Printing device

Abstract

Provided is a printing device capable of inhibiting a bad condition of a print tape caused by clamping of a platen roller after installation of a cartridge. The present disclosure is a printing device including: a housing capable of mounting a print cartridge; a print head extending in a manner approaching a cartridge mounting port from an inside of the housing; a platen roller facing the print head; a holder holding one of the print head and the platen roller and capable of moving to a clamping position clamping a print tape with the print head and the platen roller and a non-clamping position not clamping the print tape with the print head and the platen roller; and a cover capable of moving to an engaged position engaged with the housing by rotating from a covering position covering at least a portion of the cartridge mounting port about a rotation axis parallel to a mounting direction of the print cartridge to the cartridge mounting port. The holder moves from the non-clamping position to the clamping position in conjunction with movement of the cover from the covering position to the engaged position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application number 202080073730.8, filed on April 21, 2022, and with the title “Printing device”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a printing device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a printing device that performs printing on a print tape, the replacement and supply of the print tape are performed by attaching and detaching a cartridge that houses the print tape with respect to a main body of the printing device. In such a cartridge, there is known a cartridge that links the operation of closing a cover that covers the cartridge and the operation of moving a platen roller to a position at which the print tape is held (see Patent Literature 1).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-98731 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] In the above-described printing device, since the platen roller is in contact with the print tape before the cover is completely closed, in a case where the user touches the cartridge in the middle of closing the cover, the cartridge can be moved in a state where the platen roller is in contact with the print tape. Thus, a defective condition such as a twist or a bend of the print tape can occur.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a printing device that can suppress a defective condition of a print tape caused by the holding of a platen roller after a cartridge is attached.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device including: a housing to which a print cartridge that houses a print tape is attachable via a cartridge attachment opening; a print head provided in the housing so as to extend toward the cartridge attachment opening from an inside of the housing; a platen roller provided in the housing so as to face the print head; a holder that holds one of the print head and the platen roller; and a cover that is attachable to the housing.

[0012] The holder is movable between a holding position at which the print tape is held by the print head and the platen roller and a non-holding position at which the print tape is not held by the print head and the platen roller. The cover is movable from a covering position that covers at least a portion of the cartridge attachment opening to an engaging position in which the cover is engaged with the housing by rotating about a rotation axis that is parallel to an attachment direction of the print cartridge to the cartridge attachment opening.

[0013] The retainer moves from the non-clamping position to the clamping position in conjunction with the movement of the cover from the covering position to the engaging position.

[0014] According to such a structure, since the platen roller moves in a state where the cover covers the cartridge mounting port, it is possible to suppress the printing cartridge from moving due to the user touching the printing cartridge or the like while the platen roller is in contact with the printing tape. As a result, it is possible to suppress a bad condition of the printing tape caused by the clamping of the platen roller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a schematic perspective view of a printing device in an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view showing a state where a cover is in an engaging position in the printing device of Figure 1A Figure 2B is a schematic right side view of the printing device of Figure 2A Figure 2C is a schematic left side view of the printing device of Figure 2A

[0017] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view at the line IIIA- IIIA of Figure 2B Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view at the line IIIB-IIIB of Figure 2B

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cover of the printing device of Figure 1A

[0019] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view showing a state where a cover is in a covering position in the printing device of Figure 1A Figure 5B is a schematic right side view of the printing device of Figure 5A Figure 5C is a schematic left side view of the printing device of Figure 5A

[0020] Figure 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view at the line VIA-VIA of Figure 5B Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view at the line VIB-VIB of Figure 5B

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of a housing when the cover is in the engaging position in the printing device of Figure 1A

[0022] ​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 8A yes Figure 7 A schematic top view of the internal structure. Figure 8B yes Figure 7 A schematic front view of the internal structure.

[0023] Figure 9 It is shown in Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of the internal structure of the housing when the cover is in the covered position in the printing device.

[0024] Figure 10A yes Figure 9 A schematic top view of the internal structure. Figure 10B yes Figure 9 A schematic front view of the internal structure.

[0025] Figure 11 yes Figure 1A A schematic exploded perspective view of the printing box in the printing device. Detailed Implementation

[0026] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0027] [1-1. Structure]

[0028] Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2A , 2B The printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2C includes a printing apparatus main body 10 and a printing cartridge 100. The printing apparatus 1 is a device for printing onto a strip-shaped printing medium. It should be noted that... Figure 2A , 2B In 2C, regarding cover 12, illustrations other than claw 12B are omitted.

[0029] In this embodiment, the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the impression roller 15 is defined as the up-down direction, the direction in which the printing tape is discharged from the printing device body 10 is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction in which the printing tape is orthogonal to the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0030] <Main body of the printing device>

[0031] The main body 10 of the printing device includes a housing 11, a cover 12, and a power switch 25. Additionally, as... Figure 3A , 3B As shown, the main body 10 of the printing device includes a print head 13, a print head holding part 14, an impression roller 15, an impression gear 16, a drive shaft 17, a holder 18, and a contact member 19.

[0032] (case)

[0033] like Figure 2AAs shown, the housing 11 has a cartridge mounting port 11A, a discharge port 11B, a recess 11C, four grooves 11D, and four engagement portions 11E.

[0034] The cartridge mounting port 11A is formed in an upper surface 11F of the housing 11. The housing 11 is configured to be able to mount the print cartridge 100 in which the print tape is accommodated via (that is, through) the cartridge mounting port 11A.

[0035] The discharge port 11B discharges the print tape to the outside. The discharge port 11B is formed in a front surface of the housing 11. The cartridge mounting port 11A and the discharge port 11B each communicate with the recess 11C.

[0036] The recess 11C accommodates at least a portion of the print cartridge 100. The recess 11C is provided inside the housing 11. The recess 11C has a positioning function of the print cartridge 100. The print cartridge 100 is mounted to the recess 11C by being inserted downward from above the cartridge mounting port 11A toward the bottom of the recess 11C.

[0037] The housing 11 of the present embodiment is a circular cylinder in which the central axis is parallel to the up-down direction. That is, the housing 11 has a circular upper surface 11F and a circular lower surface 11G (see FIG. 1) orthogonal to the up-down direction. The diameter of the upper surface 11F and the diameter of the lower surface 11G are the same. However, the diameter of the upper surface 11F and the diameter of the lower surface 11G can be different. That is, the housing 11 can also be a circular truncated cone. Figure 1B ) The diameter of the upper surface 11F and the diameter of the lower surface 11G are the same. However, the diameter of the upper surface 11F and the diameter of the lower surface 11G can be different. That is, the housing 11 can also be a circular truncated cone.

[0038] The four grooves 11D are each configured to be able to insert one claw 12B of the cover 12 from above. In addition, each groove 11D is configured to be able to move the inserted claw 12B along the circumferential direction of the upper surface 11F. That is, each groove 11D extends in the up-down direction and the circumferential direction of the housing 11, and has an opening that communicates with the above.

[0039] The four engagement portions 11E are arranged in a manner overlapping one of the four grooves 11D in the up-down direction. At least one of the four engagement portions 11E has a protrusion 11I that protrudes downward inside the groove 11D. The protrusion 11I is configured to engage with the claw 12B of the cover 12. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 11I is provided only in one engagement portion 11E, but the protrusion 11I can be provided in all the engagement portions 11E.

[0040] The engagement portion 11E is arranged at a position that is offset in the circumferential direction of the housing 11 with respect to the opening of the groove 11D that communicates with the above. In other words, the engagement portion 11E blocks a portion of the groove 11D in the circumferential direction of the housing 11 from above.

[0041] (Cover)

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 12 is provided with four claws 12B. The four claws 12B are arranged in a manner that the four claws 12B are aligned in the circumferential direction of the housing 11. The four claws 12B are each configured to be able to be inserted into the groove 11D of the housing 11 from above. Figure 1AAs shown, the cover 12 is capable of being attached to the casing 11 in a manner of covering the upper surface 11F. As shown in Fig. 5A, the cover 12 is capable of being attached to the casing 11 in a manner of covering the upper surface 11F. Figure 4 As shown, the cover 12 is a cylindrical body which is closed at the upper end and open at the lower end.

[0043] The cover 12 is attached to and detached from the casing 11 by rotating around the rotation axis Ll passing through the center of the cover 12. The rotation axis Ll of the cover 12 is parallel to the direction in which the print cartridge 100 is attached to the cartridge attachment port 11A (that is, the lower direction). The cover 12 has a pressing portion 12A and four claws 12B.

[0044] The cover 12 is capable of moving to the engaged position engaged with the casing 11 by rotating around the rotation axis Ll from the covering position covering at least a portion of the cartridge attachment port 11A (in this embodiment, the entire cartridge attachment port 11A). Hereinafter, clockwise as viewed from above the print apparatus main body 10 will be referred to as the first rotation direction Dl, and counterclockwise will be referred to as the second rotation direction D2.

[0045] The pressing portion 12A presses the print cartridge 100 downward when the cover 12 is in the engaged position or between the covering position and the engaged position. In addition, the pressing portion 12A is in contact with the pressed portion 111 of the print cartridge 100 described later at all times during movement of the cover 12 from the covering position to the engaged position.

[0046] The pressing portion 12A protrudes downward from the top surface 12C of the cover 12. The pressing portion 12A is disposed apart in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Ll of the cover 12 (that is, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in a state in which the cover 12 is attached to the casing 11).

[0047] Specifically, the pressing portion 12A is cylindrical in an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis Ll of the cover 12, and is disposed in a manner of surrounding the rotation axis Ll. That is, the pressing portion 12A is disposed apart from the rotation axis Ll in a radial direction of the cover 12.

[0048] The four claws 12B respectively overlap one of the four engagement portions 11E of the casing 11 in the up-down direction in a state in which the cover 12 is attached to the casing 11 (that is, when the cover 12 is in the engaged position). The four claws 12B are disposed at equal intervals in a rotation direction of the cover 12 (that is, the circumferential direction).

[0049] As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the cover 12 is capable of being attached to the casing 11 in a manner of covering the upper surface 11F. Figure 5A , 5B , 5C, each of the claws 12B of the cover 12 is inserted from the upper direction into the groove 11D. If the cover 12 is rotated in the first rotation direction Dl from this covering position, each of the claws 12B moves in the first rotation direction Dl within the groove 11D. Note that, in Figure 5A , 5B , 5C, each of the claws 12B of the cover 12 is inserted from the upper direction into the groove 11D. If the cover 12 is rotated in the first rotation direction Dl from this covering position, each of the claws 12B moves in the first rotation direction Dl within the groove 11D. Note that, inFigure 2A 、 2B , 2C Similarly, with respect to the cover 12, the illustration is omitted except for the claws 12B.

[0050] Each of the claws 12B overlaps the engagement portion 11E in the up-and-down direction within the groove 11D in conjunction with movement in the first rotational direction Dl. Specifically, the four claws 12B each have a recess into which a protrusion 11I of the engagement portion 11E is inserted.

[0051] When the cover 12 is in the engaged position, as shown in Figure 2A 、 2B , 2C, the claws 12B are engaged with the engagement portion 11E by the recess of at least one of the claws 12B overlapping the engagement portion 11E having the protrusion 11I in the up-and-down direction, and movement of the claws 12B is restricted. As a result, the cover 12 is locked at the engaged position.

[0052] (Printing head)

[0053] Figure 3A The printing head 13 shown in

[0054] The printing head 13 is disposed within the housing 11 so as to extend in a manner approaching the cartridge mounting port 11A from the inside of the housing 11. Specifically, the printing head 13 has a plate shape disposed in a manner in which the thickness direction is parallel to the left-and-right direction.

[0055] The printing head 13 has a plurality of heating elements whose heating is independently controlled. A print ribbon conveyed to a position overlapping the printing head 13 by the platen roller 15 is pressed against the printing head 13 by the print head 13 across the ink ribbon, whereby a portion of ink disposed on the surface of the ink ribbon is transferred to the print ribbon, and characters, symbols, and the like are printed on the print ribbon.

[0056] (Head holding portion)

[0057] The head holding portion 14 holds the printing head 13. The head holding portion 14 is a metal plate disposed in a manner in which the thickness direction is parallel to the left-and-right direction, and the printing head 13 is mounted on the plate face on the left side. The head holding portion 14 has the function of a heat sink that releases heat from the printing head 13.

[0058] (Platen roller)

[0059] The platen roller 15 is a roller for conveying a print ribbon from inside the printing cartridge 100 toward the outside. The rotational axis of the platen roller 15 is parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0060] The platen roller 15 is disposed within the housing 11 in a manner facing the printing head 13. The platen roller 15 can be moved to a position separated from the printing head 13 as shown in Figure 6A and a position overlapping the printing head 13 as shown in Figure 3AThe position shown is moved to a position where the print tape is pressed against (that is, clamped) the print head 13.

[0061] (Platen gear)

[0062] The platen gear 16 is provided inside the housing 11 and is drivingly connected to the platen roller 15. The platen gear 16 is able to move to a position where it is separated from the output gear 106 of the print cartridge 100 described later Figure 6B and a position where it is engaged with the output gear 106 as shown. Figure 3B In the present embodiment, the rotational axis of the platen gear 16 and the rotational axis of the platen roller 15 are arranged on the same line.

[0063] (Drive shaft)

[0064] As shown, the drive shaft 17 is arranged inside the housing 11. The rotational axis of the drive shaft 17 is parallel to the up-down direction. As shown, the drive shaft 17 is rotated about the rotational axis by a drive source (for example, a motor) 26. The driving force of the drive source 26 is transmitted to the drive shaft 17 through a drive transmission mechanism 27 that includes a plurality of gears. Figure 3A Figure 7

[0065] As shown, in a state where the print cartridge 100 is installed in the housing 11, the drive shaft 17 is inserted into the input spool 105 of the print cartridge 100 and engaged with the input gear 107, thereby rotating the input spool 105 and the input gear 107. Figure 3A

[0066] (Holder)

[0067] The holder 18 is a member for switching the clamping state of the print tape by changing the relative positions of the print head 13 and the platen roller 15.

[0068] The holder 18 is configured to hold the platen roller 15 and is able to move to a clamping position (see Figure 3A ) where the print head 13 and the platen roller 15 clamp the print tape and a non-clamping position (see Figure 6A ) where the print head 13 and the platen roller 15 do not clamp the print tape.

[0069] Specifically, the holder 18 is installed inside the housing 11 at a shaft portion 11H provided at the left rear. The holder 18 is able to rotate about a rotational axis parallel to the up-down direction with respect to the housing 11.

[0070] ​​​The platen roller 15 and the platen gear 16 are rotatably attached to a front end portion (that is, an end portion on the opposite side from the shaft portion 11H) 18A of the retainer 18. The platen gear 16 is disengaged from the output gear 106 when the retainer 18 is in the non-clamping position, and engages with the output gear 106 when the retainer 18 is in the clamping position.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6A , the moving direction of the retainer 18 from the non-clamping position to the clamping position (that is, the rotating direction of the retainer 18) DO intersects with the attaching direction of the print cartridge 100 to the housing 11 (that is, the insertion direction to the cartridge attaching port 11A, that is, the downward direction). The entirety of the retainer 18 is always positioned at an inner side than the outer surface of the housing 11.

[0072] The retainer 18 moves from the non-clamping position to the clamping position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 12 from the covering position to the engaging position. Specifically, the retainer 18 moves from the non-clamping position toward the clamping position by the movement of the contact member 19.

[0073] The retainer 18 is urged from the clamping position toward the non-clamping position (that is, toward the outer side of the housing 11) by a torsion coil spring 31 that is wound around the shaft portion 11H of the housing 11 and has an end portion connected to the retainer 18. The retainer 18 moves from the clamping position to the non-clamping position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 12 from the engaging position to the covering position.

[0074] (Contact member)

[0075] The contact member 19 contacts one of the four claws 12B of the cover 12, and is movable between a pressing position (refer to Figure 3B ) at which the retainer 18 is pressed toward the clamping position, and a non-pressing position (refer to Figure 6B ) at which the retainer 18 is not pressed.

[0076] The contact member 19 moves from the non-pressing position to the pressing position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 12 from the covering position to the engaging position (that is, the movement of the claws 12B in the first rotating direction Dl). In addition, the contact member 19 moves from the pressing position to the non-pressing position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 12 from the engaging position to the covering position (that is, the movement of the claws 12B in the second rotating direction D2).

[0077] The contact member 19 has a rotating portion 20 and a transforming portion 21.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8A , the rotating portion 20 extends along the rotating direction of the cover 12. The rotating portion 20 is disposed at a radially outer side of the retainer 18 than the housing 11.

[0079] The rotating part 20 rotates together with the claw 12B about the rotation axis L1 of the cover 12. Specifically, the rotating part 20 moves along with the claw 12B in the first rotation direction D1, and is pressed by the claw 12B from... Figure 6B The position shown is oriented towards Figure 3B Move in the first rotation direction D1 from the position shown.

[0080] The conversion unit 21 is connected to the rotating unit 20 and the retainer 18 in a manner that allows them to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the conversion unit 21 constitutes a link connecting the rotating unit 20 and the retainer 18.

[0081] like Figure 8B As shown, the conversion part 21 has a base 21A connected to the rotating part 20 and a first plate part 21B and a second plate part 21C arranged to clamp a portion of the retainer 18 vertically. The first plate part 21B and the second plate part 21C extend from the upper end and lower end of the base 21A toward the retainer 18, respectively, and are rotatably connected to the front end 18A of the retainer 18.

[0082] The conversion unit 21 converts the rotation of the jaw 12B, which is in contact with the rotating unit 20, into movement of the retainer 18 from the non-clamping position to the clamping position. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10A , 10B As shown, when the retainer 18 is in the non-clamping position, the acute angle α formed by the straight line (that is, the connecting rod direction) obtained by connecting the two rotation center axes in the transformation section 21 and the front-back direction (refer to...) is... Figure 6B The acute angle α when the retainer 18 is in the clamping position (refer to) Figure 3B )Small.

[0083] When the retainer 18 is in the non-clamping position, the first plate portion 21B and the second plate portion 21C move radially inward toward the housing 11 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating portion 20 in the first direction D1. As a result, the front end portion 18A of the retainer 18 is pressed radially inward, and the retainer 18 moves toward the clamping position.

[0084] <Power Switch>

[0085] Figure 1B The power switch 25 shown is a switch that turns the power supply to the drive source 26 of the printing device 1 on and off. The power switch 25 is located on the lower surface 11G of the housing 11, opposite to the upper surface 11F where the box mounting opening 11A is provided.

[0086] <Printing box>

[0087] The print cartridge 100 stores a print medium. The print cartridge 100 is attachable to and detachable from the printer main body 10. By replacing the print cartridge 100, it is possible to replenish the print medium and change the kind of print medium (e.g., color, material, etc.).

[0088] As shown in Figure 11 , the print cartridge 100 includes a housing 110, a first roll 101, a first supply spool 102, a second roll 103, a second supply spool 104, an input spool 105, an output gear 106, an input gear 107, an idler 108, and a clutch spring holder 109.

[0089] (Housing)

[0090] The housing 110 houses each roll, each spool, and each gear. The housing 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a side parallel to the vertical direction, a side parallel to the front-rear direction, and a side parallel to the left-right direction. The housing 110 is configured by combining a first portion 110A, a second portion 110B, a third portion 110C, and a fourth portion 110D in the vertical direction.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2A , the housing 110 has a pressed portion 111 that receives a pressing force from the pressing portion 12A of the cover 12 in a state in which the print cartridge 100 is attached to the printer main body 10. The pressed portion 111 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110. The upper end of the pressed portion 111 is located upward of the upper end of the casing 11.

[0092] (First roll)

[0093] Figure 11 The first roll 101 shown in is obtained by winding a print tape, which is to be printed, around the first supply spool 102. The surface of the print tape is printed by the print head 13 and the ink tape of the printer main body 10.

[0094] (First supply spool)

[0095] The first supply spool 102 is rotatable around a rotation axis. The first supply spool 102 rotates in conjunction with the conveyance of the print tape by the platen roller 15 of the printer main body 10, and thereby supplies the print tape to the print head 13.

[0096] (Second roll)

[0097] The second roll 103 is obtained by winding an ink tape, which is used in printing of the print tape, around the second supply spool 104.

[0098] The ink ribbon is overlapped with the print ribbon for printing by the print head 13. The ink ribbon used in the printing is taken up toward the input spool 105. For the second spool 103, a rotational resistance is imparted by the clutch spring held by the clutch spring holder 109.

[0099] (Second supply spool)

[0100] The second supply spool 104 is rotatable around a rotational axis. The second supply spool 104 supplies the ink ribbon toward the print head 13 by rotating in conjunction with the taking up of the ink ribbon by the input spool 105.

[0101] (Input spool)

[0102] The input spool 105 is rotatable around a rotational axis. A spline tooth is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the input spool 105. The spline tooth is linked to the drive shaft 17 of the print apparatus main body 10. The input spool 105 is rotated by the drive shaft 17, taking up the ink ribbon.

[0103] (Output gear)

[0104] The output gear 106 is a gear for outputting a driving force for conveying the print ribbon to the outside. The output gear 106 transmits the driving force to the platen roller 15 via the platen gear 16 of the print apparatus main body 10.

[0105] A part of the output gear 106 is located outside the housing 110. The output gear 106 is engaged with the platen gear 16 in a state where the print cartridge 100 is installed to the print apparatus main body 10.

[0106] (Input gear)

[0107] The input gear 107 is indirectly engaged with the output gear 106 via the idler gear 108, transmitting the driving force to the output gear 106. The input gear 107 is inputted with the driving force from the driving source 26 of the print apparatus main body 10.

[0108] The input gear 107 has an external tooth gear 107A and a cylindrical spool 107B fixed to the external tooth gear 107A and having a spline tooth on an inner peripheral surface. The external tooth gear 107A is integrally rotated with the spool 107B by the driving force inputted to the spool 107B.

[0109] The rotational axis of the input gear 107 passes through the hollow portion of the input spool 105. That is, the drive shaft 17 is inserted through the input spool 105 and the input gear 107 at the same time. As a result, the input gear 107 is rotated by the driving source 26 (that is, the drive shaft 17) common to the input spool 105, although not directly linked to the input spool 105.

[0110] (Idler gear)

[0111] The idler gear 108 is drivingly coupled (i.e., engaged) to the input gear 107 and the output gear 106 to transmit a driving force input to the input gear 107 to the output gear 106.

[0112] The idler gear 108 is a stepped gear in which a first gear 108A engaged with the input gear 107 and a second gear 108B engaged with the output gear 106 are arranged coaxially. The second gear 108B has a smaller diameter than the first gear 108A.

[0113] In a state where the print cartridge 100 is installed in the main body 10 of the printing device, the drive shaft 17 is engaged with the input gear 107 and the pressure roller 16 is engaged with the output gear 106. In the state where the print cartridge 100 is installed, the output gear 106 is rotated by rotating the input gear 107 by the drive shaft 17, the pressure roller 16 is rotated by the rotation of the output gear 106, and the pressure roller 15 is rotated by the rotation of the pressure roller 16.

[0114] <Installation and removal of print cartridge>

[0115] Hereinafter, the installation procedure of the print cartridge 100 to the main body 10 of the printing device will be described. First, in a state where the cover 12 is detached from the housing 11, the print cartridge 100 is inserted into the cartridge installation port 11A from above.

[0116] In this state (i.e., a state where the cover 12 is neither in the covering position nor in the engaging position), as shown in FIG. 6, the contact member 19 is in the non-pressing position. In addition, the retainer 18 is in the non-clamping position. Figure 9

[0117] After the insertion of the print cartridge 100, as shown in FIG. 7, the four claws 12B are respectively inserted into the grooves 11D of the housing 11 from above, and the cover 12 is arranged in the covering position covering the cartridge installation port 11A. At this point, the contact member 19 is in the non-pressing position. Figure 5A Next, by rotating the cover 12 in the first direction Dl, the four claws 12B are respectively advanced in the first direction Dl within the grooves 11D to the engaging position shown in FIG. 8. At this time, one of the claws 12B rotates the turning portion 20 of the contact member 19 in the first direction Dl.

[0118] Figure 2A During the rotation of the cover 12 in the first direction Dl, a part of the pressing portion 12A continuously contacts the pressed portion 111 of the print cartridge 100. Thus, the print cartridge 100 is continuously pressed downward during the movement of the cover 12 from the covering position to the engaging position and after the movement to the engaging position.

[0119]

[0120] ​​​The holder 18 is started to be pressed toward the clamping position by the rotation of the rotation portion 20 by the changeover portion 21. If the claws 12B reach the engagement position, the contact member 19 moves to the pressing position, and the holder 18 moves to the clamping position, as shown. Figure 7

[0121] By the engagement of the claws 12B to the housing 11, the contact member 19 is held at the pressing position, and thus the holder 18 is also held at the clamping position. Thereby, the print tape of the print cartridge 100 is held in a state where the print head 13 and the platen roller 15 clamp and the pressure gear 16 and the output gear 106 engage. As a result, the printing device 1 becomes a printable state.

[0122] Next, the disengagement procedure of the print cartridge 100 from the printing device main body 10 will be described. First, by rotating the cover 12 to the second direction D2 from the Figure 2A engagement position shown, the four claws 12B are retracted.

[0123] Thereby, the pressing of the holder 18 by the claws 12B of the contact member 19 is released. As a result, the holder 18 moves to the non-clamping position by the force. Concomitantly with the movement of the holder 18 to the non-clamping position, the contact member 19 moves to the non-pressing position.

[0124] After the claws 12B are retracted to a position where they can be pulled out from the groove 11D, the cover 12 is detached from the housing 11 by lifting it upward. After the detachment of the cover 12, the print cartridge 100 is disengaged from the printing device main body 10 by pulling it upward from the cartridge mounting port 11A.

[0125] [1-2. Effects]

[0126] According to the above-described embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.

[0127] (1a) Since the platen roller 15 moves in a state where the cover 12 covers the cartridge mounting port 11A, it is possible to suppress a situation where the print cartridge 100 or the like is touched by the user in a state where the platen roller 15 is in contact with the print tape, and the print cartridge 100 moves. As a result, it is possible to suppress a bad condition of the print tape caused by the clamping of the platen roller 15.

[0128] (1b) By providing the contact member 19 that moves the holder 18 from the non-clamping position to the clamping position by the rotation of the claws 12B of the cover 12, it is possible to simultaneously perform the locking operation of the cover 12 and the movement operation of the holder 18.

[0129] (1c) By the cover 12 having the plurality of claws 12B that are arranged at equal intervals along the rotation direction, the alignment of the orientation of the cover 12 with respect to the housing 11 becomes easy. Thus, the installation work of the cover 12 is reduced.​

[0130] (1d) The pressing portion 12A of the cover 12 presses the cartridge 100 in the mounting direction, so the pressure roller 15 can be clamped while the cartridge 100 is held at a predetermined mounting position. Thus, movement of the cartridge 100 after clamping can be suppressed.

[0131] (1e) The pressing portion 12A is cylindrical, so the pressing portion 12A can contact the pressed portion 111 of the cartridge 100 regardless of the rotational posture of the cover 12 at the time of mounting to the housing 11.

[0132] (1f) The housing 11 is cylindrical or conical frustum-shaped, and the cartridge 100 is cuboid-shaped, so the cartridge 100 can be suppressed from being inserted into the cartridge mounting port 11A in the wrong orientation.

[0133] (1g) The power switch 25 is provided on the lower surface 11G of the housing 11, so the design of the appearance of the printing device 1 can be improved. In addition, erroneous operation of the power switch 25 when the housing 11 is overturned can be suppressed.

[0134] [2. Other Embodiments]

[0135] The above describes embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is of course not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

[0136] (2a) In the printing device of the above-described embodiment, the cover does not necessarily need to cover the entire cartridge mounting port, and can cover a portion of the cartridge mounting port. In addition, the cover can not have a pressing portion.

[0137] (2b) In the printing device of the above-described embodiment, the contact member can not be composed of the turning portion and the transforming portion. The contact member can be composed of one independent member, and can be composed by combining three or more members.

[0138] (2c) In the printing device of the above-described embodiment, the holder can not move in conjunction with the claws of the cover. For example, the holder can move to the clamping position in conjunction with movement of a portion other than the claws in the cover.

[0139] (2d) In the printing device of the above-described embodiment, the number of claws possessed by the cover is not limited to four. That is, the cover can have three or fewer or five or more claws. In addition, the plurality of claws can not be arranged at equal intervals along the rotational direction of the cover.

[0140] (2f) In the printing device of the above-described embodiment, the housing is not limited to be cylindrical or conical frustum-shaped. That is, the housing can be prismatic or pyramidal frustum-shaped.

[0141] (2g) In the printing device of the above embodiment, the holder can also hold the print head instead of the platen roller. That is, the printing device can also be configured to sandwich the print tape by moving the print head with respect to the platen roller fixed to the housing.

[0142] (2h) The function possessed by one component in the above embodiment can also be dispersed as a plurality of components, or the functions possessed by a plurality of components can be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the structure of the above embodiment can also be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the structure of the above embodiment can also be added, replaced, or the like with respect to the structure of another above embodiment. Note that all solutions included in the technical idea determined from the content described in the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0144] 1... printing device, 10... printing device main body, 11... housing, 11A... cartridge mounting port, 11B... discharge port, 11C... recess, 11D... groove, 11E... engagement portion, 11F... upper surface, 11G... lower surface, 11H... shaft portion, 12... cover, 12A... pressing portion, 12B... claw, 12C... top surface, 13... print head, 14... head holding portion, 15... platen roller, 16... platen gear, 17... drive shaft, 18... holder, 19... contact member, 20... rotation portion, 21... conversion portion, 21A... base portion, 21B, 21C... plate portion,

[0145] 25... power switch, 31... torsion coil spring, 100... print cartridge,

[0146] 101... first roll, 102... first supply spool, 103... second roll,

[0147] 104... second supply spool, 105... input spool, 106... output gear,

[0148] 107... input gear, 108... idler gear, 110... housing, 111... pressed portion.

Claims

1. A printing device comprising: a cylindrical housing having a first mounting opening in an upper surface and a second discharge opening in a side surface, the first mounting opening and the second discharge opening each communicating with a recess provided inside the housing and accommodating a print tape, and each serving for mounting and discharging the print tape with respect to the printing device; a print head provided inside the housing; a cover capable of being mounted to the housing in a vertical direction, and capable of moving from a covering position covering the upper surface of the housing to an engaging position engaging with the housing by rotating around an axis of the housing; a platen roller provided inside the housing, and opposing the print head; and a holder holding one of the print head and the platen roller, and capable of moving from a non-clamping position in which the print head and the platen roller do not clamp the print tape to a clamping position in which the print head and the platen roller clamp the print tape, the holder moving from the non-clamping position to the clamping position in conjunction with movement of the cover from the covering position to the engaging position.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, the cover having a claw engaging with the housing when the cover is in the engaging position, the printing device further comprising a contact member contacting the claw and capable of moving between a pressing position in which the holder is pressed toward the clamping position and a non-pressing position in which the holder is not pressed, the contact member moving from the non-pressing position to the pressing position in conjunction with movement of the cover from the covering position to the engaging position, and moving from the pressing position to the non-pressing position in conjunction with movement of the cover from the engaging position to the covering position.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, the contact member having: a turning portion turning around a rotation axis of the cover together with the claw; and a conversion portion rotatably linked with each of the turning portion and the holder, and converting turning of the claw into movement of the holder from the non-clamping position to the clamping position.

4. The printing device according to claim 2 or 3, the holder being urged from the clamping position toward the non-clamping position, and moving from the clamping position to the non-clamping position in conjunction with movement of the cover from the engaging position to the covering position.

5. The printing device according to claim 2 or 3, the cover having a plurality of claws engaging with the housing when the cover is in the engaging position, the plurality of claws being arranged at equal intervals along a rotation direction of the cover. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images