Patent EA-000428-B1 (EA)
Title: Tape printer
Inventor: TSE JUI PO
IPC: B41J35/28
Filed: 1997-01-22
Abstract: 1. A tape printer with a cassette chamber (2) into which can be inserted a cassette (10) containing a tape (14) to be printed, in which there is an openable cover (55) on the cassette chamber (2), and a printing head (32) and a printing roller (6) can be arranged in relation to each other in an operative printing position, where the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are operatively connected to the cover (55) so that the printing head (32) and the printing roller (6) are rendered inoperative when the cover (55) is open, characterized in that a means is provided for detecting a cassette (10) be fitted in the cassette chamber (2) which prevent the printing head (32) and the printing roller (6) from being taken into the operative position where there is no cassette (10) in the cassette chamber (2). 2. The tape printer of Claim 1, characterized in that the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are fastened to a holder (4), which can move between position (36), in which the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are in an operative printing position, and position (34) in which the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are rendered inoperative, and the means for detecting the presence of cassette into (10) in the chamber (2) can move into the position, in which movement of the holder (4) is limited. 3. The tape printer of Claim 2, characterized in that the means for detecting the presence of cassette (10) in the chamber (2), where there is no cassette (10) in the cassette chamber (2) performs so as the holder (4) can move only between the position (34), in which the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are rendered inoperative, and the position (42), in which the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) do not touch each other. 4. The tape printer of Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the holder (4) is arranged rotatable around the center of rotation (8). 5. The tape printer of any preceding Claim, characterized in that the means for detecting the presence a cassette (10) in the cassette chamber (2) is provided with a moving element, which moves due to insertion of a cassette (10). 6. The tape printer of Claim 5, characterized in that an element (46) is arranged enabling to move. 7. The tape printer of Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said element, when no cassette (10) in the chamber (10), due to a spring (52) action takes the position, in which the movement of the holder (4) is limited. 8. The tape printer of Claims 5-7, characterized in that the element (46) comprises a head (50), which sits in a recess (53) of a cassette (10), inserted in chamber (10). 9. The tape printer of Claims 5-8, characterized in that the element (46) works into the main plate (48) of the cassette chamber (2). 10. The tape printer of Claim 5, characterized in that the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) are connected to the cover (55) through a spring (38). 11. The tape printer of Claim 10, characterized in that the end of the spring (38) is connected to an element (57), which is rotatable and adjoins the cover (55), when the latter is in a closed position. 12. The tape printer of Claim s 2 and 11, characterized in that the other end of the spring (38), opposite to element (57), is connected to the holder (4). 13. In a combination: The tape printer of any preceding Claim; and a cassette (10), in the cassette chamber (2) or to be inserted into the cassette chamber (2), which interacts with the means for detecting the presence of a cassette (10), so that movement the printing head (32) and/or the printing roller (6) into operative printing position is possible only in case, when a cassette (10) is inserted into the cassette chamber (2).