JP3477344B2 - Mounting structure of thermal recording ink ribbon - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an attachment structure of a thermal recording ink ribbon which can be suitably implemented in a thermal transfer recording apparatus such as a facsimile, and more specifically, the thermal recording ink ribbon is mounted on the recording apparatus. Regarding the configuration for doing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of a typical prior art thermal recording ink ribbon 1 and an apparatus main body 2. A facsimile 3 which is a thermal transfer recording apparatus has an ink ribbon cassette 4 in which a belt-shaped thermal recording ink ribbon 1 is housed in a wound state, and a device body 2 to which the ink ribbon cassette 4 is detachably mounted. .
The device body 2 includes a pair of swing arms 6a and 6b swingably provided around the axis 5 and swing arms 6a and 6b.
The head frame 7 is provided substantially parallel to the axis 5 between the free ends of b. FIG. 5 of the head frame 7
A print head 8 in which a plurality of heating elements are positioned in a straight line is provided on the lower surface of the. Each swing arm 6a, 6
Further, lock claws 9a and 9b are respectively provided at the free ends of b, and each of the lock claws 9a and 9b is a shaft part 11 projecting from both axial ends of a platen roller 10 rotatably supported by the device body 2. To engage each swing arm 6a, 6
b, the head frame 7 and the print head 8 are locked.
In this locked state, the lock claws 9a and 9b are attached to the arrows A1 and A, respectively.
It can be released by angular displacement in two directions.

When the ink ribbon cassette 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body 2, the ink ribbon cassette 4 is mounted while the head frame 7 is angularly displaced upward about the axis 5, and the head frame 7 is again lowered around the axis 5. And the lock claws 9a and 9b are engaged with the shaft portion 11 of the platen roller 10. In this state, the print head 8 is elastically pressed against the platen roller 10.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the ink ribbon cassette 4. Ink ribbon cassette 4 described above
Is a right cylindrical first reel 14 around which one longitudinal end of the thermal recording ink ribbon 1 is wound, and a right circular cylindrical second reel 15 around which the other longitudinal end of the ink ribbon 1 is wound. , First fitting portions 16a, 16b mounted on both ends of the first reel 14 in the axial direction, and the first fitting portion 16
Two first-reel fitting members that have first flanges 17a and 17b coaxially provided at one axial end of a and 16b and are rotatably supported by the device body 2 around the axis of the first reel 14. 18a, 18b and second fitting portions 21a, 21b mounted on both ends of the second reel 15 in the axial direction,
And two second flanges 22a and 22b coaxially provided at one axial ends of the second fitting portions 21a and 21b, and two second flanges 22a and 22b that are rotatably supported by the device body 2 around the axis of the second reel 15. Two reel fitting members 23a, 23b
And the ink ribbon 1, the reels 14 and 15 around which the longitudinal ends of the ink ribbon 1 are respectively wound, and the fitting members 18a and 18b attached to the axial ends of the reels 14 and 15, respectively. And a casing 25 made of synthetic resin, which houses 23a and 23b.

The casing 25 includes a first cylindrical portion 26 having a substantially right cylindrical shape in which the first reel 14 and a part of the ink ribbon 1 wound around the first reel 14 and the second reel 15 and an ink ribbon wound around the second reel 15. Second cylindrical portion 27 having a substantially right cylindrical shape in which a part of 1 is housed, and first and second cylindrical portions 2
6, 27, and a connecting portion 28 that covers the stretched portion of the ink ribbon 1 that is wound around and stretched around the reels 14 and 15, respectively. Through holes 29 and 30 that are open on both sides in the thickness direction are formed in the connecting portion 28, and the ink ribbon 1 is exposed to the outside through these through holes 29 and 30. With the ink ribbon cassette 4 mounted on the apparatus body 2, the print head 8 and the platen roller 10 elastically sandwich the ink ribbon 1 through the through holes 29 and 30. Gear teeth are engraved on the outer periphery of each of the first flanges 17a, 17b and each of the second flanges 22a, 22b, and the first flanges 17a, 17b are a pair of winding gears 31a, 31b provided in the device body 2. Mesh with
The second flanges 22a and 22b mesh with the back tension gears 32a and 32b provided on the device body 2, respectively.

When the printing operation is started, the first reel 14
And the first reel fitting member 18a attached thereto,
18b is rotationally driven in the winding direction B by the winding gears 31a and 31b. At this time, the second reel 15 and the second reel fitting members 23a and 23b mounted on the second reel 15
Is subjected to a rotational load in the direction C opposite to the winding direction B by the back tension gears 32a and 32b. As a result, while the ink ribbon 1 is wound in the winding direction B while being tensioned with a proper tension between the reels 14 and 15, the recording paper inserted between the platen roller 10 and the ink ribbon 1 is The print head 8 is configured to print and record image information.

Since the ink ribbon 1 in the ink ribbon cassette 4 mounted on the apparatus main body 2 moves intermittently in the winding direction B in synchronization with the printing operation of the print head 8 for each line, the ink ribbon cartridge The set 4 must be accurately attached to the device body 2 by distinguishing the winding side and the supply side. Therefore, the second of the ink ribbon cassette 4
A mounting mark 34 indicating the mounting direction is formed on the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the tubular portion 27 by, for example, engraving. The mounting mark 34 has a plurality of protrusions whose axial length becomes shorter toward the upstream side in the winding direction B in order that the user of the facsimile 3 stands in front and indicates the depth direction, that is, the right side in FIG. It can be realized by the strip portion. With such a mounting mark 34, the mounting direction and front and back of the ink ribbon cassette 4 can be recognized by the user to prevent erroneous mounting.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing another mounting assembly 36 for the thermal recording ink ribbon 1 of the prior art.
The mounting assembly 36 for mounting the thermal recording ink ribbon 1 on the apparatus main body 2 includes a first cylindrical cylindrical reel 37 around which one longitudinal end of the thermal recording ink ribbon 1 is wound. A second reel 38 having a right cylindrical shape around which the other end of the ink ribbon 1 in the longitudinal direction is wound, and a first reel 37.
Pair of first fitting portions 39 attached to both ends in the axial direction of the
a, 39b, first fitting portions 39a, 39b, first flanges 40a, 40b coaxially provided at one end in the axial direction, and the first reel 37 is supported by the device body 2 so as to be rotatable about its axis. First reel fitting members 41a, 4
1b, second fitting portions 43a, 43b mounted on both ends of the second reel 38 in the axial direction, and second fitting portions 43a, 43b.
Second flange 44 provided coaxially at one axial end of the
a, 44b, and two second reel fitting members 45a, 45b that are rotatably supported by the device body 2 around the axis of the second reel 38.

First and second fitting portions 39a, 39b; 4
3a and 43b have a single projecting ridge 46a, 46b; 47a, 47 protruding radially outward and extending in the axial direction.
b are formed respectively. Also, the first and second reels 3
At both ends in the axial direction of 7, 38, the protrusions 46a, 46
Notches 48a, 48b; 49a, 49b into which b; 47a, 47b can be removably fitted, respectively, are formed along the axial direction and open at each end face. One of the fitting members 41b, 4 mounted on one end of each of the first and second reels 36, 37 in the axial direction.
Gear teeth are engraved on the flanges 40b and 44b of 5b.

FIG. 8 shows the fitting members 41a, 4 shown in FIG.
1b; 45a and 45b are the first and second reels 37 and 3
8 is a perspective view showing a state in which it is attached to both axial end portions of FIG. When the mounting assembly 36 described above is mounted on the device body 2, the one fitting member 41b mounted on one end of the first reel 37 in the axial direction is the winding gear 51 provided on the device body 2. One of the fitting members 45b that meshes with the second reel 38 and is attached to the other end of the second reel 38 in the axial direction is elastically pressed in the axial direction by the compression coil spring 52. The compression coil spring 52 is configured so that the ink ribbon 1 can be appropriately tensioned and prevented from being loosened when the winding gear 51 is wound by the operation thereof.

[0011]

In the prior art shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ink ribbon 1 and each fitting member 1 are arranged.
Since 8a, 18b; 23a, 23b are housed in the casing 25, a large occupied space is required in the device body 2, and the device body 2 becomes large. Further, since the casing 25 is required, the ink ribbon 1 which is a consumable item
However, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is high and it is uneconomical because the casing 25 has to be replaced even though it is desired to replace it.

In the prior art shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fitting members 41a to be mounted on the first reel 37,
The flanges 40a and 40b of 41b and the flange 44 of the fitting members 45a and 45b to be mounted on the second reel 38.
a and 44b have different diameters, but the first and second reel fitting members 41a and 41b; 45a and 4b
Since the fitting portions 39a, 39b; 43a, 43b of 5b have the same shape, the first reel fitting members 41a, 41b
There is a problem that the mounting positions of the second reel fitting members 45a and 45b are almost erroneous. Gear teeth are engraved on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 40, 44 of the fitting members 41b, 45b, which are attached to the axial ends of the first and second reels 37, 38, respectively. Fitting member 4 attached to the other axial end of the second reel 37, 38
Since the gear teeth are not formed on the outer peripheral portions of the flanges 40, 44 of the la, 45a, and are in the shape of a right cylinder, the fitting members 41a, 41a
41b; 45a and 45b are apt to be erroneously attached. Moreover, the fitting members 41a and 41b to be mounted on the first reel 37 and the fitting members 45a and 45b to be mounted on the second reel 38 are provided on the first and second reels 3 respectively.
There is no mark indicating which of the flanges 7 and 38 should be mounted, and the flanges 40a and 40b; 44a and 44b
Since the mounting direction of the mounting assembly 36 with respect to the device main body 2 cannot be easily recognized because there is a possibility that the mounting assembly 36 is erroneously mounted based on the difference in diameter,
There is a problem that it is not convenient to use.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is that a large occupying space is not required in the device body, erroneous mounting to the device body can be reliably prevented, and it can be realized at a low manufacturing cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure for a recording ink ribbon.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a straight cylindrical first reel around which one longitudinal end of a thermal recording ink ribbon is wound, and the other longitudinal end of the ink ribbon. A straight cylindrical second reel around which is wound,
The first reel has a first fitting portion detachably attached to both axial end portions of the first reel, and a first flange coaxially provided at one axial end portion of the first fitting portion. Two first reel fitting members that are rotatably supported around the axis of the second reel, second fitting portions that are detachably mounted at both ends in the axial direction of the second reel, and axis lines of the second fitting portion. 2 has a second flange coaxially provided at one end in the direction, and is rotatably supported by the device body around the axis of the second reel.
Two second reel fitting members, and gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portion of each flange of any three of the two first and second reel fitting members. The outer peripheral portion of the flange of one fitting member is formed in an annular shape, and the fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portion of the one fitting member have mutually different shapes. And one end of the second reel in the axial direction of the reel is different from each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members,
Further, the fitting portion of the one fitting member has a fitting shape capable of fitting, and both end portions in the axial direction of the other reel of the first and second reels and the axial direction of the one reel. The other end has a fitting shape that allows the fitting parts of the three fitting members to be fitted in common, and has a fitting shape different from that of the fitting part of the one fitting member. Of the three fitting members, a first gear that meshes with a flange of the fitting member fitted to the other axial end of the first reel, and an axis line of the second reel of the three fitting members. Second engaging with a flange of a fitting member fitted to the other end in the direction
A gear is provided, one of the first and second gears is rotationally driven in a rotation direction corresponding to the winding direction of the ink ribbon, and the other of the first and second gears is A thermal recording ink ribbon mounting structure is characterized in that a rotational force in a direction opposite to the winding direction is applied in a state where rotation in the winding direction is allowed.

According to the present invention, gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portion of each flange of any one of the first and second reel fitting members, and the remaining one flange of the fitting member. Since the outer peripheral part of the is made annular, it is possible to recognize the mounting direction to the device body according to the shape of the outer peripheral part of the flange of each fitting member. Each fitting member is detachably attached to and supported by both axial end portions of the first and second reels,
Each main body is supported rotatably around each axis of the first and second reels. In this way, the first and second reels, on which the fitting members are detachably mounted on both ends in the axial direction, have a right cylindrical shape, and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the thermal recording ink ribbon are respectively wound. . In this way, since each fitting member is directly supported by the main body of the apparatus, a casing for accommodating each fitting member, each reel and the ink ribbon is provided as in the prior art described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. It is not necessary, and this does not require a large occupied space in the main body of the device and prevents the device from becoming large.

The fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portion of the one fitting member have different shapes. Correspondingly to this, one axial end of one reel of the first and second reels overlaps with each fitting portion of the three fitting members, and The fitting portion has a fitting shape that allows fitting. Therefore, the fitting portion of the one fitting member is fitted only to one axial end portion of one reel, and each fitting portion of the remaining fitting member is one of the first and second reels. Can be fitted to the other end of the reel in the axial direction and both ends of the other reel of the first and second reels in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to mount the one end portion of the one reel in the axial direction and the fitting member fitted to the reel in association with each other by the two kinds of fitting members, thereby preventing erroneous fitting of the fitting member and In addition to the fact that the number of types of mating members is small, the casing is not required, and the periphery of the fitting member is also reduced, whereby the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portions of the flanges of the three fitting members, and the gear teeth are not formed on the outer peripheral portion of the remaining one fitting member. As described above, the user recognizes the mounting position of the first and second reels around which the ink ribbon is wound on the device main body, based on the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the fitting member mounted on the one axial end of one reel. Can be made. As a result, it is not necessary to form the mounting mark as in the conventional technique, and it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0018]

[0019]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first and second aspects are provided.
All the fitting members mounted on both ends of the reel in the axial direction have shafts that are rotatably supported in the bearing recesses of the support pieces provided in the device body, and each shaft is mounted on the device body. It is characterized by having different shapes corresponding to the directions.

According to the present invention, each fitting member is provided with a shaft, and each shaft has a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction to the main body of the apparatus, so that each fitting member has the first and second fitting members.
Even when mounted on the reel, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon on the device body can be easily recognized from the outside. Therefore, it does not require a large occupied space in the device body,
In addition, erroneous mounting can be reliably prevented without increasing the number of types of parts.

[0022]

1 is a simplified sectional view of a thermal transfer type facsimile machine 61 showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of the thermal transfer type facsimile machine 61 shown in FIG. FIG. 1 and 2 will be described together. The thermal transfer facsimile 61 basically includes a device main body 62 and an ink ribbon assembly 63 detachably attached to the device main body 62.

The ink ribbon assembly 63 has a straight cylindrical first reel 65 around which one longitudinal end of a belt-shaped thermal recording ink ribbon 64 is wound, and the other longitudinal end of the ink ribbon 64 is wound around the reel. Straight cylindrical second reel 6
6, first fitting portions 67a, 67b mounted on both ends of the first reel 65 in the axial direction, and first fitting portions 67a, 6
7b has first flanges 68a, 68b coaxially provided at one end in the axial direction of 7b.
Two first reel fitting members 69a, 69b rotatably supported about the axis of the second reel, second fitting portions 70a, 70b mounted on both ends of the second reel 66 in the axial direction, and a second fitting. Two second reel fittings that have second flanges 71a and 71b coaxially provided at one end of the mating portions 70a and 70b in the axial direction and that are rotatably supported by the device body 62 around the axis of the second reel 66. It includes mating members 72a and 72b. The first and second reels 65 and 66 are realized by paper tubes, for example.

Each of the two first and second reel fitting members 69a, 69b; 72a, 72b, any three fitting members 69a, 69b;
68b; gear teeth 73a, 73b on the outer peripheral portion of 71b;
74b is formed, and the remaining one fitting member 7 is formed.
The outer peripheral portion of the flange 71a of 2a is formed in an annular shape. Further, the respective fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70b of the three fitting members 69a, 69b; 72b and the one fitting member 72a.
The fitting portion 70a has a shape different from that of the fitting portion 70a. Further, one end portion in the axial direction of the second reel 66 to which the one fitting member 72a, which is one of the first and second reels 65 and 66, is mounted, has one of the three fitting members 69a and 69b. Each fitting portion 67a, 67b of 72b;
72b and the one fitting member 72a different from each other.
The fitting portion 70a has a fitting shape capable of fitting. Further, both axial end portions of the first reel 65 and the other axial end portion of the one reel 66, which are either the first reel or the second reel, are the three fitting members 6
9a, 69b; 72b, fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70
b can be fitted in common, and the fitting parts 70a of the one fitting member 72a have different fitting shapes. The different fitting shapes will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The device body 62 includes the three fitting members 6
9a, 69b; a first gear 75 meshing with a flange 68b of a fitting member 69b fitted to the other end of the first reel 65 in the axial direction, and the three fitting members 69a, 69b;
69b; 72b, and a second gear 76 that meshes with a flange 71b of a fitting member 72b fitted to the other end of the second reel 66 in the axial direction. First and second gear 7
Either one of the rollers 5 and 76 is driven to rotate in the rotation direction C corresponding to the winding direction B of the ink ribbon 64. The other of the first and second gears 75 and 76 is
In the state where the rotation in the winding direction B is allowed and the rotation in the rotation direction C accompanying the winding operation in the winding direction B is allowed, the rotation direction C is opposite to the rotation direction C corresponding to the winding direction B. Direction C
A rotational force of 1 is applied.

A recording paper cassette 81 for accommodating recording paper is removably mounted in the device body 62. The recording paper cassette 81 is swingably provided on a case main body 82 and a pin 83 on the inner side surface of the case main body, and is detachably attached to the mounting plate 84 on which the recording paper is mounted and the case main body 82 from above. The upper lid 85 and the pressing portion 86 that presses both widthwise end portions of one end portion of the recording sheet placed on the loading plate 84 on the downstream side in the transport direction D from above, and the pin 87.
A pressing member 88 pivotally supported on both side walls of the case main body 82 by means of: a tension spring 89 for biasing the pressing member 88 toward the bottom side of the case main body 82 at the lower part of FIG. 1;
It has a compression spring 90 that elastically presses the vicinity of the free end of the mounting plate 84 away from the bottom of the case body 82, that is, upward in FIG. In the device main body 62, the recording paper cassette 81 is rotated and rotated in the arrow E direction so that the uppermost recording paper among the plurality of recording papers mounted on the mounting plate 84 is the arrow. A paper feed roller 91 for feeding paper in the B direction is provided. The recording paper fed from the recording paper cassette 81 by the paper feeding roller 91 passes through the space between the upper guide plate 92 and the lower guide plate 93 in the device body 62 and is stopped as indicated by a virtual line 94. After contacting a certain pair of upper and lower registration rollers 95 and 96 and the leading end of the registration roller being positioned perpendicularly to the conveyance path, the registration rollers 95 and 96 are rotationally driven to form a print head 101 called a line thermal head. And the platen 102. In the print head 101, a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a straight line in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Each heating element is
The recording paper and the print head 1 generate heat instantaneously by print data and an operation control signal from a print control means (not shown).
The ink of the ink ribbon that is interposed between No. 01 and No. 01 is melted and transferred to a recording paper for thermal recording. Such a print head 101 is attached to a head frame 103 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. This head frame 1
A swing arm 105, which is swingably supported by pins 104 fixed to both side walls of the device body 62, is connected to both longitudinal ends of 03. The head frame 103 is
The compression spring 106 biases the platen 102 toward the spring. The print head 101, the ink ribbon 63, the recording paper, and the platen 102 are elastically sandwiched by the compression spring 106, and the ink of the ink ribbon 63 can be accurately transferred onto the recording paper line by line. Corresponding to such a thermal recording operation for each line, the first and second gears 75 and 76 are intermittently driven to rotate, and the ink ribbon 64 is provided with a proper tension and then the second reel 65 to the second reel 65. It is wound on the reel 66.
Such an ink ribbon 64 may be a single time ribbon capable of printing only once in the vertical direction of the ribbon, or a multi-time ribbon capable of printing a plurality of times.

Lock claws 107 are provided at the free ends of the swing arms 105, respectively. The engagement portion 108 of the lock claw 107 engages with both ends of the shaft 109 of the platen 102 in the axial direction, and is angularly displaced in a direction in which each swing arm 105, and thus the print head 101, separates from the platen 102. Ribbon 64 and recording paper platen 102
This prevents the pressed state above from being released during printing.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink ribbon assembly 63, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the fitting members 69a and 69b; 72a and 72b are mounted on the first and second reels 65 and 66, respectively. It is a perspective view. The above-described ink ribbon assembly 63 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes first and second reels 65 and 66, a thermal recording ink ribbon 64 having longitudinal ends wound around the reels 65 and 66, and Fitting members 69a and 69b; 72a and 72b, which are detachably attached to both ends of the reels 65 and 66 in the axial direction, respectively.
including. The fitting portion 70a of the one fitting member 72a is formed with a plurality of two first protrusions 110a and 110b forming a predetermined first angle θ1 in the circumferential direction. Further, each of the fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70b of the three fitting members 69a, 69b; 72b has a plurality of second angles θ2 different from the first angle θ1 in the circumferential direction. The second protrusions 111a and 111b are formed, respectively.
First and second protrusions 110a, 110b; 111a, 1
11b extends in the axial direction of the fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70a, 70b. The first angle θ1 is about 90 °
And the second angle θ2 is selected to be 145 °. The first and second angles θ1 and θ2 are not limited to such angles, and may be selected to other angles.

At least one axial end of the second reel 66, which is either one of the first and second reels 65 and 66, in the axial direction, a plurality of two projections 110a and 110b are fitted. First recess and 112a, 112b
Is formed. The first recesses 112a and 112b form the same angle as the first angle θ1 of the first protrusions 110a and 110b and are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction from the end surface of one end of the second reel 66 in the axial direction. It is formed so as to extend parallel to the other end in the axial direction. In addition, the first and second reels 65 and 6
One of the other reels of the first reel 65, which is the other reel, and the other end of the second reel 66, which is the one reel, in the axial direction, have the three fitting members 69.
a, 69b; 72b, fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70b
The second protrusions 111a and 111b respectively formed on the
The second recesses 113a and 113b are formed so as to fit therein. The second recesses 113a, 113b form an angle equal to the second angle θ2 of the second protrusions 111a, 111b and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to form the first and second reels 65, 65.
It is formed parallel to the axial direction of 66.

The above-mentioned four fitting members 69a, 69b; 7
2a and 72b, the fitting portions 67a and 6 of the first flanges 68a and 68b and the second flanges 71a and 71b, respectively.
7b; 70a, 70b are formed on the surface opposite to the side where shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b are fitted with fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70a, 70b and flanges 68a, 68b; 71a, 71b. It is formed coaxially. These shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115
b is the four support pieces 1 that are erected on the bottom of the device body 62.
16a, 116b; 117a, 117b, and bearing recesses 118a, 118b into which the shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b are rotatably fitted on the upper portions of the support pieces 116a, 116b; 117a, 117b, respectively.
119a and 119b are formed, respectively. The shaft 115a of the one fitting member 72a is connected to the three fitting members 6a.
9a, 69b; 72b shafts 114a, 114b; 11
5b, having a diameter difference that is visually recognizable to the wearer, such as shaft 1
The outer shape of 15a has the remaining shafts 114a, 114b; 115b.
About 1.5 times or more of the outer shape of Support piece 117a for supporting the shaft 115a of one fitting member 72a
Is formed so that the width B1 of the bearing recess 119a is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 115a, and the shaft 115a can be rotatably supported without variation. Also, the remaining support pieces 116a, 116b; 117
b bearing recesses 118a, 118b; 119b widths B
2 is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of each shaft 114a, 114b; 115b, and each shaft 114a, 114b;
It is formed so that 115b can be rotatably supported without causing variations. Further, each support piece 116a, 1
16b; 117a, 117b, each shaft 114
a, 114b; 115a, 115b to easily fit into the bearing recesses 118a, 118b; 119a, 119b, respectively, the bearing recesses 118a, 118b; 119
Guide surfaces 120a, 120b; 121a, 121b are formed which incline downward as they come closer to a, 119b.

In this way, each fitting member 69a, 69b; 7
2a, 72b, in the present embodiment, only the outer shape of the shaft 115a of the fitting member 72a is used as the remaining fitting member 69.
a, 69b; 72b axes 114a, 114b; 115
Each fitting member 6 is made different from the outer shape of b.
The mounting direction to the device main body 62 can be recognized at a glance in a state where 9a, 69b; 72a, 72b are mounted on both ends of the first and second reels 65, 66 in the axial direction, respectively. Also, each shaft 114a, 114b; 115a,
Each support piece 116a, 116b according to the outer shape of 115b;
Bearing recesses 118a and 118b of 117a and 117b;
Since the widths of 119a and 119b are different, the ink ribbon assembly 63 cannot be fitted unless it is mounted in a predetermined correct direction, and erroneous mounting can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, the outer peripheral portion of the flange 71a of the one fitting member 72a is annular, and the remaining fitting members 69a, 69b;
Since gear teeth are engraved on the outer peripheral portions of the flanges 68a, 68b; 71b of the 72b, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon assembly 63 can also be easily recognized by this, and erroneous mounting can be prevented. it can.

As still another embodiment of the present invention, the outer shapes of the shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b are the same, and the device main body is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft 115a attached to one axial end of the second reel 66. You may make it form the one or several annular recessed groove which shows the mounting direction to 62. By this, all the support pieces 116a, 116b;
Bearing recesses 118a and 118b of 117a and 117b;
Since 119a and 119b can have the same shape and one type of support piece can be realized, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process and the manufacturing cost.

As still another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second reels may be tubes made of plastic material. As a result, the durability of the first and second reels is increased, and the number of times the first and second reels are replaced can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the fitting members 69a, 69b; 72a, 72b of the embodiment are used.
Thus, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon assembly 63 on the device body 62 can be easily identified. Therefore, the casing 25 is not required unlike the conventional ink ribbon cassette 4. As a result, a large occupied space is not required in the device body 62, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon to the device body 62 can be easily recognized without making the display large, and erroneous mounting is surely prevented. be able to.

[0035]

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portion of each flange of any three of the first and second reel fitting members, and the remaining teeth are left. 1
Since the outer peripheral part of the flange of the two fitting members is made annular,
It is possible to recognize the mounting direction of the fitting member to the device body according to the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the flange. Each fitting member is supported and attached to both axial ends of the first and second reels, and is rotatably supported by each main body about each axial line of the first and second reels. In this way, the first and second reels, on which the fitting members are respectively attached to both ends in the axial direction, have a right cylindrical shape, and the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the thermal recording ink ribbon are wound. In this way, since each fitting member is directly supported by the main body of the device, each fitting member, like the prior art described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,
A casing for accommodating each reel and the ink ribbon is not required, which does not require a large occupied space in the main body of the apparatus and prevents the apparatus from becoming large.

The fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portion of the one fitting member have different shapes. Correspondingly to this, one axial end of one reel of the first and second reels overlaps with each fitting portion of the three fitting members, and The fitting portion has a fitting shape that allows fitting. Therefore, the fitting portion of the one fitting member is fitted only to one end portion in the axial direction of one reel, and the fitting portion of the remaining fitting member is fitted to one of the first and second reels. It can be fitted to the other axial end of the reel and both axial ends of the other reel of the first and second reels. As a result, it is possible to mount the one axial end portion of the one reel and the fitting member fitted thereto by the two kinds of fitting members in association with each other, thereby preventing erroneous fitting of the fitting member and In addition to the fact that the number of types of mating members is small and the casing is not required, the number of types of fitting members is also reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portions of the flanges of the three fitting members, and the outer peripheral portion of the remaining one fitting member is not formed with the gear teeth but is annular. As described above, the user recognizes the mounting position of the first and second reels around which the ink ribbon is wound on the device main body, based on the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the fitting member mounted on the one axial end of one reel. As a result, it is not necessary to form the mounting mark as in the conventional technique, and it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process at the time of manufacturing and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0038]

According to the second aspect of the present invention, each fitting member is provided with a shaft, and each shaft has a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction to the device body. With this, even when the fitting members are mounted on the first and second reels, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon to the device body can be easily recognized from the outside, and a large occupied space in the device body can be saved. It is possible to reliably prevent erroneous mounting without needing and increasing the number of types of parts.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer facsimile 61 showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the thermal transfer facsimile 61 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an ink ribbon assembly 63.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where fitting members 69a and 69b; 72a and 72b are mounted on the first and second reels 65 and 66, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a typical prior art thermal recording ink ribbon 1.
3 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the device main body 2 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 4.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly 36 of another conventional thermal recording ink ribbon 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the fitting members 41a, 41b; 45 shown in FIG.
It is a perspective view showing the state where a and 45b were attached to both ends of the 1st and 2nd reels 37 and 38 of the direction of an axis.

[Explanation of symbols]

61 Thermal transfer type facsimile 62 Device body 63 Ink ribbon assembly 64 Thermal recording ink ribbon 65 First reel 66 Second reel 67a, 67b First fitting portion 68a, 68b First flange 69a, 69b First reel fitting member 70a, 70b Second fitting portion 71a, 71b Second flange 72a, 72b Second reel fitting member 73a, 73b; 74a, 74b gear teeth 75 First gear 76 Second gear 81 recording paper cassette 82 Case body 101 print head 102 platen 110a, 110b first protrusion 111a, 111b Second protrusion 112a, 112b first recess 113a, 113b second recess 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b axes 116a, 116b; 117a, 117b Support piece 118a, 118b; 119a, 119b Bearing recess

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-3-215065 (JP, A) JP-A-10-193731 (JP, A) JP-A-8-276631 (JP, A) JP-A-5-270089 (JP , A) JP-A-61-54969 (JP, A) Actually open 3-19055 (JP, U) Actually open 62-164150 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB) Name) B41J 17/24 B41J 17/02 B41J 35/28

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A straight-cylindrical first reel around which one longitudinal end of a thermal recording ink ribbon is wound, and a right-cylindrical second reel around which the other longitudinal end of the ink ribbon is wound. The first reel has a first fitting portion detachably attached to both axial end portions of the first reel, and a first flange coaxially provided at one axial end portion of the first fitting portion. Two first reel fitting members that are rotatably supported around the axis of the second reel, second fitting portions that are detachably mounted at both ends in the axial direction of the second reel, and axis lines of the second fitting portion. A second flange that is coaxially provided at one end in the direction, and includes two second reel fitting members that are rotatably supported by the device body around the axis of the second reel; Each of the three fitting members of the second reel fitting member Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lunge, and the outer peripheral portion of the flange of the remaining one fitting member is formed into an annular shape, and the fitting portions of the three fitting members and the one fitting member are fitted together. The mating portion has a shape different from each other, and one axial end of one reel of the first and second reels is different from each fitting portion of the three fitting members, and One fitting member has a fitting shape that allows the fitting portion to be fitted, and both ends of the other reel in the axial direction of the first reel and the second reel and the other end of the reel in the axial direction of the one reel. The part has a fitting shape in which the fitting parts of the three fitting members can be fitted in common, and has a fitting shape different from that of the fitting part of the one fitting member. Of the three fitting members, the fitting member fitted to the other end of the first reel in the axial direction. A first gear that meshes with the flange of the second gear, and a second gear that meshes with the flange of the fitting member that is fitted to the other axial end of the second reel of the three fitting members. One of the first and second gears is rotationally driven in a rotation direction corresponding to the winding direction of the ink ribbon, and the other of the first and second gears allows rotation in the winding direction. A structure for mounting a thermal recording ink ribbon, characterized in that a rotational force in a direction opposite to the winding direction is applied in this state. 2. All the fitting members mounted on both ends of the first and second reels in the axial direction have respective shafts rotatably supported in bearing recesses of a supporting piece provided in the apparatus body. The heat-sensitive recording ink ribbon mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the shafts has a different shape corresponding to a mounting direction to the device body.