ribbon cartridge

Abstract

A ribbon cartridge capable of suppressing movement of a ribbon inserted into a ribbon path in a width direction of the ribbon. A cartridge case of the ribbon cartridge has a first case portion and a second case portion disposed in a first direction with respect to the first case portion and combined with the first case portion, the second case portion including a second A case portion and a second B case portion configured from a different member from the second A case portion, a cartridge-side ribbon inlet port disposed between the second A case portion and the second B case portion, a cartridge-side ribbon outlet port, and a ribbon path from the cartridge-side ribbon inlet port to the cartridge-side ribbon outlet port, the second A case portion capable of opening and closing the first direction of a first path halfway from the cartridge-side ribbon inlet port to the ribbon path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a ribbon cartridge that can be mounted on a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a ribbon cartridge comprising an ink ribbon and a housing for storing the ink ribbon has been known for a long time. The ribbon is pre-inserted into the tape path disposed within the housing before the ribbon cartridge is installed in a tape printing apparatus.

[0003] If the tape inserted into the tape path moves in the width direction of the tape, there is a problem that makes it difficult to install the tape cartridge into the tape printing device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104328 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The ribbon cartridge of the present invention comprises an ink ribbon and a cartridge housing containing the ink ribbon, and can be mounted on a tape printing device. The cartridge housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The second housing portion is disposed in a first direction relative to the first housing portion and is combined with the first housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second A housing portion and a second B housing portion composed of components different from the second A housing portion. A tape inlet, a tape outlet, and a tape path are provided on the cartridge housing. The tape inlet is disposed between the second A housing portion and the second B housing portion and allows tape to be introduced from the outside of the cartridge housing into the cartridge housing. The tape outlet allows the tape introduced into the cartridge housing to be discharged from the outside of the cartridge housing. The tape path is a path from the tape inlet to the tape outlet. The second A housing portion is capable of opening and closing in a first direction of the first path, which is a path intermediate from the tape inlet to the tape path. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the ribbon box.

[0007] Figure 2 A perspective view of a ribbon box showing the structure inside the box housing.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the printing apparatus without the ribbon cartridge installed, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the printing apparatus with the ribbon cartridge installed, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the ribbon box as viewed from the +X direction.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the second shell section A.

[0012] Figure 7 For from and Figure 6 Three-dimensional views of the second A shell section as observed from different angles.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the ribbon box as viewed from the -X direction.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second shell section B.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second C-shell section.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the ribbon cartridge with the second A housing removed from the first housing portion and the pressing part in the pressing position, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the ribbon cartridge in a state where the second A housing part has been removed from the first housing part and the pressing part is in the separated position, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the ribbon box.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the ribbon cartridge with the second A housing removed from the first housing portion and the tape inserted into the tape path, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a tape cassette with the tape inserted into the tape path and the second housing portion A mounted on the first housing portion, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0021] Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the ribbon cartridge with the press-to-store section opened, viewed from the +Z direction.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the ribbon cartridge with the pressing and storing section closed in the second A housing section, viewed from the +Z direction. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the ribbon cartridge will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, Figures 1 to 15 The figures are related to the first embodiment of the ribbon cartridge. Figure 16 as well as Figure 17The figures relate to the second embodiment of the ribbon cartridge. Although the directions defined by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the various figures are used in the following description, these directions are merely for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the following embodiments. Furthermore, the number of each structural element is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the number of elements in the following embodiments.

[0024] First Implementation Method

[0025] based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The first embodiment of the ribbon cartridge 101A will be described. The ribbon cartridge 101A includes a cartridge housing 103, a ribbon spool 105, a take-up core 107, an impression roller 109, a tape pressing part 111, and a circuit board 113.

[0026] The box housing 103 houses the ribbon roll 105, take-up core 107, impression roller 109, and tape pressing part 111. Furthermore, a circuit board 113 is mounted on the box housing 103. Figure 2 In order to show the structure inside the housing 103, a portion of the housing 103, namely the second housing portion 131 described later, is omitted from the illustration.

[0027] The housing 103 is provided with a box-side inlet 115, a box-side outlet 117, a belt path 119, and a head insertion hole 121.

[0028] The side inlet 115 is provided on the surface of the housing 103 in the +X direction and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the tape inlet 115 on the box side allows the tape T, which serves as the printing medium, to be introduced from the outside of the box housing 103 into the inside of the box housing 103. That is, the tape T is introduced from the outside of the box housing 103 through the tape inlet 115 into the box housing 103 with the width direction of the tape T being the Z-axis direction.

[0029] A side-mounted tape outlet 117 is provided on the -X direction surface of the housing 103 and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction. The side-mounted tape outlet 117 allows the tape T, which is introduced into the housing 103, to be discharged out of the housing 103. That is, the tape T is discharged out of the housing 103 through the side-mounted tape outlet 117 with the width direction of the tape T aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The tape path 119 is the path from the tape inlet 115 on the box side to the tape outlet 117 on the box side. The tape T introduced into the box housing 103 from the tape inlet 115 on the box side is discharged from the tape outlet 117 on the box side to the outside of the box housing 103 through the tape path 119.

[0031] The head insertion hole 121 is configured to penetrate the housing 103 in the Z-axis direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a thermal head 17 and a head cover 19, which are mounted on the printing device 1, are inserted into the head insertion hole 121.

[0032] The ribbon spool 105 includes an ink ribbon 123 and an unwinding core 125 on which the ink ribbon 123 is wound. The ink ribbon 123 unwound from the unwinding core 125 is wound onto a take-up core 107.

[0033] The impression roller 109 clamps the tape T and the ink tape 123 between itself and the thermal head 17 disposed in the tape printing device 1, and feeds the clamped tape T.

[0034] The circuit board 113 is disposed on the surface of the housing 103 in the +X direction. Various information, such as the remaining amount of ink tape 123, is stored in the circuit board 113 in a rewritable manner.

[0035] With printing device

[0036] based on Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The tape printing apparatus 1 with tape cartridge 101A installed will be described. The tape printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 3 and a mounting cover 5. The apparatus housing 3 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0037] The device housing 3 is provided with a device side inlet 7, a device side outlet 9, an inlet channel 11, an outlet channel 13, and a box mounting part 15.

[0038] The device-side tape inlet 7 is provided on the +X direction surface of the device housing 3 and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction. The device-side tape inlet 7 is used to guide the tape T, which is unwound from a tape reel (not shown) disposed outside the device housing 3, into the device housing 3. That is, the tape T is guided into the device housing 3 through the device-side tape inlet 7 with its width direction aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0039] The device-side tape outlet 9 is provided on the -X direction surface of the device housing 3 and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction. The device-side tape outlet 9 is for the tape T that has been introduced into the device housing 3 to be discharged out of the device housing 3. That is, the tape T passes through the device-side tape outlet 9 with the width direction of the tape T aligned with the Z-axis direction and is discharged out of the device housing 3.

[0040] The tape inlet channel 11 is the path from the tape inlet 7 on the device side to the cassette mounting section 15. The tape T, which is introduced into the device housing 3 from the tape inlet 7 on the device side, is fed into the tape cassette 101A mounted in the cassette mounting section 15 through the tape inlet channel 11.

[0041] The tape discharge channel 13 is the path from the cartridge mounting section 15 to the device-side tape discharge port 9. The tape T discharged from the tape cartridge 101A installed in the cartridge mounting section 15 is discharged from the device-side tape discharge port 9 to the outside of the device housing 3 through the tape discharge channel 13.

[0042] The box mounting section 15 is a recessed portion that is open in the +Z direction. The ribbon box 101A is detachably mounted in the box mounting section 15.

[0043] The device-side tape inlet 7, device-side tape outlet 9, tape inlet channel 11, and tape outlet channel 13 are all opened in the +Z direction, similar to the cartridge mounting section 15. Therefore, when the user installs the tape cartridge 101A with pre-loaded tape T into the cartridge mounting section 15, the tape T extending from the tape cartridge 101A can be inserted in the +Z direction relative to the device-side tape inlet 7, device-side tape outlet 9, tape inlet channel 11, and tape outlet channel 13.

[0044] The mounting cover 5 is rotatably mounted at the +Y end of the device housing 3. The mounting cover 5 opens and closes in the +Z direction of the device-side belt inlet 7, device-side belt outlet 9, belt inlet channel 11, belt outlet channel 13, and box mounting section 15. Furthermore, in... Figure 4 The mounting cover 5 is omitted from the illustration.

[0045] A thermal head 17 and a head cover 19 are provided on the cartridge mounting section 15. The thermal head 17 has a heating element (not shown) and is printed on the tape T. The head cover 19 partially covers the thermal head 17. When the tape cartridge 101A is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 15, the thermal head 17 and the head cover 19 are inserted into the head insertion hole 121.

[0046] An impression shaft 21, an unwind shaft 23, and a take-up shaft 25 protrude from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting section 15 in the +Z direction. When the ribbon cartridge 101A is installed in the cartridge mounting section 15, the impression shaft 21, the unwind shaft 23, and the take-up shaft 25 are inserted into the impression roller 109, the unwind core 125, and the take-up core 107, respectively. Thus, the rotation of the feed motor (omitted in the figure) can be transmitted to the impression roller 109, the unwind core 125, and the take-up core 107.

[0047] Furthermore, an entry protrusion 27 protrudes from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting portion 15 in the +Z direction. When the ribbon cartridge 101A is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 15, the entry protrusion 27 protrudes from the cartridge housing 103. Figure 2 The protrusion shown enters the housing 103 through the inlet 127.

[0048] When the mounting cover 5 is closed after the ribbon cartridge 101A is mounted on the cartridge mounting part 15, the thermal head 17 moves toward the impression roller 109 via a head moving mechanism (omitted in the figure). This clamps the ribbon T and ink ribbon 123 between the thermal head 17 and the impression roller 109. As the impression roller 109 rotates in this state, the ribbon T is fed. At this time, the thermal head 17 heats up based on printing data received from an external device such as a personal computer, transferring the ink from the ink ribbon 123 onto the ribbon T, thereby printing the image onto the ribbon T.

[0049] A shear 29 is provided between the box mounting section 15 and the device-side tape outlet 9. The shear 29 cuts the tape T using a shear motor (not shown in the figure) as a drive source. As a result, the printed portion of the tape T is cut off.

[0050] A substrate connection portion 31 is provided on the inner side of the cartridge mounting portion 15. When the ribbon cartridge 101A is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15, the substrate connection portion 31 comes into contact with the circuit board 113 mounted on the cartridge housing 103. Thus, the circuit board 113 and a control unit (not shown) included in the ribbon printing apparatus 1 are electrically connected via the substrate connection portion 31. The control unit reads various information stored in the circuit board 113 via the substrate connection portion 31, and also writes various information to the circuit board 113.

[0051] Box shell

[0052] based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The housing 103 will now be described. The housing 103 includes a first housing portion 129 and a second housing portion 131 constructed from components different from the first housing portion 129. The second housing portion 131 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first housing portion 129. The ribbon cartridge 101A is mounted relative to the cartridge mounting portion 15 with the bottom surfaces of the first housing portion 129 and the cartridge mounting portion 15 facing each other.

[0053] The second housing portion 131 includes a second housing portion A 133, a second housing portion B 135, and a second housing portion C 137. The second housing portion A 133, the second housing portion B 135, and the second housing portion C 137 are each composed of different components. That is, the second housing portion 131 is composed of these three components. Furthermore, although the first housing portion 129 is made of a non-transparent resin, and the second housing portions A 133, B 135, and C 137 constituting the second housing portion 131 are all made of a translucent resin, the raw materials for each housing portion are not limited to these.

[0054] The first housing portion 129 and the second housing portion A 133 constitute the outer shell of the tape receiving portion 139. The tape receiving portion 111 is housed within the tape receiving portion 139. The first housing portion 129 and the second housing portion B 135 constitute the outer shell of the ink ribbon receiving portion 141. The ink ribbon receiving portion 141 houses the ribbon spool 105 and the take-up core 107. The first housing portion 129 and the second housing portion C 137 constitute the outer shell of the impression roller receiving portion 143. The impression roller 109 is housed within the impression roller receiving portion 143.

[0055] First shell section

[0056] based on Figure 2 The first housing portion 129 will now be described. The first housing portion 129 includes a first bottom wall portion 145 formed as a plate parallel to the XY plane, and a first side wall portion 147 protruding from the periphery of the first bottom wall portion 145 in the +Z direction.

[0057] The first sidewall portion 147 includes a first inlet-side sidewall portion 149, a first outlet-side sidewall portion 151, a first press-side sidewall portion 153, and a first ribbon-side sidewall portion 155. The first inlet-side sidewall portion 149 is the wall portion of the first sidewall portion 147 located in the +X direction. The first outlet-side sidewall portion 151 is the wall portion of the first sidewall portion 147 located in the -X direction. The first press-side sidewall portion 153 is the wall portion of the first sidewall portion 147 located in the +Y direction. The first ribbon-side sidewall portion 155 is the wall portion of the first sidewall portion 147 located in the -Y direction.

[0058] The first sidewall portion 147 is provided with a first inlet portion 157, a sidewall protrusion 161 and a substrate mounting portion 163.

[0059] The first inlet portion 157 is provided on the first inlet-side sidewall portion 149 and is formed as a slit extending in the Z-axis direction. The first inlet portion 157 constitutes a part of the box-side belt inlet 115.

[0060] A sidewall protrusion 161 is provided at the edge of the first inlet portion 157 in the -Y direction, and is formed into a generally prismatic shape protruding in the +Z direction from the end face of the first inlet-side sidewall portion 149. A substrate mounting portion 163 is provided at the end of the first inlet-side sidewall portion 149 in the +Y direction. A circuit board 113 is mounted on the substrate mounting portion 163.

[0061] A first head opening 165 is provided at a corner of the first bottom wall portion 145 in the -X and -Y directions. The first head opening 165 is formed into a generally rectangular shape and constitutes the end of the head insertion hole 121 in the -Z direction.

[0062] A cylindrical portion 167, a pressing support shaft 169, a retaining portion 171, a first protrusion 173, a ribbon guide 175, a first belt guide 177, a second belt guide 179, and a support protrusion 181 protrude from the first bottom wall portion 145 in the +Z direction.

[0063] A cylindrical portion 167, a pressing support shaft 169, a retaining portion 171, and a first protrusion 173 are provided in the pressing and receiving portion 139. The cylindrical portion 167 is located approximately at the center of the pressing and receiving portion 139 when viewed from the +Z direction. The cylindrical portion 167 has the aforementioned protruding entry hole 127. When the ribbon cartridge 101A is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 15, the entry protrusion 27 provided on the cartridge mounting portion 15 enters the pressing and receiving portion 139 through the protruding entry hole 127. The pressing support shaft 169 is positioned relative to the cylindrical portion 167 in both the +X and +Y directions. The pressing support shaft 169 rotatably supports the pressing portion 111. The retaining portion 171 is located at the +Y end of the first bottom wall portion 145. The retaining part 171 holds the belt pressing part 111 in a position separated from the first belt guide 177. For example... Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the first protrusion 173 is formed into a generally arc shape centered on the pressing support shaft 169 when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0064] A ribbon guide 175 is disposed at the periphery of the first head opening 165. The ribbon guide 175 is formed in a generally rectangular shape and forms the peripheral wall of the head insertion hole 121. The ribbon guide 175 guides the feeding of the ribbon 123, which is unwound from the ribbon spool 105, by rotating around the head insertion hole 121.

[0065] The first tape guide 177 and the second tape guide 179 are disposed between the tape pressing and storage portion 139 and the ink tape storage portion 141. The first tape guide 177 extends in an inclined direction between the -X and -Y directions between the first inlet portion 157 and the first head opening 165.

[0066] The second guide 179 is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the first guide 177. For example... Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the second belt guide 179 includes a guide base portion 183 and three guide protrusions 185. The guide base portion 183 is disposed substantially parallel to the first belt guide 177 in the interval from the first inlet portion 157 to the middle of the path portion 187. The middle of the path portion 187 refers to the midpoint between the first inlet portion 157 and the first head opening 165. The three guide protrusions 185 protrude from the guide base portion 183 toward the first belt guide 177.

[0067] The tape T, introduced from the box-side tape inlet 115, is fed into the impression roller 109 through the space between the first tape guide 177 and the second tape guide 179, and more specifically, through the space between the first tape guide 177 and the three guide protrusions 185. The first tape guide 177 and the second tape guide 179 form the sidewall of the tape path 119. That is, the first tape guide 177 and the second tape guide 179 guide the tape T introduced from the box-side tape inlet 115 along the thickness direction of the tape T with the width direction of the tape T being the Z-axis direction.

[0068] The +Z direction surface of each guide protrusion 185 is formed as an inclined surface such that the end portion on the side of the first belt guide 177 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the end portion on the side of the guide base 183. Therefore, when the user inserts the belt T into the belt path 119 from the +Z direction with the +Z direction open, even if the -Z direction end of the belt T touches the +Z direction surface of the guide protrusion 185, the belt T will be guided between the first belt guide 177 and the three guide protrusions 185. Thus, when the user inserts the belt T into the belt path 119 from the +Z direction, the situation where the belt T gets caught on the guide protrusion 185 can be suppressed.

[0069] As described above, the guide base portion 183 of the second belt guide 179 is disposed between the first inlet portion 157 and the path middle portion 187. Therefore, the portion of the first belt guide 177 relative to the path middle portion 187 and closer to the first inlet portion 157 faces the second belt guide 179, while the portion relative to the path middle portion 187 and closer to the first head opening 165 does not face the second belt guide 179, but faces the belt pressing portion 111. That is, the first belt guide 177 also functions as a support member for the belt pressing portion 111.

[0070] A support protrusion 181 is provided near the impression roller 109. The support protrusion 181 engages with the second C housing portion 137 and supports the second C housing portion 137.

[0071] The first housing portion 129 is provided with three engaging receiving portions 189, five first B engaging holes 191 and four first C engaging holes 193.

[0072] Three engaging receiving portions 189 are provided on the first inlet-side sidewall 149, the first outlet-side sidewall 151, and the first pressing-side sidewall 153, corresponding to the positions where the second housing portion 133 and the first housing portion 129 are combined. Figure 6 The three second A engaging protrusions 219 shown on the second A housing portion 133 engage. Thus, the second A housing portion 133 is detachably assembled with respect to the first housing portion 129.

[0073] Five first B engagement holes 191 are provided corresponding to the positions where the second B housing portion 135 and the first housing portion 129 are combined. Four of the five first B engagement holes 191 are provided on the first sidewall portion 147, and one first B engagement hole 191 is provided on the ribbon guide 175. Additionally, one of the four first B engagement holes 191 provided on the first sidewall portion 147 is provided on the end face of the sidewall protrusion 161 in the +Z direction. The five first B engagement holes 191 extend in the Z-axis direction. In each of the five first B engagement holes 191, a [missing information - likely a device or material] is pressed in from the +Z direction. Figure 9 The diagram shows five second B-locking pins 235 disposed on the second B-shell portion 135. Thus, the second B-shell portion 135 is combined with the first shell portion 129. Furthermore, the second B-locking pins 235 and the first B-locking holes 191 into which the second B-locking pins 235 are pressed are referred to as shell locking portions 195. The first shell portion 129 and the second B-shell portion 135 are combined together by the five shell locking portions 195.

[0074] like Figure 5As shown, the housing engagement portion 195, one of the five housing engagement portions 195, is composed of a first B engagement hole 191 provided on the side wall protrusion 161 and a second B engagement pin 235 pressed into the first B engagement hole 191. This housing engagement portion 195 is positioned at a distance D from the box-side strap inlet 115 that is smaller than the size W of the box-side strap inlet 115 in the short side direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction. Therefore, compared to the embodiment where even the housing engagement portion 195 closest to the box-side strap inlet 115 is positioned at a distance D greater than the size W of the box-side strap inlet 115, the reduction in rigidity of the box housing 103 caused by the provision of the box-side strap inlet 115 can be suppressed. Here, the distance D between the housing engagement portion 195 and the box side tape inlet 115 refers to the size of the center of the housing engagement portion 195 in the Y-axis direction and the end of the box side tape inlet 115 in the -Y direction, i.e., the second B inlet edge portion 237 described later.

[0075] Furthermore, although in this embodiment, the housing engagement portion 195 located at a distance D from the side strap inlet 115 that is smaller than the size W of the side strap inlet 115 is a housing engagement portion 195 consisting of a first B engagement hole 191 provided on the side wall protrusion 161 and a second B engagement pin 235 pressed into the first B engagement hole 191, it is not limited to this. For example, the housing engagement portion 195 located at a distance D from the side strap inlet 115 that is smaller than the size W of the side strap inlet 115 could also be a housing engagement portion 195 consisting of a first B engagement hole 191 provided on the first side wall portion 147 other than the side wall protrusion 161 and a second B engagement pin 235 pressed into the first B engagement hole 191.

[0076] Four first C-engagement holes 193 are provided corresponding to the positions where the second C-shell portion 137 and the first shell portion 129 are combined. Three of the four first C-engagement holes 193 are provided on the first sidewall portion 147, and one first C-engagement hole 193 is provided on the support protrusion 181. The four first C-engagement holes 193 extend in the Z-axis direction. In the four first C-engagement holes 193, a [missing information - likely a device or structure] is pressed in from the +Z direction. Figure 10 The four second C-locking pins 245 shown are disposed on the second C-shell portion 137. Thus, the second C-shell portion 137 is assembled with the first shell portion 129.

[0077] Second A housing section

[0078] based on Figure 6 as well as Figure 7The second A housing portion 133 will now be described. The second A housing portion 133 includes a second A bottom wall portion 197 formed as a plate parallel to the XY plane, and a second A side wall portion 199 protruding in the -Z direction from the periphery of the second A bottom wall portion 197.

[0079] When the second A bottom wall portion 197 is mounted on the first housing portion 129, it covers the tape pressing and storage portion 139 and the +Z direction of the first path 201. Here, the first path 201 refers to the section in the tape path 119 from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the middle of the tape path 119. In this embodiment, as... Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the first path 201 corresponds to the section of the belt path 119 from the box-side belt inlet 115 to the end of the housing opening 203 located between the second B housing portion 135 and the second C housing portion 137, i.e., the end of the housing opening 203 on the box-side belt inlet 115 side. The first path 201 is more than half the length of the belt path 119, more specifically approximately two-thirds of the length.

[0080] An overlapping portion 205 is provided on the edge portion in the -Y direction of the second A bottom wall portion 197. The overlapping portion 205 is provided in the +Z direction relative to the second A bottom wall portion 197. For example... Figure 5 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the overlapping portion 205 overlaps the outer side of the second B housing portion 135 in the +Z direction when the second A housing portion 133 is mounted on the first housing portion 129. By providing the overlapping portion 205 on the second A bottom wall portion 197, even when a force is applied to the second A bottom wall portion 197 from the outside, since the overlapping portion 205 is supported inward from the -Z direction compared to the second B housing portion 135, the inward deflection of the second A bottom wall portion 197 can be suppressed.

[0081] A release portion 207 and a second protrusion 209 protrude from the second A bottom wall portion 197 in the -Z direction. The release portion 207 is formed in a generally prismatic shape and engages with the belt pressing portion 111 at its top end when the second A housing portion 133 is mounted on the first housing portion 129. The second protrusion 209 is formed in a generally arc shape centered on the belt pressing support shaft 169 when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0082] The second A sidewall portion 199 includes a second A inlet sidewall portion 211, a second A outlet sidewall portion 213, and a second A pressing sidewall portion 215. The second A inlet sidewall portion 211 is the wall portion of the second A sidewall portion 199 located in the +X direction. The second A outlet sidewall portion 213 is the wall portion of the second A sidewall portion 199 located in the -X direction. The second A pressing sidewall portion 215 is the wall portion of the second A sidewall portion 199 located in the +Y direction.

[0083] The second A-inlet edge portion 217, which is the end portion of the second A-inlet sidewall portion 211 in the -Y direction, constitutes the edge portion in the +Y direction of the box-side tape inlet 115. That is, as Figure 5 As shown, the box-side tape inlet 115 is disposed between the second A inlet edge 217 of the second A housing portion 133 and the second B inlet edge 237 of the second B housing portion 135. In this way, the box-side tape inlet 115 can be formed using the gap between the second A housing portion 133 and the second B housing portion 135.

[0084] Three second A engaging protrusions 219 and two finger-attaching portions 221 are provided on the second A side wall portion 199.

[0085] Three second A engaging protrusions 219 are provided on each of the second A inlet side wall portion 211, the second A outlet side wall portion 213, and the second A pressing side wall portion 215, and protrude in the -Z direction. The top end of each second A engaging protrusion 219 is formed into a hook shape and engages with the engaging receiving portion 189 provided on the first housing portion 129. By engaging the three second A engaging protrusions 219 with the three engaging receiving portions 189, the second A housing portion 133 is detachably assembled with respect to the first housing portion 129.

[0086] The second housing portion 133 is capable of opening and closing in the +Z direction of the push-to-close storage portion 139 and the first path 201. That is, the second housing portion 133 is opened in the +Z direction of the push-to-close storage portion 139 and the first path 201 by being removed from the first housing portion 129, and closed in the +Z direction of the push-to-close storage portion 139 and the first path 201 by being installed in the first housing portion 129.

[0087] By opening the tape press-and-hold section 139 in the +Z direction, the user can operate the tape press-and-hold section 111 from the +Z direction. Furthermore, by opening the first path 201 in the +Z direction, the user can insert the tape T from the +Z direction into the first path 201, that is, between the tape press-and-hold section 111 and the first tape guide 177.

[0088] On the other hand, by using the second A housing portion 133 to close the tape pressing and receiving portion 139 and the +Z direction of the first path 201, the entry of foreign objects into the tape pressing and receiving portion 139 and the first path 201 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by using the second A housing portion 133 to close the +Z direction of the first path 201, even if the tape pressing portion 111 malfunctions, the movement of the tape T inserted into the tape path 119 in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the width direction of the tape T, can be suppressed when the tape cartridge 101A is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 15. Therefore, the user can easily install the tape cartridge 101A with the tape T inserted into the tape path 119 into the cartridge mounting portion 15.

[0089] In particular, in this embodiment, since the +Z direction of the first path 201, which occupies more than half the length of the belt path 119, is closed by the second A housing portion 133, the movement of the belt T inserted into the belt path 119 in the width direction can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, when the second A housing portion 133 closes the +Z direction of the first path 201, it is preferable that there is almost no gap between the second A housing portion 133 and the second B housing portion 135. That is, the first path 201 is preferably closed entirely by the second A housing portion 133 in the width direction of the first path 201, i.e., in the thickness direction of the belt T inserted into the first path 201.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, this applies not only to the +Z direction of the first path 201, including the box-side tape inlet 115, but also to the +Z direction of the box-side tape outlet 117, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the outlet is also closed by the outlet cover 234 provided on the second B housing portion 135. With this structure, it is also possible to more effectively suppress the movement of the belt T inserted into the belt path 119 in the width direction of the belt T.

[0091] One of the two finger rests 221 protrudes from the end of the second A inlet sidewall 211 in the -Y direction towards the +X direction, and the other finger rest 221 protrudes from the end of the second A outlet sidewall 213 in the -Y direction towards the -X direction. The two finger rests 221 become finger resting areas when the user removes the second A housing 133 from the first housing 129. The finger rests 221 are not limited to a structure protruding from the second A sidewall 199; they can also be recessed, or a structure that roughens a portion of the surface of the second A sidewall 199 to prevent finger slippage.

[0092] Second B shell section

[0093] based on Figure 9 The second B housing portion 135 will now be described. The second B housing portion 135 includes a second B bottom wall portion 223 formed as a plate parallel to the XY plane, and a second B side wall portion 225 protruding in the -Z direction from the periphery of the second B bottom wall portion 223.

[0094] When the second B bottom wall portion 223 is mounted on the first housing portion 129, it is disposed on approximately the same surface as the second A bottom wall portion 197, and the overlapping portion 205 overlaps the second B bottom wall portion 223 in the +Z direction. A second head opening 227 is provided at a corner of the second B bottom wall portion 223 in both the -X and -Y directions. The second head opening 227 is formed in a generally rectangular shape and constitutes the end portion of the head insertion hole 121 in the +Z direction.

[0095] like Figure 12 As shown, a housing opening 203 is provided between the second bottom wall portion 223 of the second B housing portion 223 and the second bottom wall portion 241 of the second housing portion 137 of the second C housing portion 137. The housing opening 203 is located in the +Z direction relative to the belt path 119. The housing opening 203 is a portion through which the belt T passes when it is inserted in the -Z direction relative to the belt path 119. Thus, by utilizing the gap between the second housing portion 135 of the second B housing portion 135 and the second housing portion 137 of the second C housing portion 137, a housing opening 203 through which the belt T passes when it is inserted into the belt path 119 can be formed. In addition, as Figure 12 As shown, the end of the housing opening 203 in the -X and -Y directions is connected to the second head opening 227.

[0096] The second B sidewall portion 225 includes a second B inlet-side sidewall portion 229, a second B outlet-side sidewall portion 231, and a second B ribbon-side sidewall portion 233. The second B inlet-side sidewall portion 229 is the wall portion of the second B sidewall portion 225 located in the +X direction. The second B outlet-side sidewall portion 231 is the wall portion of the second B sidewall portion 225 located in the -X direction. The second B ribbon-side sidewall portion 233 is the wall portion of the second B sidewall portion 225 located in the -Y direction.

[0097] Five second B engaging pins 235 are provided on the second B housing portion 135. Four of the five second B engaging pins 235 protrude in the -Z direction from the end face of the second B side wall portion 225, and one second B engaging pin 235 is located near the second head opening 227 and protrudes in the -Z direction from the second B bottom wall portion 223. The five second B engaging pins 235 are pressed into the first housing portion 129 from the +Z direction relative to the five first B engaging holes 191 provided on the first housing portion 129. Thus, the second B housing portion 135 and the first housing portion 129 are combined together.

[0098] The second B-inlet edge portion 237, which is the end of the second B-inlet sidewall portion 229 in the +Y direction, constitutes the edge portion in the -Y direction of the box-side tape inlet 115. That is, as described above, the box-side tape inlet 115 is provided between the second B-inlet edge portion 237 of the second B housing portion 135 and the second A-inlet edge portion 217 of the second A housing portion 133.

[0099] Furthermore, the second B discharge edge portion 239, which is the end portion of the second B discharge sidewall portion 231 in the +Y direction, constitutes the edge portion of the box-side belt discharge outlet 117 in the -Y direction. That is, as Figure 8 As shown, the box-side outlet 117 is disposed between the second B discharge edge 239 of the second B housing portion 135 and the second C discharge edge 247 of the second C housing portion 137.

[0100] Second C housing section

[0101] based on Figure 10 The second C housing portion 137 will now be described. The second C housing portion 137 includes a plate-shaped second C bottom wall portion 241 formed parallel to the XY plane, and a second C side wall portion 243 protruding in the -Z direction from the periphery of the second C bottom wall portion 241.

[0102] When the second housing portion 133 is mounted on the first housing portion 129, the second C bottom wall portion 241 is disposed on approximately the same surface relative to the second A bottom wall portion 197 and the second C bottom wall portion 241. As described above, a housing opening 203 is provided between the second C bottom wall portion 241 and the second B bottom wall portion 223.

[0103] Four second C-locking pins 245 are provided on the second C-shell portion 137. Three of the four second C-locking pins 245 protrude in the -Z direction from the end face of the second C side wall portion 243, and one second C-locking pin 245 protrudes in the -Z direction from the bottom wall portion 241 of the second C. The four second C-locking pins 245 are pressed into the first C-locking holes 193 provided on the first shell portion 129 in the +Z direction. Thus, the second C-shell portion 137 and the first shell portion 129 are combined together.

[0104] The second C discharge edge 247, which is the end of the second C sidewall portion 243 in the -Y direction, constitutes the edge portion of the box-side tape discharge port 117 in the +Y direction. That is, as described above, the box-side tape discharge port 117 is provided between the second C discharge edge 247 of the second C housing portion 137 and the second B discharge edge 239 of the second B housing portion 135.

[0105] With pressing part

[0106] based on Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The pressing part 111 will now be described. The pressing part 111 is housed in the pressing part storage part 139 in such a way that it can move between the separated position and the pressing position.

[0107] like Figure 11 As shown, the pressing position of the pressing part 111 refers to the position where the pressing part 111 presses the belt T, which is inserted into the belt path 119, relative to the first belt guide 177. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the separation position of the pressing part 111 refers to the position where the pressing part 111 is separated from the belt T inserted into the belt path 119.

[0108] Furthermore, the elastic member 249 is housed together with the belt pressing part 111 in the belt pressing storage section 139. The elastic member 249 applies force to the belt pressing part 111 in the direction that tends the belt pressing part 111 toward the pressing position, that is, in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the +Z direction. Therefore, the belt pressing part 111 can properly press the belt T by means of the elastic force of the elastic member 249. For example, a torsion coil spring can be used as the elastic member 249. The elastic member 249 is provided on the belt pressing support shaft 169, one end of the elastic member 249 is hooked onto the belt pressing part 111, and the other end of the elastic member 249 is hooked onto the first housing part 129.

[0109] The pressing part 111 includes an arm part 251, a contact part 253, a pressing protrusion 255, a locking support part 257, and a pressing locking part 259.

[0110] The arm 251 is rotatably supported on a pressing support shaft 169 provided in the first housing portion 129. When the arm 251 rotates, its rotation is guided by sliding between the -Z direction surface of the arm 251 and the first protrusion 173. Furthermore, when the arm 251 rotates, its rotation is guided by sliding between the +Z direction surface of the arm 251 and the second protrusion 209. Therefore, when the arm 251 rotates, vibration in the Z direction can be suppressed, allowing for smooth rotation.

[0111] When viewed from the +Z direction, the arm portion 251 is formed into a roughly "L" shape. A support shaft insertion portion 263, which is roughly circular in shape, is provided at the end of the arm portion 251 relative to the curved portion 261 in the +X direction. A support shaft 169 with a pressing function is inserted into the support shaft insertion portion 263. A contact portion 253 is provided at the end of the arm portion 251 relative to the curved portion 261 in the -Y direction.

[0112] The belt contact portion 253 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and contacts the belt T when the belt pressing portion 111 is in the pressing position. That is, when the belt pressing portion 111 is in the pressing position, the belt T inserted into the belt path 119 is held between the belt contact portion 253 and the first belt guide 177.

[0113] The pressing protrusion 255 protrudes in the +Z direction from near the bend 261 of the arm portion 251. The pressing protrusion 255 becomes a part for resting fingers when the user moves the pressing part 111.

[0114] The engaging support portion 257 protrudes in a generally cylindrical shape from near the bend 261 of the arm portion 251 toward the side opposite to the belt contact portion 253. A press-fit portion 259 is provided at the top of the engaging support portion 257.

[0115] A press-fit portion 259 is provided at the top end of the engagement support portion 257. When the belt pressing portion 111 moves to the disengaged position, the press-fit portion 259 engages with the holding portion 171 from the opposite side of the belt pressing support shaft 169, i.e., in the -X direction, relative to the holding portion 171 provided on the first housing portion 129. This engages with the holding portion 171, thereby preventing the belt pressing portion 111 from moving, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member 249. In other words, by engaging the press-fit portion 259 with the holding portion 171, the belt pressing portion 111 is held in the disengaged position.

[0116] A release slope 265 is provided on the surface of the press-fit portion 259 in the +Z direction. The release slope 265 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the -Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction. When the press-fit portion 259 is engaged with the retaining portion 171, and the second housing portion 133 is mounted on the first housing portion 129, as follows... Figure 13 As shown, the release part 207 provided on the second housing part 133 presses the release ramp 265 from the +Z direction. As a result, since the release part 207 is pressed in the -X direction, the pressing engagement part 259 disengages from the holding part 171, and therefore, the pressing part 111 moves to the pressing position by the elastic force of the elastic member 249.

[0117] Steps to insert the band on the band path

[0118] based on Figures 11 to 15 Let me explain the steps for the user to insert the 'T' into path 119. First, as follows... Figure 11As shown, the user removes the second housing part 133 from the first housing part 129, opening the press-and-hold part 139 and the first path 201 in the +Z direction. At this time, the user can easily move the second housing part 133 relative to the first housing part 129 in the +Z direction using the finger rest 221, thereby easily removing the second housing part 133 from the first housing part 129.

[0119] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, the user overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 249 to move the belt pressing part 111 to the separation position. At this time, the user can easily move the belt pressing part 111 to the separation position by using the pressing protrusion 255.

[0120] When the belt pressing part 111 moves to the separated position, it engages with the retaining part 171 via the pressing engagement part 259, thereby holding the belt pressing part 111 in the separated position. Therefore, when the user inserts the belt T into the belt path 119, it is not necessary to hold the belt pressing part 111 by hand to keep it in the separated position, thus improving operability.

[0121] Next, as Figure 14 As shown, the user inserts the tape T pulled from the tape reel into the tape path 119 in the +Z direction. At this time, by separating the tape pressing part 111 from the first tape guide 177, the user can easily insert the tape T between the tape pressing part 111 and the first tape guide 177.

[0122] Next, the user installs the second housing portion 133 onto the first housing portion 129. At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, by engaging the release part 207 provided on the second housing part 133 with the press engagement part 259, the press engagement part 259 disengages from the holding part 171, and the elastic force of the elastic member 249 causes the pressing part 111 to move towards the pressing position. Figure 15 As shown, the belt T inserted into the belt path 119 is pressed against the first belt guide 177 by the belt pressing part 111, which is moved to the pressing position. Therefore, the user can release the holding of the belt pressing part 111, implemented by the holding part 171, without needing to perform the operation of releasing the holding of the belt pressing part 111 implemented by the holding part 171, and thus move the belt pressing part 111 to the pressing position. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In order to illustrate the belt pressing part 111 and the belt path 119, the second A housing part 133 is shown through the belt.

[0123] After inserting the tape T into the tape path 119, the user mounts the tape cassette 101A onto the cassette mounting section 15. At this time, the tape T inserted into the tape path 119 is pressed down using the tape pressing part 111, thereby preventing the tape T from slipping out of the tape path 119 through the tape inlet 115 on the cassette side. Therefore, the user can easily mount the tape cassette 101A onto the cassette mounting section 15.

[0124] Furthermore, when the ribbon cartridge 101A is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 15, the entry protrusion 27, which enters the tape pressing and storing portion 139 through the protrusion entry hole 127, engages with the arm portion 251, causing the tape pressing portion 111 to rotate in a direction that tends towards the separation position. Thus, since the tape pressing portion 111 is separated from the tape T, the obstruction of the tape T's feed due to the tape pressing portion 111 can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the user does not operate the tape pressing portion 111, simply by installing the ribbon cartridge 101A on the cartridge mounting portion 15, the tape pressing portion 111 can automatically be in a state where it is separated from the tape T.

[0125] Second Implementation Method

[0126] based on Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 The ribbon cartridge 101B, as a second embodiment of the ribbon cartridge, will now be described. Furthermore, in Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 In the diagram, the second B housing portion 135, the second C housing portion 137, the ribbon spool 105, the take-up core 107, and the impression roller 109 are omitted. The ribbon cassette 101B differs from the ribbon cassette 101A in that it has a hinge portion 267 and a connecting portion 269.

[0127] The hinge portion 267 has a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction, and connects the end portion of the first pressing side wall portion 153 in the +Z direction and the end portion of the second pressing side wall portion 215 in the -Z direction to the second pressing side wall portion 133 in a manner that allows the second A housing portion 133 to rotate relative to the first housing portion 129. That is, the second A housing portion 133 is connected to the first housing portion 129 via the hinge portion 267. In addition, in the ribbon cartridge 101B, it is not necessary to provide the engaging receiving portion 189 and the second A engaging protrusion 219 on the first pressing side wall portion 153 and the second pressing side wall portion 215, respectively.

[0128] By rotating the second A housing portion 133 relative to the first housing portion 129 in a first rotation direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the -X direction) with the hinge portion 267 as the center, the tape press-to-store portion 139 and the +Z direction of the first path 201 are opened. By rotating the second A housing portion 133 relative to the first housing portion 129 in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction (clockwise when viewed from the -X direction) with the hinge portion 267 as the center, the tape press-to-store portion 139 and the +Z direction of the first path 201 are closed. Furthermore, in the tape cartridge 101B, two finger rests 221 can be provided on the second A housing portion 133, thereby allowing the user to easily rotate the second A housing portion 133 relative to the first housing portion 129.

[0129] The connecting portion 269 connects the pressing portion 111 to the second A housing portion 133. A pressing-side connecting engagement portion 271 is provided on the surface of the arm portion 251 in the +Z direction, and a housing-side connecting engagement portion 273 is provided on the second A pressing-side sidewall portion 215. The pressing-side connecting engagement portion 271 engages with the end of the connecting portion 269 in the -Y direction, and the housing-side connecting engagement portion 273 engages with the end of the connecting portion 269 in the +Y direction.

[0130] The second housing portion 133 is connected to the second housing portion A via the pressing part 111 and the connecting part 269, so that when the second housing portion A 133 rotates in the first rotation direction, as Figure 16 As shown, the pressing part 111 moves to the separated position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second housing part 133. Therefore, the user can move the pressing part 111 to the separated position without having to perform the operation of moving the pressing part 111 to the separated position by rotating the second housing part 133 relative to the first housing part 129.

[0131] Furthermore, when the second housing portion 133 rotates in the second rotation direction, such as Figure 17 As shown, the pressing part 111 moves to the pressing position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second housing part 133. Therefore, the user can move the pressing part 111 to the pressing position without needing to rotate the second housing part 133 relative to the first housing part 129. Furthermore, the second housing part 133 applies force in the second rotational direction via the pressing part 111 and the connecting part 269, and through the elastic force of the elastic member 249.

[0132] As described above, ribbon cartridges 101A and 101B of this embodiment include an ink ribbon 123 and a cartridge housing 103 that houses the ink ribbon 123, and can be mounted on a tape printing apparatus 1. The cartridge housing 103 includes a first housing portion 129 and a second housing portion 131, the second housing portion 131 being disposed in the +Z direction relative to the first housing portion 129 and combined with the first housing portion 129. The second housing portion 131 includes a second A housing portion 133 and a second B housing portion 135 constructed from components different from the second A housing portion 133. A cartridge-side tape inlet 115, a cartridge-side tape outlet 117, and a tape path 119 are provided on the cartridge housing 103 between the second A housing portion 133 and the second B housing portion 135. The cartridge-side tape inlet 115 supplies tape T from outside the cartridge housing 103 into the cartridge housing 103. The box-side tape outlet 117 allows the tape T, which is introduced into the box housing 103, to be discharged out of the box housing 103. The tape path 119 is the path from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the box-side tape outlet 117. The second A housing part 133 can be opened and closed in the +Z direction of the first path 201, which is the path from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the middle of the tape path 119.

[0133] According to this structure, by opening the +Z direction of the first path 201, the user can insert the tape T into the first path 201 from the +Z direction. Furthermore, by closing the +Z direction of the first path 201, it is possible to suppress the movement of the tape T inserted into the tape path 119 in the width direction of the tape T when the tape cassette 101A or the tape cassette 101B is mounted on the tape printing device 1.

[0134] Other variations

[0135] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various structures can be adopted without departing from its spirit. For example, the embodiments described above can be modified in the following ways, in addition to the above description. Furthermore, it is also possible to have a structure that combines the embodiments or variations.

[0136] The ribbon cartridge 101A may also be a structure without the pressing part 111. In this case, other components may be stored in the space corresponding to the pressing storage part 139, or no components may be stored there. The same setting applies to the ribbon cartridge 101B.

[0137] The housing engagement portion 195 is not limited to a structure where an engagement pin is provided on the second housing portion 131 like the second B engagement pin 235, and an engagement hole is provided on the first housing portion 129 like the first B engagement hole 191. For example, the housing engagement portion 195 may also be a structure where the engagement pin is provided on the first housing portion 129 and the engagement hole is provided on the second housing portion 131. Furthermore, it may be a structure in which a mixture of housing engagement portions 195 in which the engagement pin is provided on the second housing portion 131 and the engagement hole is provided on the first housing portion 129 exists and housing engagement portions 195 in which the engagement pin is provided on the first housing portion 129 and the engagement hole is provided on the second housing portion 131 exists.

[0138] The second housing portion 131 is not limited to a structure consisting of three components, namely, the second housing portion A 133, the second housing portion B 135, and the second housing portion C 137. The second housing portion 131 can be a structure consisting of a single component, a structure consisting of two components, or a structure consisting of four or more components.

[0139] The first path 201 is not limited to the section of the tape path 119 from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the vicinity of the housing opening 203. For example, the first path 201 could also be the section of the tape path 119 from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the location between the box-side tape inlet 115 and the housing opening 203. That is, the second housing portion 133 could also be a structure in which the first path 201 can be opened and closed in the +Z direction of the section of the tape path 119 from the box-side tape inlet 115 to the location between the box-side tape inlet 115 and the housing opening 203.

[0140] Postscript

[0141] The following is a note about the ribbon box.

[0142] A ribbon cartridge is a ribbon cartridge comprising an ink ribbon and a cartridge housing for storing the ink ribbon, and capable of being mounted on a ribbon printing device. The cartridge housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The second housing portion is disposed in a first direction relative to the first housing portion and is combined with the first housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second A housing portion and a second B housing portion composed of components different from the second A housing portion. The cartridge housing is provided with a tape inlet, a tape outlet, and a tape path. The tape inlet is disposed between the second A housing portion and the second B housing portion and allows tape to be introduced from outside the cartridge housing into the cartridge housing. The tape outlet allows the tape introduced into the cartridge housing to be discharged from outside the cartridge housing. The tape path is a path from the tape inlet to the tape outlet. The second A housing portion is capable of opening and closing in a first direction of the first path, which is a path intermediate from the tape inlet to the tape path.

[0143] According to this structure, by opening the first direction of the first path, the user can insert the tape into the first path from the first direction. Furthermore, by closing the first direction of the first path, movement of the tape inserted into the tape path in the width direction can be suppressed when the tape cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device 1.

[0144] Additionally, box-side inlet 115 is an example of "with inlet". Box-side outlet 117 is an example of "with outlet". The +Z direction is an example of "first direction".

[0145] In this case, it is preferable that the first path is more than half the length of the path.

[0146] According to this structure, when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device, it is possible to more effectively suppress the movement of the tape inserted into the tape path in the width direction of the tape.

[0147] In this case, it is preferable to have an impression roller that feeds the belt, and the second housing portion includes a second housing portion C composed of components different from the second housing portion A and the second housing portion B. The first housing portion and the second housing portion C constitute the outer shell of the impression roller housing portion, and a housing opening is provided between the second housing portion B and the second housing portion C, which allows the belt to pass through when the belt is inserted in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the belt path.

[0148] According to this structure, the gap between the second housing portion B and the second housing portion C can be used to form a housing opening for the belt to pass through when the belt is inserted into the belt path.

[0149] Additionally, -Z direction is an example of "second direction".

[0150] In this case, it is preferable that the second A housing portion is provided with two finger rests when the user operates the second A housing portion to open the first direction of the first path.

[0151] According to this structure, by utilizing the two interlocking fingers, the user can easily perform the operation of opening the first direction of the first path.

[0152] In this case, it is preferable to have a pressing part, which presses the belt that is guided into the housing relative to the first housing part. The first housing part and the second A housing part constitute a housing containing the pressing part, and the second A housing part can be opened and closed in a first direction.

[0153] According to this structure, by opening the belt press-and-hold section in a first direction, the user can operate the belt press-and-hold section from the first direction. Furthermore, by closing the belt press-and-hold section in the first direction, the entry of foreign objects into the belt storage section can be suppressed.

[0154] In this case, it is preferable that the belt pressing part is movable between a pressing position in which the belt is pressed relative to the first housing part and a separation position in which the belt is separated.

[0155] According to this structure, the user can easily insert the belt between the belt pressing part and the first housing part by moving the belt pressing part to the separation position.

[0156] In this case, it is preferable that the second housing portion A is assembled in a detachable manner relative to the first housing portion, and the first direction of the belt press-and-hold portion is opened by being removed from the first housing portion.

[0157] According to this structure, the user can open the first direction with the press-to-store section by removing the second A housing part from the first housing part.

[0158] In this case, it is preferable to provide a retaining part on the first housing part, which can hold the pressing part in the separated position when the second housing part A is removed from the first housing part.

[0159] According to this structure, since the belt pressing part can be held in the separated position by the holding part when the user removes the second housing part from the first housing part and inserts the belt between the belt pressing part and the first housing part, the user does not need to hold the belt pressing part by hand to keep the belt pressing part in the separated position, thereby improving operability.

[0160] In this case, it is preferable to provide a release part on the second housing part A, which releases the holding of the belt pressing part by engaging with the belt pressing part when it is installed on the first housing part.

[0161] According to this structure, the user can release the holding of the pressing part implemented by the holding part without having to perform the operation of releasing the holding of the pressing part implemented by the holding part, which is done by the holding part, in addition to the operation of installing the second housing part A onto the first housing part.

[0162] In this case, it is preferable to provide a pressing protrusion on the pressing part for the user to place their finger on when moving the pressing part.

[0163] According to this structure, the user can easily move the pressing part by using the pressing protrusion.

[0164] In this case, it is preferable that the second housing portion A is connected to the first housing portion via a hinge portion, and that the first direction of the belt press-and-hold portion is opened by rotating relative to the first housing portion with the hinge portion as the center.

[0165] According to this structure, the user can open the first direction of the push-to-open storage section by rotating the second housing part A relative to the first housing part with the hinge part as the center.

[0166] In this case, it is preferable to have a connecting part that connects the belt pressing part and the second A housing part. When the second A housing part rotates in a direction that opens the belt pressing and storage part in the first direction, the belt pressing part moves to a separation position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second A housing part. When the second A housing part rotates in a direction that closes the belt pressing and storage part in the first direction, the belt pressing part moves to a pressing position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second A housing part.

[0167] According to this structure, the user can move the belt pressing part to the separation position without needing to rotate the second housing part A relative to the first housing part. Furthermore, the user can move the belt pressing part to the pressing position without needing to rotate the second housing part A relative to the first housing part.

[0168] In this case, it is preferable to have an elastic member that applies force toward the pressing position with respect to the pressing part.

[0169] According to this structure, the belt pressing part can press the belt appropriately through the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0170] In this case, it is preferable that a belt pressing support shaft is provided on the first housing portion, the belt pressing support shaft supports the belt pressing portion in a manner that allows it to rotate between a pressing position and a separating position, the belt pressing portion having: an arm portion that is rotatably supported by the belt pressing support shaft; and a belt contact portion that is provided on the arm portion and contacts the belt when the belt pressing portion is in the pressing position.

[0171] According to this structure, the belt will be clamped between the belt contact portion and the first housing portion.

[0172] In this case, it is preferable that a first protrusion protruding in a first direction is provided on the first housing portion, and the arm portion slides relative to the first protrusion when rotating.

[0173] According to this structure, the rotation of the arm can be guided by the first protrusion.

[0174] In this case, it is preferable that a second protrusion protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction is provided on the second housing portion A, and the arm slides relative to the second protrusion when rotating.

[0175] According to this structure, the rotation of the arm can be guided by the second protrusion.

[0176] Symbol Explanation

[0177] 1: With printing device; 101A: Ribbon box; 101B: Ribbon box; 103: Box housing; 109: Impression roller; 111: With pressing part; 115: Box side with inlet; 117: Box side with outlet; 119: With path; 123: Ink ribbon; 129: First housing part; 131: Second housing part; 133: Second A housing part; 135: Second B housing part; 137: Second C housing part; 13 9: Pressing and holding part; 143: Impression roller holding part; 169: Pressing support shaft; 171: Holding part; 173: First protrusion; 201: First path; 203: Housing opening; 207: Release part; 209: Second protrusion; 221: Finger rest part; 249: Elastic component; 251: Arm part; 253: Contact part; 255: Pressing protrusion; 267: Hinge part; 269: Connecting part; T: Belt.

Claims

1. A ribbon box, characterized in that, It has an ink ribbon and a housing for storing the ink ribbon and can be mounted on a printing device. The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the second housing portion being disposed in a first direction relative to the first housing portion and being combined with the first housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second housing portion A and a second housing portion B, which is constructed from components different from those in the second housing portion A. The housing is provided with a tape inlet, a tape outlet, and a tape path. The tape inlet is located between the second housing portion A and the second housing portion B, allowing tape to be introduced from the outside of the housing into the housing. The tape outlet allows the tape introduced into the housing to be discharged from the outside of the housing. The tape path is the path from the tape inlet to the tape outlet. The second housing portion A is capable of opening and closing in the first direction of the first path, where the first path is a path from the belt inlet to the middle of the belt path. The first path is more than half the length of the path with the band. The ribbon cartridge includes a pressing part that presses the ribbon, which is guided into the cartridge housing, relative to the first housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion A constitute an outer shell that houses the pressing and receiving portion with the pressing portion. The second housing portion A is capable of opening and closing in the first direction of the press-and-hold portion. The belt pressing part is movable between a pressing position that presses the belt relative to the first housing part and a separating position that separates from the belt. The second housing portion A is detachably assembled relative to the first housing portion, and the first direction of the press-and-hold portion is opened by removing it from the first housing portion. A retaining part is provided on the first housing part, which can hold the belt pressing part in the separated position when the second housing part A is removed from the first housing part.

2. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes an impression roller that feeds the belt. The second housing portion includes a second housing portion C, which is composed of components different from those of the second housing portion A and the second housing portion B. The first housing portion and the second housing portion C constitute the outer shell of the impression roller housing portion, which houses the impression roller. A housing opening is provided between the second housing portion B and the second housing portion C, the housing opening allowing the belt to pass through when the belt is inserted in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the belt path.

3. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second A housing portion is provided with two finger rests for resting fingers when the user operates the second A housing portion to open the first direction of the first path.

4. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A release part is provided on the second housing part A. When the release part is installed on the first housing part, it engages with the belt pressing part to release the holding of the belt pressing part by the holding part.

5. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The belt pressing part is provided with a pressing protrusion for the user to place their finger on when the belt pressing part is moved.

6. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing portion A is connected to the first housing portion via a hinge portion, and the first direction of the press-and-hold portion is opened by rotating relative to the first housing portion with the hinge portion as the center.

7. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It includes a connecting part that connects the pressing part to the second A housing part. When the second housing A rotates in the direction that opens the pressing and storing part of the belt, the pressing part moves to the separation position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second housing A, and When the second housing A rotates in the direction that closes the first direction of the pressing and storing part, the pressing part moves to the pressing position in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the second housing A.

8. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It has an elastic member that applies force toward the pressing position with respect to the pressing part.

9. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pressing support shaft is provided on the first housing portion, and the pressing support shaft supports the pressing part in a manner that allows it to rotate between the pressing position and the separating position. The pressing part has: The arm is rotatably supported by the push-off pivot. A belt contact portion is provided on the arm portion and contacts the belt when the belt pressing portion is in the pressing position.

10. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A first protrusion protruding in the first direction is provided on the first housing portion. The arm slides relative to the first protrusion during rotation.

11. The ribbon cartridge as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A second protrusion is provided on the second housing portion A, protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The arm slides relative to the second protrusion during rotation.

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