JP2007176183A - Ink film reel and ink film securing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink film reel and an ink film securing device which can improve the workability when changing the ink film and miniaturize the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A first support 46 with a turning part 45 generating a retarding force for the rotation is loaded to the axial one end 44 of a feeding reel 43 by which an ink film 42 is wound, a bearing 61 is prepared to the axial other end 47 of the feeding reel 43 evacuating from an end surface 60, and a second support 48 supporting this bearing 61 freely rotatably is loaded there. A third support 51 carrying out a rotation drive in the winding direction A1 is loaded to the axial one end 50 of a winding reel 49, and a fourth support 53 supporting this axial other end 52 freely rotatably is loaded to the axial other end 52. The first and third supports 46 and 51 are attached detachably to a first side plate 54, the second and fourth supports 48 and 53 are fixed to a second side plate 55. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink film reel and an ink film holding device which can be suitably implemented in a communication device having an image printing function such as a facsimile, a printer, and a copying machine, and a line printing type thermal transfer printing device mounted in an information processing device. .

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an ink film holding device 1 having a conventional ink film reel. The holding device 1 includes a supply reel 3 that is an ink film reel on which the ink film 2 is wound, a first support 4 that is attached to one end in the axial direction of the supply reel 3, and the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel 3. A second support 5 mounted on the take-up reel, a take-up reel 6 which is arranged in parallel with the supply reel 3 and takes up the ink film 2 unwound from the supply reel 3, and the axial direction of the take-up reel 6 A third support 7 attached to one end, a fourth support 8 attached to the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel 6, and a winding direction A in which the third support 7 is predetermined around the axis. And a rotational drive source 9 for rotationally driving.

  The first support 4 is fixed to a cylindrical portion 11 having a right cylindrical shape, an annular flange 12 fixed to an intermediate portion between both axial ends of the cylindrical portion 11, and one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 11. And a gear 13. The second support 5 includes a cylindrical portion 15 having a right cylindrical shape and an annular flange 16 fixed to an intermediate portion between both end portions in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 15. The third support 7 includes a cylindrical portion 18 having a right cylindrical shape and an annular flange 19 fixed to an intermediate portion between both end portions in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 18. The fourth support 8 is fixed to a cylindrical portion 21 having a right cylindrical shape, an annular flange 22 fixed to an intermediate portion between both axial ends of the cylindrical portion 21, and one axial end of the cylindrical portion 21. And a gear 23.

  The gear 23 (not shown) of the rotational drive source 9 is meshed with the gear 23 of the fourth support 8, and the take-up reel 6 is rotated in the take-up direction A in synchronization with the printing speed and pulled out from the supply reel 3. The transferred ink film 2 can be wound up. Further, a gear 35 of a back tension mechanism (not shown) meshes with the gear 13 of the first support 4 to give a constant tension to the ink film 2 during printing, thereby preventing sagging and wrinkles of the ink film 2. .

  The supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 6 are arranged in parallel with a space between each other, and side plates 25 and 26 are provided on both sides of the supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 6 in the respective axial directions. Arranged vertically. The side plates 25 and 26 are formed with substantially U-shaped notches 27 to 30 opened upward (upward in FIG. 8). Respective cylinder parts 11, 15, 18, and 21 of the first to fourth supporters 4, 5, 7, and 8 are detachably fitted in the notches 27 to 30, respectively.

  The portions projecting inwardly from the inner surfaces 31, 32 facing each other from the side plates 25, 26 of the cylindrical portions 11, 15, 18, 21 are both axial ends of the supply reel 3 and the take-up reel 6. Fit into. In this state, the flanges 12, 16, 19, and 22 of the first to fourth support tools 4, 5, 7, and 8 are supported by the outer surfaces 34 and 35 that face the outside of the side plates 25 and 26, respectively. The second support tools 4 and 5 form a common axis with the supply reel 3 and rotatably support the supply reel 3 around which the ink film 2 is wound. The third and fourth support tools 7 and 8 are wound around the supply reel 3. The take-up reel 6 around which the ink film 2 is wound is rotatably supported by forming a common axis with the take-up reel.

  Such a holding device 1 is mounted on a line printing type thermal transfer printing device equipped in a communication device having a printing function such as a facsimile and an information processing device such as a printer and a copying machine.

  Another conventional technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this conventional technique, two side plates, a supply reel on which an ink film is wound, a take-up reel for winding up an ink film guided from the supply reel, and both axial ends of the supply reel and the take-up reel, respectively. There are four support tools to be mounted, and two side plates for holding the support tools mounted at both axial ends of the supply reel and the take-up reel, and the support tools are opposed to each other. Provided on the inner surface side, each support tool has an integrated structure that does not protrude from the outer surface of each side plate, thereby reducing the size of the holding device and facilitating the ink film replacement operation. Yes.

  Still another conventional technique is disclosed in Patent Document 2. In this conventional technique, two side plates, a supply reel on which an ink film is wound, a take-up reel that winds up an ink film guided from the supply reel, and both axial ends of the supply reel and the take-up reel are mounted. Four support tools and two side plates for holding the support tools mounted at both axial ends of the supply reel and the take-up reel, and arranged on one side of the four support tools. Two support devices with gears are attached to one side plate so that the one side plate is sandwiched between the one side plate by a gear and a flange, so that only the respective support devices attached to the other side plate can be attached when replacing the ink film. It is configured so that it can be attached and detached to facilitate the removal and attachment of the supply reel and the take-up reel.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-208049 JP-A-11-208050

  In the prior art shown in FIG. 8 above, the first to fourth support members are provided for a total of four locations at both ends in the axial direction of the supply reel 3 and both ends in the axial direction of the take-up reel 6 when replacing the ink film. 4, 5, 7, and 8 must be removed and attached, which requires time and labor, and there is a problem that the workability of ink film replacement is poor. Further, in this conventional technique, the rotation drive source 9 is provided as a mechanism for applying the back tension to the apparatus main body in order to apply the back tension to the first support on the supply reel side, so that the number of parts is large. There is a problem that the apparatus becomes large because the occupied space in the apparatus main body becomes large.

  Further, in the conventional technique shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since each side plate is provided with a support member to form an integrated structure, when the ink film is replaced, the supply reel and the take-up reel are arranged at one end in the axial direction. Each support tool to be mounted and each support tool provided on the other end side in the axial direction of the supply reel and the take-up reel are respectively attached to the side plate and removed from the supply reel and the take-up reel. It is necessary to perform attachment work. In these work, the side plate and the support must be gripped at the same time with one hand, so that the operability is poor, and there is a problem that it takes time to replace the ink film. Also in this conventional technique, the back tension mechanism needs to be provided in the apparatus main body as in the conventional technique of FIG. 8 described above, so that the number of parts is large and the occupied space in the apparatus main body becomes large. Has the problem of becoming larger.

  Furthermore, in the conventional technique shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, two support members mounted on one end in the axial direction of the supply reel and the take-up reel are provided on one side plate. The support members on one side arranged on the one end side in the axial direction need not be detached from the supply reel and the take-up reel and need not be attached, but these support tools are loosely tiltable with respect to the side plate. Therefore, when mounting, maintain the state that the direction of each axial end of the supply reel and take-up reel is accurately positioned with respect to each support that is not fixedly attached to the side plate. However, there is a problem that the operability is poor and it takes time to replace the ink film. Also in this conventional technique, since it is necessary to provide a back tension mechanism in the apparatus main body as in the conventional techniques shown in FIG. 8 and Patent Document 1, the number of parts is large, There is a problem that the apparatus becomes large because the occupied space becomes large.

  Further, in each of the conventional techniques shown in FIG. 8 and Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the supply reel and the take-up reel are substantially cylindrical cylinders, and each support is provided with the supply tool. Cylindrical fitting portions that fit into both axial ends of the reel and the take-up reel, flanges that contact each end surface of the supply reel and the take-up reel in the axial direction, and bearings supported by the side plates Part.

  Since both ends in the axial direction of the supply reel and the take-up reel are rotatably supported by the side plates by such a support tool, between the end surfaces of the both ends in the axial direction of the supply reel and the side plates and Between each end face of the both ends in the axial direction of the take-up reel and each side plate, there are a flange and a slight gap that allows the supply reel and the take-up reel to rotate. With such a configuration, since the interval on the arrangement of the side plates to the apparatus main body is determined, a space in which the side plates can be arranged at the intervals in the apparatus main body must be secured. There is a problem that cannot be miniaturized.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink film reel and an ink film holding device that can improve workability at the time of ink film replacement and can downsize the apparatus.

The present invention has a right cylindrical reel body around which an ink film is wound, and both axial end portions of the reel body are rotatable around the axis line by a support on an apparatus body that prints using the ink film. In the ink film reel supported by
The other end portion in the axial direction of the reel body is provided in the reel body by being retracted closer to the one end portion in the axial direction than the end face of the other end portion in the axial direction. An ink film reel comprising a bearing portion for rotatably supporting the reel body.

The present invention also includes a supply reel on which the ink film is wound, and a take-up reel that winds up the ink film supplied from the supply reel. Both ends in the axial direction of the take-up reel and the supply reel use the ink film. In an ink film reel that is rotatably supported around the axis by a support tool,
The supply reel is provided with a bearing portion retracted closer to one end in the axial direction than the end face of the other end in the axial direction, and the bearing is supported rotatably around the axis by the tip of the support. The ink film reel is characterized by the above.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that an inner diameter of the supply reel and an inner diameter of the take-up reel are different from each other.

  Further, according to the present invention, the supply reel is rotatably supported at one end in the axial direction thereof by a support member that is mounted on the supply reel and has a rotating portion that generates a braking force against rotation around the axis. It is characterized by that.

  Further, according to the present invention, the supply reel has a rotating portion which is attached to the supply reel and generates a braking force against rotation around the axial line, and has a protrusion on the rotating portion. The support reel is rotatably supported, and a notch into which the protrusion is fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the supply reel.

  Further, according to the present invention, the take-up reel has a first end portion in the axial direction that is spaced apart from a protrusion provided on a rotating portion of a support that supports the other end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel in the circumferential direction. And a second notch into which the second protrusion is fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the take-up reel. .

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the take-up reel is supported by a support provided with a take-up gear for rotationally driving one end of the take-up reel in the take-up direction.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the bearing portion of the supply reel is retracted and provided at a position shorter than the length of the rotating portion inserted into the supply reel.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the supply reel is rotatably supported by a tip portion of a support tool formed in a tapered shape at the bearing portion at the other end in the axial direction.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the supply reel is integrally formed with the bearing portion by a thermoplastic synthetic resin.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that an inner diameter of one end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel is formed larger than an inner diameter of the other end portion in the axial direction.

  Further, the present invention is the ink film holding device, wherein both end portions in the axial direction of the reel body of the ink film reel are supported by support members that are rotatably provided to the device body.

  According to the present invention, the reel body is provided with the bearing portion rotatably supported by the tip end portion of the support tool at the position retracted closer to the one end portion in the axial direction than the end face of the other end portion in the axial direction. The distance between the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the main body and the position where the support of the apparatus main body is provided is the distance that the bearing portion is retracted from the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the reel body toward the one end in the axial direction. It is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body.

  Further, according to the present invention, both ends of the supply reel in the axial direction and both ends of the take-up reel in the axial direction are rotatably supported by the apparatus main body by the support, and rotate around the axis of the supply reel and around the axis of the take-up reel. Is allowed to rotate.

  The other end in the axial direction of the supply reel is provided with a bearing portion that is rotatably supported by the tip of the support tool at a position retracted from the end surface of the other end in the axial direction toward the one end in the axial direction. The rotation axis of the supply reel coincides with the axis of the support so that smooth rotation of the supply reel can be obtained, thereby reducing the occurrence of printing defects due to variations in the tension of the ink film stretched from the supply reel to the take-up reel. The distance between the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the reel body and the position where the support of the apparatus body is provided is retracted from the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the reel body toward the one end in the axial direction. The main body of the apparatus can be reduced in size by reducing the distance.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the inner diameter of the supply reel and the inner diameter of the take-up reel are different from each other, it is possible to prevent erroneous attachment of the support to the supply reel and the take-up reel. It is possible to prevent a mistake in loading the reel into the apparatus main body.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the support having the rotating portion is attached to one end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel, the rotation of the supply reel is braked, and thus the supply reel and the take-up reel are stretched. By applying tension to the ink film to give back tension, the ink film can be prevented from wrinkling and sagging in the region where the ink of the ink film is transferred to the paper, and printing defects such as misalignment and disorder of the printed image can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the support having the rotating portion is attached to one end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel, the rotation of the supply reel is braked, and thus the supply reel and the take-up reel are stretched. By applying tension to the ink film to give back tension, the ink film can be prevented from wrinkling and sagging in the region where the ink of the ink film is transferred to the paper, and printing defects such as misalignment and disorder of the printed image can be prevented. Further, since the protrusion of the rotating portion is fitted into one end of the supply reel in the axial direction, the rotation of the rotating portion can be reliably transmitted to the supply reel, and the occurrence of wrinkles and sagging of the ink film is surely prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the present invention, the second end is different in the circumferential direction from the protrusion provided on the rotating portion of the support that has one axial end of the take-up reel supporting the other axial end of the supply reel. Since the second notch into which the second protrusion is fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the take-up reel, the support tool provided with the protrusion is rotatably supported. Incorrect mounting of the support can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, one end in the axial direction of the take-up reel is supported by the support provided with the take-up gear for rotationally driving in the take-up direction, so that a rotational force is applied to the take-up gear. Rotate the take-up reel in the take-up direction, tension the tension portion of the ink film stretched between the supply reel and the take-up reel in a relaxed state, and remove the ink film before the next printing operation is started. Occurrence of sagging can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the bearing portion of the supply reel is provided to be retracted from the end surface at a position shorter than the length of the rotating portion, it is possible to prevent erroneous mounting of each support tool on both ends in the axial direction of the supply reel. be able to.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the bearing provided at the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel is rotatably supported by the tip of the support formed in a tapered shape, so that the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel is supported. It is easy to mount on the tool, and the mounting work of the supply reel to the apparatus main body when replacing the ink film can be facilitated. Further, since the support tool is tapered, the bearing portion is supported by the tip end portion of the support tool, and thereby the rotation axis of the supply reel is made to coincide with the axis of the support tool, so that the supply reel can be smoothly rotated. As a result, variations in the tension of the ink film stretched from the supply reel to the take-up reel can be prevented, and the occurrence of printing defects can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the supply reel is integrally formed with the bearing portion by the thermoplastic synthetic resin, the replaced ink film reel in which the ink film is used can be reused, and the economic efficiency is improved. Can do.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the inner diameter of the supply reel in the axial direction one end is formed larger than the inner diameter of the other end in the axial direction, thereby preventing erroneous mounting of each support tool at both axial ends of the supply reel. can do.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, both end portions in the axial direction of the reel body are rotatably supported by the apparatus body by the support tool, thereby reducing the occurrence of printing defects due to variations in tension of the stretched ink film. The apparatus main body can be miniaturized.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink film holding device 41 including an ink film reel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows first to fourth support members 46 provided on the first and second side plates 54 and 55. , 48, 51, 53. The ink film holding device 41 according to the present embodiment is fitted into the supply reel 43 around which the ink film 42 is wound and the one end 44 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43, and a braking force is generated against rotation around the axis. A first support 46 that has a rotating portion 45 and is detachably attached to one end 44 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43; and detachably attached to the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43; A second support 48 that rotatably supports the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 around the axis, and a winding that is arranged in parallel with the supply reel 43 and winds up the ink film 42 guided from the supply reel 43. A reel 49, a third support 51 that is detachably attached to one end 50 in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49, and is driven to rotate in a predetermined take-up direction A1, and a shaft of the take-up reel 49 A fourth support member 53, which is detachably attached to the other end portion 52 in the direction and supports the other end portion 52 in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49 so as to be rotatable about the axis, and first and third support members 46, 51. Includes a first side plate 54 that rotatably supports each axis, and a second side plate 55 to which the second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are fixed.

  The supply reel 43 is provided with a bearing portion 61 that is rotatably supported by the second support tool 48 closer to the end portion 44 in the axial direction than the end surface 60 of the other end portion 47 in the axial direction. The second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are formed to project from the inner surface of the second side plate 55 facing the first side plate 54 so as to approach the first side plate 54 in a tapered manner.

  The outer diameter D1 of the second support tool 48 at the mounting completion position of the supply reel 43 is different from the outer diameter D2 of the fourth support tool 53 at the mounting completion position of the take-up reel 49, and the axial direction of the supply reel 43 The inner diameter d1 of the other end 47 and the inner diameter d2 of the other axial end 52 of the take-up reel 49 are the outer diameter D1 at the installation completion position of the supply reel 43 and the installation completion position of the take-up reel 49. It is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter D2. The outer diameter D1 at the mounting completion position of the supply reel 43 of the second support tool 48 is selected to be, for example, 15 mm, and the outer diameter D2 at the mounting completion position of the take-up reel 49 of the fourth support tool 53 is, for example, 13 mm. To be elected.

  The inner diameter d1 of the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 and the inner diameter d2 of the other end 52 in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49 are the outer diameter of the second support 48 at the mounting completion position of the supply reel 43. The inner diameter d1 of the supply reel 43 is selected to be, for example, D1 + 0.1 mm as a dimension slightly larger than the outer diameter D2 of the fourth support member 53 at the mounting completion position of D1 and the take-up reel 49. For example, d2 is selected to be D2 + 0.1 mm.

  The first support 46 is configured to open / close the rotating unit 45, the opening / closing operation unit 57 that is coaxially mounted on the rotating unit 45, and the rotation unit 45 that rotates as the supply reel 43 rotates. There is a back tension spring 58 that is elastically pressed against the portion 57 and applies a braking force to the rotating portion 45 from the opening / closing operation portion 57 in the direction opposite to the rotating direction when the rotating portion 45 rotates. The back tension spring 58 is realized by a compression coil spring and presses the rotating portion 45 against the opening / closing operation portion 57 with a substantially constant spring force to rotate a braking torque in accordance with the spring force. It can act on the part 45.

  The rotating portion 45 includes a right cylindrical cylindrical portion 62 inserted into one axial end portion 44 of the supply reel 43, a flange 63 formed integrally with one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 62, and the cylindrical portion 62. And a single anti-rotation protrusion 64 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface near the flange 63. The outer diameter D3 of the cylindrical portion 62 is equal to the outer diameter D1 at the supply reel mounting completion position of the second support 46 (D3 = D1), and the length L2 is the end surface 60 of the other axial end portion 47 of the supply reel 43. Is selected to be larger than the distance L1 from the bearing portion 61 to prevent erroneous mounting of the first and second support members 46 and 48 on both ends of the supply reel 43 in the axial direction.

  The second support 48 has a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) trapezoidal ribs 59 provided symmetrically with respect to the axis at every 90 °, and is roughly a quadrangular pyramid by integral molding of a thermoplastic synthetic resin. It is formed into a shape. The fourth support member 53 is also configured in the same manner as the second support member 48, and the axes are parallel to each other.

  The third support 51 is a flange formed integrally with a cylindrical portion 66 having a right cylindrical shape inserted into one axial end portion 50 of the take-up reel 49 and an intermediate portion between both axial end portions of the cylindrical portion 66. 67, a winding gear 68 formed integrally at one end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 66, and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 66 near the flange 63 project outward in the radial direction, with a gap in the circumferential direction. And a plurality of anti-rotation protrusions 69 (2 in this embodiment). The outer diameter D4 of the cylindrical portion 66 is selected to be equal to the outer diameter D2 (D4 = D2) at the completion position of the take-up reel of the fourth support member 53 (D4 = D2), and the take-up reels of the third and fourth support members 51 and 53 are selected. 49 is prevented from being erroneously attached to both ends in the axial direction.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49. The supply reel 43 includes a substantially straight cylindrical supply reel main body 71 and the bearing 61 provided integrally at the other axial end of the supply reel main body 71, and is made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin. Realized by injection molding. One notch 73 cut from the end surface 72 toward the other end 47 in the axial direction is formed in the one end 44 in the axial direction of the supply reel main body 71. The notch 73 is configured so that the anti-rotation protrusion 64 of the first support member 46 is fitted therein so that the rotation of the rotating portion 45 can be reliably transmitted.

  The take-up reel 49 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is realized by a paper-molded product called a thermoplastic synthetic resin injection-molded product or a cigarette. Two notches 75 cut from the end surface 74 to the other end 52 in the axial direction are formed at one end 50 in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49 at intervals in the circumferential direction. Two notch projections 69 of the third support tool 51 are fitted into these notches 75, and the rotation of the third support tool 51 in the winding direction A1 can be reliably transmitted. ing.

  4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of the first support tool 46, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the first support tool 46 as viewed from the right side of FIG. As described above, the first support 46 includes the rotating portion 45, the opening / closing operation portion 57, and the back tension spring 58. The rotation unit 45 and the opening / closing operation unit 57 are formed by injection molding of a sliding grade material such as a thermoplastic resin, for example, polyoxymethlene (abbreviated as POM). The opening / closing operation unit 57 includes a pinion 78 having a plurality of teeth formed on the outer peripheral portion, and a stud 79 that is integrally formed coaxially with the pinion 78.

  The stud 79 has a straight cylindrical large diameter shaft portion 81 that protrudes perpendicularly from the other surface of the flange 78a integrally formed with a pinion 78 on one surface, and a straight shaft that protrudes coaxially at the tip of the large diameter shaft portion 81. A cylindrical small-diameter shaft portion 82 and a substantially T-shaped spring receiving piece 83 connected to the tip of the small-diameter shaft portion 82 are provided. An annular step surface 84 is formed between the small-diameter shaft portion 82 and the large-diameter shaft portion 81 in a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis. One end portion of the back tension spring 58 mounted on the small diameter shaft portion 82 is fitted and locked to the spring receiving piece 83 to prevent the spring receiving piece 83 from coming off.

  The rotating portion 45 is attached to such a stud 79. As described above, the rotating part 45 includes a cylindrical part 62 having a cylindrical shape, a flange 63 integrally formed at one end of the cylindrical part 62 in the axial direction, and a root of the cylindrical part 62 near the flange 63. And a detent protrusion 64 that protrudes. The cylindrical portion 62 has an annular inward flange 85 that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  The inward flange 85 is arranged on the free end side of the step surface 84, that is, on the right side in FIG. 4 in a state where the cylindrical portion 62 is mounted on the stud 79. The other end of the back tension spring 58 is elastically contacted and supported by the inward flange 85, and the cylindrical portion 62 is pressed in a direction close to the pinion 78 with a substantially constant pressing force. As a result, the flange 63 is resiliently pressed against the annular sliding surface 86 of the pinion 78.

  Therefore, when the rotation portion 45 rotates around its axis while the rotation of the opening / closing operation portion 57 is blocked, the rotation direction of the flange 63 of the rotation portion 45 is changed by the sliding friction with the sliding surface 86. In the reverse direction, a braking torque acts on the ink film 42 to give a back tension (= tensile force) to the ink film 42, thereby preventing wrinkles and sagging. In the present embodiment, as an example, the back tension of the ink film 42 is selected from 60 gf · cm to 250 gf · cm, and preferably 160 gf · cm ± 30 gf · cm.

  The magnitude of such back tension can be adjusted by selecting the spring force of the back tension spring 58, but the material or sliding grade of the pinion 78 and the flange 63 can be changed to change the sliding surface 86 and The dynamic friction coefficient of the opposing surface 63a of the flange 63 may be changed, and further, the contact area between the two may be changed so that the optimum back tension is applied to the ink film 42.

  FIG. 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 91 on which the ink film holding device 41 is mounted, and FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view for explaining the configuration of the ink film detection unit 92 of the printing apparatus 91. The ink film holding device 41 described above is mounted on a printing device 91 that is realized as a line printing type thermal transfer printing device mounted on a communication device and an information processing device having an image printing function such as a facsimile, a printer, and a copying machine. The

  This printing apparatus 91 has an apparatus main body 94 and a swing lever 96 which is an engagement member that is connected to the opening 95 in the opening direction B1 and the closing direction B2 so as to be angularly displaceable by a pin 93 provided at the base end. And a lid 97 that covers at least the apparatus main body 94 including an area in which the first support 46 is accommodated.

  The swing lever 96 of the lid body 97 is interlocked with the opening / closing operation to rotate the rotating portion 45 of the first support tool 46 in a predetermined ink film feeding direction A2 when opened, and to rotate the first support tool 46 when closed. A rack 98 is provided for rotating the portion 45 in the winding direction A1 opposite to the feeding direction A2. The rack 98 meshes with the pinion 78 of the first support 46, and the rotation of the pinion 78 is brought into contact with the cylindrical portion 62 via the flange 63 pressed against the sliding surface 86 by the spring force of the back tension spring 58. The supply reel 43 can be rotated in the feeding direction A2 when the lid 97 is opened to relax the ink film 42, and can be rotated in the winding direction A1 when closed to tension the ink film 42.

  The apparatus main body 94 has a main body case 100. The main body case 100 is opened upward in which a supply reel accommodating space 101 in which the supply reel 43 around which the ink film 42 is wound is accommodated and a take-up reel 49 in which the ink film 42 is wound is accommodated. It has a take-up reel accommodating space 102 and a print head accommodating space 104 in which a print head 103 disposed between the accommodating spaces 101 and 102 is accommodated. The ink film detection unit 92 is provided in the internal space 105 in the main body case 100. The lid body 97 has a pressing roller 106 that presses the ink film 42 stretched between the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 together with paper (not shown) so as to come into contact with the print head 103 with an appropriate contact pressure when closed. Provided.

  The ink film detection unit 92 is a detection lever 109 that elastically protrudes further upward from an opening 108 of a rising portion 107 that rises upward between the print head accommodation space 104 and the supply reel accommodation space 101 of the main body case 100. Is provided. The detection lever 109 slightly abuts from below on the stretched portion of the ink film 42 stretched between the guide pin 110 provided on the apparatus main body 94 and the supply reel 43 on the rising portion 107. As indicated by reference numerals 112max and 112min, when pushed down from the maximum winding state to the minimum winding state, the switching mode is changed from on to off or from off to on, and the lid body 97 is closed. It is configured so that it can be detected that the ink film 42 is in tension.

  According to the ink film holding device 41 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the first support 46 is attached to the one axial end 44 of the supply reel 43, and the first support 47 is attached to the other axial end 47. 2 A support 48 is attached. A third support 51 is attached to one end 50 in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49, and a fourth support 53 is attached to the other end 52 in the axial direction. The first and third support tools 46 and 51 are supported by the first side plate 54 so as to be rotatable around each axis, and the second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are fixed to the second side plate 55.

  When the third support 51 is rotationally driven in the winding direction A1, the rotation is transmitted to the take-up reel 49, and the ink film 42 guided from the supply reel 43 is taken up. 43 follows and rotates. At this time, the rotating portion 45 of the first support 46 rotates in conjunction with the supply reel 43, and this rotating portion 45 is configured such that a braking force is exerted by the back tension spring 58 against the rotation. Therefore, the rotation of the supply reel 43 is braked, whereby a tension is generated in the ink film 42 stretched between the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 to give a so-called back tension, and the ink of the ink film 42 is Can prevent wrinkles and sagging of the ink film 42 in the area where the ink is transferred to the paper, and prevent printing defects such as misalignment and disorder of the printed image.

  Since such back tension is realized by the first support 46, a back tension mechanism for braking the rotation of the supply reel 43 is provided on the apparatus main body 94 of the printing apparatus 91 on which the holding device 41 is mounted. Therefore, the apparatus main body 94 is not occupied by the back tension mechanism, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. Further, when the ink film 42 is replaced, the second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are fixed to the second side plate 55, so that the second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are separated from each other. Thus, the attaching / detaching operation between the other axial end portion 47 of the supply reel 43 and the second support tool 48 and the attaching / detaching operation between the other axial end portion 52 of the take-up reel 49 and the fourth support tool 53 are simplified. The exchange work of 42 becomes easy and workability | operativity is improved.

  In addition, since the other end portion 47 in the axial direction supported by the second support tool 48 of the supply reel 43 is formed with a bearing portion 61 closer to the one end portion 44 in the axial direction than the other end portion 47 in the axial direction. The bearing 61 is retracted closer to the one end 44 in the axial direction than the end surface 60 of the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43, so that the second support 48 is in the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43. The other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 is supported in a state of being fitted inside. As a result, the distance between the end surface 60 of the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 and the second side plate 55 on which the second support 48 is provided, and the end surface of the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 on the bearing 61. The distance ΔL (see FIG. 1) retracted from the end 60 toward the axial direction one end portion 44 is reduced, the first and second side plates 54 and 55 are brought close to each other, and the occupied space of the holding device 41 is reduced. The printing apparatus 91 on which the printer 41 is mounted can be downsized.

  Further, since the second support 48 is tapered toward the first side plate 54 as described above, the other end 47 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 can be easily attached to the second support 48 and the ink film can be replaced. The mounting operation of the supply reel 43 at the time is facilitated. Further, since the second support 47 is tapered, the bearing portion 61 is supported by the tip of the second support 48, whereby the rotation axis of the supply reel 43 becomes the axis of the second support 48. In this way, smooth rotation of the supply reel 43 is obtained, variation in tension of the ink film 42 stretched from the supply reel 43 to the take-up reel 49 can be prevented, and occurrence of printing defects can be reduced.

  Further, since the fourth support member 53 is formed in a tapered shape like the second support member 48, the other axial end 52 of the take-up reel 49 can be easily attached to the fourth support member 53, and the ink film is replaced. The operation of mounting the take-up reel 49 is facilitated.

  Further, the outer diameter D1 of the second support tool 48 at the mounting completion position of the supply reel 43 is different from the outer diameter D2 of the fourth support tool 53 at the mounting completion position of the take-up reel 49. The inner diameter d1 of the end portion 47 and the inner diameter d2 of the other axial end portion 47 of the take-up reel 49 are the outer diameter D1 at the installation completion position of the supply reel 43 and the outer diameter at the installation completion position of the take-up reel 49. Since each is formed slightly larger than the diameter D2, even if it is attempted to mount the supply reel 43 to the fourth support 53 and to mount the take-up reel 49 to the second support 48, the insertion is impossible. Even if it can be inserted, it is in a loosely fitted state, so that it is possible for the operator to easily recognize that it is erroneously mounted, and to prevent the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 from being loaded incorrectly.

  Furthermore, since the second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 are fixed to the second side plate 55 as described above, the second and fourth support tools 48 with respect to the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 when the ink film is replaced. , 53 is omitted, so that the number of parts to be attached to or removed from the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 at the time of ink film replacement can be reduced, the work is simplified, and the ink film replacement work is performed. Is improved.

  Furthermore, since a rack 98 as an engaging member is provided on the lid body 97 of the printing apparatus 91, the rotating portion 45 of the first support member 46 is moved in the feeding direction A2 by opening the lid body 97 when replacing the ink film. The stretched portion 111 of the ink film 42 that is rotated and stretched between the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 can be relaxed. When the replacement of the ink film 42 is completed and the lid body 97 is closed, the rotating portion 45 of the first support 46 is rotated in the winding direction A1 by the rack 98 and is loosened between the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49. The tension portion 111 of the ink film 42 that is stretched in the state can be tensioned to prevent wrinkles or slack in the ink film 42 before the next printing operation is started.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter d3 of the one end 44 in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 is larger than the inner diameter d1 of the other end 47 in the axial direction (d3> d1). The first and second support members 46 and 48 may be configured to be prevented from being erroneously attached to the portions 44 and 47.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, the first and third supports 46 and 51 are attached to the first side plate 54, and the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel are attached to the first and third supports 46 and 51. For example, 49 axial end portions 44 and 50 may be attached to form a unit. As a result, the ink film can be replaced easily and quickly.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration in which the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 are attached to the first side plate 54 via the first and third supports 46 and 51, a second The second and fourth support tools 48 and 53 fixed to the side plate 55 may be attached to the other axial end portions 47 and 52 of the supply reel 43 and the take-up reel 49 to be unitized. As a result, the ink film can be replaced more easily and quickly.

The following embodiments are possible for the present invention.
(1) a supply reel on which the ink film is wound;
A first fitting portion that fits into one end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel and that generates a braking force against rotation around the axis, and is detachably attached to one end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel. A support,
A second support that is detachably attached to the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel, and rotatably supports the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel around the axis;
A take-up reel that is arranged in parallel with the supply reel and winds up an ink film guided from the supply reel;
A third support that is detachably attached to one end of the take-up reel in the axial direction and is driven to rotate in a predetermined take-up direction;
A fourth support that is detachably attached to the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel, and that rotatably supports the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel;
A first side plate that rotatably supports the first and third support members about each axis;
And a second side plate to which the second and fourth support members are fixed.

  According to such a configuration, the supply reel and the take-up reel are arranged in parallel between the first and second side plates, and the ink film wound around the supply reel is taken up and collected by the take-up reel. Then, the first and second side plates are replaced with a new supply reel on which a new ink film is wound and a new take-up reel on which no ink film is wound.

  In such an ink film holding device, a first support is attached to one end of the supply reel in the axial direction, and a second support is attached to the other end in the axial direction. A third support is attached to one end in the axial direction of the take-up reel, and a fourth support is attached to the other end in the axial direction. The first and third support tools are supported by the first side plate so as to be rotatable about each axis, and the second and fourth support tools are fixed to the second side plate.

  Accordingly, the rotation of the supply reel around the axis is such that the first support attached to one end in the axial direction is rotatably supported by the first side plate, and the other end in the axial direction is rotatably supported by the second support. Is acceptable. In addition, the rotation of the take-up reel around the axis is supported by the first support plate rotatably on the third support attached to one end in the axial direction, and the other end of the take-up reel is supported rotatably by the fourth support. Is allowed.

  When the third support is rotated in a predetermined winding direction, the rotation is transmitted to the take-up reel, the ink film guided from the supply reel is taken up, and the supply reel is driven by the tension of the ink film. Rotate. At this time, the rotating portion of the first support member rotates in conjunction with the supply reel. Since the rotating portion is configured to act as a braking force against the rotation, the rotation of the supply reel is performed. The tension is applied to the ink film stretched between the supply reel and the take-up reel, thereby applying a so-called back tension to prevent the ink film from wrinkling and sagging in the area where the ink of the ink film is transferred to the paper. It is possible to prevent printing defects such as misalignment and disorder of the printed image.

  Since the braking against the rotation of the supply reel for applying the back tension to the ink film is realized by the first support, the rotation of the supply reel is braked on the apparatus main body of the apparatus on which the holding device is mounted. Therefore, there is no need to provide a back tension mechanism, so that the interior of the apparatus is not occupied by the back tension mechanism, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. Further, when the ink film is replaced, the second and fourth support members are fixed to the second side plate, so that the axial direction of the supply reel and the like are different from those in the case where the second and fourth support members are individually separated. The attachment / detachment operation between the end portion and the second support member and the attachment / detachment operation between the other end portion in the axial direction of the take-up reel and the fourth support member are simplified, the operation at the time of ink film replacement is facilitated, and the workability is improved. .

  (2) The ink film holding device, wherein the supply reel is provided with a bearing portion rotatably supported by the second support tool closer to one end in the axial direction than the other end in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, a bearing portion is formed closer to one end in the axial direction than the other end in the axial direction at the other end in the axial direction supported by the second support of the supply reel. The bearing portion is retracted closer to the one end in the axial direction than the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel, and thus the second support is fitted in the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel. The other end of the supply reel in the axial direction is supported. As a result, the interval between the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel and the second side plate on which the second support is provided is retracted from the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel toward the one end in the axial direction. The second side plate provided with the second support is made closer to the first side plate to reduce the occupied space of the holding device, and the device on which the holding device is mounted can be reduced in size. .

  (3) The ink film holding device, wherein the second support is formed in a tapered shape as it protrudes from the second side plate.

  According to such a configuration, since the second support tool is formed in a tapered shape, it is easy to attach the other axial end of the supply reel to the second support tool, and it is easy to attach the supply reel when replacing the ink film. It becomes. Further, since the second support tool is tapered, the bearing portion is supported by the tip end portion of the second support tool, and thereby the rotation axis of the supply reel is made to coincide with the axis of the second support tool, thereby smoothly Thus, the rotation of the supply reel can be obtained, variation in the tension of the ink film stretched from the supply reel to the take-up reel can be prevented, and the occurrence of printing defects can be reduced.

  (4) The ink film holding device, wherein the fourth support is formed in a tapered shape as it protrudes from the second side plate.

  According to such a configuration, since the fourth support tool is formed in a tapered shape, the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel can be easily attached to the fourth support tool, and the take-up reel is attached when the ink film is replaced. Is facilitated.

  (5) The outer diameter of the supply reel of the second support tool at the mounting completion position is different from the outer diameter of the fourth support tool at the mounting completion position of the take-up reel, and the other end of the supply reel in the axial direction is different. The inner diameter and the inner diameter of the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel are formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter at the supply reel installation completion position and the outer diameter at the take-up reel installation completion position. Ink film holding device.

  According to such a configuration, the outer diameter of the supply reel of the second support tool at the mounting completion position is different from the outer diameter of the fourth support tool at the mounting completion position of the take-up reel. And the inner diameter of the other end in the axial direction of the take-up reel are formed slightly larger than the outer diameter at the supply reel installation completion position and the outer diameter at the take-up reel installation completion position. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to attach the supply reel to the fourth support member or an attempt to attach the take-up reel to the second support member, the insertion is impossible, or even if it can be inserted, it is in a loosely fitted state. It is possible to easily recognize that it is erroneously installed by a person and to prevent a mistake in loading the supply reel and the take-up reel.

  (6) The ink film holding device, wherein the second side plate is fixed to a device body of a device that prints using the ink film.

  According to such a configuration, the work for attaching and detaching the second and fourth supports to the supply reel and the take-up reel when the ink film is replaced is omitted, and thus the attachment to the supply reel and the take-up reel is performed when the ink film is replaced. However, the number of parts to be extracted can be reduced, the operation is simplified, and the workability of the ink film replacement operation is improved.

  (7) The device main body is provided with a lid that covers at least an area in which the first support is accommodated, and the lid can be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid. An ink film holding device comprising: an engaging member that rotates a rotating portion of one support tool in a predetermined ink film feeding direction and rotates the rotating portion of the first support device in the predetermined winding direction when closed. apparatus.

  According to such a configuration, since the engaging member is provided on the lid, the rotating portion of the first support member is rotated in the feeding direction by the engaging member by opening the lid when replacing the ink film. The ink film stretched between the supply reel and the take-up reel can be relaxed. When the replacement of the ink film is completed and the lid is closed, the rotating portion of the first support portion is rotated in the winding direction by the engaging member, and is stretched between the supply reel and the winding reel in a relaxed state. Prior to starting the next printing operation by tensioning the ink film, it is possible to prevent wrinkling and sagging of the ink film.

  (8) The ink film holding device, wherein the supply reel has an inner diameter at one end in the axial direction larger than an inner diameter at the other end in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, the inner diameter of one end of the supply reel in the axial direction is formed larger than the inner diameter of the other end in the axial direction. Therefore, the first support is attached to the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel. Is impossible, and this prevents mis-installation.

  (9) The ink film holding device, wherein the supply reel and the take-up reel are unitized by being attached to at least the first side plate together with the first and third supports.

  According to such a configuration, since the supply reel and the take-up reel are mounted on the first side plate by the first and third supports to form a unit, the ink film can be replaced easily and quickly.

(10) It has a right cylindrical reel body around which an ink film is wound, and both end portions in the axial direction of the reel body are rotated around the axis line by a support tool on the apparatus body of the apparatus for printing using the ink film. In an ink film reel that is freely supported,
A bearing portion that is retracted closer to the other end in the axial direction than the end face of the one end in the axial direction is supported at the one end in the axial direction of the reel body and is rotatably supported around the axis by the tip end of the support An ink film reel comprising:

  According to such a configuration, a bearing portion is formed closer to one end in the axial direction than the other end in the axial direction at the other end in the axial direction supported by the support for the ink film reel. Is retracted closer to one end in the axial direction than the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the ink reel film reel, and therefore the support of the ink film reel is fitted into the other end in the axial direction of the ink film reel. The other axial end is supported. As a result, the distance between the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the ink film reel and the side plate on which the support is provided is reduced by the distance that the bearing is retracted from the end surface of the other end in the axial direction of the ink film reel toward one end in the axial direction. In addition, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by the holding device by making the side plates provided close to each other close to each other, thereby reducing the size of the device on which the holding device is mounted.

(11) An ink film reel comprising a thermoplastic synthetic resin.
According to such a configuration, since the ink film reel is made of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, the replaced ink film reel in which the ink film is used can be reused, and the economy is improved.

It is sectional drawing which shows the ink film holding | maintenance apparatus 41 provided with the ink film reel of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing first to fourth supporters 46, 48, 51, 53 provided on first and second side plates 54, 55. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing configurations of a supply reel 43 and a take-up reel 49. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of a first support tool 46. It is a front view of the 1st support tool 46 seen from the right side of FIG. FIG. 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a printing device 91 on which an ink film holding device 41 is mounted. 4 is a simplified perspective view for explaining the configuration of an ink film detection unit 92 of the printing apparatus 91. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the ink film holding | maintenance apparatus 1 provided with the ink film reel of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

41 Ink film holding device 42 Ink film 43 Supply reel 43
44 One end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 45 Rotating portion 46 First support tool 47 The other end portion in the axial direction of the supply reel 43 48 Second support tool 49 Take-up reel 50 One end portion in the axial direction of the take-up reel 49 51 Third Support tool 52 The other end of the take-up reel 49 in the axial direction 53 Fourth support tool 54 First side plate 55 Second side plate 57 Opening / closing operation portion 58 Back tension spring 61 Bearing portion 64, 69 Anti-rotation projection 78 Pinion 86 Sliding surface 91 Printing device 94 Device body 97 Lid 98 Rack

Claims (12)

A reel body having a right cylindrical shape around which an ink film is wound is provided, and both end portions in the axial direction of the reel body are supported by an apparatus body for printing using the ink film so as to be rotatable around the axis by a support tool. In the ink film reel,
The other end portion in the axial direction of the reel body is provided in the reel body by being retracted closer to the one end portion in the axial direction than the end face of the other end portion in the axial direction. An ink film reel comprising a bearing portion for rotatably supporting the reel body. An apparatus main body including a supply reel on which an ink film is wound and a take-up reel that winds up the ink film supplied from the supply reel, wherein both end portions in the axial direction of the take-up reel and the supply reel are printed using the ink film In addition, in each of the ink film reels that are rotatably supported around the axis by a support tool,
The supply reel is provided with a bearing portion retracted closer to one end in the axial direction than the end face of the other end in the axial direction, and the bearing is supported rotatably around the axis by the tip of the support. An ink film reel characterized by being made.   The ink film reel according to claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the supply reel and an inner diameter of the take-up reel are different from each other.   The supply reel is rotatably supported at one end in the axial direction by a support that is mounted on the supply reel and has a rotating portion that generates a braking force against rotation around the axis. The ink film reel according to claim 2.   The supply reel has a rotating part that is attached to the supply reel at one end in the axial direction and generates a braking force with respect to rotation around the axial line, and the rotating part is provided with a protrusion. The ink film reel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a notch into which the projection is fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the supply reel. .   The take-up reel has one end in the axial direction, and a second protrusion having a circumferential interval different from the protrusion provided in the rotating portion of the support that supports the other end in the axial direction of the supply reel. 6. A second notch into which the second protrusion is fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the take-up reel. Ink film reel.   6. The ink film reel according to claim 5, wherein the take-up reel is supported at one end in the axial direction thereof by a support provided with a take-up gear for rotationally driving in the take-up direction.   The ink film according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the bearing portion of the supply reel is retracted and provided at a position shorter than a length of the rotating portion inserted into the supply reel. reel.   The said supply reel is rotatably supported by the front-end | tip part of the support tool in which the said bearing part of the axial direction other end part is formed in a taper shape. The ink film reel described in 1.   The ink film reel according to claim 1, wherein the supply reel is integrally formed with the bearing portion by a thermoplastic synthetic resin.   The ink film reel according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the supply reel has an inner diameter at one end in the axial direction larger than an inner diameter at the other end in the axial direction.   The ink film reel according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein both end portions in the axial direction of the reel body are supported by support members that are rotatably provided with respect to the apparatus body. Ink film holding device.

Images