A tape cassette and a printing apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a belt box and a printing device, and relate to the technical field of printing devices. The auxiliary gear box and the printing box are detachably connected. When the printing medium in the printing box is exhausted, the printing box is detached and replaced, the original auxiliary gear box and the new printing box are reconnected for use, the reuse of the auxiliary gear box is realized, and the waste of consumables and the use cost of the belt box as a whole are effectively reduced. Since at least one of the third end, the fourth end and the fifth end has an outward convex arc surface, the outward convex arc surface can increase the volume of the printing box by appropriately occupying the external space through the side wall, so as to ensure the maximum installation diameter of the printing belt roll, so that a printing belt roll with a larger outer diameter can be adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing apparatus technology, and more particularly to a box-type printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The tape box can be loaded and unloaded into printing equipment. It contains a tape roll and a transmission mechanism. The driving force of the printing equipment is transmitted to the tape roll through the transmission mechanism to drive the tape roll to rotate and transport the printing tape, thereby performing the printing action on the tape so that patterns or text can be printed on the paper tape.

[0003] In existing technology, when the paper tape in the tape cassette is used up, the entire tape cassette needs to be replaced with a new one. However, some parts of the tape cassette may still be usable, and replacing the entire cassette not only results in waste but also increases operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a box-making and printing apparatus to solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a tape cassette for a printing apparatus. The tape cassette includes an auxiliary gear box and a printing box. The auxiliary gear box is detachably mounted to the printing box along a first direction. A printing tape roll is disposed inside the printing box. The auxiliary gear box is provided with a transmission gear for receiving driving force and outputting driving force outward. The printing box has a housing with a first end and a second end separated in the first direction, a third end and a fourth end separated in the second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end separated in the third direction. Any two of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. At least one of the third end, the fourth end, and the fifth end is provided with a convex arc surface. The projection of the arc surface in the second direction or the third direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the printing tape roll in the same direction.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a printing apparatus comprising a cartridge as described in the first aspect.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application achieves the following beneficial effects: The auxiliary gearbox contains a transmission gear, which can transmit external driving force to the impression gear, enabling the impression gear to drive the printing media on the printing tape, thus assisting the printing cartridge in discharging the printing media. The printing media can display corresponding text or patterns through heating or ink transfer. In the embodiments of this application, the auxiliary gearbox and the printing cartridge are detachably connected. When the printing media in the printing cartridge is exhausted, the printing cartridge can be disassembled and replaced, allowing the original auxiliary gearbox to be reconnected to the new printing cartridge for reuse. This achieves the reuse of the auxiliary gearbox and effectively reduces the overall waste and cost of the printing cartridge.

[0008] Furthermore, since at least one of the third, fourth, and fifth ends has a convex arc surface, this convex arc surface can appropriately encroach on the external space through the sidewalls to increase the volume of the print cartridge, ensuring the maximum installation diameter of the print tape roll, thereby accommodating print tape rolls with larger outer diameters. This extends the total length of the printing media in a single print cartridge, increases the continuous printing time per consumable, reduces the number of times the auxiliary gear box and print cartridge are disassembled and reassembled, extends the service life of the transmission gears, and further reduces operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing apparatus shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another printing apparatus as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point a; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a box structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a box shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a printing cartridge shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the box structure from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the box structure from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a tape cassette without ribbon rolls, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a tape cassette containing a colored tape roll, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing box shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another printing box shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary gearbox structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary gearbox from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is an exploded view of an auxiliary gearbox shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0011] In the diagram: 1. Box; 100. Auxiliary gear box; 110. Transmission gear; 111. Input gear; 112. Output gear; 113. Idler gear; 120. Second sidewall; 130. First surface; 141. First gear housing; 142. Second gear housing; 150. First mounting part; 200. Printing box; 210. Housing; 210a. First housing; 210b. Second housing; 211. First end; 2111. Mounting hole; 212. Second end; 213. Third end; 214. Fourth end; 215. Fifth end; 216. Sixth end; 2161. Arm; 2171. First connecting part; 2172. Second connecting part; 2 18. First sidewall; 2181. First wall surface; 2182. Second wall surface; 2183. Notch; 2184. Protrusion; 219. Second surface; 2191. Recess; 220. Printing tape roll; 221. Printing medium; 222. First winding cylinder; 230. Ribbon roll; 231. Ribbon; 240. Discharge port; 250. Conveying channel; 251. Belt bonding section; 260. Second mounting part; 2. Printing device; 3. Device body; 310. Belt box mounting cavity; 320. Impression gear; 330. Impression roller; 340. Print head; 350. Cutter; 360. Drive roller; L1. First direction; L2. Second direction; L3. Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0013] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those shown in the illustrations or descriptions, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0014] This application provides a printing apparatus 2. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 2 includes an apparatus body 3 and a tape cassette 1 installed in the apparatus body 3. After the tape cassette 1 is installed in the apparatus body 3, the tape cassette 1 is positioned as follows in each direction. Figure 1 As shown by the middle arrow. This application defines a first direction L1, a second direction L2, and a third direction L3, where any two of the first direction L1, the second direction L2, and the third direction L3 are perpendicular to each other. For example, the first direction L1 is the height direction of the cassette 1, the second direction L2 is the length direction of the cassette 1, and the third direction L3 is the width direction of the cassette 1.

[0015] like Figure 3 As shown, the device body 3 is provided with a cassette mounting cavity 310, and the cassette 1 is installed in the cassette mounting cavity 310. Figure 4 As shown, the tape cassette 1 includes an auxiliary gear box 100 and a print box 200. The print box 200 contains a print tape roll 220, and the auxiliary gear box 100 contains a transmission gear 110. In one case, a print head space is also formed on the tape cassette 1, where the printing medium 221 of the print tape roll 220 overlaps with the ribbon 231 of the ribbon roll 230.

[0016] The cartridge mounting cavity 310 is equipped with an impression gear 320, an impression roller 330, and a print head 340, with the impression roller 330 and print head 340 spaced apart. The device body 3 is equipped with a drive roller 360. The input gear 111 of the transmission gear 110 receives driving force from the drive roller 360 and transmits it to the impression gear 320, which drives the impression roller 330 to rotate. After the cartridge 1 is installed in the cartridge mounting cavity 310, the print head 340 is located within the print head space, with the impression roller 330 and print head 340 positioned on either side of the printing medium 221 and the ribbon 231, respectively. Through the compression of the impression roller 330 and print head 340, the ink or toner on the ribbon 231 is adhered to the surface of the printing medium 221 to complete the printing marking. The printing medium 221 is printed along the output path by the print head 340 and then output to the outside of the device body 3. Of course, in some other cases, the printing medium 221 can be thermal paper, and the print head 340 can directly heat the printing medium 221. The thermal coating on the printing medium 221 is heated and displays the corresponding pattern and text.

[0017] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 The device body 3 is also provided with a cutter 350, which is used to cut the printing medium 221. For example, the outer wall of the tape cassette 1 may also have a clearance portion, which is used to avoid the cutter 350 when the tape cassette 1 is installed in the tape cassette mounting cavity 310. Besides the cutter 350, based on the structural changes of the device body 3, the clearance portion may also be used to avoid other structures or components on the device body 3.

[0018] The printing device 2 in this embodiment is a portable printing device. For example, the printing device 2 in this embodiment is a barcode printer or a label printer. This embodiment does not limit the type of printing device 2.

[0019] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the tape cassette 1 and the auxiliary gear box 100 are detachably mounted to the printing cartridge 200 along the first direction L1. A transmission gear 110 is provided inside the auxiliary gear box 100, which receives driving force from outside the tape cassette 1 and outputs driving force outward. Figure 6As shown, a printing tape roll 220 is provided inside the printing cassette 200. The printing tape roll 220 includes a printing medium 221 and a first winding spool 222. The first winding spool 222 is installed in the printing cassette 200, and the printing medium 221 is wound around the outer periphery of the first winding spool 222. Driven by the impression roller 330, the printing medium 221 can be conveyed along the conveying path. The printing medium 221 can be ordinary paper tape, PET tape, thermal paper tape, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the material of the printing medium 221. Among them, PET refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0020] For example, the auxiliary gear box 100 is provided with a first mounting part 150, and the first wall surface 2181 is provided with a second mounting part 260 corresponding to the first mounting part 150. The first mounting part 150 and the second mounting part 260 are detachably connected. The auxiliary gear box 100 and the print box 200 are connected by one or more of the following methods: snap-fit, fastening, bolt connection, and plug-in connection. Further, the first mounting part 150 is a snap-fit, and the second mounting part 260 is a slot, and the snap-fit ​​can be inserted into the slot. When the printing media 221 in the print box 200 is exhausted, the print box 200 can be removed from the auxiliary gear box 100, replaced with a new print box 200, and then reconnected to the auxiliary gear box 100 for use. Since the transmission gear 110 provided in the auxiliary gear box 100 can still be used normally, the auxiliary gear box 100 can be reused, effectively reducing the overall material waste and usage cost of the cartridge 1, and is more environmentally friendly.

[0021] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the printing cartridge 200 has a housing 210. The housing 210 has a first end 211 and a second end 212 separated in a first direction L1, a third end 213 and a fourth end 214 separated in a second direction L2, and a fifth end 215 and a sixth end 216 separated in a third direction L3. Any two of the first direction L1, the second direction L2, and the third direction L3 are perpendicular to each other. The first end 211 is the end of the housing 210 closer to the auxiliary gear box 100, and the second end 212 is the end of the housing 210 away from the auxiliary gear box 100.

[0022] like Figure 6As shown, at least one of the third end 213, the fourth end 214, and the fifth end 215 is provided with a convex arc surface. The projection of the arc surface in the second direction L2 or the third direction L3 is at least partially located within the projection range of the printing tape roll 220 in the same direction. For example, at least a portion of the sidewall at the third end 213 is formed as a convex arc surface. The projection of this arc surface in the third direction L3 is at least partially located within the projection range of the printing tape roll 220 in the third direction L3. In other words, the area of ​​the arc surface projected onto the fifth end 215 or the sixth end 216 at least partially overlaps with the area of ​​the printing tape roll 220 projected onto the fifth end 215 or the sixth end 216.

[0023] This embodiment sets the third end 213, the fourth end 214, or the fifth end 215 as an outwardly convex arc surface structure. When the printing tape roll 220 is placed inside the printing cassette 200, at least the edge portion of the printing tape roll 220 can be embedded within the projection range of the sidewall in the second direction L2, thereby ensuring the maximum installation diameter of the printing tape roll 220. This setting can increase the internal volume of the printing cassette 200 by appropriately encroaching on the external space by the sidewall, thereby ensuring the maximum installation diameter of the printing tape roll 220 and thus ensuring the length of the printing medium 221. Extending the total length of the printing medium 221 of a single printing cassette 200 increases the continuous printing time of a single consumable, reduces the number of times the printing cassette 200 and the auxiliary gear box 100 are disassembled and assembled, reduces the replacement frequency, extends the service life of the transmission gear 110, and further reduces the cost of use.

[0024] Furthermore, a connecting structure is provided between the print cartridge 200 and the auxiliary gear box 100 to ensure stable assembly. The connection structure on the print cartridge 200 may limit the accommodating space of the print tape roll 220. In this embodiment, the wall of the print tape roll 220 at the corresponding location is designed with a curved surface, expanding the usable volume outwards from the print cartridge 200 to facilitate the installation of the connecting structure and further expand the capacity to accommodate larger print tape rolls 220.

[0025] For example, when the printing tape roll 220 is at its maximum outer diameter, that is, when the printing tape roll 220 is initially unused, the printing tape roll 220 is placed in the printing cassette 200, and the projection of the arc surface in the first direction L1 is at least partially located within the projection range of the printing tape roll 220 in the first direction L1. As the printing medium 221 is consumed, the outer diameter of the printing tape roll 220 gradually decreases until the printing medium 221 is completely consumed.

[0026] Among them, the arc surface can be any one of the following: circular arc surface, spline surface, elliptical arc surface, parabolic arc surface, hyperbolic arc surface, or arc-like surface formed by fitting multiple plane segments.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6As shown, the central angle of the arc surface is 45°-70°, such as 45°, 50°, or 70°. This setting can effectively expand the internal volume of the printing box 200 without significantly increasing its external dimensions. The central angle should not be too large or too small. If the central angle of the arc surface is too small, the effect of increasing the volume will not be obvious. If the central angle is too large, it may affect the structural strength of the housing 210 or interfere with other components on the device body 3.

[0028] This design allows for compatibility with internal volume and layout space, improving the space utilization of the print cartridge 200. The central angle of the curved surface should not be too large or too small. If the central angle is too small, the sidewall protrusion will be insufficient, limiting the increase in internal volume of the print cartridge 200 and making it unable to accommodate larger outer diameter printing tape rolls 220, thus failing to achieve the design goal of capacity expansion and adaptation. If the central angle is too large, this will excessively increase the external dimensions of the print cartridge 200, reducing structural rigidity and creating ineffective corner spaces within the cartridge, ultimately reducing overall space utilization.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first end 211 is provided with a mounting hole 2111 for mounting the drive roller 360 of the printing device 2, and is provided corresponding to the drive roller 360. In the second direction L2, the central axis of the mounting hole 2111 is closer to the third end 213 than the fourth end 214. In the third direction L3, the central axis of the mounting hole 2111 is closer to the fifth end 215 than the sixth end 216. Relatively speaking, the mounting hole 2111 is set close to the third end 213 and the fifth end 215. In order to ensure the specifications and normal feeding of the printing tape roll 220, this application sets the sidewall as an arc surface, so as to increase the internal volume of the printing cartridge 200 by appropriately encroaching on the external space by the sidewall, so as to alleviate or solve the space layout problem caused by the mounting hole 2111.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the print cartridge 200 may only have a print tape roll 220, in which case the print tape roll 220 is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole 2111. The drive roller 360 can be inserted into the tape cartridge 1 through the mounting hole 2111 and is connected to the drive gear 110 for transmission.

[0031] In some other embodiments, such as Figure 10As shown, the print cartridge 200 can also simultaneously include a print tape roll 220 and a ribbon roll 230. In this case, the print tape roll 220 is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole 2111. The print tape roll 220 includes a wound print medium 221, and the ribbon roll 230 includes a wound ribbon 231. In the second direction L2, the central axis of the ribbon 231 is closer to the fourth end 214 than the central axis of the print tape roll 220. To avoid radial interference between the print tape roll 220 and the ribbon roll 230 when the height of the housing 210 is limited, this arrangement makes full use of the space freed up between the fourth ends 214 of the print tape roll 220 after the mounting hole 2111 is offset, in order to accommodate a larger ribbon roll 230, thereby improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the housing 210.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 11 As shown, the sixth end 216 of the print cartridge 200 is provided with an arm 2161, which extends from the fourth end 214 to the third end 213 in the second direction L2. The arm 2161 has an outlet 240. The print head space is located between the arm 2161 and the sixth end 216. The position of the arm 2161 allows the outlet 240 to be closer to the third end 213, that is, closer to the side where the print head 340 is located, thereby shortening the transport distance of the printing medium 221 from the outlet 240 to the print head space, which is beneficial to improving the smoothness of transport and the printing response speed.

[0033] like Figure 12 As shown, the print cartridge 200 has a transport channel 250 that connects to the discharge port 240. The print media 221 and the ribbon 231 are transported along the transport channel 250 to the discharge port 240. The transport channel 250 has a bonding section 251 in which the print media 221 and the ribbon 231 are bonded together. Simultaneously, the print media 221 and the ribbon 231 are pre-bonded in the bonding section 251 before being transported to the discharge port 240, ensuring that they are tightly bonded before entering the print head 340. This prevents a decrease in print quality due to gaps between the print media 221 and the ribbon 231 during the printing process.

[0034] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 210 includes a first housing 210a and a second housing 210b that are detachably connected. One of the first housing 210a and the second housing 210b is provided with a first connecting portion 2171 and a second connecting portion 2172, and the other housing connects the first connecting portion 2171 and the second connecting portion 2172. The ribbon roll 230 and the printing ribbon roll 220 are connected by a line between the first connecting portion 2171 and the second connecting portion 2172 (this connection line is shown in the figure). Figure 7As shown in L4. Since the first connecting part 2171 and the second connecting part 2172 serve as the connection points between the first housing 210a and the second housing 210b, compared to other areas within the housing 210, the area connecting the first housing 210a and the second housing 210b experiences uniform force and high support rigidity. By placing the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 within this area, the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 can obtain reliable structural support and limitation during rotation, effectively resisting radial forces and vibration interference generated during conveying, and preventing the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 from shaking, shifting, or tilting. This ensures that both the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 can rotate smoothly and stably around their own axes, improving the overall conveying stability and operational reliability.

[0035] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 2171 and the second connecting portion 2172 are distributed approximately along the diagonal direction of the housing 210. Correspondingly, the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 can also be arranged along this diagonal. This arrangement can fully utilize the effective space in the diagonal direction of the housing 210, increase the accommodating space for the first connecting portion 2171 and the second connecting portion 2172, and avoid spatial interference between the connecting portions and the roll body when arranged horizontally or vertically. At the same time, compared with the conventional horizontal or vertical arrangement, the diagonal layout can provide more space for the installation of the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220 without increasing the overall external dimensions of the housing 210, so as to accommodate the larger volume of the ribbon roll 230 and the printing tape roll 220, and optimize the utilization of internal space.

[0036] like Figure 11 As shown, the third end 213 has a first sidewall 218, at least partially of which is a convex arc surface. When the printing tape roll 220 is placed inside the printing cassette 200 and the printing tape roll 220 is at its maximum outer diameter, one side of the printing tape roll 220 can contact the inner wall of the arc surface. For example, when the first sidewall 218 is at least partially an arc surface, the arc surface and the printing tape roll 220 are completely fitted when the printing tape roll 220 is placed inside the housing 210. Through the structural design of the convex sidewall, this application allows the printing tape roll 220 to make maximum use of the internal space of the printing cassette 200, and the assembled printing tape roll 220 always remains taut. Even if the housing 210 is not immediately fastened after the printing tape roll 220 is loaded during the assembly process, the housing 210 can still form a radial limiting constraint on the printing tape roll 220, effectively preventing radial shaking of the printing tape roll 220 and preventing the problem of tape loosening and unwinding from the source.

[0037] In addition, the printing box 200 in this application is an independent consumable box structure. After the printing tape roll 220 is pre-installed inside, the box cover can be closed directly. The printing tape roll 220 can be limited and fixed in the vertical direction by relying on the structure of the box itself. There is no need for the printing tape roll 220 to be unwound due to insufficient constraint caused by the assembly of other parts. This simplifies the assembly process and effectively improves the product assembly yield.

[0038] The printer cartridge 200 of this application adopts an independent consumable cartridge structure, which can be pre-loaded with the printing tape roll 220 and then directly sealed. The cartridge structure itself can reliably limit and fix the printing tape roll 220 in the vertical direction, avoiding the problems of tape roll constraint failure and loosening caused by subsequent assembly of other components. At the same time, it simplifies the overall assembly process, reduces the risk of assembly deviation, and effectively improves product assembly accuracy and production yield.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first sidewall 218 includes a first wall surface 2181 and a second wall surface 2182. The first wall surface 2181 is a plane, and the second wall surface 2182 is at least partially a convex arc surface. Figure 7 As shown, when the printing tape roll 220 is placed in the printing cassette 200, the unoccupied portion of the printing tape roll 220 has a flat first sidewall 218, which allows the cassette 1 to maintain a relatively small overall size. This also ensures the structural strength and injection molding processability of the housing 210.

[0040] like Figure 11 As shown, a notch 2183 is formed at the junction of the first wall surface 2181 and the second wall surface 2182, extending in the first direction L1. The notch 2183 completely penetrates the first sidewall 218, thus increasing the volume of the printing cartridge 200 by "removing" a portion of the first sidewall 218. On the other hand, after the cartridge 1 is installed in the cartridge mounting cavity 310, since the notch 2183 penetrates the thickness direction of the first sidewall 218, the notch 2183 can also provide more space for components on the device body 3 (such as the cutter 350). In some embodiments, the width of the notch 2183 is 0.5mm-3mm, and the height of the notch 2183 is 8mm-15mm.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 12As shown, at least one of the third end 213, the fourth end 214, and the fifth end 215 has a protrusion 2184, which is used to limit the engagement with the device body 3 of the printing apparatus 2. When the tape cassette 1 is installed in the tape cassette mounting cavity 310, the protrusion 2184 engages with the corresponding structure (such as a groove, step, etc.) on the inner wall of the tape cassette mounting cavity 310, which can achieve auxiliary positioning and fixation of the tape cassette 1 on the device body 3. The protrusion 2184 can be integrally formed during the injection molding of the housing 210, without the need for additional parts, which can improve the reliability and positioning accuracy of the tape cassette 1 installation and prevent the tape cassette 1 from loosening or shifting due to vibration during use.

[0042] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the auxiliary gear box 100 has a second sidewall 120, and along the first direction L1, the projection of the first sidewall 218 and the projection of the second sidewall 120 at least partially overlap. Thus, the auxiliary gear box 100 and the printing box 200 maintain a consistent shape in the first direction L1, facilitating the overall insertion of the tape cassette 1 into the tape cassette mounting cavity 310, while also making the shape of the tape cassette 1 more regular and aesthetically pleasing.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 15 As shown, the transmission gear 110 includes at least one of an input gear 111, an output gear 112, and an idler gear 113. The idler gear 113 is connected between the input gear 111 and the output gear 112. The input gear 111 receives driving force input from outside the tape cassette 1, and the output gear 112 is a helical gear that outputs driving force to outside the tape cassette 1. At least one of the idler gear 113, the output gear 112, and the input gear 111 is disposed in the auxiliary gear box 100, and the corresponding gear can also be retained along with the auxiliary gear box 100, realizing partial or complete reuse of the transmission gear 110. Furthermore, depending on the usage and application scenario, this application can arrange easily worn gears that require frequent replacement on one side of the print box 200. These gears can be disassembled and replaced as a whole along with the print box 200, eliminating the need for separate gear disassembly and reducing maintenance difficulty. Among them, the output gear 112 is configured as a helical gear, which can adapt to small and narrow installation cavities, resist axial movement, and improve transmission stability. The teeth of the embossing gear 320 and the idler gear 113 that mesh with the output gear 112 can both be helical gears.

[0044] In one configuration, the input gear 111, output gear 112, and idler gear 113 are all housed within the auxiliary gearbox 100, allowing all gears to be integrated within this enclosure. The print cartridge 200 itself does not contain any gears. Replacing the print cartridge 200 avoids contact with the transmission gear 110, preventing dust and ink contamination and extending its lifespan. Furthermore, the elimination of the need to touch or replace the transmission gear 110 during print cartridge replacement reduces the risk of contamination from dust, ink, or paper scraps, improving positioning accuracy and transmission stability.

[0045] The auxiliary gear box 100 includes a first gear housing 141 and a second gear housing 142, which are detachably connected to form a receiving space. The input gear 111, the output gear 112, and the idler gear 113 are all housed within the receiving space, and the first gear housing 141 and the second gear housing 142 provide protection.

[0046] During use, when the printing media 221 in the print cartridge 200 is exhausted, the user can remove the cartridge 1 from the device body 3, detach the exhausted print cartridge 200 from the auxiliary gear box 100 along the first direction L1, and then connect the new print cartridge 200 to the auxiliary gear box 100 along the first direction L1. Since the input gear 111, output gear 112, and idler gear 113 are retained in the auxiliary gear box 100, the new print cartridge 200 can be used with the original auxiliary gear box 100 without configuring a complete set of transmission gears 110. After the reassembled cartridge 1 is installed on the device body 3, the drive roller 360 of the device body 3 engages with the input gear 111, and the output gear 112 continues to output driving force to the impression gear 320 or the impression roller 330, thereby restoring the printing media 221 delivery and printing functions.

[0047] When two existing boxes are subjected to external force, the contact surfaces between them may partially separate, creating a gap. Foreign objects may enter this gap, preventing the contact surfaces from remaining properly sealed. In the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary gear box 100 has a first surface 130 and a second end 212 has a second surface 219. The first surface 130 and the second surface 219 are in contact with each other along a first direction L1. At least one of the first surface 130 and the second surface 219 is provided with a recess 2191. When foreign objects enter through the gap between the first surface 130 and the second surface 219, the recess 2191 can be used to accommodate foreign objects such as dust and sand, and will not continuously abut against the first surface 130 and the second surface 219, so that the first surface 130 and the second surface 219 are in stable contact, avoiding displacement or other situations.

[0048] Furthermore, the recess 2191 in this embodiment can reduce the contact area between the first surface 130 and the second surface 219. For example, a recess 2191 and a rib surrounding the second surface 219 are formed on the second surface 219. When the auxiliary gear box 100 and the printing box 200 are detachably connected, the rib on the second surface 219 can abut against the first surface 130, which can reduce the contact area between the first surface 130 and the second surface 219. Even if the second surface 219 experiences shrinkage, the shrinkage deformation mainly occurs on large-area planar structures (such as the recess 2191) and will not significantly affect the abutment state between the rib and the first surface 130. Therefore, a large gap will not be generated between the first surface 130 and the second surface 219, and reliable contact will always be maintained.

[0049] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0051] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A box-type printing apparatus, characterized in that, The cartridge includes an auxiliary gear cartridge and a printing cartridge, wherein: The auxiliary gear box is detachably mounted to the printing box along the first direction. The printing box contains a printing tape roll. The auxiliary gear box is provided with a transmission gear, which is used to receive driving force and output the driving force outward. The printing cartridge has a housing having a first end and a second end separated in the first direction, a third end and a fourth end separated in the second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end separated in the third direction, wherein any two of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. At least one of the third end, the fourth end, and the fifth end is provided with a convex arc surface, and the projection of the arc surface in the second direction or the third direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the printing tape roll in the same direction.

2. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the drive roller of the printing device; In the second direction, the central axis of the mounting hole is closer to the third end than the fourth end; In the third direction, the central axis of the mounting hole is closer to the fifth end than to the sixth end.

3. The cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printing box is provided with only a printing tape roll, and the printing tape roll is coaxially arranged with the mounting hole; Alternatively, the printing cartridge may also include a printing tape roll and a ribbon roll, the printing tape roll being coaxially arranged with the mounting hole, the printing tape roll including a wound printing medium, and the ribbon roll including a wound ribbon, wherein in the second direction, the central axis of the ribbon is closer to the fourth end than the central axis of the printing tape roll.

4. The cassette according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sixth end of the printing box is provided with an arm. In the second direction, the arm extends from the fourth end to the third end. The arm has an outlet. The printing box has a conveying channel that connects to the outlet. The printing medium and the ribbon are conveyed to the outlet along the conveying channel. The conveying channel has a bonding section where the printing medium and the ribbon are bonded to each other. And / or, the housing includes a detachably connected first housing and a second housing, one of the first housing and the second housing having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the other housing being connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the ribbon roll and the printing ribbon roll being located on the line connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

5. The cassette according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third end has a first sidewall, at least part of which is an outwardly convex arc surface. When the printing tape roll is placed inside the printing box and the printing tape roll is in its maximum outer diameter state, one side of the printing tape roll can contact the inner wall of the arc surface.

6. The cassette according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sidewall includes a first wall surface and a second wall surface, wherein the first wall surface is a plane and the second wall surface is at least partially a convex arc surface; And / or, the auxiliary gearbox has a second sidewall, and along the first direction, the projections of the first sidewall and the second sidewall at least partially overlap.

7. The cassette according to claim 6, characterized in that, A notch is formed at the junction of the first wall and the second wall, and the notch extends in the first direction.

8. The cassette according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the third end, the fourth end, and the fifth end is provided with a protrusion, which is used to limit and cooperate with the device body of the printing apparatus; And / or, the auxiliary gear box is provided with a first mounting part, and the first wall surface is provided with a second mounting part corresponding to the first mounting part, and the first mounting part and the second mounting part are detachably connected.

9. The cassette according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The central angle of the arc surface is 45°-70°.

10. The cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission gear includes at least one of an input gear, an output gear, and an idler gear, wherein the idler gear is drivingly connected between the input gear and the output gear; The input gear is used to receive driving force input from outside the belt box, and the output gear is a helical gear used to output the driving force to outside the belt box.

11. The cassette according to claim 10, characterized in that, The input gear, the output gear, and the idler gear are all disposed within the auxiliary gearbox; And / or, the auxiliary gear box has a first surface, the second end has a second surface, the first surface and the second surface are in contact with each other along the first direction, and at least one of the first surface and the second surface is provided with a recess.

12. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing apparatus includes a cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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