JP6530105B2 - Tape cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape cartridge which is mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus and used for printing by the tape printing apparatus.

Conventionally, as a tape cartridge of this type, a tape cassette is known which is mounted on a cassette mounting portion of a printing apparatus in a positioned state (see Patent Document 1).
This tape cassette comprises an adhesive tape spool wound with a double-sided adhesive tape, a film tape spool wound with a film tape (printing tape), and a ribbon spool wound with an ink ribbon. Also, the tape cassette comprises a ribbon take-up spool for taking up an ink ribbon, a tape drive roller, and a cassette case accommodating these. In addition, pin holes are provided at two places at both end edges in the longitudinal direction of the cassette case.
On the other hand, the printing apparatus includes a main body cover in which a cassette mounting portion is recessed and a cover for opening and closing the cassette mounting portion. The cassette mounting portion is provided with a head holder on which a tape drive shaft, a ribbon take-up shaft and a print head are mounted, and further, two positioning pins engaged with the above-mentioned pin holes are provided. Further, inside the cover, there is provided a cassette pressing mechanism for pressing the tape cassette mounted to the cassette mounting portion.
The cassette pressing mechanism is provided with a pressing plate rotatably attached to the cover, two coiled elastic bodies interposed between the pressing plate and the cover, and a pressing plate so as to protrude and press the tape cassette. And two pressing members.
The tape cassette is mounted on the cassette mounting portion with its pin holes engaged with the positioning pins of the cassette mounting portion. In this state, when the cover is closed, the three pressing members of the cassette pressing mechanism press the tape cassette by the elastic force of the elastic body. Thus, the tape cassette is positioned in the cassette mounting portion and provided for printing by the print head.

JP, 2012-152951, A

By the way, the positioning pin of the cassette mounting portion and the pin hole of the tape cassette are in an engaged state with a margin in dimensional tolerance in consideration of a manufacturing error of the tape cassette (cassette case). For this reason, when the pressing force in the mounting direction with respect to the tape cassette becomes weak, positional deviation or floating of the tape cassette is likely to occur.
The pressing (positioning) of the tape cassette in the above-mentioned conventional printing apparatus is performed by a coiled elastic body (coil spring) provided on the cover, but the elastic body has a weak pressing force (spring force) over time. Was a problem. That is, there is a problem that the pressing force is reduced by the occurrence of so-called "stagnation". In particular, a plurality of tape cassettes having different thicknesses are prepared, and the contraction of the elastic body is different depending on the tape cassette to be used. In some cases, the pressing force was insufficient. Further, the three pressing members of the cassette pressing mechanism largely protrude inside the cover. Therefore, there is a problem that the pressing member interferes with the attachment and detachment of the tape cassette.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cartridge capable of appropriately and stably pressing for positioning regardless of the structure of the apparatus and the thickness of the cartridge case.

The tape cartridge of the present invention is a tape cartridge for printing on a printing tape by the printing head of the tape printing device while drawing out the printing tape in a state where the tape cartridge is detachably mounted to the tape printing device. And a cartridge case that constitutes an outer shell of the tape cartridge and in which the printing tape is stored, and the cartridge case is a first cartridge case that is on the front side when installed in the tape printing apparatus, The first cartridge case is characterized by including an elastic portion elastically deformed by a pressing force of the pressing portion of the tape printing apparatus on the case wall on the near side.
In this case, it is preferable that the elastic portion has an elastic piece formed by linearly removing the periphery of the portion of the case wall where the pressing portion abuts.
In this case, the elastic piece is preferably formed by removing the case wall in a “U” shape.
In this case, the elastic portion is in contact with the pressing portion and has an elastic piece extending inward from the case wall and a receiving opening formed in the case wall for receiving the pressing portion, and the elastic piece is from the case wall It is preferable to have a hanging portion extending toward the back side, and an abutting portion against which the pressing portion of the tape printing apparatus abuts.
In this case, it is preferable that the second cartridge case has a detection portion that detects the type of the printing tape immediately below the elastic portion in the mounting direction of the cartridge case to the tape printing apparatus.
The following configuration may be employed.
The tape cartridge of the present invention is a tape cartridge in which printing is performed on a printing tape by the printing head of the tape printing device while drawing out the printing tape in a state of being detachably mounted to the tape printing device. A cartridge case in which the tape is accommodated, and a reaction force application unit provided on the surface of the cartridge case, which is displaced by the pressing force of the pressing unit of the tape printing apparatus and applies a reaction force which increases according to the displacement amount of displacement to the pressing unit And.

  In this case, the reaction force preferably increases in proportion to the amount of displacement.

  According to these configurations, the reaction force applying unit provided in the cartridge case is displaced by the pressing force of the pressing unit of the tape printing apparatus, and applies the reaction force to the pressing unit according to the amount of displacement. That is, the cartridge case is resiliently pressed by the pressing portion via the reaction force applying portion. Thus, the cartridge case is positioned at a predetermined position on the tape printer side. The tape cartridge is itself a consumable item and is replaced when the printing tape is consumed. Therefore, since the reaction force application unit is replaced before the predetermined reaction force is not produced, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the problem of "swelling" as in the prior art. In addition, since the reaction force application unit is provided in the cartridge case, it is possible to suppress interference with the tape cartridge itself. Therefore, regardless of the structure of the apparatus and the thickness of the cartridge case, the pressing for positioning can be appropriately and stably performed.

  Preferably, the cartridge case has a shell structure.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily make the reaction force application unit utilizing the empty space in the cartridge case.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the reaction force application portion includes an elastic portion elastically deformed by a pressing force.

  According to this configuration, the reaction force application unit can be made simple, and the productivity of the tape cartridge can be enhanced, and the increase in production cost can be suppressed.

  In this case, it is preferable that the elastic portion has an elastic piece having a portion in contact with the pressing portion in a portion formed by linearly removing the case wall of the cartridge case.

  In this case, preferably, the elastic piece is formed by removing the case wall in a "U" shape.

  According to this configuration, the elastic portion can be extremely easily formed in the cartridge case by molding, processing or the like. That is, the elastic portion can have a simple structure.

  Further, the elastic portion has an elastic piece having an L-shaped cross section extending inward from the case wall of the cartridge case, with which the pressing portion abuts, and a receiving opening formed in the case wall and receiving the pressing portion. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, since the elastic piece is formed in a cross-sectional “L” shape, the stroke of elastic deformation can be made larger than that of the planar elastic piece, and the reaction force (receiving pressure force) can be obtained. It can be stabilized. Further, the receiving opening can function as a contact guide of the pressing portion.

  In this case, the receiving opening preferably has two sides corresponding to both ends of the elastic piece, and the two sides are preferably positioned by the pressing portion in the intersecting direction.

  According to this configuration, the pressing portion itself can function as a positioning member of the cartridge case. As a result, the tape cartridge is pressed against the tape printing apparatus in the positioning state itself. Therefore, the mounted tape cartridge can be accurately positioned in the tape printing apparatus.

  Preferably, the elastic piece is formed at a corner of the surface of the cartridge case on the side of the pressing portion.

  According to this configuration, the elastic piece can be disposed in the high rigid portion of the cartridge case. As a result, it is possible to suppress that the pressing force of the pressing portion that presses the tape cartridge against the tape printing apparatus is absorbed by the deformation of the cartridge case. Therefore, the pressing force that the tape cartridge receives can be stabilized.

  The tape printing apparatus further includes a cartridge mounting portion on which the tape cartridge is mounted, and an opening / closing lid for opening and closing the cartridge mounting portion centering on the hinge portion, the pressing portion is provided on the opening / closing lid, and the elastic piece is It is preferable that the hinge portion side be a proximal end and extend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the hinge portion.

  According to this configuration, the elastic piece can be bent (deformed) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the open / close lid. Thus, in the process of bending the elastic piece, the contact portion between the pressing portion and the elastic piece does not move (slip), and the pressing force received by the tape cartridge can be stabilized.

  On the other hand, the reaction force applying portion has a receiving recess formed in the case wall of the cartridge case and receiving the pressing portion, and an elastic member provided in the receiving recess and formed separately from the cartridge case. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the stroke of elastic deformation can be increased, and the reaction force (receiving pressure) can be stabilized. In addition, the receiving recess can function as a contact guide of the pressing portion.

  In this case, the elastic member is preferably made of either an elastic material made of resin or an elastic material made of metal.

  According to this configuration, the elastic member can be selected in consideration of the properties and cost of the cartridge case.

  In this case, the resin-made elastic material is preferably made of either rubber or sponge.

  Similarly, it is preferable that the metal elastic material be constituted by either a plate spring or a coil spring.

  According to these configurations, the elastic member can have a simple structure, and cost increase can be suppressed.

  Further, the reaction force applying portion is provided on one surface of the cartridge case facing the pressing portion and intersecting in the mounting direction, and the other surface of the cartridge case is a target for detecting attribute information of the printing tape. Preferably, a detection unit is provided.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the tape printing apparatus to properly function the detection target.

  On the other hand, the tape printing apparatus has a mounting base surface for positioning the tape cartridge in the mounting direction, and a plurality of types of cartridge cases having different thicknesses are prepared for the cartridge case. It is preferable that a reaction force applying portion in each cartridge case is disposed such that the distance between the pressing portion and the pressing end of the pressing portion is substantially equal.

  According to this configuration, by providing a reaction force applying portion in which a part of the cartridge case (tape cartridge) having a different thickness is changed, it is possible to make the pressing force received by the tape cartridge constant. Therefore, the positioning state can be stabilized regardless of the thickness of the tape cartridge.

  Preferably, the cartridge case includes two cases of a two-part split structure, and the reaction force application unit is provided in one of the two cases.

  According to this configuration, when there is an existing tape cartridge of the same shape, it is possible to easily manufacture a tape cartridge having a reaction force application unit by changing the design of only one case.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the reaction force applying portion be disposed inside the outline of the cartridge case when viewed from the mounting direction.

  According to this configuration, the presence or absence of the reaction force application portion in the cartridge case does not affect the possibility of attachment to a specific tape printing apparatus. Therefore, a tape cartridge with a reaction force application unit and a tape cartridge without a reaction force application unit can be used in a specific tape printing apparatus, and the convenience of the user is not impaired.

It is an appearance perspective view of a lid opening state of a tape printer concerning an embodiment. They are a top view (a) and a side view (b) of a tape cartridge concerning an embodiment. It is a top view of a cartridge mounting part. It is the perspective view which looked at the opening-and-closing lid from the back side. They are a top view (a) of a tape cartridge in the state where an upper case was removed, and a back view (b) of an upper case. It is the perspective view which looked at the tape cartridge from the back side. FIG. 6A is an enlarged plan view of the elastic portion of the tape cartridge according to the first embodiment (a), FIG. 6B is an enlarged perspective view of the holding portion of FIG. FIG. 14A is an enlarged plan view of an elastic portion of a tape cartridge according to a second embodiment (a), FIG. 15B is an enlarged perspective view of a pressing portion of the tape cartridge, and FIG. They are an enlarged plan view (a) of elastic tape circumference of a tape cartridge concerning a modification of a 2nd embodiment, an expansion perspective view (b) of a clamp part circumference, and a sectional view of the state where an elastic part was pressed by a clamp part. They are an enlarged plan view (a) around elastic part of a tape cartridge concerning a 3rd embodiment, and a sectional view around elastic part.

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

[Overview of Tape Printer]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a tape printing apparatus and a tape cartridge mounted thereto. As shown in the figure, the tape printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus case 3 constituting an outer shell, a cartridge mounting portion 5 to which the tape cartridge 100 is detachably mounted, and an open / close lid 7 for opening and closing the cartridge mounting portion 5. And. A cartridge mounting portion 5 is provided on the back side on the upper surface of the device case 3, a display 11 is provided at the center, and a keyboard 13 is provided on the front side. In the vicinity of the open / close lid 7, a recessed portion 15 for hooking a finger is provided. The open / close lid 7 is released by putting a finger on the depressed portion 15 and pulling it up. A longitudinally long tape discharge port 17 to which the printing tape 102 is discharged is provided on the side surface (left side surface) of the device case 3.

  The tape printing apparatus 1 also includes a print mechanism 23 having a print head 21 erected in the cartridge mounting portion 5, a tape feeding mechanism 25 built in the back space of the cartridge mounting portion 5, and a tape discharge port 17. And a tape cutting mechanism unit 27 built in the vicinity. The user inputs print information from the keyboard 13, confirms the print information on the display 11, and executes printing by key operation. When printing is instructed, the tape feeding mechanism unit 25 is driven, whereby the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 run in parallel. Furthermore, printing is performed by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon 110 to the printing tape 102 by the heat applied from the printing mechanism unit 23 to the ink ribbon 110. The printing tape 102 is discharged from the tape discharge port 17 by this printing feed, and when the printing is completed, the tape cutting mechanism unit 27 is driven and the printed portion of the printing tape 102 is separated.

[Overview of tape cartridge]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the tape cartridge 100 includes a tape roll 106 having the printing tape 102 wound around the tape core 104 and a ribbon roll 114 having the ink ribbon 110 wound around the delivery core 112. . The tape cartridge 100 further includes a take-up core 116 for taking up the used ink ribbon 110, and a platen roller 120 (platen) for contacting with the print head 21 and sending the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110. . The tape cartridge 100 further includes a cartridge case 130 accommodating the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120. Thus, the tape cartridge 100 of the present embodiment has a so-called shell structure in which the outer shell is covered with the cartridge case 130.

  The tape cartridge 100 also has an insertion opening 134 formed in the cartridge case 130 and into which the print head 21 is inserted. The tape cartridge 100 also has a tape delivery port 138 formed in the cartridge case 130 and from which the printing tape 102 is delivered. Although the details will be described later, the tape roll 106 is rotatably supported by a cylindrical core shaft 192 protruding from the inside of the cartridge case 130.

  When the platen roller 120 and the take-up core 116 are driven by the above-described tape feeding mechanism 25, the print tape 102 is fed out of the tape core 104 and the ink ribbon 110 is fed out of the delivery core 112. The fed printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 run in parallel at a portion of the platen roller 120 and are provided for printing by the printing head 21. The delivery end (printed portion) of the printing tape 102 on which printing has been performed is delivered from the tape delivery port 138 toward the tape delivery port 17. On the other hand, the ink ribbon 110 goes around the peripheral wall portion of the insertion opening 134 and is wound around the winding core 116. A plurality of types of tape cartridges 100 having different thicknesses are prepared in accordance with the tape width of the printing tape 102.

[Tape Printer Details]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cartridge mounting portion 5 is formed in a planar shape complementary to the planar shape of the tape cartridge 100 and has a depth corresponding to the maximum thickness of the tape cartridge 100, It is recessed. In this case, the mounting base 31 and the side plate portion 33 constituting the bottom plate portion of the cartridge mounting portion 5 are integrally formed (formed) by resin or the like. A slit-like tape discharge path 35 is formed between the cartridge mounting portion 5 and the above-mentioned tape discharge port 17, and the above-mentioned tape cutting mechanism 27 is built in this portion.

  In the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5, the positioning protrusion 41 with which the core shaft 192 of the tape cartridge 100 is fitted and positioned, the print head 21 covered with the head cover 43, and the platen roller 120 are rotationally driven. A platen drive shaft 45 and a take-up drive shaft 47 for rotationally driving the take-up core 116 are provided upright. Further, a detection unit 51 for detecting the type (attribute information) of the printing tape 102 is located in the vicinity of the winding drive shaft 47 and the rotation of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116 is released. A core release unit 53 is provided.

  Further, the mounting base 31 is provided with a pair of small projections 55 at diagonal positions thereof, and a pair of hooking pieces 57 for holding the middle portion of the mounted tape cartridge 100 in addition. In the back side space of the mounting base 31, the above-mentioned tape feeding mechanism unit 25 is built, which is constituted by a motor for rotating the platen drive shaft 45 and the winding drive shaft 47 and a gear train (both not shown). It is done. The tape feed mechanism 25 branches power in a gear train to synchronously rotate the platen drive shaft 45 and the winding drive shaft 47.

  The print mechanism unit 23 includes a print head 21 configured by a thermal head, and a head support frame 61 that supports and rotates the print head 21. The print mechanism unit 23 also includes a head release mechanism (not shown) for rotating the print head 21 between the print position and the retracted position via the head support frame 61, the print head 21 (and the head support frame 61). And a head cover 43 covering the

  The head release mechanism operates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the open / close lid 7 to move (turn) the print head 21 to the print position by closing the open / close lid 7 and to move the print head 21 to the retracted position by opening operation. Move (turn). The print head 21 moved to the printing position abuts on the platen roller 120, and the print head 21 moved to the retracted position is separated from the platen roller 120. Thereby, when the tape cartridge 100 is attached and detached, the interference of the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 with the print head 21 is prevented.

  The print head 21 is provided with a plurality of heating elements, and the plurality of heating elements are arranged in the same direction as the axial direction of the platen roller 120. Then, printing is performed by feeding of the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 and selective driving of a plurality of heating elements. The head cover 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is formed (formed) integrally with the mounting base 31 (the cartridge mounting portion 5). Further, the head cover 43 vertically protrudes from the mounting base 31, allows rotation of the print head 21 on the inner side thereof, and functions as a mounting guide for the tape cartridge 100 on the outer side.

  The detection unit 51 is composed of a plurality of micro switches 51a, and selectively engages with a detection target unit 180 of the tape cartridge 100 described later, and types of the tape width, tape color, material, etc. of the printing tape 102 To detect. Then, based on the detection result, driving of the print head 21 and the tape feeding mechanism unit 25 is controlled. The core releasing portion 53 is composed of two releasing pins 53 a for the delivery core 112 and for the winding core 116. Although details will be described later, the cartridge case 130 is provided with detent hooks 206 which are respectively latched to the delivery core 112 and the take-up core 116 (see FIG. 6). When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, these rotations are performed. The release pin 53a is engaged with the locking hook 206, and the rotation of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116 is released.

  The platen drive shaft 45 has a fixed shaft 45 a elongated to insert the platen roller 120, and a spline-shaped movable shaft 45 b rotatably supported at the base of the fixed shaft 45 a. The rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism 25 is transmitted to the movable shaft 45 b and is further transmitted to the platen roller 120 from the movable shaft 45 b. Similarly, the winding drive shaft 47 has a fixed shaft 47a and a spline-shaped movable shaft 47b rotatably supported on the fixed shaft 47a. Also in this case, the rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism 25 is transmitted to the movable shaft 47 b and further transmitted from the movable shaft 47 b to the winding core 116.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the core shaft 192 (tape core 104) engages with the positioning protrusion 41, and the platen roller 120 engages with the platen drive shaft 45. The core 116 is engaged. Then, when the open / close lid 7 is closed, the print head 21 pivots and abuts against the platen roller 120 with the print tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 interposed therebetween, and the tape printing apparatus 1 enters a printing standby state.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the open / close lid 7 is rotatably attached to the device case 3, that is, opened and closed via a hinge portion 71 provided on the back side. The open / close lid 7 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and is provided with an open / close lid main body 73, an observation window 75 provided at the center of the open / close lid main body 73, and a back surface of the open / close lid main body 73 And a pair of pivotally supported pieces 77 supported. Further, the open / close lid 7 is provided with an operation lever 79 which is provided on the back of the open / close lid main body 73 to turn the print head 21 and a pressing projection 81 which is provided on the rear face of the open / close lid main body 73 to push the tape cartridge 100. Have. Further, the open / close lid 7 is provided on the back surface of the open / close lid main body 63, and is provided on the back surface of the open / close lid main body 73 for pressing projection 83 (operating ON) operating the lid occlusion detection switch (not shown) And a pressing portion 85 for pressing an elastic portion 182 of the tape cartridge 100 described later.

  The viewing window 75 is formed horizontally long and is made of a transparent (transparent to visible light) resin that is separate from the open / close lid body 73. The tape cartridge 100 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 5 can be visually recognized (type of print tape 102 and remaining amount of tape) through the viewing window 75. Further, the pair of shaft support pieces 77, the operation lever 79, the pressing projection 81, the pressing projection 83, the pressing portion 85, and the open / close lid main body 73 are integrally formed (formed) of resin.

  The operating lever 79 projects from the back surface of the open / close lid body 73 and is inserted into the slit opening 87 provided on the side of the cartridge mounting portion 5 with the closure of the open / close lid 7. The operating lever 79 inserted into the slit opening 87 operates the above-described head release mechanism, and rotates the print head 21 toward the platen roller 120. Similarly, the pressing projection 83 is inserted into the rectangular opening 91 adjacent to the slit opening 87 in accordance with the closing of the open / close lid 7 and operates (for example, "ON") the lid close detection switch. The pushing projection 81 corresponds to the position near the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100, and pushes the tape cartridge 100 so that the tape cartridge 100 is seated on the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 when the open / close lid 7 is closed. .

  The pressing portion 85 is disposed in the vicinity of the operation lever 79 and vertically protrudes from the back surface of the opening / closing lid main body 73. Further, the pressing portion 85 is formed in a cross-sectional “T” shape, and the flange piece 95 side is directed to the tip end side of the opening / closing lid main body 73 and the rib piece 97 side is directed to the base end side of the opening / closing lid main body 73 Are arranged (details will be described later).

[Details of tape cartridge]
Next, the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. In the description of the tape cartridge 100, referring to FIG. 2 as an example, the front side of the tape cartridge 100 in the mounting direction is referred to as "front side" and the opposite side in the mounting direction as "back side". Do. Also, referring to FIG. 2 as an example, the left side of the tape cartridge 100 is “left side”, the right side is “right side”, the upper arc side is “tip side”, and the lower side is It shall be called "proximal surface".

  As described above, the tape cartridge 100 includes the cartridge case 130, and the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the winding core 116, and the platen roller 120 accommodated therein. In addition, the tape cartridge 100 is formed in the cartridge case 130 and has an insertion opening 134, a tape delivery port 138 formed on the left side in the vicinity of the platen roller 120, a surface on the side where the tape roll 106 is accommodated, the left side and And an identification seal 141 (see FIG. 1) attached across the right side. In the identification seal 141, the tape width, the tape color, the material, and the like of the printing tape 102 stored in the cartridge case 130 are displayed in characters at two places, the front surface and the left side surface.

  The cartridge case 130 constitutes the outer shell of the tape cartridge 100 (shell structure), and has a plan view “L” -like appearance in which the base end side of the right side surface is somewhat protruded. The cartridge case 130 in the front and back direction is composed of a lower case 150 which is the back side when mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5 and an upper case 152 which is the front side. The cartridge case 130 of the present embodiment is formed of a molded product of a resin that is transparent to the extent that the printing tape 102 in which the upper case 152 is accommodated is visible, and the lower case 150 is formed of a molded product of an opaque resin. There is. As described above, a plurality of types of tape cartridges 100 having different thicknesses are prepared. The difference in thickness is adjusted by the lower case 150, and the upper case 152 is used as a common part.

  The upper case 152 is integrally formed (formed) by a top wall portion 156 constituting the surface of the cartridge case 130 and an upper peripheral wall portion 158 vertically provided on the peripheral edge portion of the top wall portion 156. The lower case 150 has a bottom wall portion 160 constituting the back surface of the cartridge case 130, a lower peripheral wall 162 erected on the peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 160, and a bottom wall portion to define the insertion opening 134 described above. It is integrally formed (formed) by the opening peripheral wall portion 164 provided upright at 160.

  On the lower end surface of the upper peripheral wall portion 158 in the upper case 152, a plurality of bonding pins 170 are provided at appropriate intervals, while on the lower peripheral wall 162 of the lower case 150, a plurality of bondings corresponding to the plurality of bonding pins 170 A hole 172 is provided (see FIG. 5). After arranging components such as the tape roll 106 and the ribbon roll 114 in the lower case 150, the tape cartridge 100 is joined by joining the upper case 152 so as to press-fit the plurality of joining pins 170 into the plurality of joining holes 172. Is assembled. Each bonding hole 172 is a through hole in consideration of ease of molding.

  On the other hand, on the left side surface and the right side surface of the lower case 150, a pair of hook receiving portions 174 which are hooked to the above pair of hooking pieces 57 are provided (see FIGS. 2 and 6). The pair of hooking pieces 57 on the cartridge mounting portion 5 side are hooked and held on the pair of hooking receiving portions 174 of the mounted tape cartridge 100, whereby the tape cartridge 100 is prevented from rising. Further, on the back surface of the lower case 150, there is provided a fitting small hole 176 in which the pair of small projections 55 are fitted with a slight margin (see FIG. 6). By fitting the pair of small protrusions 55 on the cartridge mounting portion 5 side into the small fitting holes 176, the tape cartridge 100 can be easily positioned on the mounting base 31.

  Furthermore, a detection target portion 180 corresponding to the detection portion 51 described above is provided on the rear surface of the lower case 150 at the left corner portion (right corner portion viewed from the front surface side) on the base end surface side (see FIG. 6). The to-be-detected part 180 is comprised by the part corresponding to several micro switch 51a of the detection part 51, and he is trying to obtain several bit pattern by the presence or absence of the receiving hole 180a provided in this part. That is, this bit pattern corresponds to the type of print tape 102 described above.

  On the other hand, at the right corner on the base end face side of the surface of the tape cartridge 100, ie, at the right corner on the base end face side of the surface of the upper case 152, an elastic portion 182 with which the pressing portion 85 abuts is provided 2 and 5). Although details will be described later, when the open / close lid 7 is closed, the pressing portion 85 provided on the open / close lid 7 presses the elastic portion 182 of the tape cartridge 100. The pressed elastic portion 182 elastically deforms, and the tape cartridge 100 itself is pressed against the cartridge mounting portion 5 (mounting base 31) by the elastic force generated thereby.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the upper space (tip surface side) in the cartridge case 130, a tape storage area 190 in which the tape roll 106 is stored widely is configured. At the center of the tape storage area 190, a core shaft 192 formed (formed) integrally with the lower case 150 is erected. The core shaft 192 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the tape roll 106 (tape core 104) is rotatably supported on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Further, a tape guide 194 which is located in the vicinity of the platen roller 120 and guides the fed printing tape 102 to the platen roller 120 is erected integrally with the lower case 150 in the tape storage area 190.

  That is, inside the cartridge case 130, a tape feeding path 196 is formed, which starts from the tape roll 106, passes through the tape guide 194 and the platen roller 120, and reaches the tape delivery port 138. The printing tape 102 fed from the tape roll 106 is guided to a platen roller 120 via a tape guide 194, where it is subjected to printing, and is further guided from the platen roller 120 to a tape delivery port 138.

  The tape roll 106 has a printing tape 102 and a tape core 104 and has two films 198 attached to both end faces of the printing tape 102 in a roll shape. The two films 198 prevent the scattering of the printing tape 102 wound around the tape core 104. Also, although not shown in the figure, the tape core 104 incorporates a reverse rotation stop mechanism. When the tape cartridge 100 is carried, the reverse rotation preventing mechanism prevents the reverse of the printing tape 102. On the other hand, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 5, the reverse rotation stop mechanism of the reverse rotation stop mechanism is released by the positioning projection 41, and the printing tape 102 can be fed.

  On the base right side in the cartridge case 130, a ribbon storage area 200 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. The delivery side bearing portion 202 rotatably supporting the ribbon roll 114 (delivery core 112) to the right of the ribbon accommodation area 200, and the winding side bearing portion rotatably supporting the take-up core 116 to the left Each 204 is integrally formed in the cartridge case 130. That is, the delivery side bearing portion 202 and the winding side bearing portion 204 are formed in the upper case 152 and the lower case 150, respectively.

  In the notched portions of the delivery side bearing portion 202 and the take-up side bearing portion 204 formed in the lower case 150, the rotation stop hook 206 having its tip end facing the delivery side bearing portion 202 and the take-up side bearing portion 204. Are each integrally formed. The one detent hook 206 is engaged with the feeding core 112 and the other detent hook 206 is engaged with the take-up core 116 in a detent state.

  A first ribbon guide 210 which is located in the vicinity of the delivery side bearing portion 202 and guides the delivered ink ribbon 110 to the platen roller 120 is erected integrally with the lower case 150 in the ribbon accommodation area 200. Further, a plurality of second ribbon guides 212 for guiding the circulation of the ink ribbon 110 are integrally formed on the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral wall portion 164.

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

  The ribbon roll 114 has an ink ribbon 110 and a delivery core 112, and has an annular leaf spring 220 for applying a braking load to the delivery core 112 (see FIG. 5 (b)). The leaf spring 220 is formed in a wave shape in the circumferential direction, and is interposed between the top wall portion 156 of the upper case 152 and the delivery core 112 in the axial direction. That is, the rotational braking load is applied to the delivery core 112 by the elastic force of the plate spring 220. As a result, a back tension is applied to the ink ribbon 110 being fed out by the winding core 116, and the slack is prevented.

  The delivery core 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of notches 222 are formed in the circumferential direction at the end on the lower case 150 side (see FIG. 6). The above-mentioned detent hooks 206 are engaged with and disengaged from the plurality of notches 222. Although the delivery side bearing portion 202 on the lower case 150 side supporting the delivery core 112 is configured as a circular opening, the delivery side bearing portion 202 on the upper case 152 side is configured as a cylindrical projecting portion There is. And the above-mentioned leaf spring 220 is attached to this projection part (all refer to Drawing 5 (b)).

  Similarly, the winding core 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of notches 224 are formed in the circumferential direction at the end on the lower case 150 side. Then, the rotation locking hook 206 is engaged with the plurality of notches 224. In addition, a spline groove 226 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the winding core 116, and splines are engaged with the winding drive shaft 47 described above. Thereby, the rotational force of the winding drive shaft 47 is transmitted to the winding core 116, and the ink ribbon 110 is wound up.

  On the left side of the base in the cartridge case 130, a platen accommodation area 230 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. In the center of the platen housing area 230, the lower bearing portion 234 of the elliptical opening formed in the lower case 150 (see FIG. 6) and the upper bearing portion 232 of the elliptical opening formed in the upper case 152 (see FIG. ) Is provided. The platen roller 120 is supported rotatably and slightly movable (laterally movable) by the upper bearing 232 and the lower bearing 234. That is, the platen roller 120 supported by the elliptical upper bearing portion 232 and the lower bearing portion 234 has a home position engaged with the platen drive shaft 45 and a nipping position nipping the printing tape 102 and contacting the tape guide 194. It is configured to be movable (small movement) between the two.

  By the way, the tape cartridge 100 is carried in a state in which the delivery end of the printing tape 102 is slightly protruded from the tape delivery port 138 to the outside (see FIG. 1). At that time, if a pushing force or a pulling force acts on the delivery end of the printing tape 102 by mistake, the platen roller 120 pulled by this is moved to the holding position. This prevents the delivery end of the print tape 102 from being drawn into the cartridge case 130 from the tape delivery port 138.

  The platen roller 120 has a cylindrical roller base 240 and a rubber roller 242 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the roller base 240. The rubber roller 242 has a length corresponding to the print head 21 in the axial direction, and the print head 21 moved to the printing position sandwiches the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 and contacts the rubber roller 242. Further, a spline groove 244 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the roller base 240, and splines are engaged with the platen drive shaft 45 described above. Thereby, the rotational force of the platen drive shaft 45 is transmitted to the platen roller 120, and the printing tape 102 (and the ink ribbon 110) is printed and fed.

[Elastic part and pressing part (first embodiment)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the structure of the elastic portion 182 of the tape cartridge 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail along with the structure of the pressing portion 85 of the open / close lid 7. As described above, the elastic portion 182 (the reaction force application portion) is provided at the right end portion on the base end side of the top wall portion 156 in the upper case 152, and the pressing portion 85 corresponding thereto is the opening / closing lid 7 (opening / closing lid It is provided to protrude on the back surface of the main body 73).

  As shown to Fig.7 (a), the elastic part 182 has the elastic piece 300 formed by removing the top wall part 156 (case wall) linearly, and is an elastic piece 300 of 1st Embodiment. Is formed as a rectangular portion in which the top wall portion 156 is removed in a “U” shape. The elastic piece 300 is disposed on the surface of the upper case 152 at the corner where the right side and the base end intersect, and extends parallel to the right side from the tip side to the base side of the upper case 152 . The width and the length of the elastic piece 300 are designed to exert an appropriate elastic force when the elastic piece 300 is deformed by the pressing portion 85.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the elastic piece 300 is displaced by the pressing force of the pressing portion 85 when the open / close lid 7 is closed, and increases according to the amount of displacement (preferably, proportionally increases). Force is applied to the pressing portion 85. In other words, the tape cartridge 100 is pressed against the mounting base 31 by the elastic piece 300 of the tape cartridge 100 when the pressing portion 85 is received. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic piece 300 is designed such that the tape cartridge 100 is positioned on the mounting base 31 in the mounting direction.

  More specifically, the tape cartridge 100 receives the pressing force of the print head 21 through the platen roller 120, and the rotation of the platen roller 120 (platen drive shaft 45) and the winding core 116 (winding drive shaft 47). As a result, the rotational force around the platen roller 120 and around the winding core 116 is received. For this reason, the tape cartridge 100 receives the combined force of the pressing force and the rotational force, and further the component thereof, and causes positional deviation and floating (lifting force) on the mounting base 31. The elastic force of the elastic piece 300 of the embodiment causes the tape cartridge 100 to be mounted at a predetermined position against the combined force and the component force thereof.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the pressing portion 85 is formed in a cross-sectional “T” shape, and vertically protrudes from the back surface of the open / close lid main body 73. The open / close lid main body 73 and the pressing portion 85 are integrally formed of resin or the like, and by forming the pressing portion 86 into a T-shaped cross section, molding failure (flint) is prevented. The pressing portion 85 having a cross-sectional “T” shape is disposed so that the flange piece 95 side is directed to the tip end side of the opening / closing lid main body 63 and the rib piece 97 side is directed to the base end side of the opening / closing lid main body 73 ing. The tip end of the pressing portion 85 is formed on a slope following the shape of the deformed elastic piece 300, and the entire area of the tip presses the elastic piece 300.

  As described above, according to the tape cartridge 100 of the first embodiment, when the open / close lid 7 is closed, the pressing portion 85 elastically deforms the elastic piece 300. As a result, the tape cartridge 100 is pressed against the mounting base 31 (cartridge mounting portion 5) by the pressing portion 85 via the elastic piece 300, and is simultaneously positioned. Thus, since the elastic portion 182 (elastic piece 300) for pressing and positioning the tape cartridge 100 is provided in the tape cartridge 100 as a part of the cartridge case 130, the positioning structure of the tape cartridge 100 is extremely simplified. can do. In addition, since the elastic portion 182 is provided in the consumable tape cartridge 100, the elastic portion 182 does not require durability, and the structure of the elastic portion 182 can be simplified also in this respect, which leads to an increase in cost. Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the elastic piece 300 is provided in the consumable tape cartridge 100, the elastic force of the initial elastic portion 182 can be obtained each time the tape cartridge 100 is replaced with a new one. Therefore, the fall of the elastic force of the elastic part 182 can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, the detected portion 180 is located directly below the elastic portion 182 (see FIG. 6), and the detected portion 180 is strongly pressed by the detecting portion 51. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the detection failure of the tape type. Further, the elastic piece 300 is bent (deformed) in the same direction as the pivoting direction of the open / close lid 7. Therefore, the pressing force received by the tape cartridge 100 can be stabilized. Furthermore, the elastic portion 182 is provided on the surface of the cartridge case 130, so that the basic form of the tape cartridge 100 is not impaired. In addition, although the elastic piece 300 of the said embodiment was formed in the simple rectangle, the shape, such as a keyhole shape, is arbitrary, for example.

[Elastic part and pressing part (second embodiment)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the structure of the elastic portion 182 of the tape cartridge 100A according to the second embodiment will be described in detail along with the structure of the pressing portion 85A of the open / close lid 7. Further, in the second embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the elastic portion 182 of the second embodiment includes an elastic piece 310 having an L-shaped cross section extending inward from the top wall portion 156 of the upper case 152, and the top wall And a receiving opening 312 formed in the portion 156 for receiving the pressing portion 85A. The elastic piece 310 includes a hanging portion 316 extending from the top wall portion 156 and a contact piece 318 with which the pressing portion 85A is abutted (contact), and is integrally formed (formed) in the upper case 152 There is. Further, the elastic piece 310 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, while the receiving opening 312 is formed in a rectangular shape that is larger by the elastic piece 310.

  As described above, a plurality of types of tape cartridges having different thicknesses are prepared for the tape cartridge 100A. Therefore, in the tape cartridges 100A having different thicknesses, the contact piece 318 of the elastic piece 310 is disposed such that the distance between the surface of the mounting base 31 and the pressing end of the pressing portion 85 is the same. preferable. Thereby, in the tape cartridge 100A having a different thickness, it is possible to make the received pressure constant.

  The pressing portion 85A of the second embodiment has the same form as the pressing portion 85 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 8 (b)), but the elastic piece 310 is recessed in a cross-sectional "L" shape. Since it is formed, it is formed longer than the elastic piece 300 of the first embodiment. When the pressing force of the pressing portion 85A acts on the elastic piece 310, the contact piece 318 bends downward, and at the same time, the hanging piece 316 bends backward to exert an elastic force (spring force).

  As described above, also in the tape cartridge 100A of the second embodiment, when the open / close lid 7 is closed, the pressing portion 85A elastically deforms the elastic piece 310. As a result, the tape cartridge 100A is pressed against the mounting base 31 (cartridge mounting portion 5) by the pressing portion 85A via the elastic piece 310, and is simultaneously positioned. In this case, since the elastic piece 310 is formed in a cross-sectional “L” shape, the elastic stroke can be kept large, and the positioning of the tape cartridge 100A can be stabilized.

Modified Example of Second Embodiment
FIG. 9 shows a tape cartridge 100B according to a modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this modification, a pressing portion 85B of the open / close lid 7 includes a columnar protrusion 320 having a U-shaped cross section and a pressing piece 322 provided at the tip of the columnar protrusion 320; have. The pressing piece portion 322 is formed integrally with the columnar protrusion 320 and in a plate shape that intersects the extending direction of the columnar protrusion 320. The pressing piece 322 is disposed at a position slightly set back from the tip of the columnar protrusion 320. Then, the pressing piece 322 abuts on the contact piece 318 of the elastic piece 310 to press and deform it.

  The contour of the column-shaped projection 320 is formed in a shape complementary to the receiving opening 312, and the column-shaped projection 320 is fitted to the receiving opening 312. The columnar protrusion 320 formed in a cross-sectional “U” shape is disposed with the flange piece 324 side on the tip end side of the open / close lid main body 73 and the pair of rib pieces 326 parallel to the side surface of the open / close lid main body 73 It is arranged to be

  Further, on the outer surface (three sides) of the tip end portion of the columnar protrusion 320, an outer guide slope 330a narrowing toward the tip is formed so as to guide the fitting. Similarly, on the inner surface (three sides) of the tip end of the columnar protrusion 320, an inner guide slope 330b expanding toward the tip so as to guide the abutment of the pressing piece 322 against the abutment piece 318. Is formed.

  With the closure of the open / close lid 7, the pressing portion 85B which is fitted to the elastic portion 182 is guided by the outer guide slope 330a and fitted to the receiving opening 312, and the pressing piece 322 is formed by the inner guide slope 330b. As a guide, it is abutted against the abutment piece 318 (abutment). In this state, the three outer sides of the columnar protrusion 320 are in contact with the three sides of the corresponding receiving opening 312, and the tape cartridge 100B is positioned by the pressing portion 85B (the columnar protrusion 320) through the receiving opening 312. Ru. Further, three sides inside the tip end of the columnar protrusion 320 contact three sides of the corresponding contact piece 318, and the tape cartridge 100B presses the pressing portion 85B (pillar 320 via the contact piece 318). ) Is positioned.

  As described above, in the tape cartridge 100 </ b> B according to the modification of the second embodiment, the pressing portion 85 </ b> B presses the elastic portion 182 and engages with the elastic portion 182 as the open / close lid 7 is closed. Therefore, the tape cartridge 100B is pressed against the mounting base 31 and positioned in the mounting direction (front and back direction), and is positioned on the mounting base 31 in the front, rear, left, and right. Accordingly, positional deviation of the tape cartridge 100B can be effectively prevented.

[Elastic part and pressing part (third embodiment)]
Next, the structure of the elastic portion 182 of the tape cartridge 100C according to the third embodiment will be described in detail along with the structure of the pressing portion 85C of the open / close lid 7 with reference to FIG. Also in the third embodiment, parts different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. The elastic portion 182 according to the third embodiment includes a receiving opening 340 (a receiving recess) formed in the top wall portion 156 of the upper case 152 and an elastic member disposed inside the top wall portion 156 so as to face the receiving opening 340. And a holding portion 344 protruding on the inner side of the top wall portion 156 and holding the elastic member 342 on its base end side.

  The elastic member 342 is configured by a leaf spring including a base spring piece 346 bent in a “V” shape and an abutment spring piece 348 extending parallel to the top wall 156 from the base spring piece 346 There is. The base spring piece portion 346 exerts a spring force for holding the elastic member 342 itself in the holding portion 344 and the contact spring piece portion 348 exerts a spring force for pressing the tape cartridge 100C.

  The holding portion 344 is configured by an inward protruding portion having a holding groove 344a in the form of a slit in the middle. The elastic member 342 is held by the holding portion 344 by resiliently fitting the base spring piece portion 346 into the holding groove 344a. The receiving opening 340 has the same form as the receiving opening 312 of the second embodiment. Further, the pressing portion 85C also has the same form as the pressing portions 85 and 85A of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The pressing portion 85C may have the same positioning function as the pressing portion 85B of the modification of the second embodiment.

  Also in the tape cartridge 100C of the third embodiment, when the open / close lid 7 is closed, the pressing portion 85C elastically deforms the elastic member 342. Thus, the tape cartridge 100C is pressed against the mounting base 31 (cartridge mounting portion 5) by the pressing portion 85C via the elastic member 342, and is simultaneously positioned. In this case, since the elastic member 342 is formed of a plate spring, the elastic stroke can be made large, and the positioning of the tape cartridge 100C can be stabilized.

  Note that, instead of the elastic member 342 formed of the above-described plate spring, an elastic member 342 such as a coil spring, rubber, and a sponge may be used. In such a case, it is preferable that the receiving opening 340 be a groove-shaped receiving recess.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tape printing apparatus, 3 ... Device case, 5 ... Cartridge mounting part, 7 ... Opening-closing lid, 11 ... Display, 13 ... Keyboard, 15 ... Recessed part, 17 ... Tape discharge port, 21 ... Printing head, 23 ... Printing mechanism Parts 25 Tape feeding mechanism 27 Tape cutting mechanism 31 Mounting base 33 Side plate 35 Tape discharging path 41 Positioning projection 43 Head cover 47 Winding drive shaft 55 Small projections 57: Retaining pieces 71: Hinges 73: Opening and closing lid main body 75: Penetration window 77: Axial support pieces 79: Actuating levers 81: Pushing projections 83: Pressing projections 85: Pressers , 95: flange piece, 97: rib piece, 100: tape cartridge, 102: printing tape, 110: ink ribbon, 116: take-up core, 120: platen roller, 134: insertion opening, 38 ... tape outlet, 141 ... identification seal, 150 ... lower case, 152 ... upper case, 182 ... elastic portion

Claims (2)

A cartridge mounting portion on which a tape cartridge is mounted, a plurality of micro switches provided in the cartridge mounting portion for detecting the type of printing tape, and an open / close lid rotatably opening and closing the cartridge mounting portion via a hinge portion A tape cartridge mountable to a tape printing apparatus, comprising: and a pressing portion projecting from the back surface of the opening / closing lid,
A cartridge case constituting an outer shell of the tape cartridge;
Provided on the case wall on the back side in the mounting direction of the cartridge case, receiving holes corresponding to the plurality of micro switches when the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion,
A piece that is integrally formed on the case wall on the front side in the mounting direction of the cartridge case, and when the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion to close the open / close lid, the pressing portion bends backward in the mounting direction With the department,
The tape cartridge, wherein the receiving hole is disposed at the back of the mounting direction of the piece. The cartridge case is configured of a first cartridge case that is on the front side in the mounting direction when mounted on the tape printing apparatus, and a second cartridge case that is on the rear side in the mounting direction.
The piece is
A first linear portion obtained by linearly removing the case wall on the front side in the mounting direction of the first cartridge case;
A second linear portion connected to one end of the first linear portion and linearly removed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first linear portion extends;
A third linear portion connected to one end of the second linear portion and linearly removed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the second linear portion extends;
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tape cartridge is formed by being surrounded by

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