Printing box

Abstract

Provided is a printing cartridge having a novel structure. A printing cartridge is provided with: a tape roll around which a tape for printing is wound at an axial center parallel to a first direction; an input unit to which a driving force is input from the outside; and an output gear that is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction and that outputs to the outside the driving force input to the input unit. The input unit overlaps the tape roll when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction. The output gear is a helical gear that generates a thrust load in the second direction when rotated. At least a portion of the output gear overlaps the tape roll from the same side as the input portion when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing box. Background Art

[0002] In a printing device for printing with a tape, a printing box containing the tape is installed and removed from the main body of the printing device. In such a printing box, an output gear is provided that meshes with a main body side gear (i.e., a paper pressing gear) provided on the main body of the printing device (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-53871 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a printing box with a new structure.

[0008] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a printing box, comprising: a tape roll, on which a tape for printing is wound around an axis parallel to a first direction; an input portion, to which a driving force is input from the outside; and an output gear, which can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to a second direction and is used to output the driving force input to the input portion to the outside.

[0010] The input portion overlaps the belt roll when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction. The output gear is a helical gear that generates a thrust load in the second direction when rotating. When viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction, at least a portion of the output gear overlaps the belt roll from the same side as the input portion.

[0011] According to such a configuration, a printing cassette having a new configuration can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing a printing device in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A Yes means Figure 1 A schematic top view of a printing device body in a printing device of Figure 2B Yes means Figure 2A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing device body.

[0014] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1A three-dimensional diagram of a platen roller and a drive transmission mechanism in a printing device.

[0015] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing box in a printing device.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0017] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 4A A schematic top view of the internal structure of the first frame portion in the printing box.

[0018] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 4A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the second frame portion in the printing box.

[0019] Fig. 8A yes Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA of FIG. Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB of FIG. Figure 8C yes Figure 8B A schematic cross-sectional view of the VIIIC-VIIIC line. Fig.8D yes Figure 8C Schematic cross-sectional view at line VIID-VIIID.

[0020] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view showing the engagement state of the output gear and the platen roller in the printing box.

[0021] Fig.10 yes Figure 4A A schematic front view of a printing box.

[0022] Fig.11 yes Figure 4A A schematic bottom view of a printing box.

[0023] Fig.12 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a printing box.

[0024] Fig.13 yes Figure 4A A schematic partial enlarged view of the periphery of the output gear of the printing box.

[0025] Fig.14 is with Figure 3Schematic perspective views of drive transmission mechanisms in various embodiments.

[0026] Fig.15 Yes Fig.14 A schematic front view of a printing box with a drive transmission mechanism.

[0027] Fig.16 is with Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of drive transmission mechanisms in various embodiments.

[0028] Fig.17 Yes Fig.16 A schematic front view of a printing box with a drive transmission mechanism.

[0029] Fig.18 yes Figure 4A A schematic bottom view of a printing box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] [1. First embodiment]

[0031] [1-1. Structure]

[0032] Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown includes a printing cartridge 10 and a printing device main body 100. The printing device 1 is a device that performs printing on a printing tape 11A.

[0033] In this embodiment, the direction parallel to the axis of the printing tape roll 11 is set as the up-down direction (an example of the first direction and the second direction), the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A at the discharge port 32C is set as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is set as the front-back direction.

[0034] In the present embodiment, “overlapping in the vertical direction” means “overlapping when viewed from a direction parallel to the vertical direction”, and more specifically, “overlapping of projections onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction”. The same applies to other directions.

[0035] <Printing device main body>

[0036] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the printing device main body 100 includes a cartridge storage unit 101, a printing head 102, a platen roller 103, and a platen gear 103A (see Figure 3 ), roller retainer 104, drive shaft 105 and frame 110.

[0037] (Box storage unit)

[0038] The cartridge housing portion 101 is a recessed portion in which the printing cartridge 10 is mounted. The cartridge housing portion 101 has a function of positioning the printing cartridge 10 .

[0039] The cartridge housing portion 101 has an opening 101A provided in the housing 110. The printing cartridge 10 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 101 by being inserted through the opening 101A.

[0040] (Printing head)

[0041] The print head 102 is disposed inside the cartridge housing portion 101. The print head 102 has a plurality of heating elements whose heat generation is individually controlled. The print head 102 is held by a plate-shaped holding member 102A.

[0042] (Paper pressing roller)

[0043] The platen roller 103 is disposed near the print head 102 in the cartridge housing 101 so as to face the print head 102. The platen roller 103 can swing toward or away from the print head 102. The rotation axis of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0044] (Paper Press Gear)

[0045] Figure 3 The platen gear 103A (an example of a main body side gear) shown is connected to the platen roller 103. The platen gear 103A engages with the output gear 21 of the printing cartridge 10 mounted in the cartridge accommodating portion 101.

[0046] The paper pressing gear 103A has helical teeth meshing with the output gear 21. Specifically, the paper pressing gear 103A is a first-order externally toothed helical gear. The helical teeth of the paper pressing gear 103A are twisted in the left direction. The rotation axis L4 of the paper pressing gear 103A coincides with the rotation axis of the paper pressing roller 103. The paper pressing gear 103A swings together with the paper pressing roller 103.

[0047] (Roller Cage)

[0048] Figure 2B The roller holder 104 shown holds the platen roller 103. The roller holder 104 is attached to the frame 110 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction.

[0049] (Drive shaft)

[0050] The drive shaft 105 is inserted through the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10. The drive shaft 105 inputs a driving force to rotate the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22 to the printing cartridge 10.

[0051] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the cartridge housing portion 101. The rotation axis of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 is rotated around the rotation axis by a drive source (not shown) such as a combination of a motor and a gear.

[0052] <Printing Box>

[0053] The printing cartridge 10 stores the printing tape 11A. The printing cartridge 10 can be attached to and detached from the printing device body 100. By replacing the printing cartridge 10, the printing tape 11A can be replenished and the type (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) of the printing tape 11A can be changed.

[0054] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the printing cassette 10 includes a main case 35 that accommodates at least a portion of the printing tape 11A and at least a portion of the ink ribbon 14A (ie, auxiliary tape).

[0055] The main housing 35 has a first housing 41 and a second housing 42. The first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are rectangular parallelepipeds having sides parallel to the up-down direction, sides parallel to the front-back direction, and sides parallel to the left-right direction. That is, the main housing 35 viewed from the up-down direction has a quadrilateral shape.

[0056] The first housing 41 is connected to the second housing 42 so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the second housing 42. The main housing 35 can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge accommodating portion 101 in the vertical direction in a direction in which the first housing 41 faces the bottom surface of the cartridge accommodating portion 101.

[0057] A conveyance path for conveying the printing tape 11A across the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 is provided inside the main housing 35 .

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the printing cassette 10 includes a printing tape roll 11 , a first supply reel 12 , an auxiliary tape reel 14 , a second supply reel 15 , a winding reel 16 , and a drive transmission mechanism 20 .

[0059] (Printing tape roll)

[0060] The printing tape roll 11 is formed by winding a strip-shaped printing tape 11A for printing around an axis around a first supply reel 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by the print head 102 and the ink ribbon 14A of the printing device body 100. The axis of the printing tape roll 11 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0061] Two spacers 13A and 13B are arranged on the outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the printing tape roll 11. The spacers 13A and 13B are arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the second cover portion 34 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second frame portion 33. The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is guided by the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C.

[0062] (First supply roll)

[0063] The first supply drum 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first supply drum 12 rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed by the platen roller 103 of the printing device body 100 , thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102 .

[0064] The rotation axis of the first supply drum 12 coincides with the axis of the printing tape roll 11. The clutch spring held by the first clutch spring holder 17B applies rotation resistance to the first supply drum 12.

[0065] (Auxiliary tape roll)

[0066] The auxiliary tape roll 14 winds a belt-shaped ink ribbon 14A used for printing the printing tape 11A around the second supply reel 15 around its axis.

[0067] The ink ribbon 14A is overlapped with the printing tape 11A at the head opening 32B, and is used for printing by the printing head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is wound around a winding drum 16.

[0068] When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the auxiliary tape roll 14 overlaps with the printing tape roll 11 from the same side (i.e., the bottom) as the input gear 22. In addition, at least a portion of the auxiliary tape roll 14 is arranged at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11 in the top and bottom direction. Furthermore, the auxiliary tape roll 14 is arranged at a position overlapping with the discharge port 32C in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the output gear 21 (i.e., the radial direction of the output gear 21).

[0069] (Second supply roll)

[0070] The second supply drum 15 is rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the second supply drum 15 is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0071] The second supply drum 15 rotates as the ink ribbon 14A is wound up by the winding drum 16, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102. The clutch spring held by the second clutch spring holder 17D applies rotation resistance to the second supply drum 15.

[0072] (Winding drum)

[0073] The winding drum 16 is rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the winding drum 16 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second supply drum 15 .

[0074] The winding drum 16 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by an inner peripheral surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner peripheral surface 16A of the winding drum 16. The spline teeth 16B are connected to the drive shaft 105 of the printing device body 100. The winding drum 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 105 to wind up the ink ribbon 14A.

[0075] (Drive transmission mechanism)

[0076] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100, the drive transmission mechanism 20 transmits the driving force transmitted from the driving shaft 105 to the platen roller 103 via the platen gear 103A. The drive transmission mechanism 20 includes an output gear 21, an input gear 22, and an idle gear 23.

[0077] The printing tape roll 11 , the drive transmission mechanism 20 , and the winding drum 16 are arranged in this order in the up-down direction.

[0078] (Output gear)

[0079] The output gear 21 is an externally toothed gear for outputting a driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A (that is, a driving force input to the input gear 22 ) to the outside.

[0080] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the output gear 21 meshes with the platen gear 103A of the printing apparatus main body 100 to transmit the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A to the platen gear 103A.

[0081] The output gear 21 has helical teeth that mesh with the helical teeth of the platen gear 103A. The rotation axis L1 of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis L4 of the second supply drum 15 and the platen gear 103A.

[0082] When the output gear 21 rotates, a thrust load is generated in a direction parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 21 (ie, in the vertical direction). The direction of the thrust load is determined by the twisting direction of the helical teeth of the output gear 21 and the rotation direction, and is upward or downward.

[0083] Specifically, the output gear 21 is a first-stage externally toothed helical gear. The helical teeth of the output gear 21 are twisted in a direction that generates a thrust load (ie, rightward) that pushes the output gear 21 downward when meshing with the platen gear 103A.

[0084] That is, when the output gear 21 rotates in the direction of transmitting the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A toward the drawer 32E, the output gear 21 is meshed with the paper pressing gear 103A so as to be twisted in the direction of generating a thrust load in the insertion direction (i.e., downward) of the main housing 35 into the printing device body 100. The helix angle of the output gear 21 is not less than 20° and not more than 30°.

[0085] A portion of the output gear 21 is exposed to the space communicating with the head opening 32B. Figure 6 As shown, the output gear 21 includes a first portion 211 housed inside the main housing 35 and a second portion 212 exposed to the outside of the main housing 35 .

[0086] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100 (i.e., when the main housing 35 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 101), the second portion 212 is engaged with the platen gear 103A in the space communicating with the head opening 32B. The second portion 212 is arranged at the same position in the left-right direction as a portion of the printing tape 11A pulled out from the pull-out portion 32E.

[0087] In the second portion 212 , the end of the gear teeth near the pullout portion 32E in the vertical direction is twisted toward the downstream side in the pullout direction of the printing tape 11A compared to the end of the gear teeth far from the pullout portion 32E in the vertical direction.

[0088] When viewed from the top and bottom direction, at least a portion of the output gear 21 overlaps with the printing tape roll 11 from the same side (i.e., the lower side) as the input gear 22 (see FIG. Figure 6 ).

[0089] (Input gear)

[0090] The input gear 22 is an input unit that indirectly engages with the output gear 21 via the idle gear 23 and indirectly transmits the driving force input from the printing apparatus main body 100 to the output gear 21 .

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the input gear 22 includes an external gear 22A and a spool 22B which is a cylindrical internal gear having spline teeth on its inner circumferential surface and fixed to one side surface of the external gear 22A. The external gear 22A rotates integrally with the spool 22B by the driving force input to the spool 22B.

[0092] The rotation axis L2 of the input gear 22 (ie, the rotation axis of the external gear 22A and the rotation axis of the drum 22B) is arranged on the same line as the rotation axis of the take-up drum 16 and is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 21 .

[0093] The rotation axis L2 of the input gear 22 overlaps with the hollow portion of the winding drum 16 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the printing cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100, the drive shaft 105 is inserted through both the winding drum 16 and the input gear 22. As a result, although the input gear 22 is not directly connected to the winding drum 16, it rotates together with the winding drum 16 through the drive shaft 105.

[0094] When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the input gear 22 overlaps with the printing tape roll 11 from the same side (i.e., the lower side) as the output gear 21 (see Figure 6 ).

[0095] (Idle gear)

[0096] The idle gear 23 is drivingly coupled (ie, engaged) to the input gear 22 and the output gear 21 , and transmits the driving force input to the input gear 22 to the output gear 21 .

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the idle gear 23 is a stepped gear in which an upstream gear 23A engaged with the input gear 22 and a downstream gear 23B engaged with the output gear 21 are arranged coaxially. The upstream gear 23A is a spur gear with external teeth that meshes with the input gear 22.

[0098] The downstream gear 23B is an externally toothed helical gear meshing with the output gear 21. The torsion direction of the downstream gear 23B is the left direction opposite to the output gear 21. The diameter of the downstream gear 23B is smaller than that of the upstream gear 23A. In addition, in the vertical direction, the downstream gear 23B is arranged at a position closer to the printing tape roll 11 than the upstream gear 23A (i.e., above).

[0099] The rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23 is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 21. The idle gear 23 reduces the rotation speed of the driving force input to the input gear 22 and transmits it to the output gear 21. That is, the drive transmission mechanism 20 includes a speed reduction mechanism having a transmission ratio obtained by dividing the rotation speed of the input gear 22 by the rotation speed of the output gear 21 as a speed reduction ratio.

[0100] (main housing)

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the main housing 35 includes a first cover portion 31 , a first frame portion 32 , a second frame portion 33 , and a second cover portion 34 .

[0102] The first cover portion 31 constitutes the lower end portion of the printing cassette 10. The first frame portion 32 is disposed above the first cover portion 31 and connected to the first cover portion 31 in the vertical direction. The second frame portion 33 is disposed above the first frame portion 32 and connected to the first frame portion 32 in the vertical direction. The second cover portion 34 constitutes the upper end portion of the printing cassette 10. The second cover portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0103] The first cover 31, the first frame 32, and a portion of the second frame 33 constitute a first housing 41 that accommodates the auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply roll 15, the winding roll 16, and the drive transmission mechanism 20. The first housing 41 is disposed at a different position (specifically, below) than the printing tape roll 11 in the up-down direction and has a discharge port 32C.

[0104] The auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply roll 15, and the winding roll 16 are arranged in a space surrounded by the first cover portion 31 and the first frame portion 32. The drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged in a space surrounded by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33. That is, the drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the up-down direction.

[0105] The second cover 34 and the second frame 33 constitute a second housing 42 that accommodates the printing tape roll 11. That is, the printing tape roll 11 is arranged in a space surrounded by the second cover 34 and the second frame 33.

[0106] The first frame portion 32 includes a first side wall 32A, a head opening 32B, a discharge port 32C, a second guide portion 32D, a pull-out portion 32E, a first contact portion 32F, and a second contact portion 32G (see Figure 6 ), the third contact portion 32H, the first additional contact portion 32I, the second additional contact portion 32J (refer to Figure 6 ) and the detected portion 32L. The first side wall 32A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the up-down direction of the main housing 35.

[0107] The head opening 32B is a portion of the first side wall 32A cut out, and is located at a position overlapping with the discharge port 32C in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output gear 21 (ie, in a radial direction of the output gear 21 ).

[0108] The head opening 32B is a space in which the print head 102 and the holding member 102A holding the print head 102 are arranged when the print cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100. That is, the head opening 32B is composed of a printing space for printing and a recessed portion communicating with the printing space in the left-right direction.

[0109] In the head opening 32B, printing is performed on the printing tape 11A by the printing head 102. The head opening 32B is opened at the bottom of the printing cartridge 10 so that the printing head 102 can be inserted from below.

[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are stretched in the left-right direction in the printing space of the head opening 32B. The printing tape 11A is exposed to the outside of the main case 35 in the head opening 32B and overlaps with the ink ribbon 14A.

[0111] The printed printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the main housing 35 and the printing device 1 through the discharge port 32C. The discharge direction of the printing tape 11A in the discharge port 32C is the left direction. The discharge port 32C, the output gear 21, and the printing tape roll 11 are arranged in the order of the discharge port 32C, the output gear 21, and the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0112] The second guide portion 32D is formed of a part of a column or a cylinder. The second guide portion 32D is disposed inside the first side wall 32A in the conveyance path for conveying the printing tape 11A.

[0113] The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 in the second housing 42 enters the first housing 41 while being stretched over the outer peripheral surface of the second guide portion 32D. Then, the printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the head opening 32B and the discharge port 32C while contacting the second roller 17C.

[0114] The pull-out portion 32E is an opening for pulling out the printing tape 11A to the outside of the main housing 35 in the pull-out direction along the left-right direction by the platen roller 103. The printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the discharge port 32C while contacting the pull-out portion 32E. Therefore, a load in the left direction is generated in the pull-out portion 32E due to the resistance of the printing tape 11A.

[0115] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the pull-out portion 32E is disposed between the first outer surface 41A and the second outer surface 42A. The first outer surface 41A and the second outer surface 42A are the outermost surfaces sandwiching the tape roll in the vertical direction of the main housing 35. The first outer surface 41A constitutes the lower surface of the first housing 41. The second outer surface 42A constitutes the upper surface of the second housing 42.

[0116] The pull-out portion 32E is disposed below the output gear 21. That is, the pull-out portion 32E is disposed at a position different from the meshing point with the paper pressing gear 103A of the output gear 21 in the up-down direction.

[0117] Specifically, the printing tape roll 11 , the output gear 21 , and the pull-out portion 32E are arranged in this order in the up-down direction.

[0118] Figure 6 The first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, the third contact portion 32H, the first additional contact portion 32I and the second additional contact portion 32J shown in the figure are in contact with the inner surface of the frame 110 of the printing device body 100 in the vertical direction when the main case 35 is inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion 101 .

[0119] That is, the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H contact corresponding portions of the printing apparatus body 100 from above, respectively, thereby positioning the main case 35 in the cartridge housing portion 101 in the vertical direction.

[0120] The first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, the third contact portion 32H, the first additional contact portion 32I, and the second additional contact portion 32J are arranged to be separated from each other.

[0121] The first contact portion 32F is arranged at a position overlapping with the head opening 32B in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first contact portion 32F is arranged above the head opening 32B. The first contact portion 32F is exposed toward the bottom of the printing cassette 10 through the head opening 32B. The first contact portion 32F contacts the holding member 102A inserted into the head opening 32B.

[0122] The second contact portion 32G is disposed at a corner of the first frame portion 32 when viewed from the vertical direction. Specifically, the second contact portion 32G is formed at a right front corner of the first frame portion 32 by a bottom surface of a bottomed cylinder 32K disposed with its axis parallel to the vertical direction.

[0123] The pin 101B (see FIG. 101B ) extending in the vertical direction and provided in the cartridge housing portion 101 is inserted into the cylindrical body 32K constituting the second contact portion 32G. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The second contact portion 32G also functions to restrict the rotation of the main housing 35 in the cartridge housing portion 101 .

[0124] The third contact portion 32H is formed by a recessed portion formed by recessing the rear side surface of the first side wall 32A upward. The third contact portion 32H is connected to a rib 101C (see FIG. 1 ) extending in the vertical direction and provided in the cartridge storage portion 101. Figure 2A and Figure 2B )touch.

[0125] The first additional contact portion 32I is composed of a convex portion that protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the first side wall 32A. The first additional contact portion 32I contacts a step provided in the cartridge housing portion 101.

[0126] The second additional contact portion 32J is composed of a convex portion that protrudes leftward from the left side surface of the first side wall 32A. The second additional contact portion 32J contacts a step provided in the cartridge housing portion 101.

[0127] Figure 4A The detected portion 32L shown is a portion indicating the cartridge identification information, and detects the cartridge identification information by the printing device main body 100. The detected portion 32L is arranged at a position overlapping with the discharge port 32C in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the output gear 21 (i.e., in a radial direction of the output gear 21). The detected portion 32L is arranged on the side opposite to the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., below) in the vertical direction with respect to the output gear 21, and upstream in the pulling direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0128] The detected portion 32L has a hole, a recess, or a cutout provided in the first side wall 32A.

[0129] The printing device main body 100 detects the cartridge identification information by contact-type reading of the three-dimensional mark formed by the hole, recess, or cutout of the detection portion 32L.

[0130] Figure 5 The second frame portion 33 shown includes a second side wall 33A, a partition wall 33B, a first guide portion 33C, and a reel frame portion 33D. The second side wall 33A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the vertical direction of the main case 35 .

[0131] The partition wall 33B has a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The partition wall 33B is disposed vertically between the printing tape roll 11 and the drive transmission mechanism 20, that is, between the first supply reel 12 and the second guide portion 32D.

[0132] like Figure 7 As shown, the first guide portion 33C is formed of a part of a column or a cylinder. The first guide portion 33C is arranged in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A in the second housing 42 inside the second side wall 33A.

[0133] The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is stretched over the outer peripheral surface of the first guide portion 33C, and thereby is conveyed toward the first housing 41 while being twisted.

[0134] The first roller 17A is disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the first guide portion 33C in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A (i.e., near the point where the printing tape is pulled out from the printing tape roll 11). The printing tape 11A is stretched over the first roller 17A on the upstream side of the first guide portion 33C. The first roller 17A rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed.

[0135] The reel frame 33D protrudes upward from the partition wall 33B. The reel frame 33D surrounds the printing tape reel 11 from the radially outer side. The printing tape 11A is pulled out from the printing tape reel 11 in the opening 33E of the reel frame 33D.

[0136] <Printing Belt Conveyor Path>

[0137] like Fig. 8A , 8B As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the first guide portion 33C and the second guide portion 32D constitute a conveyance path for conveying the printing tape 11A from the second housing 42 to the first housing 41 .

[0138] Specifically, if Fig. 8A As shown, the printing tape 11A drawn out from the printing tape roll 11 comes into contact with the first guide portion 33C from the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11, and is thereby conveyed downward and rearward.

[0139] like Figure 8B As shown, the printing tape 11A passing through the first guide portion 33C is conveyed to the lower right toward the second guide portion 32D. The printing tape 11A is laid on the first guide portion 33C and the second guide portion 32D in this order. The twist applied to the printing tape 11A by the first guide portion 33C is eliminated by the second guide portion 32D.

[0140] like Figure 8C As shown, the printing tape 11A that has reached the second guide portion 32D is conveyed forward by contacting the second guide portion 32D from the radially outer side of the auxiliary tape roll 14 .

[0141] like Fig.8D As shown, the printing tape 11A having passed through the second guide portion 32D is guided by the second roller 17C and conveyed toward the left. Subsequently, the printing tape 11A passes through the pull-out portion 32E and the head opening 32B and is discharged from the discharge port 32C.

[0142] <Tape conveyance and printing by printing device body>

[0143] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus main body 100 , the print head 102 is arranged in the head opening 32B at a position overlapping the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-rear direction.

[0144] The printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the head opening 32B by the platen roller 103, and is pressed against the printing head 102 which radiates heat from the heating element via the ink ribbon 14A by the platen roller 103. Thus, a part of the ink disposed on the surface of the ink ribbon 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the printing tape 11A.

[0145] The platen roller 103 conveys the printed printing tape 11A from the inside of the printing cartridge 10 to the outside through the discharge port 32C. The platen roller 103 is rotated by a platen gear 103A engaged with the output gear 21. The platen roller 103 can swing between a position separated from the printing cartridge 10 and a position where the platen gear 103A is engaged with the output gear 21 and the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are sandwiched between the platen roller 103 and the print head 102, via a roller holder 104.

[0146] When the main housing 35 of the printing cartridge 10 is inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion 101, the drive shaft 105 is engaged with the input gear 22, and as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the paper pressing gear 103A is engaged with the output gear 21 .

[0147] Specifically, with the drive shaft 105 inserted into the take-up drum 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cassette 10 , the platen roller 103 swings toward the head opening 32B of the printing cassette 10 , and the platen gear 103A engages with the output gear 21 .

[0148] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted, the input gear 22 rotates by the driving shaft 105, thereby rotating the output gear 21. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 rotates the platen gear 103A, thereby rotating the platen roller 103.

[0149] <Thrust load generated by helical gears>

[0150] like Fig.10 As shown, a resistance F1 is generated in the pull-out portion 32E of the main housing 35 as the printing tape 11A is pulled out. The direction of the resistance F1 is perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the resistance F1 includes a leftward component.

[0151] In addition, Fig.10 In order to easily understand the relationship between the forces in the printing cartridge 10 , the output gear 21 , the input gear 22 , and the idle gear 23 are schematically shown at positions different from those in the actual main casing 35 .

[0152] When the output gear 21, the paper pressing gear 103A, and the idle gear 23 do not have helical teeth (i.e., they are spur gears), when the output gear 21 and the paper pressing gear 103A are meshed and rotated, a reaction force F2 is generated on the output gear 21 at the meshing point between the output gear 21 and the paper pressing gear 103A. The direction of the reaction force F2 is orthogonal to the up-down direction, and the reaction force F2 includes a rightward component.

[0153] The resistance force F1 and the reaction force F2 are generated at different positions in the vertical direction. Fig.10The moment M in the counterclockwise direction in the . The moment M acts on the printing cartridge 10 about an axis parallel to the front-rear direction so that the left end of the printing cartridge 10 is lifted relative to the right end.

[0154] The moment M generated in this way acts on the print cartridge 10, so that the first contact portion 32F of the print cartridge 10 floats from the cartridge accommodating portion 101. As a result, the posture of the print cartridge 10 becomes unstable.

[0155] On the other hand, if the output gear 21 and the paper pressing gear 103A have helical teeth as in the present embodiment, Fig.10 As shown, the reaction force generated by the meshing of the output gear 21 and the paper pressing gear 103A and the helix angle of the helical teeth generate a downward first thrust load SF1 at the center of the output gear 21. The direction of the first thrust load SF1 is parallel to the rotation axis L1.

[0156] In addition, the downstream gear 23B of the idle gear 23 has a helical pitch, so that the reaction force generated by the meshing of the output gear 21 and the downstream gear 23B and the helix angle of the helical teeth generate an upward second thrust load SF2 at the center of the output gear 21, and a downward third thrust load SF3 at the center of the downstream gear 23B. The directions of the second thrust load SF2 and the third thrust load SF3 are parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 21.

[0157] The magnitude of the first thrust load SF1 on the upstream side of the output gear 21 is the same as the magnitude of the second thrust load SF2 on the downstream side of the output gear 21, or is the magnitude obtained by subtracting the transmission loss of the driving force (for example, less than 10%) from the second thrust load SF2. Therefore, the resultant force of the thrust load generated at the center of the output gear 21 is zero, or is a small upward load. Therefore, the influence of the resultant force on the moment M can be ignored.

[0158] Since the upstream gear 23A of the idle gear 23 is a spur gear, only the third thrust load SF3 generated by the downstream gear 23B is applied as a load to the idle gear 23. The rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23 passes through a position where a force is applied to separate the main housing 35 from the cartridge accommodating portion 101 (i.e., to move the main housing 35 in an upward direction opposite to the insertion direction) by the moment M. Therefore, the main housing 35 can be suppressed from floating by the third thrust load F3.

[0159] like Fig.11As shown, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, the rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23 is located between the first imaginary plane S1 passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second imaginary plane S2 passing through the second contact portion 32G. The first imaginary plane S1 and the second imaginary plane S2 are parallel to the top and bottom direction and are orthogonal to the reference imaginary plane SB passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second contact portion 32G, respectively.

[0160] Furthermore, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, there is a virtual triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H, and which includes the rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23 therein.

[0161] like Fig.12 As shown, at least a portion of the output gear 21 is located on the opposite side of at least a portion of the pull-out portion 32E across the third imaginary plane S3 passing through the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H. Specifically, the entire output gear 21 is located above the third imaginary plane S3. In addition, the entire pull-out portion 32E is located below the third imaginary plane S3.

[0162] like Fig.13 As shown, the partition wall 33B of the second frame portion 33 may have a recessed portion 33G. The recessed portion 33G is disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the output gear 21 in the vertical direction and is provided on a wall surface intersecting the vertical direction of the partition wall 33B.

[0163] The recessed portion 33G faces the platen gear 103A when the main housing 35 is inserted into the printing device body 100. When the thrust load SF1 is generated in the output gear 21, a portion of the platen gear 103A enters the recessed portion 33G. The recessed portion 33G is recessed upward, and the area of ​​the lower surface of the partition wall 33B that constitutes the recessed portion 33G is located above the area of ​​the lower surface of the partition wall 33B other than the recessed portion 33G.

[0164] [1-2. Effect]

[0165] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0166] (1a) Since the output gear 21 and the downstream gear 23B of the idle gear 23 are helical gears, when the output gear 21 meshes with the paper pressing gear 103A, a third thrust load SF3 is generated in the printing cartridge 10 along the axial direction of the output gear 21. The third thrust load SF3 can suppress the inclination of the printing cartridge 10 in the printing device main body 100.

[0167] (1b) The moment M generated by the reaction force F2 generated by the output gear 21 and the resistance force F1 at the pull-out portion 32E causes the rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23 to pass through a position where an upward force is applied, thereby promoting the effect of suppressing the tilt of the printing cartridge 10 .

[0168] (1c) Since there is an imaginary triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H and which includes the rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 23, when the third thrust load SF3 is excessive relative to the moment M, the load that presses the printing cartridge 10 downward is dispersed to the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H. As a result, the posture of the printing cartridge 10 is stabilized.

[0169] (1d) Since the idle gear 23 is a stepped gear including a helical gear, the output gear 21 can be formed as a helical gear, and the structure of the drive transmission mechanism 20 can be simplified.

[0170] (1e) The output gear 21 is located on the opposite side of the pull-out portion 32E across the third imaginary plane S3 passing through the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H, thereby promoting the effect of suppressing the inclination of the printing cartridge 10 by the moment M generated by the printing cartridge 10 .

[0171] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0172] [2-1. Structure]

[0173] Fig.14 The drive transmission mechanism 50 shown in FIG. Figure 4A In the printing cartridge 10 of the first embodiment shown, the drive transmission mechanism 20 is used instead.

[0174] The drive transmission mechanism 50 of the present embodiment includes an output portion 51, an input gear 52, and an idle gear 53. The input gear 52 is the same as the input gear 22 of the drive transmission mechanism 20 of the first embodiment.

[0175] The output unit 51 transmits driving force to the platen gear 103A by meshing with the platen gear 103A of the printing device main body 100. The output unit 51 is a stepped gear in which an auxiliary gear 51A and an output gear 51B are arranged coaxially.

[0176] The auxiliary gear 51A is a spur gear with external teeth that meshes with the idle gear 53. The output gear 51B is a helical gear with external teeth that meshes with the paper pressing gear 103A. The diameter of the output gear 51B is larger than that of the auxiliary gear 51A. In addition, the output gear 51B is arranged above the auxiliary gear 51A. The twisting direction of the helical teeth of the output gear 51B is the right direction.

[0177] The rotation axis L1 of the output unit 51 is parallel to the rotation axis of the platen gear 103A. When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus body 100, the output gear 51B engages with the platen gear 103A in a space communicating with the head opening 32B.

[0178] The idle gear 53 is a primary external spur gear that transmits the driving force input to the input gear 52 to the output unit 51. Specifically, the idle gear 53 engages with the auxiliary gear 51A of the output unit 51 and the input gear 52. The rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 53 is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output unit 51.

[0179] <Thrust load generated by helical gears>

[0180] In this embodiment, if Fig.15 As shown, the reaction force generated by the meshing of the output gear 51B of the output unit 51 with the paper pressing gear 103A and the helix angle of the helical teeth generate a downward first thrust load SF1 at the center of the output unit 51. The direction of the first thrust load SF1 is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output unit 51.

[0181] In addition, Fig.15 In order to easily understand the relationship of forces in the printing cartridge 10 , the output portion 51 , the input gear 52 , and the idle gear 53 are schematically shown at positions different from those in the actual main casing 35 .

[0182] Since the auxiliary gear 51A of the output portion 51 is a spur gear, only the first thrust load SF1 generated at the output gear 51B is applied as a load to the output portion 51. The rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51 passes through a position where a force in a direction (i.e., upward) is applied to the main housing 35 to separate from the cartridge accommodating portion 101 by the moment M. Therefore, the first thrust load SF1 can suppress the main housing 35 from floating.

[0183] like Fig.11 As shown, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, the rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51 is located between the first imaginary plane S1 passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second imaginary plane S2 passing through the second contact portion 32G. The first imaginary plane S1 and the second imaginary plane S2 are parallel to the top and bottom direction and are orthogonal to the reference imaginary plane SB passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second contact portion 32G, respectively.

[0184] In addition, when viewed from the top and bottom, there is an imaginary triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H, and which includes the rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51. In addition, the rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51 is closest to the first contact portion 32F among the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H.

[0185] [2-2. Effect]

[0186] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0187] (2a) Since the output gear 51B is a helical gear, when the output gear 51B meshes with the platen gear 103A, a first thrust load SF1 along the axial direction of the output unit 51 is generated in the printing cartridge 10. The first thrust load SF1 can suppress the printing cartridge 10 from tilting in the printing apparatus main body 100.

[0188] (2b) The moment M generated by the reaction force F2 generated by the output portion 51 and the resistance force F1 at the pull-out portion 32E causes the rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51 to pass through a position where an upward force is applied, thereby promoting the effect of suppressing the tilt of the printing cartridge 10 .

[0189] (2c) Since there is an imaginary triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H and which includes the rotation axis L1 of the output portion 51, when the first thrust load SF1 is excessive relative to the moment M, the load that presses the printing cartridge 10 downward is dispersed to the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H. As a result, the posture of the printing cartridge 10 is stabilized.

[0190] (2d) Since only the delivery portion 51 of the drive transmission mechanism 50 includes the helical teeth, the generation of the thrust load in the opposite direction to the thrust load of the delivery portion 51 is suppressed in the printing cartridge 10. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the tilt of the printing cartridge 10 can be promoted.

[0191] [3. Third embodiment]

[0192] [3-1. Structure]

[0193] Fig.16 The drive transmission mechanism 60 shown in FIG. Figure 4A In the printing cartridge 10 of the first embodiment shown, the drive transmission mechanism 20 is used instead.

[0194] The drive transmission mechanism 60 of the present embodiment includes an output gear 61, an input gear 62, and an idle gear 63. The output gear 61 is the same as the output gear 21 of the drive transmission mechanism 20 of the first embodiment.

[0195] The input gear 62 is indirectly engaged with the output gear 61 via the idle gear 63, and is an input portion that indirectly transmits the driving force transmitted from the printing device body 100 to the output gear 61. The input gear 62 includes an external gear 62A and a drum 62B. The drum 62B is the same as the drum 22B of the input gear 22 of the first embodiment.

[0196] The external gear 62A rotates integrally with the spool 62B by the driving force input to the spool 62B. The external gear 62A is a helical gear meshing with the idle gear 63. The torsion direction of the external gear 62A is the same right direction as the output gear 61. The rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62 (i.e., the rotation axis of the external gear 62A) is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 61.

[0197] The idle gear 63 is a primary externally toothed helical gear that transmits the driving force input to the input gear 62 to the output gear 61. Specifically, the idle gear 63 meshes with the output gear 61 and the externally toothed gear 62A of the input gear 62. The torsion direction of the idle gear 63 is the left direction opposite to the output gear 61. The rotation axis L3 of the idle gear 63 is parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 61.

[0198] <Thrust load generated by helical gears>

[0199] In this embodiment, if Fig.17 As shown, the reaction force generated by the meshing of the output gear 61 and the paper pressing gear 103A and the helix angle of the helical teeth generate a downward first thrust load SF1 at the center of the output gear 61. The direction of the first thrust load SF1 is parallel to the rotation axis L1.

[0200] In addition, Fig.17 In order to easily understand the relationship of forces in the printing cartridge 10 , the output gear 61 , the input gear 62 , and the idle gear 63 are schematically shown at positions different from those in the actual main casing 35 .

[0201] In addition, due to the reaction force generated by the meshing of the output gear 61 and the idle gear 63 and the helix angle of the helical teeth, an upward second thrust load SF2 is generated at the center of the output gear 61, and a downward third thrust load SF3 is generated at the center of the idle gear 63. The directions of the second thrust load SF2 and the third thrust load SF3 are parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 61.

[0202] Furthermore, due to the reaction force generated by the meshing of the input gear 62 and the idle gear 63 and the helix angle of the helical teeth, an upward fourth thrust load SF4 is generated at the center of the idle gear 63 , and a downward fifth thrust load SF5 is generated at the center of the input gear 62 .

[0203] The directions of the fourth thrust load SF4 and the fifth thrust load SF5 are parallel to the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 61 .

[0204] The magnitude of the first thrust load SF1 on the upstream side of the output gear 61 is the same as the magnitude of the second thrust load SF2 on the downstream side of the output gear 61, or is the magnitude obtained by subtracting the transmission loss of the driving force (for example, less than 10%) from the second thrust load SF2. Therefore, the resultant force of the thrust load generated at the center of the output gear 61 is zero or a small upward load. Therefore, the influence of the resultant force on the moment M can be ignored.

[0205] The magnitude of the third thrust load SF3 on the upstream side of the idle gear 63 is the same as the magnitude of the fourth thrust load SF4 on the downstream side of the idle gear 63, or is the magnitude obtained by subtracting the transmission loss of the driving force (for example, less than 10%) from the fourth thrust load SF4. Therefore, the resultant force of the thrust load generated at the center of the idle gear 63 is zero or a small upward load. Therefore, the influence of the resultant force on the moment M can be ignored.

[0206] Since the input gear 62 does not have helical teeth meshing with the drive shaft 105 of the printing device main body 100, only the fifth thrust load SF5 on the downstream side is applied as a load to the input gear 62. The rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62 passes through a position where a force in a direction (i.e., upward) is applied to separate the main housing 35 from the cartridge accommodating portion 101 by the moment M. Therefore, the main housing 35 can be suppressed from floating by the fifth thrust load F5.

[0207] like Fig.18 As shown, when viewed from the top and bottom, the rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62 is located between the first imaginary plane S1 passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second imaginary plane S2 passing through the second contact portion 32G. The first imaginary plane S1 and the second imaginary plane S2 are parallel to the top and bottom directions and are orthogonal to the reference imaginary plane SB passing through the first contact portion 32F and the second contact portion 32G, respectively.

[0208] Furthermore, when viewed from the top and bottom, there is a virtual triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H, and which includes the rotation axis L1 of the output gear 61 and the rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62 therein.

[0209] [3-2. Effect]

[0210] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0211] (3a) Since the output gear 61, the input gear 62, and the idle gear 63 include helical teeth, when the output gear 61 meshes with the platen gear 103A, a fifth thrust load SF5 is generated in the printing cartridge 10 along the axial direction of the output gear 61. The fifth thrust load SF5 can suppress the tilt of the printing cartridge 10 in the printing device main body 100.

[0212] (3b) The moment M generated by the reaction force F2 generated by the output gear 61 and the resistance force F1 at the pull-out portion 32E causes the rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62 to pass through a position where an upward force is applied, thereby promoting the effect of suppressing the tilt of the printing cartridge 10 .

[0213] (3c) Since there is an imaginary triangle T whose three vertices are included in the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H and which includes the rotation axis L2 of the input gear 62, when the fifth thrust load SF5 is excessive relative to the moment M, the load that presses the printing box 10 downward is dispersed to the first contact portion 32F, the second contact portion 32G, and the third contact portion 32H. As a result, the posture of the printing box 10 is stabilized.

[0214] (3d) Since the input gear 62 includes helical teeth, a thrust load greater than that of the output gear 61 is generated on the input gear 62 , thereby suppressing the inclination of the printing cartridge 10 .

[0215] [4. Other embodiments]

[0216] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it is needless to say that this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, and various forms can be adopted.

[0217] (4a) The printing device of the above embodiment is not limited to the one that prints using an ink ribbon. For example, the printing device may print on a tape-shaped thermal paper. That is, the printing cassette does not necessarily need to include an ink ribbon.

[0218] In addition, the printing device can also use a perforated die-drawing tape with a thermal head for printing a pattern as the printing tape. When the die-drawing tape is used as the printing tape, a paper-wrapping tape for protecting the die-drawing tape can be used as an auxiliary tape instead of the ink ribbon.

[0219] (4b) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the printing tape roll and the pull-out portion may be located at the same position in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the drive transmission mechanism may be disposed above the printing tape roll or below the printing tape conveying path.

[0220] (4c) In the printing cartridge of the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism may include a rotational body (for example, a roller) capable of drive transmission other than the gear as an input portion.

[0221] (4d) The arrangement of the contact portions in the printing cassette in the above embodiment is an example. That is, the position and number of the contact portions of the printing cassette are not limited to the above positions and numbers.

[0222] (4e) In the printing cartridge of the above embodiment, the direction of the thrust load generated on the output gear due to meshing with the platen gear may be opposite to the direction of insertion of the main casing into the printing apparatus body.

[0223] (4f) The functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be distributed to multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to or replaced with the structure of other above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, all the methods included in the technical idea determined by the statements recorded in the scope of the request are embodiments of the present invention.

[0224] Explanation of symbols

[0225] 1 ... printing device, 10 ... printing box, 11A ... printing belt, 20 ... drive transmission mechanism, 21 ... output gear, 22 ... input gear, 22A ... external gear, 22B ... reel,

[0226] 23…idle gear, 23A…upstream gear, 23B…downstream gear, 32B…head opening,

[0227] 32C...discharge port, 32E...pulling portion, 32F...first contact portion, 32G...second contact portion,

[0228] 32H... third contact portion, 32I... first additional contact portion, 32J... second additional contact portion,

[0229] 35 ... main housing, 50 ... drive transmission mechanism, 51 ... output portion, 51A ... auxiliary gear,

[0230] 51B...output gear, 52...input gear, 53...idle gear, 60...drive transmission mechanism,

[0231] 61…output gear, 62…input gear, 62A…external gear, 63…idle gear,

[0232] 100 ...printing device main body, 101 ...cartridge storage portion, 102 ...printing head,

[0233] 103…paper pressing roller, 103A…paper pressing gear, 105…driving shaft.

Claims

1. A printing box, characterized in that: have: a tape roll having a tape for printing wound around an axis parallel to the first direction; an input portion to which a driving force is input from the outside; and an output gear rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction and configured to output the driving force input to the input portion to the outside, When viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction, the input portion overlaps the tape roll. The output gear is a helical gear that generates a thrust load in the second direction when rotating, At least a portion of the output gear overlaps the belt roll from the same side as the input portion when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction.

2. The printing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A housing is also provided, the housing accommodating the tape roll, The housing has a pull-out portion, which allows the belt to be pulled out to the outside of the housing in a pull-out direction along a third direction intersecting the first direction. The belt reel, the output gear, and the pull-out portion are arranged in this order in the first direction.

3. The printing box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output gear has: a first portion, the first portion being received inside the housing; as well as a second portion, the second portion being exposed to the outside of the housing, In the third direction, the second portion is arranged at the same position as a portion of the belt pulled out from the pulling portion.

4. The printing box according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the second portion of the output gear, an end portion of the gear teeth closer to the pullout portion in the second direction is twisted toward a direction downstream in the pullout direction of the belt compared to an end portion of the gear teeth farther from the pullout portion in the second direction.

5. The printing box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing has a first outer surface and a second outer surface sandwiching the tape roll in the first direction, The pull-out portion is disposed between the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

6. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first direction is parallel to the second direction.

7. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary tape roll, which is composed of an auxiliary tape used for printing the tape. The auxiliary tape roll overlaps the tape roll from the same side as the input portion when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction.

8. The printing box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing has a detected portion indicating cartridge identification information. The detected portion is arranged on the opposite side of the belt roll in the first direction with respect to the output gear and upstream in the belt pulling-out direction.

9. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The helix angle of the output gear is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 30°.

10. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The device further comprises an idle gear for transmitting the driving force input to the input portion to the output gear. The idle gear is a stepped gear in which an upstream gear and a downstream gear are arranged on the same axis. The upstream gear is a spur gear, The downstream gear is a helical gear meshing with the output gear.

11. The printing box according to claim 10, characterized in that: The upstream gear has a larger diameter than the downstream gear.

12. The printing box according to claim 10, characterized in that: In the second direction, the downstream gear is arranged at a position closer to the tape reel than the upstream gear.

13. The printing box according to claim 10, characterized in that: The input portion has an input gear meshing with the upstream gear.

14. The printing box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The rotation axis of the output gear, the rotation axis of the idle gear, and the rotation axis of the input gear are parallel.

15. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also available: an output portion, the output portion comprising the output gear; and an idle gear for transmitting the driving force input to the input portion to the output gear, The output part is a stepped gear in which the auxiliary gear and the output gear are arranged on the same axis. The auxiliary gear is a spur gear meshing with the idle gear.

16. The printing box according to claim 15, characterized in that: The auxiliary gear has a smaller diameter than the output gear.

17. The printing box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing can be inserted into the printing device body in the second direction, The output gear is capable of transmitting a driving force for conveying the belt to a main body side gear provided on the main body of the printing device by meshing with the main body side gear. The output gear is twisted in a direction in which the thrust load is generated in an insertion direction of the housing into the printing device body when rotating in a direction in which a driving force for conveying the belt toward the pull-out portion is transmitted.

18. The printing box according to claim 17, characterized in that: A moment is generated by a reaction force generated by the output gear at a meshing point between the output gear and the main body side gear and a resistance of the belt at the pull-out portion, and the housing is subjected to a force that moves the housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

19. The printing box according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The housing includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and a third contact portion that are contactable with the printing device body in the second direction and are disposed to be separated from each other.

20. The printing box according to claim 19, characterized in that At least a portion of the output gear is located on the opposite side of at least a portion of the pull-out portion across a virtual plane passing through the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion.

21. The printing box according to claim 19, characterized in that The device further comprises an idle gear for transmitting the driving force input to the input portion to the output gear. The idle gear is a stepped gear in which an upstream gear and a downstream gear are arranged on the same axis. The upstream gear is a spur gear, The downstream gear is a helical gear meshing with the output gear, When viewed from the second direction, there is a virtual triangle whose three vertices are respectively included in the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion and which includes the rotation axis of the idle gear therein.

22. The printing box according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The housing has a partition wall disposed between the belt reel and the output gear in the second direction. The partition wall faces the main body-side gear when the housing is inserted into the printing device main body, and has a recessed portion into which a part of the main body-side gear enters when the thrust load is generated on the output gear.

23. The printing box according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The first direction is parallel to the second direction.

Images