Ink ribbon cartridge

Abstract

Provided is an ink ribbon cartridge suitable for vertical installation. The present disclosure relates to an ink ribbon cartridge having a take-up case (30) with a first protrusion (30E1) provided at a position separated from the center in the second rotation axis (AX2) direction by a first distance in the first direction (DR1) from the second rotation axis (AX2) and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis (AX1), another first protrusion (30E1), and a second protrusion (30F1) located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction and in the second region (SP2) of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane (P1), inside a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface (IC3) having a larger radius than the first radius and centered on the second rotation axis, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis. The original roll case (20) has a first engaging portion (20E1) and a second engaging portion (20E2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ink ribbon cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a printer that prints ink on a print medium such as an adhesive sheet of a tape peeling paper by using heat or the like. Such a printer is configured to be able to accommodate an ink ribbon cartridge.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, there is described a main body case (an example of a structure including an “ink ribbon cartridge”) that accommodates an ink ribbon cartridge. The main body case has a first accommodating portion that accommodates a supply core portion for winding an ink ribbon before use, and a second accommodating portion that accommodates a take-up core portion for winding an ink ribbon after use.

[0004] In Patent Literature 2, there is described a ribbon ink cartridge (an example of a structure including an “ink ribbon cartridge”) that accommodates an ink ribbon cartridge. The ribbon ink cartridge has a case that axially supports a supply spool (a supply core portion) for winding a thermal transfer type ink ribbon before use, and a case that axially supports a take-up spool (a take-up core portion) for winding an ink ribbon after use.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-052155

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H09-058078 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] Conventionally, ink ribbon cartridges including those described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 are stored in a flat manner.

[0011] However, if the ink ribbon cartridges are stored in a flat manner, a large storage space is required. Moreover, when a plurality of ink ribbon cartridges are stacked in a flat manner, in order to take out an ink ribbon cartridge on a lower layer, other ink ribbon cartridges stacked on the ink ribbon cartridge must be taken out.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an ink ribbon cartridge that is suitable for vertical storage.

[0013] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0014] The present application discloses a tape cartridge, comprising: a primary winding housing configured to support a first core portion for winding a tape before use, so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; and a winding housing configured to support a second core portion for winding a tape after use, so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The winding housing of the tape cartridge has: a first protrusion provided at a position separated from a center in the second rotation axis direction by a first distance in a first direction along the second rotation axis, and inscribed in an inner surface of a first imaginary cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in a first region of two regions divided by an imaginary plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis; another first protrusion provided at a position separated from the center in the second rotation axis direction by a second distance in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the second rotation axis, and inscribed in an inner surface of a second imaginary cylinder having a radius smaller than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the first region, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis; and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, and inscribed in an inner surface of a third imaginary cylinder having a radius larger than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in a second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis. Further, the primary winding housing of the tape cartridge has: a face portion substantially parallel to the imaginary plane; a first engaging portion having a first protruding portion protruding from the face portion in the second region separated from the center in the first rotation axis direction by a third distance in the first direction along the first rotation axis in a side view observed in a direction from the first rotation axis; and a second engaging portion having a second recessed portion recessed from the face portion in the second region separated from the center in the first rotation axis direction by the third distance in the second direction along the first rotation axis in the side view.

[0015] Here, regarding the "first engaging portion that is separated from the first-rotation-axis-direction center by a third distance in the first direction" and the "second engaging portion that is separated from the first-rotation-axis-direction center by a third distance in the second direction", in a case where there is a position at which the distance between the first-rotation-axis-direction center and an arbitrary position selected within the first engaging portion and the distance between the first-rotation-axis-direction center and an arbitrary position selected within the second engaging portion are the same, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion satisfy the above-described positional relationship. That is, not only in a case where the distance between the "first-rotation-axis-direction center" and the center of the first engaging portion and the distance between the "first-rotation-axis-direction center" and the center of the second engaging portion are consistent, but also even in a case where they are not consistent, as long as a range of the distance between the "first-rotation-axis-direction center" and the region in which the first engaging portion is provided and a range of the distance between the "first-rotation-axis-direction center" and the region in which the first engaging portion is provided overlap in part, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion satisfy the above-described relationship.

[0016] It can also be configured such that, in the side view, a line of intersection of a plane that is perpendicular to a tangent plane that is tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and that passes through the first rotation axis is located between a first tangent point of the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point of the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

[0017] In addition, the "recesses" such as the "first recess", the "second recess", and the like include through holes.

[0018] It can also be configured such that, in the side view, the first engaging portion has a first recess that is recessed from the face portion, and the second engaging portion has a second protrusion that protrudes from the face portion.

[0019] It can also be configured such that the first protrusion has a first protruding portion that protrudes toward the take-up housing side, and the second protrusion has a second protruding portion that protrudes toward a direction opposite to the take-up housing.

[0020] It can also be configured such that the first protrusion is provided at a position at which, when the face portion and a face portion of a second ink ribbon cartridge that is the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having any of the above-described structures are made to face each other, the first protrusion is inserted into a second recess of the second ink ribbon cartridge.

[0021] It can also be configured such that the second recess is provided at a position at which, when the face portion and a face portion of a third ink ribbon cartridge that is the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having any of the above-described structures are made to face each other, a first protrusion of the third ink ribbon cartridge is inserted into the second recess.

[0022] It can also be configured such that the first protruding portion is provided at a position where, when the face is brought into opposition with a face of a fourth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, the first protruding portion is fitted with a second protruding portion of the fourth ink ribbon cartridge.

[0023] It can also be configured such that the second protruding portion is provided at a position where, when the face is brought into opposition with a face of a fifth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, the second protruding portion is fitted with a first protruding portion of the fifth ink ribbon cartridge.

[0024] The first distance can also be configured to be equal to the second distance.

[0025] The radius of the second imaginary cylinder can also be configured to be equal to the first radius.

[0026] The third distance can also be configured to be greater than the first distance and the second distance.

[0027] It can also be configured such that a connecting portion connecting the original roll case and the winding case is further provided in the first region.

[0028] In addition, the present application discloses an ink ribbon cartridge configured to be housed in a printer, the printer including: an ink ribbon cartridge housing portion configured to house the ink ribbon cartridge and having two first slits, a second slit, a first engagement unit, and a second engagement unit; a conveying unit for pulling out an ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cartridge housed in the ink ribbon cartridge housing portion; and a thermal head for thermally transferring ink of the pulled-out ink ribbon to a print medium. Such an ink ribbon cartridge includes: a primary winding housing for supporting a first core portion for winding an ink ribbon before use so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; and a winding housing for supporting a second core portion for winding the ink ribbon after use so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The winding housing has: one first protrusion provided at a position separated by a first distance in a first direction along the second rotation axis from a center in the second rotation axis direction, and fitted in an inner surface of one first imaginary cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in one of two regions divided by an imaginary plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, i.e., a first region, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into one of the first slits; another first protrusion provided at a position separated by a second distance in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the second rotation axis from the center in the second rotation axis direction, and fitted in an inner surface of a second imaginary cylinder having a radius smaller than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the first region, and protruding in the direction separated from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into another of the first slits; and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the another first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, and fitted in an inner surface of a third imaginary cylinder having a radius larger than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the other of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, i.e., a second region, and protruding in the direction separated from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into the second slit. The primary winding housing further has: a face portion substantially parallel to the imaginary plane; a first engagement portion having a first protruding portion protruding from the face portion and configured to be engaged with the first engagement unit in a side view observed in the first rotation axis direction, and separated by a third distance in the first direction along the first rotation axis from the center in the first rotation axis direction in the second region; and a second engagement portion having a second recessed portion recessed from the face portion and configured to be engaged with the second engagement unit in the side view, and separated by the third distance in the second direction along the first rotation axis from the center in the first rotation axis direction in the second region.

[0029] Also, in the side view, a line of intersection of a plane that is perpendicular to a tangent plane that is tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and that passes through the first rotation axis and the tangent plane can be located between a first tangent point of the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point of the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

[0030] Also, in the side view, the first engaging portion can have a first recessed portion recessed from the face portion, and the second engaging portion can have a second protruding portion protruding from the face portion.

[0031] Also, the first protruding portion can protrude toward the take-up housing side, and the second protruding portion can protrude toward a direction opposite to the take-up housing.

[0032] Also, the first protruding portion can be disposed so as to be inserted into a second recessed portion of a second ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having any of the above structures when the face portion and a face portion of the second ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

[0033] Also, the second recessed portion can be disposed so as to receive a first protruding portion of a third ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having any of the above structures when the face portion and the face portion of the third ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

[0034] Also, the first protruding portion can be disposed so as to be fitted with a second protruding portion of a fourth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having the structure with the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion when the face portion and a face portion of the fourth ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

[0035] Also, the second protruding portion can be disposed so as to be fitted with a first protruding portion of a fifth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge having the structure with the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion when the face portion and a face portion of the fifth ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

[0036] The first distance can be equal to the second distance.

[0037] The radius of the second imaginary cylinder can be equal to the first radius.

[0038] The third distance can be greater than the first distance and the second distance.

[0039] Also, a connecting portion that connects the original roll housing and the take-up housing can be further provided in the first region.

[0040] The present application discloses an ink ribbon cartridge, provided with: a primary winding housing for supporting a first core portion for winding an ink ribbon before use so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; and a winding housing for supporting a second core portion for winding an ink ribbon after use so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The winding housing of the ink ribbon cartridge has: a first protrusion provided at a position separated by a first distance in a first direction along the second rotation axis from a center in the direction of the second rotation axis, and tangent to an inner surface of a first imaginary cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in a first region of two regions divided by an imaginary plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis; another first protrusion provided at a position separated by a second distance in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the second rotation axis from the center in the direction of the second rotation axis, and tangent to an inner surface of a second imaginary cylinder having a radius smaller than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the first region, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis; and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the direction of the second rotation axis, and tangent to an inner surface of a third imaginary cylinder having a radius larger than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in a second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis. In a side view observed in the direction of the first rotation axis, a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion forms an acute angle with the imaginary plane. When a surface provided in the second region of the primary winding housing of the ink ribbon cartridge is brought into contact with a surface provided in the second region of a primary winding housing of a sixth ink ribbon cartridge of the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge, the ink ribbon cartridge and the sixth ink ribbon cartridge are configured to be able to support each other to stand by themselves. At this time, a second tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion of the ink ribbon cartridge and the other first protrusion of the sixth ink ribbon cartridge forms an angle closer to a right angle than the acute angle with the imaginary plane of the ink ribbon cartridge.

[0041] Preferably, the ink ribbon cartridge is configured so that the tangent plane does not cross the ink ribbon cartridge other than at a tangent point. The tangent point can be at least three points, i.e., can exist on the surface of the one first protrusion, the other first protrusion, and the second protrusion.

[0042] Preferably, the ink ribbon cartridge is configured so that the second tangent plane does not cross the ink ribbon cartridge other than at a tangent point. The tangent point can be at least three points, i.e., can exist on the surface of the one first protrusion of the ink ribbon cartridge, the other first protrusion, and the other first protrusion of the sixth ink ribbon cartridge. Also, the tangent plane can be tangent to the surface of the one first protrusion of the sixth ink ribbon cartridge.

[0043] The ink ribbon cartridge can also be configured to be able to stand alone by being tangent to the tangent plane and the one first protrusion, the other first protrusion, and the second protrusion.

[0044] The ink ribbon cartridge can also be configured not to stand alone. In this case, the ink ribbon cartridge does not stand alone, but is configured to be able to stand by being supported by another ink ribbon cartridge when the face portions of the two ink ribbon cartridges are directed toward each other.

[0045] The surface provided in the second region can also be a face provided substantially parallel to the imaginary plane.

[0046] Another ink ribbon cartridge is disclosed. The ink ribbon cartridge includes a primary winding housing configured to support a first core configured to wind an ink ribbon before use, so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis, and a take-up housing configured to support a second core configured to wind the ink ribbon after use, so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The primary winding housing includes a face portion substantially parallel to an imaginary plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, a first engagement portion separated from a center in the first rotation axis direction by a distance in the first rotation axis direction to a first direction, and having a first protrusion protruding from the face portion in a side view from the first rotation axis direction, and a second engagement portion separated from the center in the first rotation axis direction by the distance in the first rotation axis direction to a second direction, and having a second recess recessed from the face portion in the side view.

[0047] A part or all of the structure of the take-up housing described above can also be applied to the take-up housing of such an ink ribbon cartridge.

[0048] The distance is sometimes referred to as a predetermined distance or a third distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a plan view and a front view of the ink ribbon cartridge according to the embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a side view of the ink ribbon cartridge according to the embodiment.

[0052] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the ink ribbon cartridge according to the embodiment.

[0053] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a side view of the ink ribbon cartridge according to the embodiment in a state of standing alone.

[0054] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which two ink ribbon cartridges are self-standing according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 7 is a side view and the like of the two ink ribbon cartridges in a self-standing state according to an embodiment.

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view conceptually showing a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 10 is a sectional view and a partial enlarged view when an ink ribbon cartridge according to an embodiment is accommodated in a printing device.

[0059] Figure 11 is a sectional view and a partial enlarged view when an ink ribbon cartridge according to an embodiment is accommodated in a printing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described using the drawings. The following embodiment is an example for illustrating the present application, and does not mean that the present application is limited to only this embodiment.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 are a plan view (top view) and a front view of the ink ribbon cartridge 10, respectively. Figure 3 (A) and (B) of FIG. 2 are a right view and a left view of the ink ribbon cartridge 10, respectively. Figure 4 (A) and (B) of FIG. 3 are sectional views of the ink ribbon cartridge 10, which are cut by a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2) and passing through the second engagement portion 20E2 and a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2) and passing through the first engagement portion 20E1, respectively, in a right view from the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2). Figure 5 is a side view showing a state in which the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is self-standing.

[0062] The ink ribbon cartridge 10 is a case for accommodating an ink ribbon (not shown). The ink ribbon cartridge can be configured to accommodate the ink ribbon in advance and be replaceable as the ink ribbon cartridge, or can be configured to be openable and closable to be replaceable by refilling the ink ribbon only. The ink ribbon cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment corresponds to the former. Therefore, after the ink ribbon is used, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is replaced with a new ink ribbon cartridge that accommodates a new ink ribbon.

[0063] As Figure 1As shown, the ink cartridge 10 has a base roll housing 20, a take-up housing 30, and a connecting part 40 that connects the base roll housing 20 and the take-up housing 30.

[0064] The original roll housing 20 is a housing used to store the ink tape and the unwind core 22 (an example of the "first core") before use.

[0065] End portions 20A (equivalent to the two ends of the original roll shell 20 in the length direction) Figure 3 (B) and end face 20B ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 (A) has circular openings 20A1 and 20B1 respectively.

[0066] The unwind core 22 is a component for winding the ink tape before use, and is formed into a slender cylindrical shape. The unwind core 22 is inserted into openings 20A1 and 20B1, respectively, with its two ends protruding from openings 20A1 and 20B1. A first connecting member 24 is fitted into the end of the unwind core 22 protruding from the opening 20A1 of the end face 20A. Figure 3 The inner circumferential surface of (B) is fitted with a second connecting structural member 26 at the end protruding from the opening 20B1. Figure 3 The inner circumferential surface of (A)). Gears are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first connecting structure 24 and the second connecting structure 26 respectively. When the ink tape cartridge 10 is housed in the printer described later, the drive gears on the printer side mesh with the gears of the first connecting structure 24 and the second connecting structure 26 respectively, causing them to rotate. As a result, the first connecting structure 24, the second connecting structure 26, and the unwinding core 22 in which these connecting structures are fitted rotate. In addition, the first connecting structure 24 and the second connecting structure 26 may also be composed of multiple components.

[0067] With the structure described above, the unwinding core 22 is supported in a rotatable manner. The first rotation axis AX1 of the unwinding core 22 is approximately aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical unwinding core 22, and is also approximately aligned with an imaginary straight line connecting the center of the opening 20A1 of the end face 20A and the center of the opening 20B1 of the end face 20B.

[0068] The take-up housing 30 is a housing for storing the used ink tape (not shown) and the take-up core 32 (an example of a "second core").

[0069] At the end portions 30A of the winding housing 30 along its length direction (at both ends) Figure 3 (B) and end face 30B ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 (A) is formed with circular openings 30A1 and 30B1.

[0070] The take-up core 32 is a component for winding the used ink tape and is formed into a slender cylindrical shape. The take-up core 32 is inserted into openings 30A1 and 30B1, respectively, with its two ends protruding from openings 30A1 and 30B1. A third connecting member 34 is fitted into the end of the take-up core 32 protruding from the opening 30A1 of the end face 30A. Figure 3 The inner circumferential surface of (B) is fitted with a fourth connecting structural member 36 at the end protruding from the opening 30B1 of the end face 30B. Figure 3 (A) Gears are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the third connecting structural member 34 and the fourth connecting structural member 36, respectively. When the ink tape cartridge 10 is housed in the printer described later, the drive gears on the printer side mesh with the gears of the third connecting structural member 34 and the fourth connecting structural member 36, causing them to rotate. As a result, the unwinding core 32, in which the third connecting structural member 34 and the fourth connecting structural member 36 are fitted, rotates. In addition, the first connecting structural member 24 and the second connecting structural member 26 may also be composed of multiple components.

[0071] With the structure described above, the winding core 32 is supported in a rotatable manner. The second rotation axis AX2 of the winding core 32 is substantially aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical winding core 32, and is also substantially aligned with the imaginary straight line connecting the center of the opening 30A1 of the end face 30A and the center of the opening 30B1 of the end face 30B.

[0072] The first axis of rotation AX1 and the second axis of rotation AX2 are approximately parallel. Therefore, Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is equivalent to a side view viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 and the direction of the second rotation axis AX2. Furthermore, as shown in these figures, an imaginary plane P1 passing through the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The space is divided into two three-dimensional regions: the first region SP1 and the second region SP2.

[0073] The following is a detailed description of the structure of the original roll shell 20. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the original roll housing 20 of this embodiment is formed into a cuboid shape with the first rotation axis AX1 as the length direction. Therefore, the face 20C that connects the end face 20A and the end face 20B has four faces 20C1 to 20C4.

[0074] Facial 20C1 ( Figure 1(etc.) is a portion having a surface facing the take-up housing 30. A rectangular opening 20C11 is formed on the face portion 20C1, extending from the end portion 20A to the end portion 20B in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1, through which the ink tape wound on the unwinding core 22 can be released to the outside. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (A) and (B), the main part (more than 80%) or almost all of the face 20C1 is present in the second region SP2, and the main part (more than 80%) or almost all of the opening 20C11 is present in the first region SP1.

[0075] Face 20C2 (an example of "face"). Figure 1 , Figure 2 (A) etc.) is a portion of the original cartridge housing 20 that is substantially parallel to the imaginary plane P1 and is located in the second region SP2. Therefore, the outer surface of the face 20C2 is also substantially parallel to the imaginary plane P1. In the original cartridge housing 20 according to this embodiment, the face 20C2 corresponds to the portion of the original cartridge housing 20 located in the second region SP2 that is furthest from the imaginary plane P1, excluding the first protrusion 20E11 of the first engaging portion 20E1 and the second protrusion 20E21 of the second engaging portion 20E2, which will be described later. By configuring the face 20C2 in this way, as described later, it is possible to support the face 20C2 in a manner that allows it to contact or approach the face of other ink cartridges.

[0076] Moreover, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the original tape housing 20 according to this embodiment, the face portion 20C2 extends from the end portion 20A to the end portion 20B in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1. Therefore, it can stably support other tape cartridges.

[0077] Facial 20C3 ( Figure 3 (A) etc.) is a portion having a surface facing in the opposite direction to the winding housing 30.

[0078] Facial 20C4 ( Figure 3 (A) etc.) is a portion of the original roll shell 20 that is approximately parallel to the imaginary plane P1 and is located in the first region SP1.

[0079] First Card Section 20E1 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2(A) etc.) is an example of a tape cartridge 110 (including "second tape cartridge", "third tape cartridge", "fourth tape cartridge", "fifth tape cartridge" and "nth tape cartridge" (where n is an integer of 2 or more)) that is configured to engage with a tape cartridge 110 of the same shape as the tape cartridge 10. Hereinafter, each component of the tape cartridge 110 will be named with the same name as the corresponding component of the tape cartridge 10, and detailed descriptions will be omitted by using the number of the corresponding component's designation followed by 100. For example, the first engaging portion 20E1 of the tape cartridge 10 and the first engaging portion 120E1 of the tape cartridge 110 have the same shape. Therefore, the description of the first engaging portion 120E1 of the tape cartridge 110 is also equivalent to the description of the first engaging portion 20E1. The same applies to other components. The first engaging portion 20E1 is the portion that engages with the first engaging unit SP1 on the printer side when the tape cartridge 10 is housed in the printer described later.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown in the top view of (A), the first engaging portion 20E1 is located at the center position C1 (an example of "center in the direction of the first rotation axis") of the original roll housing 20 in the direction from the first rotation axis AX1, along the first rotation axis AX1. Figure 2 The paper is separated from the third distance DS3 in the left direction of the first direction DR1. In addition, in this embodiment, the center position C1 of the original roll housing 20 in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 is consistent with the center position of the take-up housing 30 and the center position of the ink tape cartridge 10 in the same direction.

[0081] First Card Section 20E1 Figure 4 The side view of (B) shows a component disposed in the second region SP2, and includes: a first protrusion 20E11 protruding from the face 20C2 in a direction separating from the imaginary plane P1, and a first recess 20E12 recessed from the face 20C2 in a direction approaching the imaginary plane P1. Therefore, the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the first protrusion 20E11 is greater than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the face 20C2, and the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the first recess 20E12 is smaller than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the face 20C2.

[0082] The second engaging portion 20E2 is configured to engage with the first engaging portion 120E1 of the ink tape cartridge 110, which has the same shape as the ink tape cartridge 10. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 20E2 engages with the second engaging unit SP2 on the printer side when the ink tape cartridge 10 is housed in the printer described later.

[0083] like Figure 2As shown in the top view of (A), the second engaging portion 20E2 is disposed along the first rotation axis AX1 from the center C1 of the original roll housing 20 towards... Figure 2 The position of the third distance DS3 is separated from the right direction of the paper and the opposite direction of the first direction DR1, which is the second direction DR2.

[0084] Second card assembly 20E2 as Figure 4 The side view of (A) shows a component disposed in the second region SP2, and includes: a second protrusion 20E21 that protrudes from the face 20C2 in a direction separating from the imaginary plane P1, and a second recess 20E22 that is recessed from the face 20C2 in a direction approaching the imaginary plane P1. Therefore, the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the second protrusion 20E21 is greater than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the face 20C2, and the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the second recess 20E22 is smaller than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the face 20C2.

[0085] The first engaging portion 20E1 is positioned at a point where it is separated from the center C1 by a third distance DS3 along the first direction DR1, and the second engaging portion 20E2 is positioned at a point where it is separated from the center C1 by a third distance DS3 along the second direction DR2. Therefore, when the surface 20C2 of the tape cartridge 10 faces the surface 120C2 of the tape cartridge 110, the second engaging portion 120E2 of the tape cartridge 110 faces the position opposite to the first engaging portion 20E1 of the tape cartridge 10. Thus, the first engaging portion 20E1 and the second engaging portion 120E2 can engage. Furthermore, the engagement described here includes the case where the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2 are in contact, but it is not limited to this. Even if they are not in contact, as long as the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2 are engaged, for example, at least a portion of the first protrusion 20E11 of the first engagement portion 20E1 is present inside the second recess 120E22 of the second engagement portion 120E2. Even in such cases, it is possible to suppress relative movement of the ink cartridge 10 when it is desired to move relative to the ink cartridge 110 in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1, or to suppress relative movement of the ink cartridge 10 when it is desired to move relative to the ink cartridge 110 in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1.

[0086] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 20E1 has a first recess 20E12 ( Figure 1 The second engaging portion 20E2 has a second protrusion 20E21. Therefore, when the face 20C2 of the ink cartridge 10 faces the face 120C2 of the ink cartridge 110, the first recess 20E12 can engage with the first protrusion 120E11. For example, at least a portion of the first protrusion 120E11 can exist inside the first recess 20E12.

[0087] The specific structures of the first engaging portion 20E1 and the second engaging portion 20E2 can be various shapes. For example, the first engaging portion may not have a recess like the first recess 20E12, but may be composed of a protrusion having one or more cylinders, and the second engaging portion may not have a protrusion like the second protrusion 20E21, but may be composed of one or more recesses (including through holes) that allow the protrusion having one or more cylinders to be inserted.

[0088] However, as described later, in this embodiment, the first engaging portion 20E1 has a first recess 20E12, and the second engaging portion 20E2 has a second protrusion 20E21. When the first protrusion 20E11 is inserted into the second recess 120E22 of the same-shaped ink cartridge 110, the second recess 20E22 is configured to engage with the second protrusion 120E21. More specifically, the second recess 20E22 is configured to allow the insertion of the second protrusion 120E21. To achieve this structure, the first engaging portion 20E1 and the second engaging portion 20E2 are formed with different shapes.

[0089] Furthermore, as described later, the second engaging portion 20E2 has a second protrusion 20E21, which allows it to engage with the second engaging unit SP2 on the printer side, thereby enabling the printer to stably hold the ink cartridge 110.

[0090] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first protrusion 20E11 is provided in the area surrounded by a first recess 20E12. In other words, the first recess 20E12 is formed to connect with and recess into the face 20C2, and the first protrusion 20E11 is formed to connect with and protrude from the first recess 20E12. On the other hand, a second recess 20E22 is provided in the area surrounded by a second protrusion 20E21. In other words, the second protrusion 20E21 is formed to connect with and protrude from the face 20C2, and the second recess 20E22 is formed to connect with and recess into the second protrusion 20E21.

[0091] More specifically, the first protrusion 20E11 and the first recess 20E12 each have three wall portions, that is, a wall portion having a face toward the first direction DR1, a wall portion having a face toward the second direction DR2, and a wall portion having a face connecting the face toward the first direction DR1 and the face toward the second direction DR2 and toward a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Of the three wall portions, a portion protruding more than the face portion 20C2 corresponds to the first protrusion 20E11, and a portion recessed more than the face portion 20C2 corresponds to the first recess 20E12. The three wall portions can be integrally provided to be formed in a single cuboid shape, can be provided as independent wall portions, or can be provided as wall portions connected to each other at end portions.

[0092] On the other hand, the second protrusion 20E21 and the second recess 20E22 have three wall portions, that is, a wall portion having a face toward the first direction DR1, a wall portion having a face toward the second direction DR2, and a wall portion having a face connecting the two wall portions and toward a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Of the three wall portions, a portion protruding more than the face portion 20C2 corresponds to the second protrusion 20E21, and a portion recessed more than the face portion 20C2 corresponds to the second recess 20E22. In order to insert the first protrusion 20E11 into a region surrounded by the three wall portions, the three wall portions can be provided as independent wall portions or can be provided as wall portions connected to each other at end portions.

[0093] The first protrusion 20E11 is configured to be insertable into a region surrounded by the three wall portions of the second recess 120E22, and the first recess 20E12 is configured to allow insertion of the three wall portions of the second protrusion 120E21.

[0094] Also, when the first protrusion 20E11 is inserted into the area of the ink belt cartridge 110 surrounded by the three wall portions constituting the second recess 120E22, and the first recess 20E12 allows insertion of the three wall portions of the second protrusion 120E21 of the ink belt cartridge 110, the three faces of the first protrusion 20E11 and the first recess 20E12, which are a face toward the first direction DR1, a face toward the second direction DR2, and a face connecting the face toward the first direction DR1 and the face toward the second direction DR2 and facing a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, respectively face the three faces of the second recess 120E22 and the second protrusion 120E21, which are a face toward the first direction DR1, a face toward the second direction DR2, and a face connecting the face toward the first direction DR1 and the face toward the second direction DR2 and facing a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Also, when the ink belt cartridge 10 is opposed to the ink belt cartridge 110, the respective faces of the ink belt cartridge 110 face opposite directions (for example, the face toward the first direction DR1 of the second protrusion 120E21 faces the second direction DR2, and the face toward the second direction DR2 faces the first direction DR1). Likewise, the second engagement portion 20E2 engages with the first engagement portion 120E1 of the ink belt cartridge 110.

[0095] By adopting such a structure, the ink belt cartridge 10 can be inhibited from moving relatively to the ink belt cartridge 110 in multiple directions.

[0096] Also, the first protrusion 20E11 in the present embodiment has a first protruding portion 20E11P (B) protruding toward a direction approaching the take-up housing 30, and the second protrusion 120E21 has a second protruding portion 120E21P (A) protruding toward a direction opposite to the take-up housing 30, that is, a direction separating from the take-up housing 30. Figure 4 Figure 4 Also, the first protrusion 20E11 in the present embodiment has a first protruding portion 20E11P (B) protruding toward a direction approaching the take-up housing 30, and the second protrusion 120E21 has a second protruding portion 120E21P (A) protruding toward a direction opposite to the take-up housing 30, that is, a direction separating from the take-up housing 30.

[0097] By adopting such a structure, even if the engagement of the ink belt cartridge 10 and the ink belt cartridge 110 is about to be released, the ink belt cartridge 10 can be further inhibited from moving relatively.

[0098] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the take-up housing 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the take-up housing 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a first direction DR1, a second direction DR2, and a third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Figure 1 Figure 2 ​​As shown, the winding housing 30 of this embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape with the second rotation axis AX2 as the length direction. Therefore, the face 30C that connects the circular end face 30A and the circular end face 30B has a portion formed into a cylindrical surface.

[0099] At 30°C on the face Figure 1 The surface of the original roll housing 20 facing the original roll housing 20 is formed with a rectangular opening 30C11 extending from end face 30A to end face 30B in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2. Figure 4 (A)). The ink tape that has been released to the outside from the opening 20C11 and used for printing enters the interior of the take-up housing 30 from the opening 30C11, and is wound around the take-up core 32 and stored in the take-up housing 30.

[0100] The winding housing 30 is provided with two first protrusions 30E1 (an example of "one first protrusion") and 30E2 (an example of "another first protrusion") protruding in a direction separating from the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2; and two second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 similarly protruding in a direction separating from the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown in the top view of (A), the first protrusion 30E1 is positioned at the center position C2 (an example of "center in the second rotation axis direction") of the winding housing 30 along the second rotation axis AX2, separating it from the first distance DS1 in the first direction DR1. The first protrusion 30E2 is positioned at the center position C2 of the winding housing 30, separating it from the second distance DS2 in the second direction DR2 along the second rotation axis AX2. Here, the first distance DS1 is less than the third distance DS3, and can be less than or greater than the second distance DS2. The second distance DS2 is less than the third distance DS3, and can be less than or greater than the first distance DS1. The first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2 can also be equal. In this embodiment, the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2 are substantially the same (equal).

[0102] like Figure 5As shown, both the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2 are entirely or substantially comprised of their front ends furthest from the second rotation axis AX2, located in the first region SP1. Furthermore, the first protrusion 30E1 is internally connected to the inner surface IC1 of a first imaginary cylinder having a first radius R1, centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The first protrusion 30E2 is internally connected to the inner surface IC2 of a second imaginary cylinder having a second radius R2, centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The first radius R1 is greater than or equal to the second radius R2. Therefore, the first radius R1 can be larger than the second radius R2. In this embodiment, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are substantially the same (equal).

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown in the top view of (A), the second protrusion 30F1 and the second protrusion 30F2 are respectively positioned between one first protrusion 30E1 and the other first protrusion 30E2 in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2. One second protrusion 30F1 is positioned at a fourth distance DS4 separated from the center position C2 along the second rotation axis AX2 towards the first direction DR1, and the other second protrusion 30F2 is positioned at a fifth distance DS5 separated from the center position C2 along the second rotation axis AX2 towards the second direction DR2. Here, the fourth distance DS4 is less than the second distance DS2 and the third distance DS3, and can be less than or greater than the fifth distance DS5. The fifth distance DS5 is less than the second distance DS2 and the third distance DS3, and can be less than or greater than the fourth distance DS4. The fourth distance DS4 and the fifth distance DS5 can also be equal. In this embodiment, the fourth distance DS4 and the fifth distance DS5 are substantially the same (equal).

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, both the second protrusion 30F1 and the second protrusion 30F2 are entirely or substantially comprised of their front ends furthest from the second rotation axis AX2 in the second region SP2. Furthermore, the second protrusion 30F1 is internally connected to the inner surface IC3 of a third imaginary cylinder with a third radius R3 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The second protrusion 30F2 is internally connected to the inner surface IC4 of a fourth imaginary cylinder with a fourth radius R4 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The third radius R3 is greater than the first radius R1 and the second radius R2. The fourth radius R4 may be greater than or less than the first radius R1, the second radius R2, and the third radius R3. If at least one second protrusion 30F1 is provided in addition to the two first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2, then another second protrusion 30F2 may not be necessary. In this embodiment, the third radius R3 and the fourth radius R4 are substantially the same (equal).

[0105] exist Figure 5In this embodiment, a virtual tangent plane P2 tangent to the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F1 in the side view is shown. The winding housing 30 according to this embodiment has the virtual tangent plane P2 tangent to the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F1 but not tangent to other portions of the winding housing 30. The tangent point of the first protrusion 30E1 with the tangent plane P2 in the side view is set as a first tangent point CP1, the tangent point of the first protrusion 30E1 with the tangent plane P2 in the side view is set as a second tangent point CP2, and the intersection point of the virtual plane P1 with the tangent plane P2 in the side view is set as a third intersection point CP3. In this embodiment, in the side view, the tangent point of the first protrusion 30E2 with the tangent plane P2 in the side view is also the same as the first tangent point CP1, and the tangent point of the second protrusion 30F2 with the tangent plane P2 in the side view is also the same as the second tangent point CP2.

[0106] As shown in the figure, the winding housing 30 is formed such that the angle a formed by the second tangent point CP2, the third intersection point CP3, and the second rotation axis AX2 of the winding housing 30 according to this embodiment in the side view is an acute angle, preferably 80 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. Thus, the virtual plane P1 is inclined with respect to the tangent plane P2, and the ink cartridge 10 is configured to be inclined to the side of the second protrusion 30F1 having the intersection point CP2 when placed vertically. Therefore, when the face 20C2 is opposed to the face 120C2 of the ink cartridge 110 of the same shape, the face 20C2 can be engaged with at least any one or all of the face 120C2, the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2, and the second engagement portion 20E2 and the first engagement portion 120E1. In particular, in the state before use, a large portion of the ink is accommodated in the original winding housing 20, so a larger force can be applied to the ink cartridges 10 each other than in the case where this is not true.

[0107] Here, as shown in the figure, the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F2 are formed such that the distance between the second tangent point CP2 and the intersection point CP3 is larger than the distance between the first tangent point CP1 and the intersection point CP3 in the side view, and preferably the distance between the second tangent point CP2 and the intersection point CP3 is twice or more the distance between the first tangent point CP1 and the intersection point CP3. With this structure, a larger force is applied to the second protrusion 30F1 on the center position C2 side in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2 than to the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2.

[0108] Further, the second protrusion 30F1 (and the second protrusion 30F2) is formed so that the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the second protrusion 30F1 (and the second protrusion 30F2) with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference is larger than the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2 with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference, and is preferably twice or more the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F2 with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference. With such a structure, since the second protrusion 30F1 (and the second protrusion 30F2) on which a larger force acts is formed larger in the circumferential direction, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 can be stably supported.

[0109] Further, as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the angle formed by the first tangent point CP1, the second rotation axis AX2, and the second tangent point CP2 in the side view be less than 90 degrees. This structure also makes the distance between the first tangent point CP1 and the second tangent point CP2 smaller, thus contributing to improved stability when standing vertically.

[0110] In addition, since it is possible to stand vertically in a manner that the original roll housing 20 that stores the ink ribbon before use is on the upper side, it is possible to reduce the possibility that dust or the like enters from the opening 20C11 of the original roll housing 20 and adheres to the ink ribbon before use.

[0111] However, the present application does not hinder the case where different protrusions are provided at different positions for different purposes from the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2 described above. For example, in the case of the ink ribbon cartridge 110 shown in FIG. 11, a third protrusion 30G1 is provided on the side of the second rotation axis AX2 that is opposite the side of the first rotation axis AX. The third protrusion 30G1 is formed so that the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the third protrusion 30G1 with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference is larger than the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2 with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference, and is preferably twice or more the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F2 with the second rotation axis AX2 as a reference. With such a structure, since the third protrusion 30G1 on which a larger force acts is formed larger in the circumferential direction, the ink ribbon cartridge 110 can be stably supported. Figure 5

[0112] ​Further, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that, in a side view, a fourth intersection line CP4 (a point in a side view) of the imaginary plane P3 that is perpendicular to the tangent plane P2 and passes through the first rotation axis AX1 and the tangent plane P2 is located between the first tangent point CP1 and the second tangent point CP2, and more preferably, the distance between the first tangent point CP1 and the fourth intersection line CP4 is greater than the distance between the second tangent point CP2 and the fourth intersection line CP4. With this configuration, since the force that tends to cause the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to fall due to the inclination of the original roll housing 20 can be reduced, the stability when placed vertically can be improved.

[0113] Further, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to stand alone. Therefore, in a side view, the intersection of a line that is perpendicular to the tangent plane P2 and passes through the center of gravity of the ink ribbon cartridge 10 and the tangent plane P2 is located between the first tangent point CP1 and the second tangent point CP2. At this time, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is configured to be able to support the ink ribbon cartridge 10 by being tangent to at least any three points of the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2 on the tangent plane P2. With this configuration, it is also possible to store only one of the two ink ribbon cartridges 10 and the ink ribbon cartridge 110 vertically.

[0114] However, for example, it can also be configured such that the height of the second protrusion 30F1 is slightly smaller, so that the ink ribbon cartridge does not stand alone. Even in this case, by inclining the ink ribbon cartridge and standing it against a wall or the like, the ink ribbon cartridge can be stored vertically. At this time, the second protrusion can also be configured to be able to support the ink ribbon cartridge by abutting against a ground surface or the like.

[0115] The connecting portion 40 is a member that connects (joins) the original roll housing 20 and the take-up housing 30. One connecting member 40A ( Figure 1 ) connects the end face portion 20A of the original roll housing 20 and the end face portion 30A of the take-up housing 30. The other connecting member 40B ( Figure 1 ) connects the end face portion 20B of the original roll housing 20 and the end face portion 30B of the take-up housing 30. As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 8, the connecting member 40A and the connecting member 40B are provided such that the main part (80% or more) or substantially all of them are present in the first region SP1. Figure 3

[0116] [Structure of two ink ribbon cartridges]

[0117] Hereinafter, the structure when the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is joined to the ink ribbon cartridge 110 of the same shape will be described.

[0118] ​Additionally, the ink cartridges 10 and 110 do not have to be the same color. For example, they could be either yellow or black, which are commonly used in signage, with ink cartridge 10 holding yellow ink and ink cartridge 110 holding black ink. Similarly, the two ink cartridges can be stored vertically by connecting them in pairs of red and black, or orange and black.

[0119] Figure 6 and Figure 7 (A) are a perspective view of the tape cartridge 10 and tape cartridge 110 connected and placed vertically, and a side view viewed from the first rotation axis AX1 direction and the second rotation axis AX2 direction, respectively. Figure 7 (B) and (C) are cross-sectional views taken in the side view, respectively, by a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the second engaging portion 20E2, and by a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the first engaging portion 20E1.

[0120] By comparison Figure 5 and Figure 7 It is clear that in Figure 5 When standing alone, the ink cartridge 10 is configured to support itself at three points using at least three of the four protrusions: the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2.

[0121] on the other hand, Figure 7 A side view is shown when the face portion 20C2 of the ink cartridge 10 and the face portion 120C2 of the ink cartridge 110 are connected facing each other (hereinafter referred to as "connected self-standing"). When standing independently, the imaginary plane P1 of the ink cartridge 10 is inclined relative to the tangent plane P2. Therefore, when the face portion 20C2 of the ink cartridge 10 and the face portion 120C2 of the ink cartridge 110 are facing each other, the two ink cartridges are configured to stand independently by mutual support. At this time, a force acts between the face portions 20C2 and 120C2. Therefore, by making the face portion 20C2 wider (for example, by making the face portion 20C2 extend from end portion 20A to end portion 20B, or by making the face portion 20C2 extend from face portion 20C1 to face portion 20C3), they can be stably supported to each other.

[0122] exist Figure 7 When the connection shown is independent, it is configured to support the ink tape cartridge 10 and the ink tape cartridge 110 at three points using at least three of the four protrusions: the first protrusion 30E1 of the ink tape cartridge 10, the first protrusion 30E2 of the ink tape cartridge 10, and the first protrusion 130E1 and the first protrusion 130E2 of the ink tape cartridge 110.

[0123] At this point, the second protrusions 30F1, 30F2, 130F1, and 130F2 are separated from the second tangential plane P5 (a plane tangent to at least three of the first protrusions 30E1, 30E2, 130E1, and 130E2) and do not abut against the second tangential plane P5. Therefore, the second protrusions 30F1, 30F2, 130F1, and 130F2 can also be formed shorter.

[0124] Furthermore, at this time, the angle β between the imaginary plane P1 and the second tangent plane P5 is closer to a right angle than the angle α between the imaginary plane P1 and the tangent plane P2. In this embodiment, the angle β is 90 degrees. In addition, the angles between the connecting members 40A, 40B, 140A, and 140B and the second tangent plane P5 are also right angles or approximately right angles.

[0125] At the same time, such as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the second engaging portion 20E2 engages with the first engaging portion 120E1. Specifically, the second protrusion 20E21 is inserted into the first recess 120E12, the second recess 20E22 allows the insertion of the first protrusion 120E11, and the first protrusion 120E11P engages with the second protrusion 20E21P. The second protrusion 20E21P is located between the first protrusion 120E11P and the first recess 120E12, and between the second protrusion 20E21P and the second recess 20E22. At this time, the first protrusion 120E11P is in a mating relationship with the second protrusion 20E21P, so it can also be described as mating.

[0126] Moreover, at the same time Figure 8 As shown in (C), the first engaging portion 20E1 engages with the second engaging portion 120E2. Specifically, the first protrusion 20E11 is inserted into the second recess 120E22, the first recess 20E12 allows the insertion of the second protrusion 120E21, and the second protrusion 120E21P engages with the first protrusion 20E11P. The first protrusion 20E11P is located between the second protrusion 120E21P and the second recess 120E22, and the second protrusion 120E21P is located between the first protrusion 20E11P and the first recess 20E12. At this time, the first protrusion 20E11P is in a mating relationship with the second protrusion 120E11P, so it can also be described as mating.

[0127] By adopting this structure, relative movement between the tape cartridge 10 and the tape cartridge 110 can be suppressed in multiple directions. Furthermore, it is possible to store pairs of tape cartridges, each containing two frequently used colors of tape, in a group.

[0128] [Installation to a printer]

[0129] Hereinafter, the structure at the time when the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is housed in and installed to the printer will be described.

[0130] First, the structure of the printer 300 will be described. In addition, the ink ribbon cartridge 10 related to the present embodiment can be widely applied to a printing device having a structure other than the printer 300.

[0131] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view conceptually showing a part of the structure of the printer 300 as an example of a printing device related to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] As shown in the drawing, the printer 300 has a printing section 310 and a conveyance section 330 (an example of a "conveyance unit") as its main functions. The printing section 310 has a print head 311 (an example of a "thermal head") for performing printing by transferring ink corresponding to an arbitrary character, figure, image, or the like to a print sheet S (an example of a "print medium") by thermal transfer or the like, and a print head driving section 312 connected to the print head 311. The print head driving section 312 has, for example, a lift electromagnetic valve or a motor (both not shown) that performs a lift operation of the print head 311, that is, an operation of pressing the print head 311 against the print sheet S and an operation of retraction (separation) of the print head 311 from the print sheet S.

[0133] The conveyance section 330 has, in order to rotate the unwinding core section 22 and the winding core section 32 of the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to pull out the ink ribbon B, an ink ribbon conveyance motor 333 for rotationally driving a drive gear engaged with the gears formed in the first link member 24, the second link member 26, the third link member 34, and the fourth link member 36 (see (A) of FIG. 1), a roller-shaped platen 331 (platen roller: first rotating body) and a roller-shaped sprocket 332 (sprocket roller: second rotating body) for conveying the print sheet S at the time of printing and at the time of cutting of the print sheet S, and a print motor M1 (first motor) such as a stepping motor. As shown in the drawing, the platen 331 and the print head 311 are arranged facing each other with the ink ribbon B and the print sheet S therebetween, and the sprocket 332 and a cutting head (not shown) are arranged facing each other with the print sheet S therebetween. In the printer 300, both the platen 331 and the sprocket 332 are connected to the print motor M1, the endless belt EB1, and the endless belt EB3, and at the time of printing of the print sheet S, the platen 331 and the sprocket 332 are rotationally driven by the print motor M1, and the print sheet S is conveyed in the positive direction (paper feed direction, paper discharge direction) indicated by the arrow Ya in (B) of FIG. 1, and the ink ribbon B is conveyed. Figure 8 Figure 9

[0134] Figure 10 ​​is a perspective view of the printer 300 in a state in which the cover 320 is opened. The cover 320 is provided to the printer 300 in a manner that is openable and closable, and a housing portion 340 for housing the ink ribbon cartridge 10 removably is provided on the inner surface side thereof. In addition, the printer 300 can removably house a print sheet S, and as the print sheet S, for example, a medium in which a long strip-shaped sheet is adhered to a long strip-shaped release paper can be cited, and can be provided as a sheet roll wound in a form called outer winding in which a print surface of the print sheet S faces outward. In addition, a plurality of through holes (not shown) called sprocket holes for engaging with sprocket wheels 332 are formed at constant intervals in the length direction at both ends in the width direction of the print sheet S.

[0135] The housing portion 340 is provided with two first slits S11 and S12, two second slits S21 and S22, a first engagement unit SPR1, and a second engagement unit SPR2.

[0136] One of the first slits S11 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the first protrusion 30E1 by inserting the first protrusion 30E1. The other of the first slits S12 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the first protrusion 30E2 by inserting the first protrusion 30E2. In order to enable the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 to be inserted respectively, the first slits S11 and S12 are formed at substantially the same interval as the interval between the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2, and are formed by, for example, through holes extending in a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis AX2.

[0137] One of the second slits S21 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the second protrusion 30F1 by inserting the second protrusion 30F1. The other of the second slits S21 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the second protrusion 30F2 by inserting the second protrusion 30F2. In order to enable the second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 to be inserted respectively, the second slits S21 and S22 are formed at substantially the same interval as the interval between the second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2, and are formed by, for example, through holes extending in a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis AX2.

[0138] The first engagement unit SPR1 is a member that can engage with the first engagement portion 20E1, and specifically, is constituted by a leaf spring that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the cover 320. The second engagement unit SPR2 is a member that can engage with the second engagement portion 20E2, and specifically, is constituted by a leaf spring that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the cover 320.

[0139] Hereinafter, the structure when the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is housed in the printer 300 will be described using the drawings.

[0140] In addition, in order to mount the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to the printer 300, the user first inserts the two second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 into the second slits S21 and S22, respectively, and inserts the two first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 into the first slits S11 and S12, respectively, and then rotates the take-up case 30 with the original roll case 20 as a fulcrum toward the cover 320, thereby causing the first and second engagement portions 20E1 and 20E2 to engage with the first and second engagement units SPR1 and SPR2, respectively, whereby the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is mounted to the printer 300.

[0141] Figure 11 is a sectional view taken with a plane perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes AX1 and AX2 and passing through the second engagement portion 20E2, and a partial enlarged view of the area B of this figure, when the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is accommodated in the printer 300.

[0142] As shown in this enlarged view, the two first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 are inserted into the first slits S11 and S12, and thus enter the inside of the cover 320. Similarly, the two second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 are inserted into the second slits S21 and S22, and thus enter the inside of the cover 320. The printer 300 is provided with a sensor 350 configured to be able to detect the case where the front end of the second protrusion 30F1 is inserted into the second slit S21 and enters the inside of the cover 320. With this configuration, the printer 300 is configured to be able to detect the case where the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is accommodated.

[0143] As shown in this enlarged view, the second engagement unit SPR2 enters the area surrounded by the second recess 20E22 and engages with the inclined surface of the second protruding portion 20E21P, whereby the take-up case 30 is pressed in the direction of the arrow AR2, i.e., in the direction of separation from the original roll case 20 and in the direction of separation from the imaginary plane PI.

[0144] ​ is a sectional view taken with a plane perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes AX1 and AX2 and passing through the first engagement portion 20E1, and a partial enlarged view of the area A of this figure, when the ink ribbon cartridge 10 is accommodated in the printer 300.

[0145] As shown in this enlarged view, the first engagement unit SPR1 enters the area of the first recess 20E12 and engages with the inclined surface of the first protruding portion 20E11P, whereby the take-up case 30 is pressed in the direction of the arrow AR1, i.e., in the direction of approach to the original roll case 20 and in the direction of separation from the imaginary plane PI.

[0146] According to the above structure, by providing the inclined surface inclined with respect to the imaginary plane PI at the second engagement portion 20E2, more specifically, by providing the inclined surface whose normal direction is a direction separating from the original roll housing 20 and approaching the imaginary plane PI, it is possible to act the force in the arrow AR2 direction by the second engagement unit SPR2, and by providing the inclined surface inclined with respect to the imaginary plane PI at the first engagement portion 20E1, more specifically, by providing the inclined surface whose normal direction is a direction approaching the original roll housing 20 and approaching the imaginary plane PI, it is possible to act the force in the arrow AR1 direction by the first engagement unit SPR1. Therefore, it is possible to act the force on the original roll housing 20 from both the direction approaching the take-up housing 30 and the direction separating from the take-up housing 30, and thus it is possible to stably mount the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to the printer 300.

[0147] In addition, the force acting on the original roll housing 20 by the first engagement unit SPR1 and the second engagement unit SPR2 acts on the cover 320 from the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2 via the connection portion 40. Here, since the connection portion 40 is provided at the first region SP1, it is possible to increase the force (torque) acting on the cover 320 from the four protrusions provided at the second region SP2. Therefore, it is possible to stably mount the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to the printer 300.

[0148] Furthermore, the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 are provided at positions separated from the center position CI of the original roll housing 20 by the third distance DS3 in the first rotation axis AX1 direction (and the second rotation axis AX2 direction), and thus the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2 are provided at regions sandwiched by the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 in the first rotation axis AX1 direction (and the second rotation axis AX2 direction). Therefore, it is possible to transmit the force acting from the first engagement unit SPR1 and the second engagement unit SPR2 to the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2. Therefore, it is possible to stably mount the ink ribbon cartridge 10 to the printer 300.

[0149] In addition, the present application can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the constitutional elements in one embodiment with other known structures or to add known constitutional elements within the range of ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art. For example, the present application can be applied to an ink ribbon cartridge of a type in which the ink ribbon is replaced. For example, a structure for stacking a plurality of ink ribbon cartridges in a horizontal direction can be added to the ink ribbon cartridge of the present application.

[0150] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0151] 10 ink ribbon cartridge, 20A end face portion, 20B end face portion, 20C1 face portion, 20C2 face portion, 20C3 face portion, 20C4 face portion, 20E1 first engagement portion, 20E11 first protrusion, 20E11P first protruding portion, 20E12 first recess, 20E2 second engagement portion, 20E21 second protrusion, 20E21P second protruding portion, 20E22 second recess, 24 first link member, 26 second link member, 30A end face portion, 30B end face portion, 30C face portion, 30E1 first protrusion, 30E2 first protrusion, 30F1 second protrusion, 30F2 second protrusion, 34 third link member, 36 fourth link member, 40A connecting member, 40B connecting member, 300 printer, 311 print head, 320 cover, 331 platen, 332 sprocket, 340 housing portion, 350 sensor, 20 original roll housing, 22 unwinding core portion (first core portion), 30 take-up housing, 32 take-up core portion (second core portion), AX1 first rotation axis, AX2 second rotation axis, DR1 first direction, DR2 second direction, P1 imaginary plane, SP1 first region, SP2 second region, IC1 first imaginary cylindrical inner surface, IC2 second imaginary cylindrical inner surface, IC3 third imaginary cylindrical inner surface.

Claims

1. A ribbon cartridge comprising: a primary winding housing for supporting a first core for winding a ribbon before use so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; and a winding housing for supporting a second core for winding a ribbon after use so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, the primary winding housing having: a face substantially parallel to an imaginary plane containing the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis; a first engaging portion separated from a center in the first rotation axis direction by a distance in a first direction along the first rotation axis and having a first protruding portion protruding from the face in a side view from the first rotation axis direction; and a second engaging portion separated from the center in the first rotation axis direction by the distance in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the first rotation axis and having a second recessed portion recessed from the face in the side view.

2. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the winding housing has: one first protrusion provided at a position separated from a center in the second rotation axis direction by a first distance in a first direction along the second rotation axis, and in a first region of two regions divided by the imaginary plane containing the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, the one first protrusion is tangent to an inner surface of a first imaginary cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis and protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis; another first protrusion provided at a position separated from the center in the second rotation axis direction by a second distance in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the second rotation axis, and in the first region, the another first protrusion is tangent to an inner surface of a second imaginary cylinder having a radius smaller than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis and protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis; and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the another first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, and in a second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, the second protrusion is tangent to an inner surface of a third imaginary cylinder having a radius larger than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis and protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis, the first engaging portion of the primary winding housing is provided in the second region, and the second engaging portion is provided in the second region.

3. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, wherein in the side view, a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first rotation axis has an intersection line with the tangent plane located between a first tangent point of the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point of the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

4. The ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the side view, the first engaging portion has a first recessed portion recessed from the face, and the second engaging portion has a second protruding portion protruding from the face.

5. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding portion of the first protruding ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The second protruding portion protrudes in a direction opposite to the winding housing.

6. The ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first protruding portion is disposed at a position to be fitted into a second recess portion of a second ink ribbon cartridge of the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 when the face portion and the face portion of the second ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

7. The ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second recess portion is disposed at a position to be fitted into a first protruding portion of a third ink ribbon cartridge of the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 when the face portion and the face portion of the third ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

8. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5, wherein The first protruding portion is disposed at a position to be fitted into a second protruding portion of a fourth ink ribbon cartridge of the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5 when the face portion and the face portion of the fourth ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

9. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5 or 8, wherein The second protruding portion is disposed at a position to be fitted into a first protruding portion of a fifth ink ribbon cartridge of the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5 or 8 when the face portion and the face portion of the fifth ink ribbon cartridge are brought into opposition.

10. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The first distance is equal to the second distance.

11. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The radius of the second imaginary cylinder is equal to the first radius.

12. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The distance is set to a third distance that is greater than the first distance and the second distance.

13. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The first region further has a connecting portion that connects the original roll housing and the winding housing.

14. An ink ribbon cartridge configured to be accommodated in a printer, The printer has: an ink ribbon cartridge accommodating portion configured to accommodate an ink ribbon cartridge and having two first slits, a second slit, a first engagement unit, and a second engagement unit; a conveying unit for pulling out an ink ribbon of an ink ribbon cartridge accommodated in the ink ribbon cartridge accommodating portion; and a thermal head for thermally transferring ink of the pulled-out ink ribbon to a print medium, The ink ribbon cartridge has: an original roll housing for supporting a first core portion for winding an ink ribbon before use so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; and a winding housing for supporting a second core portion for winding the ink ribbon after use so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, The winding housing has: one first protrusion disposed at a position separated by a first distance in a first direction from a center in the direction of the second rotation axis, and fitted into one of two regions, i.e., a first region, divided by an imaginary plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and an inner surface of one first imaginary cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis, and protruding in a direction separated from the first rotation axis, and configured to be inserted into one of the first slits. another first protrusion disposed at a position separated from the center in the second-rotation-axis direction by a second distance in the second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second-rotation-axis center in the first region, inside a second imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius of not more than the first radius with respect to the second-rotation-axis center, and protruding in a direction away from the first-rotation-axis, and configured to be insertable into another first slit; and a second protrusion disposed between the one first protrusion and the another first protrusion in the second-rotation-axis direction, in a second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, inside a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius larger than the first radius with respect to the second-rotation-axis center, and protruding in a direction away from the first-rotation-axis, and configured to be insertable into the second slit, the original roll case has: a face portion substantially parallel to the imaginary plane; a first engagement portion, in a side view observed in the first-rotation-axis direction, disposed in the second region, separated from the center in the first-rotation-axis direction by a third distance in the first direction, and having a first protruding portion protruding from the face portion and configured to be engageable with the first engagement unit; and a second engagement portion, in the side view, disposed in the second region, separated from the center in the first-rotation-axis direction by the third distance in the second direction, and having a second recessed portion recessed from the face portion, and configured to be engageable with the second engagement unit.

15. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14, wherein, in the side view, a line of intersection of a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first-rotation-axis is located between a first tangent point of the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point of the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

16. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, in the side view, the first engagement portion has a first recessed portion recessed from the face portion, the second engagement portion has a second protruding portion protruding from the face portion.

17. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 16, wherein, the first protruding portion has a first protruding portion protruding toward the take-up case side, the second protruding portion has a second protruding portion protruding toward a direction opposite to the take-up case.

18. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, the first protruding portion is disposed at a position to be inserted into a second recessed portion of a second ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15 when the face portion and a face portion of the second ink ribbon cartridge are facing each other.

19. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, the second recessed portion is disposed at a position to be inserted by a first protruding portion of a third ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15 when the face portion and a face portion of the third ink ribbon cartridge are facing each other.

20. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 17, wherein, The first protrusion is provided at a position to be fitted with a second protrusion of a fourth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge of claim 17 when the face is oriented to the face of the fourth ink ribbon cartridge.

21. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 17 or 20, wherein The second protrusion is provided at a position to be fitted with a first protrusion of a fifth ink ribbon cartridge having the same shape as the ink ribbon cartridge of claim 17 or 20 when the face is oriented to the face of the fifth ink ribbon cartridge.

22. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The first distance is equal to the second distance.

23. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The radius of the second imaginary cylinder is equal to the first radius.

24. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The third distance is greater than the first distance and the second distance.

25. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein A connecting portion connecting the original roll case and the take-up case is further provided in the first region.

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