Auxiliary tape cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a sub-tape cartridge that can arbitrarily combine a sub-tape and a printing tape. The present disclosure is a sub-tape cartridge that includes a sub-tape for printing, a gear that transmits a driving force from the outside, and a housing that houses at least a portion of the sub-tape and at least a portion of the gear. The housing has a discharge port that discharges the printing tape to the outside and a guide portion that guides the printing tape supplied from the outside of the housing toward the discharge port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to auxiliary tape boxes. Background Technology

[0002] In a printing apparatus that prints using a printing tape, the printing tape is replaced and supplied by attaching and detaching a cartridge containing the printing tape from the main body of the printing apparatus. In such a cartridge, the ink tape and the printing tape are housed in a single housing (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-234772 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned box, the ink ribbon and the printing tape are a set, so the combination of ink color and printing tape type (e.g., color, size, material, etc.) is limited by the type of box prepared.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an auxiliary tape cassette that allows for arbitrary combination of auxiliary tape and printing tape.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is an auxiliary tape cassette comprising an auxiliary tape for printing, a gear for transmitting driving force from an external source, and a housing for receiving at least a portion of the auxiliary tape and at least a portion of the gear. The housing has an outlet for discharging the printing tape to the outside and a guide portion for guiding the printing tape supplied from the outside of the housing toward the outlet.

[0011] With this structure, the printing tape supplied from the outside can be guided to the discharge port using the guide section, thus allowing any amount of printing tape to be supplied into the housing. As a result, the auxiliary tape and the printing tape can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, by having a housing that accommodates the auxiliary tape and the gear, the positioning accuracy of the gear relative to the main body of the printing device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the printing device in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic perspective view of the printing box in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A and Figure 3Byes Figure 2A A schematic 3D diagram with a box for printing.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0016] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 2A A schematic 3D diagram of the auxiliary box.

[0017] Figure 6A Is with Figure 2A Schematic perspective views of the printing box in different implementation methods. Figure 6B It shows from Figure 6A A schematic 3D diagram showing the state of the printing cartridge with the printing tape reel removed.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6A A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0019] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Is with Figure 2A Schematic perspective view of the printing box in different implementations.

[0020] Figure 9A and Figure 9B yes Figure 8A A schematic 3D diagram with a box for printing.

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B yes Figure 8A A schematic 3D diagram of the auxiliary box.

[0022] Figure 11 yes Figure 10A A schematic exploded perspective view of the auxiliary box.

[0023] Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 Schematic exploded perspective view of the auxiliary box in different implementations.

[0024] Figure 13 It shows from Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of the state of the auxiliary belt box after the third housing part has been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0025] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0026] [1-1. Structure]

[0027] Figure 1 The main body 100 of the printing device shown is Figure 2A , 2B The printing cartridge 10 shown together constitute a printing apparatus. This printing apparatus is used for printing on tape-shaped printing media.

[0028] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the output gear 21 is set to the up-down direction, the direction in which the output gear 21 and the winding shaft 16 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is set to the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down and front-back directions is set to the left-right direction.

[0029] <Main body of the printing device>

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 100 of the printing device includes a box storage section 101, a print head 102, an impression roller 103, an impression gear 104, a drive shaft 105, a drive source 107, and a housing 110.

[0031] (Box Storage Department)

[0032] The box storage section 101 is a recess for assembling the printing box 10. The box storage section 101 has a positioning function for the printing box 10. The box storage section 101 is provided in the outer casing 110.

[0033] (Print head)

[0034] The printhead 102 is disposed inside the cartridge storage section 101. The printhead 102 has multiple heating elements whose heating is independently controlled.

[0035] (Impression roller)

[0036] The impression roller 103 is disposed inside the cartridge storage section 101 near the print head 102, facing it. The impression roller 103 can swing relative to the print head 102 in a direction of approach or away. The rotation axis L1 of the impression roller 103 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0037] (Imprinted gears)

[0038] An impression gear 104 is connected to an impression roller 103. In this embodiment, the rotation axis L2 of the impression gear 104 and the rotation axis L1 of the impression roller 103 are arranged on the same line. The impression gear 104 can oscillate together with the impression roller 103.

[0039] (Drive shaft)

[0040] The drive shaft 105 is inserted into the take-up reel 16 and input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10. The drive shaft 105 causes the take-up reel 16 and input gear 22 to rotate.

[0041] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the box storage section 101. The rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 rotates around the rotation axis L3 via the drive source 107.

[0042] (Driver source)

[0043] The drive source 107 drives the drive shaft 105 to rotate. As the drive source 107, for example, a mechanism combining an electric motor and gears can be used.

[0044] <Printing box>

[0045] Figure 2A , 2B The printing cartridge 10 shown includes printing media (i.e., printing tape 11A). The printing cartridge 10 can be assembled into and detached from the printing device body 100. By replacing the printing cartridge 10, printing media can be replenished and the type of printing media (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) can be changed.

[0046] The printing cartridge 10 includes a printing tape cassette 30 and an auxiliary tape cassette 40. The printing cartridge 10 is assembled to the main body 100 of the printing device with the printing tape cassette 30 and the auxiliary tape cassette 40 connected together.

[0047] (Printing box)

[0048] Figure 3A , 3B The printing tape cassette 30 shown includes a printing tape housing 35 that accommodates at least a portion of the printing tape 11A. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the printing tape cassette 30 includes a printing tape roll 11 (an example of a second roll), a first supply roll 12, and spacers 13A and 13B.

[0049] (Printing tape roll)

[0050] The printing tape roll 11 is obtained by winding the printing tape 11A to be printed onto the first supply spool 12. The surface of the printing tape 11A is printed by the print head 102 of the printing apparatus main body 100 and the ink tape 14A (an example of an auxiliary tape).

[0051] Two spacer films 13A and 13B are arranged on the outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction to clamp the printing tape roll 11. The spacer films 13A and 13B are disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the first housing portion 31 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second housing portion 32.

[0052] (First Supply Reel)

[0053] The first supply roll 12 is rotatable about the rotation axis L4. The first supply roll 12 rotates in conjunction with the impression roller 103 of the printing apparatus body 100 to transport the printing tape 11A, thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102. The rotation axis L4 of the first supply roll 12 is parallel to the vertical direction and coincides with the winding axis of the printing tape roll 11.

[0054] (Printing with casing)

[0055] The printing housing 35 has a first housing portion 31, a second housing portion 32, and a first guide surface 35A (see reference). Figure 3A , 3B ) and the first row of exits 35B (refer to Figure 3A , 3B ).

[0056] The first housing portion 31 forms the upper end of the printing tape housing 35. The second housing portion 32 forms the lower end of the printing tape housing 35. The second housing portion 32 is disposed below the first housing portion 31 and is connected to the first housing portion 31 in the vertical direction. The printing tape roll 11 is disposed in the space surrounded by the first housing portion 31 and the second housing portion 32.

[0057] The first housing portion 31 has a first sidewall 31A and a first cutout 31B. The second housing portion 32 has a second sidewall 32A, a second cutout 32B, and a first positioning portion 32C.

[0058] The first sidewall 31A and the second sidewall 32A form the circumferentially surrounding side surface of the printing tape housing 35. A first cut 31B is provided at the front of the first sidewall 31A. A second cut 32B is provided at the front of the second sidewall 32A. The first cut 31B and the second cut 32B are connected to each other to form the first discharge outlet 35B of the printing tape 11A.

[0059] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown, a portion of the side of the printing tape housing 35 forms a first guide surface 35A that guides the printing tape 11A discharged from the first outlet 35B of the printing tape housing 35.

[0060] The first outlet 35B is located on the side of the printing tape housing 35 and discharges the printing tape 11A to the outside of the printing tape housing 35. The printing tape 11A discharged radially from the first outlet 35B along the printing tape roll 11 is wound in a spiral shape toward the first guide surface 35A with a central axis parallel to the vertical direction, and is transported downward from the first outlet 35B (that is, toward the auxiliary tape cassette 40).

[0061] like Figure 3AAs shown, the first positioning part 32C is provided in a hole that faces and contacts the first connecting surface 35C of the auxiliary tape cassette 40 located below when the printing tape housing 35 is inserted into the cassette storage part 101. The first positioning part 32C positions the printing tape housing 35 relative to the auxiliary tape cassette 40. The second positioning part 41E of the auxiliary tape cassette 40 is inserted into the first positioning part 32C.

[0062] The first connecting surface 35C is a plane on the outer surface of the printing tape housing 35 that intersects (specifically, is orthogonal) the vertical direction. An auxiliary tape cassette 40 can be configured on the first connecting surface 35C.

[0063] (Auxiliary box)

[0064] Figure 5A , 5B The auxiliary tape cassette 40 shown is detachable from the printing tape cassette 30. The auxiliary tape cassette 40 has an auxiliary tape housing 45 that houses at least a portion of the ink tape 14A and at least a portion of the drive transmission unit 20.

[0065] In this embodiment, the auxiliary belt box 40 is also a gear box that houses gears. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary tape box 40 includes a tape roll 14 (an example of a first roll), a second supply roll 15, a take-up roll 16, a clutch spring retainer 17, and a drive transmission unit 20.

[0066] (Ink ribbon roll)

[0067] The ink ribbon roll 14 is obtained by winding the printing ink ribbon 14A, which is used for printing tape 11A, onto the second supply spool 15.

[0068] The ink ribbon 14A overlaps with the transported printing tape 11A at the head opening 42B (an example of an exposed opening) for printing on the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is then wound onto the take-up reel 16.

[0069] For the ink ribbon roll 14, rotational resistance is applied by a clutch spring (not shown) held in the clutch spring retainer 17. At least a portion of the ink ribbon roll 14 is positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0070] (Second supply reel)

[0071] The second supply reel 15 is rotatable about a rotation axis L5. The rotation axis L5 of the second supply reel 15 is parallel to the rotation axis L4 of the first supply reel 12 (that is, parallel to the vertical direction) and coincides with the winding axis of the ink ribbon reel 14. The second supply reel 15 rotates in conjunction with the take-up reel 16 taking up the ink ribbon 14A, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the head opening 42B.

[0072] (Roll up the scroll)

[0073] The take-up reel 16 is rotatable about its rotation axis L6. The rotation axis L6 of the take-up reel 16 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply reel 15.

[0074] The take-up spool 16 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by its inner circumferential surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner circumferential surface 16A of the take-up spool 16. The drive shaft 105 of the printing device body 100 is connected to the spline teeth 16B. The take-up spool 16 rotates via the drive shaft 105 to take up the ink tape 14A used after printing.

[0075] (Drive Transmission Section)

[0076] When the printing cartridge 10 is assembled into the main body 100 of the printing device, the drive transmission unit 20 transmits the driving force of the drive source 107 transmitted from the drive shaft 105 to the impression roller 103, and causes the impression roller 103 to rotate at a speed set for each printing cartridge 10.

[0077] The drive transmission unit 20 includes an output gear 21, an input gear 22, and an intermediate gear 23. The drive transmission unit 20 is positioned above the ink ribbon roll 14 (that is, near the printing tape cassette 30). In other words, the output gear 21 and the input gear 22 are arranged within the auxiliary tape housing 45 such that they are separated from the ink ribbon roll 14 in the vertical direction.

[0078] (Output gear)

[0079] The output gear 21 is an external gear used to output the driving force for transporting the printing belt 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 21 transmits the driving force from the outside to the impression gear 104 of the printing device body 100. The rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply roll 15. A portion of the output gear 21 protrudes into the space communicating with the head opening 42B.

[0080] When the printing cartridge 10 is assembled into the main body 100 of the printing device (that is, when the auxiliary tape housing 45 is stored in the cartridge storage section 101), the output gear 21 engages with the impression gear 104 in the space communicating with the head opening 42B.

[0081] (Input gear)

[0082] The input gear 22 engages indirectly with the output gear 21 via the intermediate gear 23, transmitting the driving force to the output gear 21.

[0083] The input gear 22 has an external gear 22A and a reel 22B. The reel 22B is fixed to one side of the external gear 22A and is a cylindrical internal gear with splined teeth on its inner circumferential surface. The external gear 22A rotates integrally with the reel 22B by the driving force input to the drive source 107 of the reel 22B.

[0084] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 (that is, the rotation axis of the external gear 22A and the rotation axis of the roll 22B) is aligned with the rotation axis L6 of the take-up roll 16. At least a portion of the input gear 22 is positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0085] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 overlaps with the hollow portion of the take-up reel 16 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the lower end of the reel 22B of the input gear 22 is inserted into the hollow portion of the take-up reel 16 from above.

[0086] Therefore, with the printing cartridge 10 assembled into the main body 100 of the printing device, the drive shaft 105 simultaneously engages with the take-up roll 16 and the input gear 22. As a result, although the input gear 22 is not directly connected to the take-up roll 16, it rotates together with the take-up roll 16 via the drive shaft 105.

[0087] (Intermediate gear)

[0088] The intermediate gear 23 is driven to engage with the input gear 22 and the output gear 21, transmitting the driving force input to the input gear 22 to the output gear 21. In other words, the drive shaft 105 indirectly inputs driving force to the output gear 21 via the input gear 22 and the intermediate gear 23.

[0089] The intermediate gear 23 is a stepped gear formed by the coaxial arrangement of the upstream gear 23A, which engages with the input gear 22, and the downstream gear 23B, which engages with the output gear 21. The diameter of the downstream gear 23B is smaller than that of the upstream gear 23A. In addition, the upstream gear 23A is positioned closer to the printing cartridge 30 in the vertical direction than the downstream gear 23B (that is, above).

[0090] The intermediate gear 23 reduces the rotational speed of the driving force input to the input gear 22 and transmits it to the output gear 21. In other words, the drive transmission unit 20 includes a reduction mechanism with a reduction ratio obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the input gear 22 by the rotational speed of the output gear 21.

[0091] (Auxiliary belt housing)

[0092] The auxiliary housing 45 has a third housing portion 41, a fourth housing portion 42, a fifth housing portion 43, and a guide portion 46 (see reference). Figure 5A ).

[0093] The third housing portion 41 forms the upper end of the auxiliary belt housing 45. The fifth housing portion 43 forms the lower end of the auxiliary belt housing 45. The fourth housing portion 42 is disposed below the third housing portion 41 and above the fifth housing portion 43, and is connected to the third housing portion 41 and the fifth housing portion 43 in the vertical direction.

[0094] The ink ribbon roll 14, the second supply roll 15, and the take-up roll 16 are disposed in the space surrounded by the fourth housing portion 42 and the fifth housing portion 43. A portion of the output gear 21, the input gear 22, and the intermediate gear 23 are disposed in the space surrounded by the third housing portion 41 and the fourth housing portion 42.

[0095] The third housing portion 41 has a third sidewall 41A, a first gear support portion 41B, a second gear support portion 41C, a third gear support portion 41D, and a second positioning portion 41E (see reference). Figure 5B The third sidewall 41A forms a side surface on the outer surface of the auxiliary tape housing 45 that is continuous with the side surface of the printing tape housing 35.

[0096] The first gear support 41B supports the output gear 21 so that it can rotate. The second gear support 41C supports the input gear 22 so that it can rotate. The third gear support 41D supports the intermediate gear 23 so that it can rotate.

[0097] Figure 5B The second positioning part 41E shown is disposed on the second connecting surface 45B which faces and contacts the printing tape cassette 30 located above when the auxiliary tape housing 45 is inserted into the cassette storage part 101.

[0098] The second connecting surface 45B is a plane on the outer surface of the auxiliary tape housing 45 that intersects (specifically, is orthogonal) the vertical direction and is parallel to the first connecting surface 35C of the printing tape housing 35. The printing tape cassette 30 can be configured on the second connecting surface 45B.

[0099] The second positioning part 41E is a cylindrical or columnar part that protrudes upward from the second connecting surface 45B. When the auxiliary tape cassette 40 is connected to the printing tape cassette 30, the auxiliary tape cassette 40 is positioned relative to the printing tape cassette 30 in the front-back and left-right directions by inserting the second positioning part 41E into the first positioning part 32C of the printing tape housing 35.

[0100] Figure 4 The fourth housing portion 42 shown has a fourth side wall 42A, a head opening 42B, a second outlet 42C, a guide inner wall 42D, a first limiting portion 42E, and a top wall 42F. The fourth side wall 42A forms the side surface of the auxiliary tape housing 45 that surrounds the ink tape roll 14 in the circumferential direction.

[0101] The head opening 42B is a portion obtained by cutting a part of the fourth sidewall 42A. The head opening 42B is the space in which the print head 102 is arranged inside the print cartridge 10 when the print cartridge 10 is assembled into the main body 100 of the printing device.

[0102] Printing of the printing tape 11A based on the print head 102 is performed at the head opening 42B. The head opening 42B opens downwards into the auxiliary tape cassette 40 so that the print head 102 can be inserted from below.

[0103] At the head opening 42B, the printing tape 11A and the ink tape 14A are mounted in the left-right direction. The printing tape 11A is exposed through the head opening 42B on the upstream side of the printing tape 11A in the discharge direction, which is closer to the second outlet 42C.

[0104] The second outlet 42C discharges the printed printing tape 11A to the outside of the printing cassette 10. In other words, the second outlet 42C discharges the printing tape 11A from inside the auxiliary tape housing 45 to the outside. The printed printing tape 11A is then discharged from the second outlet 42C to the outside of the printing device.

[0105] The guide inner wall 42D is a plate-shaped portion having a front surface that guides the printing tape 11A in the left-right direction within the auxiliary tape housing 45 (that is, contacts the printing tape 11A from the rear). The guide inner wall 42D forms part of the second guide surface 45A that guides the printing tape 11A toward the second discharge outlet 42C.

[0106] The guide inner wall 42D is continuously provided from the fourth side wall 42A. In addition, the guide inner wall 42D is disposed upstream of the head opening 42B and forward of the head opening 42B in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0107] At least a portion of the guide inner wall 42D is positioned vertically at the same location as the second outlet 42C. That is, at least a portion of the guide inner wall 42D overlaps with the second outlet 42C in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The printing tape 11A is conveyed on the guide inner wall 42D in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (specifically, the left-right direction).

[0108] The first limiting part 42E restricts the movement of the printing tape 11A along the width direction of the second guide surface 45A formed by the guide inner wall 42D. Specifically, the first limiting part 42E has a lower surface disposed above the guide inner wall 42D and orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0109] The top wall 42F is disposed in front of the guide inner wall 42D in a manner separate from the guide inner wall 42D. The top wall 42F and the guide inner wall 42D form a transport path for the printing belt 11A. The top wall 42F is connected to the first limiting part 42E. The inner surface (that is, the rear surface) of the top wall 42F forms a limiting surface disposed opposite to the guide inner wall 42D.

[0110] The fifth housing portion 43 has a fifth sidewall 43A and a second limiting portion 43B.

[0111] The fifth sidewall 43A, together with the fourth sidewall 42A of the fourth housing portion 42, forms the side of the auxiliary tape housing 45 that surrounds the ink tape roll 14 in the circumferential direction.

[0112] The second limiting part 43B, together with the first limiting part 42E, restricts the movement of the printing tape 11A transported along the second guide surface 45A in the width direction. Specifically, the second limiting part 43B has an upper surface disposed below the guide inner wall 42D of the fourth housing part 42 and orthogonal to the vertical direction. The second limiting part 43B and the first limiting part 42E of the fourth housing part 42 face each other in the vertical direction.

[0113] like Figure 2B As shown, the inner guide wall 42D, the top wall 42F, the first limiting part 42E and the second limiting part 43B constitute an arm 45C with a space, through which the printing tape 11A, which is transported along the second guide surface 45A of the auxiliary tape housing 45, passes.

[0114] The arm portion 45C forms a channel portion that surrounds the printing tape 11A in both the width and thickness directions. The inlet of the printing tape 11A in the arm portion 45C forms an insertion port 45F for inserting the printing tape 11A supplied from the printing tape cassette 30 into the interior of the auxiliary tape housing 45.

[0115] Within the arm portion 45C, the movement of the printing belt 11A in the forward-backward direction (i.e., the thickness direction) is restricted by the guide inner wall 42D and the top wall 42F, and the movement of the printing belt 11A in the vertical direction (i.e., the width direction) is restricted by the first restricting part 42E and the second restricting part 43B. The printing belt 11A passing through the arm portion 45C is supplied to the head opening 42B.

[0116] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown, a portion of the side of the auxiliary tape housing 45 forms a second guide surface 45A that guides the printing tape 11A supplied from the outside of the auxiliary tape housing 45 (that is, from the printing tape cassette 30) toward the second discharge outlet 42C. The second guide surface 45A further guides the printing tape 11A, which is guided by the first guide surface 35A of the printing tape housing 35, toward the second discharge outlet 42C.

[0117] The guide section 46 guides the printing tape 11A supplied from the outside of the auxiliary tape housing 45 toward the second discharge outlet 42C. The guide section 46 includes a second guide surface 45A and an insertion port 45F.

[0118] The insertion port 45F is located on the insertion side 45G of the auxiliary tape housing 45. The insertion side 45G is a surface of the outer surface of the auxiliary tape housing 45 that intersects the left-right direction (specifically, is parallel to the up-down direction) and is positioned in the up-down direction without overlapping with the ink ribbon roll 14 (specifically, in front of the ink ribbon roll 14). At the insertion port 45F, the printing tape 11A is inserted to the right.

[0119] <Transportation and printing of the printing tape by the main body of the printing device>

[0120] During the assembly of the printing cartridge 10 to the main body 100 of the printing device, the printing tape 11A is wound around the first guide surface 35A of the printing tape housing 35 and the second guide surface 45A of the auxiliary tape housing 45 in a manner that forms a spiral portion 11B.

[0121] The spiral portion 11B of the printed tape 11A being transported is wound around the side of the printed tape housing 35 and the side of the auxiliary tape housing 45. Specifically, the spiral portion 11B extends from the first row outlet 35B of the printed tape housing 35 to the insertion port 45F.

[0122] With the printing tape 11A wound around the guide surface and the printing cartridge 10 assembled into the main body 100 of the printing device, the print head 102 is positioned at the head opening 42B at a position that overlaps with the printing tape 11A and the ink tape 14A in the front-to-back direction.

[0123] The printing tape 11A is conveyed by the impression roller 103 toward the head opening 42B, and is pressed against the print head 102, which is heated by the heating element, by the impression roller 103 with the ink tape 14A in between. As a result, a portion of the ink disposed on the surface of the ink tape 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and text, symbols, etc. are printed onto the printing tape 11A.

[0124] The impression roller 103 transports the printed printing tape 11A from inside the printing cassette 10 toward the outside. The impression roller 103 rotates via the impression gear 104, which engages with the output gear 21. The impression roller 103 and the impression gear 104 can oscillate between a position separated from the printing cassette 10 and a position in which the impression gear 104 engages with the output gear 21.

[0125] With the auxiliary tape housing 45 of the printing cartridge 10 inserted into the cartridge storage section 101, the drive shaft 105 engages with the input gear 22 and the imprinting gear 104 engages with the output gear 21.

[0126] Specifically, with the drive shaft 105 inserted into the take-up roll 16 and input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10, the impression roller 103 and impression gear 104 swing toward the head opening 42B of the printing cartridge 10, and the impression gear 104 engages with the output gear 21.

[0127] With the printing cartridge 10 assembled, the input gear 22 is rotated by the drive shaft 105, causing the output gear 21 to rotate. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 causes the impression gear 104 to rotate, and the rotation of the impression gear 104 causes the impression roller 103 to rotate.

[0128] [1-2. Effects]

[0129] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0130] (1a) In the auxiliary tape cassette 40, the printing tape 11A supplied from the outside can be guided to the second outlet 42C by the guide 46, so that any printing tape 11A can be supplied into the auxiliary tape housing 45.

[0131] As a result, the ink tape 14A and the printing tape 11A can be combined arbitrarily. In addition, by having an auxiliary tape housing 45 that houses the ink tape 14A and the drive transmission unit 20, the positioning accuracy of the output gear 21 relative to the printing device body 100 can be improved.

[0132] (1b) The printing tape 11A can be inserted into the auxiliary tape housing 45 through the insertion port 45F of the guide portion 46. As a result, the printing tape 11A can be protected and its transport can be stabilized.

[0133] (1c) By means of the insertion port 45F disposed on the insertion side 45G of the auxiliary tape housing 45, a portion of the path of the printing tape 11A (that is, the second guide surface 45A) can be disposed on the outside (that is, on the side) of the auxiliary tape housing 45. As a result, the insertion of the printing tape 11A into the auxiliary tape housing 45 can be performed more easily, and the size of the auxiliary tape cassette 40 can be reduced.

[0134] [2. Second Implementation]

[0135] [2-1. Structure]

[0136] Figure 6A , 6B The printing cartridge 210 shown replaces the printing cartridge 10 of the first embodiment and is directed towards... Figure 1 The main body 100 of the printing device is assembled. The printing cartridge 210 includes a printing tape roll 11, a first supply roll 12, and an auxiliary tape cartridge 240.

[0137] (Auxiliary box)

[0138] The auxiliary tape cassette 240 includes an auxiliary tape housing 245 that houses the same ink tape roll 14, drive transmission unit 20, etc. as in the first embodiment.

[0139] The auxiliary housing 245 includes a third housing portion 241, a fourth housing portion 242, and a fifth housing portion 243. The fourth housing portion 242 and the fifth housing portion 243 are the same as the fourth housing portion 42 and the fifth housing portion 43 of the first embodiment.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the fourth housing portion 242 and the fifth housing portion 243 constitute the auxiliary tape receiving portion 51 for receiving the ink tape roll 14. The third housing portion 241 and the fourth housing portion 242 constitute the gear receiving portion 52 for receiving the drive transmission portion 20.

[0141] The third housing portion 241 supports the printing tape roll 11. The third housing portion 241 has a partition wall 241A, a shaft portion 241B, and a side wall 241C.

[0142] The partition wall 241A covers the drive transmission section 20 from above. The partition wall 241A extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction.

[0143] The shaft portion 241B is a columnar or cylindrical part that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the partition wall 241A. The shaft portion 241B can support the printing tape roll 11 and is inserted into the hollow portion of the printing tape roll 11 and the first supply roll 12.

[0144] Sidewall 241C protrudes upward from the end edge of partition wall 241A. Sidewall 241C is configured to surround at least a portion of shaft portion 241B radially outward. Printing tape roll 11 is inserted between shaft portion 241B and sidewall 241C. That is, sidewall 241C constitutes printing tape receiving portion 53 capable of accommodating printing tape roll 11.

[0145] It should be noted that the printing tape receiving section 53 may also have a cover that, together with the partition wall 241A, clamps the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction. The cover is configured to move to an open position where the printing tape roll 11 can be disposed within the printing tape receiving section 53 and to a closed position where the printing tape roll 11 is prevented from falling off.

[0146] The printing tape receiving section 53, the gear receiving section 52, and the auxiliary tape receiving section 51 are arranged in the vertical direction in the following order: printing tape receiving section 53, gear receiving section 52, and auxiliary tape receiving section 51.

[0147] [2-2. Effect]

[0148] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0149] (2a) The printing tape roll 11 can be positioned and assembled relative to the auxiliary tape box 240 by means of the shaft portion 241B and the auxiliary tape receiving portion 51 respectively.

[0150] (2b) By arranging the gear receiving portion 52 between the printing tape receiving portion 53 and the auxiliary tape receiving portion 51 in the vertical direction, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the output gear 21 relative to the printing device body 100.

[0151] [3. Third Implementation Method]

[0152] [3-1. Structure]

[0153] Figure 8A , 8B The printing cartridge 410 shown replaces the printing cartridge 10 of the first embodiment and is directed towards Figure 1 The main body 100 of the printing device is assembled. The printing cartridge 410 includes a printing tape cassette 430 and an auxiliary tape cassette 440.

[0154] It should be noted that, Figure 8A The image shows the state of the first housing part 431 of the printing cartridge 430 after it has been disassembled. Figure 8B The third housing portion 441 is shown with the auxiliary tape box 440 removed.

[0155] (Printing box)

[0156] Figure 9A , 9B The printing tape cassette 430 shown has a printing tape housing 435 for housing the printing tape 11A. The parts housed inside the printing tape housing 435 are the same as those in the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment.

[0157] The printing tape housing 435 has a first housing portion 431, a second housing portion 432, a first guide surface 435A, and a first discharge port 435B. The first housing portion 431 forms the upper end of the printing tape housing 435. The second housing portion 432 is connected to the lower part of the first housing portion 431 and forms the lower end of the printing tape housing 435.

[0158] The second housing portion 432 has a first positioning portion 32C provided on the same first connecting surface 35C as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second housing portion 432 has an inner wall 432A forming the first guide surface 435A and an opening forming the first discharge port 435B. The inner wall 432A surrounds the printing tape roll 11 radially outward.

[0159] The first outlet 435B is located on the first connecting surface 35C, and the printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the printing tape housing 435 in a direction intersecting the first connecting surface 35C (that is, in the up and down direction).

[0160] like Figure 8A As shown, the first guide surface 435A guides the printing tape 11A pulled from the printing tape roll 11 toward the first discharge outlet 435B. The printing tape 11A forms a spiral portion 11B and is wound radially outward from the printing tape roll 11 toward the first guide surface 435A.

[0161] (Auxiliary box)

[0162] Figure 10A , 10B The auxiliary tape cassette 440 shown has an auxiliary tape housing 445 that houses the ink tape 14A and the drive transmission unit 20. The parts housed inside the auxiliary tape housing 445 are the same as those in the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment.

[0163] The auxiliary housing 445 has a third housing portion 441, a fourth housing portion 442, a fifth housing portion 443, a guide portion 446, and a guide opening 445E.

[0164] like Figure 11 As shown, the fourth housing portion 442 and the fifth housing portion 443 constitute an auxiliary tape receiving portion 451 for receiving the ink tape roll 14. The third housing portion 441 and the fourth housing portion 442 constitute a gear receiving portion 452 for receiving the drive transmission portion 20. The gear receiving portion 452 is arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the auxiliary tape receiving portion 451 in the vertical direction.

[0165] The third housing portion 441 forms the upper surface of the auxiliary belt housing 445 (that is, the second connecting surface 445B). The fifth housing portion 443 forms the lower end of the auxiliary belt housing 445. The fourth housing portion 442 is connected above the fifth housing portion 443.

[0166] like Figure 10B As shown, the third housing portion 441 has the same second positioning portion 41E as in the first embodiment. Additionally, the third housing portion 441 supports the drive transmission portion 20. The third housing portion 441 is embedded inside the outer wall 442A of the fourth housing portion 442 in such a way that it blocks the internal space of the fourth housing portion 442 from above.

[0167] Figure 11 The fourth housing portion 442 shown has the same head opening 42B, second outlet 42C, guide inner wall 42D, first restrictive portion 42E, and top wall 42F as in the first embodiment. Additionally, the fourth housing portion 442 has an outer wall 442A and an inner wall 442B.

[0168] The inner wall 442B surrounds the tape roll 14, the second supply roll 15, and the take-up roll 16 from the radially outer side of the tape roll 14. A portion of the outer surface of the inner wall 442B forms the second guide surface 445A.

[0169] The outer wall 442A surrounds the inner wall 442B from the outside. For example... Figure 10B As shown, at the upper end of the auxiliary housing 445, an insertion port 445D is formed by the third housing portion 441 and the fourth housing portion 442, which communicates with the space between the outer wall 442A and the inner wall 442B.

[0170] The insertion port 445D is located on the second connecting surface 445B (an example of the first outer surface) which is connected to the printing tape cassette 430. The second connecting surface 445B intersects the vertical direction (specifically, is orthogonal to the vertical direction) and is arranged in the vertical direction in a manner offset from the tape roll 14 (specifically, is arranged above the tape roll 14).

[0171] The insertion port 445D is configured to be offset from the head opening 42B when viewed from above. That is, the insertion port 445D does not overlap with the head opening 42B in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the gear receiving portion 452 is configured to be offset from the insertion port 445D when viewed from above. Therefore, the printing tape 11A is inserted into the auxiliary tape receiving portion 451 through the outside of the gear receiving portion 452.

[0172] The printing tape 11A, discharged from the first outlet 435B of the printing tape housing 435, is conveyed from the insertion port 445D into the auxiliary tape housing 445. For example... Figure 8B As shown, the printing tape 11A, which is transported into the auxiliary tape housing 445, forms a spiral portion 11B and is wound from the radially outer side of the tape roll 14 toward the second guide surface 445A.

[0173] The guide section 446 guides the printing tape 11A supplied from the outside of the auxiliary tape housing 445 toward the second outlet 42C. The guide section 446 includes a second guide surface 445A and an insertion port 445D.

[0174] Figure 11 The fifth housing portion 443 shown has the same second limiting portion 43B as in the first embodiment. Additionally, the fifth housing portion 443 has an opening that forms a guide opening 445E. The guide opening 445E is provided on the bottom surface 445C (an example of the second outer surface) in the auxiliary tape housing 445, where the ink tape roll 14 is clamped vertically together with the second connecting surface 445B.

[0175] The guide opening 445E communicates with the space between the outer wall 442A and the inner wall 442B of the fourth housing portion 442. Furthermore, at least a portion of the guide opening 445E faces the insertion port 445D. Moreover, the guide opening 445E extends along the second guide surface 445A, overlapping vertically with the transport path of the printing tape 11A in the fourth housing portion 442, to a position overlapping with the arm portion 45C (that is, the guide inner wall 42D).

[0176] Therefore, the printing tape 11A, which is inserted into the insertion port 445D and then into the auxiliary tape housing 445, can be pulled out from the guide opening 445E toward the lower side of the auxiliary tape housing 445 while being disposed in the transport path within the auxiliary tape housing 445.

[0177] It should be noted that the guide opening 445E does not overlap with the entire tape roll 14 in the vertical direction. In other words, the guide opening 445E is shaped so that the tape roll 14 will not pass downward in the fifth housing part 443 and fall off from the auxiliary tape housing 445.

[0178] <Modifications of the Third Embodiment>

[0179] In this embodiment, the auxiliary housing 445 can also replace the third housing part 441 and have... Figure 12 The third housing portion 541 is shown.

[0180] The third housing portion 541 has an outer wall 541A and an inner wall 541B.

[0181] The inner wall 541B surrounds the drive transmission section 20 from a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. A portion of the outer surface of the inner wall 541B forms the second guide surface 445A.

[0182] The outer wall 541A surrounds the inner wall 541B from the outside. The space between the upper end of the outer wall 541A and the inner wall 541B communicates with the space between the outer wall 442A and the inner wall 442B of the fourth housing portion 442.

[0183] The upper end of the outer wall 541A and the upper end of the inner wall 541B form an insertion port 445D on the second connecting surface 445B of the auxiliary belt housing 445. In other words, the gear receiving part 452 includes the second connecting surface 445B and the insertion port 445D.

[0184] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the auxiliary belt receiving portion 451 includes a communication port 442C. The communication port 442C is formed by the upper end of the outer wall 442A and the upper end of the inner wall 442B of the fourth housing portion 442.

[0185] The connecting port 442C connects the gear receiving part 452 and the auxiliary belt receiving part 451. The printing tape 11A, which is inserted into the gear receiving part 452 through the insertion port 445D, is inserted into the auxiliary belt receiving part 451 through the connecting port 442C.

[0186] [3-2. Effect]

[0187] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0188] (3a) By providing an insertion port 445D on the second connecting surface 445B, the path of the printing tape 11A (second guide surface 445A) is positioned inside the auxiliary tape cassette 440 when viewed from the top and bottom, thus enabling the auxiliary tape cassette 440 to be miniaturized.

[0189] (3b) By configuring the gear receiving part 452 in a way that is offset from the auxiliary belt receiving part 451 when viewed from the top or bottom, or by providing the communication port 442C in the auxiliary belt receiving part 451, the printing belt 11A can be guided to the second row outlet 42C while crossing the gear receiving part 452.

[0190] (3c) The printing tape 11A can be pulled out from the printing tape cassette 430 and the printing tape 11A can be arranged in the guide portion 446 inside the auxiliary tape housing 445 through the guide opening 445E.

[0191] [4. Other implementation methods]

[0192] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various methods can be used.

[0193] (4a) The printing apparatus described in the above embodiments is not limited to printing apparatuses that use ink tape for printing. The printing apparatus may also use thermal paper strips instead of printing tapes. In this case, laminated tape may be used as an auxiliary tape.

[0194] (4b) In the auxiliary tape cassette of the above embodiment, the guide section may not have an insertion port. That is, the guide section may only guide the printing tape on the outer surface of the auxiliary tape housing.

[0195] (4c) The auxiliary tape box of the third embodiment may also have the same shaft portion and auxiliary tape receiving portion as the auxiliary tape box of the second embodiment. Alternatively, the auxiliary tape box of the second embodiment may not have either the shaft portion or the auxiliary tape receiving portion.

[0196] (4d) Alternatively, the function of one component in the above embodiments can be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components can be integrated into one component. Furthermore, a portion of the structure in the above embodiments can be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the structure in the above embodiments can be added to, replaced, or otherwise modified relative to the structures of other above embodiments. It should be noted that all solutions included in the technical concept defined by the statements described in the claims are embodiments of this disclosure.

[0197] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0198] 10… Printing cassette, 11… Printing tape roll, 11A… Printing tape, 12… First supply roll, 14… Ink tape roll, 14A… Ink tape, 15… Second supply roll, 16… Take-up roll, 20… Drive transmission unit, 21… Output gear, 22… Input gear, 23… Intermediate gear, 30… Printing tape cassette, 40… Auxiliary tape cassette, 41… Third housing, 42… Fourth housing, 42B… Head opening, 42C… Second outlet, 43… Fifth housing, 45… Auxiliary tape housing, 45A… Second guide surface, 45C… Arm, 45F… Insertion port, 45G… Insertion side, 46… Guide, 51… Auxiliary tape receiving part, 52… Gear receiving part, 53… Printing tape receiving part, 100… Printing device body, 102… Print head, 103… Impression roller, 104… Impression gear.

Claims

1. An auxiliary belt box, comprising: Auxiliary tape, used for printing with the printing tape; Gears transmit driving force from the outside; and A housing that houses at least a portion of the auxiliary belt and at least a portion of the gear. The housing has: The discharge port discharges the printing tape to the outside. The guide section guides the printing tape supplied from the outside of the housing toward the discharge port; and Auxiliary containment section, The housing has a tape receiving section for printing, or a positioning section on the outer surface of the auxiliary tape cassette. The auxiliary belt receiving section houses the first roll composed of the auxiliary belt. The second roll of printing tape is detachably assembled into the printing tape receiving section. A printing tape cassette, which houses a second roll of printing tape, is detachably assembled into the positioning section. The printing tape receiving section and the auxiliary tape receiving section, or the printing tape cassette and the auxiliary tape cassette, are stacked upwards on the winding axis of the second roll.

2. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 1, The guide section has an insertion port for inserting the printing tape into the interior of the housing.

3. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 2, The housing has a first outer surface that intersects a first direction parallel to the axial direction of the winding shaft of the first roll, and is configured in the first direction in a manner offset from the first roll. The insertion port is located on the first outer surface.

4. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 3, The housing also has a gear receiving section to receive the gear. The gear receiving portion is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the auxiliary belt receiving portion in the first direction, and includes a first outer surface on which the insertion port is provided. The auxiliary belt receiving part has a communication port that connects the gear receiving part and the auxiliary belt receiving part.

5. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 3, The housing also has a gear receiving section to receive the gear. The gear receiving portion is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the auxiliary belt receiving portion in the first direction, and is configured to be offset from the insertion port when viewed from the first direction.

6. The auxiliary belt box according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The housing also has: The second outer surface, together with the first outer surface, clamps the first roll in the first direction; and A guide opening is provided on the second outer surface at a position opposite to the insertion port.

7. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 3, The housing also has an exposure opening that allows the printing tape to protrude upstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction of the printing tape. The insertion port is configured to be offset from the exposed opening when viewed from the first direction.

8. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 2, The housing has a side that intersects a second direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the winding axis of the first roll formed by the auxiliary tape, and does not overlap with the first roll in a first direction parallel to the axial direction of the winding axis of the first roll. The insertion port is located on the side.

9. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 1, The housing also has a shaft portion capable of supporting the second roll.

10. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 1, The housing also has a gear receiving section to receive the gear. The printing tape receiving section, the gear receiving section, and the auxiliary tape receiving section are arranged in the order of the printing tape receiving section, the gear receiving section, and the auxiliary tape receiving section in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the winding shaft of the first roll.

Images