JP2005280212A - Ribbon cartridge and printing apparatus including the ribbon cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ribbon cartridge that prevents an ink ribbon from getting twisted or kinked when being loaded. <P>SOLUTION: A hook portion 7 and a support 8 are installed in the ribbon cartridge 1 and a fitting portion 3c is provided in a ribbon guide 3. The hook portion 7 and the support 8 are separably engaged with the fitting portion 3c. After the ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3 are integrated by fitting the hook portion 7 and the support 8 into the engagement portion 3c and the ribbon guide 3 is mounted on the printer, the ribbon cartridge 1 alone is pressed down and loaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ribbon cartridge that contains an ink ribbon and is used by being mounted on a printing apparatus, and also relates to a printing apparatus that is mounted with the ribbon cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some ribbon cartridges that contain an ink ribbon and are attached to a printer have a ribbon guide attached to the portion of the ink ribbon exposed from the accommodating portion. In a ribbon cartridge equipped with such a ribbon guide, when the ribbon guide is mounted on the printer, the ribbon guide is first mounted on the printer and then the ribbon guide is mounted on the printing unit. There is a method in which the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the printer after being mounted on the printing unit. An example in which the former method is adopted is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-90888.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-90888

  However, in the conventional ribbon cartridge, since the ribbon cartridge and the ribbon guide are mounted separately, the ink ribbon may be twisted or twisted during mounting, or the ink ribbon may be pulled out of the housing portion too much. There is a problem. Further, in the apparatus described in the above document, since the ribbon guide is fixed to the ribbon cassette, the ribbon guide is mounted after the fixed state is released.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a ribbon cartridge having a storage portion for storing an ink ribbon and a ribbon guide for guiding an ink ribbon exposed from the storage portion, wherein the ribbon guide is arranged in one direction with respect to the cartridge body. Engagement means for releasably engaging is provided, and the ribbon guide is mounted on the printing apparatus in a state where the cartridge body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engagement means, and then the cartridge body is moved in the one direction. Thus, the cartridge main body is separated from the ribbon guide and is attached to the printing apparatus.

  According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, after the ribbon guide is mounted on the printing apparatus in a state where the cartridge body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engaging means, the cartridge body is only moved in the direction of releasing the engagement. Thus, the engagement with the ribbon guide can be released and the cartridge main body can be mounted on the printing apparatus. Therefore, the ink ribbon on the exposed portion is not moved manually during mounting, and twisting and twisting do not occur. In addition, since the cartridge body only needs to be moved in one direction after the ribbon guide is mounted, the operation is simple and reliable, and the operability is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ribbon cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a ribbon cartridge 1 has a cover 1a and a cartridge case 1b. An accommodating portion for accommodating the ink ribbon 2 is formed in the cartridge case 1b. Arm portions 1c and 1d are formed at both ends of the cartridge case 1b, and the ink ribbon 2 is exposed from the end portions of the arm portions 1c and 1d. A ribbon guide 3 is engaged with the exposed portion of the ink ribbon 2. The ink ribbon 2 is slidably locked inside the ribbon guide 3 by means not shown.

  FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view showing an end portion of the cartridge case. In FIG. 2, a concave portion 1e and a hook portion 1f are formed on the side surface portion 1ba of the cartridge case 1b. A protrusion 1fa that protrudes into the recess 1e is formed at the tip of the hook portion 1f, and holds a post (described later) that enters the recess 1e. The hook portion 1f can be bent left and right. Although not shown, a concave portion 1g and a hook portion 1h are similarly formed on the side surface portion 1bb on the opposite side of the cartridge case 1b.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ribbon cartridge is mounted on the printer. In FIG. 3, ribbon guide brackets 5 and 6 are provided on both side portions of the printer 4 to which the ribbon cartridge 1 is mounted, and receiving portions 5a and 6a and posts 5b and 6b are formed on the ribbon guide brackets 5 and 6, respectively. Has been. The receiving portions 5a and 6a and the posts 5b and 6b are members for hooking and fixing the ribbon cartridge 1, and the ribbon cartridge 1 is fixed to the mounting position by these members as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the ribbon cartridge is mounted. In FIG. 4, a carriage 9 is positioned below the ribbon cartridge 1.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the ribbon cartridge and the ribbon guide. In FIG. 5, a lower plate portion 1bc is formed in the cartridge case 1b, and a hook portion 7 and a support column 8 are erected on the lower plate 1bc. The hook portion 7 is formed in a substantially vertical direction, and a protrusion 7a is formed at the tip portion. As will be described later, the support column 8 guides the ribbon guide 3 when the ribbon guide 3 is engaged. The heights of the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 from the lower plate 1bc are set to δ1, as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the hook portion and the support column.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the ribbon guide. In FIG. 7, the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 are also shown. 5 and 7, a fitting portion 3c having a groove portion 3b therein is formed on the back side of the ribbon guide 3 (on the opposite side of the guide portion 3a of the ink ribbon 2). The groove portion 3b has such a size that the above-described hook portion 7 and the support column 8 can all enter, and the protrusion 7a engages with the end portion of the groove portion 3b when the hook portion 7 enters the groove portion 3b. However, the engagement is such that the hook portion 7 is disengaged by being pushed down.

  The ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3 are integrally engaged with each other in a state where the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 are in the groove portion 3b. That is, the hook part 7, the support | pillar 8, and the fitting part 3c comprise the engaging means of this invention. The attachment position of the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 is a position where the carriage on which the print head is mounted is centered when the printer is turned on.

  On both sides of the ribbon guide 3, fitting holes 3d and 3e and grooves 3f and 3g are formed. As will be described later, the fitting holes 3d and 3e are formed so that posts provided in the printer can enter, and the grooves 3f and 3g are engaged with hooks provided in the printer, so that the ribbon guide 3 is released. To prevent.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state where the ribbon guide and the ribbon cartridge are engaged. In FIG. 8, the hook portion 7 and the column 8 of the ribbon cartridge 1 are engaged with the fitting portion 3 c of the ribbon guide 3. In this state, the vertical center position C1 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 3a of the ribbon guide 3 and the vertical center position C2 of the ink ribbon stored in the ribbon cartridge 1 are shifted in the vertical direction by δ2. Yes. In this state, a gap γ1 is formed between the ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3. As will be described later, the gap γ1 is set to a size that does not interfere with each other when the ribbon cartridge 1 is separated from the ribbon guide 3.

  FIG. 9 is a side view showing a ribbon cartridge mounting portion of the printer. In FIG. 9, the carriage 9 is slidably held by a carriage shaft 10 and a guide rail 11. A print head 12 is mounted on the carriage 9, and posts 13a and 13b and hook portions 14a and 14b are formed. The posts 13a and 13b are respectively formed at positions facing the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e of the ribbon guide 3, and enter the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e when the ribbon guide 3 is mounted. The hook portions 14a and 14b are formed at positions facing the groove portions 3f and 3g of the ribbon guide 3, respectively, and are locked to the groove portions 3f and 3g, respectively, when the ribbon guide 3 is mounted.

  Step portions 13c and 13d are formed below the posts 13a and 13b. The step portions 13c and 13d are for restricting the pushing of the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e, although the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e are pushed when the ribbon guide 3 is mounted. The mounting position of the ribbon guide 3 is positioned at a position where the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e are pushed to the step portions 13c and 13d.

  The ribbon guide bracket 6 is formed with the receiving portion 6a and the post 6b as described above. The distance L2 from the center of the post 6b to the post 13a on the carriage 9 is equal to the distance L1 from the center of the recess 1e shown in FIG. 8 to the fitting hole 3d (L1 = L2). Of course, the same applies to the opposite side.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. Here, the operation of mounting the ribbon cartridge 1 on the printer will be described. First, the ribbon guide 3 is engaged with the ribbon cartridge 1. That is, first, the fitting portion 3c of the ribbon guide 3 is engaged with the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 of the ribbon cartridge 1 to obtain the state shown in FIG. Next, the integrated ribbon cartridge 1 and ribbon guide 3 are mounted on the printer 4. In this case, the ribbon guide 3 is mounted on the carriage 9.

  The ribbon guide 3 is pushed down so that the posts 13a and 13b on the carriage 9 enter the fitting holes 3d and 3e of the ribbon guide 3. When the fitting hole portions 3d and 3e are pushed down to the step portions 13c and 13d, the groove portions 3f and 3g of the ribbon guide 3 are engaged with the hook portions 14a and 14b on the carriage 9. This state is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the operation of the first embodiment.

  In this state, as described above, the vertical center position C1 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 3a of the ribbon guide 3 and the vertical center position C2 of the ink ribbon accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 1 are only δ2. It is displaced in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the posts 5 b and 6 b on the ribbon guide brackets 5 and 6 have not yet entered the recesses 1 e and 1 g of the ribbon cartridge 1.

  From this state, only the main body of the ribbon cartridge 1 is pushed down. The ribbon cartridge body 1 is pushed down by a distance δ2, and when it is pushed down by this distance, it is positioned by a stopper (not shown). In this state, the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 of the ribbon cartridge 1 have come out of the fitting portion 3c of the ribbon guide 3 as shown in FIG. That is, the movement amount δ2 is set to a value larger than the height δ1 of the hook portion 7 and the support column 8 shown in FIG. 6 (δ2> δ1). FIG. 11 is a side view showing the operation of the first embodiment.

  When the ribbon cartridge main body 1 is pushed down by the distance δ2, the engagement state between the ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3 is released, and the center position C1 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 3a of the ribbon guide 3 in the vertical direction; The center position C2 in the vertical direction of the ink ribbon accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 1 is on the same plane. The posts 5b and 6b on the ribbon guide brackets 5 and 6 enter the recesses 1e and 1g of the ribbon cartridge 1 to fix the ribbon cartridge 1.

  Thus, the ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3 are completely mounted. When the ribbon cartridge 1 is pushed down to be separated from the ribbon guide 3 after the ribbon guide 3 is mounted, the ribbon cartridge 1 and the ribbon guide 3 are interposed. Since there is a gap γ1, the ribbon cartridge 1 is separated without contacting the ribbon guide 3.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, with the cartridge main body 1 and the ribbon guide 3 engaged, the ribbon guide 3 is first mounted on the carriage 9 and then the cartridge main body 1 is pushed down to lower the ribbon. Since the cartridge main body 1 is mounted on the printer while being separated from the guide 3, the ink ribbon 2 at the exposed portion is not moved manually during mounting, and twisting or twisting does not occur. Further, as the operation at the time of mounting, it is only necessary to push down the cartridge body 1 after mounting the ribbon guide 3, so that the operation is simple and reliable and the operability is improved.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a ribbon cartridge according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the ribbon cartridge 16 of the second embodiment is provided with a fitting portion 16a, and a fitting hole 17 and a storage hole 18 are formed in the fitting portion 16a. The fitting portion 16a is provided at a position where the carriage on which the print head is mounted is centered when the printer is turned on.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a ribbon guide according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, the ribbon guide 15 is provided with a guide portion 15a, fitting hole portions 15b and 15c and groove portions 15d and 15e, respectively, as in the first embodiment (the groove portion 15d is not visible in the figure). An upper plate 15f is formed on the opposite side of the guide portion 15a, and hook portions 15g and 15h and a column 15i are formed downward on the lower side of the upper plate 15f. Protrusions 15j and 15k are formed at the tip portions of the hook portions 15g and 15h, respectively. The heights of the hook portions 15g and 15h and the support column 15i are set to δ3 as shown in FIG. The hook portions 15g and 15h, the support column 15i, and the fitting portion 16a described above constitute the engaging means of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the hook portion and the support column of the second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a side view showing the mounting operation of the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the ribbon cartridge mounting operation will be described here. First, the ribbon guide 15 is engaged with the ribbon cartridge 16. That is, first, the hook portions 15g and 15h and the support column 15i of the ribbon guide 15 are inserted into the fitting hole 17 and the storage hole 18 of the fitting portion 16a of the ribbon cartridge 16 from above to obtain the state shown in FIG. Thus, the ribbon cartridge 16 and the ribbon guide 15 are integrated.

  In the integrated state, as shown in FIG. 15, the vertical center position C3 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 15a of the ribbon guide 15 and the vertical center of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 16 are provided. The position C4 is shifted in the vertical direction by δ2. At this time, a gap δ2 is formed between the ribbon cartridge main body 16 and the upper plate 15f of the ribbon guide 15 and between the ribbon guide 15 main body and the fitting portion 16a of the ribbon cartridge 16. Next, the integrated ribbon cartridge 16 and ribbon guide 15 are mounted on the printer 4.

  Similar to the first embodiment, after the ribbon guide 15 is mounted on the carriage 9, only the ribbon cartridge main body 16 is pushed down. The ribbon cartridge body 16 is pushed down by a distance δ2, and when it is pushed down by this distance, it is positioned by a stopper (not shown). In this state, the hook portions 15 g and 15 h and the support column 15 i of the ribbon guide 15 come out of the fitting portion 16 a of the ribbon cartridge 16. That is, the movement amount δ2 is set to a value larger than the height δ3 of the hook portions 15g and 15h and the support column 15i shown in FIG. 14 (δ2> δ3).

  By pushing down the ribbon cartridge main body 16 by the distance δ2, the engagement state between the ribbon cartridge 16 and the ribbon guide 15 is released, and the vertical center position C3 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 15a of the ribbon guide 15 and the ribbon The vertical center position C4 of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the cartridge 16 is on the same plane. As in the first embodiment, the post on the ribbon guide bracket enters the recess 16b of the ribbon cartridge 16, and the ribbon cartridge 16 is fixed.

  As described above, the second embodiment can provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition to this, there are the following effects. In the first embodiment, the ribbon cartridge is provided with a hook portion and a column for integrating the ribbon guide. However, since these hook portion and column are exposed to the outside, carelessness is required when attaching to the printer. There is a risk that these hooks and the support will be damaged. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the hook portion and the support column are provided on the ribbon guide and are provided downward, the possibility of damage is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to repeat the mounting of the ribbon cartridge with peace of mind.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a ribbon cartridge according to the third embodiment, FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views showing the main parts of the third embodiment, and FIG. 19 is the third embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part. In these drawings, the ribbon cartridge 19 of the third embodiment is provided with an engaging portion 21 for engagement with a ribbon guide 20 in a cartridge case 19a. Reference numeral 19b denotes a cartridge cover.

  A step portion 19e is provided in the cartridge case 19a, and spring hook portions 19c and 19d and a groove portion 19k are formed in the step portion 19e. Both end portions of the wire spring 22 are locked to the spring hook portions 19c and 19d. The slide table 23 is movably engaged with the groove 19k. A step portion 19f is formed on the side wall of the cartridge case 19a, a recessed space 19g is formed outside the step portion 19f, and a through hole 19h is formed below the step portion 19f.

  On the upper surface of the slide table 23, a spring hook portion 23a and a hook portion 23b are planted. The center portion of the wire spring 22 is locked to the spring hook portion 23a. A circular convex portion 23c is formed on the upper portion of the hook portion 23b. Latch portions 23d and 23e and limiter portions 23f and 23g are provided on both sides of the slide table 23, respectively. The latch portions 23d and 23e are formed with protrusions at the front end portions (lower end portions). Further, a handle 23h is formed in the lower part of the slide table 23.

  The slide table 23 can enter the recessed space 19h, and the latch portions 23d and 23e and the limiter portions 23f and 23g are movably fitted in the groove portions 19k of the step portion 19e. In this state, the hook portion 23b is located outside the step portion 19f. The center part of the wire spring 22 is hooked on the spring hook part 23a, and both end parts are hooked on the spring hook parts 19c and 19d, thereby urging the slide table 23 in the arrow direction shown in FIG. The slide table 23 is restricted from moving when the limiter portions 23f and 23g abut against the end of the groove portion 19k. At this time, the hook portion 23b is in the recess space 19g.

  Convex portions 19i and 19j are provided on the outer side of the cartridge case 19a and on the lower portions on both sides of the step portion 19f. The convex portions 19i and 19j are set to a predetermined height δ4 and to a predetermined width γ3.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the main part of the ribbon guide of the third embodiment. 16 and 20, contact surfaces 20a and 20b, a fitting hole 20c, and a notch 20d are formed on the back surface of the ribbon guide 20, respectively. The contact surfaces 20a and 20b are provided at positions facing the above-described convex portions 19i and 19j, respectively, and form a gap γ3 between the ribbon cartridge 19 and the ribbon guide 20 by contacting the convex portions 19i and 19j. .

  The fitting hole 20c is a hole for the convex part 23c formed in the hook part 23b of the slide table 23 to enter. The distance from the notch 20d to the apex of the fitting hole 20c is set to a predetermined distance δ4. A space is formed inside the back surface portion 20e of the ribbon guide 20 where the fitting hole 20c is formed so that the hook portion 23b of the slide table 23 can enter. The fitting hole 20c, the slide table 23, the hook part 23b, and the convex part 23c constitute the engaging means of the present invention. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. 21, FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the third embodiment. Here again, the operation of mounting the ribbon cartridge 19 in the printer will be described. First, the ribbon guide 20 is engaged with the ribbon cartridge 19. With the slide table 23 mounted on the step portion 19e, the slide table 23 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 22, and the hook portion 23b is moved outside the recessed space 19g.

  In this state, the back surface portion 20e of the ribbon guide 20 is inserted between the hook portion 23b and the outer wall of the cartridge case 19a from above. When inserted to a predetermined position, the convex portion 23c of the hook portion 23b is fitted into the fitting hole 20c of the back surface portion 20e. When the slide table 23 is released in this state, the wire spring 22 urges the slide table 23 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 17, and the contact surfaces 20a and 20b of the ribbon guide 20 are moved as shown in FIGS. It will be in the state contact | abutted to the convex parts 19i and 19j. Thereby, the ribbon cartridge 19 and the ribbon guide 20 are integrated.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, the vertical center position C5 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 20f of the ribbon guide 20 and the vertical center position C6 of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 19 are as follows. The distance is shifted by δ5. Here, the height of the convex portions 19i and 19j of the ribbon cartridge 19 and the distance from the notch 20d of the ribbon guide 20 to the apex of the fitting hole 20c are both set to δ4. The dimensional relationship with δ5 is set so that δ4 <δ5. Note that the heights of the convex portions 19i and 19j of the ribbon cartridge 19 and the distance from the notch portion 20d of the ribbon guide 20 to the apex of the fitting hole 20c are not necessarily the same. In this state, a gap γ3 is formed between the ribbon cartridge body 19 and the ribbon guide 20.

  Next, the ribbon guide 20 integrated with the ribbon cartridge 19 is attached to the printer 4. As in the first embodiment, after the ribbon guide 20 is mounted on the carriage 9, only the ribbon cartridge main body 19 is pushed down. When the ribbon cartridge 19 is pushed down, the convex part 23c of the hook part 23b comes out of the fitting hole 20c, and the slide table 23 is also pushed down simultaneously. At this time, the slide table 23 does not float because the latch portions 23d and 23e are engaged with the groove portion 19k. The ribbon cartridge body 19 is pushed down by a distance δ5, and when it is pushed down by this distance δ5, it is positioned by a stopper (not shown).

  When the ribbon cartridge main body 19 is pushed down by the distance δ5, the projection 23c of the slide table 23 moves into the notch 20d of the ribbon guide 20, and the ribbon cartridge 19 is disengaged from the ribbon guide 20. The As a result, the slide table 23 slides in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 23 due to the urging force of the wire spring 22, and the hook portion 23b on the slide table 23 moves into the recess space 19g of the cartridge case 19a as shown in FIG. Get in.

  Further, when the ribbon cartridge body 19 is pushed down by the distance δ5, the vertical center position C5 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 20f of the ribbon guide 20 and the vertical center of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 19 are obtained. Position C6 is on the same plane. As in the first embodiment, the post on the ribbon guide bracket enters the recess of the ribbon cartridge 19, and the ribbon cartridge 19 is fixed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the slide table 23 engaged with the ribbon guide 20 can be stored in the ribbon cartridge 19. In use, the hook portion 23b on the slide table 23 does not injure the finger, and the hook portion 23b is not damaged when the ink ribbon is refilled. Therefore, improvement in operability can be expected.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. 24 and 25 are perspective views showing the main part of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a ribbon guide of the fourth embodiment. In these drawings, the cartridge case 24a of the ribbon cartridge 24 is provided with a recess space 24b, and a rotary lock portion 25 is disposed in the recess space 24b. The lock portion 25 is provided with a hook portion 25a formed in a cut-and-raised shape, and a cylindrical convex portion 25b is formed on the upper portion of the hook portion 25a.

  Protrusions 25c and 25d are formed on both sides of the lock part 25, and the protrusions 25c and 25d are rotatably fitted in holes 24c and 24d formed in the side wall of the cartridge case 24a. A spring hook portion 25e is formed on the lock portion 25, and a tension spring 26 is stretched between the spring hook portion 25e and the spring hook portion 24e planted in the recess space 24b. .

  As shown in FIG. 25, convex portions 24f and 24g are provided outside the cartridge case 24a at positions adjacent to the concave space 24b. The heights of the protrusions 24f and 24g are set to a predetermined value δ6, and the width is set to a predetermined value γ4.

  Contact surfaces 27b and 27c, a fitting hole 27d, and a notch 27e are formed on the back surface portion 27a of the ribbon guide 27, respectively. The contact surfaces 27b and 27c are provided at positions facing the above-described protrusions 24f and 24g, respectively, and form a gap γ4 between the ribbon cartridge 24 and the ribbon guide 27 by contacting the protrusions 24f and 24g. .

  The fitting hole 27d is a hole for the convex part 25b formed in the hook part 25a of the lock part 25 to enter. The distance from the notch 27e to the apex of the fitting hole 27d is set to a predetermined distance δ6. A space that allows the hook portion 25a of the lock portion 25 to enter is formed inside the back surface portion 27a. The engagement means of the present invention is constituted by the fitting hole 27d, the lock portion 25, the hook portion 25a, the convex portion 25b, and the spring 26. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 are side views showing the operation of the fourth embodiment. Here again, the operation of mounting the ribbon cartridge 24 in the printer will be described. First, the ribbon guide 27 is engaged with the ribbon cartridge 24. In a state where the lock portion 25 is maintained in a horizontal state, the hook portion 25a is located outside the cartridge case 24a. In this state, the back surface portion 27a of the ribbon guide 27 is inserted between the hook portion 25a and the outer wall of the cartridge case 24a from above.

  When inserted to a predetermined position, the convex portion 25b of the hook portion 25a is fitted into the fitting hole 27d of the back surface portion 27a. The contact surfaces 27b and 27c of the ribbon guide 27 are in contact with the convex portions 24f and 24g. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 27, the ribbon cartridge 24 and the ribbon guide 27 are integrated. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27, the vertical center position C7 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 27f of the ribbon guide 27 and the vertical center position C8 of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 24 are as follows. The distance is shifted by δ7. In this state, at least a gap γ4 is formed between the ribbon cartridge body 24 and the ribbon guide 27.

  Here, the height of the convex portions 24f and 24g of the ribbon cartridge 24 and the distance from the notch 27e of the ribbon guide 27 to the apex of the fitting hole 27d are both set to δ6. The dimensional relationship with δ7 is set so that δ6 <δ7. The heights of the convex portions 24f and 24g of the ribbon cartridge 24 and the distance from the notch portion 27e of the ribbon guide 27 to the apex of the fitting hole 27d are not necessarily the same.

  Next, a ribbon guide 27 integrated with the ribbon cartridge 24 is attached to the printer 4. As in the first embodiment, after the ribbon guide 27 is mounted on the carriage 9, only the ribbon cartridge main body 24 is pushed down. At this time, the shape of the convex portion 25b is tapered as shown in FIG. 27 so that the convex portion 25b of the hook portion 25a can be pulled out of the fitting hole 27d. When the ribbon cartridge 24 is pushed down, the convex part 25b of the hook part 25a comes out of the fitting hole 27d, and the lock part 25 is also pushed down simultaneously. The ribbon cartridge body 24 is pushed down by a distance δ7, and when it is pushed down by this distance δ7, it is positioned by a stopper (not shown).

  When the ribbon cartridge body 24 is pushed down by the distance δ7, the convex portion 25b of the lock portion 25 moves into the notch 27e of the ribbon guide 27, and the ribbon cartridge 24 is disengaged from the ribbon guide 27. The As a result, the lock portion 25 is rotated in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 28 by the pulling force of the spring 26, and the entire lock portion 25 enters and is stored in the recessed space 24b of the cartridge case 24a as shown in FIG. The

  Further, when the ribbon cartridge main body 24 is pushed down by the distance δ7, the vertical center position C7 of the ink ribbon 2 in the guide portion 27f of the ribbon guide 27 and the vertical center of the ink ribbon 2 accommodated in the ribbon cartridge 24 are displayed. Position C8 is on the same plane. As in the first embodiment, the post on the ribbon guide bracket enters the recess of the ribbon cartridge 24, and the ribbon cartridge 24 is fixed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the lock portion 25 that engages with the ribbon guide 27 can be stored by rotating. Therefore, it is possible to make a simple structure as compared with the third embodiment.

It is a perspective view which shows the ribbon cartridge of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a notch perspective view which shows the edge part of a cartridge case. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts a ribbon cartridge in a printer. It is a perspective view which shows the state with which the ribbon cartridge was mounted | worn. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a ribbon cartridge and a ribbon guide. It is a side view which shows a hook part and a support | pillar. It is a perspective view which shows a ribbon guide. It is a side view which shows the state which the ribbon guide and the ribbon cartridge engaged. It is a side view which shows the ribbon cartridge mounting part of a printer. It is a side view which shows operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the ribbon cartridge of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the ribbon guide of 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the hook part and support | pillar of 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows mounting | wearing operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a ribbon cartridge according to a third embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of 3rd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the ribbon guide of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the ribbon guide of 4th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows operation | movement of 4th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows operation | movement of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 16, 19, 24 Ribbon cartridge 2 Ink ribbon 3, 15, 20, 27 Ribbon guide 3c Fitting portion 7, 15g, 15h, 23b, 25a Hook portion 8, 15i Post 9 Carriage 12 Print head 16a Fitting portion 23 Slide table 23c, 25b Convex part 20c, 27d Fitting hole 25 Lock part

Claims (13)

In a ribbon cartridge having an accommodating portion for accommodating an ink ribbon and a ribbon guide for guiding an ink ribbon exposed from the accommodating portion,
An engagement means for detachably engaging the ribbon guide with the cartridge body is provided,
A ribbon cartridge, wherein the engagement means is disengaged in conjunction with an operation of mounting the ribbon guide and the cartridge body on a printing apparatus. The ribbon guide is detachable in one direction with respect to the cartridge body,
The ribbon guide is mounted on the printing apparatus in a state where the cartridge body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engaging means, and then the cartridge body is separated from the ribbon guide by moving the cartridge body in the one direction. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, which is attached to a printing apparatus. In a state where the cartridge body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engaging means, the position of the ink ribbon accommodated in the accommodating portion and the position of the ink ribbon engaged with the ribbon guide are shifted in the vertical direction. The position of the ink ribbon accommodated in the accommodating portion and the position of the ink ribbon engaged with the ribbon guide are on the same plane when the cartridge main body is mounted on the printing apparatus. 2. The ribbon cartridge according to 2. Movement from the state in which the ribbon guide is mounted on the printing apparatus with the cartridge main body and the ribbon guide being engaged by the engaging means until the cartridge main body is moved and the cartridge main body is separated from the ribbon guide. The amount is the difference between the position of the ink ribbon accommodated in the accommodating portion and the position of the ink ribbon engaged with the ribbon guide when the cartridge body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engaging means. 4. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 3, which is smaller than the amount. 3. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a gap is formed along the one direction between the cartridge main body and the ribbon guide in a state where the cartridge main body and the ribbon guide are engaged by the engaging means. . The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that guides the ribbon guide when the ribbon guide is attached to a printing apparatus. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion positions the ribbon guide with respect to a printing apparatus when the ribbon guide is mounted. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the engaging means includes a protruding member and a fitting hole. The engaging means includes a first engaging portion formed on the cartridge main body side and a second engaging portion formed on the ribbon guide side, and the first engaging portion is the cartridge main body. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a storage portion that is stored after being separated from the ribbon guide. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the first engagement portion is automatically stored in the storage portion after the cartridge body is separated from the ribbon guide. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first engagement portion moves linearly and is stored in the storage portion. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first engagement portion is rotationally moved and stored in the storage portion. A printing apparatus comprising the ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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