JP2024067346A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing device capable of stably mounting a plurality of tape cassettes of different shapes or types is provided.
[Solution] The printing device includes a tape cassette storage section that contains a print medium and is capable of storing a first tape cassette 100 having a first engagement portion 110, a moving member 521 that is movable from a first position to a second position as the first tape cassette 100 moves while abutting against the moving member 521, and a locking member 700 having a first locking portion 703 that has an engaged portion 703b that is movable along the tape cassette storage section between an engagement position where the first engagement portion 110 is engaged and a disengagement position where the engagement with the first engagement portion 110 is released. The first tape cassette 100 stored in the tape cassette storage section is fixed by the engaged portion 703b that has moved to the engagement position and the moving member 521 that has moved to the second position.
[Selected figure] Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device.

Patent document 1 describes a tape printing device that includes a cartridge mounting section in which a tape cartridge is mounted, the tape cartridge including a first case having a peripheral wall with a first hook protruding from the tip surface, a first base end portion that is a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall that is closer to the base end than the base end of the first hook, and a second case having a first hook receiving portion with which the first hook engages, and a first base end portion detection sensor whose output changes according to the recess depth of the first base end portion when the tape cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section.

JP 2018-144250 A

For printing devices (label printers) that print by mounting a cartridge or cassette that stores tape, such as the tape printing device described in Patent Document 1, there was a problem in that even if multiple types of cassettes with different shapes were to be mounted, the parts used to mount one type of cassette interfered with other types of cassettes and made it impossible to mount them, and only cassettes of one type of shape that fit the main body of the printing device to avoid interference could be mounted.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a printing device that can stably load a number of different shapes or types of tape cassettes.

To achieve the above object, the printing device according to the present invention includes a tape cassette storage section that contains a print medium and is capable of storing a first tape cassette having a first engagement section, a moving member that is movable from a first position to a second position as the first tape cassette moves while abutting against it, and a locking member having a first locking section that has an engaged section that is movable along the tape cassette storage section between an engagement position where it engages with the first engagement section and a disengagement position where it is disengaged from the first engagement section, and the first tape cassette stored in the tape cassette storage section is fixed by the engaged section that has moved to the engagement position and the moving member that has moved to the second position.

The present invention provides a printing device that can stably accommodate a number of different shapes or types of tape cassettes.

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a plan view showing the main parts of the printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention after a narrow tape cassette or a wide tape cassette has been inserted into the printing device; 2 is a plan view showing the main parts of the printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention after a wide tape cassette with an ink ribbon has been inserted into the printing device; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a storage mechanism of the printing device according to the embodiment of the invention. 7A is an enlarged view of the cassette holding portion 12 shown by a dashed line in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, but now shown by a solid line; FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-Bb in FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a narrow tape cassette, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a wide tape cassette, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a wide tape cassette with an ink ribbon. 1A to 1C are side views showing the process of storing a narrow tape cassette in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, focusing on the cassette base and cassette base button and their surrounding areas in the storage mechanism. 5A to 5B are side views showing the operation of a locking member when a narrow tape cassette is stored in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, in the order of steps ((a) to (b)). Continuing from Figure 10, this figure shows the operation of the locking member when a narrow tape cassette is stored in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in the order of steps ((a) to (b)) using a side view seen from the arrow A in Figure 4. 1A to 1C are side views showing the process of storing a wide tape cassette in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, focusing on the cassette base and cassette base button and their surrounding areas in the storage mechanism. 5A to 5B are side views showing the operation of a locking member when a wide tape cassette is stored in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, in the order of steps ((a) to (b)). Continuing from Figure 13, this figure shows the operation of the locking member when a wide tape cassette is stored in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the order of steps ((a) to (b)) using a side view seen from the arrow A in Figure 4. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the process of storing a wide tape cassette with an ink ribbon in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention ((a) to (b)), focusing on the cassette base and cassette base button and their surrounding areas in the storage mechanism. FIG. 6 is a side view of the operation of the locking member when a wide tape cassette with an ink ribbon is stored in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 , in the order of steps ((a) to (b)).

The printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and the three mutually orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) shown in each drawing are defined as having positive (+) directions in the direction indicated by the arrows and negative (-) directions in the direction opposite to the positive directions. The printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a label printer that prints characters, symbols, patterns, or images on a label (tape)-shaped printing medium (tape member M) transported by a transport unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 of the printing device 1 has a cylindrical shape with an oval-shaped bottom surface. The surface of the housing 2 that corresponds to the side surface of the cylinder has two flat surfaces 2a that are perpendicular to the bottom surface, and two curved surfaces 2b that connect the two flat surfaces 2a. Furthermore, a recess 2c is formed in one of the two curved surfaces 2b.

An outlet 2d is formed in the recess 2c. The tape material M printed in the printing device 1 is discharged from the device through the outlet 2d. The outlet 2d is a slit-shaped opening extending in a direction parallel to the bottom surface. The housing 2 may include a connection terminal for connecting to an information processing device (external device) including a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. (not shown), an insertion port into which a storage medium including a memory card is inserted, and a power terminal to which a power cord is connected, but these are not shown. In addition, as described above, the printing device 1 may print based on print data received by a wired connection using a wired cable or the like with an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. (not shown), or may print based on print data received by a wireless connection based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main part 8 of the internal structure housed in the housing 2 of the printing device 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the main part 8 of the internal structure, which is made up of various parts, is housed inside the housing 2. This main part 8 has a base part 11 having a flat plate part 11a to which various parts are attached, and a cassette holding part 12 provided on the base part 11.

The cassette holding section 12 has a holding section main body 12a capable of holding (storing) a tape cassette, which will be described later, and a number of legs 12b erected on the flat section 11a to space the flat section 11a from the holding section main body 12a. There are, for example, four legs 12b, and FIG. 2 illustrates one of them. The holding section main body 12a is formed with a cassette storage section 12c (tape cassette storage section 12c) that defines a storage space for storing a tape cassette, and the tape cassette is detachably stored in the cassette storage section 12c.

In this embodiment, the cassette storage section 12c can selectively store one of the narrow tape cassette 100 (FIG. 4), the wide tape cassette 200 (FIG. 4), and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 (FIG. 5), and enables printing on the tape-shaped print medium (tape member M (FIGS. 4, 5)) unwound from each tape cassette. Note that the terms narrow width, wide width, etc. are merely expressions, and in reality, tape cassettes of various widths can be stored according to the various widths of tape members M, such as tape widths (widths of tape member M) of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, and 46 mm. In this embodiment, the tape widths stored (stored) in the narrow tape cassette 100 (FIG. 4), the wide tape cassette 200 (FIG. 4), and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 (FIG. 5) (hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as tape cassettes) will be described as 12 mm, 46 mm, and 24 mm, respectively. The storage of a narrow tape cassette with an ink ribbon in the cassette storage section 12c is similar to the storage of a wide tape cassette with an ink ribbon 300 (Figure 5), so a description of this embodiment is omitted.

The narrow tape cassette 100 shown in FIG. 8(a) and the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 8(b) have different thicknesses in the Y-axis direction depending on the width of the tape material M stored therein. The lengths of the pressing protrusions 1008, 2008 and the positions of the engaging protrusions 110, 210, which are an example of an engaging portion, are different from each other, but the other configurations are similar. On the other hand, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon, as shown in FIG. 5, contains not only the tape material M inside, but also at least the ink ribbon R for printing (thermal transfer) on the tape material M and the ribbon winding core 3005 for collecting the used ink ribbon R' after printing, and therefore has a different shape from the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4.

The printing method is different between the tape material stored in the narrow tape cassette 100 and wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4 and the tape material stored in the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon shown in FIG. 5. The narrow tape cassette 100 and wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4 use a heat-sensitive tape that changes color when heated as the printing medium, and printing is performed by heating the heat-sensitive tape by passing electricity through the thermal head 10. On the other hand, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon shown in FIG. 5 prints by thermally transferring the ink ribbon R to the tape material by passing electricity through the thermal head. For simplicity in this embodiment, the tape material in both printing methods is represented as tape material M.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, each tape cassette has a thermal head insertion portion 1006 (thermal head insertion portion 2006) and a thermal head insertion portion 3006, which are recesses into which the thermal head 10 (printing portion 10) is inserted. The narrow tape cassette 100 (wide tape cassette 200) has a cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) that houses (stores) at least the tape material M. The cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) is provided with a tape core 1002 (tape core 2002). The wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon has a cassette case 3001 that houses (stores) at least the tape material M and the ink ribbon R (used ink ribbon R'). The cassette case 3001 is provided with a tape core 3002, a ribbon supply core 3004, and a ribbon take-up core 3005.

The tape member M is wound in a roll on the tape core 1002 (tape core 2002) and tape core 3002 inside the cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) and cassette case 3001, respectively. The tape member M is, for example, a tape having a base material with an adhesive layer and a release paper removably attached to the base material so as to cover the adhesive layer. The ink ribbon R for printing (thermal transfer) is wound in a roll on the ribbon supply core 3004 inside the cassette case 3001 with its tip wound around the ribbon take-up core 3005. The tape member M and the ink ribbon R are arranged so as to overlap and straddle the concave thermal head insertion portion 3006.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the main section 8 is provided with a thermal head 10 having multiple heating elements for printing on a tape material M (Figs. 4 and 5), a platen roller 21 as a transport section for transporting the tape material M and the ink ribbon R (Fig. 5), and a ribbon winding drive shaft 23 for winding up used ink ribbon R'. The thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 are provided in a position to sandwich the tape material M across the thermal head insertion section 1006 (thermal head insertion section 2006) shown in Fig. 4, or in a position to sandwich the tape material M and the ink ribbon R across the thermal head insertion section 3006 shown in Fig. 5. The ribbon winding drive shaft 23 is provided in a state where it penetrates (inserts) the holding section main body 12a in the Y-axis direction and protrudes into the cassette storage section 12c.

The main section 8 is provided with a locking member 700 slidably attached to the cassette holding section 12 as shown in FIG. 2. The locking member 700 is provided so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the holding section main body 12a. The details will be described later, but the locking member 700 fixes the narrow tape cassette 100 and wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4 stored in the cassette storage section 12c, as described later, to prevent them from wobbling. In addition, when storing the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon shown in FIG. 5, the locking member 700 fixes the release guide 521 in the initial position to prevent it from moving.

The main section 8 further includes a full cutter and a half cutter near the discharge port 2d (shown in FIG. 1), although these are not shown. The full cutter is a cutter that cuts the (printed) tape member M to create tape pieces (label pieces). On the other hand, the half cutter is a cutter that makes a cut in the tip portion of the tape member M, etc., to make it easier to peel off the release layer from the substrate having the adhesive layer.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the holding section main body 12a is provided with a support notch 1001a (support notch 2001a) provided on the cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) of the narrow tape cassette 100 (wide tape cassette 200) and the cassette case 3001 of the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon, and a pedestal 12e for arranging the support notch 3001a. The pedestal 12e protrudes from the holding section main body 12a in the positive direction of the Y axis and has a shape with a flat portion on the upper part, and this flat portion on the upper part is provided so as to be at approximately the same height (same position in the Y axis direction) as the cassette base fixing part 5111 described later. This pedestal 12e abuts against and supports the narrow tape cassette 100 (wide tape cassette 200) and the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon stored in the cassette storage section 12c.

When the tape cassette is stored in the cassette storage section 12c, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the thermal head 10 is inserted into the thermal head insertion section 1006 (thermal head insertion section 2006) and thermal head insertion section 3006 formed in the cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) and cassette case 3001, respectively. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the ribbon winding drive shaft 23 engages with the ribbon winding core 3005. As shown in Fig. 4, the cassette case 1001 (cassette case 2001) is provided with a ribbon winding drive shaft through hole 1005 (2005) through which the ribbon winding drive shaft 23 passes (inserts) without engaging with it.

As shown in FIG. 3, the platen roller 21 has a cylindrical shape extending along the Y-axis direction and rotates (rotates) around the platen roller shaft 21a. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the platen roller 21 rotates counterclockwise while pressing the tape material M, or the tape material M and the ink ribbon R, against the thermal head 10, thereby forward transporting the tape material M, or the tape material M and the ink ribbon R. This forward transport is called forward transport, and at this time the tape material M is transported in the positive direction of the X-axis direction (the direction of discharge to the discharge port 2d). On the other hand, the platen roller 21 rotates clockwise, and the tape material M, or the tape material M and the ink ribbon R is transported in the reverse direction. This reverse transport is called reverse transport, and at this time the tape material M is transported in the negative direction of the X-axis direction (the direction opposite to the direction of discharge to the discharge port 2d).

The ribbon winding drive shaft 23 can rotate (pivot) clockwise or counterclockwise around the shaft portion 25 shown in FIG. 5. The ribbon winding drive shaft 23 rotates clockwise during forward transport. As a result, the ink ribbon R transported forward by the platen roller 21 is wound onto the ribbon winding core 3005. On the other hand, during reverse transport, the ink ribbon R (used ink ribbon R') transported in reverse by the platen roller 21 is pulled out from the ribbon winding core 3005, causing the ribbon winding drive shaft 23 to rotate counterclockwise.

A control unit is further provided inside the housing 2 (FIG. 1) to control the transport unit (platen roller 21) and the printing unit (thermal head 10) shown in FIG. 2. The control unit includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The transport unit is driven by a stepping motor or the like (not shown).

The narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4 are stored in the cassette storage section 12c by moving the cassette base 511 and the release guide 521 shown in FIG. 2, as described later. The narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 4 are also collectively referred to as the first tape cassette. The first tape cassette stores (stores) at least the print medium (tape member M). On the other hand, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon shown in FIG. 5 does not move the cassette base 511 and the release guide 521 shown in FIG. 2 when storing in the cassette storage section 12c. The wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon is also referred to as the second tape cassette. As shown in FIG. 5, the second tape cassette is a tape cassette of a different type from the first tape cassette, which stores (stores) at least the print medium (tape member M), and in this embodiment stores (stores) the tape member M and the ink ribbon R.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the storage mechanism of this embodiment, including the cassette storage section 12c. For simplicity, the configuration of the thermal head 10, platen roller 21, etc. is omitted, and the configuration of the storage mechanism other than the cassette holding section 12 is shown by solid lines. As shown in Figure 6, the storage mechanism includes a base section 11, a cassette holding section 12, a cassette base 511, a cassette base button 512, a cassette base spring 513 as a first elastic member, a release guide 521, a release spring 522 as a second elastic member, and a locking member 700.

The holding body 12a has a size and shape (depth in the Y-axis direction, etc.) that allows each tape cassette to be stored therein. The material of the holding body 12a is not particularly limited, and it may be made of, for example, resin or metal. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the outer peripheral surface 12f of the holding body 12a to which the locking member 700 is adjacent is arc-shaped when viewed from the -Y-axis direction, and this arc-shaped portion extends in the Y-axis direction in the same manner to form a curved surface. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 12f has a curvature along the circumferential direction R but does not have a curvature in the Y-axis direction, and has a curved surface like part of the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder whose height direction coincides with the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the outer peripheral surface 12f is formed with a first guide groove 31 penetrating the holding portion main body 12a, a second guide groove 32 penetrating the holding portion main body 12a, and two hook portions 35, 36 that support the locking member 700 so that it can slide along the circumferential direction R.

The first guide groove 31 is formed along the Y-axis direction and accommodates inside the convex portion 66 formed on the release guide 521 described below. A movement limiting protrusion 65 formed at approximately the center of the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 66 protrudes from the first guide groove 31 to the outside of the holding unit main body 12a. The first guide groove 31 guides the accommodated convex portion 66 along the Y-axis direction.

The second guide grooves 32 are formed along the Y-axis direction at intervals in the circumferential direction from the first guide groove 31. An engagement protrusion 110 serving as a first engagement portion formed on the narrow tape cassette 100 shown in FIG. 8(a) or an engagement protrusion 210 serving as a first engagement portion formed on the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 8(b) is inserted into the second guide groove 32. The second guide groove 32 guides the inserted engagement protrusion 110 or engagement protrusion 210 along the Y-axis direction.

The two hook portions 35, 36 are identical in configuration and spaced apart in the circumferential direction R, and are formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface 12f. At the tips of the hook portions 35, 36, mountain-shaped protrusions 35a, 36a that protrude in the -Y direction are formed. As described below, the two hook portions 35, 36 arranged along the circumferential direction R slidably support the edge of the locking member 700 on the -Y direction side.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), a third guide groove 34 into which one end of the locking member 700 is inserted is formed on the edge of the holding portion main body 12a on the +Y direction side. The third guide groove 34 extends along the circumferential direction R, and guides the end of the sliding locking member 700 on the +Y direction side along the circumferential direction R.

6, the cassette base 511 includes a cassette base fixing portion 5111 that abuts against the tape cassette stored in the cassette storage portion 12c, a button guide portion 5112 (guide portion) that is recessed in the positive direction of the Z axis to guide the guided protrusion portion 512a that is provided on the side of the cassette base button 512 to protrude in the positive direction of the Z axis, and a tape cassette detection switch 5113. As shown in each figure of FIG. 9, the button guide portion 5112 extends in a direction parallel to the XY plane. In addition, at least a part of the button guide portion 5112 extends along the Y axis, and one end (upper end) has a shape that is bent at a predetermined angle in the negative direction of the X axis (at least a part of the button guide portion 5112 extends at an angle to the Y axis). That is, the button guide portion 5112 has a first extension portion 5112a extending along the Y-axis direction, and a second extension portion 5112b that is connected to the end of the first extension portion 5112a on the +Y-direction side and extends at an angle to the Y-axis. As shown in FIG. 6, the cassette base 511 is attached to the base portion 11 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The material of the cassette base 511 is not particularly limited, and it is made of, for example, resin or metal. The tape cassette detection switch 5113 is a switch that is pressed by the tape cassette, and the switch that is pressed differs depending on the shape of the tape cassette. This makes it possible to detect, for example, the tape width. The number of tape cassette detection switches 5113 is not limited to that shown in the figure.

The cassette base 511 is a member used when storing each tape cassette in the cassette storage section 12c, and moves when storing the narrow tape cassette 100 or the wide tape cassette 200, but does not move when storing the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon. When attempting to store the narrow tape cassette 100 or the wide tape cassette 200 in the cassette storage section 12c, a part of the narrow tape cassette 100 or the wide tape cassette 200 (a pressing protrusion portion described later) abuts against the cassette base button 512, which protrudes in the positive direction of the Y axis from the cassette base 511.

6, the cassette base button 512 is a member (pressed portion) that includes a rod-shaped main body portion extending along the Y-axis direction that abuts against the pressing protrusions 1008 (FIG. 8(a)) (pressing protrusions 2008 (FIG. 8(b))) provided below the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 so as to extend in the direction of storage in the cassette storage section 12c (-Y direction, hereinafter also referred to as the storage direction), and a guided protrusion 512a that is guided by the button guide portion 5112. In addition, one end of a cassette base spring 513, which is a biasing member extending along the Y-axis direction, is fixed below the cassette base button 512, and the other end of the cassette base spring 513 is fixed to the flat plate portion 11a of the base portion 11. As a result, the cassette base button 512 is attached to the base portion 11 so as to be movable (biased) in the Y-axis direction. The material of the cassette base button 512 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a resin or metal. The cassette base spring 513 is, for example, a metal coil spring, but the material and configuration are not limited to this. One end of the cassette base button 512 is located in the +Y direction from the end of the cassette base fixing part 5111.

When the narrow tape cassette 100 or wide tape cassette 200 is stored in the cassette storage section 12c, the cassette base button 512 comes into contact with the pressing protrusion 1008 (pressing protrusion 2008) provided below the narrow tape cassette 100 and wide tape cassette 200 shown in Figures 8 (a) and 8 (b), and is pressed down in the negative direction of the Y axis as the narrow tape cassette 100 or wide tape cassette 200 is pressed down.

As shown in FIG. 6, the release guide 521 is disposed adjacent to the holding section main body 12a, close to the end of the cassette storage section 12c. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, the release guide 521 has a main body section 62 with a flange 61 formed at one end, and a release spring 522, which is a compression spring that connects the main body section 62 and the base section 11.

The flange 61 is formed at the end of the main body 62 on the -Y direction side. The +Y direction surface of the flange 61 abuts against the -Y direction surface of the holding unit main body 12a, thereby positioning the main body 62, which is biased in the +Y direction by the release spring 522.

The main body 62 has a columnar portion 63 standing in the +Y direction and a protruding portion 64 protruding from the columnar portion 63 in the +Z direction. The main body 62 is provided inside the holder main body 12a and defines a part of the storage space for storing the tape cassette.

The columnar portion 63 is generally fan-shaped when viewed from the +Y direction, and the outer peripheral surface 63b forming the arc portion is formed with a convex portion 66 having a longitudinal direction along the Y axis direction, and a movement limiting protrusion 65 located approximately in the center of the convex portion 66. The protrusion direction of the movement limiting protrusion 65 is perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 63b. The movement limiting protrusion 65 and the convex portion 66 are inserted into the first guide groove 31 formed in the holding portion main body 12a. The movement limiting protrusion 65, as a second engagement portion, penetrates the first guide groove 31 and protrudes to the outside of the holding portion main body 12a.

The release spring 522 is interposed between the main body 62 of the release guide 521 and the base 11. The release spring 522 exerts a restoring force that attempts to return the release guide 521, which has moved in the -Y direction, to its original position.

The main body 62 contacts the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 at the contact surface 62a, which is the end on the +Y direction side, and supports these tape cassettes in the storage position.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the locking member 700 has a base portion 701 extending along the circumferential direction R, a second locking portion 702 extending in the +Y direction from one end of the base portion 701, and a first locking portion 703 formed at a distance from the second locking portion 702 in the circumferential direction R.

The base portion 701 has an opening 701a extending along the circumferential direction R. The two hook portions 35, 36 protruding from the holding portion main body 12a are passed through the opening 701a, and the mountain-shaped protrusions 35a, 36a protruding in the -Y direction are hooked on the edge. The base portion 701 is supported by the two hook portions 35, 36 arranged along the circumferential direction R so that it can slide along the circumferential direction R. The length of the opening 701a in the circumferential direction R is a length that can ensure the required movement amount of the locking member 700. In this way, the base portion 701 cannot move along the Y-axis direction because the two hook portions 35, 36 are inserted into the opening 701a. In addition, the base portion 701 cannot move in the radial direction (a direction parallel to the XZ plane and perpendicular to the circumferential direction R) because it is sandwiched between the protrusions 35a, 36a of the hook portions 35, 36 and the holding portion main body 12a. That is, the only direction in which the locking member 700 can slide is the circumferential direction R. In this way, the circumferential direction R coincides with the direction in which the locking member 700 slides. For this reason, in Figure 10 and subsequent figures, the sliding direction S of the locking member 700 is shown, and the direction in which the locking member 700 moves from its initial position (Figure 10(a)) to its slid state (Figure 11(b)) (the direction indicated by the arrow) is defined as the positive direction of the sliding direction S, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative direction of the sliding direction.

The second locking portion 702 extends along the Y-axis direction, and its tip has a flat end surface 702a facing the +Y direction. When no cassette tape is stored, the locking member 700 is in the initial position (third position), and this end surface 702a is in contact with the movement limiting protrusion 65, which protrudes from the holding portion main body 12a and serves as a second engagement portion. Since the locking member 700 cannot move in the Y-axis direction, the release guide 521, which has the movement limiting protrusion 65 in contact with the end surface 702a, is fixed and its movement in the Y-axis direction is restricted.

The first locking portion 703 is formed along the Y-axis direction. The first locking portion 703 is longer than the second locking portion 702. The upper end of the first locking portion 703 reaches the edge of the +Y direction side of the holding portion main body 12a and is inserted into the third guide groove 34. The first locking portion 703 has a plurality of mountain-shaped portions 703a having a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the second locking portion 702. The plurality of mountain-shaped portions 703a are arranged adjacent to each other along the Y-axis at the same pitch, and a V-shaped groove portion 703b is formed as an engaged portion between the adjacent mountain-shaped portions 703a, as shown in FIG. 10(a). In this way, the surface of the first locking portion 703 facing the second locking portion 702 has a jagged shape in which a plurality of groove portions 703b are formed at the same pitch. Furthermore, of the multiple mountain-shaped portions 703a, the mountain-shaped portion 703a located furthest from the +Y direction has the largest protrusion. From this mountain-shaped portion 703a located furthest from the +Y direction to the end of the first locking portion 703 on the +Y direction side, a sliding surface 703c is formed that is inclined toward the +Y direction with respect to the sliding direction S (inclined toward the +Y direction as it approaches the +S direction in FIG. 10(a)). The sliding surface 703c can also be said to be a surface that is inclined with respect to the storage direction of the tape cassette (-Y direction). This sliding surface 703c is abutted against and slid by the engagement protrusion 110 of the narrow tape cassette 100 shown in FIG. 8(a) or the engagement protrusion 210 of the wide tape cassette 200 shown in FIG. 8(b).

When no cassette tape is stored, the locking member 700 is in the initial position (third position), and as shown in FIG. 10(a), the first locking portion 703 is in a state in which it blocks the second guide groove 32 formed in the holding portion main body 12a.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), a torsion coil spring 751 is interposed between the locking member 700 and the holding portion main body 12a. As a result, the locking member 700 is subjected to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 751 and is biased toward the initial position, that is, in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7(b). The locking member 700, which is biased toward the initial position, is stopped in the initial position by abutting the wall surface of the opening 701a against the hook portion 36 on the right side shown in FIG. 7(a).

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, we will explain the narrow tape cassette 100, the wide tape cassette 200, and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300.

8(a), the narrow tape cassette 100 has a thick portion 100a that has a thickness in the Y-axis direction and is inserted deep into the cassette storage portion 12c (FIG. 6) in the -Y direction, a flange-shaped protruding portion 100b that protrudes laterally (in the XY plane direction) from the thick portion 100a, and a pressing protrusion 1008 that protrudes from the surface (lower surface) facing the -Y direction of the protruding portion 100b and presses the cassette base button 512 shown in FIG. 2 when the narrow tape cassette 100 is stored. In addition, an engagement protrusion 110 is formed on the side of the thick portion 100a as a first engagement portion that passes through the second guide groove 32 formed in the cassette holding portion 12 when the narrow tape cassette 100 is stored. When the engagement protrusion 110 is viewed from the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 10(a), its outer peripheral surface has an arc-shaped arc portion 110a and a pointed portion 110b. The shape of the tapered portion 110b is matched to the shape of the groove 703b formed in the first locking portion 703. The engaging protrusion 110 is formed at a position where it fits into one of the grooves 703b, which are the engaged portions, when the narrow tape cassette 100 is in the storage position. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(b), it is formed at a position where it fits into the third groove 703b from the +Y direction.

8(b), the wide tape cassette 200 has a thickness in the Y-axis direction, a thick portion 200a that is inserted deep into the cassette storage section 12c (FIG. 6) in the -Y direction, a flange-shaped protruding portion 200b that protrudes laterally (in the XY plane direction) from the thick portion 200a, and a pressing protrusion 2008 that protrudes from the surface (lower surface) facing the -Y direction of the protruding portion 200b and presses the cassette base button 512 shown in FIG. 2 when stored. The pressing protrusion 2008 of the wide tape cassette 200 is configured to be longer along the Y-axis direction than the pressing protrusion 1008 of the narrow tape cassette 100 shown in FIG. 8(a). In other words, the pressing protrusion 2008 of the wide tape cassette 200 is configured to be longer along the width direction of the tape material M than the pressing protrusion 1008 of the narrow tape cassette 100. In addition, an engagement protrusion 210 is formed on the side of the thick portion 200a as a first engagement portion that passes through the second guide groove 32 formed in the cassette holding portion 12 when the wide tape cassette 200 is stored. When the engagement protrusion 210 is viewed in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 13(a), its outer circumferential surface has an arc-shaped portion 210a and a tapered portion 210b with a pointed tip. The shape of the tapered portion 210b is matched to the shape of the groove portion 703b formed in the first lock portion 703. The engagement protrusion 210 is formed at a position where it fits into one of the groove portions 703b when the wide tape cassette 200 is in the storage position. In this embodiment, it is formed at a position where it fits into the groove portion 703b located closest to the -Y side, as shown in FIG. 14(b).

As shown in FIG. 8(c), the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon has a thickness in the Y-axis direction, and has a thick portion 300a that is inserted deep into the cassette storage section 12c (FIG. 6) in the -Y direction, and a flange-shaped protruding portion 300b that protrudes laterally (in the XY plane direction) from the thick portion 300a. The planar dimensions of the thick portion 300a as viewed from the +Y direction are smaller than the planar dimensions of the thick portions 100a and 200a. A notch 3008 is formed on the side of the thick portion 300a, which slides against the protruding portion 64 of the release guide 521 shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6.

Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 16, we will explain the operation of the storage mechanism when storing the narrow tape cassette 100, the wide tape cassette 200, and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 in the cassette storage section 12c shown in Figure 2.

First, the operation of the cassette base 511 and cassette base button 512 of the storage mechanism and the components in their vicinity when storing the narrow tape cassette 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the narrow tape cassette 100 is pressed down toward the cassette storage section 12c (in the negative direction of the Y axis), the pressing protrusion 1008 provided on the surface of the protrusion 100b facing the -Y direction first comes into contact with the cassette base button 512.

9(b), when the narrow tape cassette 100 is further pressed down from the state of FIG. 9(a), the cassette base button 512 is pressed down in the negative direction of the Y axis. At this time, as the guided protrusion 512a (FIG. 6) of the cassette base button 512 is guided by the second extension portion 5112b of the button guide portion 5112, the cassette base 511 moves in the negative direction of the X axis so as not to interfere with the thick portion 100a. In other words, the cassette base 511 moves to a retracted position that does not interfere with the storage of the narrow tape cassette 100. In other words, the cassette base 511 moves from the initial position to the retracted position by the indirect action of at least a part (pressure protrusion 1008) of the narrow tape cassette 100. In addition, the cassette base button 512 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, compressing the cassette base spring 513.

9(c), when the narrow tape cassette 100 is further pressed down from the state of FIG. 9(b), the cassette base button 512 moves further in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the guided protrusion 512a (FIG. 6) of the cassette base button 512 is guided by the first extension 5112a of the button guide portion 5112. In this way, the narrow tape cassette 100 is pressed down, and the protrusion 100b abuts against the cassette base fixing portion 5111 and the base 12e (FIG. 2). In this way, the narrow tape cassette 100 moves to the storage position and does not move any further in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. In this way, as the narrow tape cassette 100 moves to the storage position, the cassette base 511 moves, and a storage space for the narrow tape cassette 100 is formed.

Next, the operation of the locking member 700 when storing the narrow tape cassette 100 will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 10(a), the narrow tape cassette 100 is pushed down toward the cassette storage section 12c (in the negative direction of the Y-axis), but the engagement protrusion 110 of the narrow tape cassette 100 has not yet come into contact with the locking member 700. At this time, the locking member 700 is biased in the -S direction by the torsion coil spring 751 (FIG. 7(b)), and the hook portion 36 on the +S side hits the wall surface of the opening 701a, so that the locking member 700 in the initial position (third position) is stopped. In the sliding direction S, the second locking portion 702 of the locking member 700 coincides with the first guide groove 31, and the first locking portion 703 coincides with the second guide groove 32. As a result, the movement limiting protrusion 65 of the release guide 521 abuts against the end surface 702a of the second locking portion 702, limiting the movement of the release guide 521 in the -Y direction. Also, at this time, the groove portion 703b, which is the engaged portion, is in a disengaged position where it is not engaged with the engaging protrusion 110, which is the first engaging portion.

When the narrow tape cassette 100 is pressed down (moved in the negative Y-axis direction) from the state shown in FIG. 10(a), the engagement protrusion 110 of the narrow tape cassette 100 comes into contact with the sliding surface 703c of the locking member 700, as shown in FIG. 10(b).

10(b), when the narrow tape cassette 100 is further pressed down, the engagement protrusion 110 of the narrow tape cassette 100 pushes the locking member 700 aside while sliding on the sliding surface 703c. This causes the locking member 700 to slide in the direction indicated by the arrow A1, i.e., in the +S direction. In this way, by pressing down the narrow tape cassette 100 against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 751 shown in FIG. 7(b), the locking member 700 can be slid in the +S direction, as can be seen from the positions of the locking member 700 shown in FIG. 10(b) and FIG. 11(a). FIG. 11(a) shows the state in which the engagement protrusion 110 comes into contact with the tip of the mountain-shaped portion 703a and the locking member 700 has slid to the furthest +S side. In this way, as the locking member 700 moves, the position of the second locking portion 702 shifts from the position of the first guide groove 31 in the sliding direction S, and moves to a position where it does not interfere with the release guide 521. This allows the release guide 521 to move in the -Y direction.

When the narrow tape cassette 100 is pressed further down from the state shown in FIG. 11(a), the engaging protrusion 110 alternates between fitting into the groove 703b and contacting the tip of the mountain-shaped portion 703a. This causes the locking member 700 to move in small increments in the +S and -S directions.

In addition, by pressing down the narrow tape cassette 100 in this manner, the surface (bottom surface) of the narrow tape cassette 100 facing the -Z direction comes into contact with the release guide 521, and the release guide 521, which is now movable in the -Y direction, moves in the -Y direction together with the narrow tape cassette 100. In other words, as a moving member, the release guide 521 moves from the initial position (first position) to a retracted position (second position) that does not interfere with the storage of the narrow tape cassette 100. As the release guide 521 moves in the negative Y-axis direction in this manner, the release spring 522 is compressed.

Eventually, the narrow tape cassette 100 moves to the storage position as shown in FIG. 11(b). At this time, the engaging protrusion 110 fits into the third groove 703b (between adjacent mountain-shaped portions 703a) counting from the +Y side. The state in which the engaging protrusion 110 fits into the groove 703b is the state in which the tapered portion 110b shown in FIG. 10 is inserted all the way into the groove 703b. In this way, the engaging protrusion 110 fits into the groove 703b, thereby fixing the narrow tape cassette 100 in the storage position. At this time, the locking member 700 is in the fourth position, which is a position for fixing the narrow tape cassette 100. Also, at this time, the groove 703b, which is the engaged portion, is in an engagement position where it engages with the engaging protrusion 110, which is the first engagement portion. This completes the storage of the narrow tape cassette 100 in the cassette storage section 12c.

When removing the narrow tape cassette 100 from the cassette storage section 12c, the locking member 700 is slid in the +S direction to release the state in which the engagement protrusion 110 is fitted in the groove 703b. This causes the compressed release spring 522 to expand, and the release guide 521 moves the narrow tape cassette 100 in the positive direction of the Y axis. This causes the narrow tape cassette 100 to pop out of the cassette storage section 12c, and the narrow tape cassette 100 that has been released from the locking member 700 can be removed. The release guide 521 that has moved in the positive direction of the Y axis abuts the +Y side end of the convex portion 66 against the wall surface of the first guide groove 31, as shown in FIG. 10(a), and stops at the initial position (first position). In addition, the locking member 700 receives the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 751 (FIG. 7(b)), moves in the -S direction, and returns to the third position (initial position). As a result, the groove portion 703b, which is the engaged portion, returns to the disengaged position where it is not engaged with the engaging protrusion portion 110, which is the first engaging portion.

Next, the operation of the cassette base 511 and cassette base button 512 of the storage mechanism and the components in their vicinity when storing the wide tape cassette 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the wide tape cassette 200 is pressed down toward the cassette storage section 12c, the pressing protrusion 2008 provided on the surface of the protruding portion 200b facing the -Y direction first comes into contact with the cassette base button 512.

The pressing protrusion 2008 of the wide tape cassette 200 is configured to be longer along the Y-axis direction than the pressing protrusion 1008 of the narrow tape cassette 100. In other words, the pressing protrusion 2008 of the wide tape cassette 200 is configured to be longer along the width direction of the tape material M than the pressing protrusion 1008 of the narrow tape cassette 100.

12(b), when the wide tape cassette 200 is further pressed down from the state of FIG. 12(a), the cassette base button 512 is pressed down in the negative direction of the Y axis. At this time, as the guided protrusion 512a (FIG. 6) of the cassette base button 512 is guided by the second extension portion 5112b of the button guide portion 5112, the cassette base 511 moves in the negative direction of the X axis so as not to interfere with the thick portion 200a. In other words, the cassette base 511 moves to a retracted position that does not interfere with the storage of the wide tape cassette 200. In other words, the cassette base 511 moves from the initial position to the retracted position by the indirect action of at least a part (pressure protrusion 2008) of the wide tape cassette 200. In addition, the cassette base button 512 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, compressing the cassette base spring 513.

As shown in FIG. 12(c), when the wide tape cassette 200 is further pressed down from the state shown in FIG. 12(b), the cassette base button 512 moves further in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the guided protrusion 512a (FIG. 6) of the cassette base button 512 is guided by the first extension portion 5112a of the button guide portion 5112. In this way, the wide tape cassette 200 is pressed down, and the protrusion 200b abuts against the cassette base fixing portion 5111 and the base 12e (FIG. 2). In this way, the wide tape cassette 200 moves to the storage position and does not move any further in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. In this way, as the wide tape cassette 200 moves to the storage position, the cassette base 511 moves, and a storage space for the wide tape cassette 200 is formed.

Next, the operation of the locking member 700 when the wide tape cassette 200 is stored will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 13(a), the wide tape cassette 200 is pushed down toward the cassette storage section 12c, but the engagement protrusion 210 of the wide tape cassette 200 has not yet come into contact with the locking member 700. At this time, the locking member 700 is biased in the -S direction by the torsion coil spring 751 (FIG. 7(b)), and the hook portion 36 on the +S side hits the wall surface of the opening 701a, stopping it at the initial position. In the locking member 700 in the initial position, in the sliding direction S, the second locking portion 702 coincides with the first guide groove 31, and the first locking portion 703 coincides with the second guide groove 32. As a result, the movement limiting protrusion 65 of the release guide 521 abuts against the end surface 702a of the second locking portion 702, limiting the movement of the release guide 521 in the -Y direction. At this time, the groove portion 703b, which is the engaged portion, is in a disengaged position where it is not engaged with the engaging protrusion portion 210, which is the first engaging portion.

When the wide tape cassette 200 is pushed down from the state shown in FIG. 13(a), the engagement protrusion 210 of the wide tape cassette 200 comes into contact with the sliding surface 703c of the locking member 700, as shown in FIG. 13(b).

13(b), when the wide tape cassette 200 is further pressed down, the engagement protrusion 210 of the wide tape cassette 200 pushes the locking member 700 aside while sliding on the sliding surface 703c. As a result, the locking member 700 slides in the direction indicated by the arrow A2, i.e., in the +S direction. In this way, by pressing down the wide tape cassette 200 against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 751 shown in FIG. 7(b), the locking member 700 can be slid in the +S direction, as can be seen from the positions of the locking member 700 shown in FIG. 13(b) and the locking member 700 shown in FIG. 14(a). FIG. 14(a) shows a state in which the engagement protrusion 210 comes into contact with the tip of the mountain-shaped portion 703a and the locking member 700 has slid most toward the +S side. In this way, as the locking member 700 moves, the position of the second locking portion 702 is shifted from the position of the first guide groove 31 in the sliding direction S. This allows the release guide 521 to move in the -Y direction.

When the wide tape cassette 200 is pressed further down from the state shown in FIG. 14(a), the engaging protrusion 210 alternates between fitting into the groove 703b and contacting the tip of the mountain-shaped portion 703a. This causes the locking member 700 to move in small increments in the +S and -S directions.

In addition, by pressing down the wide tape cassette 200 in this manner, the surface (lower surface) of the wide tape cassette 200 facing the -Z direction comes into contact with the release guide 521, and the release guide 521, which is now movable in the -Y direction, moves in the -Y direction together with the wide tape cassette 200. In other words, as a moving member, the release guide 521 moves from the initial position (first position) to a retracted position (second position) that does not interfere with the storage of the wide tape cassette 200. By moving the release guide 521 in the negative Y-axis direction in this manner, the release spring 522 is compressed.

Eventually, the wide tape cassette 200 moves to the storage position as shown in FIG. 14(b). At this time, the engaging protrusion 210 fits into the groove 703b (between the adjacent mountain-shaped portions 703a) located at the -Y side. The state in which the engaging protrusion 210 fits into the groove 703b is the state in which the tapered portion 210b shown in FIG. 13 is inserted all the way into the groove 703b. In this way, the engaging protrusion 210 fits into the groove 703b, thereby fixing the narrow tape cassette 100 in the storage position. At this time, the locking member 700 is in the fourth position, which is a position for fixing the wide tape cassette 200. Also, at this time, the groove 703b, which is the engaged portion, is in an engagement position where it engages with the engaging protrusion 210, which is the first engagement portion. This completes the storage of the wide tape cassette 200 in the cassette storage section 12c.

When removing the wide tape cassette 200 from the cassette storage section 12c, the locking member 700 is slid in the +S direction to release the state in which the engagement protrusion 210 is fitted in the groove 703b. This causes the compressed release spring 522 to expand, and the release guide 521 moves the wide tape cassette 200 in the positive direction of the Y axis. This causes the wide tape cassette 200 to pop out of the cassette storage section 12c, and the wide tape cassette 200 that has been released from the locking member 700 can be removed. The release guide 521 that has moved in the positive direction of the Y axis abuts the +Y side end of the convex portion 66 against the wall surface of the first guide groove 31, as shown in FIG. 13(a), and stops at the initial position. In addition, the locking member 700 receives the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 751 (FIG. 7(b)), moves in the -S direction, and returns to the third position (initial position). As a result, the groove portion 703b, which is the engaged portion, returns to the disengaged position where it is not engaged with the engaging protrusion portion 210, which is the first engaging portion.

As described above, when storing and removing the wide tape cassette 200 in the cassette storage section 12c, the storage mechanism operates (moves) in the same way as when storing and removing the narrow tape cassette 100. However, since the thick portion 200a of the wide tape cassette 200 is thicker than the thick portion 100a of the narrow tape cassette 100, it is inserted deep into the cassette storage section 12c. Therefore, when the wide tape cassette 200 is stored, the cassette base button 512 and the release guide 521 move more in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction than when the narrow tape cassette 100 is stored. In this way, the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 have different amounts of movement in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction when storing. Therefore, when the tape cassette is in the storage position, the groove portion 703b into which the engagement protrusion 110 fits and the groove portion 703b into which the engagement protrusion 210 fits are different from each other.

Next, we will explain how to store a wide tape cassette 300 with an ink ribbon in the cassette storage section 12c.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), when the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 is pushed down toward the cassette storage section 12c, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 slides along the side of the cassette base 511 and moves downward. The wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 does not have a pressing protrusion for pressing the cassette base button 512, and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 does not press or move the cassette base button 512. The protrusion 300b provided on the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 abuts against the cassette base fixing section 5111. In this way, the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 moves to the storage position and does not move any further in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the cassette base 511 and the cassette base button 512 do not move from their initial positions, and the wide tape cassette with ink ribbon 300 is stored (fixed) in the cassette storage section 12c.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon moves downward while sliding the notch 3008 on the protrusion 64 of the release guide 521. The wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon does not have any members corresponding to the engagement protrusions 110, 210 (FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)) that come into contact with the locking member 700. Therefore, when the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon is stored, the locking member 700 does not move, and as shown in FIG. 16(a), the second locking portion 702 remains aligned with the first guide groove 31 in the sliding direction S. As a result, the release guide 521 does not move in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon is stored (fixed) in the cassette storage section 12c as shown in FIG. 16(b) without moving the release guide 521 and the locking member 700 from their initial positions. In this way, the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon is supported by the release guide 521 by abutting against the protrusion 64 (Figure 5) of the release guide 521 in the initial position.

According to the above embodiment, the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200 stored in the cassette storage section 12c can be fixed via the locking member 700. For example, when the narrow tape cassette 100 is stored, as shown in FIG. 11B, the narrow tape cassette 100 receives a force in the +Y direction from the release guide 521 in the retreat position (second position) due to the compressed release spring 522. On the other hand, the movement of the narrow tape cassette 100 in the +Y direction is restricted by the multiple grooves 703b that engage with the engagement protrusions 110. As a result, the stored narrow tape cassette 100 is sandwiched and fixed between the grooves 703b that have moved to the engagement position and the release guide 521 in the second position. The same applies to the wide tape cassette 200.

The locking member 700 is biased toward the initial position (-S direction) by the restoring force of the torsion coil spring 751 (Figure 7(b)). This allows the groove 703b and the engaging protrusion 110 fitted into the groove 703b to be tightly attached to each other, and the narrow tape cassette 100 can be more firmly fixed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the engaging protrusion 110 is formed with a tapered portion 110b that matches the shape of the groove 703b. That is, by providing at least a portion of the outer shape of the engaging protrusion 110 with a portion shaped to match the shape of the groove 703b, the groove 703b and the engaging protrusion 110 can be matched. This allows the narrow tape cassette 100 to be fixed more firmly. These effects are also the same for the wide tape cassette 200.

When storing the wide tape cassette 300 with ink ribbon, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the movement limiting protrusion 65 abuts against the end face 702a of the second locking portion 702, preventing the release guide 521 from moving in the -Y direction. This prevents the release guide 521 from moving along the Y-axis direction when or after storing the tape cassette 300, causing the position of the tape cassette 300 to become unstable.

When storing the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200, the locking member 700 can be slid in the +S direction by sliding the engagement protrusions 110, 210 on the sliding surface 703c. This causes the position of the second locking portion 702 to shift from the position of the first guide groove 31 in the sliding direction S, and the release guide 521 can be moved in the -Y direction. In this way, the release guide 521 can be appropriately changed between a state in which movement in the Y-axis direction is restricted and a state in which movement is not restricted depending on the tape cassette being stored.

(Modification)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is merely an example, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied in various ways, and all embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

The printing device 1 is described as having a thermal head, but is not limited to this. It may be any type of printing device, including an inkjet printer or laser printer.

The printing device 1 may include an input unit for inputting various information, and a display unit for displaying the various information input by the input unit. It may also be connected to an external input device or display device, and may use these devices to accept information input from the user or present information to the user.

In the above embodiment, the pressing protrusions 1008, 2008 for pressing the cassette base button 512 were formed by protruding from the surfaces of the narrow tape cassette 100 and the wide tape cassette 200. However, by extending the cassette base button 512 further in the +Y direction, it is possible to omit such a pressing protrusion.

In addition, in the embodiment, the angle of the second extension portion 5112b with respect to the Y axis can be set arbitrarily according to the amount of movement of the cassette base button 512. In addition, in the second embodiment, the angle of the inclined surface 64a provided on the protrusion 64 and the angle of the inclined surface 53a provided on the extension portion 53 can also be set arbitrarily according to the amount of movement of the cassette base 50.

In the above embodiment, the directions of movement of the first member (cassette base 511) and the second member (release guide 521) that define a portion of the storage space of the tape cassette are described as being perpendicular to each other. However, as long as the size of the storage space of the tape cassette can be appropriately changed, the directions of movement of the first member and the second member do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first locking portion 703 is provided with a sliding surface 703c which is an inclined surface, but a sliding surface may be provided on the tape cassette side, and the first locking portion 703 may be a horizontal end surface or a curved surface, so that the first locking portion 703 slides on the sliding surface.

In addition, although the sliding direction of the locking member 700 has been described as being along the circumferential direction, it may also be slid in a linear direction.

In addition, the shape of the groove 703b formed in the first locking portion 703 is arbitrary, and various shapes can be used as long as they can engage with the engaging protrusions 110, 120.

M... tape member, R... ink ribbon, R'... used ink ribbon, 1... printing device, 2... housing, 2a... flat surface, 2b... curved surface, 2c... recess, 2d... discharge port, 8... main part, 10... thermal head, 11... base part, 11a... flat plate part, 12... cassette holding part, 12a... holding part main body, 12b... legs, 12c... cassette storage part, 12e... pedestal, 12f... outer circumferential surface, 21... platen roller, 21a... platen roller shaft, 23... ribbon winding drive shaft, 25... shaft part, 31... first guide groove, 32... second guide groove, 34... third guide groove, 35, 36... hook part, 35a, 36a... protrusion 50: cassette base, 53: extension, 53a: inclined surface, 61: flange, 62: main body, 62a: contact surface, 63: columnar portion, 63b: outer peripheral surface, 64: protrusion, 64a: inclined surface, 65: movement limiting protrusion, 66: convex portion, 100: narrow tape cassette, 100a: thick portion, 110: engagement protrusion, 100b: protrusion, 110a: arc-shaped portion, 110b: tapered portion, 200: wide tape cassette, 200a: thick portion, 200b: protrusion, 210: engagement protrusion, 210a: arc-shaped portion, 210b: tapered portion, 300: ink cartridge wide tape cassette with button, 300a... thick portion, 300b... protruding portion, 511... cassette base, 512... cassette base button, 512a... guided protrusion portion, 513... cassette base spring, 521... release guide, 522... release spring, 700... locking member, 701... base portion, 701a... opening, 702... second locking portion, 702a... end surface, 703... first locking portion, 703a... mountain-shaped portion, 703b... groove portion, 703c... sliding surface, 751... torsion coil spring, 1001... cassette case, 1001a... Support notch, 1002... tape core, 1005... ribbon winding drive shaft through hole, 1006... thermal head insertion part, 1008, 2008... pressing protrusion, 3001... cassette case, 3001a... support notch, 3002... tape core, 3004... ribbon supply core, 3005... ribbon winding core, 3006... thermal head insertion part, 3008... notch, 5111... cassette base fixing part, 5112... button guide part, 5112a... first extension part, 5112b... second extension part, 5113... tape cassette detection switch

Claims (9)

a tape cassette storage section that stores a print medium and is capable of storing a first tape cassette having a first engagement section;
a moving member that is movable from a first position to a second position by the first tape cassette moving in contact with the moving member;
a locking member having a first locking portion having an engaged portion movable along the tape cassette storage portion between an engagement position where the first locking portion engages with the first locking portion and a disengagement position where the engagement with the first locking portion is released,
the first tape cassette accommodated in the tape cassette accommodation section is fixed by the engaged portion moved to the engaging position and the moving member moved to the second position;
Printing device. the tape cassette storage section is capable of storing a second tape cassette having a shape different from that of the first tape cassette,
When the second tape cassette is to be stored in the tape cassette storage section,
the movable member supports the second tape cassette by abutting against the second tape cassette at the first position;
The printing device of claim 1 . the locking member includes a second locking portion that restricts movement of the movable member by contacting the movable member in the first position,
when the first tape cassette is stored in the tape cassette storage section, the first locking portion is pressed by the first engaging portion, whereby the locking member moves from a third position, which is an initial position, toward a fourth position at which the tape cassette is fixed;
when the locking member is in the third position, the first locking portion is in the disengaged position;
when the locking member is in the fourth position, the first locking portion is in the engaged position;
As the locking member moves toward the fourth position, the second locking portion moves to a position where it does not hinder the movement of the movable member.
3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2. The moving member is formed with a second engagement portion,
When the locking member is in the third position, the second engagement portion abuts against the second locking portion, thereby restricting the movement of the movable member.
The printing device according to claim 3 . the first locking portion is provided with a sliding surface that is inclined with respect to a storage direction in which the first tape cassette moves, and that causes the first engaging portion to come into contact with and slide against the sliding surface when storing the first tape cassette, thereby pushing aside the locking member and moving the first tape cassette toward the fourth position;
The printing device according to claim 4. The first locking portion has a plurality of grooves formed as the engaged portion, the grooves being engageable with the first engaging portion that slides on the sliding surface and pushes aside the locking member.
The printing device according to claim 5 . an elastic member that applies a restoring force to the locking member that has moved from the third position to return the locking member to the third position;
the first engagement portion engaged with the groove portion is pressed against the first lock portion by the restoring force, thereby fixing the first tape cassette.
The printing device according to claim 6. At least a part of the outer shape of the first engagement portion is formed to match the shape of the groove portion.
The printing device according to claim 6. the first tape cassette is a tape cassette that does not accommodate an ink ribbon for printing on the print medium, and the second tape cassette is a tape cassette that accommodates an ink ribbon for printing on the print medium.
The printing device according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

Images