WO2002032681A1 - Tape cassette and tape unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The convolution (TO) of a tape (T) of predetermined width is set together with a lower spool in an unextractable manner on the lower surface side of the rotation support (21a) of a tape unit (20). A rotation support (21a) is formed with a long observation window (59) which extends radially of the convolution (TO) so that up to the outer periphery of a spool can be seen therethrough. A cassette cover (33) covering the upper open surface of a cassette case main body (32) is formed with a hole-like support (60) adapted to have the rotation support (21a) snugly fitted therein, thereby making exchangeable a tape unit (20) stored in the cassette case main body (32) and making it easier to check the remainder of the convolution (TO) of the tape (T). Further, the convolution (TO) of the printing tape (T) is held between the support (21) of the tape unit (20) and a lower spool (22) in a disengageable but rotatable manner. Thin disk-like spacers (54) of synthetic resin adhered to the upper and lower end surface of the convolution (TO) are formed with perforation-like straight cutting lines extending from the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge. When the printing tape (T) has been used up, the spacers (54) are separated for removal along the cutting lines. Therefore, less time and labor is required in discarding the used-up printing tape (T) wound on the tape unit (20).

Description

 Tape cassette and tape unit

Technical field

 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape cassette and a tape unit which are used in a tape printer for producing a tape with a letter, and in which a tape unit formed by winding a printing tape around a tape spool is replaceable with respect to a cassette case body. Background art

 Conventionally, when considering the purpose of use of the tape with character created by the tape printing device, it is necessary to use a printing tape with multiple types of tape widths, or a cassette case when the printing tape is used up. From the viewpoint of resource saving in the desire for re-use, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-251123, proposed by the present applicant, sets a new printing tape in advance when the tape is used up. The tape unit can be refilled in the cassette case body, and multiple types of tape units can be stored in one type of force set case body corresponding to each printing tape with multiple tape widths. It is disclosed that a tape is provided with a tape width discriminating member. Disclosure of the invention

 However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when replacing the tape unit, a new tape unit is set in the storage portion of the cassette case main body that is open at the top, and the storage portion of the cassette case main body is generally covered with an opaque cassette lid. There is a problem that the user cannot know the remaining amount of the printing tape in the tape unit because the lid is closed in this manner. ,

As a means to solve this problem, the remaining amount of tape is visually recognized on the cassette lid. It was conceivable to make an observation window that could be used.

 However, in order to support the tape unit in the cassette case so that the tape unit does not loosen, the tape unit has a support member for supporting one end of a spool portion for winding the printing tape, having a radius considerably larger than the diameter of the spool. The observation window cannot be installed in the vicinity of the outer diameter of the spool because the support member is fitted in the engagement hole of the cassette lid. Since the end of the printing tape whose winding radius has decreased to near the outer diameter of the spool in the unit cannot be confirmed, the tape unit needs to be replaced before the printing tape is used up, resulting in wasteful consumption. Was.

 An adhesive is applied to one side of this type of tape in advance so that the printed tape can be attached to the desired location. The adhesive slightly exudes, and the adhesive adheres to the tape unit main body or the flange portion (flange portion) of the spool, so that there is a problem that the tape cannot be smoothly pulled out.

 Therefore, conventionally, a disk-shaped spacer made of a thin plate made of a synthetic resin having low frictional resistance has been arranged so as to face both end surfaces of the winding portion of this type of tape. Further, in order to prevent the tape of the winding part from being scattered, an adhesive is applied to one side of the above-mentioned spacer, and is adhered to both end surfaces of the above-mentioned winding part. By the way, when discarding the tape unit that has used up the tape, if the material of the stirrer is different from the material of the tape unit body or the spool, it is necessary to separate the tape unit.

However, in order to prohibit a user or the like from attaching the tape having a different width to the tape unit in the tape unit, a winding portion of the tape is sandwiched by a spool from the other side with respect to the main unit of the tape unit. In order to prevent the winding part of the tape from coming off, the stirrer does not come off easily. The user has to take time to discard the spacer with scissors or the like.

 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to replace a tape unit housed in a cassette case main body, and to reliably check the remaining amount of a print tape of a used tape unit. And provide a tape cassette and its tape unit that enables the specification of the width and type of the printing tape when replacing the tape unit, and facilitate the separation work accompanying the discarding work of the tape unit. The purpose is to provide a tape unit that

 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured so that a replaceable tape unit formed by winding a print tape around a tape spool is detachably housed in a cassette case main body. A tape force set used in a tape printing apparatus, wherein the tape unit includes a rotation support portion rotatably holding the tape spool and facing a winding portion of the print tape; Has an observation window extending in a winding radial direction of a winding portion of the printing tape.

 Further, the tape unit of the present invention is a tape unit in which a printing tape is wound, and is made of a disc-shaped synthetic resin that covers a winding portion of the printing tape and both end surfaces of the winding portion. At least one sewing machine extending across an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge of the spacer is configured so that the thin plate-shaped spacer cannot be pulled out by being sandwiched between the main body of the tape unit and the spool. An eye-shaped cut line is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape printing apparatus in which a cover of a tape cassette storage unit is closed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape cassette with the cassette lid removed. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the cassette lid, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of the cassette case main body.

 FIG. 5A is a plan view of the tape unit, and FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the tape unit.

 FIG. 6 is a side view of the tape unit with the lower spool removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation support portion, the tape winding portion, and the lower spool in the tape unit.

 FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2 in a state where the tape unit is covered with a cassette lid.

 FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the rotation support portion.

 FIG. 10 is a plan view of the lower spool, as viewed in the direction of arrows XX in FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the spacer. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the tape printing apparatus 1 with the storage cover 6 of the cassette storage section 8 closed.

In FIG. 1, on the upper surface of the main body 1a of the tape printer 1, a character input key for inputting characters such as characters over a plurality of lines and creating text composed of document data (code data). , A print key for instructing text printing, a cursor key for moving the cursor up and down, left and right on the liquid crystal display 3, and a keyboard unit 2 provided with control keys for instructing a line feed command and execution and selection of various processes. And a liquid crystal display 3 for displaying characters and the like input on the keyboard section 2 and a cassette storage section 8 for storing a tape cassette 5 to be described later, and a storage cover 6 for covering the cassette storage section 6. After body 1a It is pivotally supported at the end so that it can be opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 1, a tape cutter 7 for cutting the tape where the printed tape is to be discharged from the discharge port 1b of the main body 1a is arranged on the left side of the cassette storage section 8. The push button 7a is located at the rear of the left side of the main body 1a.

 Further, the cassette storage unit 8 has a tape feed roller shaft 9 and a repong take-up shaft 10 which are driven to rotate from a tape feed motor disposed in the main body 1a via an appropriate drive mechanism (both not shown). And are erected. However, the ripon winding shaft 10 has a built-in ink ribbon, and is used for winding the ink lipon in a conventional tape cassette used for printing characters and the like on a film tape via the ink ribbon. However, the tape cassette 5 according to the present embodiment uses a thermosensitive coloring tape T that does not include an inclipon and its take-up spool and that can print characters and the like without using an inclipon. Therefore, the ripon winding shaft 10 does not participate in the feeding operation of the printing tape T. The tape feed roller shaft 9, which is located diagonally forward (on the keyboard 2 side) of the incremental take-up shaft 10, is set up so as to fit with the tape feed roller 11 of the tape cassette 5. Further, a thermal head 12 for printing characters and the like on a printing tape T is fixedly provided in front of the cassette housing portion 8. Further, a platen roller 13a and a tape feed auxiliary roller 13b for pressing the print tape T against the thermal head 12 and the tape feed roller 11 are mounted on a roller holder (not shown). The roller holder is arranged so as to be able to contact and separate from the tape cassette 5.

At the rear of the cassette storage unit 8 (to the right and rear in FIG. 1), seven microswitches (not shown) are provided to detect a tape type and a tape width. The tape type detection unit is provided in cooperation with the tape detection units 50a and 50b provided in the tape cassette 5 described later and the tape identification unit 30 in the tape unit 20. Working and tape cassette 5 It detects the tape width and type of the printing tape T stored in the printer (tape color, transparent and translucent, color of characters that can be colored, tape material, etc.).

 In addition, it is detected whether or not a shielding portion 51 described later has entered and contacted each of the microswitches, and a tape type such as a tape width of the print tape T is detected based on a combination of the ON / OFF signals. Is what you do. The tape type detection unit may use an optical sensor such as a photo sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like instead of the microswitch.

 The control of the tape printer 1 configured as described above is executed by an electronic control device such as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a CG ROM, a RAM, a bus, and the like. R 0 M stores various programs, and stores various programs necessary for controlling the tape printer 1 such as a print control program. The CPU performs various operations based on various programs stored in the ROM. In the ROM, outline data (outline data) that defines the outline of each character is classified into each typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.) for each character such as many characters. And stored corresponding to the code data. Based on the outline data, the dot pattern data is developed on the image buffer.

Further, the dot pattern data corresponding to each character input from the keyboard section 2 is stored in the CG OM. The dot pattern data is read out from the CG OM, and the liquid crystal display is displayed based on the dot pattern data. A dot pattern is displayed on ray 7. Furthermore, RAM is used to temporarily store various calculation results calculated by the CPU, and RAM is equipped with various memories such as a text memory, image buffer, and print buffer. ing. The tape type detection unit for detecting the width of the keyboard unit 2 and the printing tape T is provided via an input / output interface, and the liquid crystal display 3 and the display controller are provided via the input / output interface. When characters or the like are input via the character input keys of the keypad section 2, the document data is sequentially stored in the text memory, and the dot pattern generation control program and the A dot pattern corresponding to the input characters and the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display 3 based on the display control program. The thermal head 12 is driven through a drive circuit (not shown), and prints the dot pattern data transferred from the image buffer to the print buffer. In synchronization with this, the tape feed motor prints via the drive circuit. It controls the feed of tape Τ.

 Next, the configuration of the tape cassette 5 stored in the cassette storage section 8 of the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cassette 5, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 5 storing the tape unit 20 with the cassette lid 33 removed. Basically, the tape cassette 5 is not covered by the cassette case main body 32, the detachable cassette lid 33, and the force-set lid 33 of the cassette case main body 32. And an auxiliary cover body 31 that covers the upper part of the tape feeder and the like where the tape drawer 36 and the tape feeder 11 are arranged. These are injection molded articles made of synthetic resin, respectively. In FIGS. 2 and 4, the tape feed roller 11 and the auxiliary cover integral unit 31 are removed to clearly show the shape of the front part of the cassette case main body 32, such as the locking slot 39 described later. ing.

The cassette case main body 32 is formed of a substantially rectangular case with an open upper side, and a pair of locking holes 34, 34 are formed at both sides of the rear wall 32a of the cassette case main body 32. Have been. Each of these locking holes 3 4 has a cassette Each locking claw 35 protruding downward from the rear edge of the lid 33 is locked.

 A tape drawer 36 is provided from the right side of the front wall 3 2b of the cassette case body 32 to the left, and a thermal drawer is provided behind the tape drawer 36. A head guide 37 is provided physically. The thermal head guide portion 37 is formed in a “C” shape in plan view, and the thermal head 12 is disposed in the “U” shaped concave space 38. A locking slot 39 is formed in the rear wall of the concave space 38, and an elastic locking hook 40 formed in a cassette lid 33 described later (see FIG. 2, FIG. 2). (See Fig. 4A). Further, between the thermal head guide portion 37 and the left side wall of the cassette case main body 32, the tape feed roller shaft 9 erected from the bottom wall of the cassette storage portion 8 of the tape printer 1 is engaged. Possible tape feed rollers 11 are arranged (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 4B). However, in FIG. 2, in order to clearly show the shape of the front portion of the set case main body 32, the tape feed roller 11 and the auxiliary cover integral part 31 are removed in order to clearly show the shape of the locking long hole 39.

 At the left rear position of the cassette case main body 32, a tape unit storage section 41 (see FIGS. 2 and 4B) for storing the tape unit 20 is provided. The turning part TO is rotatably stored in the tape unit storage part 41.

 In order to smoothly guide the printing tape T wound around the tape unit 20 to the thermal head guide portion 37, an arc-shaped tape guide wall in plan view from the bottom wall of the cassette case body 32. 42 and 43 are protruding (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4B). Although not shown, a pair of square holes 44, 45 formed between the two tape guide walls 42, 43 are not shown, but a light emitting device and a light receiving device standing in the cassette housing portion 8 are provided. And a photosensor comprising: a photosensor T that detects the presence or absence of the print tape T passing immediately before the tape guide walls 42 and 43.

Also, the right rear part of the cassette case main body 32 and the cassette lid 33 are described later. Tape detection sections 50 a and 50 Ob are provided in which the shielding section 51 of the tape identification section 30 of the tape unit 20 is fitted and set. In the embodiment of the tape detected portions 50a and 5Ob, there are seven round holes, and a protruding shielding portion 51 such as a round bar is selectively fitted. A set protrusion 52 such as a round bar for determining the set position of the tape unit 20 is provided on the tape detected portion 50a on the cassette case main body 32 side so as to project upward. (See Fig. 2 and Fig. 4B).

 As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, etc., the tape unit 20 includes a printing tape T wound around a winding tube 53, and a printing tape T. It comprises a support 21 supporting the upper side, and a lower spool 22 which is fitted from below the winding tube 53 to prevent the winding portion TO of the printing tape T from coming out. The synthetic resin support 21 has a plate-shaped rotary support 21 a that is opposed to and supports the upper side surface of the winding portion T 0 of the printing tape T, and is larger than the maximum radius of the winding portion TO. It is slightly larger than the large radius resin film separator 54. At the end of the rotary support 21a, a continuous portion 55 bent toward the lower edge in the width direction of the printing tape T, and the tape identification portion following the continuous portion 55 The parts 30 and are formed physically.

 The connecting portion 55 has a cross-section substantially U for guiding the lower edge in the width direction of the printing tape T unwound from the winding portion T0 toward the pair of tape guide walls 42, 43. A U-shaped guide groove 55a is formed (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

By the way, seven ribs 41a protrude radially from the bottom surface of the tape unit storage section 41 of the cassette case main body 32, and when the tape unit 20 is stored in the tape unit storage section 41, printing is performed. The winding portion T0 of the tape T is placed on the rib 41a. The bottom surface of the guide groove 55a and the upper surface of the rib 41a are substantially the same so that the printing tape T drawn from the winding portion T0 travels without moving up and down in the width direction. Said height The portion forming the bottom surface of the guide groove 55a is thinned. Therefore, in order to reinforce the portion forming the bottom surface of the guide groove 55a, a protrusion 55b protruding downward is formed on the back side of the guide groove 55a, and the guide groove 55a is formed. The thickness of the part that forms the bottom surface of is increased.

 When the tape unit 20 is stored in the tape unit storage portion 41, an escape hole 46 into which the protrusion 55b is inserted is formed at a position facing the protrusion 55b. ing. In a state in which the protruding portion 55b is inserted into the escape hole 46, the upper surface of the rib 41a of the tape unit storage portion 41 and the bottom surface of the guide groove 55a become substantially the same height, and The printing tape T pulled out from the section TO travels toward the guide groove 55a without moving up and down in the width direction. Also, the lower surface of the force-setting case main body 32 and the lower surface of the protruding portion 55b form the same plane, and the protruding portion 55b does not protrude from the lower surface of the cassette case main body 32.

 On the lower surface side of the rotation support portion 21a, a convex seat portion 56 fitted to the inner periphery of the winding tube 53 is provided so as to protrude downward, and on the outer periphery of the convex seat portion 56, a tape spool is provided. A plurality of (four in the embodiment) locking holes 57 for locking the locking claws 24a in the lower spool 22 are formed (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 9). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 1, the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 24 protruding upward from the flange portion 23 of the lower spool 22 has a plurality (in the embodiment, 4) locking claws 24a are protruded inwardly, and the tubular portion 24 is inserted into the winding tube 53 of the winding part TO, and each locking claw 24a is locked to each of the above-mentioned locks By locking the holes 57, the two parts cannot be separated, and the winding part TO of the printing tape T is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical part 24 and supported so as not to be separated. . By forming a plurality of open grooves 25 upward at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 24, when the locking claws 24a are locked in the locking holes 57, the upper end of the cylindrical portion 24 is formed. Become elastically constricted.

In addition, among the supports 21 of the tape unit 20, the plate-shaped rotation support portion 21a has an observation extending in the winding radial direction of the winding portion TO of the printing tape T. It has windows 59. In the embodiment, one end (the inner end closer to the radius) of the observation window 59 is extended to a portion close to the outer peripheral edge of the convex seat portion 56 so that the end of the printing tape T wound around the winding tube 53 can be visually recognized. It extends and extends in the direction of the connecting portion 55 so that it can be observed even when the winding radius of the winding portion TO is maximum (when not in use).

 Further, a support portion 60 on which the plate-shaped rotation support portion 21a is immovably fitted is provided on the upper plate portion 33a of the cassette lid 33, and the observation window 5 is provided from the support portion 60. In the embodiment, the rotation support portion 21a is formed in a non-circular shape, and a part or all of the rotation support portion 21a fits tightly. A hole-shaped support portion 60 is provided. As another embodiment of the support portion 60, only a part of the rotation support portion 21a is projected upward, and the cassette lid 33 is located above the upper plate portion 3a of the cassette lid 33 so that the protrusion is fitted. A recessed support portion 60 may be formed, and the support portion 60 may be molded in two colors with a transparent material. Further, an engagement hole (not shown) is formed in the rotation support portion 21a, and an engagement protrusion for engaging with the engagement hole is provided on a lower surface of the upper plate portion 33a. A watermark hole (not shown) of the same shape may be provided at the same position as the observation window 59. In any case, it is important to make the entire observation window 59 visible from the outside of the cassette lid 33.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 8, and FIG. 1, a thin disk-shaped sensor made of synthetic resin (for example, a material having a low coefficient of friction such as polyethylene terephthalate) is used. 54 are disposed so as to face the upper and lower end surfaces of the winding part TO. In the embodiment, an adhesive is applied to one surface of the spacer 54 (the side facing the side end surface of the winding part TO), and the spacer 54 is attached to both upper and lower end surfaces of the winding part TO. Keep away from Further, since the upper and lower spacers 54 are sandwiched between the rotation support portion 21a and the lower spool 22 together with the tape winding portion TO, the outer diameter of the winding tube 53 is slightly larger. Inner circumference 5 4a and an outer peripheral green 54b having a diameter slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the winding part T0, and as shown in FIG. 11, from the outer peripheral edge 54b to the inner peripheral edge 54a. At least one, preferably two, substantially linear perforated score lines 63 are formed in the diameter direction.

 With this configuration, after the tape T has been used up in the tape unit 20, when the support 21 and the lower spool 22 that are the main body of the tape unit 20 are discarded, the tape unit 20 is separated by material. When the outer peripheral edge 5 4b is cut open along the score line 6 3 to the inner peripheral edge 5 4a, the spacer 54 can be easily removed from the support 21 (lower spool 22). You can. Further, preferably, if a V-shaped notch portion 64 is formed near the cut line 63 on the outer peripheral edge 54 b side, it is extremely easy to start cutting the cut line 63 with a finger. It becomes.

In the above configuration, when the tape cassette 5 is stored in the tape storage unit 8 with the cassette lid 33 closed with respect to the cassette case main body 32, the tape on the support 21 in the tape unit 20 is specified. A rod-shaped shielding portion 51 vertically provided on the lower surface of the portion 30 selectively presses the tape type detecting means. That is, based on an on / off signal output from each detecting means for detecting a combination of the number and the position of the plurality of shielding portions 51, the tape width of the printing tape T attached to the tape unit 20 and the like. The type of the tape can be detected. In addition, the same position and number of shielding portions 51 are protrudingly provided on the upper surface of the tape specifying portion 30, and this shielding portion 51 is fitted to the tape detection portion 50 b of the cassette lid 33, whereby The support 21 in the tape unit 20 can be prevented from being inclined or displaced. In addition, since a combination in which the shielding portion 51 does not exist is also conceivable, a positioning hole 61 is formed in the tape identification portion 30 so that the positioning is performed when the tape unit 20 is set in the tape unit storage portion 41. Hole 61 in the tape detection part 50a on the cassette case body 32 side The tape unit 20 can be set at a regular position without any looseness by engaging the set projection 52 projecting upward. (See Figure 2 and Figure 4B).

 When the tape cassette 5 configured as described above is stored in the cassette storage section 8 of the tape printing apparatus 1, the thermal head 12 fixed to the cassette storage section 8 has the concave shape of the general head guide section 37. It is arranged in the guide part 38. Here, the thermal head 12 is disposed inside the tape cassette 5, and a plurality of heating elements provided on the thermal head 12 are printed as described above. Since the tape T is wound around the tape spool 64 with the heat-sensitive coloring layer facing inward, the tape T is opposed to and contacts the heat-sensitive coloring layer of the printing tape T. When the tape printer 1 is operated, the platen roller 13 a is brought into contact with the thermal head 12, and the tape feed auxiliary roller 13 b is connected to the tape feed port 1. Contacted with 1. As a result, the print tape T pulled out from the tape unit 20 stored in the tape unit storage section 41 of the cassette case main body 32 can be moved by the tape feed roller 11 and the tape feed auxiliary roller 13b in cooperation with each other. The tape is smoothly guided to the tape pull-out portion 36 via the tape guide walls 42, 43, and is drawn out. The thermal head guide portion 37 has a concave guide portion 38, and the thermal head 12 and the platen opening are formed. In cooperation with Ira 13a, characters and the like are printed on the thermosensitive coloring layer of the printing tape T. Thereafter, the printing tape T on which characters and the like are printed is discharged from the tape discharge unit lb to the outside of the tape printing device 1 by cooperation of the tape feeding roller 11 and the tape feeding auxiliary roller 13 b. .

As described above, characters or the like are printed on the heat-sensitive coloring layer of the printing tape T to create a tape with characters, so that the remaining amount of the printing tape T wound around the winding tube 53 has decreased. It can be easily recognized by simply observing the radius of the winding part TO at the observation window 59 from above the cassette lid 33. When the print tape T runs out, a tape around which new unused print tape T is wound Replaced with unit 20. In this case, first, the tape cassette 5 is removed from the cassette storage section 8. Next, the knob of the elastic locking hook body 40 in the cassette lid 33 is pushed to disengage the locking long hole 39 in the cassette case main body 32, and the cassette lid 33 is removed from the cassette case main body 32. Remove. After that, the support 21 with the print tape T used up is taken out of the tape unit storage section 41 together with the lower spool 22 and a new replacement tape unit 20 formed by winding an unused print tape T is tape unit. Storage section 4 Store in 1. Then, since the upper surface of the cassette case main body 32 is opened because the cassette lid 33 has been removed, the user grasps the upper end in the width direction of the printing tape T, and moves from the winding part TO. Pull out the printing tape T and set the tape unit

20 Guide groove 5 5 & Tape pull-out part via tape guide wall 4 2, 4 3

3 Send the print tape T to 6, and then feed the print tape T to a position where the leading end of the print tape T faces the tape feed roller 11.

 At this time, the winding tube 53 and the winding portion T0 of the printing tape T are integrally attached so as not to come off and to be rotatable by the support 21 and the lower spool 22. Since the tape identifying portion 30 is formed on the support 21, the tape unit 20 is replaced, and the leading end of the printing tape T is moved to a position facing the tape feed port 11. If the tape cassette 5 is returned to the original position (the cassette storage section 8 of the tape printing apparatus 1) after the feeding, the tape printing apparatus 1 can automatically determine the type of the tape.

 As described in detail above, in the tape cassette 5 according to the present embodiment, when the tape unit 20 is replaced, the cassette case main body 32 and the cassette lid 33 can be reused, and the running cost can be reduced. it can.

The printing tape T according to the embodiment has a configuration in which a thermosensitive coloring layer is formed on one surface of a base tape, and a release paper is adhered on the other surface via an adhesive layer. The printing tape T is wound around the winding tube 53 with the heat-sensitive coloring layer inside. I have. Thereby, discoloration of the thermosensitive coloring layer can be prevented. Then, the adhesive oozes out from both end surfaces of the winding portion T0 in the tape width direction and is adhered to the lower surface of the rotating support portion 21a of the support 21 and the upper surface of the flange portion 23 of the lower spool 22. The smooth rotation of the printing tape T when it is pulled out can be prevented by the arrangement of the separator 54 such as the PET (polyethylene terephthalate resin film).

 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

 For example, in the present embodiment, the cassette lid 33 is provided, but the cassette lid 33 is not always necessary, and the cassette lid 33 may be constituted by only the cassette case main body 32 and the tape unit 20. The rotation supporting portion 21a of the unit 20 and the cassette lid 33 may be configured as a body.

 Further, in the present embodiment, the cassette lid 33 is configured to be separated from the cassette case main body 32, but the cassette lid 33 is connected to the cassette case main body 32 using a well-known hinge mechanism, and the cassette case main body 32 is connected. It may be opened and closed with respect to 32, but not separated from the force-setting case body 32. Industrial applicability

 As described above, the invention according to claim 1 is configured so that a replaceable tape unit having a printing tape wound around a tape spool is detachably housed in the cassette case body. In a tape cassette used in a tape printing apparatus comprising: a tape supporting unit rotatably holding the tape spool; and a rotating supporting unit facing a winding portion of the printing tape, wherein the rotating supporting unit includes: Has an observation window extending in the winding radial direction of the winding portion of the printing tape.

Therefore, the diameter of the rotating support part is larger than the diameter of the winding tube at the center of the winding part of the printing tape. Even if is large, the remaining amount of tape in the winding part can be easily visually recognized by looking at the observation window extending in the winding radial direction of the winding part. Then, the visual recognition can be easily performed with the tape unit stored in the cassette case main body.

 Further, the tape unit of the present invention is a tape unit in which a printing tape is wound, and includes a winding portion of the printing tape, and a disc-shaped synthetic resin thin plate that covers both end surfaces of the winding portion. A spacer so that it cannot be pulled out by being sandwiched between the main body of the tape unit and the spool. The spacer has at least one perforation extending over an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge thereof. It is provided with a cut line.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. In a tape cassette used in a tape printing apparatus, a replaceable tape unit having a printing tape wound around a tape spool is detachably housed in a cassette case body.  The tape unit includes a rotation support portion that rotatably holds the tape spool and that faces a winding portion of the printing tape.  A tape cassette, characterized in that the rotation support portion is provided with an observation window extending in a winding radial direction of a winding portion of the printing tape.  2. A detachable cassette lid for covering an upper surface of the cassette case main body is provided, and the cassette lid is provided with a support portion in which the rotation support portion is immovably fitted, so that the observation window can be seen from the support portion. The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein the tape cassette is configured as follows.  3. The tape cassette according to claim 2, wherein the support portion has a hole shape formed in a cassette lid.  4. An extension member from the rotation support portion of the tape unit includes a type for specifying the type of the printing tape wound on the tape spool in cooperation with the sensor means provided in the tape printing device. 4. The tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein a tape specifying part is formed.  5. A replaceable tape unit in which a printing tape is wound around a tape spool, the tape unit being detachably stored in a tape cassette used in a tape printing device, wherein the tape spool is rotatable. , And a rotation support portion facing the winding portion of the printing tape,  A tape unit, wherein the rotation support portion includes an observation window extending in a winding radius direction of a winding portion of the printing tape. 6. Extension members from the rotation support section of the tape unit include the 6. A tape identifying section for identifying a type of a printing tape wound on a tape spool in cooperation with a sensor means arranged in a tape printing device, according to claim 5, wherein The tape unit.  7. A tape unit formed by winding a printing tape, comprising: a winding portion of the printing tape; and a disk-shaped synthetic resin thin plate-shaped sensor covering both end surfaces of the winding portion. At least one perforated cut line extending across the inner and outer peripheral edges of the spacer is provided on the tape unit. A tape unit characterized by being provided.  8. The tape punit according to claim 7, wherein the score line is formed in a straight line extending in a radial direction from an inner peripheral edge to an outer peripheral edge of the disc-shaped sensor.  9. The spacer according to claim 7, wherein the spacer has a diameter larger than a maximum diameter of a winding portion of the printing tape, and a notch portion communicating with the vicinity of the cut line is provided on an outer peripheral edge thereof. The tape unit.  10. The tape unit having the printing tape wound thereon is characterized in that it is replaceably mounted on a tape cassette comprising a cassette case body and a detachable cassette lid. The tape unit according to claim 7.