Transfer tool

Abstract

To provide a transfer tool having excellent design freedom for forming a cap with a reduced width without impairing the basic function of covering a transfer end with the cap.SOLUTION: A transfer tool includes a transfer tool body A having a transfer head N at its tip, and a single cap B rotatably supported on the transfer tool body A between a covering position (X) and a retracted position (Y) retracted from the covering position (X). The cap B is shaped so as to cooperate with the transfer tool body A at the covering position (X) to cover the outer peripheral portion of a roller body p1 such that it is not exposed to the outside, and is also shaped so as to expose left and right shaft portions p2 without covering them from the outer sides in the left-right direction at the covering position (X).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a transfer tool that includes a transfer tool main body provided with a transfer head having a transfer roller at its tip, and a cap rotatably supported on the transfer tool main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Conventional caps are shaped to cover not only the front portion of the transfer end portion but also both left and right sides from the outside in order to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust when not in use.

[0004] However, since conventional transfer tools cover both the left and right sides of the transfer end, the design freedom for forming a cap with a restricted width is significantly limited. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-150478 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a transfer tool with excellent design freedom to form a cap with a reduced width dimension without compromising at least the basic function of covering the transfer end with a cap. [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 configured to wind up a transfer tape paid out from a pay-out reel onto a take-up reel via a transfer head having a transfer end, and comprises a transfer tool main body which holds the pay-out reel and the take-up reel and has the transfer head at its tip, and a single cap which is rotatably supported on the transfer tool main body between a covering position and a retracted position retracted from the covering position, and the cap is shaped to at least cooperate with the transfer tool main body in the covering position to cover the tape engagement portion of the transfer end so that it is not exposed to the outside, and is shaped to expose the left and right side ends of the transfer end without covering them from the outside in the left-right direction in the covering position.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, in which the transfer end portion is a transfer roller, which has a cylindrical roller body having an outer periphery which is the tape engagement portion, and left and right shaft portions which are the left and right side end portions protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a transfer tool as described in claim 1, in which the transfer tool main body has left and right support walls that are upright and support the transfer end portion, and an upper wall arranged between the upper ends of the left and right support walls, and the cap is provided with an upper abutment end surface that can abut against the front end surface of the upper wall in the covering position, and side abutment end surfaces that abut against the front end surfaces of the left and right support walls in the covering position.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a transfer tool as described in claim 3, in which the transfer tool main body includes a main body case and a refill that is replaceable with respect to the main body case, holds the payout reel and the take-up reel, and is provided with the transfer head, and in which the upper wall is provided on the main body case and the left and right support walls are provided on the refill.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a transfer tool described in claim 1, wherein the cap has a cap main body portion in which a storage space is formed that can accommodate at least a portion of the transfer end portion in the covering position, and a connecting portion provided at the rear of the cap main body portion and that can be rotatably connected to the transfer tool main body.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a transfer tool described in claim 5, wherein the connecting portion has a shape that extends or protrudes in the left-right direction and is rotatably held relative to a holding portion provided on the transfer tool main body.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a transfer tool as described in claim 3, wherein the cap has a cap main body portion having an accommodation space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the roller body in the covering position, and the cap main body portion is provided with the upper abutment end surface and the side abutment end surface.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the transfer tool described in claim 7, in which the cap body portion is provided with a portion that can close the gap between the lower parts of the left and right support walls when in the covering position. Effect of the Invention

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer tool with excellent design freedom to form a cap with a reduced width dimension, without compromising at least the basic function of covering the transfer end with a cap. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [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

[0018] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] <<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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] <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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] [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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] (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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] (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.

[0038] [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.

[0039] (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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (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.

[0045] (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.

[0046] [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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The second recess-forming edge f2 forming the left recess F is constituted by the front edge of the left side wall 1.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The second recess-forming edge g2 that forms the right recess G is constituted by the front edge of the right side wall 2.

[0054] 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.

[0055] <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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] <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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] [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.

[0064] (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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] (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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] [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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] [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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] [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.

[0084] (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.

[0085] (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.

[0086] The configuration of the left and right support walls R, S has already been described in detail and will not be repeated here.

[0087] <<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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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.

[0094] <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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] The lower portion of the cap body 6 extends rearward as compared with the upper portion of the cap body 6 .

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] The rear end portion of the lower blocking portion 64 in the left-right center portion functions as a cap side engaging portion 66 .

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] As described above, the transfer device of this embodiment is configured to wind up the transfer tape T unwound from the unwound reel K onto the take-up reel M via the transfer head N having the roller body p1, which is the transfer end portion.

[0116] It is equipped with a transfer tool main body A which holds a pay-out reel K and a take-up reel M and has a transfer head N at its tip, and a single cap B which is rotatably supported on the transfer tool main body A between a covering position (X) and a retracted position (Y) retracted from the covering position (X).

[0117] Cap B is shaped to at least cooperate with transfer tool main body A at the covering position (X) to cover the outer surface, which is the tape engagement portion of roller main body p1, so that it is not exposed to the outside, and is shaped to expose left and right shaft portions p2, which are the left and right side end portions of roller main body p1, from the outside in the left-right direction without covering them at the covering position (X).

[0118] Therefore, this embodiment offers excellent design freedom in forming a cap B with a reduced width dimension without compromising the function of the cap B being able to suitably cover the outer peripheral surface of the roller body p1.

[0119] The transfer roller P has a cylindrical roller body p1 having an outer periphery which is a tape engagement portion, and left and right shaft portions p2 which are left and right side end portions protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body p1.

[0120] For this reason, cap B covers the outer periphery of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X) while exposing the left and right shaft portions p2 from the outside in the left-right direction without covering them, thereby providing excellent design freedom in forming cap B with a reduced width dimension.

[0121] The transfer tool main body A has left and right support walls R, S which are in the form of upright walls and support the transfer roller P, and an upper wall 3 arranged between the upper ends of the left and right support walls R, S. The cap B has an upper abutment end surface 61 which can abut against the front end surface 32e of the upper wall 3 in the covering position (X), and a side abutment end surface 62 which abuts against the front end surfaces rt, st of the left and right support walls R, S in the covering position (X).

[0122] Therefore, the cap B cooperates with the transfer tool main body A to suitably cover the roller main body p1 so as to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the outer periphery of the roller main body p1 from the outside.

[0123] The transfer tool main body A includes a main case C and a refill E that is replaceable with respect to the main case C, holds a pay-out reel K and a take-up reel M, and is provided with a transfer head N. The top wall 3 is provided on the main case C, and the left and right support walls R, S are provided on the refill E.

[0124] For this reason, the tip portion of the transfer tool main body A is suitably configured by the upper wall 3 provided on the main case C and the left and right support walls R, S provided on the refill E.

[0125] The cap B includes a cap main body portion 6 having a storage space sk formed therein capable of accommodating at least a portion of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X), and an axis portion 7 which is a connecting portion provided at the rear of the cap main body portion 6 and capable of rotatably connecting to the transfer tool main body A.

[0126] For this reason, the cap B not only cooperates with the main body case C to suitably cover the roller main body p1, but also has an advantageous configuration that suppresses the inconvenience of the cap B becoming detached from the transfer tool main body A and becoming lost or damaged.

[0127] The shaft portion 7, which is a connecting portion constituting the cap B, has a shape extending in the left-right direction and is rotatably held by a shaft holding portion 41a, which is a holding portion provided on the transfer tool main body A.

[0128] As a result, the cap B is suitably pivoted to the transfer tool main body A, and the problem of the cap B becoming detached from the transfer tool main body A and becoming lost or damaged is suitably prevented.

[0129] The cap B has a cap main body portion 6 in which an accommodation space sk is formed that can accommodate at least a portion of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X), and the cap main body portion 6 is provided with an upper abutment end surface 61 that can abut against the front end surface 32e of the case body C, and a side abutment end surface 62 that can abut against the front end surfaces rt, st of the left and right support walls R, S of the refill E.

[0130] Therefore, the cap B, mainly consisting of the cap body portion 6, can suitably cover the outer periphery of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X).

[0131] The cap body 6 is provided with a lower closing portion 64 that is a portion that can close the gap between the lower portions of the left and right support walls R, S at the covering position (X).

[0132] Therefore, the cap body 6 can suitably cover the outer periphery of the roller body p1 at the covering position (X) so as not to expose the outer periphery to the outside.

[0133] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above in detail.

[0134] The shape of the cap may be any shape that can at least cooperate with the transfer tool body in the covering position to cover the tape engagement portion of the transfer end so that it is not exposed to the outside, and the shape can be set to a variety of shapes.

[0135] The cap may have a variety of shapes as long as it at least exposes what is provided on the outside of the tape engagement portion in the covering position without covering it from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0136] The transfer end is not limited to a transfer roller, and may be of any configuration as long as it can exert a function of pressing the transfer tape against the transfer surface. Other transfer end portions include, for example, a plate-like member that uses a plate surface to press the transfer tape against the transfer surface.

[0137] The tape engagement portion at the transfer end is not limited to the outer periphery of the roller body that constitutes the transfer roller, but may be, for example, the lower surface, tip surface, or upper end surface of a plate-shaped member that uses a plate surface to press the transfer tape against the transferred surface.

[0138] The left and right side ends of the transfer end are not limited to the left and right shaft portions of the transfer roller, but may be, for example, members provided at the side ends of a plate-shaped member that utilizes the plate surface to press the transfer tape against the transferred surface.

[0139] 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 decoration agent (decorative tape) for decoration.

[0140] The transfer tool is not limited to the so-called refillable type as shown in the above embodiment. For example, other transfer tools may be disposable types that cannot be used after the transfer tape runs out.

[0141] The tip portion of the transfer tool main body may be configured mainly of the main case only, or may be configured mainly of the refill only.

[0142] For example, the tip of the transfer tool main body may be configured such that the main body case has an upper wall and left and right support walls, or such that the refill has an upper wall and left and right support walls.

[0143] The connecting portion of the cap may have any configuration as long as it can be rotatably connected to the transfer tool body.

[0144] For example, the connecting portion may be shaped to protrude either inward or outward in the left-right direction, or may be configured to hold an axis or protrusion provided on the transfer tool main body.

[0145] 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]

[0146] K... Payout reel T: Transfer tape N...Transfer head p1...Roller body (transfer end) (X)…Covering position (Y)…Evacuation position B…Cap A: Transfer tool body p2...Left and right shaft parts (left and right side ends)

Claims

1. A transfer tool configured to wind up a transfer tape unwound from a pay-out reel onto a take-up reel via a transfer head having a transfer end, The transfer tool includes a transfer tool body that holds the supply reel and the take-up reel and has the transfer head at its tip, and a single cap that is rotatably supported on the transfer tool body between a covering position and a retracted position retracted from the covering position, The cap is a transfer tool that is shaped so that it can cooperate with the transfer tool main body at least in the covering position to cover the tape engagement portion of the transfer end so that it is not exposed to the outside, and is shaped so that the left and right side ends of the transfer end are exposed but not covered from the outside in the left and right directions in the covering position.

2. The transfer head includes a transfer roller, The transfer tool according to claim 1, wherein the transfer roller has a cylindrical roller body which is the transfer end portion having an outer periphery which is the tape engagement portion, and left and right shaft portions which are the left and right side end portions protruding outward from both left and right ends of the roller body.

3. The transfer tool body includes left and right support walls each having an upright wall shape and supporting the transfer end portion, and an upper wall disposed between upper ends of the left and right support walls, The transfer tool according to claim 1, wherein the cap has an upper abutment end surface capable of abutting the front end surface of the upper wall in the covering position, and side abutment end surfaces that abut the front end surfaces of the left and right support walls in the covering position.

4. the transfer tool main body includes a main body case and a refill that is replaceable with respect to the main body case, holds the payout reel and the take-up reel, and is provided with the transfer head; The upper wall is provided on the main body case, 4. The transfer tool according to claim 3, wherein the left and right support walls are provided on the refill.

5. The transfer tool of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a cap main body portion having a storage space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the transfer end portion in the covering position, and a connecting portion provided at the rear of the cap main body portion and capable of being rotatably connected to the transfer tool main body.

6. The transfer tool according to claim 5 , wherein the connecting portion has a shape extending or protruding in the left-right direction and is rotatably held by a holding portion provided on the transfer tool main body.

7. the cap includes a cap body portion having an accommodation space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the roller body at the covering position; The transfer tool according to claim 3 , wherein the cap body is provided with the upper contact end surface and the side contact end surface.

8. The transfer tool according to claim 7 , wherein the cap body is provided with a portion capable of closing a gap between the lower portions of the left and right support walls when in the covering position.

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