Printing cassette
The printing cassette addresses the issue of high frictional resistance by using guides with inclined central axes and a torsional relationship to reduce tape winding range, enhancing tape conveyance efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BROTHER KOGYO KK
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In printing cassettes, the conveyance path of printing tape requires a large winding angle change, leading to increased frictional resistance during tape conveyance.
A printing cassette design with guides having inclined central axes and a torsional relationship between the first and second guides to reduce the tape winding range, minimizing frictional resistance.
The design reduces the driving force required to transport the tape by minimizing frictional resistance and stabilizing the tape conveyance process.
Smart Images
Figure 0007859275000001 
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Figure 0007859275000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing cassette.
Background Art
[0002] In a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing tape, a printing cassette containing the printing tape is detachable from the main body of the printing apparatus. In such a printing cassette, a configuration is known in which the conveyance direction of the printing tape is changed using two guides (see Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the above-described printing cassette, in order to change the conveyance path of the printing tape in both the axial direction of the tape roll and the direction orthogonal to this axial direction, it is necessary to increase the winding angle (that is, the winding range) with respect to each guide. Therefore, the frictional resistance during conveyance of the printing tape increases.
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a printing cassette capable of suppressing the frictional resistance of the tape in a guide for changing the conveyance direction.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a printing cassette including a tape roll around which a tape to be used for printing is wound around an axis parallel to a first direction, and a case that houses the tape roll.
[0007] The case includes a first guide, at least a portion of which is positioned in the same location as the tape roll in a first direction, and which guides the tape to change both a first component parallel to the first direction and a second component perpendicular to the first direction of the transport direction of the tape pulled from the tape roll, and a second guide, which is positioned in a different location from the tape roll in a first direction, and which guides the tape to change both the first component and the second component of the transport direction of the tape guided by the first guide.
[0008] The first guide has a first guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual first cylinder or virtual first elliptical cylinder having a first central axis inclined with respect to the first direction. The second guide has a second guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual second cylinder or virtual second elliptical cylinder having a second central axis inclined with respect to the first direction. The second central axis does not lie on the same virtual plane as the first central axis.
[0009] With this configuration, the torsional relationship between the first and second central axes reduces the tape winding range in both the first and second guides. As a result, frictional resistance generated in the transported tape is reduced. Consequently, the driving force required to transport the tape can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a printing apparatus in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic top view showing the main body of the printing apparatus in Figure 1, and Figure 2B is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the printing apparatus in Figure 2A. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic perspective views of the printing cassette in the printing apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the printing cassette shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the internal structure of the first frame section in the printing cassette shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the second frame section in the printing cassette shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 3A along the line VIIA-VIIA, Figure 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 7A along the line VIIB-VIIB, Figure 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 7B along the line VIIC-VIIC, and Figure 7D is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 7C along the line VIID-VIID. [Figure 8] Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are schematic diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the first and second guides. [Figure 9] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E are schematic diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the first and second guides. [Figure 10] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are schematic diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the first and second guides. [Figure 11] Figures 11A and 11B are schematic perspective views of a printing cassette in a different embodiment from the printing cassette shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a schematic perspective view of a printing cassette with the second lid removed in a different embodiment from the printing cassette in Figure 3A; Figure 12B is a schematic plan view of the printing cassette in Figure 12A; Figure 12C is a schematic perspective view of the printing cassette in Figure 12A with the first lid removed; and Figure 12D is a schematic bottom view of the printing cassette in Figure 12C. [Figure 13] Figure 13A is a schematic perspective view of a printing cassette with the second lid removed in a different embodiment from the printing cassette in Figure 3A; Figure 13B is a schematic plan view of the printing cassette in Figure 13A; Figure 13C is a schematic perspective view of the printing cassette in Figure 13A with the first lid removed; and Figure 13D is a schematic bottom view of the printing cassette in Figure 13C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Structure] The printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a printing cassette 10 and a printing apparatus main body 100. The printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs printing on a printing tape 11A.
[0012] In the present embodiment, the direction parallel to the axis of the printing tape roll 11 is defined as the vertical direction (first direction), the direction parallel to the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A at the discharge port 32C among the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the left-right direction is defined as the front-back direction.
[0013] [Printing Apparatus Main Body] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the printing apparatus main body 100 includes a cassette housing portion 101, a printing head 102, a platen roller 103, a roller holder 104, a drive shaft 105, and a housing 110.
[0014] [Cassette Housing Portion] The cassette housing portion 101 is a recess in which the printing cassette 10 is mounted. The cassette housing portion 101 has a positioning function for the printing cassette 10.
[0015] The cassette housing portion 101 has an opening 101A provided in the housing 110. The printing cassette 10 is inserted into the opening 101A and thus housed inside the cassette housing portion 101.
[0016] [Printing Head] The printing head 102 is disposed inside the cassette housing portion 101. The printing head 102 has a plurality of heating elements whose heat generation is controlled individually.
[0017] [Platen Roller] The platen roller 103 is disposed near the printing head 102 so as to face the printing head 102 inside the cassette housing portion 101. The platen roller 103 is swingable in a direction approaching or separating from the printing head 102. The rotation axis of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the vertical direction.
[0018] A platen gear (not shown) is connected to the platen roller 103, which engages with the output gear 21 of the printing cassette 10. The platen gear oscillates together with the platen roller 103.
[0019] (Roller holder) The roller holder 104 holds the platen roller 103. The roller holder 104 is mounted to the housing 110 so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction.
[0020] (Drive shaft) The drive shaft 105 is inserted between the take-up spool 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cassette 10. The drive shaft 105 inputs a driving force to the printing cassette 10 that rotates the take-up spool 16 and the input gear 22.
[0021] The drive shaft 105 is located inside the cassette housing 101. The rotation axis of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 is rotated around its rotation axis by a drive source (not shown), for example, a combination of a motor and gears.
[0022] <Printing Cassette> The printing cassette 10 stores the printing tape 11A. The printing cassette 10 can be attached to and detached from the printing device body 100. By replacing the printing cassette 10, the printing tape 11A can be replenished and the type of printing tape 11A (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) can be changed.
[0023] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the printing cassette 10 includes a main case 35 that houses at least a portion of the printing tape 11A and at least a portion of the ink ribbon 14A (i.e., auxiliary tape).
[0024] The main case 35 comprises a first case 41 and a second case 42. The first case 41 and the second case 42 are rectangular parallelepipeds, each having sides parallel to the vertical direction, sides parallel to the front-to-back direction, and sides parallel to the left-to-right direction. In other words, the outer shape of the main case 35, when viewed from above, is rectangular.
[0025] The first case 41 is connected to the second case 42 so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the second case 42. The main case 35 is inserted into the cassette storage section 101 with the first case 41 facing the bottom surface of the cassette storage section 101.
[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the printing cassette 10 includes a printing tape roll 11, a first supply spool 12, an auxiliary tape roll 14, a second supply spool 15, a take-up spool 16, and a drive transmission mechanism 20.
[0027] (Printable tape roll) The printing tape roll 11 consists of a strip of printing tape 11A wound around a first supply spool 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by the print head 102 and ink ribbon 14A of the printing device body 100. The axis of the printing tape roll 11 is parallel to the vertical direction.
[0028] Two spacer films 13A and 13B are positioned on the outer, vertical sides of the printing tape roll 11, sandwiching the printing tape roll 11. The spacer films 13A and 13B are positioned between the printing tape roll 11 and the second lid portion 34, and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second frame portion 33. The printing tape 11A drawn from the printing tape roll 11 is guided by the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C.
[0029] (First supply spool) The first supply spool 12 is rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first supply spool 12 rotates in conjunction with the transport of the printing tape 11A by the platen roller 103 of the printing device body 100, thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102.
[0030] The rotational axis of the first supply spool 12 coincides with the axis of the printing tape roll 11. The first supply spool 12 is subjected to rotational resistance by a clutch spring held in the first clutch spring holder 17B.
[0031] (Auxiliary tape roll) The auxiliary tape roll 14 consists of a strip-shaped ink ribbon 14A used for printing on the printing tape 11A, wound around the axis of the second supply spool 15.
[0032] The ink ribbon 14A is placed on top of the printing tape 11A at the head opening 32B and used for printing by the print head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is wound onto the take-up spool 16.
[0033] The auxiliary tape roll 14 is positioned differently from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction (specifically, lower). In addition, at least a portion of the auxiliary tape roll 14 is positioned to overlap with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.
[0034] (Second supply spool) The second supply spool 15 is rotatable around its rotation axis. The rotation axis of the second supply spool 15 is parallel to the vertical direction.
[0035] The second supply spool 15 rotates in conjunction with the winding of the ink ribbon 14A by the winding spool 16, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102. The second supply spool 15 is provided with rotational resistance by a clutch spring held in the second clutch spring holder 17D.
[0036] (Reel spool) The winding spool 16 is rotatable around its axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the winding spool 16 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the second supply spool 15.
[0037] The winding spool 16 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by its inner circumferential surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner circumferential surface 16A of the winding spool 16. The drive shaft 105 of the printing device body 100 is connected to the spline teeth 16B. The winding spool 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 105 and winds up the ink ribbon 14A.
[0038] (Drive transmission mechanism) The drive transmission mechanism 20 transmits the driving force transmitted from the drive shaft 105 to the platen roller 103 when the printing cassette 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100. The drive transmission mechanism 20 includes an output gear 21, an input gear 22, and an idler gear 23.
[0039] The printing tape roll 11, the drive transmission mechanism 20, and the take-up spool 16 are arranged in the vertical direction in the order of printing tape roll 11, drive transmission mechanism 20, and take-up spool 16.
[0040] (Output gear) The output gear 21 is an external gear that outputs the driving force used to transport the printing tape 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 21 transmits the driving force to the platen gear of the printing apparatus body 100.
[0041] The rotation axis of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second supply spool 15. Part of the output gear 21 is exposed in the space communicating with the head opening 32B. The output gear 21 engages with the platen gear in the space communicating with the head opening 32B when the printing cassette 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100 (i.e., when the main case 35 is housed in the cassette housing 101).
[0042] (Input gear) The input gear 22 indirectly engages with the output gear 21 via the idler gear 23, transmitting the driving force to the output gear 21.
[0043] The input gear 22 comprises an external gear 22A and a cylindrical internal gear spool 22B, which is fixed to one side of the external gear 22A and has spline teeth on its inner surface. The external gear 22A rotates integrally with the spool 22B due to the driving force input to the spool 22B. The rotational axes of the input gear 22 (i.e., the rotational axes of the external gear 22A and the spool 22B) are aligned with the rotational axis of the winding spool 16.
[0044] The rotation axis of the input gear 22 coincides with the hollow portion of the winding spool 16 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the printing cassette 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100, the drive shaft 105 is inserted through both the winding spool 16 and the input gear 22 simultaneously. As a result, although the input gear 22 is not directly connected to the winding spool 16, it is rotated together with the winding spool 16 by the drive shaft 105.
[0045] (Idol Gear) The idler gear 23 is driven-coupled (i.e., engaged) to the input gear 22 and the output gear 21, and transmits the driving force input to the input gear 22 to the output gear 21.
[0046] The idler gear 23 is a stepped gear in which an upstream gear 23A engaged with the input gear 22 and a downstream gear 23B engaged with the output gear 21 are arranged coaxially. The downstream gear 23B has a smaller diameter than the upstream gear 23A. In addition, the downstream gear 23B is positioned closer to the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., higher) than the upstream gear 23A in the vertical direction.
[0047] The idler gear 23 reduces the rotational speed of the driving force input to the input gear 22 and transmits it to the output gear 21. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism 20 includes a reduction mechanism whose reduction ratio is the transmission ratio obtained by dividing the rotational speed of the input gear 22 by the rotational speed of the output gear 21.
[0048] (case) The main case 35 includes a first lid portion 31, a first frame portion 32, a second frame portion 33, a second lid portion 34, a first roller 17A, and a second roller 17C.
[0049] The first lid portion 31 constitutes the lower end of the printing cassette 10. The first frame portion 32 is positioned above the first lid portion 31 and is connected to the first lid portion 31 in the vertical direction. The second frame portion 33 is positioned above the first frame portion 32 and is connected to the first frame portion 32 in the vertical direction. The second lid portion 34 constitutes the upper end of the printing cassette 10. The second lid portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the vertical direction.
[0050] The first lid 31, the first frame 32, and a portion of the second frame 33 constitute a first case 41 that houses the auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply spool 15, the winding spool 16, and the drive transmission mechanism 20. The first case 41 is positioned differently from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction (specifically, downwards).
[0051] The auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply spool 15, and the take-up spool 16 are arranged in the space enclosed by the first lid portion 31 and the first frame portion 32. The drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged in the space enclosed by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism 20 is located between the printing tape roll 11 and the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the vertical direction.
[0052] The second lid 34 and the second frame 33 constitute the second case 42 that houses the printing tape roll 11. In other words, the printing tape roll 11 is placed in the space enclosed by the second lid 34 and the second frame 33.
[0053] The first frame portion 32 has a first side wall 32A, a head opening 32B, an outlet 32C, a second guide 32D, and a pull-out portion 32E. The first side wall 32A constitutes the outer surface of the main case 35 parallel to the vertical direction.
[0054] The head opening 32B is a portion of the first side wall 32A that has been cut out. The head opening 32B overlaps with the second guide 32D in the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction).
[0055] The head opening 32B is the space in which the print head 102 and the holding member 102A that holds the print head 102 are arranged when the print cassette 10 is mounted on the main body 100 of the printing device. In other words, the head opening 32B consists of a printing space where printing takes place and a recess that communicates with the printing space in the left-right direction.
[0056] Printing on the printing tape 11A is performed by the print head 102 at the head opening 32B. The head opening 32B is located below the printing cassette 10 so that the print head 102 can be inserted from below.
[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the printing tape 11A and ink ribbon 14A are stretched horizontally across the left region of the head opening 32B. The printing tape 11A is exposed to the outside of the main case 35 at the head opening 32B and is overlapped with the ink ribbon 14A. After printing, the printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the printing device 1 through the discharge port 32C. The direction in which the printing tape 11A is discharged from the discharge port 32C is to the left.
[0058] The second guide 32D is composed of a part of a cylinder or a cylindrical body. That is, the second guide 32D has a second guide surface 321 that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a hypothetical second cylinder P4. The second guide 32D is located inside the first side wall 32A in the transport path for the printing tape 11A in the first case 41.
[0059] The second guide 32D is fixed to the first side wall 32A (an example of the "case body") by being integrally molded together with the first side wall 32A. The first side wall 32A supports the second guide 32D so as not to rotate or move.
[0060] The second guide 32D is positioned between the auxiliary tape roll 14 and the first side wall 32A. The second guide 32D overlaps with the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the radial direction. In other words, the second guide 32D is positioned differently from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction, and at the same position as the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the vertical direction.
[0061] The second guide 32D guides the printing tape 11A in such a way that it changes both the first component of the transport direction of the printing tape 11A, which is parallel to the vertical direction, and the second component, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0062] Specifically, the second guide 32D removes the first component (i.e., the downward component) from the printing tape 11A guided by the first guide 33C, and changes the second component from rightward to forward.
[0063] Inside the second case 42, the printing tape 11A, guided by the first roller 17A and the first guide 33C, is fed into the first case 41 while being guided by the second guide 32D.
[0064] The second roller 17C (an example of a "fourth guide") is positioned between the second guide 32D and the pull-out section 32E in the transport path of the printing tape 11A.
[0065] The second roller 17C is positioned differently from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second roller 17C is positioned in the same location as the second guide 32D in the vertical direction. The second roller 17C is composed of a rotatable cylinder or cylindrical shape. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the second roller 17C constitutes a fourth guide surface having the shape of a portion of the outer circumferential surface of a hypothetical fourth cylinder having a fourth central axis (i.e., the rotation axis of the second roller 17C) parallel to the vertical direction.
[0066] The second roller 17C guides the printing tape 11A such that it changes only the second component of the transport direction of the printing tape 11A guided by the second guide 32D, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fourth transport direction D4 of the printing tape 11A in the region between the second roller 17C and the pull-out section 32E (i.e., the region downstream of the second roller 17C) is to the left and is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0067] The second roller 17C rotates on its axis as the printing tape 11A is transported. The printing tape 11A is transported towards the pull-out section 32E and the discharge port 32C by being guided by the second guide 32D and then by the second roller 17C.
[0068] The drawer section 32E is positioned along the vertical and perpendicular directions by the platen roller 103. This is an opening through which the printing tape 11A is pulled out from the inside of the main case 35 to the outside. The pull-out section 32E is positioned in the same position as the second guide 32D in the vertical direction.
[0069] In the pull-out section 32E, the printing tape 11A, guided by the second guide 32D and the second roller 17C, is pulled out to the head opening 32B. The printing tape 11A pulled out from the pull-out section 32E faces the print head 102 of the printing device body 100, with the main case 35 mounted on the printing device body 100.
[0070] The second frame portion 33 shown in Figure 4 has a second side wall 33A, a partition wall 33B, a first guide 33C, and a roll frame portion 33D. The second side wall 33A constitutes the outer surface of the main case 35, which is parallel to the vertical direction.
[0071] The partition wall 33B has a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The partition wall 33B is positioned in the vertical direction between the printing tape roll 11 and the drive transmission mechanism 20, that is, between the first supply spool 12 and the second guide 32D.
[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the first guide 33C is composed of a part of a cylinder or a cylindrical body. That is, the first guide 33C has a first guide surface 331 which has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a hypothetical first cylinder P3. The first guide 33C is located inside the second side wall 33A in the transport path for the printing tape 11A in the second case 42.
[0073] The first guide 33C is fixed to the second side wall 33A by being integrally molded together with the second side wall 33A (an example of the "case body") and the roll frame portion 33D. The second side wall 33A supports the first guide 33C so as not to rotate or move.
[0074] The first guide 33C is positioned outside the roll frame 33D and overlaps with the printing tape roll 11 in the radial direction. In other words, at least a portion of the first guide 33C is positioned in the same location as the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.
[0075] The first guide 33C guides the printing tape 11A in such a way that it changes both the first component of the transport direction of the printing tape 11A, which is parallel to the vertical direction, and the second component, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0076] Specifically, the first guide 33C adds a downward component as the first component to the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11, and changes the second component from backward to rightward.
[0077] The first roller 17A (an example of a "third guide") is positioned in the transport path of the printing tape 11A between the printing tape roll 11 and the first guide 33C (i.e., near the point where the tape is pulled out from the printing tape roll 11).
[0078] At least a portion of the first roller 17A is positioned in the same location as the printing tape roll 11 and the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. The first roller 17A is composed of a rotatable cylinder or cylindrical shape. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the first roller 17A constitutes a third guide surface having the shape of a portion of the outer circumferential surface of a hypothetical third cylinder having a third central axis (i.e., the rotation axis of the first roller 17A) parallel to the vertical direction.
[0079] The first roller 17A changes only the second component of the transport direction of the printing tape 11A pulled from the printing tape roll 11, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, so as to the printing tape 11A This guides the process. Furthermore, the third transport direction D3 of the printing tape 11A in the region between the printing tape roll 11 and the first roller 17A (i.e., the region upstream of the first roller 17A) is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0080] The printing tape 11A is placed on the first roller 17A upstream of the first guide 33C. The first roller 17A rotates on its axis as the printing tape 11A is transported. The printing tape 11A, pulled from the printing tape roll 11, is guided by the first roller 17A and then by the first guide 33C, and is transported toward the first case 41 while being twisted.
[0081] The roll frame portion 33D protrudes upward from the partition wall 33B. The roll frame portion 33D surrounds the printing tape roll 11 from the radially outer side. The printing tape 11A is drawn out from the printing tape roll 11 at the opening 33E of the roll frame portion 33D.
[0082] <Transport path for printing tape> As shown in Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D constitute a transport path that sends the printing tape 11A from the second case 42 to the first case 41.
[0083] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, the printing tape 11A pulled from the printing tape roll 11 is transported downward and backward by contacting the first guide 33C from the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11.
[0084] As shown in Figure 7B, the printing tape 11A, having passed through the first guide 33C, is transported downward and to the right toward the second guide 32D. The printing tape 11A is then passed between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D in that order. The twisting applied to the printing tape 11A by the first guide 33C is canceled out by the second guide 32D.
[0085] The printing tape 11A does not come into contact with the main case 35 between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D. In other words, the main case 35 does not have any other guides positioned between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D in the transport path of the printing tape 11A.
[0086] As shown in Figure 7C, the printing tape 11A that has reached the second guide 32D is transported forward by contacting the second guide 32D from the radially outer side of the auxiliary tape roll 14.
[0087] As shown in Figure 7D, the printing tape 11A, having passed through the second guide 32D, is guided by the second roller 17C and transported to the left. Subsequently, the printing tape 11A passes through the head opening 32B and is discharged from the discharge port 32C.
[0088] <Placement of guides> The first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are positioned at different corners of the main case 35. Specifically, the first guide 33C is positioned at the left rear corner of the main case 35, and the second guide 32D is positioned at the right rear corner of the main case 35.
[0089] Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E schematically represent the arrangement of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D, respectively. In Figures 8A-8E, the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are schematically shown as the outer surfaces of a cylinder. Also in Figures 8A-8E, the transport path R at the center of the width direction of the printing tape 11A is shown by a dashed line.
[0090] As shown in Figure 8B, the first width direction W1 of the printing tape 11A in the first region A1 of the transport path R is parallel to the second width direction W2 of the printing tape 11A in the second region A2 of the transport path R.
[0091] The first region A1 is the region between the first roller 17A and the first guide 33C, and includes the region immediately before the first guide 33C. The second region A2 is the region between the second guide 32D and the second roller 17C, and includes the region immediately after the second guide. In this embodiment, the first width direction W1 and the second width direction W2 are parallel to the vertical direction.
[0092] At least a portion of the second guide 32D is positioned differently from the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. In the actual shape of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7B, the entire second guide 32D is positioned differently from the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. However, as shown in Figures 8A-8E, the upper part of the second guide 32D may be in the same position as the first guide 33C in the vertical direction.
[0093] The central axis C1 of the first guide 33C (that is, the central axis of the cylinder or cylindrical body constituting the first guide 33C, and the first central axis of the first cylinder P3) is parallel to the first virtual plane P1 which includes both the first width direction W1 and the first transport direction D1 of the printing tape 11A in the first region A1.
[0094] In other words, the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is parallel to both the first width direction W1 and the first transport direction D1. Furthermore, the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is inclined with respect to the first width direction W1 (i.e., the vertical direction) within the first virtual plane P1.
[0095] The central axis C2 of the second guide 32D (i.e., the central axis of the cylinder or cylindrical body constituting the second guide 32D, and the second central axis of the second cylinder P4) is parallel to the second virtual plane P2, which includes both the second width direction W2 and the second transport direction D2 of the printing tape 11A in the second region A2.
[0096] In other words, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is parallel to both the second width direction W2 and the second transport direction D2. Furthermore, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is inclined with respect to the second width direction W2 (i.e., the vertical direction) within the second virtual plane P2.
[0097] Furthermore, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D does not lie on the same virtual plane as the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C. Specifically, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is in a torsional relationship with the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C.
[0098] Viewed from the first direction, the rotation angle of the second transport direction D2 relative to the first transport direction D1 is 195° or less. The "rotation angle" is the rotation angle (i.e., the amount of angle change) that makes the first transport direction D1 coincide with the second transport direction D2, and is the rotation angle within a virtual plane that includes the first transport direction D1 and the second transport direction D2 (i.e., perpendicular to the vertical direction).
[0099] The sum of the winding angle of the printing tape 11A along the circumferential direction of the first cylinder P3 on the first guide surface 331 of the first guide 33C (i.e., viewed from the axial direction of the first guide 33C) and the winding angle of the printing tape 11A along the circumferential direction of the second cylinder P4 on the second guide surface 321 of the second guide 32D (i.e., viewed from the axial direction of the second guide 32D) is 235° or less.
[0100] In this embodiment, the first transport direction D1 is rearward, and the second transport direction D2 is forward. Therefore, the first transport direction D1 and the second transport direction D2 are parallel to each other. In other words, the first guide 33 The transport path of the printing tape 11A is rotated 180° by C and the second guide 32D. In addition, the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2 are perpendicular to the left-right direction, respectively.
[0101] As shown in Figure 7A, the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is inclined to move away from the axis L of the printing tape roll 11 as it approaches the second guide 32D along the vertical direction (i.e., downwards). In other words, the lower part of the first guide 33C is located outside the second case 42 than the upper part.
[0102] As shown in Figure 7C, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is inclined to move away from the axis L of the printing tape roll 11 as it approaches the first guide 33C along the vertical direction (i.e., as it moves upward). In other words, the upper part of the second guide 32D is located outside the second case 42 than the lower part.
[0103] As shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E, the second transport direction D2 does not have to be parallel to the first transport direction D1. In Figures 9A-9E, the transport path R of the printing tape 11A is rotated by 135° by the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D (see Figure 9C). In Figures 9A-9E, the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2 are not parallel (i.e., they intersect).
[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, the transport path R of the printing tape 11A may be rotated by 90° by the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D (see Figure 10C). In Figures 10A-10E, the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2 are orthogonal.
[0105] <Tape transport and printing by the printing device itself> With the printing cassette 10 mounted on the printing device body 100, the print head 102 is positioned in the head opening 32B so as to overlap the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-to-back direction.
[0106] The printing tape 11A is transported to the head opening 32B by the platen roller 103, and is pressed against the print head 102, which has a heating element heated up, via the ink ribbon 14A by the platen roller 103. As a result, some of the ink on the surface of the ink ribbon 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the printing tape 11A.
[0107] The platen roller 103 transports the printed tape 11A from inside the printing cassette 10 to the outside via the discharge port 32C. The platen roller 103 is rotated by a platen gear engaged with the output gear 21. The platen roller 103 is pivotable by a roller holder 104 between a position away from the printing cassette 10 and a position where the platen gear is engaged with the output gear 21.
[0108] When the main case 35 of the printing cassette 10 is inserted into the cassette housing section 101, the drive shaft 105 engages with the input gear 22, and the platen gear engages with the output gear 21.
[0109] Specifically, with the drive shaft 105 inserted into the winding spool 16 and input gear 22 of the printing cassette 10, the platen roller 103 swings toward the head opening 32B of the printing cassette 10, causing the platen gear to engage with the output gear 21.
[0110] With the print cassette 10 installed, the input gear 22 rotates via the drive shaft 105. This causes the output gear 21 to rotate. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 causes the platen gear to rotate, which in turn causes the platen roller 103 to rotate.
[0111] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The torsional relationship between the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C and the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D reduces the winding range of the printing tape 11A in both the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D. As a result, the frictional resistance generated in the conveyed printing tape 11A is reduced. Consequently, the driving force required to convey the printing tape 11A can be reduced.
[0112] (1b) The central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is tilted in the first virtual plane P1, and the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is tilted in the second virtual plane P2, thereby suppressing twisting of the printing tape 11A in the first region A1 and the second region A2, respectively.
[0113] (1c) The first roller 17A allows the printing tape 11A to be transported stably from the printing tape roll 11 to the first guide 33C. As a result, the effect of reducing the driving force required to transport the printing tape 11A is promoted.
[0114] (1d) The second roller 17C enables stable transport of the printing tape 11A from the second guide 32D to the pull-out section 32E. As a result, the effect of reducing the driving force required to transport the printing tape 11A is promoted.
[0115] (1e) Since the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are each fixed to the main body of the main case 35, the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D can be integrally molded with the main body of the main case 35.
[0116] (1f) By positioning the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D at different corners of the main case 35, the distance between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D can be increased. As a result, the effect of suppressing twisting of the printing tape 11A is enhanced.
[0117] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Structure] The printing cassette 10A shown in Figures 11A and 11B is installed in the printing device body 100 shown in Figure 2A, replacing the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3A.
[0118] The printing cassette 10A is modified in which the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D of the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment are replaced with cylindrical or cylindrical rollers, respectively. The first guide 33C is axially rotatable with respect to the second side wall 33A. The second guide 32D is axially rotatable with respect to the first side wall 32A.
[0119] The arrangement of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D is the same as in the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment. The first guide 33C and the second guide 32D change the transport direction of the printing tape 11A while rotating on their axes.
[0120] [2-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (2a) Because the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are rotatable on an axis, frictional resistance between these guides and the printing tape 11A is reduced, thereby promoting a reduction in the driving force required to transport the printing tape 11A.
[0121] [3. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.
[0122] (3a) In the printing apparatus of the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, the guide surfaces of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D may be formed in the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual first elliptical cylinder P3 or a virtual second elliptical cylinder P4.
[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, the first guide surface 331 of the first guide 33C and the second guide surface 321 of the second guide 32D do not necessarily have to be composed of the outer surfaces of a cylinder, cylindrical cylinder, elliptical cylinder, and elliptical tube.
[0124] The first guide 33C in Figures 13A and 13B is composed of multiple ribs arranged along the outer circumferential surface of a hypothetical first cylinder P3. Specifically, the first guide 33C is an aggregate of the end faces of multiple ribs that constitute a part of the outer circumferential surface of the first cylinder P3, and is composed of multiple discontinuous surfaces. Furthermore, the first central axis C1 of the first cylinder P3 corresponds to the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C in Figure 8A.
[0125] The second guide 32D in Figures 13C and 13D is composed of multiple ribs arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the virtual second cylinder P4. Specifically, the second guide 32D is an aggregate of end faces of multiple ribs that constitute a part of the outer circumferential surface of the second cylinder P4, and is composed of multiple discontinuous surfaces. Furthermore, the second central axis C2 of the second cylinder P4 corresponds to the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D in Figure 8A.
[0126] (3b) In the printing apparatus of the above embodiment, the first width direction does not necessarily have to be parallel to the second width direction. Also, the central axis of the first guide (i.e., the first cylinder or first elliptical cylinder) does not necessarily have to be parallel to the first virtual plane, nor does it necessarily have to be inclined with respect to the first width direction. Furthermore, the central axis of the second guide (i.e., the second cylinder or second elliptical cylinder) does not necessarily have to be parallel to the second virtual plane, nor does it necessarily have to be inclined with respect to the second width direction.
[0127] (3c) The printing apparatus of the above embodiment is not limited to one that prints using an ink ribbon. For example, the printing apparatus may print on strip-shaped thermal paper. In other words, the printing cassette does not necessarily have to be equipped with an ink ribbon.
[0128] Furthermore, the printing apparatus may use stencil tape, which is perforated with a printing pattern by a thermal head, as the printing tape. When stencil tape is used as the printing tape, a protective backing tape is used as an auxiliary tape instead of an ink ribbon to protect the stencil tape.
[0129] (3d) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the main case may have a fifth guide provided between the first guide and the second guide, and which is in contact with the printing tape. The fifth guide may be fixed to the body of the main case, or it may be rotatable on an axis relative to the body.
[0130] (3e) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism may be positioned above the printing tape roll or below the transport path of the printing tape. Furthermore, the printing cassette does not necessarily have to be equipped with a drive transmission mechanism.
[0131] (3f) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0132] 1…Printing device, 10,10A…Printing cassette, 11…Printing tape roll, 11A...Printing tape, 12...First supply spool, 14...Auxiliary tape roll, 14A...Ink ribbon, 15...Second supply spool, 16...Take-up spool 17A, 17C... Rollers, 20... Drive transmission mechanism, 21... Output gear, 22... Input gear 23...Idler gear, 32...First frame section, 32A...First side wall, 32B...Head opening, 32C...Discharge port, 32D...Second guide, 32E...Drawer section, 33...Second frame section, 33A...Second side wall, 33B...Bulkhead, 33C...First guide, 33D...Roll frame section 33E...Opening, 35...Main case, 41...First case, 42...Second case, 100...Printing device body, 101...Cassette storage section, 102...Print head, 103...Platen roller, 104...Roller holder, 105...Drive shaft.
Claims
1. A tape roll in which the tape to be used for printing is wound around an axis parallel to the first direction, A case for housing the aforementioned tape roll, Equipped with, The aforementioned case is, At least a portion of the tape is positioned in the same location as the tape roll in the first direction, and the first guide guides the tape such that it changes both a first component parallel to the first direction and a second component perpendicular to the first direction of the transport direction of the tape pulled from the tape roll, A second guide is positioned in a different location from the tape roll in the first direction and guides the tape such that it changes both the first and second components of the transport direction of the tape guided by the first guide, It has, The first guide has a first guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual first cylinder or virtual first elliptical cylinder having a first central axis inclined with respect to the first direction, The second guide has a second guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual second cylinder or virtual second elliptical cylinder having a second central axis inclined with respect to the first direction, The second central axis is not located on the same virtual plane as the first central axis in the printing cassette.
2. The printing cassette according to claim 1, wherein the first central axis is inclined to move away from the axis of the tape roll as it approaches the second guide along the first direction.
3. The printing cassette according to claim 1, wherein the second central axis is inclined to move away from the axis of the tape roll as it approaches the first guide along the first direction.
4. The case is positioned at least partially in the same location as the tape roll in the first direction and has a third guide that guides the tape to change the second component of the transport direction of the tape drawn from the tape roll. The third guide has a third guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual third cylinder or virtual third elliptical cylinder having a third central axis parallel to the first direction, The printing cassette according to claim 1, wherein the first guide guides the tape guided by the third guide.
5. The case is positioned differently from the tape roll in the first direction and has a fourth guide that guides the tape in such a way that it changes the second component of the transport direction of the tape guided by the second guide. The printing cassette according to claim 4, wherein the fourth guide has a fourth guide surface that has the shape of a part of the outer surface of a virtual third cylinder or virtual third elliptical cylinder having a fourth central axis parallel to the first direction.
6. The printing cassette according to claim 5, wherein the first width direction of the tape in the first region between the third guide and the first guide and the second width direction of the tape in the second region between the second guide and the fourth guide are parallel.
7. The printing cassette according to claim 6, wherein the first transport direction of the tape in the first region and the second transport direction of the tape in the second region are parallel.
8. The printing cassette according to claim 7, wherein the first transport direction and the second transport direction are perpendicular to the first direction.
9. The first central axis is parallel to a first virtual plane that includes both the first width direction and the first transport direction of the tape in the first region, and is inclined with respect to the first width direction. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second central axis is parallel to a second virtual plane that includes both the second width direction and the second transport direction of the tape in the second region, and is inclined with respect to the second width direction.
10. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the third transport direction of the tape in the region between the tape roll and the third guide is perpendicular to the first direction.
11. The case is positioned in the same location as the second guide in the first direction and has a pull-out section for pulling the tape guided by the second guide from the inside of the case to the outside. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the fourth transport direction of the tape in the region between the fourth guide and the pull-out section is perpendicular to the first direction.
12. A printing cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, viewed from the first direction, the rotation angle of the second transport direction of the tape in the second region with respect to the first transport direction of the tape in the first region is 195° or less.
13. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the sum of the winding angle of the tape along the circumferential direction of the first cylinder or first elliptical cylinder on the first guide surface and the winding angle of the tape along the circumferential direction of the second cylinder or second elliptical cylinder on the second guide surface is 235° or less.
14. The case comprises a body that supports the first guide and the second guide, The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first guide or the second guide is axially rotatable with respect to the main body.
15. The case comprises a body that supports the first guide and the second guide, The first guide or the second guide is fixed to the main body, the printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
16. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tape does not come into contact with the case between the first guide and the second guide.
17. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the case is provided between the first guide and the second guide and has a fifth guide that contacts the tape.
18. The outer shape of the case, as viewed from the first direction, is rectangular. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first guide and the second guide are each positioned at different corners of the case.
19. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an auxiliary tape roll on which an ink ribbon used for printing on the tape is wound and which is positioned in the same position as the second guide in the first direction.
20. The printing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the case is positioned in the same location as the second guide in the first direction and has a pull-out section for pulling the tape guided by the second guide out of the case.
21. The printing cassette according to claim 20, wherein the tape pulled out from the drawer faces the print head of the printing device body when the case is mounted on the printing device body.