Cassette, tape reel and cassette set

Abstract

A tape cartridge, a tape reel, and a tape cartridge set capable of inhibiting a case where a tape reel A is erroneously replaced with a tape reel B in a tape cartridge A. In the tape cartridge, an outer side protrusion to be housed in an outer side recess is provided on a cartridge case, and the outer side protrusion, when the tape reel A is erroneously replaced with the tape reel B, which is a tape reel possessed by a tape cartridge B mountable on a tape printing device and has a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B wound with the tape B and different in shape from a tape core A, prevents a third core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of the tape core B by touching the tape core B.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a tape cartridge, a tape reel, and a tape cartridge set. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a label tape cartridge provided with a label tape main body, an ink ribbon, a cartridge main body, and a cover is known. The cartridge main body and the cover house the label tape main body in a manner that allows replacement with another label tape main body, and house the ink ribbon in a manner that allows replacement with another ink ribbon.

[0003] Further, as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, a tape cartridge provided with a print tape, an ink ribbon, and a cartridge case is known. The cartridge case houses the print tape in a manner that allows replacement with another print tape, and houses the ink ribbon in a manner that allows replacement with another ink ribbon.

[0004] In a tape cartridge in which a tape reel is replaceable, a plurality of kinds of tape reels are prepared. For example, it is assumed that among the plurality of kinds of tape reels, a tape reel A in which a tape A is wound around a tape core, and a tape reel B in which a tape B is wound around a tape core are included. In this case, when a user wants to replace the tape reel A with another tape reel A, it is possible that the tape reel A is erroneously replaced with the tape reel B.

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-114456

[0006] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-301872 SUMMARY

[0007] The tape cartridge of the present application is a tape cartridge A that can be mounted on a tape printing apparatus, and is provided with: a tape reel A having a tape A and a tape core A, the tape core A being provided with a core hole and a receiving portion, and having the tape A wound therearound; a ribbon tape reel having an ink ribbon and a take-up core around which the ink ribbon is wound; a cartridge case having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion that protrudes from the bottom wall portion and is inserted into the core hole, and housing the tape reel A in a manner that allows replacement with another tape reel A, and housing the ribbon tape reel, the cartridge case being provided with a blocking portion that is received in the receiving portion, the blocking portion blocking insertion of the core protrusion into a core hole of a tape core B by touching the tape core B when the tape reel A is erroneously replaced with a tape reel B, the tape reel B being a tape reel possessed by a tape cartridge B that can be mounted on the tape printing apparatus, and having a tape B that is different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B around which the tape B is wound and that is different in shape from the tape core A.

[0008] The tape cartridge of the present application is a tape cartridge A provided in a tape cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, the tape cartridge A including a tape cartridge A having a tape A and a tape core A, the tape core A having a core hole and a receiving portion provided therein and having the tape A wound therearound, a ribbon cartridge having an ink ribbon and a take-up core having the ink ribbon wound therearound, and a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, the tape cartridge A being stored in the cartridge housing in a manner that the tape cartridge A is replaceable with another tape cartridge A, and the ribbon cartridge being stored in the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing having a blocking portion provided therein, the blocking portion blocking the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B when the tape cartridge A is replaced with a tape cartridge B by coming into contact with the tape core B, the tape cartridge B being a tape cartridge provided in a tape cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and having a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B different in shape from the tape core A and having the tape B wound therearound, the receiving portion provided in the tape core A of the tape cartridge A stored in the cartridge housing receiving the blocking portion.

[0009] The tape cartridge set of the present application is capable of constituting a tape cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, the tape cartridge set including a plurality of tape cartridges A having a tape A and a tape core A, the tape core A having a core hole and a receiving portion provided therein and having the tape A wound therearound, a ribbon cartridge having an ink ribbon and a take-up core having the ink ribbon wound therearound, and a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, one of the tape cartridges A being stored in the cartridge housing in a manner that the tape cartridge A is replaceable with another tape cartridge A, and the ribbon cartridge being capable of being stored in the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing having a blocking portion provided therein, the blocking portion being capable of being received in the receiving portion, the blocking portion blocking the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B when the tape cartridge A is replaced with a tape cartridge B by coming into contact with the tape core B, the tape cartridge B being a tape cartridge provided in a tape cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and having a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B different in shape from the tape core A and having the tape B wound therearound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tape cartridge.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a third housing portion in which a ribbon cartridge and a take-up core are stored.

[0012] Figure 3 is a view of a tape printing device as viewed from a +Z direction.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tape cartridge.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tape cartridge as viewed from Figure 4 an angle other than the +Z direction.

[0015] Figure 6A perspective view of the tape cartridge with the first housing portion detached.

[0016] Figure 7 A perspective view of the third housing portion.

[0017] Figure 8 A perspective view of the first housing portion.

[0018] Figure 9 A sectional view of the first housing portion.

[0019] Figure 10 A sectional view of the tape cartridge in the middle of the attachment of the first housing portion to the third housing portion.

[0020] Figure 11 A sectional view of the tape cartridge after the attachment of the first housing portion to the third housing portion is completed.

[0021] Figure 12 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge A of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge B of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 14 A sectional view showing a state in which the tape reel A is replaced with another tape reel A in the tape cartridge A of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 A sectional view showing a state in which the tape reel A is desired to be replaced with the tape reel B in the tape cartridge A of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge A of the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 17 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge B of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 A sectional view showing a state in which the tape reel A is replaced with another tape reel A in the tape cartridge A of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 A sectional view showing a state in which the tape reel A is desired to be replaced with the tape reel B in the tape cartridge A of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 20 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge A of the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 21 A sectional view showing the tape cartridge B of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 22A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 23 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view showing the tape cartridge A of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 25 A cross-sectional view showing the tape cartridge B of the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 26 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 27 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 28 A cross-sectional view showing a modification of the tape cartridge A of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 29 A cross-sectional view showing the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 30 A cross-sectional view showing the tape cartridge B of the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 31 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 32 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tape roll A is replaced with another tape roll A in the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 33 A perspective view of the tape core A provided to the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 34 A perspective view of the housing portion main body of the third housing portion A provided to the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 35 A perspective view of the rotating body of the third housing portion A provided to the tape cartridge A of the fifth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 36 A perspective view of the tape cartridge set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, a tape cartridge 101, as one embodiment of the tape cartridge, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The tape cartridge 101 is detachably mounted on the tape printing apparatus 1. Furthermore, although the following description uses directions defined by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the various figures, 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.

[0047] With box

[0048] based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The tape cassette 101 will now be described. The tape cassette 101 includes a tape spool 103, a ribbon spool 105, a take-up core 107, an impression roller 109, and a casing 111 for housing these components. In addition, a circuit board 113 is mounted on the casing 111.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the tape reel 103 includes a tape 115 that serves as the printing medium and a tape core 117 wound around the tape 115. The ribbon reel 105 includes an ink tape 119 and an unwinding core 121 around which the ink tape 119 is wound. The ink tape 119 unwound from the unwinding core 121 is wound onto the take-up core 107. Figure 3 As shown, the impression roller 109 clamps the tape 115 and the ink tape 119 between itself and the thermal head 13 of the tape printing device 1, and feeds the clamped tape 115 and the ink tape 119.

[0050] In unused tape cassette 101, if the length of the ink ribbon 119 is longer than the length of the tape 115 and the tape 115 is made of thicker raw material, the length of the ink ribbon 119 is more than twice the length of the tape 115. For example, if the length of the ink ribbon 119 wound on the ribbon spool 105 is 16m, and the length of the tape 115 wound on the tape spool 103 is 3m, then the length of the ink ribbon 119 is more than five times the length of the tape spool 103. Therefore, even if the tape spool 103 stored in the casing 111 is in a state of being depleted, that is, when the tape 115 has been completely unwound from the tape core 117, the user can continue to use the tape cassette 101 by replacing only the tape spool 103 without replacing the ribbon spool 105.

[0051] The head insertion hole 123 is provided on the outer casing 111 in a through manner in the Z direction. In addition, a tape feed outlet 125 extending in the Z direction is provided on the surface of the outer casing 111 in the -X direction. The tape 115 unwound from the tape spool 103 is fed out of the outer casing 111 through the tape feed outlet 125.

[0052] The circuit substrate 113 is provided at the +Y direction and -Z direction end portion on the +X direction face of the cartridge case 111. The circuit substrate 113 has a plurality of electrode portions 127 and a storage element, which is omitted from the illustration. Various information is stored in the storage element. Among the various information, for example, information indicating the color of the tape 115, information indicating the width of the tape 115, information indicating the raw material of the tape 115, information indicating the color of the ink ribbon 119, information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119, that is, the length of the ink ribbon 119 wound on the take-up core 121, and the like are included. As the information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119, for example, information indicating the length of the ink ribbon 119 in the unused tape cartridge 101 and information indicating the length of the ink ribbon 119 that has been consumed, that is, unwound from the take-up core 121 are used.

[0053] Tape printing device

[0054] Based on Figure 3 The tape printing device 1 will be described. The tape printing device 1 has a device case 3 and a mounting portion cover 5. The device case 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A cartridge mounting portion 7 is provided on the +Z direction face of the device case 3. The cartridge mounting portion 7 is a recess opened in the +Z direction. The tape cartridge 101 is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 7.

[0055] A tape discharge port 9 is provided on the -X direction face of the device case 3. The tape 115 fed out from the tape cartridge 101 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 7 is discharged from the tape discharge port 9.

[0056] The mounting portion cover 5 is rotatably mounted at the +Y direction end portion of the device case 3. The mounting portion cover 5 opens and closes the cartridge mounting portion 7.

[0057] A thermal head 13 and a head cover 15 are provided in the cartridge mounting portion 7. The thermal head 13 has a not-illustrated heat generating element and performs printing on the tape 115. The head cover 15 partially covers the thermal head 13. When the tape cartridge 101 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 7, the thermal head 13 and the head cover 15 are inserted into the head insertion hole 123.

[0058] A platen shaft 17, a take-up shaft 19, and a take-up shaft 21 protrude in the +Z direction from the bottom face of the cartridge mounting portion 7. When the tape cartridge 101 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 7, the platen shaft 17, the take-up core 121, and the take-up core 107 are inserted into the platen roller 109, the take-up core 121, and the take-up core 107, respectively. Thus, the rotation of a not-illustrated feeding motor can be transmitted to the platen roller 109, the take-up core 121, and the take-up core 107. Further, an insertion protrusion 22 protrudes in the +Z direction from the bottom face of the cartridge mounting portion 7. When the tape cartridge 101 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 7, the insertion protrusion 22 is inserted into the inside of the third core protrusion 159 described later. Figure 11 the inside of the third core protrusion 159 described later.

[0059] When the tape cartridge 101 is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 7, the thermal head 13 is moved toward the platen roller 109 by omitting the head moving mechanism shown in the drawing when the mounting portion cover 5 is closed. Thereby, the tape 115 and the ink ribbon 119 are sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 109. When the platen roller 109 is rotated in this state, the tape 115 and the ink ribbon 119 are fed. At this time, the thermal head 13 is heated based on the print data received from an external device such as a personal computer, thereby transferring the ink of the ink ribbon 119 to the tape 115, and thereby printing the print image on the tape 115.

[0060] A cutter 23 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 7 and the tape discharge port 9. The cutter 23 cuts the tape 115 with a cutter motor, which is omitted from the drawing, as a driving source. Thereby, the printed portion of the tape 115 is cut off.

[0061] A substrate connecting portion 25 is provided on the inner side surface of the cartridge mounting portion 7. The substrate connecting portion 25 has a plurality of contact terminal portions 27. The plurality of contact terminal portions 27 come into contact with a plurality of electrode portions 127 provided on the circuit substrate 113 of the tape cartridge 101 installed in the cartridge mounting portion 7. Thereby, the circuit substrate 113 and a control portion, which is not shown, provided in the tape printing apparatus 1 are electrically connected via the substrate connecting portion 25. The control portion has a processor and various memories, and controls each portion of the tape printing apparatus 1. The control portion reads various information stored in the circuit substrate 113 via the substrate connecting portion 25, and writes various information in the circuit substrate 113.

[0062] When the control portion receives an instruction to execute printing, the control portion judges whether the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119 based on the information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119 read from the circuit substrate 113 and the printing length obtained based on the print data before the printing process is started. That is, the control portion judges whether the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119 before the tape printing apparatus 1 starts to feed the tape 115 and the ink ribbon 119. The control portion suspends the printing process when it is judged that the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119, and causes a notification portion such as a display provided in the tape printing apparatus 1 or the external device to notify of this. In this way, by storing the information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 119 in the circuit substrate 113, it is possible to avoid the ink ribbon 119 running out in the middle of printing in advance. Further, the control portion rewrites the information indicating the length of the ink ribbon 119 consumed, which is stored in the circuit substrate 113, based on the printing length indicated by the print data after the printing operation is finished.

[0063] Tape core

[0064] Based on Figure 4 And Figure 5The band core 117 will be described. Also, although there are two types of the band core 117, as described later, the band core 117A shown in FIG. 1A and the band core 117B shown in FIG. 1B, the commonalities of the two will be described here without distinguishing between the band core 117A and the band core 117B, and the differences between the band core 117A and the band core 117B will be described later. Figure 12 Figure 13

[0065] The band core 117 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The band core 117 has an outer cylinder portion 129, an inner cylinder portion 131, a core hole rib portion 133, and a plurality of connection rib portions 135. The outer cylinder portion 129, the inner cylinder portion 131, the core hole rib portion 133, and the plurality of connection rib portions 135 are integrally formed using resin.

[0066] The outer cylinder portion 129 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The tape 115 is wound around the outer periphery of the outer cylinder portion 129. The inner cylinder portion 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is smaller in diameter than the outer cylinder portion 129, and is disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 129. That is, the band core 117 has a double cylinder structure having the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131. The inside of the inner cylinder portion 131 functions as a core hole 137 into which a third core protrusion 159 described later is inserted. Also, the end portion of the core hole 137 in the -Z direction is referred to as a protrusion insertion opening 136. Figure 11

[0067] The core hole rib portion 133 is disposed in the inside of the inner cylinder portion 131, that is, in the core hole 137, and is formed in a substantially circular plate shape that is perpendicular to the center axis direction of the inner cylinder portion 131, that is, the Z direction. A protrusion insertion opening 138 is disposed in the center of the core hole rib portion 133. The protrusion insertion opening 138 is formed in a substantially circular shape. As shown in FIG. 1A, a second protrusion portion 163 of the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the protrusion insertion opening 138. Figure 11

[0068] The plurality of connection rib portions 135 are disposed in a radial direction with respect to the center axes of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 by connecting between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 in the radial direction. The connection rib portions 135 are not disposed in a portion of the region in the +Z direction, for example, substantially one-third of the region in the +Z direction, between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131, and thus the region becomes a substantially cylindrical space. The substantially cylindrical space functions as an insertion receiving portion 139 into which a first core protrusion 177 described later is inserted. The insertion receiving portion 139 is disposed on the radially outer side of the band core 117 with respect to the core hole 137. Figure 8

[0069] The cartridge housing

[0070] Based on Figure 1 ​​​​​The cassette housing 111 will be described. The cassette housing 111 has a first housing portion 141, a second housing portion 143, a third housing portion 145, and a fourth housing portion 147. The first housing portion 141, the second housing portion 143, and the fourth housing portion 147 are located in the +Z direction in the cassette housing 111, and the third housing portion 145 is located in the -Z direction in the cassette housing 111. The tape cassette 101 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 7 with the third housing portion 145 facing the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 7.

[0071] The first housing portion 141, the second housing portion 143, the third housing portion 145, and the fourth housing portion 147 are provided separately from each other. The first housing portion 141, the second housing portion 143, and the fourth housing portion 147 are composed of a light-transmissive resin, and the third housing portion 145 is composed of a non-light-transmissive resin, but the raw materials of the first housing portion 141, the second housing portion 143, the third housing portion 145, and the fourth housing portion 147 are not limited thereto.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing portion 141 houses the tape roll 103 between the third housing portion 145. That is, the first housing portion 141 and the third housing portion 145 constitute the housing of a tape roll housing portion 148 that houses the tape roll 103. The user can close the tape roll housing portion 148 by mounting the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145, and can open the tape roll housing portion 148 by detaching the first housing portion 141 from the third housing portion 145. Figure 11 The second housing portion 143 is provided in the -Y direction with respect to the first housing portion 141. The second housing portion 143 houses the ink ribbon roll 105 and the take-up core 107 between the third housing portion 145. That is, the second housing portion 143 and the third housing portion 145 constitute the housing of an ink ribbon housing portion 149 that houses the ink ribbon roll 105 and the take-up core 107.

[0073] The fourth housing portion 147 is provided between the first housing portion 141 and the second housing portion 143 at the end portion of the -X direction of the cassette housing 111. The fourth housing portion 147 houses the platen roller 109 between the third housing portion 145. That is, the third housing portion 145 and the fourth housing portion 147 constitute the housing of a platen roller housing portion 151 that houses the platen roller 109.

[0074] The second housing portion 143 is pressed into the third housing portion 145 by a second engagement pin (not shown) provided in the second housing portion 143.

[0075] Figure 7 ​is shown in a 3A engagement hole 167, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the second housing portion 143 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the second housing portion 143 from the third housing portion 145 by hand.

[0076] Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 7 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand.

[0077] In contrast, as described later, the first housing portion 141 is pressed into the first engagement hole 163 shown in the third housing portion 145 by the first engagement protrusion 171 provided on the first housing portion 141, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Figure 8 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 7 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 6 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 6 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 6 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand.

[0078] When the user replaces the tape roll 103 in the tape cartridge 101 with another tape roll 103, the user first detaches the third housing portion 145 from the first housing portion and takes out the tape roll 103 from the cartridge housing 111. Next, the user places the other tape roll 103 in the third housing portion 145. Then, the user mounts the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145 and ends the replacement work of the tape roll 103.

[0079] The third housing portion

[0080] The third housing portion 145 is described based on the third housing portion 145A shown in FIG. 10 and the third housing portion 145B shown in FIG. 11. Figure 7 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 12 Likewise, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the fourth engagement hole 169 shown in the third housing portion 145, thereby being combined with the third housing portion 145. Therefore, although the user can detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a predetermined cartridge disassembling device, it is difficult to detach the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand. Figure 13The third housing portion 145B is shown in two, but the commonalities of the third housing portion 145A and the third housing portion 145B are described here, and the differences between the third housing portion 145A and the third housing portion 145B will be described later.

[0081] The third housing portion 145 includes a third bottom wall portion 153, a third side wall portion 155 protruding from a peripheral portion of the third bottom wall portion 153 in the +Z direction, and a substrate mounting portion 157 provided on the outer side of the third side wall portion 155.

[0082] The third bottom wall portion 153 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The third core protrusion 159 protrudes from the third bottom wall portion 153 in the +Z direction. The third core protrusion 159 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a difference in height, and the insertion protrusion 22 is inserted into the inside of the third core protrusion 159. The third core protrusion 159 includes a first protrusion portion 161 and a second protrusion portion 163. The first protrusion portion 161 is provided on the base end side of the third core protrusion 159, that is, in the -Z direction. The second protrusion portion 163 is provided on the tip end side of the third core protrusion 159, that is, in the +Z direction. The second protrusion portion 163 has a smaller diameter than the first protrusion portion 161, and the protrusion insertion opening 138 is slightly smaller in diameter than the first protrusion portion 161. Figure 11 The third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117 from the protrusion insertion opening 136, that is, in the -Z direction. At this time, the second protrusion portion 163 is inserted into the protrusion insertion opening 138. The third core protrusion 159, together with the first core protrusion 177 described later, rotatably supports the tape reel 103.

[0083] In addition, three third base ribs 164 are provided on the +Z direction surface of the third bottom wall portion 153. The three third base ribs 164 are provided in a radial manner with respect to the third core protrusion 159. That is, the three third base ribs 164 extend in a straight line in the radial direction of the third core protrusion 159. The protrusion height of the three third base ribs 164 is lower than the protrusion height of the first protrusion portion 161 of the third core protrusion 159. The three third base ribs 164 impart rigidity to the third bottom wall portion 153. In addition, in a state in which the tape reel 103 is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153, the end surface of the tape core 117 in the -Z direction is separated from the +Z direction surface of the third bottom wall portion 153 by the three third base ribs 164, and as shown in Figure 11

[0084] The substrate mounting portion 157 is located at the end portion in the +X direction and the +Y direction in the third housing portion 145, and is provided on the outer side of the third side wall portion 155. The circuit substrate 113 is mounted in the substrate mounting portion 157.

[0085] ​The third outer casing 145 is provided with three third engagement receiving parts 165, five third A engagement holes 167, and four third B engagement holes 169.

[0086] Three third engaging portions 165 are provided on the third sidewall portion 155 at positions corresponding to the combination of the first outer shell portion 141 and the third outer shell portion 145. The three third engaging portions 165 engage with the three first engaging protrusions 175 provided in the first outer shell portion 141 in a detachable manner. Thus, the first outer shell portion 141 is detachably mounted relative to the third outer shell portion 145.

[0087] Five third A engagement holes 167 are provided on the third side wall portion 155, etc., corresponding to the positions where the second outer housing portion 143 and the third outer housing portion 145 are combined. Five second engagement pins provided on the second outer housing portion 143 are pressed into the five third A engagement holes 167 from the +Z direction. Thus, the second outer housing portion 143 and the third outer housing portion 145 are combined together.

[0088] Four third B engagement holes 169 are provided on the third side wall portion 155, etc., corresponding to the positions where the fourth outer shell portion 147 and the third outer shell portion 145 are combined. Four fourth engagement pins provided on the fourth outer shell portion 147 are pressed into the four third B engagement holes 169 from the +Z direction. Thus, the fourth outer shell portion 147 and the third outer shell portion 145 are combined together.

[0089] First outer shell

[0090] based on Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The first outer shell portion 141 will be described. The first outer shell portion 141 includes a first bottom wall portion 171 and a first side wall portion 173 that protrudes in the -Z direction from the periphery of the first bottom wall portion 171.

[0091] Three first engaging protrusions 175 are provided on the first outer casing portion 141. The three first engaging protrusions 175 protrude in the -Z direction from the first side wall portion 173. The three first engaging protrusions 175 engage with three third engaging receiving portions 165 provided on the third outer casing portion 145 in a detachable manner. Thus, the first outer casing portion 141 is detachably mounted relative to the third outer casing portion 145.

[0092] When the first outer casing 141 is mounted on the third outer casing 145, the first bottom wall portion 171 is located in the +Z direction relative to the third bottom wall portion 153 and is formed into a plate shape parallel to the XY plane. A first core protrusion 177 protrudes from the first bottom wall portion 171 in the -Z direction. The first core protrusion 177 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. Figure 10As shown, the thickness of the first core protrusion 177, that is, the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the first core protrusion 177, is slightly smaller than the width of the insertion receiving portion 139 provided in the tape core 117, that is, the difference between the inner diameter of the outer tube portion 129 and the outer diameter of the inner tube portion 131.

[0093] As shown, the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139 provided in the tape core 117 from the +Z direction. The first core protrusion 177, together with the third core protrusion 159 described above, rotatably supports the tape reel 103. Figure 10

[0094] Thus, the tape reel 103 is rotatably supported by the first core protrusion 177 inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139, and therefore, compared to a structure in which the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the core hole 137, the tape reel 103 can be supported by the first core protrusion 177 at a position farther from the rotational axis of the tape reel 103. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rotational axis of the tape reel 103 from wobbling when the user replaces the tape reel 103, and the like, and to stabilize the mobility of the tape 115. In addition, although it is also conceivable to increase the diameters of the outer tube portion 129 and the inner tube portion 131 and to cause the inside of the inner tube portion 131, that is, the core hole 137, to function as the insertion receiving portion 139, if so, the length of the tape 115 that can be wound around the tape reel 103 becomes shorter.

[0095] Kinds of tape cartridges

[0096] With regard to the tape cartridge 101, a plurality of kinds of tape cartridges are prepared. Among the plurality of kinds of tape cartridges 101, there are Figure 12 the tape cartridge 101A shown in FIG. 1, and Figure 13 the tape cartridge 101B shown in FIG. 2.

[0097] Among the tape cartridge 101A and the tape cartridge 101B, the tape 115, the ink tape 119, the tape core 117, and the third housing portion 145 are different. Therefore, the tape 115, the ink tape 119, the tape core 117, and the third housing portion 145 provided in the tape cartridge 101A are referred to as the tape 115A, the ink tape 119A, the tape core 117A, and the third housing portion 145A. Furthermore, the tape reel 103 provided with the tape 115A and the tape core 117A is referred to as the tape reel 103A. Likewise, the tape 115, the ink tape 119, the tape core 117, and the third housing portion 145 provided in the tape cartridge 101B are referred to as the tape 115B, the ink tape 119B, the tape core 117B, and the third housing portion 145B. Furthermore, the tape reel 103 provided with the tape 115B and the tape core 117B is referred to as the tape reel 103B. In addition, in cases where it is not necessary to distinguish between the tape cartridge 101A and the tape cartridge 101B, only the tape cartridge 101 is referred to. The same applies to other structural elements marked with A and B.

[0098] ​The tapes 115A and 115B are used for different purposes and differ in shape and raw material, etc. For example, the tape 115A is composed of a printed tape made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) formed in a long strip shape and a release paper attached to an adhesive surface of the printed tape, and is used for attachment to a notebook or a document, etc. The tape 115B is composed of a raw material that is heat-shrinkable and formed in a tube shape, is inserted into a cable, etc., and is further attached to an outer peripheral surface thereof by heating with hot air, etc.

[0099] The ink tape 119A has properties suitable for printing of the tape 115A, and the ink tape 119B has properties suitable for printing of the tape 115B. In other words, the ink tape 119A is not suitable for printing of the tape 115B, and the ink tape 119B is not suitable for printing of the tape 115A. In addition, suitability for printing is evaluated, for example, from the viewpoint of image density of a printed image, durability of a printed image, etc.

[0100] First embodiment of tape core and third housing portion

[0101] Based on Figure 12 to Figure 15 The first embodiment of the tape core 117A, the tape core 117B, the third housing portion 145A, and the third housing portion 145B will be described.

[0102] The tape core 117A and the tape core 117B of the first embodiment differ in the following points, that is, in the tape core 117A shown in Figure 12 An outer side recess 187 that accommodates an outer side protrusion 185 to be described later is provided on the tape core 117A shown in Figure 13 The outer side recess 187 is not provided on the tape core 117B shown in

[0103] In the tape core 117A, as shown in Figure 12 A plurality of connecting rib portions 135 extend in the Z direction in a region between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and at an intermediate portion in the Z direction, for example, a region of approximately one-third of the intermediate portion in the Z direction. Therefore, in a part of the region between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and in the -Z direction, for example, a region of approximately one-third of the -Z direction, the connecting rib portions 135 are not provided, and the region becomes a substantially cylindrical space. The substantially cylindrical space functions as the outer side recess 187. The outer side recess 187 is provided at a radially outer side of the tape core 117A with respect to the core hole 137.

[0104] On the other hand, in the tape core 117B, as shown in Figure 13As shown, the plurality of connection ribs 135 extend in the Z direction in a part of the region between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and in the -Z direction, for example, in approximately two-thirds of the region in the -Z direction. That is, the plurality of connection ribs 135 extend up to the -Z direction end of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131. Therefore, in the part of the region between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and in the -Z direction, unlike the band core 117A, the outer side recess 187 is not provided, and instead, the plurality of connection ribs 135 are present.

[0105] Further, the third housing portion 145A and the third housing portion 145B of the first embodiment differ in the following points, namely, in the Figure 12 The third housing portion 145A shown is provided with an outer side protrusion 185 to be housed in the above-described outer side recess 187, in contrast to which, the third housing portion 145B shown is not provided with an outer side protrusion 185. Figure 13

[0106] In the third housing portion 145A, the outer side protrusion 185 is provided, which is located radially outward of the third core protrusion 159 and protrudes in the +Z direction from the third bottom wall portion 153. The outer side protrusion 185 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape concentric with the third core protrusion 159. The wall thickness of the outer side protrusion 185, that is, the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the outer side protrusion 185, is smaller than the width of the outer side recess 187 provided on the band core 117A, that is, the difference between the inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion 131.

[0107] Further, a substantially cylindrical space is provided between the outer side protrusion 185 and the first protrusion portion 161 of the third core protrusion 159. The width of this substantially cylindrical space is greater than the wall thickness of the inner cylinder portion 131 of the band core 117A. When the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the band core 117A, the outer side protrusion 185 is inserted into the outer side recess 187, and, as Figure 14 As shown, the inner cylinder portion 131 of the band core 117A is inserted into the space between the outer side protrusion 185 and the first protrusion portion 161.

[0108] The outer side protrusion 185 is provided in a manner overlapping each of the third base ribs 164 at a position near the end portion of each of the third base ribs 164 on the side of the third core protrusion 159. The protrusion height of the outer side protrusion 185 is higher than the protrusion height of the three third base ribs 164 and lower than the protrusion height of the first protrusion portion 161 of the third core protrusion 159, but is not limited thereto, and can be higher than the protrusion height of the first protrusion portion 161 or further higher than the protrusion height of the second protrusion portion 163.

[0109] ​On the other hand, in the third housing portion 145B, the outer protrusion 185 is not provided on the radially outer side of the third core protrusion 159. That is, in the third housing portion 145B, only the three third base ribs 164 are provided on the radially outer side of the third core protrusion 159.

[0110] As Figure 14 illustrated, when the user places the other tape roll 103A on the third bottom wall portion 153 in order to replace the tape roll 103A with the other tape roll 103A in the tape cartridge 101A, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the core 117A provided in the other tape roll 103A. At this time, the outer protrusion 185 provided on the third housing portion 145A is inserted into the outer recess 187 provided on the core 117A and is accommodated by the outer recess 187. Therefore, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117A is not prevented by the outer protrusion 185, and the user can replace the tape roll 103A with the other tape roll 103A.

[0111] In contrast, as Figure 15 illustrated, when the user wants to erroneously replace the tape roll 103A with the tape roll 103B in the tape cartridge 101A, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B is prevented by the outer protrusion 185 when the tape roll 103B is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153. That is, the +Z-directional face of the outer protrusion 185 provided in the third housing portion 145A comes into contact with the -Z-directional end face of the core 117B, and more specifically, comes into contact with the -Z-directional end face of the plurality of connecting ribs 135 provided on the core 117B halfway through the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B.

[0112] Thus, in the first embodiment, by providing the outer protrusion 185 on the third housing portion 145A and not providing the outer recess 187 on the core 117B, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted only halfway into the core hole 137 of the core 117B. Even if the user wants to attach the first housing portion 141 to the third housing portion 145A in this state, the first housing portion 141 cannot be attached to the third housing portion 145A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the erroneous replacement of the tape roll 103A with the tape roll 103B in the tape cartridge 101A.

[0113] In addition, the prevention of the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B is a concept that includes not only a structure in which none of the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 but also a structure in which the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 but the insertion is prevented halfway through, as in the present embodiment.

[0114] The second embodiment of the core and the third outer casing

[0115] based on Figure 16 to Figure 19 The second embodiment of the strip core 117A, strip core 117B, third outer shell portion 145A, and third outer shell portion 145B will be described.

[0116] and Figure 13 Similarly, the core 117B of the first embodiment shown, as well as the core 117A and core 117B of the second embodiment, are similar in that they do not have the outer recess 187. In contrast, Figure 16 The second embodiment shown has a core 117A and Figure 17 The shown core 117B differs in that the core hole rib 133 on core 117A is located further in the +Z direction than the core hole rib 133 on core 117B. The depth of the core hole 137 in core 117A is greater than the depth of the core hole 137 in core 117B. Furthermore, the depth of the core hole 137 refers to the dimension from the -Z direction end face of core 117 (i.e., the protruding insertion opening 136) to the -Z direction surface of core hole rib 133.

[0117] In addition, with Figure 13 Similarly, the third outer shell portion 145B of the first embodiment shown, as well as the third outer shell portion 145A and the third outer shell portion 145B of the second embodiment, are similar in that they do not have an outer protrusion 185. However, the third outer shell portion 145A and the third outer shell portion 145B of the second embodiment differ in that they do not have an outer protrusion 185. Figure 16 The protrusion height of the first protrusion 161 on the third housing portion 145A shown is higher than that of the portion provided. Figure 17 The protrusion height of the first protrusion 161 on the third outer casing 145B shown.

[0118] like Figure 18 As shown, when a user places a different tape spool 103A on the third bottom wall portion 153 to replace the tape spool 103A in the tape cassette 101A, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A of the other tape spool 103A. At this time, the first protrusion 161 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A is inserted into the core hole 137 provided in the tape core 117A and is received by the core hole 137. Therefore, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A is not blocked by the core hole rib 133, and the user can replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A.

[0119] In contrast, such as Figure 19As shown, when a user mistakenly replaces tape spool 103A with tape spool 103B in tape cassette 101A, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B is blocked by the first protrusion 161 when the tape spool 103B is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153. That is, during the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B, the +Z direction surface of the first protrusion 161 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A will touch the -Z direction surface of the core hole rib 133 provided on the tape core 117B.

[0120] Thus, in the second embodiment, by making the protrusion height of the first protrusion 161 provided on the third housing portion 145A higher and the depth of the core hole 137 provided in the core 117B smaller, the third core protrusion 159 only enters halfway into the core hole 137 of the core 117B. Even if the user wants to install the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145A in this state, it is impossible to install the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tape spool 103A in the tape cassette 101A from being mistakenly replaced with the tape spool 103B.

[0121] Furthermore, the structure is not limited to preventing the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B by the first protrusion 161 contacting the core hole rib 133. It can also be configured such that the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B is prevented by the second protrusion 163 contacting the core hole rib 133. In this case, for example, it is sufficient to make the diameter of the protrusion insertion opening 138 provided in the core 117A smaller than the diameter of the protrusion insertion opening 138 provided in the core 117B.

[0122] Third embodiment of the core and third outer casing

[0123] based on Figure 20 to Figure 23 The third embodiment of the strip core 117A, strip core 117B, third outer shell portion 145A, and third outer shell portion 145B will be described.

[0124] and Figure 12 Similarly, the belt cores 117A and 117B of the third embodiment share the commonality of having an outer recess 187, as shown in the first embodiment. However, the belt cores 117A and 117B of the third embodiment differ in that they have an outer recess 187. Figure 20 The ends of the multiple connecting ribs 135 on the core 117A shown are located in the -Z direction and are positioned with respect to the... Figure 21The ends of the multiple connecting ribs 135 on the core 117B in the -Z direction are closer to the +Z direction. That is, the depth of the outer recess 187 provided on the core 117A is greater than the depth of the outer recess 187 provided on the core 117B. In addition, the depth of the outer recess 187 refers to the dimension from the end face of the core 117 in the -Z direction to the end face of the multiple connecting ribs 135 in the -Z direction.

[0125] In addition, with Figure 12 Similarly, the third outer shell portion 145A of the first embodiment shown shares the commonality of having an outer protrusion 185 with the third outer shell portion 145B of the third embodiment. However, the third outer shell portion 145A and the third outer shell portion 145B of the third embodiment differ in that they have an outer protrusion 185. Figure 20 The protrusion height of the outer protrusion 185 on the third housing portion 145A shown is higher than that of the portion provided with Figure 21 The protrusion height of the outer protrusion 185 on the third outer casing portion 145B shown.

[0126] like Figure 22 As shown, when a user places a different tape spool 103A on the third bottom wall portion 153 in order to replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A in the tape cassette 101A, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A of the other tape spool 103A. At this time, the outer protrusion 185 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A is inserted into the outer recess 187 provided on the tape core 117A and is received by the outer recess 187. Therefore, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A is not blocked by the outer protrusion 185, and the user can replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A.

[0127] In contrast, such as Figure 23 As shown, when a user mistakenly replaces tape spool 103A with tape spool 103B in tape cassette 101A, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B is blocked by the outer protrusion 185 when the tape spool 103B is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153. That is, during the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B, the +Z direction surface of the outer protrusion 185 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A will touch the -Z direction surface of the core hole rib 133 provided in the tape core 117B.

[0128] Thus, in the third embodiment, by making the protruding height of the outer side protrusion 185 provided on the third housing portion 145A high and the depth of the outer side recess 187 provided on the tape core 117B small, the third core protrusion 159 enters only halfway in the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B. Even if the user wants to mount the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145A in this state, it is not possible to mount the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145A. Thus, it is possible to suppress the case where the tape reel 103A is erroneously replaced with the tape reel 103B in the tape cartridge 101A.

[0129] Fourth Embodiment of Tape Core and Third Housing Portion

[0130] Based on Figure 24 to Figure 27 The fourth embodiment of the tape core 117A, the tape core 117B, the third housing portion 145A, and the third housing portion 145B will be described.

[0131] As with the tape core 117B of the first embodiment shown in Figure 13 The tape core 117A and the tape core 117B of the fourth embodiment are common in that the outer side recess 187 is not provided. In contrast, the tape core 117A and the tape core 117B of the fourth embodiment differ in that Figure 24 The outer edge recess 189 that accommodates the outer edge protrusion 191 described later is provided on the tape core 117A shown in Figure 25 In contrast, the outer edge recess 189 is not provided on the tape core 117B shown in

[0132] The outer edge recess 189 is provided on the -Z-direction end surface of the tape core 117A at the outer edge portion of the protrusion insertion opening 136. The outer edge recess 189 is formed as a space in a substantially conical frustum shape. That is, with respect to the depth of the outer edge recess 189, the inner side of the outer edge recess 189 is larger than the outer side of the outer edge recess 189. More specifically, the -Z-direction end portions of the plurality of connecting rib portions 135 are located in the +Z direction with respect to the -Z-direction end portion of the outer cylinder portion 129, and the -Z-direction end portion of the inner cylinder portion 131 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the -Z-direction end portions of the plurality of connecting rib portions 135.

[0133] In contrast, the outer edge recess 189 is not provided on the -Z-direction end surface of the tape core 117B at the outer edge portion of the protrusion insertion opening 136. That is, the -Z-direction end portion of the outer cylinder portion 129, the -Z-direction end portions of the plurality of connecting rib portions 135, and the -Z-direction end portion of the inner cylinder portion 131 are located at substantially the same position in the Z direction.

[0134] In addition, as with the first embodiment shown in Figure 13Similarly, the third outer shell portion 145B of the first embodiment shown, as well as the third outer shell portion 145A and the third outer shell portion 145B of the fourth embodiment, are similar in that they do not have the outer protrusion 185. In contrast, the third outer shell portion 145A and the third outer shell portion 145B of the fourth embodiment differ in that, in... Figure 24 The third outer casing portion 145A shown is provided with an outer edge protrusion 191 that is received by the aforementioned outer edge recess 189. In contrast, Figure 25 The third outer shell portion 145B shown does not have an outer edge protrusion 191.

[0135] The outer edge protrusion 191 is located at the outer edge of the third core protrusion 159 and protrudes in the +Z direction from the third bottom wall portion 153 of the third outer shell portion 145A. The outer edge protrusion 191 is formed into a generally frustoconical cylindrical shape that is complementary to the outer edge recess 189. That is, regarding the protrusion height of the outer edge protrusion 191, the inner side of the outer edge protrusion 191 is higher than the outer side of the outer edge protrusion 191. The outer edge protrusion 191 is integrally formed with the third core protrusion 159. That is, the inner side of the outer edge protrusion 191 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 161 of the third core protrusion 159.

[0136] On the other hand, in the third outer casing portion 145B, an outer edge protrusion 191 is not provided on the outer edge portion of the third core protrusion 159.

[0137] like Figure 26 As shown, when a user places a different tape spool 103A on the third bottom wall portion 153 in order to replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A in the tape cassette 101A, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A of the other tape spool 103A. At this time, the outer edge protrusion 191 provided on the third outer shell portion 145A is accommodated in the outer edge recess 189 provided on the tape core 117A. Therefore, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A is not blocked by the outer edge protrusion 191, and the user can replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A.

[0138] In contrast, such as Figure 27 As shown, when a user mistakenly replaces tape spool 103A with tape spool 103B in tape cassette 101A, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B is blocked by the outer edge protrusion 191 when the tape spool 103B is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153. That is, when the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B, the outer edge protrusion 191 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A will touch the -Z direction end face of the tape core 117B, and more specifically, will touch the outer edge of the protrusion insertion port 136.

[0139] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, by providing the outer edge protrusion 191 on the third housing portion 145A and not providing the outer edge recess 189 on the tape core 117B, the third core protrusion 159 only enters halfway in the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B. Even if the user wants to install the first housing portion 141 on the third housing portion 145A in this state, the first housing portion 141 cannot be installed on the third housing portion 145A. Thus, it is possible to suppress the case where the tape reel 103A is erroneously replaced with the tape reel 103B in the tape cartridge 101A.

[0140] In addition, although in the fourth embodiment, the outer edge recess 189 is formed as a space in a substantially truncated cone shape and the outer edge protrusion 191 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape, the shapes of the outer edge protrusion 191 and the outer edge recess 189 are not limited to the substantially truncated cone shape. For example, as shown in Figure 28 , it is also possible to have a structure in which the outer edge recess 189 is formed as a space in a substantially cylindrical shape and the outer edge protrusion 191 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Also, it is not limited to a structure in which the outer edge recess 189 and the outer edge protrusion 191 are in the same shape, as long as the outer edge protrusion 191 can be accommodated in the outer edge recess 189. For example, it is also possible to have a structure in which the outer edge recess 189 is formed as a space in a substantially cylindrical shape and the outer edge protrusion 191 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape.

[0141] Fifth Embodiment of Tape Core and Third Housing Portion

[0142] Based on Figure 29 to Figure 35 the fifth embodiment of the tape core 117A, the tape core 117B, the third housing portion 145A, and the third housing portion 145B will be described.

[0143] As with the tape core 117B of the first embodiment shown in Figure 13 , the tape core 117A and the tape core 117B of the fifth embodiment are common in that the outer side recess 187 is not provided. In contrast, the tape core 117A and the tape core 117B of the fifth embodiment differ in that Figure 29 the engaging recess 193 that engages with the second rotating body portion 207 described later is provided on the tape core 117A shown in Figure 30 , in contrast, the engaging recess 193 is not provided on the tape core 117B shown in

[0144] In the tape core 117A, the inner cylinder portion 131 has a cylindrical portion 195 and a prism cylinder portion 197 connected to the cylindrical portion 195 in the -Z direction. The cylindrical portion 195 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 33As shown, the prism cylinder portion 197 is formed in a substantially regular hexagonal prism cylinder shape that is inscribed in the outer cylinder portion 129. A fitting recess 193 is provided on the -Z-direction end surface of the prism cylinder portion 197.

[0145] On the other hand, the fitting recess 193 is provided on the tape core 117B. That is, in the tape core 117B, the inner cylinder portion 131 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0146] Further, the third housing portion 145A of the fifth embodiment is common with the third housing portion 145B of the first embodiment in that Figure 13 As with the third housing portion 145B of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the third housing portion 145A and the third housing portion 145B of the fifth embodiment are common in that the outer side protrusion 185 is not provided. In contrast, the third housing portion 145A and the third housing portion 145B of the fifth embodiment differ in that Figure 29 As shown in FIG. 8, the third housing portion 145A is composed of two members, a housing portion main body 199 and a rotating body 201. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, Figure 30 As shown in FIG. 10, the third housing portion 145B is composed of one member.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 8, the third housing portion 145A is composed of two members, a housing portion main body 199 and a rotating body 201. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, Figure 34 As shown, the housing portion main body 199 corresponds to the portion obtained by removing the third core protrusion 159 from the third housing portion 145B of the first embodiment. On the third bottom wall portion 153 of the housing portion main body 199, at the position corresponding to the portion on which the third core protrusion 159 is provided on the third housing portion 145 of the first embodiment, a fitting opening 203 is provided. The fitting opening 203 is formed in a substantially circular shape and fits with the rotating body 201.

[0148] The rotating body 201 is rotatably supported on the housing portion main body 199 with the Z-direction serving as the rotational axis direction. As shown, Figure 35 As shown, the rotating body 201 is formed in a substantially hexagonal bolt shape. That is, the rotating body 201 is provided with a first rotating body portion 205 and a second rotating body portion 207. The first rotating body portion 205 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the rotational axis direction, the Z-direction, and is inserted into the core hole 137 provided in the tape core 117A. That is, the first rotating body portion 205 functions as the third core protrusion 159. The second rotating body portion 207 is connected to the -Z-direction end portion of the first rotating body portion 205 and is formed in a substantially regular hexagonal prism cylinder shape. The outer diameter of the second rotating body portion 207 is larger than that of the first rotating body portion 205 and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting recess 193. The second rotating body portion 207 enters the fitting recess 193 provided on the tape core 117A and fits with the fitting recess 193 in such a manner that it cannot rotate with respect to the fitting recess 193.

[0149] The rotating body engaging portion 209 protrudes in the -Z direction from the end face of the second rotating body portion 207 on the side opposite to the first rotating body portion 205, i.e., the end face in the -Z direction. The rotating body engaging portion 209 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and engages with the engaging opening 203 provided on the outer casing body 199. That is, the outer diameter of the rotating body engaging portion 209 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the engaging opening 203.

[0150] The rotating body 201 engages with the engaging recess 193 provided on the core 117A via a second rotating body portion 207 provided on the rotating body 201, thereby enabling it to rotate integrally with the core 117A. That is, the rotating body 201 rotates integrally with the core 117A when the belt 115A is unwound from the core 117A.

[0151] like Figure 31 As shown, when a user places another tape spool 103A on the third bottom wall portion 153 to replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A in the tape cassette 101A, the third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A of the other tape spool 103A. At this time, the second rotating body portion 207 provided on the third outer shell portion 145A engages with and is received by the engaging recess 193 provided on the tape core 117A. Therefore, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117A is not blocked by the second rotating body portion 207, and the user can replace the tape spool 103A with another tape spool 103A.

[0152] In contrast, such as Figure 32 As shown, when a user mistakenly replaces tape spool 103A with tape spool 103B in tape cassette 101A, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B is blocked by the second rotating body portion 207 when the tape spool 103B is placed on the third bottom wall portion 153. That is, halfway through the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the tape core 117B, the +Z direction surface of the second rotating body portion 207 provided on the third outer casing portion 145A will touch the -Z direction end face of the tape core 117B.

[0153] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, by providing the second rotating part 207 on the third outer shell 145A and not providing the engaging recess 193 on the core 117B, the third core protrusion 159 only enters halfway into the core hole 137 of the core 117B. Even if the user wants to install the first outer shell 141 on the third outer shell 145A in this state, it is impossible to install the first outer shell 141 on the third outer shell 145A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tape spool 103A from being mistakenly replaced with tape spool 103B in the tape cassette 101A.

[0154] Further, the shapes of the second-rotating-body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 are not particularly limited, and for example, the second-rotating-body portion 207 can be formed in a polygonal prism shape and the engagement recess 193 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the second-rotating-body portion 207. For example, the second-rotating-body portion 207 can be formed in a quadrangular prism shape and the engagement recess 193 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the second-rotating-body portion 207. Further, the engagement recess 193 being formed in a shape corresponding to the second-rotating-body portion 207 means that the shape of the engagement recess 193 as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the belt core 117 is formed in a polygonal shape that is slightly larger than the shape of the second-rotating-body portion 207 as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 201 in such a manner that the rotating body 201 can rotate integrally with the belt core 117. Furthermore, the second-rotating-body portion 207 being formed in a "polygonal prism shape" is a concept that includes a structure in which the second-rotating-body portion 207 is a cylindrical shape, i.e., a hollow body, and a structure in which the second-rotating-body portion 207 is a columnar shape, i.e., a central solid. That is, the first-rotating-body portion 205 and the second-rotating-body portion 207, in the case where the belt printing device 1 is not provided with the insertion protrusion 22, do not need to be cylindrical shapes in which a space for the insertion of the insertion protrusion 22 is formed inside, and can be columnar shapes in which there is no space inside.

[0155] Also, a structure in which a protrusion is provided on one of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 and a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion is provided on the other one of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 can be provided. The position at which the protrusion or the recess is provided on the second rotary body portion 207 can be the end surface of the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the +Z direction surface, or can be the outer peripheral surface of the second rotary body portion 207. The position at which the protrusion or the recess is provided on the engagement recess 193 can be the bottom surface of the engagement recess 193 or can be the inner peripheral surface of the engagement recess 193. For example, a pin-shaped protrusion is provided on the +Z direction surface of the second rotary body portion 207, and a recess that engages with the pin-shaped protrusion is provided on the surface of the engagement recess 193 that opposes the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the bottom surface of the engagement recess 193. In this structure, the rotation body 201 is caused to rotate integrally with the tape core 117 by engagement of the protrusion and the recess. In this case, the shapes of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 are not limited to the structure in which the second rotary body portion 207 is formed in a polygonal shape and the engagement recess 193 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotary body portion 207, and for example, can be a structure in which the second rotary body portion 207 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the engagement recess 193 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the -Z direction opening portion of the engagement recess 193 is formed in a circular shape. Also, protrusions and recesses can be provided on both the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193. In this structure, the protrusion of the second rotary body portion 207 engages with the recess of the engagement recess 193, and the recess of the second rotary body portion 207 engages with the protrusion of the engagement recess 193.

[0156] Also, a structure in which a protrusion is provided on one of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 and a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion is provided on the other one of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 can be provided. The position at which the protrusion or the recess is provided on the second rotary body portion 207 can be the end surface of the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the +Z direction surface, or can be the outer peripheral surface of the second rotary body portion 207. The position at which the protrusion or the recess is provided on the engagement recess 193 can be the bottom surface of the engagement recess 193 or can be the inner peripheral surface of the engagement recess 193. For example, a pin-shaped protrusion is provided on the +Z direction surface of the second rotary body portion 207, and a recess that engages with the pin-shaped protrusion is provided on the surface of the engagement recess 193 that opposes the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the bottom surface of the engagement recess 193. In this structure, the rotation body 201 is caused to rotate integrally with the tape core 117 by engagement of the protrusion and the recess. In this case, the shapes of the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193 are not limited to the structure in which the second rotary body portion 207 is formed in a polygonal shape and the engagement recess 193 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotary body portion 207, and for example, can be a structure in which the second rotary body portion 207 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the engagement recess 193 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotary body portion 207, that is, the -Z direction opening portion of the engagement recess 193 is formed in a circular shape. Also, protrusions and recesses can be provided on both the second rotary body portion 207 and the engagement recess 193. In this structure, the protrusion of the second rotary body portion 207 engages with the recess of the engagement recess 193, and the recess of the second rotary body portion 207 engages with the protrusion of the engagement recess 193.

[0157] As described above, the tape cartridge 101A of the first to fifth embodiments has the tape spool 103A, the ink ribbon spool 105A, and the cartridge case 111, and is mountable on the tape printing device 1. The tape spool 103A has the tape 115A and the core 117A on which the tape 115A is wound. The core 117A is provided with the core hole 137, the outer side recess 187 that functions as an accommodation portion, the core hole 137, the outer edge recess 189, or the engagement recess 193. The ink ribbon spool 105A has the ink ribbon 119A and the unwinding core 121 on which the ink ribbon 119A is wound. The cartridge case 111 has the third bottom wall portion 153 and the third core protrusion 159 that protrudes from the third bottom wall portion 153 and is inserted into the core hole 137. The cartridge case 111 accommodates the tape spool 103A in a manner that the tape spool 103A is replaceable with another tape spool 103A, and accommodates the ink ribbon spool 105A. In the tape printing device 1, the tape cartridge 101B is mountable. The tape cartridge 101B has the tape spool 103B. The tape spool 103B has the tape 115B that is different in kind from the tape 115A, and the core 117B on which the tape 115B is wound. The core 117B is different in shape from the core 117A. In the cartridge case 111 of the tape cartridge 101A, the outer side protrusion 185 that is to be accommodated in the outer side recess 187, the core hole 137, the outer edge recess 189, or the engagement recess 193 and functions as a blocking portion, the third core protrusion 159, the outer edge protrusion 191, or the second rotation body portion 207 are provided. The outer side protrusion 185, the third core protrusion 159, the outer edge protrusion 191, or the second rotation body portion 207 blocks the third core protrusion 159 from being inserted into the core hole 137 of the core 117B by coming into contact with the core 117B when the tape spool 103A is erroneously replaced with the tape spool 103B.

[0158] According to this structure, the insertion of the third core protrusion 159 into the core hole 137 of the core 117B is blocked by the outer side protrusion 185 and the like that functions as a blocking portion coming into contact with the core 117B. Thus, it is possible to suppress the case where the tape spool 103A is erroneously replaced with the tape spool 103B in the tape cartridge 101A. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the case where the tape 115B is printed by the ink ribbon 119A that is not suitable for printing of the tape 115B.

[0159] Other Modified Examples

[0160] The embodiments described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various structures can of course be adopted within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, the above-described embodiments can be changed to the following modes in addition to the above-described contents. Further, it is also possible to have a structure in which the embodiments and the modified examples are combined respectively.

[0161] The outer side recess 187 is not limited to being constituted by a space between the outer tube portion 129 and the inner tube portion 131 in the tape core 117 of the double tube structure. For example, the outer side recess 187 can also be a portion constituted by a ring-shaped recess provided on the end face in the -Z direction in the tape core 117 in a single layer structure.

[0162] As shown in Figure 36 A plurality of tape spools 103A and tape cartridges 101A can also constitute a tape cartridge set S. That is, the tape cartridge set S is provided with a plurality of tape spools 103A and tape cartridges 101A. Thereby, in addition to the tape cartridge 101A, a replacement tape spool 103A can also be provided to the user in advance. Further, the tape cartridge set S can also be a structure in which the cartridge housing 111 including the third housing portion 145A is provided instead of the tape cartridge 101A. That is, the tape cartridge set S can also be a structure in which the cartridge housing 111 including the third housing portion 145A and a plurality of tape spools 103A are provided. In this case, the user can make a tape cartridge 101A by housing one of the plurality of tape spools 103A in the cartridge housing 111.

[0163] Supplementary note

[0164] Hereinafter, the tape cartridge, the tape spool, and the tape cartridge set are described with supplementary notes.

[0165] A tape cartridge, which is a tape cartridge A capable of being mounted on a tape printing device, is provided with: a tape spool A having a tape A and a tape core A on which a core hole and a housing portion are provided and around which the tape A is wound; a ribbon spool having an ink ribbon and a spool core around which the ink ribbon is wound; a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, and housing the tape spool A in a manner capable of being replaced with another tape spool A and housing a ribbon spool, a blocking portion being provided on the cartridge housing and being housed in the housing portion, the blocking portion blocking the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B by touching the tape core B when the tape spool A is erroneously replaced with a tape spool B, the tape spool B being a tape spool provided in a tape cartridge B capable of being mounted on the tape printing device and having a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B different in shape from the tape core A around which the tape B is wound.

[0166] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is blocked by the blocking portion touching the tape core B. Thereby, the case in which the tape spool A is erroneously replaced with the tape spool B in the tape cartridge A can be suppressed. Thus, the case in which the tape is printed by the ink ribbon unsuitable for printing of the tape B can be avoided.

[0167] In addition, the third bottom wall portion 153 is an example of the "bottom wall portion". The third core protrusion 159 is an example of the "core protrusion".

[0168] In this case, preferably, an outer side protrusion is provided on the bottom wall portion, the outer side protrusion is located on the radially outer side of the core protrusion, and functions as a stop portion by coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B, and an outer side recess is provided on the end surface of the tape core A, the outer side recess is located on the radially outer side of the core hole, and functions as a receiving portion.

[0169] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is prevented by the outer side protrusion coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B.

[0170] In this case, preferably, a core hole rib is provided inside the core hole of the tape core B, the core protrusion functions as a stop portion by coming into contact with the core hole rib of the tape core B, and a core hole rib is provided inside the core hole of the tape core A at a position where the core protrusion does not come into contact, and the core hole functions as a receiving portion.

[0171] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is prevented by the core protrusion coming into contact with the core hole rib of the tape core B.

[0172] In this case, preferably, an outer edge protrusion is provided on the bottom wall portion, the outer edge protrusion is located on the outer edge portion of the core protrusion, and functions as a stop portion by coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B, and an outer edge recess is provided on the end surface of the tape core A on the outer edge portion of the protrusion insertion port that is the end portion of the core hole, and the outer edge recess functions as a receiving portion.

[0173] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is prevented by the outer edge protrusion coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B.

[0174] In this case, preferably, the cartridge housing includes a housing portion main body and a rotating body, the rotating body is provided to the housing portion main body in a manner that it can rotate integrally with the tape reel A, the rotating body includes a first rotating body portion that functions as a core protrusion, and a second rotating body portion that functions as a stop portion by coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B, and a fitting recess is provided on the end surface of the tape core A, the fitting recess is fitted with the second rotating body portion, and functions as a receiving portion.

[0175] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is prevented by the second rotating body portion coming into contact with the end surface of the tape core B.

[0176] In this case, preferably, the second rotating body portion is formed in a polygonal column shape, and the fitting recess is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotating body portion.

[0177] According to this structure, the tape reel A and the rotating body can be made to rotate integrally by a simple structure.

[0178] In this case, it is preferable that a protrusion be provided on one of the second rotary body portion and the engagement recess, and a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion be provided on the other of the second rotary body portion and the engagement recess.

[0179] According to this structure, the tape roll A and the rotary body can be integrally rotated by a simple structure.

[0180] In this case, it is preferable that, in the unused tape cartridge A, the length of the ink ribbon be twice or more the length of the tape A.

[0181] According to this structure, even in a case where the tape roll housed in the cartridge housing becomes a tape run-out state, the user can continue to use the tape cartridge by replacing the tape roll without replacing the ink ribbon.

[0182] In this case, it is preferable that a circuit substrate capable of storing information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon be provided, and the tape cartridge be mountable on a tape printing device capable of reading the information stored in the circuit substrate.

[0183] According to this structure, the tape printing device on which the tape cartridge is mounted can be provided with information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon.

[0184] A tape roll, as a tape roll A provided in a tape cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, the tape cartridge A provided with the tape roll A, a ribbon roll, a cartridge housing, the tape roll A having a tape A and a core A, the core A provided with a core hole and a receiving portion and wound with the tape A, the ribbon roll having an ink ribbon and a pay-off core wound with the ink ribbon, the cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, and housing the tape roll A in a manner capable of being replaced with another tape roll A and housing the ribbon roll, the cartridge housing provided with a blocking portion, the blocking portion blocking the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a core B when the tape roll A is erroneously replaced with a tape roll B, the tape roll B being a tape roll provided in a tape cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and having a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a core B wound with the tape B and different in shape from the core A, the receiving portion provided on the core A of the tape roll A housed in the cartridge housing receiving the blocking portion.

[0185] According to this structure, the core protrusion is blocked from being inserted into the core hole of the core B by the blocking portion touching the core B. Thus, the tape roll A in the tape cartridge A being erroneously replaced with the tape roll B can be suppressed. Therefore, the case where the tape is printed by the ink ribbon unsuitable for printing of the tape B can be avoided.

[0186] A cartridge set can constitute a cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, and the cartridge set includes: a plurality of tape reels A having a tape A and a tape core A on which a core hole and a receiving portion are provided and the tape A is wound; a ribbon reel having an ink ribbon and a take-up core on which the ink ribbon is wound; a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, and one of the tape reels A is housed in a manner that the tape reel A can be replaced with another tape reel A, and the ribbon reel can be housed, and a blocking portion is provided on the cartridge housing, the blocking portion is received in the receiving portion, and when the tape reel A is erroneously replaced with a tape reel B, the blocking portion blocks the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B by touching the tape core B, the tape reel B being a tape reel included in a cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and having a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B different in shape from the tape core A.

[0187] According to this structure, the insertion of the core protrusion into the core hole of the tape core B is blocked by the blocking portion touching the tape core B. Thus, the case where the tape reel A is erroneously replaced with the tape reel B in the cartridge A can be suppressed. Therefore, the case where the tape is printed by the ink ribbon unsuitable for printing of the tape B can be avoided. Further, in addition to the cartridge, a replacement tape reel can be provided to the user in advance.

[0188] Symbol explanation

[0189] 1… tape printing device; 101… cartridge; 103… tape reel; 105… ribbon reel; 111… cartridge housing; 113… circuit board; 115… tape; 117… tape core; 119… ink ribbon; 121… take-up core; 133… core hole rib; 137… core hole; 153… third bottom wall portion; 159… third core protrusion; 185… outer side protrusion; 187… outer side recess; 189… outer edge recess; 191… outer edge protrusion; 193… engagement recess; 199… housing portion main body; 201… rotating body; 205… first rotating body portion; 207… second rotating body portion; S… cartridge set.

Claims

1. A ribbon cartridge as a ribbon cartridge A capable of being mounted on a ribbon printing device, characterized by comprising: a ribbon spool A having a ribbon A and a ribbon core A on which a core hole and a housing are provided and the ribbon A is wound; a ribbon spool having an ink ribbon and a take-up core on which the ink ribbon is wound; a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole and housing the ribbon spool A in a manner capable of being replaced with another ribbon spool A and housing the ribbon spool, a stop portion provided on the cartridge housing and housed in the housing, the stop portion stopping the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a ribbon core B when the ribbon spool A is replaced with a ribbon spool B by touching the ribbon core B, the ribbon spool B being a ribbon spool possessed by a ribbon cartridge B capable of being mounted on the ribbon printing device and having a ribbon B different in kind from the ribbon A and the ribbon core B on which the ribbon B is wound and different in shape from the ribbon core A.

2. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, an outside protrusion is provided on the bottom wall portion, the outside protrusion being located radially outside the core protrusion and functioning as the stop portion by touching an end surface of the ribbon core B, an outside recess is provided on an end surface of the ribbon core A, the outside recess being located radially outside the core hole and functioning as the housing.

3. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, a core hole rib is provided inside the core hole of the ribbon core B, the core protrusion functions as the stop portion by touching the core hole rib of the ribbon core B, a core hole rib is provided inside the core hole of the ribbon core A at a position where the core protrusion does not touch, the core hole functioning as the housing.

4. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, an outside edge protrusion is provided on the bottom wall portion, the outside edge protrusion being located at an outside edge portion of the core protrusion and functioning as the stop portion by touching an end surface of the ribbon core B, an outside edge recess is provided on an outside edge portion of a protrusion insertion port which is an end portion of the core hole on an end surface of the ribbon core A, the outside edge recess functioning as the housing.

5. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, the cartridge housing includes a housing portion main body and a rotating body provided to the housing portion main body in a manner capable of rotating integrally with the ribbon spool A, the rotating body includes: a first rotating body portion functioning as the core protrusion; a second rotating body portion functioning as the stop portion by touching an end surface of the ribbon core B, a fitting recess is provided on an end surface of the ribbon core A, the fitting recess fitting with the second rotating body portion and functioning as the housing.

6. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, the second rotating body portion is formed in a polygonal shape, the fitting recess is formed in a shape corresponding to the second rotating body portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. The tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a protrusion is provided on one of the second rotary body and the engagement recess, a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion is provided on the other of the second rotary body and the engagement recess.

8. The tape cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the ink ribbon is more than twice the length of the tape A in the unused tape cartridge A.

9. The tape cartridge according to claim 8, wherein a circuit board capable of storing information indicating the remaining amount of the ink ribbon is provided, the tape cartridge A is mountable on the tape printing device capable of reading the information stored in the circuit board.

10. A tape reel provided as a tape reel A of a tape cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, the tape reel being characterized by comprising: the tape cartridge A comprises the tape reel A, a ribbon tape reel, and a cartridge housing, the tape reel A has a tape A and a tape core A provided with a core hole and a receiving portion and wound with the tape A, the ribbon tape reel has an ink ribbon and a take-up core wound with the ink ribbon, the cartridge housing has a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, and houses the tape reel A in a manner replaceable with another tape reel A and the ribbon tape reel, a blocking portion is provided on the cartridge housing, the blocking portion blocks the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B by touching the tape core B when the tape reel A is replaced with a tape reel B by mistake, the tape reel B is a tape reel provided in a tape cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and has a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B wound with the tape B and different in shape from the tape core A, the receiving portion provided on the tape core A of the tape reel A housed in the cartridge housing receives the blocking portion.

11. A tape cartridge set capable of constituting a tape cartridge A mountable on a tape printing device, the tape cartridge set being characterized by comprising: a plurality of tape reels A having a tape A and a tape core A provided with a core hole and a receiving portion and wound with the tape A; a ribbon tape reel having an ink ribbon and a take-up core wound with the ink ribbon; a cartridge housing having a bottom wall portion and a core protrusion protruding from the bottom wall portion and inserted into the core hole, and housing one of the tape reels A in a manner replaceable with another tape reel A and capable of housing the ribbon tape reel, a blocking portion is provided on the cartridge housing, the blocking portion is received in the receiving portion, the blocking portion blocks the core protrusion from being inserted into a core hole of a tape core B by touching the tape core B when the tape reel A is replaced with a tape reel B by mistake, the tape reel B is a tape reel provided in a tape cartridge B mountable on the tape printing device and has a tape B different in kind from the tape A and a tape core B wound with the tape B and different in shape from the tape core A. ​ ​ ​ ​

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