Printing tape cassette and printing device

Abstract

Provided are a printing tape cartridge and a printing device capable of suppressing accidental rotation of a platen roller. The printing tape cartridge is used to be installed in a printing device body including a print head, a platen roller opposite to the print head, and a driving source for rotating and driving the platen roller. The printing tape cartridge includes: a first tape, which is printed by the print head; an input portion, which rotates around a rotation axis and a driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the input portion; and an output portion, which rotates around a rotation axis and transmits the driving force transmitted to the input portion to the platen roller. When installed in the printing device body, the first tape is transported by the platen roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing tape box and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] In a printing device that prints using a printing tape, the printing tape is replaced and supplied by attaching and detaching a tape cassette containing the printing tape to and from a main body (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-234772 Summary of the invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned printing apparatus, the printing tape in the tape cassette is conveyed to the outside of the tape cassette by a platen roller provided in the main body. The platen roller is rotationally driven by a driving source such as a motor.

[0005] However, if the platen roller rotates when the tape cassette is not installed in the body, unexpected problems may occur. For example, if the platen roller rotates when the tape cassette is being installed, the printing tape may get stuck.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a printing tape cartridge and a printing apparatus capable of suppressing unintended rotation of a platen roller.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a printing tape cartridge for mounting to a printing apparatus body including a printing head, a platen roller opposing the printing head, and a driving source for rotationally driving the platen roller.

[0008] The printing tape box includes: a first tape, which is printed by the print head; an input part, which rotates around the rotation axis and the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to the input part; and an output part, which rotates around the rotation axis and transmits the driving force transmitted to the input part to the platen roller. When installed in the printing device body, the first tape is transported by the platen roller.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing device, comprising: a printing tape cartridge; and a printing device body for mounting the printing tape cartridge. The printing device body comprises: a print head; a platen roller opposite to the print head; and a driving source for rotating and driving the platen roller.

[0010] According to the above structure, the driving force from the driving source is transmitted to the platen roller via the input part and the output part in the printing tape cassette. That is, the driving force is transmitted to the platen roller only when the printing tape cassette is installed in the printing device body. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the platen roller from accidentally rotating when the printing tape cassette is not installed.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing tape box for installation to the following printing device body, the printing device body includes a print head, a platen roller opposite to the print head, a driving source for rotationally driving the platen roller, and a driving force transmission member capable of shifting between a transmission state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source to the platen roller and a non-transmission state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller.

[0012] The printing tape box includes: a first tape, which is printed by the print head; and a contact portion, which is configured to shift the driving force transmission member from the non-transmission state to the transmission state by contacting the driving force transmission member. When installed in the printing device body, the contact portion contacts the driving force transmission member, and the first tape is transported by the platen roller.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing device, comprising: a printing tape cartridge; and a printing device body for mounting the printing tape cartridge. The printing device body comprises: a print head; a platen roller opposite to the print head, a driving source for rotating and driving the platen roller; and a driving force transmission member capable of shifting between a transmission state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source to the platen roller and a non-transmission state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller.

[0014] According to the above structure, since the driving force transmission member is shifted from the non-transmission state to the transmission state by the contact of the contact portion, the driving force is transmitted to the platen roller only when the printing tape cassette is installed in the printing device body. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the platen roller from rotating unexpectedly when the printing tape cassette is not installed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a printing tape cassette in a printing device of Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing device body in a printing device.

[0017] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the belt conveying structure in the printing device.

[0018] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a take-up shaft in the printing tape cassette of FIG. 2 , Figure 4B It is a schematic perspective view of the main gear in the printing tape cassette of FIG. 2 .

[0019] Figure 5Is used to illustrate and Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a belt conveying structure in a printing device according to different embodiments.

[0020] Fig. 6A It is used to illustrate and Figure 3 and Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a belt conveying structure in a printing device according to different embodiments, Figure 6B is a schematic partial perspective view of the teeth of the output gear.

[0021] Figure 7 Is used to illustrate and Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of a belt conveying structure in a printing device according to different embodiments.

[0022] Figure 8 Is used to illustrate and Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 7 Schematic diagram of a belt conveying structure in a printing device according to different embodiments.

[0023] Fig. 9 Is used to illustrate and Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 8 Schematic diagram of a belt conveying structure in a printing device according to different embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 10A is with Figure 1 Schematic top views of printing devices according to different embodiments, Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A schematic front view of a printing device.

[0025] Fig.11A yes Fig. 10A A schematic top view of a printing device body in a printing device of Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A A schematic front view of the printing device body.

[0026] Fig. 12A is with Fig. 11B Schematic front view of the printing device body in different embodiments, Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C The printing tape cassette is installed in Fig. 12A A schematic front view of the state of the printing device body.

[0027] Fig.13A is with Figure 1 and Fig. 10A Schematic top views of printing devices according to different embodiments, Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A A schematic front view of a printing device, Fig. 13C yes Fig.13ASchematic side view of a printing device.

[0028] Fig.14A yes Fig.13A A schematic top view of a printing device body in a printing device of Fig. 14B yes Fig.14A A schematic front view of a printing device body, Fig. 14C yes Fig.14A Schematic side view of a printing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] [1. First embodiment]

[0030] [1-1. Structure]

[0031] Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown includes a printing tape cassette 10 (see Figure 2A ) and a printing device body 100. The printing device 1 is a device that performs printing on a belt-shaped printing medium.

[0032] <Printing device>

[0033] like Figure 2B As shown, the printing device body 100 includes a housing 101, a print head 102, a drive source 110, a first drive shaft 111A and a second drive shaft 111B. Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus body 100 includes a platen roller 103 , a pressure roller 104 , a platen gear 113 , and a pressure gear 114 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the platen roller 103 is the up-down direction. In the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, the relative direction between the platen roller 103 and the print head 102 is the front-to-back direction. The direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction is the left-to-right direction.

[0035] (case)

[0036] Figure 2B The housing 101 shown has a recessed portion for mounting the print tape cassette 10 in the up-down direction. The housing 101 has a function of positioning the print tape cassette 10.

[0037] (Print Head)

[0038] The print head 102 is a device for printing on the to-be-printed tape (an example of a first tape) held by the printing tape cassette 10 .

[0039] The print head 102 is arranged at a position overlapping the to-be-printed tape and the ink ribbon in the front-rear direction when the printing tape cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100. The print head 102 has a plurality of heating elements whose heating can be controlled individually.

[0040] The platen roller 103 described later presses the printed tape conveyed to the overlapping position with the print head 102 onto the print head 102 whose heating element is heated via the ink ribbon. Thus, part of the ink arranged on the surface of the ink ribbon is transferred to the printed tape, thereby printing characters, symbols, etc. on the printed tape.

[0041] (Drive source)

[0042] The driving source 110 rotationally drives the platen roller 103. As the driving source 110, for example, a motor can be used.

[0043] (Drive shaft)

[0044] The first drive shaft 111A and the second drive shaft 111B are inserted into the print tape cassette 10 so that the drive force generated by the drive source 110 is input to the print tape cassette 10. The central axes of the drive shafts 111A and 111B are parallel to the up-down direction.

[0045] (Pressing roller)

[0046] Figure 3 The platen roller 103 shown is a roller for conveying the printing tape from the inside to the outside of the printing tape cassette 10. The rotation axis of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0047] The platen roller 103 is disposed in a position facing the print head 102 inside the housing 101. The platen roller 103 abuts against the tape to be printed, and presses the tape to be printed toward the print head 102.

[0048] (Pressure roller)

[0049] The pressure roller 104 presses the laminated tape (an example of the second tape) onto the printed tape together with the bonding roller 15 of the printing tape cassette 10. The rotation axis of the pressure roller 104 is parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0050] (Pressure plate gear)

[0051] The platen gear 113 is coupled to the platen roller 103. In the present embodiment, the platen gear 113 cooperates with a pressing gear 114. The platen gear 113 rotates the platen roller 103 by the driving force transmitted from the pressing gear 114.

[0052] (Pressure gear)

[0053] The pressing gear 114 is coupled to the pressing roller 104. In the present embodiment, the pressing gear 114 cooperates with the platen gear 113. However, since the pressing roller 104 rotates as the printed tape 31 is conveyed, the pressing gear 114 is not necessarily coupled to the pressing roller 104.

[0054] In addition, the pressing gear 114 cooperates with the bonding gear 22 of the printing tape cassette 10 when the printing tape cassette 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100. The pressing gear 114 transmits the driving force transmitted from the bonding gear 22 to the platen gear 113.

[0055] <Printing tape cassette>

[0056] The printing tape cassette 10 accommodates printing media. The printing tape cassette 10 can be attached to and detached from the printing device body 100. By replacing the printing tape cassette 10, the printing media can be replenished and the type of the printing media (for example, color, material, etc.) can be changed.

[0057] The printing tape box 10 includes a first supply shaft 11, a winding shaft 12, a second supply shaft 13, a third supply shaft 14, a bonding roller 15, a main gear 21, a bonding gear 22, a first tape box side transfer gear 23, a second tape box side transfer gear 24, a printed tape 31, an ink ribbon 32, a stacked tape 33 and a shell 40.

[0058] (First supply axis)

[0059] The first supply shaft 11 is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the up-down direction. The first supply shaft 11 rotates as the platen roller 103 conveys the printed tape 31 , thereby supplying the printed tape 31 to the print head 102 .

[0060] (Take-up shaft)

[0061] The take-up shaft 12 is rotatable around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis of the take-up shaft 12 is parallel to the rotation axis of the first supply shaft 11 .

[0062] like Figure 4A As shown, the winding shaft 12 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by an inner circumferential surface 12A. Spline teeth 12B are provided on the inner circumferential surface 12A of the winding shaft 12. The first drive shaft 111A is connected to the spline teeth 12B. The winding shaft 12 is rotated by the first drive shaft 111A, thereby winding the ink ribbon 32.

[0063] (Second supply shaft)

[0064] Figure 3 The second supply shaft 13 shown is rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the second supply shaft 13 is parallel to the rotation axis of the first supply shaft 11. The second supply shaft 13 rotates as the ink ribbon 32 is taken up by the take-up shaft 12, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 32 to the print head 102.

[0065] (Third supply shaft)

[0066] The third supply shaft 14 is rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the third supply shaft 14 is parallel to the rotation axis of the first supply shaft 11. The third supply shaft 14 rotates as the bonding roller 15 and the pressure roller 104 convey the laminated tape 33, thereby conveying the laminated tape 33.

[0067] (Bonding Roller)

[0068] The bonding roller 15 and the pressure roller 104 press the laminated tape 33 onto the printed tape 31, thereby bonding the printed tape 31 and the laminated tape 33. The bonding roller 15 is arranged downstream of the print head 102 in the conveying direction of the printed tape. The rotation axis of the bonding roller 15 is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0069] (Main gear)

[0070] The main gear 21 rotates around the rotation axis and is an input portion to which the driving force of the driving source 110 is transmitted.

[0071] like Figure 4B As shown, the main gear 21 includes a gear body 21A and a cylindrical shaft 21B fixed to the gear body 21A and having spline teeth 21C on the inner circumferential surface. The gear body 21A rotates integrally with the shaft 21B by a driving force input to the shaft 21B.

[0072] The rotation axis of the main gear 21 (ie, the rotation axis of the gear body 21A and the rotation axis of the shaft 21B) is arranged on the same straight line as the rotation axis of the take-up shaft 12. That is, the rotation axis of the main gear 21 passes through the hollow portion of the take-up shaft 12.

[0073] Therefore, the first drive shaft 111A is inserted into both the take-up shaft 12 and the main gear 21. As a result, the main gear 21 is not directly coupled to the take-up shaft 12, but is rotated by the drive source 110 shared with the take-up shaft 12.

[0074] In this embodiment, the main gear 21 cooperates with the first cassette side transmission gear 23. The main gear 21 transmits the driving force of the first drive shaft 111A to the bonding gear 22 via the first cassette side transmission gear 23 and the second cassette side transmission gear 24.

[0075] (Bonded gears)

[0076] The bonding gear 22 rotates around the rotation axis, and transmits the driving force transmitted to the main gear 21 to the output portion of the platen roller 103 .

[0077] The rotation axis of the bonding gear 22 is parallel to the vertical direction. In addition, the rotation axis of the main gear 21 and the rotation axis of the bonding gear 22 are located on different straight lines. That is, the main gear 21 and the bonding gear 22 are arranged to be offset in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0078] The bonding gear 22 is connected to the bonding roller 15. In the present embodiment, the bonding gear 22 cooperates with the second cassette-side transmission gear 24. In addition, when the printing tape cassette 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100, the bonding gear 22 cooperates with the pressure gear 114.

[0079] The bonding gear 22 rotates the bonding roller 15 by the driving force transmitted from the second cassette side transmission gear 24, and transmits the driving force to the pressure gear 114. However, since the bonding roller 15 rotates as the laminated tape 33 is bonded to the conveyed printed tape 31, the bonding gear 22 is not necessarily connected to the bonding roller 15.

[0080] (Transmission gear on the cassette side)

[0081] The first cassette side transmission gear 23 and the second cassette side transmission gear 24 constitute a cassette side transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force input to the main gear 21 to the bonding gear 22 .

[0082] The first cassette side transmission gear 23 cooperates with the main gear 21 and the second cassette side transmission gear 24. The second cassette side transmission gear 24 cooperates with the first cassette side transmission gear 23 and the bonding gear 22.

[0083] The cassette side transmission mechanism may also be composed of a single gear, or may be composed of three or more gears. In addition, the cassette side transmission mechanism may include a roller, a belt, and the like.

[0084] (Printed tape)

[0085] Printing is performed on the surface of the printed tape 31 by the print head 102 and the ink ribbon 32. The printed tape 31 is wound around the first supply shaft 11. The printed tape 31 is fed by the platen roller 103 and pulled out from the first supply shaft 11 when the printing tape cassette 10 is installed in the printing apparatus body 100.

[0086] (Ink Ribbon)

[0087] The ink ribbon 32 overlaps the to-be-printed tape 31 and is used for printing by the print head 102. The ink ribbon 32 is wound around the second supply shaft 13, and is taken up by the take-up shaft 12 and pulled out from the second supply shaft 13.

[0088] (Laminated tape)

[0089] The laminating tape 33 is used to protect the printed tape 31. The laminating tape 33 has an adhesive surface, and the adhesive surface is bonded to the printed tape 31 printed by the print head 102.

[0090] The laminated tape 33 is wound around the third supply shaft 14. The laminated tape 33 is pulled out from the third supply shaft 14 by being bonded to the to-be-printed tape 31 by the bonding roller 15.

[0091] (case)

[0092] At least a portion of the printed tape 31 , at least a portion of the ink ribbon 32 , at least a portion of the laminated tape 33 , at least a portion of the main gear 21 , and at least a portion of the bonding gear 22 are arranged inside the housing 40 .

[0093] <Transmission of driving force>

[0094] In a state where the print tape cassette 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100 , the first drive shaft 11A is engaged with the main gear 21 , and the pressing gear 114 is engaged with the bonding gear 22 .

[0095] In this state, the main gear 21 is rotated by the first drive shaft 111A, so that the bonding gear 22 rotates, and the rotation of the bonding gear 22 rotates the pressing gear 114 and the platen gear 113. As a result, the platen roller 103 rotates, and the printed tape 31 is conveyed.

[0096] Furthermore, in a state where the printing tape cassette 10 is not mounted on the printing apparatus body 100 , since the driving force from the driving source 110 is not transmitted to the platen gear 113 , the platen roller 103 is not rotationally driven.

[0097] <Modification of First Embodiment>

[0098] In the present embodiment, by providing the bonding roller 15 with a mating portion with the second drive shaft 111B, the bonding roller 15 can be used as an input portion for transmitting the driving force of the driving source 110 .

[0099] When the bonding roller 15 is used as the input portion as described above, the take-up shaft 12 and the main gear 21 are connected, and the first drive shaft 111A does not cooperate with the take-up shaft 12 and the main gear 21, so that the take-up shaft 12 is rotated by the driving force input from the bonding roller 15. That is, only the bonding roller 15 is used as the input portion of the printing tape cartridge 10.

[0100] [1-2. Effect]

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0102] (1a) The driving force from the driving source 110 is transmitted to the platen roller 103 via the input portion (i.e., the main gear 21) and the output portion (i.e., the adhesive gear 22) in the printing tape cartridge 10. That is, the driving force is transmitted to the platen roller 103 only when the printing tape cartridge 10 is installed in the printing apparatus body 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the platen roller 10 from rotating accidentally when the printing tape cartridge 10 is not installed.

[0103] For example, in the case where the platen roller 103 clamps the jammed printed tape 31, if the driving force of the driving source 110 is transmitted to the platen roller 103, the platen roller 103 is forced to rotate, making it difficult to remove the jammed printed tape 31. However, by removing the printing tape cartridge 10 from the printing apparatus body 100, the transmission of the driving force from the driving source 110 to the platen roller 103 is cut off, and therefore, the jammed printed tape 31 can be easily removed.

[0104] (1b) The driving force can be transmitted from the single driving shaft 111 to the take-up shaft 12 and the main gear 21. Therefore, the driving force can be input to both the take-up shaft 12 and the main gear 21 while suppressing the size increase of the printing tape cassette 10 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the driving shaft 111 (i.e., the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction).

[0105] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0106] [2-1. Structure]

[0107] The printing apparatus of the second embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the printing tape cassette and the gear train of the printing apparatus in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown, a printing apparatus body 100A of the second embodiment adds a first body side transmission gear 115 and a second body side transmission gear 116 to the printing apparatus body 100 of the first embodiment.

[0109] The first body side transmission gear 115 and the second body side transmission gear 116 constitute a body side transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force output from the output gear 25 of the printing tape cartridge 10A to the platen gear 113. The first body side transmission gear 115 cooperates with the second body side transmission gear 116. The second body side transmission gear 116 cooperates with the first body side transmission gear 115 and the platen gear 113.

[0110] The main body side transmission mechanism may also be composed of a single gear, or may be composed of three or more gears. In addition, the main body side transmission mechanism may include rollers, belts, and the like.

[0111] The printing tape cassette 10A of the second embodiment is provided with an output gear 25, a first cassette side transfer gear 23A and a second cassette side transfer gear 24A to replace the bonding gear 22, the first cassette side transfer gear 23 and the second cassette side transfer gear 24 in the printing tape cassette 10 of the first embodiment.

[0112] The output gear 25 rotates around a rotation center parallel to the up-down direction, and transmits the driving force transmitted to the main gear 21 to the output portion of the platen roller 103. The rotation axis of the main gear 21 and the rotation axis of the output gear 25 are located on different straight lines from each other. In addition, a portion of the output gear 25 protrudes from the housing 40 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output gear 25 (i.e., the front-rear direction).

[0113] In this embodiment, the output gear 25 cooperates with the second cassette side transfer gear 24A. The second cassette side transfer gear 24A cooperates with the main gear 21 via the first cassette side transfer gear 23A. In addition, when the printing tape cassette 10A is installed in the printing device body 100A, the output gear 25 cooperates with the first body side transfer gear 115.

[0114] The output gear 25 transmits the driving force transmitted from the main gear 21 via the first cassette side transmission gear 23A and the second cassette side transmission gear 24A to the platen gear 113 via the first body side transmission gear 115 and the second body side transmission gear 116 .

[0115] [2-2. Effect]

[0116] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0117] (2a) By providing the transmission mechanism (ie, the first body side transmission gear 115 and the second body side transmission gear 116) in the printing apparatus body 100A, the printing tape cartridge 10A can be miniaturized.

[0118] [3. Third embodiment]

[0119] [3-1. Structure]

[0120] The printing apparatus of the third embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the printing tape cassette and the gear train of the printing apparatus in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0121] like Fig. 6AAs shown, the printing apparatus body 100B of the third embodiment adds a driving force input gear 117 to the printing apparatus body 100A of the second embodiment. The driving force input gear 117 is drivingly connected to the driving source 110. In addition, the printing apparatus body 100B of the third embodiment does not include the driving shafts 111A and 111B.

[0122] When the printing tape cassette 10B is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100B, the driving force input gear 117 cooperates with the output gear 25B of the printing tape cassette 10B to transmit the driving force of the driving source 110 to the output gear 25B.

[0123] The print tape cassette 10B of the third embodiment is provided with an output gear 25B and a supply gear 26 instead of the output gear 25 , the first cassette side transmission gear 23A, and the second cassette side transmission gear 24A in the print tape cassette 10A of the second embodiment.

[0124] The output gear 25B is a single-stage gear that rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The output gear 25B is an input portion to which the driving force of the driving source 110 is transmitted from the driving force input gear 117 and is also an output portion that transmits the driving force transmitted to itself to the platen roller 103.

[0125] That is, the output gear 25B of the present embodiment is a rotating body in which the input part and the output part are integrated. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the input part and the rotation axis of the output part are located on the same straight line. A portion of the output gear 25B protrudes from the housing 40 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output gear 25B (i.e., the front-to-back direction).

[0126] The rotation axis of the output gear 25B is parallel to the installation direction of the printing tape cassette 10B to the printing device body 100B. Figure 6B As shown, the tooth height T of the output gear 25B gradually decreases along the installation direction (i.e., downward) of the printing device body 100B. Thus, it is easy to insert the printing tape cassette 10B into the printing device body 100B and to match the output gear 25B with the driving force input gear 117 and the first body side transmission gear 115.

[0127] The supply gear 26 is coupled to the third supply shaft 14 and cooperates with the main gear 21. The supply gear 26 transmits the rotation of the third supply shaft 14, which rotates as the laminated tape 33 is pulled out, to the main gear 21 coupled to the take-up shaft 12.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the printing tape cartridge 10B is installed in the printing apparatus body 100B, the output gear 25B cooperates with the driving force input gear 117 and the first body side transmission gear 115. The output gear 25B transmits the driving force transmitted from the driving force input gear 117 to the first body side transmission gear 115.

[0129] [3-2. Effect]

[0130] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0131] (3a) Since it is not necessary to input a driving force for rotating the take-up shaft 12 to the printing tape cartridge 10B, the structure of the printing device can be simplified.

[0132] [4. Fourth embodiment]

[0133] [4-1. Structure]

[0134] The printing apparatus of the fourth embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the printing tape cassette and the gear train of the printing apparatus in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0135] like Figure 7 As shown, the printing apparatus body 100C of the fourth embodiment replaces the driving force input gear 117 in the printing apparatus body 100B of the third embodiment with a driving force input gear 117C.

[0136] When the printing tape cartridge 10C is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100C, the driving force input gear 117C cooperates with the input gear 27 of the printing tape cartridge 10C to transmit the driving force of the driving source 110 to the input gear 27 .

[0137] The printing tape cassette 10C of the fourth embodiment is provided with an output gear 25, a first cassette side transfer gear 23A, a second cassette side transfer gear 24A and an input gear 27 instead of the output gear 25B and the supply gear 26 in the printing tape cassette 10B of the third embodiment.

[0138] The output gear 25, the first cassette side transmission gear 23A and the second cassette side transmission gear 24A are the same as the printing tape cassette 10A of the second embodiment. The input gear 27 cooperates with the second cassette side transmission gear 24A. The input gear 27 is an input part that rotates around the rotation axis and is transmitted from the driving force input gear 117C to the driving source 110.

[0139] In this embodiment, when the printing tape cartridge 10C is mounted on the printing apparatus body 100C, the output gear 25 is engaged with the first body side transmission gear 115, and the input gear 27 is engaged with the driving force input gear 117C. The output gear 25 transmits the driving force transmitted from the driving force input gear 117C via the input gear 27 to the first body side transmission gear 115.

[0140] [4-2. Effect]

[0141] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0142] (4a) Since the driving force can be transmitted from the input gear 27 to the take-up shaft 12 and the platen gear 113 at the same time, the structure of the printing apparatus can be simplified.

[0143] [5. Fifth embodiment]

[0144] [5-1. Structure]

[0145] The printing apparatus of the fifth embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the printing tape cassette and the gear train of the printing apparatus in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0146] like Figure 8 As shown, the printing apparatus body 100D of the fifth embodiment adds a driving force input gear 117D and a body-side transmission gear 115D to the printing apparatus body 100 of the first embodiment. The driving force input gear 117D is drivingly connected to the driving source 110. In addition, the printing apparatus body 100D of the fifth embodiment does not include the driving shafts 111A and 111B.

[0147] When the printing tape cartridge 10D is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100D, the driving force input gear 117D cooperates with the main gear 21 of the printing tape cartridge 10D to transmit the driving force of the driving source 110 to the main gear 21 .

[0148] The driving force input gear 117D is arranged at a position overlapping with the printing tape cartridge 10D in the vertical direction. That is, when the printing tape cartridge 10D is installed in the printing apparatus body 100D, a part of the driving force input gear 117D is arranged inside the housing 40 of the printing tape cartridge 10D.

[0149] The body side transmission gear 115D cooperates with the pressing gear 114 and the platen gear 113. The body side transmission gear 115D transmits the driving force transmitted to the pressing gear 114 to the platen gear 113.

[0150] The printing tape cassette 10D of the fifth embodiment is provided with a cassette side transmission gear 23D to replace the first cassette side transmission gear 23 and the second cassette side transmission gear 24 in the printing tape cassette 10 of the first embodiment. The cassette side transmission gear 23D cooperates with the main gear 21 and the bonding gear 22. In addition, the winding shaft 12 is connected to the main gear 21.

[0151] In this embodiment, when the printing tape cartridge 10D is mounted on the printing apparatus body 100D, the bonding gear 22 cooperates with the pressure gear 114, and the main gear 21 cooperates with the driving force input gear 117D. The bonding gear 22 transmits the driving force transmitted from the driving force input gear 117D via the main gear 21 to the pressure gear 114.

[0152] [5-2. Effect]

[0153] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0154] (5a) By engaging the driving force input gear 117D with the main gear 21 instead of the driving shaft, the degree of freedom in arranging components in the printing tape cartridge 10D and the printing apparatus main body 100D can be improved.

[0155] [6. Sixth embodiment]

[0156] [6-1. Structure]

[0157] The printing apparatus of the sixth embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the printing tape cassette and the gear train of the printing apparatus in the printing apparatus of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the fifth embodiment will be omitted.

[0158] like Fig. 9 As shown, the printing apparatus body 100E of the sixth embodiment is the same as the printing apparatus body 100D of the fifth embodiment except that the pressure roller 104, the pressure gear 114 and the body-side transmission gear 115D are not provided.

[0159] The printing tape box 10E of the sixth embodiment is provided with an output gear 25E integrating the input part and the output part, replacing the winding shaft 12, the second supply shaft 13, the third supply shaft 14, the bonding roller 15, the main gear 21, the bonding gear 22, the tape box side transfer gear 23D, the ink ribbon 32 and the stacked tape 33 in the printing tape box 10D of the fifth embodiment.

[0160] The output gear 25E is entirely disposed inside the housing 40 of the printing tape cassette 10E. In addition, thermal paper is used as the to-be-printed tape 31 in the printing tape cassette 10E.

[0161] In this embodiment, when the printing tape cartridge 10E is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100E, the output gear 25E cooperates with the platen gear 113 and the driving force input gear 117D. The output gear 25E transmits the driving force transmitted from the driving force input gear 117D to the platen gear 113.

[0162] [6-2. Effect]

[0163] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0164] (6a) By using the output gear 25E in which the input portion and the output portion are integrated, the internal structure of the printing tape cartridge 10E can be simplified.

[0165] [7. Seventh embodiment]

[0166] [7-1. Structure]

[0167] Fig. 10A and 10B The printing apparatus 1F shown includes a printing tape cassette 10F and a printing apparatus body 100F.

[0168] <Printing device>

[0169] like Fig.11A and 11B As shown, the printing apparatus body 100F includes a print head 102 , a platen roller 103 , a pressure roller 104 , a holding portion 105 , a lever 106 , a discharge roller 107 , a discharge guide portion 108 , a drive source 110 , a first drive shaft 111A, a second drive shaft 111B and a driving force transmission member 120 .

[0170] The print head 102 , the platen roller 103 , the pressure roller 104 , the drive source 110 , the first drive shaft 111A, and the second drive shaft 111B are the same as those of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0171] (Maintaining part)

[0172] The holding portion 105 is a portion that can swing in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The platen roller 103 and the pressure roller 104 are supported by the holding portion 105 .

[0173] (Rod)

[0174] The rod 106 is coupled to the holding portion 105. By swinging the rod 106 in the up-down direction, the platen roller 103 and the pressure roller 104 supported by the holding portion 105 move.

[0175] (Discharge roller and discharge guide)

[0176] The discharge roller 107 is arranged to be opposed to the discharge guide 108. The discharge roller 107 discharges the printed tape 31 along the discharge guide 108 from the printing apparatus body 100F.

[0177] (Drive force transmission member)

[0178] The driving force transmitting member 120 is displaceable between a transmitting state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source 110 to the platen roller 103 and a non-transmitting state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller 103 .

[0179] In the present embodiment, the driving force transmission member 120 includes a first gear 121, a second gear 122, a third gear 123, a fourth gear 124, a fifth gear 125, a sixth gear 126, a seventh gear 127 and a shifting portion 131. The number of gears included in the driving force transmission member 120 is not particularly limited. In addition, the driving force transmission member 120 may include a roller, a belt, etc.

[0180] The first gear 121 is a stepped gear in which a small gear 121A and a large gear 121B having a larger diameter than the small gear 121A are coaxially arranged. The large gear 121B is drivingly coupled to the driving source 110 .

[0181] exist Fig. 10A and 10B In the transmission state shown, the pinion 121A cooperates with the second gear 122. Fig.11A and 11B In the non-transmitting state shown, the pinion 121A is separated from the second gear 122 .

[0182] The second gear 122 is supported by the displacement portion 131 and is configured to be movable in the up-down direction. The second gear 122 is engaged with the pinion gear 121A in the transmission state, and is held above the pinion gear 121A in the non-transmission state.

[0183] The third gear 123 cooperates with the second gear 122 and is connected to the first drive shaft 111A. The fourth gear 124 cooperates with the fifth gear 125. The sixth gear 126 cooperates with the fifth gear 125 and a platen gear (not shown) connected to the platen roller 103. The seventh gear 127 cooperates with the fifth gear 125 and is connected to the second drive shaft 111B.

[0184] The displacement portion 131 is a spring that supports the second gear 122 from below. The displacement portion 131 is configured to be able to expand and contract in the up-down direction. When no force acts on the second gear 122, the displacement portion 131 holds the second gear 122 above the pinion 121A of the first gear 121. When a downward force is applied to the second gear 122, the displacement portion 131 contracts in the up-down direction so that the second gear 122 is matched with the first gear 121.

[0185] <Printing tape cassette>

[0186] The printing tape cartridge 10F can be mounted on and removed from the printing apparatus body 100F. The printing tape cartridge 10F includes a first supply shaft (not shown), a take-up shaft (not shown), a second supply shaft (not shown), a printed tape 31, an ink ribbon (not shown), and a housing 40F.

[0187] The first supply shaft, the winding shaft, the second supply shaft, the to-be-printed tape 31, and the ink ribbon are the same as those of the printing tape cassette 10 of the first embodiment. In addition, the printing tape cassette 10F may further include a third supply shaft, an adhesive roller, and a laminated tape.

[0188] At least a portion of the printed tape 31 and at least a portion of the ink ribbon are arranged inside the housing 40F.

[0189] like Fig. 10B As shown, in the outer surface of the housing 40F, a portion of the lower surface opposite to the second gear 122 of the driving force transmission member 120 when the printing tape cartridge 10F is mounted on the printing apparatus body 100F constitutes a contact portion 41 that contacts the upper end of the second gear 122. The contact portion 41 is configured to shift the driving force transmission member 120 from the non-transmission state to the transmission state by contacting the second gear 122.

[0190] The contact portion 41 contacts the second gear 122 from above when the printing tape cartridge 10F is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100F. The contact portion 41 is configured to move a portion of the driving force transmission member 120 (i.e., the second gear 122) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the platen roller 103 (i.e., the up-down direction).

[0191] When the printing tape cartridge 10F is installed in the printing apparatus body 100F, the second gear 122 and the first gear 121 are engaged by the contact portion 41, so that the driving force transmitting member 120 is in the transmitting state. As a result, the platen roller 103 is driven to rotate by the driving force of the driving source 110, and the printing tape 31 is transported by the platen roller 103.

[0192] In addition, if Fig. 12A , 12BAs shown in 12C, the printing tape box 10F can also have a contact portion 41A, which is located on the upstream side (i.e., above) of the installation direction relative to the bottom surface 42, and the bottom surface 42 is the end surface of the shell 40F on the downstream side (i.e., below) in the installation direction when installed to the printing device body 100F.

[0193] Specifically, the contact portion 41A is arranged inside a recessed portion 43 recessed upward from the bottom surface 42 of the housing 40F. The recessed portion 43 is configured so that the shaft portion 122A of the second gear 122 is inserted. The contact portion 41A is a portion of the outer surface exposed to the outside of the housing 40, and is arranged at a position where the tip end of the shaft portion 122A of the second gear 122 inserted into the recessed portion 43 abuts.

[0194] The distance D between the bottom surface 42 and the contact portion 41A in the vertical direction is set according to the width (ie, thickness) of the housing 40F in the vertical direction. Fig. 12C The printing tape cassette 10F shown in FIG. Fig. 12B The printing tape cassette 10F shown in the figure has a smaller thickness than that shown in the figure, but the distance D between the bottom surface 42 and the contact portion 41A in the vertical direction is smaller than that shown in the figure. Fig. 12B The printing tape cassette 10F is shown.

[0195] Therefore, in Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C In the embodiment, the contact portion 41A and the second gear 122 have the same contact position. That is, it is possible to select printing tape cassettes 10F having different thicknesses to be mounted on the same printing apparatus body 100F.

[0196] [7-2. Effect]

[0197] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0198] (7a) Since the driving force transmitting member 120 is shifted from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state by the contact of the contact portion 41, the driving force is transmitted to the platen roller 103 only when the printing tape cartridge 10F is installed in the printing apparatus body 100F. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the platen roller 103 from rotating unexpectedly when the printing tape cartridge 10F is not installed.

[0199] [8. Eighth embodiment]

[0200] [8-1. Structure]

[0201] Fig.13A , 13B A printing apparatus 1G shown in FIG. 13C includes a printing tape cassette 10F and a printing apparatus body 100G.

[0202] <Printing device>

[0203] like Fig.14A , 14B 14C, the printing apparatus body 100G replaces the driving force transmission member 120G in the printing apparatus body 100F of the seventh embodiment with the driving force transmission member 120G. The other structures of the printing apparatus body 100G are the same as those of the printing apparatus body 100F of the seventh embodiment except for the points described below, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0204] (Drive force transmission member)

[0205] The driving force transmitting member 120G is displaceable between a transmitting state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source 110 to the platen roller 103 and a non-transmitting state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller 103 .

[0206] In the present embodiment, the driving force transmission member 120G includes a first gear 121, a second gear 122G, a third gear 123, a fourth gear 124, a fifth gear 125, a sixth gear 126, a seventh gear 127 and a shifting portion 131G. The first gear 121, the third gear 123, the fourth gear 124, the fifth gear 125, the sixth gear 126 and the seventh gear 127 are the same as the driving force transmission member 120 of the seventh embodiment.

[0207] The second gear 122G is connected to the displacement portion 131G and is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction. The second gear 122G engages with the pinion 121A of the first gear 121 in the transmission state, and is held at a position offset rearward relative to the pinion 121A in the non-transmission state.

[0208] The displacement portion 131G includes a moving portion 132 and a spring 133 .

[0209] The moving part 132 is connected to the shaft part of the second gear 122G, and is configured to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The moving part 132 has a wall surface intersecting the front-rear direction.

[0210] The spring 133 is a spring that supports the moving part 132 from the front. The spring 133 is configured to be able to expand and contract in the front-rear direction. When no force acts on the moving part 132, the spring 133 holds the moving part 132 at a position where the second gear 122G is separated from the pinion 121A of the first gear 121. When a forward force is applied to the moving part 132, the spring 133 contracts in the front-rear direction, so that the moving part 132 moves forward, and the second gear 122G is matched with the first gear 121.

[0211] <Printing tape cassette>

[0212] The printing tape cassette 10F is the same as the printing tape cassette 10F of the seventh embodiment except for the points described below.

[0213] In this embodiment, if Fig.13A and 13C As shown, in the outer surface of the housing 40F, a portion of the front surface opposite to the moving portion 132 of the driving force transmitting member 120G when the printing tape cartridge 10F is mounted on the printing apparatus body 100G constitutes a contact portion 41G that contacts the wall surface of the moving portion 132. The contact portion 41G is configured to shift the driving force transmitting member 120G from the non-transmitting state to the transmitting state by contacting the moving portion 132.

[0214] The contact portion 41G contacts the moving portion 132 from behind when the printing tape cartridge 10F is mounted on the printing apparatus body 100G. The contact portion 41G is configured to move a portion of the driving force transmission member 120G (i.e., the displacement portion 131G) within a plane intersecting the rotation axis of the platen roller 103 (i.e., in the up-down direction).

[0215] When the printing tape cartridge 10F is installed in the printing apparatus body 100G, due to the contact between the contact portion 41G and the shift portion 131G, the second gear 122G and the first gear 121 are matched, so that the driving force transmission member 120G is in the transmission state. As a result, the platen roller 103 is driven to rotate by the driving force of the driving source 110, and the printing tape 31 is transported by the platen roller 103.

[0216] [8-2, Effect]

[0217] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0218] (8a) By configuring a part of the driving force transmission member 120G to move in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the platen roller 103, the degree of freedom in designing the printing apparatus body 100G can be increased.

[0219] [9. Other embodiments]

[0220] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various forms can be adopted.

[0221] (9a) In the printing tape cassette of the above embodiment, the input portion to which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted is not limited to a gear or a shaft. For example, a roller may be used as the input portion. In addition, the output portion that transmits the driving force transmitted to the input portion to the platen roller is not limited to a gear. For example, a roller or a shaft may be used as the output portion.

[0222] (9b) In the print tape cassettes of the seventh and eighth embodiments, the contact portion does not necessarily have to be formed by a portion of the outer surface of the housing. The print tape cassette may have a contact portion independent of the housing.

[0223] (9c) The functions of a single component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersed into multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into a single component. In addition, part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to or replaced by the structure of other embodiments. All embodiments included in the technical idea in the claims are embodiments of the present invention.

[0224] Description of Reference Numerals

[0225] 1: Printing device

[0226] 10: Printing tape box

[0227] 11: First supply axis

[0228] 12: Take-up shaft

[0229] 13: Second supply axis

[0230] 14: The third supply axis

[0231] 15: Adhesive roller

[0232] 21: Main gear

[0233] 22: Bonding gears

[0234] 23, 24: Cassette side transmission gear

[0235] 25: Output gear

[0236] 26: Supply gear

[0237] 27: Input gear

[0238] 31: Printed

[0239] 32: Ink Ribbon

[0240] 33: Layered belt

[0241] 40: Shell

[0242] 41: Contact Department

[0243] 100: Printing device body

[0244] 102: Print head

[0245] 103: Platen roller

[0246] 104: Pressure roller

[0247] 110: Driving source

[0248] 111A, 111B: Drive shaft

[0249] 113: Pressure plate gear

[0250] 114: Pressure gear

[0251] 115, 116: Transmission gear on the main body side

[0252] 117: Driving force input gear

[0253] 120: Driving force transmission component

[0254] 131: Displacement

Claims

1. A printing tape cartridge for mounting to a printing device body including a print head, a platen roller opposite to the print head, and a driving source for rotating and driving the platen roller, the printing tape cartridge comprising: a first tape, printed by the print head; an input portion that rotates around a rotation axis and to which a driving force of the driving source is transmitted; as well as an output portion that rotates around a rotation axis and transmits the driving force transmitted to the input portion to the platen roller, In a state of being mounted in the printing apparatus body, the first belt is conveyed by the platen roller.

2. The printing tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: Ink ribbon; as well as A take-up shaft, used for taking up the ink ribbon, The winding shaft has an inner peripheral surface provided with spline teeth, The rotation axis of the input portion passes through a hollow portion defined by the inner peripheral surface of the take-up shaft.

3. The printing tape cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotation axis of the input portion and the rotation axis of the take-up shaft are located on the same straight line.

4. The printing tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein: Also comprising a second tape for bonding with the first tape, The input portion is a bonding roller for bonding the first tape and the second tape.

5. The printing tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: Ink ribbon; as well as A take-up shaft, used for taking up the ink ribbon, The rotation axis of the input portion and the rotation axis of the take-up shaft are located on the same straight line.

6. The printing tape cassette according to claim 1, wherein: The rotation axis of the input portion and the rotation axis of the output portion are located on the same straight line.

7. The printing tape cassette according to claim 6, wherein: A rotating body including the input part and the output part is integrated.

8. The printing tape cassette according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating body is a single-stage gear.

9. The printing tape cassette according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rotation axis of the single-stage gear is parallel to the installation direction toward the printing device body, and the tooth height of the single-stage gear gradually decreases along the installation direction toward the printing device body.

10. The printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that: The rotation axis center of the input portion and the rotation axis center of the output portion are located on different straight lines.

11. The printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The device further comprises a housing, wherein at least a portion of the first belt, at least a portion of the input portion, and at least a portion of the output portion are arranged inside the housing, A portion of the input portion protrudes from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the input portion.

12. The printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The device further comprises a housing, wherein at least a portion of the first belt, at least a portion of the input portion, and at least a portion of the output portion are arranged inside the housing, A portion of the output portion protrudes from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output portion.

13. A printing tape cartridge, for installation in a printing device body, the printing device body comprising a print head, a platen roller opposite to the print head, a driving source for rotationally driving the platen roller, and a driving force transmission member capable of shifting between a transmission state in which a driving force is transmitted from the driving source to the platen roller and a non-transmission state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller, the printing tape cartridge comprising: a first tape, printed by the print head; as well as a contact portion configured to shift the driving force transmission member from the non-transmission state to the transmission state by contacting the driving force transmission member, In a state where the device is mounted in the printing apparatus body, the contact portion contacts the driving force transmission member, and the first belt is conveyed by the platen roller.

14. The printing tape cassette according to claim 13, wherein: Also includes a housing, at least a portion of the first belt is disposed inside the housing, The contact portion is constituted by a portion of the outer surface of the housing.

15. The printing tape cassette according to claim 14, characterized in that: The contact portion is located on the upstream side in the mounting direction relative to the end surface of the outer surface of the housing on the downstream side in the mounting direction to the printing apparatus body, The distance between the end surface and the contact portion in the mounting direction is set according to the width of the housing in a direction parallel to the mounting direction.

16. The printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The contact portion is configured to move a portion of the driving force transmission member in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the platen roller.

17. The printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The contact portion is configured to move a portion of the driving force transmission member within a plane intersecting the rotation axis of the platen roller.

18. A printing device comprising: A printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 12; as well as A printing device body for installing the printing tape cassette, The printing device body comprises: Print head; a platen roller opposite to the print head; and A driving source for rotationally driving the platen roller.

19. A printing device comprising: A printing tape cassette according to any one of claims 13 to 17; as well as A printing device body for installing the printing tape cassette, The printing device body comprises: Print head; a platen roller opposite to the print head; a driving source for rotationally driving the platen roller; and The driving force transmitting member is displaceable between a transmitting state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source to the platen roller and a non-transmitting state in which the driving force is not transmitted to the platen roller.

20. A printing device body, comprising: A print head, used for printing on a printed tape; A platen roller, opposite to the print head, for conveying the printed tape; A tape cassette installation portion capable of installing a printing tape cassette having the printed tape, an input portion, and an output portion drivingly connected to the input portion; A driving unit, arranged at a position capable of cooperating with the input unit of the printing tape cassette installed in the tape cassette installation unit, for driving the platen roller; as well as The driven portion is arranged at a position capable of cooperating with the output portion of the printing tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting portion, and is drivingly connected to the platen roller.

21. The printing device body according to claim 20, characterized in that: The driven portion is a platen gear connected to the platen roller.

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