JPH01209172A - Tape-containing cassette for thermal transfer type printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need for complicated operations for mounting or replacing a printing tape and a thermal transfer ribbon, by incorporating the tape and the ribbon into a cassette. CONSTITUTION:A printing tape A is mounted in a box 1a by fitting a core (a) thereof to a tape-mounting core 2; a leading end part of the tape A is led toward an inserting hole 5 for a thermal head, passed through an inserting hole 6 for a cutter for the tape, and fed out to the exterior of a cassette 1 through an outlet 7. A thermal transfer ribbon B is mounted with a core (b) thereof fitted to a ribbon-mounting core 8; a leading end part of the ribbon B is led through a part devoid of a surrounding wall 5a of the inserting hole 5, superposed on a tape surface of the tape A, and finally taken up by a ribbon take-up core 9. On a bottom plate 1b, a releaser 14 is provided for removing the tape A and the ribbon B from respective feeding positions thereof and returning the tape A and the ribbon B to respective original positions thereof after the cassette 1 is mounted in position. A rotor 18 is engaged with a platen roller, and a belt 21 transmits the rotation of the rotor 18 to the take-up core 9. A detecting rod 24 detects automatically the condition where the tape A runs out.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is for printing characters, symbols, and other items on a printing tape superimposed on a thermal transfer bong attached to a thermal transfer printer by heating it. This relates to a cassette used for printing.

[Conventional technology]

For example, conventional thermal transfer printers print predetermined characters, symbols, and other items on paper tape.
Label printers or barcode printers are known.

In many of these printers, the tape on which characters, symbols, and other items are printed is not housed in a cassette but is loaded into the printer without being stored in a cassette. Also,
In order to thermally transfer characters, symbols, and other items onto this printing tape, thermal transfer ribbons are used that have printing materials attached to them by various means, such as coating them with printing materials.
Unlike printing tape, this thermal transfer ribbon is housed in a cassette, and this cassette can be installed in a printer.

Therefore, both the tape on which characters, symbols, and other things are printed, that is, the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon, are consumables and must be replaced with new ones when they are used up.

In addition to these, the above-mentioned printer also has a seamer head mechanism and a platen roller for transferring the printing material attached to the thermal transfer ribbon to the printing tape, and a character/printer.
It is equipped with various mechanisms such as a keyboard for entering symbols and other items, and a cutter for cutting printed tape into predetermined lengths.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As mentioned above, printing tapes and thermal transfer ribbons must be replaced with new ones when they are finished using them, but if you are not familiar with this process, you should place the printing tapes and thermal transfer ribbons between the thermal head and the platen roller. It is often the case that the printing tape or thermal transfer ribbon is not installed in the correct position, such as by not passing it through where it should pass, or by not allowing the printing tape or thermal transfer ribbon to come into contact with the guide means. This work error leads to the most fatal misprint in thermal transfer, so it must be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, since most printing tapes and thermal transfer ribbons are thin, it often takes a long time to replace them, such as passing them through narrow spaces, especially between the thermal head and the platen roller.

On the other hand, printers that print characters, symbols, and other items by thermal transfer require a printing tape and a thermal transfer ribbon. It is surprisingly difficult to make the vehicle run in this way, and it is also mechanically complex because conventionally, separate drive sources were provided to drive both.

Furthermore, thermal transfer printers print characters, symbols, and other items on printing tape by heating a thermal transfer ribbon using a thermal head, and the heating temperature is a very important factor. The melting point varies depending on the type of ribbon, and more specifically, the material of the ribbon, so at what temperature should the thermal transfer ribbon be heated during thermal transfer? ! ! , it is preferable to make it possible for the printer to read whether it should be done. However,
In the conventional case, this was not possible, so ideal printing could not be achieved.

In this way, when printing characters, symbols, and other things on printing tape using a conventional thermal transfer printer,
There have been various drawbacks when replacing the printing tape or thermal transfer ribbon, when running them, or when heating the thermal transfer ribbon.

Another drawback was that the thin and long printing tape or thermal transfer ribbon meandered while running.

The present invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention includes a mounting core for loading a printing tape for printing characters, symbols, etc. into a cassette made of a box, and a tape surface of the printing tape. a guide means for guiding the running of the printing tape while maintaining the printing tape in a constant orientation; a mounting core and a winding core for the thermal transfer ribbon; and a guide means for guiding the printing tape while maintaining the surface of the thermal transfer ribbon in a constant orientation; a guide means for guiding the running of the printing tape; and a heating device for heating the thermal transfer ribbon in a state where the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon are superimposed so that characters, symbols, and other things are printed on the printing tape side. push out the thermal head insertion hole, and the two printing tapes and thermal transfer ribbon placed near the thermal head insertion hole and inserted between the thermal head and the platen roller to remove them from their normal running positions. A releaser that slides back to its original position after the cassette is installed in the printer, a rotor that engages with the platen roller and is driven by the rotation of the platen roller when the cassette is installed in the thermal transfer printer, and a rotor that controls the rotation of the rotor. a transmission means for transmitting the information to the winding core of the thermal transfer ribbon; a detection means for detecting the applied voltage or (and) the printed portion of the thermal transfer printer during operation when the cassette is installed in the thermal transfer printer; The device is equipped with a tape end detection device for the tape.

Further, the guide means is a guide roller that is inserted into a pin protruding from the bottom plate of the cassette, and a continuous protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide roller over the entire circumference.

[For production]

In the cassette of the present invention, the printing tape (A) is fitted into the tape mounting core (2), the thermal transfer ribbon (B) is fitted into the ribbon mounting core (8), and both are housed in one box. , simply attach this cassette (1) to the predetermined position of the thermal transfer printer (C) and insert the keyboard (
Characters, symbols, and other items can be printed on the printing tape (A) by simply operating D).

For example, in the case of the printer (C) shown in FIG. 13, the cassette ill is fitted into the recess (C);
As shown in FIG. 14, a thermal head (E), a platen roller (F), and a plug (J) that can be operated in a plane around at least an axis (fe) are attached to a frame (C').
It protrudes upward from the cassette (1) and the concave part (C
), the thermal head (E) is moved back from the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 14 as shown by the chain line in FIG. 14 about the axis fe). Then, the thermal head (E) separates from the platen roller (F) with which it has been in contact until now, creating a space sufficient to pass the printing tape (8) and thermal transfer ribbon (B).

After that, when the cassette (1) is fitted into the recess tc+, the thermal head (E) on the printer side is formed on the bottom plate (1b) of the cassette (1) as shown by the chain line in Figs. 4 and 6. The platen roller (F) is inserted into the thermal head insertion hole (5) from the back side of the cassette (11) to the rotor 08.
). Also, place the cassette (11) on the printer (C).
When the plug (J) on the printer (C) side is inserted into the recess (C), the detection means for detecting the applied voltage or (and) printed area on the printer side provided on the cassette (1) side is inserted into the plug (J) on the printer (C) side. It is electrically connected to.

On the other hand, the printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (B) in the cassette (1) before being installed in the recess (C) of the printer (C) are attached to the releaser α shown by the solid line in Figure 3 and the chain line in Figure 4.
It has been pushed out towards the thermal head insertion hole (5) due to the heat and is shifted from the normal running position shown by the chain line in Figure 3.
Even if this cassette ill is fitted into the recess (C) of the printer (C), it will not be caught by the thermal head (E) and platen roller (F). Because the fourth
A printing tape (A) and a thermal transfer ribbon (B) are placed between the thermal head (E) and the platen roller (F) before operation, which have retreated to the position indicated by the chain line in Figures 6 and 14. During this time, the printing tape (A) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B), which are shifted from the normal running position by the releaser Q4), are inserted into the cassette (1) into the recess (C+). This is because it passes through.

After fitting the cassette (1) into the recess (C) of the printer (C), the thermal head (E) is returned to its original position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIGS. 4 and 6). At this moment, the releaser Q4) in the cassette (1) is also pulled in from the thermal head insertion hole (5) as shown by the solid line in FIG.

Then, the printing tape (A) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) return to the normal running position shown by the chain line in FIG. 3 and the solid line in FIG.
Thermal head (E) and platen roller (
F) are sandwiched between and superimposed on each other. Under this condition, when the platen roller (F) is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Figure 4, the printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (B) are sandwiched between the thermal head (E) and the platen roller (F). During this time, when the keyboard (D) is operated to print characters, symbols, or other items on the printing tape (A), the thermal head (E) heats the thermal transfer ribbon (B) and moves it to the platen roller. Since it is pressed toward the (F) side, characters, symbols, and other items printed by the keyboard (D) can be printed on the printing tape (8), and the printed printing tape (^) is pressed against the platen roller (F). ) is extended further forward by rotation.

On the other hand, when the platen roller (F) rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. ) to the winding core (9) of the thermal transfer ribbon (B
) is a printing tape (8) regardless of whether there is any driving source.
Ribbon mounting core (
The thermal transfer ribbon is sequentially unwound from the 8) side and used for printing, and is then sequentially wound around a ribbon winding core (9).

When performing such thermal transfer, a thermal head (E
), the thermal transfer ribbon (B) is heated by the cassette (1), but the cassette (1) is provided with a detection means for detecting the applied voltage from the printer (C) side and/or the printed area. ) into the recess fcl of the printer (C), the detection means is connected to the plug (J) on the printer (C) side, so characters, symbols, and other things are printed on the printing tape (A). The cassette currently in use (
How much voltage should be applied on the printer (C) side in order to heat the thermal transfer ribbon (II) in No. 11 to the optimum temperature for printing, or (and) how much voltage should be applied to the thermal transfer ribbon (B) to heat it? If you want to partially heat the head (E), ask the printer (C) which part should be heated.
This makes it possible for the parties to make decisions easily.

When the printing tape (A) is fed out one after another and runs out, the tape end detection device installed near the mounting core (2) of the printing tape (A) detects this, and the signal is sent to the printer (C) side. It is transmitted to Therefore, the platen roller (F
) can immediately take measures to be taken when the printing tape (A) runs out, such as stopping the printing tape (A).

Further, the printing tape (^) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B), which are sequentially fed out, are hung on a guide means and run along the outer peripheral surface thereof. When these feeds are normal, the guide roller (4) or (4°), which is the guide means, stands vertically like the bin (29), as shown in FIG. However, when the feed tends to meander in the width direction, the guide roller (
4) or (4") is slightly tilted with respect to the pin (29) as shown in Fig. 12 due to the presence of the continuous protrusion (4a), and the meandering is automatically corrected and it returns to its normal state. They will be forced to run.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, the cassette +11 is a box with a bottom (1a
) and a lid (1c) that covers it, and a box (1c).
A tape attachment core (2) is integrally formed on the bottom plate (1b) of a), and the bottom plate corresponding to the inner part of the cylinder of the tape attachment core (2) is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A hole (3) is cut out as shown in FIG. The printing tape (A) is loaded into the box body (1a) by fitting the core (81 part) on which it is wound into the tape attachment core (2) as shown in Fig. On the other hand, a plurality of guide rollers (41) are used as guide means. It is fed out of the cassette (1) through an outlet (7) formed by opening the side wall of the box (1a) through the insertion hole (6).

Furthermore, on the bottom plate (1b) of the box body (1a), a ribbon mounting core (8) and a ribbon winding core (9) are placed on the opposite side of the tape mounting core (2) across the thermal head insertion hole (5). is arranged so that it can rotate. In order to make the ribbon attachment core (8) and the ribbon winding core (9) rotatable, for example, a pin α0) [second Figure ~ Figure 4], 0υ [No. 611
Just fit it into J). As shown in FIG. 3 or 4, the thermal transfer ribbon (B) is loaded into the box (1a) by fitting the core (b) portion around which it is wound into the ribbon attachment core (8). , the end thereof is suspended over a plurality of guide rollers (4'), (4') serving as guide means, and is guided toward the thermal head insertion hole (5) formed in the bottom plate (1b). Then, insert the cutter insertion hole (
6), the ribbon is hung over a plurality of guide rollers (4") and (4'), which are other guide means, and then returned to the ribbon attachment core (8), and finally the ribbon is wound up. core(
9). That is, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4, a plurality of thermal transfer ribbons (B) are arranged around the thermal head insertion hole (5).
In the illustrated example, the thermal head can run around the thermal head insertion hole (5) while being hung on four guide rollers (4'), and the enclosure surrounding the thermal head insertion hole (5) on three sides. After being brought into contact with the front edge of the wall (5a), it travels in a place where there is no enclosing wall (5a), and in the meantime, it is overlapped with the tape surface of the printing tape (A), and then the rear edge of the enclosing wall (5a) After reaching the cutter insertion hole (6
), the ribbon is returned to the ribbon attachment core (8), and finally wound around the ribbon winding core (9). In addition, a linear spring α2 is wound around the ribbon attachment core (8).
The tip is the protrusion Q1 formed on the side wall of the box (1a)
(FIGS. 2 to 4), and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) is fed out in a taut state due to the elasticity of this spring α.

Therefore, the surrounding wall (5a) of the thermal head insertion hole (5)
) is placed on the bottom plate (1b) corresponding to the part without the cassette (1b) in order to remove the two printing tapes (A) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) from their normal running positions.
) is installed, place a releaser that slides as if returning to the previous position. As shown in FIG. 4, the releaser α~ shown in the embodiment includes a sliding piece (14a) that is slidably fitted into a rectangular long hole a9 formed in the bottom plate (1b), and a sliding piece (14a) that is integral with this. It is composed of an extrusion piece (14b) having an inverted planar shape and a spring (14c) for constantly biasing the extrusion piece (14b) in a direction to push it out toward the thermal head insertion hole (5).

That is, the spring (14c) is wound around a pin αe projecting upward from the bottom plate (1b) of the box body (1a), and its one end is brought into contact with the back of the extrusion piece (14b), and the opposite end is brought into contact with the back of the extrusion piece (14b). The end of the side is locked to another pin αη that projects upward from the bottom plate (1b), and the elastic force of the spring (14c) causes the sliding piece (14a) and the push-out piece (14b) ) is constantly urged to protrude toward the thermal head insertion hole (5) as shown by the chain line in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a depression (14d) is formed on the back surface of the sliding piece (14a), and this depression (14d) is inserted through the elongated hole 09 to the back side of the cassette (1) (lower side in FIG. 1). exposed to the outside. This depression (14d) will be described later, but when the cassette (1) is installed in the specified position of the thermal transfer printer, the frame (C
The claw (il) protruding from the recess (14d) is inserted into the recess (14d).

On the other hand, in the box body (la), there is no surrounding wall (5a) near the thermal head insertion hole (5), and there is no outlet (7).
) The rotor Ql is placed closest to the side. The bottom plate (1b) of the box body (1a) below this rotor a
is notched as shown by 091 in Figs. 1 to 4 and 6, and on the notch 09 there is a U-shaped receiver with a planar area (2Φ is physically connected to the bottom plate (1b)). The receiver is mounted on the base (2Q) so that the rotor α0 rotates horizontally.The rotor 08) is mounted on the base +201.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a groove (18a) in the circumferential direction is formed in the rotor α, and a receiving plate (20a) of the pedestal Q0 is inserted into the groove (18a). ) is preferably inserted into the support base (2). Note that this mechanism supports the rotor t18) on the stand 1211.
) can be said to be the simplest way to make it rotatable.

This rotor α8) is attached to the notch 09) of the bottom plate (1b) when the cassette (1) is installed in the predetermined position of the thermal transfer printer.
It engages with a platen roller (F) that protrudes into the box body (1a) from above (this will be explained in detail later).

An endless heald (21) is suspended between the rotor and the ribbon winding core (9). This belt (21) is a means for transmitting the rotation of the rotor α0 to the ribbon winding core (9), and is driven by one driving source [that is, by the rotational force of the platen roller (F) described later]. and the ribbon winding core (9) can be rotated in the same way.

In addition, inside the box (1a) of the cassette (1), there is a device for detecting the applied voltage or (and) the printed area of the thermal transfer printer during operation after the cassette (1) is installed in the thermal transfer printer. Detection means are provided. An example of the detection means is a resistor (22) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, which is connected to a pair of contact pieces (23) and (23) protruding from the back side of the bottom plate (1b). has been done. The cassette (1) attached to the thermal transfer printer is inserted into the plug (J) on the thermal transfer printer side, and the resistor (22) and the thermal transfer printer are electrically connected. It has become so.

Furthermore, a tape end detection device is provided within the box (1a) of the cassette (1) near where the tape attachment core (2) is provided. As the tape end detection device, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, a detection rod (24) that can be swung in a plane can be mentioned, and the detection rod (24) detects the printing tape. (A)
To be able to automatically detect the disappearance of an item. That is, the detection rod (24) is made of metal, and its base, the spring tube (24a), extends upward from the bottom plate (1b) of the box body (1a), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. The box body ( 1a) shall be kept in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the printing tape (8) loaded in the inside (see Figures 3 and 7).The printing tape (A) is then fed out one after another. As the detection rod (24) moves to the seventh position around the pin (25),
It gradually moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and when the printing tape (A) runs out, it passes through the horizontal groove (26) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core (a) due to the torsional force of the splash tube (24a). Then, it comes to the position shown by the chain line in FIG. At this time, use the detection stick (
24) is allowed to touch the current-carrying body (27), the detection rod (24) can automatically detect that the printing tape (A) has run out. In the embodiment, the current carrying body (27) connects the resistor (22) with the cord (28).
The thermal transfer printer equipped with the cassette (11) can easily determine via the resistor (22) that the detection rod (24) has touched the current carrying body (27).

On the other hand, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is fitted into a pin (29) projecting upward from the bottom plate (1b) of the guide roller (41,
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a continuous protrusion (4a) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of (4') over the entire circumference. This protrusion (4a) is connected to the guide roller (4L (4')
Printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (
B) is useful for automatically correcting a tendency to meander in the width direction without stopping its running.

In addition, in the embodiment, by fitting the core ta+ into the tape attachment core (2), the printing tape (A) loaded in the cassette (11) is prevented from moving when the cassette (11) is not in use. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9, vertical insertion holes (30) and (30) are provided in two opposing locations of the tape attachment core (2).
On the other hand, the bottom plate (1b) of the box (1a) is continuous with the two differential holes (30), (30) and extends to the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the tape attachment core (2). Insertion hole (3
1) , (31), and furthermore, at least two opposing longitudinal grooves (32) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the core ta) of the printing tape (A) to be fitted into the tape attachment core (2). It is. Then, from the back side of the cassette (11) insert the tongue piece (33) as shown in Figure 9 into the two opposing insertion holes (31
), the insertion hole (30) from (31) to the back (appears on the upper side in Figures 8 and 9).

(30). When the tongue piece (33) is inserted from the two facing insertion holes (31), (31) into the insertion holes (30), (30) at the back, the tongue piece (33)
) are fitted into a series of opposing insertion holes (31), (30), (31), and (30), but some of them fit into the opposing insertion holes (30).
, (30) protrudes outward from the tape mounting core (2
) is fitted into the core (al's opposing longitudinal grooves (32
), (32) (Fig. 1O).

Therefore, the printing tape (A) with the core fal will not rotate accidentally when the cassette (11) is not in use.As shown in the example, the upper end (33b) of the tongue Pl' (33)
If you make it so that it can be bent along the crease line (33c),
Two facing insertion holes (31), (30), (31)
), the upper end (33) of the tongue piece (33) inserted into (30)
b) through the inside of the cylinder of the tape mounting core (2) and the cassette) (
After projecting outward from the hole (34) formed in the lid (1c) of No. 11, it can be bent from the fold line (33c).

Therefore, the printing tape (A) loaded in the cassette (11) not only does not rotate accidentally when not in use, but is also firmly fixed within the cassette (11) so as not to move in the slightest.

In other drawings, (35) (Figures 1 to 3) shows the printing tape (A
), (36) (Fig. 1,
Figures 2 and 6] are ridges formed radially around the tape attachment core (2) on the bottom plate (1b), which is inside the solid wall (35). This helps reduce the resistance when drawing out. Also,(
H) [Figure 14] is an interlocking device that protrudes from the frame (C'') of the recess tc+ of the printer (C), and unless the cassette (1) is correctly fitted into the recess (C), the printer (C) ) is no longer running.

Next, the operation of the cassette shown in the example will be explained in detail.

In the cassette (1) shown in the example, the printing tape (A) is fitted into the tape mounting core (2), the thermal transfer ribbon (B) is fitted into the ribbon mounting core (8), and both are fitted into one box (1a). ), this cassette (1)
For example, characters, symbols, and other items can be printed on the printing tape (A) by simply attaching the printer to a predetermined position of the thermal transfer printer (C) shown in FIG. 13 and operating the keyboard (D).

In the thermal transfer printer (C) shown in Fig. 13, the cassette (1) is fitted into the recess (C1), and the recess (C1) has a shaft (el centered on it) as shown in Fig. 14. Thermal hand (E), platen roller (F), cutter (G), operating knob (II) that can be operated in a flat manner as
, the claw fi1 of the lever (1) and the plug (J) that move integrally with the thermal head (E) protrude upward from the frame (C'), and when fitting the cassette (1) into the recess tc+. , turn the operating knob (H) 90° counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. Then, the gear (h) attached to the operating knob (11) under the frame (C)
A lever (K) with teeth that engages with the shaft (k
Lever (L) rotates clockwise around shaft (k) and has one end fixed to axis fk), and rotates clockwise around axis (k) so that its tip becomes lever (1). Press.

Therefore, the lever (■) is integral and the frame (C"
) The thermal head (E) protruding upward rotates around the shaft (e) in the anti-clockwise direction as shown by the chain line in Figure 14, and separates from the platen roller (F) that had been in contact with it until now. This creates enough space to insert the printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (B). Further, the claw +11 of the lever (1) pushed by the lever (L)2 also moves to the position indicated by the chain line in the figure.

After performing this operation, when the cassette (11) is fitted into the recess tc+, the thermal head (E) on the printer side is attached to the bottom plate (1b) of the cassette (1), as shown by the chain line in Figures 4 and 6. Thermal hesode insertion hole (
5), the cutter (G) is the bottom plate (1b) of the cassette + 11.
They fit into the cutter insertion holes (6) formed in the cutter holes (6). In addition, the operating knob (H) is located on the bottom plate (1) of the cassette (1).
b) Tape attachment core fa from the hole (3) formed in
) into the hole (34) formed in the lid (1c) of the cassette (11), and a part of the hole (34) protrudes upward from the lid (1c).
F) enters the box body (1a) from the back side of the cassette (1) through the notch α line of the bottom plate (1b), and its claw ffl is inserted into the recess on the back side of the rotor α line.

Furthermore, when the cassette (1) is fitted into the recess (cl) of the thermal transfer printer (C), a pair of contact pieces (23), (23) protruding from the back side of the bottom plate (1b) are inserted into the frame (C) of the printer (C). It is inserted into the plug (J) protruding from C゛) and connects the resistor (22) in the cassette (1) with the printer (
C) are electrically connected.

On the other hand, the printing tape (^) and thermal transfer ribbon (B) in the cassette L-+11 before being attached to the recess fcl of the printer (C) are thermally released by the releaser Q41 shown by the solid line in Figure 3 and the chain line in Figure 4. The cassette (1) is pushed out toward the head insertion hole (5) side and is shifted from the normal running position shown by the chain line in Fig.
Even if they are inserted into the thermal head (E) and platen roller (F), they will not get caught. because,
The thermal head (E) and platen roller (F) before operation have retreated to the position indicated by the chain line in Figures 4, 6, and 14.
Between the printing tape (^) and thermal transfer ribbon (B)
When the printing tape (A) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B), which are shifted from the normal running position, are inserted into the recess (C), there is enough space to pass the releaser O. This is because it passes through this space.

In this way, printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (B)
Although it is possible to fit the cassette (1) into the recess (C1) without hooking the cassette (1) to the thermal head (E) and platen roller (F), if the cassette TL is fitted into the recess (C1), the thermal head that has retreated will (E) and - Lever inside the body (1
) is inserted into the sliding piece (14a
) is fitted into the recess (14d) formed in the hole (14d). That is, the claw fi1 of the lever (1) located at the position indicated by the chain line in FIG.
) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) from their normal running positions [i.e., the positions indicated by the solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the positions indicated by the chain lines in FIG. 4]. A depression (14d) formed on the back side of the sliding piece (14a)
).

After fitting the cassette (1) into the recess (C1) of the printer (C), turn the operating knob (11) protruding from the hole (34) of the lid (1c) in the opposite direction. Then, the lever ( K)
.

(L), the thermal head (E) returns to the previous position (the position shown by the solid line in Figs. 4 and 14) together with the lever (1) about the axis fe), and the lever (1)
Since the sliding piece (14a) into which the claw (1) is fitted moves along the elongated hole α9, the releaser 04) also slides from the position shown by the chain line in FIG. 4 as shown by the solid line in the same figure. Therefore, the printing tape (A) and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) return to their normal running positions as shown by the chain line in Figure 3 and the solid line in Figure 4, and between the activated thermal head (E) and platen roller (F). sandwiched between them, the two are superimposed. Under this condition, when the platen roller (F) is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Figure 4, the printing tape (A) and thermal transfer ribbon (B) are sandwiched between the thermal head (E) and the platen roller (F). During this time, the keyboard (D
), the thermal head (E) heats the thermal transfer ribbon (B) and presses it against the platen roller (F), so the characters printed by the keyboard (D)
Symbols and other items can be printed on the printing tape (A), and the printed printing tape (A) is further forwarded toward the cutter insertion hole (6) by rotation of the platen roller (F). Sent. However, there is a cutter (G) protruding from the frame (C') of the printer (C).
) is inserted, so when the cutter (G) is activated by operating the keyboard (D), the printed printing tape (8) is cut from a predetermined position by the cutter (G), and the cutter (G) is cut. The later printed tape is a cassette (11
is discharged from the outlet (7).

On the other hand, when the platen roller (F) rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
1), the rotation of the rotor α@ is transmitted to the winding core (9) of the thermal transfer ribbon (B), and the thermal transfer ribbon (B) prints on the printing tape (^) even though there is no driving source. Thermal transfer ribbon C is fed out sequentially from the ribbon attachment core (8) side while maintaining an ideal speed for printing.
B) are sequentially wound onto a ribbon winding core (9).

When performing such thermal transfer, a thermal head (E
) heats the thermal transfer ribbon (B), but the cassette (11 is equipped with a resistor (22), which is connected to the plug (C) on the printer (C) side via a pair of contact pieces (23), 23). Since it is connected to J), print tape (A)
When printing characters, symbols, and other items on a cassette (1), how much voltage should be applied to the printer (C) in order to bring the thermal transfer cylinder (B) of the cassette (1) to the optimum temperature for printing? This makes it possible for the printer (C) to easily determine whether it is appropriate to do so. The thermal transfer ribbon (B) has a different melting point depending on its type (more precisely, the laminated materials that make up the thermal transfer ribbon). The heating temperature is an extremely important factor, so by providing the resistor (22) in the cassette (1), the printer (C) can easily determine what voltage should be applied to the printer (C). This makes it possible to make decisions and is extremely convenient. In addition, this resistor (22) is used when the printer (C) side determines which part should be heated when partially heating the thermal head (E) for heating the thermal transfer ribbon (B). can also be used. For example, if you want to print by heating only the upper half of the thermal transfer ribbon (B), you must heat the upper half of the thermal head (E).
2) Let the printer (C) decide how much voltage should be applied to the printer (C) side, and then set the printer (C) so that only the upper half of the thermal head (E) is heated. It becomes possible to operate.

When the printing tape (A) is fed out one after another, the detection rod (24) installed near the mounting core (2) of the printing tape (^) detects this, and the signal is sent to the printer (C). ) side.In other words, as the printing tape (A) is sequentially fed out, the detection rod (24) is moved toward the pin (25).
When the printing tape (^) runs out, the horizontal groove () formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core (a) due to the torsional force of the spring tube (24a) 26) and comes to the position shown by the chain line in FIG.

Then, the detection rod (24) touches the current-carrying body (27), and this can be determined by the printer (C) equipped with the cassette (1) via the cord (28) and the resistor (22). Therefore, it is possible to immediately take measures to be taken when the printing tape (8) runs out, such as stopping the platen roller (F).

In addition, the printing tape (A) that is sequentially fed out is provided so as to protrude upward from the bottom plate (1b) of the cassette (1).
The thermal transfer ribbon (B) is hung over a guide roller (4) fitted to a similar pin (29), and both are attached along the outer circumferential surface. The driver is forced to drive. When these feeds are normal, the guide roller (4) or (4') stands vertically like the pin (29), as shown in FIG. However, when the feed tends to meander in the width direction, the guide roller (4) or (4') is moved as shown in FIG. It is slightly tilted with respect to the pin (29), and its meandering is automatically corrected, allowing it to run in a normal state again.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the cassette 7) according to claim 1 of the present invention, since the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon are built into one cassette, after these cassettes are used up, another new cassette must be installed in the printer. Not only does this eliminate the need for complicated installation or replacement work of printing tape and thermal transfer ribbon, but it also makes it possible to perform ideal printing on printing tape simply by installing the cassette in a predetermined position on the printer and operating the keyboard. This also has the effect of eliminating malfunctions after the printing tape is used up. Further, it is also mechanically simple, as only one mechanism is required to obtain a drive source for running the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon.

Further, according to the cassette of claim 2, even if the printing tape or thermal transfer ribbon tends to meander in the width direction, this is automatically corrected, and ideal printing can be constantly performed. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The accompanying drawings show an embodiment of a tape storage cassette for a thermal transfer printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a state in which a printing tape and a thermal transfer ribbon are not stored, and FIG. 3 are plan views of the cassette excluding the lid, FIG. 2 shows the state before the printing tape and thermal transfer ribbon are attached, and FIG. 3 shows the state after the attachment. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the mechanism near the thermal head insertion hole when the cassette is installed in the printer, and Figure 5 shows how the releaser engages with the claw protruding from the lever of the printer on the back side of the cassette. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing an example of a transmission mechanism for driving a printing tape and a thermal transfer ribbon using one drive source, and FIG. 7 is a diagram of a tape end detection device for printing tape. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example; Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state in which the core of the printing tape is fitted into the mounting core; Fig. 9 is the state before the fixing tongue is inserted into that part. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the tongue piece is inserted. FIGS. 11 and 12 explain the function of the guide roller which is the guide means for the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon. Figure 11 shows the guide roller and pin when the guided object is being fed normally, and Figure 12 shows the guide roller and pin when the guided object has a tendency to meander in the width direction. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a printer equipped with a cassette according to the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the printer as seen from the rear. (1) - cassette, (1b) bottom plate, (2) tape mounting core, +41. (4') Guide roller, (4a) protrusion, (5) thermal head insertion hole,
(8) - Ribbon mounting core, (9) Ribbon winding core, Oa releaser, a8) - Rotor, (21) -
Belt, (22) Resistor, (24) - Detection rod, (
29) - Bottle, (A) - Printing tape, (B)
Thermal transfer ribbon, (C) - Thermal transfer printer, (E)
-Thermal head＼ (F)°Platen roller.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A mounting core for loading a printing tape for printing characters, symbols, and other things into a cassette, and a mounting core for loading the printing tape for printing characters, symbols, and other items, and for printing while maintaining the surface of the printing tape in a constant direction. a guide means for guiding the running of the thermal transfer ribbon; a mounting core and a winding core for the thermal transfer ribbon; and a guide means for guiding the running of the thermal transfer ribbon while maintaining the surface of the thermal transfer ribbon in a constant direction. , a thermal head insertion hole for printing characters, symbols, and other items on the printing tape side by heating the thermal transfer ribbon in a state where the printing tape and the thermal transfer ribbon are overlapped, and the thermal head The two printing tapes and the thermal transfer ribbon, which are placed near the insertion hole and inserted between the thermal head and the platen roller, are moved out of their normal running position and returned to their original state after the cassette is installed in the extrusion printer. a sliding releaser; a rotor that engages with and is driven by the rotation of the platen roller when the cassette is mounted on the thermal transfer printer; and a transmission for transmitting the rotation of the rotor to the winding core of the thermal transfer ribbon. means, a detection means for detecting an applied voltage or (and) a printed portion of the thermal transfer printer during operation when the cassette is attached to the thermal transfer printer, and a tape end detection device for the printing tape. A tape storage cassette for thermal transfer printers featuring: 2. Claim 1, wherein the guide means is a guide roller inserted into a pin protruding from the bottom plate of the cassette, and a continuous protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide roller over the entire circumference. A tape storage cassette for thermal transfer printers.