Transfer tool

Abstract

To provide a transfer tool in which a transfer head provided on a refill can be suitably positioned with respect to a main body case.SOLUTION: The transfer tool has left and right recesses F, G provided at the front of a main body case C, recessed in the front-to-back direction and open in the left-to-right direction. A transfer head N includes a transfer roller P that presses a transfer tape T against the transferred surface, and left and right support walls R, S which are left and right regulating parts that regulate the lateral shifting movement of the transfer tape T relative to the transfer roller P, and the left and right support walls R, S are configured to fit into the left and right recesses F, G.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer tool. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There has been known a transfer tool including a main case and a refill having a transfer head at its tip and configured to be replaceable with respect to the main case (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In conventional transfer tools, the entire transfer head provided on the refill is generally disposed in front of the main case.

[0004] However, in this configuration, it is necessary to stabilize the transfer head provided on the refill at a position in front of the main body case, and the structure required for this tends to become complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-061680 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a transfer tool in which at least the transfer head provided on the refill is stable relative to the main case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a transfer tool comprising a main case and a refill having a transfer head at its tip and configured to be replaceable relative to the main case, wherein a recess that is recessed in the front-to-back direction and open in the left-to-right direction is provided at the front of the main case, and the transfer head comprises a transfer end that presses the transfer tape against the surface to be transferred, and left and right regulating portions that regulate the lateral movement of the transfer tape relative to the transfer end, and wherein either or both of the left and right regulating portions are configured to fit into the recess.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the transfer tool described in claim 1, wherein the left and right regulating portions are in the form of a pair of upright walls on the left and right.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, which is provided with a transfer roller having a cylindrical roller body, which is the transfer end, and an axle portion protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body, and the left and right regulating portions are provided with axle holding portions that hold the axle portions.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the transfer tool described in claim 3, wherein the shaft holding portion includes shaft holding arms formed in a pair above and below and protruding forward.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, which is equipped with a cap that can cover the transfer end portion when not in use to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the transfer end portion by cooperating with the main case and the left and right regulating portions, and this cap is rotatably supported with respect to the main case or the refill.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the transfer tool described in claim 5, wherein the regulating portion is configured not to interfere with the cap when it is rotated.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, which is configured to pass the transfer tape paid out from a pay-out reel through the transfer head and be wound onto a take-up reel, the refill comprising a refill base, and the pay-out reel and the take-up reel rotatably supported relative to the refill base, and the regulating portion is provided on the refill base.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, in which the refill base is generally in the shape of an upright plate and is housed within the main case, and is provided with a plate-shaped base arranged on one or both sides of the supply reel and the take-up reel, and the left and right regulating portions arranged in front of this plate-shaped base, and one of the regulating portions is connected to the front end of the plate-shaped base, and its outer surface is formed so as to be positioned outer than the outer surface of the plate-shaped base.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the transfer tool described in claim 8, in which a step is formed between the one of the restricting portions and the plate-shaped base portion, on which a part of the main body case is disposed.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the transfer tool described in claim 1, wherein the recess is provided in both or either one of the left and right side walls constituting the front part of the main body case.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, wherein the recess has a first recess-forming edge portion extending in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from the side, and a second recess-forming edge portion extending in a direction intersecting the first recess-forming edge portion, and both or one of the left and right regulating portions have a first abutment edge portion abutting against the first recess-forming edge portion and a second abutment edge portion abutting against the second recess-forming edge portion. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer tool in which at least the transfer head provided on the refill is stable relative to the main case. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 17] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 14 . [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a right side view illustrating the trajectory of the transfer tape in the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a right side view illustrating the trajectory of the transfer tape in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a transfer tool for transferring a paste (not shown) that is a transfer material onto a receiving surface (not shown) such as paper.

[0023] The transfer tool comprises a transfer tool main body A having a transfer head N at its tip and a payout reel K and a take-up reel M arranged within a main body case C which are linked by a reel linkage mechanism D, and a cap B which is rotatably supported relative to the transfer tool main body A and is configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the roller body p1 of the transfer roller P, which is the transfer end of the transfer head N, when not in use.

[0024] <<Transfer tool body A>> The transfer tool main body A is configured to wind the transfer tape T, which is paid out from a pay-out reel K, onto a take-up reel M via a transfer head N having a transfer roller P. In the transfer tool main body A, the take-up reel M is disposed behind the transfer head N. In the transfer tool main body A, the pay-out reel K is disposed behind the take-up reel M.

[0025] The transfer device main body A is equipped with a transfer head N at the tip which presses the transfer tape T against the surface to be transferred, a pay-out reel K on which unused transfer tape T(N) with glue applied to one side is wound, and a take-up reel M which takes up used transfer tape T(D) which has changed from unused to used by passing through the transfer head N.

[0026] The transfer tool main body A includes a main body case C having a refill arrangement space sp formed therein in which a refill E holding a transfer tape T can be arranged, and the refill E configured to be replaceable with respect to the main body case C. The refill E holds a pay-out reel K and a take-up reel M, and is provided with a transfer head N at its front end.

[0027] <Main body case C> The main case C has left and right side walls 1, 2, an upper wall 3 disposed between the upper edges of the left and right side walls 1, 2, a lower wall 4 disposed between the lower edges of the left and right side walls 1, 2, and a rear wall 5 disposed between the rear parts of the left and right side walls 1, 2. The main case C has a refill arrangement space sp surrounded by the left and right side walls 1, 2, the upper wall 3, the lower wall 4, and the rear wall 5.

[0028] The case C is a generally rectangular tube having a tapered front portion that allows the user to hold the case C in the same manner as a writing instrument.

[0029] That is, the front part of the main body case C has a relatively short vertical and horizontal dimension, forming a so-called pen-shaped shape that can be held in the same manner as holding a pen (writing instrument). The front part of the main body case C includes a cylindrical part in which a refill arrangement space sp is formed and whose outer diameter dimension gradually decreases toward the front.

[0030] The main case C has a first case forming portion H disposed on one side, that is, the left side, and a second case forming portion I disposed on the other side, that is, the right side. The first case forming portion H and the second case forming portion I are connected to be relatively rotatable at a hinge portion disposed between the rear portions of the first case forming portion H and the second case forming portion I so as to open and close the refill arrangement space sp.

[0031] [First case forming part H] The first case forming part H has the entire left side wall 1, a left upper wall forming part 31 which is a part forming the upper wall 3, a left lower wall forming part 41 which is a part of the lower wall 4, and a left rear wall forming part 51 which constitutes part of the rear wall 5.

[0032] (Left side wall 1) The left side wall 1 is an upright wall and includes a front left side wall portion 11 disposed at the front and formed so that its vertical width dimension gradually increases toward the rear, an intermediate left side wall portion 12 connected to the rear from the rear portion of the front left side wall portion 11 and formed so as to extend rearward with approximately the same vertical width dimension, and a rear left side wall portion 13 connected to the rear from the rear portion of the intermediate left side wall portion 12 and formed so that its vertical width dimension gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0033] The left side wall 1 is continuous such that the lower edge of the front left side wall portion 11 and the lower edge of the intermediate left side wall portion 12 are generally linear in the front-to-rear direction in side view. Also, the left side wall 1 is continuous such that the upper edge of the intermediate left side wall portion 12 and the upper edge of the rear left side wall portion 13 are generally linear in the front-to-rear direction in side view.

[0034] The inner surface of the left side wall 1 is provided with a columnar portion 1a serving as a positioning portion that is fitted into the cylindrical portion j3 serving as an engagement portion provided on the refill E, a protruding engagement portion 1b serving as a positioning portion that is fitted into the rectangular tubular portion j4 serving as an engagement portion provided on the refill E, a cylindrical take-up reel engagement protrusion 1c that engages with the take-up reel M provided on the refill E, a pay-out reel support shaft 1d that is disposed within the body k1 of the pay-out reel K provided on the refill E, and two intermediate gear support shafts 1e that protrude between the take-up reel engagement protrusion 1c and the pay-out reel support shaft 1d.

[0035] A payout gear d1, a core member d4 that constitutes the slip clutch L, and a clutch spring d5 that constitutes the slip clutch L are rotatably supported on the payout reel support shaft 1d with their axes ks aligned.

[0036] (Left upper wall forming part 31) The left upper wall forming portion 31 extends inwardly from the upper edge portion of the left side wall 1. The left upper wall forming portion 31 is provided so as to mainly constitute the left half of the rear portion of the upper wall 3.

[0037] (Left lower wall forming part 41) The left bottom wall forming portion 41 extends inward from the lower edge of the left side wall 1. The left bottom wall forming portion 41 is provided so as to form the left half of the bottom wall 4. The left bottom wall forming portion 41 has a cutout at a portion corresponding to the engagement piece 42a that forms the right bottom wall forming portion 42.

[0038] At the front end of the left lower wall forming portion 41, a shaft holding portion 41a serving as a holding portion for rotatably holding the shaft portion 7 serving as a connecting portion provided on the cap B is protruded forward.

[0039] In addition, front and rear case side engagement portions 41f, 41r are provided at the front and rear of the shaft holding portion 41a with which the cap side engagement portion 66 provided on the cap B can selectively engage in order to hold the cap B in the covering position (X) or the retracted position (Y).

[0040] (Left rear wall forming part 51) The left rear wall forming portion 51 extends inwardly from the rear edge portion of the left side wall 1. The left rear wall forming portion 51 has an extending end portion provided with a pair of shaft portions 51a that form a hinge portion.

[0041] [Second case forming section I] The second case forming part I has the entire right side wall 2, a right upper wall forming part 32 which is a part that forms the upper wall 3, a right lower wall forming part 42 which forms part of the lower wall 4, and a right rear wall forming part 52 which forms part of the rear wall 5.

[0042] (Right side wall 2) The right side wall 2 is an upright wall. The right side wall 2 has a shape that is substantially symmetrical to the left side wall 1. That is, the right side wall 2 includes a front right side wall portion 21 disposed at the front and formed so that its vertical width dimension gradually increases toward the rear, an intermediate right side wall portion 22 connected to the rear from the rear portion of the front right side wall portion 21 and formed so that it extends rearward with substantially the same vertical width dimension, and a rear right side wall portion 23 connected to the rear from the rear portion of the intermediate right side wall portion 22 and formed so that its vertical width dimension gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0043] The right side wall 2 is continuous such that the lower edge of the front right side wall portion 21 and the lower edge of the intermediate right side wall portion 22 are generally linear in the front-to-rear direction in side view. Also, the right side wall 2 is continuous such that the upper edge of the intermediate right side wall portion 22 and the upper edge of the rear right side wall portion 23 are generally linear in the front-to-rear direction in side view.

[0044] The inner surface of the right side wall 2 is provided with a columnar portion (not shown) which is a positioning portion that is inserted into hole j5, which is an engagement portion provided on the refill E, a claw portion 2a which protrudes behind the columnar portion (not shown) and can engage with claw engagement portion 1f formed within protruding engagement portion 1b provided on the left side wall 1, and front and rear engagement protrusions 2b, 2c which protrude in a partial arc shape at two locations, front and rear, behind the claw portion 2a and engage with the right side portion of the refill base J.

[0045] (Right upper wall forming part 32) The right upper wall forming portion 32 extends inwardly from the upper edge of the right side wall 2. The right upper wall forming portion 32 constitutes substantially the entire front portion of the upper wall 3 and is provided so as to constitute the right half of the rear portion of the upper wall 3.

[0046] The front end portion 32t of the right upper wall forming portion 32 is provided in a cantilever shape protruding forward so as to be located forward of the second recess forming edge g2, which is the front end edge of the right side wall 2. In other words, the second case forming portion I of the main body case C is provided with the front end portion 32t, which is a portion constituting the upper wall 3 and is provided in a cantilever shape protruding forward. In this embodiment, the front end portion 32t of the upper wall 3 is disposed between the upper portions of the left and right support walls R, S that constitute the transfer head N of the refill E.

[0047] (Right lower wall forming part 42) The right bottom wall forming portion 42 extends inward from the lower edge of the right side wall 2. The right bottom wall forming portion 42 is provided so as to form the right half of the bottom wall 4. An engagement piece 42a capable of engaging with the left bottom wall forming portion 41 is protruded from the right bottom wall forming portion 42.

[0048] (Right rear wall forming part 52) The right rear wall forming portion 52 extends inwardly from the rear edge portion of the right side wall 2. The extending end portion of the right rear wall forming portion 52 is provided with a pair of bearing portions 52a that form hinge portions.

[0049] [Regarding the left and right recesses F and G formed on the main body case C] Left and right recesses F, G that are recessed in the front-rear direction and open in the left-right direction are provided in the front of the main case C. Left and right support walls R, S that are components of the refill E engage with the left and right recesses F, G.

[0050] (Left recess F) The left recess F has a first recess-forming edge f1 extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, and a second recess-forming edge f2 extending in a direction intersecting the first recess-forming edge f1, i.e., in the up-down direction approximately perpendicular to the first recess-forming edge f1.

[0051] The first recess-forming edge f1 that forms the left recess F is configured by the left edge of the front end portion 32t of the upper wall 3.

[0052] The second recess-forming edge f2 forming the left recess F is constituted by the front edge of the left side wall 1.

[0053] The left recess F is formed by cooperation between a first case forming part H provided with a second recess forming edge f2 and a second case forming part I provided with a first recess forming edge f1.

[0054] (Right recess G) The right recess G has a first recess-forming edge g1 extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, and a second recess-forming edge g2 extending in a direction intersecting the first recess-forming edge g1, i.e., in the up-down direction approximately perpendicular to the first recess-forming edge g1.

[0055] The first recess-forming edge g1 that forms the right recess G is configured by the right edge of the front end portion 32t of the upper wall 3.

[0056] The second recess-forming edge g2 that forms the right recess G is configured by the front edge of the right side wall 2.

[0057] The right recess G is provided in the second case forming portion I. The first and second recess forming edges g1, g2 forming the right recess G are connected to the front portion of the second case forming portion I so as to form an L shape.

[0058] <Reel linkage mechanism D> The reel interlocking mechanism D is of a known configuration for interlocking the rotation of the supply reel K and the take-up reel M.

[0059] The reel interlocking mechanism D is mainly composed of a payout reel K, a payout gear d1 that can rotate together with the payout reel K, a winding gear d3 that indirectly meshes with the payout gear d1 via two intermediate gears d2, and a winding reel M that can rotate together with the winding gear d3. A slip clutch L is interposed between the payout reel K and the payout gear d1.

[0060] The slip clutch L is of a known configuration for optimizing the degree of tension of the transfer tape T by causing slippage between the payout gear d1, which is a first rotating member that rotates around a common axis, the payout reel support shaft 1d, and the core member d4, which is a second rotating member.

[0061] The slip clutch L is configured so that the payout gear d1 and the core member d4 can rotate relative to one another, thereby preventing excessive pulling force from acting on the transfer tape T. The core member d4 engages with the payout reel K and rotates integrally therewith.

[0062] In this embodiment, the slip clutch L has a clutch spring d5 interposed between a payout gear d1 and a core member d4. The payout gear d1, clutch spring d5, and core member d4 that constitute the slip clutch L are supported by a first case forming portion H having a payout reel support shaft 1d.

[0063] In the process of running the transfer head N and transferring the adhesive attached to the transfer tape T to the transfer surface by the action of the reel interlocking mechanism D, the transfer tape T moves from the upstream side, which is the supply reel K side, to the downstream side, which is the take-up reel M side. The supply reel K rotates as it is pulled by the transfer tape T moving from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the rotation of the supply reel K is transmitted to the supply gear d1 via the slip clutch L, and then to the two intermediate gears d2 and the take-up gear d3 in that order.

[0064] <Refill E> The refill E is configured to be detachable from the main case C. The refill E is provided with a transfer head N at its tip. The refill E is configured to be replaceable with respect to the main case C.

[0065] The refill E includes a refill base J, a payout reel K and a take-up reel M rotatably supported on the refill base J, and a transfer head N provided at the tip of the refill base J. The take-up gear d3 is integrally provided on the left side of the take-up reel M.

[0066] [Refill Base J] The refill base J is a one-piece molded product made of synthetic resin. The refill base J is generally in the shape of an upright plate and is housed in the main case C. The refill base J includes a plate-shaped base j1 disposed on the right side of the supply reel K and the take-up reel M, and left and right support walls R and S, which are left and right regulating parts disposed in front of the plate-shaped base j1 and can regulate the lateral shifting of the transfer tape T.

[0067] (Plate-shaped base j1) The plate-shaped base j1 is generally a standing wall elongated in the front-to-rear direction. A supply reel holder j6 for rotatably holding a supply reel K is protruding from the inner side, i.e., the left side, of the plate-shaped base j1. A take-up reel holder j7 for rotatably holding a take-up reel M is protruding from the inner side, i.e., the left side, of the plate-shaped base j1.

[0068] The inner front portion, i.e., the left side portion, of the plate-shaped base j1 is provided with a cylindrical portion j3 that fits onto a columnar portion 1a provided on the first case forming portion H, and a rectangular tubular portion j4 that fits onto a protruding engagement portion 1b provided on the first case forming portion H.

[0069] (Left and right support walls R, S) The left and right support walls R, S, together with the transfer roller P, constitute the transfer head N. The left and right support walls R, S are disposed in front of the left side wall 1 and the right side wall 2, respectively, which constitute the main body case C. A front end portion 32t, which is a constituent part of the main body case C, is provided on the left and right support walls R, S.

[0070] The left and right support walls R, S are in the form of a pair of standing walls. The left and right support walls R, S are substantially triangular in side view. The left and right support walls R, S are connected via a horizontal frame portion nf extending in the left-right direction. The left and right support walls R, S are disposed spaced apart from each other on the left and right.

[0071] The left and right support walls R, S are provided at their front lower portions with shaft holding portions rj, sj that hold the left and right shaft portions p2 protruding from the transfer roller P. The shaft holding portions rj, sj include shaft holding arms ra, sa that are formed in a vertical pair and protrude forward. In other words, the left and right shaft portions p2 provided on the transfer roller P are rotatably held by the vertical pair of shaft holding arms ra, sa provided on the left and right support walls R, S, respectively.

[0072] The left support wall R is configured to fit into a left recess F provided in the main case C. The left support wall R has a first abutment edge r1 that abuts against or is adjacent to a first recess-forming edge f1 that constitutes the left recess F, and a second abutment edge r2 that abuts against or is adjacent to a second recess-forming edge f2.

[0073] The outer surface of the left support wall R is set to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the left side wall 1. The outer surface of the left support wall R is set to be smoothly connected to the outer surface of the front end portion 32 of the upper wall 3.

[0074] The right support wall S is configured to fit into a right recess G provided in the main body case C. The right support wall S has a first abutment edge s1 that abuts against or is adjacent to a first recess-forming edge g1 that constitutes the right recess G, and a second abutment edge s2 that abuts against or is adjacent to a second recess-forming edge g2.

[0075] The outer surface of the right support wall S is set so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the right side wall 2. The outer surface of the right support wall S is set so as to be smoothly connected to the outer surface of the front end portion 32 of the upper wall 3.

[0076] Of the left and right support walls R, S, the right support wall S is connected so as to extend forward from the front end of the plate-shaped base j1. The outer surface of the right support wall S is formed so as to be positioned outward of the outer surface of the plate-shaped base j1. A step j2 is formed between the right support wall S and the plate-shaped base j1, on which the front end of the right side wall 2, which is a part of the main body case C, is disposed.

[0077] In this embodiment, the right support wall S is set to have a shorter vertical dimension than the left support wall R. In other words, the upper part of the left support wall R extends upward beyond the upper end of the right support wall S.

[0078] The dimensional difference between the upper parts of the left and right support walls R, S is intended to suppress interference between the upper end of the right support wall S and the front end portion 32t of the second case forming part I when the second case forming part I is opened and closed around the hinge portion relative to the first case forming part H, thereby allowing the second case forming part I to rotate smoothly relative to the first case forming part H.

[0079] [Payment reel K] The payout reel K pays out unused transfer tape T(N) having glue applied to one side thereof as the transfer material.

[0080] The payout reel K has transfer tape T with adhesive applied to one side wound thereon. The payout reel K has a cylindrical body k1 on which the transfer tape T is wound, and left and right flanges k2 for preventing lateral shifting of the wound transfer tape T. A plurality of inner ribs vu are provided on the inside of the body k1. The inner ribs vu protruding from the body k1 are adapted to engage with outer ribs vs protruding from the core member d4.

[0081] [Take-up reel M] The take-up reel M takes up the used transfer tape T (D) from which the adhesive, which is the transferred material, has been removed after passing through the transfer head N.

[0082] Used transfer tape T(D), in which the adhesive has almost peeled off from the continuous band-shaped tape substrate, is wound up on the take-up reel M. The used transfer tape T(D) is shorter in thickness than the unused transfer tape T(N) by the amount of the adhesive that has fallen off from one side of the tape substrate.

[0083] The take-up reel M winds up the used transfer tape T (D) in conjunction with the use of the transfer tool, i.e., the operation of transferring the adhesive attached to the unused transfer tape T (N) to a receiving surface such as paper.

[0084] The take-up reel M has a cylindrical body m1 on which the used transfer tape T (D) is wound, and left and right flanges m2 for preventing the wound used transfer tape T (D) from shifting sideways. A take-up gear d3 that connects to the intermediate gear d2 is integrally formed on the left side of the take-up reel M. The take-up gear d3 is for receiving the rotational force of the pay-out gear d1 via the intermediate gear d2, and rotates integrally with the take-up reel M.

[0085] The winding gear d3 is adapted to mesh with the intermediate gear d2. The rotation of the payout gear d1 is transmitted to the winding gear d3 via the intermediate gear d2. When the winding gear d3 rotates, the winding reel M, which is formed integrally with the winding gear d3, also rotates.

[0086] [Transfer head N] The transfer head N is provided on the refill E. The transfer head N includes a transfer roller P that presses the transfer tape T against the surface to be transferred, and left and right support walls R and S that serve as supports that rotatably support the transfer roller P.

[0087] (Transfer roller P) The transfer roller P has a cylindrical roller body p1 which is a transfer end portion, and left and right shaft portions p2 which protrude outward from both left and right ends of the roller body p1. The transfer roller P is rotatably supported by left and right support walls R and S which serve as supports. The transfer roller P presses an unused transfer tape T(N) paid out from a pay-out reel K against a transfer surface.

[0088] (Left and right support walls R, S) The left and right support walls R, S constitute the main part of the support that rotatably supports the transfer roller P. The left and right support walls R, S also serve as left and right regulating parts that regulate the lateral shift of the transfer tape T relative to the transfer roller P. The left and right support walls R, S are shaped so as not to interfere with the cap B when it rotates.

[0089] The configuration of the left and right support walls R, S has already been described in detail and will not be repeated here.

[0090] <<Cap B>> Next, a description will be given of cap B. For the sake of convenience, the description of front / back, up / down, left / right of cap B will be based on the posture of the covering position (X).

[0091] The cap B covers the outer circumferential surface of the roller body p1 of the transfer head N so that foreign matter such as dust does not adhere to the roller body p1 when not in use. In other words, the cap B cooperates with the transfer tool body A to restrict the intrusion of foreign matter into the outer circumferential surface of the roller body p1.

[0092] The cap B is a single member rotatably supported with respect to the transfer tool main body A between a covering position (X) and a retracted position (Y) retracted from the covering position (X).

[0093] Cap B is configured to be able to be held in the covering position (X) by engaging a cap side engaging portion 66 disposed at the base end, i.e., at a position facing the shaft portion 7, with a front case side engaging portion 41f provided on the main case C. Cap B is configured to be able to be held in the retracted position (Y) by engaging the cap side engaging portion 66 with a rear case side engaging portion 41r provided on the main case C.

[0094] The cap B is rotatably supported by a shaft holder 41a which is a cap holder provided on the front part of the bottom wall 4 constituting the main case C, ie, the left bottom wall forming part 41 of the first case forming part H.

[0095] The cap B is shaped so that it can cover the outer periphery of the roller body p1, which is the transfer end, so as not to be exposed to the outside by cooperating with the transfer tool body A at the covering position (X). In this embodiment, the cap B is shaped so that the outer end faces of the left and right shaft parts p2 are exposed without being covered from the outside in the left-right direction at the covering position (X).

[0096] Cap B includes a cap main body portion 6 having a storage space sk formed therein capable of accommodating a portion of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X), and an axis portion 7 serving as a connecting portion provided at the rear, i.e., the base end, of the cap main body portion 6 and capable of being rotatably connected to the transfer tool main body A.

[0097] <Cap body 6> The cap body portion 6 has a shape capable of covering the front side, the bottom side, and parts of both the left and right sides of the roller body p1 so as to form an accommodation space sk capable of partially accommodating the roller body p1 of the transfer roller P. The cap body portion 6 is capable of covering only the peripheral parts (parts near the outer circumferential surface of the roller body p1) of the parts of the left and right end faces of the roller body p1 that are not covered by the left and right support walls R, S from the outside.

[0098] The width dimension of the cap main body 6 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the left-right dimension of the transfer roller P. Also, the inside dimension in the left-right direction of the cap main body 6 that forms the storage space sk is set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the left-right dimension of the cylindrical roller main body p1. In other words, the inside dimension in the left-right direction of the cap main body 6 that forms the storage space sk is set to be shorter than the left-right dimension of the entire transfer roller P (i.e., including the roller main body p1 and the left and right shaft portions p2).

[0099] The lower portion of the cap body 6 extends rearward as compared with the upper portion of the cap body 6 .

[0100] The cap body 6 is provided with an upper abutment end surface 61 that can abut against the front end surface 32e of the upper wall 3 in the covering position (X), side abutment end surfaces 62 that abut against the front end surfaces rt, st of the left and right support walls R, S in the covering position (X), and a lower abutment end surface 63 that abuts against the lower end surfaces re, se of the left and right support walls R, S in the covering position (X).

[0101] The cap body 6 is provided with a lower closing portion 64 that is a portion that can close the space between the lower portions of the left and right support walls R, S at the covering position (X). The lower closing portion 64 is configured by a portion that extends rearward from the upper portion of the cap body 6.

[0102] The rear end portion of the lower blocking portion 64 in the left-right center portion functions as a cap side engaging portion 66 .

[0103] A pair of arms 65 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the left and right rear ends of both left and right sides of the lower blocking part 64. A shaft part 7 serving as a connecting part is provided between the left and right arm parts 65.

[0104] In this embodiment, the left and right arm portions 65 provided on the cap B are capable of blocking the gap sm formed at the front end portion of the main body case C, i.e., the gap sm formed between the left and right side walls 1, 2 and the shaft holding portion 41a provided on the bottom wall 4, when in the covering position (X).

[0105] The shaft portion 7 constitutes a connecting portion for the main body case C. The shaft portion 7 is cylindrical and axially shaped extending in the left-right direction. The shaft portion 7 is held by a shaft holding portion 41a, which is a holding portion provided on the transfer tool main body A. <<About the trajectory of the transfer tape T>> Next, the trajectory of the transfer tape T set in the transfer tool of this embodiment will be described with particular reference to FIGS.

[0106] 23 shows the arrangement of the transfer tape T in the transfer tool in the initial state of use. That is, a lot of unused transfer tape T (N) is wound on the supply reel K side, and almost no used transfer tape T is wound on the take-up reel M side.

[0107] 24 shows the arrangement of the transfer tape T in the transfer tool at the end of its use. That is, this is a state in which almost all of the unused transfer tape T(N) has been unwound from the supply reel K. More specifically, this is a state in which the supply reel K has almost run out of unused transfer tape T(N), and most of the used transfer tape T has been wound up on the take-up reel M.

[0108] The transfer device is configured such that unused transfer tape T(N) unwound from the supply reel K is peeled off from the roll-shaped portion kr on the supply reel K side (i.e., the portion wound in a roll around the supply reel K) at a location facing the take-up reel M, comes into contact with the outer surface of the roll-shaped portion mr on the take-up reel M side (i.e., the portion wound in a roll around the take-up reel M) made of used transfer tape T(D), and then reaches the transfer roller P of the transfer head N.

[0109] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the transfer tool is configured such that at least the portion tj of the unused transfer tape T(N) from point Q, which contacts the outer surface of the used transfer tape T(D) wound around the take-up reel M (i.e., the outer surface of the roll-shaped portion mr of the take-up reel M), to the transfer head N, is arranged below an imaginary straight line pf that passes through the axis ks of the pay-out reel K and the axis ms of the take-up reel M, and is always positioned away from the imaginary straight line pf as it moves forward until the unused transfer tape T(N) is exhausted from the pay-out reel K.

[0110] The unused transfer tape T(N) unwound from the supply reel K comes into contact with the roll-shaped portion mr of the take-up reel M before reaching the transfer head N. In this embodiment, the portion tj of the unused transfer tape T(N) is set to be positioned further away from the virtual straight line pf as it moves forward, so that the longitudinal area in which sliding contact may occur between the roll-shaped portion mr and the unused transfer tape (N) is suitably suppressed.

[0111] In other words, with the configuration of this embodiment, the degree of friction between the outer peripheral surface of the roll-shaped portion mr and the surface of the unused transfer tape (N) facing the roll-shaped portion mr is suitably suppressed, making it less likely to hinder the smooth progress of the transfer tape T when the user runs the transfer tool.

[0112] In addition, as in this embodiment, the portion tj of the unused transfer tape T(N) is set to be positioned away from the virtual straight line pf as it moves forward, so that the roller body p1 of the transfer roller P preferably supports the unused transfer tape T(N) from the back. That is, the roller body p1 preferably supports the back side of the unused transfer tape T(N). In the transfer tool of this embodiment, the roller body p1 preferably contacts the surface of the unused transfer tape T(N) on the side where no adhesive is applied until the unused transfer tape T(N) is used up.

[0113] Here, the transfer tool is rarely operated in a position that is approximately perpendicular to the surface to which the image is to be transferred, such as paper, and is usually operated in a position that is inclined relative to the surface to which the image is to be transferred, such as paper.

[0114] In this embodiment, the portion of the transfer tape T facing the transferred surface upstream of the point where its flow direction reverses back and forth (the point corresponding to the tip of the roller body p1) is always maintained in an optimal contact state with the roller body p1.

[0115] Therefore, when a user performs a transfer operation, the roller body p1 of the transfer tool, which is inclined toward the transferred surface, can suitably press the portion of the unused transfer tape T (N) facing the transferred surface from the back side.

[0116] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the transfer tool has a longitudinal dimension w1 of an extension portion tp extending in the front-to-rear direction from the downstream most contact point ps at point Q where the unused transfer tape T (N) contacts the outer surface of the used transfer tape T (D) wound around the take-up reel M (i.e., the outer surface of the roll-shaped portion mr of the take-up reel M) to the transfer roller P of the transfer head N, which is set to be longer than the separation distance w2 between the axis ks of the pay-out reel K and the axis ms of the take-up reel M.

[0117] In this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension w1 of the extension portion tp is set to be 1.5 times longer than the separation distance w2. Therefore, even if the transfer tool has a so-called pen-shaped main body case C whose tip is held by the user like a writing tool, a suitable trajectory of the transfer tape T can be set within the tip of the main body case C having a limited refill arrangement space sp.

[0118] As described above, the transfer tool according to this embodiment includes a main case C and a refill E having a transfer head N at its tip and configured to be replaceable with respect to the main case C.

[0119] The transfer tool has a front portion of a main case C having left and right recesses F and G which are recessed in the front-rear direction and open in the left-right direction.

[0120] The transfer head N is equipped with a roller body p1 which is a transfer end portion that presses the transfer tape T against the transferred surface, and left and right support walls R, S which are left and right regulating portions that regulate the lateral shifting movement of the transfer tape T relative to the roller body p1.

[0121] The left and right support walls R, S are configured to fit into the left and right recesses F, G.

[0122] Therefore, in this embodiment, a transfer tool in which the transfer head N provided on the refill E is stable relative to the main case C can be provided.

[0123] That is, in this embodiment, the left and right support walls R, S of the refill E are fitted into the left and right recesses F, G of the main body case C, thereby suitably positioning the refill E. Therefore, the transfer head N can be stabilized relative to the main body case C.

[0124] Moreover, since the left and right support walls R, S constituting the transfer head N are fitted into the left and right recesses F, G provided in the main body case C, this embodiment makes it easy to design the left and right support walls R, S to be smoothly continuous with the left and right side walls 1, 2 of the main body case C. Therefore, this embodiment provides excellent design freedom for making the entire tip part, including the transfer head N, of the transfer tool main body A compact.

[0125] In addition, since the left and right support walls R, S that support the transfer roller P fit into the left and right recesses F, G provided in the front part of the main body case C, the transfer tool of this embodiment has excellent design freedom to prevent the transfer roller P from protruding forward excessively.

[0126] Furthermore, the left and right support walls R, S, which are components of the transfer head N, fit into the left and right recesses F, G provided in the main body case C, so that the left and right support walls R, S cooperate with the main body case C to easily realize a configuration that surrounds the periphery of the roller body p1. Therefore, this embodiment has excellent design freedom in preventing the cap B, which can cover the roller body p1 at the covering position (X), from becoming large.

[0127] The left and right support walls R, S, which are the left and right regulating parts, are in the form of a pair of standing walls on the left and right.

[0128] For this reason, the left and right support walls R, S can be easily configured to smoothly connect to the left side wall 1 and the right side wall 2 of the main case C, respectively.

[0129] The transfer roller P has a cylindrical roller body p1 and a shaft portion p2 protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body p1. The left and right support walls R and S are provided with shaft holding portions rj and sj for holding the shaft portion p2.

[0130] For this reason, the left and right support walls R, S are of an advantageous configuration that not only functions to regulate the lateral shifting movement of the transfer tape T, but also functions to hold the transfer roller P rotatably.

[0131] The shaft holding portions rj, sj are configured to include shaft holding arms ra, sa formed in pairs above and below and protruding forward.

[0132] Therefore, the shaft holding portions rj and sj are capable of rotatably holding the shaft portion p2 of the transfer roller P at appropriate positions.

[0133] The cap B cooperates with the main case C and the left and right support walls R and S to cover the roller body p1 of the transfer head P to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the roller body p1 when not in use. The cap B is supported rotatably with respect to the main case C.

[0134] Therefore, by covering the roller body p1 of the transfer head P when not in use, the cap B can suitably prevent the problem of foreign matter such as dust adhering to the roller body p1.

[0135] The left and right support walls R, S are configured so as not to interfere with each other when the cap B rotates between the covering position (X) and the retracted position (Y).

[0136] As a result, the cap B can move smoothly between the covering position (X) where it covers the roller body p1 and the retracted position (Y) where it is retracted from the roller body p1 without its rotation being hindered by the left and right support walls R, S.

[0137] The transfer tool is configured to wind the transfer tape T, which is paid out from a pay-out reel K, onto a take-up reel M via a transfer head N. The refill E includes a refill base J, and the pay-out reel K and the take-up reel M rotatably supported on the refill base J. The refill base J is provided with left and right support walls R and S.

[0138] For this reason, the left and right support walls R, S constituting the transfer head N are provided on the refill base J and therefore have excellent rigidity.

[0139] The refill base J is generally shaped like an upright plate and is housed within the main case C. It comprises a plate-shaped base j1 arranged on the right side, which is one side of the supply reel K and the take-up reel M, and left and right support walls R, S arranged in front of the plate-shaped base j1. The right support wall S is connected to the front end of the plate-shaped base j1 and is formed so that its outer surface is positioned outer than the outer surface of the plate-shaped base j1.

[0140] For this reason, the arrangement of the plate-shaped base j1 and the right support wall S in the refill base J is suitably configured to smoothly connect the right support wall S with the outer surface of the right side wall 2 in the main body case C, thereby contributing to a good appearance of the entire transfer tool.

[0141] A step j2, in which the front part of the right side wall 2, which is a part of the main body case C, is disposed, is formed between the right support wall S, which is one of the restricting parts, and the plate-like base j1.

[0142] For this reason, a step j2 is provided in the refill base J, so that the right side wall 2 can be arranged in an appropriate location so that the outer surface of the right support wall S and the outer surface of the right side wall 2 are approximately flush with each other.

[0143] Left and right recesses F and G are provided in both left and right side walls 1 and 2 constituting the front part of the main body case C.

[0144] Therefore, the left and right support walls R, S constituting the transfer head N are stably disposed on the front part of the main body case C.

[0145] The left and right recesses F, G have first recess-forming edge portions f1, g1 extending in the front-to-rear direction in a side view, and second recess-forming edge portions f2, g2 extending in a direction intersecting the first recess-forming edge portions f1, g1.

[0146] Both the left and right support walls R, S have first abutment edges r1, s1 that abut against the first recess-forming edges f1, g1, and second abutment edges r2, s2 that abut against the second recess-forming edges f2, g2.

[0147] Therefore, the left and right recesses F, G have a suitable configuration for fitting externally to the left and right support walls R, S.

[0148] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above in detail.

[0149] The shape of the recess may be any shape that is recessed in the front-rear direction and open in the left-right direction, and it goes without saying that the specific shape can be set appropriately.

[0150] The left and right regulating portions are not limited to a configuration in which both portions fit into recesses as in the above-described embodiment, but may be configured so that only one of the regulating portions fits into a recess provided on only one of the portions.

[0151] The cap is not limited to being supported rotatably relative to the main case as in the above-described embodiment, but may be supported rotatably relative to the refill.

[0152] The plate-shaped base that constitutes the refill base is not limited to being arranged on only one side of the supply reel and the take-up reel, but may be arranged on both sides of the supply reel and the take-up reel.

[0153] The transfer tool may be any tool that transfers the transfer object to the transfer surface. In other words, the transfer object is not limited to the glue shown in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a correction agent (correction tape) for correction or a decorative agent (decorative tape) for decoration.

[0154] The transfer end of the transfer head is not limited to the one shown in the above embodiment as long as it exerts the function of pressing the transfer tape against the transfer surface. For example, the transfer end may be a plate-like member that uses a plate surface to press the transfer tape against the transfer surface.

[0155] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] C…Main unit case N...Transfer head E…Refill F…Left recess (recess) G…Right recess (recess) P...Transfer roller (transfer end) R…Left support wall (restriction part) S…Right support wall (regulating part)

Claims

1. A transfer tool comprising a main case and a refill having a transfer head at a tip and configured to be replaceable with respect to the main case, a recess that is recessed in the front-rear direction and open in the left-right direction is provided in the front portion of the main body case, The transfer head includes a transfer end portion that presses the transfer tape against the transfer surface, and left and right regulating portions that regulate the lateral shift of the transfer tape relative to the transfer end portion, A transfer tool configured so that either or both of the left and right regulating portions fit into the recesses.

2. 2. The transfer tool according to claim 1, wherein the left and right regulating portions are in the form of a pair of upright walls.

3. The transfer roller includes a cylindrical roller body, which is the transfer end portion, and a shaft portion protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body, The transfer tool according to claim 1 , wherein the left and right regulating portions are provided with shaft holding portions for holding the shaft portions.

4. 4. The transfer tool according to claim 3, wherein the shaft holding portion includes a pair of shaft holding arms formed above and below and protruding forward.

5. The transfer tool as described in claim 1, further comprising a cap that cooperates with the main case and the left and right regulating portions to cover the transfer end portion when not in use to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the transfer end portion, and the cap is supported rotatably relative to the main case or the refill.

6. The transfer tool according to claim 5 , wherein the restricting portion is configured so as not to interfere with rotation of the cap.

7. The transfer tape unwound from the unwinding reel is wound onto the take-up reel via the transfer head, The refill includes a refill base, and the supply reel and the take-up reel rotatably supported on the refill base, The transfer tool according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting portion is provided on the refill base.

8. the refill base is generally in the shape of a standing plate and is housed in the main case, and includes a plate-shaped base portion disposed on one or both sides of the supply reel and the take-up reel, and the left and right regulating portions disposed in front of the plate-shaped base portion, The transfer tool according to claim 1, wherein the one of the regulating portions is connected to the front end portion of the plate-shaped base, and the outer surface of the one of the regulating portions is formed so as to be positioned outwardly of the outer surface of the plate-shaped base.

9. The transfer tool according to claim 8, wherein a step is formed between the one of the restricting portions and the plate-like base portion, on which a part of the main case is disposed.

10. 2. The transfer tool according to claim 1, wherein the recess is provided in both or either one of the left and right side walls constituting the front portion of the main body case.

11. the recess has a first recess-forming edge portion extending in the front-rear direction in a side view, and a second recess-forming edge portion extending in a direction intersecting the first recess-forming edge portion, A transfer tool as described in claim 1, wherein both or either of the left and right regulating portions have a first abutment edge portion that abuts against the first recess forming edge portion and a second abutment edge portion that abuts against the second recess forming edge portion.

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