WO2010125128A1

WO2010125128A1 - Sub-assemblies for use in a casette

Info

Publication number: WO2010125128A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/055768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefaan Van den Broecke; Kris Vandermeulen; Ward Adriaenssen; Eddy Cams; Jurgen Van Loo; Herman De Rycke; Peter Van Pottelberghe
Original assignee: Dymo
Priority date: 2009-04-28
Filing date: 2010-04-28
Publication date: 2010-11-04
Also published as: JP2012525282A; CN102458867A; US8939665B2; WO2010125126A1; JP5612669B2; WO2010125122A9; PL2246197T3; EP2416966B1; US20100272492A1; US20120057917A1; EP2246197A1; WO2010125122A1; EP2246197B1; AU2010243577A1; EP2974874A2; EP2416966A1; CN102458867B; AU2010243573B2; US8469615B2; AU2010243573A1

Abstract

A subassembly for use in a cassette, said subassembly comprising a supply of print material, said print material being provided on a supply spool; support means for supporting the spool, said support means arranged to retain the supply of print material in place in the subassembly; and a guide path for guiding the print material to a print location from said supply.

Description

SUB-ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN A CASETTE

The present invention relates to subassemblies and in particular but not exclusively to subassemblies for use in a cassette in a label printer.

Label printers are generally arranged to operate with a supply of image receiving medium arranged to receive an image. This image receiving medium may be in the form of a continuous tape or may comprise pre-cut labels on a backing tape. Optionally, an ink ribbon may be provided for transferring an image onto the image receiving medium. Alternatively, an image can be printed directly onto the image receiving medium using, for example a thermal print head.

In known label printers, a cassette is arranged to hold a supply of image receiving medium. A supply of image transfer ribbon or ink ribbon, if provided, may be in the same cassette as the image receiving medium or in a different cassette. The image receiving medium and the ink ribbon, where provided, are passed in overlap through a printing zone of a printer.

To manufacture a cassette, a cassette base is provided, into which a supply of image receiving medium is placed. Ink ribbon, if present, is then also placed in the base of the cassette in the correct position relative to the image receiving medium.

The lid of the cassette is then assembled thereto. This process is complicated to automate. Placing the ink ribbon and the image receiving medium into the base of the cassette in the correct relative orientation with respect to one another, may be difficult.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a subassembly for use in a cassette, said subassembly comprising: a supply of print material, said print material being provided on a supply spool; support means for supporting the spool, said support means arranged to retain the supply of print material in place in the subassembly; and a guide path for guiding the print material to a print location from said supply. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a printer comprising: a print head for printing an image on an image receiving means; a support with which said print head is arranged to cooperate when said print head is printing; and print head pressure control means comprising activation means, said activation means configured, in use, to be activated by a cassette.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of print material on a spool, an area in which printing means of said printer are accommodated in use, and means for activating a print head pressure means of said printer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a method of assembling a cassette, the method comprising: assembling a supply of ink ribbon to a first subassembly; assembling a supply of image receiving material to a second subassembly; connecting said first and second subassemblies together; and inserting said connected first and second subassemblies into a cassette base.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a first part; a second part; a third part intermediate said first and second parts; and a supply of print material, wherein said second part has at least one opening therein to permit at least one support member of said printer to contact said third part, in use.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of print material housed in the cassette, said supply of print material having an axis of rotation; a housing containing said print material, said housing comprising a lower surface with at least one opening to receive at least one element of said printer in use, an outer side surface and an upper surface, said outer side surface comprising a projection extending therefrom, said projection having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being shaped so as to cause a switch of said printer to move from a first position to a second position. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a cassette for use in a label printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of image receiving medium, a supply of ink ribbon; a take up spool for said ink ribbon, a first area for accommodating a print head of said label printer adjacent said ink ribbon supply and said take up spool; a second area for accommodating a platen of said printer adjacent said image receiving tape; an outlet slot for said image receiving medium; means for guiding said image receiving medium between said first and second areas, from one side of said areas to an opposite side thereof, to said outlet slot and for guiding said ink ribbon from said supply between said first and second areas to said take up spool.

For a better understanding of the present invention and as to how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a cassette embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cassette of Figure 1 from below;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from above of a handle member of the cassette of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from below of the handle member of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from above of an intermediate part of the cassette of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from below of the intermediate part of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view from one side of an ink ribbon subassembly embodying the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another side of the ink ribbon subassembly of

Figure 7;

Figure 9a shows a perspective view of an ink ribbon spool; Figure 9b shows a perspective view of an image receiving medium spool;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view from one side of a tape subassembly embodying the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view from another side of the tape subassembly of

Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a bottom part of the cassette of Figure 1 ;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the cassette in a printer embodying the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a mechanism of the printer of Figure 13; Figure 15a shows a perspective view of a print head pressure system for a printer embodying the present invention;

Figure 15b shows a perspective view of a print head assembly and platen of a print head pressure system of Figure 15a;

Figure 15c shows a print head movement controller of the print head pressure system of Figure 15a;

Figure 15d shows a print head holder of the print head pressure system of Figure

15a;

Figure 16a shows a cross-sectional view of the cassette of Figure 1 with the print supplies locked in position; Figure 16b shows a cross-sectional view of the cassette of Figure 1 with the print supplies in an unlocked position;

Figure 17 shows an ink ribbon subassembly embodying the present invention and a tape subassembly embodying the present invention, assembled together;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of an intermediate part assembled with a tape subassembly embodying the present invention;

Figures 19a shows a perspective view of a cassette receiving bay of a printer embodying the present invention;

Figure 19b shows a plan view of the cassette receiving bay of Figure 19a;

Figure 19c shows another perspective view of the cassette receiving bay of Figure 19a;

Figure 20 shows a further cross-sectional view of the cassette of Figure 1.

Figure 21 shows a first perspective view of a cassette according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a first side of the cassette;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the cassette of Figure 21 , showing the side opposite to that shown in Figure 21 ;

Figure 23 is a view of a second surface of the cassette of Figure 21 , not shown in

Figures 21 or 22;

Figure 24a shows the cassette of Figure 21 inserted in a first label printer;

Figure 24b shows the cassette of Figure 21 inserted in a second label printer; Figure 25a is a section along line D-D of Figure 24a;

Figure 25b is a section along line D-D of Figure 24b;

Figure 26a is a section along line A-A of Figure 24a;

Figure 26b is a section along line A-A of Figure 24b; Figure 27a is a section along line B-B of Figure 24a;

Figure 27b is a section along line B-B of Figure 24b;

Figure 28a is a section along line C-C of Figure 24a;

Figure 28b is a section along line C-C of Figure 24b;

Figure 29 shows the interior of the cassette of Figure 21 ; Figure 30a shows a further cassette embodying the invention

Figure 30b shows the cassette of Figure 21 for comparison;

Figure 30c shows the cassette of Figure 30a with respect to a ramp switch of the label printer;

Figure 3Od shows the cassette of Figure 21 with respect to the ramp switch of the label printer;

Figure 31 shows schematically part of wall of a cassette receiving bay;

Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the cassette of Figure 21 ;

Figure 33 shows the ink ribbon subassembly of Figure 32;

Figure 34 shows the ink ribbon subassembly of Figure 33 with the ink ribbon supply spool and take up in place;

Figure 35a and 35b respectively show the cassette receiving bays of the label printers of Figures 4a and 4b, with no cassette present; and

Figures 36a and 36b show part of a wall of the cassette receiving bays of the label printers of Figures 24a and 24b, opposite to the wall shown in Figures 35a and b.

A cassette and the associated subassemblies will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elements of the cassette can be all made of plastics. In one embodiment of the present invention, no metal parts are required. In one embodiment of the present invention, the different parts of the cassette may be made using an injection moulding processing. Alternative manufacturing techniques may be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the parts of the cassette may be made of PS (polystyrene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyoxymethylene) or the like. It should be appreciated, that the different parts of the cassettes may be made of the same material. Alternative cassettes may have the different parts made of different materials. For example, the spools may be made of POM.

It should be appreciated that any other suitable materials can be used to make the cassette including metals.

Figure 1 shows the cassette 2, when assembled, from above whilst Figure 2 shows the assembled cassette 2 from below.

The cassette 2 has a generally circular handle member 4. The handle member 4 can be seen in more detail in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the side of the handle member 4 which forms an outside surface of the cassette 2. Figure 4 shows the underside of that handle member 4. The handle member 4 has a handle portion 12. The handle member 4 has a generally circular peripheral edge 20. The handle portion 12 extends generally along a line which cuts the generally circular area of the handle member 4 in half. The upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12 is generally rectangular in shape. It should be appreciated that this rectangular shape is by way of example. In alternative embodiments the upper surface can be any other suitable shape.

In the centre of the handle portion 12 is a mounting hole 6. The mounting hole 6 is used to mount the handle member 4 on an intermediate part 38. The intermediate part 38 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

Also provided on the handle portion 12 is a handle lock 8. The handle lock 8 can be seen more clearly from Figure 4 which shows the handle member 4 from below. In particular, the handle portion 12 has a recess 10 in the upper surface 24 in which the handle lock 8 is provided. This handle lock 8 interacts with a corresponding handle lock 60 on the intermediate part 38 which can be seen from Figures 5 and 6. The interaction of the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4 with the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38 will be described in more detail later. The handle lock 8 is to prevent the handle from rotation when the cassette is outside a printer.

On either side of the upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12, and perpendicular to the upper surface 24, are side walls 22 which extend from the upper surface 24 of the handle portion into a respective recess 18. Provided on each of the side walls 22 of the handle portion is a recessed grip 26. The recessed grip 26 is shaped so as to facilitate a user gripping the two side walls 22 of the handle portion 12. The recessed grip 26 can take any suitable shape. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, the recessed grip 26 is generally semicircular in shape with the curved part of the recess extending towards the upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12.

The respective recesses 18 are each generally semi-circular, defined by part of the circular peripheral edge 20 and a long edge of the side walls 22 remote from the upper surface 24. The respective recesses 18 are recessed with respect to the upper surface of the handle and may have a maximum depth defined by the height of the respective side walls 22.

The upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12 may be substantially planar or in alternative embodiments may be curved.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a label 27 may be provided which extends across the upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12. This label 27 may cover the mounting hole 6 and the recess 10 for the handle lock 8. The upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12 may have a lip 25 which extends generally upwardly from and generally perpendicularly to the upper surface 24 of the handle portion 12 to define an area within which the label 27 is accommodated. In some embodiments of the invention, this lip 25 may be omitted. The label may carry information for the user of the cassette. The label may conceal the mounting hole 6 and the recess 10. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the label may be omitted or have a different shape, In some embodiments of the invention, the upper surface of the handle portion may be continuous and conceal the mounting hole and the recess 10 for the handle lock. The handle portion may have any other suitable shape, instead of the generally rectangular shape shown in the Figures.

The lid also has three wings 28, 30 and 32. First wings 28 and 32 are for locking the cassette within the printer. This will be described in more detail later. The third wing 30 also provides locking of the cassette within the printer. The third wing 30 is also arranged to activate the print head mechanism of the printer. This will be described in more detail later.

As can be seen from the under side of the handle member 4 which is shown in Figure 4, there are ribs 34a and 34b which interact with a tape subassembly 151 (shown in Figure 10 and 11). Ribs 36a, 36b, 37a and 37b interact with the ink ribbon subassembly 76 (shown in Figure 7 and 8).

The first rib 34a for the tape subassembly is arranged adjacent the mounting hole 6 and the second of the tape subassembly ribs 36b is also arranged adjacent mounting hole 6 but rotated with respect to rib 34a around the mounting hole 6. In an inoperative position of the cassette, rib 34a avoids that the tape spool of the tape subassembly can unlock. When the handle is rotated towards the operative position, rib 34a moves away from the tape subassembly and rib 34b interacts with the tape subassembly to unlock the tape spool.

For the ink ribbon subassembly, ribs 36a and 37a avoid that in the inoperative position or condition of the cassette the ink ribbon supply spool and take ink ribbon take-up spool can unlock. When the handle is rotated towards the operative position or condition of the cassette, ribs 36b and 37b interact with the ink ribbon subassembly to unlock the ink ribbon supply spool and the ink ribbon take-up spool respectively. The intermediate part 38 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the side of the intermediate part 38 which faces the lower side of the handle member 4 and Figure 6 shows the opposite side of the intermediate part 38.

The intermediate part 38 comprises a first wing 40, a second wing 42 and a third wing 44. These wings can be seen from the exterior of the cassette (see Figures 1 and 2). The second and third wings 42 and 44 are arranged to provide vertical alignment of the cassette in the printer. The second wing 42 is also arranged to activate a switch of the printer, as will be described later. The remainder of the intermediate part is substantially housed within the cassette body defined primarily by the handle member 4 and the bottom part 46.

The intermediate part 38 has central snap fits 48. This can be seen from Figure 5. The snap fits 48 extend upwardly from the planar surface 50 of the intermediate part 38. In this example, three snap fit members are provided. These snap fits 48 are arranged to be received in the mounting hole 6 of the handle member 4 so that the intermediate part 38 is engaged with the under side of the handle member 4 shown in Figure 4.

The planar surface 50 is provided with reinforcement ribs 52. In this example five ribs 52 are provided but more or less than five ribs may be provided. These reinforcement ribs 52 extend generally, in a radial direction on the surface 50. It should be appreciated that these ribs may be omitted or have a different shape in alternative embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the ribs 52 are shown extending from an outer peripheral wall 54 of the intermediate part 38 and extend generally towards the centre. In one embodiment, the ribs 52 extend about half the distance from the outer peripheral wall 54 to the centre of the intermediate part 38. The height of the ribs 52 extends from the maximum height at the peripheral wall 54 to a point on the planar surface where the rib has no height, in a gradual manner.

The intermediate part 38 has a first positioning hole 56 and a second positioning hole 58. These are to allow the correct positioning of the cassette in the printer. In particular, positioning members of the printer extend through these positioning holes 56 and 58 as discussed later.

The intermediate part 38 comprises the handle lock 60 which prevents the handle from rotating when the cassette is outside the printer. In particular, the handle lock 60 engages the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4. The handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38 comprises a projecting part which is shaped to be received in a lock opening 9 of the corresponding handle lock 8 of the handle member 4. The handle lock 8 of the handle member 4 is flexible so that the lock opening 9 can be moved between a first position in which the lock opening 9 of the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4 is engaged with the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38 and a second position in which the lock opening 9 of the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4 is not engaged with the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38. When the projection of the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38 is received in the lock opening 9 of the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4, the handle member 4 is prevented from rotating relative to the intermediate part 38. The handle lock 60 may alternatively be part of another part of the non-rotating parts of the cassette, such as one of the subassemblies or the bottom of the cassette.

As can be seen from Figure 6 which shows the under side of the intermediate part 38, first and second projections 62 and 64 are provided. These projections 62 and 64 are generally cylindrical and are shaped so as to position and align the ink ribbon take up spool and the ink ribbon supply spool. In some embodiments, these projections may be omitted. This positioning of the spools may be done by the ink ribbon subassembly.

In this regard, reference is made to Figure 9a which shows the ink ribbon spool 66 on which a supply of ink ribbon is provided. The take up spool has a similar configuration. The ink ribbon supply spool is generally cylindrical and defines a cylindrical opening 68 into which the respective positioning projection 62 or 64 is received.

Reverting back to Figure 6, three press fits 70 are provided. These press fits 70 are arranged to mount the intermediate part 38 onto the bottom part 46. The intermediate part 38 also comprises a tape lock member 72 for preventing the tape from moving when the cassette is outside the printer. The tape lock member acts against the tape as illustrated in Figure 18. The tape lock member 72 especially avoids that the tape moves inwards into the cassette during handling and transportation.

The tape lock member 72 has on top a guide pin 73 (see Figure 18). The guide pin 73 is guided by ribs on the handle member 4. In the non-operative position of the cassette, the guide pin 73 is kept in position 75 by rib 77a (see Figure 20), and the tape lock member 72 acts against the tape. When turning the handle member 4 with respect to the other parts of the cassette, first part 77a of rib 77 ensures that the tape lock member 72 continues to act against the tape for a first predetermined amount of rotation (see angle α in Figure 20). Preferably, the tape lock member 72 continues to act on the tape for a rotation of about 15 degrees. When the handle member 4 is turned upto position 78 of rib 77 as illustrated in Figure 20, the guide pin 73 is guided in channel 79 between the second part 77b of rib 77 and rib 80. In Figure 20, the movement of the guide pin 73 is added to the bottom view of the handle part to illustrate the path of the guide pin when this handle part is turned over about 25 degrees. At position 83, the guide pin 73 is at an end of its path and the cassette is in the operative condition. In this position 83 of the guide pin 73, the tape lock member 72 is released from the tape.

The intermediate part 38, as shown in Figure 6 has a support rib 71. This support rib cooperates with the subassemblies. The support rib is generally V-shaped with the longer leg 71 a supporting the ink ribbon subassembly and the shorter leg 71b supporting both subassemblies.

The underside of the intermediate part 38 has a planar support surface 67 which is used to provide vertical alignment inside the printer

In order to facilitate the assembly of the cassette, a subassembly 76 is provided for the ink ribbon supply and take up spools. This subassembly can be seen from Figures 7 and 8. Similarly, a subassembly 151 for the tape is provided which is shown in Figures 10 and 11.

Reference is first made to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the ink ribbon subassembly 76 whilst Figure 8 shows a perspective view that ink ribbon subassembly from another side. The ink ribbon take up spool, the ink ribbon supply spool and the ink ribbon are illustrated in Figure 7 in dotted lines. The ink ribbon take up and supply spools 66a and 66b are positioned on the ink ribbon subassembly, with the ink ribbon in the defined ink ribbon path before the cassette is assembled.

An ink ribbon supply spool 66a is shown in dotted lines along with the ink ribbon take up spool 66b. The ink ribbon subassembly 76 comprises a first part 82 which is arranged to receive the ink ribbon supply spool 66a. The part 82 comprises an upper collar 84 and a lower collar 86. The upper and lower collars 84 and 86 are arranged to engage upper and lower regions 88 and 90 of the ink ribbon spool 66a, which is shown in Figure 9a. As can be seen in Figure 9a, the upper and lower regions 88 and 90 of the ink ribbon spool 66 have a smaller diameter than the part of the core 92 which carries the ribbon. The upper region 88 of the ink ribbon spool 66 has a gear 93 on the uppermost end thereof.

The upper and lower collars 84 and 86 each generally define part of a circle. The collars are of size and shape such that the respective upper and lower regions 88 and 90 of the ink ribbon spool 66a can be pushed into position in the collar. In particular, the collars on the ink ribbon subassembly are at the opening between the snap fit members smaller in size than the diameter of the spools at the upper and lower regions, such that the ink ribbon spool 66a must be pushed sideways into these collars. The collars do not form a complete enclosed circle, which allows the spool to be laterally inserted in the ink ribbon subassembly. Additionally, at each end of the upper collar 84 are arranged first and second snap fit members 98 and 100. This allows the ink ribbon spool to be snapped into ink ribbon subassembly 76. The snap fit members 98 and 100 engage the upper region 88 of the ink ribbon spool 66a below the gear 93. These snap fits retain the ink ribbon spool 66a in place but do not interfere with the rotation of the ink ribbon spool. Optionally or alternatively snap fits may be provided on the lower collar 86.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, a single snap fit member can be provided on the upper collar or in some embodiments no snap fit members are provided on the upper collar.

A locking member 99 is provided which engages with the gear at the top of the ink supply spool. The locking member 99 is provided between the first and second locking members 98 and 100. The locking member 99 has a first position in which the locking member 99 is arranged to engage in the gear 93 of the ink ribbon spool 66a. The locking member 99 has a second position in which the locking member 99 is disengaged from the gear 93. The locking member 99 is normally or naturally in the first position. However, the locking member is sufficiently resilient to be moved into the second position.

The locking member 99 is arranged to be in the first position to lock the ink ribbon spool 66a and hence the ink ribbon during the assembly process. The locking member 99 also provides the function of locking the ink ribbon spool 66a when the cassette is outside the printer. The locking member 99 is arranged to be moved to the second, unlocked position, when the handle member 4 is turned. In particular, when the handle member is rotated, the rib 36b of the handle member 4 (see Figure 4 and the cross sectional view of Figure 16b) is arranged to move the locking member 99 to the second position.

Between the collars 84 and 86 is a recessed area 94. This recessed area 94 is sized such that the entire unused ink ribbon supply, in a roll, on the ink ribbon spool 66a can be accommodated therein.

The take up spool 66b is retained in place by upper collar and lower collars 110a and 110b. On the upper collar 110a is similarly provided a first snap fit 112 and a second snap fit 114 for retaining the upper region 88 (below the gear 93) in position. Similar snap fits may be provided on the lower collar. Alternatively one or both the snap fits may be omitted on one or both of the collars. A locking element 113 is provided which again engages the gear part 93 of the take up spool 66b. The locking element 113 is generally arranged midway between the first and second snap fits 112 and 114. The locking element 113, when the cassette is out of the printer, again, locks the take up spool 66b in position. This spool 66b is also locked in position during the production process by locking element 113. When the handle member 4 is turned, the locking element 113 is moved away from the gear 93 so that the take up spool 66b is able to rotate. The locking member 113 is moved by the rib 37b of the handle member 4 out of the locking position, on rotation of the handle member 4.

The ink ribbon take up spool 66b and the ink ribbon supply spool 66a are arranged substantially adjacent to one another, separated by elements of the ink ribbon subassembly 76.

The ink ribbon subassembly 76 also includes a guide portion 120 which allows the ink ribbon to be guided from the ink ribbon supply spool 66a to the ink ribbon take up spool 66b through a print zone. The position of the print zone is indicated schematically in Figure 7 by reference 122. The guide portion 120 lies to one side of the area of the subassembly 76 which contains the ink ribbon take up and supply spools.

The area between the print zone 122 and the guide portion 120 defines an area which, in use will accommodate elements of the printer such as, for example the print head. This defines a print head area 327. The guide portion 120 has a first generally straight part 120a which extends from the ink ribbon supply spool 66a. The guide portion 120 then has a generally "C" shape 120b. The ink ribbon is guided from the first generally straight part 120a across the open part 120c of the "C" shape. The ink ribbon then follows the outside wall 12Od of the "C" shape to the take up spool 66b. The print area 327 is defined within this "C" shape.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the outside wall 12Od comprises first and second generally parallel walls 128 and 130, separated by a distance 131. The walls 128 and 130 extend outwardly from the outside wall 120 and define a path for the ink ribbon. The ink ribbon moves between the parallel walls. These walls may provide a strengthening function for the ink ribbon subassembly 76.

On the interior wall 12Oe of the guide portion 120 of this subassembly 76 is a print head pressure rib 126. The rib is arranged on part of the wall adjacent the open part of the "C" remote from the straight part 120a. This rib 126 is arranged to engage with the print head assembly in order to adjust the print head pressure and/or the print head pressure point depending on a characteristic of the ink ribbon and/or tape. This feature will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The ink ribbon subassembly 76 comprises elements which allow the ink ribbon subassembly 76 to be joined to the tape subassembly 151. These elements will be described later.

Finally, the ink ribbon subassembly 76 includes a mounting hole 129 which allows the ink ribbon subassembly 76 to be mounted in the bottom part 46.

Reference is now made to Figures 10 and 11 which show the subassembly 151 for the tape supply. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the tape subassembly from one side whilst Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the tape subassembly from the opposite side.

The tape supply is received on a spool 69 which is, illustrated in Figure 9b. The tape supply spools 69 may be configured so that the spools can be stacked. At the top of the spool 69, a toothed part 153 is provided.

The tape subassembly 151 comprises a collar 150 with first and second snap fits 152 and 154 at the respective ends of the collar for allowing the tape supply roll to be mounted. These snap fits 152 and 154 are arranged to engage the upper part 155, below a gear 153 of the tape supply spool 69 (see Figure 9b). There is a tape spool lock 156 which is provided generally halfway between the two snap fits 152 and 154. The tape spool lock 156 is arranged to lock the tape supply in position when the cassette is outside the printer. Furthermore this tape spool lock 156 may be used to lock the tape supply, during the assembly process, in position in the tape subassembly 151. In a similar manner to the ink ribbon spools, the tape spool lock 156 engages the gear 153 at the end of the tape spool 69. The tape spool lock 156 in a similar manner to that described in relation to the ink ribbon subassembly 76 is moved out of contact with gear 153 by projection 34b of the handle member 4, when the handle member is rotated as illustrated in Figure 16b. Rib 34a is arranged to keep the lock 156 against the spool 69 (situation of Figure 16a), while rib 34b is to move the tape spool lock 156 away from the spool 69 (situation of Figure 16b).

The tape subassembly has an external wall portion 158 which defines part of the external wall of the cassette 2 as can be seen from Figure 1. This external wall portion 158 comprises an exit slot 160 through which the tape exits. Adjacent to the exit slot 160 is a tape identification portion 161. This identification portion 161 is arranged to provide information on the characteristics of the tape contained in the cassette. In one embodiment, this tape identification portion may be provided by a label. In another embodiment, the information on the tape supply is included as moulded information. This can assist the assembly of the cassette. In still another alternative, this tape identification portion 161 is omitted.

The tape subassembly 151 is arranged to guide the tape from the tape supply roll 69 to the exit slot 160. The tape subassembly defines an area 329 which is arranged to accommodate a platen of the print head in use. This area is adjacent the tape exit slot 160. This area is generally "C" shape with the tape running across the open part 166 of the "C" from the tape supply to the exit slot 160.

The tape is arranged to leave the tape supply in a direction away from the exit slot 160. The tape is then guided round a curved path 167a, along a relatively straight path 167b and then to the exit slot 160. The curved path 167a comprises a plurality of tape bending ribs 168. These ribs 168 are such that the tape is guided along a raised surface defined by the ribs 168. This is so as to ensure a smooth bend in the curved tape path 167a, regardless of whether the tape supply is full or nearly empty.

A pair of guiding arrangements 180a and 180b are provided which define upper and lower limits for movement of the tape in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tape is driven. In this example the guiding arrangement comprises discrete elements on the relatively straight path 167b. The guiding arrangements may alternatively or additionally be generally continuous walls or a set of discrete elements or any combination of the two.

Part of the tape supply spool is supported by a floor area 169 defined below the collar. This support area is arranged to have a plurality of ribs or other suitable projections 170. The function of these ribs is to support the tape and to reduce friction in the case of bleeding of adhesive. In other words, if adhesive comes out of the side of the supply roll of tape, the ribs or other projections on the floor area 169 means that the tape is less likely to stick to that floor area.

The tape subassembly is provided with a mounting flange 172 which is used to mount the tape subassembly 151 in the bottom part. The mounting flange 172 is positioned adjacent the area of the external wall portion 158. The mounting flange 172 is positioned adjacent the end of the external wall portion 158 opposite to the slot 160. The mounting flange 172 is within the interior of the cassette, after the cassette has been assembled.

On the inside of the external wall portion 158 are internally projecting ribs 176. These ribs are arranged to support the tape inside the cassette when the tape is driven in a reverse direction. This stops the tape getting stuck against the interior wall. The ribs support the tape as long as possible during reverse feeding. Some free space around the platen roller may be provided to move the cassette into the printer. The needed space around the platen roller may be of the order of +/- 1mm. In this area there are no ribs in the cassette. For this reason the ribs follow the curve of the platen roller.

Reference is now made to Figures 16a and b which show cross-sections through the cassette. In particular the Figures show the relative positions of the ribs on the handle member with respect to the spool locking elements of the print supplies. In particular, Figure 16a shows the locked condition and Figure 16b shows the unlocked condition. In the locked condition, the tape spool 69 and ink ribbon spools 66a and 66b are locked in position and are unable to rotate. Tape spool lock 156 naturally acts against the tape spool 69 and rib 34a of the handle member 4 is positioned next to or acts against the tape spool lock 156 to keep the tape spool lock 156 in the locked position. Similarly, ink ribbon locks 99 and 113 naturally act against the ink ribbon spools 66 and ribs 36a and 37a respectively are positioned next to or act against the ink ribbon locks 99 and 113 to keep the ink ribbons spools from rotating, i.e. in the locked position.

In the unlocked condition, the tape spool 69 and ink ribbon spools 66a and 66b are able to rotate. Rib 34b of the handle member 4 acts against the tape spool lock 156 to move and retain the tape spool lock 156 in the unlocked position. Similarly, ribs 36b and 37b respectively move and keep the ink ribbon lock 99 of the supply spool 66a and ink ribbon lock 113 of the take up spool 66b in the unlocked position.

When manufacturing a cassette embodying the present invention, the tape supply is preassembled to the tape subassembly 151, shown in Figure 10. The ink ribbon supply is likewise preassembled to the ink ribbon subassembly 76, shown in Figure 7.

The manner in which the ink ribbon and tape are held in their respective subassemblies means that it is easy to handle the tape and ink ribbon without them becoming tangled or falling out of position during the assembly of the cassette.

In the tape subassembly 151 , projections 190a and 190b with a ramped are provided adjacent the relatively straight path 167b. The projection 190a and b are arranged on either side of the tape path. These projections are arranged to engage corresponding holes 192a and 192b on the ink ribbon subassembly. These holes 192a and b are provided adjacent the straight part 120a of the guide portion. These holes are provided on respective flexible straight ribs. When the subassemblies are connected together, the projections snap into the holes of the flexible straight ribs. By the configuration of this snap arrangement, being flexible straight ribs with holes on the one hand and projections on the other hand wherein one or the other or both can have a ramped surface, damage to the ink ribbon during the joining of the subassemblies is avoided.

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment of the present invention, the holes and projections are arranged generally in a central region of the respective subassemblies.

Additionally, the tape subassembly 151 comprises an opening 194 adjacent to the end of the tape subassembly adjacent to the outlet slot 160. The opening 194 is arranged to receive a corresponding projection 196 on the ink ribbon assembly 76 at the beginning of the "C" shape, on the wall 12Od. The opening 194 is a slot and the projection 196 is arranged to snap into the slot. This provides a holding function to help retain the two assemblies together.

Optionally an alignment member (not shown) may be provided on the tape subassembly 151 , at a position adjacent and upstream of the projection 190a and b. The alignment member is arranged to cooperate with a cut out corner of the snap fit 100 of the ink ribbon subassembly 76, on the side of the snap fit opposite to that which engages with the ink ribbon spool. The alignment member may be omitted in some embodiments of the invention.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ink ribbon subassembly is secured to the tape subassembly at two points, a middle region of the respective subassemblies and an end region of the subassemblies. However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the ink ribbon subassembly and tape subassembly may be secured at a single location. Alternatively, the ink ribbon subassembly and the tape subassembly can be connected in position at more than one location. The position of the respective locking members can be in any suitable location. For example, in one alternative embodiment of the present invention, two locking points are provided, at the respective ends of the respective subassemblies. There may additionally or only be a locking region in the respective middles of the ink ribbon subassembly and the tape cassette assembly. In preferred embodiments, the tape and ink ribbon subassemblies have a direct reference to the intermediate part to avoid tolerance stack up.

The subassemblies which have been assembled together are placed in the bottom part 46, which can be seen from Figure 12. In particular, the snap fit projections 200 are arranged to engage in mounting hole 129 (see Figure 8). Adjacent to the snap fit projections 200 are two access holes 202 for the ink ribbon supply and take up spools. In particular, these access holes 202 allow the sprockets of the printer to enter the cassette. Around part of the access holes are support ribs 204. The support ribs 204 are arranged to engage the narrower lower ends 90 of the respective take up and supply rolls to help position the take up and supply spools.

These support ribs can be omitted in some embodiments of the invention.

The bottom has three press fit mounting parts 206 which cooperate with the corresponding press fit 70 on the intermediate part (see Figure 6). In particular, the bottom part has the female part of the press fit whilst the intermediate part has the male part of the press fit. However, it should be appreciated that this can of course be changed, with the male and female parts the other way round on the bottom part and immediate part. Alternatively, it is possible that each part has a mix of male and female parts. The press fits are in three spaced apart locations on the periphery of the cassette. In some embodiments of the invention, more than three press fits may be provided. In alternative embodiments, it is possible that less than three press fits may be provided.

The bottom part also has an access hole 207 which allows the sprocket of the printer to engage with the spool with the medium supply roll.

On the interior wall at various locations are provided support ribs 208 to provide strength.

The bottom part comprises two recesses 210 which are arranged to accommodate respective wings of the intermediate part. The bottom part also has a gap 212 in its outer peripheral wall. This gap is such that the wall portion 158 of the tape subassembly will complete the outer wall of the cassette. Adjacent to this gap is a wall portion which extends inwardly of the cassette and has a snap fit 215 which engages with the corresponding snap fit 172 of the tape subassembly 151. On the other side of the gap on the adjacent wall portion, two ribs 214 are provided. These ribs are arranged to extend the length of the interior wall of the bottom part of the cassette and allow the tape subassembly 151 to be guided into position. In particular a wall 199 (see Figure 11) is provided on the tape subassembly 151 adjacent opening 194, which is guided between ribs 214. The wall 199 generally extends parallel to the slot 160.

The bottom of the cassette also includes a window 216 which permits the user to determine the quantity of tape supply remaining on the supply roll.

To assemble the cassette, the tape subassembly 151 is connected to the ink ribbon subassembly 76 by connecting the two subassemblies together as shown in Figure 17. The combined tape and ink ribbon subassembly is then inserted into the base of the cassette. The intermediate part can then be assembled thereto (see Figure 18, in which the base is omitted for clarity) and finally, the handle member can be placed in position.

The intermediate part may be assembled first on the base and then the handle member on the intermediate part, or in an alternative assembly process the intermediate part may be assembled first with the handle member and then the intermediate part and handle member are assembled on the base.

This is a process which is possible to have a relatively high degree of automation in that the image receiving tape and the ink ribbon are provided on respective subassemblies which are relatively easy to handle because of the locking in position of the relative print supplies.

The degree of automation of the production of the cassette will have a significant impact on the cost of manufacturing.

The cassette may be arranged to house a supply of print material. The print material may be ink ribbon or may comprise an image receiving medium. The image receiving medium may be a continuous length of tape. Alternatively, the image receiving medium may comprise a supply of die-cut or discrete labels which have been pre-cut on a backing layer. Alternatively, the image receiving medium may comprise labels separated by lines of weakness such as perforations or the like.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention extend to the situation where the cassette houses only ink ribbon. Alternatively, the cassette may also only house image receiving medium.

Reference is now made to Figure 13 which shows the cassette 2 with some parts of a cassette receiving bay 300 and some further parts of the printer. The cassette receiving bay is shown in Figures 19a to 19c.

The cassette receiving bay 300 has a ramp switch 302. The ramp switch 302 has a plurality of positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, three positions are provided. One of those positions may be a neutral position but in other embodiments, all three of the positions may be active positions. Where a neutral position is provided, this may be a central position. The position of the ramp switch

302 defines the printing energy which is applied by the print head. The printing energy required may depend on one or more different factors which are dependent on the image receiving tape and/or the ink ribbon housed in the cassette. By way of example only, the factors may include one or more of the image receiving tape material, width of image receiving tape, thickness of image receiving tape, composition of the ink of the ink ribbon.

In an alternative embodiment, the position of the ramp switch may be indicative for a different characteristic of the cassette such as tape width, color, cassette type, material type, print technology (direct thermal, thermal transfer, ...), etc.

The ramp switch 302 is activated by the bottom side of the second wing 42 of the intermediate part (see Figure 6). In particular, as can be seen from Figure 6, the under side of the second wing 42 is provided with a recess 43. The position of this recess 43 will depend on the appropriate printing energy for the image receiving tape housed in the cassette and hence the appropriate position of the ramp switch 302 in the printer. The recess 43 is provided with a ramp 45. When the cassette is inserted into the cassette receiving bay, the ramp 45 causes the ramp switch 302 of the printer to be moved so that in use, the ramp switch 302 will be housed within the recess 43 of the intermediate part. If the recess 43 and the ramp 45 are located at a different position on the wing 42, then the ramp switch 302 will be forced to adopt a different position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, where the neutral position is provided, the ramp switch 302 is biased to this neutral position. Accordingly, when the cassette is removed from the printer, the ramp switch 302 will return to the neutral position. Insertion of a cassette into the cassette receiving bay 300 will cause the ramp switch 302 to slide to one of the two extreme positions, on either side of the neutral position. An advantage of having a neutral position is that no damaging print energies will be applied to the print head elements if no cassette is present in the printer.

It should be appreciated that when the cassette 2 is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 300, the first, second and third wings 40, 42 and 44 of the intermediate part 38 remain in the same orientation with respect to the cassette receiving bay 300 as when the cassette 2 is inserted. However, the handle member 4 of the cassette is rotatable with respect to the cassette receiving bay 300. In particular, when the handle member 4 is rotated, the third wing 30 of the handle member 4 is arranged to contact an activation element 304 which acts against a movable member 352 (shown in Figure 14) which causes the print head to move from an open position with respect to the platen to a closed position with respect to the platen. The movable member 352 is urged against the activation element 304 by means of a spring. The activation element 304 will push against the movable member 352 during rotation of the handle member 4 from the open to the closed position. This will be described in more detail later. In particular, rotation of the handle member 4 in the direction of arrow A causes the activation element 304 to move from a first position to a second position in the direction of arrow A. The first position is a neutral position whereas the second position is the position in which the print head is in the printing position with respect to the platen. The cassette receiving bay 300 has a first, second and third loading slots 306, 308 and 310 (see Figures 19a to 19c). The second and third loading slots accommodate the wings of the cassette. The third loading slot 310 is arranged to accommodate the wing 30 of the handle which activates the activation element 304. The loading slots extend generally vertically with respect to the cassette receiving bay (that is generally parallel to the axes of rotation about which the ink and tape supplies respectively rotate). However, at least one of the loading slots may also have a part which extends circumferentially in the wall of the cassette receiving bay to accommodate the movement of the wings of the handle member 4, when the handle member is rotated.

Reference is now made to Figure 14 which shows the relative position of elements of the printer. For the purposes of clarity, the cassette receiving bay 300 is not shown.

A base plate 312 is provided. Various elements of the printer are arranged with respect to the base plate. These elements may be integrally formed with the base plate and/or mounted thereto. The base plate has mounted with respect thereto a tape sprocket 314. This tape sprocket 314 is arranged to be received in the tape supply spool 69. In particular, rotation of the tape sprocket 314 causes the supply of image receiving tape to be rotated.

Also arranged relative to the base plate 312 are an ink ribbon tape up sprocket 316 and an ink ribbon feed sprocket 318. The ink ribbon take up sprocket 316 and the ink ribbon feed sprocket 318 are arranged relatively close to each other. The respective sprockets are received in the ink ribbon spools 66a and 66b. One or the other or both of these sprockets may be driven during the use of the printer.

Arranged with respect to the base plate is a stepper motor 320. The stepper motor 320 is arranged to drive the respective sprockets via a gear chain 322. Alternatively, the motor may be a DC motor.

The printing arrangement 324 comprises a print head assembly 326, and a platen assembly 331. During printing, a rotating part 325 of the print head assembly 326 is urged against the platen 330 in order to print an image on the image receiving medium. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the platen may be movable whilst the print head is fixed in position. In yet another alternative embodiment, both of the print head and the platen may be moveable. It should be noted that the print head assembly 326 is accommodated in the print head area 327 defined in the cassette 2. This print head area 327 can be seen from Figure 2. The platen is in the form of a roller 330 and is accommodated in a roller area 329. The roller area 329 of the cassette 2 can also be seen from Figure 2. The roller area 329 is arranged adjacent to the print head area 327. However, the ink ribbon and image receiving medium are arranged to separate the print head area from the roller area.

As part 325 of the print head assembly 326 is arranged to be moveable, the print head area 327 is arranged to be larger than the roller area 329. It should be appreciated that when the cassette is inserted into the printer, the print head assembly 326 and the platen assembly 331 are arranged to be separated so that it is easy to ensure that the print head assembly 326 and the platen assembly 331 are accommodated in their respective areas 327 and 329 without interference from the ink ribbon or image receiving medium which pass between the two areas. Rotation of the handle member, as discussed later, will cause the print head assembly 326 and the platen assembly 331 to adopt a position where the print head 328 and platen 330 are urged against each other with the ink ribbon and image receiving medium there between.

On the print head assembly 326, a first cassette support pin 332 is provided. This first cassette support pin 332 is arranged to be received in the first positioning hole 56 of the intermediate part 38. This is to assist in the positioning of the cassette into the cassette receiving bay. A second cassette support pin 334 is provided. This second cassette support pin 334 is arranged to be received in the second positioning hole 58 of the intermediate part.

The base plate also has first and second cassette supports 336 and 338. Cassette support 336 interacts with wing 42 of the intermediate part. The cassette support 338 interacts with the wing 44 of the intermediate part. The cassette is further supported by the top surface of the platen assembly. More particularly, the upper surface 340 is arranged to contact the under surface of the intermediate part 38, shown in Figure 6, thereby providing further support for the cassette.

The upper surface of the print head assembly 326 has a further support function by projection 333. When the cassette 2 is inserted in the cassette receiving bay 300, projection 333 interacts with handle lock 8 of the handle member 4. In particular, projection 333 lifts the handle lock 8 such that handle lock 8 does no longer interact with the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part. The result is that the handle member 4 can be turned with respect to the rest of the cassette.

When the cassette 2 is taken out of the cassette receiving bay 300, the reverse is happening. To be able to move the cassette upwards the handle member must be turned in the inoperative position. When the cassette is raised from the cassette receiving bay, there is a relative movement between projection 333 on the print head assembly 326 and the handle lock 8 of the handle member 4 of the cassette 2. As a result the handle lock 8 moves back to his neutral position and interacts again with the handle lock 60 of the intermediate part 38. In this position the handle member 4 can no longer be turned with respect to the other parts of the cassette.

Reference is now made to Figures 15a to d which show the printing arrangement 324 in more detail.

Referring to Figure 15a, the print head assembly 326 comprises a print head 328. This print head 328 is arranged to cooperate with the platen roller 330 in order to cause an image to be printed on an image receiving medium which is between the print head 328 and the platen roller 330. The print head 328 is supported by a print head holder 342. A perspective view of the print head holder 342 can be seen from Figure 15d, from the side opposite to that on which the print head 328 is supported.

As mentioned previously, the print head assembly 326 is moveable whilst the platen roller 330 is fixed in position, but able to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The print head assembly is moved from a first position in which the print head 328 is spaced apart from the platen roller 330 to a second position where the print head 328 is able to print against the platen roller. The print head holder 342 is arranged to be rotatably mounted on print head holder shaft 344. The print head holder shaft 344 is fixedly mounted with respect to the base plate 312 (shown in Figure 14) and extends perpendicularly from the base plate. This print head holder shaft 344 generally extends along an axis parallel to the axes of rotation about which the ink ribbon supply and image receiving medium supply respectively rotate. The print head holder 342 is arranged to rotate about the axis of the print head holder shaft 344 as illustrated by arrow B.

A print head movement controller 346 is provided. This print head movement controller 346 can be seen clearly from Figure 15c. The print head movement controller 346 is connected to a print head arm 348. The print head arm 348 is connected to a coil spring 350. The spring 350 is connected to a moveable member 352. This moveable member 352 can also be seen in Figure 14 and is supported with respect to the base plate 312. This moveable member 352 is arranged to be rotatable about an axis 354 defined by post 356 which extend perpendicularly from the base plate 312.

When the cassette 2 is inserted into the cassette receiving bay, and the handle member 4 is rotated, the wing 30 of the handle member 4 is arranged to push the activation member 304 which causes the moveable member 352 to move in the direction of arrow C, against the force of the spring 350. This causes the print head arm 348 to move in the direction of arrow D. This in turn causes the print head movement controller 346 which is connected to the print arm to rotate about the print head holder shaft 344 in a direction which causes the print head 328 to be moved towards the platen roller. In more detail, the print head movement controller 346 causes the print head holder 342, on which the print head 328 is supported, to move towards the platen roller 330. In this way, the print head and the platen roller will be in the printing position.

It should be noted that when the wing of the handle member 4 of the cassette is moved to the position in which the cassette can be removed, the print head arm is moved in the opposite direction to that of arrow D. It should be appreciated that to facilitate this function, a torsion spring 358 is provided which is connected to the print head arm 348 as shown in Figure 15c. The torsion spring 358 is wrapped about the part of the print head arm 348 which receives the print head holder shaft 344. This torsion spring 358 will urge the print head arm 348 and hence the print head movement controller 346 to the inoperative position which means that the print head is separated from the platen roller. The spring 350 and/or the torsion spring 358 are arranged to bias the print head 328 to the position where the print head is separated from the platen roller 330. It should be appreciated that although one or two springs have been shown as being providing a biasing, any other suitable resilient mechanism can be provided for ensuring that the print head 328 and platen roller 330 are normally separated.

As can be seen particularly clearly from Figure 15c, the print head movement controller 346 is provided with a movable member 360. This movable member 360 is activated by the cassette 2. In particular, this movable member 360 is activated by the print head pressure rib 126 of the ink ribbon subassembly 76 (see Figure 8). In more detail, the movable member 360 comprises an interaction projection 364. The interaction projection 364 is arranged to be moved by the print head pressure rib 126 when the cassette 2 is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 300. The movable member also comprises a print head projection 362 which is arranged to interact with the print head holder 342 to change the print head pressure. In the example shown, the interaction projection 364 extends generally in a first direction whilst the print head projection 362 extends in a second direction which is generally perpendicular to the first direction.

The movable member 360 is arranged to slide up and down a post 366 which has a longitudinal axis parallel to that of shaft 344. A spring 368 is provided. The spring 368 is arranged around the post 366. The movable member is arranged to be biased by the spring 368 to a rest position. In one embodiment of the present invention, this rest position may be at one end position of the movement of the movable member.

Reference is made to Figure 15d which shows the print head holder 342. The print head holder is arranged to have a recess 370. This recess 370 is arranged to accommodate the print head projection 362 when the movable member is in a first position. The recess 370 is arranged to have a ramp portion 372 to facilitate the moving of the print head projection 362 into and out of the recess 370.

Adjacent to the recess is an area 374. Depending on the position of the interaction portion 364 the print head projection 362 will either be received in the recess 370 or alternatively will act against area 374. If the print head projection 362 is received in the recess 370, the print head pressure will have a first value. If, on the other hand, the print head projection 362 is in the area 374, the print head pressure be increase to a second value. The second value of the print head pressure is higher than the first value because the print head is provided on the side of the print head holder 342 opposite to that on which the recess 370 and area 374 are provided. When the print head projection 362 acts against area 374 the print head holder is urged to rotate in the direction of arrow E. This is the direction which urges the print head against the platen roller. A greater force is provided in the direction of arrow E when the print head projection 362 acts against the area 374 as opposed to being in the recess 370.

It should be appreciated that this is by way of example only. Alternative mechanisms can be provided for changing the pressure. For example, the lower pressure may be provided when the print head projection is in the lower position whilst the higher pressure is provided when the print head projection is provided in the higher position.

It is of course possible to reverse the arrangements such that the low pressure is provided by an area and the higher pressure by a recess. This will depend on the relative configuration of the various components.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, more than two different print head pressures can be provided in dependence on the position of the interaction projection and hence the print head projection.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are able to achieve two functions. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may provide one or other of these two functions only. The first function is that the position of the movable member 360 determines whether the pressure applied to the print head 328 is relatively high or relatively low.

The second function is that the position of the movable member 360 determines the position at which the respective pressure is applied to the print head holder 342.

To allow a substantially equal pressure over the tape, the pressure has to be applied to the print head holder 342 by a pressure point in the middle of the tape on which the print head 328 has to print. The pressure point is determined by the position at which the print head projection 362 of the movable member 360 interacts with the print head holder 342. For cassettes of different tape widths, the middle of the tape can be at different positions. The print head pressure rib 126 on the cassette 2 moves the interaction projection 364 when the cassette 2 is inserted in the cassette receiving bay such that, when the cassette is inserted, the print head projection 362 is at a position which corresponds with the middle of the tape in the cassette. As a result the print head pressure is applied to the print head holder 342 in the middle of the tape. This ensures that even printing can be achieved with the different widths of image receiving tape. In one embodiment, the different widths of tape are all aligned to the top of the print head. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the different widths of tape may be aligned so that the centre of the different widths of tape lies along a common central line of the print head. Alternatively, the different widths of tape may be aligned with the bottom of the print head. In still another embodiment, some tape widths may be aligned so that the centre of these different widths of tape lies along a first common line with respect of the print head, and other tape widths may be aligned so that the centre of these different widths of tape lies along a second common line with respect to the print head. More than two common lines are possible.

Some further cassettes embodying the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 21 to 36. The cassette 1002 has a housing 1004. The housing 1004 has a generally rectangular cuboid shape and thus is generally box like. The housing 1004 has a first surface 1006 and a second surface 1008. The first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 are the larger surfaces of the housing 1004 and are arranged opposite one another. As will be described in more detail later, one of these first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 is arranged to face and/or be in contact with a corresponding surface of a cassette receiving bay in a label printer. This will depend on the configuration of the respective cassette receiving bay,

The housing 1004 also has a first side 1010, a second side 1012, a third side 1014 and a fourth side 1016. These sides each extend between the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008. The first side 1010 is opposite the second side 1012. The third side 1014 is opposite the fourth side 1016.

The housing 1004 has a print area 1018 which in use is arranged to accommodate at least part of the printing mechanism of the label printer. The print area 1018 extends from the fourth side 1016 into the cassette 1002. The print area 1018 is open at both the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 to provide an accessible print area. This means that the cassette 1002 can be inserted into the respective cassette receiving bay with either of the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 facing a bottom surface of the cassette receiving bay. The surface which faces the bottom surface of the cassette receiving bay will depend on the configuration of the cassette receiving bay of the label printer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cover 1020 is provided on the fourth side 1016. The moveable cover 1020 is moveable along the plane of the fourth side 1016 from a position in which the print area 1018 is closed off in the plane of the fourth side 1016 (as can be seen in Figure 23) and a position in which the print area 1018 is open in the plane of the fourth side 1016. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover 1020 may be omitted.

The cassette 1002 has first and second openings 1022a and 1022b provided on the first surface 1006. Directly opposing these openings are openings 1024a and 1024b provided on the second surface 1008. The first opening 1022a of the first surface 1006 is aligned with the first opening 1024a of the second surface 1008. Likewise, the second opening 1022b of the first surface 1006 is aligned with the second opening 1024b of the second surface 1008. A first ink ribbon spool 1026a (see Figure 29) extends between the openings 1022a and 1024a. Likewise, a second ink ribbon spool 1026b (see Figure 29) extends between the two second openings 1022b and 1024b. One of these ink ribbon spools is an ink ribbon supply spool and the other of the ink ribbon spools is an ink ribbon take up spool. In the example shown, the second ink ribbon spool 1026b is the supply spool and the first ink ribbon spool 26a is the take up spool.

As can be seen from Figure 35a and b, the cassette receiving bay comprises first and second ink ribbon posts 1326 and 1328 which are arranged to be received in and engage with respective ones of the ink ribbon supply 1026b and take up spools 1026a. At least one of the ink ribbon posts 1326 and 1328 can be driven in a forwards and/or reverse direction. The cassette receiving bay will be described further later.

By way of example only, reference is made to Figures 24a and 24b. In Figure 24a, the cassette 1002 is inserted in a first label printer 1028a. When the cassette 1002 is inserted in the first label printer 28a, the first surface 1006 will face the bottom 1054a of the cassette receiving bay 1030a with the second surface 1008 uppermost. Figure 35a shows a perspective view of the cassette receiving bay without the cassette.

This contrasts with the second label printer 1028b shown in Figure 24b. With the second label printer 1028b, the cassette 1002 is inserted into the cassette receiving bay 1030b the other way round such that the second surface 1008 faces the bottom 1054b of the cassette receiving bay 1030b and the first surface 1006 is uppermost. Figure 35b shows a perspective view of the cassette receiving bay without the cassette

The cassette receiving bays 1054a and b of Figure 24a and 24b may be respectively provided on opposite sides of respective tape printers. Alternatively, the cassette receiving bays 1054a and b of Figure 24a and 24b may be provided on the same sides of respective tape printers. In either case, the cassette receiving bays 1054a and 1054b of Figures 24a and 24b are mirror images of each other.

Thus as can be seen from a comparison of Figures 25a to 28a with Figure 25b to 28b, the cassette can be used in an orientation where the first surface 1006 faces the bottom 1054a of cassette receiving bay 1030a or where the second surface 1008 faces the bottom 1054b of the cassette receiving bay 1030b. If the first surface 1006 is arranged to face the bottom 1054a of the first cassette receiving bay 1030a then the second cassette receiving bay 1030b which is arranged to accommodate a cassette where the second surface 1008 faces the bottom 1054b of the second cassette receiving bay 1030b mirrors the first cassette receiving bay 1030a.

In the label printer 1028a shown in Figure 24a, a first area 1032a and a second area 1034a are provided opposite one another and on either side of the cassette 1002. In the embodiment of Figure 24a, the first area 1032a is adjacent to the fourth side 1016 of the cassette whilst the second area 1034a is adjacent to the third side 1014 of the cassette. The first and second area 1032a and 1034a are sized so as to accommodate on one side a user's thumb and on the other side the user's forefinger. In this way, the user can grip the third and fourth sides 1014 and 1016 of the cassette 1002 to remove the cassette 1002 from the cassette receiving bay 1030a. It should be appreciated that this is by way of example only and various other mechanisms for removing a cassette from the cassette receiving bay can be used including various types of ejection mechanism.

The second label printer 1028b is provided with similar first and second areas 1032b and 1034b respectively for allowing the cassette to be removed from the cassette receiving bay.

The various features of the cassette 1002 which allow the cassette 1002 to be positioned in the cassette receiving bay 1030a or 1030b will now be described with particular reference to Figures 25 to 28 as well as Figures 35 and 36. It should be appreciated that Figures 25 to 28 show cross-sections through the label printers of Figures 24a and 24b. However, to show clearly the interaction between parts of the cassette 1002 and the cassette receiving bay, the cassette 1002 is not shown in cross-section and instead the outline of the cassette 1002 on the respective cross- section is shown.

Reference is made to Figure 22 which shows on the second side 1012 a first positioning arrangement 1036. The first positioning arrangement 1036 is symmetrical about a line extending along the middle of the second side 1012, parallel to the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 and halfway between the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008. On each side of the middle line is a first larger indented area 1040 which extends from the respective one of the first and second surfaces towards the middle line. The first indented area 1040 has a planar surface 1042 which is parallel to the respective first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008. That planar surface 1042 in turn has its own second smaller indented area 1044 which again extends towards the middle line. The smaller indented area 1044 does not extend across the middle line. Thus, the positioning arrangement 1036 comprises two symmetrical parts, each part being arranged on either side of the middle line and each comprising the first and second indented areas 1040 and 1044.

The interaction of this first positioning arrangement with the cassette receiving bay of the label printers will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 28.

Figures 28a and 28b show a cross-section of the cassette receiving bay 1030a and 1030b, with the cassette 1002 shown in outline and the cross-section taken through the second indented area 1044. In contrast, Figures 27a and 27b show a cross- section which is taken through the first positioning arrangement 1036, through the first indented area 1042, but not through the second indented area 1044. As shown in Figure 27a and 27b, the planar surface 1042 of the first indented area 1040 lies in contact with surface 1046 of the cassette receiving bay to keep the cassette 1002 in position. The surface 1046 is parallel to the bottom 1054a/b of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. These elements of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b can also be seen clearly from the Figures36a and b.

As can be seen from Figure 28a and 28b, a pin 1048 of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b is received in the further indentation 1044 of the first positioning arrangement. In an alternative embodiment the pin 1048 may be provided by a base plate underlying the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. The pin 1048 is sized such that the pin 1048 can be received in the further indentation 1044 with only a small amount of play in a first direction and a larger amount of play in a second direction. The pin 1048 extends generally from the surface 1046 and has a height which is slightly smaller than the size of the second indentation 1044. This is to accommodate manufacturing tolerances associated with the cassettes

Reference is now made to Figure 21 which shows a second positioning arrangement 1038 on the first side 1010 of the cassette. The second positioning arrangement 1038 is again symmetrically arranged around a middle line which extends along the length of the first side 1010, parallel to the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008. The second positioning arrangement 1038 comprises a step 1039 on either side of the middle line. The step 1039 starts on the first side 1010 at a location adjacent the third side. The step 1039 extends towards the middle line, then has a planar surface 1050 which extends parallel to the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008 and then a surface 1051 which extends at right angles to the planar surface 1050 to the middle line.

The interaction with the second positioning arrangement 1038 with the respective cassette receiving bays 1030a/b can be seen from Figures 27 and 28 as well as Figures 35a and b. In particular, the step 1039 which is closer to the surface 1006 or 1008 of the cassette 1002 which faces the bottom 1054a/b of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b is arranged to interact with a surface 1052 of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. In particular, planar surface 1050 is arranged to contact surface 1052 of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. Surface 1052 is parallel to the surface 1054a/b at the bottom of the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. Surface 1052 is also parallel to surface 1046. In one embodiment of the present invention, surfaces 1052 and 1046 are contained in the same plane. However, in alternative embodiments, surfaces 1052 and 1046 may be contained in different planes.

Reference is again made to Figure 21. On the first side 1010 is a switch operating arrangement 1060. Again, the switch operating arrangement 1060 is symmetrical about the middle line. The symmetrical switch operating arrangement 1060 comprises a step 1062 on either side of the middle line. The step 1062 is bigger than the corresponding step 1039 of the second positioning arrangement 1038. The step 1062 is arranged in one embodiment to extend over more than half the length of the first side 1010. The step 1062, on each side of the middle line starts at a location on the first side 1010 adjacent the fourth side 1016. The step 1062 then extends towards the middle line. There is then a planar surface 163 which extends parallel to the first and second surfaces 1006 and 1008. At the end of the planar surface 1063 is a ramp 1064 which extends from the end of the planar surface 1063 to the middle line. The ramps are each contained in a plane, the plane of which is generally at right angles to the plane of the first side 1006. The two ramps 1064 of each step 1062 are arranged to meet at the middle line to define a V-shaped area at the ends of the steps 1062. In the embodiment shown, there is a gap or space between the end of the ramps 1064 and the surfaces 1051 of the second positioning arrangement 1038. In an alternative embodiment there are two indented areas between the end of the ramps 1064 and the surfaces 1051 of the second positioning arrangement 1038. The two indented areas are in that case symmetrical on either side of the middle line.

Each step 1062 is provided with a positioning hole 1069 extending into the planar surface 1063 towards the middle line. The positioning hole 1069 may be provided on the planar surface 1063 at an end region thereof which is closer to the fourth side 1016 than to the ramp end of the planar surface 1063. This positioning of the positioning hole 1069 achieves that the first side 1010 comprises at one end the second positioning arrangement 1038 and at the other end a third positioning arrangement 1060 (i.e. the arrangement of hole 1069, and the correspondent hole on the other side), which in combination with the first positioning arrangement 36 ensures three positioning arrangements for the cassette 1002 in the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. The three positioning arrangements together ensure a correct positioning of the cassette 1002 in the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b.

In one embodiment the three positioning arrangements are provided as a plane is defined by at least three points. Accordingly in one embodiment, there are three positioning arrangements to ensure that the cassette 1002 is positioned in a plane. Thus in some embodiments, the three positioning arrangements ensure that the cassette 1002 rests in the correct plane. Two positioning pins ensure that the cassette 1002 does not move in the two directions of the plane, and locking members 1070 ensure that the cassette does not move in the third direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a set of cassettes is provided. In this embodiment, two cassettes are provided in the set. It should be appreciated that other embodiments may have different numbers of cassettes in the set. The set comprises the cassette 1002 as already described as well as the second cassette shown in Figure 30a. For comparison, the second cassette of Figure 30a is shown next to the first cassette in Figure 30b. The cassettes of the set may be of the same general arrangement but have different first sides. Figures 30a and b shows the different configuration of the first side of the second cassette 1102.

In the second cassette 1102 shown in Figure 30a, the first side 1110 comprises a second positioning arrangement 1138. The second positioning arrangement 1138 is similar to the second positioning arrangement 1038 shown in Figure 21 but is instead positioned on the first side 1110 adjacent the fourth side 1116 of the cassette 1102. Furthermore this second positioning arrangement 1138 is also arranged to have respective positioning holes 1169, provided opposite one another on each side of the second positioning arrangement 1138. The positioning holes 1169 have the same function and location as the positioning holes 1069 of the switching arrangement 1060 of Figure 21. It should be appreciated that in the embodiment shown, the length of the second positioning arrangement 1138 corresponds generally to the length of the switch operating arrangement 1060 of the cassette 1002 of Figure 21 , excluding the ramps 1064.

The first side 1110 of the second cassette 1102 comprises a switch operating arrangement 1160 which is again similar to the switch operating arrangement 1060 of the cassette of Figure 21. However, the switch operating arrangement 1160 of the second cassette 1102 is arranged adjacent the third side 1114. The length of the switch operating arrangement 1160 excluding the ramps 1164 is thus generally the same as the length of the second positioning arrangement 1038 of the first cassette 1002. The ramps 1 164 then extend in the same manner as described in relation to the first cassette 1002. The switch operating arrangement 1160 of the second cassette 1 102 is thus generally a mirror image of the switch operating arrangement 1060 of the first cassette 1002. The switch operating arrangement 1160 does not have the positioning holes as these are now provided by the second positioning arrangement 1138 as described previously. The set of cassettes may be arranged to have a third cassette which does not have the switch operating arrangement 1160/1060 but instead effectively has two second positioning arrangements 1038/1138. Thus no ramps 1164/1064 are provided.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the set of cassettes may comprise three or more different cassettes.

The cassettes of the set may be arranged to house different types of image receiving medium. By way of example only, the first cassette 1002 may house image receiving medium of a first width and the second cassette 1102 may house image receiving medium of a second width. In one embodiment the first cassettes 1002 may house one of a first subset of widths and/or the second cassette 1102 may house one of a second subset of widths. Where a third cassette is provided this may house a third width or one of a third subset of widths. It should be appreciated that if the cassettes of the set are arranged to house different widths of tape, the width of the cassette (i.e the distance between the first and second surfaces) may be different for different ones of the cassettes of the set.

The position of the ramp 1064/1164 (and hence its interaction with a switch in the label printer) may be used to convey information about the printing medium of the cassette (the image receiving medium and/or ink ribbon). That information may be width and/or print energy requirements; colour of printing medium; thickness of printing medium; type of printing medium or the like.

Reference is now made to Figure 31 which schematically shows part of the label printer and in particular part of the cassette receiving bay wall 1070 which in use faces the first wall 1010 or 1110 of the cassette 1002/1102 when inserted in the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b. The cassette receiving bay wall 1070 comprises a switch 1072. In one embodiment, the switch 1072 is biased to a neutral position, in Figure 31. This neutral position is a central position. Thus in one embodiment, when there is no cassette 1002/1102 in the cassette receiving bay 1030a/b, the switch 1072 will be in the neutral position. When the first cassette 1002 is received in the cassette receiving bay, the switch 1072 is moved by the ramp 1064 to the right of Figure 31. This also can be seen from Figures 35a and 35b. The switch 1072 itself has first and second ramped surfaces 1073 which are arranged to engage the respective ramp 1064 of the switching operating arrangement 1060. This is also shown schematically in Figure 3Od which shows the switch 1072 which has been moved by the ramp 1064 to a position where the switch 1072 is accommodated between the switch operating arrangement 1060 and the second positioning arrangement 1038.

When the second cassette 1102 is received in the cassette receiving bay the switch 1072 is moved by the ramp 1164 to the left of Figure 31. Again, this also can be seen from Figures 35a and 35b. This is also shown schematically in Figure 30c which shows the switch 1072 which has been moved by the ramp 1164 to a position where the switch is accommodated between the switch operating arrangement 1160 and the second positioning arrangement 1138. As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 30c and d, the switch 1072 is moved to one position by the first cassette 1002 and to a second, different position by the second cassette 1102.

A detector 1074 is arranged to determine which position the switch 1072 is in, that is the left position or the right position. The detector 1072 is thus able to provide an output to the controller which indicates if the cassette is the first cassette 1002 or the second cassette 1102. This provides information to the controller about one or more properties of the printing medium in the cassette. For example if a first cassette 1002 is detected, the controller is configured to control the label printer in accordance with the width associated with the first cassette 1002. Likewise if a second cassette 1102 is detected, the controller is configured to control the label printer in accordance with the width associated with the second cassette 1102. For example this information may be used by the label printer to control the size of the image so that the resulting image can be printed on the image receiving medium.

In some embodiments, the cassette may not be designed to be inserted in two different directions. In those embodiments, only one half of the arrangements shown of sides 1010 or 1110 are provided. For example the ramp 1064 on the side of the middle line which is opposite the positioning hole 1069 which engages the printer may be omitted.

Reference is now made to Figures 25 and 26 which respectively show cross- sections along lines D-D and -AA. In particular, reference is made to Figure 26 which shows a locking member 1070 of the cassette receiving bay. The locking member 1070 is made of a resilient material. Accordingly, in order to insert the cassette 1002/1102 into the cassette receiving bay in the direction of arrow E, the locking member 1070 moves in the direction of arrow F away from the cassette 1002/1102 so as to allow the steps 1062 to pass a projecting part 1072 of the locking member 1070. The projecting part 1072 is such that when the cassette 1002/1102 is received completely in the cassette receiving bay, the projecting part 1072 engages the planar surface 1063 of the step which is further from the bottom of the cassette receiving bay. It should be noted that a similar locking member 1070 (see Figures 36a and 36b) are provided adjacent surface 1046 and pin 1048 on the other side of the cassette receiving bay.

As can be seen in Figure 25, a pin 1074 of the cassette receiving bay is arranged to be received in the positioning hole 1069 of the step closer to the bottom of the cassette receiving bay. This pin is sized so as to generally correspond to the size of the positioning hole, but allowing for manufacturing tolerances associated with the cassette. It should be appreciated that the positioning hole 1069 may be circular in cross section or have any other suitable shape. The pin 1074 preferably, but not necessarily has a cross-section which is the same shape as the cross-section of the positioning hole.

The positioning and locking arrangements shown are such that one or more of the arrangements may be omitted and/or replaced by a different arrangement. The positioning arrangements may be the same or different. The switching arrangement may be omitted in some embodiments of the invention. The second positioning arrangement may be arranged on the first side adjacent the fourth side. In an alternative embodiment of the invention any one of the described arrangements may be provided on any one of the sides of the cassette. It should of course be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, alternative mechanisms can be used to position and retain the cassette in the cassette receiving bay.

Reference is now made to Figure 32 which shows an exploded view of a cassette embodying the present invention. The cassette 1002 comprises a first part 1202 and a second part 1204. The first part 1202 and the second 1204 define the housing 1004 of the cassette. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second parts 1202 and 1204, externally, are arranged to be mirror images one of the other. This means that making the moulds of the cassette 1002 can be more cheaply done. Internally, the first and second parts 1202 and 1204 are similar but not the same. This is because the two parts 1202 and 1204 are arranged to be fitted together with, for example, press fittings, snap locks or the like. Accordingly, the first and second parts 1202 and 1204 are formed with cooperating members to ensure that the two parts can be locked together.

The two parts 1202 and 1204 are arranged to have the same thickness t. This thickness is in the direction perpendicular to the respective surfaces 1006 and 1008. In other words, the width of each of the sides 1010, 1012, 1014 and 1016 of the cassette 1002, defined by the two parts 1202 and 1204, is equal to 2t. This is in contrast with known cassettes which generally have one part which provides most of the width of the cassette whilst the other part provides a lid and contributes a smaller amount of the thickness or width of the cassette. Having the two parts 1202 and 1204 which have the same thickness is advantageous if, for example providing a cassette 1002 which can be inserted either way round into cassette receiving bays.

The cassette 1002 is arranged to house the supply of image receiving medium 1007. As can be seen, the image receiving medium 1007 is provided on a spool 1212. The spool 1212 is arranged to spool engagement members 1216 provided in the first half 1202. Similar spool engagement members may be provided in the other half 1204. These spool engagement members 1216 are arranged to fit inside the spool 1212 to position the spool 1212 in the cassette 1002. The spool engagement members 1216 are positioned such that the image receiving medium spool 1212 is held in place but the spool is arranged to rotate about the spool engagement members 1216. The cassette 1002 is also provided with the cover 1020. This cover 1020 is arranged to move from a first position, which is shown for example in Figure 23 in which the image receiving medium 1007 and the ink ribbon is protected by the cover 1020 in the print area. In a second open position, the cover 1020 is moved such that the image receiving medium 1007 and ink ribbon are exposed in the print area 1018.

A clamping/locking member 1206 is provided. The clamping/locking member 1206 has a first locking projection 1208 which is arranged to engage an opening 1220 of the cover 1020 to hold the cover in the closed position. The member 1206 has a clamp end 1211 which is arranged to interact against a post 1222 of one or both of the parts 1202 and 1204 to clamp the image receiving medium 1007 there between. This clamping may occur when the cover 1020 is the closed position. Movement of the cover 1020 from the closed to open position may cause the clamping force provided by the clamp 10211 to be reduced such that the image receiving medium 1007 can be drawn from the supply. The clamping force in some embodiments may only be removed when the cover 1020 is in the fully open position.

The cassette 1002 also has an ink ribbon subassembly 1214. This subassembly can be seen more clearly from Figures 33 and 34. Figure 33 shows the subassembly 1214 without the ink ribbon take-up spools and supply spools present. Figure 34 shows the subassembly with the ink ribbon take-up spools and supply spools present. It should be noted that Figure 34 shows the subassembly from one side whilst Figure 35 shows the subassembly from the opposite side. The subassembly 1214 has a first circular opening 1230 and a second circular opening 1232 on one side. These two openings are arranged to receive respective ends of the ink ribbon take-up and supply spools. On the opposite side of the ink ribbon subassembly 1214, first and second collars 1233 and 1234 are provided. The collars each generally define part of the circle. The collars are of such a size and shape that the respective upper regions 1236 and 1238 of the ink ribbon supply and take-up spool can be pushed in position into the collars 1233 and 1234. The collars 1233 and 1234 do not form a complete enclosed circle which allows the spools to be laterally inserted into the ink ribbon subassembly 1214. The two spools are laterally inserted from opposite sides. The size of the collars 1233 and 1234 may be such that the spools need to be pressed in to be accommodated in the collars 1233 and 1234, In one embodiment, the collars 1233 and 1234 are of a sufficiency flexible material such that the spools could be pushed into the collars but then subsequently retained in position by those collars.

The ink ribbon subassembly 1214 has first and second locking members 1240 and 1242. The locking members are arranged each to engage a respective one of the ink ribbon spools. These locking members 1240 and 1242 engage the ink ribbon spools to prevent the ink ribbon from being withdrawn of the respective spools unless sufficient force is provided by for example the driving of one or more of the take up supply spools. The respective locking members 1240 and 1242 may be accommodated in cut out portions 1221 of the lower surface 1008 (see Figure 23). These locking members 2240 and 2242 are provided on opposite sides of the spools as are the corresponding cut out portions.

It should be appreciated that the subassembly 1214 also provides the print area 1018. The spool adjacent to the print area 1018 is the supply spool 1270. The ink ribbon passes from the supply spool 1270 across the opening of the print area 1018 and down to the take-up spool 1271. As can be seen, the supply spool 1270 and take-up spool 1271 are in a direct line with the print area 1018. In particular, in the assembled cassette 1002, the image receiving medium supply 1007 is arranged to one side of the print area 1018 with the ink ribbon take-up 1271 and supply spools 1271 arranged in a straight line below the print area 1018. This is advantageous in that a compact arrangement of the cassette 1002 can be achieved.

Reference is made to Figure 35a and 35b. The cassette receiving bay 1030a/b has a fixed print head 1322 and a platen 1324. The platen 1324 is arranged to be rotatable about its axes. The platen 1324 is also arranged to be moveable towards the print head 1322. The print head 1322 is arranged to be accommodated in the print area 1018 of the cassette. The image receiving medium 1007 and the ink ribbon are arranged to pass and overlap between the print head 1322 and the platen 1324. The print zone is thus defined between the print head 1322 and the platen 1324. Also provided in the cassette receiving bay 1320 is a first ink ribbon member 1326 and a second ink ribbon member 1328. The first ink ribbon member 1326 is arranged to engage the ink ribbon supply spool 1270 whilst the second ink ribbon member 1328 is arranged to engage the ink ribbon take-up supply spool 1271. One or both of these members may be driven so as to able to drive the ink ribbon forwards and/or in the reverse direction.

As can be seen, the cassette receiving bay has a cover 1332 (shown in dotted lines) which controls the movement of the platen 1324 towards the print head 1322. When the cover 1332 is open, the platen 1324 and print head 1322 are separated so that a cassette 1002 can be easily inserted. However, when the cover is closed, the platen 1324 is moved towards the print head 11322.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A subassembly for use in a cassette, said subassembly comprising: a supply of print material, said print material being provided on a supply spool; support means for supporting the spool, said support means arranged to retain the supply of print material in place in the subassembly; and a guide path for guiding the print material to a print location from said supply.

2. A subassembly as claimed in claim 1 , comprising means for connecting said subassembly to a second subassembly.

3. A subassembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for connecting comprises one or more of a press fit, a snap fit, an ultrasonic welding, gluing, screwing or heat staking.

4. A subassembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said means for connecting is provided at a plurality of spaced-apart locations.

5. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said means for connecting is provided in a central location of said subassembly.

6. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said means for connecting comprises first and second means arranged on opposite sides of said guide path for said print material.

7. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein said means for connecting is configured to prevent relative movement of said subassembly with respect to said second subassembly when said subassembly is connected to said second subassembly.

8. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7, wherein said means for connecting comprises a pair of elements at a distance slightly larger than the width of the supply of print material.

9. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said guide path comprises means for defining said path on either side of a longitudinal direction of the path.

10. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said guide path comprises spacer means over which said print material is movable.

11 A subassembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said spacer means comprises at least one rib.

12. A subassembly as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said at least one rib is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of said path.

13. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support means comprises a partial collar in which said supply spool is received.

14. A subassembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said partial collar has an opening, said opening being smaller than a diameter of said spool.

15. A subassembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said opening is expandable on application of a force to allow insertion of said supply spool.

16. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said partial collar comprises at least one engaging member for holding said spool in place.

17. A subassembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein said at least one engaging member comprises a snap fit.

18. A subassembly as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, wherein a second partial collar is provided, said partial collar and said second partial collar being configured to engage upper and lower portions of said spool.

19. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising locking means for preventing said spool from rotating.

20. A subassembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said locking means is configured to engage said spool to prevent said spool from rotating.

21. A subassembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein said spool comprises a gear, said locking means being configured to engage with said gear.

22. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said subassembly is configured to define an area for receiving a printing means of said printer.

23. A subassembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein said printing means comprises at least one of a print head and a platen.

24. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising actuation means for actuating a print head pressure control means of said printer in which said cassette is received.

25. A subassembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein said actuation means is configured to actuate said print head pressure control means as said cassette is inserted in said printer.

26. A subassembly as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein said actuation means comprises a projecting portion on a wall of said subassembly.

27. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said subassembly comprises a wall portion, said wall portion defining an external wall portion for said cassette.

28. A subassembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein said subassembly comprises a slot, through which said print material is configured to exit.

29. A subassembly as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein said external wall portion comprises an information portion for providing information about said print material.

30. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said subassembly consists of a plasties material.

31. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said print material comprises a supply of image receiving medium.

32. A subassembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said print material comprises an ink ribbon.

33. A subassembly as claimed in claim 32, comprising means for supporting a take up spool.

34. A subassembly as claimed in claim 33, wherein said guide path is arranged to guide said ink ribbon from said supply spool to said take-up spool.

35. In combination a first subassembly as claimed in claim 31 and a second subassembly as claimed in any of claims 32 to 33.

36. A combination as claimed in claim 35, when appended to claim 2, wherein said first subassembly is connected to said second subassembly via said respective connection means.

37. A printer comprising: a print head for printing an image on an image receiving means; a support with which said print head is arranged to cooperate when said print head is printing; and print head pressure control means comprising activation means, said activation means configured, in use, to be activated by a cassette.

38. A printer as claimed in claim 37, wherein said print head pressure control means is configured to control a position on said print head at which pressure is applied.

39. A printer as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein said print head pressure control means is configured to control an amount of pressure applied to said print head during printing.

40. A printer as claimed in any of claims 37 to 39, wherein said activation means is biased to a first position, when no cassette is in said printer.

41. A printer as claimed in any of claims 37 to 40, wherein said activation means is configured to be activated by insertion of a cassette into said printer.

42. A printer as claimed in any of claims 37 to 40, wherein said print head and said platen have a first position in which said print head and said support cooperate when said print head is printing and a second position in which said support and print head are spaced apart.

43. A printer as claimed in any of claims 37 to 42, wherein said support comprises a platen.

44. A cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of print material on a spool, an area in which printing means of said printer are accommodated in use, and means for activating a print head pressure means of said printer.

45. A cassette as claimed in claim 44, wherein said actuation means is configured to actuate said print head pressure means as said cassette is inserted in said printer.

46. A cassette as claimed in claim 44 or 45, wherein said actuation means comprises a projecting portion on a wall of cassette.

47. A cassette as claimed in claim 46, wherein said wall is an internal wall.

48. A cassette as claimed in claim 46 or 47, wherein said wall at least partially defines said printing area.

49. A cassette as claimed in any of claims 44 to 48, wherein said actuation means is provided adjacent an outlet slot for said print material.

50. A method of assembling a cassette, comprising: assembling a supply of ink ribbon to a first subassembly; assembling a supply of image receiving material to a second subassembly; connecting said first and second subassemblies together; and inserting said connected first and second subassemblies into a cassette base.

51. A method as claimed in claim 50, comprising covering said base containing said connected first and second subassemblies with a covering member.

52. A method as claimed in claim 50, comprising attaching a covering member to said connected first and second subassemblies before inserting said connected first and second subassemblies into said cassette base.

53. A method as claimed in claim 50 or 51 , wherein said covering member comprises an intermediate member.

54. A method as claimed in claim 53, comprising attaching a handle member to said intermediate member.

55. A cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a first part; a second part; a third part intermediate said first and second parts; and a supply of print material, wherein said second part has at least one opening therein to permit at least one support member of said printer to contact said third part, in use.

56. A cassette for use in a printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of print material housed in the cassette, said supply of print material having an axis of rotation; a housing containing said print material, said housing comprising a lower surface with at least one opening to receive at least one element of said printer in use, an outer side surface and an upper surface, said outer side surface comprising a projection extending therefrom, said projection having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being shaped so as to cause a switch of said printer to move from a first position to a second position.

57. A cassette for use in a label printer, said cassette comprising: a supply of image receiving medium, a supply of ink ribbon; a take up spool for said ink ribbon, a first area for accommodating a print head of said label printer adjacent said ink ribbon supply and said take up spool; a second area for accommodating a platen of said printer adjacent said image receiving tape; an outlet slot for said image receiving medium; means for guiding said image receiving medium between said first and second areas, from one side of said areas to an opposite side thereof, to said outlet slot and for guiding said ink ribbon from said supply between said first and second areas to said take up spool.