Auxiliary tape cartridge

Abstract

Provided is an auxiliary tape cartridge that can easily insert a printing tape. The present disclosure is an auxiliary tape cartridge that includes an auxiliary tape for printing and a housing that accommodates at least a portion of the auxiliary tape. 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. The guide portion has a bending formation member that bends the printing tape in a manner that bulges a portion of the printing tape in a width direction in a thickness direction by contacting the printing tape.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a printing apparatus for printing with a printing tape, the printing tape is replaced and supplied by attaching and detaching a cassette containing the printing tape from the main body of the printing apparatus. As such a cassette, a cassette formed by overlapping an ink tape cassette containing an ink tape and a printing tape cassette containing the printing tape is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-156762 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned cartridge, the printing tape needs to be inserted from the membrane gate into the tape cartridge and overlapped with the tape. However, because the printing tape is long and flexible, insertion into the tape cartridge is sometimes not easy.

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

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is an auxiliary tape cassette comprising an auxiliary tape for printing and a housing for receiving at least a portion of the auxiliary tape. 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] The guide section has a bending forming member that bends the printing tape by contacting it, causing a portion of the printing tape in the width direction to bulge in the thickness direction.

[0012] With this structure, the printing tape is bent so that a portion of it bulges out in the width direction by bending the forming member, thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the printing tape in the section orthogonal to the length direction. As a result, the rigidity of the printing tape is improved, making it easier to insert the printing tape into the auxiliary tape cassette. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the printing device in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic perspective view of the printing box in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 2A A schematic 3D diagram with a box for printing.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 2A A schematic 3D diagram of the auxiliary box.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A A schematic side view of the auxiliary tape box.

[0019] Figure 7A yes Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view at line VIIA-VIIA. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A schematic cross-sectional view at line VIIB-VIIB.

[0020] Figure 8 Is with Figure 6 A schematic side view of the auxiliary tape box in different implementations.

[0021] Figure 9A Is with Figure 5A Schematic perspective view of the fourth housing portion in different auxiliary belt boxes Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A schematic top view of the fourth housing section.

[0022] Figure 10 Is with Figure 2A A schematic 3D diagram of different printing boxes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0024] [1-1. Structure]

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] <Main body of the printing device>

[0028] 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.

[0029] (Box Storage Department)

[0030] 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.

[0031] (Print head)

[0032] The printhead 102 is disposed inside the cartridge storage section 101. The printhead 102 has multiple heating elements whose heating is independently controlled.

[0033] (Impression roller)

[0034] 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.

[0035] (Imprinted gears)

[0036] 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.

[0037] (Drive shaft)

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (Driver source)

[0041] 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.

[0042] <Printing box>

[0043] 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, the printing media can be replenished and the type of printing media (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) can be changed.

[0044] 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.

[0045] (Printing box)

[0046] 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, a first supply roll 12, and spacers 13A and 13B.

[0047] (Printing tape roll)

[0048] 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).

[0049] Two spacer films 13A and 13B are arranged on the outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction, clamping the printing tape roll 11. The spacer films 13A and 13B are arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the first housing part 31 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second housing part 32.

[0050] (First Supply Reel)

[0051] 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.

[0052] (Printing with casing)

[0053] 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 ).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 from the first outlet 35B in the radial direction of 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).

[0059] like Figure 3A As shown, the first positioning part 32C is a hole provided in the first connecting surface 35C that faces and contacts 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] (Auxiliary box)

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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, a second supply roll 15, a take-up roll 16, a clutch spring retainer 17, and a drive transmission unit 20.

[0064] (Ink ribbon roll)

[0065] 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.

[0066] The ink ribbon 14A overlaps with the transported printing tape 11A at the head opening 42B and is provided for printing on the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is then wound onto the take-up reel 16.

[0067] 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.

[0068] (Second supply reel)

[0069] 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.

[0070] (Roll up the scroll)

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 is rotated by the drive shaft 105 to take up the ink tape 14A used after printing.

[0073] (Drive Transmission Section)

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] (Output gear)

[0077] The output gear 21 is an external gear used to output the driving force provided to the conveyor belt 11A for printing. 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 is exposed in the space communicating with the head opening 42B.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Input gear)

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] (Intermediate gear)

[0086] 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.

[0087] The intermediate gear 23 is a stepped gear arranged coaxially with 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] (Auxiliary belt housing)

[0090] 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 ).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The first gear support 41B supports the output gear 21 in a rotatable manner. The second gear support 41C supports the input gear 22 in a rotatable manner. The third gear support 41D supports the intermediate gear 23 in a rotatable manner.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] At the head opening 42B, the print head 102 prints onto the printing tape 11A. The head opening 42B opens downwards into the auxiliary tape cassette 40 so that the print head 102 can be inserted from below.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] The first limiting part 42E restricts the movement of the printing tape 11A transported 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.

[0107] The top wall 42F is positioned in front of the guide inner wall 42D, separate from it. 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 (i.e., the rear surface) of the top wall 42F forms a limiting surface positioned opposite to the guide inner wall 42D.

[0108] The fifth housing portion 43 has a fifth sidewall 43A and a second limiting portion 43B.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Within the arm portion 45C, the forward and backward movement (i.e., the thickness direction) of the printing belt 11A is restricted by the guide inner wall 42D and the top wall 42F, and the vertical movement (i.e., the width direction) of the printing belt 11A is restricted by the first restricting part 42E and the second restricting part 43B. The printing belt 11A that has passed through the arm portion 45C is supplied to the head opening 42B.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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, an arm 45C, an insertion port 45F, and a bending forming member 45H (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0116] 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.

[0117] Figure 6 The bending forming member 45H shown bends the printing tape 11A by contacting it, causing a portion of the printing tape 11A in the width direction to bulge in the thickness direction.

[0118] In this embodiment, the bending forming member 45H bends the printing belt 11A so that the central portion of the printing belt 11A bulges rearward in the width direction. Within the arm portion 45C, the printing belt 11A is transported toward the printing surface (that is, the surface on which the ink supply belt 14A overlaps) to become the rear side and the non-printing surface (that is, the back side opposite to the printing surface) to become the front side.

[0119] Therefore, the printing tape 11A is bent in the thickness direction with the printing surface on the outside and the non-printing surface on the inside. The printing tape 11A passes through the arm 45C in this bent state.

[0120] In such a bent printing tape 11A, the strength is increased relative to the bending caused by external force in the thickness direction generated by collision with the inner surface of the auxiliary tape housing 45 and the bending caused by external force in the length direction (that is, the transport direction).

[0121] like Figure 7A , 7B As shown, the guide section 46 has a first transport path R1 and a second transport path R2 within the arm section 45C.

[0122] The first transport path R1 continuously transports the printing tape 11A from the insertion port 45F. In the first transport path R1, the printing tape 11A passes between the top wall 42F and the guide inner wall 42D. The first transport path R1 is configured in the channel section (that is, the arm section 45C) to transport the printing tape 11A in a straight line.

[0123] The second transport path R2 transports the printing tape 11A downstream of the first transport path R1 in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A, and its width relative to the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A is smaller than that of the first transport path R1.

[0124] In the second transport path R2, a protrusion 42G projecting rearward from the top wall 42F narrows the width of the transport path relative to the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A. In the second transport path R2, the printing tape 11A passes between the protrusion 42G and the guide inner wall 42D.

[0125] A bending forming member 45H is disposed in the insertion port 45F and in the first transport path R1 (i.e., the straight portion) within the arm portion 45C. Furthermore, the bending forming member 45H contacts the printing surface and non-printing surface of the printing tape 11A, guided by the guide portion 46, in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A, pressing these surfaces. Specifically, the bending forming member 45H has a first contact portion 45I, a second contact portion 45J, and a third contact portion 45K.

[0126] The first contact portion 45I is a rib that protrudes from the top wall 42F toward the thickness direction (specifically, rearward) of the printing tape 11A. The first contact portion 45I contacts the central portion in the width direction of the non-printing surface of the printing tape 11A.

[0127] The amount of the first contact portion 45I protruding rearward increases as it moves downstream in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A. In other words, the first contact portion 45I has an inclined surface extending from the left front to the right rear.

[0128] The second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K are ribs that protrude from the inner guide wall 42D toward the thickness direction (specifically, the front) of the printing tape 11A. The second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K are arranged apart in the width direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the printing tape 11A.

[0129] The second contact portion 45J contacts one end (specifically, the lower end) of the printing surface of the printing belt 11A in the width direction. The third contact portion 45K contacts the other end (specifically, the upper end) of the printing surface of the printing belt 11A in the width direction.

[0130] The forward protrusion of the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K increases towards the downstream side in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A. That is, the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K each have an inclined surface extending from the left rear to the right front.

[0131] The first contact portion 45I is disposed between the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K in the width direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the printing tape 11A. In addition, the first contact portion 45I, the second contact portion 45J, and the third contact portion 45K are disposed at the same position in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0132] Therefore, when the printing tape 11A is inserted into the arm portion 45C, the top end of the printing tape 11A simultaneously contacts the first contact portion 45I, the second contact portion 45J, and the third contact portion 45K.

[0133] <Transportation and printing of the printing tape by the main body of the printing device>

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The printing tape 11A is conveyed by the impression roller 103 to the head opening 42B, and is pressed by the impression roller 103 against the print head 102 after it has been heated by the heating element, 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.

[0138] 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 swing between a position away from the printing cassette 10 and a position where the impression gear 104 is engaged with the output gear 21.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] <Modifications of the First Embodiment>

[0143] In the bending forming member 45H of this embodiment, it can also be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the first contact portion 45I protrudes forward from the rear surface inside the arm portion 45C, and the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K protrude rearward from the front surface inside the arm portion 45C.

[0144] In other words, the first contact portion 45I may contact the printing surface of the printing tape 11A, while the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K may contact the non-printing surface of the printing tape 11A. In this case, the printing tape 11A is bent such that its central portion in the width direction bulges forward due to the bending forming member 45H. That is, the printing tape 11A is bent in the thickness direction such that the printing surface is the inner side and the non-printing surface is the outer side.

[0145] [1-2. Effects]

[0146] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0147] (1a) Because the printing tape 11A is bent in such a way that a portion of it bulges out in the width direction by bending the forming member 45H, the moment of inertia of the section of the printing tape 11A orthogonal to the length direction increases. As a result, the rigidity of the printing tape 11A is increased, and thus the insertion of the printing tape 11A into the auxiliary tape cassette 40 can be performed more easily.

[0148] (1b) By configuring the bending forming member 45H at the insertion port 45F, the printing tape 11A can be bent while being inserted into the auxiliary tape cassette 40. Therefore, the ease of insertion of the printing tape 11A can be improved.

[0149] (1c) By configuring the bending forming member 45H in the first transport path R1, the printing tape 11A can be bent in front of the narrowing path. Therefore, the deformation of the printing tape 11A when the top of the printing tape 11A collides with the inner surface (e.g., the protrusion 42G) of the second transport path R2 during insertion can be suppressed.

[0150] (1d) By bending the forming member 45H to contact at least one of the printing surface and the non-printing surface of the printing tape 11A, the printing tape 11A can be bent more easily and properly.

[0151] (1e) By forming the bending member 45H in the straight portion of the arm 45C, the printing tape 11A can be bent without twisting. Therefore, the printing tape 11A can be bent more easily and properly.

[0152] (1f) By bending the member 45H to have a first contact portion 45I, a second contact portion 45J and a third contact portion 45K, the printing tape 11A can be deformed into a bending shape with relatively high rigidity.

[0153] Furthermore, by means of the first contact portion 45I, the second contact portion 45J, and the third contact portion 45K, suitable conveying resistance can be applied to the printing tape 11A. As a result, the retraction of the printing tape 11A during non-printing periods and the detachment of the printing tape 11A from the auxiliary tape cassette 40 during the assembly of the printing cassette 10 into the main body 100 of the printing apparatus are suppressed.

[0154] (1g) The printing tape 11A can be guided between these contact portions by the inclined surfaces of the first contact portion 45I, the second contact portion 45J, and the third contact portion 45K. Therefore, it is easy to bend the printing tape 11A.

[0155] [2. Other implementation methods]

[0156] 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.

[0157] (2a) 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 as a substitute for the printing tape. In this case, a laminated tape may be used as an auxiliary tape.

[0158] (2b) In the auxiliary cartridge of the above embodiment, the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion may not have inclined surfaces. That is, as... Figure 9A , 9B As shown, the first contact portion 45I, the second contact portion 45J and the third contact portion 45K can also be composed of ribs with a constant protrusion amount (that is, thickness) in the front-back direction.

[0159] (2c) The auxiliary tape box in the above embodiment may also not have a drive transmission unit. For example... Figure 10 The printing cartridge 210 shown consists of a printing tape cassette 230 equipped with a drive transmission unit 20 and an auxiliary tape cassette 240 without a drive transmission unit 20. Alternatively, the printing cartridge may also include a gearbox equipped with a drive transmission unit, independent of the printing tape cassette and the auxiliary tape cassette.

[0160] (2d) In the auxiliary tape cassette of the above embodiment, the bending forming member may not have the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion. For example, the bending forming portion may be formed by itself by an insertion port having a width smaller than the width of the printing tape (that is, a width that cannot be inserted without bending the printing tape). The insertion port as the bending forming portion may also be shaped along the cross-sectional shape of the bent printing tape.

[0161] (2e) Alternatively, the function of one component in the above embodiments can be divided into multiple components, or the functions of multiple components can be combined into one component. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the above embodiments may be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the structure of the above embodiments may be added to, substituted, or otherwise modified relative to the structures of other above embodiments. It should be noted that all solutions included in the technical concept determined by the terms described in the scope of the claims are embodiments of this disclosure.

[0162] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0163] 10… Printing cassette, 11… Printing tape roll, 11A… Printing tape, 14… Ink ribbon roll, 14A… Ink ribbon, 16… Take-up spool, 20… Drive transmission unit, 21… Output gear, 22… Input gear, 23… Intermediate gear, 30… Printing tape cassette, 40… Auxiliary tape cassette, 42… Fourth housing part, 42A… Fourth side wall, 42B… Head opening, 42C… Second outlet, 42D… Guide inner wall, 42E… First restriction 42F…top wall, 42G…protrusion, 45…auxiliary belt housing, 45A…second guide surface, 45C…arm, 45F…insertion port, 45G…insertion side, 45H…bending forming member, 45I…first contact part, 45J…second contact part, 45K…third contact part, 46…guide part, 100…printing device body, 102…print head, 103…imprint roller, 104…imprint gear, 105…drive shaft.

Claims

1. An auxiliary belt box, comprising: Auxiliary tape, for use with printing tape; and The housing contains at least a portion of the auxiliary belt. The housing has: The discharge port discharges the printing tape to the outside; and The guide section guides the printing tape supplied from the outside of the housing toward the discharge port. The guide portion has a bending forming member that bends the printing tape by contacting it, causing a portion of the printing tape in the width direction to bulge in the thickness direction.

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. The bending forming member is disposed at the insertion port.

3. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 1 or 2, The guide portion has: The first transport route transports the printing tape; and A second transport path transports the printing tape downstream of the first transport path in the discharge direction of the printing tape, and the width of the second transport path relative to the thickness direction of the printing tape is smaller than that of the first transport path. The bending forming member is disposed on the first transport path.

4. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 1 or 2, The bending forming member contacts at least one of the surface and back side of the printing tape guided by the guide portion.

5. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 4, The bending forming member has: The first contact portion contacts the surface of the printing tape; and The second and third contact portions contact the back side of the printing tape. The first contact portion is disposed between the second contact portion and the third contact portion in the width direction of the printing tape.

6. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 5, The first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion are arranged at the same position in the discharge direction of the printing tape.

7. The auxiliary cassette according to claim 5 or 6, The first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion are ribs protruding from the wall of the housing in the thickness direction of the printing tape. The protrusion of the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion increases towards the downstream side in the discharge direction of the printing tape.

8. The auxiliary cassette according to claim 5 or 6, The back side of the printing tape is the printing surface.

9. The auxiliary cassette according to claim 5 or 6, The surface of the printing tape is the printing surface.

10. The auxiliary cassette according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, and 6, The guide portion has a channel portion that surrounds the printing tape to be guided from both the width and thickness directions. The bending forming member is disposed in the channel portion.

11. The auxiliary belt box according to claim 10, The channel section has a straight section that transports the printing tape in a straight line. The bending forming member is disposed on the straight portion.

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