box

Abstract

This invention provides a box capable of preventing the tape inserted from the tape insertion port from getting caught on a tape guide. The box is mountable on a tape printing device and includes a box shell. The box shell has: a tape feed outlet for feeding tape unwound from a stored tape spool out of the box shell; a tape insertion port for inserting the tape from one end in the width direction of the tape in a first direction, with the tip of the tape extending out of the box shell from the tape feed outlet; and a tape guide located in the first direction relative to the tape insertion port and guiding the tape feeding performed by the tape printing device. The tape guide has a protrusion that contacts the tape, and a chamfered portion is provided at the end of the protrusion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a box that can be mounted on a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tape box comprising a label tape, an ink ribbon, an impression roller, and a housing containing them has been known for a long time. The housing includes an anti-entry portion that prevents the tip of the label tape from being drawn into the housing by clamping the label tape between itself and the impression roller.

[0003] For a housing having a belt insertion port for inserting a belt from one end in the width direction of the belt, when the belt is inserted from the belt insertion port in a first direction, the inserted belt may get caught on a belt guide that is positioned in the first direction relative to the belt insertion port.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-184558 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The box of the present invention is a box that can be mounted on a tape printing device. It includes a box shell that can house a tape roll formed by winding tape. The box shell is provided with: a tape feed outlet for feeding tape unwound from the tape roll housed in the box shell to the outside of the box shell; a tape insertion port for inserting tape drawn from the tape roll in the width direction into a first direction from one end of the tape when the tape roll is housed in the box shell, with the tip of the tape extending out of the box shell from the tape feed outlet; and a tape guide located in the first direction relative to the tape insertion port and guiding the tape feeding performed by the tape printing device. The tape guide is provided with a tape contact portion that contacts the tape fed to the tape feed outlet, and a chamfered portion is provided at the end of the tape contact portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the box as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a box containing a roll of paper, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view with a printing device.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the box.

[0010] Figure 5 A perspective view of the box with the first outer shell removed.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the third outer shell.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the third outer shell as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell.

[0014] Figure 9 From Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the first outer shell as seen from an angle other than [the original image].

[0015] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second outer shell.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a view of the second outer shell section from the -Z direction.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the fourth outer shell.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the fourth outer shell section as viewed from the -Z direction.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the box as viewed from the -X direction.

[0020] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a box showing the structure around the impression roller.

[0021] Figure 16 A diagram showing the impression roller in its first posture.

[0022] Figure 17 A diagram showing the second posture of the impression roller.

[0023] Figure 18 From Figure 5 A perspective view of the box with the first outer shell removed, viewed from an angle other than [the original image].

[0024] Figure 19 From Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the second outer shell as observed from an angle other than [the original image].

[0025] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the box according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, box 1, as one embodiment of the box, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, although the directions defined by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the various figures are used in the description, these directions are merely for ease of explanation and do not limit the scope of the following embodiments. Additionally, the number of each structural element is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of the following embodiments.

[0027] Box and its outline

[0028] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, cartridge 1 includes an impression roller 3, a ribbon spool 5, a take-up core 7, and a cartridge housing 9 for storing these components. The ribbon spool 5 is a component formed by winding the ink ribbon 11 onto the unwind core 13. The ink ribbon 11 unwound from the unwind core 13 is wound onto the take-up core 7. A head insertion hole 15 is provided on the cartridge housing 9 in a through-direction manner. Furthermore, a tape feed outlet 17 extending in the Z direction is provided on the -X direction surface of the cartridge housing 9.

[0029] Box 1 is designed to store tape rolls 19. Therefore, workers can insert individual tape rolls 19 into box 1. "Workers" refers to personnel who perform operations such as inserting tape rolls 19, for example, the purchaser of box 1. Tape roll 19 is a component formed by winding tape 21, which becomes the printing medium, onto a tape core 23. The tape 21 unwound from tape roll 19 is fed out of box housing 9 through tape feed outlet 17.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 1 The box 1 shown, which does not contain the roll 19, is referred to as "box 1". Figure 2 The box 1 shown, which houses the tape roll 19, is called "tape box 1T". The tape box 1T is mounted on the tape printing device 501, and printing is performed on the tape 21 fed from the mounted tape box 1T.

[0031] With printing device

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus 501 includes an apparatus housing 503 and a mounting cover 505. On the +Z direction surface of the apparatus housing 503, a keyboard 507, a display 509, and a box mounting part 511 are provided.

[0033] Keyboard 507 accepts input from the user. Display 509 displays not only the input from keyboard 507, but also various other information.

[0034] The cartridge mounting portion 511 is formed as a recessed shape open in the +Z direction, allowing for detachable mounting of the cartridge 1T. Furthermore, since the cartridge 1 is constructed in the same manner as the cartridge 1T, except that it does not house the tape roll 19, the cartridge 1T can also be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511. However, since the cartridge 1 does not house the tape roll 19 which serves as the printing medium, the cartridge 1T is typically mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511.

[0035] The mounting cover 505 is rotatably mounted at the end of the device housing 503 in the +Y direction, and opens and closes the box mounting part 511.

[0036] The impression shaft 513 and the take-up shaft 515 protrude from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting portion 511 in the +Z direction. When the cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511, the impression shaft 513 is inserted into the impression roller 3, thereby engaging the impression roller 3 with the impression shaft 513. Thus, the rotation of a motor (not shown) can be transmitted to the impression roller 3 via the impression shaft 513. Similarly, when the cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511, the take-up shaft 515 is inserted into the take-up core 7, thereby engaging the take-up core 7 with the take-up shaft 515. Thus, the rotation of a motor can be transmitted to the take-up core 7 via the take-up shaft 515.

[0037] The thermal head 517 and the head cover 519 are provided in the box mounting section 511. The thermal head 517 has a heating element (not shown) and is printed on the tape 21. The head cover 519 partially covers the thermal head 517.

[0038] When the cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 511, the thermal head 517 and the head cover 519 are inserted into the head insertion hole 15. Next, when the mounting cover 505 is closed, the thermal head 517 is moved toward the impression roller 3 via a head moving mechanism (omitted in the figure). This clamps the tape 21 and ink tape 11 between the thermal head 517 and the impression roller 3. As the impression roller 3 rotates in this state, the tape 21 and ink tape 11 are fed. At this time, the thermal head 517 heats up, transferring the ink from the ink tape 11 onto the tape 21, thereby printing a printed image based on the input result from the keyboard 507 onto the tape 21.

[0039] A tape discharge port 521 is provided on the -X direction surface of the device housing 503. The printed tape 21 is discharged from the tape discharge port 521. A cutter 523 is provided between the box mounting part 511 and the tape discharge port 521. The cutter 523 cuts the tape 21. Thus, the printed portion of the tape 21 is broken off.

[0040] Box outer shell

[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 9 includes a first outer casing portion 101, a second outer casing portion 201, a third outer casing portion 301, and a fourth outer casing portion 401. The first outer casing portion 101, the second outer casing portion 201, and the fourth outer casing portion 401 are located in the +Z direction within the outer casing 9, while the third outer casing portion 301 is located in the -Z direction within the outer casing 9. The cassette 1T is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 511 with the bottom face of the third outer casing portion 301 facing the bottom face of the cassette mounting portion 511. Alternatively, the cassette 1T may also be mounted on the cassette mounting portion 511 with the first outer casing portion 101, the second outer casing portion 201, and the fourth outer casing portion 401 facing the bottom face of the cassette mounting portion 511.

[0042] The first outer shell portion 101, the second outer shell portion 201, the third outer shell portion 301, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are separately disposed from each other. The first outer shell portion 101, the second outer shell portion 201, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are molded parts made of light-transmitting resin, and the third outer shell portion 301 is a molded part made of non-light-transmitting resin, but the material and manufacturing method of the first outer shell portion 101, the second outer shell portion 201, the third outer shell portion 301, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are not limited thereto.

[0043] The first outer casing 101 can accommodate the tape roll 19 between itself and the third outer casing 301. That is, the first outer casing 101 and the third outer casing 301 constitute the outer casing of the tape roll storage section 25. The tape roll 19 can be stored in the tape roll storage section 25. By attaching the first outer casing 101 to the third outer casing 301, the tape roll storage section 25 can be closed, and by removing the first outer casing 101 from the third outer casing 301, the tape roll storage section 25 can be opened.

[0044] The second outer casing 201 is disposed in the -Y direction relative to the first outer casing 101. The second outer casing 201 houses the ink ribbon 11 between itself and the third outer casing 301. That is, the second outer casing 201 and the third outer casing 301 constitute the outer casing of the ink ribbon storage section 27. The ink ribbon storage section 27 houses the ribbon spool 5 and the take-up core 7.

[0045] A fourth outer casing portion 401 is disposed between the first outer casing portion 101 and the second outer casing portion 201 at the -X direction end of the outer casing 9. The fourth outer casing portion 401 houses the impression roller 3 between itself and the third outer casing portion 301. That is, the third outer casing portion 301 and the fourth outer casing portion 401 constitute the outer casing of the impression roller housing portion 29. The impression roller 3 is housed within the impression roller housing portion 29.

[0046] Because the second outer casing 201 passes through the following... Figure 10 The second locking pin 219 shown is pressed into place. Figure 6The second outer casing 201 is assembled with the third outer casing 301 through the 3A engagement hole 335 shown, making it difficult to remove the second outer casing 201 from the third outer casing 301 by hand. Alternatively, the second outer casing 201 can be removed from the third outer casing 301 using a pre-designed case removal device. Similarly, since the fourth outer casing 401 is connected via the method described later... Figure 12 The fourth locking pin 411 shown is pressed into place. Figure 6 The fourth outer casing 401 is combined with the third outer casing 301 in the 3B engagement hole 337 shown, making it difficult to remove the fourth outer casing 401 from the third outer casing 301 by hand. Alternatively, the fourth outer casing 401 can be removed from the third outer casing 301 using a predetermined box disassembly device.

[0047] In contrast, as described later, the first outer casing 101 is constructed via... Figure 8 The first A engaging protrusion 117a, the first B engaging protrusion 117b, and the first C engaging protrusion 117c, which are provided on the first outer casing 101, respectively engage with the third A engaging receiving portion 333a, the third B engaging receiving portion 333b, and the third C engaging receiving portion 333c, which are provided on the third outer casing 301, thereby being installed. Therefore, as shown Figure 5 As shown, the first outer casing 101 can be easily removed from the third outer casing 301 by hand. Therefore, the operator can remove the first outer casing 101 from the third outer casing 301 by hand, and... Figure 5 After the first outer shell 101 shown is removed and a separate tape reel 19 is stored in the outer shell 9, the first outer shell 101 is then reattached to the third outer shell 301, thereby enabling the production of a tape box 1T containing a separate tape reel 19.

[0048] Third outer casing

[0049] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the third outer shell portion 301 includes a third bottom wall portion 303 and a third side wall portion 305 that protrudes in the +Z direction from the periphery of the third bottom wall portion 303.

[0050] The third bottom wall portion 303 is located in the -Z direction within the outer casing 9. The third core protrusion 307, the A-ribbon guide 309, the B-ribbon guide 311, and the insertion guide 313 protrude from the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction. Furthermore, the third bottom wall portion 303 is provided with a third head opening 315, an embossing opening 317, an unwinding opening 319, a third rewinding opening 321, and a guide engagement hole 323.

[0051] The third core protrusion 307 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. The third core protrusion 307 is inserted into the core 23 of the belt drum 19 from the -Z direction. That is, the third core protrusion 307, together with the first core protrusion 107 described later, forms the rotation axis of the belt drum 19.

[0052] The A-ribbon guide 309 is positioned in the -X direction relative to the unwinding opening 319. The A-ribbon guide 309 guides the feeding of the ink ribbon 11 between the unwinding core 13 and the B-ribbon guide 311. Furthermore, a ribbon guide engaging protrusion 325 is provided at the +Z direction end of the A-ribbon guide 309. The ribbon guide engaging protrusion 325 engages with... Figure 10 The ribbon guide engaging hole 215 provided on the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second housing portion 201 is engaged. Therefore, the A ribbon guide 309 is supported on both sides by the third bottom wall portion 303 and the second bottom wall portion 203.

[0053] The B-ribbon guide 311 is formed in a generally square cylindrical shape at the periphery of the third head opening 315. The B-ribbon guide 311 forms the peripheral wall of the head insertion hole 15. The B-ribbon guide 311 guides the feeding of the ink ribbon 11 between the A-ribbon guide 309 and the take-up core 7, so that the ink ribbon 11 wraps around the head insertion hole 15. A portion of the +Y direction surface of the B-ribbon guide 311 is open, and this open portion is referred to as the guide opening portion 327. With the tape cassette 1T mounted on the cassette mounting portion 511, the thermal head 517 clamps the tape 21 and the ink ribbon 11 between itself and the impression roller 3 via the guide opening portion 327.

[0054] The insertion guide 313 is located between the third core protrusion 307 and the embossing opening 317, and is positioned near the embossing opening 317. The insertion guide 313 is used when the tape reel 19 is housed in the casing 9, and when the tape 21 to be drawn from the tape reel 19 is... Figure 1 When the belt 21 is inserted through the belt insertion port 33 (described later), the insertion is guided. A chamfered portion 329 is provided at the +Z end of the insertion guide 313. Therefore, when the belt 21, drawn from the belt spool 19, is inserted through the belt insertion port 33, the situation where the belt 21 gets caught on the insertion guide 313 can be prevented.

[0055] The third head opening 315 is formed into a generally rectangular shape and is located at the corner of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the -X and -Y directions. The third head opening 315 constitutes the end of the head insertion hole 15 in the -Z direction.

[0056] The impression opening 317 is formed to be approximately circular. The end of the impression opening 317 in the -Y direction is connected to the third head opening 315. The impression opening 317 engages with the end of the impression roller 3 in the -Z direction. At the periphery of the impression opening 317, the third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331 protrudes in the +Z direction. The third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331 is formed to be approximately arc-shaped and engages with the end of the impression roller 3 in the -Z direction.

[0057] The unwinding opening 319 is formed to be approximately circular and is positioned in the +X direction relative to the third head opening 315. The unwinding opening 319 engages with the -Z direction end of the unwinding core 13. The third winding opening 321 is formed to be approximately circular and is positioned between the third head opening 315 and the unwinding core 13. The third winding opening 321 engages with the -Z direction end of the winding core 7.

[0058] The guide engagement hole 323 is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the third head opening 315. The guide engagement hole 323 engages with the guide engagement protrusion 217 provided on the guide 209.

[0059] The third sidewall portion 305 protrudes from the periphery of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction. Among the third sidewall portions 305, the sidewall portion in the -X direction is referred to as the 3A sidewall portion 305a, the sidewall portion in the +X direction as the 3B sidewall portion 305b, the sidewall portion in the +Y direction as the 3C sidewall portion 305c, and the sidewall portion in the -Y direction as the 3D sidewall portion 305d. That is, in the third outer shell portion 301, the 3A sidewall portion 305a and the 3B sidewall portion 305b are located on opposite sides, and the 3C sidewall portion 305c and the 3D sidewall portion 305d are located on opposite sides.

[0060] The third outer casing 301 is provided with three third engagement receiving parts 333, five third A engagement holes 335, and four third B engagement holes 337.

[0061] The three third engagement receiving parts 333, namely the 3A engagement receiving part 333a, the 3B engagement receiving part 333b, and the 3C engagement receiving part 333c, respectively engage with the three first engagement protrusions 117 provided on the first outer casing 101, namely... Figure 9 The first A engaging protrusion 117a, the first B engaging protrusion 117b, and the first C engaging protrusion 117c are engaged. Thus, the first housing portion 101 is detachably mounted relative to the third housing portion 301.

[0062] Five third A engagement holes 335 are provided in a manner corresponding to the positions where the second housing portion 201 is mounted on the third housing portion 301. Four of the five third A engagement holes 335 extend from the +Z direction end face of the third sidewall portion 305 towards the -Z direction, and one third A engagement hole 335 extends from the +Z direction end face of the B-color ribbon guide 311 towards the -Z direction. Five second engagement pins 219 provided on the second housing portion 201 are pressed into the five third A engagement holes 335 from the +Z direction. Thus, the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301 are assembled together.

[0063] Four third-B engagement holes 337 are provided in a manner corresponding to the positions where the fourth housing portion 401 is mounted on the third housing portion 301. Three of the four third-B engagement holes 337 are provided on the third sidewall portion 305, and one third-B engagement hole 337 is provided on the insertion guide 313. The four third-B engagement holes 337 extend in the Z direction. Four fourth-engagement pins 411 provided on the fourth housing portion 401 are pressed into the four third-B engagement holes 337 from the +Z direction. Thus, the fourth housing portion 401 and the third housing portion 301 are assembled together.

[0064] First outer shell

[0065] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the first outer shell portion 101 includes a first bottom wall portion 103 and a first side wall portion 105 that protrudes in the -Z direction from the periphery of the first bottom wall portion 103.

[0066] The first bottom wall portion 103 is located in the +Z direction within the outer casing 9. A first core protrusion 107 protrudes from the first bottom wall portion 103 in the -Z direction. The first core protrusion 107 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The first core protrusion 107 is inserted into the core 23 of the belt spool 19 from the +Z direction. That is, the first core protrusion 107, together with the aforementioned third core protrusion 307, forms the rotation axis of the belt spool 19.

[0067] An elastic section 31 is provided at the base end of the first core protrusion 107, i.e., the end in the +Z direction. For example, a disc spring or a compression coil spring can be used as the elastic section 31. The elastic section 31 applies a load in the width direction (-Z direction) of the belt 21 to the belt core 23 of the belt spool 19 housed in the housing 9. Therefore, when the belt 21 is fed, the swaying of the belt core 23 can be suppressed, and the feeding of the belt 21 can be stabilized.

[0068] Four fixing portions 109 are provided at the base end of the first core protrusion 107. The four fixing portions 109 are arranged approximately equally spaced along the circumference of the first core protrusion 107 and protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface of the first core protrusion 107. The elastic portion 31 is fixed to the base end of the first core protrusion 107 by the four fixing portions 109. Therefore, when the first outer shell portion 101 is removed from the third outer shell portion 301, the elastic portion 31 can be prevented from detaching from the first core protrusion 107, saving labor and time in reinstalling the elastic portion 31 onto the first core protrusion 107. Furthermore, the number of fixing portions 109 is not limited to four; there can be three or fewer, or five or more. Moreover, the method of fixing the elastic portion 31 to the base end of the first core protrusion 107 is not limited to providing fixing portions 109. For example, an internal thread can be provided on the inner periphery of the disc-spring-shaped elastic portion 31, and an external thread can be provided on the outer periphery of the first core protrusion 107, and the elastic portion 31 can be installed on the base end of the first core protrusion 107 by screwing. Alternatively, the elastic portion 31 can be embedded into the base end of the first core protrusion 107, that is, it can be fitted into the base end of the first core protrusion 107. Alternatively, an adhesive can be used to install the elastic portion 31 on the base end of the first core protrusion 107.

[0069] An overlapping portion 111 is provided at the edge portion in the -Y direction of the first bottom wall portion 103. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the overlapping portion 111 is the portion that overlaps with the outer side of the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second outer shell portion 201 in the +Z direction when the first outer shell portion 101 is mounted on the third outer shell portion 301. By providing the overlapping portion 111 on the first bottom wall portion 103, even when a force is applied to the first bottom wall portion 103 from the outside, the bending of the first bottom wall portion 103 inward in the -Z direction can be suppressed, and the crushing of the belt 21 in the width direction (Z direction) by the inwardly bent first bottom wall portion 103 can be suppressed.

[0070] The first sidewall portion 105 protrudes from the periphery of the first bottom wall portion 103 in the -Z direction. Within the first sidewall portions 105, the sidewall portion in the -X direction is referred to as the first A sidewall portion 105a, the sidewall portion in the +X direction is referred to as the first B sidewall portion 105b, and the sidewall portion in the +Y direction is referred to as the first C sidewall portion 105c. That is, in the first outer shell portion 101, the first A sidewall portion 105a and the first B sidewall portion 105b are located on opposite sides.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first outer casing 101, the surface opposite to the first bottom wall 103, i.e., the surface in the -Z direction of the first outer casing 101, is open. That is, in the first outer casing 101, a first opening 113 is provided in the direction from the first outer casing 101 toward the third outer casing 301, i.e., in the -Z direction. By providing the first opening 113 in the first outer casing 101, interference between the first outer casing 101 and the tape roll 19 can be suppressed when the first outer casing 101 is installed onto the third outer casing 301 after the tape roll 19 has been housed in the casing 9.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first outer casing 101, the surface opposite to the first C side wall 105c, i.e., the surface in the -Y direction of the first outer casing 101, is open. That is, in the first outer casing 101, a second opening 115 is provided in the direction from the first outer casing 101 toward the second outer casing 201, i.e., in the -Y direction. By providing the second opening 115 in the first outer casing 101, it is possible to suppress interference between the belt 21 supplied from the belt reel 19 to the belt feed outlet 17 and the first outer casing 101.

[0073] The first outer casing 101 is provided with three first engaging protrusions 117, namely, the first A engaging protrusion 117a, the first B engaging protrusion 117b, and the first C engaging protrusion 117c. The first A engaging protrusion 117a, the first B engaging protrusion 117b, and the first C engaging protrusion 117c engage with the third A engaging receiving portion 333a, the third B engaging receiving portion 333b, and the third C engaging receiving portion 333c provided in the third outer casing 301, respectively. Thus, the first outer casing 101 is detachably mounted relative to the third outer casing 301.

[0074] Second outer shell section

[0075] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the second outer shell portion 201 includes a second bottom wall portion 203 and a second side wall portion 205 that protrudes in the -Z direction from the periphery of the second bottom wall portion 203.

[0076] The second bottom wall portion 203 is located in the +Z direction within the outer casing 9. The second core protrusion 207 and the ribbon guide 209 protrude from the second bottom wall portion 203 in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the second bottom wall portion 203 is provided with a second head opening 211, a second winding opening 213, and a ribbon guide engagement hole 215.

[0077] The second core protrusion 207 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. The second core protrusion 207 is inserted into the unwinding core 13 from the +Z direction. That is, the second core protrusion 207 becomes the rotation axis of the unwinding core 13. A ribbon elastic part (not shown) is provided on the second core protrusion 207. For example, a disc spring or a compression coil spring can be used as the ribbon elastic part. The ribbon elastic part applies a load in the width direction of the ink tape 11, i.e., the -Z direction, to the unwinding core 13. As a result, when the ink tape 11 is fed, the swaying of the unwinding core 13 can be suppressed, and the feeding of the ink tape 11 can be stabilized. In addition, the second outer shell 201 is different from the first outer shell 101. It is usually not removed from the third outer shell 301 except after the tape 21 and the ink tape 11 are consumed. Therefore, no fixing part for fixing the ribbon elastic part is provided on the second core protrusion 207.

[0078] The guide element 209 guides the feeding of the belt 21 between the belt roll 19 and the impression roller 3. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the belt guide 209 is positioned opposite the insertion guide 313, and the belt 21 inserted from the belt insertion port 33 is inserted between the belt guide 209 and the insertion guide 313. That is, the belt guide 209 is located in the -Z direction relative to the belt insertion port 33. Furthermore, a belt guide engaging protrusion 217 is provided at the -Z end of the belt guide 209. The belt guide engaging protrusion 217 engages with the belt guide in the third bottom wall portion 303 of the third housing portion 301. Figure 7 The belt guide engagement hole 323 shown engages. Therefore, the belt guide 209 is supported on both sides by the second bottom wall portion 203 and the third bottom wall portion 303.

[0079] The second head opening 211 is formed into a generally rectangular shape and is located at the corners of the second bottom wall portion 203 in the -X and -Y directions. The second head opening 211 forms the end of the head insertion hole 15 in the +Z direction.

[0080] The second take-up opening 213 is formed in a generally circular shape and is positioned in the +X direction relative to the second head opening 211. The second take-up opening 213 engages with the +Z direction end of the take-up core 7.

[0081] The ribbon guide engagement hole 215 is positioned in the -X direction relative to the second core protrusion 207. The ribbon guide engagement hole 215 engages with the ribbon guide engagement protrusion 325 provided on the A ribbon guide 309.

[0082] Five second locking pins 219 are provided on the second outer casing 201. Four of the five second locking pins 219 protrude in the -Z direction from the end face of the second side wall 205, and one second locking pin 219 is located near the second head opening 211 and protrudes in the -Z direction from the second bottom wall 203. The five second locking pins 219 are pressed into the five third A locking holes 335 provided in the third outer casing 301 from the +Z direction. Thus, the second outer casing 201 and the third outer casing 301 are combined together.

[0083] Fourth outer shell

[0084] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the fourth outer shell portion 401 includes a fourth bottom wall portion 403 and a fourth side wall portion 405 that protrudes from the edge portion in the -X direction of the fourth bottom wall portion 403 in the -Z direction.

[0085] The fourth bottom wall portion 403 is located in the +Z direction within the outer casing 9. A fourth outer casing side roller engaging portion 407 is provided on the fourth bottom wall portion 403. The fourth outer casing side roller engaging portion 407 is a recessed portion on the inner surface of the fourth bottom wall portion 403, i.e., in the -Z direction facing the +Z direction, and is formed into an elongated oval shape that is longer in the Y direction. The fourth outer casing side roller engaging portion 407 engages with the +Z direction end of the impression roller 3. An impression shaft insertion hole 409 is provided in the fourth outer casing side roller engaging portion 407. When the cassette 1T is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 511, the impression shaft 513 is inserted into the impression shaft insertion hole 409.

[0086] Four fourth locking pins 411 protrude in the -Z direction from the fourth bottom wall portion 403. Three of the four fourth locking pins 411 protrude in the -Z direction from the end face in the -Z direction of the fourth side wall portion 405, and one fourth locking pin 411 protrudes in the -Z direction from the fourth bottom wall portion 403. The four fourth locking pins 411 are pressed into the four third B engaging holes 337 provided in the third housing portion 301 from the +Z direction. Thus, the fourth housing portion 401 is assembled with the third housing portion 301.

[0087] First engaging protrusion and third engaging receiving part

[0088] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown above, the first outer casing 101 is provided with a first A engaging protrusion 117a, a first B engaging protrusion 117b, and a first C engaging protrusion 117c. The first A engaging protrusion 117a protrudes in the -Z direction from the first A sidewall 105a. The first B engaging protrusion 117b protrudes in the -Z direction from the first B sidewall 105b. The first C engaging protrusion 117c protrudes in the -Z direction from the first C sidewall 105c.

[0089] The top end of the first A engaging protrusion 117a is formed in a hook shape and engages with the third A engaging receiving portion 333a of the third outer shell portion 301 from the inside of the third outer shell portion 301, i.e., from the +X direction toward the -X direction. The top end of the first B engaging protrusion 117b is formed in a hook shape and engages with the third B engaging receiving portion 333b of the third outer shell portion 301 from the inside of the third outer shell portion 301, i.e., from the -X direction toward the +X direction. The top end of the first C engaging protrusion 117c is formed in a hook shape and engages with the third C engaging receiving portion 333c of the third outer shell portion 301 from the inside of the third outer shell portion 301, i.e., from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction.

[0090] The first outer casing 101 is detachably installed relative to the third outer casing 301 by engaging with the third outer casing 333a, the third outer casing 333b, and the third outer casing 333c respectively through the engagement of the first A engagement protrusion 117a, the first B engagement protrusion 117b, and the first C engagement protrusion 117c.

[0091] When the operator removes the first outer shell 101 from the third outer shell 301, they clamp the first outer shell 101 in the X direction by hand, causing the first A side wall portion 105a and the first B side wall portion 105b to bend inward. As a result, the first A engaging protrusion 117a provided on the first A side wall portion 105a disengages from the third A engaging receiving portion 333a provided on the third outer shell 301, and the first B engaging protrusion 117b provided on the first B side wall portion 105b disengages from the third B engaging receiving portion 333b provided on the third outer shell 301. In this state, the operator, for example, uses the -Z direction end of the first C side wall portion 105c as a fulcrum to rotate the first outer shell 101 in the +Z direction. As a result, the first C engaging protrusion 117c provided on the first C side wall portion 105c disengages from the third C engaging receiving portion 333c provided on the third outer casing portion 301.

[0092] In this way, the operator can remove only the first outer shell 101 and the first outer shell 101 from the third outer shell 301. That is, even if the first outer shell 101 is removed from the third outer shell 301, since the second outer shell 201 is installed on the third outer shell 301, the ribbon spool 5 is still stored between the second outer shell 201 and the third outer shell 301. Therefore, the operator can insert the ribbon spool 19 into the box shell 9 without the ribbon spool 5 unraveling.

[0093] Furthermore, since the 1A sidewall portion 105a and the 1B sidewall portion 105b are provided on opposite sides of each other in the first housing portion 101, the operator can easily perform the operation of bending the 1A sidewall portion 105a and the 1B sidewall portion 105b inward. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the 1A engaging protrusion 117a provided on the 1A sidewall portion 105a and the 1B engaging protrusion 117b provided on the 1B sidewall portion 105b from the 3A engaging receiving portion 333a and the 3B engaging receiving portion 333b, respectively.

[0094] Furthermore, when the operator installs the first outer shell 101 onto the third outer shell 301, they clamp the first outer shell 101 in the X direction by hand, causing the first A side wall portion 105a and the first B side wall portion 105b to flex inward. In this state, after the operator aligns the first side wall portion 105 of the first outer shell 101 with the third side wall portion 305 of the third outer shell 301 and engages the first C engaging protrusion 117c with the third C engaging receiving portion 333c from the inside of the third outer shell 301, they release the force clamping the first outer shell 101. Thus, the first A engaging protrusion 117a provided on the first A side wall portion 105a engages with the third A engaging receiving portion 333a from the inside of the third outer shell portion 301, and the first B engaging protrusion 117b provided on the first B side wall portion 105b engages with the third B engaging receiving portion 333b from the inside of the third outer shell portion 301.

[0095] Thus, the first A sidewall portion 105a, which has the first A engaging protrusion 117a, and the first B sidewall portion 105b, which has the first B engaging protrusion 117b, are positioned on opposite sides of each other in the first housing portion 101. Therefore, in order to remove the first A engaging protrusion 117a and the first B engaging protrusion 117b from the third A engaging receiving portion 333a and the third B engaging receiving portion 333b respectively, the operator can easily perform an operation by bending the first A sidewall portion 105a and the first B sidewall portion 105b inwards.

[0096] With insertion port

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown, an insertion port 33 is provided on the +Z direction surface of the outer casing 9. The insertion port 33 is located between the second outer casing portion 201 and the fourth outer casing portion 401. The -X direction end of the insertion port 33 is connected via a route described later. Figure 14 The belt has an inlet channel 35 and is connected to a delivery outlet 17.

[0098] When the operator inserts the individual tape roll 19 into the casing 9, for example, while holding the tape roll 19 with one hand, the operator uses the other hand to draw the tape 21 from the tape roll 19 so that the tip of the tape 21 extends out of the casing 9 from the tape feed outlet 17. Next, the operator places the tape roll 19 on the third bottom wall portion 303 such that the third core protrusion 307 is inserted into the tape core 23 of the tape roll 19, and inserts the tape 21 drawn from the tape roll 19 from one end in the width direction of the tape 21, i.e., the end in the -Z direction, into the tape insertion port 33 in the -Z direction. The tape 21 inserted from the tape insertion port 33 is inserted between the ink tape 11 and the impression roller 3.

[0099] In this way, workers can store the tape roll 19 in the housing 9 with the top of the tape 21 extending out of the housing 9 from the tape delivery outlet 17 without performing labor-intensive and time-consuming work such as manually rotating the tape roll 19 to feed the tape 21 to the tape delivery outlet 17.

[0100] The edge portion with the insertion port 33 in the -Y direction is referred to as the second insertion edge portion 221, and the edge portion with the insertion port 33 in the +Y direction is referred to as the fourth insertion edge portion 413. The second insertion edge portion 221 is formed by the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second outer shell portion 201. The fourth insertion edge portion 413 is formed by the fourth bottom wall portion 403 of the fourth outer shell portion 401.

[0101] The second insertion edge 221 is formed into an arc shape that protrudes in the -Y direction relative to the side opposite to the impression roller 3. Therefore, the shape of the tape 21 inserted from the tape insertion port 33 is such that it is bent to match the outer peripheral surface of the impression roller 3 that protrudes in the -Y direction. As a result, when the tape 21 is inserted into the tape insertion port 33, the situation where the tape 21 hangs on the impression roller 3 can be suppressed.

[0102] With delivery outlet and with inlet channel

[0103] like Figure 14 As shown, a feed outlet 17 and an inlet channel 35 are provided on the surface of the outer casing 9 in the -X direction.

[0104] The tape 21 unwound from the tape reel 19 is fed out of the housing 9 through the tape feed outlet 17. The tape feed outlet 17 is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Z direction. Approximately half of the tape feed outlet 17 in the +Z direction is provided between the second housing portion 201 and the fourth housing portion 401, and approximately half of the tape feed outlet 17 in the -Z direction is provided between the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301.

[0105] The edge portion in the -Y direction with the outlet 17 is referred to as the second delivery edge portion 223. The second delivery edge portion 223 is formed by the second sidewall portion 205 of the second housing portion 201. The second delivery edge portion 223 extends in the Z direction. A delivery protrusion 225 is provided at the end of the second delivery edge portion 223 in the +Z direction.

[0106] The feed protrusion 225 protrudes from the second feed edge 223 toward the opposing edge 417 (described later), i.e., in the +Y direction. The feed protrusion 225 is provided to block the belt feed outlet 17 in the +Z direction. This feed protrusion 225 prevents the belt 21 from slipping out of the belt feed outlet 17 in the +Z direction. Furthermore, when the belt 21 is fed, the feed protrusion 225 prevents the belt 21 from bending or skewing in the +Z direction.

[0107] The portion of the edge portion in the +Y direction with the outlet 17 formed by the third sidewall portion 305 of the third housing portion 301 is referred to as the third delivery edge portion 339, and the portion formed by the fourth sidewall portion 405 of the fourth housing portion 401 is referred to as the fourth delivery edge portion 415. The third delivery edge portion 339 extends in the Z direction. The fourth delivery edge portion 415 is provided in the +Z direction relative to the third delivery edge portion 339. The fourth delivery edge portion 415 extends in the Z direction.

[0108] The belt inlet channel 35 guides the belt 21, which is inserted into the belt insertion port 33, to the belt outlet 17. The belt inlet channel 35 connects the -X direction end of the belt insertion port 33 and the +Y direction side of the +Z direction end of the belt outlet 17. That is, the +Z direction end of the belt inlet channel 35 is connected to the -X direction end of the belt insertion port 33, and the -Y direction end of the belt inlet channel 35 is connected to the +Y direction side of the +Z direction end of the belt outlet 17.

[0109] An opposing edge portion 417 and an inclined edge portion 419 are provided at the edge portion in the +Y direction of the belt inlet channel 35. The opposing edge portion 417 and the inclined edge portion 419 are formed by the fourth sidewall portion 405 of the fourth housing portion 401. The opposing edge portion 417 extends in the Z direction and is opposite to the delivery protrusion 225. When the belt 21 is inserted from the belt insertion port 33, the belt 21 is inserted into the belt inlet channel 35 between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417.

[0110] An inclined edge portion 419 is disposed between the opposing edge portion 417 and the fourth delivery edge portion 415. The inclined edge portion 419 is inclined relative to the opposing edge portion 417 in such a way that the belt 21 inserted between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417 is guided to the belt delivery outlet 17. That is, the -Z direction end of the inclined edge portion 419 is located in the -Y direction relative to the +Z direction end of the inclined edge portion 419. When the belt 21 is inserted between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417, the -Z direction end of the belt 21 contacts the inclined edge portion 419. The belt 21 that has contacted the inclined edge portion 419 is guided from the belt inlet channel 35 to the belt delivery outlet 17 by the inclined edge portion 419, which is inclined relative to the opposing edge portion 417. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the belt 21 drawn from the belt reel 19 from the belt insertion port 33 to the belt delivery outlet 17.

[0111] Furthermore, the width of the tape inlet channel 35, i.e., the distance between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417, is greater than the width of the tape outlet 17, i.e., the distance between the second delivery edge portion 223 and the fourth delivery edge portion 415. Therefore, when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion port 33, even if the tape 21 is thicker than a normal tape 21, it can be easily inserted between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417.

[0112] Furthermore, when the tape 21, drawn from the tape reel 19 housed within the casing 9, is removed from the tape insertion port 33 for purposes such as changing the tape reel 19, one end of the tape 21 in the width direction, i.e., the +Z direction end, passes between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417. In this embodiment, since the inclined edge portion 419 is inclined relative to the opposing edge portion 417, by slightly bending the +Z direction end of the tape 21, it is possible for the +Z direction end of the tape 21 to pass between the delivery protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the tape 21 drawn from the tape reel 19 housed within the casing 9 from the tape insertion port 33.

[0113] Impression roller and third housing side roller engagement part

[0114] like Figure 15 As shown, the impression roller 3 includes a roller body 37 and a roller shaft 39. The roller body 37 is made of an elastomer such as rubber and is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. The roller body 37 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the roller shaft 39.

[0115] The roller 39 is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. A first roller-side engaging portion 41 and a second roller-side engaging portion 43 are provided on the roller 39. The first roller-side engaging portion 41 is located near the end of the roller 39 in the -Z direction, and the second roller-side engaging portion 43 is located at the end of the roller 39 in the +Z direction. The portion of the roller 39 between the first roller-side engaging portion 41 and the second roller-side engaging portion 43 is referred to as the roller mounting portion 45. A roller body 37 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the roller mounting portion 45. Furthermore, the portion of the roller 39 located in the -Z direction relative to the first roller-side engaging portion 41 is referred to as the opening insertion portion 47. The opening insertion portion 47 is inserted into the impression opening 317.

[0116] The first roller-side engaging portion 41 is formed with a larger diameter compared to the roller mounting portion 45 and the opening insertion portion 47. The first roller-side engaging portion 41 engages with the third housing-side roller engaging portion 331. The surface of the first roller-side engaging portion 41 in the -Z direction is referred to as the first roller-side contact surface 49. The first roller-side contact surface 49 contacts the surface of the third housing-side roller engaging portion 331 in the +Z direction.

[0117] The second roller-side engaging portion 43 is formed with a larger diameter compared to the roller mounting portion 45. The second roller-side engaging portion 43 engages with the fourth housing-side roller engaging portion 407. As described above, the fourth housing-side roller engaging portion 407 is formed as an elongated oval shape that is longer in the Y direction. Therefore, the impression roller 3 can be... Figure 16 The first posture shown and Figure 17 The second posture shown is an upright posture, whereby the first posture is an upright posture, and the second posture is an inclined posture relative to the first posture, in which the end of the impression roller 3 in the +Z direction moves away from the ink belt 11 in the +Y direction compared to the end of the impression roller 3 in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the first upright posture of the impression roller 3 refers to a posture in which the axial direction of the impression roller 3 is approximately parallel to the width direction of the ink belt 11, i.e., the Z direction.

[0118] like Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 As shown, when the impression roller 3 is upright in the first posture, if the box 1 is viewed from the +Z direction, the +Z direction end face 37a of the roller body 37 can be seen through the belt insertion port 33. On the other hand, when the impression roller 3 is tilted in the second posture, if the box 1 is viewed from the +Z direction, not only the +Z direction end face 37a of the roller body 37 can be seen through the belt insertion port 33, but also the outer peripheral surface 37b of the roller body 37. In addition, the second roller side engagement portion 43 can be seen through the impression shaft insertion hole 409.

[0119] A first contact surface 341 and a second contact surface 343 are provided on the surface of the third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331 in the +Z direction. For example... Figure 7As shown, the first contact surface 341, when viewed from the +Z direction, is formed as an arc with a larger central angle compared to a semicircle. The first contact surface 341 is inclined relative to the XY plane. That is, the end of the first contact surface 341 in the +Y direction is located in the -Z direction compared to the end of the first contact surface 341 in the -Y direction. The second contact surface 343 is disposed in the -Y direction relative to the first contact surface 341, and as shown... Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the +Z direction, the two contact surfaces are formed as two arcs with a smaller central angle compared to the first contact surface 341. The second contact surface 343 is parallel to the XY plane.

[0120] When the box 1 is placed on a roughly horizontal surface such as a table with its -Z direction facing downwards (i.e., the first roller side engaging portion 41 of the first roller side engaging portion 41 and the second roller side engaging portion 43 are in a downward orientation), the first roller side engaging portion 41 is supported by the third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331. At this time, since the first contact surface 341 is larger than the second contact surface 343, the impression roller 3 is tilted such that the first roller side contact surface 49 contacts the first contact surface 341 of the first contact surface 341 and the second contact surface 343, thereby the impression roller 3 is in a second orientation.

[0121] like Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 As shown, when the impression roller 3 is in the second posture, as described above, the end of the impression roller 3 in the +Z direction moves further away from the ink belt 11 in the +Y direction compared to the end of the impression roller 3 in the -Z direction. That is, when the impression roller 3 is in the first posture, the impression roller 3 is almost in contact with the ink belt 11, but when the impression roller 3 is in the second posture, a gap is generated between the impression roller 3 and the ink belt 11. Therefore, when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion port 33 between the ink belt 11 and the impression roller 3, the situation where the tape 21 gets caught on the impression roller 3 can be suppressed.

[0122] When the cassette 1T is mounted on the cassette mounting part 511, the impression shaft 513 extending in the Z direction in the cassette mounting part 511 is inserted into the roller shaft 39 of the impression roller 3, thereby making the impression roller 3 become Figure 16 The first posture shown. At this time, as Figure 15As shown, the first roller side contact surface 49 is in contact with the second contact surface 343 in the +Z direction of the third housing side roller engaging portion 331, thereby supporting the impression roller 3 through the second contact surface 343. Therefore, when the impression roller 3 rotates, it is possible to suppress the impression roller 3 from tilting relative to the impression shaft 513, and the tape 21 and ink tape 11 can be properly fed by the impression roller 3. In addition, by positioning the impression roller 3 in the first position, the tape 21 is pressed by the impression roller 3 in the -Y direction, and the +Z direction end of the tape 21 is pressed away from the tape guide channel 35 in the -Y direction by the delivery protrusion 225, thus, it is possible to suppress the tape 21 from coming off the tape guide channel 35 in the +Z direction.

[0123] Second guide

[0124] like Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the belt guide 209 includes a guide base portion 227 and nine protrusions 229. By having multiple protrusions 229, the belt guide 209 can properly guide the belt 21 across the entire width direction.

[0125] The guide base portion 227 is formed as a generally rectangular plate that is longer in the Z direction. A protrusion 229 protrudes from the guide base portion 227 in the +Y direction. The protrusion 229 is formed as a generally semi-circular plate and contacts the belt 21 at its circumferential surface. That is, the contact surface of the protrusion 229 is formed as an arc and contacts the printing surface of the belt 21 supplied to the belt feed outlet 17. By forming the protrusion 229 as a plate, the contact area between the protrusion 229 and the belt 21 can be reduced. Furthermore, by forming the contact surface of the protrusion 229 with the belt 21 as an arc, the contact area between the protrusion 229 and the belt 21 can be reduced.

[0126] Nine protrusions 229 are distributed along the width direction of the belt 21, i.e., the -Z direction. These nine protrusions 229 form three protrusion groups 231. The spacing between protrusion groups 231 is greater than the spacing between the protrusions 229 within the same protrusion group 231. Therefore, compared to a structure where the nine protrusions 229 are arranged at equal intervals, the width of the non-contact area in the belt 21 between protrusion groups 231 is larger. This reduces the feed load on the belt 21 caused by friction with the belt guide 209.

[0127] Furthermore, the spacing between protrusions 231 refers to the spacing between the nth protrusion 231 and the (n+1)th protrusion 231 counting from the +Z direction; that is, the spacing between the protrusion 229 in the nth protrusion 231 that is closest to the -Z direction and the protrusion 229 in the (n+1)th protrusion 231 that is closest to the +Z direction. n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Additionally, the spacing between protrusions 229 within the same protrusion 231 refers to the spacing between the mth protrusion 229 and the (m+1)th protrusion 229 counting from the +Z direction in any protrusion 231. m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0128] A chamfered portion 233 for a belt guide is provided at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229. In a structure different from this embodiment, where the chamfered portion 233 for a belt guide is not provided at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229, the inserted belt 21 may get caught on the protrusion 229 provided on the belt guide 209 when it is inserted into the belt insertion port 33. In contrast, in this embodiment, by providing the chamfered portion 233 for a belt guide at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229, the situation where the belt 21 gets caught on the protrusion 229 when it is inserted into the belt insertion port 33 can be suppressed.

[0129] As described above, the box 1 of this embodiment is a box 1 that can be mounted on the printing apparatus 501, and includes a ribbon spool 5 and a box outer shell 9. The box outer shell 9 can store the ribbon spool 19 and the ribbon spool 5. The box outer shell 9 includes a third outer shell portion 301, a first outer shell portion 101, and a second outer shell portion 201. The first outer shell portion 101 can store the ribbon spool 19 between itself and the third outer shell portion 301. The second outer shell portion 201 is separately provided from the first outer shell portion 101, and stores the ribbon spool 5 between itself and the third outer shell portion 301. The first outer shell portion 101 can be detached from the third outer shell portion 301.

[0130] According to this structure, the operator can remove only the first outer shell 101 and the first outer shell 101 in the second outer shell 201 from the third outer shell 301. Thus, the operator can insert the tape roll 19 into the box shell 9 without the tape roll 5 unraveling.

[0131] Furthermore, the box 1 in this embodiment is a box 1 that can be mounted on the tape printing device 501, and has a box outer shell 9 that can store the tape roll 19. The box outer shell 9 has a third outer shell portion 301, a first outer shell portion 101, a second outer shell portion 201, and a fourth outer shell portion 401. The first outer shell portion 101 can store the tape roll 19 between itself and the third outer shell portion 301, and can be detached from the third outer shell portion 301. The second outer shell portion 201 is separately provided from the first outer shell portion 101. The fourth outer shell portion 401 is separately provided from the first outer shell portion 101. A tape feed outlet 17 and a tape insertion port 33 are provided between the second outer shell portion 201 and the fourth outer shell portion 401. The tape 21 unwound from the tape roll 19 is fed out of the box outer shell 9 through the tape feed outlet 17. When the tape reel 19 is housed inside the housing 9, the tape 21 drawn from the tape reel 19 in such a way that the top end of the tape 21 extends out of the housing 9 from the tape feed outlet 17 can be inserted into the tape insertion port 33 in the -Z direction from the end which is the width direction of the tape 21.

[0132] According to this structure, the operator can store the tape roll 19 inside the housing 9 with the top end of the tape 21 protruding from the tape delivery outlet 17, without performing labor-intensive and time-consuming operations such as manually rotating the tape roll 19 to feed the tape 21 to the tape delivery outlet 17.

[0133] Furthermore, the box 1 in this embodiment is a box 1 that can be mounted on the tape printing apparatus 501, and has a box shell 9 that can house the tape roll 19. The box shell 9 is provided with a tape feed outlet 17, a tape insertion port 33, and a tape guide 209. The tape 21 unwound from the tape roll 19 is fed out of the box shell 9 through the tape feed outlet 17. When the tape roll 19 is housed inside the box shell 9, the tape 21 drawn from the tape roll 19, with its tip extending out of the box shell 9 from the tape feed outlet 17, can be inserted into the tape insertion port 33 in the -Z direction, which is one of the width directions of the tape 21. The tape guide 209 is located in the -Z direction relative to the tape insertion port 33 and guides the feeding of the tape 21 performed by the tape printing apparatus 501. The tape guide 209 has a protrusion 229 that contacts the tape 21. A chamfered portion 233 with a guide is provided at the end of the protrusion 229 in the +Z direction.

[0134] According to this structure, by providing a belt guide chamfered portion 233 at the end of the protrusion 229 in the +Z direction, the situation where the belt 21 gets caught on the protrusion 229 can be suppressed when the belt 21 is inserted from the belt insertion port 33.

[0135] Second embodiment

[0136] based on Figure 20The second embodiment of the box, box 1A, will be described. Although the second embodiment of box 1A is constructed in a manner substantially the same as that of box 1 in the first embodiment, it differs in that the first outer shell portion 101 engages with the second outer shell portion 201 and the first outer shell portion 101 engages with the fourth outer shell portion 401.

[0137] A first A engaging portion 119 and a first B engaging portion 121 are provided in the first outer casing portion 101. Both the first A engaging portion 119 and the first B engaging portion 121 protrude in the -Z direction from the first bottom wall portion 103. The first A engaging portion 119 is provided on the overlapping portion 111, but its position is not particularly defined. The first A engaging portion 119 engages with a second engaging recess 235 provided on the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second outer casing portion 201. The first B engaging portion 121 engages with a fourth engaging recess 421 provided on the fourth bottom wall portion 403 of the fourth outer casing portion 401.

[0138] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned structure where the second engaging pin 219 is pressed into the third A engaging hole 335, the first A engaging portion 119 is not pressed into the second engaging recess 235. Therefore, even when the first A engaging portion 119 is engaged with the second engaging recess 235, the first outer casing 101 can be easily removed from the third outer casing 301 by hand. The same applies to the first B engaging portion 121.

[0139] By engaging the first engagement portion 119 with the second engagement recess 235, the wobbling of the first outer shell portion 101 and the second outer shell portion 201 in the X or Y direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the overall rigidity of the casing 9 can be improved. Similarly, by engaging the first engagement portion 121 with the fourth engagement recess 421, the wobbling of the first outer shell portion 101 and the fourth outer shell portion 401 in the X or Y direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the overall rigidity of the casing 9 can be improved.

[0140] Furthermore, the structure is not limited to having a first A engaging portion 119 in the first outer shell portion 101 and a second engaging recess 235 in the second outer shell portion 201. It can also be a structure where the first outer shell portion 101 has an engaging recess and the second outer shell portion 201 has an engaging portion. Moreover, it can also be a structure where the first outer shell portion 101 has both an engaging portion and an engaging recess, and the second outer shell portion 201 has both an engaging recess that engages with the engaging portion in the first outer shell portion 101 and an engaging portion that engages with the engaging recess in the first outer shell portion 101. The same applies to the first outer shell portion 101 and the fourth outer shell portion 401.

[0141] Furthermore, the engaging portion is not limited to a portion protruding from the first bottom wall portion 103 as in the case of engaging portions 119 (1A) and 121 (1B). For example, the overlapping portion 111 can function as the entire engaging portion 119 (1A). That is, a structure in which an engaging recess engaging with the overlapping portion 111 is provided on the second outer casing portion 201 is also possible.

[0142] Other variations

[0143] The implementation is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various structures can be adopted without departing from its main idea. For example, the above-described embodiments can be modified in the following ways in addition to the above content. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the embodiments and modifications separately.

[0144] The first outer shell portion 101, the second outer shell portion 201, the third outer shell portion 301, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are not limited to a structure in which they are separately arranged. As long as the first outer shell portion 101 and any one of the second outer shell portion 201, the third outer shell portion 301, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are separately arranged, other structures are also possible. For example, the second outer shell portion 201 and the third outer shell portion 301 can also be integrally formed, the second outer shell portion 201 and the fourth outer shell portion 401 can also be integrally formed, and the third outer shell portion 301 and the fourth outer shell portion 401 can also be integrally formed. Moreover, a structure in which the second outer shell portion 201, the third outer shell portion 301, and the fourth outer shell portion 401 are integrally formed is also possible.

[0145] It is not limited to a structure in which a delivery protrusion 225 is provided in the second outer shell portion 201 and an opposing edge portion 417 and an inclined edge portion 419 are provided in the fourth outer shell portion 401. It may also be a structure in which an opposing edge portion and an inclined edge portion are provided in the second outer shell portion 201 and a delivery protrusion is provided in the fourth outer shell portion 401.

[0146] The protrusion height of the protrusion 229 can vary depending on the material or thickness of the strip 21 housed within the casing 9. Furthermore, the protrusion height can differ among the multiple protrusions 229. For example, if the strip 21 housed within the casing 9 is a punched strip, the protrusion 229 connecting to the edge portion can be raised, while the protrusion 229 connecting to the label portion can be lowered. The number of protrusions 229 can also vary depending on the material or thickness of the strip 21 housed within the casing 9. For example, if the strip 21 housed within the casing 9 is a highly rigid strip such as a magnetic tape, the protrusions 229 can be positioned at two locations corresponding to the two ends of the strip 21 in the width direction.

[0147] Postscript

[0148] The following are notes about the box.

[0149] A box that can be mounted on a tape printing device includes a box shell capable of housing a tape roll formed by winding tape. The box shell is provided with: a tape feed outlet for feeding tape unwound from the tape roll housed in the box shell to the outside of the box shell; a tape insertion port for inserting tape drawn from the tape roll, with its tip extending from the tape feed outlet to the outside of the box shell, from one end in the width direction of the tape into a first direction; and a tape guide located in the first direction relative to the tape insertion port for guiding the tape feeding performed by the tape printing device. The tape guide has a tape contact portion that contacts the tape fed to the tape feed outlet, and a chamfered portion is provided at the end of the tape contact portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0150] According to this structure, by providing a chamfered portion in the belt contact portion, the situation where the belt gets caught on the belt contact portion can be suppressed when the belt is inserted from the belt insertion port.

[0151] Additionally, protrusion 229 is an example of a "contact portion". "Chamfered portion 233 with guide" is an example of a "chamfered portion". The -Z direction is an example of a "first direction". The +Z direction is an example of a "second direction".

[0152] In this case, preferably, the guide includes: a guide base portion; and a protrusion that protrudes from the guide base portion and functions as a belt contact portion.

[0153] This structure reduces the contact area between the belt guide and the belt.

[0154] In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion is formed as a plate.

[0155] This structure reduces the contact area between the protrusion and the belt.

[0156] In this case, preferably, the contact surface of the protrusion that contacts the belt is formed in an arc shape.

[0157] This structure reduces the contact area between the protrusion and the belt.

[0158] In this case, preferably, the guide includes multiple protrusions.

[0159] According to this structure, the belt can be properly guided across its entire width.

[0160] In this case, preferably, a plurality of protrusions are distributed in a first direction, the plurality of protrusions forming a plurality of protrusion groups, and the spacing between protrusion groups in the first direction is greater than the spacing between protrusions contained in the same protrusion group.

[0161] According to this structure, compared to a structure in which multiple protrusions are arranged at equal intervals, the width of the non-contact area in the belt between protrusion groups is larger. Therefore, the feed load of the belt caused by friction with the belt guide can be reduced.

[0162] In this case, preferably, an impression roller is provided, which feeds the tape between itself and the thermal head of the tape printing device when the box is mounted on the tape printing device. The box housing has: a third housing portion; a first housing portion that can house the tape roll between itself and the third housing portion and can be detached from the third housing portion; a second housing portion that is separately disposed from the first housing portion; a fourth housing portion that is separately disposed from the first housing portion and houses the impression roller between itself and the third housing portion; and a tape feed outlet and a tape insertion port are provided between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion.

[0163] According to this structure, the operator can remove only the first outer shell and the first outer shell of the fourth outer shell from the third outer shell. This allows the operator to reload the tape roll into the box shell without the impression roller detaching from the box shell.

[0164] In this case, preferably, a belt inlet channel is provided between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion, the belt inlet channel guides the belt inserted from the belt insertion port to the belt delivery outlet, and a delivery protrusion is provided at the edge of the belt delivery outlet in a manner that blocks the second direction opposite to the first direction in the belt delivery outlet. An opposing edge portion and an inclined edge portion are provided at the edge of the belt inlet channel, the opposing edge portion is opposite to the delivery protrusion, and the inclined edge portion is inclined relative to the opposing edge portion in a manner that guides the belt inserted between the delivery protrusion and the opposing edge portion to the belt delivery outlet.

[0165] According to this structure, by providing the delivery protrusion, it is possible to prevent the belt from slipping out of the belt feed outlet in the second direction. Furthermore, by providing the inclined edge portion, it is possible to easily insert the belt drawn from the belt spool from the belt insertion port to the belt feed outlet.

[0166] Explanation of symbols

[0167] 1…box; 3…impression roller; 9…box shell; 17…with feed outlet; 19…with roll; 21…belt; 33…with insert port; 35…with feed channel; 101…first shell section; 201…second shell section; 209…with guide; 225…feedout protrusion; 227…guide base section; 229…protrusion; 231…protrusion group; 233…with guide chamfer; 301…third shell section; 401…fourth shell section; 417…opposite edge section; 419…sloping edge section; 501…with printing device; 517…thermal head.

Claims

1. A box, characterized in that, It is a box that can be installed on a printing device. The box has an outer shell that can store the tape roll formed by winding the tape. The outer shell of the box is provided with: A conveyor outlet for feeding the belt unwound from the belt reel housed in the outer casing of the box out of the outer casing; The tape has an insertion port, which, when the tape reel is housed in the housing, allows the tape drawn from the tape reel in such a manner that the top end of the tape extends from the tape feed outlet to the outside of the housing to be inserted from one end in the width direction of the tape into a first direction that is the width direction of the tape. A belt guide, positioned in the first direction relative to the belt insertion port, guides the feeding of the belt performed by the belt printing device. The belt guide is provided with a belt contact portion, which contacts the belt supplied to the belt feed outlet. A chamfered portion is provided at the end of the contact portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The box as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide includes: Guide base section; The protrusion extends from the base portion of the guide member and functions as the contact portion of the belt.

3. The box as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion is formed into a plate shape.

4. The box as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The contact surface between the protrusion and the belt is formed into an arc shape.

5. The box as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The guide includes a plurality of the protrusions.

6. The box as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of protrusions are distributed in a dispersed manner in the first direction. The multiple protrusions constitute multiple protrusion groups. The spacing between the protrusions in the first direction is greater than the spacing between the protrusions contained in the same protrusion group.

7. The box as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Equipped with an impression roller, the impression roller feeds the tape between itself and a thermal head of the tape printing device when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing apparatus. The outer shell of the box has: Third outer casing; The first outer casing is capable of housing the tape roll between itself and the third outer casing, and is detachable from the third outer casing. The second outer shell portion is integrally disposed with the first outer shell portion. The fourth outer casing is integrally disposed with the first outer casing and houses the impression roller between itself and the third outer casing. The tape delivery outlet and the tape insertion port are located between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion.

8. The box as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, A tape inlet channel is provided between the second outer shell portion and the fourth outer shell portion, the tape inlet channel guiding the tape inserted from the tape insertion port to the tape delivery outlet. A feeding protrusion is provided at the edge of the belt feeding outlet to block the second direction in the belt feeding outlet, which is opposite to the first direction. An opposing edge portion and an inclined edge portion are provided at the edge portion of the belt inlet channel. The opposing edge portion is opposite to the delivery protrusion, and the inclined edge portion is inclined relative to the opposing edge portion in such a way that the belt inserted between the delivery protrusion and the opposing edge portion is introduced to the belt delivery outlet.

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