Ink ribbon cartridge

Abstract

To provide an ink ribbon cartridge that can suppress the increase in size of printing equipment. [Solution] The ink ribbon cartridge is installed in a printing device. The ink ribbon cartridge comprises an ink ribbon storage area in the cartridge case in which an ink ribbon can be housed, a head insertion hole in the cartridge case through which the head of the printing device can be inserted at the printing position, an inlet for introducing a tubular printing medium into the cartridge case, a media transport path connecting at least the inlet and the printing position and for transporting the tubular printing medium introduced from the inlet to the printing position, and a restricting section that restricts the movement of the tubular printing medium in the media transport path, including a component along a first direction that intersects the transport direction of the tubular printing medium and the insertion direction through which the head is inserted into the head insertion hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink ribbon cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, a printing apparatus is disclosed that conveys an ink ribbon housed in a ribbon cassette and a tube while sandwiching them between a head and a platen roller, and performs printing on the tube by heating the ink ribbon. The ribbon cassette is an example of an ink ribbon cartridge, and the tube is an example of a printing medium.

[0003] Such a printing apparatus includes a head moving unit that moves a support member supporting the head from a separated position to a sandwiching position in order to stably convey the tube, and a covering unit that bends the tube as the support member moves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in such a printing apparatus, members for stably conveying the printing medium are arranged. Therefore, there is a risk of increasing the size of the printing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An ink ribbon cartridge that solves the above problems is an ink ribbon cartridge that is attached to a printing device that prints on a tubular printing medium that can be introduced from the outside, and comprises: an ink ribbon storage area in the cartridge case in which an ink ribbon can be housed; a head insertion hole in the cartridge case through which the head of the printing device can be inserted at the printing position in the cartridge case; an inlet for introducing the tubular printing medium into the cartridge case; a media transport path that connects at least the inlet and the printing position and transports the tubular printing medium introduced from the inlet to the printing position; and a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the tubular printing medium in the media transport path in a restricting direction that includes a component along a first direction that intersects the transport direction of the tubular printing medium and the insertion direction in which the head is inserted into the head insertion hole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus and ink ribbon cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view showing a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view showing the ink ribbon cartridge of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an ink ribbon cartridge of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view showing the printing apparatus and ink ribbon cartridge of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the printing apparatus and ink ribbon cartridge of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the regulatory section of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the regulating portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the regulating portion of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The following describes one embodiment of an ink ribbon cartridge that can be installed in a printing device with reference to the drawings. In the following description, assuming the printing device is installed on a horizontal surface and the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the printing device, the axis intersecting the horizontal surface is called the Z-axis, the axis intersecting the Z-axis is called the X-axis, and the axis intersecting the X-axis and the Z-axis is called the Y-axis. One direction along the X-axis is called the first width direction X1, and the other direction along the X-axis is called the second width direction X2. One direction along the Y-axis is called the forward direction Y1, and the other direction along the Y-axis is called the backward direction Y2. The upward direction along the Z-axis is called the upward direction Z1, and the downward direction along the Z-axis is called the downward direction Z2. The first width direction X1 corresponds to an example of the first direction, and the forward direction Y1 corresponds to an example of the second direction. Viewing from upward Z1 is simply referred to as a top view.

[0009] <Configuration of the printing device 100> As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 100 is configured to print on a printing medium. The printing device 100 is capable of mounting an ink ribbon cartridge 11. The printing device 100 is configured to print on a printing medium with the ink ribbon cartridge 11 mounted. The printing device 100 may also be configured to print on a printing medium that can be introduced from outside the printing device 100 and the ink ribbon cartridge 11 with the ink ribbon cartridge 11 mounted. The printing medium may be, for example, a tubular printing medium. The tubular printing medium may be, for example, a tube.

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, the printing apparatus 100 comprises an apparatus case 101 and an apparatus cover 102. The apparatus case 101 is configured to house various components of the printing apparatus 100. The apparatus case 101 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

[0011] The device cover 102 is openable and closable relative to the device case 101. The device cover 102 may be rotatably attached to the rear end Y2 of the device case 101. The device cover 102 covers the device case 101 from above Z1. The device cover 102 covers the interior of the device case 101. The device cover 102 covers the interior of the device case 101 with the ink ribbon cartridge 11 installed.

[0012] The device case 101 includes a device-side inlet 103, a device-side outlet 104, a device-side inlet path 105, a device-side outlet path 106, and a cartridge mounting section 107. In other words, the printing device 100 includes a device-side inlet 103, a device-side outlet 104, a device-side inlet path 105, a device-side outlet path 106, and a cartridge mounting section 107.

[0013] The device-side inlet 103 may be provided in the second width direction X2 of the device case 101. The device-side inlet 103 may have a shape that extends along the Z axis. The device-side inlet 103 may be a notch that opens upward Z1. The device-side inlet 103 is a part for introducing printing media from outside the printing device 100 into the inside of the printing device 100.

[0014] The device-side discharge port 104 may be provided in the first width direction X1 of the device case 101. The device-side discharge port 104 may have a shape that extends along the Z axis. The device-side discharge port 104 may be a notch that opens upward Z1. The device-side discharge port 104 is a part for discharging the printing medium from the inside of the printing device 100 to the outside of the printing device 100.

[0015] The device-side introduction path 105 is provided between the device-side inlet 103 and the cartridge mounting section 107. The device-side introduction path 105 is a path between the device-side inlet 103 and the cartridge mounting section 107 for transporting the printing medium introduced from the device-side inlet 103 to the cartridge mounting section 107. The device-side introduction path 105 may be a recess that opens upward Z1.

[0016] The device-side discharge path 106 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 107 and the device-side discharge port 104. The device-side discharge path 106 is a path for discharging the print medium conveyed from the cartridge mounting portion 107 from the device-side discharge port 104 between the cartridge mounting portion 107 and the device-side discharge port 104. The device-side discharge path 106 may be a recess that is open upward in the Z1 direction.

[0017] The cartridge mounting portion 107 is a recess that is open upward in the Z1 direction. The cartridge mounting portion 107 is connected to the device-side introduction path 105 in the second width direction X2. The cartridge mounting portion 107 is connected to the device-side discharge path 106 in the first width direction X1.

[0018] The cartridge mounting portion 107 is detachable from the ink ribbon cartridge 11 from above in the Z1 direction. The cartridge mounting portion 107 can accommodate the mounted ink ribbon cartridge 11.

[0019] The cartridge mounting portion 107 is detachable from the ink ribbon cartridge 11 into which the print medium has been introduced. In such a case, the print medium introduced into the ink ribbon cartridge 11 can be inserted from above in the Z1 direction with respect to the device-side inlet 103 and the device-side introduction path 105.

[0020] The printing apparatus 100 includes a head 110 and a head cover 111. The head 110 and the head cover 111 are provided in the device case 101. The head 110 and the head cover 111 are provided in the cartridge mounting portion 107.

[0021] The head 110 is configured to perform printing on the print medium. The head 110 may be a thermal head that performs printing on the print medium using a heating element. The head 110 is provided at the printing position P1. The printing position P1 is the position where printing is performed on the print medium by the head 110. The printing position P1 is a position along the medium conveyance path 17 described later. The head cover 111 partially covers the head 110.

[0022] The printing device 100 includes a platen shaft 112. The platen shaft 112 is provided in the device case 101. The platen shaft 112 is provided in the cartridge mounting section 107. The platen shaft 112 is provided so as to protrude upward Z1 from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting section 107. The platen shaft 112 is a shaft for transmitting power to the platen roller 22 of the ink ribbon cartridge 11, which will be described later.

[0023] The printing device 100 includes a feed shaft 113. The feed shaft 113 is provided in the device case 101. The feed shaft 113 is provided in the cartridge mounting section 107. The feed shaft 113 is provided so as to protrude upward Z1 from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting section 107. The feed shaft 113 is the shaft for feeding out the ink ribbon 30 shown in Figure 5, which is housed in the ink ribbon cartridge 11. In other words, the feed shaft 113 is the shaft for feeding out the ink ribbon 30.

[0024] The printing apparatus 100 includes a winding shaft 114. The winding shaft 114 is provided in the apparatus case 101. The winding shaft 114 is provided in the cartridge mounting section 107. The winding shaft 114 is provided so as to protrude upward Z1 from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting section 107. The winding shaft 114 is a shaft that transmits power for winding up the ink ribbon 30 housed in the ink ribbon cartridge 11. In other words, the winding shaft 114 is a shaft that winds up the ink ribbon 30.

[0025] The printing device 100 includes a protruding portion 115. The protruding portion 115 is provided on the device case 101. The protruding portion 115 is provided on the cartridge mounting portion 107. The protruding portion 115 is provided to protrude upward Z1. The protruding portion 115 may also be provided to protrude upward Z1 from the bottom surface of the cartridge mounting portion 107.

[0026] When the device cover 102 is closed with the ink ribbon cartridge 11 installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the head 110 moves toward the platen roller 22 by a head movement mechanism (not shown). As a result, the printing medium and the ink ribbon 30 are sandwiched between the head 110 and the platen roller 22.

[0027] In this state, when the platen shaft 112 and the winding shaft 114 rotate, the printing medium and the ink ribbon 30 are fed. At this time, the head 110 heats up based on the print data, and the ink from the ink ribbon 30 is transferred to the printing medium. As a result, printing is performed on the printing medium.

[0028] In this embodiment, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is configured to unwind the ink ribbon 30 in response to power from the winding shaft 114, without receiving power from the unwinding shaft 113, thereby unwinding the ink ribbon 30, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0029] The printing apparatus 100 may include a cutter mechanism 108. The cutter mechanism 108 is provided in the apparatus case 101. The cutter mechanism 108 is provided downstream of the printing position P1 in the transport direction in which the printing medium is transported. The cutter mechanism 108 may also be provided in the apparatus-side discharge path 106. The cutter mechanism 108 is configured to cut the printing medium after printing.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 120. The control unit 120 comprehensively controls the printing apparatus 100. The control unit 120 controls various operations performed by the printing apparatus 100. The control unit 120 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0031] The control unit 120 can control the head 110. The control unit 120 can control drive units (not shown) that drive the platen shaft 112, the feed shaft 113, the winding shaft 114, and the protruding part 115, respectively. The control unit 120 can control the cutter mechanism 108.

[0032] In this embodiment, the printing device 100 may be able to share the ink ribbon cartridge 11 and a tape cartridge (not shown). Thus, the printing device 100 may be able to selectively mount the ink ribbon cartridge 11 and the tape cartridge (not shown) in the cartridge mounting section 107.

[0033] A tape cartridge is a cartridge that houses a printing tape roll. A printing tape roll is a roll of tape that serves as a printing medium. When a tape cartridge (not shown) is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the protrusion 115 may be configured to pass through the rotation center of the printing tape roll. When a tape cartridge (not shown) is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the protrusion 115 may transmit a driving force to rotate the printing tape roll.

[0034] <Ink Ribbon Cartridge 11 Configuration> The ink ribbon cartridge 11 can be installed in the printing device 100. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 can be installed in the cartridge mounting section 107. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 houses the ink ribbon 30. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 may be configured to print on a printing medium that can be introduced from outside the ink ribbon cartridge 11.

[0035] The ink ribbon cartridge 11 includes a cartridge case 12. The cartridge case 12 is the outer casing of the ink ribbon cartridge 11. The cartridge case 12 houses the various components of the ink ribbon cartridge 11. The cartridge case 12 houses the ink ribbon 30.

[0036] The cartridge case 12 comprises a first case 13 and a second case 14. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the printing device 100, the second case 14 is positioned above the first case 13 at Z1. The second case 14 is configured to cover the first case 13 from above at Z1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge case 12 includes an inlet 15 and an outlet 16. The inlet 15 may be provided on the second width direction X2 side of the cartridge case 12. The inlet 15 may have a shape that extends along the Z axis. The inlet 15 may be a notch that opens upward Z1. The inlet 15 is provided in the second case 14, but may also be provided in the first case 13, or may span both the first case 13 and the second case 14. The inlet 15 is a part for introducing printing media from the outside of the cartridge case 12 into the inside of the cartridge case 12.

[0038] The discharge port 16 may be provided on the first width direction X1 side of the cartridge case 12. The discharge port 16 may have a shape that extends along the Z axis. The discharge port 16 may be a notch that opens upward Z1. The discharge port 16 is provided in the second case 14, but may also be provided in the first case 13, or may span both the first case 13 and the second case 14. The discharge port 16 is a part for discharging the printing medium from inside the cartridge case 12.

[0039] The cartridge case 12 includes a media transport path 17. The media transport path 17 is provided in the second case 14, but may also be provided in the first case 13, or may span both the first case 13 and the second case 14.

[0040] The media transport path 17 is connected to the inlet 15 and the outlet 16 in the cartridge case 12. The media transport path 17 is the path through which the printing medium is transported. The media transport path 17 is the path for transporting the printing medium that has been introduced into the cartridge case 12 via the inlet 15.

[0041] The media transport path 17 is a path that connects at least the inlet 15 and the printing position P1. The media transport path 17 is a path through which the printing medium introduced from the inlet 15 is transported to the printing position P1. The media transport path 17 is a path that connects the printing position P1 and the discharge port 16. The media transport path 17 is a path that transports the printing medium so that the printing medium printed at the printing position P1 is discharged from the discharge port 16.

[0042] The media transport path 17 comprises a first transport path 18, a second transport path 19, and a discharge path 20. The first transport path 18 is connected to the inlet 15. The first transport path 18 extends along the X-axis. The first transport path 18 extends from the inlet 15 in the first width direction X1. Thus, in the first transport path 18, the transport direction in which the printing media is transported is the first width direction X1.

[0043] The second transport path 19 is connected to the first transport path 18. The second transport path 19 includes a path extending along the Y-axis. The second transport path 19 includes a path extending forward Y1 from the first transport path 18. The printing position P1 is a position along the second transport path 19. In other words, the second transport path 19 is a path that includes the printing position P1. Thus, in the second transport path 19, the transport direction in which the printing medium is transported is forward Y1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second transport path 19 includes a path that extends inclined forward Y1 and in the first width direction X1, but it does not have to include a path that extends inclined forward Y1 and in the first width direction X1.

[0045] The discharge path 20 is connected to the second transport path 19. The discharge path 20 is connected to the discharge port 16. The discharge path 20 extends along the X-axis. The discharge path 20 extends in the first width direction X1 toward the discharge port 16. Thus, in the discharge path 20, the transport direction in which the printing medium is transported is the first width direction X1.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cartridge case 12 is provided with a head insertion hole 21. In other words, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is provided with a head insertion hole 21. The head insertion hole 21 is provided so as to penetrate the cartridge case 12 along the Z axis. More specifically, the head insertion hole 21 is provided in the first case 13 and the second case 14. The head insertion hole 21 is provided so as to penetrate the first case 13 and the second case 14.

[0047] With the ink ribbon cartridge 11 installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the print head 110 and the print head cover 111 are inserted into the print head insertion hole 21 toward upward Z1. In other words, the print head 110 can be inserted into the print head insertion hole 21 at the printing position P1. Thus, upward Z1 corresponds to one example of the insertion direction, and downward Z2 corresponds to one example of the opposite direction of insertion.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 may include a platen roller 22. The platen roller 22 is provided in the cartridge case 12. The platen roller 22 is configured to extend along the Z-axis. The platen roller 22 is provided in the second case 14 along the Z-axis, but may be provided so as to span both the first case 13 and the second case 14.

[0049] With the ink ribbon cartridge 11 installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the platen roller 22 is positioned opposite the head 110. With the ink ribbon cartridge 11 installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the platen roller 22 is configured to hold the printing medium and the ink ribbon 30 between itself and the head 110 at the printing position P1.

[0050] With the ink ribbon cartridge 11 mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, power is transmitted to the platen roller 22 from the platen shaft 112. The printing medium and ink ribbon 30 are held between the platen roller 22 and the head 110, and are transported along the medium transport path 17 as the platen roller 22 rotates.

[0051] In this embodiment, the printing medium is less than or equal to half the length of the ink ribbon cartridge 11 in the Z-axis direction, but is not limited thereto. The printing medium is transported within the ink ribbon cartridge 11 along the medium transport path 17 provided in the second case 14, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The ink ribbon cartridge 11 includes a regulating section 50. The regulating section 50 may be located along the second transport path 19. The regulating section 50 may be located along the second transport path 19 upstream of the printing position P1. The regulating section 50 may be located along the second transport path 19 upstream of the head insertion hole 21. The regulating section 50 may be located in the second case 14.

[0053] The restricting unit 50 is configured to restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction. The restricting direction may include a component toward the second width direction X2 and a component toward the downward Z2 in the second transport path 19.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the first case 13 may be provided with an insertion hole 23. In other words, the cartridge case 12 may be provided with an insertion hole 23. The insertion hole 23 is a hole that penetrates the first case 13 along the Z axis. The insertion hole 23 is a hole through which the protruding portion 115 can be inserted. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 107, the protruding portion 115 is inserted through the insertion hole 23.

[0055] The first case 13 is provided with a platen shaft insertion hole 24. In other words, the cartridge case 12 is provided with a platen shaft insertion hole 24. The platen shaft insertion hole 24 is a hole that penetrates the first case 13 along the Z axis. The platen shaft insertion hole 24 is a hole through which the platen shaft 112 can be inserted. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the platen shaft 112 is inserted through the platen shaft insertion hole 24. As a result, the platen shaft 112 and the platen roller 22 are engaged, and power from the platen shaft 112 is transmitted to the platen roller 22.

[0056] The first case 13 is provided with a rewinding shaft insertion hole 25. In other words, the cartridge case 12 is provided with a rewinding shaft insertion hole 25. The rewinding shaft insertion hole 25 is a hole that penetrates the first case 13 along the Z axis. The rewinding shaft insertion hole 25 is a hole through which the rewinding shaft 114 can be inserted. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the rewinding shaft 114 is inserted through the rewinding shaft insertion hole 25.

[0057] The first case 13 may be provided with a first feed shaft insertion hole 26. In other words, the cartridge case 12 may be provided with a first feed shaft insertion hole 26. The first feed shaft insertion hole 26 is a hole that penetrates the first case 13 along the Z axis. The first feed shaft insertion hole 26 is a hole through which the feed shaft 113 can be inserted. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the feed shaft 113 is inserted through the first feed shaft insertion hole 26.

[0058] The first case 13 may be provided with a second feed shaft insertion hole 27. In other words, the cartridge case 12 may be provided with a second feed shaft insertion hole 27. The second feed shaft insertion hole 27 is a hole that penetrates the first case 13 along the Z axis. The second feed shaft insertion hole 27 may be a hole through which a feed shaft of a different model than the printing device 100 can be inserted. If the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in a different model than the printing device 100, a feed shaft of a different model may be inserted through the second feed shaft insertion hole 27.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the cartridge case 12 includes an ink ribbon storage area 28. The ink ribbon storage area 28 is located on the second case 14 side in the Z-axis direction. Although the ink ribbon storage area 28 is located on the second case 14 in the Z-axis direction, it may also be located so as to span both the second case 14 and the first case 13.

[0060] The ink ribbon storage area 28 is an area within the cartridge case 12 in which the ink ribbon 30 can be stored. The ink ribbon storage area 28 is an area for storing the feed roll 31. The ink ribbon storage area 28 is an area for storing the rewind roll 32.

[0061] The feed roll 31 is a roll on which the ink ribbon 30, which is fed out to the printing position P1, is wound. The feed roll 31 includes a feed core 31A. The feed roll 31 may also include the ink ribbon 30 wound around the feed core 31A.

[0062] The winding roll 32 is a roll on which the ink ribbon 30, which is transported from the printing position P1, is wound. The winding roll 32 includes a winding core 32A. The winding roll 32 may also include the ink ribbon 30 wound on the winding core 32A.

[0063] The ink ribbon cartridge 11 comprises a gear train housing area 29 and a gear train 40. The gear train housing area 29 is provided in the cartridge case 12. The gear train housing area 29 is the area that houses the gear train 40. In other words, the gear train 40 is housed in the cartridge case 12.

[0064] The gear train storage area 29 is provided on the first case 13 side in the Z-axis. The gear train storage area 29 is provided on the first case 13 in the Z-axis, but it may also be provided so as to span the first case 13 and the second case 14. The gear train storage area 29 is provided so as to overlap with the ink ribbon storage area 28 in a top view.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the gear train 40 is configured to transmit power from the winding shaft 114, which is inserted through the winding shaft insertion hole 25, to the winding roll 32.

[0066] The gear train 40 may be configured to rotate the winding roll 32 in the first circumferential direction R1 when the winding shaft 114 rotates in the first circumferential direction R1. The gear train 40 may be configured to have a 1:1 ratio between the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114 and the rotational speed of the winding roll 32.

[0067] The gear train 40 may include a first gear 41, a second gear 42, and a third gear 43. The rotation axis of the first gear 41 is the first rotation axis Z11. The first rotation axis Z11 is along the Z axis. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the first gear 41 is coaxial with the winding shaft 114. In other words, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the first rotation axis Z11 is the same as the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114. Thus, the first rotation axis Z11 is both the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114 and the rotation axis of the first gear 41. Power from the winding shaft 114 is transmitted to the first gear 41.

[0068] The rotation axis of the second gear 42 is the second rotation axis Z12. The second rotation axis Z12 lies along the Z axis. The second rotation axis Z12 is positioned parallel to the first rotation axis Z11, and its position on the XY plane, i.e., on the bottom surface of the first case 13 intersecting the Z axis, is different from that of the first rotation axis Z11.

[0069] The second gear 42 is configured to mesh with the first gear 41. The second gear 42 is configured to mesh with the third gear 43. In this way, the second gear 42 is configured to transmit the power of the first gear 41 to the third gear 43.

[0070] The rotation axis of the third gear 43 is the third rotation axis Z13. The third rotation axis Z13 lies along the Z axis. The third gear 43 is positioned parallel to the first rotation axis Z11 and coaxial with the winding roll 32. In other words, the third rotation axis Z13 is the same as the rotation axis of the winding roll 32. The position of the third rotation axis Z13 on the XY plane, that is, on the bottom surface of the first case 13 intersecting the Z axis, is different from that of the first rotation axis Z11. Thus, the third rotation axis Z13 is both the rotation axis of the third gear 43 and the rotation axis of the winding roll 32. Power from the second gear 42 is transmitted to the third gear 43. In other words, the third gear 43 transmits power from the winding shaft 114 to the winding roll 32.

[0071] Thus, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the rotation axis of the winding roll 32 is positioned parallel to the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114, and is different from the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114. The downward Z2 corresponds to an example of the first axial direction, and the upward Z1 corresponds to an example of the opposite direction of the first axial direction.

[0072] In particular, the third rotation axis Z13 is located in the second width direction X2 relative to the first rotation axis Z11. The third rotation axis Z13 is located further away from the second transport path 19 relative to the first rotation axis Z11. The third rotation axis Z13 is located at a predetermined distance from the fourth rotation axis Z14. The fourth rotation axis Z14 is the rotation axis of the feed roll 31.

[0073] The predetermined distance is a distance corresponding to the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be stored. The predetermined distance may be longer than the sum of the radius of the dispensing roll 31 and the radius of the rewinding roll 32. The predetermined distance may be longer than or equal to the radius of the dispensing roll 31 when it is not in use and the ink ribbon 30 is not being dispensed. The radius of the dispensing roll 31 when it is not in use and the ink ribbon 30 is not being dispensed is the maximum radius of the dispensing roll 31. The predetermined distance may be longer than or equal to the radius of the rewinding roll 32 that is expected when the entire ink ribbon 30 has been rewinded. The radius of the rewinding roll 32 that is expected when the entire ink ribbon 30 has been rewinded is the maximum radius of the rewinding roll 32.

[0074] The feed roll 31 is positioned in the area of ​​the ink ribbon storage area 28 that is enclosed by the first transport path 18, the second transport path 19, and the gear train storage area 29, when viewed from above. The feed roll 31 is positioned in the area between the insertion hole 23 and the gear train storage area 29, when viewed from above. The insertion hole 23 is provided in the area enclosed by the first transport path 18, the second transport path 19, and the ink ribbon storage area 28.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the first case 13 includes a side wall 13A in the second width direction X2. The second case 14 includes a side wall 14A in the second width direction X2. In this embodiment, in a top view, the side wall 14A is located further in the second width direction X2 than the side wall 13A.

[0076] Thus, in a top view, the second case 14 is configured to protrude from the side wall 13A of the first case 13. In a top view, the ink ribbon housing area 28 may include an area that protrudes outward from the side wall 13A of the first case 13 in the second width direction X2.

[0077] <Composition of the Regulatory Section 50> Here, the configuration of the regulating unit 50 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9. As shown in Figure 7, the restricting portion 50 comprises a pressing portion 51 and a holding portion 52. The pressing portion 51 may be an elastic member that restricts the movement of the printing medium. The pressing portion 51 may also be a thin plate spring.

[0078] The pressing portion 51 comprises a contact portion 51A and a support portion 51B. The contact portion 51A and the support portion 51B may be plate-shaped. The contact portion 51A and the support portion 51B are integrally provided. The contact portion 51A is provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the support portion 51B. The contact portion 51A is supported by the support portion 51B at the rear Y2. The support portion 51B is fixed to the holding portion 52.

[0079] The contact portion 51A includes a contact surface 51C. The contact surface 51C is a surface that can come into contact with the printing medium being transported along the second transport path 19 on the first width direction X1 side. The contact surface 51C is inclined at a predetermined angle. The contact surface 51C is inclined upward Z1 side. The contact surface 51C is inclined rearward Y2 side.

[0080] The contact portion 51A is provided to bend relative to the support portion 51B. When the printing medium comes into contact with the contact portion 51A from the first width direction X1 side, the pressing portion 51 presses the printing medium in the first width direction X1 by its restoring force. Therefore, when the printing medium comes into contact with the contact portion 51A from the first width direction X1 side to the second width direction X2 side, the restoring force of the pressing portion 51 presses the printing medium in the first width direction X1 and upward Z1.

[0081] In particular, the pressing unit 51 is movable along the X-axis in the second transport path 19 between a retracted position shown in Figure 8 and a restricting position shown in Figure 9. The restricting position is in the first width direction X1 relative to the retracted position. The restricting position is a position where the movement of the printing medium is restricted by the pressing unit 51 protruding into the second transport path 19. In this way, the pressing unit 51 is configured to press the printing medium in the second transport path 19 toward the first width direction X1 and upward Z1 by moving to the restricting position.

[0082] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second transport path 19 is surrounded by the first inner wall 61 and the second inner wall 62. The first inner wall 61 is provided in the second case 14. The first inner wall 61 constitutes the ceiling surface surrounding the second transport path 19. The first inner wall 61 is a wall portion perpendicular to the upper Z1.

[0083] The second inner wall 62 is provided in the second case 14. The second inner wall 62 may be provided so as to span the first case 13 and the second case 14. The second inner wall 62 constitutes a side surface that surrounds the first width direction X1 in the second transport path 19. The second inner wall 62 is a wall portion parallel to the upper Z1 and the front Y1.

[0084] Thus, the pressing portion 51 is configured to be inclined with respect to the first inner wall 61, the second inner wall 62, and the forward direction Y1. In particular, the pressing portion 51 is configured such that the contact surface 51C is inclined at an angle toward the first inner wall 61, the second inner wall 62, and the rearward direction Y2.

[0085] The holding portion 52 is configured to hold the pressing portion 51. In particular, the holding portion 52 is configured to hold the pressing portion 51 in the first width direction X1. A support portion 51B is fixed to the holding portion 52.

[0086] The holding portion 52 may include a first holding portion 53 and a second holding portion 54. The first holding portion 53 and the second holding portion 54 are constructed separately, but may also be constructed integrally. The first holding portion 53 is located above the second holding portion 54 at Z1. The second holding portion 54 supports the first holding portion 53 from below at Z2. The first holding portion 53 and the second holding portion 54 are connected. The first holding portion 53 and the second holding portion 54 are movable along the X axis.

[0087] The holding portion 52 includes a contact surface 52A. The contact surface 52A is provided in the second width direction X2 of the holding portion 52. The contact surface 52A is provided downward Z2 of the holding portion 52. The contact surface 52A is provided on the second holding portion 54, but may also be provided on the first holding portion 53, or may span both the first holding portion 53 and the second holding portion 54. The contact surface 52A is a surface that inclins downward Z2 toward the second width direction X2.

[0088] The contact surface 52A is located above the insertion hole 23 at Z1. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the contact surface 52A comes into contact with the tip 115A of the protruding portion 115. In other words, the contact surface 52A comes into contact with the protruding portion 115. With the contact surface 52A in contact with the tip 115A of the protruding portion 115, when the tip 115A moves upward Z1 relative to the contact surface 52A, the holding portion 52 moves in the first width direction X1.

[0089] Thus, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 107, the holding section 52 moves in the first width direction X1, causing the pressing section 51 to move toward the second inner wall 62. As a result, the pressing section 51 restricts the movement of the printing medium in the second width direction X2.

[0090] In other words, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the restricting section 50 restricts the movement of the printing medium in the second width direction X2 by moving toward the second inner wall 62 with the holding section 52 in contact with the protruding section 115.

[0091] The printing medium being transported along the second transport path 19 is pressed in the first width direction X1 and upward Z1 by contacting the contact surface 51C. Therefore, the movement of the printing medium being transported along the second transport path 19 is restricted by the restricting unit 50 in the second width direction X2 and downward Z2.

[0092] Thus, the restricting unit 50 is configured to restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction in the second transport path 19. The restricting direction includes a component in the second width direction X2 and a component downward Z2. In other words, the restricting direction includes a component along the first width direction X1 and a component along the upward Z1. To put it another way, the restricting direction includes a component along the X axis and a component along the Z axis.

[0093] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1-1) Conventionally, printing devices are equipped with components for the stable transport of printing media. This can lead to an increase in the size of the printing device. In this embodiment, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is equipped with a restricting unit 50 that restricts the movement of the printing media in the restricting direction, including the second width direction X2, in the media transport path 17. With this configuration, the movement of the printing media in the second width direction X2 can be restricted by providing the restricting unit 50 in the ink ribbon cartridge 11 rather than in the printing device 100. This allows for stable transport of the printing media. Therefore, an increase in the size of the printing device 100 can be suppressed.

[0094] (1-2) The restricting unit 50 restricts the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction, which includes the second width direction X2 and the downward direction Z2. With this configuration, the movement of the printing medium can be restricted in the restricting direction, which includes the downward direction Z2 in addition to the second width direction X2. This makes it possible to transport the printing medium stably.

[0095] (1-3) The media transport path 17 has a first inner wall 61 perpendicular to the Z axis and a second inner wall 62 parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The regulating section 50 has a pressing section 51 and a holding section 52 that holds the pressing section 51. The pressing section 51 is configured to be inclined with respect to the first inner wall 61, the second inner wall 62 and the forward Y1 which is the transport direction. With this configuration, the printing medium can be smoothly guided in the media transport path 17 with respect to the first inner wall 61, the second inner wall 62 and the forward Y1 which is the transport direction. This allows the printing medium to be transported stably.

[0096] (1-4) The restricting unit 50 can restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction by moving toward the second inner wall 62. Therefore, the printing medium can be transported stably.

[0097] (1-5) When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the restricting section 50 moves toward the second inner wall 62 with the holding section 52 in contact with the protruding section 115. In this way, the restricting section 50 restricts the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction. With this configuration, the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction can be restricted when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107. Therefore, the printing medium can be transported stably while improving operability.

[0098] (1-6) The regulating section 50 is provided at a position along the second transport path 19. With this configuration, the regulating section 50 can be provided in the second transport path 19, which is closer to the printing position P1 compared to the first transport path 18. This allows for stable transport of the printing medium and suppresses a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0099] (1-7) The first transport path 18 extends from the inlet 15 in the first width direction X1, and the second transport path 19 is connected to the first transport path 18 and extends forward Y1. With this configuration, even if the media transport path 17 is connected so that the first transport path 18 and the second transport path 19 intersect, the regulating section 50 can be provided in the second transport path 19, which is downstream of the first transport path 18. This makes it possible to transport the printing medium stably.

[0100] (1-8) The regulating section 50 is located upstream of the head insertion hole 21 along the second transport path 19. This configuration allows the regulating section 50 to be located upstream of the head insertion hole 21. This enables stable transport of the printing medium and suppresses a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0101] (2-1) In conventional ink ribbon cartridges, there were some that allowed the printing medium to be introduced into the cartridge case from the outside, but it was not possible to increase the amount of ink ribbon that could be housed in the cartridge case. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the printing device 100, the rotation axis of the winding roll 32 on which the ink ribbon 30 is wound is parallel to the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114, and different from the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114. The gear train 40 is configured to transmit the power of the winding shaft 114 to the winding roll 32. With this configuration, by transmitting the power of the winding shaft 114 to the winding roll 32 via the gear train 40, the rotation axis of the winding roll 32 and the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114 can be made different. This makes it possible to adjust the arrangement of the area for housing the winding roll 32 inside the cartridge case 12. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be housed in the cartridge case 12 can be increased.

[0102] (2-2) The cartridge case 12 comprises a first case 13 and a second case 14 located above the first case 13 in Z1. The first case 13 has a gear train housing area 29 for housing the gear train 40. The second case 14 has an inlet 15 for introducing printing media into the cartridge case 12, a media transport path 17 for transporting the printing media, and an ink ribbon housing area 28 for housing the feed roll 31 and the take-up roll 32. With this configuration, the gear train housing area 29 for housing the gear train 40 is provided in the first case 13, while the inlet 15, the media transport path 17, and the ink ribbon housing area 28 are provided in the second case 14. This allows the gear train housing area 29 to be provided in the first case 13 without interfering with the inlet 15, the media transport path 17, and the ink ribbon housing area 28 in the second case 14. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be housed in the cartridge case 12 can be increased.

[0103] (2-3) The gear train 40, in a top view, has a first gear 41 coaxial with the winding shaft 114, a third gear 43 with the same rotation axis as the winding roll 32, and a second gear 42 that transmits the power of the first gear 41 to the third gear 43. The rotation axis of the third gear 43 is a predetermined distance away from the rotation axis of the feed roll 31. With this configuration, the power of the winding shaft 114 can be transmitted to the winding roll 32 by using the first gear 41, the second gear 42, and the third gear 43. In addition, the rotation axis of the winding roll 32, which is coaxial with the third gear 43, and the rotation axis of the feed roll 31 can be separated by a predetermined distance. This makes it possible to accommodate an amount of ink ribbon 30 that takes a predetermined distance into consideration. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be accommodated in the cartridge case 12 can be increased.

[0104] (2-4) The gear train 40 rotates the take-up roll 32 in the first circumferential direction R1 when the take-up shaft 114 rotates in the first circumferential direction R1. With this configuration, the rotation direction of the take-up shaft 114 and the rotation direction of the take-up roll 32 can be made to rotate in the same first circumferential direction R1. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in print quality. In addition, it does not require changing the configuration of the printing apparatus 100.

[0105] (2-5) The gear train 40 is configured such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114 to the rotational speed of the winding roll 32 is 1:1. With this configuration, the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114 and the rotational speed of the winding roll 32 can be made the same ratio. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in print quality. In addition, it does not require changing the configuration of the printing apparatus 100.

[0106] (2-6) The media transport path 17 includes a first transport path 18 extending from the inlet 15 along the first width direction X1, and a second transport path 19 connected to the first transport path 18 and extending along the forward direction Y1. In a top view, the feed roll 31 is positioned in the area of ​​the ink ribbon storage area 28 that is surrounded by the first transport path 18, the second transport path 19, and the gear train storage area 29. With this configuration, the ink ribbon storage area 28 can be provided so that the feed roll 31 does not interfere with the first transport path 18, the second transport path 19, and the gear train storage area 29. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be stored in the cartridge case 12 can be increased.

[0107] (2-7) The cartridge case 12 is provided with an insertion hole 23 through which the protruding portion 115 is inserted when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, in a top view, the feed roll 31 is positioned in the area between the insertion hole 23 and the gear train housing area 29. With this configuration, in a top view, the feed roll 31 is positioned in the area between the insertion hole 23 through which the protruding portion 115 can be inserted and the gear train housing area 29. This makes it possible to provide an ink ribbon housing area 28 that prevents the feed roll 31 from interfering with the protruding portion 115 inserted into the insertion hole 23 and the gear train housing area 29. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 that can be housed in the cartridge case 12 can be increased. In addition, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 and a tape cartridge (not shown) can be selectively installed in the printing device 100.

[0108] (2-8) The second case 14 is configured to protrude outward from the side wall 13A of the first case 13 when viewed from above. The ink ribbon storage area 28 includes an area that protrudes outward from the side wall 13A of the first case 13 when viewed from above. With this configuration, the second case 14, in which the ink ribbon storage area 28 is provided, can be provided so as to protrude outward from the side wall 13A of the first case 13, in which the gear train storage area 29 is provided. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon 30 housed in the cartridge case 12 can be increased while suppressing an increase in the size of the first case 13.

[0109] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0110] The second case 14 may be configured so as not to protrude from the side wall 13A of the first case 13 when viewed from above. The ink ribbon storage area 28 may be an area that does not protrude from the side wall 13A of the first case 13 when viewed from above.

[0111] The ink ribbon storage area 28 may span across the first case 13 and the second case 14, provided that the winding roll 32 is positioned on the Z-axis so as not to interfere with the gear train 40. The gear train storage area 29 may span across the first case 13 and the second case 14, provided that the gear train 40 is positioned on the Z-axis so as not to interfere with the winding roll 32.

[0112] The ink ribbon storage area 28 may be located in a position where the feed roll 31 is not surrounded by the media transport path 17, as long as it does not interfere with the media transport path 17. The gear train 40 does not have to have a 1:1 ratio between the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114 and the rotational speed of the winding roll 32. In other words, the gear train 40 may be configured such that the rotational speed of the winding roll 32 is slower than the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114. The gear train 40 may also be configured such that the rotational speed of the winding roll 32 is faster than the rotational speed of the winding shaft 114.

[0113] The gear train 40 may rotate the winding shaft 114 and the winding roll 32 in the same direction opposite to the first circumferential direction R1. The rotation direction of the winding shaft 114 and the rotation direction of the winding roll 32 are not necessarily the same in the gear train 40.

[0114] The gear train 40 may comprise two or more gears. The gear train 40 may have an odd number of gears so that the direction of rotation of the winding shaft 114 and the direction of rotation of the winding roll 32 are the same. The gears included in the gear train 40 may include gears whose axis of rotation is not parallel.

[0115] Before the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the printing device 100, the printing medium may be introduced into the ink ribbon cartridge 11 from the outside through the inlet 15 and drawn into the first transport path 18 and the second transport path 19. In this case, the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the printing device 100 with the printing medium drawn into the first transport path 18 and the second transport path 19.

[0116] After the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the printing device 100, the printing medium may be introduced into the ink ribbon cartridge 11 from the outside through the inlet 15 and drawn into the first transport path 18 and the second transport path 19. In this case, the printing medium may be drawn into the second transport path 19 against the restriction in the restricting direction by the restricting unit 50.

[0117] The restricting portion 50 may move in the first width direction X1 by contact with a part other than the tip portion 115A of the protruding portion 115 when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 107. The restricting portion 50 may move in the first width direction X1 by contact with a part of the printing device 100 other than the protruding portion 115 when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 107. The other part may be, for example, the feed shaft.

[0118] The regulating unit 50 may move in the first width direction X1 in response to an operation other than the installation operation when the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge installation unit 107. The regulating unit 50 may also move in the first width direction X1 in response to an operation of an operation unit provided on the ink ribbon cartridge 11. In such a case, the holding unit 52 does not need to have a contact surface 52A as long as it can move in the first width direction X1 in response to the operation of the operation unit.

[0119] The restricting unit 50 may be positioned to restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction. Thus, the restricting unit 50 does not need to move along the X-axis as long as it can restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction. The holding unit 52 does not need to have a contact surface 52A.

[0120] The contact surface 51C does not need to be inclined with respect to any of the X, Y, and Z axes. In other words, the pressing part 51 does not need to be inclined with respect to any of the X, Y, and Z axes. Thus, as long as the restricting part 50 can restrict the movement of the printing medium in the restricting direction, the pressing part 51 does not need to be inclined with respect to any of the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0121] The restricting direction includes downward Z2, but is not limited to this; for example, it may also include upward Z1. Thus, the restricting direction may include the Z-axis component. In other words, the restricting direction only needs to include a component along upward Z1. The restricting direction does not need to include the Z-axis component.

[0122] The restricting section 50 may be provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the media transport path 17. If the restricting section 50 is provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the media transport path 17, the restricting direction may include the first width direction X1. Thus, the restricting direction only needs to include the X-axis component. In other words, the restricting direction only needs to include the component along the first width direction X1.

[0123] The first inner wall 61 may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis. The second inner wall 62 may be substantially parallel to the Y-axis and the Z-axis. In other words, the first inner wall in the claim includes a first inner wall that is substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis. The second inner wall in the claim includes a second inner wall that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

[0124] The restricting section 50 may be located downstream of the printing position P1 in the second transport path 19. The restricting section 50 may be located along the first transport path 18. The restricting section 50 may be located along the discharge path 20. The restricting section 50 does not have to be located upstream of the printing position P1 in the second transport path 19. The restricting section 50 does not have to be located upstream of the head insertion hole 21 in the second transport path 19. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 may have a plurality of restricting sections 50.

[0125] The ink ribbon cartridge 11 does not necessarily have to include a gear train 40. In this case, the rotation axis of the winding shaft 114 of the printing device 100 and the rotation axis of the winding roll 32 may be the same in the ink ribbon cartridge 11.

[0126] The media transport route 17 may include other routes besides the first transport route 18, the second transport route 19, and the discharge route 20. The media transport route 17 does not have to be a route that intersects the first transport route 18 and the second transport route 19.

[0127] The cartridge case 12 does not need to have an insertion hole 23. The cartridge case 12 does not need to have a first feed shaft insertion hole 26. The cartridge case 12 does not need to have a second feed shaft insertion hole 27.

[0128] The printing device 100 may include the platen roller 22 itself. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 may not include the platen roller 22, but may have a platen roller insertion hole. The platen roller insertion hole is a hole through which the platen roller 22 can be inserted. When the ink ribbon cartridge 11 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 107, the platen roller 22 is inserted through the platen roller insertion hole.

[0129] The ink ribbon cartridge 11 may print on a different printing medium, such as tape, rather than a tubular printing medium. The ink ribbon cartridge 11 may contain a printing medium separately from the ink ribbon 30.

[0130] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0131] [Note] The following describes the technical concepts and their effects as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0132] [1-1] An ink ribbon cartridge is an ink ribbon cartridge that is installed in a printing device that prints on a tubular printing medium that can be introduced from outside the ink ribbon cartridge, and comprises: an ink ribbon storage area in the cartridge case in which an ink ribbon can be housed; a head insertion hole in the cartridge case through which the head of the printing device can be inserted at the printing position in the cartridge case; an inlet for introducing a tubular printing medium into the cartridge case; a media transport path that connects at least the inlet and the printing position and through which the tubular printing medium introduced from the inlet is transported to the printing position; and a restricting section that restricts the movement of the tubular printing medium in the media transport path, including a component along a first direction that intersects the transport direction of the tubular printing medium and the insertion direction through which the head is inserted into the head insertion hole.

[0133] With this configuration, by providing a restricting section on the ink ribbon cartridge rather than the printing device, the movement of the tubular printing medium in the restricting direction, including a component along the first direction intersecting the transport direction and the insertion direction, can be restricted. This allows for stable transport of the tubular printing medium. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the need for larger printing devices.

[0134] [1-2] The above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge may include a component along the first direction and a component along the insertion direction. This configuration allows for the restriction of movement of the tubular printing medium in the restricting direction, including components along the insertion direction in addition to components along the first direction. This enables stable transport of the tubular printing medium.

[0135] [1-3] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the medium transport path has a first inner wall perpendicular to the insertion direction and a second inner wall parallel to the transport direction and the insertion direction, and the regulating portion has a pressing portion and a holding portion that holds the pressing portion, and the pressing portion may be configured to be inclined with respect to the first inner wall, the second inner wall and the transport direction.

[0136] In this configuration, the pressing section is configured to be inclined with respect to the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the transport direction. Therefore, the tubular printing medium can be smoothly guided along the medium transport path with respect to the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the transport direction. This enables stable transport of the tubular printing medium.

[0137] [1-4] In the above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge, the restricting portion may restrict the movement of the tubular printing medium in the direction opposite to the first direction by moving toward the second inner wall.

[0138] With this configuration, by moving the regulating part toward the second inner wall, the movement of the tubular printing medium in the opposite direction to the first direction can be restricted. Therefore, the tubular printing medium can be transported stably.

[0139] [1-5] The ink ribbon cartridge has an insertion hole through which a protruding part of the printing device that protrudes in the insertion direction when the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part of the printing device can be inserted, and when the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part of the printing device, the regulating part may move toward the second inner wall with the holding part in contact with the protruding part.

[0140] With this configuration, when the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section, the protruding portion inserted into the insertion hole and the holding portion that holds the pressing portion come into contact, thereby moving the restricting portion toward the second inner wall. This restricts the movement of the tubular printing medium in the opposite direction to the first direction when the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section. Therefore, the tubular printing medium can be transported stably while improving operability.

[0141] [1-6] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the holding portion has a contact surface in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the contact surface may be a surface that contacts the protruding portion and is inclined in the insertion direction toward the direction opposite to the first direction. This can produce the same effect as in [1-4].

[0142] [1-7] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the media transport path comprises a first transport path and a second transport path including the printing position, and the regulating section may be provided at a position along the second transport path.

[0143] This configuration allows for the placement of a regulating section in the second transport path, which is closer to the printing position compared to the first transport path. This enables stable transport of tubular printing media and suppresses a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0144] [1-8] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the first transport path extends from the inlet in the first direction, and the second transport path is connected to the first transport path and may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the insertion direction.

[0145] With this configuration, even in a media transport path where the first and second transport paths intersect, a regulating section can be provided in the second transport path, which is downstream of the first transport path. This allows for stable transport of tubular printing media.

[0146] [1-9] In the above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge, the restricting portion may be provided upstream of the head insertion hole in the second transport path. This configuration allows a regulating section to be placed upstream of the print head insertion hole. This enables stable transport of tubular printing media and suppresses a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0147] [2-1] An ink ribbon cartridge is an ink ribbon cartridge mounted on a printing device having a winding shaft for winding an ink ribbon, comprising a cartridge case for housing the ink ribbon and a gear train housed in the cartridge case, wherein, when mounted on the printing device, the rotation axis of the winding roll on which the ink ribbon is wound is different from the rotation axis of the winding shaft, and the gear train is configured to transmit the power of the winding shaft to the winding roll.

[0148] This configuration allows the rotation axis of the winding roll and the rotation axis of the winding shaft to be diverged by transmitting power from the winding shaft to the winding roll via a gear train. This allows for adjustment of the arrangement of the area housing the winding roll inside the cartridge case. Consequently, the amount of ink ribbon that can be housed in the cartridge case can be increased.

[0149] [2-2] The above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge, wherein the cartridge case comprises a first case and a second case located in the opposite direction to the first axial direction along the rotation axis of the winding roll compared to the first case, the first case having a gear train housing area for housing the gear train, and the second case having an inlet for introducing a printing medium into the cartridge case, a medium transport path for transporting the printing medium, and an ink ribbon housing area for housing a feed roll from which the ink ribbon is unfurled and the winding roll.

[0150] With this configuration, the gear train housing area for accommodating the gear train is provided in the first case, while the inlet, media transport path, and ink ribbon housing area for accommodating the feed roll and take-up roll are provided in the second case. This allows the gear train housing area to be provided in the first case without interfering with the inlet, media transport path, and ink ribbon housing area in the second case. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon that can be housed in the cartridge case can be increased.

[0151] [2-3] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the gear train comprises a first gear coaxial with the winding shaft when viewed from the first axial direction, a third gear having the same rotation axis as the winding roll when viewed from the first axial direction, and a second gear that transmits power from the first gear to the third gear, and the rotation axis of the third gear may be a predetermined distance away from the rotation axis of the feed roll.

[0152] With this configuration, the power of the winding shaft can be transmitted to the winding roll by using the first, second, and third gears. In addition, the rotation axis of the winding roll, which is coaxial with the third gear, and the rotation axis of the unwinding roll can be separated by a predetermined distance. This allows for the storage of an ink ribbon with a capacity that takes this predetermined distance into consideration. Therefore, the capacity of the ink ribbon stored in the cartridge case can be increased.

[0153] [2-4] In the above ink ribbon cartridge, the gear train may rotate the winding roll in the first circumferential direction when the winding shaft rotates in the first circumferential direction. This configuration allows the winding shaft and the winding roll to rotate in the same first rotational direction. This helps to suppress a decrease in print quality. In addition, it does not require any changes to the configuration of the printing apparatus.

[0154] [2-5] In the above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge, the gear train may be configured such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the winding shaft to the rotational speed of the winding roll is 1:1.

[0155] This configuration allows the rotational speed of the winding shaft and the winding roll to be at the same ratio. This helps to suppress a decrease in print quality. In addition, it does not require any changes to the configuration of the printing apparatus.

[0156] [2-6] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the medium transport path comprises a first transport path extending from the inlet along a first direction intersecting the first axial direction, and a second transport path connected to the first transport path and extending along a second direction intersecting the first axial direction and the first direction, and the feed roll may be arranged in the area of ​​the ink ribbon housing area that is surrounded by the first transport path, the second transport path, and the gear train housing area, as viewed from the first axial direction.

[0157] With this configuration, the ink ribbon storage area can be provided in such a way that the feed rolls do not interfere with the first transport path, the second transport path, and the gear train storage area. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon that can be stored in the cartridge case can be increased.

[0158] [2-7] In the above-mentioned ink ribbon cartridge, the ink ribbon cartridge and a tape cartridge housing a printing tape roll can be selectively mounted in the cartridge mounting section of the printing device, and when the tape cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section, a projection provided in the cartridge mounting section is inserted through the rotation center of the printing tape roll, the cartridge case is provided with an insertion hole through which the projection is inserted when the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section, and when the ink ribbon cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section, the feed roll may be positioned in the region between the insertion hole and the gear train housing area when viewed from the first axial direction.

[0159] In this configuration, when viewed from the first axial direction, the feed roll is positioned in the area between the insertion hole through which the protrusion can be inserted and the gear train housing area. This allows the ink ribbon housing area to be provided without interference between the feed roll and the protrusion inserted into the insertion hole and the gear train housing area. Therefore, the amount of ink ribbon that can be housed in the cartridge case can be increased. In addition, ink ribbon cartridges and tape cartridges can be selectively installed in the printing device.

[0160] [2-8] The ink ribbon cartridge described above, wherein the second case is configured to protrude outward from the side wall of the first case when viewed from the first axial direction, and the ink ribbon housing area may include an area that protrudes outward from the side wall of the first case when viewed from the first axial direction.

[0161] With this configuration, the second case, which houses the ink ribbon, can be positioned so as to protrude outward from the side wall of the first case, which houses the gear train. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of ink ribbon that can be housed in the cartridge case while suppressing an increase in the size of the first case. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 11…Ink ribbon cartridge, 12…Cartridge case, 13…First case, 13A…Side wall, 14…Second case, 14A…Side wall, 15…Inlet, 16…Outlet, 17…Media transport path, 18…First transport path, 19…Second transport path, 20…Outlet path, 21…Head insertion hole, 22…Platen roller, 23…Insertion hole, 24…Platen shaft insertion hole, 25…Winding shaft insertion hole 26...First feed shaft insertion hole, 27...Second feed shaft insertion hole, 28...Ink ribbon housing area, 29...Gear train housing area, 30...Ink ribbon, 31...Feed roll, 31A...Feed core, 32...Take-up roll, 32A...Take-up core, 40...Gear train, 41...First gear, 42...Second gear, 43...Third gear, 50...Regulating part, 51...Pressing part, 51A...Contact part, 51B...Support part, 51C ...contact surface, 52...holding part, 52A...contact surface, 53...first holding part, 54...second holding part, 61...first inner wall, 62...second inner wall, 100...printing device, 101...device case, 102...device cover, 103...device side inlet, 104...device side outlet, 105...device side inlet path, 106...device side outlet path, 107...cartridge mounting part, 108...cutter mechanism, 110...head, 111 ...head cover, 112...platen shaft, 113...feed shaft, 114...winding shaft, 115...projection, 115A...tip, 120...control unit, P1...printing position, R1...first circumferential direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y1...forward, Y2...backward, Z1...upward, Z11...first rotation axis, Z12...second rotation axis, Z13...third rotation axis, Z14...fourth rotation axis, Z2...downward.

Claims

1. An ink ribbon cartridge that is installed in a printing device that prints on a tubular printing medium that can be introduced from an external source, An ink ribbon storage area within the cartridge case where an ink ribbon can be stored, A head insertion hole is provided in the cartridge case at the printing position through which the head of the printing device can be inserted, The cartridge case includes an inlet for introducing a tubular printing medium, A media transport path that connects at least the inlet and the printing position, and through which the tubular printing medium introduced from the inlet is transported to the printing position, The media transport path includes a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the tubular printing medium in a restricting direction that includes a component along a first direction intersecting the transport direction of the tubular printing medium and the insertion direction through which the head is inserted into the head insertion hole. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

2. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, The aforementioned restricting direction includes a component along the first direction and a component along the insertion direction. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

3. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, The media transport path has a first inner wall perpendicular to the insertion direction and a second inner wall parallel to the transport direction and the insertion direction. The regulating part has a pressing part and a holding part that holds the pressing part, The pressing portion is configured to be inclined with respect to the first inner wall, the second inner wall, and the conveying direction. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

4. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 3, The restricting portion moves toward the second inner wall to restrict the movement of the tubular printing medium in the direction opposite to the first direction. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

5. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 4, The ink ribbon cartridge is provided with an insertion hole through which a protruding portion of the printing device that protrudes in the insertion direction can be inserted when the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting portion of the printing device, When the ink ribbon cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section of the printing device, the restricting section moves toward the second inner wall with the holding section in contact with the protruding section. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

6. The ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 5, The retaining portion has a contact surface in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, The contact surface is a surface that contacts the protruding portion and is inclined in the insertion direction toward the direction opposite to the first direction. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

7. An ink ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The media transport path comprises a first transport path and a second transport path including the printing position. The regulating section is provided at a position along the second transport path, An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

8. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 7, The first transport path extends from the inlet in the first direction, The second transport path is connected to the first transport path and extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction and the insertion direction. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

9. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 7, The regulating section is provided at a position along the second transport path upstream of the head insertion hole. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

10. An ink ribbon cartridge according to claim 8, The regulating section is provided at a position along the second transport path upstream of the head insertion hole. An ink ribbon cartridge characterized by the following features.

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