cartridge

Abstract

A cartridge capable of housing a tape reel in a cartridge case by a simple operation is provided. The cartridge is a cartridge capable of being mounted on a tape printing apparatus, and has a cartridge case having: a third case portion; a first case portion capable of housing a tape reel between the first case portion and the third case portion and capable of being attached to and detached from the third case portion; a second case portion and a fourth case portion provided separately from the first case portion, and between the second case portion and the fourth case portion, a tape discharge port for discharging a tape unwound from the tape reel outside the cartridge case, and a tape insertion port capable of inserting the tape drawn from the tape reel from one end portion in a width direction of the tape in a first direction in a manner that a top end of the tape protrudes outside the cartridge case from the tape discharge port.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a cartridge mountable on a tape printing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tape cartridge is known in which a print tape and an ink tape are housed in a cartridge case having a first case and a second case which can be disassembled from each other. The tape cartridge is configured so that the print tape and the ink tape can be replaced after the print tape and the ink tape are consumed by disassembling the cartridge case into the first case and the second case by a cartridge disassembling device.

[0003] Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a label tape cartridge is known in which a label tape and an ink tape are housed in a cartridge main body and a cover. The label tape cartridge is configured so that the cover can be easily detached from the cartridge main body by fixing the cartridge main body and the cover by a fixing screw, and the cover and the cartridge main body can be separately recycled and reused after the label tape and the ink tape are consumed.

[0004] Although the conventional label tape cartridge is a device in which the label tape and the ink tape are housed in advance, in recent years, there is a demand for a desire to load a separate label tape after the fact with respect to the label tape. In response to such a demand, it is considered to provide a label tape cartridge in which the ink tape is housed and the label tape can be loaded after the fact. However, in order to be configured in a state in which a top end of the label tape protrudes from a tape outlet to the outside of the cartridge case, a laborious and time-consuming work of rotating the tape spool by hand and feeding the label tape toward the tape outlet is required.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-301872

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-114456 SUMMARY

[0007] The cartridge of the present application is a cartridge mountable on a tape printing device, in which a cartridge case is provided, the cartridge case being capable of housing a tape spool formed by winding a tape, the cartridge case having: a third case portion; a first case portion capable of housing the tape spool between the first case portion and the third case portion and capable of being disassembled with respect to the third case portion; a second case portion provided separately from the first case portion; and a fourth case portion provided separately from the first case portion, between the second case portion and the fourth case portion, a tape outlet is provided which feeds the tape unwound from the tape spool housed in the cartridge case to the outside of the cartridge case, and a tape insertion opening is provided which, when the tape spool is housed in the cartridge case, allows the tape drawn out from the tape spool in a manner in which a top end of the tape protrudes from the tape outlet to the outside of the cartridge case to be inserted from one end in a width direction of the tape in a first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the box as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a box containing a roll of paper, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view with a printing device.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the box.

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of the box with the first outer shell removed.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the third outer shell.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the third outer shell as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell.

[0016] Figure 9 From Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the first outer shell as seen from an angle other than [the original image].

[0017] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second outer shell.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a view of the second outer shell section from the -Z direction.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the fourth outer shell.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the fourth outer shell section as viewed from the -Z direction.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the box as viewed from the -X direction.

[0022] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a box showing the structure around the impression roller.

[0023] Figure 16 A diagram showing the impression roller in its first posture.

[0024] Figure 17 A diagram showing the second posture of the impression roller.

[0025] Figure 18 From Figure 5A perspective view of the box with the first outer shell removed, viewed from an angle other than [the original image].

[0026] Figure 19 From Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the second outer shell as observed from an angle other than [the original image].

[0027] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the box according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] Box and its outline

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] With printing device

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, the tape printing device 501 is provided with a device housing 503 and a mounting portion cover 505. On the +Z direction face of the device housing 503, a keyboard 507, a display 509, and a cartridge mounting portion 511 are provided.

[0035] The keyboard 507 receives input operations from a user. The display 509 displays various information in addition to displaying input results input from the keyboard 507.

[0036] The cartridge mounting portion 511 is formed in a concave shape with the +Z direction open, and the tape cartridge IT is detachably mounted thereto. Also, since the cartridge 1 is configured in the same manner as the tape cartridge IT except that the tape reel 19 is not housed therein, the cartridge 1 can also be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 511. However, since the cartridge 1 does not house the tape reel 19 that becomes a printing medium, the tape cartridge IT is normally mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 511.

[0037] The mounting portion cover 505 is rotatably mounted to the +Y direction end of the device housing 503, and opens and closes the cartridge mounting portion 511.

[0038] The platen shaft 513 and the take-up shaft 515 protrude in the +Z direction from the bottom face of the cartridge mounting portion 511. When the tape cartridge IT is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 511, the platen shaft 513 is inserted into the platen roller 3, and the platen roller 3 is engaged with the platen shaft 513. Thus, rotation of an unillustrated motor is transmitted to the platen roller 3 via the platen shaft 513. Likewise, when the tape cartridge IT is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 511, the take-up shaft 515 is inserted into the take-up core 7, and the take-up core 7 is engaged with the take-up shaft 515. Thus, rotation of the motor is transmitted to the take-up core 7 via the take-up shaft 515.

[0039] In the cartridge mounting portion 511, a thermal head 517 and a head cover 519 are provided. The thermal head 517 is provided with an unillustrated heating element, and performs printing on the tape 21. The head cover 519 partially covers the thermal head 517.

[0040] When the tape cartridge IT is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 511, the thermal head 517 and the head cover 519 are inserted into the head insertion hole 15. Next, when the mounting portion cover 505 is closed, the thermal head 517 is moved toward the platen roller 3 by an unillustrated head moving mechanism. Thus, the tape 21 and the ink ribbon 11 are sandwiched between the thermal head 517 and the platen roller 3. When the platen roller 3 is rotated in this state, the tape 21 and the ink ribbon 11 are fed. At this time, the thermal head 517 is heated, and the ink of the ink ribbon 11 is transferred to the tape 21, whereby a printed image based on input results input from the keyboard 507 is printed on the tape 21.

[0041] A tape discharge port 521 is provided on the -X direction face of the device housing 503. The printed tape 21 is discharged from the tape discharge port 521. A cutter 523 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 511 and the tape discharge port 521. The cutter 523 cuts the tape 21. Thus, the printed portion of the tape 21 is broken.

[0042] Cartridge housing

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the cartridge housing 9 is provided with a first housing portion 101, a second housing portion 201, a third housing portion 301, and a fourth housing portion 401. The first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, and the fourth housing portion 401 are located in the +Z direction in the cartridge housing 9, and the third housing portion 301 is located in the -Z direction in the cartridge housing 9. The tape cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511 in such a manner that the third housing portion 301 opposes the bottom face of the cartridge mounting portion 511. Alternatively, the tape cartridge 1T can be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511 in such a manner that the first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, and the fourth housing portion 401 oppose the bottom face of the cartridge mounting portion 511.

[0044] The first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, the third housing portion 301, and the fourth housing portion 401 are provided separately from each other. The first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, and the fourth housing portion 401 are formed of a resin having light transmissivity, and the third housing portion 301 is formed of a resin having no light transmissivity, but the materials and manufacturing methods of the first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, the third housing portion 301, and the fourth housing portion 401 are not limited to these.

[0045] The first housing portion 101 can accommodate the tape roll 19 between the first housing portion 101 and the third housing portion 301. That is, the first housing portion 101 and the third housing portion 301 constitute the housing of the tape roll accommodating portion 25. The tape roll 19 can be accommodated in the tape roll accommodating portion 25. By mounting the first housing portion 101 on the third housing portion 301, the tape roll accommodating portion 25 can be closed, and by detaching the first housing portion 101 from the third housing portion 301, the tape roll accommodating portion 25 can be opened.

[0046] The second housing portion 201 is provided in the -Y direction with respect to the first housing portion 101. The second housing portion 201 accommodates the ink ribbon 11 between the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301. That is, the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301 constitute the housing of the ink ribbon accommodating portion 27. The ink ribbon roll 5 and the take-up core 7 are accommodated in the ink ribbon accommodating portion 27.

[0047] The fourth housing portion 401 is provided between the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 201 at the end portion of the cartridge housing 9 in the -X direction. The fourth housing portion 401 accommodates the impression roller 3 between the third housing portion 301. That is, the third housing portion 301 and the fourth housing portion 401 constitute the housing of the impression roller accommodating portion 29. The impression roller 3 is accommodated in the impression roller accommodating portion 29.

[0048] Since the second housing portion 201 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the second engagement pin 219 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed into the third engagement hole 335 shown in FIG. 10, it is difficult to detach the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the second housing portion 201 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Similarly, since the fourth housing portion 401 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the fourth engagement pin 411 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed into the third engagement hole 337 shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 401 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the fourth housing portion 401 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Figure 10 Figure 6 Since the second housing portion 201 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the second engagement pin 219 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed into the third engagement hole 335 shown in FIG. 10, it is difficult to detach the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the second housing portion 201 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Similarly, since the fourth housing portion 401 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the fourth engagement pin 411 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed into the third engagement hole 337 shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 401 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the fourth housing portion 401 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Figure 12 Figure 6 Since the second housing portion 201 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the second engagement pin 219 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed into the third engagement hole 335 shown in FIG. 10, it is difficult to detach the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the second housing portion 201 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Similarly, since the fourth housing portion 401 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the fourth engagement pin 411 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed into the third engagement hole 337 shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 401 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the fourth housing portion 401 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device.

[0049] In contrast, as described later, the first housing portion 101 is mounted by engaging the first engagement protrusions 117a, 117b, and 117c shown in FIG. 13, which are provided on the first housing portion 101, with the third engagement receiving portions 333a, 333b, and 333c, respectively, which are provided on the third housing portion 301. Figure 8 Figure 5 Since the second housing portion 201 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the second engagement pin 219 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed into the third engagement hole 335 shown in FIG. 10, it is difficult to detach the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the second housing portion 201 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Similarly, since the fourth housing portion 401 is combined with the third housing portion 301 in such a manner that the fourth engagement pin 411 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed into the third engagement hole 337 shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 401 from the third housing portion 301 by hand. In addition, the fourth housing portion 401 can be detached from the third housing portion 301 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device. Figure 5 The third housing portion 301 has a third bottom wall portion 303 and a third side wall portion 305 that protrudes from the peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction.

[0050] The third housing portion 301 has a third bottom wall portion 303 and a third side wall portion 305 that protrudes from the peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction.

[0051] Figure 6 The third housing portion 301 has a third bottom wall portion 303 and a third side wall portion 305 that protrudes from the peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction. Figure 7 The third housing portion 301 has a third bottom wall portion 303 and a third side wall portion 305 that protrudes from the peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 303 in the +Z direction.

[0052] ​​​​The third bottom wall portion 303 is located in the -Z direction in the cartridge case 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. Further, on the third bottom wall portion 303, the third head opening 315, the impression opening 317, the unwinding opening 319, the third winding opening 321, and the ribbon guide engagement hole 323 are provided.

[0053] The third core protrusion 307 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The third core protrusion 307 is inserted into the ribbon core 23 of the ribbon spool 19 from the -Z direction. That is, the third core protrusion 307, together with the first core protrusion 107 described later, becomes a rotation axis of the ribbon spool 19.

[0054] The A ribbon guide 309 is provided in the -X direction with respect to the unwinding opening 319. The A ribbon guide 309 guides the supply of the ink ribbon 11 between the unwinding core 13 and the B ribbon guide 311. In addition, a ribbon guide engagement protrusion 325 is provided at an end portion in the +Z direction of the A ribbon guide 309. The ribbon guide engagement protrusion 325 engages with the ribbon guide engagement hole 215 provided on the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second case portion 201 as shown in the drawing. Thus, the A ribbon guide 309 is supported on both sides by the third bottom wall portion 303 and the second bottom wall portion 203. Figure 10

[0055] The B ribbon guide 311 is formed in a substantially square cylindrical shape at a peripheral edge portion of the third head opening 315. The B ribbon guide 311 constitutes a peripheral wall of the head insertion hole 15. The B ribbon guide 311 guides the supply of the ink ribbon 11 between the A ribbon guide 309 and the winding core 7 in such a manner that the ink ribbon 11 is wound around the head insertion hole 15. A portion of a face in the +Y direction of the B ribbon guide 311 is open, and this open portion is referred to as a guide open portion 327. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511, the thermal head 517 sandwiches the ribbon 21 and the ink ribbon 11 between the impression roller 3 via the guide open portion 327.

[0056] The insertion guide 313 is located between the third core protrusion 307 and the impression opening 317, and is provided in the vicinity of the impression opening 317. The insertion guide 313 guides the insertion of the ribbon 21 when the ribbon spool 19 is accommodated in the cartridge case 9, and when the ribbon 21 drawn out of the ribbon spool 19 is to be inserted from the ribbon insertion port 33 described later. Figure 1

[0057] ​​The third head opening 315 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided at the -X direction and -Y direction corner of the third bottom wall portion 303. The third head opening 315 constitutes the -Z direction end portion of the head insertion hole 15.

[0058] The impression opening 317 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The -Y direction end portion of the impression opening 317 is continuous with the third head opening 315. The impression opening 317 engages with the -Z direction end portion of the impression roller 3. At the peripheral portion of the impression opening 317, a third housing side roller engaging portion 331 is provided protruding in the +Z direction. The third housing side roller engaging portion 331 is formed in a substantially circular arc shape, and engages with the -Z direction end portion of the impression roller 3.

[0059] The unwinding opening 319 is formed in a substantially circular shape, and is provided in the +X direction with respect to the third head opening 315. The unwinding opening 319 engages with the -Z direction end portion of the unwinding core 13. The third take-up opening 321 is formed in a substantially circular shape, and is provided between the third head opening 315 and the unwinding core 13. The third take-up opening 321 engages with the -Z direction end portion of the take-up core 7.

[0060] The belt guide engaging hole 323 is provided in the +Y direction with respect to the third head opening 315. The belt guide engaging hole 323 engages with the belt guide engaging protrusion 217 provided on the belt guide 209.

[0061] The third side wall portion 305 protrudes in the +Z direction from the peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 303. Among the third side wall portion 305, the -X direction side wall portion is referred to as a 3A side wall portion 305a, the +X direction side wall portion is referred to as a 3B side wall portion 305b, the +Y direction side wall portion is referred to as a 3C side wall portion 305c, and the -Y direction side wall portion is referred to as a 3D side wall portion 305d. That is, in the third housing portion 301, the 3A side wall portion 305a and the 3B side wall portion 305b are located on opposite sides of each other, and the 3C side wall portion 305c and the 3D side wall portion 305d are located on opposite sides of each other.

[0062] On the third housing portion 301, three third engaging receiving portions 333, five 3A engaging holes 335, and four 3B engaging holes 337 are provided.

[0063] The three third engaging receiving portions 333, namely, a 3A engaging receiving portion 333a, a 3B engaging receiving portion 333b, and a 3C engaging receiving portion 333c, respectively engage with the three first engaging protrusions 117, namely, a 1A engaging protrusion 117a, a 1B engaging protrusion 117b, and a 1C engaging protrusion 117c, provided on the first housing portion 101. Thus, the first housing portion 101 is mounted to the third housing portion 301 in a detachable manner. Figure 9 ​

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] First outer shell

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Second outer shell section

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The second core protrusion 207 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The second core protrusion 207 is inserted into the take-up core 13 from the +Z direction. That is, the second core protrusion 207 becomes the rotation axis of the take-up core 13. A color tape elastic portion, which is omitted from the drawing, is provided on the second core protrusion 207. As the color tape elastic portion, for example, a disc spring, a compression coil spring, or the like can be used. The color tape elastic portion applies a load in the width direction of the ink ribbon 11, that is, the -Z direction, to the take-up core 13. Thus, when the ink ribbon 11 is fed, the case where the take-up core 13 shakes can be suppressed, and the feeding of the ink ribbon 11 can be stabilized. In addition, the second housing portion 201 is different from the first housing portion 101, and is not usually detached from the third housing portion 301 except after the tape 21 and the ink ribbon 11 are consumed, and thus a fixing portion for fixing the color tape elastic portion is not provided on the second core protrusion 207.

[0080] The tape guide 209 guides the feeding of the tape 21 between the tape spool 19 and the platen roller 3. As shown in Figure 1 , the tape guide 209 is provided in opposition to the insertion guide 313, and the tape 21 inserted from the tape insertion port 33 is inserted between the tape guide 209 and the insertion guide 313. That is, the tape guide 209 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the tape insertion port 33. In addition, a tape guide engagement protrusion 217 is provided at the -Z direction end portion of the tape guide 209. The tape guide engagement protrusion 217 engages with a tape guide engagement hole 323 provided in the third bottom wall portion 303 of the third housing portion 301 as shown in Figure 7 . Thus, the tape guide 209 is supported on both sides by the second bottom wall portion 203 and the third bottom wall portion 303.

[0081] The second head opening 211 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided at the -X direction and -Y direction corner portion of the second bottom wall portion 203. The second head opening 211 constitutes the +Z direction end portion of the head insertion hole 15.

[0082] The second take-up opening 213 is formed in a substantially circular shape, and is provided in the +X direction with respect to the second head opening 211. The second take-up opening 213 engages with the +Z direction end portion of the take-up core 7.

[0083] The color tape guide engagement hole 215 is provided in the -X direction with respect to the second core protrusion 207. The color tape guide engagement hole 215 engages with a color tape guide engagement protrusion 325 provided on the A color tape guide 309.

[0084] Five second engagement pins 219 are provided on the second housing portion 201. Four of the five second engagement pins 219 protrude in the -Z direction from the end surface of the second side wall portion 205 in the -Z direction, and one second engagement pin 219 is located in the vicinity of the second head opening 211 and protrudes in the -Z direction from the second bottom wall portion 203. The five second engagement pins 219 are pressed in from the +Z direction into the five third 3A engagement holes 335 provided in the third housing portion 301. Thus, the second housing portion 201 is combined with the third housing portion 301.

[0085] Fourth housing portion

[0086] As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 The fourth housing portion 401 has a fourth bottom wall portion 403 and a fourth side wall portion 405 that protrudes in the -Z direction from the -X direction edge portion of the fourth bottom wall portion 403.

[0087] The fourth bottom wall portion 403 is located in the +Z direction in the cartridge housing 9. A fourth housing side roller engagement portion 407 is provided on the fourth bottom wall portion 403. The fourth housing side roller engagement portion 407 is a recessed portion in which the inner surface of the fourth bottom wall portion 403, that is, the -Z direction surface, is recessed in the +Z direction, and is formed in an oblong circular shape that is longer in the Y direction. The fourth housing side roller engagement portion 407 engages with the +Z direction end portion of the impression roller 3. An impression shaft insertion hole 409 is provided in the fourth housing side roller engagement portion 407. When the tape cartridge 1T is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 511, the impression shaft 513 is inserted into the impression shaft insertion hole 409.

[0088] Four fourth engagement pins 411 protrude in the -Z direction from the fourth bottom wall portion 403. Three of the four fourth engagement pins 411 protrude in the -Z direction from the end surface of the fourth side wall portion 405 in the -Z direction, and one fourth engagement pin 411 protrudes in the -Z direction from the fourth bottom wall portion 403. The four fourth engagement pins 411 are pressed in from the +Z direction into the four third 3B engagement holes 337 provided in the third housing portion 301. Thus, the fourth housing portion 401 is combined with the third housing portion 301.

[0089] First engagement protrusions and third engagement receiving portions

[0090] As shown in Figure 6 to Figure 9 As described above, the first 1A engagement protrusion 117a, the first 1B engagement protrusion 117b, and the first 1C engagement protrusion 117c are provided in the first housing portion 101. The first 1A engagement protrusion 117a protrudes in the -Z direction from the first 1A side wall portion 105a. The first 1B engagement protrusion 117b protrudes in the -Z direction from the first 1B side wall portion 105b. The first 1C engagement protrusion 117c protrudes in the -Z direction from the first 1C side wall portion 105c.

[0091] The tip portion of the 1st A engaging protrusion 117a is formed in a hook shape and engages with the 3rd A engaging receiving portion 333a of the third housing portion 301 from the inner side of the third housing portion 301, that is, from the +X direction toward the -X direction. The tip portion of the 1st B engaging protrusion 117b is formed in a hook shape and engages with the 3rd B engaging receiving portion 333b of the third housing portion 301 from the inner side of the third housing portion 301, that is, from the -X direction toward the +X direction. The tip portion of the 1st C engaging protrusion 117c is formed in a hook shape and engages with the 3rd C engaging receiving portion 333c of the third housing portion 301 from the inner side of the third housing portion 301, that is, from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction.

[0092] By the 1st A engaging protrusion 117a, the 1st B engaging protrusion 117b, and the 1st C engaging protrusion 117c engaging with the 3rd A engaging receiving portion 333a, the 3rd B engaging receiving portion 333b, and the 3rd C engaging receiving portion 333c, respectively, the first housing portion 101 is mounted to the third housing portion 301 in a detachable manner.

[0093] When the worker detaches the first housing portion 101 from the third housing portion 301, the worker causes the 1st A side wall portion 105a and the 1st B side wall portion 105b to flex inward by pinching the first housing portion 101 in the X direction with the hand. Thereby, the 1st A engaging protrusion 117a provided on the 1st A side wall portion 105a is disengaged from the 3rd A engaging receiving portion 333a provided on the third housing portion 301, and the 1st B engaging protrusion 117b provided on the 1st B side wall portion 105b is disengaged from the 3rd B engaging receiving portion 333b provided on the third housing portion 301. In this state, the worker rotates the first housing portion 101 in the +Z direction, for example, with the -Z direction end portion of the 1st C side wall portion 105c as a fulcrum. Thereby, the 1st C engaging protrusion 117c provided on the 1st C side wall portion 105c is disengaged from the 3rd C engaging receiving portion 333c provided on the third housing portion 301.

[0094] Thus, the worker can detach only the first housing portion 101 from among the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301. That is, even if the first housing portion 101 is detached from the third housing portion 301, since the second housing portion 201 is mounted to the third housing portion 301, the ribbon cartridge 5 is still accommodated between the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301. Therefore, the worker can load the ribbon cartridge 19 into the cartridge housing 9 without the ribbon cartridge 5 being scattered.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] With insertion port

[0099] 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... Figure 14 The belt inlet channel 35, described later, is connected to the belt outlet 17.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] With delivery outlet and with inlet channel

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The edge portion of the -Y direction of the tape feed outlet 17 is referred to as a second feed edge portion 223. The second feed edge portion 223 is constituted by the second side wall portion 205 of the second housing portion 201. The second feed edge portion 223 extends in the Z direction. A feed protrusion 225 is provided at the +Z direction end portion of the second feed edge portion 223.

[0108] The feed protrusion 225 protrudes toward the +Y direction from the second feed edge portion 223 toward the opposing edge portion 417 described later, that is, protrudes toward the +Y direction. The feed protrusion 225 is provided in a manner to block the +Z direction of the tape feed outlet 17. With this feed protrusion 225, it is possible to suppress the tape 21 from being pulled out in the +Z direction from the tape feed outlet 17. Further, when the tape 21 is fed, with the feed protrusion 225, it is possible to suppress the tape 21 from being bent or skewed in the +Z direction.

[0109] The portion of the +Y direction edge portion of the tape feed outlet 17 that is constituted by the third side wall portion 305 of the third housing portion 301 is referred to as a third feed edge portion 339, and the portion that is constituted by the fourth side wall portion 405 of the fourth housing portion 401 is referred to as a fourth feed edge portion 415. The third feed edge portion 339 extends in the Z direction. The fourth feed edge portion 415 is provided in the +Z direction with respect to the third feed edge portion 339. The fourth feed edge portion 415 extends in the Z direction.

[0110] The tape introduction passage 35 introduces the tape 21 that is inserted from the tape insertion opening 33 toward the tape feed outlet 17. The tape introduction passage 35 connects the +Y direction side of the -X direction end portion of the tape insertion opening 33 and the +Z direction end portion of the tape feed outlet 17. That is, the +Z direction end portion of the tape introduction passage 35 is connected to the -X direction end portion of the tape insertion opening 33, and the -Y direction end portion of the tape introduction passage 35 is connected to the +Y direction side of the +Z direction end portion of the tape feed outlet 17.

[0111] The opposing edge portion 417 and the inclined edge portion 419 are provided at the +Y direction edge portion of the tape introduction passage 35. The opposing edge portion 417 and the inclined edge portion 419 are constituted by the fourth side wall portion 405 of the fourth housing portion 401. The opposing edge portion 417 extends in the Z direction and opposes the feed protrusion 225. When the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion opening 33, the tape 21 is inserted in the tape introduction passage 35 between the feed protrusion 225 and the opposing edge portion 417.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Engaging part of the impression roller and the third outer shell side roller

[0116] 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.

[0117] The roller shaft 39 is made of resin, for example, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. On the roller shaft 39, a first roller side engaging portion 41 and a second roller side engaging portion 43 are provided. The first roller side engaging portion 41 is provided near the -Z direction end portion of the roller shaft 39, and the second roller side engaging portion 43 is provided at the +Z direction end portion of the roller shaft 39. The portion of the roller shaft 39 between the first roller side engaging portion 41 and the second roller side engaging portion 43 is referred to as a roller mounting portion 45. The roller body 37 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the roller mounting portion 45. Further, the portion of the roller shaft 39 located in the -Z direction with respect to the first roller side engaging portion 41 is referred to as an opening insertion portion 47. The opening insertion portion 47 is inserted into the platen opening 317.

[0118] The first roller side engaging portion 41 is formed to have a larger diameter than 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 -Z direction face of the first roller side engaging portion 41 is referred to as a first roller side contact face 49. The first roller side contact face 49 contacts with the +Z direction face of the third housing side roller engaging portion 331.

[0119] The second roller side engaging portion 43 is formed to have a larger diameter than 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 in an oblong shape that is longer in the Y direction. Therefore, the platen roller 3 can take a first attitude as shown in Figure 16 and a second attitude as shown in Figure 17 , in which the first attitude is an upright attitude, and the second attitude is an attitude in which the +Z direction end portion of the platen roller 3 is distanced from the -Z direction end portion of the platen roller 3 in the +Y direction with respect to the first attitude, from the ink ribbon 11. Further, the first attitude in which the platen roller 3 is upright means an attitude in which the axial direction of the platen roller 3 becomes substantially parallel to the width direction of the ink ribbon 11, that is, the Z direction.

[0120] When the platen roller 3 is upright and becomes the first attitude, if the cartridge 1 is viewed from the +Z direction, as shown in Figure 16 , the +Z direction end face 37a of the roller body 37 can be seen via the tape insertion port 33. On the other hand, when the platen roller 3 is inclined and becomes the second attitude, if the cartridge 1 is viewed from the +Z direction, as shown in Figure 17 , not only the +Z direction end face 37a of the roller body 37 but also the outer peripheral surface 37b of the roller body 37 can be seen via the tape insertion port 33, and further, the second roller side engaging portion 43 can be seen via the platen shaft insertion hole 409.

[0121] As shown in Figure 7As shown, a first contact surface 341 and a second contact surface 343 are provided on the +Z direction surface of the third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331. 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 provided in the -Y direction relative to the first contact surface 341, and when viewed from the +Z direction, it is 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 is shown. At this time, the first roller side contact surface 49 becomes the surface in the +Z direction of the third outer shell side roller engaging portion 331. Figure 15The second contact surface 343 is shown in contact with the state, so that the impression roller 3 is supported by the second contact surface 343. Therefore, when the impression roller 3 rotates, the inclination of the impression roller 3 with respect to the impression shaft 513 can be suppressed, and the tape 21 and the ink ribbon 11 can be appropriately fed by the impression roller 3. In addition, by the impression roller 3 becoming the first attitude, the tape 21 is pressed by the impression roller 3 in the -Y direction, and the end portion of the tape 21 in the +Z direction is pressed by the feed protrusion 225 while moving away from the tape guide passage 35 in the -Y direction, so that the tape 21 can be suppressed from being pulled out in the +Z direction from the tape guide passage 35.

[0125] Second tape guide

[0126] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the tape guide 209 has a guide base portion 227 and nine protrusions 229. The tape guide 209 can appropriately guide the tape 21 across the entire width direction of the tape 21 by having a plurality of protrusions 229.

[0127] The guide base portion 227 is formed as a substantially rectangular plate shape that is long in the Z direction. The protrusions 229 protrude in the +Y direction from the guide base portion 227. The protrusions 229 are formed as a substantially semicircular plate shape and contact the tape 21 at the circumferential surface thereof. That is, the contact surface of the protrusions 229 is formed as a circular arc and contacts the printing surface of the tape 21 fed to the tape feed outlet 17. By forming the protrusions 229 as a plate shape, the contact area of the protrusions 229 with the tape 21 can be reduced. Furthermore, by forming the contact surface of the protrusions 229 that contacts the tape 21 as a circular arc, the contact area of the protrusions 229 with the tape 21 can be reduced.

[0128] The nine protrusions 229 are dispersedly arranged in the width direction of the tape 21, that is, the -Z direction. The nine protrusions 229 constitute three protrusion groups 231. The protrusion groups 231 are spaced apart from each other more than the protrusions 229 included in the same protrusion group 231. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the nine protrusions 229 are arranged at equal intervals, the width of the non-contact area in the tape 21 in which the protrusions 229 do not contact each other is larger between the protrusion groups 231 and the protrusion groups 231. Therefore, the feeding load of the tape 21 due to friction with the tape guide 209 can be reduced.

[0129] Further, the interval between the n-th protruding group 231 and the (n+1)-th protruding group 231 from the +Z direction is the interval between the protrusion 229 located at the most -Z direction in the n-th protruding group 231 and the protrusion 229 located at the most +Z direction in the (n+1)-th protruding group 231. n is an integer of 1 or more. Further, the interval between the protrusions 229 included in the same protruding group 231 is the interval between the m-th protrusion 229 and the (m+1)-th protrusion 229 from the +Z direction in an arbitrary protruding group 231. m is an integer of 1 or more.

[0130] The tape guide chamfer portion 233 is provided at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229. In a structure in which the tape guide chamfer portion 233 is not provided at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229 unlike the present embodiment, the inserted tape 21 can be caught on the protrusion 229 provided on the tape guide 209 when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion port 33. In contrast, in the present embodiment, by providing the tape guide chamfer portion 233 at the +Z direction end of each protrusion 229, it is possible to suppress the tape 21 from being caught on the protrusion 229 when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion port 33.

[0131] As described above, the cartridge 1 of the present embodiment is a cartridge 1 that can be mounted on the tape printing device 501, and includes the ribbon spool 5 and the cartridge housing 9. The cartridge housing 9 can accommodate the tape spool 19, and accommodates the ribbon spool 5. The cartridge housing 9 includes the third housing portion 301, the first housing portion 101, and the second housing portion 201. The first housing portion 101 can accommodate the tape spool 19 between the first housing portion 101 and the third housing portion 301. The second housing portion 201 is provided separately from the first housing portion 101, and accommodates the ribbon spool 5 between the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301. The first housing portion 101 can be detached with respect to the third housing portion 301.

[0132] According to this structure, the worker can detach only the first housing portion 101 from among the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 201 from the third housing portion 301. Thus, the worker can load the tape spool 19 into the cartridge housing 9 without the ribbon spool 5 being disordered.

[0133] Further, the cartridge 1 of the present embodiment is a cartridge 1 which can be attached to the tape printing device 501, and is provided with a cartridge case 9 which can accommodate the tape roll 19. The cartridge case 9 is provided with a third case portion 301, a first case portion 101, a second case portion 201, and a fourth case portion 401. The first case portion 101 can accommodate the tape roll 19 between the first case portion 101 and the third case portion 301, and can be attached to and detached from the third case portion 301. The second case portion 201 is provided separately from the first case portion 101. The fourth case portion 401 is provided separately from the first case portion 101. Between the second case portion 201 and the fourth case portion 401, a tape discharge port 17 and a tape insertion port 33 are provided. The tape 21 which is unwound from the tape roll 19 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge case 9 from the tape discharge port 17. When the tape roll 19 is accommodated in the cartridge case 9, the tape 21 which is drawn from the tape roll 19 so that the tip end of the tape 21 protrudes to the outside of the cartridge case 9 from the tape discharge port 17 can be inserted into the tape insertion port 33 from the end portion in the -Z direction which is one of the width directions of the tape 21 in the -Z direction.

[0134] According to this structure, the worker can accommodate the tape roll 19 in the cartridge case 9 in a state in which the tip end of the tape 21 protrudes to the outside of the cartridge case 9 from the tape discharge port 17 without performing the operation of supplying the tape 21 to the tape discharge port 17 by rotating the tape roll 19 by hand with labor and time.

[0135] Further, the cartridge 1 of the present embodiment is a cartridge 1 which can be attached to the tape printing device 501, and is provided with a cartridge case 9 which can accommodate the tape roll 19. The cartridge case 9 is provided with a third case portion 301, a first case portion 101, a second case portion 201, and a fourth case portion 401. The first case portion 101 can accommodate the tape roll 19 between the first case portion 101 and the third case portion 301, and can be attached to and detached from the third case portion 301. The second case portion 201 is provided separately from the first case portion 101. The fourth case portion 401 is provided separately from the first case portion 101. Between the second case portion 201 and the fourth case portion 401, a tape discharge port 17 and a tape insertion port 33 are provided. The tape 21 which is unwound from the tape roll 19 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge case 9 from the tape discharge port 17. When the tape roll 19 is accommodated in the cartridge case 9, the tape 21 which is drawn from the tape roll 19 so that the tip end of the tape 21 protrudes to the outside of the cartridge case 9 from the tape discharge port 17 can be inserted into the tape insertion port 33 from the end portion in the -Z direction which is one of the width directions of the tape 21 in the -Z direction. The tape guide 209 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the tape insertion port 33, and guides the supply of the tape 21 by the tape printing device 501. On the tape guide 209, a protruding portion 229 which contacts the tape 21 is provided. A tape guide chamfer portion 233 is provided at the end portion in the +Z direction of the protruding portion 229.

[0136] According to this structure, by providing the tape guide chamfer portion 233 at the end portion in the +Z direction of the protruding portion 229, it is possible to suppress the tape 21 from hanging on the protruding portion 229 when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion port 33.

[0137] Second Embodiment

[0138] Based on Figure 20The second embodiment of the cartridge 1A will be described. Although the cartridge 1A of the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the cartridge 1 of the first embodiment, it differs from the cartridge 1 of the first embodiment in that the first housing portion 101 is engaged with the second housing portion 201 and the first housing portion 101 is engaged with the fourth housing portion 401.

[0139] The first engagement portion 119A and the first engagement portion 121B are provided in the first housing portion 101. The first engagement portion 119A and the first engagement portion 121B protrude in the -Z direction from the first bottom wall portion 103. The first engagement portion 119A is provided on the overlapping portion 111, but its position is not particularly limited. The first engagement portion 119A is engaged with the second engagement recess 235 provided on the second bottom wall portion 203 of the second housing portion 201. The first engagement portion 121B is engaged with the fourth engagement recess 421 provided on the fourth bottom wall portion 403 of the fourth housing portion 401.

[0140] In addition, unlike the structure in which the second engagement pin 219 is pressed into the third engagement hole 335, the first engagement portion 119A is not pressed into the second engagement recess 235. Therefore, even in a state in which the first engagement portion 119A is engaged with the second engagement recess 235, the first housing portion 101 can be easily detached from the third housing portion 301 by hand. The same applies to the first engagement portion 121B.

[0141] By engaging the first engagement portion 119A with the second engagement recess 235, it is possible to suppress the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 201 from wobbling in the X direction or the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the cartridge housing 9 as a whole. Similarly, by engaging the first engagement portion 121B with the fourth engagement recess 421, it is possible to suppress the first housing portion 101 and the fourth housing portion 401 from wobbling in the X direction or the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the cartridge housing 9 as a whole.

[0142] In addition, the structure in which the first engagement portion 119A is provided in the first housing portion 101 and the second engagement recess 235 is provided in the second housing portion 201 is not limited thereto, and the structure in which an engagement recess is provided in the first housing portion 101 and an engagement portion is provided in the second housing portion 201 can also be employed. Furthermore, the structure in which an engagement portion and an engagement recess are provided in the first housing portion 101 and an engagement recess that engages with the engagement portion provided in the first housing portion 101 and an engagement portion that engages with the engagement recess provided in the first housing portion 101 are provided in the second housing portion 201 can also be employed. The same applies to the first housing portion 101 and the fourth housing portion 401.

[0143] Further, the engaging portion is not limited to a portion that protrudes from the first bottom wall portion 103 as the first A engaging portion 119 and the first B engaging portion 121, and for example, the entire overlapping portion 111 can function as the first A engaging portion 119. That is, a structure in which an engaging recess portion that engages with the overlapping portion 111 is provided on the second housing portion 201 can be adopted.

[0144] Other Modified Examples

[0145] The embodiments described above are not limiting, and various structures can of course be adopted within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, the embodiments described above can be changed to the following modes in addition to the above. Further, a structure in which the embodiments and the modified examples are combined respectively can be adopted.

[0146] The first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 201, the third housing portion 301, and the fourth housing portion 401 are not limited to a structure in which they are provided separately from each other, and as long as the first housing portion 101 is provided separately from any of the second housing portion 201, the third housing portion 301, and the fourth housing portion 401, other structures can be adopted. For example, the second housing portion 201 and the third housing portion 301 can be integrated with each other, the second housing portion 201 and the fourth housing portion 401 can be integrated with each other, the third housing portion 301 and the fourth housing portion 401 can be integrated with each other, and the second housing portion 201, the third housing portion 301, and the fourth housing portion 401 can be integrated with each other.

[0147] The structure in which the delivery protrusion 225 is provided in the second housing portion 201 and the opposing edge portion 417 and the inclined edge portion 419 are provided in the fourth housing portion 401 is not limiting, and a structure in which the opposing edge portion and the inclined edge portion are provided in the second housing portion 201 and the delivery protrusion is provided in the fourth housing portion 401 can be adopted.

[0148] The cartridge 1 can have a structure in which a connecting member that is detachable with respect to the cartridge case 9 in a manner that straddles between the second insertion edge portion 221 and the fourth insertion edge portion 413 in the tape insertion opening 33 is provided. Since the second housing portion 201 and the fourth housing portion 401 are connected together by mounting the connecting member on the cartridge case 9, the rigidity of the entire cartridge case 9 can be improved. Further, when the tape 21 is inserted from the tape insertion opening 33, the connecting member is detached from the cartridge case 9. Since the connecting member functions in the same manner as the delivery protrusion 225, the delivery protrusion 225 does not need to be provided in the second housing portion 201 in the structure in which the cartridge 1 has the connecting member.

[0149] Supplementary Note

[0150] The cartridge is described below.

[0151] A cartridge mountable on a tape printing apparatus, comprising a cartridge housing capable of accommodating a tape roll formed by winding a tape, the cartridge housing having: a third housing portion; a first housing portion capable of accommodating the tape roll between the third housing portion and the first housing portion and capable of being detached with respect to the third housing portion; a second housing portion provided separately from the first housing portion; and a fourth housing portion provided separately from the first housing portion, wherein: a tape feed-out port is provided between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion to feed out the tape unwound from the tape roll accommodated in the cartridge housing to the outside of the cartridge housing; and a tape insertion port is provided to allow the tape drawn from the tape roll in such a manner that the tip end of the tape protrudes to the outside of the cartridge housing from the tape feed-out port to be inserted from one end in the width direction of the tape to a first direction when the tape roll is accommodated in the cartridge housing.

[0152] According to this structure, the worker can accommodate the tape roll in the cartridge housing in a state in which the tip end of the tape protrudes to the outside of the cartridge housing from the tape feed-out port without performing the work of feeding the tape to the tape feed-out port by rotating the tape roll by hand, which is labor- and time-consuming. The Z direction is one example of the "first direction".

[0153] In this case, it is preferable that a platen roller be provided to feed the tape between the thermal head provided in the tape printing apparatus when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing apparatus, and the fourth housing portion accommodates the platen roller between the third housing portion.

[0154] According to this structure, the worker can detach only the first housing portion and the first housing portion of the fourth housing portion from the third housing portion. Thus, the worker can load the tape roll into the cartridge housing without detaching the platen roller from the cartridge housing.

[0155] In this case, it is preferable that the second housing portion accommodate a ribbon roll formed by winding a ribbon between the third housing portion, the platen roller feed the tape and the ribbon between the thermal head when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing apparatus, the platen roller can take a first attitude in which the platen roller is upright and a second attitude in which the platen roller is inclined with respect to the first attitude in such a manner that the end portion of the platen roller in a second direction opposite to the first direction is distanced from the ribbon more than the end portion of the platen roller in the first direction, the third housing portion is provided with a third housing side roller engaging portion with which the platen roller engages, and the third housing side roller engaging portion is provided with a first contact surface that sets the platen roller to the second attitude.

[0156] According to this structure, when the tape is inserted between the ribbon and the platen roller from the tape insertion port, the platen roller is set to the second attitude, and thus the tape can be prevented from being caught on the platen roller.

[0157] In this case, preferably, a second contact surface that contacts the impression roller when the impression roller is in the first posture is provided in the third housing side roller engaging portion.

[0158] According to this structure, since the impression roller is supported by the second contact surface, when the impression roller is rotated, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the impression roller inclines with respect to the impression shaft. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately feed the tape and the ink tape by the impression roller.

[0159] In this case, preferably, a second insertion edge portion that is an edge portion of the tape insertion port is provided in the second housing portion, and the second insertion edge portion is formed in a circular arc shape that protrudes toward a side opposite to the impression roller with respect to the second insertion edge portion.

[0160] According to this structure, it is possible to set the shape of the tape inserted from the tape insertion port to a shape that is curved in cooperation with the outer peripheral surface of the impression roller. Thus, when the tape is inserted into the tape insertion port, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the tape hangs on the impression roller.

[0161] In this case, preferably, a tape introduction passage that introduces the tape inserted from the tape insertion port toward the tape discharge port is provided between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion, a discharge protrusion that closes the second direction opposite to the first direction in the tape discharge port is provided at an edge portion of the tape discharge port, and an opposing edge portion that opposes the discharge protrusion and an inclined edge portion that is inclined with respect to the opposing edge portion in a manner that introduces the tape inserted from the tape insertion port toward the tape discharge port are provided at an edge portion of the tape introduction passage.

[0162] According to this structure, by providing the discharge protrusion, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the tape is discharged from the tape discharge port toward the second direction. Further, by providing the inclined edge portion, it is possible to easily insert the tape drawn from the tape reel from the tape insertion port toward the tape discharge port.

[0163] In addition, the +Z direction is one example of the "second direction".

[0164] Symbol Explanation

[0165] 1…cartridge; 3…impression roller; 5…ribbon spool; 9…cartridge housing; 11…ink ribbon; 17…ribbon delivery outlet; 19…ribbon spool; 21…ribbon; 33…ribbon insertion opening; 35…ribbon guide passage; 101…first housing portion; 201…second housing portion; 221…second insertion edge portion; 225…delivery protrusion; 301…third housing portion; 331…third housing side roller engaging portion; 341…first contact surface; 343…second contact surface; 401…fourth housing portion; 417…opposite edge portion; 419…inclined edge portion; 501…ribbon printing device; 513…impression shaft; 517…thermal head.

Claims

1. A cartridge, characterized by, The cartridge is mountable on a tape printing device, The cartridge includes a cartridge housing that houses a tape roll formed by winding a tape, The cartridge housing has: a third housing portion; a first housing portion that houses the tape roll between the third housing portion and is detachable with respect to the third housing portion; a second housing portion that is separate from the first housing portion; a fourth housing portion that is separate from the first housing portion, between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion: a tape outlet through which the tape unwound from the tape roll housed in the cartridge housing is sent out of the cartridge housing; a tape insertion opening through which the tape drawn from the tape roll in such a manner that the tip of the tape protrudes from the tape outlet to the outside of the cartridge housing when the tape roll is housed in the cartridge housing is inserted from one end in the width direction of the tape in a first direction, a tape guide passage that guides the tape inserted from the tape insertion opening toward the tape outlet is provided between the second housing portion and the fourth housing portion, at the edge portion of the tape outlet, a sending protrusion that blocks a second direction opposite to the first direction in the tape outlet is provided, at the edge portion of the tape guide passage, an opposite edge portion opposite to the sending protrusion and an inclined edge portion inclined with respect to the opposite edge portion in such a manner that the tape inserted from the tape insertion opening is guided toward the tape outlet are provided.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a platen roller that feeds the tape between a thermal head provided in the tape printing device when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device is provided, the fourth housing portion houses the platen roller between the third housing portion.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the second housing portion houses a ribbon roll formed by winding a ribbon between the third housing portion, the platen roller feeds the tape and the ribbon between the thermal head when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device, the platen roller can take a first attitude in which the platen roller is upright and a second attitude in which the platen roller is inclined with respect to the first attitude in such a manner that the end of the platen roller in the second direction opposite to the first direction is distanced from the ribbon compared to the end of the platen roller in the first direction, a third housing side roller engaging portion that engages with the platen roller is provided in the third housing portion, a first contact surface that sets the platen roller in the second attitude is provided in the third housing side roller engaging portion.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein when the cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device, the platen roller is inserted through the platen roller by a platen shaft provided in the tape printing device, thereby making the platen roller take the first attitude, In the third housing side roller engaging portion, a second contact surface that contacts the impression roller when the impression roller is in the first attitude is provided.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein In the second housing portion, a second insertion edge portion that is an edge portion of the tape insertion opening is provided, The second insertion edge portion is formed in a circular arc shape that is convex toward a side opposite to the impression roller with respect to the second insertion edge portion.

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