Patent Publication Number: US-9884498-B2

Title: Tape printing device and tape printing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/058962 filed on Mar. 24, 2015, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2014-060918 filed on Mar. 24, 2014, and Japanese Application No. 2015-059203 filed on Mar. 23, 2015, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a tape printing device and a tape printing system which have a cartridge loading section where a tape cartridge is loaded in an unloadable manner. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     According to the related art, as a tape printing device of this type, a tape printing device having a cassette loading section where a tape cassette is loaded in an unloadable manner is known (see JP-2012-126141). 
     In this tape cassette, a tape feed roller, a first tape spool with a first tape wound thereon, a ribbon spool with an ink ribbon wound thereon, and a ribbon take-up spool for taking up the ink ribbon are accommodated. Also, in a cassette case of the tape cassette, a roller support hole corresponding to the tape feed roller, a first tape support hole corresponding to the first tape spool, and a take-up support hole corresponding to the ribbon take-up spool are formed. Moreover, in the cassette case, a guide hole for guiding the loading the tape cassette, and two pin holes for positioning the cassette case are formed. 
     Meanwhile, in the cassette loading section of the tape printing device, a tape drive shaft corresponding to the roller support hole, a ribbon take-up shaft corresponding to the take-up support hole, a guide shaft corresponding to the guide hole, and two positioning pins corresponding to the two pin holes are provided upright. 
     As the tape cassette is loaded in the cassette loading section, the tape drive shaft is fitted in the tape feed roller, and the ribbon take-up shaft is fitted in the ribbon take-up spool. The guide shaft is inserted in the guide hole, and the two positioning pins are inserted in the two pin holes. 
     In this case, the tape drive shaft and the guide shaft protrude largely from the cassette loading section, and the tape feed roller (roller support hole) and the guide hole corresponding to these are arranged at diagonal positions as viewed in a plan view, in the tape cassette. Thus, the tape cassette is loaded accurately and smoothly in the cassette loading section. 
     SUMMARY 
     Such a tape printing device according to the related art has a problem that the tape cassette tilts and cannot be loaded or unloaded smoothly if the tape drive shaft and the guide shaft largely protruding from the cassette loading section are not sufficiently spaced apart from each other, in other words, if the roller support hole and the guide hole of the tape cassette are not sufficiently spaced apart from each other. Also, if the site for gripping the tape cassette, and the roller support hole and the guide hole, are not arranged with good balance, the loading force and the pull-out force become lopsided. Also in this respect, the problem of the tape cassette tilting and twisting and being unable to be loaded or unloaded smoothly arises. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a tape printing device and a tape printing system in which a tape cartridge can be loaded and unloaded smoothly. 
     A tape printing device according to the invention includes: a cartridge loading section where a tape cartridge which has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion extending in a loading/unloading direction and arranged spaced apart from each other is loaded in an unloadable manner; two recess portions which continue from the cartridge loading section and in which fingers for gripping the loaded tape cartridge are inserted; a first insertion shaft provided in the cartridge loading section and inserted in the first receiving portion of the loaded tape cartridge; and a second insertion shaft provided in the cartridge loading section and inserted in the second receiving portion of the loaded tape cartridge. As viewed from a loading direction of the tape cartridge, the second insertion shaft is situated on a side opposite to the first insertion shaft across an imaginary line connecting the two recess portions and is arranged at a site where a distance from the recess portion at a position farther from the first insertion shaft, of the two recess portions, is shorter than a distance from the recess portion at a position closer to the first insertion shaft. 
     According to this configuration, the second insertion shaft is situated on the side opposite to the first insertion shaft across the imaginary line connecting the two recess portions and is arranged at the site where the distance from the recess portion at the position farther from the first insertion shaft, of the two recess portions, is shorter than the distance from the recess portion at the position closer to the first insertion shaft. Therefore, the distance between the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft is long. Therefore, the first insertion shaft (first receiving portion) and the second insertion shaft (second receiving portion) are in a well-balanced diagonal positional relation with respect to the gripping position of the tape cartridge gripped via the recess portions. Thus, at the time of loading and unloading the tape cartridge, the force applied via the site to be gripped acts relatively evenly on the first receiving portion (first insertion shaft) and the second receiving portion (second insertion shaft). Thus, the tape cartridge does not easily twist with respect to the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft and can be loaded and unloaded smoothly. Also, the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft exist in easily recognizable places on the cartridge loading section and function, together with the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion of the tape cartridge, as landmarks that enable easy recognition of the forward-back and left-right directions at the time of loading. Thus, the tape cartridge can be directed in the correct direction and thus loaded in the cartridge loading section. Also in this respect, the tape cartridge can be loaded and unloaded smoothly. 
     In this case, it is preferable that the first insertion shaft rotatably supports a platen roller provided in the tape cartridge and using the first receiving portion as a shaft hole, in the state where the tape cartridge is loaded. 
     According to this configuration, the shaft rotatably supporting the platen roller can be the same as the first insertion shaft, and the number of components provided for guiding the loading and unloading of the tape cartridge can be reduced. 
     In this case, it is preferable that a clearance between the second insertion shaft and the second receiving portion is smaller than a clearance between the platen roller and a roller receiving portion of a cartridge case which rotatably supports the platen roller. 
     According to this configuration, at the time of loading and unloading the tape cartridge, the twisting between the first receiving portion and the first insertion shaft (platen roller) generated via the platen roller and the roller receiving portion can be restrained by insertion and release between the second insertion shaft and the second receiving portion. Thus, also in this respect, the tape cartridge can be loaded and unloaded smoothly. Also, the tape cartridge can be accurately positioned on the cartridge loading section. 
     It is also preferable that the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft penetrate the tape cartridge in the state where the tape cartridge is loaded. 
     According to this configuration, the contact dimension between the first insertion shaft and the first receiving portion, and the contact dimension between the second insertion shaft and the second receiving portion can be maximum lengths. Thus, since the tape cartridge does not easily tilt at the time of loading and unloading, the tape cartridge can be loaded and unloaded smoothly. 
     Moreover, it is preferable that the second insertion shaft is formed integrally with a loading base portion of the cartridge loading section where the tape cartridge sits. 
     According to this configuration, the second insertion shaft can be formed easily. 
     Similarly, it is preferable that the second insertion shaft is screwed, at a proximal end part, together with a loading base portion of the cartridge loading section where the tape cartridge sits. 
     According to this configuration, the second insertion shaft can be easily installed in the cartridge loading section with predetermined position accuracy. 
     Similarly, it is preferable that the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft are fixed to a device frame at a proximal end part and extend, penetrating a loading base portion of the cartridge loading section where the tape cartridge sits. 
     According to this configuration, the first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft can be installed firmly and with high position accuracy. 
     Meanwhile, it is preferable that a distal end part of the second insertion shaft is hemispherically formed. 
     According to this configuration, at the time of loading the tape cartridge, the second receiving portion and the second insertion shaft can be easily positioned with each other and the tape cartridge can be loaded smoothly. 
     A tape printing system according to the invention includes: the above tape printing device; and the tape cartridge loaded in the cartridge loading section in an unloadable manner. 
     According to this configuration, the tape cartridge can be loaded and unloaded smoothly and the easiness of handling the tape printing device can be improved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of an open-cover state of a tape printing device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a plan view and  FIG. 2B  is a side view of the tape cartridge according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a cartridge loading section. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an open/close cover, as viewed from the back side. 
         FIG. 5A  is a plan view of an upper case and the tape cartridge in the state where the upper case is removed, and  FIG. 5B  is a back view of the upper case. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tape cartridge, as viewed from the back side. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the cartridge loading section. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a tape cartridge according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is a plan view and  FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the state where the tape cartridge according to the first embodiment is loaded in the cartridge loading section. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are structural views of the peripheries of a guide pin according to modifications of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of the state where a tape cartridge according to a second embodiment is loaded in the cartridge loading section. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a tape printing device and a tape printing system according to an embodiment of the invention will be described, referring to the accompanying drawings. This tape printing device is configured to perform printing while reeling off a print tape and an ink ribbon from a tape cartridge loaded therein, and cut a printed part of the print tape, thus preparing a label (tape piece). Also, the tape printing system is made up of this tape printing device and a tape cartridge loaded and used therein. 
     [Outline of Tape Printing Device] 
       FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a tape printing device and a tape cartridge loaded therein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a tape printing device  1  includes a device case  3  forming an outer shell, a cartridge loading section  5  in which a tape cartridge  100  is loaded in an unloadable manner, and an open/close cover  7  which opens and closes the cartridge loading section  5 . On atop surface of the device case  3 , the cartridge loading section  5  is provided on the rear side, a display  11  is provided in the center, and a keyboard  13  is provided on the forward side. A concave portion  15  to hook a finger is provided near the open/close cover  7 . The open/close cover  7  is opened by having a finger hooked on this concave portion  15  and lifting up the open/close cover  7 . Then, on a lateral side (left side) of the device case  3 , a vertically long tape discharge port  17  through which a print tape  102  is discharged is provided. 
     Also, the tape printing device  1  includes a print mechanism section  23  having a print head  21  provided upright in the cartridge loading section  5 , a tape feed mechanism section  25  provided inside the space on the back of the cartridge loading section  5 , and a tape cutting mechanism section  27  provided inside near the tape discharge port  17 . The user inputs print information from the keyboard  13 , confirms the print information on the display  11 , and subsequently executes printing by a key operation. As a print command is given, the tape feed mechanism section  25  is driven, thus causing the print tape  102  and an ink ribbon  110  to travel in parallel. Moreover, due to the heat applied to the ink ribbon  110  from the print mechanism section  23 , the ink of the ink ribbon  110  is transferred to the print tape  102 , thus carrying out printing. By this print feed, the print tape  102  is discharged from the tape discharge port  17 . When the printing is completed, the tape cutting mechanism section  27  is driven, thus cutting the printed part of the print tape  102 . 
     [Outline of Tape Cartridge] 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, and 5B , the tape cartridge  100  includes a tape roll  106  having the print tape  102  wound on a tape core  104 , and a ribbon roll  114  having the ink ribbon  110  wound on a reel-off core  112 . Also, the tape cartridge  100  includes a take-up core  116  which takes up the ink ribbon  110  after use, and a platen roller  120  (platen) against which the print head  21  abuts and which feeds the print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110 . Moreover, the tape cartridge  100  has a cartridge case  130  accommodating the tape roll  106 , the ribbon roll  114 , the take-up core  116 , and the platen roller  120 . In this way, the tape cartridge  100  in this embodiment has a so-called shell structure in which the outer shell is covered by the cartridge case  130 . 
     Also, in the tape cartridge  100 , an insertion opening  134  in which the print head  21  is inserted when the tape cartridge  100  is loaded in the tape printing device  1  is formed in the cartridge case  130 . The tape cartridge  100  has a tape outlet port  138  which is formed in the cartridge case  130  and through which the print tape  102  is sent out. Also, as will be described in detail later, the tape roll  106  is rotatably supported on a cylindrical core shaft  192  provided in a protruding manner on the inside of the cartridge case  130 . 
     As the platen roller  120  and the take-up core  116  are driven by the above tape feed mechanism section  25 , the print tape  102  is reeled off from the tape core  104 , and the ink ribbon  110  is reeled off from the reel-off core  112 . The print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110 , thus reeled off, travel in parallel at the part of the platen roller  120  and are used for printing by the print head  21 . The reel-off end (printed part) of the print tape  102  where printing has been done is sent out toward the tape discharge port  17  from the tape outlet port  138 . Meanwhile, the ink ribbon  110  travels around a peripheral wall part of the insertion opening  134  and is taken upon the take-up core  116 . As the tape cartridge  100 , a plurality of types with different thicknesses is prepared according to the tape widths of the print tape  102 . 
     [Details of Tape Printing Device] 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the cartridge loading section  5  is formed in a planar shape complementary to the planar shape of the tape cartridge  100  and is concavely formed to a depth corresponding to the tape cartridge  100  with a maximum thickness, of the plurality of types of loadable tape cartridges  100 . In this case, a loading base  31  (loading base portion) forming a bottom plate part of the cartridge loading section  5 , and a side plate portion  33 , are integrally formed (molded) of a resin or the like. A slit-like tape discharge path  35  is formed between the cartridge loading section  5  and the above tape discharge port  17 , and the above tape cutting mechanism section  27  is arranged inside this part. 
     Also, two recess portions  16  continuing from the cartridge loading section  5  are provided on both sides of the cartridge loading section  5 . The two recess portions  16  form insertion spaces where fingers to grip the tape cartridge  100  or fingers gripping the tape cartridge  100  are inserted when loading the tape cartridge  100  in the cartridge loading section  5  and when extracting (releasing) the tape cartridge  100  loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 . That is, the two recess portions  16  are arranged at positions adjacent to the cartridge loading section  5  and corresponding to the parts to be gripped of the tape cartridge  100 . Then, the two recess portions  16  are formed by parts extended from the loading base  31  and are to be opened and closed by the open/close cover  7  along with the cartridge loading section  5 . 
     Meanwhile, on the loading base  31  of the cartridge loading section  5 , a positioning protrusion  41  with which the above core shaft  192  is fitted and positioned, the print head  21  covered by a head cover  43 , a platen drive shaft  45  (first insertion shaft) which rotationally drives the platen roller  120 , and a take-up drive shaft  47  which rotationally drives the take-up core  116  are provided upright. A guide pin  50  (second insertion shaft) is provided upright at a position diagonal to the platen drive shaft  45 . Moreover, on the loading base  31 , a tape detection section  51  which detects the type (attribute information) of the print tape  102 , and a core release section  53  which cancels the rotation stopper of the reel-off core  112  and the take-up core  116  are provided near the take-up drive shaft  47 . 
     Moreover, a pair of small protrusions  55  is provided at diagonal positions on the loading base  31 . In addition, a pair of hook pieces  57  which hooks a middle part of the loaded tape cartridge  100  is provided. Meanwhile, in the space on the back of the loading base  31 , the above tape feed mechanism section  25 , where a motor and a gear train (neither of them being illustrated) or the like for rotating the platen drive shaft  45  and the take-up drive shaft  47  are formed, is arranged inside. The tape feed mechanism section  25  performs power branching via the gear train and thus causes the platen drive shaft  45  and the take-up drive shaft  47  to rotate synchronously. 
     The print mechanism section  23  has the print head  21  made up of a thermal head, and a head support frame  61  which supports the print head  21  and causes the print head  21  to swivel. Also, the print mechanism section  23  has a head release mechanism (not illustrated) which causes the print head  21  to swivel between a printing position and a retreat position via the head support frame  61 , and the head cover  43  covering the print head  21  (and the head support frame  61 ). 
     The head release mechanism is actuated, interlocked with the opening/closing of the above open/close cover  7 , and causes the print head  21  to move (swivel) to the printing position, interlocked with the closing operation of the open/close cover  7 . Also, the head release mechanism causes the print head  21  to move (swivel) to the retreat position, interlocked with the opening operation. The print head  21 , having moved to the printing position, abuts against the platen roller  120  of the tape cartridge  100  via the ink ribbon  110  and the print tape  102 . The print head  21 , having moved to the retreat position, is spaced apart from the platen roller  120 . Thus, the print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110  are prevented from interfering with the print head  21  at the time of loading or unloading the tape cartridge  100 . 
     A plurality of heat generating elements is provided in the print head  21 , and the plurality of heat generating elements is arrayed in the same direction as the axial direction of the platen roller  120 . Then, printing is carried out by feeding the print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110  and selectively driving the plurality of heat generating elements. The head cover  43  is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, as viewed in a plan view, and is integrally formed (molded) with the above loading base  31  (cartridge loading section  5 ). Also, the head cover  43  vertically largely protrudes from the loading base  31 , allows the print head  21  to swivel inside the head cover  43 , and functions on its outside as a loading guide for the tape cartridge  100 . 
     The tape detection section  51  is made up of a plurality of microswitches  51   a , is selectively engaged with a section to be detected  180  of the tape cartridge  100 , described later, and detects the type including the tape width, tape color, material and the like of the print tape  102 . Then, on the basis of the result of the detection, the driving of the print head  21  and the tape feed mechanism section  25  is controlled. 
     The core release section  53  is made up of two cancellation pins  53   a  for the reel-off core  112  and the take-up core  116 . As will be described in detail later, rotation stopper hooks  206  to be hooked on the reel-off core  112  and the take-up core  116 , respectively, are provided in the cartridge case  130  (see  FIG. 6 ). As the tape cartridge  100  is loaded, the cancellation pins  53   a  are engaged with these rotation stopper hooks  206 , cancelling the rotation stopper of the reel-off core  112  and the take-up core  116 . 
     The platen drive shaft  45  has a platen support shaft  48  (first insertion shaft) extending to be long enough to be inserted in the platen roller  120 , and a spline-shaped rotational drive shaft  49  rotatably axially supported at a proximal part of the platen support shaft  48  (see  FIG. 3 ). The rotational power of the tape feed mechanism section  25  is transmitted to this rotational drive shaft  49  and further transmitted from the rotational drive shaft  49  to the platen roller  120  (details will be described later). Also, as will be described in detail later, this platen support shaft  48  and the guide pin  50  have the function of guiding the loading and unloading of the tape cartridge  100 . 
     The take-up drive shaft  47  has a fixed shaft  47   a  and a spline-shaped movable shaft  47   b  rotatably axially supported on the fixed shaft  47   a . In this case, too, the rotational power of the tape feed mechanism section  25  is transmitted to the movable shaft  47   b  and further transmitted from the movable shaft  47   b  to the take-up core  116 . 
     When the tape cartridge  100  is loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 , the core shaft  192  (tape core  104 ) is engaged with the positioning protrusion  41 , and the platen roller  120  is engaged with the platen drive shaft  45 . Moreover, the take-up core  116  is engaged with the take-up drive shaft  47 . Then, as the open/close cover  7  is closed, the print head  21  swivels and abuts against the platen roller  120  with the print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110  held in-between. Thus, the tape printing device  1  enters into a print standby state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , the open/close cover  7  is mounted on the device case  3  via a hinge portion  71  provided on the rear side, in such a way as to be able to swivel, that is, to be able to open/close. The open/close cover  7  includes an open/close cover main body  73 , and a view window  75  provided at the center of the open/close cover main body  73 . Also, the open/close cover  7  includes a pair of shaft support pieces  77  provided in a protruding manner on the back of the open/close cover main body  73  and axially supported on the hinge portion  71  in such away as to be able to swivel, and an actuation lever  79  which is provided in a protruding manner on the back of the open/close cover main body  73  and causes the print head  21  to swivel. Moreover, the open/close cover  7  includes two push-in protrusions  81  which are provided in a protruding manner on the back of the open/close cover main body  73  and push in the tape cartridge  100 , and a press protrusion  83  which is provided in a protruding manner on the back of the open/close cover main body  73  and actuates (turns ON) a built-in cover closing detection switch (not illustrated). 
     The view window  75  is formed to be laterally long and made of a transparent resin (transparent to visible rays) as a separate member from the open/close cover main body  73 . Through this view window  75 , the tape cartridge  100  loaded in the cartridge loading section  5  can be visually confirmed (the type of the print tape  102  and the amount of tape left). Also, the pair of shaft support pieces  77 , the actuation lever  79 , the push-in protrusions  81 , the press protrusion  83  and a holding portion  85 , and the open/close cover main body  73  are integrally formed (molded) of a resin. 
     The actuation lever  79  protrudes largely from the back of the open/close cover main body  73 . With the closing of the open/close cover  7 , the actuation lever  79  is inserted in a slit opening  87  provided to the lateral side of the cartridge loading section  5 . The actuation lever  79  inserted in the slit opening  87  actuates the above head release mechanism and causes the print head  21 . Similarly, with the closing of the open/close cover  7 , the press protrusion  83  is inserted in a rectangular opening  91  next to the slit opening  87  and actuates (turns ON) the cover closing detection switch. The push-in protrusions  81  corresponds to positions near the platen roller  120  of the tape cartridge  100 . With the closing of the open/close cover  7 , the push-in protrusions  81  push in the tape cartridge  100  so that the tape cartridge  100  sits on the loading base  31  of the cartridge loading section  5 . 
     [Details of Tape Cartridge] 
     Next, the tape cartridge  100  will be described in detail, referring to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, and 6 . In the description of the tape cartridge  100 , taking  FIGS. 2A and 2B  as an example, the forward side in the loading direction, which is the top front side of the tape cartridge  100 , is referred to as the “front side”, the rear side in the loading direction, which is the opposite side, as the “back side”, the lateral side on the left as the “left lateral side”, the lateral side on the right as the “right lateral side”, the arcuate side on the top as the “distal side”, and the side on the bottom as the “proximal side”. 
     The tape cartridge  100  includes the cartridge case  130 , and the tape roll  106 , the ribbon roll  114 , the take-up core  116  and the platen roller  120  accommodated therein, as described above. Also, the tape cartridge  100  has the insertion opening  134  formed in the cartridge case  130 , the tape outlet port  138  formed on the left lateral side, near the platen roller  120 , and an identification seal  141  (see  FIG. 1 ) bonded over the front side, the left lateral side and the right lateral side of the part where the tape roll  106  is accommodated. The identification seal  141  shows the tape width, tape color, material and the like of the print tape  102  accommodated in the cartridge case  130 , at the two parts of the front side and the left lateral side. 
     The cartridge case  130  forms the outer shell of the tape cartridge  100  (shell structure) and has an “L”-shaped appearance as viewed in a plan view, with the proximal side part on the right lateral side slightly protruding. In the front-back direction, the cartridge case  130  is formed by a lower case  150  which comes to the rear side when the tape cartridge is loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 , and an upper case  152  which comes to the forward side. In the cartridge case  130  in this embodiment, the upper case  152  is formed by a molded member of a transparent resin, and the lower case  150  is formed by a molded member of an opaque resin. 
     The upper case  152  is integrally formed (molded) by a top wall portion  156  forming the front side of the cartridge case  130 , and an upper peripheral wall portion  158  suspended on a circumferential edge part of the top wall portion  156 . Meanwhile, the lower case  150  is integrally formed (molded) by a bottom wall portion  160  forming the back side of the cartridge case  130 , a lower peripheral wall portion  162  provided upright on a circumferential edge part of the bottom wall portion  160 , and an opening peripheral wall portion  164  provided upright on the bottom wall portion  160  so as to define the above insertion opening  134 . 
     A plurality of joint pins  170  is provided at a proper interval on a lower end surface of the upper peripheral wall portion  158  of the upper case  152 , whereas a plurality of joint holes  172  corresponding to the plurality of joint pins  170  is provided in the lower peripheral wall portion  162  of the lower case  150  (see  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). After components such as the tape roll  106  and the ribbon roll  114  are set in the lower case  150 , the upper case  152  is joined thereto in such a way that the plurality of joint pins  170  is press-fitted in the plurality of joint holes  172 , thus assembling the tape cartridge  100 . Each joint hole  172  is a through-hole in consideration of easiness of molding. 
     Also, a portion to be guided  182  (second receiving portion) through which the guide pin  50  is inserted is provided at a position diagonal to the platen roller  120  (first receiving portion). Specifically, the portion to be guided  182  is formed by a through-hole including a first through-hole  184  which is formed penetrating the top wall portion  156  of the upper case  152  and a second through-hole  186  which is formed penetrating the bottom wall portion  160  of the lower case  150  (details will be described later). 
     Meanwhile, a pair of hook receiving portions  174  to be hooked on the above pair of hook pieces  57  is provided on the left lateral side and the right lateral side of the lower case  150  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B  and  FIG. 6 ). As the pair of hook pieces  57  on the side of the cartridge loading section  5  is hooked on the pair of hook receiving portions  174  of the loaded tape cartridge  100 , the tape cartridge  100  is prevented from floating up. Also, fitting small holes  176  in which the above pair of small protrusions  55  is fitted with a certain margin are provided on the back side of the lower case  150  (see FIG.  6 ). As the pair of small protrusions  55  on the side of the cartridge loading section  5  is fitted in the pair of fitting small holes  176  in the loaded tape cartridge  100 , the tape cartridge  100  is easily positioned on the loading base  31 . 
     Moreover, on the back side of the lower case  150 , the section to be detected  180  corresponding to the above tape detection section  51  is provided at a position in the left corner on the proximal side (right corner as viewed from the front side) (see  FIG. 6 ). The section to be detected  180  is formed in a section corresponding to the plurality of microswitches  51   a  of the detection section  51 , and a plurality of bit patterns is acquired according to the presence/absence of receiving holes  180   a  provided in this section. That is, the bit patterns correspond to the type of the above print tape  102  except tape width. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a broad tape accommodation area  190  in which the tape roll  106  is accommodated is formed in a space on the upper side (distal end surface side) in the cartridge case  130 . At the center of the tape accommodation area  190 , the core shaft  192  integrally formed (molded) with the lower case  150  is provided upright. The core shaft  192  is cylindrically formed, and on its outer circumferential surface, the tape roll  106  (tape core  104 ) is rotatably axially supported. Also, in the tape accommodation area  190 , near the platen roller  120 , a tape guide  194  which guides the reeled-off print tape  102  to the platen roller  120  is provided upright integrally with the lower case  150 . 
     That is, inside the cartridge case  130 , a tape feed path  196  is formed, starting at the tape roll  106  and reaching the tape outlet port  138  via the tape guide  194  and the platen roller  120 . The print tape  102  reeled off from the tape roll  106  is guided to the platen roller  120  via the tape guide  194 , used for printing there, and further guided from the platen roller  120  to the tape outlet port  138 . 
     The tape roll  106  has the print tape  102  and the tape core  104 , and also has two films  198  bonded to both end surfaces of the print tape  102  in a roll shape. The two films  198  prevent the print tape  102  wound on the tape core  104  from unwinding. Also, a reverse rotation stopper mechanism is incorporated in the tape core  104 , though not illustrated. When carrying the tape cartridge  100 , reverse rotation of the print tape  102  is prevented by this reverse rotation stopper mechanism. Meanwhile, when the tape cartridge  100  is loaded in the cartridge loading section  5  of the tape printing device  1 , the reverse rotation stopper by the reverse rotation stopper mechanism is cancelled by the above positioning protrusion  41 , thus enabling the print tape  102  to be fed. 
     On the right side of the proximal part in the cartridge case  130 , a ribbon accommodation area  200  is formed next to the insertion opening  134 . To the right in the ribbon accommodation area  200 , a reel-off side bearing portion  202  which rotatably supports the ribbon roll  114  (reel-off core  112 ), and to the left, a take-up side bearing portion  204  which rotatably supports the take-up core  116 , are formed integrally with the cartridge case  130 . That is, the reel-off side bearing portion  202  and the take-up side bearing portion  204  are formed each in the upper case  152  and the lower case  150 . 
     In cut-out parts of the reel-off side bearing portion  202  and the take-up side bearing portion  204  formed in the lower case  150 , rotation stopper hooks  206  having their distal parts facing the reel-off side bearing portion  202  and the take-up side bearing portion  204  are integrally formed, respectively. Then, one rotation stopper hook  206  is engaged with the reel-off core  112  and the other rotation stopper hook  206  is engaged with the take-up core  116 , each in a rotation stopping state. 
     In the ribbon accommodation area  200 , near the reel-off side bearing portion  202 , a first ribbon guide  210  which guides the reeled-off ink ribbon  110  to the platen roller  120  is provided upright integrally with the lower case  150 . Also, on the outer circumferential side of the above opening peripheral wall portion  164 , a plurality of second ribbon guides  212  which guides the circular movement of the ink ribbon  110  is integrally formed. 
     That is, inside the cartridge case  130 , a ribbon feed path  214  is formed, starting at the ribbon roll  114  and reaching the take-up core  116  via the first ribbon guide  210 , the platen roller  120  and the plurality of second ribbon guides  212 . The ink ribbon  110  reeled off from the ribbon roll  114  is guided to the platen roller  120  via the first ribbon guide  210 , is used for printing there, then further travels around the opening peripheral wall portion  164  (the plurality of second ribbon guides  212 ) from the platen roller  120 , and is taken up on the take-up core  116 . 
     The ribbon roll  114  has the ink ribbon  110  and the reel-off core  112 , and also has a ring-shaped leaf spring  220  which applies a braking load to the reel-off core  112  (see  FIG. 5B ). The leaf spring  220  is formed in a wave shape in the circumferential direction and is provided between the top wall portion  156  of the upper case  152  and the reel-off core  112  in the axial direction. That is, a rotation braking load is applied to the reel-off core  112  by the spring force of this leaf spring  220 . Thus, a back tension is applied to the ink ribbon  110  being reeled off by the take-up core  116 , thus preventing the ink ribbon  110  from loosening. 
     The reel-off core  112  is cylindrically formed, and at its end on the side of the lower case  150 , a plurality of cut-outs  222  is formed in the circumferential direction (see  FIG. 6 ). Then, the above rotation stopper hooks  206  are to be engaged with and disengaged from the plurality of cut-outs  222 . While the reel-off side bearing portion  202  on the side of the lower case  150  supporting the reel-off core  112  is formed as a circular opening, the reel-off side bearing portion  202  on the side of the upper case  152  is formed as a cylindrical protruding part. Then, the above leaf spring  220  is mounted on this protruding part (see  FIG. 5B  for each of these parts). 
     Similarly, the take-up core  116  is cylindrically formed, and at its end on the side of the lower case  150 , a plurality of cut-outs  224  is formed in the circumferential direction. Then, the above rotation stopper hooks  206  are engaged with and disengaged with the plurality of cut-outs  224 . Also, a spline groove  226  is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the take-up core  116  and spline-engaged with the above take-up drive shaft  47 . Thus, the rotational force of the take-up drive shaft  47  is transmitted to the take-up core  116 , and the ink ribbon  110  is taken up. 
     On the left side of the proximal part in the cartridge case  130 , a platen accommodation area  230  is formed next to the insertion opening  134 . In the center of the platen accommodation area  230 , a lower bearing portion  234  (see  FIG. 6 ) in the form of an elliptic (oval) opening formed in the lower case  150 , and an upper bearing portion  232  (see  FIG. 5B ) in the form of an elliptic opening formed in the upper case  152  are provided. Then, on the upper bearing portion  232  and the lower bearing portion  234 , the platen roller  120  is supported in a rotatable and slightly laterally movable manner. That is, the platen roller  120  supported on the upper bearing portion  232  and the lower bearing portion  234 , which are elliptical, is configured to be laterally movable (slightly movable) between a home position where the platen roller  120  is engaged with the platen drive shaft  45  and a nipping position where the platen roller  120  abuts against the tape guide  194  with the print tape  102  nipped between them. 
     Incidentally, this tape cartridge  100  is carried in the state where the reel-off end of the print tape  102  is slightly protruding outward from the tape outlet port  138  (see  FIG. 1 ). In this case, if a push-in force or pull-in force acts on the reel-off end of the print tape  102  by mistake, the platen roller  120 , which is drawn by this, moves to the above nipping position. Thus, the reel-off end of the print tape  102  is prevented from being pulled into the cartridge case  130  from the tape outlet port  138 . 
     The platen roller  120  has a cylindrical roller base  240  and a rubber roller  242  mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the roller base  240 . The rubber roller  242  has a length corresponding to the print head  21  in the axial direction. The print head  21 , having moved to the printing position, abuts against this rubber roller  242  with the print tape  102  and the ink ribbon  110  held between them. Also, a spline groove  244  is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the roller base  240  and spline-engaged with the rotational drive shaft  49  of the above platen drive shaft  45 . Thus, the rotational force of the platen drive shaft  45  is transmitted to the platen roller  120 , and the print tape  102  (and the ink ribbon  110 ) is fed for printing. 
     Structures Around Platen Drive Shaft and Guide Pin (First Embodiment) 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the structures around the platen drive shaft  45  and the guide pin  50  according to a first embodiment will be described in detail along with the structures of the portion to be guided  182  and the platen roller  120  of the tape cartridge  100 . As described above, in the cartridge loading section  5 , the platen drive shaft  45  and the guide pin  50  (second insertion shaft) are provided, spaced apart from each other. Corresponding to these, the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182  (second receiving portion) are provided in the tape cartridge  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the platen drive shaft  45  has the platen support shaft  48  (first insertion shaft) provided upright on a device frame  260  situated below the loading base  31 , and the rotational drive shaft  49  rotatably supported on a lower part of the platen support shaft  48 . The platen support shaft  48  is fixed in a cantilevered state on the device frame  260  and extends in the loading/unloading direction of the tape cartridge  100 , penetrating the loading base  31 . Also, the platen support shaft  48  extends to substantially the same height as the head cover  43 . 
     When the tape cartridge  100  is loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 , the platen support shaft  48  is inserted through the roller base  240  of the platen roller  120 . Therefore, the platen support shaft  48  (platen drive shaft  45 ) rotatably supports the platen roller  120  and also functions as a loading/unloading guide for the tape cartridge  100  via the platen roller  120 . 
     The guide pin  50  is provided upright on the loading base  31  of the cartridge loading section  5  and extends in the loading/unloading direction of the tape cartridge  100 , similarly to the platen support shaft  48 . That is, the guide pin  50  is formed (molded) integrally with the loading base  31  and extends to substantially the same height as the platen support shaft  48 . In this case, the guide pin  50  and the platen support shaft  48  have a length corresponding to the thickest tape cartridge  100 . That is, the guide pin  50  and the platen support shaft  48  have a length to penetrate the loaded tape cartridge  100  in the loading direction. Also, a distal end part of the guide pin  50  is hemispherically chamfered in order to improve the loadability of the tape cartridge  100 . 
     When the tape cartridge  100  is loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 , the guide pin  50  is inserted through the portion to be guided  182  of the cartridge case  130 . Thus, the guide pin  50  functions as a loading/unloading guide for the tape cartridge  100  via the portion to be guided  182 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show modifications of the peripheries of the guide pin  50 . 
     In a first modification in  FIG. 10A , the guide pin  50  is screwed at its proximal end part with the loading base  31 . That is, a male screw  50   a  is formed at the proximal end part of the guide pin  50 , and a female screw  31   a  corresponding to the male screw  50   a  is formed on the loading base  31 . As the guide pin  50  is screwed with the female screw  31   a  of the loading base  31 , the guide pin  50  comes into the state of being provided upright on the loading base  31 . It is preferable that the male screw  50   a  and the female screw  31   a  are fixed with an adhesive or the like. In this first modification, the guide pin  50  can be accurately formed and can be easily mounted on the loading base  31 . 
     In a second modification in  FIG. 10B , the guide pin  50  is fixed at its proximal end part to the device frame  260 . As described above, the platen support shaft  48  is fixed to the device frame  260  by press-fitting or the like, and the guide pin  50  is similarly fixed to the device frame  260  by press-fitting or the like. That is, the platen support shaft  48  and the guide pin  50  are provided upright on the device frame  260  and extend, penetrating the loading base  31 . In this second modification, the guide pin  50  and the platen support shaft  48  can be provided with high positioning accuracy with respect to each other. 
     Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in the tape cartridge  100 , the platen roller  120  is provided in such a way as to be supported by the upper bearing portion  232  of the upper case  152  and the lower bearing portion  234  of the lower case  150 . Also, in the tape cartridge  100 , the portion to be guided  182 , having the first through-hole  184  which is formed penetrating the upper case  152  and the second through-hole  186  which is formed penetrating the lower case  150 , is provided. 
     As described above, the platen roller  120  has the roller base  240  and the rubber roller  242 . The roller base  240  is integrally formed by a cylindrical roller holding portion  300  which holds the rubber roller  242 , and an annular engagement portion  302  continuing from the roller holding portion  300  and having the spline groove  244  formed therein. Also, the roller base  240  is supports with a slight margin by the upper bearing portion  232  and the lower bearing portion  234  of the cartridge case  130 , and is positioned by the platen support shaft  48  inserted through the shaft hole (first receiving portion) of the roller holding portion  300 . 
     The first through-hole  184  of the portion to be guided  182  is formed in the top wall portion  156 , near the upper peripheral wall portion  158  of the upper case  152 . Similarly, the second through-hole  186  is formed in the bottom wall portion  160 , near the lower peripheral wall portion  162  of the lower case  150 . That is, the portion to be guided  182  is formed in such a way that the guide pin  50  inserted through this is situated in the gap between the tape roll  106 , and the upper peripheral wall portion  158  and the lower peripheral wall portion  162 , and follows the upper peripheral wall portion  158  and the lower peripheral wall portion  162 . If the upper peripheral wall portion  158  and the lower peripheral wall portion  162  are thickly formed, the portion to be guided  182  may be formed penetrating the upper peripheral wall portion  158  and the lower peripheral wall portion  162 . 
     Incidentally, in the case of extracting the tape cartridge  100 , the pair of hook receiving portions  174  is released from the above pair of hook pieces  57  in the initial stage of the extraction. However, due to their structures, the pair of hook receiving portions  174  is rarely released simultaneously from the pair of hook pieces  57 . Therefore, the tape cartridge  100  can easily tilt in the initial stage of the extraction. Meanwhile, in the relation between the platen drive shaft  45  and the platen roller  120 , the platen support shaft  48  (first insertion shaft) is inserted in the shaft hole (first receiving portion) of the roller holding portion  300 . The clearance CIA between the two is set to be very small because it affects the print quality. 
     However, the platen roller  120  is supported in the cartridge case  130 , with a margin to enable the platen roller  120  to laterally move (slightly move) with respect to the cartridge case  130 , as described above. That is, the clearance C 1 B between the upper bearing portion  232  (roller receiving portion) and the lower bearing portion  234  (roller receiving portion) of the cartridge case  130 , and the roller holding portion  300  of the platen roller  120 , is set to be large in order to enable the slight movement. 
     Therefore, in the initial stage of the extraction, even if the tape cartridge  100  tilts, if the tilt is within the clearance C 1 B, the roller holding portion  300  and the platen support shaft  48  maintain their linearity and do not greatly resist the extraction. In contrast, if the tilt of the tape cartridge  100  exceeds the clearance C 1 B, the cartridge case  130  regulates the movement of the roller holding portion  300 , and the roller holding portion  300  and the platen support shaft  48  tilt, greatly resisting the extraction. 
     Therefore, the guide pin  50 , which guides the extraction, functions to restrain the tilt of the cartridge case  130  so that the tilt of the tape cartridge  100  will not exceed the clearance C 1 B. Specifically, the clearance C 1 C between the first through-hole  182  (second receiving portion) and the second through-hole  186  (second receiving portion) of the cartridge case  130 , and the guide pin  50  (second insertion shaft), is made smaller than the clearance C 1 B. That is, the clearance C 1 A&lt;the clearance C 1 B holds, and the clearance C 1 C&lt;the clearance C 1 B holds. Thus, it is possible to realize particularly smooth extraction of the tape cartridge  100  without affecting the print quality. 
     When combined with the upper bearing portion  232  and the lower bearing portion  234  (annular engagement portion  302  with the spline groove  244  formed therein) of the platen roller  120 , the above first through-hole  184  and second through-hole  186  exist in easily recognizable places spaced apart from each other, whether as viewed from the side of the upper case  152  or as viewed from the side of the lower case  150 . Therefore, when the user puts the tape printing device  1  in front of him/herself and holds the tape cartridge  100  in the hand, looking at the cartridge loading section  5 , these through-holes function as landmarks that enable easy recognition of the front and back of the tape cartridge  100  (the spline groove  244  is different in appearance from a simple hole and therefore can be easily identified) and its forward-rear and left-right directions. Thus, the tape cartridge  100  can be directed in the correct direction and thus loaded in the cartridge loading section  5 . 
     Also, the tape cartridge  100  has a pair of finger hook protrusions  304  (parts to be gripped) on both left and right lateral surfaces (surface opposite to each other that can be gripped) of the cartridge case  130 , thus making it less slippery for fingers at the time of gripping operation, and enabling secure gripping. The pair of finger hook protrusions  304  is formed integrally with the left and right outer surfaces of the lower peripheral wall portion  162  of the lower case  150 . 
     However, the finger hook protrusions  304  are not necessarily required. Parts of the upper peripheral wall portion  158  of the tape cartridge  100  that are opposite the above recess portions  16  continuing from both left and right sides of the cartridge loading section  5  of the tape printing device  1  can be directly utilized as the parts to be gripped. In that case, the design is simplified, though the gripping power at the time of gripping is slightly lower. 
     As described above, the front and back, and the forward-rear and left-right directions of the tape cartridge  100  can be recognized, using the first through-hole  184  and the second through-hole  186 , and the upper bearing portion  232  and the lower bearing portion  234  (annular engagement portion  302  with the spline groove  244  formed therein) of the platen roller  120 , as landmarks. Therefore, when loading the tape cartridge  100  in the cartridge loading section  5  of the tape printing device  1 , the positions on the upper peripheral wall portion  158  of the tape cartridge  100  corresponding to the above left and right recess portions  16  are necessarily used as gripping portions, irrespective of the presence/absence of the finger hood protrusions  304 . 
     In the tape cartridge  100  configured as above, the portion to be guided  182  is arranged at a distal site of the cartridge case  130  that is the farthest from the platen roller  120  across an imaginary line L 1  connecting the pair of finger hook protrusions  304 , as viewed in a plan view (as viewed from the loading/unloading direction), as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Then, the distance between the portion to be guided  182  and the finger hook protrusion  304  corresponding to the gripping portion on the right side in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  (the gripping portion that is more distance from the platen roller  120 ) is shorter than the distance between the portion to be guided  182  and the finger hook protrusion  304  corresponding to the gripping portion on the left side in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  (the gripping portion that is closer to the platen roller  120 ). 
     Meanwhile, since the pair of finger hook protrusions  304  and the two recess portions  16  correspond to each other, the above positional relation, when viewed from the side of the tape printing device  1  (the side of the cartridge loading section  5 ), is described as follows. That is, the guide pin  50  is arranged at a position corresponding to a distal site of the cartridge case  130  that is the farthest from the platen support shaft  48  across the imaginary line L 1  connecting the two recess portions  16 , as viewed in a plan view (as viewed from the loading/unloading direction). Then, the distance between the guide pin  50  and the recess portion  16  corresponding to the gripping portion on the right side in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  (the recess portion  165  that is farther from the platen roller  120 ) is shorter than the distance between the guide pin  50  and the recess portion  16  corresponding to the gripping portion on the left side in  FIG. 8  and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  (the recess portion  16  that is closer to the platen roller  120 ). 
     With such positional relations, a tilt in the posture of the tape cartridge  100  or imbalance in the forces applied is less likely to occur when loading or unloading the tape cartridge  100  in and from the cartridge loading section  5  of the tape printing device  1  while two finger hook protrusions  304  (parts to be gripped) are held by fingers. Also, smooth loading and unloading without any pull is made possible. At the same time, since the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182  exist visibly at positions spaced apart from each other, there is no concern about mistaking the direction of loading the tape cartridge  100 . 
     Also, the platen support shaft  48  (platen drive shaft  45 ) and the guide pin  50  of the cartridge loading section  5  are arranged, corresponding to the arrangement positions of the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182 , respectively. Then, positional errors between the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182 , and the platen support shaft  48  and the guide pin  50 , in the manufacturing, are absorbed by the axial supporting of the platen roller  120  with a margin in the cartridge case  130 . 
     Structures Around Platen Drive Shaft and Guide Pin (Second Embodiment) 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 11 , the structures around the platen drive shaft  45  and the guide pin  50  according to a second embodiment will be described in detail along with the structures of the portion to be guided  182  and the platen roller  120  of the tape cartridge  100 . Also, in the second embodiment, different parts from the first embodiment will be mainly described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the portion to be guided  182  of the tape cartridge  100  in the second embodiment is provided in a recessed manner as a groove on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case  130 . Specifically, the portion to be guided  182  is formed by making the upper peripheral wall portion  158  of the lower case  150  and the lower peripheral wall portion  162  of the lower case  150  concavely in a substantially hemispherical shape toward the platen roller  120 . In terms of an imaginary line L 2  connecting the platen roller  120  and this portion to be guided  182 , this portion to be guided  182  as a groove provided in a recessed manner in a direction such that there is a wall at a position intersecting the imaginary line L 2 . Therefore, this wall effectively provides guidance at the time of loading and unloading. 
     Also in this case, the portion to be guided  182  is arranged at a distal site of the cartridge case  130  that is the farthest from the platen roller  120  across the imaginary line L 1  connecting the pair of finger hook protrusions  304 . Also, the platen support shaft  48  (platen drive shaft  45 ) and guide pin of the cartridge loading section  5  are arranged, corresponding to the arrangement positions of the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182 . 
     As described above, since the portion to be guided  182  is arranged at the distal site of the cartridge case  130  that is the farthest from the platen roller  120  across the imaginary line L 1  connecting the pair of finger hook protrusions  304 , the tape cartridge  100  can be gripped at the two finger hook protrusions  304  in the correct direction, using the platen roller  120  and the portion to be guided  182  as landmarks. 
     Also, when loading and unloading the tape cartridge  100  in and from the cartridge loading section  5  of the tape printing device  1 , the forces applied to the tape cartridge  100  via the pair of finger hook protrusions  304  act relatively evenly on the portion to be guided  182  and the platen roller  120 . Therefore, a tilt in the posture of the tape cartridge  100  or imbalance in the forces applied is less likely to occur, thus enabling smooth loading and unloading without any pull. That is, in loading and unloading with the direction of the tape cartridge corrected, the loading/unloading forces can be made to act evenly on the portion to be guided  182  and the platen roller  120  with large frictional resistance. Therefore, the tape cartridge  100  does not tilt and the tape cartridge  100  can be smoothly loaded in and unloaded from the cartridge loading section  5 . 
     Also, since the portion to be guided  182  is arranged, sufficiently spaced apart from the platen roller  120 , the loading force and pull-out force are less likely to be lopsided, and the tape cartridge  100  can be smoothly loaded in and unloaded from the cartridge loading section  5  in this respect as well. While the guide pin  50  and the portion to be guided  182  in the embodiment have a circular cross section, these components may have a semicircular cross section, polygonal cross section and the like. Also, if a feed roller is provided separately from the platen roller  120  (platen) or instead of the platen roller  120 , the support shaft of the feed roller may be made to function as a loading/unloading guide, instead of the platen support shaft  48 .