Ink ribbon cassette

Abstract

To provide an ink ribbon cassette which is suitable for placement in a vertical posture.SOLUTION: A winding case 30 of an ink ribbon cassette has: one first projection 30E1 which is provided at a position separated from a center in a second rotation axis AX2 by a first distance in a first direction DR1 along the second rotation axis AX2, and projects to a direction separated from the first rotation axis AX1; the other projection 30E1; and a second projection 30F1 which is positioned between the one first projection 30E1 and the other first projection 30E1 in the second rotation axis AX2 direction, is inscribed to a third virtual cylindrical inner surface IC3 having a radius larger than a first radius around the second rotation axis AX2 in the other second region SP2 in two regions partitioned by a virtual plane P1, and projects in a direction separated from the first rotation axis AX1. An original wind case 20 has a first engagement part 20E1, and a second engagement part 20E2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink ribbon cassette. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers capable of printing ink by using heat or the like on a print medium such as a release paper-attached adhesive sheet are known. Such printers are configured to be able to accommodate an ink ribbon cassette.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a main body case (an example of a configuration including an "ink ribbon cassette") that is housed in a printer. This main body case has a first storage section that houses a payout core for winding the ink ribbon before use, and a second storage section that houses a take-up core for winding the ink ribbon after use.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an ink ribbon cartridge (an example of a configuration including an "ink ribbon cassette") that is housed in a printer. This ink ribbon cartridge includes a case that supports a supply spool (a payout core) for winding up a thermal transfer ink ribbon before use, and a case that supports a take-up spool (a take-up core) for winding up the ink ribbon after use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-052155 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-058078 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventional ink ribbon cassettes, including those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, have been stored laid flat.

[0007] However, placing the ink ribbon cassettes flat requires a large storage space, and when multiple ink ribbon cassettes are stacked flat, in order to remove the ink ribbon cassette at the bottom, the other ink ribbon cassettes stacked above it must be removed.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an ink ribbon cassette suitable for vertical placement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present application discloses an ink ribbon cassette including an original winding case for rotatably supporting, on a first rotation axis, a first core for winding an ink ribbon before use, and a take-up case for rotatably supporting, on a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, a second core for winding an ink ribbon after use. The take-up case of this ink ribbon cassette is provided at a position spaced a first distance from the center in the second rotation axis direction in a first direction along the second rotation axis, and includes a first protrusion that is inscribed on an inner surface of one first virtual cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in one first region of two regions divided by a virtual plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and a second protrusion that is spaced a second distance from the center in the second rotation axis direction along the second rotation axis, which is the opposite direction to the first direction. a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, the second protrusion being inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius greater than the first radius and centered on the second rotation axis in the other second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis. Furthermore, the master winding case of this ink ribbon cassette has a surface portion that is approximately parallel to the imaginary plane, and a first engagement portion in the second region when viewed from the side in the first rotational axis direction, the first engagement portion being spaced a third distance from the center of the first rotational axis direction in the first direction along the first rotational axis and having a first convex portion protruding from the surface portion, and a second engagement portion in the second region when viewed from the side, the second engagement portion being spaced the third distance from the center of the first rotational axis direction in the second direction along the first rotational axis and having a second concave portion recessed from the surface portion.

[0010] Here, with regard to the "first engagement portion" "separated a third distance in a first direction from the first rotational axis direction center" and the "second engagement portion" "separated a third distance in a second direction from the first rotational axis direction center," if there is a position where the distance between the first rotational axis direction center and an arbitrary position selected in the first engagement portion is the same as the distance between the first rotational axis direction center and an arbitrary position selected in the second engagement portion, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion satisfy the positional relationship described above. That is, not only when the distance between the "first rotational axis direction center" and the center of the first engagement portion coincides with the distance between the "first rotational axis direction center" and the center of the second engagement portion, but also when they do not coincide, as long as the range of the distance between the "first rotational axis direction center" and the region where the first engagement portion is provided partially overlaps with the range of the distance between the "first rotational axis direction center" and the region where the first engagement portion is provided, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion satisfy the relationship described above.

[0011] In the side view, the intersection line between a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first rotation axis and the tangent plane may be configured to be located between a first tangent point between the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point between the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

[0012] Moreover, the "recesses" such as the "first recess" and the "second recess" include through holes.

[0013] In the side view, the first engagement portion may be configured to have a first recess recessed from the surface portion, and the second engagement portion may be configured to have a second protrusion protruding from the surface portion.

[0014] The first protrusion may be configured to have a first protrusion protruding toward the winding case, and the second protrusion may be configured to have a second protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the winding case.

[0015] The first convex portion may be configured to be located in a position to be inserted into the second recess of the second ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of a second ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as an ink ribbon cassette having any of the above-mentioned configurations.

[0016] The second recess may be configured to be provided at a position where the first convex portion of the third ink ribbon cassette is inserted when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a third ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as an ink ribbon cassette having any of the above-mentioned configurations.

[0017] The first protrusion may be configured to be located in a position that engages with the second protrusion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a fourth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette having the above-mentioned first protrusion and second protrusion configuration.

[0018] The second protrusion may be configured to be located in a position that engages with the first protrusion of the fifth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a fifth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette having the above-mentioned configuration having the first protrusion and second protrusion.

[0019] The first distance may be configured to be equal to the second distance.

[0020] The radius of the second imaginary cylinder may be configured to be equal to the first radius.

[0021] The third distance may be configured to be greater than the first distance and the second distance.

[0022] The first region may be further configured to be provided with a connection portion that connects the master winding case and the take-up case.

[0023] The present application also discloses an ink ribbon cassette that can be accommodated in a printer that includes an ink ribbon cassette accommodating section having two first slits, a second slit, a first engagement means, and a second engagement means, a transport means for pulling out the ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cassette accommodated in the ink ribbon cassette accommodating section, and a thermal head for thermally transferring the ink of the pulled out ink ribbon to a print medium. Such an ink ribbon cassette includes an original winding case for rotatably supporting a first core for winding the ink ribbon before use on a first rotating shaft, and a winding case for rotatably supporting a second core for winding the ink ribbon after use on a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. The winding case includes a first protrusion that is provided at a position spaced a first distance from the center of the second rotational axis direction in a first direction along the second rotational axis, and is inscribed in a first imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a first radius centered on the second rotational axis in a first region of two regions divided by a virtual plane including the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis, protrudes in a direction away from the first rotational axis, and is configured to be insertable into one of the first slits; and a first protrusion that is provided at a position spaced a second distance from the center of the second rotational axis direction in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction along the second rotational axis, and is configured to be inserted into one of the first slits. and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius greater than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in a second region of the other of the two regions separated by the imaginary plane, protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis and configured to be insertable into the second slit.The master winding case further has a surface portion that is approximately parallel to the imaginary plane, and a first engagement portion in the second region in a side view from the first rotational axis direction, the first engagement portion having a first convex portion that is spaced a third distance from the center of the first rotational axis direction in the first direction along the first rotational axis, protrudes from the surface portion, and is configured to be able to engage with the first engagement means, and a second engagement portion in the second region in the side view, the second engagement portion having the third distance from the center of the first rotational axis direction in the second direction along the first rotational axis, the second recess portion that is recessed from the surface portion, and is configured to be able to engage with the second engagement means.

[0024] In the side view, the intersection line between a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first rotation axis and the tangent plane may be configured to be located between a first tangent point between the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second tangent point between the second protrusion and the tangent plane.

[0025] In the side view, the first engagement portion may be configured to have a first recess recessed from the surface portion, and the second engagement portion may be configured to have a second protrusion protruding from the surface portion.

[0026] The first protrusion may be configured to have a first protrusion protruding toward the winding case, and the second protrusion may be configured to have a second protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the winding case.

[0027] The first convex portion may be configured to be located in a position to be inserted into the second recess of the second ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of a second ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as an ink ribbon cassette having any of the above-mentioned configurations.

[0028] The second recess may be configured to be provided at a position where the first convex portion of the third ink ribbon cassette is inserted when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a third ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as an ink ribbon cassette having any of the above-mentioned configurations.

[0029] The first protrusion may be configured to be located in a position that engages with the second protrusion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a fourth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette having the above-mentioned first protrusion and second protrusion configuration.

[0030] The second protrusion may be configured to be located in a position that engages with the first protrusion of the fifth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is faced to a surface portion of a fifth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette having the above-mentioned configuration having the first protrusion and second protrusion.

[0031] The first distance may be configured to be equal to the second distance.

[0032] The radius of the second imaginary cylinder may be configured to be equal to the first radius.

[0033] The third distance may be configured to be greater than the first distance and the second distance.

[0034] The first region may be further configured to be provided with a connection portion that connects the master winding case and the take-up case.

[0035] The present application discloses an ink ribbon cassette including an original winding case for rotatably supporting, on a first rotation axis, a first core for winding an ink ribbon before use, and a take-up case for rotatably supporting, on a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, a second core for winding an ink ribbon after use. The take-up case of this ink ribbon cassette is provided at a position spaced a first distance from the center in the second rotation axis direction in a first direction along the second rotation axis, and includes a first protrusion that is inscribed on an inner surface of one first virtual cylinder having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in one first region of two regions divided by a virtual plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and a second protrusion that is spaced a second distance from the center in the second rotation axis direction along the second rotation axis, which is the opposite direction to the first direction. a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, inscribed in a second imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius equal to or smaller than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the first region, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis; and a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius greater than the first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the other second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis. In a side view seen from the first rotation axis direction, a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion forms an acute angle with the imaginary plane. When a surface of the ink ribbon provided in the second region of the master winding case and a surface provided in the second region of a master winding case of a sixth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon are opposed to each other, the ink ribbon and the sixth ink ribbon cassette are configured to support each other and be self-supporting. At this time, a second tangent plane that contacts the first protrusion on one side of the ink ribbon cassette and the first protrusion on the other side of the sixth ink ribbon cassette forms an angle that is closer to a right angle than the acute angle with the imaginary plane of the ink ribbon cassette.

[0036] The ink ribbon cassette is preferably disposed such that the tangential plane does not intersect with the ink ribbon cassette except at a contact point, which may be at least three points, i.e., on each surface of the one first projection, the other first projection and the second projection.

[0037] The ink ribbon cassette is preferably provided such that the second tangent plane does not intersect with the ink ribbon cassette except at a contact point. The contact points may be at least three points, i.e., on the surface of the one first projection of the ink ribbon cassette, the other first projection of the ink ribbon cassette, and the other first projection of the sixth ink ribbon cassette. Furthermore, the tangent plane may contact a surface of the one first projection of the sixth ink ribbon cassette.

[0038] The ink ribbon cassette may be configured to be able to stand independently by contacting the tangential plane with the one first protrusion, the other first protrusion, and the second protrusion.

[0039] The ink ribbon cassette may be configured so as not to be able to stand alone. In this case, the ink ribbon cassette is not able to stand alone, but is configured so as to support each other and be able to stand alone when the faces of the two ink ribbon cassettes are placed opposite each other.

[0040] The surface provided in the second region may be a surface that is provided substantially parallel to the imaginary plane. The present application further discloses an ink ribbon cassette. The ink ribbon cassette includes an original winding case for rotatably supporting a first core for winding an ink ribbon before use on a first rotation shaft, and a take-up case for rotatably supporting a second core for winding an ink ribbon after use on a second rotation shaft parallel to the first rotation shaft. The original winding case has a surface portion substantially parallel to an imaginary plane including the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, a first engagement portion spaced apart from a center of the first rotation shaft direction in a first direction along the first rotation shaft and having a first convex portion protruding from the surface portion in a side view seen from the first rotation shaft direction, and a second engagement portion spaced apart from a center of the first rotation shaft direction in a second direction along the first rotation shaft and having a second concave portion recessed from the surface portion in the side view. A part or all of the configuration of the winding case described above may be applied to the winding case of such an ink ribbon cassette. The distance may be referred to as a predetermined distance or a third distance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink ribbon cassette according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view and a front view of an ink ribbon cassette according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the ink ribbon cassette according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an ink ribbon cassette according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the ink ribbon cassette according to the embodiment in a self-supporting state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing two ink ribbon cassettes according to an embodiment in a self-supporting state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view etc. of two ink ribbon cassettes according to one embodiment in a self-supporting state. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view conceptually illustrating a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of a printing device in which an ink ribbon cassette according to an embodiment is installed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of a printing device in which an ink ribbon cassette according to an embodiment is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following preferred embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the preferred embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 10 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are a plan view (top view) and a front view of the ink ribbon cassette 10, respectively. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a right side view and a left side view of the ink ribbon cassette 10, respectively. FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the ink ribbon cassette 10 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2) and passing through the second engagement portion 20E2 and a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2) and passing through the first engagement portion 20E1, respectively, in a right side view seen from the first rotation axis AX1 (second rotation axis AX2). FIG. 5 is a side view showing the ink ribbon cassette 10 in a self-supporting state.

[0044] The ink ribbon cassette 10 is a case for storing an ink ribbon (not shown). The ink ribbon cassette may be configured so that the ink ribbon is stored in advance and the entire ink ribbon cassette can be replaced, or it may be configured so that it can be opened and closed and only the ink ribbon can be refilled and replaced. The ink ribbon cassette 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the former. Therefore, after the ink ribbon is used, the ink ribbon cassette 10 is replaced with a new ink ribbon cassette that stores a new ink ribbon.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the ink ribbon cassette 10 has a master winding case 20, a take-up case 30, and a connection portion 40 that connects the master winding case 20 and the take-up case 30.

[0046] The master winding case 20 is a case for storing the ink ribbon and the payout core portion 22 (an example of a "first core portion") before use.

[0047] End surface portion 20A (FIG. 3(B)) and end surface portion 20B (FIGS. 1 and 3(A)), which correspond to both longitudinal ends of master case 20, are formed with circular openings 20A1 and 20B1, respectively.

[0048] The payout core 22 is a member around which the ink ribbon is wound before use, and is formed in a long and thin cylindrical shape. The payout core 22 is inserted through the openings 20A1 and 20B1 so that both ends of the payout core 22 protrude from the openings 20A1 and 20B1, respectively. The end of the payout core 22 protruding from the opening 20A1 of the end face portion 20A is fitted with the inner peripheral surface of a first connecting member 24 (FIG. 3(B)), and the end protruding from the opening 20B1 is fitted with the inner peripheral surface of a second connecting member 26 (FIG. 3(A)). Gears are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 26. When the ink ribbon cassette 10 is housed in a printer described later, a drive gear on the printer side meshes with the gears of the first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 26, respectively, to rotate them, thereby rotating the first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 26 and the payout core portion 22 into which these connecting members are fitted. The first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 26 may be composed of multiple parts.

[0049] The above-described configuration rotatably supports the payout core 22. The first rotation axis AX1 of the payout core 22 substantially coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical payout core 22, and substantially coincides with an imaginary line connecting the center of the opening 20A1 of the end surface portion 20A and the center of the opening 20B1 of the end surface portion 20B.

[0050] The winding case 30 is a case for storing a used ink ribbon (not shown) and a winding core 32 (an example of a "second core").

[0051] End surface portion 30A (FIG. 3(B)) and end surface portion 30B (FIGS. 1 and 3(A)), which correspond to both ends in the longitudinal direction of winding case 30, are formed with circular openings 30A1 and 30B1.

[0052] The winding core 32 is a member around which the used ink ribbon is wound, and is formed in a long and thin cylindrical shape. The winding core 32 is inserted through the openings 30A1 and 30B1 so that both ends of the winding core 32 protrude from the openings 30A1 and 30B1, respectively. The inner peripheral surface of a third connecting member 34 (FIG. 3(B)) is fitted to the end of the winding core 32 protruding from the opening 30A1 of the end surface 30A, and the fourth connecting member 36 (FIG. 3(A)) is fitted to the end protruding from the opening 30B1 of the end surface 30B. Gears are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the third connecting member 34 and the fourth connecting member 36. When the ink ribbon cassette 10 is housed in a printer described later, a drive gear on the printer side meshes with the gears of the third connecting member 34 and the fourth connecting member 36, respectively, to rotate them, thereby rotating the take-up core 32 into which the third connecting member 34 and the fourth connecting member 36 are fitted. The first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 26 may be composed of multiple parts.

[0053] The above-described configuration rotatably supports the winding core 32. The second rotation axis AX2 of the winding core 32 substantially coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical winding core 32, and substantially coincides with a virtual line connecting the center of the opening 30A1 of the end surface 30A and the center of the opening 30B1 of the end surface 30B.

[0054] The first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 are substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 correspond to side views seen from the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 and the direction of the second rotation axis AX2. As shown in these drawings, the space is divided into two three-dimensional regions, a first region SP1 and a second region SP2, by a virtual plane P1 (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) passing through the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2.

[0055] The following describes the detailed configuration of the master winding case 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the master winding case 20 according to this embodiment is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the first rotation axis AX1 as the longitudinal direction, and therefore the surface portion 20C connecting the end surface portion 20A and the end surface portion 20B includes four surfaces 20C1 to 20C4.

[0056] The surface portion 20C1 (FIG. 1, etc.) is a portion having a surface facing the winding case 30. A rectangular opening 20C11 is formed in the surface portion 20C1, extending in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 from the end surface portion 20A to the end surface portion 20B, and the ink ribbon wound on the payout core portion 22 can be paid out from this opening 20C11 to the outside. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B), etc., a major portion (80% or more) or substantially all of the surface portion 20C1 is present in the second region SP2, and a major portion (80% or more) or substantially all of the opening 20C11 is present in the first region SP1.

[0057] The surface portion 20C2 (an example of a "surface portion"; see Figs. 1, 2(A), etc.) is a portion of the master winding case 20 that is approximately parallel to the imaginary plane P1 and is provided in the second region SP2. Therefore, the outer surface of the surface portion 20C2 is also approximately parallel to the imaginary plane P1. In the master winding case 20 according to this embodiment, the surface portion 20C2 corresponds to the portion of the master winding case 20 provided in the second region SP2 that is the farthest from the imaginary plane P1, excluding the first convex portion 20E11 of the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second convex portion 20E21 of the second engagement portion 20E2, which will be described later. By configuring the surface portion 20C2 in this way, it becomes possible to support each other in such a manner that the surface portion 20C2 comes into contact with or is close to a surface portion of another ink ribbon cassette, as will be described later.

[0058] 1, the surface portion 20C2 of the master winding case 20 according to this embodiment extends in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 from the end surface portion 20A to the end surface portion 20B. This allows the master winding case 20 to stably support other ink ribbon cassettes.

[0059] The surface portion 20C3 (FIG. 3(A) etc.) is a portion having a surface facing in the direction opposite to the winding case 30.

[0060] The surface portion 20C4 (FIG. 3(A) etc.) is substantially parallel to the imaginary plane P1 and is a portion of the master winding case 20 provided in the first region SP1.

[0061] The first engagement portion 20E1 (FIGS. 1, 2(A), etc.) is a portion configured to be able to engage with the second engagement portion 120E2 of an ink ribbon cassette 110 (an example of an “nth ink ribbon cassette (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2)” including a “second ink ribbon cassette,” a “third ink ribbon cassette,” a “fourth ink ribbon cassette,” and a “fifth ink ribbon cassette”). Hereinafter, for each component of the ink ribbon cassette 110, the same names as those of the corresponding components of the ink ribbon cassette 10 are used, and reference numerals obtained by adding 100 to the reference numerals of the corresponding components are used, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the first engagement portion 20E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the first engagement portion 120E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 have the same shape. Therefore, the description of the first engagement portion 120E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 also corresponds to the description of the first engagement portion 20E1. The same applies to the other components.). Furthermore, the first engagement portion 20E1 is a portion that engages with a first engagement means SP1 on the printer side when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is housed in a printer, which will be described later.

[0062] As shown in the plan view of Fig. 2(A), the first engagement portion 20E1 is provided at a position spaced a third distance DS3 from a center position C1 (one example of a "first rotational axis direction center") of the master winding case 20 in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 in a first direction DR1, which is the leftward direction on the paper surface of Fig. 2, along the first rotation axis AX1. Note that in this embodiment, the center position C1 of the master winding case 20 in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1 coincides with the center position of the take-up case 30 and the center position of the ink ribbon cassette 10 in the same direction.

[0063] 4(B), the first engagement portion 20E1 is provided in the second region SP2 and has a first convex portion 20E11 that protrudes in a direction away from the imaginary plane P1 more than the surface portion 20C2 in the side view, and a first concave portion 20E12 that is recessed in a direction closer to the imaginary plane P1 more than the surface portion 20C2 in the side view. Therefore, the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the first convex portion 20E11 is greater than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the surface portion 20C2, and the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the first concave portion 20E12 is smaller than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the surface portion 20C2.

[0064] The second engagement portion 20E2 is configured to be able to engage with the first engagement portion 120E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 110, which has the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette 10. Furthermore, the second engagement portion 20E2 is a portion that engages with a second engagement means SP2 on the printer side when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is housed in a printer, which will be described later.

[0065] As shown in the plan view of Figure 2(A), the second engagement portion 20E2 is provided at a position spaced a third distance DS3 from the center C1 of the master winding case 20 along the first rotation axis AX1 in a second direction DR2 which is to the right of the paper surface of Figure 2 and is the opposite direction to the first direction DR1.

[0066] 4(A), the second engagement portion 20E2 is provided in the second region SP2 and has a second convex portion 20E21 that protrudes in a direction away from the imaginary plane P1 more than the surface portion 20C2 in the side view, and a second concave portion 20E22 that is recessed in a direction closer to the imaginary plane P1 more than the surface portion 20C2 in the side view. Therefore, the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the second convex portion 20E21 is larger than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the surface portion 20C2, and the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the second concave portion 20E22 is smaller than the distance between the imaginary plane P1 and the surface portion 20C2.

[0067] The first engagement portion 20E1 is provided at a position spaced a third distance DS3 from the center C1 in the first direction DR1, and the second engagement portion 20E2 is provided at a position spaced a third distance DS3 from the center C1 in the second direction DR2. Therefore, when the surface portion 20C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the surface portion 120C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 are opposed to each other, the second engagement portion 120E2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 faces a position opposed to the first engagement portion 20E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 10. Therefore, it becomes possible to engage the first engagement portion 20E1 with the second engagement portion 120E2. The term "engagement" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a case where the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2 are in contact with each other, and may include a case where the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2 are engaged with each other even if they are not in contact with each other, for example, a case where at least a part of the first convex portion 20E11 of the first engagement portion 20E1 is present inside the second concave portion 120E22 of the second engagement portion 120E2. Even in such a case, it is possible to suppress the ink ribbon cassette 10 from moving relative to the ink ribbon cassette 110 in the direction of the first rotation axis AX1, or to suppress the ink ribbon cassette 10 from moving relative to the ink ribbon cassette 110 in the direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1.

[0068] In addition, the first engagement portion 20E1 has a first recess 20E12 (FIG. 1, etc.), and the second engagement portion 20E2 has a second protrusion 20E21. Therefore, when the surface portion 20C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the surface portion 120C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 are opposed to each other, the first recess 20E12 and the first protrusion 120E11 can be engaged with each other, and for example, at least a part of the first protrusion 120E11 can be present inside the first recess 20E12.

[0069] The first engaging portion 20E1 and the second engaging portion 20E2 may have various shapes as specific configurations. For example, the first engaging portion may be composed of a protruding portion having a single or multiple cylinders without having a recess such as the first recess 20E12, and the second engaging portion may be composed of a single or multiple recesses (including through holes) into which a protruding portion having a single or multiple cylinders can be inserted without having a protruding portion such as the second protruding portion 20E21.

[0070] However, as described later, in this embodiment, the first engagement portion 20E1 has a first recess 20E12, and the second engagement portion 20E2 has a second protrusion 20E21, and when the first protrusion 20E11 is inserted into the second recess 120E22 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 having the same shape, the second recess 20E22 is configured to be able to engage with the second protrusion 120E21 at the same time, and more specifically, the second recess 20E22 is configured to allow the insertion of the second protrusion 120E21. To realize such a configuration, the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 are formed in different shapes.

[0071] Furthermore, as described later, since the second engagement portion 20E2 has the second protrusion 20E21, it is also possible for it to engage with the second engagement means SP2 on the printer side, so that the ink ribbon cassette 110 can be stably held in the printer.

[0072] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the first convex portion 20E11 is provided in the area surrounded by the first concave portion 20E12, in other words, the first concave portion 20E12 is formed so as to be connected to the surface portion 20C2 and recessed from the surface portion 20C2, and the first convex portion 20E11 is formed so as to be connected to the first concave portion 20E12 and protrude from the first concave portion 20E12. On the other hand, the second concave portion 20E22 is provided in the area surrounded by the second convex portion 20E21, in other words, the second convex portion 20E21 is formed so as to be connected to the surface portion 20C2 and protrude from the surface portion 20C2, and the second concave portion 20E22 is formed so as to be connected to the second convex portion 20E21 and recessed from the second convex portion 20E21.

[0073] More specifically, the first protrusion 20E11 and the first recess 20E12 each have three walls: a wall having a surface facing the first direction DR1, a wall having a surface facing the second direction DR2, and a wall having a surface connecting the surface facing the first direction DR1 and the surface facing the second direction DR2 and facing a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Of the three walls, the portion protruding from the surface 20C2 corresponds to the first protrusion 20E11, and the portion recessed from the surface 20C2 corresponds to the first recess 20E12. These three walls may be integrally formed into a single rectangular parallelepiped shape, or may be provided as a plurality of independent walls, or may be provided as walls connected to each other at their ends.

[0074] On the other hand, the second protrusion 20E21 and the second recess 20E22 have three walls: a wall having a surface facing the first direction DR1, a wall having a surface facing the second direction DR2, and a wall connecting the two walls and having a surface facing a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Of the three walls, the part protruding from the surface 20C2 corresponds to the second protrusion 20E21, and the part recessed from the surface 20C2 corresponds to the second recess 20E22. In order to insert the first protrusion 20E11 into the area surrounded by these three walls, the three walls may be provided as a plurality of independent walls or may be provided as walls connected to each other at their ends.

[0075] The first protrusion 20E11 is configured so as to be insertable into a region surrounded by three walls of the second recess 120E22, and the first recess 20E12 is configured so as to allow the insertion of the three walls of the second protrusion 120E21.

[0076] When the first protrusion 20E11 is inserted into the area surrounded by the three walls constituting the second recess 120E22 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 and the first recess 20E12 allows the insertion of the three walls of the second protrusion 120E21 of the ink ribbon cassette 110, the surfaces of the first protrusion 20E11 and the first recess 20E12 facing the first direction DR1, the surfaces facing the second direction DR2, and the surfaces facing the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the ink ribbon cassette 110. The three faces, ie, the faces facing the direction DR2 and facing perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, face three faces, ie, the faces facing the first direction DR1, the faces facing the second direction DR2, and the faces connecting the faces facing the first direction DR1 and the faces facing the second direction DR2, of the second concave portion 120E22 and the second convex portion 120E21, facing perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. When the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 are faced to each other, the faces of the ink ribbon cassette 110 face in opposite directions (for example, the face facing the first direction DR1 of the second convex portion 120E21 faces the second direction DR2, and the face facing the second direction DR2 faces the first direction DR1). Similarly, the second engagement portion 20E2 engages with the first engagement portion 120E1 of the ink ribbon cassette 110.

[0077] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress relative movement between the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 in a plurality of directions.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 20E11 has a first protrusion 20E11P (FIG. 4B) protruding in a direction approaching the winding case 30, and the second protrusion 20E21 has a second protrusion 20E21P (FIG. 4A) protruding in a direction away from the winding case 30 in the opposite direction to the winding case 30. When the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 are faced to each other, the first protrusion 20E11P and the second protrusion 120E21P are engaged with each other, the second protrusion 120E21P is located between the first protrusion 20E11P and the first recess 20E12, and the first protrusion 20E11P is located between the second protrusion 120E21P and the second recess 120E22.

[0079] By adopting such a configuration, even if the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 are about to come out of engagement with each other, it is possible to further suppress the ink ribbon cassette 10 from moving relative to each other.

[0080] The following describes the detailed configuration of the winding case 30. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the winding case 30 according to this embodiment is formed in a columnar shape with the second rotation axis AX2 as the longitudinal direction, and therefore the end surface portion 30A and the surface portion 30C connecting the end surface portion 30B, which are each formed in a circular shape, have a portion formed in a cylindrical surface shape.

[0081] A rectangular opening 30C11 (FIG. 4(A)) is formed in the surface of the surface portion 30C (FIG. 1, etc.) (please reflect 30C in the drawings) facing the master winding case 20, which exists in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2 from the end surface portion 30A to the end surface portion 30B. After being unwound from the opening 20C11 and used for printing, the ink ribbon enters the inside of the winding case 30 from the opening 30C11, is wound around the winding core portion 32, and is stored in the winding case 30.

[0082] The winding case 30 is provided with two first protrusions 30E1 (an example of "one first protrusion") and a first protrusion 30E2 (an example of "the other first protrusion") that protrude in a direction away from the first rotating axis AX1 and the second rotating axis AX2, and two second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 that also protrude in a direction away from the first rotating axis AX1 and the second rotating axis AX2.

[0083] As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2(A), the first protrusion 30E1 is provided at a position spaced apart from the center position C2 of the winding case 30 in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2 by a first distance DS1 in the first direction DR1 along the second rotation axis AX2 from the center position C2 (one example of the "center in the second rotation axis direction") of the winding case 30 in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2, and the first protrusion 30E2 is provided at a position spaced apart from the center position C2 of the winding case 30 by a second distance DS2 in the second direction DR2 along the second rotation axis AX2. Here, the first distance DS1 may be smaller than the third distance DS3 and smaller or larger than the second distance DS2. The second distance DS2 may be smaller than the third distance DS3 and smaller or larger than the first distance DS1. The first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2 may be equal. In this embodiment, the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2 are substantially the same (equivalent).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2 are provided in the first region SP1, either entirely or at their major portions including the tips furthest from the second rotation axis AX2. The first protrusion 30E1 is inscribed in a first imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC1 having a first radius R1 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The first protrusion 30E2 is inscribed in a second imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC2 having a second radius R2 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The first radius R1 is equal to or greater than the second radius R2. Thus, the first radius R1 may be greater than the second radius R2. In this embodiment, the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 are substantially the same (equivalent).

[0085] As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2(A), the second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 are provided at positions between the first protrusion 30E1 on one side and the first protrusion 30E2 on the other side in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2. The second protrusion 30F1 on one side is provided at a position spaced apart from the center position C2 in the first direction DR1 along the second rotation axis AX2 by a fourth distance DS4, and the second protrusion 30F2 on the other side is provided at a position spaced apart from the center position C2 in the second direction DR2 along the second rotation axis AX2 by a fifth distance DS5. Here, the fourth distance DS4 may be smaller than the second distance DS2 and the third distance DS3, and may be smaller or larger than the fifth distance DS5. The fifth distance DS5 may be smaller than the second distance DS2 and the third distance DS3, and may be smaller or larger than the fourth distance DS4. The fourth distance DS4 and the fifth distance DS5 may be equal. In this embodiment, the fourth distance DS4 and the fifth distance DS5 are substantially the same (equivalent).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, the second protrusion 30F1 and the second protrusion 30F2 are provided in the second region SP2, either entirely or at their major portions including the tips furthest from the second rotation axis AX2. The second protrusion 30F1 is inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC3 having a third radius R3 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The second protrusion 30F2 is inscribed in a fourth imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC4 having a fourth radius R4 centered on the second rotation axis AX2. The third radius R3 is larger than the first radius R1 and the second radius R2. The fourth radius R4 may be larger or smaller than the first radius R1, the second radius R2, and the third radius R3. As long as at least one second protrusion 30F1 is provided in addition to the two first protrusions 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2, the other second protrusion 30F2 may not necessarily be provided. In this embodiment, the third radius R3 and the fourth radius R4 are substantially the same (equivalent).

[0087] FIG. 5 shows a virtual tangent plane P2 that is in contact with the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F1 in a side view. In the winding case 30 according to this embodiment, there is a virtual tangent plane P2 that is in contact with the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F1 and is not in contact with other parts of the winding case 30. The contact point between the first protrusion 30E1 and the tangent plane P2 in a side view is a first contact point CP1, the contact point between the first protrusion 30E1 and the tangent plane P2 in a side view is a second contact point CP2, and the intersection point between the virtual plane P1 and the tangent plane P2 in a side view is a third intersection point CP3. In this embodiment, the contact point between the first protrusion 30E2 and the tangent plane P2 in a side view is also the same as the first contact point CP1, and the contact point between the second protrusion 30F2 and the tangent plane P2 in a side view is also the same as the second contact point CP2.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the winding case 30 according to this embodiment is formed so that the angle α formed by the second contact point CP2, the third intersection point CP3, and the second rotation axis AX2 of the winding case 30 in a side view is an acute angle, preferably 80 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. Therefore, the imaginary plane P1 is inclined with respect to the tangential plane P2, and the ink ribbon cassette 10 is configured to incline toward the second protrusion 30F1 having the intersection point CP2 when placed vertically. Therefore, when the surface portion 20C2 is opposed to the surface portion 120C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 having the same shape, at least one of or all of the surface portion 20C2 and the surface portion 120C2, the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 120E2, or the second engagement portion 20E2 and the first engagement portion 120E1 can be engaged with each other. In particular, since most of the ink ribbon is stored in the master winding case 20 before use, it is possible to apply a greater force to each of the ink ribbon cassettes compared to when this is not the case.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the first protrusion 30E1 and the second protrusion 30F2 are formed so that the distance between the second contact point CP2 and the intersection point CP3 in a side view is greater than the distance between the first contact point CP1 and the intersection point CP3, preferably, the distance between the second contact point CP2 and the intersection point CP3 is at least twice the distance between the first contact point CP1 and the intersection point CP3. With this configuration, a larger force is applied to the second protrusion 30F1 located on the side of the center position C2 in the direction of the second rotation axis AX2 than to the first protrusion 30E1 and the first protrusion 30E2.

[0090] In addition, the second protrusions 30F1 (and second protrusions 30F2) are formed so that the maximum circumferential width of the second protrusions 30F1 (and second protrusions 30F2) based on the second rotation axis AX2 is larger than the maximum circumferential width of the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 based on the second rotation axis AX2, preferably, the second protrusions 30F1 (and second protrusions 30F2) are formed so that the maximum circumferential width of the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 based on the second rotation axis AX2 is more than twice the maximum circumferential width of the first protrusions 30E1 and 30F2 based on the second rotation axis AX2. With this configuration, the second protrusions 30F1 (and second protrusions 30F2) that are subjected to a larger force are formed larger in the circumferential direction, making it possible to stably support the ink ribbon cassette 10.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the angle formed by the first contact CP1, the second rotation axis AX2, and the second contact CP2 in a side view is less than 90 degrees. This configuration also reduces the distance between the first contact CP1 and the second contact CP2, which contributes to improving stability when placed vertically.

[0092] In addition, since the device can be placed vertically so that the master winding case 20, in which the ink ribbon before use is stored, is at the top, it is possible to reduce the possibility that dust or the like will enter through the opening 20C11 of the master winding case 20 and adhere to the ink ribbon before use.

[0093] However, the present invention does not prevent the provision of different protrusions at different positions for different purposes from the above-mentioned first protrusion 30E1, first protrusion 30E2, second protrusion 30F1, and second protrusion 30F2. For example, in FIG. 5, a flat surface portion is provided at the upper right of the second rotation axis AX2 in order to enable the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 to be placed flat. The corners of this surface portion are provided so as to protrude so as to be inscribed in the first imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC1 to the second imaginary cylindrical inner surface IC2 or an imaginary cylindrical inner surface of approximately the same size. Thus, the present invention does not prevent the provision of different protrusions at different positions for different purposes as long as at least a part of the effects of the present invention is exerted to a certain degree. However, it is preferable that the first and second protrusions are configured so that the second protrusion 30F1 (and the second protrusion 30F2) is the protrusion that protrudes most from the second rotation axis AX2 and the first protrusion 30E1 (and the first protrusion 30E2) is the protrusion that protrudes second most within a region of a central angle of 180 degrees on the side away from the first rotation axis AX with respect to the second rotation axis AX2. Note that the points of contact between the respective tips of the first and second protrusions that are farthest from the second rotation axis AX2 and the tangent plane do not necessarily have to coincide with each other.

[0094] Furthermore, the ink ribbon cassette 10 according to this embodiment is configured so that, in a side view, a fourth intersection line CP4 (which is a point in a side view) between the virtual plane P3, which is perpendicular to the tangent plane P2 and passes through the first rotation axis AX1, and the tangent plane P2 is located between the first contact point CP1 and the second contact point CP2, and more preferably, the distance between the first contact point CP1 and the fourth intersection line CP4 is greater than the distance between the second contact point CP2 and the fourth intersection line CP4. This configuration makes it possible to weaken the force that tends to tip the ink ribbon cassette 10 by tilting the master winding case 20, thereby improving stability when placed upright.

[0095] Furthermore, the ink ribbon cassette 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to stand independently. Therefore, in a side view, the intersection point between the tangent plane P2 and a line perpendicular to the tangent plane P2 and passing through the center of gravity of the ink ribbon cassette 10 is located between the first contact point CP1 and the second contact point CP2. At this time, the ink ribbon cassette 10 is configured to be able to support the ink ribbon cassette 10 by contacting the tangent plane P2 at at least three points among the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2. With this configuration, it is also possible to store only one of the two ink ribbon cassettes 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 in a vertical position.

[0096] However, for example, the height of the second protrusion 30F1 may be slightly reduced so that the ink ribbon cassette cannot stand on its own. Even in such a case, the ink ribbon cassette can be stored upright by tilting it and leaning it against a wall or the like. In this case, the second protrusion may be configured to support the ink ribbon cassette by abutting against a ground surface or the like.

[0097] The connection part 40 is a member that connects (couples) the master winding case 20 and the take-up case 30. One of the connection members 40, 40A (FIG. 1), connects the end face portion 20A of the master winding case 20 and the end face portion 30A of the take-up case 30. The other connection member 40B (FIG. 1) connects the end face portion 20B of the master winding case 20 and the end face portion 30B of the take-up case 30. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B), the connection members 40A and 40B are arranged so that their major portions (80% or more) or substantially all portions are present in the first region SP1.

[0098] [Two ink ribbon cassettes connected together] The configuration when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is connected to an ink ribbon cassette 110 having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette 10 will be described below.

[0099] The ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 do not have to store ink ribbons of the same color. For example, of the yellow and black colors often used on caution signs, the ink ribbon cassette 10 may store a yellow ink ribbon and the ink ribbon cassette 110 may store a black ink ribbon. Similarly, two ink ribbon cassettes, a red and black pair or an orange and black pair, can be connected and stored vertically.

[0100] 6 and 7A are a perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 connected and placed vertically, and a side view seen from the first rotation axis AX1 direction and the second rotation axis AX2 direction, respectively. Figures 7B and 7C are a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the second engagement portion 20E2, and a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the first engagement portion 20E1, respectively, in the same side view.

[0101] As is clear from a comparison of Figures 5 and 7, when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is in the independently standing state as shown in Figure 5, the ink ribbon cassette 10 is configured to be supported at three points using at least three of the four protrusions, namely the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2.

[0102] On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows a side view of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 when the surface 20C2 and the surface 120C2 are connected to face each other and stand on their own (hereinafter referred to as "connected and independent"). When the ink ribbon cassette 10 stands on its own, the imaginary plane P1 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 is inclined with respect to the tangential plane P2. Therefore, when the surface 20C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the surface 120C2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110 are made to face each other, the two ink ribbon cassettes are configured to be able to stand on their own by supporting each other. At this time, a force acts between the surface 20C2 and the surface 120C2. Therefore, by providing the surface 20C2 widely (for example, by providing the surface 20C2 so as to extend from the end surface 20A to the end surface 20B, or by providing the surface 20C1 to the surface 20C3), it becomes possible for the two ink ribbon cassettes to stably support each other.

[0103] When connected and self-supporting as shown in Figure 7, the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110 are configured to be supported at three points using at least three of the four protrusions, namely the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2 of the ink ribbon cassette 10, and the first protrusion 130E1 and the first protrusion 130E2 of the ink ribbon cassette 110.

[0104] At this time, the second protrusions 30F1, 30F2, 130F1, and 130F2 are separated from the second tangent plane P5 (a plane tangent to at least three of the first protrusions 30E1, 30E2, 130E1, and 130E2) and do not come into contact with the second tangent plane P5. For this reason, the second protrusions 30F1, 30F2, 130F1, and 130F2 may be formed even shorter.

[0105] Furthermore, at this time, the angle β between the virtual plane P1 and the second tangent plane P5 is closer to a right angle than the angle α between the virtual plane P1 and the tangent plane P2. In this embodiment, the angle β is 90 degrees. In addition, the angles between the second tangent plane P5 and the connecting members 40A, 40B, 140A, and 140B are also right angles or approximately right angles.

[0106] 7(B), the second engagement portion 20E2 and the first engagement portion 120E1 engage with each other, specifically, the second convex portion 20E21 is inserted into the first recess 120E12, the second recess 20E22 allows the first convex portion 120E11 to be inserted, and the first protrusion 120E11P and the second protrusion 20E21P engage with each other, the second protrusion 20E21P is located between the first protrusion 120E11P and the first recess 120E12, and the first protrusion 120E11P is located between the second protrusion 20E21P and the second recess 20E22. At this time, the first protrusion 120E11P is in a fitting relationship with the second protrusion 20E21P, so it can also be said that they are fitted together.

[0107] 7(C), the first engaging portion 20E1 and the second engaging portion 120E2 engage with each other, specifically, the first convex portion 20E11 is inserted into the second concave portion 120E22, the first concave portion 20E12 allows the second convex portion 120E21 to be inserted, and the second protrusion portion 120E21P and the first protrusion portion 20E11P engage with each other, the first protrusion portion 20E11P is located between the second protrusion portion 120E21P and the second concave portion 120E22, and the second protrusion portion 120E21P is located between the first protrusion portion 20E11P and the first concave portion 20E12. At this time, the first protrusion portion 20E11P is in a fitting relationship with the second protrusion portion 120E21P, so it can also be said that they are fitted together.

[0108] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress relative movement in multiple directions between the ink ribbon cassette 10 and the ink ribbon cassette 110. Furthermore, it is possible to store a pair of two ink ribbon cassettes, each of which stores two frequently used colors of ink ribbons.

[0109] [Installation on the printer] The configuration when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is housed in and attached to the printer will be described below.

[0110] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the printer 300. Note that the ink ribbon cassette 10 according to this embodiment can be widely applied to printing devices having configurations other than the printer 300.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view conceptually illustrating a portion of the configuration of a printer 300, which is an example of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] As shown in the figure, the printer 300 has a printing unit 310 and a transport unit 330 (an example of a "transport means") as its main functions. The printing unit 310 has a print head 311 (an example of a "thermal head") for printing by transferring ink corresponding to any characters, figures, images, etc. onto a printing sheet S (an example of a "printing medium") by thermal transfer or the like, and a print head drive unit 312 connected to the print head 311. The print head drive unit 312 has, for example, a lifting solenoid or motor (neither shown) that performs the lifting and lowering operation of the print head 311, i.e., the operation of pressing the print head 311 against the printing sheet S and the operation of retracting (separating) the print head 311 from the printing sheet S.

[0113] The conveying section 330 includes an ink ribbon conveying motor 333 for rotating a drive gear meshing with a gear formed on the first connecting member 24, the second connecting member 26, the third connecting member 34, and the fourth connecting member 36 (FIG. 2(A)) in order to rotate the supply core 22 and the take-up core 32 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 to pull out the ink ribbon B, a roller-shaped platen 331 (platen roll: first rotating body) and a roller-shaped sprocket 332 (sprocket roll: second rotating body) for conveying the printing sheet S when printing and cutting it, and a printing motor M1 (first motor) such as a stepping motor. As shown in the figure, the platen 331 and the printing head 311 are disposed opposite each other with the ink ribbon B and the printing sheet S sandwiched therebetween, and the sprocket 332 and the cutting head (not shown) are disposed opposite each other with the printing sheet S sandwiched therebetween. In the printer 300, both the platen 331 and the sprocket 332 are connected to the printing motor M1 and the endless belts EB1 and EB3. When printing on the printing sheet S, the platen 331 and the sprocket 332 are rotated by the printing motor M1, and the printing sheet S is transported in the positive direction (paper feed direction, paper discharge direction) indicated by the arrow Ya in FIG. 8, and the ink ribbon B is also transported.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the printer 300 with the cover 320 open. The cover 320 is provided on the printer 300 so as to be openable and closable, and a storage section 340 for detachably storing the ink ribbon cassette 10 is provided on the inner side of the cover 320. The printer 300 can detachably store the printing sheet S, and the printing sheet S can be, for example, a long sheet attached to a long release paper, and can be provided as a sheet roll wound in a form called an outward winding in which the printing surface of the printing sheet S faces outward. In addition, a plurality of through holes (not shown) called sprocket holes for engaging with the sprocket 332 are formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction at both ends in the width direction of the printing sheet S.

[0115] The storage section 340 includes two first slits S11 and S12, two second slits S21 and S22, a first engagement means SPR1, and a second engagement means SPR2.

[0116] One of the first slits S11 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the first protrusion 30E1 by inserting one of the first protrusions 30E1. The other of the first slits S12 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the first protrusion 30E2 by inserting the other of the first protrusions 30E2. The first slits S11 and S12 are formed at approximately the same interval as the interval between the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 so that the first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 can be inserted, respectively, and are formed, for example, from through holes extending in a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis AX2.

[0117] One of the second slits S21 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the second protrusion 30F1 by inserting one of the second protrusions 30F1. The other of the second slits S21 is a portion for engaging the printer 300 with the second protrusion 30F2 by inserting the other of the second protrusions 30F2. The second slits S21 and S22 are formed at approximately the same interval as the interval between the second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 so that the second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 can be inserted, respectively, and are formed, for example, from through holes extending in a direction perpendicular to the second rotation axis AX2.

[0118] The first engagement means SPR1 is a member that can engage with the first engagement portion 20E1, and specifically, is composed of a leaf spring that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the cover 320. The second engagement means SPR2 is a member that can engage with the second engagement portion 20E2, and specifically, is composed of a leaf spring that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the cover 320.

[0119] The configuration of the printer 300 when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is installed will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0120] In order to attach the ink ribbon cassette 10 to the printer 300, the user first inserts the two second protrusions 30F1 and the second protrusions 30F2 into the second slits S21 and the second slits S22, respectively, and then inserts the two first protrusions 30E1 and the first protrusions 30E2 into the first slits S11 and the first slits S12, respectively. Thereafter, the user rotates the master winding case 20 of the ink ribbon cassette 10 in a direction approaching the cover 320, using the winding case 30 side as a fulcrum, thereby engaging the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 with the first engagement means SPR1 and the second engagement means SPR2, respectively, thereby attaching the ink ribbon cassette 10 to the printer 300.

[0121] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the second engagement portion 20E2 when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is inserted into the printer 300, and a partially enlarged view of area B in the same figure.

[0122] As shown in the figure, the two first protrusions 30E1 and 30E2 are inserted into the first slits S11 and S12, and therefore enter inside the cover 320. Similarly, the two second protrusions 30F1 and 30F2 are inserted into the second slits S21 and S22, and therefore enter inside the cover 320. The printer 300 includes a sensor 350 and is configured to be able to detect that the tip of the second protrusion 30F1 has been inserted into the second slit S21 and entered inside the cover 320. With this configuration, the printer 300 is configured to be able to detect that the ink ribbon cassette 10 has been accommodated.

[0123] As shown in the enlarged view of the same figure, the second engagement means SPR2 penetrates into the area surrounded by the second recess 20E22 and engages with the inclined surface of the second protrusion 20E21P, thereby pressing the winding case 30 in the direction of the arrow AR2, i.e., in the direction away from the original winding case 20 and away from the imaginary plane P1.

[0124] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 and passing through the first engagement portion 20E1 when the ink ribbon cassette 10 is inserted into the printer 300, and a partially enlarged view of area A in the same figure.

[0125] As shown in the enlarged view of the same figure, the first engagement means SPR1 penetrates into the area of ​​the first recess 20E12 and engages with the inclined surface of the first protrusion 20E11P, thereby pressing the winding case 30 in the direction of the arrow AR1, i.e., in the direction approaching the original winding case 20 and away from the imaginary plane P1.

[0126] According to the above-mentioned configuration, by providing the second engagement portion 20E2 with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the imaginary plane P1, more specifically, an inclined surface whose normal direction is a direction away from the master winding case 20 and approaching the imaginary plane P1, it becomes possible for the second engagement means SPR2 to apply a force in the direction of the arrow AR2, and by providing the first engagement portion 20E1 with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the imaginary plane P1, more specifically, an inclined surface whose normal direction is a direction approaching the master winding case 20 and approaching the imaginary plane P1, it becomes possible for the first engagement means SPR1 to apply a force in the direction of the arrow AR1. Therefore, it becomes possible to apply a force to the master winding case 20 from a direction approaching the take-up case 30 as well as from a direction away from it, so that the ink ribbon cassette 10 can be stably attached to the printer 30.

[0127] Furthermore, the force acting on the master winding case 20 by the first engagement means SPR1 and the second engagement means SPR2 acts on the cover 320 from the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1 and the second protrusion 30F2 via the connection portion 40. Here, since the connection portion 40 is provided in the first region SP1, it is possible to increase the force (rotation moment) acting on the cover 320 from these four protrusions provided in the second region SP2. Therefore, it is possible to stably attach the ink ribbon cassette 10 to the printer 300.

[0128] Furthermore, the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 are provided at a position spaced a third distance DS3 from the center position C1 of the master winding case 20 in the first rotation axis AX1 direction (and the second rotation axis AX2 direction), so that the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2 are provided in an area sandwiched between the first engagement portion 20E1 and the second engagement portion 20E2 in the first rotation axis AX1 direction (and the second rotation axis AX2 direction). Therefore, it is possible to transmit the force acting from the first engagement means SPR1 and the second engagement means SPR2 to the first protrusion 30E1, the first protrusion 30E2, the second protrusion 30F1, and the second protrusion 30F2. Therefore, it is possible to stably attach the ink ribbon cassette 10 to the printer 300.

[0129] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, some components in a certain embodiment can be replaced with other known components or known components can be added within the scope of the ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art. For example, the present invention may be applied to an ink ribbon cassette of a type in which the link ribbon is replaced. For example, a configuration for stacking a plurality of ink ribbon cassettes by placing them flat may be added to the ink ribbon cassette of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Ink ribbon cassette 20A end section 20B End face part 20C1 surface 20C2 surface part 20C3 surface 20C4 surface 20E1 1st engagement part 20E11 First protrusion 20E11P 1st protrusion 20E12 First recess 20E2 2nd engaging part 20E21 Second protrusion 20E21P 2nd protrusion 20E22 Second recess 24 First connecting member 26 Second connecting member 30A end section 30B End face part 30C surface 30E1 1st protrusion 30E2 1st protrusion 30F1 2nd protrusion 30F2 2nd protrusion 34 Third connecting member 36 Fourth connecting member 40A Connection parts 40B Connection member 300 Printers 311 Print Head 320 Cover 331 Platen 332 Sprocket 340 Storage unit 350 Sensors

Claims

1. a master winding case for rotatably supporting a first core portion around which the ink ribbon is wound before use on a first rotating shaft; a take-up case for rotatably supporting a second core around which a used ink ribbon is wound on a second rotation shaft parallel to the first rotation shaft, The master winding case is a surface portion that is substantially parallel to a virtual plane that includes the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis; a first engagement portion that is spaced apart from a center of the first rotational axis direction along the first rotational axis in a first direction and has a first protrusion that protrudes from the surface portion in a side view seen from the first rotational axis direction; a second engagement portion that is spaced apart from a center of the first rotation axis direction in a second direction along the first rotation axis by the distance and has a second recess that is recessed from the surface portion in the side view; have Ink ribbon cassette.

2. The winding case is a first protrusion provided at a position spaced a first distance in a first direction along the second rotational axis from a center in the second rotational axis direction, inscribed in a first imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a first radius centered on the second rotational axis in one first region of two regions partitioned by a virtual plane including the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotational axis; a second first protrusion provided at a position spaced a second distance from a center of the second rotational axis direction in a second direction along the second rotational axis that is the opposite direction to the first direction, inscribed in a second imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius equal to or smaller than a first radius centered on the second rotational axis in the first region, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotational axis; a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius larger than the first radius and centered on the second rotation axis in the other second region of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, and protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis; having The first engagement portion of the master winding case is provided in the second region, and the second engagement portion is provided in the second region.

2. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1.

3. In the side view, an intersection line between a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first rotation axis and the tangent plane is located between a first contact point between the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second contact point between the second protrusion and the tangent plane; 3. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 2.

4. In the side view, the first engagement portion has a first recess recessed from the surface portion, The second engagement portion has a second protrusion protruding from the surface portion.

4. An ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1.

5. The first convex portion has a first protruding portion protruding toward the winding case, The second protrusion has a second protruding portion protruding in a direction opposite to the winding case.

5. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 4.

6. The first protrusion is provided at a position where it is inserted into the second recess of the second ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of a second ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

6. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1.

7. The second recess is provided at a position where the first protrusion of the third ink ribbon cassette is inserted when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of the third ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

7. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1.

8. The first protrusion is provided at a position where it fits with the second protrusion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette of claim 5.

6. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 5.

9. The second protrusion is provided at a position where it fits into the first protrusion of the fifth ink ribbon cassette when the surface is opposed to a surface of the fifth ink ribbon cassette according to claim 5 or 8.

9. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 5 or 8.

10. The first distance is equal to the second distance.

4. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 2 or 3.

11. The radius of the second imaginary cylinder is equal to the first radius.

4. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 2 or 3.

12. The distance is a third distance, the third distance being greater than the first distance and the second distance.

4. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 2 or 3.

13. 4. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 2, further comprising a connection portion in the first region for connecting the master winding case and the take-up case.

14. An ink ribbon cassette configured to be able to be housed in a printer, the printer comprising: an ink ribbon cassette housing section configured to be able to house an ink ribbon cassette, the ink ribbon cassette housing section having two first slits, a second slit, a first engagement means, and a second engagement means; a transport means for pulling out the ink ribbon of the ink ribbon cassette housed in the ink ribbon cassette housing section; and a thermal head for thermally transferring ink of the pulled-out ink ribbon onto a print medium, a master winding case for rotatably supporting a first core portion around which the ink ribbon is wound before use on a first rotating shaft; a take-up case for rotatably supporting a second core around which a used ink ribbon is wound on a second rotation shaft parallel to the first rotation shaft, The winding case is a first protrusion provided at a position spaced a first distance in a first direction along the second rotation axis from a center of the second rotation axis, inscribed in a first imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in one first region of two regions divided by a virtual plane including the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into one of the first slits; a second first protrusion provided at a position spaced a second distance from a center of the second rotation axis direction along the second rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, inscribed in a second imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius equal to or smaller than a first radius centered on the second rotation axis in the first region, protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into the other first slit; a second protrusion located between the one first protrusion and the other first protrusion in the second rotation axis direction, inscribed in a third imaginary cylindrical inner surface having a radius larger than the first radius and centered on the second rotation axis in a second region of the other of the two regions divided by the imaginary plane, protruding in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and configured to be insertable into the second slit; having The master winding case is A surface portion that is approximately parallel to the imaginary plane; In a side view seen from the first rotation axis direction, a first engagement portion in the second region, the first engagement portion being spaced a third distance from a center of the first rotation axis in the first direction along the first rotation axis, protruding from the surface portion, and having a first protrusion configured to be engageable with the first engagement means; a second engagement portion configured to be engageable with the second engagement means, the second region having a second recess that is recessed from the surface portion and is spaced apart from the first rotation axis direction center by the third distance in the second direction along the first rotation axis in the side view; have Ink ribbon cassette.

15. In the side view, an intersection line between a plane perpendicular to a tangent plane tangent to the one first protrusion and the second protrusion and passing through the first rotation axis and the tangent plane is located between a first contact point between the one first protrusion and the tangent plane and a second contact point between the second protrusion and the tangent plane; 15. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14.

16. In the side view, the first engagement portion has a first recess recessed from the surface portion, The second engagement portion has a second protrusion protruding from the surface portion.

16. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The first convex portion has a first protruding portion protruding toward the winding case, The second protrusion has a second protruding portion protruding in a direction opposite to the winding case.

17. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 16.

18. The first convex portion is provided at a position where it can be inserted into the second concave portion of the second ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of a second ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

18. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14.

19. The second recess is provided at a position where the first protrusion of the third ink ribbon cassette is inserted when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of the third ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

19. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14.

20. The first protrusion is provided at a position where it fits with the second protrusion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of the fourth ink ribbon cassette having the same shape as the ink ribbon cassette of claim 17.

18. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 17.

21. The second protrusion is provided at a position where it fits into the first protrusion of the fifth ink ribbon cassette when the surface portion is opposed to a surface portion of the fifth ink ribbon cassette according to claim 17 or 20.

21. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 17 or 20.

22. The first distance is equal to the second distance.

22. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14.

23. The radius of the second imaginary cylinder is equal to the first radius.

23. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14.

24. The third distance is greater than the first distance and the second distance.

24. An ink ribbon cassette according to any one of claims 14 to 23.

25. 25. The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 14, further comprising a connection portion in the first region for connecting the master winding case and the take-up case.

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