Ink ribbon cartridge and printing device

Abstract

The present application provides an ink ribbon cartridge and a printing device capable of reducing the running cost of the printing device using an ink ribbon. In the ink ribbon cartridge (26), a housing that houses an ink ribbon (3) wound around a supply-side winding drum (4) and an ink ribbon (3) wound around a take-up-side winding drum (5) is provided with: a housing main body (32) having a drum-shaped supply-side housing portion (32a) that houses the ink ribbon (3) wound around the supply-side winding drum (4) and a drum-shaped take-up-side housing portion (32b) that houses the ink ribbon (3) wound around the take-up-side winding drum (5); and a cover (33) that closes one end of the drum-shaped supply-side housing portion (32a) and one end of the drum-shaped take-up-side housing portion (32b). The cover (33) is detachably attached to the housing main body (32).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ink ribbon cartridge that houses an ink ribbon. In addition, the present application relates to a printing device including such an ink ribbon cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, a printing device is known that performs printing by transferring ink of a heated ink ribbon to a card conveyed on a card conveying path (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1). The printing device described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with an ink ribbon cassette and a main body portion that mounts the ink ribbon cassette in a detachable manner. The ink ribbon cassette is provided with an ink ribbon cartridge and a cassette main body portion that mounts the ink ribbon cartridge in a detachable manner.

[0003] In the printing device described in Patent Literature 1, the ink ribbon cartridge is provided with a supply roller that winds an ink ribbon, a take-up roller that takes up the ink ribbon supplied from the supply roller, and a housing that houses the supply roller and the take-up roller. The housing is composed of a housing main body and a cover member fixed to the housing main body. In the printing device described in Patent Literature 1, the ink ribbon is replaced together with the ink ribbon cartridge when the used ink ribbon is replaced.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-104743 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] As the printing device described in Patent Literature 1, in a printing device that uses an ink ribbon as a consumable, it is preferable that the running cost of the printing device be cheaper. Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an ink ribbon cartridge that can reduce the running cost of a printing device that uses an ink ribbon. In addition, an object of the present application is to provide a printing device provided with the ink ribbon cartridge.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS

[0010] To solve the above problems, an ink ribbon cartridge of one embodiment of the present application is characterized by including: an ink ribbon unit including an ink ribbon, a supply-side winding drum around which the ink ribbon is wound before the ink ribbon is supplied with transfer ink, and a take-up-side winding drum around which the ink ribbon is wound after the ink ribbon is taken up after the ink ribbon is supplied with transfer ink; and a case that houses the ink ribbon wound around the supply-side winding drum and the ink ribbon wound around the take-up-side winding drum, the case including: a case main body including a supply-side case portion that is a drum around which the ink ribbon wound around the supply-side winding drum is housed and a take-up-side case portion that is a drum around which the ink ribbon wound around the take-up-side winding drum is housed; and a cover that closes one end of the supply-side case portion that is a drum and one end of the take-up-side case portion that is a drum and is detachably attached to the case main body, a case-side engagement portion for fixing the cover to the case main body is formed in the case main body, the cover includes: a lock member formed with a cover-side engagement portion that engages with the case-side engagement portion; a cover main body that holds the lock member so as to be movable; and a biasing member that biases the lock member with respect to the cover main body, the lock member is movable with respect to the cover main body between a locked position at which the case-side engagement portion engages with the cover-side engagement portion to fix the cover to the case main body and an unlocked position at which the engagement state of the case-side engagement portion with the cover-side engagement portion is released to enable the cover to be detached from the case main body, and the biasing member biases the lock member toward the locked position.

[0011] In the ink ribbon cartridge of this embodiment, the case that houses the ink ribbon wound around the supply-side winding drum and the ink ribbon wound around the take-up-side winding drum includes: a case main body including a supply-side case portion that is a drum around which the ink ribbon wound around the supply-side winding drum is housed and a take-up-side case portion that is a drum around which the ink ribbon wound around the take-up-side winding drum is housed; and a cover that closes one end of the supply-side case portion that is a drum and one end of the take-up-side case portion that is a drum, the cover is detachably attached to the case main body.

[0012] Thus, in this embodiment, when the used ink ribbon is replaced, the cover can be detached from the case main body and only the ink ribbon unit can be replaced. That is, in this embodiment, when the used ink ribbon is replaced, only the ink ribbon unit can be replaced and the case can be reused. Thus, in the ink ribbon cartridge of this embodiment, the running cost of a printing device that uses an ink ribbon can be reduced.

[0013] Further, in the present embodiment, the cover includes a lock member formed with a cover-side engagement portion that engages with a housing-side engagement portion of the housing main body, a cover main body that holds the lock member so as to be movable, and a force applying member that applies a force to the lock member with respect to the cover main body. Further, in the present embodiment, the lock member is movable with respect to the cover main body between a locked position at which the housing-side engagement portion and the cover-side engagement portion are engaged to fix the cover to the housing main body, and a lock release position at which the engaged state of the housing-side engagement portion and the cover-side engagement portion is released to enable the cover to be detached from the housing main body, and the force applying member applies a force to the lock member toward the locked position.

[0014] Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the operator can detach the cover from the housing main body by moving the lock member to the lock release position against the force of the force applying member. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even at a site where the printing device is installed, the cover can be easily detached from the housing main body, and as a result, the ink ribbon unit can be easily replaced.

[0015] In the present embodiment, for example, the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape is parallel to the axial direction of the take-up-side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape, the supply-side housing portion and the take-up-side housing portion are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the front-rear direction when a prescribed direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is taken as the front-rear direction, as the lock member, the cover includes a first lock member that is slidable with respect to the cover main body in the front-rear direction, and a second lock member that is arranged at the rear side of the first lock member and is slidable with respect to the cover main body in the front-rear direction, and as the force applying member, the cover includes a first force applying member that applies a force to the first lock member toward the front side, and a second force applying member that applies a force to the second lock member toward the rear side.

[0016] In the present embodiment, for example, when the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is taken as the left-right direction, the cover is attached to the left end portion of the housing main body, the cover main body is composed of a first cover main body and a second cover main body that sandwich the lock member in the left-right direction, the first cover main body is arranged at the left side of the second cover main body, a finger hook portion for sliding the lock member to the inside in the front-rear direction is formed on the lock member, and an opening portion that exposes the finger hook portion to the left surface of the cover is formed on the first cover main body. In this case, the lock member can be easily slid to the lock release position using the finger hook portion exposed to the left surface of the cover.

[0017] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the ink ribbon cartridge include a wireless tag that stores information related to the ink ribbon and is attached to the housing. If so configured, the printing device can determine whether the ink ribbon cartridge has an appropriate ink ribbon that is appropriate for the specifications or the like of the printing device based on the information stored in the wireless tag.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the wireless tag is formed, for example, in a sticker shape, and is attached to a reinforcing plate in a flat shape, or is formed in a flat shape.

[0019] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that a recess for mounting the wireless tag be formed in at least either of the case main body and the cover, and in a case where the wireless tag is formed in a sticker shape and is attached to the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate to which the wireless tag is attached is inserted and mounted in the recess, and in a case where the wireless tag is formed in a flat shape, the flat wireless tag is inserted and mounted in the recess.

[0020] If so configured, the wireless tag can be easily attached to and detached from the case. Therefore, even in a case where the case is reused only by replacing the ink ribbon unit when the used ink ribbon is replaced, and even in a case where the ink ribbon unit including the ink ribbon of a different kind is included in the replacement ink ribbon unit, the wireless tag mounted on the case can be easily replaced with the wireless tag corresponding to the replacement ink ribbon at the time of replacement of the ink ribbon.

[0021] The ink ribbon cartridge of the present embodiment can be used for a printing device provided with the ink ribbon cartridge and a main body portion to which the ink ribbon cartridge is attached and detached. In the printing device, for example, the main body portion is provided with a medium conveying path through which a print medium is conveyed, and a thermal head which heats an ink ribbon and transfers ink of the ink ribbon to the print medium passing through the medium conveying path to perform printing. In the printing device, the running cost of the printing device can be reduced.

[0022] The ink ribbon cartridge of the present embodiment can be used for a printing device provided with the ink ribbon cartridge and a main body portion to which the ink ribbon cartridge is attached and detached. It is preferable that the printing device include a wireless communication portion for performing close-range wireless communication with a wireless tag, and a control portion which controls the printing device. The main body portion includes a medium conveying path through which a print medium is conveyed, and a thermal head which heats an ink ribbon and transfers ink of the ink ribbon to the print medium passing through the medium conveying path to perform printing. In a case where information related to the ink ribbon read by the wireless communication portion is prescribed information, the control portion causes the printing device to perform a printing process.

[0023] In the printing device, the running cost of the printing device can be reduced. In addition, in the printing device, based on the information related to the ink ribbon read by the wireless communication portion (i.e., the information related to the ink ribbon stored in the wireless tag), the printing device is caused to perform a printing process only in a case where the ink ribbon cartridge has an appropriate ink ribbon suitable for the specifications or the like of the printing device.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] As described above, in the present embodiment, the running cost of the printing device using the ink ribbon can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic side view for explaining the structure of a printing device of an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a printing device shown in Figure 1

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cassette of an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette shown in Figure 3

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette shown in Figure 4

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a cover and the like shown in Figure 4

[0032] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cover shown in Figure 5

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cassette of another embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1... printing device; 2... card (printing medium); 3... ink ribbon; 4... supply side winding tube; 5... take-up side winding tube; 7... main body portion; 9... thermal head; 11... wireless communication portion; 12... control portion; 17... card conveying path (medium conveying path); 26... ink ribbon cassette; 29... ink ribbon unit; 30... housing; 31... wireless tag; 32... housing main body; 32a... supply side housing portion; 32b... take-up side housing portion; 32d... engagement hole (housing side engagement portion); 32g, 32h... engagement protrusion (housing side engagement portion); 32e... recess; 33... cover; 45... locking member (first locking member); 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b... engagement protrusion (cover side engagement portion); 45d, 46d... finger hook portion; 46... locking member (second locking member); 47... cover main body; 48... compression coil spring (urging member, first urging member); 49... compression coil spring (urging member, second urging member); 51... first cover main body; 51e... opening portion; 51f... recess; 52... second cover main body; 58... reinforcing plate; X... front-rear direction; Y... left-right direction (axial direction of the supply side housing portion). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.​​​​​

[0037] (Schematic Structure of Printing Device)

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view for explaining the structure of the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 26 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] This printing device 1 is used to print images such as text, symbols, and graphics on a card 2 serving as a print medium. Specifically, the printing device 1 employs a thermal transfer method. It uses an ink ribbon 3 formed by applying ink to a strip of film. The ink in the ribbon 3 is heated, thereby transferring the ink to the card 2 for printing. The printing device 1 is typically mounted on a host device such as a card issuing device.

[0040] The printing device 1 includes an ink ribbon cassette 6 (hereinafter referred to as "cassette 6") having a supply-side reel 4 and a take-up reel 5 on which the ink ribbon 3 is wound; and a main body 7 to which the cassette 6 is detachably mounted. The main body 7 includes a card transport mechanism 8 that transports the card 2; a thermal head 9 that heats the ink ribbon 3 and transfers the ink from the ink ribbon 3 to the card 2 for printing; and a tape transport mechanism 10 that transports the ink ribbon 3 between the supply-side reel 4 and the take-up reel 5. The printing device 1 also includes a wireless communication unit 11 for performing short-range wireless communication with a wireless tag 31 (described later) and a control unit 12 for controlling the printing device 1. The wireless communication unit 11 and the control unit 12 are electrically connected.

[0041] Card 2 is, for example, a vinyl chloride card with a thickness of approximately 0.7 to 0.8 mm. Card 2 is formed into a rectangular shape. A magnetic stripe for recording magnetic data is formed on the surface of card 2. Alternatively, an IC chip or a communication antenna may be built into card 2. Alternatively, card 2 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card with a thickness of approximately 0.18 to 0.36 mm, or a paper card of a predetermined thickness.

[0042] In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. The printing device 1 is set so that the up-down direction (vertical direction) is consistent with the Z direction. Therefore, in the following description, the Z direction is defined as the "up-down direction". In addition, the X direction is defined as the "front-back direction", and the Y direction is defined as the "left-right direction". In addition, the side of the front-back direction is defined as the "left-right direction". Figure 1 The X1 direction side of the other side is set as the "front" side, and the Figure 1The X2 direction side of the other side is set as the "back (rear)" side, and the side of the left and right direction is set as the Figure 3 The Y1 direction side of the other side is set as the "right" side, and the Figure 3 The Y2 direction side is set as the "left" side, and the side of the up and down direction is set as the Figure 1 The Z1 direction side of the etc. is set as the "upper" side, and the opposite side is Figure 1 The Z2 direction side of the etc. is set as the "downward" side.

[0043] The main body 7 includes a frame 15, which is composed of a first frame 13 arranged on the upper side and a second frame 14 arranged on the lower side. A rotation center axis is installed on the front upper end side of the second frame 14. The axial direction of the rotation center axis is consistent with the left and right directions. The front end side of the first frame 13 is held in a manner that can rotate around the rotation center axis, and the first frame 13 can rotate relative to the second frame 14 around the rotation center axis. When the first frame 13 is moved from Figure 1 The state shown is centered on the rotation axis. Figure 1 When the handle 15 is rotated clockwise, the cassette 6 can be taken out from the frame 15 toward the upper side.

[0044] A card conveyor path 17, serving as a medium conveying path for conveying the card 2, is formed within the main body 7. Cards 2 are conveyed in the front-to-back direction in the card conveyor path 17. The thickness direction of the card 2 during conveyance is substantially aligned with the vertical direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the rectangular card 2 during conveyance is substantially aligned with the front-to-back direction.

[0045] The card conveyor mechanism 8 includes a plurality of card conveyor rollers 19 that contact and convey the card 2, and a backup roller 20 disposed opposite the card conveyor rollers 19. The card conveyor rollers 19 are disposed so as to face the card conveyor path 17 from below. The plurality of card conveyor rollers 19 are connected to a card conveying motor via a power transmission mechanism composed of pulleys, a timing belt, and the like. The card conveyor mechanism 8 is electrically connected to the control unit 12. Specifically, the card conveying motor and other components are electrically connected to the control unit 12.

[0046] The thermal head 9 is positioned approximately in the center of the printer 1 in the front-to-back direction, above the card feed path 17. A platen roller 23 is positioned below the thermal head 9. The platen roller 23 is coupled to a card feed motor via a power transmission mechanism and rotates along with the card feed roller 19. The thermal head 9 is electrically connected to the control unit 12.

[0047] The thermal head 9 is connected to a head moving mechanism 24, which moves the thermal head 9 toward and away from a card 2 passing through the card conveyor path 17. The head moving mechanism 24 includes a motor for moving the head and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power from the motor to the thermal head 9. The head moving mechanism 24 is electrically connected to the control unit 12. Specifically, the motor for moving the head and other components are electrically connected to the control unit 12.

[0048] The card 2 and ink ribbon 3 pass vertically between the thermal head 9 and the platen roller 23. Furthermore, the thermal head 9 moves vertically relative to the platen roller 23 using power transmitted from the head moving mechanism 24. The thermal head 9 prints on the top surface of the card 2 passing through the card conveyor path 17 by contacting the top surface of the card 2 with a predetermined contact force via the ink ribbon 3. Guide shafts 25 for guiding the ink ribbon 3 within the printing device 1 are provided on both sides of the thermal head 9 in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] The cassette 6 includes an ink ribbon cassette 26 having the aforementioned supply-side winding drum 4 and the take-up-side winding drum 5 (see FIG. Figure 3 ); and a cassette main body 27 to which the ink ribbon cassette 26 is detachably mounted. As described above, the cassette 6 is detachably mounted on the main body 7. That is, the ink ribbon cassette 26 is detachably mounted on the main body 7. The cassette 6 is positioned above the card conveying path 17 and can be attached to and removed from the frame 15 from above. The cassette main body 27 includes a power transmission mechanism, etc., for transmitting the power of the tape conveying mechanism 10 to the supply-side winding drum 4 and the take-up-side winding drum 5.

[0050] The supply-side take-up drum 4 and the take-up-side take-up drum 5 are cylindrical. The supply-side take-up drum 4 is positioned so that its axial direction aligns with the left-right direction, while the take-up-side take-up drum 5 is positioned so that its axial direction aligns with the left-right direction. The supply-side take-up drum 4 is positioned forward of the thermal head 9, while the take-up-side take-up drum 5 is positioned rearward of the thermal head 9. The ink ribbon 3 supplied to the thermal head 9 (i.e., before ink transfer) is wound onto the supply-side take-up drum 4. After ink transfer to the card 2 by the thermal head 9, the ink ribbon 3 is taken up and wound onto the take-up-side take-up drum 5.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ink ribbon cassette 26 can be loaded and unloaded from the left side of the cassette main body 27 to the cassette main body 27. Specifically, when removing the ink ribbon cassette 26 from the cassette main body 27, the ink ribbon cassette 26 is pulled out to the left side. When installing the ink ribbon cassette 26 to the cassette main body 27, the ink ribbon cassette 26 disposed on the left side of the cassette main body 27 is pushed in to the right side. The specific structure of the ink ribbon cassette 26 will be described later.

[0052] The tape transport mechanism 10 includes a tape transport roller that abuts against the ink tape 3 and transports the ink tape 3, a pad roller that is disposed opposite the tape transport roller, a motor for tape transport that is coupled to the tape transport roller, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the motor to the tape transport roller and the like. The tape transport mechanism 10 is electrically connected to the control section 12. Specifically, the motor for tape transport and the like is electrically connected to the control section 12.

[0053] (Structure of Ink Tape Cartridge)

[0054] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink tape cartridge 26. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ink tape cartridge 26. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ink tape cartridge 26. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cover 33 and the like. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cover 33. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cover 33. Figure 5

[0055] As described above, the ink tape cartridge 26 includes the supply-side winding drum 4 and the take-up-side winding drum 5 around which the ink tape 3 is wound. In the present embodiment, the ink tape unit 29 is formed by the ink tape 3, the supply-side winding drum 4, and the take-up-side winding drum 5. The ink tape cartridge 26 includes, in addition to the ink tape unit 29, a case 30 that accommodates the ink tape 3 wound around the supply-side winding drum 4 and the ink tape 3 wound around the take-up-side winding drum 5, and a wireless tag 31 mounted on the case 30.

[0056] The case 30 includes a case main body 32 and a cover 33 that is detachably mounted on the case main body 32. The case 30 of the present embodiment is formed by the case main body 32 and the cover 33. In addition, the ink tape cartridge 26 includes a grip 34, a sleeve 35, a coupling 36, and a compression coil spring 37 for manually rotating the supply-side winding drum 4, and a grip 39, a sleeve 40, a coupling 41, and a compression coil spring 42 for manually rotating the take-up-side winding drum 5.

[0057] The case main body 32 includes a supply-side case portion 32a that accommodates the ink tape 3 wound around the supply-side winding drum 4, a take-up-side case portion 32b that accommodates the ink tape 3 wound around the take-up-side winding drum 5, and a connecting portion 32c that connects the supply-side case portion 32a and the take-up-side case portion 32b. The supply-side case portion 32a and the take-up-side case portion 32b are formed in a cylindrical shape. The supply-side case portion 32a is disposed so that the axial direction of the supply-side case portion 32a coincides with the left-right direction, and the take-up-side case portion 32b is disposed so that the axial direction of the take-up-side case portion 32b coincides with the left-right direction.

[0058] ​Further, the supply side housing portion 32a is disposed at a position on the front side of the take-up side housing portion 32b, and the supply side housing portion 32a and the take-up side housing portion 32b are disposed in a state of being spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In this way, the axial direction of the supply side housing portion 32a formed in a cylindrical shape is parallel to the axial direction of the take-up side housing portion 32b formed in a cylindrical shape. The left-right direction (Y direction) of the present embodiment is the axial direction of the supply side housing portion 32a and the take-up side housing portion 32b. Further, the front-rear direction (X direction) of the present embodiment is a prescribed direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply side housing portion 32a.

[0059] The link portion 32c connects the left end of the supply side housing portion 32a and the left end of the take-up side housing portion 32b. The link portion 32c is disposed between the supply side housing portion 32a and the take-up side housing portion 32b in the front-rear direction. Between the supply side housing portion 32a and the take-up side housing portion 32b in the front-rear direction, and on the right side of the link portion 32c, the ink ribbon 3 is exposed to the outside of the housing main body 32.

[0060] The engagement hole 32d and the engagement protrusions 32g, 32h (refer to FIG. 6) for fixing the cover 33 to the housing main body 32 are formed in the housing main body 32. Figure 4 The engagement hole 32d and the engagement protrusions 32g, 32h of the present embodiment are housing side engagement portions. The engagement hole 32d is formed at both the left front end portion of the supply side housing portion 32a and the left rear end portion of the take-up side housing portion 32b. One engagement hole 32d is a square hole that penetrates the supply side housing portion 32a in the front-rear direction, and the other engagement hole 32d is a square hole that penetrates the take-up side housing portion 32b in the front-rear direction.

[0061] The engagement protrusion 32g is formed on the link portion 32c. Specifically, the engagement protrusion 32g is formed at a position on the front side of the center in the front-rear direction of the link portion 32c. Further, the engagement protrusion 32g is formed at two places in a state of being spaced apart in the up-down direction. The engagement protrusion 32g extends to the left side. The engagement protrusion 32g is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes to the rear side is formed at the front end portion (left end portion) of the engagement protrusion 32g.

[0062] The engagement protrusion 32h is formed on the link portion 32c. Specifically, the engagement protrusion 32h is formed at a position on the rear side of the center in the front-rear direction of the link portion 32c. Further, the engagement protrusion 32h is formed at two places in a state of being spaced apart in the up-down direction. The engagement protrusion 32h extends to the left side. The engagement protrusion 32h is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes to the front side is formed at the front end portion (left end portion) of the engagement protrusion 32h.

[0063] Further, a recess 32e for mounting the wireless tag 31 is formed in the housing main body 32. The recess 32e is formed in the right surface of the connecting portion 32c. The recess 32e is formed in the central portion in the front-rear direction of the connecting portion 32c. The recess 32e is recessed in a rectangular shape toward the left side. Further, the recess 32e is formed between the lower end portion of the connecting portion 32c and the upper end of the connecting portion 32c. A protrusion 32f for preventing the wireless tag 31 from falling out of the recess 32e toward the right side is formed in the edge of the recess 32e. The protrusion 32f protrudes toward the inside of the recess 32e. Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag 31 is mounted on the recess 51f described later formed in the cover 33, and is not mounted on the recess 32e.

[0064] A roller 44 for guiding the ink ribbon 3 is rotatably mounted at the front lower end portion of the supply side housing portion 32a. The roller 44 is disposed in such a manner that the axial direction of the roller 44 coincides with the left-right direction. Further, a prism is fixed to the lower end portion of the supply side housing portion 32a. A reflection type optical sensor mounted on the main body portion 7 is disposed on the lower side of the prism. The ink ribbon 3 pulled out from the supply side spool 4 is sandwiched in the up-down direction between the prism and the optical sensor. In the present embodiment, based on the detection result of the optical sensor, it is detected that the cassette 6 has been mounted to the main body portion 7.

[0065] The cover 33 is mounted to the left end portion of the housing main body 32. The cover 33 closes the left end of the supply side housing portion 32a and the take-up side housing portion 32b. That is, the cover 33 closes one end of the supply side housing portion 32a formed in a cylindrical shape and the take-up side housing portion 32b formed in a cylindrical shape. The cover 33 includes: lock members 45, 46 formed with engagement protrusions 45a, 46a as cover side engagement portions engaged with the engagement holes 32d of the housing main body 32 and engagement protrusions 45b, 46b as cover side engagement portions engaged with the engagement protrusions 32g, 32h of the housing main body 32; a cover main body 47 that holds the lock members 45, 46 so as to be movable; and compression coil springs 48, 49 as biasing members that bias the lock members 45, 46 with respect to the cover main body 47.

[0066] The cover 33 of the present embodiment includes two lock members 45, 46 that are slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the cover main body 47. The lock member 46 is disposed on the rear side of the lock member 45. Further, the cover 33 includes two compression coil springs 48, 49. The compression coil spring 48 biases the lock member 45 toward the front side. The compression coil spring 49 biases the lock member 46 toward the rear side. The lock member 45 of the present embodiment is a first lock member, the lock member 46 is a second lock member, the compression coil spring 48 is a first biasing member, and the compression coil spring 49 is a second biasing member.

[0067] The cover main body 47 is composed of a first cover main body 51 and a second cover main body 52 that sandwich the lock member 45, 46 in the left-right direction. The first cover main body 51 is disposed on the left side of the lock member 45, 46, and the second cover main body 52 is disposed on the right side of the lock member 45, 46. That is, the first cover main body 51 is disposed on the left side of the second cover main body 52.

[0068] A through-hole 45c that penetrates the lock member 45 in the left-right direction is formed on the front end side of the lock member 45. The through-hole 45c is formed in an oblong shape that is slightly long in the front-rear direction. An engagement protrusion 45a is formed on the front end portion of the edge of the through-hole 45c. That is, the engagement protrusion 45a is formed on the front end portion of the lock member 45. The engagement protrusion 45a extends to the right side from the edge of the through-hole 45c. The engagement protrusion 45a is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. The engagement protrusion 45a is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward the front side is formed on the front end portion (right end portion) of the engagement protrusion 45a.

[0069] An engagement protrusion 45b is formed on the rear end portion of the lock member 45. In addition, the engagement protrusion 45b is formed at both the upper end and the lower end of the lock member 45. The engagement protrusion 45b extends toward the right side. The engagement protrusion 45b is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward the front side is formed on the front end portion (right end portion) of the engagement protrusion 45b.

[0070] In a state in which the cover 33 is attached to the case main body 32, the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 45a is disposed in the engagement hole 32d formed in the supply side case portion 32a. The engagement protrusion 45a engages with the engagement hole 32d of the supply side case portion 32a from the rear side. In addition, in a state in which the cover 33 is attached to the case main body 32, the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 45b is disposed on the rear side of the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 32g. The engagement protrusion 45b engages with the engagement protrusion 32g from the rear side.

[0071] A finger hook portion 45d for sliding the lock member 45 to the rear side is formed on the lock member 45. The finger hook portion 45d is disposed on the rear side of the through-hole 45c. The finger hook portion 45d is composed of a through-hole that penetrates the lock member 45 in the left-right direction and a protruding portion 45e formed on the rear end portion of the edge of the through-hole. The protruding portion 45e protrudes to the left side. The protruding portion 45e is formed in a flat plate shape with the front-rear direction as the thickness direction. A protrusion that inserts the front end portion of the compression coil spring 48 is formed on the rear end portion of the lock member 45.

[0072] A through-hole 46c that penetrates the lock member 46 in the left-right direction is formed at the rear end side of the lock member 46. The through-hole 46c is formed in an oblong shape that is slightly long in the front-rear direction. The engagement protrusion 46a is formed at the rear end portion of the edge of the through-hole 46c. That is, the engagement protrusion 46a is formed at the rear end portion of the lock member 46. The engagement protrusion 46a extends to the right side from the edge of the through-hole 46c. The engagement protrusion 46a is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. The engagement protrusion 46a is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward the rear side is formed at the front end portion (right end portion) of the engagement protrusion 46a.

[0073] The engagement protrusion 46b is formed at the front end portion of the lock member 46. In addition, the engagement protrusion 46b is formed at both the upper end and the lower end of the lock member 46. The engagement protrusion 46b extends toward the right side. The engagement protrusion 46b is formed in a hook shape, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward the rear side is formed at the front end portion (right end portion) of the engagement protrusion 46b.

[0074] In a state where the cover 33 is attached to the housing main body 32, the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 46a is disposed in the engagement hole 32d formed in the take-up side housing portion 32b. The engagement protrusion 46a engages with the engagement hole 32d of the take-up side housing portion 32b from the front side. In addition, in a state where the cover 33 is attached to the housing main body 32, the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 46b is disposed to the rear side of the protruding portion of the front end portion of the engagement protrusion 32h. The engagement protrusion 46b engages with the engagement protrusion 32h from the front side.

[0075] A finger hook portion 46d for sliding the lock member 46 to the front side is formed on the lock member 46. The finger hook portion 46d is disposed on the front side of the through-hole 46c. The finger hook portion 46d is constituted by a through-hole that penetrates the lock member 46 in the left-right direction and a protruding portion 46e formed at the front end portion of the edge of the through-hole. The protruding portion 46e protrudes to the left side. The protruding portion 46e is formed in a flat plate shape with the front-rear direction as the thickness direction. A protrusion that inserts the rear end portion of the compression coil spring 49 is formed at the front end portion of the lock member 46.

[0076] A cylindrical cylinder portion 51a that protrudes to the right side is formed at the front end portion of the first cover main body 51. A cylindrical cylinder portion 51b that protrudes to the right side is formed at the rear end portion of the first cover main body 51. A flat plate-shaped partition wall 51c that partitions the cylinder portions 51a, 51b is formed at the left side of the partition wall 51c. A cylindrical inner side cylinder portion 51d that protrudes to the left side from the partition wall 51c is formed at the left side of the partition wall 51c. The outer diameter of the inner side cylinder portion 51d is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder portions 51a, 51b. The inner side cylinder portion 51d is disposed at the inner peripheral side of the cylinder portions 51a, 51b. The axis of the inner side cylinder portion 51d coincides with the axis of the cylinder portions 51a, 51b. A through-hole that communicates with the inner peripheral surface of the inner side cylinder portion 51d is formed on the partition wall 51c.

[0077] An opening portion 51e for exposing the finger hook portions 45d, 46d on the left surface of the cover 33 is formed in the first cover body 51. The opening portion 51e is a through-hole that penetrates the first cover body 51 in the left-right direction. The opening portion 51e is formed at both the rear side of the cylindrical portion 51a and the front side of the cylindrical portion 51b. Further, a recessed portion 51f for mounting the wireless tag 31 is formed in the first cover body 51. That is, the recessed portion 51f for mounting the wireless tag 31 is formed in the cover 33.

[0078] The recessed portion 51f is formed in the left surface of the first cover body 51. The recessed portion 51f is formed in the center portion in the front-rear direction of the first cover body 51 and is disposed between the two opening portions 51e in the front-rear direction. The recessed portion 51f is recessed in a rectangular shape toward the right side. Further, the recessed portion 51f is formed between the lower end portion of the first cover body 51 and the upper end of the first cover body 51. A protrusion 51g for preventing the wireless tag 31 from falling out of the recessed portion 51f toward the left side is formed in the edge of the recessed portion 51f. The protrusion 51g protrudes toward the inside of the recessed portion 51f.

[0079] A through-hole 52a that penetrates the second cover body 52 in the left-right direction is formed in the front end portion of the second cover body 52. A through-hole 52b that penetrates the second cover body 52 in the left-right direction is formed in the rear end portion of the second cover body 52. Further, two through-holes 52c for the engagement protrusion 45b of the locking member 45 to pass through and two through-holes 52d for the engagement protrusion 46b of the locking member 46 to pass through are formed in the second cover body 52. The through-holes 52c, 52d penetrate the second cover body 52 in the left-right direction.

[0080] As described above, the locking members 45, 46 are sandwiched between the first cover body 51 and the second cover body 52 in the left-right direction. In the state in which the cover 33 is assembled, the cylindrical portion 51a of the first cover body 51 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the through-hole 45c of the locking member 45 and on the inner peripheral side of the through-hole 52a of the second cover body 52, and the cylindrical portion 51b of the first cover body 51 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the through-hole 46c of the locking member 46 and on the inner peripheral side of the through-hole 52b of the second cover body 52. The second cover body 52 is mainly fixed to the first cover body 51 by the screw 54.

[0081] The compression coil spring 48 is disposed on the rear side of the locking member 45. A protrusion formed on the right side of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the first cover body 51 is inserted into the rear end portion of the compression coil spring 48. The compression coil spring 49 is disposed on the front side of the locking member 46. A protrusion formed on the right side of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the first cover body 51 is inserted into the front end portion of the compression coil spring 49.

[0082] The couplings 36, 41 have cylindrical portions 36a, 41a formed in a cylindrical shape. The couplings 36, 41 are arranged such that the axial direction of the cylindrical portions 36a, 41a coincides with the left-right direction. In addition, the couplings 36, 41 have: a circular ring portion 36b, 41b that is circular and flat and that is connected to the right end of the cylindrical portion 36a, 41a; a bottomed cylindrical inner side portion 36c, 41c that protrudes to the left from the inner peripheral side of the circular ring portion 36b, 41b; and a rod-shaped handle engagement portion 36d, 41d that protrudes to the left from the center of the bottom of the inner side portion 36c, 41c arranged at the left end of the inner side portion 36c, 41c.

[0083] The axis of the cylindrical portion 36a, 41a coincides with the axis of the inner side portion 36c, 41c and the axis of the handle engagement portion 36d, 41d. A plurality of protrusions 36e are formed on the right surface of the circular ring portion 36b, and the protrusions 36e engage with the gear 4a formed on the left end side of the supply side winding drum 4. A plurality of protrusions 41e are formed on the right surface of the circular ring portion 41b, and the protrusions 41e engage with the gear 5a formed on the left end side of the take-up side winding drum 5. The sleeves 35, 40 are formed in a circular plate shape. The sleeves 35, 40 are arranged such that the thickness direction of the sleeves 35, 40 coincides with the left-right direction. Through holes are formed in the sleeves 35, 40 through which the handle engagement portions 36d, 41d are inserted.

[0084] The sleeve 35 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51a of the first cover main body 51. The sleeve 35 is arranged on the right side of the partition wall 51c. The majority of the coupling 36 except for the right end portion is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51a. The circular ring portion 36b is arranged on the right side of the cylindrical portion 51a. The compression coil spring 37 is arranged in the left-right direction between the sleeve 35 and the circular ring portion 36b. In addition, the compression coil spring 37 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 36a and on the outer peripheral side of the inner side portion 36c. The left end of the compression coil spring 37 is in contact with the right surface of the sleeve 35, and the right end of the compression coil spring 37 is in contact with the left surface of the circular ring portion 36b.

[0085] A washer 56 is arranged between the sleeve 35 and the partition wall 51c. The handle engagement portion 36d is inserted into the inner side portion 51d arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51a. The left end of the handle engagement portion 36d is arranged at a position that is further to the left than the left end of the inner side portion 51d. The handle 34 is attached to the left end of the handle engagement portion 36d. The handle 34 is rotatable about the left-right direction as the rotational axis direction along the outer peripheral surface of the inner side portion 51d. When the operator turns the handle 34, the supply side winding drum 4 rotates.

[0086] Likewise, the sleeve 40 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51b of the first cover main body 51. The sleeve 40 is arranged on the right side of the partition wall 51c. The majority of the coupling 41 except for the right end portion is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51b. The circular ring portion 41b is arranged on the right side of the cylindrical portion 51b. The compression coil spring 42 is arranged in the left-right direction between the sleeve 40 and the circular ring portion 41b. In addition, the compression coil spring 42 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 41a and on the outer peripheral side of the inner side cylindrical portion 41c. The left end of the compression coil spring 42 is in contact with the right surface of the sleeve 40, and the right end of the compression coil spring 42 is in contact with the left surface of the circular ring portion 41b.

[0087] A gasket 56 is arranged between the sleeve 40 and the partition wall 51c. The grip engagement portion 41d is inserted through the inner side cylindrical portion 51d arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 51b. The left end of the grip engagement portion 41d is arranged at a position further to the left than the left end of the inner side cylindrical portion 51d. The grip 39 is attached to the left end of the grip engagement portion 41d. The grip 39 is rotatable about the left-right direction as the rotational axis direction along the outer peripheral surface of the inner side cylindrical portion 51d. When the operator turns the grip 39, the take-up side winding drum 5 is rotated.

[0088] The lock members 45, 46 are movable relative to the cover main body 47 between a locked position in which the engagement protrusions 45a, 46a are engaged with the engagement holes 32d, and the engagement protrusion 45b is engaged with the engagement protrusion 32g, and the engagement protrusion 46b is engaged with the engagement protrusion 32h, and a position at which the cover 33 is fixed to the case main body 32, and a lock release position in which the engagement of the engagement protrusions 45a, 46a with the engagement holes 32d, the engagement of the engagement protrusion 45b with the engagement protrusion 32g, and the engagement of the engagement protrusion 46b with the engagement protrusion 32h are released, and a position at which the cover 33 can be detached from the case main body 32. That is, the lock members 45, 46 are slidable relative to the cover main body 47 in the left-right direction between the locked position and the lock release position. A guide for guiding the lock members 45, 46 in the left-right direction is formed between the cover main body 47 and the lock members 45, 46.

[0089] The compression coil springs 48, 49 apply force to the lock members 45, 46 toward the lock position. When moving the lock members 45, 46 to the lock release position, the operator hooks fingers in the finger hook portions 45d, 46d to slide the lock members 45, 46 inward in the front-rear direction. That is, the operator pinches the two finger hook portions 45d, 46d to slide the lock members 45, 46 inward in the front-rear direction. In this way, the finger hook portions 45d, 46d for moving the lock members 45, 46 inward in the front-rear direction are formed in the lock members 45, 46. In this mode, when replacing the used ink ribbon 3, the lock members 45, 46 are moved to the lock release position, the cover 33 is detached from the housing main body 32, and only the ink ribbon unit 29 is replaced.

[0090] The wireless tag 31 stores information related to the ink ribbon 3. Specifically, the identification information of the ink ribbon 3 including information of the kind of the ink ribbon 3 and the like is stored in the wireless tag 31. The wireless tag 31 is formed in a sticker shape. The wireless tag 31 formed in the sticker shape is attached to the reinforcing plate 58 in a flat plate shape. The reinforcing plate 58 is formed of a resin material, for example. The reinforcing plate 58 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0091] The wireless tag 31 attached to the reinforcing plate 58 is inserted and installed in the recess 51f of the first cover main body 51 from the upper side. The wireless tag 31 and the ink ribbon unit 29 are a set, and when the ink ribbon unit 29 is replaced at the time of replacing the used ink ribbon 3, the wireless tag 31 installed in the recess 51f is also replaced to the wireless tag 31 that is a set with the replaced ink ribbon unit 29.

[0092] In this mode, when the cassette 6 is installed on the main body portion 7, the wireless communication portion 11 reads the information related to the ink ribbon 3 stored in the wireless tag 31. The control portion 12 causes the printing device 1 to perform a printing process in a case where the information related to the ink ribbon 3 read by the wireless communication portion 11 is a prescribed information. Specifically, the control portion 12 causes the card conveying mechanism 8, the thermal head 9, the ribbon conveying mechanism 10, and the head moving mechanism 24 to operate to cause the printing device 1 to perform a printing process only in a case where the information related to the ink ribbon 3 read by the wireless communication portion 11 is information related to an appropriate ink ribbon 3 suitable for the specifications and the like of the printing device 1. In addition, in this mode, in a case where the wireless tag 31 is not installed in the first cover main body 51 and the wireless communication portion 11 cannot read the information related to the ink ribbon 3, the control portion 12 does not cause the printing device 1 to perform a printing process.

[0093] (Main effects of this mode)

[0094] As explained above, in the present embodiment, the case 30 that houses the ink ribbon 3 wound around the supply side take-up spool 4 and the ink ribbon 3 wound around the take-up side take-up spool 5 is provided with: a case main body 32 having a cylindrical supply side case portion 32a that houses the ink ribbon 3 wound around the supply side take-up spool 4 and a cylindrical take-up side case portion 32b that houses the ink ribbon 3 wound around the take-up side take-up spool 5; and a cover 33 that closes the left end of the supply side case portion 32a and the take-up side case portion 32b, the cover 33 being detachably attached to the case main body 32.

[0095] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as explained above, when the used ink ribbon 3 is replaced, the cover 33 can be detached from the case main body 32 and only the ink ribbon unit 29 can be replaced. That is, in the present embodiment, when the used ink ribbon 3 is replaced, only the ink ribbon unit 29 can be replaced and the case 30 can be reused. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the running cost of the printing device 1 that uses the ink ribbon 3.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the locking members 45, 46 are movable relative to the cover main body 47 between a locked position that fixes the cover 33 to the case main body 32 and a locked release position that enables the cover 33 to be detached from the case main body 32, and the compression coil springs 48, 49 apply a force to the locking members 45, 46 toward the locked position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operator can detach the cover 33 from the case main body 32 by moving the locking members 45, 46 to the locked release position against the force of the compression coil springs 48, 49. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even at the site where the printing device 1 is installed, the cover 33 can be easily detached from the case main body 32, and as a result, only the ink ribbon unit 29 can be easily replaced.

[0097] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first cover main body 51 is formed with an opening portion 51e for exposing the finger hook portions 45d, 46d of the locking members 45, 46 to the left surface of the cover 33, and the finger hook portions 45d, 46d are exposed to the left surface of the cover 33. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the locking members 45, 46 can be easily slid to the locked release position by the finger hook portions 45d, 46d.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the wireless tag 31 that stores information related to the ink ribbon 3 is attached to the case 30. In addition, in the present embodiment, the printing device 1 is provided with a wireless communication portion 11 for close proximity wireless communication with the wireless tag 31. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control portion 12 of the printing device 1 can determine whether the ink ribbon cartridge 26 has a proper ink ribbon 3 that is appropriate for the specifications and the like of the printing device 1 based on the information stored in the wireless tag 31. In addition, the control portion 12 can cause the printing device 1 to perform a printing process only in the case where it is determined that the ink ribbon cartridge 26 has a proper ink ribbon 3 that is appropriate for the specifications and the like of the printing device 1 based on the information related to the ink ribbon 3 read by the wireless communication portion 11.

[0099] In this embodiment, a recess 51f for mounting the wireless tag 31 is formed in the first cover body 51. The wireless tag 31 attached to the reinforcing plate 58 is inserted from above and mounted in the recess 51f. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless tag 31 can be easily attached and detached from the housing 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the wireless tag 31 mounted in the recess 51f is replaced each time the ink ribbon 3 is replaced after use, as described above, the wireless tag 31 can be easily replaced.

[0100] (Other embodiments)

[0101] The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] In the above method, if Figure 8 As shown, the wireless tag 31 can also be mounted in the recess 32e of the housing body 32. When the wireless tag 31 is mounted in the recess 32e, the wireless tag 31 cannot be seen from the outside of the cassette 6 when the ink ribbon cassette 26 is mounted in the cassette body 27. On the other hand, when the wireless tag 31 is mounted in the recess 51f, the wireless tag 31 can be seen from the outside of the cassette 6 when the ink ribbon cassette 26 is mounted in the cassette body 27. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recess 32e does not need to be formed in the housing body 32. Furthermore, when the wireless tag 31 is mounted in the recess 32e, the recess 51f does not need to be formed in the first cover body 51.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the wireless tag 31 may also be formed in a flat plate shape. In this case, the reinforcing plate 58 is not required. Furthermore, in this case, the flat wireless tag 31 is inserted from above and mounted in the recess 51f. Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a sticker-shaped wireless tag 31 may be directly affixed to the housing 30. In this case, the recesses 32e and 51f may not be formed in the housing 30. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink ribbon cartridge 26 may not include the wireless tag 31. In this case, the printing device 1 does not include the wireless communication unit 11. Furthermore, in this case, the recesses 32e and 51f may not be formed in the housing 30.

[0104] In the above-described mode, instead of the engagement holes 32d, engagement protrusions as the housing-side engagement portions can be formed on the housing main body 32, and instead of the engagement protrusions 45a, 46a, engagement holes as the cover-side engagement portions can be formed on the lock members 45, 46. In addition, in the above-described mode, instead of the engagement protrusions 32g, 32h, engagement holes as the housing-side engagement portions can be formed on the housing main body 32, and instead of the engagement protrusions 45b, 46b, engagement holes as the cover-side engagement portions can be formed on the lock members 45, 46.

[0105] In the above-described mode, the engagement protrusions 32g, 32h can not be formed on the housing main body 32. In this case, the engagement protrusions 45b, 46b are not formed on the lock members 45, 46. In addition, in the above-described mode, the engagement holes 32d can not be formed on the housing main body 32. In this case, the engagement protrusions 45a, 46a are not formed on the lock members 45, 46.

[0106] In the above-described mode, the urging members that urge the lock members 45, 46 with respect to the cover main body 47 can be spring members other than the compression coil springs 48, 49. In addition, in the above-described mode, the ink ribbon cartridge 26 mounted to the cartridge main body portion 27 is detachable with respect to the main body portion 7, but the main body portion 7 can be configured so that the ink ribbon cartridge 26 is directly detachable with respect to the main body portion 7. In addition, in the above-described mode, the print medium printed by the printing device 1 can be a medium other than the card 2.

[0107] (Structure of the Present Technology)

[0108] Further, the present technology can adopt the following structure.

[0109] (1) An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by comprising: an ink ribbon unit having an ink ribbon, a supply side winding drum around which the ink ribbon is wound before being transferred with ink, and a take-up side winding drum around which the ink ribbon is wound after being transferred with ink; and a housing that houses the ink ribbon wound around the supply side winding drum and the ink ribbon wound around the take-up side winding drum,

[0110] the housing includes a housing main body having a cylindrical supply side housing portion that houses the ink ribbon wound around the supply side winding drum and a cylindrical take-up side housing portion that houses the ink ribbon wound around the take-up side winding drum, and a cover that closes one end of the supply side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape and one end of the take-up side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape, and is detachably mounted to the housing main body,

[0111] A housing-side engaging portion for fixing the cover to the housing main body is formed on the housing main body,

[0112] The cover includes a lock member formed with a cover-side engaging portion that engages with the housing-side engaging portion, a cover main body that holds the lock member so as to be movable, and a force applying member that applies a force to the lock member with respect to the cover main body,

[0113] The lock member is movable with respect to the cover main body between a locked position at which the housing-side engaging portion and the cover-side engaging portion are engaged to fix the cover to the housing main body and an unlocked position at which the engagement state of the housing-side engaging portion and the cover-side engaging portion is released to allow the cover to be detached from the housing main body,

[0114] The force applying member applies a force to the lock member toward the locked position.

[0115] (2) The ink ribbon cartridge according to (1), characterized in that,

[0116] An axial direction of the supply-side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape is parallel to an axial direction of the take-up-side housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape,

[0117] When a prescribed direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is set as a front-rear direction,

[0118] The supply-side housing portion and the take-up-side housing portion are arranged at a state in which they are spaced apart in the front-rear direction,

[0119] As the lock member, the cover includes a first lock member that is slidable with respect to the cover main body in the front-rear direction and a second lock member that is arranged at a rear side of the first lock member and is slidable with respect to the cover main body in the front-rear direction, and as the force applying member, the cover includes a first force applying member that applies a force to the first lock member toward the front side and a second force applying member that applies a force to the second lock member toward the rear side.

[0120] (3) The ink ribbon cartridge according to (2), characterized in that,

[0121] When the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is set as a left-right direction,

[0122] The cover is mounted to a left end portion of the housing main body,

[0123] The cover main body is composed of a first cover main body and a second cover main body that sandwich the lock member in the left-right direction,

[0124] The first cover body is arranged at a left side of the second cover body,

[0125] a finger hook portion for sliding the lock member to the inner side in the front-rear direction is formed on the lock member,

[0126] an opening portion through which the finger hook portion is exposed on the left surface of the cover is formed on the first cover main body.

[0127] (4) The ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that

[0128] a wireless tag storing information related to the ink ribbon is provided, and is attached to the housing.

[0129] (5) The ink ribbon cartridge according to (4), characterized in that

[0130] the wireless tag is formed in a sticker shape, is attached to a reinforcing plate in a flat plate shape, or is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0131] (6) The ink ribbon cartridge according to (5), characterized in that

[0132] a recess portion for attaching the wireless tag is formed in at least either one of the housing main body and the cover,

[0133] in a case where the wireless tag is formed in a sticker shape and is attached to the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate to which the wireless tag is attached is inserted and attached to the recess portion,

[0134] in a case where the wireless tag is formed in a flat plate shape, the wireless tag in a flat plate shape is inserted and attached to the recess portion.

[0135] (7) A printing device characterized by comprising:

[0136] the ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of (1) to (3), and a main body portion to which the ink ribbon cartridge is attached and detached,

[0137] the main body portion includes a medium conveying path through which a print medium is conveyed, and a thermal head that heats the ink ribbon and performs printing by transferring ink of the ink ribbon to the print medium that passes through the medium conveying path.

[0138] (8) A printing device characterized by comprising: the ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of (4) to (6), and a main body portion to which the ink ribbon cartridge is attached and detached, wherein

[0139] a wireless communication portion for performing near field wireless communication with the wireless tag, and a control portion for controlling the printing device,

[0140] The main body section includes a medium conveying path through which a print medium is conveyed, and a thermal head that heats the ink ribbon and transfers ink of the ink ribbon to the print medium passing through the medium conveying path to perform printing,

[0141] The control section causes the printing device to perform a printing process when the information related to the ink ribbon read by the wireless communication section is prescribed information.

Claims

1. An ink ribbon cartridge, characterized in that: have: An ink ribbon unit comprising an ink ribbon, a supply-side winding drum on which the ink ribbon before ink transfer is wound, and a take-up-side winding drum on which the ink ribbon after ink transfer is taken up and wound; and a housing that accommodates the ink ribbon wound on the supply-side winding drum and the ink ribbon wound on the take-up-side winding drum. The housing comprises: a housing body having a cylindrical supply-side housing portion and a cylindrical take-up-side housing portion, the supply-side housing portion storing the ink ribbon wound on the supply-side take-up drum, the take-up-side housing portion storing the ink ribbon wound on the take-up-side take-up drum; and a cover that closes one end of the cylindrical supply-side housing portion and one end of the cylindrical take-up-side housing portion and is detachably mounted on the housing body. The housing body is provided with a housing side engaging portion for fixing the cover to the housing body. The cover comprises: a locking member having a cover-side engaging portion engaged with the housing-side engaging portion; a cover body that movably holds the locking member; and a biasing member that biases the locking member relative to the cover body. The locking member is movable relative to the cover body between a locked position and a unlocked position, wherein the locked position is a position in which the housing side engaging portion and the cover side engaging portion engage to fix the cover to the housing body, and the unlocked position is a position in which the engagement between the housing side engaging portion and the cover side engaging portion is released and the cover can be removed from the housing body. The urging member urges the locking member toward the locking position.

2. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The axial direction of the supply-side casing portion formed in a cylindrical shape is parallel to the axial direction of the take-up-side casing portion formed in a cylindrical shape. When a predetermined direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is defined as a front-rear direction, The supply-side housing portion and the take-up-side housing portion are arranged in a state where a gap is spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The cover includes, as the locking member, a first locking member that is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the cover body; and a second locking member, which is arranged on the rear side of the first locking member and can slide in the front-to-rear direction relative to the cover body, and as the biasing member, the cover comprises: a first biasing member, which biases the first locking member toward the front side; and a second biasing member, which biases the second locking member toward the rear side.

3. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: When the axial direction of the supply-side housing portion is set as the left-right direction, The cover is mounted on the left end portion of the housing body. The cover body is composed of a first cover body and a second cover body, and the first cover body and the second cover body sandwich the locking member in the left-right direction. The first cover body is arranged on the left side of the second cover body, The locking member is provided with a finger hook portion for sliding the locking member inward in the front-rear direction. The first cover body has an opening formed on a left surface of the cover to expose the finger hook.

4. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, wherein A wireless tag is provided. The wireless tag stores information related to the ink ribbon and is attached to the housing.

5. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 4, wherein: The wireless tag is formed in a sticker shape and attached to a flat reinforcing plate, or is formed in a flat plate shape.

6. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: A recess for mounting the wireless tag is formed in at least one of the housing body and the cover. When the wireless tag is formed into a sticker and attached to the reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate with the wireless tag attached is inserted and installed in the recessed portion. When the wireless tag is formed in a flat plate shape, the flat plate-shaped wireless tag is inserted and mounted in the recess.

7. A printing device, characterized in that: The apparatus comprises: an ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and a main body, wherein the ink ribbon cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body. The main body includes a medium conveying path for conveying a printing medium, and a thermal head for heating the ink ribbon and transferring ink of the ink ribbon to the printing medium passing through the medium conveying path to perform printing.

8. A printing device comprising: an ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 6; and a main body, wherein the ink ribbon cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body, wherein: A wireless communication unit and a control unit are provided, wherein the wireless communication unit is used to perform short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag, and the control unit controls the printing device. The main body includes: a medium conveying path for conveying a printing medium; and a thermal head for heating the ink ribbon and transferring ink of the ink ribbon to the printing medium passing through the medium conveying path for printing. The control unit causes the printing device to perform a printing process when the information related to the ink ribbon read by the wireless communication unit is predetermined information.

Images