JP6535796B2 - Tape cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus and provided for printing by the tape printing apparatus.

As a conventional tape cartridge mounted in a cartridge mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus, one having the following configuration is known (see Patent Document 1).
This tape cartridge comprises a tape body obtained by winding a printing tape around a tape core, a ribbon body obtained by winding an ink ribbon around a ribbon delivery core, a ribbon winding core for winding up an ink ribbon after use, and a printing tape from the tape core The printing apparatus includes a platen roller that feeds and feeds, and a cartridge case that accommodates the tape body, the ribbon body, the ribbon winding core, and the platen roller.
In addition, the cartridge case has a lower case on the seating side and an upper case corresponding to the lower case, and the lower case integrally includes a hollow tape bearing portion for rotatably supporting the tape body. It is done. The center of the tape bearing portion (tape body) and the center of the platen roller are disposed so as to cross an imaginary line connecting both gripping portions of the cartridge case as viewed from the mounting direction.
When the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the tape bearing portion is engaged with the positioning projection of the cartridge mounting portion, the platen roller is engaged with the platen drive shaft, and the ribbon take-up core is engaged with the ribbon take-up drive shaft. .

JP 2012-20543 A

  In such a conventional tape cartridge, since the tape body is the heaviest of the tape cartridge components, it is highly likely to be gripped at an angle. That is, when the tape cartridge is mounted, if it is gripped with fingers, the side on which the tape roll is disposed is likely to be inclined due to gravity unless it is gripped to be horizontal. Therefore, in the conventional tape cartridge, there is a high possibility that the tape bearing portion starts to be fitted to the positioning projection prior to the fitting of the platen roller to the platen drive shaft. Therefore, unless the tape bearing portion is accurately positioned with respect to the positioning projection, there has been a problem that the mounting operation of the tape cartridge becomes complicated, for example, the platen roller is locked to the platen drive shaft or fine adjustment of the fingertip is required. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cartridge which can be smoothly mounted on a mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus.

  The tape cartridge according to the present invention comprises a print head for printing on a tape-like print medium, a drive shaft for applying a conveying force to the print medium, and an identification unit for identifying the type of cartridge containing the print medium. A tape cartridge for being mounted on a mounting portion of a printing device, which is fitted to a drive roller when the tape roll on which a printing medium is wound and the mounting portion is mounted on a tape printing device A second fitting that is provided at a central portion of the tape roll as viewed from the axial direction of the tape roll with a platen roller having one fitting portion, and that when fitted to the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus, the second fitting The second fitting portion is disposed in a depressed portion which is a position opposite to the attaching portion when the second fitting portion is attached to the attaching portion of the tape printing apparatus.

According to this configuration, the second fitting portion is disposed in the recessed portion facing the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus at the time of mounting, that is, in the recessed portion. Therefore, before mounting the second fitting portion on the identification portion of the tape printing apparatus at the time of mounting, the identification portion once strikes the depression portion and the posture of the cartridge is corrected. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the first fitting portion starts fitting to the drive shaft of the tape printing apparatus before the second fitting portion starts fitting to the identification portion. That is, at the time of mounting, even if the mounting is started in a posture inclined to the second fitting portion side, the fitting can be started from the first fitting portion.
As a result, it is possible to suppress a defect such as the first fitting portion being stuck to the drive shaft. In addition, when the fitting of the first fitting portion precedes the second fitting portion, the inclination and the position of the tape cartridge can be corrected at the start of mounting. Furthermore, by providing a timing difference between the fitting start of the first fitting portion and the fitting start of the second fitting portion, the impact force at the time of mounting can also be dispersed. Therefore, the mounting of the tape cartridge to the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus can be smoothly performed.
Further, since the second fitting portion is disposed in the depressed portion, the second fitting portion can be substantially shortened, and appropriate strength can be provided. Moreover, the second fitting portion is unlikely to receive a direct impact force against a drop impact or the like. Therefore, the second fitting portion can be made less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, even if the second fitting portion has a protrusion or the like due to the depressed portion, the protrusion does not protrude from the outer surface of the tape cartridge, and the protrusion or the like does not get in the way when the tape cartridge is stacked and stored. .
In addition, the number of combinations of fitting can be easily increased (type identification) by using the second fitting portion to be fitted to the identification portion in combination with not only the concave shape but also the convex shape.
Further, it is preferable that the cartridge type is not a so-called tape type but a type (specific by country or by OEM) on the specifications or on the purpose of the tape cartridge.

  In this case, it is preferable that the identification unit of the tape printing apparatus has an actuated unit to be identified and the second fitting unit has an actuation unit that actuates the actuated unit of the identification unit.

  In this case, the actuating portion is preferably a protrusion which is convex in the mounting direction.

  According to these configurations, the tape cartridge can be identified simply by mounting the tape cartridge in the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus, and it can be detected that the tape cartridge has been properly mounted. In addition, the structure of the identification unit side of the tape printing apparatus can be simplified. The actuating portion may be a concave portion which is concave as well as a protrusion which is convex in the mounting direction.

  Further, it is preferable that the position or the shape of the actuating part be different depending on the cartridge type.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably identify different types of tape cartridges with a simple structure.

  Preferably, the axial direction of the platen roller, the axial direction of the tape roll, and the cartridge mounting and demounting direction are the same.

  According to this configuration, the tape cartridge can be smoothly attached and detached without a sense of incongruity as long as the attachment and detachment directions are not incorrect.

  Furthermore, the second fitting portion is preferably closer to the center of gravity as viewed from the axial direction of the tape roll than the first fitting portion.

  According to this configuration, for example, when the second fitting portion is provided with the operating portion for operating the identification portion of the tape printing apparatus, the tape cartridge is less susceptible to the floating of the tape cartridge due to the vibration during the operation of the tape printing apparatus. It is possible to prevent the malfunction of the part. In addition, the second fitting portion is not only two-dimensionally close to the center of gravity in gravity direction view, but is also three-dimensionally close to the center of gravity, so the second fitting portion is provided in a part without depression. In comparison with the above, vibration during operation can be effectively suppressed.

  Preferably, the first fitting portion has a guiding shape for fitting the drive shaft.

  According to this configuration, at the time of mounting, it is possible to suppress a defect such as the first fitting portion being stuck to the drive shaft and to smoothly fit the first fitting portion and the drive shaft.

  On the other hand, in mounting, it is preferable that the first fitting portion starts to be fitted to the drive shaft before the second fitting portion starts to be fitted to the identification portion.

  According to this configuration, the inclination and position of the tape cartridge can be corrected at the start of mounting. Moreover, the impact force at the time of mounting | wearing can also be disperse | distributed. Therefore, the mounting of the tape printer to the mounting portion can be smoothly performed.

  In addition, the movement stroke from the fitting of the first fitting portion to the drive shaft to the fitting completion when mounting is the movement from the fitting of the second fitting portion to the identification portion to the fitting completion It is preferred to be longer than the stroke.

  According to this configuration, since the inclination of the tape cartridge is corrected by the fitting of the first fitting portion to the drive shaft, there is a possibility that a pinch etc. occurs when the second fitting portion is fitted to the identification portion. Therefore, the tape printing apparatus can be smoothly attached to the attachment unit.

  Preferably, the drive shaft has a spline shaft portion, and the first fitting portion has a spline boss portion corresponding to the spline shaft portion.

  According to this configuration, the drive unit and the platen roller can be brought into a power transmittable state only by mounting the tape cartridge in the mounting unit of the tape printing apparatus.

  In this case, the number of grooves of the spline boss portion is preferably larger than the number of teeth of the spline shaft portion.

  Similarly, the spacing of the plurality of grooves of the spline boss is preferably smaller than the spacing of the plurality of teeth of the spline shaft.

  According to this configuration, the contact area between the spline boss and the spline shaft can be reduced, and the mounting load of the tape cartridge can be reduced. Therefore, the mounting of the tape printer to the mounting portion can be smoothly performed.

  Further, when the posture in which the axial direction of the platen roller and the direction of gravity coincide with each other, the lower end of the first fitting portion is preferably positioned below the lower end of the second fitting portion.

  According to this configuration, the first fitting portion can increase the possibility of starting to be fitted to the drive portion before the second fitting portion starts to be fitted to the identification portion. This makes it possible to correct the inclination and position of the tape cartridge at the start of mounting. Moreover, the impact force at the time of mounting | wearing can also be disperse | distributed. Therefore, the mounting of the tape printer to the mounting portion can be smoothly performed.

It is an appearance perspective view of a lid opening state of a tape printer concerning an embodiment. They are a top view (a) of the tape cartridge concerning an embodiment, a back view (b), a front view (c), a back view (d), a left side view (e), and a right side view (f). They are a plane view perspective view (a) of a tape cartridge concerning an embodiment, and a back view perspective view (b). They are an AA line sectional view (a) in Drawing 2 (a), and a BB line sectional view (b). 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 and an upper case were removed and a back view (b) of an upper case. It is an expanded sectional view (a) of a platen drive shaft and a platen roller, and an enlarged view (b) of the spline engagement part. They are a perspective view (a) of a cartridge mounting part, and an enlarged perspective view (b) around a base convex part. They are an enlarged perspective view (a) seen from the back right side of a tape cartridge, an enlarged perspective view seen from the back left side (b), and an enlarged plan view around a core recess (c). They are sectional drawing (a) of the unmounted state with respect to the cartridge mounting part of a tape cartridge, and sectional drawing (b) of a mounted state. They are sectional drawing (a) of the non-mounting | wearing state with respect to the cartridge mounting part of a tape cartridge, and sectional drawing (b) of a mounting state (1st modification). They are sectional drawing (a) of the non-mounting | wearing state with respect to the cartridge mounting part of a tape cartridge, and sectional drawing (b) of a mounting state (2nd modification).

  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 opening / closing lid 7, a recessed portion 15 for finger hooking is provided, and the opening / closing lid 7 is opened so as to bounce up through the indentation 15. 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 25 is driven to cause the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 to run in parallel, and the printing mechanism 23 performs printing by thermal transfer. 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 7, the tape cartridge 100 includes a tape roll 106 in which the printing tape 102 is wound around the tape core 104 and a ribbon roll 114 in which the ink ribbon 110 is wound around the delivery core 112. . The tape cartridge 100 also includes a take-up core 116 for taking up the used ink ribbon 110, and a platen roller for bringing the printing tape 102 and the ink ribbon 110 into contact with the printing head 21 through the ink ribbon 110 and the printing tape 102. And 120 (platen). The tape cartridge 100 further includes a cartridge case 130 accommodating the tape roll 106, the ribbon roll 114, the take-up 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.

  Further, in the tape cartridge 100, an insertion opening 134 into which the print head 21 is inserted when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted to the tape printing apparatus 1 is formed in the cartridge case 130. Further, the tape cartridge 100 is provided with a tape delivery port 138 which is formed in the cartridge case 130 and to 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 portion 192 protruding inside the cartridge case 130 (see FIG. 4).

  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. The tape cartridge 100 is prepared with a plurality of types having different thicknesses according to the tape width of the printing tape 102.

[Tape Printer Details]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the cartridge mounting portion 5 is formed in a planar shape complementary to the planar shape of the tape cartridge 100, and a tape cartridge with the largest thickness among a plurality of mountable tape cartridges 100. The recess is formed to have a depth corresponding to 100. 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.

  A base convex portion as an identification portion in which the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion 192 (see FIG. 4) of the tape cartridge 100 is fitted to the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted. 40 are set up. Although the details will be described later, the base convex portion 40 has a circular pedestal portion 41 erected on the mounting base 31, and an identification convex portion 42 erected on the pedestal portion 41.

  In addition, the printing head 21 covered by the head cover 43, the platen drive shaft 45 for driving the platen roller 120 to rotate, and the winding drive shaft 47 for driving the winding core 116 stand on the mounting base 31. It is done. Further, the tape detection unit 51 for detecting the type (attribute information) of the printing tape 102 is located near the winding drive shaft 47 and the rotation of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116 is released. And a core release unit 53.

  Further, the mounting base 31 is provided with a pair of small protrusions 55 at diagonal positions, and a pair of hooking pieces 57 for holding the middle portion of the mounted tape cartridge 100 in addition. On the other hand, in the back side space of the mounting base 31, the above-mentioned tape feeding mechanism 25 having a motor for rotating the platen drive shaft 45 and the winding drive shaft 47 and a gear train (both not shown) is incorporated. 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, a head support frame 61 that supports and rotates the print head 21, and the print position and the retraction position of the print head 21 via the head support frame 61. And a head cover 43 that covers the print head 21 (and the head support frame 61).

  The head release mechanism operates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing lid 7, moves the print head 21 to the printing position in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening and closing lid 7, and prints in conjunction with the opening operation. The head 21 is moved (rotated) to the retracted position. The print head 21 moved to the printing position abuts against the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 via the ink ribbon 110 and the printing tape 102, 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 protrudes vertically from the mounting base 31 and allows rotation of the print head 21 on the inside thereof.

  The tape 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 the type of 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, the release pins 53a are engaged with the rotation stop hooks 206, and the rotation stops of the feeding core 112 and the winding core 116 are released.

  The platen drive shaft 45 includes a fixed support shaft 48 provided to insert the platen roller 120, and a spline-shaped spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) rotatably supported at the base of the fixed support shaft 48. (See FIGS. 5 and 8). The rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism 25 is transmitted to the spline drive shaft 49 and is further transmitted from the spline drive shaft 49 to the platen roller 120 (the details will be described later).

  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 portion 192 (core recess 260 described later) engages with the base convex portion 40 (see FIG. 11), and the platen roller 120 engages with the platen drive shaft 45. Furthermore, the winding core 116 engages with the winding drive shaft 47. 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, 5 and 6, the open / close lid 7 is rotatably attached to the device case 3, that is, openable and closable, via a hinge portion 71 provided on the back side. The open / close lid 7 has an open / close lid main body 73 and an observation window 75 provided at the center of the open / close lid main body 73. Further, the opening / closing lid 7 is provided on a back surface of the opening / closing lid main body 73 so as to be pivotably supported by the hinge portion 71, and a printing head 21 is provided projecting on the back surface of the opening / closing lid main body 73. And an operation lever 79 for rotating the Further, the open / close lid 7 is provided on the back surface of the open / close lid main body 73 so as to push in the tape cartridge 100 and the lid closing detection switch (not shown) And a pressing projection 83 for turning on (ON).

  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 actuating lever 79, the two pushing projections 81 and the pushing projections 83, and the open / close lid main body 73 are integrally formed (formed) of resin.

  The operating lever 79 protrudes largely 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 closing 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 when the open / close lid 7 is closed, and turns on the lid close detection switch.

  One pushing projection 81 corresponds to a position near the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100, and the other pushing projection 81 corresponds to a position immediately above the above-mentioned tape detection unit 51. When the cover 7 is closed, the two pushing projections 81 push the tape cartridge 100 so as to be seated on the mounting base 31 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 and prevent the tape cartridge 100 from rising.

[Details of tape cartridge]
Next, the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7. In the description of the tape cartridge 100, referring to FIG. 1 as an example, the upper front surface of the tape cartridge 100 in the mounting direction is “front”, and the opposite surface in the mounting direction is “back”, and The side surface of the left side is referred to as “left side surface”, the right side surface as “right side surface”, the upper arc-shaped side surface as “tip surface”, and the lower side surface as “base end 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 (see FIG. 7). 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 (a part of the attribute information) of the accommodated printing tape 102 are displayed at two places of the surface and the left side.

  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. In the front and back direction, the cartridge case 130 has a lower case 150 which is a back side when mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5 and an upper case 152 which is a front side. In the cartridge case 130 of the embodiment, the upper case 152 is formed of a transparent resin molded article, and the lower case 150 is formed of an opaque resin molded article.

  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. 7). After setting components such as the tape roll 106 and the ribbon roll 114 to 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. It 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 (FIGS. 2 (e), (f) and (f)). See FIG. 3 (b)). 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 protrusions 55 are fitted with a slight margin (see FIG. 3B). By fitting the pair of small protrusions 55 on the cartridge mounting portion 5 side into the pair of small fitting holes 176 of the mounted tape cartridge 100, the tape cartridge 100 can be easily positioned on the mounting base 31.

  Furthermore, a detected portion 180 corresponding to the above-described tape detection portion 51 is provided on the rear surface of the lower case 150 at the left corner (right corner when viewed from the front surface side) on the base end surface side ( See FIG. 3 (b)). The to-be-detected part 180 is comprised by the part corresponding to several micro switch 51a of the tape 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.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, in the upper space (tip surface side) in the cartridge case 130, a tape storage area 190 in which the tape roll 106 is widely stored is formed. At the center of the tape storage area 190, a core shaft 192 integrally formed (formed) in the lower case 150 is erected. The core shaft portion 192 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape, and the tape roll 106 (tape core 104) is rotatably supported on the outer peripheral surface 192b (see FIG. 4).

  Although details will be described later, the core shaft portion 192 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape, and the core recess portion 260 in which the above-described base protrusion portion 40 is fitted is formed on the inner peripheral side thereof. The core recess 260 includes a recess 262 in which the base 41 of the base protrusion 40 is fitted, and an identification recess 264 as a second fitting portion in which the identification protrusion 42 is fitted. Further, on the upper portion of the core recess 260, a reverse rotation stopping spring 193 of the tape roll 106 configured by a coil spring is incorporated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a tape guide 194 located near the platen roller 120 and guiding the fed printing tape 102 to the platen roller 120 is provided in the lower case 150 integrally standing in the tape storage area 190. It is done. 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 circular films 198 attached to both end faces of the printing tape 102 in a roll shape. The two circular films 198 prevent scattering of the printing tape 102 wound around the tape core 104.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the tape core 104 includes a reel portion 104a on which the printing tape 102 is wound, and a rolling contact portion 104c provided inside the reel portion 104a via a plurality of inward ribs 104b. And is rotatably supported by the core shaft portion 192 by the rolling contact portion 104c. A plurality of radial end face grooves 104d are formed on the end face of the rolling contact portion 104c, and the reverse rotation stop spring 193 is engaged with the end face grooves 104d. That is, a longitudinal slit 192a extending in the axial direction is formed in the upper portion of the core shaft portion 192, and the wire end of the reverse rotation stopping spring 193 protrudes from the longitudinal slit 192a and engages with the end face groove 104d of the rolling contact portion 104c. It is correct.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is carried, the reverse rotation spring 193 prevents reverse rotation of the tape roll 106 (printing tape 102). On the other hand, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 5, the reverse rotation spring 193 is compressed by the above-mentioned base convex portion 40, and the wire end is separated from the end face groove 104d of the rolling contact portion 104c and the reverse rotation stop is released. (See all FIG. 11). This enables the printing tape 102 to be fed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the right of the base in the cartridge case 130, a ribbon storage area 200 is formed adjacent to the insertion opening 134. As shown in FIG. 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 engages with the feeding core 112 and the other detent hook 206 engages with the take-up core 116 in the 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. 7 (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. 3B). 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 7 (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 (see FIG. 3B). Then, the rotation locking hook 206 is engaged with the plurality of notches 224. In addition, a spline-like slit 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 accommodation area 230, the lower bearing portion 234 of the elliptical opening formed in the lower case 150 (see FIG. 3B) and the upper bearing portion 232 of the elliptical opening formed in the upper case 152 (see FIG. 7 (b)) are provided. The platen roller 120 is rotatably and slightly laterally movably supported 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. Lateral movement (small movement) is possible 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 (see FIG. 8). 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 boss portion 244 as a first fitting portion is formed at the base of the roller base 240, and a spline drive shaft 49 (drive shaft) of the platen drive shaft 45 described above is spline-engaged in the spline boss portion 244. Match (see FIG. 8). 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.

[Structure of core recess and platen roller]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the structure of the core recess 260 and the platen roller 120 of the tape cartridge 100 will be described in detail together with the base protrusion 40 of the cartridge mounting portion 5 and the platen drive shaft 45. As described above, the cartridge mounting portion 5 is provided with the platen drive shaft 45 and the base convex portion 40 spaced apart from each other, and correspondingly, the tape cartridge 100 is provided with the platen roller 120 and the core concave portion 260. It is done.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the platen drive shaft 45 is rotatably supported by the fixed support shaft 48 erected on the apparatus frame 270 located below the mounting base 31, and the lower part of the fixed support shaft 48. And a spline drive shaft 49. The fixed support shaft 48 is fixed to the apparatus frame 270 in a cantilever manner, and extends through the mounting base 31 in the mounting and demounting direction of the tape cartridge 100. The spline drive shaft 49 has a gear portion 272 of the base portion and a spline shaft portion 274 extending from the gear portion 272, and the gear train of the tape feeding mechanism portion 25 is connected to the gear portion 272.

  On the other hand, the platen roller 120 has the roller base 240 and the rubber roller 242 as described above, and the spline boss portion 244 is formed on the base of the roller base 240. That is, the roller base 240 is formed with a spline boss 244 which engages with the spline shaft 274 described above.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fixed support shaft 48 of the platen drive shaft 45 is inserted through the roller base 240 of the platen roller 120. Further, the spline shaft portion 274 of the platen drive shaft 45 engages with the spline boss portion 244 of the platen roller 120.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the spline shaft 274 has a plurality of spline teeth 274a formed in the circumferential direction, and the spline boss 244 has a plurality of spline grooves 244a corresponding to the plurality of spline teeth 274a. It is formed. In this case, unlike the general spline structure, the number of spline grooves 244a is greater than the number of spline teeth 274a. Further, the spacing in the circumferential direction of the plurality of spline grooves 244a is formed smaller than the spacing in the circumferential direction of the plurality of spline teeth 274a. Specifically, the number of the spline grooves 244a is six, and the number of the spline teeth 274a is three, and the spline teeth 274a are engaged with the spline grooves 244a alternately. Further, the inner peripheral surface base of the spline boss portion 244 is chamfered and has a so-called induction shape (see FIG. 8A).

  As described above, due to the difference in the number of grooves and the number of teeth in the spline engagement and the guiding shape of the spline boss portion 244, the fitting (engagement) of the spline shaft portion 274 into the spline boss portion 244 is smoothly performed. That is, the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 to the cartridge mounting portion 5 can be smoothly performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the base convex portion 40 is integrally formed of a pedestal portion 41 erected on the mounting base 31 and an identification convex portion 42 erected on the pedestal portion 41. . The pedestal portion 41 is formed in a circular shape, and has a cutout opening 280 in a part in the circumferential direction. In addition, the identification convex portion 42 includes a columnar (hollow) convex main body 282, four ridges 284 provided so as to form a cross on the outer peripheral surface of the convex main body 282, and a base from the convex main body 282 And a radially projecting tongue piece 286 so as to follow the upper surface of the portion 41.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the core recess 260 has a recess 262 in which the base 41 of the base protrusion 40 fits and an identification recess 264 in which the identification protrusion 42 fits. ing. The depressed portion 262 and the identification recess 264 constitute an integral space. The identification recess 264 is provided with a fitting protrusion 290 (a protrusion) corresponding to the notch opening 280 so as to axially project toward the space. Further, in the identification recess 264, a fitting recess 292 corresponding to the tongue piece 286 of the identification protrusion 42 is provided so as to be recessed from this space.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the base 41 of the base projection 40 fits into the recess 262 of the core recess 260 while the identification projection 42 of the base projection 40 identifies the core recess 260. It fits in the recessed part 264 (refer FIG. 11). Further, according to the fitting, the fitting convex portion 290 fits in the notch opening 280 and the tongue piece 286 fits in the fitting recess 292.

  By the way, in the tape cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, the tape roll 106 is extremely heavy among the components, and the center of gravity is present in the vicinity of the tape core 104 in plan view. For this reason, if the tape cartridge 100 is gripped at the time of mounting, the tape cartridge 100 tends to be inclined downward and obliquely unless particularly noted. In such a case, before the identification convex portion 42 is fitted into the identification concave portion 264, the identification convex portion 42 easily collides with the depressed portion 262, whereby the posture of the inclined tape cartridge 100 is corrected. That is, at the time of mounting, the tape cartridge 100 is corrected to the horizontal posture, so that the mounting can be smoothly performed (details will be described later).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cartridge type can be identified by cooperation between the core recess 260 and the base protrusion 40. In this case, the cartridge type is not the type of the printing tape 102 (the tape type is determined by the tape detection unit 51), and for example, the application (industrial and home) and the destination area (for US and Europe) are identified. .

  For this reason, although not shown in the drawings, plural types of tape cartridges according to destination area (by application) in which the position of the fitting recess 292 in the core recess 260 is shifted by 90 ° pitch in the circumferential direction (phase is shifted) It is made to prepare 100. In addition, in response to this, a plurality of types of tape printing devices 1 according to the destination area (by application) are prepared in which the phases of the tongue pieces 286 in the base convex portion 40 are shifted (first identification pattern) .

  Further, in order to increase the number of types of cartridges, a pattern in which the phase of the fitting convex portion 290 in the core concave portion 260 is shifted (a pattern in which the phase of the notch opening 280 in the base convex portion 40 is shifted) is also added. (Second identification pattern). Instead of or in addition to phase shifting (the first identification pattern and / or the second identification pattern), the fitting recess 292 (the tongue piece 286) and the fitting protrusion 290 (the notch opening) The shape of 280) may be changed.

  As described above, according to the tape cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, since the identification recess 264 is disposed in the recess 262, the identification recess 264 is fitted to the identification projection 42 of the base projection 40 when mounting. Before starting the fitting, the identification convex portion 42 once strikes the depressed portion 262 and the posture of the tape cartridge 100 is corrected. Therefore, the possibility of the spline boss 244 starting to fit on the spline drive shaft 49 (spline shaft 274) before the identification recess 264 starts fitting on the identification protrusion 42 can be increased. That is, when the tape cartridge 100 is mounted, the fitting can be started from the spline boss portion 244 even if the mounting is started in an inclined posture.

  As a result, a defect such as the spline boss 244 sticking to the spline drive shaft 49 can be suppressed. In addition, since the fitting of the spline boss portion 244 precedes the identification recess 264, the inclination and position of the tape cartridge 100 can be corrected at the start of mounting. Furthermore, by providing a timing difference between the fitting start of the spline boss portion 244 and the fitting start of the identification recess 264, the impact force at the time of mounting can also be dispersed. Therefore, the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 to the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus 1 can be smoothly performed.

  Further, since the identification recess 264 is provided in the depressed portion 262, the identification recess 264 (core shaft portion 192) can be substantially shortened, and appropriate strength can be provided. Moreover, the identification recess 264 is unlikely to receive a direct impact force such as a drop impact. Therefore, the identification recess 264 can be made less susceptible to breakage. Furthermore, even if the identification recess 264 has a projection such as the fitting projection 290 or the like due to the depression 262, the projection does not protrude from the outer surface of the tape cartridge 100, and the tape cartridge 100 is engaged when stacked and stored. Convex part 290 grade | etc., Does not become obstructive.

First Modification
Next, a first modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the first modified example, the cartridge detection unit 300 (actuated portion) is incorporated into the inside of the base convex portion 40. The cartridge detection unit 300 is operated with the fitting convex portion 290 of the core concave portion 260 as an actuating portion, and detects the proper mounting of the tape cartridge 100 in the cartridge type. Therefore, the fitting convex portion 290 in the first modified example also functions as a detected portion on the tape cartridge 100 side.

  The cartridge detection unit 300 is incorporated in the inside of the pedestal 41 of the base convex portion 40, and contacts the actuated member 302 moving downward from the fitting convex portion 290, which is the actuation portion, and the actuated member 302 from the lower side. And the switch main body 304. The switch body 304 is configured by a micro switch or the like provided fixedly. Further, the actuated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, and is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the pedestal portion 41 so as to be vertically movable.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, the fitting convex portion 290 of the core concave portion 260 abuts on the actuated member 302 through the notch opening 280 of the base convex portion 40 to move it downward. The downward movement of the actuated member 302 activates (turns on) the switch main body 304, and the mounting of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

  As described above, according to the first modification, by providing the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is detected that the tape cartridge 100 according to the destination area (by application) is properly mounted. Can. Further, the cartridge detection unit 300 is configured to operate the switch main body 304 via the actuated member 302, and since the actuated member 302 is formed in a cap shape, the notch opening 280 for cartridge identification. Even if the position or shape of the cartridge is changed, there is no need to change the cartridge detection unit 300 side.

  If the tape cartridge 100 includes a destination area (use) for a cold region, the tape printer 1 is switched to the cold region mode based on the detection result of the cartridge detection unit 300. May be

Second Modified Example
Next, a second modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, in the second modified example, in the cartridge detection unit 300 incorporated in the inside of the base convex portion 40, the actuated member 302A has a structure that doubles as the tongue piece 286. Therefore, in the second modified example, the fitting recess 292 of the core recess 260 corresponding to the tongue piece 286 functions as a detected portion on the tape cartridge 100 side.

  In the cartridge detection unit 300, the actuated member 302A is integrally formed of the shaft-like portion 310 and the tongue-like portion 312 which also serves as the tongue piece 286. The shaft-like portion 310 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the convex portion main body 282 in the base convex portion 40 so as to be vertically movable. Further, the tongue portion 312 is provided so as to be vertically movable in an L-shaped slit portion 316 provided from the side surface of the convex portion main body 282 to the upper surface of the pedestal portion 41. In this case, the tongue 312 is set at a position somewhat higher than the tongue 286 described above in consideration of the working stroke.

  When the tape cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 5, (the upper surface of) the fitting recess 292 of the core recess 260 abuts on the tongue portion 312 of the actuated member 302A, and moves the actuated member 302A downward. The downward movement of the actuated member 302A actuates (turns on) the switch main body 304, and the attachment of the tape cartridge 100 is detected.

  As described above, according to the second modification, by providing the cartridge detection unit 300 in the base convex portion 40, it is detected that the tape cartridge 100 according to the destination area (by application) is properly attached. Can. In addition, since the actuated member 302A also has the tongue 286, the number of parts can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Tape cartridge, 102 ... Printing tape, 104 ... Tape core, 104a ... Reel part, 104b ... Inward rib, 104c ... Roll contact part, 104d ... End surface groove, 106 ... Tape roll, 130 ... Cartridge case, 150 ... Lower case , 152: upper case, 192: core shaft portion, 192a: longitudinal slit, 193: reverse rotation spring, 260: core recess, 262: recess, 264: identification recess, 290: fitting protrusion, 292: fitting Recess

Claims (7)

A tape cartridge which accommodates a tape-like print medium and is mounted on a mounting portion of a tape printing apparatus,
A tape roll on which the print medium is wound;
A core shaft for supporting the tape roll;
It is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the core shaft portion, and when mounted on the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus, corresponds to a pedestal portion erected on the mounting portion and a first convex portion erected on the pedestal portion Core recess, and
The core concave portion has a depressed portion into which the pedestal portion is inserted when the tape cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion of the tape printing apparatus, and a first concave portion into which a first convex portion is inserted. A tape cartridge having a stepped cylindrical shape in which the diameter of the depressed portion is larger than the diameter of the first recess. The first convex portion has a second convex portion protruding in a radial direction along the upper surface of the pedestal portion,
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a second concave portion corresponding to the second convex portion is provided in the core concave portion.   3. The tape cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the position of the second recess in the inner circumferential portion of the core shaft portion is shifted by 90 ° in the circumferential direction of the core shaft portion. The pedestal portion is formed in a circular shape, and has a cutout opening at a part in the circumferential direction,
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core recess has a protrusion corresponding to the notch opening. The tape printing apparatus further includes an identification unit that identifies the type of cartridge containing the print medium,
The identification unit has an actuated portion to be identified and operated;
The tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the core concave portion has an operating portion that operates the operated portion of the identification portion.   6. The tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the actuating portion is a projection which is convex in a mounting direction in which the tape cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion.   The tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the position or the shape of the operating portion differs depending on the type of the cartridge.

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