JP2811174B2 - Printing tape cartridge - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing tape cartridge containing a long printing tape on which printing is performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing device that prints a desired character string on a long printing sheet such as a tape, the printing tape can be detachably attached to the printing device in the form of a cartridge, thereby facilitating replacement work. And This type of printing tape cartridge stores a long printing tape in a compact form, and in order to facilitate supply to printing equipment, winds and stores the printing tape in a roll on a cylindrical tape core and prints. In such a case, a configuration is generally used in which a necessary amount is fed out and used. The feeding end of the printing tape is constantly pulled out slightly from the cartridge case so that the feeding of the printing tape is smoothly performed.

[0003]

However, when the printing tape cartridge is handled alone, there is a problem that the tape core rotates due to vibration or the like, and the leading end of the printing tape enters the cartridge case. Once the printing tape has entered the cartridge case, it has not been easy to remove it.

In order to remove the print tape that has entered the cartridge case, the cartridge case must be opened. However, a print tape cartridge usually contains a printing ink ribbon and the like. If the lid is forcibly opened, the ink ribbon may be loosened or deviate from the proper storage position, possibly damaging the cartridge itself.

If the printing tape cartridge whose leading end has entered the cartridge case is to be mounted on a printing device without knowing the printing tape cartridge and printing is to be performed, the printing tape cartridge is nipped and conveyed between the platen and the printing head. It has been pointed out that there is a possibility that the printing tape may be clogged in the cartridge and cause a failure of the printing device.

The print tape cartridge of the present invention solves these problems, solves the problem of accidental entry or clogging of the print tape into the case, and solves the problem of using a printing device to which the print tape cartridge is attached. Made for the purpose of doing.

[0007]

A printing tape cartridge according to the present invention is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus main body, and is provided in a printing tape cartridge containing a printing tape to be supplied for printing while being fed out by the printing apparatus main body. A cartridge case that forms a shell and houses the printing tape, a tape core that winds the printing tape in a roll shape and has a rib portion on the inner peripheral portion, and a tape core that protrudes from the inner surface of the cartridge case and rotatably supports the tape core. And a reverse rotation preventing mechanism for preventing reverse rotation of the tape core in a direction opposite to the feeding direction of the printing tape.The reverse rotation preventing mechanism includes a locking receiving portion formed on a rib portion of the tape core, and a protrusion on the protrusion. A locking member that is slidably held in the axial direction and is removably locked to the locking receiving portion; and the locking member moves toward the locking receiving portion. And having a spring for biasing Te.

[0008] In this case, the latch receiving portion, radially consists of full E over scan ratchet forming a pawl tooth, springs, while being mounted on the protrusion, the cartridge case one end in contact with the inner surface of the cartridge case The locking member is constituted by a linear locking portion which is formed by bending the other end of the coil spring radially and extending linearly. The linear locking portion includes a projection. It is preferable to be slidably held in the vertical groove formed as described above.

In this case, it is preferable that the projection is formed in a bottomless cylindrical shape, and the coil spring is mounted on the inner peripheral portion of the projection.

In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of vertical grooves are formed in the circumferential direction of the projection.

In these cases, the cartridge case has a main body case and a case lid, and one end of the coil spring abuts on the case lid and is compressed while the case lid is mounted on the main body case. Is preferred.

In these cases, it is preferable that a second face ratchet identical to the face ratchet is formed on the back surface of the rib portion.

In these cases, the printing device main body has a release projection that fits into the projection of the attached print tape cartridge, and the linear locking portion is detached by the release projection when mounted on the printing device main body. Moving in the direction is preferred.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the reverse rotation preventing mechanism, the locking member urged by the spring is locked in the locking receiving portion of the tape core, and the tape core is fixed with the feeding of the printing tape. In the case of rotation, the locking member is repelled by the locking receiving portion against the spring and repeats detachment, thereby allowing normal rotation of the tape core. Conversely, when the tape core rotates in the reverse direction, the locking member is locked by the locking receiving portion by being urged by the spring, and receives the projection to prevent the tape core from rotating in the reverse direction. In this case, since the locking receiving portion is provided on the rib portion on the inner peripheral portion of the tape core and the locking member is slidably held by the projection, the reverse rotation preventing mechanism is collectively provided near the tape core. The space efficiency in the cartridge case can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the face ratchet formed on the rib portion of the tape core is formed in a plane, and correspondingly, one end abuts on the inner surface of the cartridge case and the other end has a linear shape. A coil spring with an extended locking part is attached to the projection with the vertical groove as a guide, and the coil spring is compressed from the cartridge case, so that the linear locking part is locked to the face ratchet, preventing reverse rotation A mechanism is configured. Therefore, the locking member and the spring can be integrally formed by processing the coil spring,
The reverse rotation prevention mechanism can have a simple structure with a small number of parts. Further, since the face ratchet is formed on the rib portion of the tape core and the coil spring is mounted on the projection, the reverse rotation preventing mechanism can be easily assembled and can be made compact.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the coil spring is mounted on the inner peripheral portion of the projection, the coil spring is inserted so that the linear locking portion is aligned with the vertical groove of the projection. It can be easily attached to the projections. Therefore,
Assembling of the reverse rotation preventing mechanism can be further facilitated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of vertical grooves are formed on the projection, the position where the linear locking portion and the vertical groove can be aligned when the coil spring is mounted on the projection is determined. A plurality is provided in the circumferential direction, and the coil spring can be easily and quickly mounted.

According to the configuration of claim 5, by mounting the case lid on the main body case, the coil spring mounted on the projection is compressed, so that the coil spring can be mounted on the projection in a free state. The coil spring can be easily and quickly assembled.

According to the configuration of claim 6, since the face ratchet is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the rib portion,
Since the front and back of the tape core are the same, there is no need to consider the winding direction of the printing tape around the tape core.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the print tape cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus main body, the release projection relatively moves the linear locking portion in the detaching direction. This allows
All locking between the linear locking portion and the face ratchet is released, and the tape core can freely rotate. When the print tape is fed from this standby state (forward rotation), no friction occurs between the linear locking portion and the face ratchet, and the tape core rotates smoothly, thereby reducing unnecessary load on the power side. And unnecessary ratchet noise can be prevented.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to further clarify the structure and operation of the present invention described above, first, the entire structure including a printing device for mounting a printing tape cartridge and performing a printing operation will be described.

1 to 4 show the same embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an overall view corresponding to all embodiments of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 9 denotes a printing device main body;
A power supply electric circuit, a tape drive mechanism, and the like are built therein.
The printing operation is performed while watching the display panel 9c and using the keyboard 9d.
This is executed based on the data input by. The rotating shaft 9a receives the rotating power from the built-in motor, rotates the platen in the tape cartridge 1, and sends the tape portion after printing out of the case while holding the printing tape between the head 9b and the platen. In the present embodiment, the platen is built in the tape cartridge 1, but there is also a type in which the platen is installed in the printing device main body 9. The invention of the print tape cartridge 1 used in the above system will be described with reference to FIGS.

1 to 4, a print tape cartridge 1 is a case (cartridge case) composed of an upper case (case lid) 1a and a lower case (case body) 1b.
, In which components as described below are incorporated and held. Reference numeral 2 denotes a tape core that winds the printing tape 3 in a roll shape. After being integrated with the printing tape 3, the tape core is guided to the lower case 1b while being guided about the projection 1c in the lower case 1b as a central axis. Reference numeral 4 denotes a reverse rotation preventing spring which is an important component of the present invention.
It is mounted while being guided on the inner peripheral surface of the projection 1c of b.

The reverse rotation preventing spring 4 is a coil spring made of a coiled wire, and has a linear locking portion 4a formed by bending the wire and extending linearly at the lower end. The linear locking portion 4a traverses the coil portion in the radial direction and extends forward, and the linear locking portion 4a is fitted into the vertical groove 1d of the projection 1c. The vertical groove 1d has 180
ラ Ratchet grooves (face ratchets) 2a formed at two symmetrical points and mounted on the tape core 2.
It has been cut to a lower position. Therefore, when the reverse rotation preventing spring 4 is inserted into the projection 1c of the lower case 1b with the linear locking portion 4a positioned in one vertical groove 1d, the linear locking portion 4a is placed on the ratchet groove 2a, Further, when the upper case 1a is mounted in this state, the reverse rotation preventing spring 4 is compressed, and the linear locking portion 4a is pressed against the ratchet groove 2a.

[0026]

Reference numeral 5 denotes a platen which receives the driving force of the printing device, sends out the printing tape 3 and receives the head pressure during printing. 6 is an ink ribbon for printing,
Reference numeral 7 denotes an ink ribbon core for winding the ink ribbon 6. Reference numeral 8 denotes a tape cartridge receiver formed on the printing apparatus main body 9, and has a function of receiving the tape cartridge 1 and performing vertical positioning. In addition, the tape cartridge 1 is carried and the printing device main body 9 with the feeding end of the printing tape 3 slightly pulled out from the case.
Is mounted on the tape cartridge receiver 8.

The tape cartridge (case) at the feeding end of the printing tape 3 which is the most important point in the present invention.
The following embodiment will be described as a measure for preventing pull-in into the device 1 (reverse rotation prevention mechanism). 1 to 4, a disk-shaped portion (rib portion) rotatably supported by the projection 1c of the lower case 1b is formed at a middle position of the inner peripheral portion of the tape core 2. Ratchet grooves 2a are formed in a planar manner on both front and back surfaces of the shape portion. Each ratchet groove 2a is formed of a planar ratchet wheel formed in a sawtooth shape in one rotation direction as shown in the figure. By forming the ratchet grooves 2a on both the front and back surfaces of the disc-shaped portion in this way, the front and back surfaces of the tape core 2 itself are eliminated (the front and back surfaces are completely the same), and it is not necessary to consider the winding direction of the printing tape 3 around the tape core 2. .

When the linear locking portion 4a of the reverse rotation preventing spring 4 is engaged with the ratchet groove 2a, the tape core 2
Rotation in the A direction is prevented, while rotation in the A direction is allowed. That is, due to the ratchet structure of the tape core 2 and the reverse rotation preventing spring 4, the tape core can rotate only in the direction A, so that the feeding end of the printing tape 3 is not drawn into the case. Since the linear locking portion 4a of the reverse rotation preventing spring 4 is engaged with the vertical groove 1d of the projection 1c provided on the lower case 1b of the tape cartridge 1, it cannot rotate integrally with the tape core 2. Absent.

Although the effects of the present invention are sufficient only with the above contents, the present invention is further completed by using the following structure in combination.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a release projection 8 a is formed on a part of the tape cartridge receiver 8.
When the tape cartridge 1 is set, the release projection 8
a is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the projection 1c of the tape cartridge 1 from below. As a result, the tape cartridge 1 is positioned in the tape cartridge receiver 8, and the upper end of the release projection 8a presses the reverse rotation preventing spring 4 from below, thereby engaging the linear locking portion 4a with the ratchet groove 2a. solve. Therefore, when the tape cartridge is set in the tape cartridge receiver 8, the linear locking portion 4a is separated from the ratchet groove 2a, and the tape core 2 can rotate in a completely free state.

In the first place, the retracting phenomenon of the feeding end of the printing tape 3 occurs when the tape cartridge is transported or dropped by itself, and when the printing device is mounted, the lock is released, so that the torque load at the time of feeding is reduced. There are benefits. Also, it is possible to prevent a ratchet noise.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking member for preventing reverse rotation is a coil-shaped spring called a reverse rotation preventing spring as shown in the figure, but this is constituted by a leaf spring or a member having another shape. Needless to say, the present invention can be embodied in various modes.

Further, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in three points.

First, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, three clutch members 69 are provided on the surface of the tape core and the tape core guide surface of the case (a member corresponding to the projection 1c). More specifically, the clutch member 69 is a pin having a small diameter and a substantially cylindrical shape.
Wedge-shaped groove 6 formed on one side of the tape core guide surface
1a is accommodated with play. Tape core 62
When trying to rotate in the direction A in the figure, the clutch member does not enter the narrow part inside the wedge, and it rotates freely,
Conversely, when trying to rotate in the direction B, the clutch member 69 is driven to the narrow portion of the groove 61a, so that the rotation can be prevented by the wedge effect. That is, a friction type one-way clutch mechanism (freewheel) is formed between the tape core and the projection, and the reverse rotation of the tape core 62 is prevented.

The third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 uses a clutch action by radial interference of a coil spring (winding spring). One end 79a of the coil spring 79 is connected to the tape core 72.
The coil spring 79 has its inner diameter wound around the shaft of the tape cartridge case 71 with a tight allowance. Since the coil spring 79 has a feature that its diameter can be expanded by rotating only in a certain direction, the tape core can be rotated only in a certain direction in this case as well. That is, even if the tape core 72 attempts to rotate in the reverse direction in which the coil spring 79 is tightened, the coil spring 79 strongly tightens the shaft, so that the frictional force between the two prevents the tape core 72 from rotating in the reverse direction.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a part of the tape cartridge case is cut out to form a lock claw 81a having a spring action, and engages with a groove 82a formed in the tape core 82. . In this case, the lock claw 81a
By forming a slope inclined in a certain direction on one or both of the claw portion and the tape core groove 82a, a ratchet effect is generated, and rotation only in a certain direction becomes possible. That is, normal rotation of the tape core 72 is allowed, and reverse rotation is prevented.

[0038]

As described above with reference to the embodiments, according to the print tape cartridge of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the problem that the tape enters the cartridge case can be solved. Therefore, when the print tape cartridge is detached from the printing device, storage and handling of the print tape cartridge are simplified. These advantages are particularly great in a printing device that is based on the assumption that the printing tape cartridge needs to be replaced. Further, since the reverse rotation preventing mechanism can be collectively disposed near the tape core, the print tape cartridge itself can be configured compact.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a tape cartridge showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the tape cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a printing apparatus main body.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the tape cartridge in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional perspective view of a tape core according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a tape cartridge and a printing apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing a tape cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a tape cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing a tape cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 tape cartridge (case) 1a upper case 1b lower case 1c lower case protrusion 1d lower case protrusion vertical groove 2 tape core 2a ratchet groove 3 printing tape 4 reverse rotation preventing spring 4a linear locking portion of reverse rotation preventing spring 5 platen 6 Ink ribbon 7 Ink ribbon core 8 Tape cartridge receiver 8a Tape cartridge receiver release projection 9 Printing equipment main body 9a Platen drive shaft 9b Head 9c Display panel 9d Keyboard 61, 71, 81 Case 62, 72, 82 Tape core 69 Clutch member 79 Coil spring

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-122239 (JP, A) JP-A-57-11073 (JP, A) JP-A 4-135558 (JP, U) JP-A 62-108356 (JP , U) Actual opening 60-81959 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 15/04 B41J 3/36 B65H 16/00-16/10

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printing tape cartridge removably mounted on a printing device main body and containing a printing tape fed out for printing by the printing device main body and containing a printing tape, the cartridge comprising an outer shell and containing the printing tape. A case, a tape core that has the rib portion on the inner peripheral portion while winding the printing tape in a roll shape, a projection that is provided on the inner surface of the cartridge case and rotatably supports the tape core, and a tape core. A reverse rotation prevention mechanism for preventing reverse rotation in a direction opposite to the feeding direction of the print tape, wherein the reverse rotation prevention mechanism includes a lock receiving portion formed on a rib portion of the tape core, and the protrusion in the axial direction thereof. A locking member which is slidably held and is removably locked to the locking receiving portion; and Printing tape cartridge and having a spring for biasing. Wherein said latch receiving portion is radially formed of a full E over scan ratchet formed <br/> the pawl teeth, said spring, while being mounted to the projection, one end of the cartridge case The locking member is configured by a coil spring that abuts on an inner surface and is compressed by the cartridge case, and the locking member includes a linear locking portion that is formed by bending the other end of the coil spring radially and extending linearly. The print tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the linear locking portion is slidably held in a vertical groove formed in the projection. 3. The print tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed in a bottomless cylindrical shape, and the coil spring is mounted on an inner peripheral portion of the protrusion. 4. The print tape cartridge according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the vertical grooves are formed in a circumferential direction of the projection. 5. The cartridge case has a main body case and a case lid, and the coil spring has one end abutting on the case lid with the case lid mounted on the main body case. The print tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the print tape cartridge is compressed. 6. The print tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a second face ratchet identical to the face ratchet is formed on a back surface of the rib portion. 7. The printing device main body has a release projection that fits into the projection of the mounted printing tape cartridge, and the linear locking portion is mounted on the printing device main body,
The print tape cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the print tape cartridge is moved in a detaching direction by the release protrusion.