Cartridge for printing and printing device

Abstract

Provided is a printing cartridge capable of reducing transmission loss of driving force. The present invention is a printing cartridge capable of being attached to a printing device main body having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. The printing cartridge includes a drive transmission mechanism including an input rotation portion and an output rotation portion, and a guide housing that houses the drive transmission mechanism. The guide housing has a guide portion that guides a printing tape, a first side surface and a second side surface that sandwich the drive transmission mechanism, a first engagement surface that engages with the first engagement portion, and a second engagement surface that engages with the second engagement portion. The first engagement surface intersects the first side surface. The second engagement surface intersects the second side surface. There is a first imaginary straight line that passes through the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and is sandwiched between a rotation axis of the input rotation portion and a rotation axis of the output rotation portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a cartridge for printing and a printing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a printing device that performs printing on a printing tape, a cartridge that houses the printing tape is attached to and detached from a main body of the printing device, thereby performing replacement and supply of the printing tape (see Patent Literature 1). In such a cartridge, a configuration in which a drive transmission mechanism having an input portion that is input with a driving force from the main body of the printing device and an output portion that outputs the driving force to the main body of the printing device is provided can be considered.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-234772

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the cartridge in which the above-described drive transmission mechanism is provided, when the input portion and the output portion are not completely engaged with the main body of the printing device, respectively, there is a concern that transmission loss of the driving force in the drive transmission mechanism occurs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of the present application is to provide a cartridge for printing that can reduce transmission loss of a driving force.

[0009] MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] One embodiment of the present application is a cartridge for printing that can be attached to a main body of a printing device that has a cartridge housing portion having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. The cartridge for printing includes a drive transmission mechanism including an input rotation portion and an output rotation portion, and a guide housing that houses at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism.

[0011] The guide housing has a guide portion that guides a printing tape, a first side surface and a second side surface that sandwich at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism, a first engagement surface that engages with the first engagement portion, and a second engagement surface that engages with the second engagement portion.

[0012] The first engagement surface extends from the first side surface and intersects the first side surface. The second engagement surface extends from the second side surface and intersects the second side surface. There is a first imaginary straight line that passes through the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and is sandwiched between a rotation axis of the input rotation portion and a rotation axis of the output rotation portion.

[0013] According to such a structure, by disposing the rotation axis of the input rotation section and the rotation axis of the output rotation section on both sides of the first imaginary straight line, respectively, the force received by the guide housing from the first engagement section and the second engagement section is difficult to be biased to one of the input rotation section and the output rotation section. Thus, the bad condition of the engagement of the input rotation section with the printing device main body and the engagement of the output rotation section with the printing device main body is suppressed. As a result, the transmission loss of the driving force in the driving transmission mechanism can be reduced.

[0014] Another aspect of the present application is a printing cartridge mountable to a printing device main body having a cartridge housing section having a first engagement section and a second engagement section. The printing cartridge has: a driving transmission mechanism including an input rotation section and an output rotation section; and a guide housing housing at least a part of the driving transmission mechanism.

[0015] The guide housing has: a guide section guiding a printing tape; a first side surface and a second side surface sandwiching at least a part of the driving transmission mechanism; a first engagement surface engaging with the first engagement section; and a second engagement surface engaging with the second engagement section.

[0016] The first engagement surface extends from the first side surface and intersects the first side surface. The second engagement surface extends from the second side surface and intersects the second side surface. There is a first imaginary straight line passing through the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and overlapping the driving transmission mechanism when viewed from a first direction parallel to the rotation axis of the input rotation section or a second direction parallel to the rotation axis of the output rotation section.

[0017] According to such a structure, by disposing the driving transmission mechanism to overlap the first imaginary straight line, the force received by the guide housing from the first engagement section and the second engagement section is difficult to be biased to one of the input rotation section and the output rotation section. Thus, the bad condition of the engagement of the input rotation section with the printing device main body and the engagement of the output rotation section with the printing device main body is suppressed. As a result, the transmission loss of the driving force in the driving transmission mechanism can be reduced.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application is a printing device having a printing device main body having a cartridge housing section having a first engagement section and a second engagement section and a printing cartridge.

[0019] According to such a structure, the bad condition of the engagement of the input rotation section with the printing device main body and the engagement of the output rotation section with the printing device main body is suppressed. As a result, the transmission loss of the driving force in the driving transmission mechanism can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view showing a printing device in an embodiment,Figure 1B is a schematic perspective view of a printing device main body of Figure 1A

[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a schematic perspective view of a printing cartridge of Figure 1A Figure 2C is a schematic plan view of a printing cartridge of Figure 2A

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a printing cartridge of Figure 2A

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view at IV-IV line of Figure 2C

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a first cover portion of a printing cartridge of Figure 2A

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating a path of a printing tape and an ink tape in a printing cartridge of Figure 2A

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic partial perspective view showing a state in which a first engaging portion is engaged with a first engaging surface.

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of a printing cartridge of Figure 2A

[0028] Figure 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view at IXA-IXA line of Figure 2C Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view at IXB-IXB line of Figure 2C Figure 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view at IXC-IXC line of Figure 2C Figure 9D is a schematic cross-sectional view at IXD-IXD line of Figure 2C

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which an output gear and a platen gear are engaged in a printing device of Figure 1A

[0030] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a printing cartridge in an embodiment different from Figure 2A

[0031] Figure 12 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​yes Figure 11 A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0032] Figure 13A It means to unload Figure 11 A schematic top view of the state of the first frame of the printing box. Figure 13B yes Figure 11 A schematic bottom view of a printing box. Detailed Implementation

[0033] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0034] [1-1. Structure]

[0035] Figure 1A The printing apparatus 1 shown includes a printing box 10 and a printing apparatus body 100. The printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for printing on a printing tape 11A.

[0036] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the output gear 21 is set to the up-down direction, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction that conveys the printing belt 11A at the outlet 33C is set to the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions is set to the front-back direction.

[0037] <Main body of printing apparatus>

[0038] like Figure 1B As shown, the main body 100 of the printing apparatus includes a box storage section 101, a printing head 102, a pressure roller 103, a pressure gear 104, a drive shaft 105, a drive source 107, and a frame 110.

[0039] (Box Storage Department)

[0040] The box storage section 101 is a recess for mounting the printing box 10. The box storage section 101 has a positioning function for the printing box 10. The box storage section 101 is provided in the frame 110.

[0041] The box storage section 101 has a first engaging section 101A, a second engaging section 101B, and a third engaging section 101C. The first engaging section 101A, the second engaging section 101B, and the third engaging section 101C engage with the housing 35 of the printing box 10 into which the box storage section 101 is inserted.

[0042] The first engaging part 101A, the second engaging part 101B, and the third engaging part 101C are hooks that extend vertically inside the box storage part 101 and engage with the housing 35 from above.

[0043] (Print head)

[0044] The print head 102 is disposed inside the box storage section 101. The print head 102 has multiple heating elements with individually controlled heating.

[0045] (Pressure roller)

[0046] The pressure roller 103 is disposed inside the cartridge storage section 101 near the printing head 102, opposite to the printing head 102. The pressure roller 103 can swing in a direction approaching or moving away from the printing head 102. The rotation axis L1 of the pressure roller 103 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0047] (Pressure plate gear)

[0048] The pressure plate gear 104 is connected to the pressure plate roller 103. In this embodiment, the rotation axis L2 of the pressure plate gear 104 and the rotation axis L1 of the pressure plate roller 103 are arranged on the same line. The pressure plate gear 104 can swing together with the pressure plate roller 103.

[0049] (Drive shaft)

[0050] The drive shaft 105 is inserted into the winding cylinder 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10. The drive shaft 105 inputs a driving force to the printing cartridge 10 to rotate the winding cylinder 16 and the input gear 22.

[0051] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the box storage section 101. The rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 rotates around the rotation axis L3 via the drive source 107.

[0052] (Driver source)

[0053] The drive source 107 drives the drive shaft 105 to rotate. The drive source 107 can be, for example, a mechanism that combines an electric motor and gears.

[0054] <Printing Box>

[0055] The printing cartridge 10 stores the printing tape 11A. The printing cartridge 10 can be installed into the printing apparatus main body 100 and can be detached from the printing apparatus main body 100. By replacing the printing cartridge 10, the printing media can be replenished and the type of printing media (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) can be changed.

[0056] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C, the printing cartridge 10 has a housing 35 that houses at least a portion of the printing tape 11A and at least a portion of the ink tape 14A (an example of an auxiliary tape).

[0057] The printing box 10 has a rectangular shape (i.e., the shape of the shell 35) with sides parallel to the vertical direction, sides parallel to the front-back direction, and sides parallel to the left-right direction. The shell 35 can be inserted into the box storage section 101 with its orientation facing downwards.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the printing box 10 includes: a printing tape roll 11; a first supply winding 12; partitions 13A and 13B; an auxiliary tape roll 14; a second supply winding 15; a winding spool 16; a clutch spring holding part 17; and a drive transmission mechanism 20.

[0059] (Printing tape roll)

[0060] The printing tape roll 11 winds the printing tape 11A, which is a strip shape, onto the first supply winding 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by the print head 102 of the printing apparatus main body 100 and the ink tape 14A.

[0061] Two spacers 13A and 13B are arranged on the outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction to hold the printing tape roll 11. The spacers 13A and 13B are arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the first cover portion 31 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the first frame portion 32.

[0062] (First supply winding cylinder)

[0063] The first supply winding 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis L4 that is parallel to the vertical direction. The first supply winding 12 rotates along with the pressure roller 103 of the printing apparatus body 100 conveying the printing tape 11A, thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102. The rotation axis L4 of the first supply winding 12 is aligned with the winding axis of the printing tape roll 11.

[0064] (Auxiliary tape roll)

[0065] The auxiliary tape roll 14 winds the printing tape 14A, which is a strip of ink used for printing tape 11A, onto the second supply roll 15.

[0066] The ink ribbon 14A overlaps with the printing ribbon 11A at the print head opening 33B and is used for printing by the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used in printing is wound on the winding drum 16.

[0067] The clutch spring 17A held by the clutch spring retainer 17 applies rotational resistance to the auxiliary tape roll 14. At least a portion of the auxiliary tape roll 14 is positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0068] (Second supply winding cylinder)

[0069] The second supply cylinder 15 is rotatable about a rotation axis L5. The rotation axis L5 of the second supply cylinder 15 is parallel to the vertical direction. The second supply cylinder 15 rotates as the ink ribbon 14A is wound on the winding cylinder 16, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102.

[0070] (winding drum)

[0071] The winding drum 16 is rotatable about the rotation axis L6. The rotation axis L6 of the winding drum 16 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply winding drum 15.

[0072] The winding cylinder 16 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by its inner circumferential surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner circumferential surface 16A of the winding cylinder 16. The spline teeth 16B are connected to the drive shaft 105 of the printing apparatus main body 100. The winding cylinder 16 rotates via the drive shaft 105 to wind the ink tape 14A.

[0073] (Drive transmission mechanism)

[0074] When the printing box 10 is installed on the main body 100 of the printing apparatus, the drive transmission mechanism 20 transmits the driving force of the drive source 107 from the drive shaft 105 to the pressure roller 103. The drive transmission mechanism 20 has an output gear 21 (an example of an output rotating part), an input gear 22 (an example of an input rotating part), and an idle gear 23.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing tape roll 11, the drive transmission mechanism 20, and the winding drum 16 are arranged in the vertical direction in the order of the printing tape roll 11, the drive transmission mechanism 20, and the winding drum 16.

[0076] (Output gear)

[0077] Figure 3 The output gear 21 shown is an external gear used to output the driving force for conveying the printing belt 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 21 transmits the driving force to the pressure plate gear 104 of the printing apparatus body 100.

[0078] The rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply cylinder 15 (i.e., parallel in the vertical direction). The entire output gear 21 overlaps with the partition wall 32B of the housing 35 in the vertical direction. In addition, a portion of the output gear 21 protrudes into the space communicating with the printing head opening 33B.

[0079] When the printing box 10 is installed in the main body 100 of the printing apparatus (i.e., the housing 35 is stored in the box storage part 101), the output gear 21 engages with the pressure plate gear 104 in the space communicating with the printing head opening 33B.

[0080] (Input gear)

[0081] The input gear 22 engages indirectly with the output gear 21 via the idle gear 23, transmitting driving force to the output gear 21.

[0082] The input gear 22 has an external gear 22A and a cylindrical internal gear, i.e., a winding cylinder 22B, which is fixed to one side of the external gear 22A and has splined teeth on its inner circumferential surface. The external gear 22A rotates integrally with the winding cylinder 22B by the driving force input to the driving source 107 of the winding cylinder 22B.

[0083] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 (i.e., the rotation axis of the external gear 22A and the rotation axis of the winding drum 22B) is parallel to the vertical direction and is arranged on the same line as the rotation axis L6 of the winding drum 16. At least a portion of the input gear 22 is arranged in the vertical direction at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11.

[0084] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 overlaps with the hollow portion of the winding cylinder 16 in the vertical direction. Therefore, with the printing cartridge 10 installed in the main body 100 of the printing apparatus, the drive shaft 105 simultaneously connects the winding cylinder 16 and the input gear 22. As a result, although the input gear 22 is not directly connected to the winding cylinder 16, it rotates together with the winding cylinder 16 via the drive shaft 105.

[0085] (Idle gear)

[0086] The idle gear 23 is driven to connect (i.e. engage) with the input gear 22 and the output gear 21, and the driving force input to the input gear 22 is transmitted to the output gear 21.

[0087] The idle gear 23 is a segmented gear arranged coaxially with the upstream gear 23A, which engages with the input gear 22, and the downstream gear 23B, which engages with the output gear 21. The diameter of the downstream gear 23B is smaller than that of the upstream gear 23A. In addition, the downstream gear 23B is positioned closer to (i.e., above) the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction compared to the upstream gear 23A.

[0088] The idle gear 23 reduces the rotational speed of the driving force input to the input gear 22 and transmits it to the output gear 21. That is, the drive transmission mechanism 20 includes a reduction mechanism with a reduction ratio obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the input gear 22 by the rotational speed of the output gear 21.

[0089] (case)

[0090] The housing 35 has a first cover portion 31, a first frame portion 32, a second frame portion 33, and a second cover portion 34.

[0091] The first cover portion 31 forms the upper end of the printing box 10. A first frame portion 32 is disposed below the first cover portion 31 and is connected to the first cover portion 31 in the vertical direction. A second frame portion 33 is disposed below the first frame portion 32 and is connected to the first frame portion 32 in the vertical direction. The second cover portion 34 forms the lower end of the printing box 10. The second cover portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0092] The first cover portion 31 and the first frame portion 32 constitute the roll housing 41 for housing the printing tape roll 11. That is, the printing tape roll 11 is disposed in the space surrounded by the first cover portion 31 and the first frame portion 32.

[0093] The first frame portion 32, the second frame portion 33, and the second cover portion 34 constitute a guide housing 42 that houses part of the output gear 21, the input gear 22, the idle gear 23, the auxiliary belt roll 14, the second supply winding drum 15, and the winding drum 16.

[0094] Specifically, a portion of the output gear 21, the input gear 22, and the idle gear 23 are disposed in the space surrounded by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33. The auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply winding drum 15, and the winding drum 16 are disposed in the space surrounded by the second cover portion 34 and the second frame portion 33.

[0095] The guide housing 42 is positioned differently in the vertical direction from the printing tape 11 (specifically, at the bottom).

[0096] The first frame portion 32 has a first sidewall 32A, a partition wall 32B, and a first guide member 32C. The first sidewall 32A forms the outer surface of the housing 35, which is parallel to the vertical direction. The partition wall 32B has a surface orthogonal to the vertical direction and extends in the front-back and left-right directions. The partition wall 32B overlaps with the printing tape 11 and the drive transmission mechanism 20 in the vertical direction.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, the first guide 32C is the part for winding the printing tape 11A fed from the printing tape roll 11. The first guide 32C has a plurality of plate-shaped ribs arranged separately along the circumference of the printing tape roll 11. The plurality of ribs protrude radially toward the printing tape roll 11, with the amount of protrusion (i.e., plate width) increasing as they move downwards.

[0098] Figure 3 The second frame portion 33 shown has a second sidewall 33A, a printing head opening 33B, a discharge port 33C, a wall portion 33D, an arm portion 33E, a discharge portion 33F, a second guide 33G (an example of a guide portion), a first claw portion 33H, a second claw portion 33I, and a third claw portion 33J (see reference). Figure 2A , 2B ), first contact part 33K, second contact part 33L, third release part 33M.

[0099] At least the printing head opening 33B, wall portion 33D, arm portion 33E, discharge portion 33F, second guide 33G, first claw portion 33H, second claw portion 33I, third claw portion 33J, and first contact portion 33K, second contact portion 33L, and third contact portion 33M in the second frame portion 33 are included in the guide housing 42.

[0100] The second sidewall 33A forms the outer surface of the housing 35 that is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0101] The printhead opening 33B is a portion of the second sidewall 33A that is cut open. The printhead opening 33B is the space in which the printhead 102 is disposed when the printing cartridge 10 is installed in the main body 100 of the printing apparatus.

[0102] The printing tape 11A is printed by the printing head 102 through the printing head opening 33B. The printing head opening 33B is located at the bottom of the printing box 10 so that the printing head 102 can be inserted from below.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, a printing tape 11A and an ink tape 14A are mounted in the left-right direction in the print head opening 33B. The printing tape 11A protrudes from the outside of the housing 35 through the print head opening 33B and overlaps with the ink tape 14A. After printing, the printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 through the discharge port 33C.

[0104] Figure 3 The wall portion 33D shown has a surface orthogonal to the vertical direction and extends in the front-back and left-right directions. The wall portion 33D has a first shaft portion 33O that supports the second supply cylinder 15 for rotation and a second shaft portion 33P that supports the winding cylinder 16 for rotation.

[0105] The arm portion 33E, relative to the printing head opening 33B and the discharge port 33C, conveys the printing belt 11A upstream of the discharge direction of the printing belt 11A in a left-right direction. The arm portion 33E constitutes a channel portion that surrounds the printing belt 11A in both the width and thickness directions.

[0106] The discharge section 33F discharges the printing tape 11A outward (specifically, into the space communicating with the print head opening 33B) from the arm section 33E. The discharge section 33F constitutes the outlet of the arm section 33E. The printing tape 11A discharged from the discharge section 33F is conveyed to the discharge port 33C via the print head opening 33B.

[0107] The second guide 33G, like the first guide 32C, is a portion for winding the printing tape 11A fed from the printing tape roll 11. The second guide 33G has a plurality of plate-shaped ribs arranged circumferentially along the auxiliary tape roll 14. The plurality of ribs protrude radially toward the auxiliary tape roll 14, with the amount of protrusion (i.e., plate width) decreasing towards the bottom.

[0108] Figure 2A , 2B The first claw portion 33H, the second claw portion 33I, and the third claw portion 33J shown in 2C protrude outward from the second side wall 33A of the second frame portion 33, respectively.

[0109] The first claw portion 33H is disposed in the guide housing 42 and overlaps with the second guide member 33G in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the printing tape roll 11 (specifically, the left-right direction). The first side surface 42A is orthogonal to the left-right direction and forms the right side surface of the guide housing 42.

[0110] The first claw portion 33H has a first engagement surface 331 that engages with the first engagement portion 101A of the printing apparatus body 100. The first engagement surface 331 is formed by a region in the first claw portion 33H that restricts the upward movement of the guide housing 42 (i.e., disengagement from the box storage portion 101) by contacting the first engagement portion 101A.

[0111] The first engaging surface 331 extends in a manner that protrudes from the first side surface 42A toward the outside (i.e., the right side) of the guide housing 42. The first engaging surface 331 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and intersects the first side surface 42A.

[0112] The second claw portion 33I and the third claw portion 33J are disposed in the guide housing 42, on the second side surface 42B that overlaps with the second guide member 33G in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the printing tape roll 11 (specifically, the left-right direction).

[0113] The second side surface 42B is orthogonal to the left-right direction and forms the left side surface of the guide housing 42. At least a portion (in this embodiment, the entirety) of the second side surface 42B is at the same position as the first side surface 42A in the vertical direction.

[0114] The first side 42A is opposite to the second side 42B in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A in the discharge section 33F. In addition, the first side 42A and the second side 42B are configured to sandwich at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism 20 in the left-right direction.

[0115] The second claw portion 33I has a second engagement surface 332 that engages with the second engagement portion 101B of the printing apparatus body 100. The third claw portion 33J has a third engagement surface 333 that engages with the third engagement portion 101C of the printing apparatus body 100. The second engagement surface 332 and the third engagement surface 333 are respectively formed by the area of ​​the second claw portion 33I or the third claw portion 33J that restricts the upward movement of the guide housing 42 by contacting the second engagement portion 101B or the third engagement portion 101C.

[0116] The second engaging surface 332 and the third engaging surface 333 extend in a manner that protrudes from the second side surface 42B toward the outside (i.e., the left side) of the guide housing 42. The second engaging surface 332 and the third engaging surface 333 are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction and intersect with the second side surface 42B.

[0117] The first engaging surface 331, the second engaging surface 332, and the third engaging surface 333 face the opposite direction (i.e., the upward direction) to the direction of travel (i.e., downward) when the guide housing 42 is inserted into the box storage part 101.

[0118] That is, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first engaging surface 331 is configured to allow the claws of the first engaging portion 101A to overlap from above. Similarly, the second engaging surface 332 and the third engaging surface 333 are configured to allow the second engaging portion 101B or the third engaging portion 101C to overlap from above, respectively. The first engaging surface 331, the second engaging surface 332, and the third engaging surface 333 are orthogonal to the direction of travel of the guide housing 42 during insertion.

[0119] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 101A, the second engaging portion 101B, and the third engaging portion 101C are each movable in the left-right direction. When the housing 35 is inserted into the box storage portion 101, each engaging portion is locked to engage with its respective engaging surface. By moving each engaging portion in a direction that separates it from the housing 35, the locked state is released.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the first engaging surface 331 (in this embodiment, the entire first engaging surface 331) is located at the same position as the second engaging surface 332 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second engaging surface 332 (in this embodiment, the entire second engaging surface 332) is located at the same position as the third engaging surface 333.

[0121] The printing tape roll 11, the output gear 21, the first engagement surface 331, and the auxiliary tape roll 14 are arranged in the vertical direction in the following order: printing tape roll 11, output gear 21, first engagement surface 331, and auxiliary tape roll 14.

[0122] That is, the first engagement surface 331, the second engagement surface 332 and the third engagement surface 333 are disposed relative to the output gear 21 at positions offset in the same direction along the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21 (specifically, below the output gear 21).

[0123] Furthermore, the printing tape roll 11 is positioned vertically on opposite sides of the first engagement surface 331, the second engagement surface 332, and the third engagement surface 333, separated by the output gear 21. The auxiliary tape roll 14 is positioned vertically on opposite sides of the printing tape roll 11 and the output gear 21, separated by the first engagement surface 331, the second engagement surface 332, and the third engagement surface 333.

[0124] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first mating surface 331, at least a portion of the second mating surface 332, and at least a portion of the third mating surface 333 are located at the same position as the wall portion 33D in the vertical direction. In other words, the first mating surface 331, the second mating surface 332, and the third mating surface 333 overlap with the wall portion 33D in the horizontal direction.

[0125] like Figure 8 As shown, a first imaginary straight line S1 exists in the printing box 10. This first imaginary straight line S1 passes through the first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 and is sandwiched between the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 and the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21. In addition, when viewed from the top and bottom, the first imaginary straight line S1 overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism 20 (specifically, the input gear 22 and the idle gear 23).

[0126] Furthermore, the printing box 10 contains a second imaginary straight line S2. When viewed from above and below, this second imaginary straight line S2 passes through the geometric center of gravity G1 of the first engagement surface 331 and the geometric center of gravity G2 of the second engagement surface 332 and overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism 20.

[0127] With the guide housing 42 inserted into the box storage section 101, the first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M respectively contact the printing device body 100 in the vertical direction.

[0128] The first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M respectively position the housing 35 in the box storage portion 101 vertically by contacting the corresponding parts of the printing apparatus main body 100 from above.

[0129] The first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M are arranged separately from each other. In addition, when viewed from above, the direction in which the first contact portion 33K and the second contact portion 33L are separated is different from the direction in which the second contact portion 33L and the third contact portion 33M are separated.

[0130] That is, when viewed from above, the first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M are not arranged in a straight line. In other words, there is no imaginary straight line passing through the first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M simultaneously.

[0131] The first contact portion 33K is positioned to overlap with the printhead opening 33B in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first contact portion 33K is positioned above the printhead opening 33B. The first contact portion 33K protrudes downwards from the printhead opening 33B toward the printing cartridge 10. The first contact portion 33K contacts the printhead 102 inserted into the printhead opening 33B.

[0132] The second contact portion 33L is located at the corner of the second frame portion 33 when viewed from the vertical direction. Specifically, the second contact portion 33L is formed by the bottom surface of a bottomed cylindrical body arranged with its central axis parallel to the vertical direction at the left front corner of the second frame portion 33.

[0133] The second contact portion 33L is the bottom surface of a recessed portion that is recessed upwards, which is part of the second frame portion 33. In the cylindrical body constituting the second contact portion 33L, a portion (e.g., a pin) extending in the vertical direction is inserted into the box storage portion 101.

[0134] Viewed from above, the bottom surface of the recess constituting the second contact portion 33L extends in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Specifically, the extending direction of the bottom surface of the recess intersects both the discharge direction (i.e., the left-right direction) and the front-back direction of the printing tape 11A at the discharge port 33C. More specifically, the bottom surface of the recess extends toward the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22, and the extending direction of the bottom surface of the recess is orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22.

[0135] The inner circumferential surface of the cylinder forming the second contact portion 33L (i.e., the inner side surface of the recess) allows the pin inserted into the cylinder to move in a direction intersecting both the left-right and front-back directions, while restricting the oscillation centered on the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22. That is, the inner side surface of the recess restricts the rotation of the housing 35 about the rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 105.

[0136] The third contact portion 33M is continuously disposed on the outer side surface of the second frame portion 33 parallel to the vertical direction (specifically, a portion of the rear side surface of the housing 35). The third contact portion 33M is formed by a recess provided on the rear side surface of the housing 35.

[0137] Furthermore, the third contact portion 33M is positioned in the vertical direction at a different location (i.e., above) than the bottom surface of the housing 35. The third contact portion 33M contacts the upper end of a portion (e.g., a rib) extending in the vertical direction within the box storage portion 101.

[0138] An imaginary triangle T exists in the printing box 10. When viewed from above, the three vertices of the imaginary triangle T are contained in the first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M, respectively, and overlap with the first imaginary line S1. Moreover, when viewed from above, the centroid G3 of the imaginary triangle T overlaps with the first imaginary line S1.

[0139] like Figure 9A , 9B As shown in 9C and 9D, the first guide 32C and the second guide 33G form a passage for feeding the printing tape 11A from the roll housing 41 to the guide housing 42, and the printing tape 11A constitutes the printing tape roll 11.

[0140] Specifically, such as Figure 9A As shown, the printing tape 11A fed from the printing tape roll 11 abuts against the first guide 32C on the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in a spiral manner, while being conveyed downward and rearward within the roll housing 41. Further as... Figure 9B As shown, the printing tape 11A is conveyed towards the lower left within the guide housing 42.

[0141] like Figure 9C As shown, the printed tape 11A, reaching the guide housing 42, abuts against the second guide 33G from the radially outer side while being conveyed downward and forward. Figure 9D As shown, the printing tape 11A that has reached the lower end of the printing box 10 is discharged to the right through the printing head opening 33B and the discharge port 33C.

[0142] <The main body of the printing apparatus, conveyor belt, and printing>

[0143] With the printing cartridge 10 installed in the main body 100 of the printing apparatus, the printing head 102 is positioned at the printing head opening 33B, overlapping with the printing tape 11A and the ink tape 14A in the front-to-back direction.

[0144] The printing tape 11A is conveyed to the print head opening 33B via the pressure roller 103, and pressed against the print head 102 heated by the heating element via the ink tape 14A via the pressure roller 103. As a result, a portion of the ink disposed on the surface of the ink tape 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and text, marks, etc. are printed on the printing tape 11A.

[0145] The pressure roller 103 conveys the printed printing tape 11A from inside the printing cassette 10 toward the outside. The pressure roller 103 rotates via a pressure gear 104 that engages with the output gear 21. The pressure roller 103 and the pressure gear 104 can be in a position separated from the printing cassette 10 and... Figure 10 The pressure plate gear 104 shown oscillates between the engaged position of the output gear 21.

[0146] With the housing 35 of the printing box 10 inserted into the box storage section 101, the drive shaft 105 engages with the input gear 22, and the pressure plate gear 104 engages with the output gear 21.

[0147] Specifically, when the drive shaft 105 is inserted into the winding cylinder 16 and input gear 22 of the printing box 10, the pressure roller 103 and pressure gear 104 swing toward the printing head opening 33B of the printing box 10, thereby engaging the pressure gear 104 with the output gear 21.

[0148] With the printing box 10 installed, the input gear 22 is rotated by the drive shaft 105, thereby rotating the output gear 21. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 causes the pressure plate gear 104 to rotate, and the rotation of the pressure plate gear 104 causes the pressure roller 103 to rotate.

[0149] [1-2. Effects]

[0150] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0151] (1a) The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 and the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21 are respectively arranged on both sides of the first imaginary straight line S1, so that the force borne by the housing 42 from the first engagement part 101A and the second engagement part 101B is less likely to be biased towards the input gear 22 and the output gear 21.

[0152] This suppresses misalignment between the input gear 22 and the printing apparatus body 100, as well as between the output gear 21 and the printing apparatus body 100. As a result, the transmission loss of driving force in the drive transmission mechanism 20 can be reduced.

[0153] (1b) The drive transmission mechanism 20 is configured to overlap with the first imaginary straight line S1, so that the force on the housing 42 from the first engagement portion 101A and the second engagement portion 101B is less likely to be biased toward the input gear 22 and the output gear 21.

[0154] (1c) When viewed from above, there exists a second imaginary straight line S2 that passes through the geometric center of gravity G1 of the first engagement surface 331 and the geometric center of gravity G2 of the second engagement surface and overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism 20, thereby promoting the reduction of the transmission loss of the driving force in the drive transmission mechanism 20.

[0155] (1d) The first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 are disposed together below the output gear 21, thereby suppressing the tilting of the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21.

[0156] (1e) The printing tape 11 is positioned on opposite sides of the first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 in the vertical direction, separated by the output gear 21, thereby suppressing the reduction of the design freedom of the housing 35. As a result, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the printing box 10.

[0157] (1f) The auxiliary tape roll 14 is disposed on the opposite side of the printing tape roll 11 and the output gear 21 in the vertical direction, separated by the first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the printing tape roll 11 and the auxiliary tape roll 14.

[0158] (1g) The first side surface 42A, which is provided with the first engagement surface 331, is opposite to the second side surface 42B, which is provided with the second engagement surface 332, in the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A in the discharge section 33F, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the printing box.

[0159] (1h) At least a portion of the first mating surface 331 is located in the same position as the second mating surface 332 in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing the tilting of the printing box 10.

[0160] (1i) A third engaging surface 333 is provided on the second side 42B, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the printing box 10.

[0161] (1j) The first engaging surface 331 and the second engaging surface 332 protrude from the first side surface 42A or the second side surface 42B toward the outside of the guide housing 42, thereby simplifying the structure of the first engaging part 101A and the second engaging part 101B.

[0162] (1k) The first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 are respectively facing upward, thereby simplifying the engagement structure of the guide housing 42 with the first engagement part 101A and the second engagement part 101B.

[0163] (1l) The first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 are planes orthogonal to the vertical direction, thereby simplifying the engagement structure of the guide housing 42 with the first engagement part 101A and the second engagement part 101B.

[0164] (1m) At least a portion of the first engagement surface 331 and at least a portion of the second engagement surface 332 are located in the same position as the wall portion 33D in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing the tilting of the central axis of the auxiliary tape roll 14 and the winding drum 16.

[0165] [2. Second Implementation]

[0166] [2-1. Structure]

[0167] Figure 11The printing box 10A shown is installed in place of the printing box 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 1A , 1B The main body of the printing device 100.

[0168] The printing box 10A does not include the printing tape roll 11 and the roll shell 41 of the printing box in the first embodiment. The printing box 10A is installed in the box storage section 101 in a state where it is connected to the printing tape box 10B in the vertical direction.

[0169] The printing tape cassette 10B is a cassette that supplies the printing tape 11A to the printing box 10A. The printing tape cassette 10B includes a printing tape roll 11 and a roll housing 35B for housing the printing tape roll 11. The printing tape 11A supplied from the printing tape cassette 10B is guided into the guide housing 42 of the printing box 10A and conveyed within the guide housing 42 toward the printing head opening 33B.

[0170] like Figure 12 As shown, the printing box 10A includes an auxiliary tape roll 14, a second supply winding cylinder 15, a winding cylinder 16, a clutch spring holding part 17, a drive transmission mechanism 20, a first frame part 32, a second frame part 33, and a second cover part 34.

[0171] These components are the same as those in the printing box 10 of the first embodiment. That is, the guide housing 42 of this embodiment is composed of a first frame portion 32, a second frame portion 33, and a second cover portion 34, just like in the first embodiment.

[0172] like Figure 13A As shown, the second frame portion 33 has a first claw portion 33H and a second claw portion 33I, the same as in the first embodiment. The first claw portion 33H has a first engaging surface 331 extending from the first side surface 42A and engaging with the first engaging portion 101A. The second claw portion 33I has a second engaging surface 332 extending from the second side surface 42B and engaging with the second engaging portion 101B. The first side surface 42A and the second side surface 42B are configured to sandwich the drive transmission mechanism 20 in the left-right direction.

[0173] A first imaginary straight line S1 exists in the printing box 10A. When viewed from above, this first imaginary straight line S1 passes through the first engagement surface 331 and the second engagement surface 332 and is sandwiched between the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 22 and the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 21. In addition, when viewed from above, the first imaginary straight line S1 overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism 20 (specifically, the input gear 22 and the idle gear 23).

[0174] like Figure 13B As shown, the second frame portion 33 has the same first contact portion 33K, second contact portion 33L, and third contact portion 33M as in the first embodiment.

[0175] An imaginary triangle T exists in the printing box 10A. When viewed from above, the three vertices of the imaginary triangle T are respectively contained in the first contact portion 33K, the second contact portion 33L, and the third contact portion 33M, and overlap with the first imaginary straight line S1.

[0176] [2-2. Effect]

[0177] Based on the implementation methods detailed above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0178] (2a) By selecting a printing box 10A equipped with an auxiliary tape roll 14 and a printing box 10B equipped with a printing tape roll 11 respectively, the auxiliary tape (i.e., ink tape) and the printing tape can be combined arbitrarily.

[0179] [3. Other Implementation Methods]

[0180] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various other methods can be adopted, which is self-evident.

[0181] (3a) The printing apparatus described in the above embodiments is not limited to an apparatus that uses an ink ribbon for printing. For example, the printing apparatus may also perform printing on a strip of thermal paper. That is, the printing box may not necessarily have an ink ribbon.

[0182] Alternatively, the printing apparatus can use a perforated stencil tape for printing patterns via a thermal printhead as the printing tape. When using a stencil tape as the printing tape, an ink tape can be used instead, with a synthetic paper tape protecting the stencil tape used as an auxiliary tape.

[0183] (3b) The printing box of the first embodiment described above may not necessarily have a roll housing. That is, the printing tape roll may not necessarily be housed in the housing.

[0184] (3c) In the printing box of the above embodiment, the guide housing may not necessarily have a second engaging surface and a third engaging surface. In addition, the guide housing may have four or more engaging surfaces.

[0185] (3d) In the printing box of the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism may also be arranged above the printing tape winding or below the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. In addition, the input rotating part and the output rotating part may also be composed of rotating bodies other than gears (e.g., rollers or belts).

[0186] (3e) Alternatively, the function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the above embodiments may be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the structure of other embodiments may be added to or replaced. Moreover, all methods encompassed by the technical concept defined by the statements described in the scope of the claim are embodiments of the present invention.

[0187] Symbol Explanation

[0188] 1…printing apparatus; 10, 10A…printing boxes; 11…printing tape rolls; 11A…printing tape; 14…auxiliary tape rolls; 14A…ink tape;

[0189] 16…winding drum; 20…drive transmission mechanism; 21…output gear; 22…input gear; 33…second frame; 33B…print head opening; 33C…exhaust outlet; 33D…wall;

[0190] 33F…Discharge section; 33G…Second guide; 33H…First claw; 33I…Second claw; 33J…Third claw; 33K…First contact section; 33L…Second contact section; 33M…Third contact section; 35…Housing; 41…Roll housing; 42…Guide housing; 42A…First side; 42B…Second side; 100…Printing apparatus body; 101…Box storage section;

[0191] 101A…First locking part; 101B…Second locking part; 101C…Third locking part;

[0192] 331…First card face up; 332…Second card face up; 333…Third card face up.

Claims

1. A printing box, capable of being installed on the main body of a printing apparatus having a box storage section, the box storage section having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, characterized in that... have: A drive transmission mechanism, comprising an input rotating part and an output rotating part; and A guide housing that houses at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism. The guide housing has: Guide section, which guides the printing tape; A first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being configured to sandwich at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism; A first engaging surface, which engages with a first engaging portion; and The second engaging surface engages with the second engaging portion. The first engaging surface extends from and intersects with the first side surface. The second engaging surface extends from and intersects with the second side surface. There exists a first imaginary straight line that passes through the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and is sandwiched between the rotation axis of the input rotating part and the rotation axis of the output rotating part.

2. A printing box, capable of being installed on the main body of a printing apparatus having a box storage section, the box storage section having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, characterized in that... have: A drive transmission mechanism, comprising an input rotating part and an output rotating part; and A guide housing that houses at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism. The guide housing has: Guide section, which guides the printing tape; A first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being configured to sandwich at least a portion of the drive transmission mechanism; A first engaging surface, which engages with a first engaging portion; and The second engaging surface engages with the second engaging portion. The first engaging surface extends from and intersects with the first side surface. The second engaging surface extends from and intersects with the second side surface. There exists a first imaginary straight line that, when viewed from a first direction parallel to the rotation axis of the input rotating part or a second direction parallel to the rotation axis of the output rotating part, passes through the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism.

3. The printing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, There exists a second imaginary straight line that, when viewed from the first direction or the second direction, passes through the geometric centroid of the first engagement surface and the geometric centroid of the second engagement surface, and overlaps with the drive transmission mechanism.

4. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The input rotating part and the output rotating part are gears.

5. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are positioned relative to the output rotating part at a position offset in the same direction along the rotation axis of the output rotating part.

6. The printing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a printing tape roll, which is composed of the aforementioned printing tape. In a second direction parallel to the rotation axis of the output rotating part, the printing tape is disposed on the opposite side of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, passing through the output rotating part.

7. The printing box according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary tape roll, which is composed of auxiliary tape for printing on the printing tape. The auxiliary tape roll is disposed on the opposite side of the output rotating part in the second direction, separated by the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

8. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide housing also has a discharge section that discharges the printing tape to the outside. The first side is opposite to the second side in the discharge direction of the printing tape in the discharge section.

9. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the first engagement surface is located at the same position as the second engagement surface in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the input rotating part or in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the output rotating part.

10. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The box storage section also has a third locking part. The guide housing also has a third engaging surface that engages with the third engaging portion. The third engaging surface extends from the second side and intersects with the second side.

11. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first engaging surface protrudes from the first side towards the outside of the guide housing. The second engaging surface protrudes from the second side toward the outside of the guide housing.

12. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first and second engaging surfaces face in directions opposite to the direction of travel when the guide housing is inserted into the box storage portion.

13. The printing box according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are planes orthogonal to the direction of travel.

14. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has: An auxiliary tape roll, comprising an auxiliary tape for printing on the printing tape; and A winding cylinder, which is used for winding the auxiliary tape roll, The auxiliary tape roll and the winding cylinder are housed in the guide housing. The guide housing has a wall portion that supports the winding cylinder in a rotatable manner. At least a portion of the first engaging surface and at least a portion of the second engaging surface are located at the same position as the wall portion in a direction parallel to the central axis of the auxiliary tape roll.

15. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: A printing apparatus main body, the printing apparatus main body having a box storage section, the box storage section having a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion; and The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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