Cassettes, reels, and cassette sets

Abstract

This invention provides a tape cassette, tape reel, and tape cassette assembly that enable stable tape movement. The tape cassette comprises: a tape reel having a tape and a tape core, the tape core having a core hole and on which the tape is wound; and a cassette housing having a first housing portion and a third housing portion, the first housing portion including a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction; the third housing portion including a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the core hole; and an insertion receiving portion provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outward of the tape core relative to the core hole, for the first core protrusion to be inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cassette, a cassette roll, and a cassette assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tape cartridge is known to have included a recording medium comprising a thermal adhesive tape and a paper tube, and a media connector for housing the recording medium. The media connector includes a connector body and a connector cover that is mounted on the connector body in an openable and closable manner.

[0003] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a tape box having a printing tape and a box shell is known. The box shell has a first shell and a second shell that engage with each other, and is configured such that it can be disassembled into the first shell and the second shell by a disassembly device.

[0004] In existing tape cartridges, for example, when the user changes the recording medium, there is a problem that the rotation axis of the recording medium tilts, causing instability in the rotation of the recording medium and the movement of the thermal tape.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-142063

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-301872 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The tape box of the present invention comprises: a tape roll having a tape and a tape core, the tape core having a core hole and the tape wound thereon; a box shell having a first shell portion and a third shell portion and housing the tape roll, the first shell portion including a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction, the third shell portion including a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the core hole, and an insertion receiving portion provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outside the tape core relative to the core hole and for the first core protrusion to be inserted.

[0008] The tape roll of the present invention can be housed in a box shell, the box shell having a first outer shell portion and a third outer shell portion. The first outer shell portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer shell portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The tape roll includes: a tape; a tape core having a core hole for insertion of the third core protrusion, and the tape is wound on the core. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outside the tape core relative to the core hole, and for insertion of the first core protrusion.

[0009] The tape cassette assembly of the present invention comprises: a plurality of tape rolls having tape and tape core, the tape core having a core hole and being wound with tape; a cassette housing having a first housing portion and a third housing portion, and capable of receiving one of the plurality of tape rolls, the first housing portion including a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction; the third housing portion including a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and being inserted into the core hole, an insertion receiving portion being provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outside the tape core relative to the core hole, and for the first core protrusion to be inserted. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a 3D model with the box attached.

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view of the third outer casing for housing the colored ribbon spool and winding core.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the printing device viewed from the +Z direction.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional image with a roll.

[0014] Figure 5 From Figure 4 A three-dimensional image of a roll of paper observed from an angle other than the viewpoint shown.

[0015] Figure 6 A perspective view of the box with the first outer shell removed.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the third outer shell.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the first outer shell.

[0019] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the housing during the installation process from the first housing part to the third housing part.

[0020] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the box after installation, showing the first outer shell part being attached to the third outer shell part.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the first outer shell portion involved in the modified example.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the first outer shell portion involved in the modified example.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a 3D diagram of the box assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] With box

[0026] 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.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the tape reel 103 includes a tape 115 that serves as the printing medium and a core 117 on which the tape 115 is wound. The ribbon reel 105 includes an ink ribbon 119 and an unwinding core 121 on which the ink ribbon 119 is wound. The ink ribbon 119 unwound from the unwinding core 121 is wound onto the take-up core 107. The impression roller 109 is in contact with... Figure 3 The thermal heads 13 of the printing apparatus 1 shown clamp the tape 115 and the ink tape 119, and feed the clamped tape 115 and the ink tape 119.

[0028] Regarding tape 115, various types of tapes are prepared, including those with different colors, widths, raw materials, and shapes. Similarly, various types of ink tapes are prepared, including those with different colors and widths, for ink tape 119. In unused tape cassette 101, when the length of ink tape 119 is longer than the length of tape 115 and tape 115 is made of thicker raw materials, the length of ink tape 119 is more than twice the length of tape 115. Therefore, even when the tape reel 103 stored in the casing 111 is in a depleted state, i.e., when tape 115 has been completely unwound from the tape core 117, the user can continue to use the tape cassette 101 by replacing the tape reel 103 without replacing the tape reel 105.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The circuit board 113 is disposed on the surface of the casing 111 in the +X direction at the end in the +Y and -Z directions. The circuit board 113 includes a plurality of electrode portions 127 and a storage element (not shown). Various information is stored in the storage element. Among the various information are, 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 tape 119, and information indicating the remaining amount of ink tape 119, i.e., the length of the ink tape 119 wound on the unwinding core 121. As information indicating the remaining amount of ink tape 119, for example, information indicating the length of the ink tape 119 in the unused tape cassette 101, and information indicating the length of the ink tape 119 consumed, i.e., the length of the ink tape 119 unwound from the unwinding core 121.

[0031] With printing device

[0032] based on Figure 3 The printing apparatus 1 will now be described. The printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 3 and a mounting cover 5. The apparatus housing 3 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. A box mounting portion 7 is provided on the +Z direction surface of the apparatus housing 3. The box mounting portion 7 is a recessed portion open in the +Z direction. A box 101 is detachably mounted on the box mounting portion 7.

[0033] A tape discharge port 9 is provided on the surface of the device housing 3 in the -X direction. The tape 115 fed from the tape box 101 installed in the box mounting part 7 is discharged from the tape discharge port 9.

[0034] The mounting cover 5 is rotatably mounted at the +Y end of the device housing 3. The mounting cover 5 opens and closes the box mounting section 7.

[0035] A thermal head 13 and a head cover 15 are provided in the cartridge mounting section 7. The thermal head 13 has a heating element (not shown) and is printed on the tape 115. The head cover 15 partially covers the thermal head 13. When the tape cassette 101 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 7, the thermal head 13 and the head cover 15 are inserted into the head insertion hole 123.

[0036] The impression roller 17, unwind roller 19, and rewind roller 21 protrude from the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 7 in the +Z direction. When the cassette 101 is installed in the cassette mounting portion 7, the impression roller 17, unwind roller 19, and rewind roller 21 are inserted into the impression roller 109, unwind core 121, and rewind core 107, respectively. Thus, the rotation of the feed motor (omitted in the figure) can be transmitted to the impression roller 109, unwind core 121, and rewind core 107. Furthermore, the insertion protrusion 22 protrudes from the bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 7 in the +Z direction. When the cassette 101 is installed in the cassette mounting portion 7, the insertion protrusion 22 is inserted into... Figure 11 The interior of the third core protrusion 159, which will be described later.

[0037] After the cartridge 101 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 7, when the mounting cover 5 is closed, the thermal head 13 moves toward the impression roller 109 via a head moving mechanism (omitted in the figure). This clamps the tape 115 and ink tape 119 between the thermal head 13 and the impression roller 109. When the impression roller 109 rotates in this state, the tape 115 and ink tape 119 are fed. At this time, the thermal head 13 heats up based on printing data received from an external device such as a personal computer, thereby transferring the ink from the ink tape 119 onto the tape 115, thus printing the image onto the tape 115.

[0038] A shear 23 is provided between the box mounting section 7 and the tape outlet 9. The shear 23 is driven by a shear motor (not shown) to cut the tape 115. As a result, the printed portion of the tape 115 is disconnected.

[0039] A substrate connection portion 25 is provided on the inner surface of the housing mounting portion 7. The substrate connection portion 25 has multiple contact terminals 27. The multiple contact terminals 27 contact multiple electrode portions 127 provided on the circuit board 113 of the housing 101 mounted in the housing mounting portion 7. Thus, the circuit board 113 and the control unit (not shown) of the tape printing apparatus 1 are electrically connected via the substrate connection portion 25. The control unit has a processor and various memories, and controls various parts of the tape printing apparatus 1. The control unit reads various information stored in the circuit board 113 via the substrate connection portion 25, and writes various information into the circuit board 113.

[0040] When the control unit receives an instruction to perform printing, it determines whether the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of ink ribbon 119 before the printing operation begins, based on information indicating the remaining amount of ink ribbon 119 read from the circuit board 113 and the printing length obtained based on printing data. That is, the control unit determines whether the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of ink ribbon 119 before the tape printing apparatus 1 begins feeding the tape 115 and ink ribbon 119. If the control unit determines that the printing length exceeds the remaining amount of ink ribbon 119, it stops the printing operation and notifies the tape printing apparatus 1 or an external device such as a display of this situation. In this way, by storing information indicating the remaining amount of ink ribbon 119 in the circuit board 113, it is possible to prevent the ink ribbon 119 from being used up during printing. Furthermore, after the printing operation is completed, the control unit rewrites the information stored in the circuit board 113 indicating the length of ink ribbon 119 consumed, based on the printing length shown in the printing data.

[0041] core

[0042] based on Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The core 117 will now be described. The core 117 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. The core 117 has an outer cylindrical portion 129, an inner cylindrical portion 131, a core hole rib 133, and a plurality of connecting ribs 135. The outer cylindrical portion 129, the inner cylindrical portion 131, the core hole rib 133, and the plurality of connecting ribs 135 are integrally formed using resin.

[0043] The outer cylinder portion 129 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. A strip 115 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 129. The inner cylinder portion 131 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter compared to the outer cylinder portion 129 and is disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 129. That is, the strip core 117 has a double-cylinder structure having the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131. The interior of the inner cylinder portion 131 serves as a supply... Figure 11 The third core protrusion 159, as shown later, is inserted into the core hole 137 to perform its function.

[0044] The core hole rib 133 is disposed inside the inner cylinder portion 131, i.e., in the core hole 137, and is formed into a generally circular plate shape that is perpendicular to the central axis direction of the inner cylinder portion 131, i.e., the Z direction. A protruding insertion opening 138 is provided at the center of the core hole rib 133. The protruding insertion opening 138 is formed into a generally circular shape. Figure 11 The second protrusion 163 of the third core protrusion 159 shown is inserted into the protrusion insertion opening 138.

[0045] Multiple connecting ribs 135 connect the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 radially, thereby being arranged radially relative to the central axis of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131. The multiple connecting ribs 135 are located between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and in a portion of the -Z direction, for example, like... Figure 10 As shown, approximately two-thirds of the region extends in the Z direction.

[0046] In other words, no connecting rib 135 is provided in a portion of the area between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 in the +Z direction, for example, approximately one-third of the area in the +Z direction, thus creating a generally cylindrical space, i.e., an annular recess. This generally cylindrical space serves as... Figure 8 The insertion receiving portion 139 shown functions as the insertion of the first core protrusion 177, which will be described later. The insertion receiving portion 139 is disposed radially outside the core 117 relative to the core hole 137. That is, the insertion receiving portion 139 is disposed in a manner that surrounds the core hole 137.

[0047] Box outer shell

[0048] based on Figure 1 The outer casing 111 will be described below. The outer casing 111 includes a first outer casing portion 141, a second outer casing portion 143, a third outer casing portion 145, and a fourth outer casing portion 147. The first outer casing portion 141, the second outer casing portion 143, and the fourth outer casing portion 147 are located in the +Z direction within the outer casing 111, while the third outer casing portion 145 is located in the -Z direction within the outer casing 111. The cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 7 with the third outer casing portion 145 facing the bottom of the cartridge mounting portion 7.

[0049] The first outer shell 141, the second outer shell 143, the third outer shell 145, and the fourth outer shell 147 are disposed separately from each other. The first outer shell 141, the second outer shell 143, and the fourth outer shell 147 are made of light-transmitting resin, and the third outer shell 145 is made of non-light-transmitting resin, but the raw materials of the first outer shell 141, the second outer shell 143, the third outer shell 145, and the fourth outer shell 147 are not limited thereto.

[0050] like Figure 11 As shown, a tape reel 103 is housed between the first outer casing 141 and the third outer casing 145. That is, the first outer casing 141 and the third outer casing 145 constitute the outer casing of the tape reel storage portion 148, which houses the tape reel 103. The user can close the tape reel storage portion 148 by attaching the first outer casing 141 to the third outer casing 145, and can open the tape reel storage portion 148 by removing the first outer casing 141 from the third outer casing 145.

[0051] The second outer casing 143 is disposed in the -Y direction relative to the first outer casing 141. The second outer casing 143 houses the ribbon spool 105 and the take-up core 107 between itself and the third outer casing 145. That is, the second outer casing 143 and the third outer casing 145 constitute the outer casing of the ribbon storage portion 149 that houses the ribbon spool 105 and the take-up core 107.

[0052] A fourth outer casing 147 is disposed at the end of the outer casing 111 in the -X direction between the first outer casing 141 and the second outer casing 143. The fourth outer casing 147 houses the impression roller 109 between itself and the third outer casing 145. That is, the third outer casing 145 and the fourth outer casing 147 constitute the outer casing of the impression roller housing portion 151, which houses the impression roller 109.

[0053] The second housing portion 143 is pressed into the third housing portion 145 by a second locking pin (not shown) provided in the second housing portion 143. Figure 7 The second outer casing 143 is assembled with the third outer casing 145 in the 3A engagement hole 167 shown. Therefore, although the user can remove the second outer casing 143 from the third outer casing 145 using a pre-designed box removal device, it is difficult to remove the second outer casing 143 from the third outer casing 145 by hand.

[0054] Similarly, the fourth housing portion 147 is pressed into the third housing portion 145 by a fourth engaging pin (not shown) disposed in the fourth housing portion 147. Figure 7 The fourth housing 147 is attached to the third housing portion 145 through the 3B engagement hole 169 shown. Therefore, although the user can remove the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 using a pre-designed box removal device, it is difficult to remove the fourth housing portion 147 from the third housing portion 145 by hand.

[0055] In contrast, as described later, the first housing portion 141 is provided with a first housing portion 141 Figure 8 The three first engaging protrusions 175 shown are disposed on the third housing portion 145. Figure 7 The three third engaging receiving parts 165 shown engage, thereby being mounted on the third housing part 145. Therefore, even without using the box disassembly device, the user can... Figure 6 The first outer casing 141 can be easily detached from the third outer casing 145 by hand, as shown. At this time, the second outer casing 143 and the fourth outer casing 147 remain assembled with the third outer casing 145. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The diagram shows the state in which the core 117 has been removed from the housing 111 after the first housing portion 141 has been removed. Furthermore, in the relationships illustrated, in... Figure 6 The ink band 119 is omitted and shown.

[0056] When a user replaces the tape reel 103 with another tape reel 103 in tape cassette 101, the user first removes the third outer casing 145 from the first outer casing and takes the tape reel 103 out of the casing outer casing 111. Next, the user places the other tape reel 103 into the third outer casing 145. Then, the user installs the first outer casing 141 onto the third outer casing 145, thus completing the tape reel 103 replacement process.

[0057] Third outer casing

[0058] based on Figure 7 The third outer casing 145 will be described. The third outer casing 145 includes a third bottom wall portion 153, a third side wall portion 155 that protrudes in the +Z direction from the periphery of the third bottom wall portion 153, and a substrate mounting portion 157 disposed on the outside of the third side wall portion 155.

[0059] The third bottom wall portion 153 is formed as a plate parallel to the XY plane. A third core protrusion 159 protrudes from the third bottom wall portion 153 in the +Z direction. The third core protrusion 159 is generally formed as a cylinder with a height difference, and the aforementioned insertion protrusion 22 is inserted into the interior of the third core protrusion 159. The third core protrusion 159 has 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, i.e., in the -Z direction. The second protrusion portion 163 is provided on the top end side of the third core protrusion 159, i.e., in the +Z direction. Figure 11 As shown, the second protrusion 163 has a smaller diameter than the first protrusion 161, and is also slightly smaller in diameter than the protrusion insertion opening 138 described above. The third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137 of the core 117 from the -Z direction. At this time, the second protrusion 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 drum 103.

[0060] The substrate mounting portion 157 is located at the end of the third housing portion 145 in the +X and +Y directions, and is provided on the outside of the third sidewall portion 155. A circuit board 113 is mounted in the substrate mounting portion 157.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] First outer shell

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 10 As shown, the thickness of the first core protrusion 177, i.e. 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 core 117, i.e. the difference between the inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder portion 131.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown, the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139 provided in the core 117 from the +Z direction. The first core protrusion 177, together with the third core protrusion 159 described above, rotatably supports the tape drum 103.

[0070] In this way, the belt drum 103 is rotatably supported by the first core protrusion 177 inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139. Therefore, compared to a structure where the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the core hole 137, the belt drum 103 can be supported by the first core protrusion 177 at a position farther from the rotation axis of the belt drum 103. Therefore, when the user replaces the belt drum 103, the wobbling of the rotation axis of the belt drum 103 can be suppressed, and the movement of the belt 115 can be stabilized. In addition, although it is considered to increase the diameter of the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 and to make the interior of the inner cylinder portion 131, i.e., the core hole 137, function as the insertion receiving portion 139, this would shorten the length of the belt 115 that can be wound on the belt drum 103.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, the top end of the first core protrusion 177, namely the top end 179 of the first protrusion, is perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the first core protrusion 177, i.e., the -Z direction. That is, the amount of protrusion of the first core protrusion 177 from the first bottom wall portion 171 is approximately equal at any part of the circumference of the first core protrusion 177.

[0072] An outer peripheral inclined surface 181 is provided on the outer periphery of the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion. The outer peripheral inclined surface 181 is inclined relative to the protrusion direction of the first core protrusion 177. That is, the outer peripheral inclined surface 181 is inclined such that the end of the tip portion of the first core protrusion 177, i.e., the end of the outer peripheral inclined surface 181 in the -Z direction, is located radially inside the first core protrusion 177 relative to the end of the base portion of the first core protrusion 177, i.e., the end of the outer peripheral inclined surface 181 in the +Z direction.

[0073] An inner circumferential inclined surface 183 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion. The inner circumferential inclined surface 183 is inclined relative to the protrusion direction of the first core protrusion 177. That is, the inner circumferential inclined surface 183 is inclined such that the end of the tip side of the first core protrusion 177, i.e., the end of the inner circumferential inclined surface 183 in the -Z direction, is located radially outward of the first core protrusion 177 relative to the end of the base side of the first core protrusion 177, i.e., the end of the inner circumferential inclined surface 183 in the +Z direction.

[0074] When the first protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139, even if the outer peripheral inclined surface 181 of the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion touches the outer edge portion of the insertion receiving portion 139, i.e., the +Z direction end of the outer cylinder portion 129, the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion will be guided towards the insertion receiving portion 139 by the outer peripheral inclined surface 181. When the first protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139, even if the inner peripheral inclined surface 183 of the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion touches the inner edge portion of the insertion receiving portion 139, i.e., the +Z direction end of the inner cylinder portion 131, the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion will be guided towards the insertion receiving portion 139 by the inner peripheral inclined surface 183. Therefore, the first protrusion 177 can be easily inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139.

[0075] Furthermore, during the process of the first outer casing 141 being installed on the third outer casing 145, such as Figure 10 As shown, before the first engaging protrusion 175 engages with the third engaging receiving portion 165, the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139, and then the first engaging protrusion 175 engages with the third engaging receiving portion 165. Therefore, before the first engaging protrusion 175 engages with the third engaging receiving portion 165, the first outer shell portion 141 is positioned relative to the third outer shell portion 145 by the first core protrusion 177 and the insertion receiving portion 139, thus making it easy to engage the first engaging protrusion 175 with the third engaging receiving portion 165.

[0076] As described above, the tape cassette 101 of this embodiment includes a tape roll 103 and a casing 111 for housing the tape roll 103. The tape roll 103 includes a tape 115 and a tape core 117. A core hole 137 is provided on the tape core 117, and the tape 115 is wound around it. The casing 111 includes a first casing portion 141 and a third casing portion 145. The first casing portion 141 includes a first bottom wall portion 171 and a first core protrusion 177 protruding in the -Z direction from the first bottom wall portion 171. The third casing portion 145 includes a third bottom wall portion 153 and a third core protrusion 159 protruding in the +Z direction from the third bottom wall portion 153. The third core protrusion 159 is inserted into the core hole 137. An insertion receiving portion 139 is provided on the tape core 117. The insertion receiving portion 139 is located radially outward of the tape core 117 relative to the core hole 137. A first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the insertion receiving part 139.

[0077] According to this structure, the belt drum 103 is rotatably supported by the first core protrusion 177 inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139. Therefore, compared to a structure where the first core protrusion 177 is inserted into the core hole 137, the belt drum 103 can be supported by the first core protrusion 177 at a position farther from the rotation axis of the belt drum 103. Thus, when the user replaces the belt drum 103, the wobbling of the rotation axis of the belt drum 103 can be suppressed, and the movement of the belt 115 can be stabilized.

[0078] Other variations

[0079] The implementation is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various structures can be adopted without departing from its main idea. For example, the above-described embodiments can be modified in the following ways in addition to the above content. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the embodiments and modifications separately.

[0080] The tip 179 of the first protrusion is not limited to a structure perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first core protrusion 177. For example, as Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the tip portion 179 of the first protrusion can also be inclined relative to the protruding direction of the first core protrusion 177. In this case, the shape of the first core protrusion 177 is approximately a truncated cylinder, that is, the tip portion of the cylinder is obliquely cut off relative to the central axis of the cylinder. That is, the end portion of the first protrusion 179 in the +Y direction protrudes more from the first bottom wall portion 171 than the end portion in the -Y direction. In addition, the inclination direction of the tip portion 179 is not limited to this, as long as it is inclined in such a way that the amount of protrusion from the first bottom wall portion 171 increases between one end portion of the first core protrusion 177 in the circumferential direction and the end portion that is point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the first core protrusion 177.

[0081] Thus, by tilting the tip 179 of the first protrusion relative to the protruding direction of the first core protrusion 177, the tip 179 of the first protrusion becomes tapered in the +Y direction. Therefore, the first core protrusion 177 can be inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139 from its tapered +Y direction end. Therefore, the first core protrusion 177 can be easily inserted into the insertion receiving portion 139.

[0082] The first core protrusion 177 was not limited to being formed as Figure 8 The above-described generally cylindrical or Figure 12The structure shown is generally a truncated cylindrical shape. For example, the first core protrusion 177 can also be composed of a plurality of protrusions configured in an annular shape corresponding to the insertion receiving portion 139. That is, the first core protrusion 177 does not need to be continuous in its circumferential direction. In this case, the shape of each protrusion can be, for example, either a generally annular fan shape or a pin shape.

[0083] The insertion receiving portion 139 is not limited to the portion formed by the space between the outer cylinder portion 129 and the inner cylinder portion 131 in the double-cylinder core 117. For example, the insertion receiving portion 139 may also be a portion formed by an annular recess provided on the end face in the +Z direction in the single-layer core 117.

[0084] like Figure 14 As shown, multiple tape reels 103 and tape cassettes 101 can also constitute a tape cassette assembly S. That is, the tape cassette assembly S includes multiple tape reels 103 and tape cassettes 101. Therefore, in addition to the tape cassettes 101, replacement tape reels 103 can be provided to the user in advance. Furthermore, the tape cassette assembly S can also have a casing 111 structure to replace the tape cassettes 101. That is, the tape cassette assembly S can also have a casing 111 and multiple tape reels 103. In this case, the user can manufacture the tape cassette 101 by housing one of the multiple tape reels 103 inside the casing 111.

[0085] Postscript

[0086] The following notes are provided regarding tape boxes, tape rolls, and tape box sets.

[0087] A tape box comprises: a tape roll having a tape and a tape core, the tape core having a core hole and the tape wound on it; a box shell having a first shell portion and a third shell portion and housing the tape roll, the first shell portion including a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction, the third shell portion including a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the core hole, and an insertion receiving portion provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outside the tape core relative to the core hole and for the first core protrusion to be inserted.

[0088] According to this structure, since the belt drum is rotatably supported by a first core protrusion inserted into the insertion receiving portion, the belt drum can be supported by the first core protrusion at a position farther from the rotation axis of the belt drum compared to a structure where the first core protrusion is inserted into a core hole. Therefore, when the user replaces the belt drum, it can suppress the wobbling of the rotation axis of the belt drum and stabilize the movement of the belt.

[0089] Additionally, -Z direction is an example of "first direction". +Z direction is an example of "third direction".

[0090] In this case, preferably, an outer peripheral inclined surface inclined relative to the first direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the top end of the first core protrusion, and an inner peripheral inclined surface inclined relative to the first direction is provided on the inner peripheral side of the top end of the first core protrusion.

[0091] According to this structure, when the first core protrusion is inserted into the insertion receiving portion, even if the outer peripheral inclined surface of the tip of the first core protrusion touches the outer edge of the insertion receiving portion, the tip of the first core protrusion will be guided by the outer peripheral inclined surface to the insertion receiving portion. Similarly, when the first core protrusion is inserted into the insertion receiving portion, even if the inner peripheral inclined surface of the tip of the first core protrusion touches the inner edge of the insertion receiving portion, the tip of the first core protrusion will be guided by the inner peripheral inclined surface to the insertion receiving portion. Therefore, the first core protrusion can be easily inserted into the insertion receiving portion.

[0092] In this case, preferably, the tip of the first core protrusion is inclined relative to the first direction.

[0093] According to this structure, since the tip of the first core protrusion becomes tapered, the first core protrusion can be inserted into the insertion receiving portion from its tapered portion. Therefore, the first core protrusion can be easily inserted into the insertion receiving portion.

[0094] In this case, it is preferable to have an ink tape housed in a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing storing the tape reel in a manner that allows it to be replaced with other tape reels, and in unused cartridges, the length of the ink tape is more than twice the length of the tape itself.

[0095] According to this structure, even if the tape reel stored in the casing is depleted, the user can continue to use the tape cartridge by replacing the tape reel without replacing the ink tape.

[0096] In this case, it is preferable to have a circuit board that can store information indicating the remaining amount of ink tape, a tape cartridge that can be mounted on a tape printing device that can read the information stored in the circuit board.

[0097] According to this structure, it is possible to provide information indicating the remaining amount of ink tape to a tape printing device equipped with a cartridge.

[0098] A tape reel is retractable into a box shell, the box shell having a first outer shell portion and a third outer shell portion. The first outer shell portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer shell portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The tape reel includes: a tape; a tape core having a core hole for insertion of the third core protrusion, and the tape is wound around it. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the tape core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outside the tape core relative to the core hole, and for insertion of the first core protrusion.

[0099] According to this structure, since the belt drum is rotatably supported by a first core protrusion inserted into the insertion receiving portion, the belt drum can be supported by the first core protrusion at a position farther from the rotation axis of the belt drum compared to a structure where the first core protrusion is inserted into a core hole. Therefore, when the user replaces the belt drum, the wobbling of the rotation axis of the belt drum can be suppressed, and the movement of the belt can be stabilized.

[0100] A tape box assembly comprises: a plurality of tape rolls having tape and tape core, the tape core having a core hole and an annular recess located radially outward of the tape roll relative to the core hole, and having tape wound around it; a box housing having a first housing portion and a third housing portion, and capable of receiving one of the plurality of tape rolls, the first housing portion including a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction and capable of being inserted into the annular recess, the third housing portion including a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and capable of being inserted into the core hole.

[0101] According to this structure, since the belt drum is rotatably supported by a first core protrusion inserted into the insertion receiving portion, the belt drum can be supported by the first core protrusion at a position farther from the belt drum's rotation axis compared to a structure where the first core protrusion is inserted into a core hole. Therefore, when the user replaces the belt drum, the wobbling of the belt drum's rotation axis can be suppressed, and the belt's movement can be stabilized. Furthermore, in addition to the belt cassette, replacement belt drums can be provided to the user in advance.

[0102] Additionally, the insertion receiving portion 139 is an example of an "annular recess".

[0103] Symbol Explanation

[0104] 1…printing device; 101…box; 103…roll; 111…box shell; 113…circuit board; 115…band; 117…band core; 119…ink ribbon; 137…core hole; 139…insertion receiving part; 141…first shell part; 145…third shell part; 153…third bottom wall part; 159…third core protrusion; 171…first bottom wall part; 177…first core protrusion; 179…top of first protrusion; 181…outer peripheral inclined surface; 183…inner peripheral inclined surface; S…box assembly.

Claims

1. A type of box, characterized in that, have: A belt reel has a belt and a belt core, the belt core having a core hole and the belt wound around it; The outer casing has a first outer casing portion and a third outer casing portion, and houses the tape roll. The first outer casing portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer casing portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the core hole. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outward of the core relative to the core hole, and for the first core protrusion to be inserted. On the outer periphery of the tip of the first core protrusion, there is an outer peripheral inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first direction. An inclined inner circumferential surface that is inclined relative to the first direction is provided on the inner circumferential side of the top end of the first core protrusion.

2. A type of box, characterized in that, have: A belt reel has a belt and a belt core, the belt core having a core hole and the belt wound around it; The outer casing has a first outer casing portion and a third outer casing portion, and houses the tape roll. The first outer casing portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer casing portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and inserted into the core hole. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outward of the core relative to the core hole, and for the first core protrusion to be inserted. The tip of the first core protrusion is tilted relative to the first direction.

3. The cassette as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes an ink ribbon, which is housed within the outer casing of the cartridge. The outer casing stores the tape reel in a way that allows it to be replaced with other tape reels. In the unused tape cartridge, the length of the ink tape is more than twice the length of the tape itself.

4. The cassette as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It includes a circuit board capable of storing information indicating the remaining amount of ink ribbon. The tape holder can be mounted on a tape printing device, which can read information stored in the circuit board.

5. A type of reel, characterized in that, It can be stored inside the box. The outer shell of the box includes a first outer shell portion and a third outer shell portion. The first outer shell portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer shell portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The tape reel includes: bring; The core has a core hole into which the third core protrusion can be inserted, and the tape is wound around it. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outward of the core relative to the core hole, and allowing the first core protrusion to be inserted. On the outer periphery of the tip of the first core protrusion, there is an outer peripheral inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first direction. An inclined inner circumferential surface that is inclined relative to the first direction is provided on the inner circumferential side of the top end of the first core protrusion.

6. A type of reel, characterized in that, It can be stored inside the box. The outer shell of the box includes a first outer shell portion and a third outer shell portion. The first outer shell portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction. The third outer shell portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The tape reel includes: bring; The core has a core hole into which the third core protrusion can be inserted, and the tape is wound around it. An insertion receiving portion is provided on the core, the insertion receiving portion being located radially outward of the core relative to the core hole, and allowing the first core protrusion to be inserted. The tip of the first core protrusion is tilted relative to the first direction.

7. A set of boxes, characterized in that, have: Multiple belt reels have belts and belt cores, the belt cores being provided with core holes and annular recesses located radially outward of the belt reel relative to the core holes, and the belts are wound around them; The outer casing has a first outer casing portion and a third outer casing portion, and is capable of receiving one of the multiple tape reels. The first outer casing portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction and capable of being inserted into the annular recess. The third outer casing portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and capable of being inserted into the core hole. On the outer periphery of the tip of the first core protrusion, there is an outer peripheral inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first direction. An inclined inner circumferential surface that is inclined relative to the first direction is provided on the inner circumferential side of the top end of the first core protrusion.

8. A set of boxes, characterized in that, have: Multiple belt reels have belts and belt cores, the belt cores being provided with core holes and annular recesses located radially outward of the belt reel relative to the core holes, and the belts are wound around them; The outer casing has a first outer casing portion and a third outer casing portion, and is capable of receiving one of the multiple tape reels. The first outer casing portion includes a first bottom wall portion and a first core protrusion protruding from the first bottom wall portion in a first direction and capable of being inserted into the annular recess. The third outer casing portion includes a third bottom wall portion and a third core protrusion protruding from the third bottom wall portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction and capable of being inserted into the core hole. The tip of the first core protrusion is tilted relative to the first direction.

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