Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith

A cutting device includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward a tape-like member from a cutting start position, a cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return to a cutting stand-by position, wherein the cutter operation mechanism, in the return operation, makes the cutting start position and withdrawal position of the cutter unit different between a full cutting which cuts all of the tape-like member and a half cutting which cuts one portion of the tape-like member.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-291942, filed on Dec. 24, 2009, is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cutting device and a tape printing apparatus equipped therewith.

2. Related Art

Heretofore, a tape printing apparatus has been known which carries out a printing on, while feeding, a tape-like member wherein a printing tape (coated with an adhesive) and release paper are stacked, and when the printing is finished, cuts off a portion on which the printing is done, making a label. The label made is used by stripping the printing tape from the release paper, and affixing it to a desired affixing surface. Also, the cutting has a full cutting, which cuts both the printing tape and release paper of the tape-like member by means of a full cutter, and a half cutting which cuts either the printing tape or release paper by means of a half cutter. By carrying out the half cutting, it is possible to make it easy to strip the printing tape from the release paper.

Structures of a full cutting device and half cutting device incorporated in the tape printing apparatus include, for example, JP-A-2002-103281.

With JP-A-2002-103281, the full cutting device, being configured including a fixed blade and a movable blade pivotably supported on the fixed blade via a pivot, carries out the full cutting in the form of scissors. Also, the half cutting device is configured including a half cutter, which has a cutter blade configured of an inclined blade, and a cutter operation mechanism, which causes the half cutter to carry out a circulatory movement circulating through a cutting stand-by position, a cutting start position, a cutting completion position, and a withdrawal position, and returning to the cutting stand-by position, wherein the half cutter moves in a width direction of the tape-like member, and carries out the half cutting on the tape-like member.

However, with JP-A-2002-103281, as a cutting device is configured including a full cutting device, which carries out the full cutting, and a half cutting device, which carries out the half cutting, separately, there is a problem in that the cutting device becomes larger in size. Along with this, there is a problem in that the tape printing apparatus including the cutting device also becomes larger in size. Consequently, there has been a demand for a cutting device with which it is possible to share the full cutting device and half cutting device, and it is possible to achieve a miniaturization, and for a tape printing apparatus including the cutting device. Also, when the full cutting device and half cutting device are shared, there is a problem in that the tape-like member is damaged due to a movement for a return operation. In particular, when the half cutting is carried out, there is a problem in that the half-cut tape-like member is damaged due to a movement of a cutter blade for the return operation thereof.

Consequently, there has been a demand for a cutting device with which it is possible to achieve a miniaturization by sharing the full cutting device and half cutting device, and safely carry out the return operation of the cutter blade without damaging the tape-like member, and for a tape printing apparatus including the cutting device.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above and the invention can be embodied as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1

According to this application example, there is provided a cutting device which carries out a cutting operation on a tape-like member in a width direction thereof, including a cutter unit having a cutter blade configured of an inclined blade, and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward the tape-like member from a cutting stand-by position to a cutting start position, the cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move from the cutting start position to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position. The cutter operation mechanism, in the return operation, makes the cutting start position and withdrawal position of the cutter unit different between a full cutting which cuts all of the tape-like member and a half cutting which cuts one portion of the tape-like member.

According to this kind of cutting device, by means of the cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out the circulatory movement, the cutter unit moves in the width direction of the tape-like member, and carries out the cutting operation. Also, as the cutter operation mechanism can change the amount of cutting into the tape-like member by making the cutting start position different between the full cutting and half cutting using the same cutter unit in the cutting preparation operation, it is possible to carry out the full cutting and half cutting. Because of this, a need to configure the cutting device of separate devices, a full cutting device and a half cutting device, is eliminated. Consequently, by it being possible to share the full cutting device and half cutting device, it is possible to achieve a miniaturization of the cutting device.

Also, with the cutter operation mechanism, by making the withdrawal position different between the full cutting and half cutting, it is possible to prevent a problem of the tape-like member being damaged, or the like, due to a movement of the cutter unit in the return operation which is the operation after the withdrawal operation. Consequently, with the cutter mechanism, it is possible to safely carry out the return operation of the cutter unit.

Application Example 2

In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the cutter operation mechanism, in the withdrawal operation at a time of the half cutting, causes the withdrawal position to move away from a tape surface of the tape-like member.

According to this kind of cutting device, by the cutter operation mechanism causing the withdrawal position to move away from the tape surface of the tape-like member in the withdrawal operation at the half cutting time, it is possible to prevent a problem of the half-cut tape-like member being damaged, or the like, when the cutter blade carries out a movement in the return operation which is the operation after the withdrawal operation. Consequently, with the cutter operation mechanism, it is possible to safely carry out the return operation of the cutter blade.

Application Example 3

In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the cutter operation mechanism includes a first movement mechanism which causes the cutter unit to move in a front-back direction with respect to the tape-like member, a second movement mechanism which causes the cutter unit to move in an up-down direction with respect to the tape-like member, and a power transmission mechanism which branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism and second movement mechanism, and brings the first movement mechanism and second movement mechanism into conjunction, causing the cutter unit to carry out the circulatory movement, and that the power transmission mechanism, having a rotating circular plate, which rotates by means of power input from a drive portion, and cam grooves with differing channels formed in the rotating circular plate, carries out the full cutting and half cutting by causing the rotating circular plate to rotate by switching the rotation direction thereof between a forward direction and a backward direction.

According to this kind of cutting device, the cutter operation mechanism, including the first movement mechanism, second movement mechanism, and power transmission mechanism, causes the cutter unit to carry out the circulatory movement. By means of this kind of cutter operation mechanism, it is possible to cause the cutter unit to carry out the complex circulatory movement with a simple structure. Also, as the first movement mechanism and second movement mechanism come into conjunction by means of the power transmission mechanism, it is possible to cause accurate operations to be carried out in synchronization. Then, by the power transmission mechanism including the rotating circular plate and cam grooves, and causing the rotating circular plate to rotate by switching the rotation direction thereof between the forward direction and backward direction, carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, it is possible to realize the full cutting and half cutting by means of a simple configuration and an efficient method.

As the power transmission mechanism has the cam grooves with the differing channels formed in the rotating circular plate, when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting by switching the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate between the forward direction and backward direction, for example, a channel in which the withdrawal operation and return operation at the half cutting time are carried out, and a channel in which the cutting preparation operation and cutting operation at a time of the full cutting are carried out, can be formed separately in the rotating circular plate. Because of this, it is possible, at the half cutting time, to cause the withdrawal position of the cutter unit to move away from the tape surface of the tape-like member, and it is possible, at the full cutting time, to cause the cutting start position to be positioned in an appropriate position. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a problem in that the cutter blade abuts against the tape-like member and damages the tape-like member, or the like, when carrying out the return operation at the half cutting time.

Application Example 4

In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that a cam groove of the rotating circular plate is such that, by it having stepped portions, the cam grooves with the differing channels are connected.

According to this kind of cutting device, as the cam grooves with the differing channels are connected by the cam groove having the stepped portions, it is possible to efficiently form smoothly connected cam grooves. Because of this, the rotating circular plate, when carrying out the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, can carry out stable and smooth rotations. Because of this, the cutter operation mechanism can cause the rotating circular plate to balance and smoothly carry out appropriate operations of the full cutting and half cutting.

Application Example 5

In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that a cam projection included in a first plate is projectingly disposed so as to be retractable by means of a spring member.

According to this kind of cutting device, by the cam projection included in the first plate having the spring member, it is possible to realize a retractable cam projection with a simple configuration, and it is possible, when the rotating circular plate carries out the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, to reliably cause the cam projection to be driven to move by each rotation along the cam groove having the stepped portion.

Application Example 6

A tape printing apparatus according to this application example includes the heretofore described cutting device, and a printing drive device which carries out a printing on the tape-like member.

According to this kind of tape printing apparatus, as it includes the cutting device having the heretofore described advantages, it is possible to achieve a miniaturization, and in addition, it is possible to prevent a problem of the tape-like member being damaged due to a movement of the cutter unit, or the like. It is possible to realize a tape printing apparatus with which it is possible to safely carry out the return operation of the cutter blade without damaging the tape-like member, in particular, when the half cutting is carried out.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, a description will be given of an embodiment, based on the drawings.

Embodiment

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare perspective views of a tape printing apparatus, whereFIG. 1Ais a perspective view of the tape printing apparatus1in a condition in which an opening/closing cover103is closed, andFIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the tape printing apparatus1in a condition in which the opening/closing cover103is opened.FIG. 1Bshows a condition in which a tape cartridge15is removed from a mounting portion110. With reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a description will be given of an external configuration of the tape printing apparatus1.

InFIGS. 1A and 1B, a direction from an operating panel101of the tape printing apparatus1to the tape cartridge15(from the right to the left of the drawings) is taken to be a Y axis (+Y axis) direction, a direction from a tape discharge slit (ejection slot)104to the tape cartridge15(an upward direction from the bottom of the drawings) an X axis (+X axis) direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y axis direction and X axis direction a Z axis direction (a direction from the back to the front of the drawings is taken to be a +Z axis direction). The subsequent drawings are shown in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system defined inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The Z axis direction is a height direction, thickness direction, and up-down direction of the tape printing apparatus1. Also, in the following description, when describing a direction, the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system will be used as appropriate.

The exterior of the tape printing apparatus1is formed of an exterior casing100. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the tape printing apparatus1has the operating panel101, which includes various kinds of input key, on a −Y side upper surface of the exterior casing100. Also, the tape printing apparatus1has a display102on a +Y side upper surface of the exterior casing100. Also, the tape printing apparatus1has the opening/closing cover103, which is openable and closeable, adjacent to the display102. Also, although not shown, a power supply device, various kinds of display lamp, a trimmer device, and the like, are disposed on the exterior casing100, and a circuit board mounted with a controller which overall controls the operation of the tape printing apparatus1, and the like, are disposed in the interior of the exterior casing100.

As shown inFIG. 1B, the mounting portion110which removably houses the tape cartridge15is provided on the lower side (−Z side) of the opening/closing cover103. A platen roller rotating shaft122, an ink ribbon rewinding shaft123, a printing head unit130, and the like, extend out into the mounting portion110. When mounting/removing the tape cartridge15, the mounting/removing is carried out by opening the opening/closing cover103. Also, after the mounting/removing of the tape cartridge15, the opening/closing cover103is closed.

As shown inFIG. 1B, in the interior of the exterior casing100, a cutting device20which carries out a full cutting and a half cutting with respect to a tape-like member160is disposed on a tape feed direction downstream side (the −X side) of the mounting portion110. Also, the tape discharge slit104through which the fully-cut and separated tape-like member160is discharged to the exterior of the apparatus is opened in a side surface of the exterior casing100on the tape feed direction downstream side of the cutting device20.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the tape cartridge15, a printing drive device120, and the cutting device20in the interior of the tape printing apparatus1.FIGS. 3A to 3Care perspective views individually showing the tape cartridge15, printing drive device120, and cutting device20inFIG. 2, whereFIG. 3Ais a perspective view of the tape cartridge15,FIG. 3Bis a perspective view of the printing drive device120, andFIG. 3Cis a perspective view of the cutting device20. With reference toFIGS. 2 and 3Ato3C, a description will be given of outline configurations of the tape cartridge15, printing drive device120, and cutting device20.

As shown inFIG. 2, the tape cartridge15is mounted in the mounting portion110(a mounting casing111). The printing drive device120(refer toFIG. 3B) which drives the tape cartridge15and carries out a printing on the tape-like member160is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the mounting portion110. Also, the cutting device20of the embodiment is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the printing drive device120and on the side surface sides (the −X side and +Y side) of the mounting casing111. In particular, a rotating circular plate610configuring a power transmission mechanism600, to be described hereafter, of the cutting device20(a cutter operation mechanism300) is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the printing drive device120.

As shown inFIG. 3A, a tape feed spool151on which is mounted the tape-like member160wound into a roll is disposed in the interior of the tape cartridge15, and the leading end of the tape-like member160is in a condition in which it is let out from a tape outlet slit154opened in a side wall on the cutting device20side. The tape-like member160is configured by stacking a printing tape161coated with an adhesive, which is a member to be subjected to a printing, and release paper162.

A platen roller180which rotates in engagement with the platen roller rotating shaft122, to be described hereafter, is disposed in the vicinity of the tape outlet slit154, and the tape cartridge15has an opening portion155, faced by a printing head131across the tape-like member160, on a side opposite the platen roller180. Also, a ribbon feed spool152and a ribbon rewinding spool153are disposed in the vicinity of the opening portion155. The ribbon feed spool152feeds an ink ribbon170between the platen roller180and printing head131. The ribbon rewinding spool153rotates in engagement with the ink ribbon rewinding shaft123, to be described hereafter, and rewinds the ink ribbon170.

In the printing drive device120, as shown inFIG. 3B, the platen roller rotating shaft122and ink ribbon rewinding shaft123are rotatably erected on a flat plate-like drive device frame121. Also, the printing drive device120is configured so that the rotative force of a drive motor124can be transmitted simultaneously to each of the platen roller rotating shaft122and ink ribbon rewinding shaft123via a gear train (not shown). Then, these component portions are disposed in such a way as to be hidden underneath the mounting casing111.

Also, the printing head unit130is configured in the printing drive device120. The printing head131, such as a thermal head, is held on the printing head unit130by a head holder132so as to face the platen roller rotating shaft122. The head holder132is pivotable around a head holder shaft (not shown).

When the tape cartridge15is mounted in the mounting portion110(refer toFIG. 2), the platen roller rotating shaft122and platen roller180come into engagement, and the ink ribbon rewinding shaft123and ribbon rewinding spool153come into engagement. Also, the print head unit130has a release lever134extended from the lower end of the head holder132to aside surface of the mounting casing111. Then, the release lever134is operated in conjunction with an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing cover103and, in a condition in which the opening/closing cover is closed, the printing head131facing the interior of the opening portion155of the tape cartridge15presses the platen roller180while clamping the ink ribbon170and tape-like member160.

Herein, when a printing instruction is given from the controller, the drive motor124operates, and the platen roller180and ribbon rewinding spool153start to rotate. Then, the tape-like member160is fed, and ink of the ink ribbon170is thermally transferred to the printing tape161by the printing head131, and printed thereon. The tape-like member160on which the printing is done is sequentially fed from the tape outlet slit154toward the tape discharge slit104side. Also, the ink ribbon170used in the printing is sequentially rewound around the ribbon rewinding spool153.

Furthermore, the printed tape-like member160fed from the tape outlet slit154of the tape cartridge15is fed into the interior of the cutting device20through a guide slit320formed in a base frame310of the cutting device20(refer toFIG. 3C). The tape-like member160having entered the interior of the cutting device20through the guide slit320is fed to the tape discharge slit104side through an interspace formed by a tape discharge mechanism800, which has a tape receiving surface843a(refer toFIG. 9) and a tape discharge roller820(refer toFIG. 9), and a tape pressing mechanism900, which has a tape pressing roller910disposed facing the tape discharge roller820.

When mounting the tape cartridge15in the mounting portion110, the tape-like member160extending from the tape outlet slit154is inserted into the interspace between the tape discharge roller820of the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing roller910of the tape pressing mechanism900from above (the +Z direction).

With reference toFIG. 3C, a description will be given of an outline of a mechanism system configuring the cutting device20. The cutting device20is configured in the upper portion of the mechanism system with the frame310as a reference. The cutting device20includes a cutter unit200(refer toFIGS. 4A and 4B) having a cutter blade210(refer toFIGS. 4A and 4B), to be described hereafter, and a cutter operation mechanism300, to be described hereafter, which causes the cutter unit200to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation, a cutting operation, a withdrawal operation, and a return operation. Also, the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900, to be described hereafter, are included in the cutting device20. Also, with the cutting device20of the embodiment, it is possible to carry out the full cutting and half cutting with one common cutter unit200. In other words, it is possible to carry out the full cutting and half cutting by sharing the cutter unit200.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare perspective views showing the cutter unit200.FIG. 4Ais a completion diagram of the cutter unit200, andFIG. 4Bis an assembly diagram of the cutter unit200. A description will be given of the cutter unit200.

The cutter unit200is a unit which is slidably guided by a guide shaft430, to be described hereafter, and cuts the tape-like member160. The cutter unit200is configured of the cutter blade210configured of an inclined blade, a cutter holder220holding the cutter blade210, and a cutter cover230which fixes the cutter blade210by tucking it into the cutter holder220.

As shown inFIG. 4A, the cutter unit200is fixed in a condition in which a blade edge211of the cutter blade210is projected in the +Y direction from an end face of an attachment surface222of the cutter holder220. Also, the cutter unit200fixes the cutter blade210, by means of an inclined surface234formed on the cutter cover230, in a condition in which the blade edge211is uniformly exposed.

In order to assemble the cutter unit200, as shown inFIG. 4B, the blade edge211is caused to face in the upward direction (+Z direction), and a positioning hole212of the cutter blade210is engaged with a positioning projection223of the cutter holder220. Also, a positioning hole231of the cutter cover230is engaged with the positioning projection223passing through the positioning hole212of the cutter blade210, thus covering the cutter blade210.

Next, a fixing screw237is caused to pass through a fixing hole224and a fixing hole213of the cutter blade210from the bottom side (−X side) of the cutter holder220, and is screwed in a fixing hole232of the cutter cover230. Also, a fixing screw238is caused to pass through a fixing hole233from the top side (+X side) of the cutter cover230, and is screwed in a fixing hole225of the cutter holder220. By this means, the cutter holder220clamps the cutter blade210with the cutter cover230, thus fixing the cutter blade210.

The cutter operation mechanism300includes a first movement mechanism400, a second movement mechanism500, and the power transmission mechanism600. The first movement mechanism400is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit200to move in a front-back direction (the Y axis direction) relative to the tape-like member160. Also, the second movement mechanism500is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit200to move in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) relative to the tape-like member160. Also, the power transmission mechanism600is a mechanism which branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500, and brings the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500into conjunction, causing the cutter unit200to carryout the circulatory movement. Also, the power transmission mechanism600also branches power and transmits it to the tape discharge mechanism800.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare perspective views showing the first movement mechanism400.FIG. 5Ais a completion diagram of the first movement mechanism400, andFIG. 5Bis an assembly diagram of the first movement mechanism400. With reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a description will be given of a configuration of the first movement mechanism400.

The first movement mechanism400is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit200to move in the front-back direction (Y axis direction) relative to the tape-like member160. In the embodiment, the first movement mechanism400causes the cutter unit200to carryout the cutting preparation operation, withdrawal operation, and in addition, one portion of the cutting operation. The first movement mechanism400is configured of a cutter sliding unit410and a first plate450configuring the rotating circular plate610, and a planar cam mechanism670, of the power transmission mechanism600. The cutter sliding unit410is configured of a guide shaft unit420, a unit support casing440, which supports the guide shaft unit420by applying an appropriate pressing force thereto, and two pressing springs447and448which are a pressing force generation source.

The first plate450brings the rotating circular plate610and cutter sliding unit410into conjunction. The first plate, being formed of a plate material, is configured of a unit holding portion451, which connects and holds the cutter sliding unit410, and a cam arm452connected to the rotating circular plate610.

A cam projection hole456for engaging a cam projection460from below with a planar cam groove620formed in the rotating circular plate610, to be described hereafter, is formed in the cam arm452. Also, the cam arm452includes a pressing spring471as a spring member for holding and fixing the cam projection460in the cam projection hole456so that the cam projection460is retractable (retractable in the Z direction), thus configuring a projection holding portion470.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare perspective views showing the second movement mechanism500, whereFIG. 6Ais a completion diagram of the second movement mechanism500, andFIG. 6Bis a perspective view of a swaying plate510. InFIGS. 6A and 6B, for convenience of description, a depiction of the cutter sliding unit410(the first movement mechanism400having the guide shaft unit420) is omitted. With reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a description will be given of configurations of the second movement mechanism500and swaying plate510.

The second movement mechanism500is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit200to move in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) along the guide shaft430. Also, the second movement mechanism500causes the cutter unit200to move in the up-down direction, thereby causing it to carry out the cutting operation or return operation with respect to the tape-like member160. The second movement mechanism500is configured of the cutter sliding unit410, a second plate550configuring the rotating circular plate610, and a crank mechanism680, of the power transmission mechanism600, and the swaying plate510which has one end swayingly connected to the cutter unit200and the other end swayingly connected to the second plate550.

The second plate550interlocks the rotating circular plate610and cutter sliding unit410. The second plate550is configured of a swaying plate holding portion551, which swayingly connects and holds the swaying plate510, and a crank arm552connected to the rotating circular plate610. A sliding slot554for swaying the swaying plate510, to be described hereafter, is formed in a wall553of the swaying plate holding portion551. A crank hole556for engaging from below with a crank projection630projectingly disposed on the rotating circular plate610is formed in the crank arm552.

As shown inFIG. 6B, the swaying plate510has a plate main body511, and a pivotal aperture512, which is a swaying center, and a first sliding shaft513and second sliding shaft514erected in a direction (the −X direction) perpendicular to the surface of the plate main body511are configured in the vicinity of the corners of the outer shape of the plate main body511. The first sliding shaft513is slidably connected to the second plate550, and the second sliding shaft514is slidably connected to the cutter unit200. Because of this, as a result, the swaying plate510carries out a swaying around the pivotal aperture512.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the power transmission mechanism600of the cutter operation mechanism300and a drive portion700as seen from below.FIG. 7shows a condition in which a sub-frame330, the tape discharge mechanism800, and the tape pressing mechanism900are disposed.

The power transmission mechanism600includes the rotating circular plate610which rotates by means of power input from the drive portion700. The drive portion700has a drive motor710and the gear train720which is driven by the rotation of the drive motor710to rotate the rotating circular plate610.

Although details are described hereafter, the rotating circular plate (power transmission mechanism600) rotates by means of the drive portion700, and power caused by the rotation is branched and transmitted to the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500, and the cutter operation mechanism300operates in conjunction therewith. By carrying out the circulatory movement including the cutting preparation operation, cutting operation, withdrawal operation, and return operation by means of the operation of the cutter operation mechanism300, the cutter unit200cuts the tape-like member160.

Herein, a description will be given of a configuration of the drive portion700.

The drive portion700is a component portion which transmits a rotative force to the rotating circular plate610configuring the power transmission mechanism600. As shown inFIG. 7, the drive portion700is configured of the drive motor710the gear train720, which is driven by the rotation of the drive motor710to transmit the power to the rotating circular plate610, and a detection switch portion730, which detects whether or not the cutter blade210is in a cutting stand-by position. The gear train720is configured of a worm721press-fitted around a motor shaft711of the drive motor710and a worm wheel722meshing with the worm721. Also, the worm wheel722has integrally formed in the lower portion thereof a transmission gear723which transmits the power in mesh with a gear portion650formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate610.

The drive motor710carries out a forward direction rotation and a backward direction rotation. Consequently, the rotating circular plate610also carries out a forward direction rotation and a backward direction rotation by means of the drive portion700. Also, as a rotation speed detection member725is disposed on the motor shaft711, it is also possible to detect the rotation speed of the drive motor710.

As shown inFIG. 7, the detection switch portion730is configured of a detection switch731, which has a detection lever732, and a detection arm733which abuts with the detection lever732. The detection switch portion730is a component portion which detects whether or not the half cutting or full cutting by the cutting device20has been completed. The detection switch portion730outputs a detection result (ON/OFF) to the controller (not shown) included in the tape printing apparatus1. The detection switch portion730operates in engagement with the planar cam groove620of the rotating circular plate610, and detects whether or not the half cutting or full cutting has been completed.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the tape pressing mechanism900. With reference toFIG. 8, a description will be given of a configuration of the tape pressing mechanism900.

The tape pressing mechanism900is a device which is driven to move by the first movement mechanism400and, while the cutter unit200is carrying out the cutting operation which full-cuts or half-cuts the tape-like member160, presses and clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge mechanism800, to be described hereafter, disposed facing the tape pressing mechanism900, thus preventing a movement of the tape-like member160. The tape pressing mechanism900is configured of a tape pressing roller910and a tape holding casing920which rotatably holds the tape pressing roller910. The tape pressing roller910has a rotating shaft910a(refer toFIG. 3C), and a pressing portion911formed of an approximately cylindrical member is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft910a. A concave groove911ais formed in the approximately central portion of the pressing portion911in such a way as to separate the upper stage and lower stage. The pressing portion911is configured of an elastic member and, in the embodiment, a rubber-based member is used.

The tape holding casing920is formed into an approximate box of which a side (the +Y side) is opened on which the tape discharge mechanism800(refer toFIG. 9) is disposed facing the tape holding casing920. Particularly, the tape holding casing920is configured of an upper plate921and lower plate922, which rotatably hold the tape pressing roller910from above and below, and three side plates923,924, and925(refer toFIG. 7) which connect three directions of end faces of the upper plate921and lower plate922.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the tape discharge mechanism800.FIG. 10is a plan view of a main portion including the tape discharge mechanism800.FIG. 10depicts the main portion with necessary component portions extracted in order to illustrate an operation of the tape discharge mechanism800. With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, a description will be given of an outline of a configuration and operation of the tape discharge mechanism800.

The tape discharge mechanism800is a device which, while the cutter unit200is carrying out the half cutting or full cutting on the tape-like member160, presses and clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape pressing mechanism900disposed facing the tape discharge mechanism800, thus preventing a movement of the tape-like member160. Also, the tape discharge mechanism800is a device which, after the cutter unit200has full-cut the tape-like member160and finished the cutting operation, by rotating the tape discharge roller820, to be described hereafter, moves (discharges) the cut and separated tape-like member160toward the tape discharge slit104of the tape printing apparatus1.

The tape discharge mechanism800is configured of a tape discharge roller unit810and a discharge drive portion850. The tape discharge roller unit810is configured of the tape discharge roller820and a tape discharge casing830which rotatably holds the tape discharge roller820. Also, the tape discharge casing830functionally has a roller housing portion831, which houses the tape discharge roller820, and a cutter blade clearance portion832into which the cutter blade210(blade edge211) retreats when the cutter unit200cuts the tape-like member160.

A pressing portion821formed of an approximately cylindrical member is disposed on the outer periphery of a rotating shaft820aof the tape discharge roller820. Also, the tape discharge roller820is such that a roller rotating gear822fixed to the rotating shaft820ais disposed below the pressing portion821.

Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the discharge drive portion850.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the discharge drive portion850is a mechanism portion which transmits the rotation of the rotating circular plate610to the tape discharge roller820, causing the tape discharge roller820to rotate, and cuts off the transmission, prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller820.

The discharge drive portion850is configured of a transmission gear train870, a clutch portion880, and a drive portion casing860in which the transmission gear train870and clutch portion880are incorporated. The transmission gear train870transmits power, which is a source of driving (rotating) the tape discharge roller820, to the clutch portion880. The clutch portion880transmits the power of the transmission gear train870, causing the tape discharge roller820to rotate, and cuts off the power of the transmission gear train870, prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller820.

The transmission gear train870has a first gear871, which engages with the gear portion650formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate610and transmits the rotation of the rotating circular plate610, and a transmission gear871aconnected to the first gear871. Also, the transmission gear train870has a second gear872, which engages with the first gear871(transmission gear871a) and transmits the rotation to a subsequent stage gear, and a transmission gear872aconnected to the second gear872. The discharge drive portion850is such that the transmission gear train870and gear portion650come into engagement, configuring a transmission mechanism660with the rotating circular plate610.

The clutch portion880has a clutch casing881which is fitted around a rotating shaft872bof the second gear872with a predetermined friction. Also, the clutch portion880has a clutch lever882extending from the +X side end of the clutch casing881. Also, the clutch portion880has a clutch gear portion883which, being rotatably disposed at one corner of the −Y side end of the clutch casing881, acts as a clutch gear portion engaging with the second gear872(transmission gear872a). The clutch gear portion883, when it engages with the roller rotating gear822of the tape discharge roller820, which is a subsequent stage gear, transmits the rotation of the second gear872(transmission gear872a) to the roller rotating gear822, causing the tape discharge roller820to rotate.

Also, the clutch portion880has a gear stopper884which, being disposed fixed to the other corner of the −Y side end of the clutch casing881, acts as a fixed gear portion. The gear stopper884, when it engages with the roller rotating gear822of the tape discharge roller820, by prohibiting the rotation of the roller rotating gear822, prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820.

The clutch casing881, by being fitted around the rotating shaft872bof the second gear872with the predetermined friction, as heretofore described, is given a sliding load, and tends to rotate in a rotation direction of the second gear872. Consequently, the clutch lever882, clutch gear portion883, and gear stopper884disposed on the clutch casing881are also driven by the operation of the clutch casing881.

The diagram shown inFIG. 10shows a condition in which the cutter blade210has finished the full cutting, has retracted from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position, and is lowering to the cutting stand-by position. In this condition, the rotating circular plate610is carrying out the forward direction rotation (a clockwise rotation) shown by an arrow A, and the second gear872of the transmission gear train870also carries out the forward direction rotation shown by an arrow C. Because of this, by the clutch gear portion883of the discharge drive portion850meshing with the roller rotating gear822of the tape discharge roller820, the tape discharge roller820rotates, and the cut tape-like member160is discharged from the tape outlet slit154disposed on the −X side.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare perspective views of the rotating circular plate610, whereFIG. 11Ais a perspective view of the rotating circular plate610seen from the top side, andFIG. 11Bis a perspective view of the rotating circular plate610seen from the bottom side.FIGS. 12A to 12Care diagrams showing the rotating circular plate610, whereFIG. 12Ais a plan view of the rotating circular plate610,FIG. 12Bis a F-F′ sectional view of the planar cam groove620, andFIG. 12Cis a G-G′ sectional view of the planar cam groove620.FIG. 12Ashowing a plan view of the rotating circular plate610seen from the top side (+Z side), the planar cam groove620and crank projection630, although formed and disposed on the bottom side of the rotating circular plate610in reality, are shown as a transparent diagram by the solid lines for convenience of description. Also, the cam projection460disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the rotating circular plate610is shown by the solid line, and the crank hole556by the two-dot chain line. With reference toFIGS. 10,11A and11B, and12A to12C, a description will be given of a configuration and outline operation of the rotating circular plate610.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11A, an edge cam projecting portion640, acting as a raised cam projecting portion, of which one portion is formed in continuity so as to be the same in the distance from a rotating aperture611with the rotating aperture611as the center, and the other portion is formed in continuity so as to vary in the distance, is formed on the top of the rotating circular plate610. The edge cam projecting portion640configures an engagement portion615of the rotating circular plate610. The edge cam projecting portion640controls the operation (the rotation and the prohibition of the rotation) of the tape discharge roller820. Also, an edge cam mechanism690acting as a cam mechanism is configured between the rotating circular plate610and discharge drive portion850by the edge cam projecting portion640and the clutch portion880driven in engagement (abutment) with a side surface (an edge cam) of the edge cam projecting portion640. In other words, the edge cam mechanism690acting as the cam mechanism is configured between the discharge drive portion850of the tape discharge mechanism800and the rotating circular plate610by the edge cam projecting portion640of the rotating circular plate610and the clutch portion880engaging with the edge cam projecting portion640.

As shown inFIGS. 7,10, and11A and11B, the gear portion650configuring the engagement portion615of the rotating circular plate610is formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate610. Also, as heretofore described, the gear portion650engages (meshes) with the transmission gear723of the drive portion700, and transmits the rotative force from the drive motor710to the rotating circular plate610. Also, as shown inFIG. 10, the gear portion650transmits the rotative force of the rotating circular plate610to the clutch portion880(eventually to the tape discharge roller820) by means of the transmission mechanism660engaging with the first gear871(transmission gear train870) of the tape discharge mechanism800, as heretofore described.

The discharge drive portion850(transmission gear train870and clutch portion880), by means of the rotation of the rotating circular plate610, brings the edge cam mechanism690and transmission mechanism660in conjunction, and causes them to carry out the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. Alternatively, the discharge drive portion850causes them to prohibit the rotation (details will be described hereafter).

As shown inFIG. 11A, by a lever projecting portion882aof the clutch lever882abutting against and sliding on the edge cam projecting portion640side surface (edge cam) formed the same distance from the rotating aperture611with the rotating aperture611as the center, the clutch portion880is driven to operate. Because of this, the gear stopper884engages with the roller rotating gear822, shown inFIG. 10, of the tape discharge roller820, thus prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller820.

As shown inFIGS. 11B and 12A, the planar cam groove620acting as a cam groove, of which the groove width is approximately constant, and the distance from the rotating aperture611is made different from one portion to another, is continuously formed in a ring form, with the rotating aperture611as the center, in the bottom of the rotating circular plate610. The planar cam groove620configures the engagement portion615of the rotating circular plate610. The cam projection460disposed on the first plate450engages with the planar cam groove620. InFIG. 12A, the planar cam groove620is displayed by the dots. Also, as shown inFIGS. 11B and 12A, the crank projection630engaging with the crank hole556formed in the second plate550is projectingly disposed on the bottom of the rotating circular plate610. The crank projection630is projectingly disposed inside the region surrounded by the planar cam groove620formed in a ring form. The crank projection630configures the engagement portion615of the rotating circular plate610.

By means of the configurations of the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500, the cam projection460of the first plate450and the crank hole556of the second plate550are such that, when the rotating circular plate610rotates around the rotating aperture611(a support pin314), the cam projection460slides in the Y axis direction along the planar cam groove620. Also, by the crank projection630rotating along the shape of the crank hole556, the crank hole556(second plate550) slides in the Y axis direction.

In the embodiment, by causing the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate610to change, the half cutting or full cutting is carried out and, by causing the rotating circular plate610to turn around once (rotate once), the series of half cutting or full cutting operations (circulatory movement) is completed. The rotating circular plate610carries out the full cutting operation by means of the forward direction rotation (clockwise rotation) shown by an arrow A, and carries out the half cutting operation by means of the backward direction rotation (a counterclockwise rotation) shown by an arrow B.

The planar cam mechanism670, being configured of the planar cam groove620, cam projection460(first plate450), and the like, as shown inFIGS. 12A to 12C, is a mechanism which converts the rotative force of the rotating circular plate610into a sliding motion of the first plate450, and causes the first movement mechanism400(cutter unit200) to slide in the Y axis direction. Also, the crank mechanism680, being configured of the crank projection630, crank hole556(second plate550), swaying plate510, and the like, is a mechanism which converts the rotative force of the rotating circular plate610into a sliding motion of the second plate550, and causes the cutter unit200caused to slide by the planar cam mechanism670to slide in the Z axis direction. The planar cam mechanism670and crank mechanism680configure the power transmission mechanism600.

Herein, the planar cam mechanism670and crank mechanism680, by the rotating circular plate610turning around once, carries out the serial full cutting or half cutting circulatory movement. Also, the planar cam mechanism670and crank mechanism680are configured in such a way that the cutting stand-by positions (initial positions) at a full cutting time and a half cutting time coincide.

In the planar cam groove620, when the rotating circular plate610rotates, when there is no change in the distance from the center (the center of the rotating aperture611) of the rotating circular plate610to the cam groove, the current position (Y axis direction position) of the cutter unit200is maintained. Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the cam groove gradually becomes shorter, the position of the cutter unit200is advanced (moved in the +Y direction). Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the cam groove gradually becomes longer, the position of the cutter unit200is retreated (moved in the −Y direction). InFIGS. 12A to 12C, the reference characters of a section a to a section i are added to the channels of the planar cam groove620for each of the sections corresponding to the heretofore described changes in distance. The section a and section i have the same distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the cam groove.

The sections a, c, e, g, and i of the planar cam groove620are sections in which there is no change in distance, that is, sections in which the current position (Y axis direction position) of the cutter unit200is maintained. Also, the sections b, d, f, and h are sections in which the distance gradually becomes shorter or longer, that is, sections in which the position of the cutter unit200is advanced (moved in the +Y direction) or retreated (moved in the −Y direction), although this is reversed depending on the rotation direction.

Also, by making different the distance to the section c of the cam groove, and the distance to the section g of the cam groove, from the center of the rotating circular plate610, a cutting start position at the full cutting time and a cutting start position at the half cutting time are made different. Also, by making different the distance to the section i of the cam groove, and the distance to the section g of the cam groove, from the center of the rotating circular plate610, a withdrawal position at the half cutting time and a withdrawal position at the full cutting time are made different.

In the crank hole556, when the rotating circular plate610is caused to rotate, and the crank projection630revolves (moves in a circle), when there is no change in the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610(the center of the rotating aperture611) to the crank hole556, the current height position (z axis direction position) of the cutter unit200is maintained. Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the crank hole556becomes shorter, the position of the cutter unit200is raised (moved in the +Z direction). Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the crank hole556becomes longer, the position of the cutter unit200is lowered (moved in the −Z direction). InFIGS. 12A to 12C, the reference characters of a section k to a section n are added to the shapes of the crank hole556for each of the sections corresponding to the heretofore described changes in distance.

The sections k and m of the crank hole556are sections in which there is no change in distance, that is, sections in which the current height position of the cutter unit200is maintained. Also, the sections1and n are sections in which the distance becomes shorter or longer, that is, sections in which the position of the cutter unit200is raised (moved in the +Z direction) or lowered (moved in the −Z direction), although this is reversed depending on the rotation direction.

In the edge cam projecting portion640, when the rotating circular plate610rotates, in a section (a section p) in which the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the edge cam is longest, and there is no change, the edge cam abuts against the lever projecting portion882aof the clutch lever882, compulsorily causing the clutch portion880to rotate. Because of this, the gear stopper884meshes with the roller rotating gear822, prohibiting the operation (rotation) of the tape discharge roller820. Also, in a section (a section q) in which the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate610to the edge cam is shorter than in the section p, the edge cam is prevented from abutting against the lever projecting portion882aof the clutch lever882, and the clutch lever882is freed. In this condition, the clutch portion880carries out a rotation in a direction the same as the rotation direction of the second gear872.

As shown inFIGS. 12A to 12C, the planar cam groove620, in which cam grooves with differing channels are formed, is such that the cam grooves which form the differing channels are connected to each other by having stepped portions620aand620bin a groove depth direction. One (the section b and the section c) of the differing channels is a channel which is used by the cam projection460engaging therewith only when carrying out the full cutting. Particularly, the section b is a channel in which the cutter unit200is advanced in the +Y direction from the cutting stand-by position to the cutting start position in the cutting preparation operation, and the section c is a channel in which the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200is maintained in the cutting operation. Also, the other (one portion of the section d and the section i) of the differing channels is a channel which is used by the cam projection460engaging therewith only when carrying out the half cutting. Particularly, one portion of the section d (a region connected to the section i) is a channel in which the cutter unit200is retreated in the −Y direction from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position in the withdrawal operation, and the section i is a channel in which the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200is maintained in the return operation.

The channel shown in the F-F′ section shown inFIG. 12Bis the channel used in the case of the full cutting, and the channel shown in the G-G′ section shown inFIG. 12Cis the channel used in the case of the half cutting. The cam projection460is shown for convenience of description.

As shown inFIG. 12B, in the case of the full cutting, the rotating circular plate610rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing with respect to the cam projection460. Then, as the stepped portion620acomes nearer to the cam projection460, the groove depth decreases. In response to this change in the groove depth, the cam projection460is pressed and pushed down to the bottom side (underside) of the rotating circular plate610. The cam projection460is pushed down to the fullest in the position of the stepped portion620aand, immediately after having passed the stepped portion620a, returns to a normal position by means of the pressing force of the pressing spring471of the projection holding portion470. By means of this operation, the cam projection460can return to the common channel.

With regard toFIG. 12Ctoo, only the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate610differing, the operation of the cam projection460with respect to the stepped portion620bis the same as the heretofore described operation of the cam projection460with respect to the stepped portion620a, so a description will be omitted. The rotating circular plate610is such that, as the traveling direction of the cam projection460is regulated by the stepped portions620aand620b, the cam projection460is prevented from entering a differing channel. Particularly, in the case of the full cutting, the traveling direction of the cam projection460is regulated by the stepped portion620bwhile, in the case of the half cutting, the traveling direction of the cam projection460is regulated by the stepped portion620a.

With reference toFIGS. 13A to 18D, a description will be given of an outline of the circulatory movement of the embodiment.

The circulatory movement of the embodiment includes the cutting preparation operation, cutting operation, withdrawal operation, and return operation. Then, the circulatory movement is carried out by branching power and transmitting it to the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500by means of the power transmission mechanism600, and causing the cutter unit200, tape discharge mechanism800, and tape pressing mechanism900to operate.

FIGS. 13A to 18Dare diagrams for illustrating operations of the cutting device20in the order of the operations when full-cutting the tape-like member160. Also,FIGS. 13A,14A,15A,16A,17A and18A are main portion side views showing operations of the cutter unit200by the planar cam mechanism670and crank mechanism680,FIGS. 13B,14B,15B,16B,17B, and18B are main portion plan views ofFIGS. 13A,14A,15A,16A,17A, and18A,FIGS. 13C,14C,15C,16C,17C, and18C are main portion side views showing operations of the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900by the edge cam mechanism690, andFIGS. 13D,14D,15D,16D,17D, and18D are main portion plan views ofFIGS. 13C,14C,15C,16C,17C, and18C. For convenience of description, only the main portion is shown in each drawing.

Also, inFIGS. 13B,14B,15B,16B,17B, and18B, for convenience of description, the planar cam groove620and crank projection630configured on the bottom of the rotating circular plate610are shown by the solid lines as transparent views. Also, when carrying out the full cutting, the rotating circular plate610carries out the forward direction rotation (clockwise rotation), as shown by an arrow A, by means of the operation of the drive portion700.

The cutting preparation operation is an operation of causing the cutter unit200to advance toward the tape-like member160from the cutting stand-by position to the cutting start position. The advancement is carried out by causing the cutter unit200to move forward (move in the +Y direction).

The cutting stand-by position, being an initial position in a condition in which the cutting device20is out of operation, is a common initial position when carrying out the full cutting or half cutting. Also, in the embodiment, the cutting start position is made different between the case of carrying out the full cutting and the case of carrying out the half cutting. In other words, the cutting start position is made different in the distance from the cutting stand-by position between the case of carrying out the full cutting and the case of carrying out the half cutting.

Particularly, when carrying out the full cutting, the cutting start position is such that the blade edge211, which is the inclined blade of the cutter blade210of the cutter unit200, is set in a position in which both the printing tape161and release paper162are cut. Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the cutting start position is such that a cutting point211aof the blade edge211of the cutter blade210is set in a position in which only the printing tape161is cut.

Because of this, it is possible, by means of the cutting operation, to be described hereafter, to change the amount by which the cutter unit200(cutter blade210) cuts into the tape-like member160. For this reason, when the full cutting is carried out, it is possible to completely cut off the tape-like member160. Also, when the half cutting is carried out, it is possible to completely cut only the printing tape161in a condition in which the release paper162remains connected.

The cutting operation is an operation of causing the cutter unit200to move from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position and, by means of this operation, the cutter unit200cuts the tape-like member160. In the embodiment, the cutting operation is configured of a first cutting operation and a second cutting operation. The first cutting operation is an operation of carrying out a cutting by moving (raising) the cutter unit200in the width direction from the cutting start position to a predetermined position. Also, the second cutting operation is an operation of carrying out a cutting by moving (advancing) the cutter unit200in a direction approximately perpendicular to the tape surface of the tape-like member160from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position.

The withdrawal operation is an operation of retreating the cutter unit200from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position. The retreat is carried out by causing the cutter unit200to move backward (move in the −Y direction). In the embodiment, the withdrawal position is made different between the case of carrying out the full cutting and the case of carrying out the half cutting. In other words, the withdrawal position is made different in the distance from the cutting completion position between the case of carrying out the full cutting and the case of carrying out the half cutting. Particularly, when carrying out the full cutting, the withdrawal position is set in a position in which the cutting point211aof the cutter blade210is aligned touching the tape-like member160.

Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the withdrawal position is set to a position in which the cutting point211aof the cutter blade210is away from the tape surface (a surface of the printing tape161of the tape-like member160on the side to which the ink of the ink ribbon170is thermally transferred) of the tape-like member160. Then, in the embodiment, the withdrawal position at the half cutting time is set in such a way as to be positioned above the cutting stand-by position (in the +Z direction).

The return operation is an operation of causing the cutter unit200to return from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position. The return is such that, as the withdrawal position differs between the full cutting time and half cutting time, the channel as far as the cutting stand-by position differs therebetween. Particularly, at the full cutting time, firstly, the cutter unit200is lowered (moved in the −Z direction) from the withdrawal position, and subsequently, moved backward (moved in the −Y direction), thereby returning the cutter unit200to the cutting stand-by position (initial position). Also, at the half cutting time, simply by the cutter unit200being lowered (moved in the −Z direction) from the withdrawal position, it is possible to return the cutter unit200to the cutting stand-by position (initial position). The circulatory movement is carried out in the way heretofore described.

Herein, a description will be given of operations of the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting in the circulatory movement.

In the cutting preparation operation, when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. Also, the tape pressing mechanism900is driven by an operation of the cutter unit200advancing toward the tape-like member160from the cutting stand-by position to the cutting start position, and advances in the same way. Consequently, the tape pressing roller910advances toward the tape discharge roller820. Then, when the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting start position, the tape pressing mechanism900causes the tape pressing roller910to press the tape-like member160with the tape discharge roller820. By means of this operation, the tape pressing mechanism900attains a condition in which the tape-like member160disposed between the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910is pressed and clamped by the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910.

In the cutting operation, when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800maintains the condition in which it prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. Also, the tape pressing mechanism900maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160by means of the tape pressing roller910and tape discharge roller820.

In the withdrawal operation, when carrying out the full cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800causes the tape discharge roller820to rotate in a direction in which it discharges the tape-like member160. Also, the tape pressing mechanism900maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160by means of the tape pressing roller910and tape discharge roller820. Consequently, the tape pressing roller910is driven by the rotation of the tape discharge roller820to carryout the rotation in the direction in which it discharges the tape-like member160. The withdrawal operation is an operation after the cutting operation finishes.

In the withdrawal operation, when carrying out the half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. Also, the tape pressing mechanism900retreats by being driven by an operation of the cutter unit200retreating from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position. Consequently, by the tape pressing roller910retreating from the tape discharge roller820, the tape-like member160is released from the condition in which it is pressed and clamped.

In the return operation, when carrying out the full cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900maintain the condition in the withdrawal operation until the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Consequently, the tape pressing roller910is driven by the rotation of the tape discharge roller820to carry out the rotation in the direction in which it discharges the tape-like member160.

In the return operation, when carrying out the half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900maintain the condition in the withdrawal operation until the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Consequently, the tape discharge roller820is prohibited from rotating, the tape pressing roller910attains a condition in which it is away from the tape discharge roller820, and the tape-like member160maintains the condition in which it is released from being pressed and clamped.

As heretofore described, in the circulatory movement, the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900carry out the operations in conjunction.

In the cutting preparation operation and cutting operation when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, the rotation of the tape discharge roller820is prohibited, and the tape pressing roller910and tape discharge roller820attain the condition in which they clamp the tape-like member160. Because of this, it is possible to prevent the tape-like member160from being drawn out from the tape discharge slit104of the tape printing apparatus1. Also, when the full cutting is carried out, in the withdrawal operation and return operation which are operations after the cutting operation finishes, by the tape discharge roller820rotating, and the tape discharge roller820rotating with the tape-like member160clamped by the tape pressing roller910and tape discharge roller820, it is possible to discharge the cut and separated tape-like member160from the tape discharge slit104.

With reference toFIGS. 13A to 18D, a description will be given of an operation of the cutting device20when full-cutting the tape-like member160.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 13A to 13Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting stand-by position (initial position). At the half cutting time too, the cutting stand-by position is the same position. In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned in the section a of the planar cam groove620, and the first plate450is farthest away from the tape-like member160in the −Y direction. Consequently, the cutter unit200is also farthest away from the tape-like member160in the −Y direction. The tape pressing roller910driven by this movement of the first plate450is also farthest away from the tape discharge roller820in the −Y direction. Also, the crank projection630is positioned in the section k of the crank hole556, and the cutter unit200comes to a position lowest in the −Z direction along the guide shaft430.

The clutch lever882, as it rotates in a direction the same as the rotation of the second gear872of the discharge drive portion850, carries out the rotation in the forward direction the same as the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate610at the full cutting time. However, the clutch lever882, by being pressed by the edge cam projecting portion640which is the section p, is placed in a condition in which the rotation is reversed and returned to the opposite side. Consequently, the clutch lever882, by being positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. In this condition, the tape-like member160is in the condition in which it is released from the condition in which it is pressed by the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 14A to 14Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200advances from the cutting stand-by position, and is positioned in the cutting start position (the cutting preparation operation is completed). In this condition, the cam projection460passes the section a of the planar cam groove620, enters the section b, and is positioned on the boundary with the section c. When the cam projection460passes the section a and enters the section b, its traveling direction is regulated by the stepped surface of the stepped portion620bconnecting the section i and section a, and the cam projection460enters the section b along the stepped surface.

While the cam projection460is passing the section a of the planar cam groove620, the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting stand-by position in the same way as in the condition ofFIGS. 13A to 13D. Then, at the same time as the cam projection460enters the section b, the cutter unit200starts to advance (move in the +Y direction) toward the tape-like member160from the cutting stand-by position. Then, the cam projection460, when positioned at the termination of the section b (on the boundary with the section c), stops advancing. This position is the cutting start position. In this condition, the cutting point211aof the blade edge211of the cutter blade210is positioned farther in the +Y direction than the position of the tape-like member160. Consequently, the blade edge211portion (inclined blade portion) of the cutter blade210is positioned on the lower side of the tape-like member160. In this way, the cutting preparation operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400.

The tape pressing roller910is driven by this to attain a condition in which it presses against the tape discharge roller820across the tape-like member160, and the tape-like member160is clamped by the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910. The crank projection630is positioned in the section k of the crank hole556, and the cutter unit200maintains a position lowest in the −Z direction along the guide shaft430in the same way as shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D. Also, as the clutch lever882is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, the tape discharge roller820is prohibited from rotating in the same way as shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D.

Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate610rotating, the full cutting operation (first cutting operation) is started.

Particularly, the cam projection460is positioned in the section c of the planar cam groove620, and maintains the Y axis direction position (the same position as the cutting start position) of the cutter unit200. Also, the crank projection630is positioned in the section1of the crank hole556, and starts to press it in the +Y direction, and the second plate550also starts to move in the same way.

By means of this operation, the first sliding shaft513of the swaying plate510pivotably held to the second plate550is also driven to move in the +Y direction. As the swaying plate510pivots around a support pin321of the base frame310, by means of the +Y direction rotation of the second plate550, the second sliding shaft514of the swaying plate510, as well as pressing a sliding slot226of the cutter unit200upward, moves inside the sliding slot226.

By means of the operation of the swaying plate510, the cutter unit200moves upward (rises in the +Z direction) along the guide shaft430. By means of the operation of the cutter unit200, the cutter blade210(blade edge211) starts the full cutting of the tape-like member160. In this way, the cutting operation (first cutting operation) is started by the operation of the second movement mechanism500. At this time, the tape discharge roller820, being prohibited from rotating, maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape pressing roller910.

When cutting the tape-like member160, the downstream side (−X direction) of the tape-like member160is clamped by the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910. Also, the upstream side (+X direction) of the tape-like member160is clamped by the platen roller180of the tape cartridge15and the printing head131of the printing head unit130. In this condition, the cutter unit200(cutter blade210), as well as moving in the width direction (+Z direction) of the tape-like member160and cutting the tape-like member160, cuts it in a direction approximately perpendicular to the tape surface. Also, when the cutter blade210carries out a cutting, as the tape-like member160is cut pressed against the tape receiving surface843a(refer toFIG. 9), it is possible to carry out a stable cutting.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 15A to 15Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200is most raised. This condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit200is moved from the cutting start position to the predetermined position, and the first cutting operation at the full cutting time is completed. In the condition in which the first cutting operation is completed, the tape-like member160is in a condition in which the upper portion thereof is not cut (uncut).

In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned at the termination of the section c of the planar cam groove620. Because of this, the cam projection460, being in a condition in which it maintains the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200, is maintaining the same position as the cutting start position. Also, the crank projection630is positioned on the boundary between the section1and section m of the crank hole556, and attains a condition in which the crank hole556is moved farthest in the +Y direction. The swaying plate510is driven by this movement of the crank hole556(second plate550) to operate, and the cutter unit200comes to the position (the predetermined position in the embodiment) in which it is most raised along the guide shaft430.

At this time, the tape discharge roller820is prohibited from rotating in the same way as shown inFIGS. 14A to 14D, and is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape pressing roller910.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 16A to 16Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200moves from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position, and the second cutting operation at the full cutting time is completed. By carrying out the second cutting operation, the cutter unit200is advanced (moved in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, causing the cutter unit200to cut the uncut portion of the upper portion of the tape-like member160utilizing the inclined portion of the blade edge211of the cutter blade210, rather than raising the cutter unit200. Also, the position of the cutter blade210in this condition is the cutting completion position. At the half cutting time too, the cutting completion position is the same position.

A description will be given of an operation until this condition is attained. After the cam projection460has passed the stepped portion620aof the planar cam groove620from the condition shown inFIGS. 15A to 15D(the condition in which the cam projection460is in the section c of the planar cam groove620), and entered the section d, the cutter unit200starts to advance (starts the second cutting operation). Then, the cutter unit200stops advancing (completes the second cutting operation) in the boundary position between the sections d and e of the planar cam groove620. In this condition, as shown inFIG. 16A, the blade edge211of the cutter unit200(cutter blade210) is moved farther in the +Y direction than the tape-like member160. In this way, the cutting operation (second cutting operation) is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400.

In this condition, the crank projection630, as it is positioned in the section m of the crank hole556, is maintaining the Z direction position of the cutter unit200. Also, in the same way as shown inFIGS. 14A to 14D, the tape discharge roller820, being prohibited from rotating, is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape pressing roller910.

By carrying out a cutting by causing the cutter unit200to advance (move in the +Y direction), it is possible to reduce the movement distance in the up-down direction (the width direction of the tape-like member160) of the cutter unit200, and it is possible to miniaturize the cutting device20.

The cutter blade clearance portion832(refer toFIG. 9) included in the tape discharge casing830is formed so as to correspond to the trajectory along which the blade edge211of the cutter unit200(cutter blade210) moves from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position. Then, the blade edge211moves inside the cutter blade clearance portion832during the cutting operation.

Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cutter unit200starts to retreat from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position (the withdrawal operation starts).

Particularly, the cam projection460moves from the section e to the section f of the planar cam groove620, causing the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200in the cutting completion position to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Also, the crank projection630is positioned in the section m of the crank hole556, and maintains the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit200in the cutting completion position.

By the clutch lever882moving from the section p to the section q of the edge cam projecting portion640, the lever projection882ais prevented from abutting against the edge cam, and the clutch lever882is freed. In this condition, the clutch portion880carries out a rotation in a direction the same as the rotation direction of the second gear872. As the second gear872is carrying out the forward direction rotation (clockwise direction) in the same way as the rotating circular plate610, the clutch portion880rotates in the forward direction. By means of this rotation of the clutch portion880, the clutch gear portion883of the clutch portion880meshes with the roller rotating gear822.

Normally, as the clutch gear portion883is in mesh with the transmission gear872aof the second gear872, the rotative force of the second gear872is transmitted, rotating the clutch gear portion883. By the clutch gear portion883meshing with the roller rotating gear822, the rotative force of the clutch gear portion883is transmitted to the roller rotating gear822, and the tape discharge roller820starts to rotate. The rotation direction of the tape discharge roller820is a rotation direction opposite the forward direction. That is, the rotation direction of the tape discharge roller820is such that the tape discharge roller820carries out the rotation which feeds the tape-like member160toward the direction of the tape discharge slit104of the tape printing apparatus1.

Also, the tape discharge roller820clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape pressing roller910. Also, portions of the tape pressing roller910and tape discharge roller820outside the width of the tape-like member160press directly against each other. For this reason, when the tape discharge roller820rotates, causing the tape-like member160to move toward the tape discharge slit104, the tape pressing roller910is also driven to rotate. By means of this operation, the cut and separated tape-like member160reliably moves toward the tape discharge slit104without slipping. The tape discharge mechanism800causes the tape-like member160full-cut and separated by means of the operation of the edge cam mechanism690to be discharged from the tape discharge slit104by means of the rotation of the tape discharge roller820.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 17A to 17Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200is moved from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position (the withdrawal operation is completed). Also, the position of the cutter blade210at this time is the withdrawal position. In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned on the boundary between the section f and section g of the planar cam groove620. The cam projection460, by passing the section f of the planar cam groove620, causes the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Then, by the cam projection460being positioned on the boundary between the section f and section g of the planar cam groove620, the cutter unit200finishes moving (retreating) in the −Y direction, and comes into the withdrawal position. In this way, the withdrawal operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400. The Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position is the same as the Y axis direction position in the cutting start position when the half cutting is carried out.

Also, the crank projection630, as it is positioned at the termination of the section m of the crank hole556, is maintaining the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit200in the cutting completion position. Also, as the clutch lever882is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion640, a condition is such that the clutch gear portion883is in mesh with the roller rotating gear822, and the tape discharge roller820keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller910is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge roller820.

When in this condition, the cutting point211aof the cutter blade210is aligned touching the tape-like member160. However, as the tape-like member160cut by the full cutting being completed is discharged from the tape discharge slit104, it does not happen that the cutter blade210causes a defect to occur in the cut tape-like member160.

Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cutter unit200returns from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position, so the cutter unit200starts to lower.

Particularly, the cam projection460moves in the section g of the planar cam groove620. For this reason, the cutter unit200maintains the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. The crank projection630is positioned in the section n of the crank hole556, and the crank hole556(second plate550) starts to move in the −Y direction. By means of this operation, the first sliding shaft513of the swaying plate510rotatably held to the second plate550is also driven to move in the −Y direction.

At this time, as the swaying plate510pivots around the support pin321of the first plate450, by means of the movement in the −Y direction of the second plate550, the second sliding shaft514of the swaying plate510, as well as pressing the sliding slot226of the cutter unit200downward, moves inside the sliding slot226. By means of this operation of the swaying plate510, the cutter unit200starts to move downward (lower in the −Z direction) along the guide shaft430. In this way, the return operation in the Z axis direction is started by means of the operation of the second movement mechanism500.

Also, as the clutch lever882is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion640, the clutch gear portion883is in mesh with the roller rotating gear822, and the tape discharge roller820keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller910is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge roller820.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 18A to 18Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200lowers most from the withdrawal position, and the cutter unit200starts to move to the cutting stand-by position. In this condition, the cutter unit200is in a condition in which it is partway through the return operation. In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned on the boundary between the section g and section h of the planar cam groove620. For this reason, the cutter unit200is maintaining the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. Then, on the cam projection460entering the section h of the planar cam groove620, the cutter unit200starts to move in the −Y direction toward the cutting stand-by position. In this way, the return operation in the Y axis direction is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400.

The crank projection630is positioned in the section k of the crank hole556. For this reason, the cutter unit200is maintaining the Y direction position in the withdrawal position, and maintains a position in which it is lowered most in the Z axis direction. Also, as the clutch lever882is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion640, the clutch gear portion883is in mesh with the roller rotating gear822, and the tape discharge roller820keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller910is clamping the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge roller820.

Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cutter unit200returns from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D.

A description will be given of the return operation as far as the cutting stand-by position. By the cam projection460passing the section h of the planar cam groove620, the cutter unit200carries out a movement in the −Y direction. The crank projection630moves in the section k of the crank hole556, and the cutter unit200is maintaining the Z axis direction position in the cutting stand-by position in which it is lowered most from the withdrawal position. The tape pressing roller910is also driven by this operation to carry out a movement in the −Y direction, and comes out of contact with the tape discharge roller820.

In this condition, the clutch lever882moves through a portion of the shape which connects from the section q to the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, and the clutch gear portion883starts to be brought into abutment with and pressed by the edge cam projecting portion640. For this reason, the clutch gear portion883, in a condition in which it loosens the mesh with the roller rotating gear822, gradually attains a condition in which it meshes with the gear stopper884(a condition in which it prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller820).

Then, the rotating circular plate610turns around once, and the cam projection460attains the same condition as the condition shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D. Also, when this condition is attained, the detection switch portion730(refer toFIG. 7) disposed on the base frame310detects that the cutter blade210has been positioned in the cutting stand-by position (initial position), and outputs to the controller (not shown) the fact that the circulatory movement has finished. In response to this detection signal, the controller stops the drive of the drive portion700(drive motor710) disposed on the base frame310.

The cutter operation mechanism300, by means of the drive (the rotation of the rotating circular plate610) of the power transmission mechanism600, branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500, and brings the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500into conjunction, causing the cutter unit200to carry out the circulatory movement for carrying out the full cutting. Also, the cutter operation mechanism300, by means of the operation of the power transmission mechanism600, carries out the series of operations of the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900by bringing them into conjunction, as well as into synchronization, with the circulatory movement.

The tape printing apparatus1, when the full cutting operation finishes, can start a next printing. When the tape printing apparatus1starts the next printing, the cutter unit200(the cutting edge211of the cutter blade210), as it is in the cutting stand-by position and away from the tape-like member160, does not impede the tape-like member160being fed for the printing.

FIGS. 19A to 22Dare diagrams illustrating an operation of the cutting device20when half-cutting the tape-like member160. Also,FIGS. 19A,20A,21A, and22A are main portion side views showing an operation of the cutter unit200by the planar cam mechanism670and crank mechanism680,FIGS. 19B,20B,21B, and22B are main portion plan views ofFIGS. 19A,20A,21A, and22A,FIGS. 19C,20C,21C, and22C are main portion side views showing operations of the tape discharge mechanism800and tape pressing mechanism900by the edge cam mechanism690, andFIGS. 19D,20D,21D, and22D are main portion plan views ofFIGS. 19C,20C,21C, and22C. For convenience of description, each diagram shows only the main portion.

InFIGS. 19B,20B,21B, and22B, for convenience of description, the planar cam groove620and crank projection630configured on the bottom of the rotating circular plate610are shown by the solid lines as transparent views. Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the rotating circular plate610, by means of the operation of the drive portion700, carries out the backward direction rotation (a counterclockwise rotation) as shown by an arrow B.

With reference toFIGS. 19A to 22D, a description will be given of an operation of the cutting device20when half-cutting the tape-like member160. An operation and the like common to the full cutting will be described simply.

The cutting stand-by position (initial position) at the half cutting time is the same position as the initial position at the full cutting time. Consequently, the position of the cutter unit200shown inFIGS. 13A to 13Dis the cutting stand-by position (initial position) at the half cutting time.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 19A to 19Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200advances from the cutting stand-by position, and is positioned in the cutting start position (the cutting preparation operation is completed). This condition is attained by the rotating circular plate610rotating backward (shown by an arrow B) from the cutting stand-by position shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D. In the condition in which the cutting preparation operation is completed, the cam projection460passes the section a of the planar cam groove620, enters the section h, and is positioned on the boundary with the section g. While the cam projection460is passing the section a of the planar cam groove620, the cutter unit200is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Then, at the same time as the cam projection460enters the section h, the cutter unit200advances (moves in the +Y direction) from the cutting stand-by position toward the tape-like member160. Then, when the cam projection460is positioned at the termination (the boundary with the section g) of the section h, the cutter unit200stops. This position is the cutting start position.

In this condition, the cutting point211aof the cutter blade210is positioned in such a way that the printing tape161configuring the tape-like member160is cut, and the release paper162remains uncut. In this way, in the cutting start position when carrying out the half cutting, in the embodiment, the distance from the cutting stand-by position differs from that in the cutting start position (refer toFIGS. 14A to 14D) when carrying out the full cutting.

As heretofore described, the cutting preparation operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400. The tape pressing roller910is driven by this to attain a condition in which it presses against the tape discharge roller820across the tape-like member160, and the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910clamp the tape-like member160. The crank projection630is positioned in the section k of the crank hole556, and the cutter unit200is in a position in which it is lowered most in the −Z direction along the guide shaft430.

The clutch lever882, as it rotates in the same direction as that of the rotation of the second gear872of the discharge drive portion850, carries out the rotation in the backward direction the same as the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate610at the half cutting time. By means of this operation, the clutch lever882is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, and slightly presses the clutch lever882, thereby prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller820. Consequently, when carrying out the half cutting, the rotation of the tape discharge roller820is prohibited during the operation of the circulatory movement at the half cutting time.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 20A to 20Bshow a condition in which the cutter unit200is raised most. This condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit200moves from the cutting start position to the predetermined position, and the first cutting operation at the half cutting time is completed. In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned at the termination of the section g of the planar cam groove620.

Also, the crank projection630attains a condition in which it is positioned on the boundary between the section n and section m of the crank hole556, and the crank hole556is moved farthest in the +Y direction. The swaying plate510is driven by this movement of the crank hole556(second plate550) to operate, and the cutter unit200comes into a position (the predetermined position) in which it is raised most along the guide shaft430.

By the crank projection630passing the section n of the crank hole556, the second movement mechanism500operates, and the cutter unit200rises along the guide shaft430from the cutting start position (refer toFIGS. 19A to 19D). By the cutter unit200rising, the half cutting is started (the first cutting operation is started), the cutter unit200rises to the predetermined position, and the half cutting is carried out. In this condition, the upper portion of the tape-like member160is not cut (uncut).

Also, the tape discharge roller820is prohibited from rotating, and the tape pressing roller910is clamping the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge roller820.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 21A to 21Dshow a condition in which the cutter unit200is advanced (moved in the +Y direction), and has completed the half cutting. Also, this condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit200moves from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position, and the second cutting operation at the half cutting time is completed. Also, the position of the cutter blade210in this condition is the cutting completion position. At the full cutting time too, the cutting completion position is the same position.

However, as shown inFIGS. 21A to 21D, by carrying out the second cutting operation, causing the cutter unit200to advance (move in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, the uncut portion of the upper portion of the tape-like member160is cut utilizing the inclined portion of the blade edge211of the cutter blade210, rather than raising the cutter unit200. With this cutting, both the printing tape161and release paper162are cut in the same way as with the cutting at the full cutting time. By means of the second cutting operation, the half cutting of the embodiment provides the tape-like member160with a half-cut region D (refer toFIG. 24) and a full-cut region E (refer toFIG. 24) in the width direction of the tape-like member160.

By carrying out a cutting by causing the cutter unit200to advance (move in the +Y direction), it is possible to shorten the movement distance of the cutter unit200in the up-down direction (the width direction of the tape-like member160), and it is possible to miniaturize the cutting device20.

A description will be given of details of the heretofore described operation. Immediately after the cam projection460has entered the section f from the condition shown inFIGS. 20A to 20D(the condition in which it is positioned in the section g of the planar cam groove620), the cutter unit200starts the second cutting operation. Then, as shown inFIGS. 21A to 21D, the cutter unit200completes the second cutting operation in the boundary position between the section f and section e of the planar cam groove620. In this condition, as shown inFIG. 21A, the blade edge211of the cutter unit200(cutter blade210) is moved farther in the +Y direction than the tape-like member160.

The crank projection630, as it is positioned in the section m of the crank hole556, is maintaining the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit200. Also, the clutch lever882is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion640, and the tape pressing roller910is prohibited from rotating, and clamping the tape-like member160together with the tape discharge roller820.

The cutter blade clearance portion832(refer toFIG. 9) included in the tape discharge casing830is formed so as to correspond to the trajectory along which the blade edge211of the cutter unit200(cutter blade210) moves from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position. Then, the blade edge211moves inside the cutter blade clearance portion832during the cutting operation.

The diagrams shown inFIGS. 22A to 22Bshow a condition in which the withdrawal operation of the cutter unit200is completed. Also, the position of the cutter blade210in this condition is the withdrawal position. In this condition, the cam projection460is positioned on the boundary between the section d and section i of the planar cam groove620.

The cam projection460, by passing the section d of the planar cam groove620, causes the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit200to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Halfway through the section d, the cam projection460passes the stepped portion620aconnected to the section c but, in this case, the traveling direction is regulated by the stepped surface of the stepped portion620a, and the cam projection460passes the section d along the stepped surface. Then, by the cam projection460being positioned on the boundary between the section d and section i of the planar cam groove620, the movement (retreat) of the cutter unit200in the −Y direction finishes, and the cutter unit200is positioned in the withdrawal position. In this way, the withdrawal operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism400.

Also, the crank projection630is positioned at the termination of the section m of the crank hole556. The clutch lever882is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, and the tape discharge roller820is prohibited from rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller910is driven by the movement of the first plate450to move away from the tape discharge roller820in the −Y direction. By means of this operation, the tape-like member160is released from being pressed and clamped by the tape discharge roller820and tape pressing roller910.

The withdrawal position is the same in the Y axis direction as the cutting stand-by position shown inFIGS. 13A to 13D. Also, the withdrawal position is a position in which the cutting point211aof the cutter blade210is away from the tape surface of the half-cut tape-like member160. For this reason, in the subsequent return operation, a problem of the cutter blade210damaging the half-cut tape-like member160, or the like, is prevented from occurring when the cutter blade210is lowered (moved in the −Z direction).

Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cutter unit200carries out the return operation (refer toFIGS. 13A to 13D) from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position. Hereafter, a description will be given of the return operation.

By the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cam projection460passes the section i of the planar cam groove620. Because of this, the cutter unit200maintains the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. The crank projection630is positioned in the section1of the crank hole556and, by the crank hole556starting to move in the −Y direction, the second plate550also starts to move in the same way. By means of this operation, the swaying plate510operates, and the cutter unit200starts the return operation (moves in the −Z direction) along the guide shaft430. Also, the clutch lever882is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion640, and the tape discharge roller820maintains the condition in which it is prohibited from rotating.

By the rotating circular plate610rotating, the cam projection460passes the stepped portion620bfrom the section of the planar cam groove620, and enters the section a. The crank projection630moves to the section k of the crank hole556, and the cutter unit200maintains the Z axis direction position (the Z axis direction position of the cutting stand-by position) in which it has lowered most from the withdrawal position. Also, the clutch lever882is positioned in the section p of the edge cam groove640, and the tape discharge roller820maintains the condition in which it is prohibited from rotating.

By means of the heretofore described return operation, when the cam projection460is positioned in the approximately intermediate position (refer toFIGS. 13A to 13D) of the section a, it means that the rotating circular plate610has turned around once. Also, when this condition is attained, the detection switch portion730(refer toFIG. 7) disposed on the base frame310detects that the cutter blade210is in the cutting stand-by position (initial position), and outputs to the controller (not shown) the fact that the half cutting has finished (the half cutting circulatory movement has finished). In response to this detection signal, the controller stops the drive of the drive portion700(drive motor710) disposed on the base frame310.

As heretofore described, the cutter operation mechanism300, by means of the drive (the rotation of the rotating circular plate610) of the power transmission mechanism600, branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500and, by bringing the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500into conjunction, causes the cutter unit200to carry out the circulatory movement for carrying out the half cutting.

The tape printing apparatus1, when the half cutting operation finishes, can start a next printing. When the tape printing apparatus1starts the next printing, the cutter unit200, as it is positioned in the cutting stand-by position, and away from the tape-like member160, does not impede the tape-like member160being fed for the printing.

Herein, with reference toFIG. 23, a description will be given of the predetermined position.FIG. 23shows a main portion side view showing a condition in which the cutter unit200in the cutting operation at the half cutting time has completed the first cutting operation. Then,FIG. 23shows a condition in which the cutter unit200has completed the first cutting operation, and is positioned in the predetermined position. As shown inFIG. 23, in the embodiment, the predetermined position at a cutting operation time is set to a position in which a movement direction side (+Z direction side) end211bof the blade edge211of the cutter blade210goes beyond an end160aof the tape-like member160corresponding to the movement direction side (+Z direction side) of the cutter blade210.

Then, in order to cause the cutter unit200to move from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position and carry out a cutting operation, firstly, the first cutting operation is carried out. With the first cutting operation, the cutting is carried out by causing the cutter unit200to rise (move in the +Z direction) from the cutting start position to the predetermined position. Next, the second cutting operation is carried out. With the second cutting operation, the cutting is carried out by causing the cutter unit200to move forward (move in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position.

Also, in the first cutting operation, at the full cutting time, the cutting is carried out with the blade edge211of the cutter blade210and, at the half cutting time, the cutting is carried out with the cutting point211a. Also, in the second cutting operation, by causing the cutter unit200to move forward (move in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, a cutting up to the end160aof the tape-like member160is carried out utilizing the inclined blade portion of the cutter blade210at both the full cutting time and half cutting time. The position (cutting completion position) of the cutter unit200in which the full cutting and half cutting are completed is a position common to the full cutting and half cutting.

Herein, with reference toFIG. 24, a description will be given of how a cutting is carried out on the tape-like member160cut by means of the cutting operation at the half cutting time.FIG. 24shows a plan view of the tape-like member cut by means of the cutting operation at the half cutting time. As shown inFIG. 24, at the half cutting time, by means of the first cutting operation, the half cutting is carried out in the region shown by a reference character D (the region from the end160bof the tape-like member160corresponding to the cutting start position side (−Z side) to a halfway position α in the width direction of the tape-like member160corresponding to the predetermined position). Also, by means of the second cutting operation, the full cutting is carried out in the region (the region from the halfway position α to the end160a) shown by a reference character E in which the cutting has been carried out utilizing the inclined blade of the cutter blade210, and the tape-like member160attains a condition in which it has been cut up to the release paper162.

In this way, with the cutter operation mechanism300, when the half cutting is carried out by means of the cutting operation, the half-cut region D and full-cut region E are formed in the tape-like member160.

According to the heretofore described embodiment, it is possible to obtain the following advantages.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, by means of the cutter operation mechanism300which causes the cutter unit200to carry out the circulatory movement including the cutting preparation operation, cutting operation, withdrawal operation, and return operation, the cutter unit200moves in the width direction of the tape-like member160, and carries out the cutting operation. Also, as the cutter operation mechanism300can change the amount of cutting into the tape-like member160by making the cutting start position different between the full cutting and half cutting using the same cutter unit200in the cutting preparation operation, it is possible to reliably carry out the full cutting and half cutting. Because of this, a need to configure the cutting device20of separate devices, a full cutting device and a half cutting device, is eliminated. Consequently, it is possible to share the full cutting device and half cutting device, and it is possible to achieve a miniaturization of the cutting device20.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, the cutter operation mechanism300makes the withdrawal position different between the full cutting and half cutting. Because of this, it is possible to prevent a problem of the tape-like member160being damaged, or the like, when the cutter blade210carries out a movement in the return operation which is the operation after the withdrawal operation. Consequently, with the cutter operation mechanism300, it is possible to safely carryout the return operation of the cutter blade210.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, with the cutter operation mechanism300, in particular, by causing the withdrawal position to move away from the tape surface of the tape-like member160in the withdrawal operation at the half cutting time, it is possible to prevent a problem of the half-cut tape-like member160being damaged, or the like, when the cutter blade210carries out a movement in the return operation which is the operation after the withdrawal operation. Consequently, with the cutter operation mechanism300, it is possible to safely carry out the return operation of the cutter blade210.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, the cutter operation mechanism300, including the first movement mechanism400, second movement mechanism500, and power transmission mechanism600, causes the cutter unit200to carry out the circulatory movement. Because of this kind of cutter operation mechanism300, it is possible to cause the cutter unit200to carry out the complex circulatory movement with a simple structure. Also, as the first movement mechanism400and second movement mechanism500come into conjunction by means of the power transmission mechanism600, it is possible to cause accurate operations to be carried out in synchronization. Then, by the first movement mechanism400including the cutter sliding unit410and first plate450, it is possible to realize the operation of causing the cutter unit200to move in the front-back direction with a simple structure. Then, by the power transmission mechanism600including the rotating circular plate610and cam groove (planar cam groove620), and the planar cam groove620engaging with the cam projection460projectingly disposed on the first plate450, configuring the cam mechanism (planar cam mechanism670), it is possible to convert the rotative power of the rotating circular plate610into the sliding motion of the first plate450, enabling an efficient power conversion with a simple structure. Also, as the planar cam groove620is included in the rotating circular plate610, it is possible to achieve a miniaturization and reduction in thickness of the power transmission mechanism600. Then, by the power transmission mechanism600causing the rotating circular plate610to rotate by switching the rotation direction thereof between the forward direction and backward direction, carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, it is possible to realize the full cutting and half cutting by means of a simple configuration and an efficient method.

As the planar cam groove620has the cam grooves (the section b and section c, and one portion of the section d and the section i) with the differing channels, it is possible to cause the planar cam mechanism670to operate in the differing channels. For this reason, when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting by switching the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate610between the forward direction and backward direction, a channel in which the withdrawal operation and return operation at the half cutting time are carried out, and a channel in which the cutting preparation operation and cutting operation at the full cutting time are carried out, can be formed separately in the rotating circular plate610. Because of this, it is possible, at the half cutting time, to cause the withdrawal position of the cutter unit200to withdraw from the tape surface of the half-cut tape-like member160, and it is possible, at the full cutting time, to cause the cutting start position to be positioned in an appropriate position. Consequently, when carrying out the return operation at the half cutting time, it is possible to prevent a problem of the cutter blade210abutting against the half-cut tape-like member160and damaging the tape-like member160, or the like.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, as the cam grooves (the section b and section c, and one portion of the section d and the section i) with the differing channels are connected by the planar cam groove620having the stepped portions620aand620b, it is possible to efficiently form smoothly connected cam grooves. Because of this, the rotating circular plate610, when carrying out the forward direction rotation (full cutting) and backward direction rotation (half cutting), can carry out a stable and smooth rotation. Because of this, the cutter operation mechanism300can cause the cutter unit200to balance and smoothly carry out appropriate operations of the full cutting and half cutting.

According to the cutting device20of the embodiment, by the cam projection460included in the first plate450having the pressing spring471as the spring member, it is possible to realize the retractable cam projection460with a simple configuration, and it is possible, when the rotating circular plate610carries out the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, to reliably cause the cam projection460to be driven to move by each rotation along the cam groove having the stepped portion620aand620b.

According to the tape printing apparatus1of the embodiment, it is possible to achieve a miniaturization, and in addition, to prevent a problem of the tape-like member160being damaged due to a movement of the cutter blade210, or the like. It is possible to realize a tape printing apparatus1with which it is possible to safely carry out the return operation of the cutter blade210without damaging the tape-like member160, in particular, when the half cutting is carried out.

The invention, not being limited to the heretofore described embodiment, can be implemented by making various changes, improvements, or the like, without departing from the scope of the invention. A modification example will be described below.

With the cutting device20(tape printing apparatus1) of the embodiment, the withdrawal position of the cutter unit200at the half cutting time is caused to coincide with the Y axis direction thereof in the cutting stand-by position but, the invention not being limited to this, the withdrawal position may be set to be positioned away from the tape-like member160and between the cutting stand-by position and the tape-like member160.