Patent Description:
As disclosed in Patent Document <NUM>, there has been known a ribbon cassette that is installed in a printing device including a cassette installation part in which a tape cassette is installed and a ribbon installation part in which the ribbon cassette is installed. A further example of a cassette used with a printing device is described in Patent Document <NUM>.

A printing device disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> includes the two printing units of a tape printing unit and a tube printing unit. Therefore, the printing device is upsized, and its manufacturing cost is increased. The inventor of the present invention has hit upon the idea of making a part of a first cartridge installation part and a part of a second cartridge installation part common in a printing device including the first cartridge installation part in which a first ribbon cartridge is installed and a second cartridge installation part in which a second ribbon cartridge having a greater ribbon accommodation amount than that of the first ribbon cartridge is installed. In such a printing device, a first winding shaft that is inserted into a first winding core accommodated in the first ribbon cartridge is provided in an overlap region in which the first cartridge installation part and the second cartridge installation part overlap each other. In addition, a winding-side cylinder part that guides a second ink ribbon and into which the first winding shaft is inserted so as to be prevented from interfering with the second cartridge installation part when the second ribbon cartridge is installed in the second cartridge installation part is provided in the second ribbon cartridge. Further, a ribbon guide is provided on the downstream side of the winding-side cylinder part in the paying-out direction of the second ink ribbon. According to the configuration, the second ink ribbon is fed along a guide imaginary line connecting the winding-side cylinder part and a ribbon guide to each other. However, a further improvement is needed to downsize the second ribbon cartridge.

The present invention has an object of optimizing a ribbon conveyance path and providing a downsized ribbon cartridge.

A ribbon cartridge of the present invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

Hereinafter, a ribbon cartridge <NUM> that is an embodiment of the "second ribbon cartridge" of the present invention will be described together with a tape printing device P in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed with reference to the accompanying drawings. The tape printing device P is an example of the "printing device" of the present invention. Note that the following drawings show an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system to make the arrangement relationships between respective parts clear but the present invention is not limited to the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system in any way as a matter of course.

The tape printing device P will be described on the basis of <FIG>. In the tape printing device P, a tape cartridge <NUM>, a ribbon cartridge <NUM>, and a tape guide <NUM> are detachably installed. In the tape cartridge <NUM>, a first tape <NUM> and a first ink ribbon <NUM> are accommodated. The tape cartridge <NUM> is an example of the "first ribbon cartridge" of the present invention. In the ribbon cartridge <NUM>, a second ink ribbon <NUM> is accommodated. The ribbon cartridge <NUM> is an example of the "second ribbon cartridge" of the present invention. Further, a tape introduction port <NUM> for introducing a second tape <NUM> from the outside of the tape printing device P is provided in the tape printing device P. The tape guide <NUM> guides the second tape <NUM> introduced from the tape introduction port <NUM>. The tape printing device P can perform first tape printing to perform printing on the first tape <NUM> in a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed as shown in <FIG> and second tape printing to perform printing on the second tape <NUM> in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> and the tape guide <NUM> are installed as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The tape printing device P includes a device case <NUM>, an installation-part cover <NUM>, a first cartridge installation part <NUM>, and a second cartridge installation part <NUM>. The device case <NUM> is formed into a substantially rectangular shape. In the device case <NUM>, a tape ejection port <NUM> is provided on a surface on its -X side, and the tape introduction port <NUM> is provided on a surface on its +X side. From the tape ejection port <NUM>, the first tape <NUM> that has been printed or the second tape <NUM> that has been printed is ejected. The second tape <NUM> is introduced into the tape introduction port <NUM> from the outside of the tape printing device P.

The installation-part cover <NUM> is provided on the device case <NUM> so as to be rotatable about the end on its +Y side. The installation-part cover <NUM> opens and closes the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM>. The installation-part cover <NUM> is locked in a closed state by a cover lock mechanism (not shown). Then, when a cover open button (not shown) is pressed, the cover lock mechanism is brought into an unlocked state, whereby the installation-part cover <NUM> is opened.

On the inside surface of the installation-part cover <NUM>, a first pressing protrusion <NUM>, a second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and a third pressing protrusion <NUM> are provided in a protruded state. When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first pressing protrusion <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the third pressing protrusion <NUM> are butted against the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. For this reason, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in a state of being pressed by the first pressing protrusion <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the third pressing protrusion <NUM>.

On the outside surface of the installation-part cover <NUM>, a keyboard and a display are provided although not shown. The keyboard receives operations to input printing information such as character strings and issue various instructions such as performing printing. The display displays various information besides printing information input via the keyboard. When the keyboard receives an input operation to perform printing, the tape printing device P performs printing processing on the basis of printing information input via the keyboard. Note that the tape printing device P may be configured to include input display means such as a touch panel type display instead of the keyboard and the display. Further, the tape printing device P may be configured to perform printing processing on the basis of printing data and a command that are received from an external device such as a personal computer and a smart phone. When the tape printing device P is configured to be connectable to such an external device, the keyboard and the display may or may not be provided in the tape printing device P.

The first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> are provided in the +Z side surface of the device case <NUM>. In the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the tape cartridge <NUM> is detachably installed. In the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is detachably installed. The first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> are formed into a recessed shape having an opening on their +Z side. For this reason, the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> are installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively, from the +Z side. Note that the installation direction of the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be simply called an "installation direction" below. Further, a front side in the installation direction represents the +Z side, and a back side in the installation direction represents a -Z side.

As shown in <FIG>, the -Y side portion of the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the -X side portion of the second cartridge installation part <NUM> are made common. Here, a portion at which the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> overlap each other is called an overlap region <NUM>. Further, a portion outside the overlap region <NUM> in the first cartridge installation part <NUM> is called a first non-overlap region <NUM>, and a portion outside the overlap region <NUM> in the second cartridge installation part <NUM> is called a second non-overlap region <NUM>. The first non-overlap region <NUM> functions as a guide installation part in which the tape guide <NUM> is detachably installed. As described above, a part of the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and a part of the second cartridge installation part <NUM> are made common, whereby the tape printing device P can be further downsized in comparison with a configuration in which the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> are separately provided.

As shown in <FIG>, the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM> when the first tape printing is performed. In this state, the tape printing device P performs printing on the first tape <NUM> while feeding the first tape <NUM> and the first ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the tape cartridge <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tape guide <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM> when the second tape printing is performed. In this state, the tape printing device P performs printing on the second tape <NUM> while feeding the second tape <NUM> introduced from the tape introduction port <NUM> and the second ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

Note that the second tape <NUM> is provided as, for example, a tape roll wound in a roll shape. The length of the second tape <NUM> in a tape roll that is in an unused state and the length of the second ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the ribbon cartridge <NUM> are not particularly limited but are longer than the length of the first tape <NUM> and the length of the first ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the tape cartridge <NUM> that is in an unused state, respectively, in the present embodiment. For this reason, the second tape printing is performed, for example, when a large amount of labels are created at once.

The tape cartridge <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The tape cartridge <NUM> includes a tape core <NUM>, a first platen roller <NUM>, a first paying-out core <NUM>, a first winding core <NUM>, and a first cartridge case <NUM> that rotatably accommodates the tape core <NUM>, the first platen roller <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM>. The first tape <NUM> is wound on the tape core <NUM>. The first ink ribbon <NUM> is wound on the first paying-out core <NUM> with its ink-coated surface directed inward. Note that the first cartridge case <NUM> includes a plurality of types having different thicknesses, i.e., different sizes in the installation direction depending on the widths of the accommodated first tape <NUM> and the first ink ribbon <NUM>.

The first cartridge case <NUM> is formed into a substantially "L-shape" when seen from the front side in the installation direction. In a substantially half part on the +Y side of the first cartridge case <NUM>, a tape core accommodation part <NUM> is provided. In the tape core accommodation part <NUM>, the tape core <NUM> is rotatably accommodated.

In a substantially half part on the -Y side of the first cartridge case <NUM>, a first ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> and a first head insertion part (not shown) are provided on a +X side and a -X side, respectively. In the first ribbon core accommodation part <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM> and the first winding core <NUM> are rotatably accommodated. The first head insertion part, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to a thermal head <NUM>, a first paying-out shaft <NUM>, and a first winding shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided in the overlap region <NUM>, respectively. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the thermal head <NUM> is inserted into the first head insertion part. At the peripheral edge part of the first head insertion part, a first ribbon exposed part (not shown) at which the first ink ribbon <NUM> is exposed is provided. The first ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the first paying-out core <NUM> is wound by the first winding core <NUM> after passing through the first ribbon exposed part.

On a surface on the -X side of the first cartridge case <NUM>, a tape delivery port <NUM> is provided. The first tape <NUM> that has been printed is fed to the outside of the first cartridge case <NUM> from the tape delivery port <NUM>. Further, first hook engagement parts are provided on a surface on the +X side and the surface on the -X side of the first cartridge case <NUM> although not shown.

The outline of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The ribbon cartridge <NUM> includes a second paying-out core <NUM>, a second winding core <NUM>, and a second cartridge case <NUM> that rotatably accommodates the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM>. The second ink ribbon <NUM> is wound on the second paying-out core <NUM> with its ink-coated surface directed inward. Hereinafter, the ink-coated surface of the second ink ribbon <NUM> will be called an ink surface 213a. Note that the second cartridge case <NUM> includes a plurality of types having different thicknesses depending on the width of the accommodated second ink ribbon <NUM>.

The second cartridge case <NUM> is formed into a substantially rectangular shape long in its X direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. A second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> is provided on the +X side of the second cartridge case <NUM>, and a second head insertion part <NUM> (see <FIG>) is provided on the -X side thereof. In the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM> are rotatably accommodated. The second head insertion part <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM>, and the second winding core <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the thermal head <NUM>, a second paying-out shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a second winding shaft <NUM>, respectively, the thermal head <NUM> being provided in the overlap region <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> being provided in the second non-overlap region <NUM>. The second ink ribbon <NUM> is wound on the second paying-out core <NUM>, and the second ink ribbon <NUM> is wound by the second winding core <NUM>. For this reason, the center of gravity of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is put at a position close to the side of the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> accommodating the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM>, that is, a position close to the +X side.

When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the thermal head <NUM> is inserted into the second head insertion part <NUM>. At the peripheral edge part of the second head insertion part <NUM>, a second ribbon exposed part <NUM> (see <FIG>) at which the second ink ribbon <NUM> is exposed is provided. The second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> is wound by the second winding core <NUM> after passing through the second ribbon exposed part <NUM>. Further, the second hook engagement parts <NUM> are provided on a surface on the -Y side, a surface on the +X side, and a surface on +Y side of the second cartridge case <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

The tape guide <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The tape guide <NUM> includes a roller support part <NUM> and a second platen roller <NUM>. The roller support part <NUM> rotatably supports the second platen roller <NUM>. Note that the tape guide <NUM> includes a plurality of types having different thicknesses depending on the width of the second tape <NUM> that is to be guided.

The first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. As described above, the first cartridge installation part <NUM> and the second cartridge installation part <NUM> can be classified into the overlap region <NUM>, the first non-overlap region <NUM>, and the second non-overlap region <NUM>.

On a bottom surface in the overlap region <NUM>, that is, on a back side surface in the installation direction in the overlap region <NUM>, the thermal head <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the first winding shaft <NUM> are provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The protrusion amount of the thermal head <NUM> to the front side in the installation direction is greater than those of the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM>. Note that a cutter is provided between the thermal head <NUM> and the tape ejection port <NUM> although not shown. The cutter cuts off the first tape <NUM> or the second tape <NUM> at the position between the thermal head <NUM> and the tape ejection port <NUM>.

The thermal head <NUM> is covered with a head cover <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the head cover <NUM> is inserted into the first head insertion part. Further, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the head cover <NUM> is inserted into the second head insertion part <NUM>.

A first paying-out rotation member <NUM> is rotatably provided on the first paying-out shaft <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> is inserted into the first paying-out core <NUM> and the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> engages the first paying-out core <NUM>. Further, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> is inserted into a paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

A first winding rotation member <NUM> is rotatably provided on the first winding shaft <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first winding shaft <NUM> is inserted into the first winding core <NUM> and the first winding rotation member <NUM> engages the first winding core <NUM>. Further, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first winding shaft <NUM> is inserted into a winding-side cylinder part <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

On a bottom surface in the first non-overlap region <NUM>, a platen shaft <NUM> and two first hooks <NUM> are provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction.

A platen rotation member <NUM> is rotatably provided on the platen shaft <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM> is inserted into the first platen roller <NUM> and the platen rotation member <NUM> engages the first platen roller <NUM>. Further, when the tape guide <NUM> is installed in the first non-overlap region <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM> is inserted into the second platen roller <NUM> and the platen rotation member <NUM> engages the second platen roller <NUM>.

The two first hooks <NUM> are provided at both ends in an X direction in the first non-overlap region <NUM> and engage the first hook engagement parts provided on the first cartridge case <NUM> when the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM>. As a result, the tape cartridge <NUM> is prevented from being installed in a state of floating from the bottom surface of the first cartridge installation part <NUM>.

On a bottom surface in the second non-overlap region <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM>, the second winding shaft <NUM>, three second hooks <NUM>, and a reception part <NUM> are provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. Further, a substrate connection part <NUM> is fixed to an inner peripheral surface on a -Y side in the second non-overlap region <NUM>.

A second paying-out rotation member <NUM> is rotatably provided on the second paying-out shaft <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM> is inserted into the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second paying-out rotation member <NUM> engages the second paying-out core <NUM>.

A second winding rotation member <NUM> is rotatably provided on the second winding shaft <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second winding shaft <NUM> is inserted into the second winding core <NUM> and the second winding rotation member <NUM> engages the second winding core <NUM>.

The three second hooks <NUM> are provided so as to surround the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second hooks <NUM> engage the second hook engagement parts <NUM> provided on the second cartridge case <NUM>.

The reception part <NUM> is provided at a position corresponding to a corner part on the +X side and the -Y side of the second cartridge installation part <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the reception part <NUM> is inserted into a reception insertion hole <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided on the second cartridge case <NUM>.

The substrate connection part <NUM> is provided at the end on a +X side on the inner peripheral surface on the -Y side of the second cartridge installation part <NUM>. That is, the substrate connection part <NUM> is provided on the -Y side of the reception part <NUM>. The substrate connection part <NUM> is connected to a control circuit (not shown) provided in the tape printing device P. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the substrate connection part <NUM> is connected to a circuit substrate <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. As a result, the control circuit can read various information stored in the circuit substrate <NUM> and also write various information in the circuit substrate <NUM>.

When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the first cartridge installation part <NUM> to perform the first tape printing in the tape printing device P configured as described above, the platen rotation member <NUM>, the first paying-out rotation member <NUM>, and the first winding rotation member <NUM> engage the first platen roller <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM>, respectively. Then, when the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed, the thermal head <NUM> is moved toward the platen shaft <NUM> by a head movement mechanism (not shown). As a result, the first ink ribbon <NUM> exposed at the first ribbon exposed part is sandwiched between the thermal head <NUM> and the first platen roller <NUM> together with the first tape <NUM>.

When a feeding motor (not shown) rotates in a forward direction in this state, the driving force of the feeding motor is transmitted to the platen rotation member <NUM>, the first winding rotation member <NUM>, and the second winding rotation member <NUM>. Then, the first platen roller <NUM> having engaged the platen rotation member <NUM> rotates clockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction, while the first winding core <NUM> having engaged the first winding rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction. As a result, the first tape <NUM> fed from the tape core <NUM> is fed toward the tape ejection port <NUM>, while the first ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the first paying-out core <NUM> is wound by the first winding core <NUM>. Note that the second winding rotation member <NUM> is brought into an idling state at this time.

When the feeding motor rotates in a reverse direction opposite to the forward direction, the driving force of the feeding motor is transmitted to the platen rotation member <NUM>, the first paying-out rotation member <NUM>, and the second paying-out rotation member <NUM>. Then, the first platen roller <NUM> having engaged the platen rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction, while the first paying-out core <NUM> having engaged the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction. As a result, the first tape <NUM> fed from the tape core <NUM> is fed toward the tape core <NUM>, while the first ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the first paying-out core <NUM> is rewound by the first paying-out core <NUM>. Note that the second paying-out rotation member <NUM> is brought into an idling state at this time.

During the first tape printing, the tape printing device P causes the feeding motor to rotate in the forward direction to feed the first tape <NUM> toward the tape ejection port <NUM>, and causes the thermal head <NUM> to generate heat while winding the first ink ribbon <NUM> on the first winding core <NUM> to perform printing on the first tape <NUM>. After the end of the printing, the tape printing device P causes the cutter to perform a cutting operation to cut off a printed portion of the first tape <NUM>. After that, the tape printing device P causes the feeding motor to rotate in the reverse direction to feed the first tape <NUM> toward the tape core <NUM> and rewind the first ink ribbon <NUM> on the first paying-out core <NUM>. As a result, the first tape <NUM> is pulled back until the tip end of the first tape <NUM> comes close to the vicinity of the sandwiched position between the thermal head <NUM> and the first platen roller <NUM>, that is, the vicinity of a printing position. For this reason, a margin caused at the front of the first tape <NUM> in the longitudinal direction due to the distance between the thermal head <NUM> and the cutter can be reduced in the first tape <NUM> that is to be next printed.

On the other hand, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM> to perform the second tape printing, the second paying-out rotation member <NUM> and the second winding rotation member <NUM> engage the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM>, respectively. In addition, when the tape guide <NUM> is installed in the first non-overlap region <NUM>, the platen rotation member <NUM> engages the second platen roller <NUM>. Further, the second tape <NUM> introduced from the tape introduction port <NUM> is set in the tape guide <NUM>. Then, when the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed, the thermal head <NUM> moves toward the platen shaft <NUM>. As a result, the second ink ribbon <NUM> exposed at the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> is sandwiched between the thermal head <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM> together with the second tape <NUM>.

When the feeding motor rotates in the forward direction in this state, the driving force of the feeding motor is transmitted to the platen rotation member <NUM>, the first winding rotation member <NUM>, and the second winding rotation member <NUM>. Then, the second platen roller <NUM> having engaged the platen rotation member <NUM> rotates clockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction, while the second winding core <NUM> having engaged the second winding rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction. As a result, the second tape <NUM> introduced from the tape introduction port <NUM> is fed toward the tape ejection port <NUM>, while the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> is wound by the second winding core <NUM>. Note that the first winding rotation member <NUM> is brought into an idling state at this time.

When the feeding motor rotates in the reverse direction, the driving force of the feeding motor is transmitted to the platen rotation member <NUM>, the first paying-out rotation member <NUM>, and the second paying-out rotation member <NUM>. Then, the second platen roller <NUM> having engaged the platen rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction, while the second paying-out core <NUM> having engaged the second paying-out rotation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise when seen from the front side in the installation direction. As a result, the second tape <NUM> introduced from the tape introduction port <NUM> is fed toward the tape introduction port <NUM>, while the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> is rewound by the second paying-out core <NUM>. Note that the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> is brought into an idling state at this time.

During the second tape printing, the tape printing device P causes the feeding motor to rotate in the forward direction like the case of the first tape printing to feed the second tape <NUM> toward the tape ejection port <NUM>, and causes the thermal head <NUM> to generate heat while winding the second ink ribbon <NUM> on the second winding core <NUM> to perform printing on the second tape <NUM>. After the end of the printing, the tape printing device P causes the cutter to perform a cutting operation to cut off a printed portion of the second tape <NUM>. After that, the tape printing device P causes the feeding motor to rotate in the reverse direction to rewind the second ink ribbon <NUM> on the second paying-out core <NUM> while feeding the second tape <NUM> toward the tape introduction port <NUM>. As a result, the second tape <NUM> is pulled back until the tip end of the second tape <NUM> comes close to the vicinity of the sandwiched position between the thermal head <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM>, that is, the vicinity of a printing position. For this reason, a margin caused at the front of the second tape <NUM> in the longitudinal direction due to the distance between the thermal head <NUM> and the cutter can be reduced in the second tape <NUM> that is to be next printed.

The ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be further described on the basis of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the second cartridge case <NUM> includes a front-side case <NUM> and a back-side case <NUM>. The front-side case <NUM> and the back-side case <NUM> are an example of the "first case" and an example of the "second case" of the present invention, respectively. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the front-side case <NUM> is arranged on the front side in the installation direction. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the back-side case <NUM> is arranged on the back side in the installation direction. The front-side case <NUM> is a resin molded article having translucency, and the back-side case <NUM> is a resin molded article having no translucency. However, the materials or manufacturing methods of the front-side case <NUM> and the back-side case <NUM> are not limited to this.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a grabbing part <NUM> for grabbing the second cartridge case <NUM> is provided at a position close to the +X side of the second cartridge case <NUM> on the front-side case <NUM>. As described above, the center of gravity of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is put at a position close to the +X side since the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> in which the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM> are accommodated is provided at a position close to the +X side of the second cartridge case. For this reason, a user can grab a portion close to the +X side at which the center of gravity of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is put by using the grabbing part <NUM> provided at the position close to the +X side of the front-side case <NUM>. Accordingly, the user can stably grab the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

The front-side case <NUM> includes a front-side wall part <NUM> and a first peripheral wall part <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the front-side wall part <NUM> is arranged on the front side in the installation direction. On the front-side wall part <NUM>, a front-side paying-out boss <NUM> and a front-side winding opening <NUM> are provided. The front-side paying-out boss <NUM> and the front-side winding opening <NUM> are provided in a second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM>. The front-side paying-out boss <NUM> and the front-side winding opening <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> provided in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. The front-side paying-out boss <NUM> protrudes to the back side in the installation direction from the inner surface of the front-side wall part <NUM> and engages the end on the front side of the second paying-out core <NUM> in the installation direction. The front-side winding opening <NUM> engages the end on the front side of the second winding core <NUM> in the installation direction.

The first peripheral wall part <NUM> extends to the back side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the front-side wall part <NUM>. The first peripheral wall part <NUM> includes a front-side first wall part <NUM> positioned on its -X side, a front -side second wall part <NUM> positioned on its -Y side, a front-side third wall part <NUM> positioned on its +X side, and a front-side fourth wall part <NUM> positioned on its +Y side. At a position at which the front-side first wall part <NUM> and the front-side fourth wall part <NUM> cross each other, the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> at which the second ink ribbon <NUM> is exposed is provided.

As shown in <FIG>, a second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is provided at the substantially middle part of the front-side second wall part <NUM> in the X direction. The second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is formed into a shape recessed in a substantially rectangular shape slightly long in the X direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. In the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, the front-side second wall part <NUM> is entirely recessed in the installation direction.

At the end on the +X side of the front-side second wall part <NUM>, a fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is provided. The fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is formed into a shape recessed in a substantially rectangular shape long in the X direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. In the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, the front-side second wall part <NUM> is substantially entirely recessed in the installation direction like the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>. In a region on the +X side of the front-side second wall part <NUM>, a substrate coming-off prevention part <NUM> is provided to protrude on an end surface on the back side in the installation direction. The substrate coming-off prevention part <NUM> prevents the circuit substrate <NUM> attached to a substrate attachment part <NUM> provided in the back-side case <NUM> from coming off the substrate attachment part <NUM>.

Note that a first flat part <NUM> positioned on a side closer to the -X side than the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> and a second flat part <NUM> positioned between the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> and the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> are substantially flush with each other in the front-side second wall part <NUM>. In the case of a configuration in which the second flat part <NUM> is not provided and the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> and the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> are connected to each other, there is a likelihood that, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is placed on a placement surface such as a desk with the front-side second wall part <NUM> directed downward, the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> positioned on the side of the center of gravity of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is butted against the placement surface and the first flat part <NUM> obliquely floats with respect to the placement surface. In this case, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is placed in a state of easily rattling with respect to the placement surface. On the other hand, the second flat part <NUM> is provided in the present embodiment, and thus the second flat part <NUM> is butted against the placement surface when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is placed on the placement surface with the front-side second wall part <NUM> directed downward. Therefore, the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is prevented from being butted against the placement surface, and the first flat part <NUM> is prevented from obliquely floating with respect to the placement surface. For this reason, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> can be placed on the placement surface in a secured state.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a third peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is provided at the end on the -Y side of the front-side third wall part <NUM>. The third peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is formed into a shape recessed in a substantially rectangular shape long in a Y direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The end on the -Y side of the third peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is connected to the end on the +X side of the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>. In the third peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, the front-side third wall part <NUM> is recessed with its end on the back side in the installation direction left.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the front-side fourth wall part <NUM> includes a front-side first portion wall part <NUM>, a front-side second portion wall part <NUM>, and a front-side third portion wall part <NUM>. The front-side first portion wall part <NUM> extends to the -X side from the end of the front-side third wall part <NUM> on the +Y side. The front-side second portion wall part <NUM> extends from the end of the front-side first portion wall part <NUM> on the -X side, bending in an oblique direction between the -X side and the -Y side. The front-side third portion wall part <NUM> extends from the end of the front-side second portion wall part <NUM> on the -X side, bending at an angle nearly parallel to the X direction than the front-side second portion wall part <NUM>.

On the front-side first portion wall part <NUM>, a first peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is provided. The first peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is formed into a shape recessed in a substantially trapezoidal shape which is long in the Y direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. In the first peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, the front-side fourth wall part <NUM> is recessed with its end on the back side in the installation direction left like the third peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the back-side case <NUM> includes a back-side wall part <NUM> and a second peripheral wall part <NUM>. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the back-side wall part <NUM> is arranged on the back side in the installation direction. The back-side wall part <NUM> faces the front-side wall part <NUM> of the front-side case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a back-side paying-out opening <NUM>, a back-side winding opening <NUM>, a paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, a winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, a first ribbon guide <NUM>, a second ribbon guide <NUM>, and a reception insertion part <NUM> are provided on the back-side wall part <NUM>.

The back-side paying-out opening <NUM> and the back-side winding opening <NUM> are provided in the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM>. The back-side paying-out opening <NUM> and the back-side winding opening <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> provided in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. The back-side paying-out opening <NUM> engages the end of the second paying-out core <NUM> on the back side in the installation direction. The back-side winding opening <NUM> engages the end of the second winding core <NUM> on the back side in the installation direction. Hereinafter, the feeding direction of the second ink ribbon <NUM> will be simply called a "feeding direction. " Further, in the feeding direction, an upstream side represents the side of the second paying-out core <NUM>, and a downstream side represents the side of the second winding core <NUM>.

The paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> are positioned between the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> and the second head insertion part <NUM> and provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction from the back-side wall part <NUM>. The paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM> provided in the overlap region <NUM>, respectively.

The paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape with a lid. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> provided in the overlap region <NUM> is inserted into the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. As a result, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> is prevented from interfering with the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. The paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> has an inner diameter to such an extent that a gap is generated between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> provided on the first paying-out shaft <NUM>. For this reason, even when the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> rotates, the first paying-out rotation member <NUM> does not slide against the inner peripheral surface of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. Note that a press-fitting hole <NUM> into which a press-fitting pin (not shown) provided on the front-side case <NUM> is press-fitted is provided on the front side of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> in the installation direction.

Further, the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is positioned on the downstream side of the second paying-out core <NUM> in the feeding direction and guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> to the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> by causing the same to contact a part on the +Y side of its peripheral surface. That is, the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> into which the first paying-out shaft <NUM> is inserted can also function as a guide member that guides the second ink ribbon <NUM>. Note that the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> may be constituted by a cylinder part provided on the front-side case <NUM> and a cylinder part provided on the back-side case <NUM>. However, in the present embodiment, the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is provided on one of the front-side case <NUM> and the back-side case <NUM>, that is, only on the back-side case <NUM>. For this reason, the second ink ribbon <NUM> can be properly guided without causing a stepped part on the peripheral surface of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. Further, the shape of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is not limited to a cylindrical shape but may be, for example, an elliptic cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, or a square tube shape.

The winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first winding shaft <NUM> provided in the overlap region <NUM> is inserted into the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. As a result, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first winding shaft <NUM> is prevented from interfering with the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. The winding-side cylinder part <NUM> has an inner diameter to such an extent that a gap is generated between the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the first winding rotation member <NUM> provided at the first winding shaft <NUM>. For this reason, even when the first winding rotation member <NUM> rotates, the first winding rotation member <NUM> does not slide against the inner peripheral surface of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>.

Further, the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is positioned on the downstream side of the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> in the feeding direction and guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> to the second winding core <NUM> by causing the same to contact a part on the -Y side of its peripheral surface. That is, the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> into which the first winding shaft <NUM> is inserted can also function as a guide member that guides the second ink ribbon <NUM>. Note that the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> may be constituted by a cylinder part provided on the front-side case <NUM> and a cylinder part provided on the back-side case <NUM>. However, in the present embodiment, the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is provided on one of the front-side case <NUM> and the back-side case <NUM>, that is, only on the back-side case <NUM>. For this reason, the second ink ribbon <NUM> can be properly guided without causing a stepped part on the peripheral surface of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. Further, like the shape of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, the shape of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is not limited to a cylindrical shape but may be, for example, an elliptic cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, or a square tube shape.

The first ribbon guide <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at a position closer to the downstream side of the second ink ribbon <NUM> in the feeding direction than the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. The first ribbon guide <NUM> is formed to be integrated with the back-side wall part <NUM>. The first ribbon guide <NUM> includes a first guide body <NUM> and two first guide ribs <NUM>. The first guide body <NUM> is formed into a substantially columnar shape, contacts the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM>, and guides the second ink ribbon <NUM>. The two first guide ribs <NUM> protrude to the +X side and the -Y side from the peripheral surface of the first guide body <NUM>. The first guide ribs <NUM> prevent the first guide body <NUM> from being inclined due to a pressure received from the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed in an appropriately tensed state.

The second ribbon guide <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at a position closer to the downstream side in the feeding direction than the first ribbon guide <NUM>. The second ribbon guide <NUM> is formed to be integrated with the back-side wall part <NUM>. Like the first ribbon guide <NUM>, the second ribbon guide <NUM> includes a second guide body <NUM> and two second guide ribs <NUM>. The second guide body <NUM> is formed into a substantially columnar shape, contacts a surface on a side opposite to the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM>, and guides the second ink ribbon <NUM>. The two second guide ribs <NUM> protrude to the -X side and the +Y side from the peripheral surface of the second guide body <NUM>. The second guide ribs <NUM> prevent the second guide body <NUM> from being inclined due to a pressure received from the second ink ribbon <NUM>.

The reception insertion part <NUM> is positioned at a corner on the +X side and the -Y side of the back-side wall part <NUM> and provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. In the reception insertion part <NUM>, the reception insertion hole <NUM> is provided to penetrate in the installation direction. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the reception part <NUM> is inserted into the reception insertion hole <NUM>.

The second peripheral wall part <NUM> extends to the front side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the back-side wall part <NUM>. The end surface on the front side of the second peripheral wall part <NUM> in the installation direction is in contact with the end surface on the back side of the first peripheral wall part <NUM> of the front-side case <NUM> in the installation direction. The second peripheral wall part <NUM> includes a back-side first wall part <NUM> positioned on the -X side, a back-side second wall part <NUM> positioned on the -Y side, a back-side third wall part <NUM> positioned on the +X side, and a back-side fourth wall part <NUM> positioned on the +Y side. At a position at which the back-side first wall part <NUM> and the back-side fourth wall part <NUM> cross each other, the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> is provided.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a back-side peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is provided at the end of the back-side second wall part <NUM> on the +X side so as to correspond to the above fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>. Like the fourth peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, the back-side peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> is formed into a shape recessed in a substantially rectangular shape long in the X direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. In the region of the back-side peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> on the +X side and the +Y side, the substrate attachment part <NUM> is provided. The circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the substrate attachment part <NUM>. The circuit substrate <NUM> includes a storage element. In the storage element, information such as the width of the second ink ribbon <NUM> and the remaining amount of the second ink ribbon <NUM> wound on the second paying-out core <NUM> is stored. Further, since the substrate attachment part <NUM> is provided in the region of the back-side peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> on the +X side and the +Y side, the circuit substrate <NUM> attached to the substrate attachment part <NUM> is prevented from being butted against a floor surface or the like even in, for example, a case in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is dropped by mistake. As a result, the circuit substrate <NUM> can be prevented from being scratched or stained.

At the substantially middle part of the back-side second wall part <NUM> in the X direction, that is, a position corresponding to the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM>, a peripheral wall protrusion part <NUM> protruding to the front side in the installation direction from the end surface on the front side in the installation direction is provided. The peripheral wall protrusion part <NUM> is inserted into the second peripheral wall recessed part <NUM> from the back side in the installation direction.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the back-side fourth wall part <NUM> includes a back-side first portion wall part <NUM>, a back-side second portion wall part <NUM>, and a back-side third portion wall part <NUM>. The back-side first portion wall part <NUM> extends to the -X side from the end of the back-side third wall part <NUM> on the +Y side. The back-side second portion wall part <NUM> extends from the end of the back-side first portion wall part <NUM> on the -X side, bending in an oblique direction between the -X side and the -Y side. The back-side third portion wall part <NUM> extends from the end of the back-side second portion wall part <NUM> on the -X side, bending at an angle nearly parallel to the X direction than the back-side second portion wall part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second hook engagement parts <NUM> are provided on the back-side second wall part <NUM>, the back-side third wall part <NUM>, and the back-side second portion wall part <NUM>. That is, the three second hook engagement parts <NUM> are provided at the peripheral edge part of the second ribbon core accommodation part <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second hooks <NUM> engage the second hook engagement parts <NUM>. As a result, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is prevented from being installed in a state of floating from the bottom surface of the second cartridge installation part <NUM>.

Configurations around the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> will be further described on the basis of <FIG> and <FIG>. Here, a guide imaginary line <NUM> connecting the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the second ribbon guide <NUM> to each other when seen from the front side in the installation direction is assumed. More specifically, the guide imaginary line <NUM> is an imaginary line connecting the spot of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> with which the second ink ribbon <NUM> comes into contact and the spot of the second ribbon guide <NUM> with which the second ink ribbon <NUM> comes into contact to each other when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The first ribbon guide <NUM> is provided on the inner side of the second ribbon cartridge <NUM> with respect to the guide imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. For this reason, the second ink ribbon <NUM> is fed on the inner side of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> with respect to the guide imaginary line <NUM> between the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the second ribbon guide <NUM>.

Further, an inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> connecting the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> to each other when seen from the front side in the installation direction is assumed. More specifically, the inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> is an imaginary line connecting the center of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the center of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> to each other when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> to the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> passes through one side of the inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> to the second winding core <NUM> passes through the other side of the inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The first ribbon guide <NUM> is provided on the downstream side of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> in the feeding direction of the second ink ribbon <NUM> so as to face a closing part <NUM> that will be described later.

Between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, the closing part <NUM> that closes the space between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is provided. The closing part <NUM> is formed to be integrated with the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> over a substantially entire region from the back side in the installation direction to the front side in the installation direction so as to overlap the inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The closing part <NUM> is only required to be capable of closing the space between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, may not overlap the inter-cylinder imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction, or may be constituted by a material different from those of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. In addition, a cylinder protrusion part <NUM> protruding from the peripheral surface toward the second ink ribbon <NUM> on the downstream side of the first ribbon guide <NUM> in the feeding direction is provided on the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. The cylinder protrusion part <NUM> extends in the axial direction of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and is provided over the substantially entire region of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> in the axial direction. Further, the cylinder protrusion part <NUM> is preferably formed to have a protrusion amount to a greater extent within a range in which the cylinder protrusion part <NUM> does not contact the second ink ribbon <NUM>.

As described above, the first guide body <NUM> of the first ribbon guide <NUM> is in contact with the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM>. For this reason, there is a likelihood that a residue is generated from the second ink ribbon <NUM> due to the friction between the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM> and the peripheral surface of the first guide body <NUM> when the second ink ribbon <NUM> is fed. When the generated residue of the ribbon is scattered inside the second cartridge case <NUM>, the residue of the ribbon adheres to the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> to the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> and then adheres to the thermal head <NUM>. As a result, there is a likelihood that a printing failure such as blurring and streaking occurs in a printed image.

In order to address this, the closing part <NUM> is provided between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, whereby a residue of the ribbon can be prevented from passing through between the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and adhering to the second ink ribbon <NUM> in the present embodiment. Further, the cylinder protrusion part <NUM> is provided on the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, whereby a residue of the ribbon can be prevented from adhering to the second ink ribbon <NUM> from the +X side of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. In other words, the first ribbon guide <NUM> that is in contact with the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM> is surrounded by the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, the closing part <NUM>, the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, and the cylinder protrusion part <NUM>, whereby a catching region for catching a residue of the ribbon generated at the first ribbon guide <NUM> can be formed. As a result, the occurrence of a printing failure such as blurring and streaking can be prevented. Note that the height, that is, the size of the closing part <NUM> in the installation direction is substantially the same as the height of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> or the height of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> but is not limited to the height. That is, the height of the closing part <NUM> may be lower or higher than the height of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> or the height of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a paying-out-side inclination part <NUM> and a paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> on the peripheral surface of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. That is, in <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion expressed by relatively thicker lines, specifically, the double lines of a contour line expressing the end on the front side of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> in the installation direction and a contour line expressing the end on the back side in the installation direction among the contour lines of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is the paying-out-side inclination part <NUM>, and a portion expressed by a relatively thinner line among the contour lines of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> is the paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM>.

The paying-out-side inclination part <NUM> is inclined to the central side of the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> with respect to the back-side wall part <NUM> toward the front side in the installation direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>. That is, an inclination angle at which the paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM> is inclined with respect to an angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM> is smaller than an inclination angle at which the paying-out-side inclination part <NUM> is inclined with respect to the angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>. Note that the inclination angle of the paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM> may be zero. That is, the paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM> is not inclined with respect to the angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM> or may be perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>. Note that the back-side wall part <NUM> is an example of the "cylinder protrusion wall part" of the present invention.

The paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at the paying-out-side perpendicular part <NUM>. For this reason, the second ink ribbon <NUM> is guided so as to be fed in a state in which the width direction of the second ink ribbon <NUM> becomes substantially parallel to the rotation shaft of the second paying-out core <NUM> between the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second ribbon exposed part <NUM>. As a result, the occurrence of wrinkles in the second ink ribbon <NUM> can be prevented. Further, since the paying-out-side inclination part <NUM> is provided on the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, the back-side case <NUM> can be properly die-cut during its molding.

Like the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>, a winding-side inclination part <NUM> and a winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> on the peripheral surface of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. That is, in <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion expressed by relatively thicker lines, specifically, the double lines of a contour line expressing the end on the front side of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> in the installation direction and a contour line expressing the end on the back side in the installation direction among the contour lines of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is the winding-side inclination part <NUM>, and a portion expressed by a relatively thinner line among the contour lines of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM>.

The winding-side inclination part <NUM> is inclined to the central side of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> with respect to the back-side wall part <NUM> toward the front side in the installation direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>. That is, an inclination angle at which the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> is inclined with respect to an angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM> is smaller than an inclination angle at which the winding-side inclination part <NUM> is inclined with respect to the angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>. Note that the inclination angle of the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> may be zero. That is, the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> is not inclined with respect to the angle perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM> or may be perpendicular to the back-side wall part <NUM>.

The winding-side cylinder part <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM>. For this reason, the second ink ribbon <NUM> is guided so as to be fed in a state in which the width direction of the second ink ribbon <NUM> becomes substantially parallel to the rotation shaft of the second winding core <NUM> between the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM>. As a result, the occurrence of wrinkles in the second ink ribbon <NUM> can be prevented. Further, since the winding-side inclination part <NUM> is provided on the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, the back-side case <NUM> can be properly die-cut during its molding. Note that an angle covered by the winding-side perpendicular part <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> is not particularly limited. However, the angle is preferably small to such an extent that the second ink ribbon <NUM> can be properly guided since an angle covered by the winding-side inclination part <NUM> becomes large correspondingly and die-cut can be properly performed.

As described above, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> of the present embodiment includes the second winding core <NUM>, the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>, the first ribbon guide <NUM>, and the second ribbon guide <NUM>. The winding-side cylinder part <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM>, and the first winding shaft <NUM> is inserted into the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the second cartridge installation part <NUM>. The first ribbon guide <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at a position closer to the downstream side in the feeding direction than the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>. The second ribbon guide <NUM> guides the second ink ribbon <NUM> at a position closer to the downstream side in the feeding direction than the first ribbon guide <NUM>. The first ribbon guide <NUM> is provided on the inner side of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> with respect to the guide imaginary line <NUM> connecting the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the second ribbon guide <NUM> to each other when seen from the front side in the installation direction.

According to the configuration, the second ink ribbon <NUM> is fed on the inner side of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> with respect to the guide imaginary line <NUM> connecting the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the second ribbon guide <NUM> to each other between the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the second ribbon guide <NUM>. As a result, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> can be downsized in comparison with a configuration in which the second ribbon guide <NUM> is fed on the guide imaginary line <NUM>.

On the downstream side of the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> in the feeding direction and on the upstream side of the first ribbon guide <NUM> in the feeding direction, a third ribbon guide may be provided. Further, the third ribbon guide may be provided on the outer side of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> with respect to the guide imaginary line <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. At this time, the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> to the second winding core <NUM> may be fed to the side of the first ribbon guide after contacting the third ribbon guide without contacting the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>.

The winding-side cylinder part <NUM> may guide the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> to the second winding core <NUM> by causing the same to contact a part on the +Y side of its peripheral surface. At this time, there is a likelihood that a residue of the ribbon is generated at the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> due to the contact between the winding-side cylinder part <NUM> and the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM>. Therefore, the closing part <NUM> may extend from the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> toward the space between the second ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM> to the second ribbon exposed part <NUM> and the winding-side cylinder part <NUM>.

The first ribbon guide <NUM> is not necessarily formed to be integrated with the back-side wall part <NUM>. The first ribbon guide <NUM> may be formed into, for example, a cylindrical columnar shape and configured to be rotatable with respect to the back-side wall part <NUM>. According to the configuration, the friction between the peripheral surface of the first ribbon guide <NUM> and the ink surface 213a of the second ink ribbon <NUM> reduces since the first ribbon guide <NUM> rotates with the feeding of the second ink ribbon <NUM>. As a result, a residue generated from the second ink ribbon <NUM> in the first ribbon guide <NUM> can be reduced.

The "first ribbon cartridge" of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a printing medium such as the first tape <NUM> is accommodated like the tape cartridge <NUM> of the present embodiment but may have a configuration in which a printing medium is not accommodated. Similarly, the "second ribbon cartridge" of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a printing medium is not accommodated like the ribbon cartridge <NUM> of the present embodiment but may have a configuration in which a printing medium is accommodated.

The tape printing device P may have a configuration in which the first paying-out shaft <NUM> is not provided. In this case, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> may not include the paying-out-side cylinder part <NUM>. Further, the tape printing device P may have a configuration in which the second paying-out shaft <NUM> is not provided.

A printing device in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed is not limited to a configuration that performs printing on a tape-shaped printing medium such as the first tape <NUM> and the second tape <NUM>. That is, the "printing device" of the present invention may perform printing on, for example, a roll sheet or a sheet.

As shown in <FIG>, a ribbon cartridge <NUM> of a modified example includes a ribbon-part front-side case <NUM>, a roller-part front-side case <NUM>, and a common back-side case <NUM>. The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> includes a ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM> and a ribbon-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the back side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM>. The roller-part front-side case <NUM> includes a roller-part front-side wall part <NUM> and a roller-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the back side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the roller-part front-side wall part <NUM>. The common back-side case <NUM> includes a common back wall part <NUM> and a ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and a roller-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the front side in the installation direction from the common back wall part <NUM>.

The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the common back-side case <NUM> are combined together so as to make the ribbon-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> face each other, and constitute the outer shell of an ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM>. The ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> is configured to be substantially the same as the ribbon cartridge <NUM> of the embodiment. The roller-part front-side case <NUM> and the common back-side case <NUM> are combined together so as to make the roller-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and the roller-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> face each other, and constitute the outer shell of a roller accommodation part <NUM>. The roller accommodation part <NUM> rotatably supports and accommodates a platen roller like the second platen roller <NUM> and is configured to be substantially the same as the tape guide <NUM> of the embodiment. The ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> and the roller accommodation part <NUM> are integrally formed via the common back wall part <NUM>. That is, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is one in which the ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> corresponding to the ribbon cartridge <NUM> of the embodiment and the roller accommodation part <NUM> corresponding to the tape guide <NUM> of the embodiment are integrated with each other. Further, a second tape path <NUM> to which the second tape <NUM> introduced from the outside of the device case <NUM> is fed is provided between the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the roller-part front-side case <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A second ribbon cartridge (<NUM>) configured to be installed in a printing device (P)
the second ribbon cartridge (<NUM>) comprising:
a second paying-out core (<NUM>) on which a second ink ribbon (<NUM>) is wound;
a winding-side cylinder part (<NUM>) that guides the second ink ribbon (<NUM>) fed from the second paying-out core (<NUM>) and into which a first winding shaft (<NUM>) provided in the printing device (P) is inserted when the second ribbon cartridge (<NUM>) is installed in the printing device (P);
a first ribbon guide (<NUM>) that guides the second ink ribbon (<NUM>) at a position closer to a downstream side in a feeding direction of the second ink ribbon (<NUM>) than the winding-side cylinder part (<NUM>); and
a second ribbon guide (<NUM>) that guides the second ink ribbon (<NUM>) at a position closer to the downstream side in the feeding direction than the first ribbon guide (<NUM>), wherein
the first ribbon guide (<NUM>) is provided on an inner side of the second ribbon cartridge (<NUM>) with respect to a guide imaginary line (<NUM>) connecting the winding-side cylinder part (<NUM>) and the second ribbon guide (<NUM>) to each other when seen from a front side of the second ribbon cartridge (<NUM>) in an installation direction.