Tape printer

Abstract

To provide a tape printer capable of suppressing attachment of a ribbon cartridge to a cartridge attachment part in a state where a lock part and an engagement recess remain engaged with each other.SOLUTION: A tape printer includes: a cartridge attachment part to which a ribbon cartridge is attached; and a winding rotation part 23 that engages with a winding core 107 when the ribbon cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment part, and rotates together with the winding core 107 such that an ink ribbon is wound to the winding core 107. The winding rotation part 23 has a first protrusion 39 that engages with a winding side engagement recess 127 when the ribbon cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape printing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a typewriter having a cartridge mounting portion for mounting a tape cartridge is known. The cartridge mounting portion is provided with contact protrusions. When the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the contact protrusions engage with engagement pieces provided on the cartridge case. As a result, the engagement between the engagement piece and the engagement portion of the ribbon take-up core is released, and the ribbon take-up core becomes rotatable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional tape printing device, due to factors such as the size and position of the contact protrusions deviating from the design values, when the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, there is a possibility that the engagement between the engagement piece and the engagement portion is not released. In this state, when printing is executed, the rotation of the ribbon take-up core is inhibited by the engagement piece engaged with the engagement portion, so that the tape printing device cannot wind the ink ribbon around the ribbon take-up core, and the ink ribbon may be discharged outside the tape printing device together with the tape, or the ink ribbon may be cut by the cutter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The tape printing device of the present invention includes a take-up core for taking up an ink ribbon and a cartridge case for housing the take-up core. The take-up core is provided with a core end portion located at one end in the axial direction of the take-up core, and an engagement recess that is recessed in the other axial direction of the take-up core with respect to the core end portion. The cartridge case is provided with a cartridge mounting portion on which a ribbon cartridge provided with a lock portion for inhibiting the rotation of the take-up core by engaging with the engagement recess is mounted. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the take-up core is engaged with the take-up core, and a take-up rotating portion that rotates integrally with the take-up core so that the ink ribbon is taken up by the take-up core is provided. The take-up rotating portion has a first convex portion that engages with the engagement recess when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

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Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a tape printing apparatus 1 which is an embodiment of a tape printing apparatus will be described. In the following, the directions based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in each figure will be used for the description, but these directions are merely for convenience of explanation and do not limit the following embodiments in any way. Also, the number of each component is merely an example and does not limit the following embodiments in any way.

[0008] [Ribbon Cartridge] Based on FIGS. 1 to 4, the ribbon cartridge 101 mounted on the tape printing apparatus 1 (see FIG. 5) will be described. The ribbon cartridge 101 includes a tape roll 103, a ribbon roll 105, a take-up core 107, a platen roller 109, and a cartridge case 111 that houses these.

[0009] The tape roll 103 includes a tape core 113 and a tape 115 that serves as a printing medium. The tape 115 is wound around the tape core 113. Since the ribbon cartridge 101 includes the tape 115, it is also referred to as a tape cartridge. The platen roller 109 sandwiches the tape 115 and the ink ribbon 119 between it and a thermal head 13 (see FIG. 6) provided in the tape printing apparatus 1, and feeds the sandwiched tape 115 and ink ribbon 119.

[0010] The ribbon roll 105 includes a pay-out core 117 and an ink ribbon 119. The ink ribbon 119 is wound around the pay-out core 117. The ink ribbon 119 fed out from the pay-out core 117 is wound around a take-up core 107.

[0011] The pay-out core 117 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the pay-out core 117 is referred to as the pay-out core axial direction. The pay-out core axial direction is parallel to the Z direction. The radial direction of the pay-out core 117 is referred to as the pay-out core radial direction. Also, the direction in which the pay-out core 117 rotates when the ink ribbon 119 is fed out from the pay-out core 117 is referred to as the pay-out core feeding direction. The pay-out core feeding direction is clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. The direction in which the pay-out core 117 rotates when the ink ribbon 119 is rewound onto the pay-out core 117 is referred to as the pay-out core rewinding direction. The pay-out core rewinding direction is counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. When the pay-out core feeding direction and the pay-out core rewinding direction are not particularly distinguished, both are collectively referred to as the pay-out core circumferential direction.

[0012] The pay-out core 117 is provided with six pay-out side core end portions 121 and six pay-out side engaging recesses 123 (see FIG. 2). The six pay-out side core end portions 121 and the six pay-out side engaging recesses 123 are located at one end in the pay-out core axial direction, that is, the -Z direction end, and are alternately provided in the pay-out core circumferential direction. The pay-out side engaging recesses 123 are recessed in the other direction in the pay-out core axial direction, that is, the +Z direction, with respect to the pay-out side core end portions 121. The six pay-out side engaging recesses 123 are provided at equal intervals, that is, at a 60-degree pitch, in the pay-out core circumferential direction.

[0013] The take-up core 107 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the take-up core 107 is referred to as the take-up core axial direction. The take-up core axial direction is parallel to the Z direction. The radial direction of the take-up core 107 is referred to as the take-up core radial direction. Further, the direction in which the take-up core 107 rotates when the ink ribbon 119 is wound around the take-up core 107 is referred to as the take-up core winding direction. The take-up core winding direction is counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. The direction in which the take-up core 107 rotates when the ink ribbon 119 is rewound from the take-up core 107 is referred to as the take-up core rewinding direction. The take-up core rewinding direction is clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. When the take-up core winding direction and the take-up core rewinding direction are not particularly distinguished, both are collectively referred to as the take-up core circumferential direction.

[0014] The take-up core 107 is provided with six take-up side core end portions 125, six take-up side engaging recesses 127, and six core protrusions 129 (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0015] The six take-up side core end portions 125 and the six take-up side engaging recesses 127 are located at one end in the take-up core axial direction, that is, the -Z direction end, and are alternately provided in the take-up core circumferential direction. The take-up side engaging recess 127 is recessed in the other direction in the take-up core axial direction, that is, the +Z direction, with respect to the take-up side core end portion 125. The six take-up side engaging recesses 127 are provided at equal intervals, that is, at a 60-degree pitch, in the take-up core circumferential direction.

[0016] The six core protrusions 129 protrude inward in the take-up core radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the take-up core 107. The six core protrusions 129 are provided at equal intervals, that is, at a 60-degree pitch, in the take-up core circumferential direction. The six core protrusions 129 are provided at positions corresponding to the take-up side engaging recesses 127 in the take-up core circumferential direction (see FIG. 2).

[0017] The core convex portion 129 is formed in a linear shape extending in the winding core axis direction. A winding slope 131 is provided at the -Z direction end of the core convex portion 129. The winding slope 131 is inclined with respect to the winding core axis direction, and the end portion in the winding core winding direction is located in the -Z direction compared to the end portion in the winding core rewinding direction (see Fig. 4).

[0018] A head insertion hole 133 is provided penetrating in the Z direction in the cartridge case 111 (see Fig. 1). Also, a tape outlet 135 extending in the Z direction is provided on the -X direction surface of the cartridge case 111. The tape 115 fed out from the tape roll 103 is sent out of the cartridge case 111 from the tape outlet 135.

[0019] The cartridge case 111 includes a first case portion 137 and a second case portion 139. The second case portion 139 is provided in the -Z direction with respect to the first case portion 137.

[0020] On the -Z direction surface of the second case portion 139, a feeding side core opening 141, a feeding side lock opening 143, a feeding side lock portion 145, a winding side core opening 147, a winding side lock opening 149, and a winding side lock portion 151 are provided (see Fig. 2).

[0021] The feeding side core opening 141 is formed in a substantially circular shape and engages with the -Z direction end of the feeding core 117. The feeding side lock opening 143 is continuous with the +X direction end of the feeding side core opening 141 and extends in the -Y direction from the +X direction end of the feeding side core opening 141.

[0022] The feeding-side lock portion 145 extends from the -Y-direction edge of the feeding-side lock opening 143 in the +Y direction, and the tip portion in the +Y direction is bent toward the +X-direction end of the feeding-side core opening 141, and is formed in a hook shape within the feeding-side core opening 141. The feeding-side lock portion 145 engages with the feeding-side engagement recess 123 from the outside in the feeding-core radial direction, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the feeding core 117. Thereby, in a state where the ribbon cartridge 101 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the feeding core 117 in the feeding-core feeding direction and the feeding of the ink ribbon 119 from the feeding core 117, and the ink ribbon 119 from becoming loose.

[0023] The take-up-side core opening 147 is formed in a substantially circular shape and engages with the -Z-direction end of the take-up core 107. The take-up-side lock opening 149 is continuous with the +X-direction end of the take-up-side core opening 147 and extends in a direction inclined from the -Y direction to the +X direction from the +X-direction end of the take-up-side core opening 147.

[0024] The take-up-side lock portion 151 extends from the -Y-direction edge of the take-up-side lock opening 149 toward the +X-direction end of the take-up-side core opening 147, and the tip portion in the +Y direction is bent toward the center of the take-up core 107, and is formed in a hook shape within the take-up-side core opening 147. The take-up-side lock portion 151 engages with the take-up-side lock portion 151 from the outside in the take-up-core radial direction, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the take-up core 107. Thereby, in a state where the ribbon cartridge 101 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the take-up core 107 in the take-up-core rewinding direction and the rewinding of the ink ribbon 119 from the take-up core 107, and the ink ribbon 119 from becoming loose.

[0025] [Tape Printing Device] Based on FIGS. 5 to 8, the tape printing apparatus 1 will be described. The tape printing apparatus 1 includes a cartridge mounting portion 3, a cutter 5, and a motor 7. The cutter 5 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 3 and a tape discharge port (not shown), and cuts the tape 115. The motor 7 is a driving source for the platen roller 109 and the cutter 5.

[0026] The cartridge mounting portion 3 is a recess with the +Z direction open. The bottom surface of the cartridge mounting portion 3 is referred to as the mounting bottom surface 9. A ribbon cartridge 101 is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3. More specifically, the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3 by moving in the -Z direction with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 3 in a posture where the second case portion 139 faces the mounting bottom surface 9.

[0027] From the mounting bottom surface 9, the head portion 11 protrudes in the +Z direction. The head portion 11 is inserted into the head insertion hole 133 when the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3. The head portion 11 includes a thermal head 13 and a head cover 15. The thermal head 13 includes a heating element (not shown) and performs printing on the tape 115. The head cover 15 partially covers the thermal head 13.

[0028] Also, from the mounting bottom surface 9, the platen shaft 17 and the take-up shaft 19 protrude in the +Z direction. A platen rotating portion 21 is rotatably supported on the platen shaft 17. When the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the platen shaft 17 is inserted into the platen roller 109, and the platen rotating portion 21 engages with the platen roller 109. A take-up rotating portion 23 is rotatably supported on the take-up shaft 19. When the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the take-up shaft 19 is inserted into the take-up core 107, and the take-up rotating portion 23 engages with the take-up core 107.

[0029] Furthermore, from the mounting bottom surface 9, a feeding-side release protrusion 25 and a take-up-side release protrusion 27 project in the +Z direction. When the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the feeding-side release protrusion 25 and the take-up-side release protrusion 27 engage with the feeding-side lock portion 145 and the take-up-side lock portion 151, respectively.

[0030] More specifically, the feeding-side release protrusion 25 is inserted between the feeding core 117 and the feeding-side lock portion 145 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the feeding-side lock portion 145 elastically deforms outward in the radial direction of the feeding core, that is, in the +X direction, so that the feeding-side lock portion 145 disengages from the feeding-side engagement recess 123, and the engagement between the feeding-side lock portion 145 and the feeding-side engagement recess 123 is released, allowing the feeding core 117 to rotate.

[0031] Also, the take-up-side release protrusion 27 is inserted between the take-up core 107 and the take-up-side lock portion 151 (see FIG. 8). As a result, the take-up-side lock portion 151 elastically deforms outward in the radial direction of the take-up core, that is, in the +X direction, so that the take-up-side lock portion 151 disengages from the take-up-side engagement recess 127, and the engagement between the take-up-side lock portion 151 and the take-up-side engagement recess 127 is released, allowing the take-up core 107 to rotate.

[0032] When the tape printing device 1 receives an instruction to execute printing with the ribbon cartridge 101 mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, it drives the platen roller 109 to feed the tape 115 and the ink ribbon 119. At this time, the tape printing device 1 causes the thermal head 13 to generate heat. As a result, the ink on the ink ribbon 119 is transferred to the tape 115, and an image is printed on the tape 115. The printed tape 115 is discharged from the tape discharge port. The tape printing device 1 drives the cutter 5 to cut off the printed portion of the tape 115.

[0033] [Take-up Rotating Portion] Based on FIGS. 9 to 11, the take-up rotating part 23 will be described. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the take-up rotating part 23 is referred to as the rotating part axial direction. The rotating part axial direction is parallel to the Z direction. The radial direction of the take-up rotating part 23 is referred to as the rotating part radial direction. Also, when the take-up core 107 rotates in the take-up core winding direction, the direction in which the take-up rotating part 23 rotates integrally with the take-up core 107 is referred to as the rotating part winding direction. The rotating part winding direction is counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. The direction opposite to the rotating part winding direction is referred to as the rotating part reverse direction. The rotating part reverse direction is clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. When the rotating part winding direction and the rotating part reverse direction are not particularly distinguished, both are collectively referred to as the rotating part circumferential direction.

[0034] The take-up rotating part 23 includes a shaft part 29 and a flange part 31. The shaft part 29 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a shaft insertion hole 33 is provided at its axis. The take-up shaft 19 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 33. The flange part 31 is located near the -Z direction end of the shaft part 29 and protrudes in a flange shape in the rotating part radial direction. The take-up rotating part 23 is supported by the take-up shaft 19 such that the flange part 31 is flush with the mounting bottom surface 9.

[0035] Among the shaft part 29, the part in the +Z direction with respect to the flange part 31 is referred to as the core insertion part 35, and the part in the -Z direction with respect to the flange part 31 is referred to as the gear connection part 37. The core insertion part 35 is inserted into the take-up core 107 when the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting part 3. A slip spring (not shown) is wound around the gear connection part 37. The gear connection part 37 is connected to a take-up gear (not shown) via a slip spring. The take-up gear constitutes a gear train that transmits the rotation of the motor 7 to the take-up rotating part 23.

[0036] From the +Z-direction surface of the flange portion 31, six first convex portions 39 protrude in the +Z direction. The six first convex portions 39 are provided radially about the axis of the winding rotary portion 23, that is, the axis of the shaft portion 29, as viewed from the winding rotary portion axis direction, i.e., the +Z direction (see FIG. 10). That is, the six first convex portions 39 are formed in a linear shape extending in the radial direction of the rotary portion. Further, the six first convex portions 39 are provided at equal intervals, i.e., at a 60-degree pitch, in the circumferential direction of the rotary portion.

[0037] The six first convex portions 39 engage with the six winding-side engaging recesses 127 when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3 (see FIG. 8). More specifically, when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3, the ribbon cartridge 101 moves in the -Z direction with respect to the cartridge attachment portion 3, so that the first convex portion 39 relatively enters the winding-side engaging recess 127 from the -Z direction to the +Z direction. Note that, among the first convex portions 39, the outer end portions in the radial direction of the rotary portion engage with the winding-side engaging recesses 127.

[0038] By providing the winding rotary portion 23 with the six first convex portions 39, six winding-side engaging recesses 127 that engage with the first convex portions 39 can be provided on the winding core 107. For this reason, the number of rotational positions of the winding core 107 at which the winding-side engaging recess 127 can engage with the winding-side locking portion 151 can be increased. Further, since the six first convex portions 39 are provided radially, the strength of the flange portion 31 can be increased, and the resin moldability of the winding rotary portion 23 can be improved. Furthermore, since the six first convex portions 39 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary portion, the number of rotational positions of the winding core 107 with respect to the winding rotary portion 23 at which the six winding-side engaging recesses 127 can engage with the six first convex portions 39 can be increased.

[0039] Each first convex portion 39 is provided with two first inclined surfaces and one second inclined surface 43.

[0040] The two first inclined surfaces are formed so as to chamfer, respectively, the corner in the winding direction of the rotating part and the corner in the direction opposite to the rotating part among the +Z-direction ends of the first convex part 39. Hereinafter, the first inclined surface provided at the corner in the winding direction of the rotating part of the first convex part 39 is referred to as the winding first inclined surface 41a, and the first inclined surface provided at the corner in the direction opposite to the rotating part of the first convex part 39 is referred to as the reverse first inclined surface 41b. The winding first inclined surface 41a is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rotating part, and the end in the winding direction of the rotating part is located in the -Z direction compared to the end in the direction opposite to the rotating part. Also, the reverse first inclined surface 41b is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rotating part, and the end in the direction opposite to the rotating part is located in the -Z direction compared to the end in the winding direction of the rotating part.

[0041] The second inclined surface 43 is formed so as to chamfer the outer corner in the radial direction of the rotating part among the +Z-direction ends of the first convex part 39. The second inclined surface 43 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rotating part, and the outer end in the radial direction of the rotating part is located in the -Z direction compared to the inner end in the radial direction of the rotating part.

[0042] Three second convex parts 45 project outward in the radial direction of the rotating part from the outer peripheral surface of the core insertion part 35. The second convex parts 45 are formed in a linear shape extending in the axial direction of the rotating part. The three second convex parts 45 are provided at equal intervals, that is, at a pitch of 120 degrees, in the circumferential direction of the rotating part. The three second convex parts 45 are provided with a circumferential displacement in the rotating part with respect to three of the six first convex parts 39 (see Fig. 10). When the winding rotating part 23 rotates in the winding direction of the rotating part, the three second convex parts 45 engage with three of the six core convex parts 129 from the direction opposite to the rotating part, and push the engaged three core convex parts 129 in the winding direction of the rotating part (see Fig. 12). Thereby, the rotation of the winding rotating part 23 is transmitted to the winding core 107, and the winding core 107 rotates in the winding direction of the winding core.

[0043] Incidentally, in the tape printing device 1, the size and position of the winding-side release protrusion 27 described above may vary due to so-called manufacturing variations. In this case, when the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the winding-side release protrusion 27 may not be able to sufficiently elastically deform the winding-side locking portion 151 outward in the winding core diameter direction, and the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 may not be released.

[0044] On the other hand, in the tape printing device 1 of the present embodiment, since the first convex portions 39 are provided on the winding rotation portion 23, when the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the six first convex portions 39 relatively enter the six winding-side engagement recesses 127. At this time, one of the six first convex portions 39 hits the winding-side locking portion 151 and elastically deforms the winding-side locking portion 151 outward in the winding core diameter direction. Thereby, the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 is released (see FIG. 8). Therefore, even when the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 is not released by the winding-side release protrusion 27, it is possible to suppress the ribbon cartridge 101 from being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3 while the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 remain engaged.

[0045] Further, as described above, at the +Z-direction end of the first convex portion 39, a second inclined surface 43 is provided at the corner on the outer side in the radial direction of the rotating portion. The second inclined surface 43 guides the winding-side locking portion 151 that has hit the second inclined surface 43 to the outside in the radial direction of the rotating portion, that is, to the outside in the radial direction of the winding core. For this reason, the winding-side locking portion 151 can be smoothly elastically deformed to the outside in the radial direction of the winding core. In this way, by providing the second inclined surface 43 on the first convex portion 39, even if the winding-side locking portion 151 hits the first convex portion 39 during the insertion of the winding shaft 19 into the winding core 107, it is possible to prevent the winding-side locking portion 151 from being caught by the first convex portion 39 and preventing the attachment of the ribbon cartridge 101. Here, the middle of the insertion of the winding shaft 19 into the winding core 107 means the period from the start of the insertion, that is, when the +Z-direction end, which is the tip of the winding shaft 19, enters the -Z-direction end of the winding core 107, to the end of the insertion, that is, until the first convex portion 39 engages with the winding-side engagement concave portion 127.

[0046] Here, regarding the winding core 107, when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3, the state where the six winding-side engagement concave portions 127 overlap with the six first convex portions 39 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating portion, that is, the +Z direction, is referred to as the overlapping state (see FIG. 13). Also, regarding the winding core 107, when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3, the state where the six winding-side engagement concave portions 127 are displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion with respect to the six first convex portions 39 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating portion is referred to as the displaced state (see FIG. 14). In the displaced state, the six winding-side core ends 125 overlap with the six first convex portions 39. For this reason, if the winding core 107 is in the displaced state at the start of attachment, during the insertion of the winding shaft 19 into the winding core 107, the winding-side core end 125 may hit the first convex portion 39, and the winding-side engagement concave portion 127 may not be able to engage with the first convex portion 39, which may prevent the attachment of the ribbon cartridge 101.

[0047] In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the take-up core 107 is in a displaced state, as viewed from the axial direction of the rotating portion, three of the six core protrusions 129 overlap with the three second protrusions 45 (see FIG. 14). In this state, during the insertion of the take-up shaft 19 into the take-up core 107, before the take-up-side core end portion 125 hits the first protrusion 39, the core protrusion 129 hits the second protrusion 45. Therefore, the installation of the ribbon cartridge 101 is suppressed from proceeding while in the displaced state. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the situation where the take-up-side core end portion 125 hits the first protrusion 39 and the installation of the ribbon cartridge 101 is hindered.

[0048] As described above, a take-up slope 131 is provided at the -Z-direction end of the core protrusion 129. For this reason, at the take-up slope 131 that hits the second protrusion 45, a component force that rotates the take-up core 107 in the take-up core take-up direction is generated. Therefore, when the core protrusion 129 hits the second protrusion 45 during the insertion of the take-up shaft 19 into the take-up core 107, the take-up core 107 rotates in the take-up core take-up direction. As a result, the take-up core 107 changes from the displaced state to the overlapping state. For this reason, at the start of the insertion of the take-up shaft 19 into the take-up core 107, the take-up core 107 in the displaced state can be automatically changed to the overlapping state during the insertion. Note that when the core protrusion 129 hits the second protrusion 45, the engagement between the take-up-side engagement recess 127 and the take-up-side lock portion 151 is not released, and the rotation of the take-up core 107 is inhibited. However, due to the clearance between the take-up-side engagement recess 127 and the take-up-side lock portion 151, a minute amount of rotation that allows the core protrusion 129 that hits the second protrusion 45 to avoid the second protrusion 45 is permitted.

[0049] Furthermore, at the +Z-direction end of the first convex portion 39, as described above, a winding first inclined surface 41a is provided at the corner in the winding direction of the rotating portion, and a reverse first inclined surface 41b is provided at the corner in the reverse direction of the rotating portion. The winding first inclined surface 41a guides the winding-side core end portion 125 that has hit the winding first inclined surface 41a in the winding direction of the rotating portion. As a result, since the winding core 107 rotates in the winding-core winding direction, the state where the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39 is eliminated, and the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the first convex portion 39 can be engaged. Similarly, the reverse first inclined surface 41b guides the winding-side core end portion 125 that has hit the reverse first inclined surface 41b in the reverse direction of the rotating portion. As a result, since the winding core 107 rotates in the winding-core rewinding direction, the state where the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39 is eliminated, and the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the first convex portion 39 can be engaged.

[0050] In this way, even if the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39 during the insertion of the winding shaft 19 into the winding core 107, the two first inclined surfaces provided on the first convex portion 39 enable the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the first convex portion 39 to be engaged. Note that when the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39, the engagement between the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the winding-side locking portion 151 of the winding core 107 is not released, and the rotation of the winding core 107 is inhibited. However, due to the clearance between the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the winding-side locking portion 151, a very small amount of rotation that allows the winding-side core end portion 125 hitting the first convex portion 39 to avoid the first convex portion 39 is permitted.

[0051] As described above, the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a cartridge mounting portion 3 and a winding rotation portion 23. A ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3. The ribbon cartridge 101 includes a winding core 107 and a cartridge case 111. The winding core 107 is provided with a winding-side core end portion 125 and a winding-side engagement recess 127. The cartridge case 111 is provided with a winding-side locking portion 151. The winding-side locking portion 151 inhibits the rotation of the winding core 107 by engaging with the winding-side engagement recess 127. When the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3, the winding rotation portion 23 engages with the winding core 107 and rotates integrally with the winding core 107 so that the ink ribbon 119 is wound around the winding core 107. The winding rotation portion 23 has a first convex portion 39. The first convex portion 39 engages with the winding-side engagement recess 127 when the ribbon cartridge 101 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3.

[0052] According to this configuration, when the first convex portion 39 engages with the winding-side engagement recess 127, the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 is released. Therefore, even when the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 is not released by the winding-side release protrusion 27, it is possible to suppress the ribbon cartridge 101 from being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 3 while the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engagement recess 127 are engaged. Accordingly, when printing is executed, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the winding core 107 from being inhibited by the winding-side locking portion 151, and the ink ribbon 119 can be appropriately wound around the winding core 107.

[0053] [Other Modification Examples] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the above-described embodiment can be modified into the following forms in addition to those described above. Note that the content described in one embodiment or modification example is similarly applicable to other embodiments and modification examples as long as there is no contradiction.

[0054] The winding rotating part 23 is not limited to a configuration including both the first convex part 39 and the second convex part 45. As shown in FIG. 15, among the first convex part 39 and the second convex part 45, a configuration including only the first convex part 39 without the second convex part 45 may be used. In this case, when the winding rotating part 23 rotates in the rotating part winding direction, the first convex part 39 engaged with the winding side engaging concave part 127 pushes the winding side core end part 125 in the rotating part winding direction, that is, the winding core winding direction, so that the winding core 107 rotates in the winding core winding direction. That is, the first convex part 39 may have a configuration that combines a function of releasing the engagement between the winding side locking part 151 and the winding side engaging concave part 127 and a function of engaging with the winding core 107 to rotate the winding core 107 in the winding core winding direction when the winding rotating part 23 rotates in the rotating part winding direction.

[0055] The six first convex parts 39 are not limited to a configuration provided radially around the axis of the winding rotating part 23 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating part, that is, a configuration formed in a straight line extending in the radial direction of the rotating part. For example, a configuration protruding in a cylindrical shape may be used.

[0056] The six first convex parts 39 are not limited to a configuration provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating part, and a configuration provided at unequal intervals may be used. The same applies to the six winding side engaging concave parts 127, the six core convex parts 129, and the three second convex parts 45. Further, the number of the first convex parts 39 is not particularly limited, and may be one or a plurality other than six. The same applies to the winding side engaging concave part 127, the core convex part 129, and the second convex part 45.

[0057] The first convex portion 39 is not limited to a configuration in which both the winding first inclined surface 41a and the reverse first inclined surface 41b are provided. That is, the first convex portion 39 may have a configuration in which only the winding first inclined surface 41a is provided or a configuration in which only the reverse first inclined surface 41b is provided, out of the winding first inclined surface 41a and the reverse first inclined surface 41b. Also in this case, even if the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39 during the attachment of the ribbon cartridge 101, the state where the winding-side core end portion 125 hits the first convex portion 39 is eliminated by the winding first inclined surface 41a or the reverse first inclined surface 41b, and the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 and the first convex portion 39 can be engaged with each other. Note that the first convex portion 39 may have a configuration in which neither the winding first inclined surface 41a nor the reverse first inclined surface 41b is provided.

[0058] The tape printing apparatus 1 may be configured to include a feeding rotation portion that rotates integrally with the feeding core 117 so that when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3, it engages with the feeding core 117 and the ink ribbon 119 is wound back onto the feeding core 117. In this case, the feeding rotation portion may be configured to include a convex portion similar to the first convex portion 39 that engages with the feeding-side engaging concave portion 123 when the ribbon cartridge 101 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 3. According to this configuration, by engaging the convex portion provided on the feeding rotation portion with the feeding-side engaging concave portion 123, the engagement between the feeding-side locking portion 145 and the feeding-side engaging concave portion 123 can be released.

[0059] The tape printing apparatus 1 is not limited to a configuration including the winding-side release protrusion 27, and may have a configuration without the winding-side release protrusion 27. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the engagement between the winding-side locking portion 151 and the winding-side engaging concave portion 127 is released only by the first convex portion 39 without relying on the winding-side release protrusion 27. Similarly, as described above, when the tape printing apparatus 1 includes a feeding rotation portion provided with a convex portion, it may be configured without the feeding-side release protrusion 25.

[0060] The ribbon cartridge 101 is not limited to a configuration including the tape roll 103, and may also have a configuration without the tape roll 103. Also, the ribbon cartridge 101 is not limited to a configuration including the platen roller 109, and may also have a configuration without the platen roller 109.

[0061] [Appendix] The following is an appendix regarding the tape printing device. The tape printing device includes a take-up core for taking up an ink ribbon and a cartridge case for housing the take-up core. The take-up core is provided, at one end in the axial direction of the take-up core, with a core end portion and an engagement recess that is recessed in the other axial direction of the take-up core with respect to the core end portion. The cartridge case is provided with a cartridge mounting portion on which a ribbon cartridge provided with a lock portion that inhibits rotation of the take-up core by engaging with the engagement recess is mounted. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the take-up core is engaged with the take-up core, and the take-up rotation portion that rotates integrally with the take-up core is provided so that the ink ribbon is taken up by the take-up core. The take-up rotation portion has a first convex portion that engages with the engagement recess when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.

[0062] According to this configuration, when the first convex portion engages with the engagement recess, the engagement between the lock portion and the engagement recess is released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ribbon cartridge from being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion while the lock portion and the engagement recess are engaged. Note that the take-up side core end portion 125 is an example of the "core end portion". The take-up side engagement recess 127 is an example of the "engagement recess". The take-up side lock portion 151 is an example of the "lock portion".

[0063] In this case, core protrusions are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the take-up core, and the take-up rotating part has a shaft part that is inserted into the take-up core when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part. A second protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft part. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part, it is preferable that the core protrusion overlaps with the second protrusion in a state where the engaging recess is displaced in the circumferential direction of the take-up rotating part with respect to the first protrusion when viewed from the axial direction of the take-up rotating part.

[0064] According to this configuration, before the core end hits the first protrusion during the mounting of the ribbon cartridge, the core protrusion hits the second protrusion. Therefore, the progress of mounting the ribbon cartridge is suppressed while the engaging recess is displaced with respect to the first protrusion. Thus, it is possible to suppress the core end from hitting the first protrusion and preventing the mounting of the ribbon cartridge.

[0065] In this case, at least one of a first take-up inclined surface formed to chamfer a corner in the rotation direction of the take-up rotating part and inclined with respect to the axial direction of the take-up rotating part, and a reverse first inclined surface formed to chamfer a corner in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the take-up rotating part and inclined with respect to the axial direction of the take-up rotating part is provided on the first protrusion. The first take-up inclined surface guides the core end hitting the first take-up inclined surface in the rotation direction of the take-up rotating part with respect to the first protrusion when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part, and the reverse first inclined surface guides the core end hitting the reverse first inclined surface in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the take-up rotating part with respect to the first protrusion when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part.

[0066] According to this configuration, even if the core end hits the first protrusion during the mounting of the ribbon cartridge, since the first inclined surface is provided on the first protrusion, the core end hitting the first inclined surface is guided in the take-up direction of the rotating part or the reverse direction of the rotating part. Therefore, the state where the core end hits the first protrusion is eliminated, and the engaging recess and the first protrusion can be engaged.

[0067] In this case, the first convex portion is formed so as to chamfer the outer corner portion in the radial direction of the winding rotating portion, and a second inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the winding rotating portion is provided. When the ribbon cartridge is attached to the cartridge mounting portion, it is preferable that the lock portion hitting the second inclined surface is guided radially outward of the winding rotating portion with respect to the first convex portion.

[0068] According to this configuration, even if the lock portion hits the first convex portion during the attachment of the ribbon cartridge, since the second inclined surface is provided on the first convex portion, the lock portion hitting the second inclined surface is guided radially outward of the winding rotating portion. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the lock portion from being caught by the first convex portion and preventing the attachment of the ribbon cartridge.

[0069] In this case, on one end surface of the winding core, a plurality of core end portions and a plurality of engaging concave portions are alternately provided, and it is preferable that the winding rotating portion has a plurality of first convex portions corresponding to the plurality of engaging concave portions.

[0070] According to this configuration, since the winding rotating portion includes a plurality of first convex portions, a plurality of winding-side engaging concave portions that engage with the first convex portions can be provided on the winding core. For this reason, it is possible to increase the rotational positions of the winding core at which the engaging concave portions can engage with the lock portion.

[0071] In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of first convex portions are provided radially with respect to the axis of the winding rotating portion, with the axis of the winding rotating portion as the center, when viewed from the axial direction of the winding rotating portion.

[0072] According to this configuration, the strength of the winding rotating portion can be increased, and the resin moldability of the winding rotating portion can be increased.

[0073] In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of first convex portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the winding rotating portion.

[0074] According to this configuration, it is possible to increase the rotational positions of the winding core with respect to the winding rotating portion at which the plurality of engaging concave portions can engage with the plurality of first convex portions.

Description of Signs

[0075] 1: Tape printing device, 3: Cartridge mounting portion, 23: Winding rotation portion, 39: First convex portion, 41a: First winding slope, 41b: Reverse first slope, 43: Second slope, 45: Second convex portion, 101: Ribbon cartridge, 107: Winding core, 119: Ink ribbon, 125: Winding side core end, 127: Winding side engagement recess, 129: Core convex portion, 151: Winding side lock portion.

Claims

1. A take-up core for taking up an ink ribbon, and a cartridge case for housing the take-up core. The take-up core is provided with a core end portion located at one end in the axial direction of the take-up core, and an engagement recess recessed in the other axial direction of the take-up core with respect to the core end portion. The cartridge case is equipped with a cartridge mounting portion on which a ribbon cartridge provided with a lock portion that inhibits the rotation of the take-up core by engaging with the engagement recess is mounted. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, it includes a take-up rotating portion that engages with the take-up core and rotates integrally with the take-up core so that the ink ribbon is taken up on the take-up core. The take-up rotating portion has a first convex portion that engages with the engagement recess when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. A tape printing apparatus characterized by this.

2. A core convex portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the take-up core. The take-up rotating portion has a shaft portion that is inserted into the take-up core when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. A second convex portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, when viewed from the axial direction of the take-up rotating portion, in a state where the engagement recess is displaced in the circumferential direction of the take-up rotating portion with respect to the first convex portion, the core convex portion overlaps with the second convex portion. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The first convex portion is formed to chamfer a corner portion in the rotation direction of the take-up rotating portion, and has at least one of a first take-up inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the take-up rotating portion and an inverse first inclined surface formed to chamfer a corner portion in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the take-up rotating portion and inclined with respect to the axial direction of the take-up rotating portion. The first take-up inclined surface guides the core end portion that hits the first take-up inclined surface in the rotation direction of the take-up rotating portion with respect to the first convex portion when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. The inverse first inclined surface guides the core end portion that hits the inverse first inclined surface in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the take-up rotating portion with respect to the first convex portion when the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The first convex portion is formed to chamfer a corner portion on the outer side in the radial direction of the winding rotary portion, and a second inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the winding rotary portion is provided. When the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the second inclined surface guides the locking portion hitting the second inclined surface to the outside in the radial direction of the winding rotary portion with respect to the first convex portion. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. On one end surface of the winding core, a plurality of the core end portions and a plurality of the engaging concave portions are alternately provided. The winding rotary portion has a plurality of the first convex portions corresponding to the plurality of the engaging concave portions. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The plurality of the first convex portions are provided radially around the axis of the winding rotary portion as viewed from the axial direction of the winding rotary portion. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The plurality of the first convex portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the winding rotary portion. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

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