JPH10329378A - Mount structure for heat-sensitive recording ink ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a heat-sensitive recording ink ribbon from being mounted wrong in an apparatus main body. SOLUTION: First and second projecting parts 110a, 110b; 111a, 111b are formed with different angles at fit parts 67a, 67b; 70a, 70b of fitting members 69a, 69b; 72a, 72b fitted at end parts in an axial direction of a first and a second reels 65, 66 to which both end parts of a heat-sensitive recording ink ribbon 64 are wound, respectively. First and second recesses 112a, 112b; 113a, 113b are formed at positions of the end parts in the axial direction of the reels 65, 66 corresponding to the projecting parts. The fitting members 69a, 69b; 72a, 72b are hence prevented from being mounted wrong to the corresponding reels 65, 66. Moreover, a shaft 115a of the fitting member 72a is made to be different in outline from shafts 114a, 114b; 115b of the other fitting members 69a, 69b; 72a to indicate a mount direction of an apparatus main body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermal recording ink ribbon mounting structure which can be suitably applied to a thermal transfer recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine, and more particularly, to mounting a thermal recording ink ribbon on a recording apparatus. Related to the configuration for

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a typical prior art thermal recording ink ribbon 1 and an apparatus main body 2 in a mounted state. The facsimile machine 3, which is a thermal transfer type recording apparatus, includes an ink ribbon cassette 4 in which a belt-shaped thermal recording ink ribbon 1 is stored in a wound state, and a device body 2 on which the ink ribbon cassette 4 is detachably mounted. .
The device body 2 includes a pair of swing arms 6 a and 6 b provided to be swingable about the axis 5, and each of the swing arms 6 a and 6
and a head frame 7 provided substantially in parallel with the axis 5 between the free ends b. FIG. 5 of the head frame 7
Is provided with a print head 8 on which a plurality of heating elements are linearly located. Each swing arm 6a, 6
Further, lock pawls 9a and 9b are respectively provided at the free ends of the b. Each of the lock pawls 9a and 9b is protruded from both ends in the axial direction of a platen roller 10 rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 2. To each of the swing arms 6a, 6
b, the head frame 7 and the print head 8 are locked.
In this locked state, the lock claws 9a, 9b are marked with arrows A1, A
It can be released by angular displacement in two directions.

When the ink ribbon cassette 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body 2, the ink ribbon cassette 4 is mounted in a state where the head frame 7 is angularly displaced upward around the axis 5, and the head frame 7 is moved downward around the axis 5 again. To engage the lock claws 9 a and 9 b with the shaft 11 of the platen roller 10. In this state, the print head 8 is elastically pressed against the platen roller 10.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the ink ribbon cassette 4. As shown in FIG. The aforementioned ink ribbon cassette 4
A first cylindrical reel 14 on which one end in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 1 for thermal recording is wound, and a second cylindrical reel 15 on which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 1 is wound. First fitting portions 16a, 16b mounted on both ends in the axial direction of the first reel 14, and the first fitting portion 16
Two first reel fitting members having first flanges 17a, 17b provided coaxially at one axial end of the first and second reels 16a, 16b and rotatably supported on the apparatus main body 2 about the axis of the first reel 14. 18a, 18b, and second fitting portions 21a, 21b mounted on both axial ends of the second reel 15,
And two second flanges 22a, 22b provided coaxially at one axial end of the second fitting portions 21a, 21b, and two second flanges 22a, 22b rotatably supported on the apparatus main body 2 around the axis of the second reel 15. Two reel fitting members 23a, 23b
And the ink ribbon 1, the respective reels 14, 15 around which both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 1 are respectively wound, and the respective fitting members 18a, 18b mounted on both ends in the axial direction of the respective reels 14, 15; And a casing 25 made of synthetic resin in which 23a and 23b are stored.

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

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

As described above, the ink ribbon 1 in the ink ribbon cassette 4 mounted on the apparatus main body 2 intermittently moves in the winding direction B in synchronization with the printing operation of the print head 8 for each line. The set 4 must be accurately mounted on the apparatus main body 2 by distinguishing between the winding side and the supply side. Therefore, the second of the ink ribbon cassette 4
A mounting mark 34 indicating the mounting direction is formed on the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 27, for example, by engraving. This mounting mark 34 is formed of a plurality of projections whose axial length decreases toward the upstream in the winding direction B in order for the user of the facsimile machine 3 to stand in front and show the depth direction, that is, the right side in FIG. It can be realized by the strip part. The mounting mark 34 allows the user to recognize the mounting direction and the front and back sides of the ink ribbon cassette 4 so that erroneous mounting can be prevented.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing another conventional assembly 36 for mounting the thermal recording ink ribbon 1. As shown in FIG.
The mounting assembly 36 for mounting the above-described thermal recording ink ribbon 1 to the apparatus main body 2 includes a straight cylindrical first reel 37 around which one end in the longitudinal direction of the thermal recording ink ribbon 1 is wound. A second cylindrical cylindrical reel 38 around which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 1 is wound;
A pair of first fitting portions 39 attached to both ends in the axial direction of
a, 39b, first fitting portions 39a, 39b have first flanges 40a, 40b coaxially provided at one axial end thereof, and the first reel 37 is supported by the device main body 2 so as to be rotatable around the axis. First reel fitting members 41a, 4
1b, second fitting portions 43a, 43b, and second fitting portions 43a, 43b mounted on both axial ends of the second reel 38.
Flange 44 provided coaxially at one axial end of
a and 44b, and includes two second reel fitting members 45a and 45b rotatably supported on the apparatus main body 2 about the axis of the second reel 38.

First and second fitting portions 39a, 39b; 4
Single protrusions 46a and 46b projecting radially outward and extending in the axial direction are provided on 3a and 43b.
b are respectively formed. The first and second reels 3
Each of the protrusions 46a, 46
The notches 48a, 48b; 49a, 49b into which the b; 47a, 47b can be removably fitted respectively extend in the axial direction, and are formed to open at the respective end faces. One of the fitting members 41b, 4 attached to one end of each of the first and second reels 36, 37 in the axial direction.
Gear teeth are engraved on the flanges 40b and 44b of 5b.

FIG. 8 shows each of the fitting members 41a, 4 shown in FIG.
1b; 45a, 45b are first and second reels 37, 3
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state of being attached to both ends in the axial direction of FIG. In a state where the above-described mounting assembly 36 is mounted on the device main body 2, one of the fitting members 41 b mounted on one end of the first reel 37 in the axial direction is a winding gear 51 provided on the device main body 2. The one fitting member 45b mounted on the other end of the second reel 38 in the axial direction is elastically pressed in the axial direction by the compression coil spring 52. The compression coil spring 52 is configured to apply an appropriate tension to the ink ribbon 1 at the time of winding by the operation of the winding gear 51 so as to prevent slack.

[0011]

In the prior art shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ink ribbon 1 and the respective fitting members 1 are provided.
Since 8a, 18b; 23a, 23b are housed in the casing 25, a large occupied space is required in the device main body 2, and the device main body 2 becomes large. Further, since the casing 25 is required, the ink ribbon 1 which is a consumable
Although it is necessary to replace only the casing 25, the casing 25 must be replaced, which causes a problem that the manufacturing cost is high and uneconomical.

In the prior art shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fitting members 41a to be mounted on the first reel 37,
The flanges 40a and 40b of the fitting members 45a and 45b to be mounted on the second reel 38
a and 44b, despite having different diameters, the first and second reel fitting members 41a and 41b;
Since the fitting portions 39a, 39b; 43a, 43b of the first reel 5b have the same shape, the first reel fitting members 41a, 41b.
And the second reel fitting members 45a, 45b are likely to be incorrectly mounted. Gear teeth are engraved on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 40 and 44 of the one fitting members 41b and 45b mounted on one axial end of the first and second reels 37 and 38, respectively. Fitting member 4 mounted on the other end of each of the second reels 37 and 38 in the axial direction.
Since the gear teeth are not formed on the outer peripheral portions of the flanges 40, 44 of 1a, 45a and are in the shape of a right cylinder, the fitting members 41a,
41b; there is a problem that erroneous mounting of 45a and 45b is likely to occur. In addition, the fitting members 41a and 41b to be mounted on the first reel 37 and the fitting members 45a and 45b to be mounted on the second reel 38 are connected to the first and second reels 3.
There is no mark indicating which one of the flanges 7 and 38 should be attached, and each flange 40a, 40b;
There is a possibility that the mounting assembly 36 may be erroneously mounted even on the basis of the difference in the diameter of the mounting assembly 36. Therefore, the mounting direction of the mounting assembly 36 with respect to the device body 2 cannot be easily recognized, and there is a possibility that the mounting assembly 36 may be erroneously mounted.
There is a problem that convenience in use is poor.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a heat-sensitive device which does not require a large occupied space in the device main body, can reliably prevent erroneous mounting on the device main body, and can be realized at a low manufacturing cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure for a recording ink ribbon.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first cylindrical cylindrical reel around which one end in the longitudinal direction of an ink ribbon for thermal recording is wound, and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon. A second cylindrical reel on which is wound;
A first fitting portion attached to both ends of the first reel in the axial direction,
And two first reel fitting members having a first flange coaxially provided at one axial end of the first fitting portion and rotatably supported on the apparatus main body around the axis of the first reel; A second fitting portion attached to both ends of the second reel in the axial direction, and a second flange coaxially provided at one end of the second fitting portion in the axial direction; And two second reel fitting members rotatably supported on the outer periphery of each flange of any three of the two first and second reel fitting members. The teeth are formed, and the outer periphery of the flange of the remaining one fitting member is formed in an annular shape, and the fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portion of the one fitting member are mutually Of the first and second reels. The line direction end portion, different from each other and the fitting portions of the three engaging members, and the fitting portion of said one engaging member is a fitting shape capable of fitting, the first
And the other end of the second reel in the axial direction and the other end of the one reel in the axial direction,
The fitting portions of the three fitting members can be fitted in common, and have different fitting shapes from the fitting portions of the one fitting member. A first gear meshing with a flange of a fitting member fitted to the other axial end of the first reel of the fitting member, and a first gear meshing with a second reel axial end of the second reel of the three fitting members; A second gear meshing with a flange of the fitted member is provided, and one of the first and second gears is driven to rotate in a rotation direction corresponding to a winding direction of the ink ribbon; and The other of the first and second gears is provided with a rotational force in a direction opposite to the winding direction while allowing rotation in the winding direction. Mounting structure.

According to the present invention, gear teeth are formed on the outer periphery of each flange of any three of the first and second reel fitting members, and the flange of the remaining one fitting member is formed. Is formed in an annular shape, so that the mounting direction of the fitting member to the device main body can be recognized in accordance with the shape of the outer circumferential portion of the flange of each fitting member. Each fitting member is supported and mounted on both ends of the first and second reels in the axial direction.
And is rotatably supported around each axis of the second reel. The first and second reels, in which the fitting members are respectively mounted on both ends in the axial direction in this manner, have a right cylindrical shape, and the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon for thermal recording are respectively wound around the first and second reels. In this manner, since each fitting member is directly supported by the apparatus main body, the casing for accommodating each fitting member, each reel and the ink ribbon as in the related art described with reference to FIGS. This does not require a large occupied space in the main body of the device, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the device.

The fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portions of the one fitting member have different shapes. Correspondingly, one end in the axial direction of one of the first and second reels overlaps with each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members, and the one of the one fitting member has The fitting portion has a fitting shape that can be fitted. Therefore, the fitting portion of the one fitting member is fitted only to one axial end of one reel, and each fitting portion of the remaining fitting member is one of the first and second reels. And the other end in the axial direction of the first reel and the other end in the axial direction of one of the first and second reels. Therefore, the one end portion of the one reel in the axial direction and the fitting member fitted thereto can be mounted in association with each other by the two types of fitting members, thereby preventing erroneous mounting of the fitting member and preventing the fitting. It is possible to reduce the number of types of joining members, to reduce the surroundings of the fitting members in addition to the point that the casing is not required, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

Gear teeth are formed on the outer periphery of each flange of the three fitting members, and the gear teeth are not formed on the outer periphery of the remaining one fitting member. As described above, the user recognizes the mounting position of the first and second reels on which the ink ribbon is wound on the apparatus main body, based on the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the fitting member mounted on one end in the axial direction of one of the reels. Can be done. This eliminates the necessity of forming a mounting mark as in the related art, and reduces the number of processing steps during manufacturing, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fitting portion of the one fitting member, a plurality of first projections are formed at a predetermined first angle in a circumferential direction, and the three projections are formed. At each fitting portion of the fitting member, a plurality of second protrusions are formed at a second angle different from the first angle in a circumferential direction, and one of the first and second reels is formed. A first recess in which the plurality of first protrusions are fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the reel, and both ends in the axial direction of the other one of the first and second reels, and A second recess in which the second protrusion is fitted is formed at the other end in the axial direction of one of the reels.

According to the present invention, a plurality of first protrusions are formed at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction at the fitting portion of the one fitting member. A plurality of second protrusions are formed at each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members at a second angle different from the first angle in the circumferential direction. A first recess into which the plurality of first protrusions are fitted is formed at one end in the axial direction of the one reel, and both ends in the axial direction of the other reel and in the axial direction of the one reel. A second recess is formed at the end to which each second protrusion fits. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the shapes of the first and second protrusions and the first and second recesses, and connect the fitting portion of the one fitting member to one axial end of the one reel. And easily and securely mounting the fitting portions of the three fitting portions to both ends of the other reel in the axial direction and the other ends of the one reel in the axial direction. Can be. Therefore, the replacement work of the ink ribbon can be performed in a short time, and the labor for replacing the ink ribbon can be reduced. In addition, since the first and second protrusions are configured to fit into the first and second recesses, respectively, each reel and each fitting member do not shift in the rotation direction, and the first and second projections are not shifted. The rotational force of the gear can be reliably transmitted to each reel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there are provided the first and second aspects.
All fitting members mounted on both ends of the reel in the axial direction have shafts rotatably supported by the device main body, and each shaft has a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction to the device main body. The mounting structure for an ink ribbon for thermal recording according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

According to the present invention, each fitting member is provided with a shaft, and each shaft is formed in a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction to the apparatus main body.
Even when the ink ribbon is mounted on the reel, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon to the apparatus main body can be easily recognized from the outside. Therefore, there is no need for a large occupied space in the device itself,
In addition, erroneous mounting can be reliably prevented without increasing the types of components.

[0022]

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

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

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

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

A recording paper cassette 81 for storing recording paper is removably mounted on the apparatus main body 62. The recording paper cassette 81 is swingably provided by a pin 83 on an inner surface of the case main body 82 and the case main body. The recording paper cassette 81 is removably mounted on the mounting plate 84 on which the recording paper is mounted and the case main body 82 from above. And a pressing portion 86 that presses, from above, both ends in the width direction at one end on the downstream side in the transport direction D of the recording paper loaded on the loading plate 84, and a pin 87.
A pressing member 88 pivotally supported on both side walls of the case body 82 by a tension member 89; and a tension spring 89 for urging the pressing member 88 toward the bottom of the case body 82 at the bottom of FIG.
There is a compression spring 90 that resiliently presses the vicinity of the free end of the mounting plate 84 away from the bottom of the case body 82, that is, upwards in FIG. In the apparatus main body 62, the recording paper cassette 81 is rotated in the direction of arrow E with the recording paper cassette 81 mounted, and the uppermost recording paper among the plurality of recording papers mounted on the mounting plate 84 is marked with an arrow. A paper feed roller 91 for feeding paper in the B direction is provided. The recording paper fed from the recording paper cassette 81 by the paper feed roller 91 passes through the space between the upper guide plate 92 and the lower guide plate 93 in the device main body 62 and stops in a stopped state as indicated by a virtual line 94. After the tip ends are positioned perpendicular to the transport path by contacting certain upper and lower two registration rollers 95 and 96, the registration rollers 95 and 96 are driven to rotate, and a print head 101 called a line thermal head is formed. And the platen 102. In the print head 101, a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a straight line in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Each heating element
Heat is instantaneously generated by print data and an operation control signal from a print control unit (not shown), and the recording paper and the print head 1 are heated.
01 is melted, and the ink on the ink ribbon interposed therebetween is melted and transferred to a recording paper for thermal recording. Such a print head 101 is attached to a head frame 103 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. This head frame 1
A swing arm 105 that is swingably supported by pins 104 fixed to both side walls of the device main body 62 is connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of 03. The head frame 103 is
The compression spring 106 urges the spring in a direction approaching the platen 102. The print head 101, the ink ribbon 63, the recording paper, and the platen 102 are resiliently held by such a compression spring 106, so that the ink of the ink ribbon 63 can be accurately thermally transferred onto the recording paper line by line. In response to such a thermal recording operation for each line, the first and second gears 75 and 76 are intermittently driven to rotate, and the ink ribbon 64 is moved from the first reel 65 to the second It is wound on a reel 66.
Such an ink ribbon 64 may be a single time ribbon that can be printed only once in the vertical direction of the ribbon, or a multi-time ribbon that can be printed a plurality of times.

Locking claws 107 are provided at the free ends of the swing arm 105, respectively. The engaging portions 108 of the lock claws 107 are engaged with both ends in the axial direction of the shaft 109 of the platen 102, and are angularly displaced in a direction in which each swing arm 105, that is, the print head 101 is separated from the platen 102, and ink Ribbon 64 and recording paper platen 102
This prevents the above pressed state from being released during printing.

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

One of the first and second reels 65 and 66, one of the two reels 66, is provided at one axial end of the second reel 66 with two first fittings 110a and 110b. First recess and 112a, 112b
Is formed. The first recesses 112a and 112b are formed at the same angle as the first angle θ1 of the first protrusions 110a and 110b and are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction from the end face of one end in the axial direction of the second reel 66. It is formed so as to extend parallel to the other end in the axial direction. Also, the first and second reels 65, 6
6, the three fitting members 69 are provided at both ends in the axial direction of the first reel 65 which is the other reel and the other end in the axial direction of the second reel 66 which is the one reel.
a, 69b; 72b, each fitting part 67a, 67b; 70b
The second protrusions 111a, 111b respectively formed on
Are respectively formed in the second recesses 113a and 113b. The second recesses 113a and 113b form an angle equal to the second angle θ2 of the second protrusions 111a and 111b and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the first and second reels 65, 113b.
66 are formed in parallel with the axial direction.

The above four fitting members 69a, 69b;
2a and 72b, each fitting portion 67a, 6 of the first flange 68a, 68b and the second flange 71a, 71b.
7b; shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b, fitting portions 67a, 67b; 70a, 70b, and flanges 68a, 68b; It is formed coaxially. These shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115
b are four support pieces 1 erected on the bottom of the device main body 62.
117a, 117b; bearing recesses 118a, 118b into which respective shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b are rotatably fitted, respectively, on the upper portions of the support pieces 116a, 116b;
119a and 119b are formed respectively. The shaft 115a of the one fitting member 72a is
9a, 69b; 72b each axis 114a, 114b; 11
5b, for example, having a diameter difference such that the wearer can clearly identify it visually.
15a has the remaining shafts 114a, 114b; 115b
About 1.5 times or more of the outer shape of Supporting piece 117a for supporting shaft 115a of one fitting member 72a
Is formed so that the width B1 of the bearing recess 119a is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 115a so that the shaft 115a can be rotatably supported without causing variation. Also, the remaining support pieces 116a, 116b; 117
b of each bearing recess 118a, 118b; 119b
2 is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of each shaft 114a, 114b; 115b, and each shaft 114a, 114b;
It is formed so that 115b can be rotatably supported without causing variation. Further, each support piece 116a, 1
16b; each shaft 114 is provided above 117a, 117b.
a, 114b; 115a, 115b to easily fit into the bearing recesses 118a, 118b; 119a, 119b, respectively.
The guide surfaces 120a, 120b; 121a, 121b are formed to be inclined downward as they approach the a, 119b.

As described above, each of the fitting members 69a, 69b;
2a, 72b, in this embodiment, only the outer shape of the shaft 115a of the fitting member 72a is changed to the remaining fitting member 69.
a, 69b; 72b each axis 114a, 114b; 115
b so that each fitting member 6
9a, 69b; 72a, 72b can be recognized at a glance in the mounting direction with respect to the device main body 62 in a state where they are mounted on both ends in the axial direction of the first and second reels 65, 66, respectively. Also, each shaft 114a, 114b; 115a,
Each supporting piece 116a, 116b according to the outer shape of 115b;
Bearing recesses 118a, 118b of 117a, 117b;
Since the widths of the ink ribbons 119a and 119b are different from each other, the ink ribbon assembly 63 cannot be fitted unless the ink ribbon assembly 63 is mounted in a predetermined correct direction, and erroneous mounting can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the flange 71a of the one fitting member 72a is formed in an annular shape, and the remaining fitting members 69a, 69b;
Since the gear teeth are engraved on the outer peripheral portion of each of the flanges 68a, 68b; 71b of the 72b, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon assembly 63 can be easily recognized, thereby preventing erroneous mounting. it can.

As still another embodiment of the present invention, the shafts 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b have the same outer shape, and the outer periphery of the shaft 115a mounted on one end of the second reel 66 in the axial direction is attached to the device body. One or more annular grooves may be formed to indicate the direction of attachment to the groove 62. As a result, all support pieces 116a, 116b;
Bearing recesses 118a, 118b of 117a, 117b;
Since 119a and 119b have the same shape and one type of support piece can be realized, the number of processing steps can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second reels may be tubes made of a plastic material. As a result, the durability of the first and second reels increases, and the number of replacements of the first and second reels can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the fitting members 69a, 69b;
Accordingly, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon assembly 63 to the device main body 62 can be easily identified. Therefore, unlike the conventional ink ribbon cassette 4, the casing 25 is not required. Accordingly, a large occupied space is not required in the device main body 62, and the mounting direction of the ink ribbon to the device main body 62 can be easily recognized without increasing the size of the display, and erroneous mounting is reliably prevented. be able to.

[0035]

According to the present invention, gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral portion of each of the three fitting members of the first and second reel fitting members, and the remaining teeth are formed. 1
Since the outer periphery of the flange of the two fitting members is made annular,
The direction of attachment to the device body can be recognized according to the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the flange of each fitting member. Each fitting member is supported and mounted on both ends of the first and second reels in the axial direction, and is rotatably supported on each body so as to be rotatable about the respective axes of the first and second reels. The first and second reels, in which the fitting members are respectively mounted on both ends in the axial direction in this manner, have a right cylindrical shape, and the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon for thermal recording are respectively wound around the first and second reels. Since each fitting member is directly supported by the apparatus main body in this manner, as in the prior art described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each fitting member,
This eliminates the need for a casing for accommodating each reel and the ink ribbon, thereby eliminating the need for a large occupied space in the apparatus body and preventing the apparatus from being enlarged.

The fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portions of the one fitting member have different shapes. Correspondingly, one end in the axial direction of one of the first and second reels overlaps with each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members, and the one of the one fitting member has The fitting portion has a fitting shape that can be fitted. Therefore, the fitting portion of the one fitting member is fitted to only one end in the axial direction of one of the reels, and each fitting portion of the remaining fitting member is connected to one of the first and second reels. The other end in the axial direction of the reel and the other end in the axial direction of one of the first and second reels can be fitted. Thereby, the one end of the one reel in the axial direction and the fitting member fitted thereto can be mounted in association with each other by the two types of fitting members, and erroneous mounting of the fitting member can be prevented. The number of types of fitting members is small, and the number of types of fitting members is reduced in addition to the fact that the casing is not required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Gear teeth are formed on the outer periphery of each flange of the three fitting members, and the gear teeth are not formed on the outer periphery of the remaining one fitting member. As described above, the user recognizes the mounting position of the first and second reels on which the ink ribbon is wound on the apparatus main body, based on the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the fitting member mounted on one end in the axial direction of one of the reels. This eliminates the necessity of forming a mounting mark as in the prior art, thereby reducing the number of processing steps during manufacturing and reducing manufacturing costs.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of first protrusions formed on the fitting portion of the one fitting member form a first angle that is predetermined in the circumferential direction, and A plurality of second protrusions are formed at each fitting portion of one fitting member at a second angle different from the first angle in the circumferential direction. Further, a first recess is formed at one end of the one reel in the axial direction, into which the plurality of first protrusions are fitted, and both ends of the other reel in the axial direction and the other end of the one reel in the axial direction. The part is formed with a second recess into which each second protrusion fits. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the shapes of the first and second protrusions and the first and second recesses, and connect the fitting portion of the one fitting member to one axial end of the one reel. And easily and reliably mounting the fitting portions of the three fitting portions to both ends of the other reel in the axial direction and the other ends of the one reel in the axial direction. Thus, the replacement work of the ink ribbon can be performed in a short time, and the labor for replacing the ink ribbon can be reduced. In addition, since the first and second protrusions are configured to fit into the first and second recesses, respectively, each reel and each fitting member do not shift in the rotation direction, and the first and second projections are not shifted. The rotational force of the gear can be reliably transmitted to each reel.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each fitting member is provided with a shaft, and each shaft has a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction to the apparatus body. Thereby, even when each fitting member is mounted on the first and second reels, the mounting direction of the ink ribbon to the apparatus main body can be easily recognized from the outside, and a large occupied space in the apparatus main body can be obtained. Erroneous mounting can be reliably prevented without necessity and without increasing the types of components.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a typical prior art thermal recording ink ribbon 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the device main body 2.

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 61 Thermal Transfer Facsimile 62 Equipment Main Body 63 Ink Ribbon Assembly 64 Ink Ribbon for Thermal Recording 65 First Reel 66 Second Reel 67a, 67b First Fitting Part 68a, 68b First Flange 69a, 69b First Reel Fitting Member 70a, 70b Second fitting portion 71a, 71b Second flange 72a, 72b Second reel fitting member 73a, 73b; 74a, 74b Gear tooth 75 First gear 76 Second gear 81 Recording paper cassette 82 Case body 101 Printing Head 102 Platen 110a, 110b First protrusion 111a, 111b Second protrusion 112a, 112b First recess 113a, 113b Second recess 114a, 114b; 115a, 115b Shaft 116a, 116b; 117a, 117b Supporting piece 118a, 118b; 119a, 119b Bearing Place

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A straight cylindrical first reel around which one end in the longitudinal direction of an ink ribbon for thermal recording is wound, a second cylindrical reel which is wound around the other end in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon, A first fitting portion attached to both ends of the first reel in the axial direction, and a first flange coaxially provided at one end of the first fitting portion in the axial direction; Two first reel fitting members rotatably supported on the first reel, and second fitting portions mounted on both axial ends of the second reel,
And two second reel fitting members having a second flange coaxially provided at one end in the axial direction of the second fitting portion and rotatably supported on the apparatus main body around the axis of the second reel. Gear teeth are formed on the outer periphery of each flange of any three of the first and second reel fitting members, and the outer periphery of the flange of the remaining one fitting member is included. Are formed in an annular shape, and each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members and the fitting portion of the one fitting member are formed to have mutually different shapes, and one of the first and second reels is formed. One end of the reel in the axial direction is different from each of the fitting portions of the three fitting members, and has a fitting shape in which the fitting portion of the one fitting member can be fitted. And both ends of the other reel in the axial direction of the other reel and the second reel. The other end portions of the two reels in the axial direction can be fitted together by the fitting portions of the three fitting members, and have different fitting shapes from the fitting portions of the one fitting member. A first gear meshing with a flange of a fitting member fitted to the other end in the axial direction of the first reel among the three fitting members; A second gear meshing with a flange of a fitting member fitted to the other end of the second reel in the axial direction; and one of the first and second gears is arranged in a winding direction of the ink ribbon. And the other of the first and second gears is applied with a rotational force in a direction opposite to the winding direction while allowing rotation in the winding direction. A mounting structure for an ink ribbon for thermal recording, characterized in that: 2. A plurality of first protrusions are formed at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction at a fitting portion of the one fitting member, and each fitting of the three fitting members is performed. The part includes the first part in the circumferential direction.
A plurality of second protrusions are formed at a second angle different from the angle, and the plurality of first protrusions are provided at one axial end of one of the first and second reels. The first protrusion is formed at both ends of the first and second reels in the axial direction of the other reel and the other end of the one reel in the axial direction. 2. A mounting structure for an ink ribbon for thermal recording according to claim 1, wherein a second recess is formed in which is fitted. 3. All the fitting members mounted on both ends of the first and second reels in the axial direction each have a shaft rotatably supported by the device main body, and each shaft is connected to the device main body. 3. The mounting structure for an ink ribbon for thermal recording according to claim 1, wherein the mounting structure has a different shape corresponding to the mounting direction.