JP4314644B2 - Ink ribbon cassette - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink ribbon cassette used in a dot impact type printer such as a mini printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for this type of ink ribbon cassette, an ink supply body in which felt, sponge, or the like is impregnated with ink is provided in the cassette body, and the printing operation is performed while taking out ink from the ink supply body little by little and supplying the ink ribbon. What to do is known.
[0003]
In the case of such an ink ribbon cassette, ink is transferred to the ink ribbon using, for example, a roller-shaped rotatable ink transfer body at one end of a long ink supply body. In this case, the width of the ink transfer member and the width of the ink ribbon are configured to be substantially equal, whereby the ink is uniformly applied in the width direction of the ink ribbon.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of such an ink ribbon cassette, the ink applied to the ink ribbon is intensively used at the center of the ink ribbon due to the positional relationship between the print head pins for forming dots and the ink ribbon, and both edges of the ink ribbon are used. The department was rarely used.
[0005]
For this reason, the prior art has a problem that the ink applied to both edges of the ink ribbon is wasted and the life of the ink is shortened.
[0006]
In addition, since ink remains on both edges of the ink ribbon, there is a problem that the ink on both edges of the ink ribbon rubs against the recording paper and stains the recording paper.
[0007]
Further, when such an ink ribbon cassette is used for a long time, the paper dust of the recording paper stays around the ink transfer body via the ink ribbon or the like, preventing the rotation of the ink transfer body, and the ink cannot be transferred to the ink ribbon. There was also a problem.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can improve the ink life and prevent the recording paper from being soiled by rubbing of the ink ribbon. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink ribbon cassette capable of preventing poor coating.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a casing detachably attached to a printer main body, and an endless ink ribbon which is accommodated in the casing and conveyed in accordance with the operation of the printer. An ink replenishing body impregnated and stored with ink for replenishing the ink ribbon, an ink transfer surface in contact with the ink replenishing body and the ink ribbon is formed on the outer periphery of the roller-shaped member, and the ink ribbon is configured to rotate along with the transport, Sonaee an ink transfer member having an ink reservoir for the ink transferred from the ink supply member keep reservoir centrally in the central portion of the ink transfer surface, the ink The transfer body is a space part having a notch formed at an edge of the outer peripheral part as an opening, and a direction opposite to the direction in which the inner wall on the outer peripheral part side is rotated Thus the space portion formed to face the center of rotation is characterized in that it is formed on both edges of the outer peripheral portion.
In the first aspect of the present invention, the ink transferred from the ink replenishing member to the ink transfer member is concentrated in the ink reservoir at the center of the ink transfer surface. The amount of ink applied from the replenisher to both edges of the ink ribbon is smaller than the amount of ink applied to the central portion of the ink ribbon. As a result, according to the present invention, since the amount of ink remaining on both edges of the ink ribbon is reduced, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being soiled by rubbing against the recording paper, while being pressed by the print head. Ink can be applied intensively to the center of the ink ribbon.
In addition, the ink transfer body is a space part having a notch formed at an edge of the outer peripheral part as an opening, and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inner wall on the outer peripheral part side is rotated. Since the space part formed so as to go to the center is formed at both edges of the outer peripheral part, the paper dust that has entered from the notch part of the ink transfer body is removed along with the rotation of the ink transfer body. Since the ink transfer member can be guided along the inner wall to the center of rotation of the ink transfer member, paper powder can be more smoothly collected in the space.
[0012]
Furthermore, as in the invention of claim 2, wherein said ink reservoir is also possible to provide by forming a recess in the central portion of the outer peripheral portion of said ink transfer member, also of the invention of claim 3, wherein as such, its central portion to the peripheral portion of said ink transfer member may be provided by forming a jetty protruding.
[0013]
On the other hand, as in the invention of claim 4, wherein, in the invention according to the first aspect, notch was set eclipse at both edges of the ink transfer member, provided at a position not overlapping relates circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion It can also be set as the structure.
[0014]
According to the invention of claim 4 , since the ink ribbon is always contacted with a contact width of a certain level or more without contacting only the central portion of the ink transfer surface of the ink transfer body, the ink ribbon can be stably conveyed. This makes it possible to reliably transfer the ink.
[0015]
In addition, according to the present invention, the area of the contact portion of the ink transfer body with respect to the ink supply body is smaller than the conventional one, and the pressing force from the ink transfer body is dispersed at both edges of the ink supply body. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the wear of the ink supply member due to the ink transfer member as compared with the prior art.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an internal configuration of a first embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink ribbon cassette 1 of the present embodiment has an ink ribbon 3 in a casing 2 integrally formed by, for example, plastic injection molding. The casing 2 is connected to a printer main body (not shown). And is detachable.
The ink ribbon 3 has a belt-like shape in which one or two fabrics made of a fibrous material that easily absorbs ink are bonded together, and is formed in an endless shape. The ink ribbon 3 is provided at the ribbon drive roller 4 disposed at the front left end (lower left in FIG. 1) in the casing 2 and the rear right end (upper right in FIG. 1) of the casing 2. Guide portion 2b, an ink transfer roller (ink transfer body) 7 provided at the front right end (lower right side in FIG. 1) in the casing 2, a guide portion 2f provided at an adjacent position thereof, and a ribbon. A print portion 3a used for printing on the ink ribbon 3 between the guide portion 2f and the guide portion 2g is stretched over a guide portion 2g provided at a position adjacent to the drive roller 4. It is comprised so that it may be exposed in.
[0024]
A ribbon driving roller 4 for transporting the ink ribbon 3 is rotatably supported in the casing 2 and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A in conjunction with the printing operation of the printer. A gear portion (not shown) is formed on the circumferential surface of the ribbon drive roller 4 in contact with the ink ribbon 3. In the vicinity of the ribbon drive roller 4, a gear portion 5 a that meshes with the gear portion of the ribbon drive roller 4 is formed, and the ribbon presser is configured so that the ink ribbon 3 is sandwiched between the ribbon drive roller 4 and driven to rotate. A roller 5 is provided.
[0025]
On the back side of the ribbon drive roller 4 in the casing 2 (upper side in FIG. 1), a reservoir 2a for temporarily storing the ink ribbon 3 fed by the ribbon drive roller 4 is provided.
[0026]
The ink ribbon 3 drawn out in the direction of the arrow B from the storage portion 2a is changed in direction so as to go to the ink transfer roller 7 by the guide portion 2b. The ink ribbon 3 is pressed against the guide portion 2b by the urging force of the leaf spring-like pressing member 6 supported by the support protrusions 2c and 2d provided in the casing 2.
[0027]
On the other hand, the ink supply body 8 for supplying ink to the ink ribbon 3 is made of a material having a large number of gaps inside such as a sponge-like porous material or a felt-like fiber material, and an appropriate amount of ink is previously prepared. Is stored impregnated. The ink supply body 8 is pressed and supported by a peripheral wall portion 2h provided at the center portion on the back side of the casing 2 and support portions 2i and 2j disposed opposite to the peripheral wall portion 2h, and further positioned by the guide portion 2b. ing.
[0028]
The ink transfer roller 7 for transferring the ink of the ink supply body 8 to the ink ribbon 3 is rotatably supported by a support portion 2 e provided in the vicinity of one end portion 8 a of the ink supply body 8. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical portion 7e having a hole portion 7d having a diameter larger than the diameter of the support portion 2e is formed in the central portion of the ink transfer roller 7, and the hole portion 7d of the cylindrical portion 7e is formed. And the support portion 2e are fitted together so that the ink transfer roller 7 can be moved and pressed against the end portion 8a of the ink supply body 8.
[0029]
When the ink ribbon 3 is fed in the direction of the arrow D by the rotational drive of the ribbon drive roller 4, a predetermined tension is generated in the ink ribbon 3 by sandwiching the guide portion 2 b and the leaf spring 6. The ink transfer roller 7 is pressed against the end portion 8a of the ink supply body 8 by the urging force based thereon, and the ink transfer roller 7 is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow C as the ink ribbon 3 is transported by the frictional force with the ink transfer roller 7. Is configured to do.
[0030]
In the ink ribbon cassette 1 according to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the ribbon driving roller 4 rotates as the print head (not shown) of the printer reciprocates, whereby the ink ribbon 3 is moved between the guide portion 2b and the plate. The ink transfer roller 7 is conveyed while having a back tension generated between the spring 6 and the ink transfer roller 7 is rotated while being pressed against the tip 8 a of the ink supply body 8, and the ink impregnated in the ink supply body 8 is transferred to the ink transfer roller. 7 is transferred to the ink ribbon 3 via 7. By repeating such an operation, ink is replenished sequentially to the ink ribbon 3 that has consumed ink.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the ink transfer roller of the present embodiment.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 2, the ink transfer roller 7 of the present embodiment is integrally formed using a material such as resin, for example, and the outer peripheral portion 7 a improves ink riding and is compatible with the ink ribbon 3. An ink transfer surface 7c having stepped irregularities for increasing the frictional force is formed.
[0033]
In this embodiment, a plurality of notches 7B (7B1, 7B2, 7B3, 7B4) are formed on both edges (hereinafter referred to as “both edges”) 7A1, 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7. As a result, an ink reservoir 700 is formed at the center of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the case of the present embodiment, two cutout portions 7B1, 7B2, 7B3, and 7B4 having the same shape are provided on the respective edge portions 7A1 and 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7. Is provided. In this case, the notches 7B1 and 7B2 provided on the edge 7A1 of the ink transfer roller 7 and the notches 7B3 and 7B4 provided on the edge 7A2 are respectively located with respect to the center of the ink transfer roller 7. It is arranged at a point-symmetrical position.
[0035]
In this case, from the viewpoint of reliable ink transfer to the central portion of the ink ribbon 3, the depth of each of the cutout portions 7 </ b> B <b> 1 to 7 </ b> B <b> 4 is 15 with respect to the width of the outer peripheral portion 7 a of the ink transfer roller 7.
It is preferable to be about -30%.
[0036]
Further, from the viewpoint of taking paper dust into the space portion 7f of the ink transfer roller 7, the length in the outer peripheral direction of each of the notches 7B1 to 7B4 is 15 to the length of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7. It is preferably about 20%.
[0037]
On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, the notches 7B1 to 7B4 provided at both edge portions 7A1 and 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7 are provided at positions that do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 7a. ing. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, two notches 7B1 and 7B2 provided on one edge (for example, the upper edge in FIG. 2) 7A1 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7, and the ink transfer roller 2 notch portions provided on the other edge portion (for example, the lower edge portion of FIG. 2) 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of FIG. 7 (only one notch portion 7B3 is shown in FIG. 2) Are provided at positions that do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 7 a of the ink transfer roller 7.
[0038]
By arranging the notches 7B1 to 7B4 in this way, the notches 7B1 and 7B2 provided on one edge portion 7A1 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7 and the other as the ink transfer roller 7 rotates. The notches 7B3 and 7B4 provided on the edge portion 7A2 alternately oppose the ink ribbon 3 and the ink supply body 8, whereby the ink transfer surface 7c excluding the notches 7B1 to 7B4 serves as the ink. The ribbon 3 and the ink supply body 8 are in contact with each other.
[0039]
Further, the ink transfer roller 7 is formed with a space portion 7f having the notches 7B1 to 7B4 as openings. In the case of this embodiment, the ink transfer roller 7 is divided into independent spaces having openings 7B1, 7B2, 7B3, and 7B4 on the edges 7A1 and 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the outer peripheral portion 7a. A partition portion 7g is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the outer peripheral portion 7c of the roller 7 so as to be orthogonal to the above-described cylindrical portion 7d and to connect the outer peripheral portion 7c and the cylindrical portion 7d of the ink transfer roller 7 ( 4 and 5).
[0040]
As described above, according to this embodiment, since the ink transfer roller 7 is provided with the notches 7B1 to 7B4, the ink transfer roller 7 is configured to have the same width as the conventional ink transfer roller. However, the area of the ink transfer surface 7c is smaller than that of the conventional ink transfer roller, and as a result, the amount of ink transferred from the ink supply body 8 to the ink ribbon 3 is reduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of ink used for printing can be reduced, and the ink life can be improved.
[0041]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, by providing notches 7B1, 7B2 and 7B3, 7B4 on both edge portions 7A1, 7A2 of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7,
Since the ink transferred from the ink supply body 8 to the ink transfer roller 7 is concentrated in the ink reservoir 700 at the center of the ink transfer surface 7c, the ink is supplied from the ink supply body 8 during ink transfer. The amount of ink applied to both edge portions 7A1 and 7A2 of the ribbon 3 is smaller than the amount of ink applied to the central portion of the ink ribbon 3. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being soiled by rubbing with the recording paper, while applying ink intensively to the central portion of the ink ribbon 3 pressed by the print head. be able to.
[0042]
Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the notches 7B1, 7B2, and 7B3, 7B4 provided on both edge portions 7A1, 7A2 of the ink transfer roller 7 are provided at positions where they do not overlap in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion 7a. Therefore, the ink ribbon 3 can always be brought into contact with a certain contact width without contacting only the central portion of the ink transfer surface 7 c of the ink transfer roller 7, thereby stabilizing the ink ribbon 3. Thus, it is possible to ensure the transfer of the ink while ensuring the transport.
[0043]
Furthermore, even when the center portion of the ink ribbon 3 is slightly deviated from the center portion of the ink transfer surface 7c due to the meandering or skew of the ink ribbon 3 with respect to the ink transfer roller 7, the ink transfer surface 7c Ink can be reliably supplied to the central portion of the ink ribbon 3 at both edge portions 7A1 and 7A2.
[0044]
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the area of the contact portion of the ink transfer roller 7 with respect to the ink supply body 8 is smaller than that of the conventional one, and both edges of the ink supply body 8 are separated from the ink transfer roller 7. Since the pressing force is dispersed, the wear of the ink supply body 8 by the ink transfer roller 7 can be reduced as compared with the prior art.
[0045]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the paper powder is taken into the space portion 7f through the notches 7B1 to 7B4 provided on the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7, the paper powder is transferred to the ink transfer roller. The rotation of the ink transfer roller 7 is not hindered. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the ink transfer roller 7 is stabilized, so that even if the ink ribbon 3 is used for a long period of time, ink application failure does not occur on the ink ribbon 3.
[0046]
In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, since the partition portion 7g is provided in the space portion 7f of the ink transfer roller 7, the cutout portions 7B1, 7B2, and 7B3 of both edge portions 7a of the outer peripheral portion 7a of the ink transfer roller 7 are provided. The paper powder taken in from 7B4 can be attached to the partition portion 7g and efficiently held.
[0047]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of a second embodiment of the ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing an external configuration of another example of the ink transfer roller. Hereinafter, parts corresponding to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
The ink transfer roller 70 of the present embodiment is different from the above embodiment in the shape of the space portion 70f for storing paper powder.
[0049]
In other words, in the present embodiment, by changing the thicknesses of both edge portions 70A1 and 70A2 of the ink transfer roller 70 with respect to the outer peripheral direction, the spiral space portion 70f toward the rotation center portion of the ink transfer roller 70 is formed. I am doing so.
[0050]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, in the space portion 70f, the interval between the inner wall of the outer peripheral portion 70a and the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 7d becomes gradually narrower from the notch portion 7B toward the cylindrical portion 7d. Yes.
[0051]
According to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the paper powder entering from the notch of the ink transfer roller 70 along with the rotation of the ink transfer roller 70 is moved along the spiral space portion 70f. Therefore, the paper dust can be stored in the space 70f more smoothly. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the third embodiment of the ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing the structure of still another example of the ink transfer roller. Hereinafter, parts corresponding to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0053]
Compared with the ink transfer rollers 7 and 70 of the first or second embodiment, the ink transfer roller 71 of the present embodiment is not provided with a notch in the outer peripheral portion 7a, and the ink transfer roller 71 of the ink transfer roller 71 is not provided. The shape of the surface 71c is different.
[0054]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the ink transfer surface 71c is formed in a concave shape so as to be deeper toward the central portion thereof, whereby an ink reservoir portion is formed at the central portion of the ink transfer surface 71c. 710 is provided. In this case, the ridge line portion 711a of the jetty 711 of the ink transfer surface 71c is formed linearly.
[0055]
According to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the ink concentrates on the central portion of the ink reservoir 710 of the ink transfer surface 71c due to the surface tension of the ink, so that it is concentrated on the central portion of the ink ribbon 3. Ink can be applied. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0056]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the fourth embodiment of the ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing the structure of still another example of the ink transfer roller. Hereinafter, parts corresponding to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0057]
As in the third embodiment, the ink transfer roller 72 according to the present embodiment has a different shape on the ink transfer surface 71c of the ink transfer roller 71 without providing a notch in the outer peripheral portion 7a. is there.
[0058]
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, a convex ridge portion 721 having a ridge line portion that becomes higher toward the central portion is formed on the ink transfer surface 72c of the ink transfer roller 72. In addition, the ink reservoir 720 of the ink transfer surface 72c is formed in a planar manner.
[0059]
Also in the case of the present embodiment having such a configuration, the ink concentrates on the central portion of the ink reservoir 720 of the ink transfer surface 72c due to the surface tension of the ink, so that the ink ribbon 3 is concentrated on the central portion. Ink can be applied. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0060]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made.
[0061]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, two cutout portions of the ink transfer roller are provided at each of the two edge portions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of cutout portions is one or three. It is also possible to make it above.
[0062]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, notches are not provided in the outer peripheral portion of the ink transfer roller, but notches and spaces similar to those in the first or second embodiment are provided. Is also possible. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more efficiently concentrate the ink on the central portion of the ink transfer surface.
[0063]
Further, not only the ink transfer roller but also the ribbon drive roller can be provided with notches and spaces similar to the ink transfer roller, and further a guide roller having similar notches and spaces can be provided. .
[0064]
According to such a configuration, paper dust can be taken in more reliably and ink application defects can be prevented over a long period of time.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the ink life can be improved, the recording paper can be prevented from being soiled due to the rubbing of the ink ribbon, and the ink application failure due to the retention of paper dust can be prevented. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an internal configuration of a first embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink transfer roller according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of a second embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing an external configuration of another example of an ink transfer roller.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of a third embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing the configuration of still another example of an ink transfer roller.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of a fourth embodiment of an ink ribbon cassette according to the present invention and showing the structure of still another example of an ink transfer roller.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink ribbon cassette 2 Casing 3 Ink ribbon 7 Ink transfer roller (ink transfer body)
7a Outer peripheral portion 7c Ink transfer surfaces 7A1, 7A2 Edge portions 7B1, 7B2, 7B3, 7B4 Notch portion 700 Ink reservoir portion 7f Space portion 7g Partition portion 8 Ink supply body

Claims (4)

A casing that is detachable from the printer body;
An endless ink ribbon housed in the casing and conveyed along with the operation of the printer;
An ink supply body impregnated and stored with ink for supplying the ink ribbon;
An ink transfer surface in contact with the ink supply body and the ink ribbon is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the roller-shaped member, and is configured to rotate as the ink ribbon is conveyed, so that the ink transferred from the ink supply body is transferred. An ink transfer body having an ink reservoir that concentrates in the center of the ink transfer surface ;
The ink transfer body is a space portion having an opening formed in a notch formed at an edge of the outer peripheral portion, and the center of rotation is according to a direction opposite to the direction in which the inner wall on the outer peripheral portion side is rotated. An ink ribbon cassette characterized in that space portions formed so as to face each other are formed at both edge portions of the outer peripheral portion . The ink reservoir includes an ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1, wherein said be provided by forming a recess in the central portion of the outer peripheral portion of said ink transfer member. The ink reservoir includes an ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1, wherein said that the central portion to the outer peripheral portion of said ink transfer member is provided by forming a jetty protruding. The cutout portion provided at both edges of the outer peripheral portion of said ink transfer member, any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided in a position that does not overlap in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion The ink ribbon cassette according to claim 1.

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