JP2018199335A - Tape Cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tape cartridge capable of smoothly performing attachment thereof to an attachment part of a tape printer.SOLUTION: A tape cartridge 100 comprises: a tape roll 106 wound with a printing tape 102; a core shaft part 192 pivotally supporting the tape roll 106; and a core recess 260 being provided at an inner peripheral part of the core shaft part 192 and corresponding to a pedestal part erected on an attachment part and a first protrusion erected on the pedestal part when being attached to the attachment part of a tape printer. When the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the attachment part of the tape printer, the core recess 260 has a recessed part 262 into which the pedestal part is inserted and an identification recess 264 into which the first protrusion is inserted, and is formed into a stepped cylindrical shape in which a diameter of the recessed part 262 is greater than a diameter of the identification recess 264.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape cartridge that is mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printer and used for printing by the tape printer.

As a conventional tape cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printer, one having the following configuration is known (see Patent Document 1).
The tape cartridge includes a tape body in which a printing tape is wound around a tape core, a ribbon body in which an ink ribbon is wound around a ribbon feeding core, a ribbon take-up core that winds up the used ink ribbon, and the printing tape from the tape core. A platen roller that is fed out and sent, and a cartridge case that accommodates the tape body, the ribbon body, the ribbon winding core, and the platen roller are provided.
Further, the cartridge case has a lower case on the seating side and an upper case corresponding to the lower case, and a hollow tape bearing portion that rotatably supports the tape body is integrally formed on the lower case. Has been. The center of the tape bearing portion (tape body) and the center of the platen roller are arranged so as to straddle an imaginary line connecting both gripping portions of the cartridge case as viewed from the mounting direction.
When the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the tape bearing portion engages (fits) with the positioning projection of the cartridge mounting portion, the platen roller with the platen drive shaft, and the ribbon winding core with the ribbon winding drive shaft. .

JP 2012-20543 A

  In such a conventional tape cartridge, since the tape body is the heaviest among the components of the tape cartridge, there is a high possibility that the tape body is tilted and held. That is, when the tape cartridge is mounted, if it is held with fingers, the side on which the tape roll is disposed is likely to be tilted due to the gravity unless it is consciously held to be horizontal. For this reason, in the conventional tape cartridge, prior to the fitting of the platen roller to the platen drive shaft, there is a high possibility that the tape bearing portion starts to be fitted to the positioning protrusion. Therefore, as long as the tape bearing is not accurately positioned with respect to the positioning protrusion, there is a problem that the mounting operation of the tape cartridge becomes complicated, such as holding the platen roller on the platen drive shaft or forcing fine adjustment of the fingertip. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cartridge that can be smoothly mounted on a mounting portion of a tape printer.

  A tape cartridge according to the present invention includes a print head that performs printing on a tape-shaped print medium, a drive shaft that applies a conveying force to the print medium, and an identification unit that identifies a cartridge type that contains the print medium. A tape cartridge for mounting on a mounting portion of a printing apparatus, and a tape roll wound with a printing medium, and a first fitting fitted to a drive shaft when mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus. A platen roller having one fitting portion and a second fitting that is provided at the center portion of the tape roll as viewed from the axial direction of the tape roll and fits to the identification portion when attached to the attachment portion of the tape printer. The second fitting portion is disposed in a depressed portion that is in a position opposite to the mounting portion when mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printer.

According to this structure, the 2nd fitting part is arrange | positioned in the recessed part which opposes the mounting part of a tape printer at the time of mounting | wearing, ie, the recessed part. For this reason, at the time of mounting, before the second fitting portion starts fitting with the identification portion of the tape printer, the identification portion once hits the depressed portion and the posture of the cartridge is corrected. For this reason, before a 2nd fitting part starts a fitting to an identification part, possibility that a 1st fitting part starts a fitting to the drive shaft of a tape printer can be improved. In other words, even when mounting is started in a posture inclined toward the second fitting portion, the fitting can be started from the first fitting portion.
Thereby, malfunctions, such as a 1st fitting part being used for a drive shaft, can be controlled. In addition, since the fitting of the first fitting portion precedes the second fitting portion, the inclination and position of the tape cartridge can be corrected at the start of mounting. Furthermore, the impact force at the time of mounting | wearing can also be disperse | distributed by providing the timing difference between the fitting start of a 1st fitting part, and the fitting start of a 2nd fitting part. Therefore, the tape cartridge can be smoothly mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printer.
Moreover, since the 2nd fitting part is arrange | positioned by the depression part, a 2nd fitting part can be substantially shortened and moderate strength can be given. In addition, the second fitting portion is less likely to receive a direct impact force against a drop impact or the like. Therefore, it can be set as the structure where a 2nd fitting part cannot be damaged easily. Furthermore, even if there is a protrusion or the like in the second fitting portion due to the depressed portion, this does not protrude from the outer surface of the tape cartridge, and the protrusion or the like does not get in the way when the tape cartridge is stored in an overlapping manner. .
In addition, the 2nd fitting part fitted to an identification part can use many combinations (identification of a classification) easily by using not only a concave shape but a convex shape in combination.
The cartridge type is preferably not a so-called tape type but a type or destination type (by country or by OEM) of the tape cartridge.

  In this case, it is preferable that the identification part of the tape printer has an actuated part that is identified and actuated, and the second fitting part has an actuating part that actuates the actuated part of the identification part.

  In this case, it is preferable that the operation portion is a projection portion that is convex in the mounting direction.

  According to these configurations, the tape cartridge can be identified by only mounting the tape cartridge in the mounting portion of the tape printer, and it can be detected that the tape cartridge is properly mounted. In addition, the structure on the identification unit side of the tape printer can be simplified. In addition, the operating part may be a concave part that is concave in addition to the convex part that is convex in the mounting direction.

  Further, it is preferable that the position or the shape of the operating portion varies depending on the cartridge type.

  According to this configuration, tape cartridges of different types can be reliably identified with a simple structure.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the axial direction of a platen roller, the axial direction of a tape roll, and the cartridge attachment / detachment direction are the same.

  According to this configuration, the tape cartridge can be smoothly attached and detached without a sense of incongruity as long as the attachment / detachment direction is not mistaken.

  Further, the second fitting portion is preferably closer to the center of gravity than the first fitting portion when viewed from the axial direction of the tape roll.

  According to this configuration, for example, when the second fitting portion is provided with an operation unit that operates the identification unit of the tape printer, the identification is difficult to be influenced by the rising of the tape cartridge due to vibration during operation of the tape printer. The malfunction of the part can be prevented. Further, the second fitting portion is not only two-dimensionally close to the center of gravity when viewed in the direction of gravity, but also three-dimensionally close to the center of gravity, so the second fitting portion is provided in a portion where there is no depression. Compared to the above, vibration during operation can be effectively suppressed.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a 1st fitting part has an invitation shape for fitting a drive shaft.

  According to this configuration, in mounting, it is possible to suppress problems such as the first fitting portion being held on the drive shaft, and the first fitting portion and the drive shaft can be smoothly fitted.

  On the other hand, at the time of mounting, it is preferable that the first fitting portion starts to be fitted to the drive shaft before the second fitting portion starts to be fitted to the identification portion.

  According to this configuration, the inclination and position of the tape cartridge can be corrected at the start of mounting. Moreover, the impact force at the time of mounting | wearing can also be disperse | distributed. Therefore, the tape printer can be smoothly mounted on the mounting portion.

  Further, when mounting, the movement stroke from when the first fitting portion is fitted to the drive shaft to when the fitting is completed is the movement stroke from when the second fitting portion is fitted to the identification portion until the fitting is completed. Preferably longer than the stroke.

  According to this configuration, the inclination of the tape cartridge is corrected by the fitting of the first fitting portion to the drive shaft, and therefore, when the second fitting portion is fitted to the identification portion, a twist or the like may occur. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly mount the tape printer on the mounting portion.

  The drive shaft preferably has a spline shaft portion, and the first fitting portion preferably has a spline boss portion corresponding to the spline shaft portion.

  According to this configuration, the drive unit and the platen roller can be in a state where power can be transmitted by simply mounting the tape cartridge on the mounting unit of the tape printer.

  In this case, it is preferable that the number of grooves of the spline boss portion is larger than the number of teeth of the spline shaft portion.

  Similarly, the interval between the plurality of grooves of the spline boss portion is preferably smaller than the interval between the plurality of teeth of the spline shaft portion.

  According to this configuration, the contact area between the spline boss portion and the spline shaft portion can be reduced, and the mounting load of the tape cartridge can be reduced. Therefore, the tape printer can be smoothly mounted on the mounting portion.

  Moreover, when it takes the attitude | position in which the axial direction and gravity direction of a platen roller correspond, it is preferable that the lower end of a 1st fitting part is located below the lower end of a 2nd fitting part.

  According to this configuration, the first fitting portion can increase the possibility that the second fitting portion starts to be fitted to the drive portion before the second fitting portion starts to be fitted to the identification portion. Thereby, the inclination and position of the tape cartridge can be corrected at the start of mounting. Moreover, the impact force at the time of mounting | wearing can also be disperse | distributed. Therefore, the tape printer can be smoothly mounted on the mounting portion.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the open state of the tape printer concerning an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view (a), a back view (b), a front view (c), a back view (d), a left side view (e), and a right side view (f) of the tape cartridge according to the embodiment. It is the top view perspective view (a) of the tape cartridge which concerns on embodiment, and a back view perspective view (b). It is the sectional view on the AA line in Fig.2 (a) (a), and the sectional view on the BB line (b). It is a top view of a cartridge mounting part. It is the perspective view which looked at the opening-and-closing lid from the back side. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the tape cartridge with the upper case and the upper case removed, and FIG. It is an expanded sectional view (a) of a platen drive shaft and a platen roller, and an enlarged view (b) of the spline engagement part. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (a) of the cartridge mounting portion and an enlarged perspective view (b) around the base convex portion. It is the expansion perspective view (a) seen from the back surface right side of the tape cartridge, the expansion perspective view (b) seen from the back surface left side, and the expansion plan view around a core recessed part (c). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (a) in a non-mounted state with respect to a cartridge mounting portion of the tape cartridge, and a cross-sectional view (b) in a mounted state. They are sectional drawing (a) of the non-mounting state with respect to the cartridge mounting part of a tape cartridge, and sectional drawing (b) of a mounting state (1st modification). They are sectional drawing (a) of the non-mounting state with respect to the cartridge mounting part of a tape cartridge, and sectional drawing (b) of a mounting state (2nd modification).

  Hereinafter, a tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described together with a tape printer to which the tape cartridge is mounted with reference to the accompanying drawings. This tape printing apparatus performs printing while feeding out a printing tape and an ink ribbon from a mounted tape cartridge, cuts a printed portion of the printing tape, and creates a label (tape piece).

[Outline of tape printer]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer and a tape cartridge attached to the tape printer. As shown in the figure, the tape printer 1 includes an apparatus case 3 constituting an outer shell, a cartridge mounting part 5 to which a tape cartridge 100 is detachably mounted, and an opening / closing lid 7 for opening and closing the cartridge mounting part 5. It is equipped with. On the upper surface of the apparatus case 3, a cartridge mounting portion 5 is provided on the back side, a display 11 is provided in the center, and a keyboard 13 is provided on the front side. In the vicinity of the open / close lid 7, a finger hanging recess 15 is provided, and the open / close lid 7 is opened so as to spring up through the recess 15. A vertical tape discharge port 17 through which the printing tape 102 is discharged is provided on the side surface (left side surface) of the device case 3.

  Further, the tape printer 1 includes a printing mechanism unit 23 having a print head 21 erected on the cartridge mounting unit 5, a tape feeding mechanism unit 25 built in the back side space of the cartridge mounting unit 5, and a tape discharge port 17. And a tape cutting mechanism 27 built in the vicinity.

  The user inputs print information from the keyboard 13, confirms the print information on the display 11, and then executes printing by key operation. When printing is instructed, the tape feeding mechanism unit 25 is driven to cause the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 to run side by side, and printing by thermal transfer is performed by the printing mechanism unit 23. By this print feed, the print tape 102 is discharged from the tape discharge port 17, and when printing is completed, the tape cutting mechanism unit 27 is driven and the printed portion of the print tape 102 is cut off.

[Tape cartridge overview]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the tape cartridge 100 includes a tape roll 106 in which the printing tape 102 is wound around the tape core 104, and a ribbon roll 114 in which the ink ribbon 110 is wound around the feeding core 112. . The tape cartridge 100 also includes a take-up core 116 that winds up the used ink ribbon 110, and a platen roller that the print head 21 contacts with the ink ribbon 110 and the print tape 102 and sends the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110. 120 (platen). Further, the tape cartridge 100 includes a cartridge case 130 that accommodates the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120. Thus, the tape cartridge 100 of this embodiment has a so-called shell structure in which the outer shell is covered with the cartridge case 130.

  Further, the cartridge case 130 is formed with an insertion opening 134 into which the print head 21 is inserted when the tape cartridge 100 is attached to the tape printer 1. Further, the tape cartridge 100 includes a tape delivery port 138 that is formed in the cartridge case 130 and through which the printing tape 102 is delivered. Although details will be described later, the tape roll 106 is rotatably supported by a cylindrical core shaft portion 192 projecting from the inside of the cartridge case 130 (see FIG. 4).

  When the platen roller 120 and the winding core 116 are driven by the tape feeding mechanism 25, the printing tape 102 is fed out from the tape core 104, and the ink ribbon 110 is fed out from the feeding core 112. The fed printing tape 102 and ink ribbon 110 run side by side at the platen roller 120 and are used for printing by the print head 21. The feeding end portion (printed portion) of the printing tape 102 on which printing has been performed is sent out from the tape delivery port 138 toward the tape discharge port 17. On the other hand, the ink ribbon 110 wraps around the peripheral wall portion of the insertion opening 134 and is wound around the winding core 116. The tape cartridge 100 is prepared with a plurality of types having different thicknesses according to the tape width of the printing tape 102.

[Details of tape printer]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the cartridge mounting portion 5 is formed in a planar shape complementary to the planar shape of the tape cartridge 100, and the tape cartridge having the maximum thickness among a plurality of types of tape cartridges 100 that can be mounted. A recess corresponding to 100 is formed. In this case, the mounting base 31 and the side plate portion 33 constituting the bottom plate portion of the cartridge mounting portion 5 are integrally formed (molded) with resin or the like. A slit-like tape discharge path 35 is formed between the cartridge mounting portion 5 and the tape discharge port 17, and the tape cutting mechanism portion 27 is built in this portion.

  A base convex portion serving as an identification portion is fitted into the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 when the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion 192 (see FIG. 4) of the tape cartridge 100 is fitted when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted. 40 is erected. Although details will be described later, the base convex portion 40 includes a circular pedestal portion 41 erected on the mounting base 31 and an identification convex portion 42 erected on the pedestal portion 41.

  The mounting base 31 is provided with a print head 21 covered with a head cover 43, a platen drive shaft 45 that rotationally drives the platen roller 120, and a winding drive shaft 47 that rotationally drives the winding core 116. Has been. In addition, the mounting base 31 located near the winding drive shaft 47 releases the tape detection unit 51 that detects the type (attribute information) of the printing tape 102, and the rotation stop of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116. And a core releasing portion 53 that is provided.

  Further, the mounting base 31 is provided with a pair of small protrusions 55 at diagonal positions, and in addition, a pair of latching pieces 57 for latching the intermediate portion of the tape cartridge 100 that is mounted. On the other hand, in the space on the back side of the mounting base 31, the tape feeding mechanism 25 having a motor and a gear train (both not shown) for rotating the platen drive shaft 45 and the take-up drive shaft 47 is incorporated. The tape feeding mechanism 25 divides the power by the gear train and rotates the platen drive shaft 45 and the take-up drive shaft 47 synchronously.

  The print mechanism unit 23 includes a print head 21 formed of a thermal head, a head support frame 61 that supports and rotates the print head 21, and a print position and a retracted position of the print head 21 via the head support frame 61. And a head cover 43 that covers the print head 21 (and the head support frame 61).

  The head release mechanism operates in conjunction with the opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 7, moves (rotates) the print head 21 to the printing position in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing lid 7, and prints in conjunction with the opening operation. The head 21 is moved (turned) to the retracted position. The print head 21 that has moved to the printing position comes into contact with the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 via the ink ribbon 110 and the print tape 102, and the print head 21 that has moved to the retracted position is separated from the platen roller 120. Thereby, when the tape cartridge 100 is attached or detached, interference of the print tape 102 or the ink ribbon 110 with the print head 21 is prevented.

  The print head 21 is provided with a plurality of heating elements, and the plurality of heating elements are arranged in the same direction as the axial direction of the platen roller 120. Then, printing is performed by feeding the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 and selectively driving a plurality of heating elements. The head cover 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is formed (molded) integrally with the mounting base 31 (cartridge mounting portion 5). The head cover 43 protrudes vertically from the mounting base 31 and allows the print head 21 to rotate inside thereof.

  The tape detection unit 51 includes a plurality of microswitches 51a, and selectively engages with a detection unit 180 of the tape cartridge 100 to be described later, and classifies the tape width, tape color, material, and the like of the printing tape 102. Is detected. Based on the detection result, the driving of the print head 21 and the tape feeding mechanism 25 is controlled.

  The core releasing portion 53 is composed of two releasing pins 53 a for the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116. Although details will be described later, the cartridge case 130 is provided with a rotation-preventing hook 206 that is hooked on the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116, respectively (see FIG. 6). When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, the release pin 53a is engaged with the rotation stop hook 206, and the rotation stop of the feeding core 112 and the take-up core 116 is released.

  The platen drive shaft 45 includes a fixed support shaft 48 provided so as to pass through the platen roller 120, a spline-shaped spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) rotatably supported on a base portion of the fixed support shaft 48, (See FIG. 5 and FIG. 8). The rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism 25 is transmitted to the spline drive shaft 49 and further transmitted from the spline drive shaft 49 to the platen roller 120 (details will be described later).

  Similarly, the winding drive shaft 47 includes a fixed shaft 47a and a spline-shaped movable shaft 47b that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft 47a. Also in this case, the rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism 25 is transmitted to the movable shaft 47b, and further transmitted from the movable shaft 47b to the winding core 116.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the core shaft portion 192 (core recess portion 260 described later) is engaged with the base convex portion 40 (see FIG. 11), and the platen roller 120 is engaged with the platen drive shaft 45. Further, the winding core 116 is engaged with the winding drive shaft 47. When the open / close lid 7 is closed, the print head 21 rotates and contacts the platen roller 120 with the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 interposed therebetween, and the tape printer 1 enters a print standby state.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the opening / closing lid 7 is rotatably attached to the device case 3, that is, can be opened and closed, via a hinge portion 71 provided on the back side. The opening / closing lid 7 has an opening / closing lid body 73 and a viewing window 75 provided at the center of the opening / closing lid body 73. The open / close lid 7 protrudes from the back surface of the open / close lid body 73 and is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 71 so as to be pivotally supported. And an actuating lever 79 for rotating the. Further, the opening / closing lid 7 protrudes on the back surface of the opening / closing lid body 73 and pushes the tape cartridge 100 into two push projections 81, and protrudes on the back surface of the opening / closing lid body 73, and has a built-in lid closing detection switch (not shown). And a pressing projection 83 for actuating (ON).

  The viewing window 75 is formed in a horizontally long shape and is made of a transparent (transparent to visible light) resin that is separate from the opening / closing lid main body 73. Through this viewing window 75, the tape cartridge 100 mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5 can be visually recognized (type of printing tape 102 and remaining tape amount). Further, the pair of shaft support pieces 77, the operating lever 79, the two pushing projections 81 and the pushing projection 83, and the opening / closing lid body 73 are integrally formed (molded) with resin.

  The operating lever 79 protrudes greatly from the back surface of the opening / closing lid body 73 and is inserted into a slit opening 87 provided on the side of the cartridge mounting portion 5 when the opening / closing lid 7 is closed. The operating lever 79 inserted into the slit opening 87 operates the above-described head release mechanism and rotates the print head 21 toward the platen roller 120. Similarly, the pressing protrusion 83 is inserted into the rectangular opening 91 adjacent to the slit opening 87 as the opening / closing lid 7 is closed, and turns on the lid closing detection switch.

  One pushing projection 81 corresponds to a position near the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100, and the other pushing projection 81 corresponds to a position directly above the tape detection unit 51. When the opening / closing lid 7 is closed, the two pushing protrusions 81 push the tape cartridge 100 so that the tape cartridge 100 is seated on the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 and prevent the tape cartridge 100 from being lifted.

[Details of tape cartridge]
Next, the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIG. In the description of the tape cartridge 100, taking FIG. 1 as an example, the front surface on the front side of the tape cartridge 100 in the mounting direction is “front surface”, the reverse side in the mounting direction is “back surface”, and the left side. The left side surface is referred to as the “left side surface”, the right side surface as the “right side surface”, the upper arc-shaped side surface as the “front end surface”, and the lower side surface as the “base end surface”.

  As described above, the tape cartridge 100 includes the cartridge case 130 and the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120 accommodated therein (see FIG. 7). Further, the tape cartridge 100 includes an insertion opening 134 formed in the cartridge case 130, a tape outlet 138 formed on the left side in the vicinity of the platen roller 120, the surface of the part in which the tape roll 106 is accommodated, the left side, And an identification seal 141 (see FIG. 1) attached over the right side surface. On the identification seal 141, the tape width, tape color, material, and the like (part of attribute information) of the accommodated printing tape 102 are displayed at two locations on the front surface and the left side surface.

  The cartridge case 130 constitutes an outline of the tape cartridge 100 (shell structure), and has an “L” -shaped appearance in plan view with the proximal end side of the right side surface protruding somewhat. In the front and back direction, the cartridge case 130 has a lower case 150 that is the back side when mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5 and an upper case 152 that is the front side. In the cartridge case 130 of the embodiment, the upper case 152 is formed of a transparent resin molded product, and the lower case 150 is formed of an opaque resin molded product.

  The upper case 152 is integrally formed (molded) with a top wall portion 156 that forms the surface of the cartridge case 130 and an upper peripheral wall portion 158 that is suspended from the peripheral edge of the top wall portion 156. The lower case 150 includes a bottom wall portion 160 constituting the back surface of the cartridge case 130, a lower peripheral wall 162 erected on the periphery of the bottom wall portion 160, and a bottom wall portion so as to define the insertion opening 134. And an opening peripheral wall portion 164 erected on 160.

  A plurality of joining pins 170 are provided at appropriate intervals on the lower end surface of the upper peripheral wall portion 158 in the upper case 152, while a plurality of joining pins corresponding to the plurality of joining pins 170 are provided on the lower peripheral wall 162 of the lower case 150. A hole 172 is provided (see FIG. 7). After setting components such as the tape roll 106 and the ribbon roll 114 in the lower case 150, the upper case 152 is joined so that the plurality of joining pins 170 are press-fitted into the plurality of joining holes 172. Assembled. Each joint hole 172 is a through hole in consideration of ease of molding.

  On the other hand, a pair of latch receiving portions 174 that are latched by the pair of latch pieces 57 are provided on the left side surface and the right side surface of the lower case 150 (FIGS. 2E and 2F). (Refer FIG.3 (b)). The pair of latching pieces 57 on the cartridge mounting unit 5 side are latched on the pair of latching receiving portions 174 of the mounted tape cartridge 100, thereby preventing the tape cartridge 100 from being lifted. Further, a fitting small hole 176 into which the pair of small protrusions 55 are fitted with some margin is provided on the back surface of the lower case 150 (see FIG. 3B). When the pair of small projections 55 on the cartridge mounting portion 5 side are fitted into the pair of fitting small holes 176 of the mounted tape cartridge 100, the tape cartridge 100 is simply positioned on the mounting base 31.

  Further, a detection target portion 180 corresponding to the tape detection portion 51 is provided on the rear surface of the lower case 150 at the left corner portion on the base end surface side (the right corner portion when viewed from the front surface side). (Refer FIG.3 (b)). The detected portion 180 is constituted by a portion corresponding to the plurality of micro switches 51a of the tape detecting portion 51, and a plurality of bit patterns are obtained depending on the presence or absence of the receiving holes 180a provided in this portion. That is, this bit pattern corresponds to the type of the print tape 102 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a tape storage area 190 in which the tape roll 106 is widely stored is configured in the upper space (the front end surface side) in the cartridge case 130. A core shaft portion 192 that is integrally formed (formed) with the lower case 150 is erected in the center of the tape housing area 190. The core shaft portion 192 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape, and a tape roll 106 (tape core 104) is rotatably supported on the outer peripheral surface 192b (see FIG. 4).

  As will be described in detail later, a core recess 260 into which the base protrusion 40 is fitted is formed on the inner peripheral side of the core shaft portion 192 formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The core concave portion 260 has a depressed portion 262 into which the base portion 41 of the base convex portion 40 is fitted, and an identification concave portion 264 as a second fitting portion into which the identification convex portion 42 is fitted. In addition, a reverse rotation preventing spring 193 of the tape roll 106 made of a coil spring is incorporated in the upper portion of the core recess 260.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a tape guide 194 that guides the fed printing tape 102 to the platen roller 120 is erected integrally with the lower case 150 in the tape storage area 190 located near the platen roller 120. Has been. That is, inside the cartridge case 130, a tape feed path 196 starting from the tape roll 106 and passing through the tape guide 194 and the platen roller 120 to the tape feed outlet 138 is configured. The printing tape 102 fed out from the tape roll 106 is guided to the platen roller 120 through the tape guide 194, used for printing, and further guided from the platen roller 120 to the tape delivery port 138.

  The tape roll 106 includes a printing tape 102 and a tape core 104 and two circular films 198 attached to both end faces of the roll-shaped printing tape 102. The two circular films 198 prevent the printing tape 102 wound around the tape core 104 from being scattered.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the tape core 104 includes a reel portion 104a around which the printing tape 102 is wound, a rolling contact portion 104c provided inside the reel portion 104a via a plurality of inward ribs 104b, And is rotatably supported on the core shaft portion 192 by the rolling contact portion 104c. A plurality of radial end face grooves 104d are formed on the end face of the rolling contact portion 104c, and the above-described reverse rotation prevention spring 193 is engaged with and disengaged from the end face groove 104d. That is, a longitudinal slit 192a extending in the axial direction is formed at the upper portion of the core shaft portion 192, and the end of the wire rod of the reverse rotation preventing spring 193 protrudes from the longitudinal slit 192a and is engaged with the end face groove 104d of the rolling contact portion 104c. Match.

  When carrying the tape cartridge 100, the reverse rotation preventing spring 193 prevents the reverse rotation of the tape roll 106 (printing tape 102). On the other hand, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the above-described base convex portion 40 compresses the anti-reverse spring 193, and the end of the wire rod is detached from the end face groove 104d of the rolling contact portion 104c, and the reverse rotation is released. (See FIG. 11 for both). As a result, the printing tape 102 can be fed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the right side of the base in the cartridge case 130, a ribbon storage area 200 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. On the right side of the ribbon receiving area 200, a feeding side bearing portion 202 that rotatably supports the ribbon roll 114 (feeding core 112) is provided, and on the left side, a winding side bearing portion that rotatably supports the winding core 116 is provided. 204 are formed integrally with the cartridge case 130, respectively. That is, the feeding side bearing portion 202 and the winding side bearing portion 204 are formed on the upper case 152 and the lower case 150, respectively.

  At the notch portions of the feeding side bearing portion 202 and the take-up side bearing portion 204 formed in the lower case 150, the rotation prevention hook 206 with the tip portion facing the feeding side bearing portion 202 and the take-up side bearing portion 204 is provided. Are integrally formed. One rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with the feeding core 112, and the other rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with the winding core 116 in a rotation stopped state.

  A first ribbon guide 210 that guides the fed ink ribbon 110 to the platen roller 120 is erected integrally with the lower case 150 in the ribbon accommodating area 200 located in the vicinity of the feeding side bearing portion 202. A plurality of second ribbon guides 212 that guide the circumference of the ink ribbon 110 are integrally formed on the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral wall portion 164.

  That is, inside the cartridge case 130, a ribbon feed path 214 starting from the ribbon roll 114, passing through the first ribbon guide 210, the platen roller 120, and the plurality of second ribbon guides 212 to the winding core 116 is configured. Yes. The ink ribbon 110 fed out from the ribbon roll 114 is guided to the platen roller 120 through the first ribbon guide 210 and used for printing, and further from the platen roller 120 to the opening peripheral wall 164 (a plurality of second ribbon guides). 212) is wound around the winding core 116.

  The ribbon roll 114 includes an ink ribbon 110 and a feeding core 112 and an annular leaf spring 220 that applies a braking load to the feeding core 112 (see FIG. 7B). The leaf spring 220 is formed in a wave shape in the circumferential direction, and is interposed between the top wall portion 156 of the upper case 152 and the feeding core 112 in the axial direction. That is, a rotational braking load is applied to the feeding core 112 by the elastic force of the leaf spring 220. As a result, the back tension is applied to the ink ribbon 110 fed out by the take-up core 116, and the slack is prevented.

  The feeding core 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of notches 222 are formed in the circumferential direction at the end portion on the lower case 150 side (see FIG. 3B). The rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with and disengaged from the plurality of notches 222. The feeding-side bearing portion 202 on the lower case 150 side that supports the feeding core 112 is configured with a circular opening, whereas the feeding-side bearing portion 202 on the upper case 152 side is configured with a cylindrical protruding portion. Yes. And the said leaf | plate spring 220 is mounted | worn with this protrusion part (all refer FIG.7 (b)).

  Similarly, the winding core 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of notches 224 are formed in the circumferential direction at the end portion on the lower case 150 side (see FIG. 3B). The rotation stop hook 206 is engaged with and disengaged from the plurality of notches 224. A spline-like slit groove 226 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the winding core 116 and engages with the winding drive shaft 47 by spline. Thereby, the rotational force of the winding drive shaft 47 is transmitted to the winding core 116, and the ink ribbon 110 is wound up.

  A platen accommodation area 230 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134 on the left side of the base in the cartridge case 130. In the center of the platen accommodation area 230, there are an elliptical opening lower bearing portion 234 formed in the lower case 150 (see FIG. 3B), and an elliptical opening upper bearing portion 232 formed in the upper case 152 (see FIG. 7 (b)). The platen roller 120 is supported by the upper bearing portion 232 and the lower bearing portion 234 so as to be rotatable and slightly laterally movable. That is, the platen roller 120 supported by the elliptical upper bearing portion 232 and the lower bearing portion 234 has a home position that engages with the platen drive shaft 45 and a sandwich position that sandwiches the printing tape 102 and contacts the tape guide 194. It is configured to be capable of lateral movement (small movement).

  By the way, the tape cartridge 100 is carried in a state in which the feeding end portion of the printing tape 102 is slightly protruded to the outside from the tape delivery port 138 (see FIG. 1). At that time, if a pressing force or a pulling force acts on the feeding end portion of the printing tape 102 by mistake, the platen roller 120 dragged by this moves to the clamping position. Thereby, the feeding end portion of the printing tape 102 is prevented from being drawn into the cartridge case 130 from the tape delivery port 138.

  The platen roller 120 has a cylindrical roller base 240 and a rubber roller 242 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the roller base 240 (see FIG. 8). The rubber roller 242 has a length corresponding to the print head 21 in the axial direction, and the print head 21 that has moved to the print position sandwiches the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 and contacts the rubber roller 242.

  Further, a spline boss portion 244 as a first fitting portion is formed at the base portion of the roller base 240, and the spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) of the platen drive shaft 45 is connected to the spline boss portion 244. (See FIG. 8). Thereby, the rotational force of the platen drive shaft 45 is transmitted to the platen roller 120, and the printing tape 102 (and the ink ribbon 110) is printed and fed.

[Core recess and platen roller structure]
Next, the structure of the core concave portion 260 and the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail together with the base convex portion 40 and the platen drive shaft 45 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 with reference to FIGS. As described above, the cartridge mounting portion 5 is provided with the platen drive shaft 45 and the base convex portion 40 so as to be separated from each other. Correspondingly, the plate cartridge roller 120 and the core concave portion 260 are provided on the tape cartridge 100. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the platen drive shaft 45 is rotatably supported by a fixed support shaft 48 erected on an apparatus frame 270 located below the mounting base 31 and a lower portion of the fixed support shaft 48. And a spline drive shaft 49. The fixed support shaft 48 is fixed to the apparatus frame 270 in a cantilever manner and extends in the attaching / detaching direction of the tape cartridge 100 through the mounting base 31. The spline drive shaft 49 has a base gear portion 272 and a spline shaft portion 274 extending from the gear portion 272, and the gear train of the tape feeding mechanism portion 25 is connected to the gear portion 272.

  On the other hand, the platen roller 120 has the roller base 240 and the rubber roller 242 as described above, and the spline boss portion 244 is formed at the base of the roller base 240. That is, the roller base 240 is formed with a spline boss portion 244 that is spline-engaged with the spline shaft portion 274 described above.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fixed support shaft 48 of the platen drive shaft 45 is inserted into the roller base body 240 of the platen roller 120. Further, the spline shaft portion 274 of the platen drive shaft 45 is engaged with the spline boss portion 244 of the platen roller 120.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the spline shaft portion 274 is formed with a plurality of spline teeth 274a in the circumferential direction, and the spline boss portion 244 has a plurality of spline grooves 244a corresponding to the plurality of spline teeth 274a. Is formed. In this case, unlike a general spline structure, the number of spline grooves 244a is larger than the number of teeth of the spline teeth 274a. Further, the circumferential interval between the plurality of spline grooves 244a is smaller than the circumferential interval between the plurality of spline teeth 274a. Specifically, the number of spline grooves 244a is six and the number of spline teeth 274a is three, and the spline teeth 274a mesh with every other spline groove 244a. Moreover, the inner peripheral surface base part of the spline boss part 244 is chamfered, and has a so-called invitation shape (see FIG. 8A).

  As described above, the spline shaft portion 274 is smoothly fitted (engaged) with the spline boss portion 244 due to the difference in the number of grooves and the number of teeth in the spline engagement and the invitation shape of the spline boss portion 244. That is, the tape cartridge 100 is smoothly mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the base convex portion 40 is integrally formed with a pedestal portion 41 erected on the mounting base 31 and an identification convex portion 42 erected on the pedestal portion 41. . The pedestal portion 41 is formed in a circular shape, and has a notch opening 280 in a part of the circumferential direction thereof. The identification convex portion 42 includes a columnar (hollow) convex main body 282, four protrusions 284 provided in a cross shape on the outer peripheral surface of the convex main body 282, and a base from the convex main body 282. And a tongue piece 286 projecting in the radial direction so as to follow the upper surface of the portion 41.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the core concave portion 260 has a depressed portion 262 into which the base portion 41 of the base convex portion 40 is fitted, and an identification concave portion 264 into which the identification convex portion 42 is fitted. ing. The depressed portion 262 and the identification concave portion 264 constitute an integral space. The identification recess 264 is provided with a fitting protrusion 290 (protrusion) corresponding to the notch opening 280 so as to protrude in the axial direction toward this space. The identification recess 264 is provided with a fitting recess 292 corresponding to the tongue piece 286 of the identification projection 42 so as to be immersed from this space.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the pedestal portion 41 of the base convex portion 40 fits into the recessed portion 262 of the core concave portion 260, and at the same time, the identification convex portion 42 of the base convex portion 40 identifies the core concave portion 260. It fits into the recess 264 (see FIG. 11). In accordance with this fitting, the fitting convex portion 290 is fitted into the notch opening 280 and the tongue piece 286 is fitted into the fitting concave portion 292.

  By the way, in the tape cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the tape roll 106 is extremely heavy among the components, and the center of gravity exists in the vicinity of the tape core 104 in plan view. For this reason, when the tape cartridge 100 is gripped at the time of mounting, the tape cartridge 100 tends to be inclined downward and tilted unless otherwise noted. In such a case, before the identification convex portion 42 is fitted into the identification concave portion 264, the identification convex portion 42 is likely to abut against the depressed portion 262, thereby correcting the posture of the inclined tape cartridge 100. That is, since the tape cartridge 100 is corrected to a horizontal posture at the time of mounting, the mounting can be performed smoothly (details will be described later).

  In the present embodiment, the cartridge type can be identified by the cooperation of the core concave portion 260 and the base convex portion 40. In this case, the cartridge type is not the type of the print tape 102 (the tape type is determined by the tape detection unit 51), and for example, the use (industrial use or home use), the destination area (for the US or Europe), etc. are identified. .

  For this reason, although not particularly illustrated, the plurality of types of tape cartridges for each destination region (for each use) in which the positions of the fitting recesses 292 in the core recesses 260 are shifted in the circumferential direction by, for example, 90 ° pitch (the phase is shifted). 100 is prepared. Correspondingly, a plurality of types of tape printers 1 for each destination region (for each use), in which the phase of the tongue piece 286 of the base convex portion 40 is shifted, are prepared (first identification pattern). .

  Further, in order to increase the number of types of cartridges, a pattern in which the phase of the fitting convex portion 290 in the core concave portion 260 is shifted (a pattern in which the phase of the notch opening portion 280 in the base convex portion 40 is shifted) is also added. (Second identification pattern). It should be noted that instead of or in addition to shifting the phase (first identification pattern and / or second identification pattern), the fitting recess 292 (tongue piece 286) and the fitting protrusion 290 (notch opening) 280) may be changed.

  As described above, according to the tape cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, the identification concave portion 264 is disposed in the depressed portion 262, and therefore the identification concave portion 264 is fitted to the identification convex portion 42 of the base convex portion 40 at the time of mounting. Before starting the alignment, the identification convex portion 42 once strikes the depressed portion 262 and the posture of the tape cartridge 100 is corrected. For this reason, before the identification recessed part 264 starts fitting to the identification convex part 42, possibility that the spline boss | hub part 244 will start fitting to the spline drive shaft 49 (spline shaft part 274) can be improved. That is, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, even if the mounting is started in an inclined posture, the fitting can be started from the spline boss portion 244.

  Thereby, problems, such as the spline boss portion 244 being held by the spline drive shaft 49, can be suppressed. Further, the fitting of the spline boss portion 244 precedes the identification concave portion 264, so that the inclination and position of the tape cartridge 100 can be corrected at the start of mounting. Furthermore, by providing a timing difference between the start of fitting of the spline boss portion 244 and the start of fitting of the identification recess 264, the impact force at the time of mounting can be dispersed. Therefore, the tape cartridge 100 can be smoothly mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printer 1.

  Moreover, since the identification recessed part 264 is provided in the depression part 262, the identification recessed part 264 (core axial part 192) can be shortened substantially, and moderate intensity | strength can be given. Moreover, the identification recess 264 is less likely to receive a direct impact force against a drop impact or the like. Therefore, the identification recess 264 can be structured to be difficult to break. Furthermore, even if there is a protrusion such as a fitting convex portion 290 in the identification concave portion 264 due to the depressed portion 262, this does not protrude from the outer surface of the tape cartridge 100, and when the tape cartridge 100 is stored in a stack, The convex part 290 etc. do not get in the way.

[First Modification]
Next, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the first modification, a cartridge detection unit 300 (actuated portion) is incorporated in the base convex portion 40. The cartridge detection unit 300 is operated using the fitting convex part 290 of the core concave part 260 as an operation part, and detects the proper mounting of the tape cartridge 100 in the cartridge type. Therefore, the fitting convex part 290 in the first modification also functions as a detected part on the tape cartridge 100 side.

  The cartridge detection unit 300 is incorporated in the base portion 41 of the base convex portion 40, and the actuated member 302 that moves downward from the fitting convex portion 290 that is the actuating portion, and contacts the actuated member 302 from below. And a switch main body 304. The switch body 304 is configured by a micro switch or the like that is fixedly provided. The actuated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, and is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the pedestal portion 41 so as to be movable up and down.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fitting convex portion 290 of the core concave portion 260 comes into contact with the actuated member 302 via the notch opening portion 280 of the base convex portion 40, and moves downward. The switch body 304 is actuated (ON) by the downward movement of the actuated member 302, and attachment of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

  As described above, according to the first modification, by providing the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is detected that the tape cartridge 100 for each destination region (for each use) is properly mounted. Can do. In addition, the cartridge detection unit 300 has a structure for operating the switch body 304 via the operated member 302, and the operated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, so that a notch opening 280 for cartridge identification is provided. Even if the position or shape of the cartridge is changed, it is not necessary to make a change on the cartridge detection unit 300 side.

  When the tape cartridge 100 has a destination area (use) such as a cold district, an operation such as switching the tape printer 1 to the cold district mode is performed based on the detection result of the cartridge detection unit 300. May be.

[Second Modification]
Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the second modified example, in the cartridge detection unit 300 incorporated in the base convex portion 40, the actuated member 302A has a structure also serving as the tongue piece 286. Therefore, in the second modification, the fitting recess 292 of the core recess 260 corresponding to the tongue piece 286 functions as a detected portion on the tape cartridge 100 side.

  In the cartridge detection unit 300, the actuated member 302 </ b> A is integrally formed of a shaft-like portion 310 and a tongue-like portion 312 that also serves as a tongue piece 286. The shaft-shaped portion 310 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the convex portion main body 282 in the base convex portion 40 so as to be movable up and down. Further, the tongue-like portion 312 is provided to be movable up and down in an L-shaped slit portion 316 provided from the side surface of the convex body 282 to the upper surface of the pedestal portion 41. In this case, the tongue portion 312 is set to a position where the initial position is somewhat higher than the tongue piece 286 in consideration of the operation stroke.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fitting recess 292 (the top surface) of the core recess 260 comes into contact with the tongue-shaped portion 312 of the operated member 302A, and moves the operated member 302A downward. The switch body 304 is actuated (ON) by the downward movement of the actuated member 302A, and the attachment of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

  As described above, according to the second modification, by providing the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is detected that the tape cartridge 100 for each destination region (for each use) is properly mounted. Can do. Further, since the actuated member 302A has a structure that also serves as the tongue piece 286, the number of components can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Tape cartridge, 102 ... Printing tape, 104 ... Tape core, 104a ... Reel part, 104b ... Inward rib, 104c ... Rolling contact part, 104d ... End surface groove, 106 ... Tape roll, 130 ... Cartridge case, 150 ... Lower case , 152 ... Upper case, 192 ... Core shaft part, 192a ... Vertical slit, 193 ... Spring for reverse rotation, 260 ... Core concave part, 262 ... Depressed part, 264 ... Identification concave part, 290 ... Fitting convex part, 292 ... Fitting Recess

Claims (7)

A tape cartridge that accommodates a tape-shaped print medium and is mounted on a mounting portion of a tape printer,
A tape roll around which the printing medium is wound;
A core shaft portion that pivotally supports the tape roll;
Corresponding to a pedestal portion erected on the mounting portion and a first convex portion erected on the pedestal portion, provided on the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion and mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printer. A core recess,
The core recess has a depressed portion into which the pedestal portion is inserted when the tape cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printer, and a first recess into which the first convex portion is inserted, A tape cartridge having a stepped cylindrical shape in which the diameter of the depressed portion is larger than the diameter of the first concave portion. The first convex portion has a second convex portion that protrudes in the radial direction along the upper surface of the pedestal portion,
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core recess is provided with a second recess corresponding to the second protrusion.   The tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the position of the second recess in the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion is provided by being shifted by 90 ° pitch in the circumferential direction of the core shaft portion. The pedestal portion is formed in a circular shape, has a notch opening in a part of the circumferential direction,
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core recess has a protrusion corresponding to the notch opening. The tape printer further includes an identification unit that identifies a cartridge type that contains the print medium,
The identification part has an actuated part that is identified and actuated,
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core recess has an operating part that operates the operated part of the identification part.   The tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the operating portion is a protruding portion that is convex with respect to a mounting direction in which the tape cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.   The tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the position or shape of the operating portion varies depending on the cartridge type.

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