Printing cartridge and printing apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a printing cartridge capable of detecting a terminal portion of a printing tape and capable of being reduced in size. The present invention is a printing cartridge provided with a printing tape roll and a housing that accommodates the printing tape roll. The printing tape has a terminal portion in which at least one transparent portion and one non-transparent portion are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape. The housing includes: a transport path that transports the printing tape drawn out from the printing tape roll toward a printing position; and a reflection wall that is disposed in the transport path and reflects light that enters the inside of the housing from the outside of the housing and has passed through the transparent portion again through the transparent portion and emits the light to the outside of the housing. A color of a reflective region opposite to the transparent portion in a surface of the reflective wall is different from a color of the non-transparent portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a printing device for printing a printing tape, the printing tape is replaced and supplied by attaching and detaching a box containing the printing tape to a main body of the printing device. In such a box, a transmission sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged in the box to detect the terminal end of the printing tape. It is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-24263

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] When the terminal end of the printing tape is detected by a transmission sensor as described above, a space in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are inserted needs to be provided in the box. Therefore, there is a limit to miniaturization of the box. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a printing cassette that can detect a terminal end of a printing tape and can be reduced in size.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a printing box, comprising: a printing tape roll on which a printing tape is wound; and a housing for accommodating the printing tape roll. The printing tape has a terminal portion, and the terminal portion has at least one transparent portion and one non-transparent portion arranged in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

[0011] The housing has: a conveying path that conveys a printing tape pulled out from a printing tape roll toward a printing position; and a reflecting wall that is disposed on the conveying path and reflects light that enters the housing from the outside and passes through the transparent portion so that the light passes through the transparent portion again and is emitted to the outside of the housing. The color of a reflecting area on the surface of the reflecting wall that faces the transparent portion is different from the color of the non-transparent portion.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a printing device, comprising: a cassette storage portion into which a printing cassette is inserted, the printing cassette comprising a printing tape roll on which a printing tape is wound and a housing for accommodating the printing tape roll; and a tape reading sensor for detecting a terminal end of the printing tape. The printing tape has a terminal end portion, and the terminal end portion has at least one transparent portion and one non-transparent portion arranged in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

[0013] The housing has a conveying path that conveys a printing tape pulled out from a printing tape roll toward a printing position, and a reflecting wall that is disposed on the conveying path and reflects light that enters the housing from a tape reading sensor and passes through a transparent portion so as to pass through the transparent portion again and be emitted to the tape reading sensor. The color of a reflecting area on the surface of the reflecting wall that faces the transparent portion is different from the color of the non-transparent portion.

[0014] According to these structures, the terminal end of the printing tape can be detected by incident light from outside the printing box based on the difference between the color of the reflective wall and the color of the non-transparent portion of the printing tape. Thus, there is no need to configure a space for a sensor in the housing of the printing box, so the printing box can be miniaturized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view showing a printing device in an embodiment, Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic side view of a printing device with its cover removed, Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A schematic rear view of a printing device with the cover removed.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the periphery of a cartridge housing portion of a printing device main body in the printing device of FIG. 1 .

[0017] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of a roller holder of a printing device main body in the printing device of FIG. 1 , Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB.

[0018] Figure 4A 3 is a schematic diagram showing the use state of the roller retainer, Figure 4B It is a schematic plan view of a cartridge accommodating portion of the printing apparatus main body in a state where the printing cartridge is removed from the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 .

[0019] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view of a printing cartridge in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 .

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the terminal portion of the printing tape in the printing box.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic three-dimensional view of the first cover portion in the printing box.

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A schematic top view of a first frame portion and a second frame portion in a printing box.

[0024] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the first frame portion, the second frame portion and the second cover portion.

[0025] Fig.11 yes Figure 5 A schematic back view of the first frame portion and the second frame portion in the printing box.

[0026] Fig.12 yes Figure 5 Schematic side view of a printing box.

[0027] Fig.13 yes Figure 5 Schematic back view of a printing box.

[0028] Fig.14A yes Fig.13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XIVA-XIVA line, Fig. 14B yes Fig.13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XIVB-XIVB line, Fig. 14C yes Fig.13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XIVC-XIVC line, Fig.14D yes Fig.13 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XIVD-XIVD.

[0029] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E as well as Fig.15F It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a concavo-convex shape.

[0030] Fig.16 yes Figure 5 Schematic top view of a printing box.

[0031] Fig.17 yes Figure 5 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing box.

[0032] Fig.18 is with Figure 5 Schematic perspective view of a printing box in different embodiments of the printing box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] [1. First embodiment]

[0034] [1-1. Structure]

[0035] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C 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.

[0036] 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), the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A at the discharge port 42 is set as the left-right direction (an example of the second direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is set as the front-back direction (an example of the third direction).

[0037] 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.

[0038] <Printing device main body>

[0039] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the printing device body 100 includes a cassette storage unit 101 , a print head 102 , a heat sink 103 , a platen roller 104 , a platen gear 105 , a detection unit 106 , a roller holder 107 , a tape reading sensor 108 , a drive shaft 109 , a cutter 110 , and a housing 111 .

[0040] (Box storage area)

[0041] The cartridge storage portion 101 is a recessed portion into which the printing cartridge 10 is inserted. The cartridge storage portion 101 has a function of positioning the printing cartridge 10 .

[0042] The cassette storage unit 101 has a convex portion 101A protruding from the right side surface toward the left side. The convex portion 101A extends in the vertical direction. When the printing cassette 10 is inserted into the cassette storage unit 101, the convex portion 101A is inserted into the second concave portion 43B and the third concave portion 43C of the printing cassette 10 in the vertical direction.

[0043] (Printing head)

[0044] The print head 102 is disposed inside the cartridge storage unit 101. The print head 102 has a plurality of heating elements whose heat generation is individually controlled.

[0045] (Heat sink)

[0046] The heat sink 103 holds the print head 102. The heat sink 103 is a metal plate arranged so that the thickness direction is parallel to the front-rear direction, and the print head 102 is mounted on the front surface. The heat sink 103 has a function of releasing heat from the print head 102.

[0047] (Paper pressing roller)

[0048] The platen roller 104 is arranged near the print head 102 in the cassette housing portion 101 so as to face the print head 102 .

[0049] The platen roller 104 is held by the roller holder 107 and can swing in a direction approaching or moving away from the print head 102. The rotation axis of the platen roller 104 is parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0050] (Paper pressing gear)

[0051] The platen gear 105 engages with the output gear 21 of the printing cartridge 10. The rotation axis of the platen gear 105 coincides with the rotation axis of the platen roller 104. The platen gear 105 is coupled to the platen roller 104 and rotates and swings together with the platen roller 104. The platen gear 105 has helical teeth.

[0052] (Detection Department)

[0053] The detection section 106 detects the cartridge identification information provided to the printing cartridge 10 from the printing cartridge 10. The detection section 106 detects the cartridge identification information from the detected section 45 of the printing cartridge 10 using a mechanical reading sensor.

[0054] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the detection unit 106 includes a main body 106A including a circuit and a plurality of protrusions 106B that can be inserted into the printing cartridge 10. The plurality of protrusions 106B protrude from the main body 106A toward the printing cartridge 10. The protrusions 106B are attached to the main body 106A so as to be movable in the protruding direction.

[0055] The main body 106A has a plurality of claws 106C that engage with the roller holder 107 and a plurality of ribs 106D that restrict the rotation of the main body 106A relative to the roller holder 107. The main body 106A also has a positioning hole 106E through which the shaft portion 106H to which the spring 106G is attached is inserted.

[0056] Furthermore, the main body 106A has an auxiliary rib 106F protruding from the main body 106A toward the printing cartridge 10. When the detection unit 106 is pressed against the printing cartridge 10, the auxiliary rib 106F contacts the main housing 31 of the printing cartridge 10 before the plurality of protrusions 106B, thereby protecting the protrusions 106B. The auxiliary rib 106F is disposed at a position closer to the swing axis L1 of the roller holder 107 than the protrusions 106B.

[0057] like Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the detection portion 106 is pressed against the arm portion 44 of the printing cartridge 10. In this state, the positions of the plurality of protrusions 106B are changed according to the shape of the detected portion 45 of the printing cartridge 10. The protrusions 106B in contact with the detected portion 45 are pressed against the inner side of the main body 106A. On the other hand, the protrusions 106B not in contact with the detected portion 45 are not pressed against the inner side of the main body 106A.

[0058] The detection section 106 reads the cartridge identification information corresponding to the pattern of the detection section 45 of the printing cartridge 10 based on the positions of the plurality of protrusions 106B in the protruding direction (that is, whether they are pressed into the main body 106A).

[0059] (Roller Cage)

[0060] The roller holder 107 holds the platen roller 104, the platen gear 105, and the detection unit 106. The roller holder 107 is attached to the housing 111 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction.

[0061] (With reading sensor)

[0062] Figure 2A The tape reading sensor 108 shown detects the terminal end of the printing tape 11A (ie, the printing tape roll 11 ) in the printing cassette 10 .

[0063] The tape reading sensor 108 is disposed at a position opposite to the reflective wall 52 of the printing cassette 10 in the left-right direction. The tape reading sensor 108 emits light toward the reflective wall 52, and receives the light reflected by the reflective wall 52 through the printing tape 11A. The tape reading sensor 108 determines the end of use of the printing tape 11A based on the pattern of the received light.

[0064] (Drive shaft)

[0065] Figure 2AThe drive shaft 109 shown is inserted into the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10. The drive shaft 109 inputs a driving force to the printing cartridge 10 so as to rotate the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22.

[0066] The drive shaft 109 is disposed inside the cartridge storage unit 101. The rotation axis of the drive shaft 109 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 109 rotates around the rotation axis by a drive source (not shown) such as a combination of a motor and a gear.

[0067] (Cutter)

[0068] The cutter 110 cuts the printing tape 11A discharged from the discharge port 42 of the printing cartridge 10 in the thickness direction. The cutter 110 has a blade movable in the front-rear direction inside a housing 111 .

[0069] <Printing Box>

[0070] 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.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the printing cartridge 10 includes a main housing 31 that accommodates at least a portion of the printing tape 11A and at least a portion of the ink ribbon 14A.

[0072] The main housing 31 has a first housing 32 and a second housing 33. The first housing 32 and the second housing 33 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 31 viewed from the up-down direction has a quadrilateral shape.

[0073] The first housing 32 is connected to the second housing 33 in a manner of protruding downward from the lower surface of the second housing 33. The main housing 31 can be connected to the bottom surface 101B (see Figure 4B ) and insert the box storage portion 101 in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the printing cassette 10 includes a printing tape roll 11 , a first supply reel 12 , an ink ribbon roll 14 , a second supply reel 15 , a winding reel 16 , and a drive transmission mechanism 20 .

[0075] (Printing tape roll)

[0076] The printing tape roll 11 is a structure in which a strip-shaped printing tape 11A for printing is wound around an axis on a first supply reel 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by a print head 102 and an ink ribbon 14A of a printing device main body 100. The axis of the printing tape roll 11 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0077] 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 37 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second frame portion 36. The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is guided by the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C.

[0078] As the printing tape 11A, for example, a masking tape can be used. Figure 7 As shown, the printing tape 11A has a terminal portion 11B in which at least one transparent portion 11C and one non-transparent portion 11D are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0079] Specifically, in the terminal portion 11B, a plurality of transparent portions 11C and a plurality of non-transparent portions 11D are alternately arranged in the length direction of the printing tape 11A. The transparent portion 11C is, for example, colorless and transparent. The non-transparent portion 11D is, for example, colored black. In addition, the widths of the plurality of transparent portions 11C and the plurality of non-transparent portions 11D are all the same.

[0080] The terminal end portion 11B is fixed to the first supply reel 12. The length of the terminal end portion 11B is greater than the distance from the first supply reel 12 to the reflection wall 52 in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A.

[0081] (First supply bobbin)

[0082] Figure 6 The first supply reel 12 shown is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first supply reel 12 rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed by the platen roller 104 of the printing device body 100 , thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the head opening 41 .

[0083] The rotation axis of the first supply reel 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 reel 12.

[0084] (Ink Ribbon Roll)

[0085] The ink ribbon roll 14 winds a belt-shaped ink ribbon 14A used for printing the printing tape 11A around the second supply reel 15 around an axis.

[0086] The ink ribbon 14A is overlapped with the printing tape 11A at the head opening 41 and is used for printing by the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is wound around a winding drum 16.

[0087] The ink ribbon roll 14 is arranged at a different position (specifically, below) in the vertical direction than the printing ribbon roll 11. In addition, the ink ribbon roll 14 is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction as the head opening 41. That is, the ink ribbon roll 14 is arranged at a different position in the vertical direction than the printing ribbon roll 11.

[0088] (Second supply bobbin)

[0089] 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.

[0090] The second supply reel 15 rotates as the ink ribbon 14A is wound up by the take-up reel 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 reel 15.

[0091] The first clutch spring holder 17B and the second clutch spring holder 17D have the same shape but are colored in different colors. This can reduce costs and suppress assembly errors by using common components.

[0092] (Winding drum)

[0093] 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 .

[0094] 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 109 of the printing device body 100. The winding drum 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 109 to wind up the ink ribbon 14A.

[0095] The torsion spring 17E applies rotation resistance to the winding drum 16 . The torsion spring 17E is disposed between the winding drum 16 and the first frame portion 35 .

[0096] (Drive transmission mechanism)

[0097] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus main body 100, the drive transmission mechanism 20 transmits the driving force transmitted from the drive shaft 109 to the platen roller 104. The drive transmission mechanism 20 includes an output gear 21, an input gear 22, and an idle gear 23.

[0098] 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.

[0099] (Output gear)

[0100] The output gear 21 is an external gear for outputting the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 21 transmits the driving force to the platen gear 105 of the printing device body 100. The output gear 21 has helical teeth that mesh with the helical teeth of the platen gear 105.

[0101] The rotation axis of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second supply drum 15. A portion of the output gear 21 is exposed to the space communicating with the head opening 41. The output gear 21 engages with the paper pressing gear 105 in the space communicating with the head opening 41 when the printing cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100 (i.e., when the main housing 31 is stored in the cartridge storage portion 101).

[0102] The output gear 21 is disposed closer to the printing tape roll 11 than the detection portion 45 in the vertical direction (i.e., above the detection portion 45). In addition, the output gear 21 is disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the ink ribbon roll 14 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the output gear 21 is disposed between the first inclined guide 51 and the second inclined guide 53 in the vertical direction.

[0103] (Input gear)

[0104] The input gear 22 is indirectly engaged with the output gear 21 via the idle gear 23 , and transmits the driving force to the output gear 21 .

[0105] The input gear 22 includes an external gear 22A and a drum 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 drum 22B by the driving force input to the drum 22B. The rotation axis of the input gear 22 (i.e., 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 winding drum 16.

[0106] The rotation axis 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 109 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 109.

[0107] (Idle gear)

[0108] 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 .

[0109] The idle gear 23 is a step 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 diameter of the downstream gear 23B is smaller than that of the upstream gear 23A. In addition, the downstream gear 23B is arranged closer to the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., above) than the upstream gear 23A in the vertical direction.

[0110] 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.

[0111] (case)

[0112] The main housing 31 includes a first cover portion 34 , a first frame portion 35 , a second frame portion 36 , and a second cover portion 37 .

[0113] The first cover portion 34 constitutes the lower end portion of the printing cassette 10. The first frame portion 35 is disposed above the first cover portion 34 and connected to the first cover portion 34 in the vertical direction. The second frame portion 36 is disposed above the first frame portion 35 and connected to the first frame portion 35 in the vertical direction. The second cover portion 37 constitutes the upper end portion of the printing cassette 10. The second cover portion 37 is connected to the second frame portion 36 in the vertical direction.

[0114] The first cover 34, the first frame 35, and a portion of the second frame 36 constitute a first housing 32 that accommodates the ink ribbon roll 14, the second supply reel 15, the reel 16, and the drive transmission mechanism 20. The first housing 32 is disposed at a different position (specifically, below) than the printing tape reel 11 in the up-down direction.

[0115] The ink ribbon roll 14, the second supply reel 15, and the winding reel 16 are arranged in a space surrounded by the first cover portion 34 and the first frame portion 35. The drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged in a space surrounded by the first frame portion 35 and the second frame portion 36.

[0116] The second cover 37 and the second frame 36 constitute the second housing 33 that accommodates the printing tape roll 11. That is, the printing tape roll 11 is arranged in a space surrounded by the second cover 37 and the second frame 36.

[0117] like Figure 8As shown, the first cover portion 34 includes a first cover body 34A, a first insertion pin 34B, a first confirmation window 34C, a cutout 34D, and a second insertion pin 34E. The first cover body 34A constitutes the lower outer surface 66 of the main housing 31.

[0118] The first insertion pin 34B and the second insertion pin 34E protrude upward from the inner surface of the first cover body 34A. The first insertion pin 34B and the second insertion pin 34E are respectively inserted into the holes of the first frame portion 35.

[0119] The first insertion pin 34B has a seat 341 having a larger diameter than the main body of the first insertion pin 34B. The seat 341 protrudes from the inner surface of the first cover main body 34A. The main body of the first insertion pin 34B protrudes from the upper surface of the seat 341.

[0120] The first confirmation window 34C is arranged on the right side of the cutout 34D that defines a part of the head opening 41. The presence of the second roller 17C can be confirmed through the first confirmation window 34C. The cutout 34D is provided at a position overlapping with the head opening 41 in the vertical direction.

[0121] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first frame portion 35 includes a first frame body 35A, a first engaging portion 35B, a second engaging portion 35C, a partition wall 35D, a positioning portion 35E, a head opening 41, a discharge port 42, an arm portion 44, a first inclined guide 51, and a reflection wall 52. The first frame body 35A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the up-down direction of the main housing 31.

[0122] The first engaging portion 35B protrudes to the right from an area in front of the third recess 43C in the right outer surface 62 of the main housing 31. The second engaging portion 35C protrudes to the left from an area in the rear of the storage portion 46 in the left outer surface 61 of the main housing 31. The first engaging portion 35B and the second engaging portion 35C are claws that can engage with the cartridge storage portion 101 into which the main housing 31 is inserted.

[0123] The partition wall 35D partitions the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A and the conveyance path of the ink ribbon 14A. The partition wall 35D extends from the first inclined guide 51 and the reflection wall 52 to the left end of the arm 44 (ie, the exit of the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A).

[0124] The positioning portion 35E is a cylindrical portion into which the second insertion pin 34E of the first cover portion 34 is inserted in the up-down direction. The positioning portion 35E has a positioning function of the first cover portion 34 relative to the first frame portion 35 and a rotation-stopping function. The positioning portion 35E is arranged in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A. Specifically, the positioning portion 35E protrudes to the right from the partition wall 35D. The printing tape 11A is conveyed while contacting the outer peripheral surface of the positioning portion 35E.

[0125] The printing tape 11A is exposed to the outside of the main case 31 in the head opening 41. The head opening 41 is a portion formed by cutting out a part of the first frame body 35A. The head opening 41 extends in the up-down direction.

[0126] The head opening 41 is a space in which the print head 102 and the heat sink 103 are arranged when the print cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100. That is, the head opening 41 is composed of a print space 41A for printing and a head insertion space 41B communicating with the print space 41A in the left-right direction.

[0127] In the head opening 41, the printing tape 11A is printed by the printing head 102. That is, the head opening 41 is provided at the printing position of the main housing 31. The head opening 41 is opened below the printing cartridge 10 so that the printing head 102 can be inserted from below. The head opening 41 (i.e., the printing position) is arranged at a position different from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0128] In the printing space 41A of the head opening 41, the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are laid out in the left-right direction. The printing tape 11A is exposed to the outside of the main housing 31 in the head opening 41, and overlaps with the ink ribbon 14A. The printed printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the printing device 1 through the discharge port 42. The discharge direction of the printing tape 11A in the discharge port 42 is the left direction.

[0129] The arm portion 44 conveys the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the left-right direction on the upstream side of the printing space 41A in the respective discharge directions.

[0130] The arm portion 44 forms a passage portion that surrounds the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the width direction and the thickness direction. The arm portion 44 is arranged in front of the head insertion space 41B. The right end portion of the arm portion 44 is supported in the front-to-back direction by the right side wall 41C of the head insertion space 41B. On the other hand, the left end portion of the arm portion 44 is not supported in the front-to-back direction.

[0131] The first inclined guide 51 is formed by a part of a cylinder or an elliptical cylinder. The first inclined guide 51 has a curved surface (i.e., an outer peripheral surface) that contacts the printing belt 11A. The internal space of the cylinder forming the first inclined guide 51 reaches the upper surface of the first frame 35. That is, a hole is provided at a position overlapping with the first inclined guide 51 in the upper surface of the first frame 35.

[0132] The first inclined guide 51 is arranged in the first housing 32 in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A inside the first frame body 35A. The first inclined guide 51 is arranged at a position overlapping with the head opening 41 (i.e., the printing position) in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction (i.e., the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11). That is, the first inclined guide 51 is arranged at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11 in the up-down direction inside the main housing 31.

[0133] The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 in the second housing 33 enters the first housing 32 while being stretched over the outer peripheral surface of the first inclined guide 51. Then, the printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the head opening 41 and the discharge port 42 while contacting the second roller 17C.

[0134] That is, the first inclined guide 51 changes the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A from a direction intersecting both the up-down direction and the front-back direction to the front-back direction (i.e., a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction). In this way, the first inclined guide 51 changes the component of the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A parallel to the up-down direction and the component parallel to the front-back direction.

[0135] Fig.10 The reflecting wall 52 shown is arranged in a region of the conveying path of the printing tape 11A where the printing tape 11A is conveyed parallel to the front-rear direction and not conveyed in the up-down direction (i.e., a region where the length direction of the printing tape 11A is orthogonal to the up-down direction). The reflecting wall 52 enables the tape reading sensor 108 of the printing device main body 100 to detect the terminal end 11B of the printing tape 11A.

[0136] Specifically, the reflection wall 52 reflects light that enters the main housing 31 from the outside and passes through the transparent portion 11C of the printing tape 11A so as to pass through the transparent portion 11C again and be emitted to the outside of the main housing 31 .

[0137] The color of the reflective area on the surface of the reflective wall 52 that is opposite to the transparent portion 11C of the printing tape 11A is different from the color of the non-transparent portion 11D of the printing tape 11A. Specifically, the color of the reflective area is a color other than black, preferably white. In addition, the color of at least the upstream area or downstream area of ​​the reflective wall 52 in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A on the inner wall of the first frame portion 35 is black.

[0138] The light reflected by the transparent portion 11C, which is not absorbed by the non-transparent portion 11D or the area other than the reflective wall 52 of the conveying path, reaches the tape reading sensor 108. The tape reading sensor 108 detects the terminal portion 11B of the printing tape 11A (i.e., the arrangement pattern of the transparent portion 11C and the non-transparent portion 11D) based on the pattern of the received light. Based on the detection of the terminal portion 11B by the tape reading sensor 108, the printing device main body 100 notifies the user that the remaining amount of the printing tape 11A is small.

[0139] The reflection wall 52 overlaps the head opening 41 (ie, printing position) in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (ie, radial direction of the printing tape roll 11). The reflection wall 52 is disposed adjacent to the first inclined guide 51 downstream in the conveyance direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0140] The first inclined guide 51 is integrated with the first frame body 35A. The reflection wall 52 is configured as an assembly member that can be attached to and detached from the first frame body 35A and the first inclined guide 51. The reflection wall 52 is inserted into the first frame body 35A in the up-down direction.

[0141] In addition, the reflecting wall 52 may be configured as an assembly component integrated with the first inclined guide 51. In this case, the reflecting wall 52 can be attached to and detached from the first frame body 35A together with the first inclined guide 51. In addition, the first inclined guide 51 and the reflecting wall 52 are supported by the first frame body 35A (an example of a housing body).

[0142] like Fig. 9 As shown, the second roller 17C is disposed between the reflection wall 52 and the head opening 41 in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A. The printing tape 11A is stretched over the second roller 17C downstream of the first inclined guide 51 and the reflection wall 52. The second roller 17C rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed.

[0143] like Fig.10 As shown, the first frame portion 35 has a spring arrangement groove 35F, a second confirmation window 35G, a third confirmation window 35H, and a contact portion 35I (an example of a fourth recessed portion).

[0144] The spring arrangement groove 35F is a recessed portion in which the torsion spring 17E is arranged. The spring arrangement groove 35F has a slit 351 in which one end of the torsion spring 17E is arranged. The slit 351 extends to the left rear from the rotation axis of the winding drum 16. This facilitates the assembly of the torsion spring 17E.

[0145] Furthermore, when the end of the torsion spring 17E is not correctly arranged in the slit 351, the torsion spring 17E interferes with other components, and the first frame portion 35 cannot be closed by the first cover portion 34. Thus, an assembly failure of the torsion spring 17E can be detected.

[0146] The second confirmation window 35G is disposed on the upper surface of the head opening 41. The second confirmation window 35G is provided at a position vertically overlapping the printing tape roll 11. The presence of the spacer 13B can be confirmed through the second confirmation window 35G.

[0147] The third confirmation window 35H is disposed on the rear surface of the first frame body 35A. The third confirmation window 35H is provided at a position overlapping with the torsion spring 17E in the front-rear direction. The presence of the torsion spring 17E can be confirmed through the third confirmation window 35H.

[0148] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact portion 35I is provided at a corner (specifically, a right front corner) including the right outer surface 62 of the main housing 31 when viewed from the top and bottom. When the main housing 31 is inserted into the cartridge storage portion 101, the contact portion 35I is vertically aligned with the bottom surface 101B (see FIG. 1 ) of the cartridge storage portion 101. Figure 4B The contact portion 35I has a function of positioning the printing cartridge 10 relative to the cartridge storage portion 101 and a function of preventing rotation.

[0149] Fig.11 The second frame portion 36 shown includes a second frame body 36A, a reel frame wall 36B, a tape outlet 36C, and a second inclined guide 53. The second frame body 36A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the vertical direction of the main case 31.

[0150] The reel frame wall 36B surrounds the printing tape reel 11 on the inner side of the main housing 31 relative to the right outer surface 62. The tape outlet 36C is a portion that connects the inside of the reel frame wall 36B with the outside of the reel frame wall 36B. The printing tape 11A is discharged from the tape outlet 36C to the outside of the reel frame wall 36B. At the tape outlet 36C, a step in the up-and-down direction is provided along the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A, and the corner of the step is chamfered.

[0151] The second inclined guide 53 is formed by a part of a cylinder or an elliptical cylinder. The second inclined guide 53 has a curved surface (i.e., an outer peripheral surface) that contacts the printing belt 11A. The inner space of the cylinder forming the second inclined guide 53 reaches the lower surface of the second frame 36. That is, a hole is provided at a position overlapping with the second inclined guide 53 in the lower surface of the second frame 36.

[0152] The second inclined guide 53 is arranged in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A in the second housing 33 inside the second frame body 36A. The second inclined guide 53 overlaps the printing tape roll 11 in a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction (i.e., the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11). In addition, the second inclined guide 53 is arranged at a different position (i.e., above) from the first inclined guide 51 in the up-down direction.

[0153] The second inclined guide 53 changes the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A from the front-rear direction to a direction intersecting both the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0154] The second inclined guide 53 is an assembly component that can be attached to and detached from the second frame body 36A. The second frame body 36A (an example of a housing body) supports the second inclined guide 53 .

[0155] The first roller 17A is disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the second inclined guide 53 in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A (i.e., near the drawing point of the printing tape roll 11). The printing tape 11A is stretched over the first roller 17A on the upstream side of the second inclined guide 53. The first roller 17A rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed.

[0156] like Fig.10 As shown, the second frame body 36A has a platen gear facing wall 361. The platen gear facing wall 361 is arranged above the output gear 21. When the main housing 31 is inserted into the cassette storage portion 101, the platen gear facing wall 361 and the platen gear 105 face each other in the vertical direction.

[0157] The lower surface of the platen gear opposing wall 361 is offset upward (ie, recessed) compared to the other lower surfaces of the second frame body 36A. Therefore, when the platen gear 105 moves upward due to the thrust load, interference between the platen gear 105 and the second frame body 36A is avoided.

[0158] like Fig.12 As shown, the second frame portion 36 has a fourth confirmation window 36D. The fourth confirmation window 36D is arranged in a portion of the second frame body 36A that constitutes the left outer surface 61. The fourth confirmation window 36D is provided at a position overlapping with the first roller 17A in the left-right direction. The presence of the first roller 17A can be confirmed through the fourth confirmation window 36D.

[0159] like Fig.13 As shown, the second cover portion 37 includes a second cover body 37A and a remaining amount confirmation window 37B. The second cover body 37A constitutes the upper outer surface 65 of the main housing 31. The remaining amount confirmation window 37B is provided at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction. The remaining amount of the printing tape roll 11 can be confirmed through the remaining amount confirmation window 37B.

[0160] The remaining amount confirmation window 37B allows confirmation of the presence and color of the first supply bobbin 12. By confirming the color of the first supply bobbin 12, the manufacturer and manufacturing location of the printing tape roll 11 can be traced after the printing cassette 10 is assembled.

[0161] In addition, a label 38 printed with box information and the like is attached to the rear of the second cover 37. Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the label 38 is affixed across the upper outer surface 65 and the rear outer surface 64 of the main housing 31.

[0162] <Printing Belt Conveyor Path>

[0163] like Fig.14A , 14B As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the first inclined guide 51 and the second inclined guide 53 constitute a conveyance path for conveying the printing tape 11A from the second housing 33 to the first housing 32 .

[0164] That is, the main case 31 has a conveyance path that faces the head opening 41 at a position different from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction and conveys the printing tape 11A from the printing tape roll 11 .

[0165] Specifically, if Fig.14A As shown, the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is conveyed downward and rearward by contacting the second inclined guide 53 from the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11 .

[0166] like Fig. 14B As shown, the printing tape 11A after passing through the second inclined guide 53 is conveyed to the lower left toward the first inclined guide 51. The printing tape 11A is laid on the second inclined guide 53 and the first inclined guide 51 in this order. The twist applied to the printing tape 11A by the second inclined guide 53 is eliminated by the first inclined guide 51.

[0167] The printing tape 11A does not contact the main housing 31 between the second inclined guide 53 and the first inclined guide 51. That is, the main housing 31 does not have another guide portion disposed between the second inclined guide 53 and the first inclined guide 51 in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A. In addition, the inner wall of the main housing 31 between the second inclined guide 53 and the first inclined guide 51 (that is, the wall opposite to the outer wall constituting the outer surface of the main housing 31) is located in front of the printing tape 11A.

[0168] like Fig. 14C As shown, the printing tape 11A reaching the first inclined guide 51 is conveyed forward by contacting the first inclined guide 51 from the radially outer side of the ink ribbon roll 14. The printing tape 11A passing through the first inclined guide 51 passes through the reading window 47 while contacting the reflection wall 52.

[0169] like Fig.14DAs shown in FIG. 1 , the printing tape 11A, after passing through the first inclined guide 51 , is guided by the second roller 17C and conveyed toward the right. Then, the printing tape 11A passes through the head opening 41 and is discharged from the discharge port 42 .

[0170] <Low friction contact surface>

[0171] The reflection wall 52 has a first low-friction contact surface that contacts the printing surface of the printing tape 11A (that is, the surface overlapping the ink ribbon 14A in the head opening 41 ) in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A.

[0172] The first inclined guide 51 has a second low-friction contact surface that contacts the printing surface of the printing tape 11A in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A. The second low-friction contact surface is provided on the curved surface of the first inclined guide 51 .

[0173] The second inclined guide 53 has a third low-friction contact surface that contacts the printing surface of the printing tape 11A in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A. The third low-friction contact surface is provided on the curved surface of the second inclined guide 53 .

[0174] The roughness of the first low-friction contact surface is greater than the roughness of at least a portion of the contact surface with the printing belt 11A in the upstream and downstream regions of the first low-friction contact surface in the conveying path. The roughness of the second low-friction contact surface is greater than the roughness of at least a portion of the contact surface with the printing belt 11A in the upstream and downstream regions of the second low-friction contact surface in the conveying path. The roughness of the third low-friction contact surface is greater than the roughness of at least a portion of the contact surface with the printing belt 11A in the upstream and downstream regions of the third low-friction contact surface in the conveying path.

[0175] That is, in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A, a region having a roughness smaller than that of each of the first low-friction contact surface, the second low-friction contact surface, and the third low-friction contact surface exists upstream or downstream of each contact surface.

[0176] Specifically, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the first low friction contact surface, the second low friction contact surface, and the third low friction contact surface is 3 μm or more and 20 μm or less. By setting the arithmetic mean roughness Ra to such a range, the friction resistance can be reduced while maintaining the guide function.

[0177] The first low-friction contact surface, the second low-friction contact surface, and the third low-friction contact surface each have a concave-convex shape that contacts the printing tape 11A. Examples of the concave-convex shape include Fig.15A The multiple indentations shown, Fig. 15B The hairline pattern shown, Fig. 15C The multiple points shown, Fig.15D The skin pattern shown, Fig.15E and Fig.15F Multiple slots shown, etc.

[0178] The first low-friction contact surface, the second low-friction contact surface and the third low-friction contact surface may also be composed of a resin having a smaller friction coefficient than the resin constituting the main shell 31 other than the low-friction contact surfaces (i.e., the first frame body 35A and the second frame body 36A), instead of having concave-convex shapes respectively, or in combination with the concave-convex shapes.

[0179] Specifically, the first frame body 35A and the second frame body 36A may be made of ABS resin, and the reflection wall 52 , the first inclined guide 51 , and the second inclined guide 53 may be made of POM (polyacetal) resin or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin.

[0180] The first low-friction contact surface, the second low-friction contact surface, and the third low-friction contact surface may be respectively formed of a coating material. The coating material is a surface layer of a film adhered to the inner surface of the conveying path (i.e., the surface of the substrate of each of the reflection wall 52, the first inclined guide 51, and the second inclined guide 53). The film has an adhesive layer and a surface layer formed of a coating material.

[0181] In addition, the low-friction contact surface may not be provided on one of the first inclined guide 51 and the second inclined guide 53. In this case, the inclined guide without the low-friction contact surface is integrated with the first frame body 35A or the second frame body 36A, and is preferably made of ABS resin. That is, the inclined guide with the low-friction contact surface is made of a different material from the inclined guide without the low-friction contact surface.

[0182] <Appearance of the main housing>

[0183] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the main housing 31 has a left outer surface 61 , a right outer surface 62 , a front outer surface 63 , a rear outer surface 64 , an upper outer surface 65 and a lower outer surface 66 .

[0184] The left outer surface 61 and the right outer surface 62 are parallel to the vertical direction and constitute the outermost surface in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the left outer surface 61 and the right outer surface 62 are orthogonal to the horizontal direction. The left outer surface 61 and the right outer surface 62 are arranged between the upper outer surface 65 and the lower outer surface 66 in the vertical direction, and sandwich the axis of the printing tape roll 11 in the horizontal direction.

[0185] The front outer surface 63 and the rear outer surface 64 are parallel to the up-down direction and constitute the outermost surface in the front-back direction. Specifically, the front outer surface 63 and the rear outer surface 64 are orthogonal to the front-back direction. The front outer surface 63 and the rear outer surface 64 are arranged between the upper outer surface 65 and the lower outer surface 66 in the up-down direction and sandwich the axis of the printing tape roll 11 in the front-back direction.

[0186] The upper outer surface 65 and the lower outer surface 66 intersect the vertical direction and constitute the outermost surface in the vertical direction. Specifically, the upper outer surface 65 and the lower outer surface 66 are orthogonal to the vertical direction. The upper outer surface 65 and the lower outer surface 66 sandwich the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0187] The upper outer surface 65 overlaps the entire head opening 41 and the entire printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction. Fig.12 As shown, the upper outer surface 65 is rectangular in shape and has a first side 65A, a second side 65B, a third side 65C and a fourth side 65D.

[0188] The first side 65A constitutes the right end of the upper outer surface 65. The first concave portion 43A is provided on the first side 65A. The second side 65B is opposite to the first side 65A and constitutes the left end of the upper outer surface 65. The third side 65C is orthogonal to the first side 65A and the second side 65B and constitutes the front end of the upper outer surface 65. The fourth side 65D is opposite to the third side 65C and constitutes the rear end of the upper outer surface 65.

[0189] like Fig.16 As shown, the lower outer surface 66 has a cutout 34D that divides a portion of the head opening 41. The lower outer surface 66 is in the shape of a rectangular corner cutout. The lower outer surface 66 has a fifth side 66A, a sixth side 66B, a seventh side 66C, and an eighth side 66D.

[0190] The fifth side 66A constitutes the right end of the lower outer surface 66. The second recess 43B is provided on the fifth side 66A. The sixth side 66B is opposite to the fifth side 66A and constitutes the left end of the lower outer surface 66. The seventh side 66C is orthogonal to the fifth side 66A and the sixth side 66B and constitutes the front end of the lower outer surface 66. The notch 34D is provided on the seventh side 66C. The eighth side 66D is opposite to the seventh side 66C and constitutes the rear end of the lower outer surface 66.

[0191] The cutout 34D constitutes the lower end of the head opening 41. The cutout 34D extends from the seventh side 66C toward the eighth side 66D, and extends from the sixth side 66B toward the fifth side 66A in a region of the lower outer surface 66 that is on the inner side than the seventh side 66C. In other words, the cutout 34D extends from the front outer surface 63 toward the rear outer surface 64, and extends from the left outer surface 61 toward the right outer surface 62 in a region of the lower outer surface 66 that is on the inner side than the front outer surface 63.

[0192] The right outer surface 62 connects the first side 65A of the upper outer surface 65 and the fifth side 66A of the lower outer surface 66 in the vertical direction. The left outer surface 61 connects the second side 65B of the upper outer surface 65 and the sixth side 66B of the lower outer surface 66 in the vertical direction. The front outer surface 63 connects the third side 65C of the upper outer surface 65 and the seventh side 66C of the lower outer surface 66 in the vertical direction. The rear outer surface 64 connects the fourth side 65D of the upper outer surface 65 and the eighth side 66D of the lower outer surface 66 in the vertical direction.

[0193] like Fig.11 As shown, the wall constituting the left outer surface 61 of the second frame body 36A faces the pull-out portion 11E of the printing tape 11A in the printing tape roll 11 (ie, the tape outlet 36C).

[0194] like Fig.17 As shown, the main housing 31 has a first recess 43A, a second recess 43B and a third recess 43C.

[0195] The first recess 43A is recessed in the left direction from the periphery of the upper outer surface 65. The second recess 43B is recessed in the left direction from the periphery of the lower outer surface 66. The third recess 43C extends from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the right outer surface 62 and is recessed in the left direction. The first recess 43A, the second recess 43B, and the third recess 43C are arranged separately from the head opening 41.

[0196] In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first recessed portion 43A overlaps with at least a portion of the second recessed portion 43B. In addition, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first recessed portion 43A and at least a portion of the second recessed portion 43B overlap with at least a portion of the third recessed portion 43C. Specifically, the entire first recessed portion 43A overlaps with the entire second recessed portion 43B and the entire third recessed portion 43C in the vertical direction.

[0197] The first concave portion 43A and the second concave portion 43B are divided by a curved line. Fig.13 As shown, the first recessed portion 43A is included in a central region A2 among three regions A1 , A2 , and A3 that divide the upper outer surface 65 into three equal parts along the front-rear direction.

[0198] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third recess 43C is a groove extending in the up-down direction. The width and depth of the third recess 43C are constant in the up-down direction. The third recess 43C is formed by a curved surface.

[0199] like Fig. 9As shown, the third recessed portion 43C overlaps with a portion of the printing tape 11A downstream in the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A than the portion in contact with the first inclined guide 51 and the reflecting wall 52 in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A. In addition, the third recessed portion 43C overlaps with a portion of the printing tape 11A upstream in the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A than the portion of the printing tape 11A where the first engaging portion 35B and the printing tape 11A overlap in the thickness direction.

[0200] At least a portion of the third recess 43C (specifically, the bottom of the third recess 43C) is located on the inner side of the main shell 31 compared to the inner surface of the wall constituting the right outer surface 62 in the first frame body 35A in a direction orthogonal to the right outer surface 62 (i.e., the left-right direction).

[0201] like Fig.11 As shown, the third recess 43C is divided by a wall in the second frame body 36A that is integrated with the reel frame wall 36B. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the convex portion 101A of the cartridge storage portion 101 is inserted into the second concave portion 43B and the third concave portion 43C in the up-down direction.

[0202] like Fig.17 As shown, the main housing 31 has a reading window 47 and a connection opening 48 which are arranged side by side in the up-down direction on the right outer surface 62 .

[0203] The reading window 47 faces the tape reading sensor 108 of the printing device body 100 when the main housing 31 is inserted into the cassette storage portion 101. The reading window 47 overlaps with a portion of the printing tape 11A that is upstream of the portion of the printing tape 11A that overlaps with the third recess 43C in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A in the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A. That is, the reading window 47 is arranged behind the third recess 43C in the right outer surface 62.

[0204] The reading window 47 faces the reflection wall 52 and the first inclined guide 51 respectively across the printing tape 11A. The reading window 47 allows light emitted from the tape reading sensor 108 and light reflected in the main casing 31 to pass therethrough.

[0205] When a plurality of printing cartridges 10 are connected in the left-right direction, the second engaging portion 35C of the adjacent printing cartridges 10 is inserted into the connection opening 48. The connection opening 48 is arranged above the reading window 47. The reading window 47 and the connection opening 48 are divided by the rib 47A. The strength of the main housing 31 at the right outer surface 62 is improved by the rib 47A.

[0206] like Figure 5As shown, the main housing 31 is disposed on the front outer surface 63 and has a detected portion 45 indicating cartridge identification information. The detected portion 45 enables the detection portion 106 of the printing device main body 100 to detect the cartridge identification information. The detected portion 45 has a hole, a recess, or a cutout provided in the first frame portion 35 (specifically, the arm portion 44).

[0207] The detection unit 106 detects the cassette identification information by contact reading of the three-dimensional mark formed by the hole, recess or cutout of the detected unit 45. The detected unit 45 has a first region that presses the protrusion 106B of the detection unit 106 and a second region that does not press.

[0208] The first region is formed by the outer wall of the main housing 31 and presses the protrusion 106B forward. The second region is provided with a hole. In the second region, the protrusion 106B passes through the hole and enters the main housing 31 without contacting the detected portion 45.

[0209] The detected portion 45 is arranged at a position overlapping the head opening 41 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (ie, the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11). That is, the detected portion 45 is arranged at a position different from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0210] like Fig.16 As shown, the geometrical center of gravity G of the detected part 45 (refer to Figure 5 ) in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A, the portion of the printing tape 11A that overlaps with the rotation axis L2 of the second supply drum 15 (i.e., the axis of the ink ribbon roll 14) in the front-rear direction overlaps with the portion upstream in the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A. The geometrical center of gravity G of the detected portion 45 is the center of gravity of the region where the hole, recess, or cutout is formed.

[0211] Furthermore, the geometrical center of gravity G of the detected portion 45 overlaps in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A with a portion of the printing tape 11A that overlaps in the thickness direction of the printing tape 11A with the right end portion of the heat sink 103, which is closer to the upstream side in the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A. Specifically, the geometrical center of gravity G of the detected portion 45 is located to the right of the rotation axis L2 of the second supply reel 15 and the heat sink 103.

[0212] Thus, when the detector 106 is pressed against the detected portion 45, deformation of the arm 44 and positional displacement between the detector 106 and the detected portion 45 can be suppressed. As a result, erroneous detection and malfunction in the detector 106 are suppressed.

[0213] like Figure 5As shown, the main housing 31 has a recessed portion 49 disposed on the front outer surface 63. The recessed portion 49 can accommodate the auxiliary rib 106F of the detection portion 106. The recessed portion 49 is disposed between the geometrical center of gravity G of the detection portion 45 and the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0214] The main housing 31 has a receiving portion 46 disposed on the left outer surface 61. The receiving portion 46 is a portion that is recessed so as to be able to receive the cutter 110 of the printing device main body 100. The receiving portion 46 is disposed behind the discharge port 42. Figure 2A As shown, a portion of the cutter 110 is disposed in the housing portion 46 .

[0215] like Fig.12 As shown, the main housing 31 has an auxiliary recess 71 provided at the left rear corner. The auxiliary recess 71 is provided in the second cover body 37A. The auxiliary recess 71, together with the first recess 43A, the second recess 43B and the third recess 43C, constitutes a gripping portion that can be hooked with fingers when removing the printing cartridge 10 from the printing device body 100.

[0216] like Figure 5 As shown, the main housing 31 has a plurality of reduced glue portions 72 extending in the vertical direction. The reduced glue portions 72 are slits provided on the left outer surface 61 or the front outer surface 63. The plurality of reduced glue portions 72 also constitute a gripping portion that can be hooked with fingers when removing the printing cartridge 10 from the printing device body 100.

[0217] <Main Shell Forming>

[0218] The first cover portion 34 , the first frame portion 35 , the second frame portion 36 , and the second cover portion 37 are formed by injection molding.

[0219] The first cover portion 34 is formed in such a manner that the inner side (i.e., the upper side) contacts the core of the mold and the outer side (i.e., the lower side) contacts the cavity of the mold. The second cover portion 37 is formed in such a manner that the inner side (i.e., the lower side) contacts the core of the mold and the outer side (i.e., the upper side) contacts the cavity of the mold.

[0220] The first frame portion 35 is molded such that the side (ie, the lower side) provided with the first inclined guide 51 contacts the core of the mold and the side (ie, the upper side) opposite to the first inclined guide 51 contacts the cavity of the mold.

[0221] The second frame portion 36 is molded such that the side (ie, the upper side) provided with the second inclined guide 53 contacts the core of the mold and the side (ie, the lower side) opposite to the second inclined guide 53 contacts the cavity of the mold.

[0222] Therefore, the first cover 34 and the first frame 35 are connected, and the second frame 36 and the second cover 37 are connected, and the sides in contact with the core are connected. In addition, the first frame 35 and the second frame 36 are connected, and the sides in contact with the cavity are connected.

[0223] The first roller 17A and the second roller 17C are respectively arranged in the region in contact with the core in the main housing 31. Therefore, the draft angles of the shafts of the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C are reduced, and the positional accuracy of the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C is improved.

[0224] <Tape conveyance and printing by printing device body>

[0225] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus main body 100 , the print head 102 is arranged in the head opening 41 at a position overlapping the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-rear direction.

[0226] The printing tape 11A is conveyed to the head opening 41 by the platen roller 104, and is pressed against the printing head 102 whose heating element generates heat via the ink ribbon 14A by the platen roller 104. 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.

[0227] The platen roller 104 conveys the printed printing tape 11A from the inside of the printing cartridge 10 to the outside through the discharge port 42. The platen roller 104 is rotated by a platen gear 105 engaged with the output gear 21. The platen roller 104 can swing between a position separated from the printing cartridge 10 and a position where the platen gear 105 engages with the output gear 21 via a roller holder 107.

[0228] When the main casing 31 of the printing cartridge 10 is inserted into the cartridge housing 101 , the drive shaft 109 is engaged with the input gear 22 , and the platen gear 105 is engaged with the output gear 21 .

[0229] Specifically, with the drive shaft 109 inserted into the take-up drum 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cassette 10 , the platen roller 104 swings toward the head opening 41 of the printing cassette 10 , and the platen gear 105 engages with the output gear 21 .

[0230] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted, the input gear 22 rotates via the drive shaft 109, and the output gear 21 rotates via the idle gear 23. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 rotates the platen gear 105, and thus the platen roller 104 rotates.

[0231] <Modification of First Embodiment>

[0232] like Fig.18As shown, the third recess 43C may also include a hole disposed on the right outer surface 62. Fig.18 In the embodiment, the third recessed portion 43C is entirely constituted by a hole.

[0233] [1-2. Effect]

[0234] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0235] (1a) By using the difference between the color of the reflective wall 52 and the color of the non-transparent portion 11D of the printing tape 11A, the terminal end 11B of the printing tape 11A can be detected by incident light from outside the printing cartridge 10. As a result, a space for arranging a sensor in the main housing 31 of the printing cartridge 10 is not required, so the printing cartridge 10 can be miniaturized.

[0236] (1b) The friction resistance between the printing tape 11A and the conveyance path can be reduced by the first low-friction contact surface of the reflection wall 52. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions during the conveyance of the printing tape 11A.

[0237] [2. Other embodiments]

[0238] 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.

[0239] (2a) The printing device of the above embodiment is not limited to a device 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.

[0240] (2b) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the printing tape roll and the ink ribbon roll do not need to be wound around the reel. That is, the printing tape roll and the ink ribbon roll do not need to have a core.

[0241] (2c) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the reflecting wall, the first inclined guide, and the second inclined guide may be provided in a conveyance path of a tape (for example, an ink ribbon) other than the printing tape.

[0242] (2d) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism may be disposed above the printing tape roll or below the printing tape conveyance path. In addition, the printing cassette does not necessarily need to include the drive transmission mechanism.

[0243] (2e) The function of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be dispersed as 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 respect to 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 patent claim are embodiments of the present invention.

[0244] Explanation of symbols

[0245] 1 ... printing device, 10 ... printing box, 11 ... printing tape roll,

[0246] 11A...Printing ribbon, 14...Ink ribbon roll, 14A...Ink ribbon,

[0247] 21... output gear, 31... main housing, 41... head opening, 42... discharge port,

[0248] 43A...the first concave part, 43B...the second convex part, 43C...the third convex part, 44...the arm part,

[0249] 45 ... detected portion, 46 ... storage portion, 47 ... reading window, 51 ... first inclined guide,

[0250] 52 ...reflecting wall, 53 ...second inclined guide member, 61 ...left outer surface, 62 ...right outer surface, 63 ...front outer surface,

[0251] 64 ... rear outer surface, 65 ... upper outer surface, 66 ... lower outer surface, 100 ... printing device body,

[0252] 101 ... a cartridge storage portion, 101A ... a convex portion, 102 ... a printing head,

[0253] 103 ... heat sink, 104 ... paper pressing roller, 106 ... detection unit,

[0254] 107 ... roller holder, 108 ... belt reading sensor, 110 ... cutter.

Claims

1. A printing box, characterized in that: have: a printing tape roll on which a printing tape is wound; and a housing for housing the printing tape roll; The printing tape has a terminal portion, and the terminal portion has at least one transparent portion and one non-transparent portion arranged in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape. The housing has: a conveying path for conveying the printing tape drawn out from the printing tape roll toward a printing position; as well as a reflecting wall disposed in the conveying path and reflecting light that enters the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing and passes through the transparent portion so as to pass through the transparent portion again and be emitted to the exterior of the housing, A reflective region of the surface of the reflective wall that is opposite to the transparent portion has a color different from that of the non-transparent portion.

2. The printing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the terminal portion, the transparent portion and the non-transparent portion are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape.

3. The printing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reflecting wall is in contact with the printing belt.

4. The printing box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reflection wall has a first low-friction contact surface having a concavo-convex shape that contacts the printing tape.

5. The printing box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first low-friction contact surface is composed of a coating material.

6. The printing box according to claim 5, characterized in that: The coating material is a surface layer of a film adhered to the inner surface of the conveying path.

7. The printing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The color of the non-transparent part is black, The color of the reflective area is white.

8. The printing box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The color of an upstream region or a downstream region of the reflecting wall in the conveying path is black.

9. The printing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The printing position is a position different from the printing tape roll in a first direction parallel to the axial center of the printing tape roll.

10. The printing box according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reflection wall overlaps the printing position in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

11. The printing box according to claim 10, characterized in that: The housing has a housing body including the conveying path. The reflecting wall is attachable to and detachable from the casing body.

12. The printing box according to claim 11, characterized in that: The reflecting wall is inserted into the housing body along the first direction.

13. The printing box according to claim 11, characterized in that: The housing has a guide which is arranged at a position overlapping the printing position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and changes the conveying direction of the printing tape to a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The reflection wall is disposed adjacent to the guide at a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing tape.

14. The printing box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The reflecting wall is disposed in a region of the conveyance path where the printing tape is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The printing box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The reflecting wall is attachable to and detachable from the housing body together with the guide in a state of being integrated with the guide.

16. The printing box according to claim 13, characterized in that: The guide has a second low-friction contact surface having a concavo-convex shape that contacts the printing tape.

17. The printing box according to claim 16, characterized in that: The second low-friction contact surface is composed of a coating material.

18. The printing box according to claim 17, characterized in that: The coating material is a surface layer of a film adhered to the inner surface of the conveying path.

19. The printing box according to claim 16, characterized in that: The material of the shell body is ABS resin. The guide member is made of POM resin or PBT resin.

20. The printing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing has: a first outer surface, the first outer surface being parallel to a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the axis of the printing tape roll; and A window is disposed on the first outer surface and faces the reflective wall via the printing tape.

21. The printing box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The window faces a tape reading sensor of a printing device main body into which the housing is inserted.

22. The printing box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The housing has: a second outer surface, the second outer surface being parallel to the first direction and intersecting the first outer surface; as well as The detected portion is disposed on the second outer surface and causes the printing device main body into which the housing is inserted to detect the cartridge identification information.

23. The printing box according to claim 22, characterized in that: The detected portion is arranged at a position overlapping the printing position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

24. The printing box according to claim 22, characterized in that: The device further includes an output gear that outputs a driving force to the outside and is disposed closer to the printing tape roll than to the detection portion in the first direction.

25. The printing box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The shell has a third outer surface, which together with the first outer surface constitutes the outermost surface of the shell in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The wall constituting the third outer surface faces a portion of the printing tape roll from which the printing tape is pulled out.

26. The printing box according to claim 20, characterized in that: The housing has: a third outer surface, which together with the first outer surface constitutes an outermost surface of the housing in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; as well as The housing recess is arranged on the third outer surface and houses the cutter of the printing device main body into which the housing is inserted.

27. The printing box according to claim 9, characterized in that: The printing tape is further provided with an ink ribbon roll on which an ink ribbon for printing is wound. The ink ribbon roll is accommodated in the housing, and is arranged at a position overlapping the printing position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

28. The printing box according to claim 27, characterized in that: The device further comprises an output gear which outputs a driving force to the outside and is arranged between the printing tape roll and the ink ribbon roll in the first direction. The output gear has helical teeth.

29. The printing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing has an opening at the printing position into which a print head of a printing device main body into which the housing is inserted is inserted.

30. A printing device, characterized in that: have: a cassette storage portion into which a printing cassette is inserted, the printing cassette comprising a printing tape roll on which a printing tape is wound and a housing for accommodating the printing tape roll; as well as a tape reading sensor for detecting an end of the printing tape, The printing tape has a terminal portion, and the terminal portion has at least one transparent portion and one non-transparent portion arranged in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape. The housing has: a conveying path for conveying the printing tape drawn out from the printing tape roll toward a printing position; as well as a reflecting wall disposed in the conveying path and reflecting light from the tape reading sensor to the inside of the housing and passing through the transparent portion so as to pass through the transparent portion again and be emitted to the tape reading sensor, A reflective region of the surface of the reflective wall that is opposite to the transparent portion has a color different from that of the non-transparent portion.

Images