Printing apparatus and printing tape cartridge

Abstract

Provided are a printing apparatus and a printing tape cartridge capable of suppressing damage to a gear for outputting a driving force to the outside of the tape cartridge. The printing apparatus includes: a printing apparatus body; and a printing tape cartridge attachable to and detachable from the printing apparatus body. The tape cartridge for printing includes: a tape roll of a first tape; a supply shaft capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a second tape wound on the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; and an output gear for outputting the driving force to the outside. The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape coil are arranged in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape coil in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 202080068273.3, the application date of September 15, 2020, and the invention title of "Printing Device and Ink Ribbon Cartridge for Printing". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a printing device and an ink ribbon cartridge for printing. Background Art

[0003] In a device for processing a ribbon such as printing, the ribbon is replaced and supplied by mounting a ribbon cartridge containing the ribbon on a main body and removing it from the main body. There is known a ribbon cartridge used in such a device, in which a gear is provided on a shaft around which the ribbon is wound (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-141479 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the above-described ribbon cartridge, the gear is disposed near a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft. Therefore, when the ribbon cartridge drops and the above-mentioned plane collides with the ground or the like, the gear is liable to be damaged.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a printing device and an ink ribbon cartridge for printing, which can suppress damage to a gear for outputting a driving force to the outside of the ribbon cartridge.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a printing device including: a printing device main body; and an ink ribbon cartridge for printing, which can be mounted on the printing device main body and removed from the printing device main body. The ink ribbon cartridge for printing includes: a ribbon roll of a first ribbon; a supply shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; a second ribbon wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first ribbon; an output gear for outputting a driving force to the outside; an input shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; and an input gear directly or indirectly engaged with the output gear for transmitting the driving force to the output gear.

[0008] The rotation axis of the input gear and the rotation axis of the input shaft are arranged on the same line, and the input shaft, the input gear, and the ribbon roll are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft. The supply shaft, the output gear, and the ribbon roll are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft.

[0009] The printing device body includes: a print head for printing the first tape; a pressure roller for conveying the first tape; a pressure gear connected to the pressure roller and cooperating with the output gear; and a drive shaft inserted into the input shaft and cooperating with the input gear for rotating the input shaft and the input gear.

[0010] In a state where the printing tape cassette is mounted on the printing device body, the drive shaft cooperates with the input gear and the pressure gear cooperates with the output gear. The drive shaft rotates the input gear so that the output gear rotates, and the pressure gear rotates by the rotation of the output gear, and the pressure roller rotates by the rotation of the pressure gear.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing tape cassette, including: a tape roll of the first tape; a supply shaft capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a second tape wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; and an output gear for outputting a driving force to the outside. The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing tape cassette that can be mounted on and removed from a printing device body, including: a tape roll of the first tape; a supply shaft capable of rotating around a rotation axis; a second tape wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; an output gear for outputting a driving force to the outside; an input shaft capable of rotating around a rotation axis; and an input gear directly or indirectly cooperating with the output gear for transmitting a driving force to the output gear.

[0013] The rotation axis of the input gear and the rotation axis of the input shaft are arranged on the same line. The input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft in the order of the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll. The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll.

[0014] The printing device body includes: a print head for printing the first tape; a pressure roller for conveying the first tape; a pressure gear connected to the pressure roller and cooperating with the output gear; and a drive shaft inserted into the input shaft and cooperating with the input gear for rotating the input shaft and the input gear.

[0015] In a state where it is installed in the printing device main body, the drive shaft is engaged with the input gear and the platen gear is engaged with the output gear. The drive shaft rotates the input gear, thereby rotating the output gear. The platen gear rotates by the rotation of the output gear, and the platen roller rotates by the rotation of the platen gear.

[0016] According to the above structure, the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the output gear when the printing tape cassette drops and the surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft collides with the ground or the like.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a printing tape cassette, including: a tape roll of a first tape; an output gear capable of rotating around a rotation axis for outputting a driving force to the outside; and a housing, at least a part of the tape roll and at least a part of the output gear are arranged inside the housing, and the housing has an outlet for discharging the first tape pulled out from the tape roll. The outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the output gear in the order of the outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll.

[0018] According to the above structure, since the outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the output gear in the order of the outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll, it is possible to suppress damage to the output gear when the printing tape cassette drops and the surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft collides with the ground or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C are schematic perspective views showing a state in which the printing tape cassette is removed from the printing device main body in a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C are Figure 1A schematic perspective views of the printing tape cassette in the printing device.

[0021] Figure 3 are Figure 2A schematic exploded perspective views of the printing tape cassette.

[0022] Figure 4 are Figure 2C schematic cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV of

[0023] Figure 5 schematic perspective views showing Figure 2CThe state in which the first lid portion of the ribbon cassette for printing is removed.

[0024] Figure 6 is an illustration Figure 2A of the paths of the first ribbon and the ink ribbon in the ribbon cassette for printing.

[0025] Figure 7A is Figure 2C a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA of Figure 7B is Figure 2C a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB of Figure 7C is Figure 2C a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIC-VIIC of Figure 7D is Figure 2C a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIID-VIID of

[0026] Figure 8 is Figure 1A a schematic top view of the printing device main body in the printing device of

[0027] Figure 9 is a diagram showing Figure 1A the mating state of the output gear and the platen gear in the printing device of

[0028] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are schematic perspective views showing the state in which the ribbon cassette for printing is removed from the printing device main body in a printing device of an embodiment different from Figure 1A

[0029] Figure 11 is Figure 10A a schematic exploded perspective view of the ribbon cassette for printing in the printing device of

[0030] Figure 12 is Figure 10A a schematic top view of the Figure 10A printing device main body in the printing device of

[0031] Figure 13 is a diagram showing Figure 10A the mating state of the output gear and the platen gear in the printing device of Detailed Description of the Invention

[0032] [1. First Embodiment]

[0033] [1-1. Structure]

[0034] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C ​The printing device 1 shown includes a printing tape cassette 10 and a printing device main body 100. The printing device 1 is a device that prints on a strip-shaped printing medium.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the output gear 18 is the up-down direction. Among the directions perpendicular to the up-down direction, the direction in which the output gear 18 and the input shaft 16 are arranged is the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-back direction is the left-right direction.

[0036] <Printing device main body>

[0037] As Figure 1B shown, the printing device main body 100 includes a tape cassette insertion portion 101, a print head 102, a platen roller 103, a platen gear 104, and a drive shaft 105.

[0038] (Tape cassette insertion portion)

[0039] The tape cassette insertion portion 101 is a recess for mounting the printing tape cassette 10. The tape cassette insertion portion 101 has a function of positioning the printing tape cassette 10.

[0040] (Print head)

[0041] The print head 102 is disposed inside the tape cassette insertion portion 101. The print head 102 has a plurality of heating elements capable of controlling heat generation respectively.

[0042] (Platen roller)

[0043] The rotation axis L1 of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the up-down direction. The platen roller 103 is disposed near the print head 102 inside the tape cassette insertion portion 101. The platen roller 103 can swing in a direction approaching or departing from the print head 102.

[0044] (Platen gear)

[0045] The platen gear 104 is connected to the platen roller 103. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis L2 of the platen gear 104 and the rotation axis L1 of the platen roller 103 are arranged on the same line. The platen gear 104 can swing together with the platen roller 103.

[0046] (Drive shaft)

[0047] The drive shaft 105 is inserted into the input shaft 16. The drive shaft 105 rotates the input shaft 16.

[0048] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the tape cassette insertion portion 101. The rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the up-down direction. The drive shaft 105 rotates about the rotation axis L3 by a drive source (for example, a motor) not shown in the figure.

[0049] <Printing tape cassette>

[0050] The printing ribbon cassette 10 accommodates the printing medium. The printing ribbon cassette 10 can be installed on the printing device main body 100 and removed from the printing device main body 100. By replacing the printing ribbon cassette 10, it is possible to replenish the printing medium and change the type of the printing medium (for example, color, material, etc.).

[0051] As Figure 2A 、 2B and shown in 2C, the printing ribbon cassette 10 includes a housing 35 for accommodating the first ribbon 11A, the ink ribbon (an example of the second ribbon) 14A, etc. The outer shape of the printing ribbon cassette 10 (i.e., the shape of the housing 35) is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, having sides parallel to the up-down direction, sides parallel to the front-back direction, and sides parallel to the left-right direction. The housing 35 has a first lid portion 31, a first frame portion 32, a second frame portion 33, and a second lid portion 34.

[0052] As Figure 3 shown, the printing ribbon cassette 10 includes a first ribbon roll 11, a first supply shaft 12, spacers 13A and 13B, a second ribbon roll 14, a second supply shaft 15, an input shaft 16, a clutch spring holding portion 17, an output gear 18, an input gear 19, and an idler gear 20.

[0053] (First Ribbon Roll)

[0054] The first ribbon roll 11 winds the first ribbon 11A to be printed around the first supply shaft 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the first ribbon 11A by the print head 102 of the printing device main body 100 and the ink ribbon 14A.

[0055] On the outer sides in the up-down direction of the first ribbon roll 11, two spacers 13A and 13B are arranged, sandwiching the first ribbon roll 11 therebetween. The spacers 13A and 13B are arranged between the first ribbon roll 11 and the first lid portion 31, and between the first ribbon roll 11 and the first frame portion 32.

[0056] (First Supply Shaft)

[0057] The first supply shaft 12 can rotate around the rotation axis L4. The first supply shaft 12 rotates as the platen roller 103 of the printing device main body 100 conveys the first ribbon 11A, thereby supplying the first ribbon 11A to the print head 102.

[0058] (Second Ribbon Roll)

[0059] The second ribbon roll 14 winds the ink ribbon 14A for printing on the first ribbon 11A around the second supply shaft 15.

[0060] The ink ribbon 14A overlaps with the first ribbon 11A at the print head opening 33B for printing by the print head 102. The used ink ribbon 14A is wound up by the input shaft 16. In addition, a clutch spring held by the clutch spring holding portion 17 applies a rotational resistance to the second ribbon roll 14. At least a part of the second ribbon roll 14 is disposed at a position overlapping the first ribbon roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0061] (Second supply shaft)

[0062] The second supply shaft 15 is rotatable about the rotation axis L5. The rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 is parallel to the rotation axis L4 of the first supply shaft 12, that is, parallel to the vertical direction.

[0063] The second supply shaft 15 supplies the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102 by rotating as the input shaft 16 winds up the ink ribbon 14A.

[0064] (Input shaft)

[0065] The input shaft 16 is rotatable about the rotation axis L6. The rotation axis L6 of the input shaft 16 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15.

[0066] The input shaft 16 has a cylindrical shape and has a hollow portion defined by the inner peripheral surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner peripheral surface 16A of the input shaft 16. The drive shaft 105 of the printing device main body 100 is connected to the spline teeth 16B. The input shaft 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 105.

[0067] (Output gear)

[0068] The output gear 18 is a gear that outputs the driving force for conveying the first ribbon 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 18 outputs the driving force to the platen gear 104 of the printing device main body 100.

[0069] The output gear 18 is a single-stage gear and has a first side surface and a second side surface perpendicular to the rotation axis L7. The rotation axis L7 of the output gear 18 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15. In addition, in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 (that is, the vertical direction), the first side surface is disposed closer to the first ribbon roll 11 than the second side surface. The entire area of the first side surface overlaps the cover portion 32B in the vertical direction.

[0070] A part of the output gear 18 is exposed at the print head opening 33B. The output gear 18 engages with the platen gear 104 at the print head opening 33B in a state where the printing ribbon cassette 10 is mounted on the printing device main body 100.

[0071] As Figure 4As shown, the second supply shaft 15, the output gear 18, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in this order in the vertical direction, i.e., the output gear 18 is located between the second supply shaft 15 and the first tape reel 11 in the vertical direction.

[0072] (Input gear)

[0073] As Figure 3 shown, the input gear 19 is indirectly engaged with the output gear 18 via an idler gear 20 and transmits the driving force to the output gear 18.

[0074] The input gear 19 has a gear 19A and a cylindrical shaft 19B. The shaft 19B is fixed to one side surface of the gear 19A, and the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 19B has spline teeth. The gear 19A rotates integrally with the shaft 19B by the driving force input to the shaft 19B.

[0075] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 (i.e., the rotation axes of the gear 19A and the shaft 19B) is arranged on the same line as the rotation axis L6 of the input shaft 16. As Figure 4 shown, the input shaft 16, the input gear 19, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in this order in the vertical direction.

[0076] That is, the input gear 19 is located between the input shaft 16 and the first tape reel 11 in the vertical direction. In addition, at least a part of the input gear 19 is arranged at a position overlapping the first tape reel 11 in the vertical direction.

[0077] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 overlaps the hollow portion of the input shaft 16 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the drive shaft 105 is inserted into both the input shaft 16 and the input gear 19 at the same time. As a result, the input gear 19 is not directly connected to the input shaft 16 but is rotated by a common drive source (i.e., the drive shaft 105) of the input shaft 16.

[0078] (Idler gear)

[0079] The idler gear 20 is engaged with the input gear 19 and the output gear 18. The idler gear 20 constitutes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force input to the input gear 19 to the output gear 18.

[0080] The idler gear 20 is a segmented gear formed by coaxially arranging a first gear 20A that mates with the input gear 19 and a second gear 20B that mates with the output gear 18. The diameter of the second gear 20B is smaller than the diameter of the first gear 20A. In addition, the second gear 20B is disposed at a position (i.e., above) closer to the first tape reel 11 than the first gear 20A in the vertical direction. The idler gear 20 constitutes a reduction mechanism for reducing the rotational speed of the driving force input to the input gear 19.

[0081] (Housing)

[0082] As Figure 3 shown, the first lid portion 31 constitutes the upper end portion of the printing tape cassette 10. The first frame portion 32 is disposed below the first lid portion 31 and is connected to the first lid portion 31 in the vertical direction. The second frame portion 33 is disposed below the first frame portion 32 and is connected to the first frame portion 32 in the vertical direction. The second lid portion 34 constitutes the lower end portion of the printing tape cassette 10. The second lid portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0083] The first lid portion 31 and the first frame portion 32 constitute a first housing portion 41 that houses the first tape reel 11. That is, the first tape reel 11 is disposed in the space surrounded by the first lid portion 31 and the first frame portion 32.

[0084] The second lid portion 34 and the second frame portion 33 constitute a second housing portion 42 that houses the second tape reel 14, the second supply shaft 15, and the input shaft 16. That is, the second tape reel 14, the second supply shaft 15, and the input shaft 16 are disposed in the space surrounded by the second lid portion 34 and the second frame portion 33.

[0085] The first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33 constitute a third housing portion 43 that houses a part of the output gear 18, the input gear 19, and the idler gear 20 inside. That is, a part of the output gear 18, the input gear 19, and the idler gear 20 are disposed in the space surrounded by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33. The third housing portion 43 is disposed between the first housing portion 41 and the second housing portion 42 in the vertical direction.

[0086] The first frame portion 32 has a first side wall 32A, a lid portion 32B, a first guide portion 32C, a first gear support portion 32D, a second gear support portion 32E, and a third gear support portion 32F. The first side wall 32A constitutes a side surface of the printing tape cassette 10 parallel to the vertical direction. The lid portion 32B is a portion having a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0087] The lid portion 32B is disposed at a position overlapping the output gear 18 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the lid portion 32B is continuous with the lower end portion of the first side wall 32A and is disposed at the right front corner of the first frame portion 32.

[0088] The output gear 18, the cover portion 32B, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in the vertical direction in the order of the output gear 18, the cover portion 32B, and the first tape reel 11. In addition, as described above, the entire area of the first side surface (i.e., the upper surface) of the output gear 18 overlaps the cover portion 32B in the vertical direction.

[0089] As Figure 5 shown, the first guide portion 32C is a portion that winds the first tape 11A pulled out from the first tape reel 11. The first guide portion 32C has a plurality of plate-shaped ribs arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the first tape reel 11. The plurality of ribs project in the radial direction of the first tape reel 11, and the amount of protrusion (i.e., the plate width) increases as it goes downward.

[0090] As Figure 3 shown, the first gear support portion 32D rotatably supports the output gear 18. The second gear support portion 32E rotatably supports the input gear 19. The third gear support portion 32F rotatably supports the idler gear 20.

[0091] The second housing portion 33 has a second side wall 33A, a print head opening 33B, a discharge port 33C, a second guide portion 33D, and an outlet 33E. The second side wall 33A constitutes a side surface of the printing tape cassette 10 parallel to the vertical direction.

[0092] The print head opening 33B is a portion where a part of the second side wall 33A is cut away. The print head opening 33B is a space where the print head 102 is inserted from below when the printing tape cassette 10 is installed in the printing device main body 100, and the print head 102 is arranged inside. The print head opening 33B opens below the printing tape cassette 10.

[0093] The second guide portion 33D is a portion that winds the first tape 11A that has passed through the first guide portion 32C. Similar to the first guide portion 32C, the second guide portion 33D has a plurality of plate-shaped ribs arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the second tape reel 14. The plurality of ribs project in the radial direction of the second tape reel 14, and the amount of protrusion (i.e., the plate width) decreases as it goes downward.

[0094] The outlet 33E is a portion that discharges the first tape 11A pulled out from the first tape reel 11 to the print head opening 33B. That is, the outlet 33E communicates with the print head opening 33B. In addition, the outlet 33E, the output gear 18, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in the vertical direction in the order of the outlet 33E, the output gear 18, and the first tape reel 11.

[0095] As Figure 6As shown, at the print head opening 33B, the first tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are installed in the left-right direction. The printed first tape 11A is discharged from the discharge port 33C to the outside of the printing device 1.

[0096] The print head opening 33B and the discharge port 33C are part of the second housing portion 42. A part of the output gear 18 is located within the print head opening 33B. In addition, the cover portion 32B is exposed within the print head opening 33B.

[0097] As Figure 7A 、 7B As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the first guide portion 32C and the second guide portion 33D constitute a path for conveying the first tape 11A that constitutes the first tape roll 11 from the first housing portion 41 to the second housing portion 42.

[0098] Specifically, as Figure 7A shown, the first tape 11A pulled out from the first tape roll 11 is conveyed rearward and downward within the first housing portion 41 while abutting against the first guide portion 32C in a spiral manner from the radially outer side of the first tape roll 11. As Figure 7B shown, the first tape 11A is conveyed leftward and downward while straddling the third housing portion 43 in the up-down direction.

[0099] As Figure 7C shown, the first tape 11A that has reached the second housing portion 42 is conveyed forward and downward while abutting against the second guide portion 33D from the radially outer side. As Figure 7D shown, the first tape 11A that has reached the lower end portion of the printing tape cassette 10 passes through the print head opening 33B and is discharged from the discharge port 33C.

[0100] As Figure 7A shown, the output gear 18 is provided in the first region A1 of the housing 35 in the first direction (i.e., the front-rear direction) perpendicular to the up-down direction. On the other hand, in the second region A2 of the housing 35 that is different from the first region A1 in the first direction, the first tape 11A is installed obliquely in a direction intersecting the second direction (i.e., the left-right direction) perpendicular to the up-down direction and the first direction. The first region A1 of the present embodiment is a region in front of the second region A2.

[0101] In addition, the first tape 11A is conveyed along the second direction toward the discharge port 33C in the region of the first region A1 that sandwiches the output gear 18 in the up-down direction and is on the side opposite to the first tape roll 11.

[0102] <Band conveyance and printing performed by the printing device main body>

[0103] The print head 102 prints on the first tape 11A held by the printing tape cassette 10.

[0104] The print head 102 is disposed at a position overlapping the first tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-rear direction in the print head opening 33B in a state where the print tape cassette 10 is mounted on the printing apparatus main body 100 (see Figure 6 ).

[0105] The platen roller 103 presses the first tape 11A fed to the print head opening 33B against the print head 102 that generates heat by the heating element with the ink ribbon 14A interposed therebetween. As a result, a part of the ink disposed on the surface of the ink ribbon 14A is transferred to the first tape 11A, and thus characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the first tape 11A.

[0106] The platen roller 103 feeds the first tape 11A from the inside of the print tape cassette 10 to the outside. The platen roller 103 abuts on the first tape 11A at the print head opening 33B and presses the first tape 11A against the print head 102.

[0107] The platen gear 104 is connected to the platen roller 103 and engages with the output gear 18. The platen roller 103 and the platen gear 104 can swing between a position separated from the print tape cassette 10 as shown in Figure 8 and a position where the platen gear 104 engages with the output gear 18 as shown in Figure 9 .

[0108] The drive shaft 105 is inserted into the input shaft 16 and engages with the input gear 19, rotating the input shaft 16 and the input gear 19.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9 , in a state where the print tape cassette 10 is mounted on the printing apparatus main body 100, the drive shaft 105 engages with the input gear 19, and the platen gear 104 engages with the output gear 18. Specifically, the drive shaft 105 is inserted into the input shaft 16 and the input gear 19 of the print tape cassette 10. Then, the platen roller 103 and the platen gear 104 swing toward the print head opening 33B of the print tape cassette 10.

[0110] In a state where the print tape cassette 10 is mounted, the input gear 19 is rotated by the drive shaft 105, so that the output gear 18 rotates, the platen gear 104 rotates by the rotation of the output gear 18, and the platen roller 103 rotates by the rotation of the platen gear 104.

[0111] [1-2. Effects]

[0112] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0113] (1a) The second supply shaft 15, the output gear 18, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15.

[0114] In the printing ribbon cassette 10 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing ribbon cassette 10 accommodating various types of ribbons with different colors, shapes, etc. in the printing device 1 is replaced relatively frequently. Therefore, when the printing ribbon cassette 10 is replaced, the printing ribbon cassette 10 is likely to fall.

[0115] On the contrary, even when the printing ribbon cassette 10 falls and collides with the ground or the like, due to the arrangement of the second supply shaft 15, the output gear 18, and the first ribbon roll 11, it is very likely that the second supply shaft 15 side or the first ribbon roll 11 side collides with the ground earlier than the output gear 18 in the vertical direction of the printing ribbon cassette 10. Therefore, the possibility of the output gear 18 colliding with the ground can be reduced. As a result, damage to the output gear 18 can be suppressed when the surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 collides with the ground or the like.

[0116] (1b) According to the above arrangement, when the printing ribbon cassette 10 is installed on the printing device main body 100, it is easy to determine the position of the output gear 18 in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15. Therefore, improper fitting between the output gear 18 and the platen gear 104 can be suppressed.

[0117] (1c) According to the above arrangement, the first ribbon 11A and the ink ribbon 14A can be arranged separately inside the printing ribbon cassette 10. Therefore, interference between the components of the first ribbon 11A and the components of the ink ribbon 14A can be suppressed.

[0118] (1d) In the above arrangement, since the rotation axis L7 of the output gear 18 and the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 are offset from each other, the design freedom of the printing ribbon cassette 10 is improved.

[0119] (1e) According to the above arrangement, interference between the output gear 18 and the conveying path of the first ribbon 11A in the print head opening 33B can be avoided. Therefore, the design freedom of the printing ribbon cassette 10 is improved.

[0120] (1f) According to the above arrangement, since the output gear 18 is arranged inside in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15, the strength of the support portion of the output gear 18 (i.e., the first frame portion 32) can be improved.

[0121] (1g) Since the input shaft 16, the input gear 19, and the first ribbon roll 11 are arranged in the order of the input shaft 16, the input gear 19, and the first ribbon roll 11 in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15, when the printing ribbon cassette 10 falls and the surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 collides with the ground or the like, damage to the input gear 19 can be suppressed.

[0122] (1h) The output gear 18, the cover portion 32B, and the first tape reel 11 are arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 in the order of the output gear 18, the cover portion 32B, and the first tape reel 11. As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing tape cassette 10 may fall when the printing tape cassette 10 is replaced.

[0123] On the contrary, even if the printing tape cassette 10 falls, since the cover portion 32B is provided, the possibility that the cover portion 32B rather than the output gear 18 collides with the ground or the like is high. Therefore, the output gear 18 can be protected by the cover portion 32B, and damage to the output gear 18 can be further suppressed.

[0124] (1i) The speed of the driving force of the drive shaft 105 can be reduced to a speed suitable for conveying the first tape 11A by the idler gear 20. Therefore, the same drive source can be used to convey the first tape 11A and supply the ink ribbon 14A.

[0125] (1j) The first tape 11A is obliquely installed in a direction crossing the second direction in the second region A2, and is conveyed to the discharge port 33C in a region on the opposite side of the first tape reel 11 with respect to the output gear 18 in the axial direction of the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 in the first region A1. Therefore, the printing tape cassette 10 can be miniaturized.

[0126] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0127] [2-1. Structure]

[0128] Figure 10A and 10B The printing apparatus 1A shown includes a printing tape cassette 10A and a printing apparatus main body 100A.

[0129] <Printing Tape Cassette>

[0130] The printing tape cassette 10A is added with a third tape reel 21, a take-up shaft 22, a take-up gear 23, and a pinch roller 24 as shown in Figure 11 and replaces the input shaft 16, the first cover portion 31, the first frame portion 32, the second frame portion 33, and the second cover portion 34 of the first embodiment with an input shaft 25, a first cover portion 36, a first frame portion 37, a second frame portion 38, and a second cover portion 39.

[0131] The input shaft 25 is the same as the input shaft 16 except that it does not have spline teeth 16B. The first cover portion 36, the first frame portion 37, the second frame portion 38, and the second cover portion 39 extend the first cover portion 31, the first frame portion 32, the second frame portion 33, and the second cover portion 34 in the left-right direction respectively. Since the other structures of the printing ribbon cassette 10A are the same as those of the printing ribbon cassette 10 of the first embodiment except for the points described below, their descriptions are omitted.

[0132] The third tape reel 21 winds the laminated tape for protecting the first tape 11A around the input shaft 25. The laminated tape has an adhesive surface and adheres to the first tape 11A on which the print head 102 has printed.

[0133] The take-up shaft 22 is capable of rotating about the rotation axis L9. The rotation axis L9 of the take-up shaft 22 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply shaft 15 (i.e., the up-down direction). The take-up shaft 22 takes up the ink ribbon 14A by the rotation of the take-up gear 23.

[0134] The take-up gear 23 is connected to the take-up shaft 22 and mates with the idler gear 20. The take-up gear 23 rotates by the driving force input to the input gear 19, thereby rotating the take-up shaft 22.

[0135] The pinch roller 24 and the pressure roller 106 press the laminated tape against the printed first tape 11A together. The pinch roller 24 is disposed downstream of the first tape 11A in the conveying direction with respect to the print head opening 33B.

[0136] <Printing device main body>

[0137] The printing device main body 100A adds the pressure roller 106 as shown in the printing device main body 100 of the first embodiment. Since the other structures of the printing device main body 100A are the same as those of the printing device main body 100 of the first embodiment except for the points described below, their descriptions are omitted. Figure 12 shown.

[0138] The pressure roller 106 is configured to be able to swing together with the platen roller 103 and the platen gear 104. That is, the pressure roller 106 can swing between a position away from the printing ribbon cassette 10A as shown and a position where it presses the first tape 11A and the laminated tape together with the pinch roller 24 as shown. Figure 12 shown Figure 13 shown and a position where it presses the first tape 11A and the laminated tape together with the pinch roller 24.

[0139] [2-2. Effects]

[0140] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0141] (2a) The printed content of the first tape 11A can be protected by the laminated tape, and at the same time, it has the same advantages as the first embodiment.

[0142] [3. Other Embodiments]

[0143] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0144] (3a) The printing device of the above embodiment is not limited to using an ink ribbon as the second tape for printing. The printing device can use a strip of thermal paper instead of the first tape in the first embodiment, and use a laminated tape (i.e., a protective tape) instead of the ink ribbon.

[0145] In addition, the printing device can use a stencil tape, which is perforated with a printing pattern by a thermal head, as the first tape, and use a strip of backing paper that protects and supports the stencil tape as the second tape. In this case, at the opening of the print head, the first tape can overlap the second tape at a position closer to the print head than the second tape (i.e., as the upper layer), or can overlap the second tape at a position farther from the print head than the second tape (i.e., as the lower layer).

[0146] (3b) The tape cassette for printing of the above embodiment can have two or more idler pulleys. In addition, the transmission mechanism that cooperates with the input gear and the output gear does not necessarily include a reduction mechanism. That is, the idler pulley does not necessarily have to be a segmented gear and can also be a single flat-tooth gear. In addition, the tape cassette for printing can have a transmission mechanism other than gears. In addition, the tape cassette for printing can not have a transmission mechanism itself, and the output gear can directly cooperate with the input gear.

[0147] (3c) In the tape cassette for printing of the above embodiment, the conveying path of the first tape is exemplary. Therefore, the first tape does not necessarily have to be obliquely installed in a direction intersecting the second direction in the second area. In addition, the discharging direction of the first tape can be a direction other than the second direction.

[0148] (3d) The tape cassette for printing of the second embodiment can include a third supply shaft instead of a take-up shaft for winding the laminated tape. In addition, in the tape cassette for printing of the second embodiment, the input shaft can be used as the take-up shaft for the ink ribbon.

[0149] (3e) The functions of the individual components in the above embodiments can be dispersed into multiple components, or the functions of multiple components can be integrated into a single component. In addition, part of the structure of the above embodiments can be omitted. In addition, at least part of the structure of the above embodiments can be added, replaced, etc. with the structure of other embodiments. All embodiments included in the technical idea of the claims are embodiments of the present invention.

[0150] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0151] 1, 1A: Printing device

[0152] 10, 10A: Ribbon cassette for printing

[0153] 11: First ribbon roll

[0154] 11A: First ribbon

[0155] 12: First supply shaft

[0156] 14: Second ribbon roll

[0157] 14A: Ink ribbon

[0158] 15: Second supply shaft

[0159] 16: Input shaft

[0160] 18: Output gear

[0161] 19: Input gear

[0162] 20: Idler gear

[0163] 20A: First gear

[0164] 20B: Second gear

[0165] 21: Third gear

[0166] 22: Take-up shaft

[0167] 23: Take-up gear

[0168] 31: First cover part

[0169] 32: First housing part

[0170] 32B: Cover part

[0171] 33: Second housing part

[0172] 33B: Print head opening

[0173] 33C: Discharge port

[0174] 33E: Exit

[0175] 34: Second cover part

[0176] 35: Housing

[0177] 41: First housing section

[0178] 42: Second housing section

[0179] 43: Third housing section

[0180] 100, 100A: Printing device body

[0181] 101: Cassette insertion part

[0182] 102: Print head

[0183] 103: Pressure plate roller

[0184] 104: Pressure plate gear

[0185] 105: Drive shaft

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: A printing device body; And A printing tape cassette that can be installed on and removed from the printing device body, The printing tape cassette includes: A tape roll of a first tape; A supply shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; A second tape wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; An output gear for outputting driving force to the outside; An input shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; and An input gear directly or indirectly engaged with the output gear for transmitting driving force to the output gear, The rotation axis of the input gear and the rotation axis of the input shaft are arranged on the same line, and the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft, The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft. The printing device body includes: A print head for printing the first tape; A pressure plate roller for conveying the first tape; A pressure plate gear connected to the pressure plate roller and engaged with the output gear; and A drive shaft inserted into the input shaft and engaged with the input gear for rotating the input shaft and the input gear, In a state where the printing tape cassette is installed on the printing device body, the drive shaft is engaged with the input gear and the pressure plate gear is engaged with the output gear. The drive shaft rotates the input gear so that the output gear rotates, and the pressure plate gear rotates through the rotation of the output gear, and the pressure plate roller rotates through the rotation of the pressure plate gear.

2. A printing tape cassette, comprising: A tape roll of a first tape; A supply shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; A second tape wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; And An output gear for outputting driving force to the outside, The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft.

3. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes a housing, and at least a part of the tape roll, at least a part of the supply shaft, at least a part of the second tape, and at least a part of the output gear are arranged inside the housing.

4. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 3, wherein, The housing has a cover portion, and the cover portion is arranged at a position overlapping the output gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft, The output gear, the cover portion, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the output gear, the cover portion, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft.

5. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, It further includes: An input shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; And An input gear directly or indirectly engaged with the output gear for transmitting driving force to the output gear, The rotational axis of the input gear is arranged on the same line as the rotational axis of the input shaft, and the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft in the order of the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll.

6. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 5, wherein The input shaft is cylindrical. The input shaft has a hollow portion defined by the inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the input shaft is provided with spline teeth. The rotational axis of the input gear overlaps with the hollow portion in the axial direction of the input shaft.

7. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, At least a part of the input gear is arranged at a position overlapping with the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft.

8. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, It further includes a transmission mechanism, which cooperates with the input gear and the output gear to transmit the driving force input to the input gear to the output gear.

9. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 8, wherein, The transmission mechanism has at least one idler gear.

10. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a speed reduction mechanism.

11. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 10, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism has a segmented gear with multiple gears arranged coaxially.

12. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The idler gear cooperates with the output gear. The idler gear is a segmented gear with multiple gears arranged coaxially.

13. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 4, wherein, The output gear has a first side surface and a second side surface. In the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft, the first side surface is arranged at a position closer to the tape roll than the second side surface. The entire area of the first side surface overlaps with the cover portion in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft.

14. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that, At least a part of the second tape roll of the second tape wound around the supply shaft is arranged at a position overlapping with the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft.

15. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that, The output gear is a single-stage gear.

16. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The housing has: A first housing portion for accommodating the tape roll; A second housing portion for accommodating the supply shaft; And A passage for sending the first tape constituting the tape roll from the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The second housing portion has a discharge port for discharging the first tape to the outside.

17. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 16, wherein, The housing further has a third housing portion, which is arranged between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and at least a part of the output gear is arranged inside the third housing portion.

18. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The segmented gear has a first gear and a second gear with a diameter smaller than that of the first gear, and the second gear is arranged at a position closer to the tape roll than the first gear in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft.

19. The ink ribbon cassette for printing according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The output gear is arranged in a first area of the housing in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft. The first tape is arranged in a second area of the housing different from the first area in the first direction, and is obliquely installed in a direction intersecting with a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft and the first direction. The first tape is conveyed along the second direction towards the discharge port in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the supply shaft in the area of the first area of the housing in the first direction on the side opposite to the tape roll with respect to the output gear.

20. A tape cassette for printing, which can be installed on and removed from a printing device body, comprising: A tape roll of a first tape; A supply shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; A second tape wound around the supply shaft for printing or protecting the first tape; An output gear for outputting driving force to the outside; An input shaft that can rotate around a rotation axis; And An input gear directly or indirectly engaged with the output gear for transmitting the driving force to the output gear, The rotation axis of the input gear and the rotation axis of the input shaft are arranged on the same line, and the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the input shaft, the input gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft, The supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the supply shaft, the output gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply shaft, The printing device body includes: A print head for printing the first tape; A pressure plate roller for conveying the first tape; A pressure plate gear connected to the pressure plate roller and engaged with the output gear; and A drive shaft inserted into the input shaft and engaged with the input gear for rotating the input shaft and the input gear, In a state of being installed on the printing device body, the drive shaft is engaged with the input gear and the pressure plate gear is engaged with the output gear. The drive shaft rotates the input gear so that the output gear rotates, and the pressure plate gear rotates by the rotation of the output gear, and the pressure plate roller rotates by the rotation of the pressure plate gear.

21. A tape cassette for printing, comprising: A tape roll of a first tape; An output gear that can rotate around a rotation axis for outputting driving force to the outside; And A housing, at least a part of the tape roll and at least a part of the output gear are arranged inside the housing, and the housing has an outlet for discharging the first tape pulled out from the tape roll, The outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll are arranged in the order of the outlet, the output gear, and the tape roll in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the output gear.

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