JP2001232880A - Ribbon cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ribbon cassette for certainly detecting the kind of an ink ribbon to easily replace the ink ribbon. SOLUTION: A cassette case 11 is constituted of a lower case 32 wherein a first long semicylindrical part 32a, the second long semicylindrical part 32b arranged so as to leave a predetermined interval with respect to the first semicylindrical part 32a and the connection member 14 for connecting the side end parts of the semicylindrical parts 32a, 32b are integrated, the first upper case 32 attached to the semicylindrical part 32a and the second upper case 34 attached to the semicylindrical part 32b and equipped with the sending-out core 40 provided in the housing part 13, constituted of the semicylindrical part 32a and the upper case 33, in a rotatable manner, the taking-up core 42 provided in the housing part 13, constituted of the semicylindrical part 32b and the upper case 34, in a rotatable manner and the wide ink ribbon R which is wound around the sending-out core 40 and of which the end part is taken up by the taking-up core 42.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ribbon cassette, and more particularly, to a ribbon cassette which is capable of detecting the type of an ink ribbon and exchanging the ink ribbon and which is most suitable for a line printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, as a recording apparatus for rapidly performing recording on a recording paper line by line or page by page, a line having a long thermal head in which heating elements are arranged and arranged along the width direction of the recording paper. The printer is being used.

In a ribbon cassette, a cylindrical take-up core having an ink ribbon wound from both ends and a delivery core are rotatably disposed in a substantially rectangular cassette case. A traveling path of the ink ribbon conveyed and supplied from the sending core side to the winding core side is formed. In general, the ribbon cassette configured as described above is configured such that the cassette case is composed of an upper case and a lower case, and a delivery core and a take-up core are inserted and mounted in the lower case, respectively. Mounted with the upper case covered.

When the ribbon cassette is mounted on the line printer, a thermal head of the line printer is positioned between the cores, and the thermal head is pressed against a platen via an ink ribbon positioned on a traveling path to perform printing. It is supposed to do.

After printing is thus performed, the thermal head is separated from the platen, the ink ribbon is peeled off from the recording paper, and the ink ribbon used for printing is wound around a take-up core. The paper is discharged from the line printer to the outside.

In recent years, some thermal transfer printers use both a thermal sublimation method and a thermal melting method, and a ribbon cassette corresponding to this printer can be attached and detached.
In order to detect the type of the ink ribbon, an identification mark having a different shape depending on the type is attached to the cassette case. Then, when a ribbon cassette provided with the identification mark is attached to the thermal transfer printer, light emitted toward the identification mark is read by a photosensor or the like of the thermal transfer printer, so that the thermal sublimation method and the heat melting method are used. Different print recording is performed with the corresponding ink ribbon.

Further, a ribbon cassette which is attached to and detached from a thermal transfer printer such as a line printer is used for printing and recording.
Since it is uneconomical to dispose the entire ribbon cassette together with the used ink ribbon, it is known to reuse (recycle) the cassette case.

[0008]

In the conventional ribbon cassette, if a recycled cassette case has been used for many years, there is a possibility that the identification mark for detecting the type of the ink ribbon attached to the cassette case may come off. there were. In addition, a photo sensor that reads an identification mark is generally expensive, and requires a positioning adjustment at the time of mounting to increase the detection accuracy.
The positioning work took a lot of trouble.

When a user wants to replace a used ink ribbon with a new ink ribbon of a different type, an identification mark corresponding to the ink ribbon is prepared, and the identification mark is placed at a predetermined location on the cassette case. It was difficult to paste it with high accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a ribbon cassette which has a simple structure and can reliably detect the type of an ink ribbon and which can easily be replaced with an ink ribbon.

[0011]

At least one of the above objects is attained.
As a first solving means for solving one of the problems, an elongated first cylindrical portion, an elongated second cylindrical portion disposed at a predetermined interval from the first cylindrical portion, A cassette case composed of a connecting member connecting the first and second cylindrical portions, a delivery core rotatably stored in the first cylindrical portion of the cassette case, and a rotatably stored in the second cylindrical portion of the cassette case; A winding core, both ends of which are wound around the sending core and the winding core, respectively, comprising a wide and long ink ribbon wound from the sending core side to the winding core side,
A notch for detecting a ribbon corresponding to the type of ink ribbon to be stored in the cassette case is formed on an end face of the first or second cylindrical portion of the cassette case.

Further, as a second solution, an elongated first semi-cylindrical portion and an elongated second semi-cylindrical portion arranged at a predetermined distance from the first semi-cylindrical portion are provided. A lower case in which the semi-cylindrical portion and a connecting member connecting the side ends of the first and second semi-cylindrical portions are integrated; and a long semi-cylindrical shape attached to the first semi-cylindrical portion. A first semi-cylindrical part, and a second semi-cylindrical upper case attached to the second semi-cylindrical part to form a cassette case. A delivery core rotatably provided in a first storage section composed of an upper case, and a rotatable core provided in a second storage section composed of a second semi-cylindrical portion and a second upper case. A winding core wound around the delivery core, and a wide ink ribbon whose end is wound around the winding core. At least one end face of the housing part,
A notch portion for ribbon detection corresponding to the type of the stored ink ribbon is formed close to the end of the core so that the type of the ink ribbon can be detected according to the notch portion for ribbon detection. .

As a third solution, a notch for detecting a ribbon is formed on an end face of a first upper case, and the first upper case is replaced together with an ink ribbon.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a ribbon cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ribbon cassette 10 has a substantially rectangular resin-made cassette case 11. The cassette case 11 has a long and cylindrical first storage portion (first cylindrical portion) 12 and the same long and cylindrical shape which is arranged at a predetermined interval from the first storage portion 12. Integrated second storage portion (second cylindrical portion) 13 and a pair of connecting members 14 respectively connecting the side end portions of the first and second storage portions 12 and 13, and the overall cross-sectional shape is It is almost crank-shaped. The cassette case 11 has a pair of connecting members 14, a first and a second storage sections 12, 1 in the center thereof.
The rectangular window portion 15 surrounded by 3 and one end surfaces of the first and second storage portions 12 and 13 and one connecting member 14 disposed between the one end surfaces are connected and integrated. , And a substantially elliptical side plate portion 11d. The first storage portion 12 is integrally formed with a flat extension portion 12s (see FIG. 3) extending from one edge of the peripheral wall portion 12a toward the pair of connecting members 14,. I have.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of connecting members 14 is provided with a flat wall 18 bridging one end between the pair of connecting members 14. A fixed space 17 between the first storage portion 12 and the peripheral wall portion 12a;
Are disposed so as to face the peripheral wall portion 12a. The wall portion 18 is formed integrally with the distal end edge portion of the extending portion 12s so as to be bent substantially at right angles to the extending portion 12s. As shown in FIG.
The edge 18a on the front end side has a rounded shape, and serves as a support portion when an ink ribbon R (see FIG. 7) described later slides. The first storage portion 12 has a peripheral wall portion 12a.
On the other edge, which is the free end, a flat plate-like extending piece 12t is provided integrally and opposed to the extending portion 12s. In addition, between the extending piece 12t of the peripheral wall portion 12a and the wall portion 18 is a delivery port 21 for delivering an ink ribbon R wound around a delivery core 40 to be described later to a recording position.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first storage portion 12 is opposed to the side plate portion 11d and has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 1.
A circular side surface portion 12b is provided on the other end surface of 2a, and an opening portion 20 having the same circular shape is formed on the side surface portion 12b. Further, on the surface of the side surface portion 12b, concave ribbon detecting notches 22a and 22c are regularly arranged close to the opening 20. The ribbon detection notches 22a and 22c are provided with the ink ribbons R stored in the cassette case 11 of the ribbon cassette 10.
Type is detected. The ribbon detection notches 22a and 22c are flush with the surface of the side surface 12b, but a concave ribbon detection notch 22b is formed. Second storage unit 13
Is provided with a pair of guide projections 24, 24 protruding outwardly on the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends of the peripheral wall portion 13a, and a part of the peripheral wall portion 13a is flattened by the guide projections 24, 24. Has formed. The ribbon detection notches 22 a to 22 c may be formed on the side surface 13 b of the second storage unit 13.

As shown in FIG. 4, a substantially rectangular winding port 27 is formed along the longitudinal direction on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 13a of the second storage portion 13.
From the ink ribbon R wound around the winding core 42 described later
Has been introduced. A band-shaped ridge 26 protrudes outward from an edge of the peripheral wall 13a facing the winding opening 27 on the side where the diameter is large, and both ends of the ridge 26 are connected to each connecting member. 14 and are integrally connected. On the other hand, the edge 13c of the small diameter side of the peripheral wall portion 13a facing the winding opening 27 has a distal end extending therefrom, and is slightly inward with respect to the protrusion 26. They are arranged to face each other so as to form a spiral shape. That is, the edge 13c is located in a region including the ridge 26 and the rotation axis of the winding core 42. On the other end surface of the peripheral wall portion 13a of the second storage portion 13, a circular side surface portion 13b facing the side plate portion 11d is provided.
An opening 28 having the same circular shape is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the cassette case 11 having such an external appearance is provided with one lower case 32.
A first upper case 33 having a long and semi-cylindrical shape, and a second upper case 34 having the same shape as the first upper case 33.
And three parts. The lower case 32 has the window portion 15 formed at the center thereof, and has a long semi-cylindrical first semi-cylindrical portion 32a on both sides thereof and a second semi-cylindrical long semi-cylindrical shape. And the first cylindrical portion 32b
And a pair of connecting members 14 for connecting between the second semi-cylindrical portions 32a and 32b, and the side plate portion 11d. The first and second semi-cylindrical portions 32a, 32b are connected by the pair of connecting members 14.
Therefore, the first storage section 12 is constituted by the first semi-cylindrical section 32a which is a part of the lower case 32, and the first upper case 33 which constitutes the upper half thereof, and The storage section 13 includes the second semi-cylindrical section 32b, which is the other part of the lower case 32, and the second upper case 34, which forms the upper half thereof.

Further, a rotatable metal shaft 19 is attached to the lower case 32 by bridging the side plate portion 11d and the side surface portion (lower half) 12b, and the shaft 19 is attached to the extending portion 12s. They are arranged so as to face each other. On the inner wall of the peripheral wall portion of the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a, a fan-shaped first portion having a U-shaped groove is provided so as to face the side plate portion 11d.
Support wall 32j is integrally erected. Between the first support wall 32j and the side plate portion 11d, an elastic mold piece (not shown) cut and raised inward from the peripheral wall portion of the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a by molding. It is erected.

On the other hand, a U-shaped second support wall 32k is formed integrally with the side surface portion 12b at a constant interval on the inner wall of the peripheral wall portion on the side surface portion 12b side of the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a. ing. An engagement projection (not shown) is provided on the wall surface of the second support wall 32k so as to face the first support wall 32j. Similarly, the second semi-cylindrical portion 32
Also in b, a third support wall 32p having a U-shaped groove is provided on the inner wall of the peripheral wall on the side of the side plate 11d, and a fourth support wall 32q is provided on the inner wall of the peripheral wall on the side of the side surface 13b. The second semi-cylindrical portion 32b is provided on the inner wall of the peripheral wall portion between the side plate portion 11d and the third support wall 32p so as to have elasticity by cutting and raising a mold piece (not shown). . Engagement projections (not shown) are also provided on the wall surface of the fourth support wall 32q in the same manner as the engagement projections of the second support wall 32k.

Next, the first upper case 33 is provided with elastic engaging claws 33d and 33e at both end edges of its peripheral wall. The ribbon detection notches 22a and 22c are formed on the side surface of the first upper case 33. The second upper case 34 is provided with elastic engaging claws 34d, 34d adjacent to the guide protrusions 24 at both end edges of the peripheral wall portion.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The winding core 42 is made of a substantially cylindrical member made of resin having the same size, and has a cylindrical base 4 provided at the center.
0a, 42a and bases 40a, 42a
And small-diameter portions 40b and 42b having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the first and second large-diameter portions 40c and 42c provided at the other end and having a diameter larger than the base portions 40a and 42a. The large-diameter portions 40c and 42c are provided with flange portions 40d and 42d each having a flange shape at the boundary between the base portions 40a and 42a. The outer surface of the flange portions 40d and 42d has A plurality of rectangular grooves 40e and 42e each having a rectangular shape are formed, and are arranged radially uniformly around the axis.

The ink ribbon R is wound around the base 40 a of the delivery core 40, and the leading edge of the ink ribbon R is attached to the base 42 a of the take-up core 42 by the rotation shaft. It is to be wound around. The large diameter portions 40c and 42c of the delivery core 40 and the take-up core 42 have their outer peripheral walls engaged with the inner walls of the openings 20 and 28 of the first and second storage portions 12 and 13 (FIG. 3).
), And guides the rotation axis of each core 40, 42. Second and fourth support walls 32k, 3k
2q, each of the engaging projections, the sending core 40, and the winding core 42.
The rectangular grooves 40e and 42e are engaged with each other, so that when not used, for example, when transporting the ribbon cassette 10,
The slack of the ink ribbon R wound around each of the cores 40 and 42 is prevented, so that the quality is not degraded by rubbing against the cassette case 11.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an ink ribbon R is wound around the delivery core 40 housed in the first housing portion 12 of the cassette case 11. In general, an ink ribbon is composed of a resin film based on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a heat-sublimable ink coated on the resin film having a relatively high ink fastness, a low-priced ink, and a generally used thermal ink. And an ink layer made of a fusible ink or the like. In addition, depending on the type of usage, the ink ribbon is a one-time ink ribbon that can be used only once after the ink in the ink layer is peeled off, or a multi-time ink ribbon that can be used repeatedly at the same location for the purpose of reducing running costs. There are ink ribbons and the like. Also,
Ink ribbons that are used include those having an ink layer of black only for use in monochrome printing, Y (yellow) and M for color printing.
(Magenta), C (cyan) and the like are sequentially provided in the longitudinal direction of the resin film to provide a multi-color.

The ink ribbon R of the ribbon cassette 10
Uses a heat sublimation transfer ink ribbon Ra having a heat sublimation ink, which has high ink fastness and may have a small peeling force from recording paper. A part of the ink ribbon R (ink ribbon Ra for thermal sublimation transfer) is led out from the sending core 40, is bent at a substantially right angle by the shaft 19, and is led to the outside through the sending port 21. Then, a part of the ink ribbon Ra is
8 is bent at a substantially right angle to the window 15 side at the edge 18a, the surface on which the ink layer is applied is positioned below the cassette case 11, and the back surface, which is a resin film, is
And is exposed in the window portion 15.

Further, a part of the ink ribbon Ra is
The winding core 4 is introduced from the winding opening 27 of the storage section 13 and
The second base 42a is wound clockwise in FIG.
Therefore, the rear surface of the ink ribbon Ra is in sliding contact with the ridge portion 26. The ink ribbon R
Part a of the ink ribbon Ra slides at a gentle angle, and the tension applied to the ink ribbon Ra exposed in the window 15 is relatively small. Note that the surface (ink layer) of the ink ribbon Ra may slightly touch the edge 13c. And
When the take-up core 42 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 7, the ink ribbon Ra is wound in a so-called inner winding in which the ink layer from which ink has been removed by print recording is located inside and the resin film is located outside. Have been.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the ribbon cassette 10 ′ is
The ink ribbon R is wound counterclockwise in the drawing. The winding direction of the ink ribbon R wound around the winding core 42 is opposite to that of the ribbon cassette 10 shown in FIG. First upper case 1 of cassette case 11
2 has a notch 22 for detecting the ribbon.
a, 22b are formed adjacent to each other. The ribbon cassette 10 'uses an ink ribbon Rb for hot-melt transfer having a low running cost and a hot-melt ink having a short print recording time. In addition, this side part 12
b, a ribbon detection notch 22c can be formed outside the ribbon detection notch 22b. Other configurations are the same as those of the ribbon cassette 10 described above.

The ribbon cassette 10 'has a winding core 42.
Is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 8, so that the wound ink ribbon Rb is formed by a so-called outer winding in which the ink layer from which ink has been removed by print recording is located outside and the resin film is located inside. It is wound. This ribbon cassette 10 'is in a state where the ink ribbon R (Rb) is bent at a steep angle at the ridge 26 and the edge 13c facing the winding opening 27, and the ribbon cassette 10 described above is formed. As compared with, the tension applied to the ink ribbon R is relatively large.

Next, a schematic structure of a line printer 50 which is a portion to which the ribbon cassette 10 is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. The line printer 50 is
A main body 50a and a ribbon cassette 1 in the main body 50a.
0, a printing mechanism unit 52, and a sheet feeding unit 53. The cassette storage part 51 has a cassette case 11 of the ribbon cassette 10
It has a long storage shape that matches the shape of the device. The ribbon cassette 10 is stored in the cassette storage section 51 while the cassette case 11 is guided. When the cassette case 11 is accurately positioned as described above, the large diameter portion 4 of the delivery core 40 and the take-up core 42
The inner peripheral walls of Oc and 42c engage with a bobbin, which is one of the rotary drive mechanisms (not shown) of the line printer 50, and are elastically urged in the axial direction to engage with the engagement protrusions in the cassette case 11 and each core 40, The engagement of the 42 with the rectangular grooves 40e, 42e is released, and the rotation of the bobbin allows the delivery core 40 and the take-up core 42 to rotate.

In the cassette storage portion 51 of the line printer 50, the side surface portion 12b of the first storage portion 12 of the ribbon cassette 10 and the notches 22a and 22c for detection protrude into the cassette storage portion 51. Operating unit 100a,
Detection switch 100, 1 provided with 101a, 102a
01, 102, or non-contact,
N, OFF. The paper supply unit 53 is provided with a paper tray 55 for storing a plurality of recording papers 54. Above the paper tray 55, a paper feed roller 56 rotatably mounted on the main body 50a is provided. The paper feed roller 56 rotates while pressing the uppermost part of the recording paper 54 stored in the paper tray 55 to convey the recording paper 54 one by one in the direction of arrow B shown in the figure.

The printing mechanism 52 is provided with a rotatable roller-type platen 58, and a thermal head 60 is provided so as to be opposed to the platen 58 and can be moved in the direction of arrow C. This thermal head 60
Is composed of a plurality of heating elements, and these heating elements are arranged so as to be almost the same size as the width of the ink ribbon R. The printing mechanism 52 is provided with a paper feed roller 62 that is rotatable in proximity to the platen 58 and a pressure roller 64 that is rotatable while being pressed against the paper feed roller 62. The main body 50a has an arcuate guide piece 66 for guiding the recording paper 54 conveyed between the paper feed roller 62 and the pressure roller 64 and the paper feed roller 56.
Are provided so as to be swingable.

Next, the operation of mounting the ribbon cassette 10 on the line printer 50 and performing print recording will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, first, the ribbon cassette 1 provided with an ink ribbon R (ink ribbon Ra for thermal sublimation transfer) of a desired color in a cassette storage section 51 of a line printer 50.
0 is inserted with the lower case 32 side facing up. At this time, the ribbon cassette 10 is accommodated in the cassette accommodating portion 51 while guiding the cassette case 11, and the entire cassette case 11 is positioned in the insertion direction. Also,
The drive-side ends of the delivery core 40 and the take-up core 42 engage with a bobbin, which is one of the rotary drive mechanisms (not shown) of the printer 50.

Further, in the cassette storage section 51 of the line printer 50, the side section 12b of the first storage section 12 of the ribbon cassette 10 is connected to the operation section 101a of the detection switch 101.
Is brought into contact with and pressed, and the detection switch 101 is turned on. Here, the operating portions 100 of the detection switches 100 and 102 are provided by the detection notches 22a and 22c.
a and 102a remain in non-contact, and remain in the OFF state, respectively. Based on the information from the detection switch 100, the printer 50 determines that the ink ribbon R of the ribbon cassette 10 is the thermal sublimation transfer ink ribbon Ra. Next, desired print information is selected from the plurality of print information, and after the selection, the front of the top of the recording paper 54 stored in the paper tray 55 (the right side in FIG. In the pressed state, the paper feed roller 56 is driven to rotate.

The paper feed roller 56 is rotated to transport the uppermost recording paper 54 in the paper transport direction (arrow B in the drawing), and the paper feed roller 62 is pressed against the paper feed roller 62. The recording paper 54 is moved while being pressed downward by the guide piece 66 between the recording paper 54 and the roller 64. continue,
The recording paper 54 is conveyed between the platen 58 and the thermal head 60 in the separated state by rotating the paper feed roller 62 clockwise in the figure while being pressed and held between the paper feed roller 62 and the pressure roller 64. Is done. Between the thermal head 60 and the recording paper 54, an ink ribbon R (Ra) coated with an ink layer containing a heat-sublimable ink of a desired color is applied to the engagement protrusions in the cassette case 11 and each core 40. , 42 are disengaged from the rectangular grooves 40e, 42e, so that the ink layer is disposed in the window portion 15 of the cassette case 11 with the ink layer on the lower side.

Next, the rotation of the paper feed roller 62 and the paper feed roller 56 is stopped in a state where the printing start position of the recording paper 54 is aligned with the portion of the thermal head 60 where the heating element is formed. Next, the thermal head 60 is moved to the platen 58.
Side (shown in the direction of arrow C) to move the ink ribbon R
(Ra) and the recording paper 54 are superposed, and they are pressed against the platen 58. In accordance with the desired print information described above, the heating elements of the thermal head 60 are selectively heated at a relatively high temperature, and the ink ribbon R is heated by sublimation.
The thermal sublimation ink peeled off from (Ra) is transferred to the recording paper 54 to print and record in a predetermined shape.

Next, the recording paper 54 is printed with ink of a predetermined color.
After printing one or several lines, the ink ribbon R (Ra) is peeled off from the recording paper 54, and then the winding core 42 of the ribbon cassette 10 is rotated clockwise in FIG. Drive rotationally. At this time, the thermal head 60 is separated from the platen 58 and returns to the original position.

To print and record the next line, the recording paper 5
4 is conveyed in the direction F in the figure, the recording paper 54 and the ink ribbon R (Ra) are superimposed on the platen 58, and the recording and printing are performed by repeatedly pressing and separating the heated thermal head 60. Next, after printing and recording with a predetermined color ink on one recording paper 54, the paper feed roller 62 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing, so that the recording paper 54 elastically contacts the rotating pressing roller 64. While being conveyed, it is discharged in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 9 while slidingly contacting the upper surface of the guide piece 66 at the position where the leading end is lowered.

Next, the line printer 50 shown in FIG.
The operation when the ink ribbon 10 'provided with the ink ribbon Rb for hot-melt transfer in place of the ink ribbon 10 housed in the printer is described. The same operation as when the ribbon cassette 10 provided with the above-described ink ribbon Ra for thermal sublimation transfer is mounted is duplicated, and the description is omitted.

The cassette storage section 51 of the line printer 50
When the ribbon cassette 10 ′ is inserted into the cassette storage unit 51, the side surface 12 b of the first storage unit 12 of the ribbon cassette 10 becomes
02a, and is pressed to turn on the detection switch 102 (see FIG. 10). Here, the detection switches 100 and 1 are formed by the detection notches 22a and 22b.
01 remain in the non-contact state, and the detection switches 101, 101 remain in the OFF state. Based on the information from the detection switch 102, the printer 50 determines that the ink ribbon R of the ribbon cassette 10 is the hot-melt transfer ink ribbon Rb.

The printer 50 determines that the ink ribbon R of the ribbon cassette 10 is the ink ribbon Rb for hot-melt transfer, so that the thermal head 60 that selectively generates heat is different from the case of the ink ribbon Ra for sublimation transfer. the difference,
Printing recording is performed by heat melting at about 1/3 of the calorific value. After performing print recording using the heat-meltable ink of a desired color, the ink ribbon R is peeled from the recording paper 54, and the take-up core 42 of the ribbon cassette 10 'is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. Is driven to rotate. The ink ribbon R from which the ink has been peeled in the printing shape passes through the winding opening 27 while sequentially slidingly contacting the ridge portion 26 and the edge portion 13 c, and the winding core 42 in the second storage portion 13 of the cassette case 11.
Is further wound by an outer winding.

Next, assembly when the user finishes using the ink ribbon R and replaces it with a new ink ribbon R1 will be described. First, in order to take out the used ink ribbon R wound around the take-up core 42 and partly connected to the take-out core 40 from the cassette case 11, first, the lower case 3
2, the engaging claw 34 is released from the mounting hole (not shown), the second upper case 34 is removed, and then the take-up core 42 around which the used ink ribbon R is wound is taken out. Next, the engaging claws 33d and 33e are released from the mounting holes (not shown) from the lower case 32, and the first upper case 33 is removed. Next, the delivery core 40 that has been used so far, which has been arranged in the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a of the lower case 32, is transferred into the second semi-cylindrical portion 32b of the lower case 32, and is mounted thereon. Used as the winding core 42. Next, a delivery core 40 around which a new ink ribbon R1 is wound is prepared, and stored in the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a of the lower case 32 in a state where the ink ribbon R1 is pulled to a predetermined length. And attach
The first upper case 33 is covered and attached via the engagement claws 33d and 33e. At this time, a new ink ribbon R1
Are the same type of ink ribbon, the first upper case 33 used so far is used as it is.

When the new ink ribbon R1 is a different type of ink ribbon, the ink ribbon R1 is wound in addition to the delivery core 40 on which the ink ribbon R1 is wound.
A new first upper case 33 provided with the ribbon detection notches 22a to 22c corresponding to the above is prepared. And
The delivery core 40 around which the new ink ribbon R1 is wound is mounted on the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a, and is covered with the new first upper case 33, and is attached via the engagement claws 33d and 33e. In the same manner as in the assembly of the ribbon cassette 10 described above, next, the pulled one end of the new ink ribbon R1 is attached to the winding core 42 with an adhesive (not shown), and the winding core 42 is The second semi-cylindrical portion 32b is mounted on the second semi-cylindrical portion 32b via an engaging claw 34d. In this way, by repeatedly using the cassette case 11 and the cores 40 and 42, it is only necessary to purchase the core around which the new ink ribbon R1 is wound, and the ink ribbons R and R1 can be easily replaced. The running cost can be reduced.

In the above example, the first upper case 33 corresponding to the new different type of ink ribbon R1 is prepared. However, the delivery core 40 wound with the new type of ink ribbon R1 and this A package in which the first upper case 33 provided with the ribbon detection notches 22a to 22c corresponding to the ink ribbon R1 and the first upper case 33 are packed in a binding sheet or the like may be prepared. At this time, one package remains in the first semi-cylindrical portion 32a of the lower case 32, that is, after the delivery core 40 around which the new ink ribbon R1 is wound is attached together with the first upper case, and fitted. Release the binding sheet. By using such a package, when the user replaces the ink ribbons R and R1, it is possible to further facilitate the replacement. The color of the case of the first upper case 33 may be different for each type of the ink ribbon R. Further, by changing the number of the ribbon detection notches 22a to 22c according to the type of the ink ribbon R, it is possible to detect up to seven types of the ink ribbon R. That is, in addition to the heat sublimation transfer and the heat fusion transfer, multi-time, one-time, multi-cover, etc., an ink ribbon R combined with them, and the ribbon detection notches 22a to 22c corresponding to the ink ribbon R are provided. By simply preparing the ribbon cassette provided in the cartridge 22c, the type of the ink ribbon can be detected without using expensive components such as a conventional photosensor.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
Changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0045]

The ribbon cassette according to the present invention described above has a long first cylindrical portion and a long cylindrical shape which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first cylindrical portion. Second
A cassette case comprising a cylindrical portion and a connecting member connecting the first and second cylindrical portions;
A delivery core rotatably housed in the cylindrical portion, a winding core rotatably housed in the second cylindrical portion, and both ends thereof are wound around the delivery core and the winding core, respectively. A wide and long ink ribbon that is wound from the core side to the take-up core side, and a ribbon corresponding to the type of the ink ribbon to be stored in the cassette case is provided on an end surface of the first or second cylindrical portion of the cassette case. By forming the notch for detection, the delivery core and the take-up core are securely positioned, and the notch for ribbon detection close to the end of each positioned core has a simple structure. The type of the ink ribbon can be reliably detected.

Further, an elongated first semi-cylindrical portion, an elongated second semi-cylindrical portion arranged at a predetermined interval from the first semi-cylindrical portion, and A lower case in which a connecting member that connects side end portions of the first and second semi-cylindrical portions is integrated, and a long, semi-cylindrical first upper case attached to the first semi-cylindrical portion; And a second semi-cylindrical upper case attached to the second semi-cylindrical portion to form a cassette case, comprising a first semi-cylindrical portion and a first upper case. A delivery core rotatably provided in the first storage portion, a winding core rotatably provided in the second storage portion including the second semi-cylindrical portion and the second upper case; A wide ink ribbon wound around the winding core and having an end wound around the winding core, wherein at least one of the first and second storage portions is provided. A notch for ribbon detection corresponding to the type of the stored ink ribbon is formed close to the end of the core on the end face of the core so that the type of the ink ribbon can be detected according to the notch for ribbon detection. As a result, the cores of the sending core and the take-up core are reliably positioned, and the type of the ink ribbon is reliably detected by the ribbon detecting notch near the end of each of the positioned cores. I can do it.

The notch for detecting the ribbon is formed on the end face of the first upper case, and is formed together with the ink ribbon.
By replacing the upper case, the user simply replaces the delivery core wound with the desired type of ink ribbon and the first upper case according to his / her preference. The positioning adjustment for detecting the type is not required, the operation can be greatly simplified, and the cost can be reduced because all parts are not replaced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a ribbon cassette according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of a ribbon cassette according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the ribbon cassette according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ribbon cassette according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ribbon cassette according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second upper case is mounted on the ribbon cassette according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a ribbon cassette provided with an ink ribbon wound inward according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a ribbon cassette provided with an ink ribbon wound around the outside according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a mounting portion on which the ribbon cassette shown in FIG. 7 is mounted and an operation state when the ribbon cassette is mounted on the mounting portion.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic explanatory view of a main part showing a detection operation state when the ribbon cassette shown in FIG. 7 is mounted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ribbon cassette 11 Cassette case 12 1st storage part (1st cylindrical part) 13 2nd storage part (2nd cylindrical part) 14 Connecting member 22a, 22b, 22c Notch part for ribbon detection 32 Lower case 32a 1st half Cylindrical portion 32b Second semi-cylindrical portion 33 First upper case 34 Second upper case 40 Sending core 42 Winding core 50 Mounting part (printer) R, R1 Ink ribbon

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C068 AA02 AA06 AA15 EE03 EE51 EE60 EE63 EE98 FF01 FF12 MM03 MM15 MM17 NN16 NN28

Claims (3)

[Claims] An elongated first cylindrical portion, and an elongated second cylindrical portion arranged at a predetermined distance from the first cylindrical portion.
A cassette case including a cylindrical portion and a connecting member connecting the first and second cylindrical portions; a delivery core rotatably housed in the first cylindrical portion of the cassette case; A winding core rotatably housed, and both ends thereof are wound around the delivery core and the winding core, respectively, and are wide and long to be wound from the delivery core side to the winding core side. A ribbon detection notch portion corresponding to the type of ink ribbon housed in the cassette case is formed on an end surface of the first or second cylindrical portion of the cassette case. Ribbon cassette. 2. An elongated first semi-cylindrical portion, an elongated second semi-cylindrical portion arranged at a predetermined distance from the first semi-cylindrical portion, and A lower case that integrates a connecting member that connects side end portions of the first and second semi-cylindrical portions;
A long, semi-cylindrical first upper case attached to the first semi-cylindrical portion, and a long, semi-cylindrical second semi-cylindrical shape attached to the second semi-cylindrical portion. An upper case, a cassette case, a delivery core rotatably provided in a first storage portion including the first semi-cylindrical portion and the first upper case, and the second half. A take-up core rotatably provided in a second storage portion composed of a cylindrical portion and the second upper case, wound around the delivery core, and an end wound around the take-up core A wide ink ribbon, and at least one end face of the first or second storage section,
A ribbon detection notch corresponding to the type of the stored ink ribbon is formed close to an end of the core, and the type of the ink ribbon can be detected according to the ribbon detection notch. A ribbon cassette characterized by: 3. The notch for detecting a ribbon is formed on an end face of the first upper case, and the first upper case is replaced together with the ink ribbon. The ribbon cassette as described.