rectangular flat surfaces opposing each
other in a vertical direction, and the side surface 30C (in the
present embodiment, formed by four surfaces of a front surface, a
rear surface, a left side surface and a right side surface) that
has a predetermined height and extends along the peripheries of the
top surface 30A and the bottom surface 30B.
[0076] In the cassette case 31, the peripheries of the top surface
30A and the bottom surface 30B may not have to be completely
surrounded by the side surface 30C. A part of the side surface 30C
(the rear surface, for example) may include an aperture that
exposes the interior of the cassette case 31 to the outside.
Further, a boss that connects the top surface 30A and the bottom
surface 30B may be provided in a position facing the aperture. In
the explanation below, the distance from the bottom surface 30B to
the top surface 30A (the length in the vertical direction) is
referred to as the height of the tape cassette 30 or the height of
the cassette case 31. In the present embodiment, the vertical
direction of the cassette case 31 (namely, the direction in which
the top surface 30A and the bottom surface 30B oppose each other)
generally corresponds to the direction of insertion and removal of
the tape cassette 30.
[0077] The cassette case 31 has the corner portions 32A that have
the same width (the same length in the vertical direction),
regardless of the type of the tape cassette 30. The corner portions
32A each protrude in an outward direction to form a right angle
when seen in a plan view. However, the lower left corner portion
32A does not form a right angle in the plan view, as the tape
discharge portion 49 is provided in the corner. When the tape
cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8, the
lower surface of the corner portions 32A opposes the
above-described cassette support portion 8B inside the cassette
housing portion 8.
[0078] The cassette case 31 includes a portion that is called the
common portion 32. The common portion 32 includes the corner
portions 32A and encircles the cassette case 31 along the side
surface 30C at the same position as the corner portions 32A in the
vertical (height) direction of the cassette case 31 and also has
the same width as the corner portions 32A. More specifically, the
common portion 32 is a portion that has a symmetrical shape in the
vertical direction with respect to a center line in the vertical
(height) direction of the cassette case 31.
[0079] The height of the tape cassette 30 differs depending on the
width of the tape (the heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print tape
57, the double-sided adhesive tape 58, the film tape 59 and so on)
mounted in the cassette case 31. The height of the common portion
32 (a width T), however, is set to be the same, regardless of the
width of the tape of the tape cassette 30.
[0080] For example, when the width T of the common portion 32 is 12
mm, as the width of the tape of the tape cassette 30 is larger (18
mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, for example), the height of the cassette case 31
becomes accordingly larger, but the width T of the common portion
32 remains constant. If the width of the tape of the tape cassette
30 is equal to or less than the width T of the common portion 32 (6
mm, 12 mm, for example), the height of the cassette case 31 is the
width T of the common portion 32 (12 mm) plus a predetermined
width. The height of the cassette case 31 is at its smallest in
this case.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the top case 31A
and the bottom case 31B respectively have support holes 65A, 66A
and 67A and support holes 65B, 66B and 67B (refer to FIG. 12) that
rotatably support a first tape spool 40, a second tape spool 41 and
the ribbon take-up spool 44, respectively, which will be explained
later.
[0082] In the case of the laminated type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, three types of tape rolls are mounted in the
cassette case 31, namely, the double-sided adhesive tape 58 wound
on the first tape spool 40, the film tape 59 wound on the second
tape spool 41 and the ink ribbon 60 wound on a ribbon spool 42. The
first tape spool 40, on which the double-sided adhesive tape 58 is
wound with its release paper facing outward, is rotatably supported
by the support holes 65A and 65B. The second tape spool 41, on
which the film tape 59 is wound, is rotatably supported by the
support holes 66A and 66B. In addition, the ink ribbon 60 that is
wound on the ribbon spool 42 is rotatably positioned in the
cassette case 31.
[0083] Between the first tape spool 40 and the ribbon spool 42 in
the cassette case 31, the ribbon take-up spool 44 is rotatably
supported by the support holes 67A and 67B. The ribbon take-up
spool 44 pulls out the ink ribbon 60 from the ribbon spool 42 and
takes up the ink ribbon 60 that has been used to print characters.
A clutch spring (not shown in the figures) is attached to a lower
portion of the ribbon take-up spool 44 to prevent loosening of the
taken up ink ribbon 60 due to reverse rotation of the ribbon
take-up spool 44.
[0084] In the case of the receptor type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 5, two types of tape roll are mounted in the cassette case 31,
namely, the print tape 57 wound on the first tape spool 40 and the
ink ribbon 60 wound on the ribbon spool 42. The receptor type tape
cassette 30 does not include the second tape spool 41.
[0085] In the case of the thermal type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 6, a single type of tape roll is mounted in the cassette case
31, namely, the heat-sensitive paper tape 55 wound on the first
tape spool 40. The thermal type tape cassette 30 does not include
the second tape spool 41 and the ribbon spool 42.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 2, a semi-circular groove 34K that has a
semi-circular shape in a plan view is provided in the front surface
of the cassette case 31, and extends over the height of the
cassette case 31 (in other words, extends from the top surface 30A
to the bottom surface 30B). The semi-circular groove 34K is a
recess that serves to prevent an interference between the shaft
support 12A and the cassette case 31 when the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the cassette housing portion 8. The shaft support 12A
is the center of rotation of the platen holder 12. Of the front
surface of the cassette case 31, a section that stretches leftwards
from the semi-circular groove 34K (more specifically, an external
wall 34B to be described later) is referred to as the arm front
surface 35. A part that is defined by the arm front surface 35 and
an arm rear surface 37 and that extends leftwards from the right
front portion of the tape cassette 30 is referred to as an arm
portion 34. The arm rear surface 37 is separately provided at the
rear of the arm front surface 35 and extends over the height of the
cassette case 31.
[0087] The structure that guides a tape as a print medium (the
heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print tape 57, the film tape 59,
for example) and the ink ribbon 60 in the arm portion 34 will be
explained with reference to FIG. 12. A part of the bottom case 31B
that forms the arm portion 34 includes the external wall 34B, an
internal wall 34C, and a separating wall 34D. The external wall 34B
forms a part of the arm front surface 35 of the bottom case 31B.
The internal wall 34C is higher than the external wall 34B and has
approximately the same height as a width of the ink ribbon 60
(hereinafter referred to as a ribbon width). The internal wall 34C
forms a part of the arm rear surface 37 of the bottom case 31B. The
separating wall 34D stands between the external wall 34B and the
internal wall 34C, and has the same height as the internal wall
34C.
[0088] A pair of guide regulating pieces 34E are formed on the
lower edges of both sides of the separating wall 34D. A guide pin
34G is provided at the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 12) of
the separating wall 34D in the arm portion 34 of the bottom case
31B. A guide regulating piece 34F is provided on the lower edge of
the guide pin 34G. A matching pair of guide regulating pieces 34H
are provided in a part of the top case 31A that forms the arm
portion 34, respectively corresponding to the pair of guide
regulating pieces 34E provided on the lower edges of both sides of
the separating wall 34D. The leading end of the arm front surface
35 is bent rearwards, and an exit 34A that extends in the vertical
direction is formed at the left end of the arm front surface 35 and
the arm rear surface 37.
[0089] When the top case 31A and the bottom case 31B are joined to
form the cassette case 31, a tape feed path and a ribbon feed path
are formed inside the arm portion 34. The tape feed path guides the
tape that is the print medium (in FIG. 12, the film tape 59) with
the external wall 34B, the separating wall 34D, and the guide pin
34G. The ribbon feed path guides the ink ribbon 60 with the
internal wall 34C and the separating wall 34D.
[0090] While the lower edge of the film tape 59 is regulated by the
guide regulating piece 34F, the direction of the film tape 59 is
changed by the guide pin 34G. The film tape 59 is fed further while
regulated in the tape width direction by each of the guide
regulating pieces 34E on the lower edges of the separating wall 34D
working in concert with each of the guide regulating pieces 34H of
the top case 31A. In such a way, the film tape 59 is guided and fed
between the external wall 34B and the separating wall 34D inside
the arm portion 34.
[0091] The ink ribbon 60 is guided by the separating wall 34D and
the internal wall 34C that have approximately the same height as
the ribbon width, and is thus guided and fed between the internal
wall 34C and the separating wall 34D inside the arm portion 34. In
the arm portion 34, the ink ribbon 60 is regulated by the bottom
surface of the top case 31A and the top surface of the bottom case
31B in the ribbon width direction. Then, after the film tape 59 and
the ink ribbon 60 are guided along each of the feed paths, the film
tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 are joined together at the exit 34A
and discharged to a head insertion portion 39 (more specifically,
an opening 77, which will be described later).
[0092] With the structure described above, the tape feed path and
the ribbon feed path are formed as different feed paths separated
by the separating wall 34D inside the arm portion 34. Therefore,
the film tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 may be reliably and
independently guided within each of the feed paths that correspond
to the respective tape width and ribbon width.
[0093] Although FIG. 12 shows an example of the laminated type tape
cassette 30 (refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), the arm portion 34 of the
other types of tape cassettes 30 is similar. Specifically, in the
receptor type tape cassette 30 (refer to FIG. 5), the print tape 57
is guided and fed along the tape feed path, while the ink ribbon 60
is guided and fed along the ribbon feed path. In the thermal type
tape cassette 30 (refer to FIG. 6), the heat-sensitive paper tape
55 is guided and fed along the tape feed path, while the ribbon
feed path is not used.
[0094] Further, as shown in FIG. 12, an arm indicator portion 800
and a latching hole 820 are provided on the arm front surface 35.
The arm indicator portion 800 is a portion that makes it possible
for a person to identify the tape type included in the tape
cassette 30. In addition, the arm indicator portion 800 allows the
tape printer 1 to detect the tape type, by selectively pressing the
arm detecting switches 210 (refer to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5) provided on
the platen holder 12 of the tape printer 1. The latching hole 820
is a portion that may be used as a reference point to identify a
position when the tape type is visually identified using the arm
indicator portion 800. In addition, the latching hole 820 is a hole
into which the latching piece 225 provided on the platen holder 12
can be inserted. The arm front surface 35 that includes the arm
indicator portion 800 and the latching hole 820 will be described
later in detail.
[0095] A through-hole 850 with an upright rectangular shape in a
front view is provided in the arm front surface 35 of the bottom
case 31B, to the left side of the arm indicator portion 800. The
through-hole 850 is provided as a relief hole for a die to be used
in a molding process of the cassette case 31, and does not have any
particular function.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, a space that is surrounded by
the arm rear surface 37 and a peripheral wall surface that extends
continuously from the arm rear surface 37 is the head insertion
portion 39. The head insertion portion 39 has a generally
rectangular shape in a plan view and penetrates through the tape
cassette 30 in the vertical direction. The head insertion portion
39 is situated to the front of the cassette case 31. The head
insertion portion 39 is connected to the outside also at the front
surface side of the tape cassette 30, through the opening 77 formed
in the front surface of the tape cassette 30. The head holder 74
that supports the thermal head 10 of the tape printer 1 may be
inserted into the head insertion portion 39. The tape that is
discharged from the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 (one of the
heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print tape 57 and the film tape
59) is exposed to the outside of the cassette case 31 at the
opening 77, where printing is performed by the thermal head 10.
[0097] Support reception portions are provided at positions facing
the head insertion portion 39 of the cassette case 31. The support
reception portions are used to determine the position of the tape
cassette 30 in the vertical direction when the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the tape printer 1. In the present embodiment, an
upstream reception portion 39A is provided on the upstream side of
the insertion position of the thermal head 10 (more specifically,
the print position) in the feed direction of the tape that is the
print medium (the heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print tape 57,
or the film tape 59), and a downstream reception portion 39B is
provided on the downstream side. The support reception portions 39A
and 39B are hereinafter collectively referred to as the head
reception portions 39A and 39B.
[0098] When the tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette
housing portion 8, the head reception portions 39A and 39B
respectively contact with the head support portions 74A and 74B
(refer to FIG. 2) provided on the head holder 74 to be supported
from underneath by the head support portions 74A and 74B. In
addition, in the bottom case 31B, a latch portion 38 is provided at
a position between the upstream reception portion 39A and the
downstream reception portion 39B, facing the head insertion portion
39. The latch portion 38 is an indentation with a generally
rectangular shape in a bottom view (refer to FIG. 11). When the
tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8,
the latch portion 38 serves as a portion with which the cassette
hook 75 is engaged.
[0099] When the user inserts the tape cassette 30 into the cassette
housing portion 8 and pushes the tape cassette 30 downwards, the
upstream reception portion 39A of the tape cassette 30 comes into
contact with the upstream support portion 74A provided on the head
holder 74, and the movement of the upstream reception portion 39A
beyond that point in the downward direction is restricted. Further,
the downstream reception portion 39B of the tape cassette 30 comes
into contact with the downstream support portion 74B provided on
the head holder 74, and the movement of the downstream reception
portion 39B beyond that point in the downward direction is
restricted. Then, the tape cassette 30 is held in a state in which
the head reception portions 39A and 39B are supported from
underneath by the head support portions 74A and 74B.
[0100] Accordingly, positioning of the tape cassette 30 in the
vertical direction may be accurately performed at a position in the
vicinity of the thermal head 10 that performs printing on the tape
as the print medium (the heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print
tape 57, or the film tape 59). Then, the center position of
printing by the thermal head 10 in the vertical direction may be
accurately matched with the center position of the tape in the tape
width direction. In particular, in the feed direction of the tape
as the print medium, the tape cassette 30 is supported on both the
upstream and downstream sides with respect to the insertion
position of the thermal head 10, more specifically, with respect to
the print position. As a consequence, the positioning in the
vertical direction may be particularly accurately performed. Thus,
the center position of printing by the thermal head 10 in the
vertical direction and the center position in the tape width
direction may be particularly accurately matched with each
other.
[0101] In addition, the upstream reception portion 39A and the
downstream reception portion 39B of the tape cassette 30 according
to the present embodiment face the head insertion portion 39 from
mutually orthogonally intersecting directions. Both the head
reception portions 39A and 39B, which are indented portions, are
supported by the head support portions 74A and 74B that extend in
the mutually orthogonally intersecting directions. Consequently,
the movement of the tape cassette 30 is restricted not only in the
vertical direction, but also in the right-and-left direction and
the back-and-forth direction. As a result, a proper positional
relationship can be maintained between the thermal head 10 and the
head insertion portion 39.
[0102] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, when the tape
cassette 30 is installed into the cassette housing portion 8, the
cassette hook 75 engages with the latch portion 38. Consequently,
after the tape cassette 30 is installed in the tape printer 1, any
rising movement of the tape cassette 30, namely, a movement of the
tape cassette 30 in the upward direction may be restricted, and
tape feeding and printing may be stably performed.
[0103] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the pin holes 62 and 63
are provided at two positions on the lower surface of the corner
portions 32A, corresponding to the above-described positioning pins
102 and 103 of the tape printer 1. More specifically, the pin hole
62, into which the positioning pin 102 is inserted, is an
indentation provided in the lower surface of the corner portion 32A
to the rear of a support hole 64 that is provided in the left front
portion of the cassette case 31 (the lower right side in FIG. 11).
Note that the tape drive roller 46 and some other components are
not shown in FIG. 11. The pin hole 63, into which the positioning
pin 103 is inserted, is an indentation provided in the lower
surface of the corner portion 32A in the vicinity of a central
portion of the right end of the cassette case 31 (the left side in
FIG. 11).
[0104] A distance in the vertical (height) direction of the tape
cassette 30 between the position of the pin holes 62 and 63 and a
center position in the vertical direction of the film tape 59 that
is the print medium housed in the cassette case 31 is constant,
regardless of the tape type (the tape width, for example) of the
tape cassette 30. In other words, the distance remains constant
even when the height of the tape cassette 30 is different.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, a pair of regulating members
36 that match in the vertical direction are provided on the
downstream side of the head insertion portion 39 in the tape feed
direction. The base portions of the regulating members 36 regulate
the printed film tape 59 in the vertical direction (in the tape
width direction), and guide the printed film tape 59 toward the
tape discharge portion 49 on the downstream side of the thermal
head 10. At the same time, the regulating members 36 bond the film
tape 59 and the double-sided adhesive tape 58 together
appropriately without making any positional displacement.
[0106] A guide wall 47 is standing in the vicinity of the
regulating members 36. The guide wall 47 separates the used ink
ribbon 60 that has been fed via the head insertion portion 39 from
the film tape 59, and guides the used ink ribbon 60 toward the
ribbon take-up spool 44. A separating wall 48 is standing between
the guide wall 47 and the ribbon take-up spool 44. The separating
wall 48 prevents mutual contact between the used ink ribbon 60 that
is guided along the guide wall 47 and the double-sided adhesive
tape 58 that is wound on and supported by the first tape spool
40.
[0107] The support holes 64 (refer to FIG. 11) are provided on the
downstream side of the regulating members 36 in the tape feed
direction, and the tape drive roller 46 is rotatably supported
inside the support holes 64. In a case where the laminated type
tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is installed in the
cassette housing portion 8, the tape drive roller 46, by moving in
concert with the opposing movable feed roller 14, pulls out the
film tape 59 from the second tape spool 41. At the same time, the
tape drive roller 46 pulls out the double-sided adhesive tape 58
from the first tape spool 40, then guides the double-sided adhesive
tape 58 to the print surface of the film tape 59 to bond them
together, and then feeds them toward the tape discharge portion 49
as the printed tape 50.
[0108] In a case where the receptor type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 5 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8, the print
tape 57 is pulled out from the first tape spool 40 by the tape
drive roller 46 moving in concert with the movable feed roller 14.
On the downstream side of the thermal head 10, the printed print
tape 57, namely, the printed tape 50, is regulated in the vertical
direction (in the tape width direction) by the base portions of the
regulating members 36, and is guided toward the tape discharge
portion 49. In addition, the used ink ribbon 60 that has been fed
via the head insertion portion 39 is separated from the print tape
57 by the guide wall 47 and guided toward the ribbon take-up spool
44.
[0109] In a case where the thermal type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 6 is installed, the heat-sensitive paper tape 55 is pulled out
from the first tape spool 40 by the tape drive roller 46 moving in
concert with the movable feed roller 14. On the downstream side of
the thermal head 10, the printed heat-sensitive paper tape 55,
namely, the printed tape 50, is regulated in the vertical direction
(in the tape width direction) by the base portions of the
regulating members 36, and guided toward the tape discharge portion
49.
[0110] The tape discharge portion 49 is a plate-shaped member that
extends between the top surface 30A and the bottom surface 30B and
is slightly separated from a front end of the left side surface of
the cassette case 31. The tape discharge portion 49 guides the
printed tape 50, which has been fed via the regulating members 36
and the tape drive roller 46, into a passage formed between the
tape discharge portion 49 and the front end of the left side
surface of the bottom case 31B, and discharges the printed tape 50
from a tape discharge aperture at a downstream end of the
passage.
[0111] The structure and the function of the arm front surface 35
that includes the arm indicator portion 800 and the latching hole
820 will be described below in detail, with reference to FIG. 12 to
FIG. 18.
[0112] As described above, the tape cassette 30 according to the
present embodiment is structured such that when a person looks at
the tape cassette 30 alone in a state in which the tape cassette 30
is not installed in the tape printer 1, the person can identify the
type of the tape mounted in the tape cassette 30 by visually
checking the arm indicator portion 800. In addition, the tape
cassette 30 is structured such that when the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the cassette housing portion 8 of the tape printer 1,
the tape printer 1 can identify the type of the tape by detecting
information indicated by the arm indicator portion 800 using the
arm detection portion 200. First, areas included in the arm front
surface 35 and the structure in these areas will be described.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 13, the arm front surface 35 includes a
specified area R0. The specified area R0 is adjacent to the exit
34A and situated on an upstream side of the exit 34A in the tape
feed direction. The exit 34A is a portion where the tape as the
print medium (one of the heat-sensitive paper tape 55, the print
tape 57, and the film tape 59) is discharged from the arm portion
34.
[0114] The length of the specified area R0 in the right-and-left
direction is defined to be equal to or less than a distance L0
between the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 and the tape discharge
portion 49. Between the exit 34A and the tape discharge portion 49,
the tape discharged from the exit 34A is fed toward the tape
discharge portion 49 with a surface of the tape being exposed to
the front side. Accordingly, the distance L0 is equivalent to a
tape exposure length that is the length of the exposed tape. In the
present embodiment, the entire arm front surface 35 extending from
the exit 34A to the left end of the semi-circular groove 34K is the
specified area R0.
[0115] The specified area R0 includes a first area R1 in which the
latching hole 820 is formed, and a second area R2 that is an area
other than the first area R1 and includes the arm indicator portion
800. Each of the areas will be described below in the order of the
second area R2 and the first area R1.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 14, the second area R2 includes a plurality
of vertical information sections X and a plurality of lateral
information sections Y. The plurality of vertical information
sections X is formed as a plurality of strip-shaped sections
extending along a direction orthogonal to the tape feed direction
(the up-and-down direction in FIG. 14). The plurality of lateral
information sections Y is formed as a plurality of strip-shaped
sections extending in parallel with the tape feed direction (the
right-and-left direction in FIG. 14).
[0117] The vertical information sections X according to the present
embodiment that are exemplified in FIG. 14 include five vertical
information sections X1 to X5. The vertical information sections X1
to X5 are arranged at an interval from the exit 34A of the arm
portion 34, and also arranged at equal intervals from the left side
to the right side in a front view. Among the vertical information
sections X1 to X5, the vertical information section X1 is
positioned on the most downstream side (namely, the leftmost side)
in the tape feed direction. The vertical information sections X2,
X3, X4 and X5 are arranged in this order from the vertical
information section X1 toward the upstream side (namely, the right
side) in the tape feed direction. The widths (namely, the lengths
in the right-and-left direction) of the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 are approximately the same, and adjacent vertical
information sections of the vertical information sections X1 to X5
are adjacent to each other at equal intervals.
[0118] The lateral information sections Y according to the present
embodiment that are exemplified in FIG. 14 include three lateral
information sections Y1 to Y3. The lateral information sections Y1
to Y3 are arranged in rows from the upper side toward the lower
side in a front view. Among the lateral information sections Y1 to
Y3, the lateral information section Y1 is positioned on the
uppermost side. The center of the lateral information section Y1 in
the vertical direction is positioned at an approximately center
position of the height of the arm front surface 35. The lateral
information sections Y2 and X3 are arranged in this order from the
lateral information section Y1 toward the lower side. The widths
(namely, the lengths in the vertical direction) of the lateral
information sections Y1 to Y3 are approximately the same, and
adjacent lateral information sections of the lateral information
sections Y1 to Y3 are adjacent to each other at approximately equal
intervals.
[0119] Further, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 18, among the lateral
information sections Y1 to Y3 according to the present embodiment,
the lateral information sections Y1 and Y2 on the upper side are
provided within a range of a predetermined height (hereinafter
referred to as the predetermined height) T1 of the arm front
surface 35. In the description below, an area within the range of
the predetermined height T1 of the arm front surface 35 is referred
to as a common indicator portion 831. Preferably, the common
indicator portion 831 is an area that is symmetrical in the
vertical direction with respect to a center line N of the cassette
case 31 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, areas that are
outside the common indicator portion 831 and that are within a
range of a predetermined height T2 (T2>T1) of the arm front
surface 35 are referred to as extension portions 832.
[0120] The predetermined height T1 of the common indicator portion
831 is the height of the tape cassette 30 for which the height of
the cassette case 31 is smallest among the plurality of tape
cassettes 30 with different tape widths.
[0121] In the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 15, the
lateral information section Y3, which is on the lowest side among
the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3, is provided astride the
common indicator portion 831 and the extension portion 832
positioned below the common indicator portion 831. In the
narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 18, the extension
portion 832 is not present because the height of the tape cassette
30 is equal to the predetermined height T1 of the common indicator
portion 831. Therefore, in the narrow-width tape cassette 30, the
lateral information section Y3 is arranged along the lower edge of
the common indicator portion 831, namely, a lower edge of the arm
front surface 35, and has a width that is approximately one third
of the width of the lateral information sections Y1 and Y2.
[0122] The second area R2 is an area that opposes the arm detecting
switches 210 of the tape printer 1 when the tape cassette 30 is
installed in the cassette housing portion 8, and includes the arm
indicator portion 800 that indicates the tape type. An aperture is
formed in at least one of the vertical information sections X1 to
X5. Which of the vertical information sections X1 to X5 includes an
aperture is determined in advance, according to the tape type. The
arm indicator portion 800 is a portion that indicates the tape type
by a combination of whether an aperture is formed in each of the
vertical information sections X1 to X5. A person can identify the
tape type by visually checking the aperture(s) formed in the
vertical information sections X1 to X5 of the arm indicator portion
800. In a case where the vertical information sections X1 to X5 are
arranged at equal intervals, as in the present embodiment, even if
there is a vertical information section in which an aperture is not
formed among the vertical information sections X1 to X5, a person
can easily identify which of the vertical information sections X1
to X5 is the vertical information section without an aperture. In
other words, the person can visually identify in which of the
vertical information sections X1 to X5 an aperture is formed,
without a mistake.
[0123] The vertical positions of the apertures formed in the
vertical information sections X1 to X5 may be fixed for each of the
vertical information sections X1 to X5. For example, among a
plurality of areas where the vertical information sections X1 to X5
and the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3 intersect and overlap
with each other (hereinafter referred to as overlapping areas), one
overlapping area in each of the vertical information sections X1 to
X5 may be fixed as an indicator. In such a case, the tape type may
be identified based on a combination of whether the aperture is
formed in each of the indicators. If positions corresponding to the
arm detecting switches 210 (refer to FIG. 7) of the tape printer 1
are determined as the indicators, the tape type can be identified
not only by human visual check but also by the tape printer 1.
[0124] Given this, in the present embodiment, five overlapping
areas that respectively oppose the five arm detecting switches 210A
to 210E shown in FIG. 7 when the tape cassette 30 is installed in
the cassette housing portion 8 are fixed as indicators 800A to
800E. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the area in which the
vertical information section X1 and the lateral information section
Y2 intersect and overlap with each other functions as the indicator
800A that opposes the arm detecting switch 210A. The area in which
the vertical information section X2 and the lateral information
section Y1 intersect and overlap with each other functions as the
indicator 800B that opposes the arm detecting switch 210B. The area
in which the vertical information section X3 and the lateral
information section Y2 intersect and overlap with each other
functions as the indicator 800C that opposes the arm detecting
switch 210C. The area in which the vertical information section X4
and the lateral information section Y1 intersect and overlap with
each other functions as the indicator 800D that opposes the arm
detecting switch 210D. The area in which the vertical information
section X5 and the lateral information section Y3 intersect and
overlap with each other functions as the indicator 800E that
opposes the arm detecting switch 210E.
[0125] In this way, one indicator is arranged in each of the
vertical information sections X1 to X5 in the present embodiment.
Further, the indicators of adjacent vertical information sections
are not lined up with each other in the right-and-left direction.
In other words, the indicators 800A to 800E are arranged in a
zigzag pattern. When this arrangement is adopted, even if all the
indicators of adjacent vertical information sections are formed as
the apertures, the indicator of a vertical information section can
more easily be distinguished from the indicator of an adjacent
vertical information section.
[0126] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the apertures are formed in
the indicators 800A, 800C and 800D. On the other hand, the
indicators 800B and 800E are surface portions that are in the same
plane as the arm front surface 35, and no aperture is formed
therein. In such a manner, each of the indicators 800A to 800C is
formed as either an aperture or a surface portion. The aperture and
the surface portion can be identified by human visual check. In
addition, when the aperture and the surface portion oppose the arm
detecting switches 210, the aperture and the surface respectively
function as a non-pressing portion 801 and a pressing portion 802.
The non-pressing portion 801 does not press the arm detecting
switch 210, and the pressing portion 802 presses the arm detecting
switch 210 (refer to FIG. 12). Thus, the non-pressing portion 801
and the pressing portion 802 cause the tape printer 1 to identify
the tape type. The relationship between the indicators 800A to 800E
and the arm detecting switches 210 will be described later in
detail.
[0127] The first area R1 is an area that opposes the latching piece
225 (refer to FIG. 7) provided on the platen holder 12 when the
tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8 and
the platen holder 12 moves to the print position as shown in FIG. 4
to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 18, the first area R1 is
provided within the common indicator portion 831 of the arm front
surface 35. The latching hole 820 that is an aperture into which
the latching piece 225 is inserted is formed in an area that
includes the first area R1. Therefore, the first area R1 is at
least larger than an area corresponding to the shape of the
latching piece 225 in a rear view.
[0128] The first area R1 is arranged at an interval from the exit
34A of the arm portion 34, and a right end of the first area R1 is
positioned on an upstream side (namely, the right side) of at least
the vertical information section X1 in the tape feed direction. In
the example shown in FIG. 14, a right end of the vertical
information section X5, which is positioned on the most upstream
side in the tape feed direction among the vertical information
sections X1 to X5, is positioned approximately on the center line
in the right-and-left direction of the first area R1. Therefore, a
right end of the latching hole 820 is positioned on the upstream
side (namely, on the right side) of all the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 in the tape feed direction. Further, the first
area R1 is provided adjacent to and above the lateral information
section Y1 that is positioned on the uppermost side among the
lateral information sections Y1 to Y3. In other words, an upper end
of the latching hole 820 is positioned above all the lateral
information sections Y1 to Y3.
[0129] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the length of the first
area R1 in the right-and-left direction is approximately twice the
width of each of the vertical information sections X1 to X5, and
the length of the first area R1 in the vertical direction is about
two thirds of the width of each of the lateral information sections
Y1 to Y3.
[0130] The latching hole 820 may be formed as a slit-shaped
through-hole that extends in the right-and-left direction. When the
tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8 and
the platen holder 12 moves between the standby position (refer to
FIG. 3) and the print position (refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6), the
latching piece 225 is inserted into or removed from the latching
hole 820. The latching hole 820 may have the same shape in a front
view as the first area R1, as in the example shown in FIG. 15 and
FIG. 18, or may cover an area that includes the first area R1 and
is larger than the first area R1. With regard to the opening width
of the latching hole 820 in the vertical direction, a part of a
lower inner wall of the latching hole 820 is formed as an inclined
portion 821 that inclines with respect to the horizontal direction
such that the opening width is largest on the arm front surface 35,
and gradually decreases toward the inside (refer to FIG. 19 and
FIG. 20). The latching hole 820 may be formed as a recess, not as a
through-hole.
[0131] Next, the positional relationship between various elements
in the arm front surface 35 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13,
when the tape cassette 30 according to the present embodiment is
viewed from the front, the length of the specified area R0 in the
right-and-left direction is defined to be equal to or less than the
distance (the tape exposure length) L0 between the exit 34A of the
arm portion 34 and the tape discharge portion 49.
[0132] Further, a distance L1 from a center line C to a first
reference line C1 is defined to be within a range of 18% to 24% of
the tape exposure length L0 in the right hand direction, i.e.,
toward the upstream side in the tape feed direction. The center
line C is a center line of the cassette case 31 in the
right-and-left direction. The first reference line C1 is a virtual
line that specifies the position in the right-and-left direction at
which the latching hole 820 is provided. A line on which the
latching hole 820 is always positioned may be employed as the first
reference line C1. For example, the center line of the first area
R1 in the right-and-left direction may be used as the first
reference line C1. Further, a second reference line C2 is within
the common indicator portion 831. The second reference line C2 is a
virtual line that specifies the position in the vertical direction
at which the latching hole 820 is provided. For example, the center
line of the first area R1 in the vertical direction may be used as
the second reference line C2.
[0133] In a case where the center line C of the cassette case 31 is
used as a reference, the position of the vertical information
section X1 is defined such that at least a part of the vertical
information section X1 is within a range of 14% to 20% of the tape
exposure length L0 from the center line C toward the downstream
side in the tape feed direction. Further, when the position of the
exit 34A is used as a reference, the position of the vertical
information section X1 is defined such that at least a part of the
vertical information section X1 is within a range of 30% to 36% of
the tape exposure length L0 from the exit 34A of the arm portion 34
toward the upstream side in the tape feed direction.
[0134] Furthermore, the positions of the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 in the right-and-left direction are defined such
that the interval between the center lines of adjacent vertical
information sections in the right-and-left direction is within a
range of 7% to 10% of the tape exposure length L0.
[0135] The positional relationship between the various elements in
the arm front surface 35 is defined as described above, due to the
following reasons.
[0136] First, it is preferable that the distance L1 between the
center line C and the first reference line C1 is within a range of
18% to 24% of the distance (the tape exposure length) L0 between
the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 and the tape discharge portion
49 in the right hand direction, i.e., toward the upstream side in
the tape feed direction. For example, there may be a case in which
a person desires to identify the print medium to be mounted in the
cassette case 31, using the bottom case 31B alone. The distance L0
between the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 and the tape discharge
portion 49 can easily be confirmed by a visual check even when the
tape is not mounted.
[0137] Further, the position of the center line C of the tape
cassette in the right-and-left direction can be identified by
visually checking the bottom case 31B. In addition, if the length
of the specified area R0 in the right-and-left direction is set to
be equal to or less than the distance between the exit 34A of the
arm portion 34 and the tape discharge portion 49, the range of the
specified area R0 can easily be identified.
[0138] In a case where the latching hole 820 is positioned to be
closer toward the upstream side in the tape feed direction in the
specified area R0 within the above range, if the distance L 1
between the center line C and the first reference line C1 exceeds
the rage of 18% to 24% of the tape exposure length L0 and the
latching hole 820 is positioned far from the center line C, there
may be a possibility that the latching hole 820 will be out of the
range of the specified area R0. Conversely, if the latching hole
820 is positioned too close to the center line C, the range of the
specified area R0 in the right-and-left direction may become too
short, and it may be impossible for the vertical information
sections made up of, for example, five rows to be formed.
[0139] Second, it is preferable that at least a part of the
vertical information section X1 is arranged to be within a range W1
that is 14% to 20% of the tape exposure length L0 from the center
line C toward the downstream side in the tape feed direction. This
is because, if the vertical information section X1 is positioned
too close to the exit 34A of the arm portion 34, the exit 34A and
the vertical information section X1 may be connected. Even if the
exit 34A and the vertical information section X1 are not connected,
if the distance therebetween is short, a defect such as a short
shot may occur when the bottom case 31B is molded. In addition, if
the position of the vertical information section X1 provided on the
most downstream side (namely, the left side end) of the specified
area R0 in the tape feed direction is identified, there is an
effect that visual check of only a certain limited range may be
sufficient when identifying the tape type.
[0140] Third, when the position of the exit 34A is used as the
reference, it is preferable that at least a part of the vertical
information section X1 is within a range W2 that is 30% to 36% of
the tape exposure length L0 from the exit 34A of the arm portion 34
toward the upstream side in the tape feed direction. Similar to the
above-described range W1, this defines the position of the vertical
information section X1 within the specified area R0. The exit 34A
of the arm portion 34 can be clearly identified by a visual check.
Therefore, if the position of the vertical information section X1
is defined at a position that can be easily determined by the
visual check, namely, if the distance from the exit 34A is defined
to be 30% to 36% of the tape exposure length L0, there is an effect
that the position of the vertical information section X1 can more
easily be identified.
[0141] Fourth, it is preferable that the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 are arranged in the right-and-left direction such
that the interval between the center lines of adjacent vertical
information sections in the right-and-left direction is within a
range of 7% to 10% of the tape exposure length L0. This is because,
if the interval between the center lines of adjacent vertical
information sections in the right-and-left direction is shorter
than this, it may be difficult to form a boundary therebetween, or
if an aperture is provided in a vertical information section, the
size of the hole in the right-and-left direction may become too
small to be visually recognized. Conversely, if the interval
between the center lines of adjacent vertical information sections
in the right-and-left direction is longer than this, it may be
impossible for the vertical information section made up of, for
example, five rows to be formed within the range of the specified
area R0. Consequently, there may be cases where the tape type
cannot be identified when the identification is desired.
[0142] If the positional relationship of the various elements in
the arm front surface 35 is defined in the way described above, a
person may easily identify the positions of the vertical
information sections X1 to X5 and the indicators 800A to 800E by a
visual check. The reason will be described below.
[0143] If a person knows in advance all the positions in the
right-and-left direction where the vertical information sections X1
to X5 are arranged in the arm front surface 35, the person can
identify the tape type by only visually checking whether an
aperture is formed in each of the vertical information sections X1
to X5. If the person does not know all the positions, the person
may be able to identify the positions using the following
method.
[0144] First, the person can limit the positions of the vertical
information sections X1 to X5, using the latching hole 820 as a
reference point. As described above, the right end of the latching
hole 820 is positioned on the upstream side (namely, the right
side) of at least the vertical information section X1 in the tape
feed direction. Therefore, within the arm front surface 35, the
person can limit the range in which the vertical information
section X1 can be arranged to the downstream side (namely, the left
side) of the right end of the latching hole 820 in the tape feed
direction. Further, in a case where the right end of the latching
hole 820 is positioned on the upstream side of all the vertical
information sections X1 to X5 in the tape feed direction, the
person can limit the range in which the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 can be arranged to the left side of the right end
of the latching hole 820.
[0145] The position of the vertical information section X1 may be
identified in the following manner. First, the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 are arranged at an interval from the exit 34A of
the arm portion 34. Therefore, if a person knows the distance
between the exit 34A and the vertical information section X1 in
advance, the person can visually identify the position of the
vertical information section X1 in the right-and-left direction,
using the exit 34A as a reference. Second, at least a part of the
vertical information section X1 is within the range W1 that is 14%
to 20% of the tape exposure length L0 from the center line C of the
cassette case 31 in the right-and-left direction toward the
downstream side in the tape feed direction. Third, at least a part
of the vertical information section X1 is within the range W2 that
is 30% to 36% of the tape exposure length L0 from the exit 34A of
the arm portion 34 toward the upstream side in the tape feed
direction. Thus, the person can identify the position of the
vertical information section X1 in the right-and-left direction,
using as a reference the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 or the
center line C of the cassette case 31, each being a portion that
can be easily identified by a visual check.
[0146] The vertical information sections X1 to X5 are arranged at
equal intervals from the left side to the right side on the arm
front surface 35. Accordingly, if a person knows the interval of
adjacent vertical information sections among the vertical
information sections X1 to X5, or the fact that the interval
between the center lines of adjacent vertical information sections
in the right-and-left direction is within the range of 7% to 10% of
the tape exposure length L0, the person can identify the positions
of the other vertical information sections X2 to X4 in the
right-and-left direction, using the vertical information section X1
as a reference.
[0147] Further, as in the example of FIG. 14, among the plurality
of overlapping areas formed by the vertical information sections X1
to X5 and the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3, if one
overlapping area in each of the vertical information sections X1 to
X5 functions as each of the indicators 800A to 800E, and if the
tape type is identified based on whether an aperture is formed in
each of the indicators 800A to 800E, a person may need to identify
the positions of the indicators 800A to 800E. If the person knows
in advance all the vertical positions of the lateral information
sections Y1 to Y3 on the arm front surface 35, the person can
identify the vertical positions of the indicators 800A to 800E in
the vertical information sections X1 to X5, respectively, using the
lateral information sections Y1 to Y3 as a reference. In other
words, a person can visually identify the fixed positions (the
positions in the right-and-left direction and the positions in the
vertical direction) of the indicators 800A to 800E that are
provided in the overlapping areas formed by the vertical
information sections X1 to X5 and the lateral information sections
Y1 to Y3.
[0148] Even if a person does not know the vertical positions of the
lateral information sections Y1 to Y3, the upper end of the
latching hole 820 is positioned above all the lateral information
sections Y1 to Y3 within the range of the height of the arm front
surface 35. Therefore, the person can limit the range where the
lateral information sections Y1 to Y3 can be arranged to be below
the upper end of the latching hole 820.
[0149] Further, it is defined that the lateral information sections
Y1 and Y2 are in the common indicator portion 831 that has the
predetermined height T1 and is centered on the center line N of the
cassette case 31 in the vertical direction. The predetermined
height T1 is a value that is slightly larger than the width T of
the common portion 32. Further, in the wide-width tape cassette 30
(refer to FIG. 15), the lateral information section Y3 extends in
the right-and-left direction, astride the common indicator portion
831 and the extension portion 832 below the common indicator
portion 831. In the narrow-width tape cassette 30 (refer to FIG.
18), the lateral information section Y3 extends along the lower
edge of the arm front surface 35 and the width thereof is smaller
than that of the lateral information sections Y1 and Y2.
Consequently, a person can easily identify the position of the
lateral information section Y3.
[0150] Further, the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3 are
arranged at approximately equal intervals in the vertical direction
in the second area R2. Therefore, even if a person does not know
all the positions of the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3 in
the vertical direction, the person can identify the positions of
the lateral information sections Y1 and Y2, using as a reference
the center line N of the cassette case 31 in the vertical direction
or the common portions 32, which can be identified easily by a
visual check.
[0151] In this way, the tape cassette 30 according to the present
embodiment is structured such that a person can identify the
defined positions of the vertical information sections X1 to X5 and
the indicators 800A to 800E of the arm indicator portion 800 by
visually checking the arm front surface 35.
[0152] Next, identification of the tape type based on a combination
of whether an aperture is formed in each of the vertical
information sections X1 to X5 of the arm indicator portion 800 or
in each of the indicators 800A to 800E will be described. The tape
type includes various elements (hereinafter referred to as tape
type elements). In the present embodiment, an example will be
described in which, among the various tape type elements, three
elements, namely, the tape width, a print mode and a character
color are identified.
[0153] The tape type element that each of the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 indicates is determined in advance. In the
present embodiment, the vertical information sections X1, X2 and X5
are determined as sections that indicate information for
identifying the tape width. The vertical information section X3 is
determined as a section that indicates information for identifying
the print mode. The vertical information section X4 is determined
as a section that indicates information for identifying the
character color. In such a manner, the tape cassette 30 is
structured such that a corresponding tape type element can be
identified based on each of indicator portions alone, regardless of
the structure of the other indicator portions.
[0154] Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in a case where a specific
overlapping area in each of the vertical information sections X1 to
X5 functions as each of the indicators 800A to 800E, the tape type
element that each of the indicators 800A to 800E indicates is
determined in accordance with which of the vertical information
sections X1 to X5 includes each of the indicators 800A to 800E.
Accordingly, the indicators 800A, 800B and 800E are indicators for
identifying the tape width, the indicator 800C is an indicator for
identifying the print mode, and the indicator 800D is an indicator
for identifying the character color. Hereinafter, the indicators
800A, 800B and 800E are collectively referred to as a tape width
indicator portion, the indicator 800C is referred to as a print
mode indicator portion, and the indicator 800D is referred to as a
character color indicator portion. A method for identifying the
tape type based on the indicators 800A to 800E will be described
below as an example.
[0155] The tape width, the print mode and the character color
indicated by each of the above indicator portions of the tape type
elements will be described with reference to Table 1 to Table 3.
For explanatory purpose, in the Tables, a case where an aperture is
formed in each of the indicators 800A to 800E is denoted by a value
zero (0), and a case where each of the indicators 800A to 800E is a
surface portion and no aperture is formed therein is denoted by a
value one (1). Note that, in a case where the tape type is
identified based on whether an aperture is formed in each of the
vertical information sections X1 to X5, the method for identifying
the tape type described below may be used, with reference to
similar tables in which the indicators 800A to 800E shown in Table
1 to Table 3 are respectively replaced with the vertical
information sections X1 to X5.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 800A 800B 800E Tape Width (X1) (X2) (X5) 3.5
mm 1 1 0 6 mm 0 0 0 9 mm 1 0 0 12 mm 0 1 0 18 mm 0 0 1 24 mm 1 0 1
36 mm 0 1 1
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 800C Print Mode (X3) Receptor (normal image
printing mode) 1 Laminated (mirror image printing mode) 0
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 800D Character Color (X4) Black 1 Others
0
[0156] As shown in Table 1, corresponding to combinations of
whether each of the indicators 800A, 800B and 800E, which
constitute the tape width indicator potion, is formed as an
aperture or as a surface portion without an aperture, seven types
of tape width from 3.5 mm to 36 mm indicated by the combinations
are defined. Therefore, a person can identify the tape width of the
tape cassette 30 by visually checking only the indicators 800A,
800B and 800E respectively included in the vertical information
sections X1, X2 and X5, within the arm indicator portion 800. Note
that the total number of the combinations of the aperture or the
surface portion of the three indicators 800A, 800B and 800E is
eight. However, in the present embodiment, because at least one
aperture is included in the tape width indicators, a tape width
corresponding to a case where all of the indicators 800A, 800B and
800E are surface portions (the combination of "1, 1, 1") is not
defined.
[0157] As shown in Table 1, it is defined that, among the tape
width indicators, when the tape width is equal to or more than a
predetermined width (18 mm), the indicator 800E is a surface
portion without an aperture, and when the tape width is less than
the predetermined width, the indicator 800E is an aperture.
Accordingly, as described above, a person can identify whether the
tape width is equal to or more than the predetermined width (18 mm)
by only visually identifying the position of the indicator 800E in
the arm front surface 35 and checking whether an aperture is
provided at the position.
[0158] In addition, based on a combination of whether an aperture
is provided in each of the indicators 800A and 800B, a size
relationship of the tape width can be identified in a first range
where the tape width is equal to or more than the predetermined
width (18 mm) or in a second range where the tape width is less
than the predetermined width. More specifically, if the indicator
800A is an aperture and the indicator 800B is a surface portion
(the combination of "0, 1" in Table 1), it indicates the maximum
tape width in the first range or in the second range (that is, 36
mm or 12 mm in Table 1). If the indicator 800A is a surface portion
and the indicator 800B is an aperture (the combination of "1, 0" in
Table 1), it indicates the second largest tape width in the first
range or in the second range (that is, 24 mm or 9 mm in Table
1).
[0159] If both the indicators 800A and 800B are apertures (the
combination of "0, 0" in Table 1), it indicates the third largest
tape width in the first range or in the second range (that is, 6 mm
or 18 mm in Table 1). If both the indicators 800A and 800B are not
apertures but the surface portions (the combination of "1, 1" in
Table 1), it indicates the minimum tape width (that is, 3.5 mm in
Table 1) among all the tape widths.
[0160] First, a person can visually identify the positions of the
indicators 800A, 800B and 800E on the arm front surface 35 as
described above. Then, the person can check whether an aperture is
formed in the indicator 800E, and determine whether the tape width
is equal to or more than the predetermined width or the tape width
is less than the predetermined width. Subsequently, by checking
whether an aperture is formed in each of the indicators 800A and
800B, the person can easily identify the tape width in more
detail.
[0161] For example, in the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 15, the indicator 800E is a surface portion, the indicator
800A is an aperture, and the indicator 800B is a surface portion.
As a result, using the above-described method, a person can
identify that the tape width is 36 mm that is the maximum width in
the first range where the tape width is equal to or more than the
predetermined width (18 mm). In the narrow-width tape cassette 30
shown in FIG. 18, the indicator 800E is an aperture, the indicator
800A is an aperture, and the indicator 800B is a surface portion.
As a result, using the above-described method, a person can
identify that the tape width is 12 mm that is the maximum width in
the second range where the tape width is less than the
predetermined width (18 mm).
[0162] If a person knows in advance the specific value of the
predetermined width, the person may be able to determine whether
the tape width of the tape cassette 30 is less than the
predetermined width, simply by visually checking the entire tape
cassette 30. Therefore, the indicator 800E that indicates whether
the tape width is equal to or more than the predetermined width may
not need to be included in the tape width indicators. That is, the
vertical information section X5 may not need to be defined in the
arm indicator portion 800. In such a case, as the vertical
information sections X1 and X2 are closest to the exit 34A of the
arm portion 34, a person can visually check the vertical
information sections X1 and X2 together with the width of the
exposed tape that has been discharged from the exit 34A at a close
interval with each other. Therefore, the person can easily and
unfailingly compare the width of the tape housed in the cassette
case 31 and the tape width indicated by the vertical information
sections X1 and X2, that is, the tape width indicator portion. In a
case where the tape width indicator portion further includes the
vertical information section X5, as in the present embodiment, by
using the vertical information section X5 to indicate whether or
not the tape width is less than the predetermined width, the person
can easily and unfailingly check whether or not the tape width is
less than the predetermined width. More specifically, in the
present embodiment, whether the vertical information section X5
includes an aperture or a surface portion changes at the
predetermined width. Further, the vertical information section X5
can be distinguished more easily by the visual check, because the
vertical information section X5 is separated from the vertical
information sections X1 and X2. Thus, the person can easily
recognize whether or not the tape width is less than the
predetermined width.
[0163] In other words, it may be sufficient that at least the
vertical information sections X1 and X2 are defined in the arm
indicator portion 800 and at least the two indicators 800A and 800B
are present as the tape width indicator portions. In a case where
the indicators 800A and 800B that are closest to the exit 34A of
the arm portion 34 from which the tape is discharged are used as
the tape width indicator portions, a person can visually check the
indicators 800A and 800B together with the exposed tape that has
been discharged, and thereby can identify the tape width more
easily.
[0164] As shown in Table 2, corresponding to whether or not the
indicator 800C, which is the print mode indicator portion, is
formed as an aperture, the print mode is defined as a mirror image
printing mode (laminated) or a normal image printing mode
(receptor). More specifically, it is defined that, if the indicator
800C is an aperture ("0" in Table 2), it indicates that mirror
image printing is to be performed, and if the indicator 800C is a
surface portion ("1" in Table 2), it indicates that normal image
printing is to be performed.
[0165] Therefore, simply by visually identifying the position of
the indicator 800C on the arm front surface 35 as described above,
and checking whether or not an aperture is formed there, a person
can easily determine whether the print mode is laminated (mirror
image printing mode) or receptor (normal image printing mode). For
example, in the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 15, the
indicator 800C is an aperture. Therefore, the person can identify
the print mode as the "mirror image printing mode (laminated)". In
the narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 18, the indicator
800C is a surface portion. Therefore, the person can identify the
print mode as the "normal image printing mode (receptor)".
[0166] The print mode "receptor (normal image printing mode)"
includes all types of printing except for mirror image printing,
such as a type of printing in which the ink from the ink ribbon is
transferred to the tape as the print medium, and a type of printing
in which a heat-sensitive tape is color developed without use of an
ink ribbon. Therefore, identification of the print mode makes it
possible to identify whether the tape cassette 30 houses a
laminated type print medium or a receptor type print medium. In the
manufacturing process of the tape cassette 30, identification of
the print mode makes it possible to identify whether the cassette
case 31 is prepared for the laminated type or the receptor
type.
[0167] As shown in Table 3, corresponding to whether or not the
indicator 800D, which is the character color indicator portion, is
formed as an aperture, the character color is defined as black or
other than black. More specifically, it is defined that, if the
indicator 800D is a surface portion ("1" in Table 3), it indicates
that the character color is black, and if the indicator 800D is an
aperture ("0" in Table 3), it indicates that the character color is
other than black.
[0168] Therefore, simply by visually identifying the position of
the indicator 800D on the arm front surface 35 as described above,
and checking whether or not an aperture is formed there, a person
can easily determine whether the character color is black or other
than black. For example, in the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown
in FIG. 15, the indicator 800D is an aperture. Therefore, the
person can identify the character color as other than black. In the
narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 18, the indicator 800D
is a surface portion. Therefore, the person can identify the
character color as black.
[0169] The tape width and the print mode may be essential
information for the tape printer 1 to perform correct printing. On
the other hand, the character color may not be essential for the
tape printer 1 to perform correct printing. Therefore, the
indicator 800D, which is the character color indicator portion, is
not always necessary. In other words, the vertical information
section X4 may not need to be defined in the arm indicator portion
800. Further, the indicator 800D may be used to indicate not the
character color but another element of the tape type, such as the
color of a tape base material or the like.
[0170] Additionally, the contents of the tape width, the print mode
and the character color indicated by each of the indicator portions
are not limited to those shown in Table 1 to Table 3, and can be
modified as necessary. Note that the total number of combinations
of the tape width, the print mode and the character color defined
in Table 1 to Table 3 is twenty eight. However, all of the
combinations may not need to be used. For example, in a case where
detection of an improper installed state by the tape printer 1 is
made possible (which will be described later), a combination
corresponding to the improper installed state detected by the tape
printer 1 is not used.
[0171] The structure for the arm indicator portion 800 to indicate
the tape type, and the method for identifying the tape type by a
person visually checking the arm indicator portion 800 are
described above. Hereinafter, the structure of the arm indicator
portion 800 in relation to the arm detecting switches 210 of the
tape printer 1, and tape type identification by the arm detecting
switches 210 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG.
25.
[0172] First, the structure of the arm indicator portion 800 in
relation to the arm detecting switches 210 of the tape printer 1
will be described. As described above, in the tape printer 1 of the
present embodiment, the five detecting switches 210A to 210E are
provided on the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen holder 12
(refer to FIG. 7). In the tape cassette 30, the overlapping areas
that respectively face the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E when
the tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8
as shown in FIG. 14 function as the indicators 800A to 800E. In the
example shown in FIG. 14, the indicators 800A, 800C and 800D are
apertures, and the indicators 800B and 800E are surface
portions.
[0173] When the aperture opposes the arm detecting switch 210, the
switch terminal 222 of the arm detecting switch 210 can be inserted
into and removed from the aperture, and the aperture functions as
the non-pressing portion 801 that does not press the switch
terminal 222. The non-pressing portion 801 of the present
embodiment is formed as an aperture that has an upright rectangular
shape in a front view and matches the shape of the indicator
(overlapping area). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the aperture
may be a through-hole that penetrates the external wall 34B of the
arm portion 34 generally perpendicular to the arm front surface 35
(namely, in parallel with the top surface 30A and the bottom
surface 30B). As a consequence, the direction of the formation of
the non-pressing portions 801 generally intersects at right angles
with the tape feed path inside the arm portion 34. The arm
detecting switch 210 that opposes the non-pressing portion 801
remains in an off state, as the switch terminal 222 is inserted in
the non-pressing portion 801.
[0174] When the surface portion opposes the arm detecting switch
210, the surface portion functions as the pressing portion 802 that
presses the switch terminal 222. The arm detecting switch 210 that
opposes the pressing portion 802 is changed to an on state, as the
switch terminal 222 contacts with the pressing portion 802. In the
example of the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 15, the
indicators 800A, 800C and 800D are the non-pressing portions 801,
and the indicators 800B and 800E are the pressing portions 802.
[0175] The vertical position of the indicator 800E on the arm front
surface 35 is located in the lateral information section Y3 that is
positioned lowest among the lateral information sections Y1 to Y3.
As described above, in the wide-width tape cassette 30 with the
tape width equal to or more than the predetermined width (18 mm)
shown in FIG. 15, the lateral information section Y3 is provided
astride the common indicator portion 831 and the extension portion
832 below the common indicator portion 831. On the other hand, in
the narrow-width tape cassette 30 with the tape width less than the
predetermined width shown in FIG. 18, the lateral information
section Y3 extends along the lower edge of the arm front surface 35
and has the width approximately one third of the width of the
lateral information sections Y1 and Y2. Accordingly, in the
narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 18, the size of the
indicator 800E in the vertical direction is approximately one third
of the size of the indicator 800E of the wide-width tape cassette
30 shown in FIG. 15.
[0176] As described above, it is defined in the present embodiment
that, in the wide-width tape cassette 30 (refer to FIG. 15) with
the tape width equal to or more than the predetermined width (18
mm), the indicator 800E is a surface portion, namely, the pressing
portion 802. It is also defined that, in the narrow-width tape
cassette 30 (refer to FIG. 18) with the tape width less than the
predetermined width, the indicator 800E is an aperture, namely, the
non-pressing portion 801.
[0177] This is due to the following reasons. In a case where the
tape printer 1 is a dedicated device that only uses the
narrow-width tape cassette 30, the arm detecting switch 210E may
not be provided at the position that opposes the indicator 800E. On
the other hand, in a case where the tape printer 1 is a general
purpose device that can use both the narrow-width tape cassette 30
and the wide-width tape cassette 30, the arm detecting switch 210E
that opposes the indicator 800E is provided. Accordingly, the
indicator 800E that is formed as an aperture in the narrow-width
tape cassette 30 functions as an escape hole corresponding to the
arm detecting switch 210E.
[0178] As described above with reference to Table 1 to Table 3,
each of the indicators 800A to 800E of the arm indicator portion
800 is associated with a tape type element that each of the
indicators 800A to 800E indicates. Either an aperture (the
non-pressing portion 801) or a surface portion (the pressing
portion 802) is formed in each of the indicators 800A to 800E, in
accordance with a prescribed pattern that corresponds to the tape
type. Accordingly, the tape printer 1 can identify the tape type
based on the combination of the on and off states of the arm
detecting switches 210 that are selectively pressed by the arm
indicator portion 800.
[0179] More specifically, the prescribed pattern (the combination
of the aperture(s) and the surface portion(s)) that is defined in
advance for the indicators 800A to 800E as described above can be
converted to a detection pattern (the combination of the on and off
states) of the corresponding arm detecting switches 210A to 210E.
Then, the tape printer 1 can identify the tape type with reference
to a table in which each detection pattern is associated with the
tape type.
[0180] A tape type table 510 shown in FIG. 22 is an example of a
table used in the tape printer 1 to identify the tape type, and is
stored in the ROM 402 of the tape printer 1. The tape types of the
tape cassette 30 are defined in the tape type table 510 in
accordance with the combinations of the on and off states of the
five arm detecting switches 210A to 210E. In the tape type table
510 shown in FIG. 22, the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E
respectively correspond to switches SW1 to SW5, and the off state
(OFF) and the on state (ON) of each of the arm detecting switches
210 correspond to the values zero (0) and one (1) respectively.
[0181] In a case where the total of the five arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are used, a maximum of thirty-two tape types can be
identified, corresponding to a maximum of thirty-two detection
patterns that are the total number of combinations of the on and
off states. However, in the tape type table 510 shown in FIG. 22,
of the maximum of thirty-two detection patterns, tape types
corresponding to twenty-four detection patterns are set. Of the
remaining eight detection patterns, "ERROR" is shown for three
patterns for which the tape printer 1 can detect that the tape
cassette 30 is not installed at a proper position in the cassette
housing portion 8. "SPARE" is shown for the other five detection
patterns, indicating a blank field. The installed state of the tape
cassette 30 when an error is detected will be described later.
[0182] The table that can be used in the tape printer 1 is not
limited to the tape type table 510 shown in FIG. 22. For example, a
table may be used in which any selected tape type is newly added in
the detection pattern corresponding to "SPARE" in the tape type
table 510. In addition, a table may be used in which a tape type
that is recorded in the tape type table 510 is deleted, the
correspondence between each detection pattern and the tape type is
changed, and the content of the tape type corresponding to each
detection pattern is changed. In such a case, the above-described
prescribed pattern determined for identification of the tape type
by a visual check may also be changed as necessary.
[0183] Additionally, as described above, the indicator 800E
included in the tape width indicator portion, and the indicator
800D as the character color indicator portion may be omitted. When
the indicators 800E and 800D are not provided, the corresponding
arm detecting switches 210E (SW5) and 210D (SW4) are not used. In
such a case, therefore, a table in which only the tape types
corresponding to the arm detecting switches 210A to 210C (SW1 to
SW3) are defined may be used.
[0184] Next, modes of detecting the tape type of the tape cassette
30 by the tape printer 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3
to FIG. 6, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the
tape type is detected of the wide-width tape cassette 30 with the
tape width of 36 mm shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15. FIG.
20 shows a state in which the tape type is detected of the
narrow-width tape cassette 30 with the tape width of 12 mm shown in
FIG. 16 to FIG. 18.
[0185] When the tape cassette 30 is installed at a proper position
in the cassette housing portion 8 by the user and the cassette
cover 6 is closed, the platen holder 12 moves from the stand-by
position (refer to FIG. 3) to the print position (refer to FIG. 4
to FIG. 6). Then, the arm detection portion 200 and the latching
piece 225 provided on the cassette-facing surface 12B of the platen
holder 12 move to the positions that respectively oppose the arm
indicator portion 800 and the latching hole 820 provided on the arm
front surface 35 of the tape cassette 30.
[0186] In a case where the tape cassette 30 is installed in the
cassette housing portion 8 at the proper position, the latching
piece 225 is inserted into the latching hole 820. As a result, the
latching piece 225 does not interfere with the tape cassette 30,
and the switch terminals 222 of the arm detecting switches 210 that
protrude from the cassette-facing surface 12B (refer to FIG. 8)
oppose the indicators 800 A to 800E (the non-pressing portions 801
and the pressing portion 802) that are provided at the
corresponding positions in the arm indicator portion 800, and are
selectively pressed. More specifically, the arm detecting switch
210 opposing the non-pressing portion 801 remains in the off state
by being inserted into the aperture that is the non-pressing
portion 801. The arm detecting switch 210 opposing the pressing
portion 802 is changed to the on state by being pressed by the
surface portion of the arm front surface 35 that is the pressing
portion 802.
[0187] Further, as described above, the thickness of the latching
piece 225 is reduced toward the leading end of the latching piece
225, due to the inclined portion 226 that is formed on the lower
surface of the latching piece 225. The opening width of the
latching hole 820 in the vertical direction is increased toward the
arm front surface 35, due to the inclined portion 821 formed on the
lower wall of the latching hole 820. As a consequence, if the
position of the latching piece 225 is slightly misaligned with
respect to the latching hole 820 in the downward direction (namely,
if the cassette case 31 is slightly raised with respect to the
proper position in the cassette housing portion 8), when the platen
holder 12 moves toward the print position, the inclined portion 226
and the inclined portion 821 interact with each other to guide the
latching piece 225 into the latching hole 820. In such a way, even
when the cassette case 31 is slightly raised with respect to the
proper position in the cassette housing portion 8, the latching
piece 225 may be properly installed into the latching hole 820, and
the arm detection portion 200 may be accurately positioned to
oppose the arm indicator portion 800.
[0188] The latching piece 225 according to the present embodiment
is provided on the upstream side of the arm detection portion 200
in the insertion direction of the tape cassette 30, (in other
words, above the arm detection portion 200). Therefore, when the
tape cassette 30 is inserted, the latching piece 225 opposes the
arm front surface 35 in advance of the arm detecting switches 210.
In other words, unless the latching piece 225 is inserted into the
latching hole 820, the arm detecting switches 210 do not contact
with the arm front surface 35. In other words, unless the tape
cassette 30 is installed at the proper position, none of the arm
detecting switches 210 are not pressed (namely, the arm detecting
switches 210 remain in the off state). Thus, the erroneous
detection of the tape type may be even more reliably prevented.
[0189] In a case where the wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 is installed at the proper position in the
cassette housing portion 8, the arm detecting switches 210A, 210C
and 210D are in the off state because they oppose the indicators
800A, 800C and 800D that are the non-pressing portions 801, as
shown in FIG. 19. On the other hand, the arm detecting switches
210B and 210E are in the on state because they oppose the
indicators 800B and 800E that are the pressing portions 802. More
specifically, the values that indicate the on and off states of the
switches SW1 to SW5 corresponding to the arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are identified as 0, 1, 0, 0 and 1, respectively.
Therefore, with reference to the tape type table 510, the tape type
is identified as "tape width 36 mm, mirror image printing mode
(laminated), and the character color is other than black," in the
same manner as the identification result by a visual check that is
described above.
[0190] In a case where the narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 is installed at the proper position in the
cassette housing portion 8, the arm detecting switches 210A and
210E are in the off state because they oppose the indicators 800A
and 800E that are the non-pressing portions 801, as shown in FIG.
20. On the other hand, the arm detecting switches 210B, 210C and
210D are in the on state because they oppose the indicators 800B,
800C and 800D that are the pressing portions 802. More
specifically, the values that indicate the on and off states of the
switches SW1 to SW5 corresponding to the arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are identified as 0, 1, 1, 1 and 0, respectively.
Therefore, with reference to the tape type table 510, the tape type
is identified as "tape width 12 mm, normal image printing mode
(receptor), and the character color is black" in the same manner as
the identification result by a visual check that is described
above.
[0191] As shown in FIG. 23, in a case where the tape cassette 30 is
not sufficiently pushed in in the downward direction, for example,
the latching piece 225 is not inserted into the latching hole 820,
and comes into contact with the surface portion of the arm front
surface 35. As described above, the length of protrusion of the
latching piece 225 is substantially the same as or greater than the
length of protrusion of the switch terminals 222. As a result, when
the latching piece 225 is in contact with the surface portion of
the arm front surface 35, none of the switch terminals 222 are in
contact with the arm front surface 35 (including the arm indicator
portion 800).
[0192] In other words, as the latching piece 225 thus prevents
contact between the switch terminals 222 and the arm front surface
35, all the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E remain in the off
state. Thus, the values that indicate the on and off states of the
switches SW1 to SW5 that correspond to the arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are identified as 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0, respectively. As a
result, in the case of this installed state, with reference to the
tape type table 510, "ERROR 1" is identified in the tape printer
1.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, in a case where the tape
cassette 30 does not have the latching piece 225 (in FIG. 24 and
FIG. 25, the latching piece 225 is shown by a dashed-two dotted
line), even if the tape cassette 30 is not installed at the proper
position, if the arm detecting switches 210 oppose the surface
portion of the arm front surface 35, the switch terminals 222 may
be pressed (in other words, changed to the on state). As described
above, the indicators 800A to 800E provided in the arm indicator
portion 800 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and thus none of the
indicators 800A to 800E is aligned on the same line in the vertical
direction. For that reason, in a case where the tape cassette 30 is
misaligned in the vertical direction relative to the proper
position in the cassette housing portion 8, an error may be
detected in the following modes.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 24, in a case where the tape cassette 30 is
slightly misaligned in the upward direction relative to the proper
position in the cassette housing portion 8, the height position of
the lower edge of the arm front surface 35 is below the arm
detecting switch 210E that is in the lower row. All the arm
detecting switches 210A to 210E therefore oppose the surface
portion of the arm front surface 35 and are thus all in the on
state. Then, the values that indicate the on and off states of the
switches SW1 to SW5 that correspond to the arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are identified as 1, 1, 1, 1 and 1, respectively. As a
result, in the case of this installed state, with reference to the
tape type table 510, "ERROR 3" is identified in the tape printer
1.
[0195] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, in a case where the tape
cassette 30 is significantly misaligned in the upward direction
relative to the proper position in the cassette housing portion 8,
the height position of the lower edge of the arm front surface 35
is between the middle row that includes the arm detecting switches
210A and 210C and the lower row that includes the arm detecting
switch 210E. The arm detecting switches 210A to 210D therefore
oppose the surface portion of the arm front surface 35 and are in
the on state, while the arm detecting switch 210E does not oppose
the surface of the arm front surface 35 and is in the off state.
Then, the values that indicate the on and off states of the
switches SW1 to SW5 that correspond to the arm detecting switches
210A to 210E are identified as 1, 1, 1, 1 and 0, respectively. As a
result, in the case of this installed state, with reference to the
tape type table 510, "ERROR 2" is identified in the tape printer
1.
[0196] As described above, the combination pattern of the pressing
portion(s) 802 (surface portion(s)) and the non-pressing portion(s)
801 (aperture(s)) that corresponds to one of "ERROR 1" to "ERROR 3"
is not adopted in the arm indicator portion 800 in the present
embodiment. More specifically, none of the following three patterns
is adopted. First is a pattern in which all the indicators 800A to
800E are the non-pressing portions 801 (apertures). Second is a
pattern in which all the indicators 800A to 800E are the pressing
portions 802 (surface portions). Third is a pattern in which all
the indicators 800A to 800D provided within the range of the common
indicator portion 831 (in the lateral information sections Y1 and
Y2) are the pressing portions 802 (surface portions). Thus, the
tape cassette 30 not only enables identification of the tape type
by human visual check and by the arm detecting switches 210 of the
tape printer 1, but also enables detection of the installed state
of the tape cassette 30 by the tape printer 1.
[0197] As described above, the arm portion 34 is a portion that
guides the film tape 59 pulled out from the second tape spool 41
and the ink ribbon 60 pulled out from the ribbon spool 42, causes
the film tape 59 and the ink ribbon 60 to be joined at the exit 34A
and then discharges them towards the head insertion portion 39
(more specifically, the opening 77). Therefore, if the tape
cassette 30 is not properly installed in the cassette housing
portion 8, an error may occur in the positional relationship with
the thermal head 10, and printing may be performed at a misaligned
position relative to the tape width direction (the height
direction) of the film tape 59. This also applies to the print tape
57 and the heat-sensitive paper tape 55.
[0198] Considering this situation, in the present embodiment, the
arm indicator portion 800 is provided on the arm front surface 35
of the arm portion 34, which is in the vicinity of the head
insertion portion 39 into which the thermal head 10 is inserted.
Thus, the arm portion 34 (more specifically, the arm front surface
35) forms the basis for easy detection of an error in the
positional relationship with the thermal head 10, and, printing
accuracy may be improved by determining whether or not the tape
cassette 30 is installed in the cassette housing portion 8 at the
proper position.
[0199] Next, processing relating to printing performed in the tape
printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained
with reference to FIG. 21. The processing relating to printing
shown in FIG. 21 is performed by the CPU 401 based on programs
stored in the ROM 402 when the power source of the tape printer 1
is switched on.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 21, in the processing relating to printing,
first, system initialization of the tape printer 1 is performed
(step S1). For example, in the system initialization performed at
step S1, the text memory in the RAM 404 is cleared, a counter is
initialized to a default value, and so on.
[0201] Next, the tape type of the tape cassette 30 is identified
based on the detection pattern of the arm detection portion 200
(namely, based on the combination of the on and off states of the
arm detecting switches 210A to 210E) (step S3). At step S3, as
described above, with reference to the tape type table 510 stored
in the ROM 402, the tape type corresponding to the combination of
the on and off states of the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E is
identified.
[0202] Next, it is determined whether the tape type identified at
step S3 is "ERROR" (step S5). If the identified tape type is
"ERROR" (yes at step S5), the tape cassette 30 is not properly
installed in the cassette housing portion 8, as described above
with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25. Therefore, a message is
displayed on the display 5 to notify that printing cannot be
started (step S7). At step S7, a text message is displayed on the
display 5 that reads, for example, "The tape cassette is not
properly installed."
[0203] After step S7 is performed, the processing returns to step
S3. Note that, even when the tape cassette 30 is properly installed
in the cassette housing portion 8, if the cassette cover 6 is open,
the platen holder 12 is at the stand-by position (refer to FIG. 3)
and therefore, a message is displayed on the display 5 indicating
that printing cannot be started (step S7).
[0204] If the identified tape type is not "ERROR" (no at step S5),
the content of the tape type identified at step S3 is displayed on
the display 5 as text information (step S9). In a case where the
above-described wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 15 is
properly installed, the display 5 displays a message that reads,
for example, "A 36 mm laminated-type tape cassette has been
installed. The character color is other than black." In a case
where the above-described narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 18 is properly installed, the display 5 displays a message
that reads, for example, "A 12 mm receptor-type tape cassette has
been installed. The character color is black."
[0205] Next, it is determined whether there is any input from the
keyboard 3 (step S11). If there is an input from the keyboard 3
(yes at step S11), the CPU 401 receives the characters input from
the keyboard 3 as print data, and stores the print data (text data)
in the text memory of the RAM 404 (step S13). If there is no input
from the keyboard 3 (no at step S11), the processing returns to
step S11 and the CPU 401 waits for an input from the keyboard
3.
[0206] Then, if there is an instruction to start printing from the
keyboard 3, for example, the print data stored in the text memory
is processed in accordance with the tape type identified at step S3
(step S15). For example, at step S15, the print data is processed
such that a print range and a print size corresponding to the tape
width identified at step S3, and a print position corresponding to
the print mode (the mirror image printing mode or the normal image
printing mode) identified at step S3 are incorporated. Based on the
print data processed at step S15, a print processing is performed
on the tape that is the print medium (step S17). After the print
processing is performed, the processing relating to printing (refer
to FIG. 21) ends.
[0207] The above-described print processing (step S17) will be
explained below more specifically. In a case where the laminated
type tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is installed, the
tape drive roller 46, which is driven to rotate via the tape drive
shaft 100, pulls out the film tape 59 from the second tape spool 41
by moving in concert with the movable feed roller 14. Further, the
ribbon take-up spool 44, which is driven to rotate via the ribbon
take-up shaft 95, pulls out the unused ink ribbon 60 from the
ribbon spool 42 in synchronization with the print speed. The film
tape 59 that has been pulled out from the second tape spool 41
passes the outer edge of the ribbon spool 42 and is fed along the
feed path within the arm portion 34.
[0208] Then, the film tape 59 is discharged from the exit 34A
toward the head insertion portion 39 in a state in which the ink
ribbon 60 is joined to the surface of the film tape 59. The film
tape 59 is then fed between the thermal head 10 and the platen
roller 15 of the tape printer 1. The characters are printed onto
the print surface of the film tape 59 by the thermal head 10.
Following that, the used ink ribbon 60 is separated from the
printed film tape 59 at the guide wall 47 and wound onto the ribbon
take-up spool 44.
[0209] Meanwhile, the double-sided adhesive tape 58 is pulled out
from the first tape spool 40 by the tape drive roller 46 moving in
concert with the movable feed roller 14. While being guided and
caught between the tape drive roller 46 and the movable feed roller
14, the double-sided adhesive tape 58 is layered onto and affixed
to the print surface of the printed film tape 59. The printed film
tape 59 to which the double-sided adhesive tape 58 has been affixed
(namely, the printed tape 50) is then fed toward the tape discharge
portion 49, and is discharged from the discharge aperture. After
that, the printed tape 50 is cut by the cutting mechanism 17.
[0210] In a case where the receptor type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 5 is installed, the tape drive roller 46, which is driven to
rotate via the tape drive shaft 100, pulls out the print tape 57
from the first tape spool 40 by moving in concert with the movable
feed roller 14. Further, the ribbon take-up spool 44, which is
driven to rotate via the ribbon take-up shaft 95, pulls out the
unused ink ribbon 60 from the ribbon spool 42 in synchronization
with the print speed. The print tape 57 that has been pulled out
from the first tape spool 40 is bent in the leftward direction in
the right front portion of the cassette case 31, and fed along the
feed path within the arm portion 34.
[0211] Then, the print tape 57 is discharged from the exit 34A
toward the head insertion portion 39 in a state in which the ink
ribbon 60 is joined to the surface of the print tape 57. The print
tape 57 is then fed between the thermal head 10 and the platen
roller 15 of the tape printer 1. Then, characters are printed onto
the print surface of the print tape 57 by the thermal head 10.
Following that, the used ink ribbon 60 is separated from the
printed print tape 57 at the guide wall 47 and wound onto the
ribbon take-up spool 44. Meanwhile, the printed print tape 57 (in
other words, the printed tape 50) is then fed toward the tape
discharge portion 49 and is discharged from the discharge aperture.
After that, the printed tape 50 is cut by the cutting mechanism
17.
[0212] In a case where the thermal type tape cassette 30 shown in
FIG. 6 is installed, the tape drive roller 46, which is driven to
rotate via the tape drive shaft 100, pulls out the heat-sensitive
paper tape 55 from the first tape spool 40 by moving in concert
with the movable feed roller 14. The heat-sensitive paper tape 55
that has been pulled out from the first tape spool 40 is bent in
the leftward direction in the right front portion of the cassette
case 31, and is fed along the feed path within the arm portion
34.
[0213] Then, the heat-sensitive paper tape 55 is discharged from
the exit 34A of the arm portion 34 toward the aperture 77 and is
then fed between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 15.
Then, characters are printed onto the print surface of the
heat-sensitive paper tape 55 by the thermal head 10. Following
that, the printed heat-sensitive paper tape 55 (namely, the printed
tape 50) is further fed toward the tape discharge portion 49 by the
tape drive roller 46 moving in concert with the movable feed roller
14, and is discharged from the discharge aperture. After that, the
printed tape 50 is cut by the cutting mechanism 17.
[0214] When printing is being performed with thermal type printing,
the ribbon take-up spool 44 is also driven to rotate via the ribbon
take-up shaft 95. However, there is no ribbon spool housed in the
thermal type tape cassette 30. For that reason, the ribbon take-up
spool 44 does not pull out the unused ink ribbon 60, nor does it
wind the used ink ribbon 60. In other words, even when the thermal
type tape cassette 30 is used in the tape printer 1 that is
equipped with the ribbon take-up shaft 95, the rotation drive of
the ribbon take-up shaft 95 does not have an influence on the
printing operation of the heat-sensitive paper tape 55 and printing
can be correctly performed. In the thermal type tape cassette 30,
the ribbon take-up spool 44 may not be provided, and the ribbon
take-up shaft 95 may perform idle running inside the support holes
67A and 67B in a similar way.
[0215] In the above-described print processing (step S17), in a
case where the laminated type tape cassette 30 is installed, mirror
image printing is performed. In mirror image printing, the ink of
the ink ribbon 60 is transferred onto the film tape 59 such that
the characters are shown as a mirror image. In a case where the
receptor type tape cassette 30 is installed, normal image printing
is performed. In normal image printing, the ink of the ink ribbon
60 is transferred onto the print tape 57 such that the characters
are shown as a normal image. In a case where the thermal type tape
cassette 30 is installed, thermal type normal image printing is
performed on the heat-sensitive paper tape 55 such that the
characters are shown as a normal image.
[0216] In the present embodiment, the print mode "laminated" is
applied to the tape cassette 30 with which mirror image printing is
performed, while the print mode "receptor" is applied to the tape
cassette 30 with which normal image printing is performed. For that
reason, the print mode "receptor" is applied not only to the
receptor type tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 5, but also to the
thermal type tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 6.
[0217] Through the above-described processing relating to printing
(refer to FIG. 21), the tape type of the tape cassette 30 installed
in the cassette housing portion 8 is identified by the tape printer
1 based on the detection patterns of the arm detection portion 200.
More specifically, the arm detecting switches 210A to 210E on the
arm detection portion 200 are selectively pressed by the arm
indicator portion 800 provided on the arm front surface 35 of the
tape cassette 30, and the tape type of the tape cassette 30 is thus
identified.
[0218] As described above, the tape cassette 30 according to the
present embodiment is structured such that when a person looks at
the tape cassette 30 alone, the person can identify the type of the
tape included in the tape cassette 30 by visually checking the arm
front surface 35. In addition, the tape cassette 30 is structured
such that when the tape cassette 30 is installed in the cassette
housing portion 8 of the tape printer 1, the tape printer 1 can
identify the tape type with the arm detection portion 200 detecting
information indicated by the arm indicator portion 800. Of the
foregoing structures, as a result of structuring the tape cassette
30 such that a person can recognize the tape type in the tape
cassette 30 by visually checking the arm indicator portion 800, the
following effects may be particularly exhibited.
[0219] In a conventional manufacturing method for tape cassettes,
it is a general practice to house a tape as a print medium in a
cassette case having the height (so-called case size) corresponding
to of the print tape. In contrast to this, a tape cassette
manufacturing method is proposed in which the tapes with differing
tape widths are respectively housed in cassette cases with the same
height (the same case size). With this type of tape cassette
manufacturing method that uses a common case size, the following
benefits may be expected.
[0220] First, conventionally, when transporting cassette cases of
different case sizes corresponding to different tape widths from a
parts manufacturing plant to an assembly plant, the cassette cases
are transported in different transportation containers each
prepared for each of the case sizes. In contrast, by using a common
case size, common transportation containers can be used when
transporting the cassette cases from the parts manufacturing plant
to the assembly plant. Consequently, transportation costs for the
cassette cases may be reduced.
[0221] Second, if the case size is different for each tape width,
when products are shipped from the assembly plant, it is necessary
to use different package boxes each prepared for each case size. In
contrast, by using a common case size, common package boxes can be
used and a common packaging format can also be used when shipping
the products. Consequently, packaging cost may also be reduced.
[0222] Third, if an ink ribbon with the same width is used for a
tape with a narrow tape width, the width of the ink ribbon itself
(the ribbon width) is narrow. In such a case, the ink ribbon may
get cut during the printing operation. In contrast, by using a
common case size that can maintain a ribbon width with an adequate
strength, even if the width of the tape is narrow, the ink ribbon
may be prevented from getting cut during the printing
operation.
[0223] On the other hand, in the manufacture of the tape cassettes,
if tapes with different tape widths are respectively mounted in the
common size cassette cases, a tape with a wrong tape width may be
housed in the cassette case. For example, a worker may mistakenly
mount a tape with a 6 mm or a 9 mm width in the cassette case
intended to house a 12 mm tape. This may happen because the common
size cassette case capable of housing the 12 mm tape has a rib
height that allows housing a tape with a less than 12 mm width.
[0224] Furthermore, as described above, the print modes of the tape
cassette include the so-called receptor type, with which normal
image printing is performed directly onto the print tape, and the
laminated type, with which, after mirror image printing is
performed on a transparent tape, a double-sided adhesive tape is
affixed to the print surface. The common size cassette cases have
the same external appearance, and therefore, a wrong tape may be
mounted in the cassette case in the wrong print mode. For example,
a worker may mount a wrong tape in the cassette case to assemble
the receptor type tape cassette, when the cassette case is intended
for the laminated type tape cassette.
[0225] With the tape cassette 30 according to the present
embodiment, however, a person can identify the tape type of the
tape cassette 30 simply by visually checking the arm indicator
portion 800. In other words, the worker can ascertain the tape
width of the tape that should be mounted in the cassette case 31,
and the print mode that is intended for the cassette case 31. As a
consequence, in the manufacturing process of the tape cassette 30,
the worker can work while confirming the contents to be housed in
the cassette case 31, and thus errors in the manufacture of the
tape cassette 30 may be reduced.
[0226] Furthermore, when the tape cassette 30 is shipped from the
plant, an inspector can verify whether the contents housed in the
cassette case 31 are correct by simply visually checking the arm
indicator portion 800, and therefore product inspection can be
performed on the tape cassette 30. More specifically, the inspector
can verify whether the tape exposed at the opening 77 of the
manufactured tape cassette 30 matches the tape type that can be
identified from the arm indicator portion 800.
[0227] In particular, the arm indicator portion 800 according to
the present embodiment is provided on the arm front surface 35 that
is in the vicinity of the opening 77 at which the tape is exposed.
Moreover, the arm front surface 35 is a portion that can be seen
from the same direction as the tape that is exposed at the opening
77 (more specifically, from the front of the tape cassette 30). In
other words, the arm indicator portion 800 and the tape are in
adjacent positions and can be seen from the same direction, and
thus the inspector can inspect the tape while verifying the arm
indicator portion 800. As a consequence, working efficiency in the
product inspection of the tape cassette 30 may be improved.
[0228] In addition, the arm indicator portion 800 indicates the
tape type using a simple structure formed of a combination of a
presence and an absence of an aperture (namely, a combination of
the non-pressing portions 801 and the pressing portions 802) in
each of the vertical information sections X1 to X5 (or in each of
the indicators 800A to 800E). Therefore, the arm indicator portion
800 may be formed easily on the cassette case 31 in advance. For
that reason, at the time of manufacture of the cassette case 31,
there may be no need to print the contents to be housed in the
cassette case 31, nor to affix labels to indicate the contents, and
therefore errors in the manufacture of the tape cassette 30 can be
reduced at a low cost.
[0229] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the laminated type tape
cassette 30 formed from the general purpose cassette is used in the
general purpose tape printer 1. Therefore, a single tape printer 1
can be used with each type of the tape cassette 30, such as the
thermal type, the receptor type, and the laminated type etc., and
it may not be necessary to use the different tape printer 1 for
each type. Furthermore, the tape cassette 30 is normally formed by
injecting plastic into a plurality of combined dies. In the case of
the tape cassette 30 that corresponds to the same tape width,
common dies can be used, except for the die including the portion
that forms the arm indicator portion 800. Thus, costs may be
significantly reduced.
[0230] In the example described above, the specified area R0 of the
arm front surface 35 includes the first area R1 and the second area
R2. The first area R1 includes an aperture that functions as the
latching hole 820. The second area R2 includes overlapping areas
that function as the indicators 800A to 800E, each of which
includes either an aperture (namely, the non-pressing portion 801)
or a surface portion (namely, the pressing portion 802). In such a
case, in the specified area R0, an aperture and a surface portion
may be formed freely as long as the functions of the latching hole
820 or the indicators 800A to 800E are maintained.
[0231] More specifically, with the above-described wide-width tape
cassette 30 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15, all the areas
that do not function as the latching hole 820 or as the indicators
800A to 800E are surface portions that are in the same plane as the
pressing portions 802. Therefore, the apertures (the non-pressing
portions 801 and the latching hole 820) provided in the specified
area R0 are formed separately from each other. However, it may not
be necessary that the apertures are all separated from each
other.
[0232] For example, one aperture (groove) having a size and shape
that include at least two of the non-pressing portions 801 may be
formed in the specified area R0. Alternatively, one groove that
includes the latching hole 820 and one of the non-pressing portions
801 may be formed. One groove that includes the latching hole 820
and at least two of the non-pressing portions 801 may be formed.
Note, however, that in a case where one groove is formed, the
groove needs to be formed such that the groove does not include a
part that functions as the pressing portion 802.
[0233] FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 show an example of the wide-width tape
cassette 30 in which each of the non-pressing portions 801 provided
in the indicators 800A, 800C and 800D are made continuous to form a
groove 804. Further, FIG. 28 shows an example of the wide-width
tape cassette 30 in which the latching hole 820 and the
non-pressing portion 801 provided in the indicator 800D are made
continuous to form the groove 804. Also with the wide-width tape
cassette 30 shown in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the combination pattern of
the indicators 800A to 800E is the same as that of the
above-described wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 10 to FIG. 15. Therefore, the same tape type as in the
above-described wide-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 is identified by either detection of the arm
detecting switches 210 or human visual check.
[0234] Further, with the above-described narrow-width tape cassette
30 shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, all the areas of the specified area
R0 that do not function as the latching hole 820 or the indicators
800A to 800E are surface portions that are in the same plane as the
pressing portions 802. Therefore, the apertures (the non-pressing
portions 801, which include the non-pressing portion 801 that is
provided in the indicator 800E and functions as an escape hole, and
the latching hole 820) provided in the specified area R0 are formed
separately from each other. However, it may not be necessary that
the apertures are all separated from each other.
[0235] For example, one groove that includes at least two of the
non-pressing portions 801 may be formed in the specified area R0.
Alternatively, one groove that includes the latching hole 820 and
the non-pressing portion 801 may be formed. Note, however, that in
a case where one groove is formed, the groove needs to be formed
such that the groove does not include a part that functions as the
pressing portion 802.
[0236] FIG. 29 shows an example of the narrow-width tape cassette
30 in which the latching hole 820 and the non-pressing portion 801
that is an escape hole provided in the indicator 800E are made
continuous to form the groove 804. Further, FIG. 30 shows an
example of the narrow-width tape cassette 30 in which the latching
hole 820, the non-pressing portion 801 provided in the indicator
800A, and the non-pressing portion 801 that is an escape hole
provided in the indicator 800E are formed as the groove 804. Also
with the narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 29 and FIG.
30, the combination pattern of the indicators 800A to 800E is the
same as that of the above-described narrow-width tape cassette 30
shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 18. Therefore, the same tape type as in
the above-described narrow-width tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 16
to FIG. 18 is identified by either detection of the arm detecting
switches 210 or human visual check.
[0237] The tape cassette 30 and the tape printer 1 of the present
invention are not limited to those in the above-described
embodiment, and various modifications and alterations may of course
be made insofar as they are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0238] The shape, size, number and arrangement pattern of the
non-pressing portion(s) 801 and the pressing portion(s) 802 of the
arm indicator portion 800 are not limited to the examples
represented in the above-described embodiment, but can be modified.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the non-pressing
portion 801 (aperture) of the arm indicator portion 800 is a
through-hole that has an upright rectangular shape in a front view
that is the same as the shape of each of the overlapping areas
functioning as the indicators 800A to 800E. However, the
non-pressing portion 801 can be modified in a range of size and
shape that substantially fully includes the overlapping area
functioning as each of the indicators 800A to 800E. For example,
the non-pressing portion 801 may be a through-hole that has a
circular shape in a plan view and includes the overlapping area, or
the non-pressing portion 801 may have any other different
shape.
[0239] Further, the non-pressing portion provided on the arm
indicator portion 800 may not need to be a through-hole, but may be
a recess 810 formed in the arm front surface 35, as shown in FIG.
31. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the tape
cassette 30 that has the semi-circular groove 34K is shown as an
example. However, the tape cassette 30 may not need to have the
semi-circular groove 34K.
[0240] The apparatus and methods described above with reference to
the various embodiments are merely examples. It goes without saying
that they are not confined to the depicted embodiments. While
various features have been described in conjunction with the
examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,
variations, and/or improvements of those features and/or examples
may be possible. Accordingly, the examples, as set forth above, are
intended to be illustrative. Various changes may be made without
departing from the broad spirit and scope of the underlying
principles.
* * * * *