Printing cassette

Abstract

To provide a printing cassette capable of inputting driving force to both a spool and a gear therein from a drive shaft, while suppressing enlargement in size.SOLUTION: The present disclosure is a printing cassette which can be attached to and removed from a printer body including an axially rotating drive shaft. The printing cassette includes: a first tape; a spool which is rotatable about a rotational axis parallel to a first direction, and to which the first tape is wound or the first tape will be wound; a first engagement part which is disposed on the spool in order to transmit driving force of the drive shaft to the spool; and an input gear which is disposed at a position different from that of the spool in the first direction, and engages with another gear, in order to transmit driving force of the drive shaft to the other gear. In a state of being mounted to a printer body, the first engagement part and the input gear engage with the drive shaft at mutually different positions in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing cassette. [Background technology]

[0002] In a device that prints on tape, a cassette that stores a tape is attached to and detached from a main body, whereby the tape is replaced and supplied (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-56263 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned cassette winds up the tape by rotating the take-up spool. The take-up spool rotates when a driving force is transmitted from the main body of the printing device via a drive shaft. In addition, the above-mentioned cassette may require a gear inside the cassette to transmit the driving force for transporting the tape, for example. The driving force must also be transmitted to this gear via a drive shaft from the main body of the printing device.

[0005] Therefore, a space is required inside the cassette for inserting both the drive shaft for driving the take-up spool and the drive shaft for driving the gear, which results in a larger size of the cassette in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., the insertion direction) of these drive shafts.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a printing cassette that is capable of inputting driving force from a drive shaft to both an internal spool and a gear while suppressing an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printing cassette detachably attached to a printer body having an axially rotating drive shaft. The printing cassette includes a first tape, a spool rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a first direction and around which the first tape is wound or configured to be wound, a first engagement portion provided on the spool and transmitting the driving force of the drive shaft to the spool, and an input gear disposed at a position different from the spool in the first direction, engaged with another gear, and transmitting the driving force of the drive shaft to the other gear.

[0008] When attached to the printing apparatus body, the first engagement portion and the input gear engage with the drive shaft at different positions in the first direction.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a printing cassette comprising a first tape, a cylindrical spool having a hollow portion defined by its inner surface, spool-side spline teeth protruding from the inner surface toward the hollow portion and receiving an external driving force, an input gear positioned at a different position from the spool in the first direction and engaging with another gear, and an engagement portion provided on the input gear and receiving the external driving force.

[0010] The spool is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the first direction, and has the first tape wound thereon or is configured to have the first tape wound thereon. At least a portion of the engagement portion overlaps with the hollow portion in the first direction.

[0011] With these configurations, driving force can be transmitted from one drive shaft to the spool and the input gear at different positions in the axial direction of the spool's rotation axis (i.e., the insertion direction of the drive shaft).As a result, driving force can be input to both the spool and the input gear while preventing the size of the printing cassette from increasing in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the drive shaft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1A, 1B, and 1C are schematic perspective views showing a state in which a printing cassette is removed from a printing apparatus main body in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic perspective views of a printing cassette in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the printing cassette of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the printing cassette of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] 6A is a schematic perspective view of a first frame portion of the printing cassette in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of a second frame portion of the printing cassette in FIG. 2A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the printing cassette of FIG. 2C with the first case portion removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the paths of the printing tape and the ink ribbon in the printing cassette of FIG. 2A. [Figure 9] 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IXA-IXA in FIG. 2C, FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB in FIG. 2C, FIG. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IXC-IXC in FIG. 2C, and FIG. 9D is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IXD-IXD in FIG. 2C. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the printer body of the printer of FIG. 1A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the output gear and the platen gear in the printing device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 12] 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are schematic diagrams each showing the positional relationship between a drive shaft and an engagement portion of a printing device in an embodiment different from that in FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] 1A, 1B, and 1C includes a printing cassette 10 and a printing device main body 100. The printing device 1 is a device that prints on a tape-like printing medium.

[0014] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the output gear 18 of the printing cassette 10 and the axial direction of the platen gear 104 of the printing device main body 100 are defined as the up-down direction, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction in which the output gear 18 and the input spool 16 are aligned (i.e., the direction in which the platen gear 104 and the drive shaft 105 are aligned) is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0015] <Printing device body> The printing apparatus main body 100 includes a cassette insertion section 101 , a print head 102 , a platen roller 103 , a platen gear 104 , a drive shaft 105 , and a housing 110 .

[0016] (Cassette insertion part) The cassette insertion portion 101 is a recess in which the printing cassette 10 is inserted. The cassette insertion portion 101 has a function of positioning the printing cassette 10. The cassette insertion portion 101 is provided in a housing 110.

[0017] (Print head) The print head 102 is disposed inside the cassette insertion section 101. The print head 102 has a plurality of heat generating elements whose heat generation is individually controlled.

[0018] (Platen roller) A rotation axis L1 of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the vertical direction. The platen roller 103 is disposed inside the cassette insertion portion 101 and adjacent to the print head 102. The platen roller 103 can swing toward or away from the print head 102.

[0019] (Platen gear) The platen gear 104 is connected to the platen roller 103. In this embodiment, a rotation axis L2 of the platen gear 104 is disposed on the same line as a rotation axis L1 of the platen roller 103. The platen gear 104 is capable of swinging together with the platen roller 103.

[0020] (Drive shaft) The drive shaft 105 is inserted into the input spool 16. The drive shaft 105 rotates the input spool 16.

[0021] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the cassette insertion portion 101. The rotation axis L3 of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 is rotated about the rotation axis L3 by a drive source (e.g., a motor) (not shown).

[0022] <Printing cassette> The printing cassette 10 stores printing media. The printing cassette 10 is detachable from the printing device main body 100. By replacing the printing cassette 10, it is possible to replenish printing media and change the type of printing media (e.g., color, material, etc.).

[0023] 2A, 2B, and 2C, the printing cassette 10 includes a case 35 that stores the printing tape 11A, the ink ribbon 14A (an example of a first tape), and the like. The outer shape of the printing cassette 10 (i.e., the shape of the case 35) is a rectangular parallelepiped having sides parallel to the up-down direction, sides parallel to the front-rear direction, and sides parallel to the left-right direction. The case 35 includes a first case portion 31, a first frame portion 32, a second frame portion 33, and a second case portion 34.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the printing cassette 10 comprises a printing tape roll 11, a first supply spool 12, spacer films 13A, 13B, an ink ribbon roll 14, a second supply spool 15, an input spool 16, spool side spline teeth 16B (an example of a first engagement portion), a clutch spring holder 17, an output gear 18, an input gear 19, and an idle gear 20.

[0025] (Printing tape roll) The printing tape roll 11 is formed by winding a printing tape 11A, on which printing will be performed, around a first supply spool 12.

[0026] The printing tape roll 11 is a cylinder in which the printing tape 11A is wound around a winding central axis that is parallel to the up-down direction, and a hollow portion is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the wound printing tape 11A. It is in this state.

[0027] The printing tape roll 11 has a first supply spool 12 provided in a hollow portion defined by the printing tape 11A. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by a print head 102 of the printing device main body 100 and an ink ribbon 14A.

[0028] Two spacer films 13A, 13B are arranged on the outer sides in the vertical direction of the printing tape roll 11 so as to sandwich the printing tape roll 11. The spacer films 13A, 13B are arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the first case portion 31, and between the printing tape roll 11 and the first frame portion 32.

[0029] (1st supply spool) The first supply spool 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis L4. The first supply spool 12 rotates in association with the transport of the printing tape 11A by the platen roller 103 of the printing apparatus main body 100, thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102.

[0030] (Ink ribbon roll) The ink ribbon roll 14 is formed by winding an ink ribbon 14A, which is used for printing on the printing tape 11A, around a second supply spool 15.

[0031] The ink ribbon 14A is superimposed on the printing tape 11A at the head opening 33B, and is used for printing by the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is taken up onto the input spool 16.

[0032] A rotational resistance is applied to the ink ribbon roll 14 by a clutch spring held by a clutch spring holder 17. At least a portion of the ink ribbon roll 14 is disposed at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0033] (2nd supply spool) Second supply spool 15 is rotatable about a rotation axis L5. The rotation axis L5 of second supply spool 15 is parallel to the rotation axis L4 of first supply spool 12, that is, parallel to the up-down direction.

[0034] The second supply spool 15 rotates as the input spool 16 takes up the ink ribbon 14A, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102.

[0035] (Input spool) The input spool 16 is rotatable about a rotation axis L6. The rotation axis L6 of the input spool 16 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply spool 15.

[0036] The input spool 16 is cylindrical with a hollow portion defined by an inner peripheral surface 16A. The input spool 16 is a take-up spool that takes up the ink ribbon 14A. In other words, the input spool 16 forms a take-up roll 14B by taking up the ink ribbon 14A supplied from the ink ribbon roll 14. The input spool 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 105 via the spool side spline teeth 16B.

[0037] The winding roll 14B is formed by winding the ink ribbon 14A around an input spool 16, the winding roll 14B being centered on a winding central axis that is parallel to the up-down direction. The winding roll 14B is cylindrical in shape with a hollow portion defined by the inner circumferential surface.

[0038] (Spool side spline teeth) The spool side spline teeth 16B are provided on an inner peripheral surface 16A of the input spool 16. The spool side spline teeth 16B transmit the driving force of the drive shaft 105 of the printing apparatus main body 100 to the input spool 16.

[0039] The spool side spline teeth 16B protrude from the inner peripheral surface 16A of the input spool 16 toward the hollow portion of the input spool 16. With the printing cassette 10 attached to the printing device main body 100, the drive shaft 105 is inserted into the hollow portion of the input spool 16 (i.e., the take-up roll 14B), and the spool side spline teeth 16B engage with the drive shaft 105. As a result, a driving force is input from the drive shaft 105 to the spool side spline teeth 16B.

[0040] (Output gear) The output gear 18 is a single gear that outputs the driving force for transporting the printing tape 11A to the outside.

[0041] Specifically, the output gear 18 outputs driving force to the platen gear 104 of the printing apparatus main body 100. The rotation axis L7 of the output gear 18 is parallel to the rotation axis L5 of the second supply spool 15. The output gear 18 overlaps with the cover portion 32B in the vertical direction.

[0042] A portion of the output gear 18 is exposed in the head opening 33 B. When the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing apparatus main body 100, the output gear 18 engages with the platen gear 104 in the head opening 33 B.

[0043] The second supply spool 15, the output gear 18, and the printing tape roll 11 are arranged in the vertical direction in the following order: second supply spool 15, output gear 18, and printing tape roll 11. In other words, the output gear 18 is located between the second supply spool 15 and the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0044] (Input gear) The input gear 19 indirectly engages with the output gear 18 via an idle gear 20 and transmits the driving force of the drive shaft 105 to the output gear 18 .

[0045] The input gear 19 has a gear body 19A, a wall portion 19B, and gear-side spline teeth 19C (an example of a second engagement portion). The gear body 19A is a single gear that engages with an idle gear 20.

[0046] The wall portion 19B is a cylindrical spool that extends downward from a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the gear body 19A and has a hollow portion defined by its inner circumferential surface. The wall portion 19B is disposed radially inward of the pitch circle of the input gear 19.

[0047] The gear side spline teeth 19C are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 19B. In other words, the gear side spline teeth 19C are disposed radially inward from the pitch circle of the input gear 19. The gear side spline teeth 19C protrude toward the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19.

[0048] The gear side spline teeth 19C engage with the drive shaft 105 when the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing device main body 100. This causes a driving force to be input to the gear side spline teeth 19C from the drive shaft 105. The driving force input to the gear side spline teeth 19C causes the gear main body 19A to rotate integrally with the wall portion 19B.

[0049] The rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 (i.e., the rotation axis of the gear body 19A and the rotation axis of the wall portion 19B) overlaps with the hollow portion of the input spool 16 (i.e., the take-up roll 14B) in the vertical direction. The input gear 19 is disposed so that the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 is on the same line as the rotation axis L6 of the input spool 16. Furthermore, the gear body 19A of the input gear 19 is disposed at a different position in the vertical direction from the input spool 16 and the take-up roll 14B.

[0050] Specifically, the input spool 16, a portion of the input gear 19 (i.e., the gear body 19A), and the printing tape roll 11 are arranged in the vertical direction in the following order: part of the input spool 16 (i.e., the gear body 19A), the input gear 19, and the printing tape roll 11.

[0051] 4, in a projection of the input spool 16 and the input gear 19 onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., when the printing cassette 10 is viewed from below), the diameter of the inscribed circle C1 of the spool side spline teeth 16B is larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle C2 of the gear side spline teeth 19C. Also, at least a portion of the gear side spline teeth 19C overlaps with the hollow portion of the input spool 16 in the up-down direction.

[0052] 5, the wall portion 19B is inserted into the hollow portion of the input spool 16 (i.e., the take-up roll 14B). Specifically, the lower end portion of the wall portion 19B is inserted into the input spool 16 to a position in the radial direction of the input spool 16 where it does not overlap with the spool-side spline teeth 16B.

[0053] Since the rotation axis L8 of the input gear 19 overlaps with the hollow portion of the input spool 16 in the vertical direction, the drive shaft 105 is inserted through the input spool 16 (that is, the take-up roll 14B) and the input gear 19 at the same time.

[0054] As a result, when the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing device main body 100, the spool side spline teeth 16B and the input gear 19 (i.e., the gear side spline teeth 19C) engage with the drive shaft 105 at different positions in the vertical direction. As a result, the input gear 19 is not directly connected to the input spool 16, but is rotated by the same drive source (i.e., the drive shaft 105) as the input spool 16.

[0055] (Idol Gear) The idle gear 20 engages with the input gear 19 and the output gear 18. The idle gear 20 transmits the driving force input to the input gear 19 to the output gear 18. A rotation axis L9 of the idle gear 20 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0056] The idle gear 20 is a stepped gear in which a large gear 20A engaged with the input gear 19 and a small gear 20B engaged with the output gear 18 are arranged side by side on the same axis. The small gear 20B has a smaller diameter than the large gear 20A.

[0057] The small gear 20B is disposed at a position closer to the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., above) than the large gear 20A in the vertical direction. The idle gear 20 constitutes a reduction mechanism that reduces the rotational speed of the driving force input to the input gear 19.

[0058] (case) As shown in FIG. 3, the first case portion 31 constitutes the upper end portion of the printing cassette 10. The first frame portion 32 is disposed below the first case portion 31 and is connected to the first case portion 31 in the up-down 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 up-down direction. The second case portion 34 constitutes the lower end portion of the printing cassette 10. The second case portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the up-down direction.

[0059] The first case portion 31 and the first frame portion 32 house the printing tape roll 11. In other words, the printing tape roll 11 is disposed in a space surrounded by the first case portion 31 and the first frame portion 32.

[0060] The second case portion 34 and the second frame portion 33 house the ink ribbon roll 14, the second supply spool 15, and the input spool 16. In other words, the ink ribbon roll 14, the second supply spool 15, and the input spool 16 are disposed in a space surrounded by the second case portion 34 and the second frame portion 33.

[0061] A part of the output gear 18 , the input gear 19 , and the idle gear 20 are disposed in a space surrounded by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33 .

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6A, the first frame portion 32 has a first side wall 32A, a cover portion 32B, a first guide 32C, and a second partition wall 32G. The first side wall 32A constitutes a side surface of the printing cassette 10 that is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0063] The cover portion 32B is a portion having a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The cover portion 32B is disposed at a position overlapping with the output gear 18 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the cover portion 32B is disposed at a right front corner of the first frame portion 32.

[0064] The second separating wall 32G is disposed on the opposite side of the input spool 16 with respect to the input gear 19 in the up-down direction (i.e., above the input gear 19). The second separating wall 32G separates the input gear 19 and the printing tape roll 11 in the up-down direction.

[0065] The second partition wall 32G has a first gear shaft 32D, a second gear shaft 32E, a third gear shaft 32F, a gear opposing surface 32H, and a support surface 32J (see FIG. 5).

[0066] The first gear shaft 32D is inserted through the output gear 18 and rotatably supports the output gear 18. The second gear shaft 32E is inserted through the input gear 19 and rotatably supports the input gear 19. The third gear shaft 32F is inserted through the idle gear 20 and rotatably supports the idle gear 20.

[0067] The gear opposing surface 32H is a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction and disposed above the output gear 18, the input gear 19, and the idle gear 20. The first gear shaft 32D, the second gear shaft 32E, and the third gear shaft 32F each protrude downward from the gear opposing surface 32H.

[0068] The support surface 32J is disposed on the opposite side to the gear-opposing surface 32H in the vertical direction, and supports the printing tape roll 11 from the input gear 19 side (that is, from below).

[0069] 7, the first guide 32C is a portion around which the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is wound. The first guide 32C has multiple plate-shaped ribs spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the printing tape roll 11. The multiple ribs protrude in the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11, with the amount of protrusion (i.e., plate width) increasing downward.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6B, the second frame portion 33 has a second side wall 33A, a head opening 33B, a discharge port 33C, a second guide 33D, a first separating wall 33E, and a hole 33F. The second side wall 33A constitutes a side surface of the printing cassette 10 that is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0071] The head opening 33B is a portion formed by cutting out a part of the second side wall 33A. The head opening 33B is a space into which the print head 102 is disposed by inserting the print head 102 from below when the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing device main body 100. The head opening 33B opens below the printing cassette 10.

[0072] The second guide 33D is a portion around which the printing tape 11A that has passed through the first guide 32C is wound. Similar to the first guide 32C, the second guide 33D has a number of plate-like ribs that are spaced apart and arranged along the circumferential direction of the ink ribbon roll 14. The multiple ribs protrude in the radial direction of the ink ribbon roll 14, and the amount of protrusion (i.e., plate width) decreases the further downward.

[0073] The first separating wall 33E separates the gear body 19A of the input gear 19 and the input spool 16 in the up-down direction, and supports the input gear 19 from the input spool 16 side (i.e., from below). The first separating wall 33E is located between the gear body 19A of the input gear 19 and the input spool 16 (i.e., the take-up roll 14B) in the up-down direction, and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0074] The hole 33F is provided in the first partition wall 33E and penetrates the first partition wall 33E in the up-down direction. The hole 33F is provided at a position overlapping with the gear body 19A of the input gear 19 and the second gear shaft 32E in the up-down direction.

[0075] 5, the wall portion 19B of the input gear 19 passes through a hole 33F and is inserted into the hollow portion of the input spool 16 (i.e., the take-up roll 14B). In addition, in the vertical direction, the gear body 19A of the input gear 19 is disposed between the first partition wall 33E and the gear facing surface 32H of the second partition wall 32G.

[0076] The tip (i.e., the lower end) of the second gear shaft 32E is disposed at a position closer to the gear opposing surface 32H than the end (i.e., the lower end) 19D of the wall 19B that is farthest from the gear opposing surface 32H in the up-down direction. In other words, the tip of the second gear shaft 32E is disposed above the wall 19B, and the second gear shaft 32E does not penetrate the wall 19B.

[0077] The second gear shaft 32E has a recess 32I at its tip that is recessed toward the gear facing surface 32H. When the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing device main body 100, an end 105A of the drive shaft 105 is inserted into the recess 32I.

[0078] The diameter of the second gear shaft 32E is smaller than the inner diameter of the wall portion 19B (i.e., the diameter of the hollow portion). The diameter of the end portion 105A of the drive shaft 105 is smaller than the diameter of the other portion of the drive shaft 105.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, case 35 has a first surface 35A that defines the upper outer periphery of case 35, and a second surface 35B that defines the lower outer periphery of case 35 at a position separated from first surface 35A in the vertical direction.

[0080] The first surface 35A and the second surface 35B each intersect with the up-down direction. The input spool 16 and the input gear 19 are disposed between the first surface 35A and the second surface 35B in the up-down direction.

[0081] In the vertical direction, a first distance D1 between an end portion (i.e., an upper end) of the input gear 19 on the first surface 35A side and the first surface 35A is a distance D2 between an end portion (i.e., a lower end) of the input gear 19 on the second surface 35B side and the second surface 35B. 5B. In addition, in the up-down direction, the first distance D1 is greater than a third distance D3 between the end (i.e., the lower end) of the ink ribbon 14A (i.e., the take-up roll 14B) on the second surface 35B side of the input spool 16 and the second surface 35B.

[0082] <Tape transport> As shown in Fig. 8, the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are hung in the left-right direction in the head opening 33B. After printing, the printing tape 11A is discharged from the discharge port 33C to the outside of the printer 1. A part of the output gear 18 is located inside the head opening 33B. In addition, the cover part 32B is exposed inside the head opening 33B.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, the first guide 32C and the second guide 33D form a passage for feeding the printing tape 11A constituting the printing tape roll 11 from the first frame portion 32 to the second frame portion 33.

[0084] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9A, the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is transported downward and rearward within the first frame portion 32 while contacting the first guide 32C from the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in a spiral manner. The printing tape 11A is further transported toward the lower left while vertically straddling the connecting portion between the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33 as shown in Fig. 9B.

[0085] The printing tape 11A that has reached the second frame portion 33 is transported downward and forward while contacting the second guide 33D from the radially outer side, as shown in Fig. 9C. The printing tape 11A that has reached the lower end of the printing cassette 10 passes through the head opening 33B and is discharged from the discharge opening 33C, as shown in Fig. 9D.

[0086] <Tape transport and printing by the printer body> The print head 102 prints on the print tape 11A held by the print cassette 10. When the printing cassette 10 is attached to the printing device main body 100, the print head 102 is disposed in a position in the head opening 33B so as to overlap the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-rear direction.

[0087] The printing tape 11A transported to the head opening 33B by the platen roller 103 is pressed against the print head 102, whose heating elements have generated heat, via the ink ribbon 14A. As a result, part of the ink arranged on the surface of the ink ribbon 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the printing tape 11A.

[0088] The platen roller 103 transports the printing tape 11A from inside the printing cassette 10 to the outside. The platen roller 103 comes into contact with the printing tape 11A at the head opening 33B, and presses the printing tape 11A against the print head .

[0089] 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 are capable of swinging between a position in which they are separated from the printing cassette 10 shown in Fig. 10 and a position in which the platen gear 104 is engaged with the output gear 18 shown in Fig. 11.

[0090] The drive shaft 105 is inserted between the input spool 16 and the input gear 19, and rotates the input spool 16 and the input gear 19 by engaging with the spool side spline teeth 16B and the gear side spline teeth 19C.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, when the printing cassette 10 is installed in 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 spool 16 and input gear 19 of the printing cassette 10. Thereafter, the platen roller 103 and the platen gear 104 are swung toward the head opening 33B of the printing cassette 10.

[0092] With the printing cassette 10 attached, the input gear 19 is rotated by the drive shaft 105, thereby rotating the output gear 18, which in turn rotates the platen gear 104, which in turn rotates the platen roller 103.

[0093] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) Driving force can be transmitted from one drive shaft 105 to the input spool 16 and the input gear 19 at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation axis L6 of the input spool 16 (i.e., the insertion direction of the drive shaft 105). Therefore, driving force can be input to both the input spool 16 and the input gear 19 while suppressing an increase in the size of the printing cassette 10 in the directions perpendicular to the insertion direction of the drive shaft 105 (i.e., the front-rear and left-right directions).

[0094] (1b) By using the spool side spline teeth 16B as an engagement portion that transmits driving force from the drive shaft 105 to the input spool 16, the input spool 16 can be rotated while the drive shaft 105 penetrates the input spool 16. As a result, the space required for arranging the drive system can be reduced.

[0095] (1c) By using the gear-side spline teeth 19C as an engagement portion that transmits driving force from the drive shaft 105 to the input gear 19, the input spool 16 and the input gear 19 can be arranged to overlap in the radial direction of the drive shaft 105. As a result, the arrangement space for the drive system can be reduced.

[0096] (1d) The first separating wall 33E can appropriately maintain the vertical positional relationship between the input gear 19 and the input spool 16. As a result, the efficiency of transmitting the driving force to the spool side spline teeth 16B and the gear side spline teeth 19C can be improved.

[0097] (1e) The second gear shaft 32E has the recess 32I, which makes it possible to suppress misalignment between the drive shaft 105 and the printing cassette 10 in the radial direction of the drive shaft 105. As a result, it is possible to increase the efficiency of transmission of the driving force to the spool side spline teeth 16B and the gear side spline teeth 19C.

[0098] (1f) Since the first distance D1 is greater than the second distance D2 and the third distance D3, damage to the input gear 19 when the printing cassette 10 falls can be suppressed.

[0099] 2. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms.

[0100] (2a) In the printing device of the above embodiment, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may each be something other than spline teeth (for example, external teeth arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the spool). Also, the drive shaft does not necessarily have to be inserted into the input spool when the printing cassette is attached to the printing device body.

[0101] Furthermore, the second engagement portion of the input gear may be disposed at a position that does not overlap with the hollow portion of the input spool (i.e., the winding roll) in the vertical direction. For example, the wall portion may be composed of a plurality of plate members spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the input gear. Furthermore, the input gear does not necessarily have to have a wall portion and may be a single gear that directly engages with the drive shaft.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, when a printing cassette is attached to the printing device body, the drive shaft 221 may be inserted into a position shifted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 221 (i.e., radially) relative to the input spool 211, the first engagement portion 212, and the input gear 201.

[0103] 12A, the first engagement portion 212 is a single gear connected to the input spool 211, and engages with first teeth 222 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 221. The input gear 201 also directly engages with second teeth 223 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 221.

[0104] 12B, for example, a single gear having a through hole at the center through which the drive shaft 221 is inserted may be used as the input gear 201A. The input gear 201A engages with second teeth 223 of the drive shaft 221 by spline teeth provided on the inner circumferential surface that defines the through hole.

[0105] 12B correspond to the input spool 16 and the spool side spline teeth 16B of the first embodiment, respectively. The first engagement portion 212A engages with the first teeth 222 of the drive shaft 221.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Fig. 12C, an input spool 211 into which the drive shaft 221 is not inserted and an input gear 201A into which the drive shaft 221 is inserted may be used. The input gear 201A in Fig. 12C is the same as that in Fig. 12B, and the input spool 211 and the first engagement portion 212 in Fig. 12C are the same as those in Fig. 12A.

[0107] Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 12D, an input spool 211A through which the drive shaft 221 is inserted and an input gear 201 through which the drive shaft 221 is not inserted may be used. The input gear 201 in Fig. 12D is the same as that in Fig. 12A, and the input spool 211A and the first engagement portion 212A in Fig. 12D are the same as those in Fig. 12B.

[0108] (2b) The printing device of the above embodiment is not limited to one that uses an ink ribbon for printing. The printing device may use a strip of thermal paper instead of the printing tape in the first embodiment, and may use a laminate tape (i.e., a protective tape) instead of the ink ribbon.

[0109] The printing device may also use a stencil tape in which a printing pattern is punched by a thermal head as the printing tape, and a strip-shaped interleaf paper to protect and support the stencil tape. In this case, the printing tape may be superimposed on the interleaf paper at a position closer to the print head than the interleaf paper (i.e., as an upper layer) at the head opening, or the printing tape may be superimposed on the interleaf paper at a position farther from the print head than the interleaf paper (i.e., as a lower layer).

[0110] Furthermore, the printing device may further use a laminate tape in addition to the printing tape and the ink ribbon, that is, the printing cassette may be provided with a third supply spool for supplying the laminate tape.

[0111] (2c) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the input spool is a spool on which printing tape, ink ribbon or other tape is wound and which supplies the tape to the head opening. may be used as a supply spool.

[0112] (2d) The printing cassette of the above embodiment may have two or more idle gears. Also, the idle gear does not necessarily have to be a stepped gear, but may be a single gear. Also, the printing cassette does not necessarily have to have an idle gear, and the output gear may directly engage with the input gear.

[0113] (2e) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. Note that all aspects included in the technical idea identified from the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1...printing device, 10...printing cassette, 11...printing tape roll, 11A...printing tape, 12...first supply spool, 14...ink ribbon roll, 14A: ink ribbon; 14B: take-up roll; 15: second supply spool; 16...input spool, 16B...spool side spline teeth, 18...output gear, 19...input gear, 19A...gear body, 19B...wall portion, 19C...gear side spline teeth, 20... idle gear, 31... first case portion, 32... first frame portion, 32E... second gear shaft, 32G: second partition wall; 32H: gear facing surface; 32I: recess; 33: second frame portion; 33E: first partition wall; 33F: hole; 34: second case part; 35: case; 100: Printing device main body, 101: Cassette insertion section, 102: Print head, 103: platen roller; 104: platen gear; 105: drive shaft.

Claims

1. A printing cassette detachably attached to a printing device body having a drive shaft that rotates around an axis, A first tape; a spool that is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a first direction and on which the first tape is wound or configured to be wound; a first engagement portion provided on the spool and configured to transmit a driving force of the drive shaft to the spool; an input gear that is disposed at a position different from the spool in the first direction and engages with another gear to transmit the driving force of the drive shaft to the other gear; Equipped with When the printing cassette is attached to the printing apparatus body, the first engagement portion and the input gear engage with the drive shaft at different positions in the first direction.

2. the spool is cylindrical with a hollow portion defined by an inner circumferential surface, the first engagement portion is a spool side spline tooth provided on the inner circumferential surface, 2. The printing cassette according to claim 1, wherein, when the printing cassette is mounted in the printing apparatus body, the drive shaft is inserted through the hollow portion of the spool, and the spool side spline teeth are engaged with the drive shaft.

3. the input gear has a second engagement portion disposed radially inwardly of a pitch circle of the input gear, a rotation axis of the input gear overlaps with the hollow portion of the spool in the first direction, 3. The printing cassette according to claim 2, wherein the second engagement portion is engaged with the drive shaft when the printing cassette is attached to the printing apparatus main body.

4. the input gear is disposed radially inward of a pitch circle of the input gear, the input gear has a wall portion extending in the first direction and inserted into the hollow portion of the spool, 4. The printing cassette according to claim 3, wherein the second engagement portion is a gear-side spline tooth that is provided on the wall portion and protrudes toward the rotation axis of the input gear.

5. A first tape; a cylindrical spool that is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a first direction, has the first tape wound thereon or is configured to have the first tape wound thereon, and has an inner circumferential surface that defines a hollow portion; a spool side spline tooth protruding from the inner circumferential surface toward the hollow portion and receiving an external driving force; an input gear that is disposed at a position different from the spool in the first direction and engages with another gear; an engagement portion provided on the input gear to which the driving force from the outside is input; Equipped with At least a portion of the engagement portion overlaps with the hollow portion in the first direction.

6. a rotation axis of the input gear overlaps with the hollow portion of the spool in the first direction, the input gear is disposed radially inward of a pitch circle of the input gear, the input gear has a wall portion extending in the first direction and inserted into the hollow portion of the spool, The engagement portion is provided on the wall portion and protrudes toward the rotation axis of the input gear.

6. A printing cassette as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gear side spline teeth are gear side spline teeth.

7. a first partition wall located between a portion of the input gear and the spool in the first direction and extending in a direction intersecting the first direction; a hole penetrating the first partition wall in the first direction; Further equipped with 7. The printing cassette according to claim 4, wherein the wall portion is inserted into the hollow portion of the spool through the hole.

8. a second isolation wall disposed on an opposite side of the input gear from the spool in the first direction; The second partition wall is A gear shaft that is inserted into the input gear; a gear facing surface from which the gear shaft projects; having In the first direction, a portion of the input gear is disposed between the first partition wall and the gear facing surface, The printing cassette according to claim 7 , wherein a tip end of the gear shaft is disposed at a position closer to the gear opposing surface than an end of the wall portion that is furthest from the gear opposing surface in the first direction.

9. 9. The printing cassette according to claim 8, wherein the gear shaft has a recess at the tip end that is recessed toward the gear-opposing surface.

10. 10. A printing cassette as claimed in claim 4, or any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein in a projection of the spool and the input gear onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the input gear, a diameter of an inscribed circle of the spool side spline teeth is larger than a diameter of an inscribed circle of the gear side spline teeth.

11. Printing tape and a supply spool on which the first tape is wound; Further equipped with the first tape is an ink ribbon used for printing on the printing tape, 11. The printing cassette according to claim 1, wherein the spool is a take-up spool that winds up the ink ribbon.

12. The rotary actuator further includes a case in which at least a portion of the spool and at least a portion of the input gear are disposed, The case is A first surface that defines an outer contour of the case and intersects with the first direction; a second surface that defines an outer periphery of the case at a position separated from the first surface in the first direction and intersects with the first direction; having the spool and the input gear are disposed between the first surface and the second surface in the first direction, In the first direction, a first distance between an end portion of the input gear on the first surface side and the first surface is larger than a second distance between an end portion of the input gear on the second surface side and the second surface, A printing cassette as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the first direction, the first distance is greater than a third distance between the end of the first tape wound around the spool on the second surface side and the second surface.

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