Patent Description:
Conventionally, a cassette case which is installed in a printing tape creation device and in which a tape case accommodating a printing tape is detachably and attachably installed has been known as disclosed in Patent Document <NUM>. The cassette case has a guide groove through which the tape paid out from the tape case is fed.

[Patent Document <NUM>] <CIT>
<CIT> discloses a cartridge to be installed in a tape printing device, the cartridge comprising a tape path through which the printing tape introduced from an introduction port is fed toward an ejection port.

In a configuration in which a printing tape to be is printed by a tape printing device is introduced from the outside of the tape printing device, it is necessary to smoothly feed the printing tape inside the tape printing device.

A cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge to be installed in a tape printing device as defined by the appended claims.

Directions in the following drawings will be defined. The vertical direction of a tape printing device <NUM> is defined as a Z direction, a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the Z direction is defined as an X direction, and a cross direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as a Y direction. In the Z direction, a lower direction or a gravity direction is defined as a -Z direction, and an upper direction is defined as a +Z direction. In the Y direction, one direction is defined as a +Y direction, and a direction opposite to the one direction is defined as a -Y direction. In <FIG>, the rotational shaft side of an installation-part cover <NUM> is defined as the +Y direction. In the X direction, one direction is defined as a +X direction, and a direction opposite to the one direction is defined as a -X direction. In <FIG>, a right side in a plan view is defined as the +X direction. Note that these directions are given only for the convenience of descriptions and do not intend to limit the following embodiments at all as a matter of course.

The overviews of the tape printing device <NUM>, a tape cartridge <NUM>, and a ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. In the tape printing device <NUM>, the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> are alternatively installed.

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

As shown in <FIG>, a second ink ribbon <NUM> is accommodated in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, a second printing tape <NUM> that has been paid out from a tape roll <NUM> provided outside the tape printing device <NUM> is introduced into the tape printing device <NUM>. The tape printing device <NUM> performs printing on the second printing tape <NUM>, while feeding the introduced second printing tape <NUM> and the second ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

Note that the length of the second printing tape <NUM> in the tape roll <NUM> that has not been used and the length of the second ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the ribbon cartridge <NUM> that has not been used are not particularly limited but are longer than the length of the first printing tape <NUM> and the length of the first ink ribbon <NUM> accommodated in the tape cartridge <NUM> that has not been used, respectively, in the present embodiment. Therefore, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed, for example, when large amounts of labels are created at once.

The tape printing device <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The tape printing device <NUM> includes a device case <NUM>, the installation-part cover <NUM>, and the cartridge installation part <NUM>. The device case <NUM> is formed into a substantially cuboid shape. The device case <NUM> has a device-side tape introduction port <NUM> for the second printing tape <NUM> paid out from the tape roll <NUM> on its +X-side surface, and has a device-side tape ejection port <NUM> shared between the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> on its -X-side surface. The device-side tape introduction port <NUM> introduces the second printing tape <NUM> from the outside to the inside of the device case <NUM>.

The device-side tape ejection port <NUM> ejects the introduced second printing tape <NUM> to the outside of the device case <NUM>. Further, the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> ejects the first printing tape <NUM> delivered from the tape cartridge <NUM> installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM> to the outside of the device case <NUM>. The device-side tape introduction port <NUM> and the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> are formed into a slit shape extending in the Z direction. Further, in a tape feeding path inside the tape printing device <NUM>, a direction in which the second printing tape <NUM> is directed from the device-side tape introduction port <NUM> to the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> is defined as a downstream, and a direction opposite to the above direction is defined as an upstream.

The device case <NUM> has a tape introduction path <NUM> that connects the device-side tape introduction port <NUM> and the cartridge installation part <NUM> to each other. Further, the device case <NUM> has a tape ejection path <NUM> that connects the cartridge installation part <NUM> and the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> to each other. The tape introduction path <NUM> and the tape ejection path <NUM> are formed into a groove shape having an opening on the +Z side. The tape ejection path <NUM> has a cutter <NUM>. The cutter <NUM> cuts off the first printing tape <NUM> or the second printing tape <NUM> in the tape ejection path <NUM>.

The installation-part cover <NUM> opens/closes the cartridge installation part <NUM>. The installation-part cover <NUM> has a first pressing protrusion <NUM>, a second pressing protrusion <NUM>, a third pressing protrusion <NUM>, a fourth pressing protrusion <NUM>, a fifth pressing protrusion <NUM>, and a sixth pressing protrusion <NUM> on its inside surface. The installation-part cover <NUM> has a keyboard and a display on its outside surface although not shown in the figure. The keyboard receives input operations to input printing information such as character strings and issue various instructions to perform printing or the like. The display displays various information besides printing information input via the keyboard. The display has a rotation shaft serving as a hinge, and is configured to be accommodatable in the installation-part cover <NUM>. When the display is accommodated in the installation-part cover <NUM>, the display surface of the display faces the keyboard. When the keyboard receives an input operation to perform printing, the tape printing device <NUM> performs printing processing on the basis of printing information input via the keyboard. Note that the tape printing device <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be configured to perform printing processing on the basis of printing data and a command received from an external device such as a personal computer and a smart phone. In other words, a printing system in which the tape printing device <NUM> and an external device serving as an operation terminal are combined together may be configured. When the tape printing device <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The cartridge installation part <NUM> is formed into a concave shape having an opening on the +Z side. Here, in the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge installation part <NUM>, an inner peripheral surface on the -X side is defined as a first installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface extending to the +X side from the end on the -Y side of the first installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is defined as a second installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface extending to the +Y side from the end on the +X side of the second installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is defined as a third installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface extending to the -X side from the end on the +Y side of the third installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is defined as a fourth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface extending to the +Y side from the end on the -X side of the fourth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is defined as a fifth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface extending to the -X side from the end on the +Y side of the fifth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is defined as a sixth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. The end on the -X side of the sixth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> is connected to the end on the +Y side of the first installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. The downstream end of the tape introduction path <NUM> opens into the fourth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. The upstream end of the tape ejection path <NUM> opens into the first installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>.

The cartridge installation part <NUM> has, on its bottom surface, i.e., its -Z-side surface, a platen shaft <NUM>, a first winding shaft <NUM>, a first paying-out shaft <NUM>, a second paying-out shaft <NUM>, and a second winding shaft <NUM> provided to protrude to the +Z side in an order from the -X side.

The platen shaft <NUM> has a larger protrusion amount with respect to a front side in an installation direction than the first paying-out shaft <NUM>, the first winding shaft <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the second winding shaft <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> or the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM> is inserted into a first platen roller <NUM> or a second platen roller <NUM> that will be described later to guide the installation of the tape cartridge <NUM> or the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. Note that the installation direction of the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be simply defined as an "installation direction" below, and the installation direction is parallel to a direction in which the platen shaft <NUM> extends, i.e., the Z direction. Further, the front side in the installation direction indicates the +Z side, and a back side in the installation direction indicates the -Z side.

Further, the cartridge installation part <NUM> has, on the installation bottom surface <NUM>, a head part <NUM>, an engagement convex part <NUM>, and an insertion convex part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The head part <NUM> is positioned on the -Y side of the platen shaft <NUM>. The head part <NUM> includes a printing head <NUM> and a head cover <NUM> that covers at least the +X side, the -Y side, and the front side in the installation direction of the printing head <NUM>. The printing head <NUM> is a thermal head including a heat generation element. The head cover <NUM> is formed into a substantially rectangular shape when seen from the front side in the installation direction. When the tape cartridge <NUM> or the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the head cover <NUM> guides the installation of the tape cartridge <NUM> or the ribbon cartridge <NUM> together with the platen shaft <NUM>. In <FIG>, the head cover <NUM> is imaginarily indicated by two-dot chain lines in order to show the printing head <NUM>. The engagement convex part <NUM> is positioned close to a corner part at which the fifth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> and the sixth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM> cross each other, and formed into a plate shape facing the fifth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>. That is, the engagement convex part <NUM> is formed into a substantially rectangular shape long in the Y direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. Further, the engagement convex part <NUM> protrudes from the installation bottom surface <NUM> in a cantilevered state. The insertion convex part <NUM> is positioned at a substantially intermediate part between the engagement convex part <NUM> and the platen shaft <NUM>, and formed into a substantially-stepped cylindrical shape having a larger diameter on the back side in the installation direction and a smaller diameter on the front side in the installation direction.

In addition, the cartridge installation part <NUM> has, on the installation bottom surface <NUM>, a first hook <NUM>, a second hook <NUM>, a third hook <NUM>, and a fourth hook <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The first hook <NUM> is positioned on the +Y side of the platen shaft <NUM> and at the end on the -X side of the installation bottom surface <NUM>. The second hook <NUM> is positioned on the +Y side of the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and at a position facing the first hook <NUM> in the X direction. The third hook <NUM> is positioned on the -Y side of a substantially intermediate position between the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> and at the end on the -Y side of the installation bottom surface <NUM>. The fourth hook <NUM> is positioned on the +X side of the second winding shaft <NUM> and at the end on the +X side of the installation bottom surface <NUM>. Further, the cartridge installation part <NUM> has, on the installation bottom surface <NUM>, a plurality of positioning pins <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction.

The cartridge installation part <NUM> has, on the fifth installation inner peripheral surface <NUM>, a substrate connection part <NUM> provided to face the engagement convex part <NUM> on the +X side of the engagement convex part <NUM>. The substrate connection part <NUM> is connected to a control circuit (not shown) that controls the respective parts of the tape printing device <NUM>.

The ribbon cartridge <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The ribbon cartridge <NUM> includes the second platen roller <NUM>, a second paying-out core <NUM>, a second winding core <NUM>, a retention tip end <NUM>, and a second cartridge case <NUM> that accommodates the second platen roller <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM>, the second winding core <NUM>, and the retention tip end <NUM>. The second platen roller <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM>, and the second winding core <NUM> are, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, provided at positions corresponding to the platen shaft <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the second winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. The second platen roller <NUM> has a second platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> penetrating in the installation direction. The second ink ribbon <NUM> is wound on the second paying-out core <NUM>. The second ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the second paying-out core <NUM> is wound up by the second winding core <NUM>. Note that the second cartridge case <NUM> includes a plurality of types having different thicknesses, i.e., different dimensions in the installation direction depending on the width of the accommodated second ink ribbon <NUM>.

The second cartridge case <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed into a shape substantially similar to the cartridge installation part <NUM>. In the peripheral wall part of the second cartridge case <NUM>, a peripheral wall part on the -X side is defined as a ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the +X side from the end on the -Y side of the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the +Y side from the end on the +X side of the ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a ribbon-side third peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the -X side via a first curvature surface <NUM> from the end on the +Y side of the ribbon-side third peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the +Y side from the end on the -X side of the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the -X side from the end on the +Y side of the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a ribbon-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM>. The end on the -X side of the ribbon-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM> is connected to the end on the +Y side of the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> via a second curvature surface <NUM>. Between the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM>, a step is formed by the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM>. Further, an internal angle α formed between the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> exceeds <NUM>° and is, for example, approximately <NUM>° when seen from the front side in the installation direction.

The second cartridge case <NUM> has a second head insertion hole <NUM> provided to penetrate in the installation direction. The second head insertion hole <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, positioned at a corner part at which the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other. The second head insertion hole <NUM> is arranged along the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM>. The second head insertion hole <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed into a shape corresponding to the head cover <NUM>, i.e., a substantially rectangular shape. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is attached to and detached from the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second head insertion hole <NUM> and the second platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> position the ribbon cartridge <NUM> and guide the attachment and detachment of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

The second cartridge case <NUM> includes a front-side case and a second back-side case <NUM>. The front-side case is divided into a ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and a tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM>. Note that the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> is an example of a first case, the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> is an example of a second case, and the second back-side case <NUM> is an example of a third case. When the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> are arranged on the front side in the installation direction, while the second back-side case <NUM> is arranged on the back side in the installation direction. The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> are resin-molded articles having translucency, and the second back-side case <NUM> is a resin-molded article having no translucency. However, the materials and manufacturing methods of the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM>, the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM>, and the second back-side case <NUM> are not limited to those described above.

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 tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> includes a tape-retention-part front-side wall part <NUM> and a tape-retention-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the back side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the tape-retention-part front-side wall part <NUM>. The second back-side case <NUM> includes a second back wall part <NUM> and a ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and a tape-retention-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the front side in the installation direction from the second back wall part <NUM>.

The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the second 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> butted against each other, and constitute the outer shell of an ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> that accommodates the second ink ribbon <NUM>. That is, the ribbon-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> has a plurality of ribbon-part insertion pins <NUM> (see <FIG>) protruding to the back side in the installation direction, and the ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> has a plurality of ribbon-part insertion holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) open to the front side in the installation direction. The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the second back-side case <NUM> are combined together by the insertion of the ribbon-part insertion pins <NUM> into the ribbon-part insertion holes <NUM>.

The tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> and the second back-side case <NUM> are combined together so as to make the tape-retention-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-retention-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> butted against each other, and constitute the outer shell of a tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part <NUM> that accommodates the second platen roller <NUM> and the retention tip end <NUM>. That is, the tape-retention-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> has a plurality of retention-part insertion pins <NUM> (see <FIG>) protruding to the back side in the installation direction, and the tape-retention-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> has a plurality of retention-part insertion holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) open to the front side in the installation direction. The tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> and the second back-side case <NUM> are combined together by the insertion of the retention-part insertion pins <NUM> into the retention-part insertion holes <NUM>. The end on the back side in the installation direction of the second platen roller <NUM> engages a back-side roller engagement part <NUM> provided on the second back wall part <NUM>, and the end on the front side in the installation direction of the second platen roller <NUM> engages a front-side roller engagement part <NUM> provided on a slide plate <NUM> that will be described later. An ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> and the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part <NUM> are integrally formed via the second back wall part <NUM>. Note that a tape retention part <NUM> (see <FIG>) accommodated in the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part <NUM> will be described later.

The ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> has a first peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, a second peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, a third peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, and a fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM>. The first peripheral wall concave part <NUM> is formed into a concave shape from the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM> to the back side in the installation direction at the end on the +X side of the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>. The second peripheral wall concave part <NUM> is formed into a groove shape extending in the installation direction at the substantially intermediate part in the X direction of the ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM>. The third peripheral wall concave part <NUM> is formed into a concave shape from the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM> to the back side in the installation direction at the end on the -Y side of the ribbon-side third peripheral wall part <NUM>. The fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> is formed into a concave shape from the tape-retention-part front-side wall part <NUM> to the back side in the installation direction at the end on the +Y side of the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM>. Further, the ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> has a peripheral wall convex part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction at its position corresponding to the second peripheral wall concave part <NUM>.

Here, the bottom surface of the first peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, the protrusion tip end surface of the peripheral wall convex part <NUM>, and the bottom surface of the third peripheral wall concave part <NUM> are defined as a first pressing part <NUM>, a second pressing part <NUM>, and a third pressing part <NUM>, respectively. The first pressing part <NUM>, the second pressing part <NUM>, and the third pressing part <NUM> are, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, provided to surround the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM>. The first pressing part <NUM>, the second pressing part <NUM>, and the third pressing part <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the first pressing protrusion <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the third pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM>, respectively. Further, the bottom surface of the fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> and the surface on the front side in the installation direction on the +Z side of the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> are defined as a fourth pressing part <NUM> and a fifth pressing part <NUM>, respectively. The fourth pressing part <NUM> and the fifth pressing part <NUM> are provided at positions corresponding to the fourth pressing protrusion <NUM> and the fifth pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM>, respectively.

When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first pressing protrusion <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the third pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM> are guided by the first peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, the second peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, and the third peripheral wall concave part <NUM>, respectively, and butted against the first pressing part <NUM>, the second pressing part <NUM>, and the third pressing part <NUM>, respectively. That is, the peripheries of the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM> are pressed by the first pressing protrusion <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the third pressing protrusion <NUM>. Thus, the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding core <NUM> are prevented from being inclined with respect to the second paying-out shaft <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second ink ribbon <NUM> from becoming wrinkled when the second ink ribbon <NUM> is fed from the second paying-out core <NUM> to the second winding core <NUM>.

Note that the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is allowed to accommodate an ink ribbon having a large ink ribbon width, for example, an ink ribbon having a width of <NUM>. Meanwhile, in order to accommodate an ink ribbon having an ink ribbon width smaller than <NUM>, for example, an ink ribbon having a width of <NUM> or less, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> may be one in which the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> are reduced in dimension in the Z direction. At this time, both or any one of the first pressing protrusion <NUM> and the third pressing protrusion <NUM> may press the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM> without the provision of both or any one of the first peripheral wall concave part <NUM> and the third peripheral wall concave part <NUM>.

Further, when the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the fourth pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM> is guided by the fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> and butted against the fourth pressing part <NUM>. Thus, the fourth pressing part <NUM> is pressed to the back side in the installation direction by the fourth pressing protrusion <NUM> to allow a second electrode part <NUM> of a second circuit substrate <NUM> provided in the vicinity of the fourth pressing part <NUM> to properly come in contact with contact terminal parts <NUM>. Further, when the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the fifth pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM> is butted against the fifth pressing part <NUM>. Thus, the fifth pressing part <NUM> is pressed to the back side in the installation direction by the fifth pressing protrusion <NUM> to allow the second platen roller <NUM> provided in the vicinity of the fifth pressing part <NUM> to properly face the printing head <NUM>.

In the ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM>, the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> has a ribbon-side first hook engagement part <NUM>, a ribbon-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> has a ribbon-side second hook engagement part <NUM>, and the ribbon-side third peripheral wall part <NUM> has a ribbon-side third hook engagement part <NUM>. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the ribbon-side first hook engagement part <NUM>, the ribbon-side second hook engagement part <NUM>, and the ribbon-side third hook engagement part <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM> engage the first hook <NUM>, the third hook <NUM>, and the fourth hook <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is prevented from being installed in a state of floating from the installation bottom surface <NUM>.

On the other hand, the second back wall part <NUM> has a hook insertion hole <NUM> formed on the +Y side of a paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM> that will be described later. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second hook <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> is inserted into the hook insertion hole <NUM> provided on the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. Thus, the second hook <NUM> is prevented from interfering with the ribbon cartridge <NUM> when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

The second back wall part <NUM> has a plurality of second positioning holes <NUM> provided on its surface on the back side in the installation direction. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second positioning holes <NUM> provided on the ribbon cartridge <NUM> engage the positioning pins <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. Thus, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is positioned with respect to the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

Further, the second circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> in the ribbon-part back-side peripheral wall part <NUM>. That is, the second circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> provided to be substantially parallel to the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> having the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM>. The ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> has a second substrate attachment part <NUM> to which the second circuit substrate <NUM> is attached.

As described above, the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, bent with the internal angle α exceeding <NUM>° with respect to the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>. Therefore, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> falls down onto a floor or the like, the first curvature surface <NUM> between the ribbon-side third peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> or a corner part at which the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other are butted against the floor or the like, while the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> are prevented from being butted against the floor or the like. Accordingly, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> falls down onto a floor or the like, the second electrode part <NUM> provided on the second circuit substrate <NUM> is prevented from being butted against the floor or the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second electrode part <NUM> having weak mechanical strength from being damaged. Note that the same function and effect are obtainable even with a configuration in which the second circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>.

A second tape path <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The second tape path <NUM> is positioned between the ribbon-part front-side case <NUM> and the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM>, and formed into a groove shape having an opening on the front side in the installation direction. That is, a set opening part <NUM> is provided on the front side in the installation direction of the second tape path <NUM>. The set opening part <NUM> is used when a user sets the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> from a first width end surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is the end surface on the back side in the installation direction of the second printing tape <NUM>. Note that the second printing tape <NUM> before being set in the second tape path <NUM> and the second printing tape <NUM> after being set in the second tape path <NUM> are indicated by solid lines and two-dot dashed lines in <FIG>, respectively. Further, in the set opening part <NUM>, a region to be opened and closed by an opening opening/closing part <NUM> that will be described later is defined as an opening/closing region <NUM> (see <FIG>). In <FIG>, the opening/closing region <NUM> is indicated by oblique lines for the convenience of illustration. Note that the opening/closing region <NUM> is not limited to a configuration that covers a part of the set opening part <NUM> as in the present embodiment but may cover the entirety of the set opening part <NUM>. That is, the opening opening/closing part <NUM> may be either a configuration that opens/closes a part of the set opening part <NUM> or a configuration that opens/closes the entirety of the set opening part <NUM>.

The second tape path <NUM> connects a cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> provided on the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> provided on the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> to each other. Note that the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> is provided between the ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> and the second circuit substrate <NUM> that will be described later. That is, the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> is positioned on a side closer to the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> than the second circuit substrate <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> is provided at a region crossing the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> at a distance from the second circuit substrate <NUM> of the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM>. The cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> may be provided on the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>. In this case, in order to make a simple arrangement structure, the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> is preferably close to a region crossing the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>.

The cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> introduces the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced from the device-side tape introduction port <NUM> into the second cartridge case <NUM> in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. The cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> ejects the second printing tape <NUM> to the outside of the second cartridge case <NUM> toward the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. The cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> and the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> are formed into a slit shape along the installation direction (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Therefore, the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second cartridge case <NUM> is fed with its width direction substantially parallel to the installation direction.

In the lateral wall part of the second tape path <NUM>, the lateral wall part on the side of the ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> and the lateral wall part on the side of the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part <NUM> are defined as a ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> and a tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM>, respectively. The ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> and the tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM> face each other.

In the vicinity of the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> of the second tape path <NUM>, an introduction-side guide part <NUM> protrudes from the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> to the tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. The introduction-side guide part <NUM> comes in contact with a second width end surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is the end surface on the front side in the installation direction of the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM>, and guides the second printing tape <NUM> in the width direction of the second printing tape <NUM>. That is, the second printing tape <NUM> is set in the second tape path <NUM> with the second width end surface <NUM> positioned on a side closer to the back side in the installation direction than the introduction-side guide part <NUM>. Note that the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> is an example of a "first path lateral wall part. " The tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM> is an example of a "second path lateral wall part. " The introduction-side guide part <NUM> is an example of a "tape guide part.

On the other hand, the edge surface on the front side in the installation direction of the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> functions as an ejection-side guide part <NUM> (see <FIG>). The ejection-side guide part <NUM> comes in contact with the second width end surface <NUM> of the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> and guides the second printing tape <NUM> in the width direction of the second printing tape <NUM>. Therefore, the second printing tape <NUM> is fed in the second tape path <NUM> with the first width end surface <NUM> guided by the second back wall part <NUM> and the second width end surface <NUM> guided by the introduction-side guide part <NUM> and the ejection-side guide part <NUM>. Note that the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> is provided to be shifted to the -Y side with respect to the set opening part <NUM>. Therefore, the ejection-side guide part <NUM> has, at its edge part on the +Y side, a tape guide inclination surface <NUM> that guides the second printing tape <NUM> that has been inserted from the set opening part <NUM> to the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM>.

The introduction-side guide part <NUM> has a tape visual recognition part <NUM>. The tape visual recognition part <NUM> is constituted by a concave part provided on a surface on the front side in the installation direction. Since the tape visual recognition part <NUM> has a wall thickness thinner in the installation direction than other parts of the introduction-side guide part <NUM>, the user is allowed to visually recognize the second printing tape <NUM> that has been set in the second tape path <NUM> through the tape visual recognition part <NUM>. Thus, the user is allowed to confirm whether the second printing tape <NUM> has been set at an appropriate set position, i.e., whether the second printing tape <NUM> has been set at a position at which the second width end surface <NUM> comes in contact with the introduction-side guide part <NUM>. Note that the tape visual recognition part <NUM> may be constituted by, for example, a concave part provided on the surface on the back side in the installation direction of the introduction-side guide part <NUM>, and the introduction-side guide part <NUM> may be constituted by a hole penetrating in the installation direction.

The tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM> has, at its position facing the introduction-side guide part <NUM>, a widened part <NUM> widened to the +Y side, i.e., a side opposite to the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Therefore, when the user sets the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> from the set opening part <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the introduction-side guide part <NUM> protruding from the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> from obstructing the second printing tape <NUM>. Further, the widened part <NUM> is formed into a curved shape when seen from the front side in the installation direction. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the widened part <NUM> is formed into a crank shape, it is possible to prevent the second printing tape <NUM> from being bent at the widened part <NUM> when the second printing tape <NUM> is set in the second tape path <NUM> from the set opening part <NUM>.

On the second tape path <NUM>, the second platen roller <NUM> and the retention tip end <NUM> are provided in an order close to the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM>. In the tape-retention-mechanism-side path lateral wall part <NUM>, a portion corresponding to the retention tip end <NUM> is notched so that the retention tip end <NUM> is capable of retaining the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Further, the end on the side of the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> of the second tape path <NUM> is connected to the second head insertion hole <NUM> via a second ribbon exposure part <NUM> that will be described later.

In the second tape path <NUM>, a side closer to the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> than the second platen roller <NUM> is defined as an introduction-side path 257a, and a side closer to the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> than the second platen roller <NUM> is defined as an ejection-side path 257b. The ejection-side path 257b is bent with respect to the introduction-side path 257a, and preferably has a bending angle θ (see <FIG>) of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less. Since the ejection-side path 257b has a bending angle θ of <NUM>° or more, the contact area between the second printing tape <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM> is increased. Therefore, it is possible to stably feed the second printing tape <NUM>. Further, since the ejection-side path 257b has a bending angle θ of <NUM>° or less, it is possible to prevent the second printing tape <NUM> from forming bending tendency. Further, the introduction-side path 257a introduces the second printing tape <NUM> to a printing position at an optimum entering angle at which the second printing tape <NUM> avoids coming in contact with the second hook <NUM> and the insertion convex part <NUM> provided on the installation bottom surface <NUM>. Specifically, the entering angle becomes <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>, i.e., the X direction when the introduction-side path 257a is seen from the front side in the installation direction. The introduction-side path 257a shown in <FIG> is designed to have an entering angle within the range, but the entering angle is particularly preferably <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less. Note that the printing position here indicates a position at which the second platen roller <NUM> and the printing head <NUM> sandwich the second ink ribbon <NUM> and the second printing tape <NUM> therebetween. In the present embodiment, the entering angle of the introduction-side path 257a is substantially equal to the bending angle θ since the ejection-side path 257b is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. However, the entering angle is not limited to the bending angle θ.

The tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The tape-retention-part front-side wall part <NUM> has two slide guide parts <NUM> and a case-side engagement part <NUM> on its inside surface, i.e., a surface on the back side in the installation direction. The two slide guide parts <NUM> are arranged side by side in the X direction. Guide insertion parts <NUM> that will be described later are inserted into the slide guide parts <NUM> from the -Y side. The slide guide parts <NUM> extend in the Y direction and guide the movement of the guide insertion parts <NUM> in the Y direction. The case-side engagement part <NUM> protrudes to the back side in the installation direction, and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the X direction when seen from the back side in the installation direction. The case-side engagement part <NUM> engages a plate-side engagement part <NUM> that will be described later.

The second back-side case <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. The second back-side case <NUM> has, on the second back wall part <NUM>, a second head peripheral edge convex part <NUM>, a paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM>, a winding-side cylindrical part <NUM>, a first ribbon guide <NUM>, and a second ribbon guide <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The second head peripheral edge convex part <NUM> is provided at the peripheral edge part of the second head insertion hole <NUM>. The second head peripheral edge convex part <NUM> is notched on the +Y side, i.e., at its part on the side of the second platen roller <NUM>, and the notched portion serves as the second ribbon exposure part <NUM> at which the second ink ribbon <NUM> is exposed. Thus, in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the printing head <NUM> inserted into the second head insertion hole <NUM> faces the second platen roller <NUM> across the second ink ribbon <NUM> and the second printing tape <NUM>.

The paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM> and the winding-side cylindrical part <NUM> are, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, provided at positions corresponding to the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> are inserted into the paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM> and the winding-side cylindrical part <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM> are prevented from interfering with the ribbon cartridge <NUM> when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

The second ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the second paying-out core <NUM> is wound up by the second winding core <NUM>, while being guided by the paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM>, the second head peripheral edge convex part <NUM>, the winding-side cylindrical part <NUM>, the first ribbon guide <NUM>, and the second ribbon guide <NUM> in this order. That is, the paying-out-side cylindrical part <NUM> and the winding-side cylindrical part <NUM> function as guide members that guide the second ink ribbon <NUM>, besides receiving the first paying-out shaft <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM>.

Further, the second back wall part <NUM> has a second cylindrical shaft part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The second cylindrical shaft part <NUM> is formed into a substantially-stepped cylindrical shape. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the insertion convex part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> is inserted into the second cylindrical shaft part <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

The second back wall part <NUM> has a second convex-part reception part <NUM> at a corner part at which the ribbon-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the ribbon-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second convex-part reception part <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM> receives the engagement convex part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. Further, the second convex-part reception part <NUM> has, on the -X side, a case-side spring hooking part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction from the second back wall part <NUM>. On the case-side spring hooking part <NUM>, one end of a tape retention spring <NUM> that will be described later is hooked.

Printing processing performed by the tape printing device <NUM> in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. In a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM>, the second paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the second winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> are inserted into the second platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> of the second platen roller <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM>, and the second winding core <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the driving force of a feeding motor provided in the tape printing device <NUM> becomes transmissible to the second platen roller <NUM>, the second paying-out core <NUM>, and the second winding core <NUM>.

Further, in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the head part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> is inserted into the second head insertion hole <NUM> provided on the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed after the installation of the ribbon cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the printing head <NUM> is caused to move to the platen shaft <NUM> by a head movement mechanism not shown. Thus, the second printing tape <NUM> and the second ink ribbon <NUM> are sandwiched between the printing head <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM>.

When the feeding motor rotates in a normal direction in this state, the second platen roller <NUM> rotates in a normal direction and the second winding core <NUM> rotates in a winding direction. Thus, the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced from the device-side tape introduction port <NUM> is fed to the device-side tape ejection port <NUM>, and the second ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the second paying-out core <NUM> is wound up by the second winding core <NUM>.

Further, when the feeding motor rotates in a reverse direction, the second platen roller <NUM> rotates in a reverse direction and the second paying-out core <NUM> rotates in a rewinding direction. Thus, the second printing tape <NUM> that has been ejected from the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> is returned to the inside of the second cartridge case <NUM>, and the second ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the second paying-out core <NUM> is rewound by the second paying-out core <NUM>. As described above, the second paying-out shaft <NUM> inserted into the second paying-out core <NUM> and the second winding shaft <NUM> inserted into the second winding core <NUM> constitute a second ink ribbon transportation mechanism that feeds the second ink ribbon <NUM>.

By rotating the feeding motor in the normal direction and heating the printing head <NUM>, the tape printing device <NUM> prints printing information input via the keyboard or the like on the second printing tape <NUM> while feeding the second printing tape <NUM> and the second ink ribbon <NUM>. After the completion of the printing, the tape printing device <NUM> causes the cutter <NUM> to perform a cutting operation to cut off a printed portion of the second printing tape <NUM>. Then, by rotating the feeding motor in the reverse direction, the tape printing device <NUM> returns the second printing tape <NUM> until the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> comes to the vicinity of a position at which the tip end is sandwiched between the printing head <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to reduce a margin to be created on the front side in the length direction of the second printing tape <NUM> that is to be next printed.

The tape retention part <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG> and <FIG>. The tape retention part <NUM> is used to retain the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> in advance when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tape retention part <NUM> includes an arm supporting shaft <NUM>, an arm part <NUM>, the tape retention spring <NUM>, the retention tip end <NUM>, and a slide plate <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The arm supporting shaft <NUM> protrudes to the front side in the installation direction from the second back wall part <NUM>. The arm part <NUM> is formed into a substantially "L"-shape when seen from the front side in the installation direction. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the arm part <NUM> includes an arm body <NUM>, an arm tip end <NUM>, a support shaft insertion hole <NUM>, an engagement pin <NUM>, a tip end pin <NUM>, an arm-side spring hooking part <NUM>, and an engagement inclination surface <NUM>.

The arm body <NUM> is formed into a substantially cuboid shape. The arm body <NUM> has, at one end in its longitudinal direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction, a support shaft insertion hole <NUM> provided to penetrate in the installation direction. The arm body <NUM> has, at the other end in the longitudinal direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction, an arm tip end <NUM> provided to protrude toward the second tape path <NUM>. The arm supporting shaft <NUM> is inserted into the support shaft insertion hole <NUM>. The arm tip end <NUM> has the engagement pin <NUM> and the tip end pin <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction in an order close to the arm body <NUM>. The engagement pin <NUM> is positioned on the +Y side of an arm engagement part <NUM> that will be described later, and engages the arm engagement part <NUM>. The tip end pin <NUM> fits into the hole of the retention tip end <NUM>. The arm body <NUM> has the arm-side spring hooking part <NUM> provided on its surface on the front side in the installation direction. On the arm-side spring hooking part <NUM>, the other end of the tape retention spring <NUM> of which the one end is hooked on the case-side spring hooking part <NUM> is hooked. The engagement inclination surface <NUM> is constituted by an inclination surface obtained by chamfering the corner part of the arm body <NUM> on the back side in the installation direction and on the side of the second tape path <NUM>. As will be described later, the engagement inclination surface <NUM> engages the insertion convex part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

The arm part <NUM> is provided to be rotatable between a close position at which the retention tip end <NUM> provided at the arm part <NUM> comes close to the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> and a separate position at which the retention tip end <NUM> separates from the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. In a state in which the arm part <NUM> rotates to the close position, the retention tip end <NUM> sandwiches the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. On the other hand, in a state in which the arm part <NUM> rotates to the separate position, the retention tip end <NUM> separates from the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> and does not sandwich the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM>. Therefore, the retention of the second printing tape <NUM> is cancelled.

The tape retention spring <NUM> applies a force to the arm part <NUM> toward the close position. The tape retention spring <NUM> is provided at the arm supporting shaft <NUM>. One end of the tape retention spring <NUM> is hooked on the arm-side spring hooking part <NUM>, and the other end thereof is hooked on the case-side spring hooking part <NUM>. Note that a torsion coil spring is, for example, available as the tape retention spring <NUM>. The tape retention spring <NUM> is an example of an "application part.

The retention tip end <NUM> is provided at the tip end pin <NUM> of the arm part <NUM>. The retention tip end <NUM> is made of a material having a high friction coefficient such as rubber, and formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. The retention tip end <NUM> sandwiches the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Thus, the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> is prevented from being pulled in the second tape path <NUM>, i.e., the side of the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> rather than being pulled in the second platen roller <NUM>. Further, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is not installed in the tape printing device <NUM>, for example, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is accommodated in a transportable case together with the tape roll <NUM>, the second printing tape <NUM> is retained so as not to move with respect to the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles or fold lines in the second printing tape <NUM>. Note that the retention tip end <NUM> fits in the tip end pin <NUM> by, for example, interference fit, and thus does not rotate with respect to the tip end pin <NUM>. Further, since the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> has the ribbon-part insertion holes <NUM> at areas corresponding to the retention tip end <NUM>, the areas have a wall thickness larger than those of other areas of the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Thus, the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> is allowed to properly receive a force generated when the retention tip end <NUM> presses the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> via the second printing tape <NUM>. Note that the retention tip end <NUM> is an example of a "sandwiching part.

As shown in <FIG>, the slide plate <NUM> is configured to be slidable in the Y direction with respect to the tape-retention-part front-side wall part <NUM>. The slide plate <NUM> is a resin-molded article having translucency like the tape-retention-part front-side case <NUM>. However, the material and manufacturing method of the slide plate <NUM> are not limited to those described above. Note that the slide plate <NUM> is an example of a "movement member.

The slide plate <NUM> includes a plate body <NUM>, an extension part <NUM>, and a slide peripheral wall part <NUM>. The plate body <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed into a substantially rectangular shape of which the corner part on the +X side and the -Y side is obliquely cut off. The plate body <NUM> includes two slide slits <NUM>, an inter-slit part <NUM>, the two guide insertion parts <NUM>, an opening opening/closing part <NUM>, a finger hooking part <NUM>, the arm engagement part <NUM>, and the front-side roller engagement part <NUM>.

The two slide slits <NUM> are provided to be arranged side by side in the X direction in the plate body <NUM>. The respective slide slits <NUM> are provided to cut into the -Y side from the edge surface on the +Y side of the plate body <NUM>. The inter-slit part <NUM> is a part between the two slide slits <NUM>. The two guide insertion parts <NUM> are arranged side by side in the X direction with the inter-slit part <NUM> sandwiched therebetween. The guide insertion parts <NUM> are slidably inserted in the Y direction from the -Y side with respect to the slide guide parts <NUM>.

An oblique edge part provided on the -Y side of the plate body <NUM> functions as the opening opening/closing part <NUM> that opens/closes the opening/closing region <NUM>. That is, the opening opening/closing part <NUM> opens the opening/closing region <NUM> when the slide plate <NUM> slides to the +Y side as shown in <FIG>, and closes the opening/closing region <NUM> when the slide plate <NUM> slides to the -Y side as shown in <FIG>. In other words, the slide plate <NUM> is movable to an opening position at which the opening opening/closing part <NUM> opens the opening/closing region <NUM> and a closing position at which the opening opening/closing part <NUM> closes the opening/closing region <NUM>. The slide plate <NUM> is generally set at the closing position, but moves to the opening position with the operation of the user when the user sets the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> as will be described later.

The finger hooking part <NUM> is provided at the substantially center area of the surface on the front side in the installation direction of the plate body <NUM>. The finger hooking part <NUM> protrudes to the front side in the installation direction, and formed into a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the X direction when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The finger hooking part <NUM> serves as a part that is to be pressed or pulled with a finger hooked thereon when the user moves the slide plate <NUM>. The finger hooking part <NUM> is positioned on the -Y side with respect to the end surface on the -Y side of the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM>. When the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position, the finger hooking part <NUM> is butted against the edge part on the -Y side of the ribbon-part front-side wall part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, as will be described later, the arm part <NUM> rotates when the user moves the slide plate <NUM> with his/her finger hooked on the finger hooking part <NUM>. That is, the finger hooking part <NUM> is an example of an "operation part" that rotates the arm part <NUM>.

The arm engagement part <NUM> is provided on a surface on the back side in the installation direction of the plate body <NUM> to be positioned on the -Y side of the finger hooking part <NUM>. The arm engagement part <NUM> protrudes to the back side in the installation direction, and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the X direction when seen from the back side in the installation direction. The arm engagement part <NUM> is positioned on the -Y side of the engagement pin <NUM> provided at the arm part <NUM> and engages the engagement pin <NUM>. When the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position, the arm engagement part <NUM> presses the engagement pin <NUM> to the +Y side. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the arm part <NUM> rotates to the separate position against the tape retention spring <NUM>. On the other hand, when the slide plate <NUM> moves to the closing position, the arm engagement part <NUM> attempts to separate from the engagement pin <NUM> to the -Y side. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the arm part <NUM> rotates to the close position with the tape retention spring <NUM>.

The front-side roller engagement part <NUM> is positioned at the corner part on the -X side and the -Y side of the plate body <NUM>, and has a substantially circular opening. The front-side roller engagement part <NUM> engages the end on the front side in the installation direction, i.e., the end on the side of the set opening part <NUM> of the second platen roller <NUM>. In a state in which the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position, the front-side roller engagement part <NUM> is positioned on the +Y side with respect to the back-side roller engagement part <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. Therefore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second platen roller <NUM> takes an inclined posture in which the end on the side of the set opening part <NUM> is inclined in a direction separating from the second ribbon exposure part <NUM> with respect to the installation direction. On the other hand, in a state in which the slide plate <NUM> moves to the closing position, the front-side roller engagement part <NUM> is placed at the substantially same position as the back-side roller engagement part <NUM> when seen from the front side in the installation direction. Therefore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second platen roller <NUM> takes a standing posture substantially parallel to the installation direction. Accordingly, when the slide plate <NUM> is at the opening position, the second platen roller <NUM> causes the end on the side of the set opening part <NUM> to further separate from the second ink ribbon <NUM> compared with a case in which the slide plate <NUM> is at the closing position.

The slide peripheral wall part <NUM> protrudes to the back side in the installation direction from a substantially half part on the -Y side at the edge part on the -X side of the plate body <NUM>. The slide peripheral wall part <NUM> is provided between the ribbon-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-retention-part front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> (see <FIG>). The outside surface of the slide peripheral wall part <NUM> is substantially flush with the outside surface of the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> extending in the Y direction, i.e., the movement direction of the slide plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the slide plate <NUM> moves from the opening position to the closing position, the slide peripheral wall part <NUM> is prevented from protruding with respect to the ribbon-side first peripheral wall part <NUM>. Thus, even if the slide plate <NUM> is at the opening position when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the slide plate <NUM> from coming in contact with the edge part of the cartridge installation part <NUM>. Note that the slide peripheral wall part <NUM> is an example of a "movement peripheral wall part.

Further, the slide peripheral wall part <NUM> has a movable guide part <NUM> provided to protrude to the -Y side at the end on the back side in the installation direction of its end surface on the -Y side. When the slide plate <NUM> moves to the closing position, the movable guide part <NUM> comes close to the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> from the +Y side and moves to a guide position at which the second printing tape <NUM> is guided to the Y direction, i.e., the front-surface and rear-surface direction of the second printing tape <NUM> between the movable guide part <NUM> and the edge part on the -Y side of the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. On the other hand, when the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position, the movable guide part <NUM> moves to a non-guide position separated from the second printing tape <NUM> to the +Y side as shown in <FIG>. That is, the movable guide part <NUM> is movable between the guide position and the non-guide position with the movement of the slide plate <NUM>.

The extension part <NUM> extends to the +Y side from the inter-slit part <NUM>, and formed into a substantially rectangular shape when seen from the front side in the installation direction. The extension part <NUM> has, at its end on the +Y side, the plate-side engagement part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. When the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position, the plate-side engagement part <NUM> gets over the case-side engagement part <NUM> toward the +Y side as the inter-slit part <NUM> and the extension part <NUM> bend to the back side in the installation direction. As a result, the plate-side engagement part <NUM> engages the case-side engagement part <NUM>. A force is applied to the slide plate <NUM> in a direction in which the slide plate <NUM> is caused to move to the closing position by the tape retention spring <NUM> via the arm part <NUM>. However, since the plate-side engagement part <NUM> engages the case-side engagement part <NUM>, the slide plate <NUM> is maintained at the opening position against the tape retention spring <NUM> even if the user releases his/her finger from the finger hooking part <NUM>. Thus, the arm part <NUM> is maintained at the separate position, the inclined posture of the second platen roller <NUM> is maintained, and the movable guide part <NUM> is maintained at a non-guide position. On the other hand, when the slide plate <NUM> moves to the closing position, the plate-side engagement part <NUM> gets over the case-side engagement part <NUM> toward the -Y side as the inter-slit part <NUM> and the extension part <NUM> bend to the back side in the installation direction. As a result, the plate-side engagement part <NUM> disengages from the case-side engagement part <NUM>. Note that the plate-side engagement part <NUM> is an example of a "movement-side engagement part.

In the tape retention part <NUM> thus configured, the arm part <NUM> rotates to the separate position, the second platen roller <NUM> takes an inclined posture, and the movable guide part <NUM> moves to the non-guide position as described above when the user moves the slide plate <NUM> to the opening position with his/her finger hooked on the finger hooking part <NUM>.

Since a gap is formed between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> as the arm part <NUM> rotates to the separate position, the user is allowed to easily set the second printing tape <NUM> between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Further, since the second platen roller <NUM> takes an inclined posture, the gap between the second platen roller <NUM> and the second ink ribbon <NUM> widens on the front side in the installation direction, i.e., the side of the set opening part <NUM> of the second platen roller <NUM>. Thus, the user is allowed to easily set the second printing tape <NUM> between the second ink ribbon <NUM> and the second platen roller <NUM>. Further, since the movable guide part <NUM> moves to the non-guide position, it is possible to prevent the movable guide part <NUM> from obstructing the second printing tape <NUM> when the user sets the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> from the set opening part <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the user moves the slide plate <NUM> to the closing position with his/her finger hooked on the finger hooking part <NUM>, the arm part <NUM> rotates to the close position, the second platen roller <NUM> takes a standing posture, and the movable guide part <NUM> moves to the guide position as described above.

As the arm part <NUM> rotates to the close position, the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> is sandwiched between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. In this state, when a force is applied to the second printing tape <NUM> in a direction in which the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> is pulled in the second tape path <NUM>, a component F of the frictional force between the retention tip end <NUM> and the second printing tape <NUM> acts in a direction in which the arm part <NUM> rotates from the close position to a side opposite to the separate position, i.e., a counterclockwise direction in <FIG>. Therefore, when a force is applied to the second printing tape <NUM> in a direction in which the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> is pulled in the second tape path <NUM>, the second printing tape <NUM> is more firmly sandwiched between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> from being pulled in the second tape path <NUM>. Further, since the second platen roller <NUM> takes a standing posture, the platen shaft <NUM> is properly inserted into the second platen roller <NUM> when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. Further, since the movable guide part <NUM> moves to the guide position, the second printing tape <NUM> is guided by the movable guide part <NUM> in the width direction of the second printing tape <NUM> when the second printing tape <NUM> is fed in the second tape path <NUM>.

As described above, the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> is sandwiched between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM> by the retention tip end <NUM>. Therefore, the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> is prevented from being pulled in the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> rather than being pulled in the second platen roller <NUM>. Of course, in a case in which the user falsely strongly pulls the second printing tape <NUM>, the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> is pulled in the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> rather than being pulled in the second platen roller <NUM>. If the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> is pulled in the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> rather than being pulled in the second platen roller <NUM>, it becomes impossible to feed the second printing tape <NUM> by means of the second platen roller <NUM>.

In order to solve this problem, the user is allowed to reset the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> by performing the following operations with respect to the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. First, the user moves the slide plate <NUM> to the opening position with his/her finger hooked on the finger hooking part <NUM> to open the opening/closing region <NUM>, and removes the second printing tape <NUM> from the second tape path <NUM>. Subsequently, the user resets the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> from the set opening part <NUM> with the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> projecting to the outside of the second tape path <NUM> from the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM>. Therefore, the user is not required to perform a complicated operation, i.e., feeding the second printing tape <NUM> from the side of the cartridge-side tape introduction port <NUM> with the tip end of the second printing tape <NUM> projecting to the outside of the second tape path <NUM> from the cartridge-side tape ejection port <NUM>. Finally, the user moves the slide plate <NUM> to the closing position with the finger hooked on the finger hooking part <NUM> to close the opening/closing region <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the second tape path <NUM> from the opening/closing region <NUM>.

Note that the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is put on the market together with the tape roll <NUM> with the second printing tape <NUM> set in the second tape path <NUM> in advance. However, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> may be put on the market together with the tape roll <NUM> with the second printing tape <NUM> not set in the second tape path <NUM> in advance, or may be put on the market separately from the tape roll <NUM>. In these cases, the user is only required to set the second printing tape <NUM> in the second tape path <NUM> in the same procedure as the above before installing the ribbon cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

Further, the user is allowed to set the second printing tape <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> in the tape printing device <NUM> at the same time by performing an easy operation, i.e., installing the ribbon cartridge <NUM> with the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced into the second tape path <NUM> in advance in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. That is, the user is not required to separately perform the operation of installing the ribbon cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge installation part <NUM> and the operation of introducing the second printing tape <NUM> into the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

Further, when the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the insertion convex part <NUM> that has been inserted into the second cylindrical shaft part <NUM> engages the engagement inclination surface <NUM> of the arm part <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the arm part <NUM> rotates from the close position to the separate position. At this time, the retention tip end <NUM> does not sandwich the second printing tape <NUM> between the retention tip end <NUM> and the ribbon-side path lateral wall part <NUM>. Therefore, the retention of the second printing tape <NUM> is cancelled. Accordingly, in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second printing tape <NUM> is smoothly fed in the second tape path <NUM>. The insertion convex part <NUM> is an example of a "retention cancellation convex part. " Note that the separate position of the arm part <NUM> when the arm part <NUM> rotates as the insertion convex part <NUM> engages the engagement inclination surface <NUM> of the arm part <NUM> and the separate position of the arm part <NUM> when the arm part <NUM> rotates as the slide plate <NUM> moves to the opening position may be the same or different from each other.

Note that in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM> is inserted into the second platen roller <NUM> as described above. In a state in which the platen shaft <NUM> is inserted into the second platen roller <NUM>, the movement of the slide plate <NUM> is restricted. Thus, in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the user is prevented from falsely moving the slide plate <NUM> from the closing position to the opening position.

Further, the second printing tape <NUM> is, when introduced into the second tape path <NUM>, guided by the second back wall part <NUM>, the introduction-side guide part <NUM>, and ejection-side guide part <NUM> in the width direction. Accordingly, the second printing tape <NUM> is not greatly shifted in the width direction inside the second tape path <NUM> even if the ribbon cartridge <NUM> does not include the tape retention part <NUM>. In other words, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> may not include the tape retention part <NUM>. In this case as well, the user is allowed to set the second printing tape <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> in the tape printing device <NUM> at the same time.

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 tape core <NUM>, the first platen roller <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM> are, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, provided at positions corresponding to the insertion convex part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the first winding shaft <NUM>, provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. The first platen roller <NUM> has a first platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> penetrating in the installation direction.

The first printing tape <NUM> is wound on the tape core <NUM>. The first printing tape <NUM> that has been paid out from the tape core <NUM> is delivered to the outside of the first cartridge case <NUM> from a tape delivery port <NUM> provided on a tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> that will be described later. In the first cartridge case <NUM>, a first tape path <NUM> ranging from the tape core <NUM> to the tape delivery port <NUM> is provided. The first ink ribbon <NUM> is wound on the first paying-out core <NUM>. The first ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the first paying-out core <NUM> is wound up by the first winding core <NUM>. Note that the first cartridge case <NUM> includes a plurality of types having different thicknesses, i.e., different dimensions in the installation direction depending on the widths of the accommodated first printing tape <NUM> and the first ink ribbon <NUM>.

The first cartridge case <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed into a shape obtained by bending both ends of the long sides of a rectangle in the same direction and at a right angle. Here, in the peripheral wall part of the first cartridge case <NUM>, a peripheral wall part on the -X side is defined as the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the +X side from the end on the -Y side of the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a tape-side second peripheral wall part <NUM>. Peripheral wall parts extending to the +Y side from the end on the +X side of the tape-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> are defined as a tape-side third peripheral wall part <NUM>, a tape-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>, and a tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> in an order from the -Y side. The tape-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> is formed into a concave shape with respect to the tape-side third peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM>. A peripheral wall part extending to the -X side from the end on the +Y side of the tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> is defined as a tape-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM>. The end on the -X side of the tape-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM> is connected to the end on the +Y side of the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM>.

The first cartridge case <NUM> has a first head insertion hole <NUM> provided to penetrate in the installation direction. The first head insertion hole <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, positioned at a corner part at which the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other. The first head insertion hole <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed into a shape corresponding to the head cover <NUM>, i.e., a substantially rectangular shape. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is attached to and detached from the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first head insertion hole <NUM> and the first platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> position the tape cartridge <NUM> and guide the attachment and detachment of the tape cartridge <NUM>.

The first cartridge case <NUM> includes a first front-side case <NUM> and a first back-side case <NUM>. When the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first front-side case <NUM> and the first back-side case <NUM> are arranged on the front side and the back side in the installation direction, respectively. The first front-side case <NUM> is a resin-molded article having translucency, and the first back-side case <NUM> is a resin-molded article having no translucency. However, the materials and manufacturing methods of the first front-side case <NUM> and the first back-side case <NUM> are not limited to those described above.

The first front-side case <NUM> includes a first front-side wall part <NUM> and a first front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the back side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the first front-side wall part <NUM>. The first back-side case <NUM> includes a first back wall part <NUM> and a first back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> protruding to the front side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the first back wall part <NUM>. The first front-side case <NUM> and the first back-side case <NUM> are combined together with the first front-side peripheral wall part <NUM> and the first back-side peripheral wall part <NUM> butted against each other.

The first front-side wall part <NUM> has an elastic part <NUM> at its corner part at which the tape-side second peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-side third peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other. The elastic part <NUM> is, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, formed as a substantially rectangular part obtained by cutting off a part of the first front-side wall part <NUM> into a "U"-shape. When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the second pressing protrusion <NUM> provided on the installation-part cover <NUM> is butted against the elastic part <NUM> to cause the displacement of the elastic part <NUM> to the back side in the installation direction. A pressing force accompanied by the elastic displacement of the elastic part <NUM> is received by the second pressing protrusion <NUM>. As a result, the tape cartridge <NUM> is pressed to the back side in the installation direction. Thus, the tape cartridge <NUM> is prevented from being installed in a state of floating from the installation bottom surface <NUM>.

The first back wall part <NUM> has a first head peripheral edge convex part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction from the peripheral edge part of the first head insertion hole <NUM>. The first head peripheral edge convex part <NUM> has, on its +Y side, i.e., the side of the first platen roller <NUM>, a first ribbon exposure part <NUM> at which the first ink ribbon <NUM> is exposed. In <FIG> showing the first ribbon exposure part <NUM>, the first ink ribbon <NUM> is omitted. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the printing head <NUM> that has been inserted into the first head insertion hole <NUM> faces the first platen roller <NUM> with the first ink ribbon <NUM> and the first printing tape <NUM> sandwiched between the printing head <NUM> and the first platen roller <NUM>.

The first back wall part <NUM> has a first cylindrical shaft part <NUM> provided to protrude to the front side in the installation direction. The first cylindrical shaft part <NUM> is formed into a substantially-stepped cylindrical shape, and rotatably supports the tape core <NUM>. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the insertion convex part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> is inserted into the first cylindrical shaft part <NUM> provided in the tape cartridge <NUM>.

Further, the first back wall part <NUM> has, on its surface on the back side in the installation direction, a plurality of first positioning holes <NUM> provided to be on a diagonal line. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first positioning holes <NUM> provided on the tape cartridge <NUM> engage the positioning pins <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>. Thus, the tape cartridge <NUM> is positioned with respect to the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

In addition, the first back wall part <NUM> has a first convex-part reception part <NUM> at a position at which the tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> and the tape-side sixth peripheral wall part <NUM> cross each other. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the first convex-part reception part <NUM> provided in the tape cartridge <NUM> receives the engagement convex part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>.

In the first back-side peripheral wall part <NUM>, the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> has a tape-side first hook engagement part <NUM>, and the tape-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM> has a tape-side second hook engagement part <NUM>. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the tape-side first hook engagement part <NUM> and the tape-side second hook engagement part <NUM> provided in the tape cartridge <NUM> engage the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the tape cartridge <NUM> is prevented from being installed in a state of floating from the installation bottom surface <NUM>. Further, in the first back-side peripheral wall part <NUM>, the tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> has a first circuit substrate <NUM>. That is, the first circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> provided to be substantially parallel to the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM> on which the tape delivery port <NUM> is provided. The tape-side fifth peripheral wall part <NUM> has a first substrate attachment part <NUM> to which the first circuit substrate <NUM> is attached.

A first gripping part <NUM> protrudes to the -X side from the tape-side first peripheral wall part <NUM>, and a second gripping part <NUM> protrudes from the tape-side fourth peripheral wall part <NUM>. The first gripping part <NUM> and the second gripping part <NUM> are, when seen from the front side in the installation direction, provided at a substantially intermediate part in the Y direction in the whole first cartridge case <NUM>. The first gripping part <NUM> and the second gripping part <NUM> serve as hooking parts used when the user grips the tape cartridge <NUM>. Here, the surface on the front side in the installation direction of the first gripping part <NUM> is defined as a sixth pressing part <NUM>. When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed in a state in which the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the sixth pressing protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided on the installation-part cover <NUM> is butted against the sixth pressing part <NUM>. Thus, the sixth pressing part <NUM> is pressed to the back side in the installation direction by the sixth pressing protrusion <NUM>.

Printing processing performed by the tape printing device <NUM> in a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM> will be described on the basis of <FIG>. In a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the platen shaft <NUM>, the first paying-out shaft <NUM>, and the first winding shaft <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> are inserted into the first platen shaft insertion hole <NUM> of the first platen roller <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM> provided in the tape cartridge <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the driving force of the feeding motor (not shown in the figure) provided in the tape printing device <NUM> becomes transmissible to the first platen roller <NUM>, the first paying-out core <NUM>, and the first winding core <NUM>.

Further, in a state in which the tape cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the head part <NUM> provided in the cartridge installation part <NUM> is inserted into the first head insertion hole <NUM> provided on the tape cartridge <NUM>. When the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed after the installation of the tape cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the printing head <NUM> is caused to move to the platen shaft <NUM> by the head movement mechanism (not shown in the figure). Thus, the first printing tape <NUM> and the first ink ribbon <NUM> are sandwiched between the printing head <NUM> and the first platen roller <NUM>.

When the feeding motor rotates in a normal direction in this state, the first platen roller <NUM> rotates in the normal direction and the first winding core <NUM> rotates in a winding direction. Thus, the first printing tape <NUM> that has been paid out from the tape core <NUM> is fed to the device-side tape ejection port <NUM> via the tape delivery port <NUM>, and the first ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the first paying-out core <NUM> is wound up by the first winding core <NUM>.

Further, when the feeding motor rotates in a reverse direction opposite to the normal direction, the first platen roller <NUM> rotates in the reverse direction opposite to the normal direction and the first paying-out core <NUM> rotates in a rewinding direction. Thus, the first printing tape <NUM> that has been ejected from the tape delivery port <NUM> is returned to the inside of the first cartridge case <NUM>, and the first ink ribbon <NUM> that has been paid out from the first paying-out core <NUM> is rewound on the first paying-out core <NUM>. As described above, the first paying-out shaft <NUM> inserted into the first paying-out core <NUM> and the first winding shaft <NUM> inserted into the first winding core <NUM> constitute a first ink ribbon transportation mechanism that feeds the first ink ribbon <NUM>.

By rotating the feeding motor in the normal direction and heating the printing head <NUM>, the tape printing device <NUM> prints printing information input via the keyboard or the like on the first printing tape <NUM> while feeding the first printing tape <NUM> and the first ink ribbon <NUM>. After the completion of the printing, the tape printing device <NUM> causes the cutter <NUM> to perform a cutting operation to cut off a printed portion of the first printing tape <NUM>. Then, by rotating the feeding motor in the reverse direction, the tape printing device <NUM> returns the first printing tape <NUM> until the tip end of the first printing tape <NUM> comes to the vicinity of a position at which the tip end is sandwiched between the printing head <NUM> and the first platen roller <NUM>, i.e., the vicinity of a printing position. Thus, it is possible to reduce a margin to be created on the front side in the length direction of the first printing tape <NUM> that is to be next printed since the printing head <NUM> and the cutter <NUM> are separated from each other.

Besides the above embodiments, various configurations are adoptable without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the above embodiments are capable of being modified into the following modes.

The tape cartridge <NUM> may be configured not to include the first circuit substrate <NUM>. Similarly, the ribbon cartridge <NUM> may be configured not to include the second circuit substrate <NUM>.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, an ink ribbon accommodation cartridge <NUM> and a tape guide cartridge <NUM> may be configured to be installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM> instead of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. The ink ribbon accommodation cartridge <NUM> is configured to be substantially the same as the ink ribbon accommodation part <NUM> of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>, and the tape guide cartridge <NUM> is configured to be substantially the same as the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part <NUM> of the ribbon cartridge <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tape guide cartridge <NUM> includes a third platen roller <NUM>, a tape sandwiching part <NUM>, and a third cartridge case <NUM>. Like the second platen roller <NUM>, the third platen roller <NUM> sandwiches the second printing tape <NUM> between the third platen roller <NUM> and the printing head <NUM> and feeds the second printing tape <NUM>. The tape sandwiching part <NUM> sandwiches the second printing tape <NUM> between the tape sandwiching part <NUM> and the peripheral wall part of the third cartridge case <NUM>. The tape guide cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM> with the second printing tape <NUM> retained by the tape sandwiching part <NUM>.

The third cartridge case <NUM> has a tape guide <NUM>, a third substrate attachment part <NUM>, a third convex-part reception part <NUM>, and a fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM>. The tape guide <NUM> guides the second printing tape <NUM> that has been introduced from the device-side tape introduction port <NUM>. Between the tape guide <NUM> and the peripheral wall part of the third cartridge case <NUM>, a third tape path <NUM> to which the second printing tape <NUM> is fed is formed. The third substrate attachment part <NUM> is configured like the first substrate attachment part <NUM> or the second substrate attachment part <NUM>. A third circuit substrate <NUM> configured like the first circuit substrate <NUM> or the second circuit substrate <NUM> is attached to the third substrate attachment part <NUM>. When the tape guide cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cartridge installation part <NUM>, the contact terminal parts <NUM> come in contact with a third electrode part <NUM> of the third circuit substrate <NUM>. The third convex-part reception part <NUM> receives the engagement convex part <NUM> like the first convex-part reception part <NUM> or the second convex-part reception part <NUM>. The fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> is configured like the fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> provided in the ribbon cartridge <NUM>. That is, the surface on the front side in the installation direction of the fourth peripheral wall concave part <NUM> serves as a fourth pressing part <NUM> pressed by the fourth pressing protrusion <NUM> when the installation-part cover <NUM> is closed.

Cartridges are not limited to those having a configuration in which a printing tape or an ink ribbon is accommodated such as the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> of the present embodiment, but may only be required to have a configuration that allows the cartridges to be installed in the tape printing device <NUM>.

The cartridge installation part <NUM> is not limited to a configuration in which the tape cartridge <NUM> and the ribbon cartridge <NUM> are alternatively installed, but may have a configuration in which only the ribbon cartridge <NUM> is installed.

Further, the above embodiments and the modified examples may be combined together.

Hereinafter, a cartridge will be supplementally noted. This cartridge does not form part of the claimed invention. The invention is defined only by the claims.

A cartridge to be installed in a tape printing device including a cartridge installation part, a printing head that is provided in the cartridge installation part and performs printing on a printing tape, and a device case, the device case having a device-side tape introduction port that introduces the printing tape from an outside to an inside of the device case and a device-side tape ejection port that ejects the printing tape to the outside of the device case, the cartridge including: a tape path through which the printing tape introduced from the device-side tape introduction port is fed toward the device-side tape ejection port in a state in which the cartridge is installed in the cartridge installation part.

According to the configuration, the printing tape introduced into the device case from the device-side tape introduction port is fed to the device-side tape ejection port via the tape path. Thus, it is possible to smoothly feed the printing tape introduced from the outside of the tape printing device inside the tape printing device.

In this case, the cartridge preferably includes an ink ribbon accommodation part that accommodates an ink ribbon and a tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part that accommodates a tape retention mechanism that retains the printing tape introduced into the tape path, and the tape path is preferably provided between the ink ribbon accommodation part and the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part.

According to the configuration, it is possible to constitute the tape path using the ink ribbon accommodation part and the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part.

In this case, the cartridge preferably includes a cartridge case, and the cartridge case preferably includes a first case that constitutes a front side of the ink ribbon accommodation part in an installation direction of the cartridge, a second case that constitutes a front side of the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part in the installation direction, and a third case that constitutes back sides of the ink ribbon accommodation part and the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part in the installation direction.

According to the configuration, the first case and the third case are combined together to constitute the ink ribbon accommodation part. Further, the second case and the third case are combined together to constitute the tape-retention-mechanism accommodation part.

In this case, the tape path preferably has a set opening part that is used to set the printing tape in the tape path from a first width end surface that is one end surface in a width direction of the printing tape.

According to the configuration, a user is allowed to reset the printing tape in the tape path from the set opening part with the tip end of the printing tape projecting outward from the tape path even when the tip end of the printing tape is pulled in the tape path.

In this case, the tape path preferably has a first path lateral wall part and a second path lateral wall part that face each other, and includes a tape guide part that protrudes from the first path lateral wall part to the second path lateral wall part and guides a second width end surface that is the other end surface in the width direction of the printing tape.

According to the configuration, it is possible to guide the printing tape in the width direction of the printing tape by the tape guide part in the tape path.

In this case, the tape guide part preferably has a tape visual recognition part, and the tape visual recognition part preferably allows visual recognition of the printing tape set in the tape path from the set opening part through the tape visual recognition part.

According to the configuration, it is possible to cause the user to confirm whether the printing tape has been set at a position at which the visual recognition of the printing tape is allowed through the tape visual recognition part, i.e., at a position at which the second width end surface comes in contact with the tape guide part.

In this case, the second path lateral wall part preferably has a widened part widened to a side opposite to the first path lateral wall part at a position thereof facing the tape guide part.

According to the configuration, it is possible to prevent the tape guide part protruding from the first path lateral wall part from obstructing the printing tape when the user sets the printing tape in the tape path from the set opening part.

In this case, the cartridge further includes a movable guide part that comes close to the printing tape and is movable between a guide position at which the movable guide part guides the printing tape in a front-surface and rear-surface direction of the printing tape and a non-guide position separated from the guide position.

According to the configuration, it is possible to prevent the movable guide part from obstructing the printing tape by the movement of the movable guide part to the non-guide position when the user sets the printing tape in the tape path from the set opening part.

In this case, the cartridge preferably includes a cartridge case having a cartridge-side tape introduction port that introduces the printing tape introduced from the device-side tape introduction port into the tape path and a cartridge-side tape ejection port that ejects the printing tape toward the device-side tape ejection port, and the tape path preferably has an introduction-side path on a side closer to the cartridge-side tape introduction port than a platen roller and an ejection-side path on a side closer to the cartridge-side tape ejection port than the platen roller, the ejection-side path is preferably bent with respect to the introduction-side path, and the ejection-side path preferably has a bending angle of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less with respect to the introduction-side path.

Claim 1:
A cartridge (<NUM>) to be installed in a tape printing device (<NUM>) including a cartridge installation part (<NUM>) and a device case (<NUM>), the device case having a device-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) that introduces printing tape from an outside to an inside of the device case and a device-side tape ejection port (<NUM>) that ejects the printing tape to the outside of the device case, the cartridge comprising:
a cartridge case (<NUM>) having a cartridge-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) that introduces the printing tape introduced from the device-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) into the cartridge case and a cartridge-side tape ejection port (<NUM>) that ejects the printing tape toward the device-side tape ejection port (<NUM>);
a tape path (<NUM>) through which the printing tape introduced from the device-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) is fed toward the device-side tape ejection port (<NUM>) in a state in which the cartridge is installed in the cartridge installation part, the tape path connecting the cartridge-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) and the cartridge-side tape ejection port (<NUM>) to each other;
characterized by
an ink ribbon accommodation part (<NUM>) that accommodates an ink ribbon (<NUM>); and
a circuit substrate (<NUM>) having an electrode part (<NUM>), wherein
the cartridge-side tape introduction port (<NUM>) is provided between the ink ribbon accommodation part (<NUM>) and the circuit substrate (<NUM>).