Patent Publication Number: US-8534942-B2

Title: Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith

Description:
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-291943, 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 cutter device and half cutter device incorporated in the tape printing apparatus include, for example, JP-A-2002-103281. 
     With JP-A-2002-103281, the full cutter 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 cutter 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 relative to the tape-like member, carrying out the half cutting. 
     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. 
     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 cutting preparation operation, makes the cutting start operation different between a full cutting and a half cutting. 
     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 reliably 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, it is possible to share the full cutting device and half cutting device, and it is possible to achieve a miniaturization of the cutting device. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2 
     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 relative to the tape-like member, a second movement mechanism which causes the cutter unit to move in an up-down direction relative 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. 
     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. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the first movement mechanism includes a cutter sliding unit which, having a guide shaft, disposed in the up-down direction approximately parallel to a tape surface of the tape-like member, which slidably supports the cutter unit, houses the guide shaft, and a first plate which holds the cutter sliding unit at one end and, by inputting power from the power transmission mechanism and sliding, causes the cutter unit to move in the front-back direction. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, by the first movement mechanism including the cutter sliding unit and first plate, it is possible to realize the operation of causing the cutter unit to move in the front-back direction with a simple structure. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the second movement mechanism includes a cutter sliding unit which, having a guide shaft, disposed in the up-down direction approximately parallel to the tape surface of the tape-like member, which slidably supports the cutter unit, houses the guide shaft, a swaying plate of which one end is connected to the cutter unit so as to be swayable with a base end as the center, and a second plate to which the other end of the swaying plate is swayingly connected, and which, by inputting power from the power transmission mechanism and sliding, causes the swaying plate to sway, causing the cutter unit to slide in the up-down direction along the guide shaft. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, by the second movement mechanism including the cutter sliding unit, swaying plate, and second plate, it is possible to realize the operation of causing the cutter unit to slide in the up-down direction along the guide shaft with a simple structure. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the power transmission mechanism includes a rotating circular plate which rotates by means of power input from a drive portion, a cam groove formed in the rotating circular plate, and a crank projection which, being projectingly disposed on the rotating circular plate, circulates along with the rotation of the rotating circular plate, wherein the cam groove engages with a cam projection projectingly disposed on the first plate, configuring a cam mechanism with the first plate, and the crank projection engages with a crank hole formed in the second plate, configuring a crank mechanism with the second plate. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, it is possible to convert the rotative power of the rotating circular plate into sliding motions of the first plate and second plate, enabling an efficient power conversion with a simple structure. Also, as the cam groove and crank projection are included in the rotating circular plate, it is possible to achieve a miniaturization and reduction in thickness of the power transmission mechanism. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the power transmission mechanism, by causing the rotating circular plate to rotate by switching the rotation direction thereof between a forward direction and a backward direction, carries out the full cutting and half cutting, and that the cam mechanism and crank mechanism, by the rotating circular plate turning around once, carry out the serial circulatory movement of the full cutting or half cutting. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, the power transmission mechanism, using the rotating circular plate, causes a rotation to be carried out by switching the rotation between the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, and the cam mechanism and crank mechanism, by the rotating circular plate turning around once in each of the rotation directions, carryout the serial circulatory movement of the full cutting or half cutting. Because of this, it is possible to realize the full cutting and half cutting, each of which carries out the serial circulatory movement, by means of a simple configuration and an efficient method. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the cam mechanism and crank mechanism are such that, when they carry out the full cutting and half cutting, the cutting stand-by positions are set to coincide. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, when carrying out the full cutting or half cutting continuously after having carried out the full cutting or half cutting, it is possible to smoothly start the next operation from the cutting stand-by position. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8 
     In the cutting device according to the application example, it is preferable that the drive portion includes a drive motor which carries out a forward direction rotation and a backward direction rotation, and a gear train which is driven by the rotations of the drive motor to cause the rotating circular plate to rotate. 
     According to this kind of cutting device, it is possible to efficiently drive the rotating circular plate (cause it to rotate in the forward direction and backward direction) with a simple configuration having the drive motor and gear train. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 9 
     A tape printing apparatus according to this application example includes the cutting device according to the application example, and a printing drive device which carries out a printing on the tape-like member by driving a tape cartridge housing the tape-like member. 
     According to this kind of tape printing apparatus, as it uses the cutting device with which it is possible to achieve the miniaturization, it is possible to realize a miniaturization of the tape printing apparatus. 
     APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10 
     In the tape printing apparatus according to the application example, it is preferable that the power transmission mechanism of the cutting device is disposed on the lower side of the printing drive device. 
     According to this kind of tape printing apparatus, by the power transmission mechanism being disposed on the lower side of the printing drive device, an efficient disposition is attained, meaning that it is possible to further achieve the miniaturization of the tape printing apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of a tape printing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a tape cartridge, a printing drive device, and a cutting device. 
         FIGS. 3A to 3C  are perspective views of the tape cartridge, printing drive device, and cutting device. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of a cutter unit. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of a first movement mechanism. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views of a second movement mechanism. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cutter operation mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a tape pressing mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a tape discharge mechanism. 
         FIG. 10  is a main portion side view and main portion plan view of the tape discharge mechanism. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective views of a rotating circular plate seen from the top side and the bottom side. 
         FIGS. 12A to 12C  are a plan view of the rotating circular plate, and sectional views of a planar cam groove. 
         FIGS. 13A to 13D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at a full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 14A to 14D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 15A to 15D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 16A to 16D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 17A to 17D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 18A to 18D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the full cutting time. 
         FIGS. 19A to 19D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at a half cutting time. 
         FIGS. 20A to 20D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the half cutting time. 
         FIGS. 21A to 21D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the half cutting time. 
         FIGS. 22A to 22D  are operational illustrations of the cutting device at the half cutting time. 
         FIG. 23  is a main portion side view of the cutting device in a condition in which it has completed a first cutting operation at the half cutting time. 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of a tape-like member cut by means of a half cutting. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereafter, a description will be given of an embodiment, based on the drawings. 
     Embodiment 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of a tape printing apparatus, where  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the tape printing apparatus  1  in a condition in which an opening/closing cover  103  is closed, and  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the tape printing apparatus  1  in a condition in which the opening/closing cover  103  is opened.  FIG. 1B  shows a condition in which a tape cartridge  15  is removed from a mounting portion  110 . With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a description will be given of an external configuration of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 
     In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a direction from an operating panel  101  of the tape printing apparatus  1  to the tape cartridge  15  (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)  104  to the tape cartridge  15  (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 in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The Z axis direction is a height direction, thickness direction, and up-down direction of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 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 apparatus  1  is formed of an exterior casing  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the tape printing apparatus  1  has the operating panel  101 , which includes various kinds of input key, on a −Y side upper surface of the exterior casing  100 . Also, the tape printing apparatus  1  has a display  102  on a +Y side upper surface of the exterior casing  100 . Also, the tape printing apparatus  1  has the opening/closing cover  103 , which is openable and closeable, adjacent to the display  102 . Also, although not shown, a power supply device, various kinds of display lamp, a trimmer device, and the like, are disposed on the exterior casing  100 , and a circuit board mounted with a controller which overall controls the operation of the tape printing apparatus  1 , and the like, are disposed in the interior of the exterior casing  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the mounting portion  110  which removably houses the tape cartridge  15  is provided on the lower side (−Z side) of the opening/closing cover  103 . A platen roller rotating shaft  122 , an ink ribbon rewinding shaft  123 , a printing head unit  130 , and the like, extend out into the mounting portion  110 . When mounting/removing the tape cartridge  15 , the mounting/removing is carried out by opening the opening/closing cover  103 . Also, after the mounting/removing of the tape cartridge  15 , the opening/closing cover  103  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , in the interior of the exterior casing  100 , a cutting device  20  which carries out a full cutting and a half cutting with respect to a tape-like member  160  is disposed on a tape feed direction downstream side (the −X side) of the mounting portion  110 . Also, the tape discharge slit  104  through which the fully-cut and separated tape-like member  160  is discharged to the exterior of the apparatus is opened in a side surface of the exterior casing  100  on the tape feed direction downstream side of the cutting device  20 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the tape cartridge  15 , a printing drive device  120 , and the cutting device  20  in the interior of the tape printing apparatus  1 .  FIGS. 3A to 3C  are perspective views individually showing the tape cartridge  15 , printing drive device  120 , and cutting device  20  in  FIG. 2 , where  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the tape cartridge  15 ,  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the printing drive device  120 , and  FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the cutting device  20 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3A  to  3 C, a description will be given of outline configurations of the tape cartridge  15 , printing drive device  120 , and cutting device  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tape cartridge  15  is mounted in the mounting portion  110  (a mounting casing  111 ). The printing drive device  120  (refer to  FIG. 3B ) which drives the tape cartridge  15  and carries out a printing on the tape-like member  160  is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the mounting portion  110 . Also, the cutting device  20  of the embodiment is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the printing drive device  120  and on the side surface sides (the −X side and +Y side) of the mounting casing  111 . In particular, a rotating circular plate  610  configuring a power transmission mechanism  600 , to be described hereafter, of the cutting device  20  (a cutter operation mechanism  300 ) is disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the printing drive device  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , a tape feed spool  151  on which is mounted the tape-like member  160  wound into a roll is disposed in the interior of the tape cartridge  15 , and the leading end of the tape-like member  160  is in a condition in which it is let out from a tape outlet slit  154  opened in a side wall on the cutting device  20  side. The tape-like member  160  is configured by stacking a printing tape  161  coated with an adhesive, which is a member to be subjected to a printing, and release paper  162 . 
     A platen roller  180  which rotates in engagement with the platen roller rotating shaft  122 , to be described hereafter, is disposed in the vicinity of the tape outlet slit  154 , and the tape cartridge  15  has an opening portion  155 , faced by a printing head  131  across the tape-like member  160 , on a side opposite the platen roller  180 . Also, a ribbon feed spool  152  and a ribbon rewinding spool  153  are disposed in the vicinity of the opening portion  155 . The ribbon feed spool  152  feeds an ink ribbon  170  between the platen roller  180  and printing head  131 . The ribbon rewinding spool  153  rotates in engagement with the ink ribbon rewinding shaft  123 , to be described hereafter, and rewinds the ink ribbon  170 . 
     In the printing drive device  120 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , the platen roller rotating shaft  122  and ink ribbon rewinding shaft  123  are rotatably erected on a flat plate-like drive device frame  121 . Also, the printing drive device  120  is configured so that the rotative force of a drive motor  124  can be transmitted simultaneously to each of the platen roller rotating shaft  122  and ink ribbon rewinding shaft  123  via a gear train (not shown). Then, these component portions are disposed in such a way as to be hidden underneath the mounting casing  111 . 
     Also, the printing head unit  130  is configured in the printing drive device  120 . The printing head  131 , such as a thermal head, is held on the printing head unit  130  by a head holder  132  so as to face the platen roller rotating shaft  122 . The head holder  132  is pivotable around a head holder shaft (not shown). 
     When the tape cartridge  15  is mounted in the mounting portion  110  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), the platen roller rotating shaft  122  and platen roller  180  come into engagement, and the ink ribbon rewinding shaft  123  and ribbon rewinding spool  153  come into engagement. Also, the print head unit  130  has a release lever  134  extended from the lower end of the head holder  132  to aside surface of the mounting casing  111 . Then, the release lever  134  is operated in conjunction with an opening/closing operation of the opening/closing cover  103  and, in a condition in which the opening/closing cover is closed, the printing head  131  facing the interior of the opening portion  155  of the tape cartridge  15  presses the platen roller  180  while clamping the ink ribbon  170  and tape-like member  160 . 
     Herein, when a printing instruction is given from the controller, the drive motor  124  operates, and the platen roller  180  and ribbon rewinding spool  153  start to rotate. Then, the tape-like member  160  is fed, and ink of the ink ribbon  170  is thermally transferred to the printing tape  161  by the printing head  131 , and printed thereon. The tape-like member  160  on which the printing is done is sequentially fed from the tape outlet slit  154  toward the tape discharge slit  104  side. Also, the ink ribbon  170  used in the printing is sequentially rewound around the ribbon rewinding spool  153 . 
     Furthermore, the printed tape-like member  160  fed from the tape outlet slit  154  of the tape cartridge  15  is fed into the interior of the cutting device  20  through a guide slit  320  formed in a base frame  310  of the cutting device  20  (refer to  FIG. 3C ). The tape-like member  160  having entered the interior of the cutting device  20  through the guide slit  320  is fed to the tape discharge slit  104  side through an interspace formed by a tape discharge mechanism  800 , which has a tape receiving surface  843   a  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) and a tape discharge roller  820  (refer to  FIG. 9 ), and a tape pressing mechanism  900 , which has a tape pressing roller  910  disposed facing the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     When mounting the tape cartridge  15  in the mounting portion  110 , the tape-like member  160  extending from the tape outlet slit  154  is inserted into the interspace between the tape discharge roller  820  of the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing roller  910  of the tape pressing mechanism  900  from above (the +Z direction). 
     With reference to  FIG. 3C , a description will be given of an outline of a mechanism system configuring the cutting device  20 . The cutting device  20  is configured in the upper portion of the mechanism system with the frame  310  as a reference. The cutting device  20  includes a cutter unit  200  (refer to  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) having a cutter blade  210  (refer to  FIGS. 4A and 4B ), to be described hereafter, and a cutter operation mechanism  300 , to be described hereafter, which causes the cutter unit  200  to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation, a cutting operation, a withdrawal operation, and a return operation. Also, the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900 , to be described hereafter, are included in the cutting device  20 . Also, with the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, it is possible to carry out the full cutting and half cutting with one common cutter unit  200 . In other words, it is possible to carry out the full cutting and half cutting by sharing the cutter unit  200 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views showing the cutter unit  200 .  FIG. 4A  is a completion diagram of the cutter unit  200 , and  FIG. 4B  is an assembly diagram of the cutter unit  200 . A description will be given of the cutter unit  200 . 
     The cutter unit  200  is a unit which is slidably guided by a guide shaft  430 , to be described hereafter, and cuts the tape-like member  160 . The cutter unit  200  is configured of the cutter blade  210  configured of an inclined blade, a cutter holder  220  holding the cutter blade  210 , and a cutter cover  230  which fixes the cutter blade  210  by tucking it into the cutter holder  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , the cutter unit  200  is fixed in a condition in which a blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210  is projected in the +Y direction from an end face of an attachment surface  222  of the cutter holder  220 . Also, the cutter unit  200  fixes the cutter blade  210 , by means of an inclined surface  234  formed on the cutter cover  230 , in a condition in which the blade edge  211  is uniformly exposed. 
     In order to assemble the cutter unit  200 , as shown in  FIG. 4B , the blade edge  211  is caused to face in the upward direction (+Z direction), and a positioning hole  212  of the cutter blade  210  is engaged with a positioning projection  223  of the cutter holder  220 . Also, a positioning hole  231  of the cutter cover  230  is engaged with the positioning projection  223  passing through the positioning hole  212  of the cutter blade  210 , thus covering the cutter blade  210 . 
     Next, a fixing screw  237  is caused to pass through a fixing hole  224  and a fixing hole  213  of the cutter blade  210  from the bottom side (−X side) of the cutter holder  220 , and is screwed in a fixing hole  232  of the cutter cover  230 . Also, a fixing screw  238  is caused to pass through a fixing hole  233  from the top side (+X side) of the cutter cover  230 , and is screwed in a fixing hole  225  of the cutter holder  220 . By this means, the cutter holder  220  clamps the cutter blade  210  with the cutter cover  230 , thus fixing the cutter blade  210 . 
     The cutter operation mechanism  300  includes a first movement mechanism  400 , a second movement mechanism  500 , and the power transmission mechanism  600 . The first movement mechanism  400  is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit  200  to move in a front-back direction (the Y axis direction) relative to the tape-like member  160 . Also, the second movement mechanism  500  is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) relative to the tape-like member  160 . Also, the power transmission mechanism  600  is a mechanism which branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500 , and brings the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  into conjunction, causing the cutter unit  200  to carryout the circulatory movement. Also, the power transmission mechanism  600  also branches power and transmits it to the tape discharge mechanism  800 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views showing the first movement mechanism  400 .  FIG. 5A  is a completion diagram of the first movement mechanism  400 , and  FIG. 5B  is an assembly diagram of the first movement mechanism  400 . With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a description will be given of a configuration of the first movement mechanism  400 . 
     The first movement mechanism  400  is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the front-back direction (Y axis direction) relative to the tape-like member  160 . In the embodiment, the first movement mechanism  400  causes the cutter unit  200  to carryout the cutting preparation operation, withdrawal operation, and in addition, one portion of the cutting operation. The first movement mechanism  400  is configured of a cutter sliding unit  410  and a first plate  450  configuring the rotating circular plate  610 , and a planar cam mechanism  670 , of the power transmission mechanism  600 . The cutter sliding unit  410  is configured of a guide shaft unit  420 , a unit support casing  440 , which supports the guide shaft unit  420  by applying an appropriate pressing force thereto, and two pressing springs  447  and  448  which are a pressing force generation source. 
     The first plate  450  brings the rotating circular plate  610  and cutter sliding unit  410  into conjunction. The first plate, being formed of a plate material, is configured of a unit holding portion  451 , which connects and holds the cutter sliding unit  410 , and a cam arm  452  connected to the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     A cam projection hole  456  for engaging a cam projection  460  from below with a planar cam groove  620  formed in the rotating circular plate  610 , to be described hereafter, is formed in the cam arm  452 . Also, the cam arm  452  includes a pressing spring  471  as a spring member for holding and fixing the cam projection  460  in the cam projection hole  456  so that the cam projection  460  is retractable (retractable in the Z direction), thus configuring a projection holding portion  470 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views showing the second movement mechanism  500 , where  FIG. 6A  is a completion diagram of the second movement mechanism  500 , and  FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a swaying plate  510 . In  FIGS. 6A and 6B , for convenience of description, a depiction of the cutter sliding unit  410  (the first movement mechanism  400  having the guide shaft unit  420 ) is omitted. With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a description will be given of configurations of the second movement mechanism  500  and swaying plate  510 . 
     The second movement mechanism  500  is a mechanism which causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) along the guide shaft  430 . Also, the second movement mechanism  500  causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the up-down direction, thereby causing it to carry out the cutting operation or return operation with respect to the tape-like member  160 . The second movement mechanism  500  is configured of the cutter sliding unit  410 , a second plate  550  configuring the rotating circular plate  610 , and a crank mechanism  680 , of the power transmission mechanism  600 , and the swaying plate  510  which has one end swayingly connected to the cutter unit  200  and the other end swayingly connected to the second plate  550 . 
     The second plate  550  interlocks the rotating circular plate  610  and cutter sliding unit  410 . The second plate  550  is configured of a swaying plate holding portion  551 , which swayingly connects and holds the swaying plate  510 , and a crank arm  552  connected to the rotating circular plate  610 . A sliding slot  554  for swaying the swaying plate  510 , to be described hereafter, is formed in a wall  553  of the swaying plate holding portion  551 . A crank hole  556  for engaging from below with a crank projection  630  projectingly disposed on the rotating circular plate  610  is formed in the crank arm  552 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , the swaying plate  510  has a plate main body  511 , and a pivotal aperture  512 , which is a swaying center, and a first sliding shaft  513  and second sliding shaft  514  erected in a direction (the −X direction) perpendicular to the surface of the plate main body  511  are configured in the vicinity of the corners of the outer shape of the plate main body  511 . The first sliding shaft  513  is slidably connected to the second plate  550 , and the second sliding shaft  514  is slidably connected to the cutter unit  200 . Because of this, as a result, the swaying plate  510  carries out a swaying around the pivotal aperture  512 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the power transmission mechanism  600  of the cutter operation mechanism  300  and a drive portion  700  as seen from below.  FIG. 7  shows a condition in which a sub-frame  330 , the tape discharge mechanism  800 , and the tape pressing mechanism  900  are disposed. 
     The power transmission mechanism  600  includes the rotating circular plate  610  which rotates by means of power input from the drive portion  700 . The drive portion  700  has a drive motor  710  and the gear train  720  which is driven by the rotation of the drive motor  710  to rotate the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     Although details are described hereafter, the rotating circular plate (power transmission mechanism  600 ) rotates by means of the drive portion  700 , and power caused by the rotation is branched and transmitted to the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500 , and the cutter operation mechanism  300  operates 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 mechanism  300 , the cutter unit  200  cuts the tape-like member  160 . 
     Herein, a description will be given of a configuration of the drive portion  700 . 
     The drive portion  700  is a component portion which transmits a rotative force to the rotating circular plate  610  configuring the power transmission mechanism  600 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the drive portion  700  is configured of the drive motor  710  the gear train  720 , which is driven by the rotation of the drive motor  710  to transmit the power to the rotating circular plate  610 , and a detection switch portion  730 , which detects whether or not the cutter blade  210  is in a cutting stand-by position. The gear train  720  is configured of a worm  721  press-fitted around a motor shaft  711  of the drive motor  710  and a worm wheel  722  meshing with the worm  721 . Also, the worm wheel  722  has integrally formed in the lower portion thereof a transmission gear  723  which transmits the power in mesh with a gear portion  650  formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     The drive motor  710  carries out a forward direction rotation and a backward direction rotation. Consequently, the rotating circular plate  610  also carries out a forward direction rotation and a backward direction rotation by means of the drive portion  700 . Also, as a rotation speed detection member  725  is disposed on the motor shaft  711 , it is also possible to detect the rotation speed of the drive motor  710 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the detection switch portion  730  is configured of a detection switch  731 , which has a detection lever  732 , and a detection arm  733  which abuts with the detection lever  732 . The detection switch portion  730  is a component portion which detects whether or not the half cutting or full cutting by the cutting device  20  has been completed. The detection switch portion  730  outputs a detection result (ON/OFF) to the controller (not shown) included in the tape printing apparatus  1 . The detection switch portion  730  operates in engagement with the planar cam groove  620  of the rotating circular plate  610 , and detects whether or not the half cutting or full cutting has been completed. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the tape pressing mechanism  900 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , a description will be given of a configuration of the tape pressing mechanism  900 . 
     The tape pressing mechanism  900  is a device which is driven to move by the first movement mechanism  400  and, while the cutter unit  200  is carrying out the cutting operation which full-cuts or half-cuts the tape-like member  160 , presses and clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge mechanism  800 , to be described hereafter, disposed facing the tape pressing mechanism  900 , thus preventing a movement of the tape-like member  160 . The tape pressing mechanism  900  is configured of a tape pressing roller  910  and a tape holding casing  920  which rotatably holds the tape pressing roller  910 . The tape pressing roller  910  has a rotating shaft  910   a  (refer to  FIG. 3C ), and a pressing portion  911  formed of an approximately cylindrical member is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft  910   a . A concave groove  911   a  is formed in the approximately central portion of the pressing portion  911  in such away as to separate the upper stage and lower stage. The pressing portion  911  is configured of an elastic member and, in the embodiment, a rubber-based member is used. 
     The tape holding casing  920  is formed into an approximate box of which a side (the +Y side) is opened on which the tape discharge mechanism  800  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) is disposed facing the tape holding casing  920 . Particularly, the tape holding casing  920  is configured of an upper plate  921  and lower plate  922 , which rotatably hold the tape pressing roller  910  from above and below, and three side plates  923 ,  924 , and  925  (refer to  FIG. 7 ) which connect three directions of end faces of the upper plate  921  and lower plate  922 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the tape discharge mechanism  800 .  FIG. 10  is a plan view of a main portion including the tape discharge mechanism  800 .  FIG. 10  depicts the main portion with necessary component portions extracted in order to illustrate an operation of the tape discharge mechanism  800 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a description will be given of an outline of a configuration and operation of the tape discharge mechanism  800 . 
     The tape discharge mechanism  800  is a device which, while the cutter unit  200  is carrying out the half cutting or full cutting on the tape-like member  160 , presses and clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape pressing mechanism  900  disposed facing the tape discharge mechanism  800 , thus preventing a movement of the tape-like member  160 . Also, the tape discharge mechanism  800  is a device which, after the cutter unit  200  has full-cut the tape-like member  160  and finished the cutting operation, by rotating the tape discharge roller  820 , to be described hereafter, moves (discharges) the cut and separated tape-like member  160  toward the tape discharge slit  104  of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 
     The tape discharge mechanism  800  is configured of a tape discharge roller unit  810  and a discharge drive portion  850 . The tape discharge roller unit  810  is configured of the tape discharge roller  820  and a tape discharge casing  830  which rotatably holds the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, the tape discharge casing  830  functionally has a roller housing portion  831 , which houses the tape discharge roller  820 , and a cutter blade clearance portion  832  into which the cutter blade  210  (blade edge  211 ) retreats when the cutter unit  200  cuts the tape-like member  160 . 
     A pressing portion  821  formed of an approximately cylindrical member is disposed on the outer periphery of a rotating shaft  820   a  of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, the tape discharge roller  820  is such that a roller rotating gear  822  fixed to the rotating shaft  820   a  is disposed below the pressing portion  821 . 
     Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the discharge drive portion  850 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the discharge drive portion  850  is a mechanism portion which transmits the rotation of the rotating circular plate  610  to the tape discharge roller  820 , causing the tape discharge roller  820  to rotate, and cuts off the transmission, prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The discharge drive portion  850  is configured of a transmission gear train  870 , a clutch portion  880 , and a drive portion casing  860  in which the transmission gear train  870  and clutch portion  880  are incorporated. The transmission gear train  870  transmits power, which is a source of driving (rotating) the tape discharge roller  820 , to the clutch portion  880 . The clutch portion  880  transmits the power of the transmission gear train  870 , causing the tape discharge roller  820  to rotate, and cuts off the power of the transmission gear train  870 , prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The transmission gear train  870  has a first gear  871 , which engages with the gear portion  650  formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate  610  and transmits the rotation of the rotating circular plate  610 , and a transmission gear  871   a  connected to the first gear  871 . Also, the transmission gear train  870  has a second gear  872 , which engages with the first gear  871  (transmission gear  871   a ) and transmits the rotation to a subsequent stage gear, and a transmission gear  872   a  connected to the second gear  872 . The discharge drive portion  850  is such that the transmission gear train  870  and gear portion  650  come into engagement, configuring a transmission mechanism  660  with the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     The clutch portion  880  has a clutch casing  881  which is fitted around a rotating shaft  872   b  of the second gear  872  with a predetermined friction. Also, the clutch portion  880  has a clutch lever  882  extending from the +X side end of the clutch casing  881 . Also, the clutch portion  880  has a clutch gear portion  883  which, being rotatably disposed at one corner of the −Y side end of the clutch casing  881 , acts as a clutch gear portion engaging with the second gear  872  (transmission gear  872   a ). The clutch gear portion  883 , when it engages with the roller rotating gear  822  of the tape discharge roller  820 , which is a subsequent stage gear, transmits the rotation of the second gear  872  (transmission gear  872   a ) to the roller rotating gear  822 , causing the tape discharge roller  820  to rotate. 
     Also, the clutch portion  880  has a gear stopper  884  which, being disposed fixed to the other corner of the −Y side end of the clutch casing  881 , acts as a fixed gear portion. The gear stopper  884 , when it engages with the roller rotating gear  822  of the tape discharge roller  820 , by prohibiting the rotation of the roller rotating gear  822 , prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The clutch casing  881 , by being fitted around the rotating shaft  872   b  of the second gear  872  with the predetermined friction, as heretofore described, is given a sliding load, and tends to rotate in a rotation direction of the second gear  872 . Consequently, the clutch lever  882 , clutch gear portion  883 , and gear stopper  884  disposed on the clutch casing  881  are also driven by the operation of the clutch casing  881 . 
     The diagram shown in  FIG. 10  shows a condition in which the cutter blade  210  has 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 plate  610  is carrying out the forward direction rotation (a clockwise rotation) shown by an arrow A, and the second gear  872  of the transmission gear train  870  also carries out the forward direction rotation shown by an arrow C. Because of this, by the clutch gear portion  883  of the discharge drive portion  850  meshing with the roller rotating gear  822  of the tape discharge roller  820 , the tape discharge roller  820  rotates, and the cut tape-like member  160  is discharged from the tape outlet slit  154  disposed on the −X side. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective views of the rotating circular plate  610 , where  FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the rotating circular plate  610  seen from the top side, and  FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the rotating circular plate  610  seen from the bottom side.  FIGS. 12A to 12C  are diagrams showing the rotating circular plate  610 , where  FIG. 12A  is a plan view of the rotating circular plate  610 ,  FIG. 12B  is a F-F′ sectional view of the planar cam groove  620 , and  FIG. 12C  is a G-G′ sectional view of the planar cam groove  620 .  FIG. 12A  showing a plan view of the rotating circular plate  610  seen from the top side (+Z side), the planar cam groove  620  and crank projection  630 , although formed and disposed on the bottom side of the rotating circular plate  610  in reality, are shown as a transparent diagram by the solid lines for convenience of description. Also, the cam projection  460  disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the rotating circular plate  610  is shown by the solid line, and the crank hole  556  by the two-dot chain line. With reference to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 A and  11 B, and  12 A to  12 C, a description will be given of a configuration and outline operation of the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11A , an edge cam projecting portion  640 , 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 aperture  611  with the rotating aperture  611  as 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 plate  610 . The edge cam projecting portion  640  configures an engagement portion  615  of the rotating circular plate  610 . The edge cam projecting portion  640  controls the operation (the rotation and the prohibition of the rotation) of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, an edge cam mechanism  690  acting as a cam mechanism is configured between the rotating circular plate  610  and discharge drive portion  850  by the edge cam projecting portion  640  and the clutch portion  880  driven in engagement (abutment) with a side surface (an edge cam) of the edge cam projecting portion  640 . In other words, the edge cam mechanism  690  acting as the cam mechanism is configured between the discharge drive portion  850  of the tape discharge mechanism  800  and the rotating circular plate  610  by the edge cam projecting portion  640  of the rotating circular plate  610  and the clutch portion  880  engaging with the edge cam projecting portion  640 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  10 , and  11 A and  11 B, the gear portion  650  configuring the engagement portion  615  of the rotating circular plate  610  is formed on the outer periphery of the rotating circular plate  610 . Also, as heretofore described, the gear portion  650  engages (meshes) with the transmission gear  723  of the drive portion  700 , and transmits the rotative force from the drive motor  710  to the rotating circular plate  610 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the gear portion  650  transmits the rotative force of the rotating circular plate  610  to the clutch portion  880  (eventually to the tape discharge roller  820 ) by means of the transmission mechanism  660  engaging with the first gear  871  (transmission gear train  870 ) of the tape discharge mechanism  800 , as heretofore described. 
     The discharge drive portion  850  (transmission gear train  870  and clutch portion  880 ), by means of the rotation of the rotating circular plate  610 , brings the edge cam mechanism  690  and transmission mechanism  660  in conjunction, and causes them to carry out the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . Alternatively, the discharge drive portion  850  causes them to prohibit the rotation (details will be described hereafter). 
     As shown in  FIG. 11A , by a lever projecting portion  882   a  of the clutch lever  882  abutting against and sliding on the edge cam projecting portion  640  side surface (edge cam) formed the same distance from the rotating aperture  611  with the rotating aperture  611  as the center, the clutch portion  880  is driven to operate. Because of this, the gear stopper  884  engages with the roller rotating gear  822 , shown in  FIG. 10 , of the tape discharge roller  820 , thus prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11B and 12A , the planar cam groove  620  acting as a cam groove, of which the groove width is approximately constant, and the distance from the rotating aperture  611  is made different from one portion to another, is continuously formed in a ring form, with the rotating aperture  611  as the center, in the bottom of the rotating circular plate  610 . The planar cam groove  620  configures the engagement portion  615  of the rotating circular plate  610 . The cam projection  460  disposed on the first plate  450  engages with the planar cam groove  620 . In  FIG. 12A , the planar cam groove  620  is displayed by the dots. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 11B and 12A , the crank projection  630  engaging with the crank hole  556  formed in the second plate  550  is projectingly disposed on the bottom of the rotating circular plate  610 . The crank projection  630  is projectingly disposed inside the region surrounded by the planar cam groove  620  formed in a ring form. The crank projection  630  configures the engagement portion  615  of the rotating circular plate  610 . 
     By means of the configurations of the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500 , the cam projection  460  of the first plate  450  and the crank hole  556  of the second plate  550  are such that, when the rotating circular plate  610  rotates around the rotating aperture  611  (a support pin  314 ), the cam projection  460  slides in the Y axis direction along the planar cam groove  620 . Also, by the crank projection  630  rotating along the shape of the crank hole  556 , the crank hole  556  (second plate  550 ) slides in the Y axis direction. 
     In the embodiment, by causing the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate  610  to change, the half cutting or full cutting is carried out and, by causing the rotating circular plate  610  to turn around once (rotate once), the series of half cutting or full cutting operations (circulatory movement) is completed. The rotating circular plate  610  carries 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 mechanism  670 , being configured of the planar cam groove  620 , cam projection  460  (first plate  450 ), and the like, as shown in  FIGS. 12A to 12C , is a mechanism which converts the rotative force of the rotating circular plate  610  into a sliding motion of the first plate  450 , and causes the first movement mechanism  400  (cutter unit  200 ) to slide in the Y axis direction. Also, the crank mechanism  680 , being configured of the crank projection  630 , crank hole  556  (second plate  550 ), swaying plate  510 , and the like, is a mechanism which converts the rotative force of the rotating circular plate  610  into a sliding motion of the second plate  550 , and causes the cutter unit  200  caused to slide by the planar cam mechanism  670  to slide in the Z axis direction. The planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680  configure the power transmission mechanism  600 . 
     Herein, the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680 , by the rotating circular plate  610  turning around once, carries out the serial full cutting or half cutting circulatory movement. Also, the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680  are 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 groove  620 , when the rotating circular plate  610  rotates, when there is no change in the distance from the center (the center of the rotating aperture  611 ) of the rotating circular plate  610  to the cam groove, the current position (Y axis direction position) of the cutter unit  200  is maintained. Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the cam groove gradually becomes shorter, the position of the cutter unit  200  is advanced (moved in the +Y direction). Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the cam groove gradually becomes longer, the position of the cutter unit  200  is retreated (moved in the −Y direction). In  FIGS. 12A to 12C , the reference characters of a section a to a section i are added to the channels of the planar cam groove  620  for 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 plate  610  to the cam groove. 
     The sections a, c, e, g, and i of the planar cam groove  620  are sections in which there is no change in distance, that is, sections in which the current position (Y axis direction position) of the cutter unit  200  is 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 unit  200  is 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 plate  610 , 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 plate  610 , a withdrawal position at the half cutting time and a withdrawal position at the full cutting time are made different. 
     In the crank hole  556 , when the rotating circular plate  610  is caused to rotate, and the crank projection  630  revolves (moves in a circle), when there is no change in the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  (the center of the rotating aperture  611 ) to the crank hole  556 , the current height position (z axis direction position) of the cutter unit  200  is maintained. Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the crank hole  556  becomes shorter, the position of the cutter unit  200  is raised (moved in the +Z direction). Also, when the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the crank hole  556  becomes longer, the position of the cutter unit  200  is lowered (moved in the −Z direction). In  FIGS. 12A to 12C , the reference characters of a section k to a section n are added to the shapes of the crank hole  556  for each of the sections corresponding to the heretofore described changes in distance. 
     The sections k and m of the crank hole  556  are sections in which there is no change in distance, that is, sections in which the current height position of the cutter unit  200  is maintained. Also, the sections  1  and n are sections in which the distance becomes shorter or longer, that is, sections in which the position of the cutter unit  200  is 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 portion  640 , when the rotating circular plate  610  rotates, in a section (a section p) in which the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the edge cam is longest, and there is no change, the edge cam abuts against the lever projecting portion  882   a  of the clutch lever  882 , compulsorily causing the clutch portion  880  to rotate. Because of this, the gear stopper  884  meshes with the roller rotating gear  822 , prohibiting the operation (rotation) of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, in a section (a section q) in which the distance from the center of the rotating circular plate  610  to the edge cam is shorter than in the section p, the edge cam is prevented from abutting against the lever projecting portion  882   a  of the clutch lever  882 , and the clutch lever  882  is freed. In this condition, the clutch portion  880  carries out a rotation in a direction the same as the rotation direction of the second gear  872 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A to 12C , the planar cam groove  620 , 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 portions  620   a  and  620   b  in 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 projection  460  engaging therewith only when carrying out the full cutting. Particularly, the section b is a channel in which the cutter unit  200  is 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 unit  200  is 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 projection  460  engaging 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 unit  200  is 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 unit  200  is maintained in the return operation. 
     The channel shown in the F-F′ section shown in  FIG. 12B  is the channel used in the case of the full cutting, and the channel shown in the G-G′ section shown in  FIG. 12C  is the channel used in the case of the half cutting. The cam projection  460  is shown for convenience of description. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , in the case of the full cutting, the rotating circular plate  610  rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing with respect to the cam projection  460 . Then, as the stepped portion  620   a  comes nearer to the cam projection  460 , the groove depth decreases. In response to this change in the groove depth, the cam projection  460  is pressed and pushed down to the bottom side (underside) of the rotating circular plate  610 . The cam projection  460  is pushed down to the fullest in the position of the stepped portion  620   a  and, immediately after having passed the stepped portion  620   a , returns to a normal position by means of the pressing force of the pressing spring  471  of the projection holding portion  470 . By means of this operation, the cam projection  460  can return to the common channel. 
     With regard to  FIG. 12C  too, only the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate  610  differing, the operation of the cam projection  460  with respect to the stepped portion  620   b  is the same as the heretofore described operation of the cam projection  460  with respect to the stepped portion  620   a , so a description will be omitted. The rotating circular plate  610  is such that, as the traveling direction of the cam projection  460  is regulated by the stepped portions  620   a  and  620   b , the cam projection  460  is prevented from entering a differing channel. Particularly, in the case of the full cutting, the traveling direction of the cam projection  460  is regulated by the stepped portion  620   b  while, in the case of the half cutting, the traveling direction of the cam projection  460  is regulated by the stepped portion  620   a.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 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 mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  by means of the power transmission mechanism  600 , and causing the cutter unit  200 , tape discharge mechanism  800 , and tape pressing mechanism  900  to operate. 
       FIGS. 13A to 18D  are diagrams for illustrating operations of the cutting device  20  in the order of the operations when full-cutting the tape-like member  160 . Also,  FIGS. 13A ,  14 A,  15 A,  16 A,  17 A and  18 A are main portion side views showing operations of the cutter unit  200  by the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680 ,  FIGS. 13B ,  14 B,  15 B,  16 B,  17 B, and  18 B are main portion plan views of  FIGS. 13A ,  14 A,  15 A,  16 A,  17 A, and  18 A,  FIGS. 13C ,  14 C,  15 C,  16 C,  17 C, and  18 C are main portion side views showing operations of the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  by the edge cam mechanism  690 , and  FIGS. 13D ,  14 D,  15 D,  16 D,  17 D, and  18 D are main portion plan views of  FIGS. 13C ,  14 C,  15 C,  16 C,  17 C, and  18 C. For convenience of description, only the main portion is shown in each drawing. 
     Also, in  FIGS. 13B ,  14 B,  15 B,  16 B,  17 B, and  18 B, for convenience of description, the planar cam groove  620  and crank projection  630  configured on the bottom of the rotating circular plate  610  are shown by the solid lines as transparent views. Also, when carrying out the full cutting, the rotating circular plate  610  carries out the forward direction rotation (clockwise rotation), as shown by an arrow A, by means of the operation of the drive portion  700 . 
     The cutting preparation operation is an operation of causing the cutter unit  200  to advance toward the tape-like member  160  from the cutting stand-by position to the cutting start position. The advancement is carried out by causing the cutter unit  200  to move forward (move in the +Y direction). 
     The cutting stand-by position, being an initial position in a condition in which the cutting device  20  is 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 edge  211 , which is the inclined blade of the cutter blade  210  of the cutter unit  200 , is set in a position in which both the printing tape  161  and release paper  162  are cut. Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the cutting start position is such that a cutting point  211   a  of the blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210  is set in a position in which only the printing tape  161  is 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 unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ) cuts into the tape-like member  160 . For this reason, when the full cutting is carried out, it is possible to completely cut off the tape-like member  160 . Also, when the half cutting is carried out, it is possible to completely cut only the printing tape  161  in a condition in which the release paper  162  remains connected. 
     The cutting operation is an operation of causing the cutter unit  200  to move from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position and, by means of this operation, the cutter unit  200  cuts the tape-like member  160 . 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 unit  200  in 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 unit  200  in a direction approximately perpendicular to the tape surface of the tape-like member  160  from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position. 
     The withdrawal operation is an operation of retreating the cutter unit  200  from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position. The retreat is carried out by causing the cutter unit  200  to 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 point  211   a  of the cutter blade  210  is aligned touching the tape-like member  160 . 
     Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the withdrawal position is set to a position in which the cutting point  211   a  of the cutter blade  210  is away from the tape surface (a surface of the printing tape  161  of the tape-like member  160  on the side to which the ink of the ink ribbon  170  is thermally transferred) of the tape-like member  160 . 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 unit  200  to 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 unit  200  is lowered (moved in the −Z direction) from the withdrawal position, and subsequently, moved backward (moved in the −Y direction), thereby returning the cutter unit  200  to the cutting stand-by position (initial position). Also, at the half cutting time, simply by the cutter unit  200  being lowered (moved in the −Z direction) from the withdrawal position, it is possible to return the cutter unit  200  to 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 mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  when 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 mechanism  800  prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, the tape pressing mechanism  900  is driven by an operation of the cutter unit  200  advancing toward the tape-like member  160  from the cutting stand-by position to the cutting start position, and advances in the same way. Consequently, the tape pressing roller  910  advances toward the tape discharge roller  820 . Then, when the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the cutting start position, the tape pressing mechanism  900  causes the tape pressing roller  910  to press the tape-like member  160  with the tape discharge roller  820 . By means of this operation, the tape pressing mechanism  900  attains a condition in which the tape-like member  160  disposed between the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910  is pressed and clamped by the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910 . 
     In the cutting operation, when carrying out the full cutting and half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism  800  maintains the condition in which it prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, the tape pressing mechanism  900  maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  by means of the tape pressing roller  910  and tape discharge roller  820 . 
     In the withdrawal operation, when carrying out the full cutting, the tape discharge mechanism  800  causes the tape discharge roller  820  to rotate in a direction in which it discharges the tape-like member  160 . Also, the tape pressing mechanism  900  maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  by means of the tape pressing roller  910  and tape discharge roller  820 . Consequently, the tape pressing roller  910  is driven by the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820  to carryout the rotation in the direction in which it discharges the tape-like member  160 . The withdrawal operation is an operation after the cutting operation finishes. 
     In the withdrawal operation, when carrying out the half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism  800  prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . Also, the tape pressing mechanism  900  retreats by being driven by an operation of the cutter unit  200  retreating from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position. Consequently, by the tape pressing roller  910  retreating from the tape discharge roller  820 , the tape-like member  160  is released from the condition in which it is pressed and clamped. 
     In the return operation, when carrying out the full cutting, the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  maintain the condition in the withdrawal operation until the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Consequently, the tape pressing roller  910  is driven by the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820  to carry out the rotation in the direction in which it discharges the tape-like member  160 . 
     In the return operation, when carrying out the half cutting, the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  maintain the condition in the withdrawal operation until the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Consequently, the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited from rotating, the tape pressing roller  910  attains a condition in which it is away from the tape discharge roller  820 , and the tape-like member  160  maintains the condition in which it is released from being pressed and clamped. 
     As heretofore described, in the circulatory movement, the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  carry 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 roller  820  is prohibited, and the tape pressing roller  910  and tape discharge roller  820  attain the condition in which they clamp the tape-like member  160 . Because of this, it is possible to prevent the tape-like member  160  from being drawn out from the tape discharge slit  104  of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 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 roller  820  rotating, and the tape discharge roller  820  rotating with the tape-like member  160  clamped by the tape pressing roller  910  and tape discharge roller  820 , it is possible to discharge the cut and separated tape-like member  160  from the tape discharge slit  104 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13A to 18D , a description will be given of an operation of the cutting device  20  when full-cutting the tape-like member  160 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is 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 projection  460  is positioned in the section a of the planar cam groove  620 , and the first plate  450  is farthest away from the tape-like member  160  in the −Y direction. Consequently, the cutter unit  200  is also farthest away from the tape-like member  160  in the −Y direction. The tape pressing roller  910  driven by this movement of the first plate  450  is also farthest away from the tape discharge roller  820  in the −Y direction. Also, the crank projection  630  is positioned in the section k of the crank hole  556 , and the cutter unit  200  comes to a position lowest in the −Z direction along the guide shaft  430 . 
     The clutch lever  882 , as it rotates in a direction the same as the rotation of the second gear  872  of the discharge drive portion  850 , carries out the rotation in the forward direction the same as the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate  610  at the full cutting time. However, the clutch lever  882 , by being pressed by the edge cam projecting portion  640  which is the section p, is placed in a condition in which the rotation is reversed and returned to the opposite side. Consequently, the clutch lever  882 , by being positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . In this condition, the tape-like member  160  is in the condition in which it is released from the condition in which it is pressed by the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 14A to 14D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  advances 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 projection  460  passes the section a of the planar cam groove  620 , enters the section b, and is positioned on the boundary with the section c. When the cam projection  460  passes the section a and enters the section b, its traveling direction is regulated by the stepped surface of the stepped portion  620   b  connecting the section i and section a, and the cam projection  460  enters the section b along the stepped surface. 
     While the cam projection  460  is passing the section a of the planar cam groove  620 , the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the cutting stand-by position in the same way as in the condition of  FIGS. 13A to 13D . Then, at the same time as the cam projection  460  enters the section b, the cutter unit  200  starts to advance (move in the +Y direction) toward the tape-like member  160  from the cutting stand-by position. Then, the cam projection  460 , 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 point  211   a  of the blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210  is positioned farther in the +Y direction than the position of the tape-like member  160 . Consequently, the blade edge  211  portion (inclined blade portion) of the cutter blade  210  is positioned on the lower side of the tape-like member  160 . In this way, the cutting preparation operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism  400 . 
     The tape pressing roller  910  is driven by this to attain a condition in which it presses against the tape discharge roller  820  across the tape-like member  160 , and the tape-like member  160  is clamped by the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910 . The crank projection  630  is positioned in the section k of the crank hole  556 , and the cutter unit  200  maintains a position lowest in the −Z direction along the guide shaft  430  in the same way as shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . Also, as the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited from rotating in the same way as shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . 
     Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the full cutting operation (first cutting operation) is started. 
     Particularly, the cam projection  460  is positioned in the section c of the planar cam groove  620 , and maintains the Y axis direction position (the same position as the cutting start position) of the cutter unit  200 . Also, the crank projection  630  is positioned in the section  1  of the crank hole  556 , and starts to press it in the +Y direction, and the second plate  550  also starts to move in the same way. 
     By means of this operation, the first sliding shaft  513  of the swaying plate  510  pivotably held to the second plate  550  is also driven to move in the +Y direction. As the swaying plate  510  pivots around a support pin  321  of the base frame  310 , by means of the +Y direction rotation of the second plate  550 , the second sliding shaft  514  of the swaying plate  510 , as well as pressing a sliding slot  226  of the cutter unit  200  upward, moves inside the sliding slot  226 . 
     By means of the operation of the swaying plate  510 , the cutter unit  200  moves upward (rises in the +Z direction) along the guide shaft  430 . By means of the operation of the cutter unit  200 , the cutter blade  210  (blade edge  211 ) starts the full cutting of the tape-like member  160 . In this way, the cutting operation (first cutting operation) is started by the operation of the second movement mechanism  500 . At this time, the tape discharge roller  820 , being prohibited from rotating, maintains the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape pressing roller  910 . 
     When cutting the tape-like member  160 , the downstream side (−X direction) of the tape-like member  160  is clamped by the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910 . Also, the upstream side (+X direction) of the tape-like member  160  is clamped by the platen roller  180  of the tape cartridge  15  and the printing head  131  of the printing head unit  130 . In this condition, the cutter unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ), as well as moving in the width direction (+Z direction) of the tape-like member  160  and cutting the tape-like member  160 , cuts it in a direction approximately perpendicular to the tape surface. Also, when the cutter blade  210  carries out a cutting, as the tape-like member  160  is cut pressed against the tape receiving surface  843   a  (refer to  FIG. 9 ), it is possible to carry out a stable cutting. 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 15A to 15D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is most raised. This condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is 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 member  160  is in a condition in which the upper portion thereof is not cut (uncut). 
     In this condition, the cam projection  460  is positioned at the termination of the section c of the planar cam groove  620 . Because of this, the cam projection  460 , being in a condition in which it maintains the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit  200 , is maintaining the same position as the cutting start position. Also, the crank projection  630  is positioned on the boundary between the section  1  and section m of the crank hole  556 , and attains a condition in which the crank hole  556  is moved farthest in the +Y direction. The swaying plate  510  is driven by this movement of the crank hole  556  (second plate  550 ) to operate, and the cutter unit  200  comes to the position (the predetermined position in the embodiment) in which it is most raised along the guide shaft  430 . 
     At this time, the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited from rotating in the same way as shown in  FIGS. 14A to 14D , and is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape pressing roller  910 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 16A to 16D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  moves 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 unit  200  is advanced (moved in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, causing the cutter unit  200  to cut the uncut portion of the upper portion of the tape-like member  160  utilizing the inclined portion of the blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210 , rather than raising the cutter unit  200 . Also, the position of the cutter blade  210  in 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 projection  460  has passed the stepped portion  620   a  of the planar cam groove  620  from the condition shown in  FIGS. 15A to 15D  (the condition in which the cam projection  460  is in the section c of the planar cam groove  620 ), and entered the section d, the cutter unit  200  starts to advance (starts the second cutting operation). Then, the cutter unit  200  stops advancing (completes the second cutting operation) in the boundary position between the sections d and e of the planar cam groove  620 . In this condition, as shown in  FIG. 16A , the blade edge  211  of the cutter unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ) is moved farther in the +Y direction than the tape-like member  160 . In this way, the cutting operation (second cutting operation) is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism  400 . 
     In this condition, the crank projection  630 , as it is positioned in the section m of the crank hole  556 , is maintaining the Z direction position of the cutter unit  200 . Also, in the same way as shown in  FIGS. 14A to 14D , the tape discharge roller  820 , being prohibited from rotating, is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape pressing roller  910 . 
     By carrying out a cutting by causing the cutter unit  200  to 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 member  160 ) of the cutter unit  200 , and it is possible to miniaturize the cutting device  20 . 
     The cutter blade clearance portion  832  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) included in the tape discharge casing  830  is formed so as to correspond to the trajectory along which the blade edge  211  of the cutter unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ) moves from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position. Then, the blade edge  211  moves inside the cutter blade clearance portion  832  during the cutting operation. 
     Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the cutter unit  200  starts to retreat from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position (the withdrawal operation starts). 
     Particularly, the cam projection  460  moves from the section e to the section f of the planar cam groove  620 , causing the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit  200  in the cutting completion position to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Also, the crank projection  630  is positioned in the section m of the crank hole  556 , and maintains the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit  200  in the cutting completion position. 
     By the clutch lever  882  moving from the section p to the section q of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , the lever projection  882   a  is prevented from abutting against the edge cam, and the clutch lever  882  is freed. In this condition, the clutch portion  880  carries out a rotation in a direction the same as the rotation direction of the second gear  872 . As the second gear  872  is carrying out the forward direction rotation (clockwise direction) in the same way as the rotating circular plate  610 , the clutch portion  880  rotates in the forward direction. By means of this rotation of the clutch portion  880 , the clutch gear portion  883  of the clutch portion  880  meshes with the roller rotating gear  822 . 
     Normally, as the clutch gear portion  883  is in mesh with the transmission gear  872   a  of the second gear  872 , the rotative force of the second gear  872  is transmitted, rotating the clutch gear portion  883 . By the clutch gear portion  883  meshing with the roller rotating gear  822 , the rotative force of the clutch gear portion  883  is transmitted to the roller rotating gear  822 , and the tape discharge roller  820  starts to rotate. The rotation direction of the tape discharge roller  820  is a rotation direction opposite the forward direction. That is, the rotation direction of the tape discharge roller  820  is such that the tape discharge roller  820  carries out the rotation which feeds the tape-like member  160  toward the direction of the tape discharge slit  104  of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 
     Also, the tape discharge roller  820  clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape pressing roller  910 . Also, portions of the tape pressing roller  910  and tape discharge roller  820  outside the width of the tape-like member  160  press directly against each other. For this reason, when the tape discharge roller  820  rotates, causing the tape-like member  160  to move toward the tape discharge slit  104 , the tape pressing roller  910  is also driven to rotate. By means of this operation, the cut and separated tape-like member  160  reliably moves toward the tape discharge slit  104  without slipping. The tape discharge mechanism  800  causes the tape-like member  160  full-cut and separated by means of the operation of the edge cam mechanism  690  to be discharged from the tape discharge slit  104  by means of the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 17A to 17D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is moved from the cutting completion position to the withdrawal position (the withdrawal operation is completed). Also, the position of the cutter blade  210  at this time is the withdrawal position. In this condition, the cam projection  460  is positioned on the boundary between the section f and section g of the planar cam groove  620 . The cam projection  460 , by passing the section f of the planar cam groove  620 , causes the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit  200  to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Then, by the cam projection  460  being positioned on the boundary between the section f and section g of the planar cam groove  620 , the cutter unit  200  finishes 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 mechanism  400 . 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 projection  630 , as it is positioned at the termination of the section m of the crank hole  556 , is maintaining the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit  200  in the cutting completion position. Also, as the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , a condition is such that the clutch gear portion  883  is in mesh with the roller rotating gear  822 , and the tape discharge roller  820  keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller  910  is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     When in this condition, the cutting point  211   a  of the cutter blade  210  is aligned touching the tape-like member  160 . However, as the tape-like member  160  cut by the full cutting being completed is discharged from the tape discharge slit  104 , it does not happen that the cutter blade  210  causes a defect to occur in the cut tape-like member  160 . 
     Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the cutter unit  200  returns from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position, so the cutter unit  200  starts to lower. 
     Particularly, the cam projection  460  moves in the section g of the planar cam groove  620 . For this reason, the cutter unit  200  maintains the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. The crank projection  630  is positioned in the section n of the crank hole  556 , and the crank hole  556  (second plate  550 ) starts to move in the −Y direction. By means of this operation, the first sliding shaft  513  of the swaying plate  510  rotatably held to the second plate  550  is also driven to move in the −Y direction. 
     At this time, as the swaying plate  510  pivots around the support pin  321  of the first plate  450 , by means of the movement in the −Y direction of the second plate  550 , the second sliding shaft  514  of the swaying plate  510 , as well as pressing the sliding slot  226  of the cutter unit  200  downward, moves inside the sliding slot  226 . By means of this operation of the swaying plate  510 , the cutter unit  200  starts to move downward (lower in the −Z direction) along the guide shaft  430 . In this way, the return operation in the Z axis direction is started by means of the operation of the second movement mechanism  500 . 
     Also, as the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , the clutch gear portion  883  is in mesh with the roller rotating gear  822 , and the tape discharge roller  820  keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller  910  is maintaining the condition in which it clamps the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 18A to 18D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  lowers most from the withdrawal position, and the cutter unit  200  starts to move to the cutting stand-by position. In this condition, the cutter unit  200  is in a condition in which it is partway through the return operation. In this condition, the cam projection  460  is positioned on the boundary between the section g and section h of the planar cam groove  620 . For this reason, the cutter unit  200  is maintaining the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. Then, on the cam projection  460  entering the section h of the planar cam groove  620 , the cutter unit  200  starts 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 mechanism  400 . 
     The crank projection  630  is positioned in the section k of the crank hole  556 . For this reason, the cutter unit  200  is 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 lever  882  is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , the clutch gear portion  883  is in mesh with the roller rotating gear  822 , and the tape discharge roller  820  keeps rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller  910  is clamping the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the cutter unit  200  returns from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . 
     A description will be given of the return operation as far as the cutting stand-by position. By the cam projection  460  passing the section h of the planar cam groove  620 , the cutter unit  200  carries out a movement in the −Y direction. The crank projection  630  moves in the section k of the crank hole  556 , and the cutter unit  200  is 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 roller  910  is also driven by this operation to carry out a movement in the −Y direction, and comes out of contact with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     In this condition, the clutch lever  882  moves through a portion of the shape which connects from the section q to the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , and the clutch gear portion  883  starts to be brought into abutment with and pressed by the edge cam projecting portion  640 . For this reason, the clutch gear portion  883 , in a condition in which it loosens the mesh with the roller rotating gear  822 , gradually attains a condition in which it meshes with the gear stopper  884  (a condition in which it prohibits the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 ). 
     Then, the rotating circular plate  610  turns around once, and the cam projection  460  attains the same condition as the condition shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . Also, when this condition is attained, the detection switch portion  730  (refer to  FIG. 7 ) disposed on the base frame  310  detects that the cutter blade  210  has 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 portion  700  (drive motor  710 ) disposed on the base frame  310 . 
     The cutter operation mechanism  300 , by means of the drive (the rotation of the rotating circular plate  610 ) of the power transmission mechanism  600 , branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500 , and brings the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  into conjunction, causing the cutter unit  200  to carry out the circulatory movement for carrying out the full cutting. Also, the cutter operation mechanism  300 , by means of the operation of the power transmission mechanism  600 , carries out the series of operations of the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  by bringing them into conjunction, as well as into synchronization, with the circulatory movement. 
     The tape printing apparatus  1 , when the full cutting operation finishes, can start a next printing. When the tape printing apparatus  1  starts the next printing, the cutter unit  200  (the cutting edge  211  of the cutter blade  210 ), as it is in the cutting stand-by position and away from the tape-like member  160 , does not impede the tape-like member  160  being fed for the printing. 
       FIGS. 19A to 22D  are diagrams illustrating an operation of the cutting device  20  when half-cutting the tape-like member  160 . Also,  FIGS. 19A ,  20 A,  21 A, and  22 A are main portion side views showing an operation of the cutter unit  200  by the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680 ,  FIGS. 19B ,  20 B,  21 B, and  22 B are main portion plan views of  FIGS. 19A ,  20 A,  21 A, and  22 A,  FIGS. 19C ,  20 C,  21 C, and  22 C are main portion side views showing operations of the tape discharge mechanism  800  and tape pressing mechanism  900  by the edge cam mechanism  690 , and  FIGS. 19D ,  20 D,  21 D, and  22 D are main portion plan views of  FIGS. 19C ,  20 C,  21 C, and  22 C. For convenience of description, each diagram shows only the main portion. 
     In  FIGS. 19B ,  20 B,  21 B, and  22 B, for convenience of description, the planar cam groove  620  and crank projection  630  configured on the bottom of the rotating circular plate  610  are shown by the solid lines as transparent views. Also, when carrying out the half cutting, the rotating circular plate  610 , by means of the operation of the drive portion  700 , carries out the backward direction rotation (a counterclockwise rotation) as shown by an arrow B. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 19A to 22D , a description will be given of an operation of the cutting device  20  when half-cutting the tape-like member  160 . 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 unit  200  shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D  is the cutting stand-by position (initial position) at the half cutting time. 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 19A to 19D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  advances 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 plate  610  rotating backward (shown by an arrow B) from the cutting stand-by position shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . In the condition in which the cutting preparation operation is completed, the cam projection  460  passes the section a of the planar cam groove  620 , enters the section h, and is positioned on the boundary with the section g. While the cam projection  460  is passing the section a of the planar cam groove  620 , the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the cutting stand-by position. Then, at the same time as the cam projection  460  enters the section h, the cutter unit  200  advances (moves in the +Y direction) from the cutting stand-by position toward the tape-like member  160 . Then, when the cam projection  460  is positioned at the termination (the boundary with the section g) of the section h, the cutter unit  200  stops. This position is the cutting start position. 
     In this condition, the cutting point  211   a  of the cutter blade  210  is positioned in such a way that the printing tape  161  configuring the tape-like member  160  is cut, and the release paper  162  remains 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 to  FIGS. 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 mechanism  400 . The tape pressing roller  910  is driven by this to attain a condition in which it presses against the tape discharge roller  820  across the tape-like member  160 , and the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910  clamp the tape-like member  160 . The crank projection  630  is positioned in the section k of the crank hole  556 , and the cutter unit  200  is in a position in which it is lowered most in the −Z direction along the guide shaft  430 . 
     The clutch lever  882 , as it rotates in the same direction as that of the rotation of the second gear  872  of the discharge drive portion  850 , carries out the rotation in the backward direction the same as the rotation direction of the rotating circular plate  610  at the half cutting time. By means of this operation, the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , and slightly presses the clutch lever  882 , thereby prohibiting the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820 . Consequently, when carrying out the half cutting, the rotation of the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited during the operation of the circulatory movement at the half cutting time. 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 20A to 20B  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is raised most. This condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit  200  moves 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 projection  460  is positioned at the termination of the section g of the planar cam groove  620 . 
     Also, the crank projection  630  attains a condition in which it is positioned on the boundary between the section n and section m of the crank hole  556 , and the crank hole  556  is moved farthest in the +Y direction. The swaying plate  510  is driven by this movement of the crank hole  556  (second plate  550 ) to operate, and the cutter unit  200  comes into a position (the predetermined position) in which it is raised most along the guide shaft  430 . 
     By the crank projection  630  passing the section n of the crank hole  556 , the second movement mechanism  500  operates, and the cutter unit  200  rises along the guide shaft  430  from the cutting start position (refer to  FIGS. 19A to 19D ). By the cutter unit  200  rising, the half cutting is started (the first cutting operation is started), the cutter unit  200  rises to the predetermined position, and the half cutting is carried out. In this condition, the upper portion of the tape-like member  160  is not cut (uncut). 
     Also, the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited from rotating, and the tape pressing roller  910  is clamping the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 21A to 21D  show a condition in which the cutter unit  200  is advanced (moved in the +Y direction), and has completed the half cutting. Also, this condition shows a condition in which the cutter unit  200  moves 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 blade  210  in this condition is the cutting completion position. At the full cutting time too, the cutting completion position is the same position. 
     However, as shown in  FIGS. 21A to 21D , by carrying out the second cutting operation, causing the cutter unit  200  to advance (move in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, the uncut portion of the upper portion of the tape-like member  160  is cut utilizing the inclined portion of the blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210 , rather than raising the cutter unit  200 . With this cutting, both the printing tape  161  and release paper  162  are 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 member  160  with a half-cut region D (refer to  FIG. 24 ) and a full-cut region E (refer to  FIG. 24 ) in the width direction of the tape-like member  160 . 
     By carrying out a cutting by causing the cutter unit  200  to advance (move in the +Y direction), it is possible to shorten the movement distance of the cutter unit  200  in the up-down direction (the width direction of the tape-like member  160 ), and it is possible to miniaturize the cutting device  20 . 
     A description will be given of details of the heretofore described operation. Immediately after the cam projection  460  has entered the section f from the condition shown in  FIGS. 20A to 20D  (the condition in which it is positioned in the section g of the planar cam groove  620 ), the cutter unit  200  starts the second cutting operation. Then, as shown in  FIGS. 21A to 21D , the cutter unit  200  completes the second cutting operation in the boundary position between the section f and section e of the planar cam groove  620 . In this condition, as shown in  FIG. 21A , the blade edge  211  of the cutter unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ) is moved farther in the +Y direction than the tape-like member  160 . 
     The crank projection  630 , as it is positioned in the section m of the crank hole  556 , is maintaining the Z axis direction position of the cutter unit  200 . Also, the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section q of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , and the tape pressing roller  910  is prohibited from rotating, and clamping the tape-like member  160  together with the tape discharge roller  820 . 
     The cutter blade clearance portion  832  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) included in the tape discharge casing  830  is formed so as to correspond to the trajectory along which the blade edge  211  of the cutter unit  200  (cutter blade  210 ) moves from the cutting start position to the cutting completion position. Then, the blade edge  211  moves inside the cutter blade clearance portion  832  during the cutting operation. 
     The diagrams shown in  FIGS. 22A to 22B  show a condition in which the withdrawal operation of the cutter unit  200  is completed. Also, the position of the cutter blade  210  in this condition is the withdrawal position. In this condition, the cam projection  460  is positioned on the boundary between the section d and section i of the planar cam groove  620 . 
     The cam projection  460 , by passing the section d of the planar cam groove  620 , causes the Y axis direction position of the cutter unit  200  to move (retreat) in the −Y direction. Halfway through the section d, the cam projection  460  passes the stepped portion  620   a  connected to the section c but, in this case, the traveling direction is regulated by the stepped surface of the stepped portion  620   a , and the cam projection  460  passes the section d along the stepped surface. Then, by the cam projection  460  being positioned on the boundary between the section d and section i of the planar cam groove  620 , the movement (retreat) of the cutter unit  200  in the −Y direction finishes, and the cutter unit  200  is positioned in the withdrawal position. In this way, the withdrawal operation is carried out by means of the operation of the first movement mechanism  400 . 
     Also, the crank projection  630  is positioned at the termination of the section m of the crank hole  556 . The clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , and the tape discharge roller  820  is prohibited from rotating. Also, the tape pressing roller  910  is driven by the movement of the first plate  450  to move away from the tape discharge roller  820  in the −Y direction. By means of this operation, the tape-like member  160  is released from being pressed and clamped by the tape discharge roller  820  and tape pressing roller  910 . 
     The withdrawal position is the same in the Y axis direction as the cutting stand-by position shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D . Also, the withdrawal position is a position in which the cutting point  211   a  of the cutter blade  210  is away from the tape surface of the half-cut tape-like member  160 . For this reason, in the subsequent return operation, a problem of the cutter blade  210  damaging the half-cut tape-like member  160 , or the like, is prevented from occurring when the cutter blade  210  is lowered (moved in the −Z direction). 
     Subsequently, by the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the cutter unit  200  carries out the return operation (refer to  FIGS. 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 plate  610  rotating, the cam projection  460  passes the section i of the planar cam groove  620 . Because of this, the cutter unit  200  maintains the Y axis direction position in the withdrawal position. The crank projection  630  is positioned in the section  1  of the crank hole  556  and, by the crank hole  556  starting to move in the −Y direction, the second plate  550  also starts to move in the same way. By means of this operation, the swaying plate  510  operates, and the cutter unit  200  starts the return operation (moves in the −Z direction) along the guide shaft  430 . Also, the clutch lever  882  is positioned in the section p of the edge cam projecting portion  640 , and the tape discharge roller  820  maintains the condition in which it is prohibited from rotating. 
     By the rotating circular plate  610  rotating, the cam projection  460  passes the stepped portion  620   b  from the section i of the planar cam groove  620 , and enters the section a. The crank projection  630  moves to the section k of the crank hole  556 , and the cutter unit  200  maintains 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 lever  882  is positioned in the section p of the edge cam groove  640 , and the tape discharge roller  820  maintains the condition in which it is prohibited from rotating. 
     By means of the heretofore described return operation, when the cam projection  460  is positioned in the approximately intermediate position (refer to  FIGS. 13A to 13D ) of the section a, it means that the rotating circular plate  610  has turned around once. Also, when this condition is attained, the detection switch portion  730  (refer to  FIG. 7 ) disposed on the base frame  310  detects that the cutter blade  210  is 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 portion  700  (drive motor  710 ) disposed on the base frame  310 . 
     As heretofore described, the cutter operation mechanism  300 , by means of the drive (the rotation of the rotating circular plate  610 ) of the power transmission mechanism  600 , branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  and, by bringing the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  into conjunction, causes the cutter unit  200  to carry out the circulatory movement for carrying out the half cutting. 
     The tape printing apparatus  1 , when the half cutting operation finishes, can start a next printing. When the tape printing apparatus  1  starts the next printing, the cutter unit  200 , as it is positioned in the cutting stand-by position, and away from the tape-like member  160 , does not impede the tape-like member  160  being fed for the printing. 
     Herein, with reference to  FIG. 23 , a description will be given of the predetermined position.  FIG. 23  shows a main portion side view showing a condition in which the cutter unit  200  in the cutting operation at the half cutting time has completed the first cutting operation. Then,  FIG. 23  shows a condition in which the cutter unit  200  has completed the first cutting operation, and is positioned in the predetermined position. As shown in  FIG. 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) end  211   b  of the blade edge  211  of the cutter blade  210  goes beyond an end  160   a  of the tape-like member  160  corresponding to the movement direction side (+Z direction side) of the cutter blade  210 . 
     Then, in order to cause the cutter unit  200  to 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 unit  200  to 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 unit  200  to 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 edge  211  of the cutter blade  210  and, at the half cutting time, the cutting is carried out with the cutting point  211   a . Also, in the second cutting operation, by causing the cutter unit  200  to move forward (move in the +Y direction) from the predetermined position, a cutting up to the end  160   a  of the tape-like member  160  is carried out utilizing the inclined blade portion of the cutter blade  210  at both the full cutting time and half cutting time. The position (cutting completion position) of the cutter unit  200  in which the full cutting and half cutting are completed is a position common to the full cutting and half cutting. 
     Herein, with reference to  FIG. 24 , a description will be given of how a cutting is carried out on the tape-like member  160  cut by means of the cutting operation at the half cutting time.  FIG. 24  shows a plan view of the tape-like member cut by means of the cutting operation at the half cutting time. As shown in  FIG. 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 end  160   b  of the tape-like member  160  corresponding to the cutting start position side (−Z side) to a halfway position α in the width direction of the tape-like member  160  corresponding 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 end  160   a ) shown by a reference character E in which the cutting has been carried out utilizing the inclined blade of the cutter blade  210 , and the tape-like member  160  attains a condition in which it has been cut up to the release paper  162 . 
     In this way, with the cutter operation mechanism  300 , 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 member  160 . 
     According to the heretofore described embodiment, it is possible to obtain the following advantages. 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, by means of the cutter operation mechanism  300  which causes the cutter unit  200  to carry out the circulatory movement including the cutting preparation operation, cutting operation, withdrawal operation, and return operation, the cutter unit  200  moves in the width direction of the tape-like member  160  and carries out the cutting operation. Also, as the cutter operation mechanism  300  can change the amount of cutting into the tape-like member  160  by making the cutting start position different between the full cutting and half cutting using the same cutter unit  200  in 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 device  20  of 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 device  20 . 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, the cutter operation mechanism  300  causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the front-back direction (Y axis direction) relative to the tape-like member  160  by means of the first movement mechanism  400 . Also, the cutter operation mechanism  300  causes the cutter unit  200  to move in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) relative to the tape-like member  160  by means of the second movement mechanism  500 . Then, the cutter operation mechanism  300  branches power and transmits it to the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500 , and brings the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  into conjunction, by means of the power transmission mechanism  600 , causing the cutter unit  200  to carry out the circulatory movement. By means of this kind of cutter operation mechanism  300 , it is possible to cause the cutter unit  200  to carry out the complex circulatory movement with a simple structure. Also, as the first movement mechanism  400  and second movement mechanism  500  come into conjunction by means of the power transmission mechanism  600 , it is possible to cause accurate operations to be carried out in synchronization. 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, by the first movement mechanism  400  including the cutter sliding unit  410  and first plate  450 , it is possible to realize the operation of causing the cutter unit  200  to move in the front-back direction (Y axis direction) with a simple structure. 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, by the second movement mechanism  500  including the cutter sliding unit  410 , swaying plate  510 , and second plate  550 , it is possible to realize the operation of causing the cutter unit  200  to slide in the up-down direction (Z axis direction) along the guide shaft  430  with a simple structure. 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, the power transmission mechanism  600  includes the rotating circular plate  610 , the planar cam groove  620  formed in the rotating circular plate  610 , and the crank projection  630  projectingly disposed on the rotating circular plate  610 . Then, the planar cam groove  620  engages with the cam projection  460  projectingly disposed on the first plate  450 , configuring the planar cam mechanism  670  with the first plate  450 , and the crank projection  630  engages with the crank hole  556  formed in the second plate  550 , configuring the crank mechanism  680  with the second plate  550 . By means of this configuration, the power transmission mechanism  600  can convert the rotative power of the one rotating circular plate  610  into sliding motions of the first plate  450  and second plate  550 , enabling an efficient power conversion with a simple structure. Also, as the planar cam groove  620  and crank projection  630  are included in the one rotating circular plate  610 , it is possible to achieve a miniaturization and reduction in thickness of the power transmission mechanism  600 . Also, in the embodiment, as the planar cam groove  620  and crank projection  630  are included in one end face (the bottom) of the rotating circular plate  610 , it is possible to further achieve a miniaturization and reduction in thickness of the power transmission mechanism  600 . 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, the power transmission mechanism  600 , using the rotating circular plate  610 , causes a rotation to be carried out by switching the rotation between the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, and the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680 , by the rotating circular plate  610  turning around once in each of the rotation directions, carry out the serial circulatory movement of the full cutting or half cutting. Because of this, it is possible to realize the full cutting and half cutting, each of which carries out the serial circulatory movement, by means of a simple configuration and an efficient method. In addition, it is made easier to design the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680 . 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, the planar cam mechanism  670  and crank mechanism  680  are configured in such a way that the cutting stand-by positions (initial positions) at the full cutting time and half cutting time coincide. For this reason, when carrying out the full cutting or half cutting continuously after having carried out the full cutting or half cutting, it is possible to smoothly start the next operation from the cutting stand-by position (initial position). 
     According to the cutting device  20  of the embodiment, as the drive portion  700  includes the drive motor  710  which carries out the forward direction rotation and backward direction rotation, and the gear train  720  which is driven by the rotation of the drive motor  710  to cause the rotating circular plate  610  to rotate, it is possible to efficiently drive the rotating circular plate  610  (cause it to rotate in the forward direction and backward direction) with a simple configuration. 
     According to the tape printing apparatus  1  of the embodiment, as the cutting device  20  can carry out the full cutting and half cutting using the same cutter unit  200 , it is possible to achieve a miniaturization of the cutting device  20 . Because of this, it is possible to realize a miniaturization of the tape printing apparatus  1  including this kind of cutting device  20  and the printing drive device  120  which, by driving the tape cartridge  15 , carries out a printing on the tape-like member  160 . 
     According to the tape printing apparatus  1  of the embodiment, by the power transmission mechanism  600  of the cutting device  20  being disposed on the lower side (−Z side) of the printing drive device  120 , an efficient disposition is attained, meaning that it is possible to further achieve the miniaturization of the tape printing apparatus  1 . 
     As the cutting device  20  of the embodiment moves in the width direction of the tape-like member  160  and carries out the cutting operation on the tape-like member  160 , it is possible to carry out the cutting with an extremely weak force in comparison with a heretofore known cutting device which carries out a press cutting in the form of scissors. For this reason, as well as it being possible to achieve the miniaturization, it is possible to realize energy saving. Also, with the tape printing apparatus  1  including this kind of cutting device  20  too, it is possible to realize energy saving. 
     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. Modification examples will be described below. 
     In the heretofore described embodiment, in the cutting operation, the cutter unit  200  is caused to rise (move in the +Z direction) and carry out the cutting halfway, and next, to advance (move in the +Y direction) and carry out the cutting completely. However, the invention not being limited to this, the cutter unit  200  does not have to be caused to advance and cut the tape-like member  160 . In this case, the thickness in the height direction of the cutting device  20  increases, but the cutter unit  200 , only by rising (moving in the +Z direction), can carry out the full cutting or half cutting on the tape-like member  160 . 
     In the heretofore described embodiment, in the cutting operation, the cutter unit  200  is caused to rise (move in the +Z direction) and carry out the cutting halfway, and next, to advance (move in the +Y direction) and carry out the cutting completely. However, this is carried out by matching the width dimension of the tape-like member  160  with the maximum width dimension of the tape-like member  160  used for the tape printing apparatus  1  of the embodiment. Consequently, it is possible to completely carry out the full cutting or half cutting only by causing the cutter unit  200  to rise, even without causing it to advance (move in the +Y direction), depending on the width dimension of the tape-like member  160  to be used. 
     In the heretofore described embodiment, the shape of the planar cam groove  620  formed in the rotating circular plate  610 , the edge cam projecting portion  640 , the crank hole  556  formed in the second plate  550 , and the like, can be changed as appropriate. Also, the positions, or the like, of the cam projection  460  disposed on the first plate  450 , and the crank projection  630  projectingly disposed on the rotating circular plate  610 , can also be changed as appropriate so as to correspond to the planar cam groove  620  and crank hole  556 .