Patent Description:
Conventionally, as a tape printing device (tape writer) in which the tape cartridge of this type is used, a tape printing device including a body case that houses various mechanisms, a cartridge mounting portion for detachably mounting the tape cartridge, and five photointerrupters that are arranged on an inner wall of the cartridge mounting portion in a line is known (see PTL <NUM>). The tape cartridge has a specification display seal for identifying the specification of a printing tape and strange printing ink in a side surface portion. On the other hand, five photointerrupters are disposed so as to face the specification display seal. Then, the five photointerrupters detect whether or not black ink is printed in five specification display portions formed in the specification display seal and identify the specification based on a detection result.

Further, a tape cassette and a printed label making system are known (see, PTL <NUM>), wherein the tape cassette has a cassette case, a film tape spool, and a tape outlet. A concave space is arranged so as to extend from an opening formed in a cassette bottom face vertically toward a cassette top face. A peripheral wall surface is arranged vertically so as to surround the concave space horizontally, and has portions to be detected that can provide a printed label making device with attribute information indicating the tape attribute of a film tape.

However, in the tape printing device of this type, play on manufacturing tolerance is inevitably provided between the tape cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion. As a result, a position of the mounted tape cartridge may be positioned so as to be shifted by the tolerance. That is, the position of the tape cartridge is positioned so as to be shifted by the tolerance with respect to each photointerrupter.

Thus, in the configuration of the related art described above, a positional relationship between each photointerrupter and each specification display portion (specification display seal) provided in the tape cartridge is shifted at every time of mounting and there is a problem that the position of each specification display portion is shifted from an optimal position for performing detection by each photointerrupter. Therefore, there is a concern that detection ability by each photointerrupter is lowered and the specification described above cannot be correctly identified.

In addition, even if the positional relationship between each photointerrupter and each specification display portion becomes an optimal positional relationship when mounting is performed, the position of the tape cartridge is shifted and the optimal positional relationship cannot be maintained due to shock from the outside and forces from various driving shafts of the tape printing device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cartridge which causes a positional relationship between a detecting portion on a tape printing device and a detected portion on a tape cartridge to be an optimal positional relationship, and maintains the optimal positional relationship.

The object of the invention is solved by independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims refer to embodiments of the invention. According to a general aspect, there is provided a tape cartridge that is mounted on a tape printing device including a detecting portion for reading various types of information of the tape cartridge from a detected portion by applying a detection light to the detected portion disposed in the tape cartridge in a detachable manner in a mounting direction and a removal direction, the tape cartridge including the detected portion disposed on a wall surface in the mounting direction; and an engaging portion disposed on a wall surface on a mounting direction side. The engaging portion is engaged with an engaged portion provided in a holder in which the detecting portion is disposed and performs positioning between the detecting portion and the detected portion via the holder.

In this case, it is preferable that the engaged portion is configured of a protrusion portion and the engaging portion is configured of a hole portion engaged with the protrusion portion.

According to these configurations, if the tape cartridge is mounted on the tape printing device, the engaging portion of the tape cartridge is engaged with the engaged portion of the holder in which the detecting portion is disposed. The tape cartridge and the holder are integrated, and the position of the detecting portion is positioned with respect to the position of the detected portion by the engagement. A positional relationship between the detecting portion and the detected portion can be an optimal positional relationship by positioning according to the mounting. In addition, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged and thereby it is possible to prevent a position of the tape cartridge with respect to the detecting portion and an inclination (angle) of the tape cartridge with respect to the detecting portion from being shifted by shock from the outside and force from each driving shaft of the tape printing device. That is, it is possible to maintain the optimal positional relationship between the detecting portion and the detected portion. Therefore, it is possible to cause the positional relationship between the detecting portion and the detected portion to be the optimal positional relationship, and to maintain the optimal positional relationship. Thus, it is possible to improve detection ability by the detecting portion and to correctly read various types of information of the tape cartridge.

In this case, it is preferable that the tape cartridge further includes a cartridge case, the cartridge case is configured of two members of a first member on a removal direction side and a second member on the mounting direction side, the first member has a joining pin for joining the first member to the second member, the second member has a joining hole into which the joining pin is joined, and the engaging portion is disposed coaxially in the joining hole on the wall surface of the second member on the mounting direction side.

According to the configuration, since the engaging portion is disposed by using a space immediately below (or immediately above) the joining hole, it is possible to dispose the engaging portion with good efficiency in space. Thus, it is possible to form the engaging portion by using a "waste hole" portion generated when forming the joining hole.

In addition, it is preferable that the engaging portion and the joining hole are configured of an integral through-hole.

According to the configuration, it is possible to easily form the engaging portion and the joining hole, and to simply configure the tape cartridge compared to a case in which the engaging portion and the joining hole are individually formed.

Hereinafter, a tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings together with a tape printing device on which the tape cartridge is mounted. The tape printing device is provided to create a label (tape piece) by performing printing while feeding a printing tape and an ink ribbon from the mounted tape cartridge.

<FIG> is an external perspective view of the tape printing device and the tape cartridge mounted on the tape printing device. As illustrated in the view, a tape printing device <NUM> includes a device case <NUM> configuring an outer shell, a cartridge mounting portion <NUM> on which a tape cartridge <NUM> is detachably mounted in a mounting direction and a removal direction, and an opening and closing lid <NUM> that opens and closes the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. The cartridge mounting portion <NUM> is provided on a rear side, a display <NUM> is provided in the center, and a keyboard <NUM> is provided on a front side on an upper surface of the device case <NUM>. A finger hooking recessed portion <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of the opening and closing lid <NUM>. The opening and closing lid <NUM> is opened by pulling the finger hooking recessed portion <NUM> up by a finger. Then, an elongated tape discharge port <NUM> from which a printing tape <NUM> is discharged is provided on a side surface (left side surface) of the device case <NUM>.

In addition, the tape printing device <NUM> includes a printing mechanism portion <NUM> that has a printing head <NUM> provided uprightly in the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>, a tape feeding mechanism <NUM> that is built in a rear space of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>, and a tape cutting mechanism <NUM> that is built in the vicinity of the tape discharge port <NUM>. A user inputs printing information from the keyboard <NUM>, recognizes the present invention in the display <NUM>, and then executes printing with a key operation. If printing is commanded, the tape feeding mechanism <NUM> is driven and thereby the printing tape <NUM> and an ink ribbon <NUM> run in parallel. Furthermore, ink of the ink ribbon <NUM> is transferred to the printing tape <NUM> by heat applied from the printing mechanism portion <NUM> to the ink ribbon <NUM> and thereby printing is performed. The printing tape <NUM> is discharged from the tape discharge port <NUM> by print feeding and if printing is completed, the tape cutting mechanism <NUM> is driven and thereby a printed portion of the printing tape <NUM> is cut.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes a tape roll <NUM> that winds the printing tape <NUM> into a tape core <NUM> and a ribbon roll <NUM> that winds the ink ribbon <NUM> into a feeding core <NUM>. In addition, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes a winding core <NUM> that winds the ink ribbon <NUM> after use and a platen roller <NUM> (platen) against which the printing head <NUM> abuts and which delivers the printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM>. Furthermore, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes a cartridge case <NUM> that houses the tape roll <NUM>, the ribbon roll <NUM>, the winding core <NUM>, and the platen roller <NUM>. As described above, the tape cartridge <NUM> of the embodiment has a so-called shell structure in which an outer shell is covered by the cartridge case <NUM>.

In addition, when the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the tape printing device <NUM>, an insertion opening <NUM> into which the printing head <NUM> is inserted is formed in the cartridge case <NUM> in the tape cartridge <NUM>. The tape cartridge <NUM> includes a tape feeding port <NUM> which is formed in the cartridge case <NUM> and from which the printing tape <NUM> is fed. Moreover, the tape roll <NUM>, which is described later, is rotatably supported on a cylindrical core shaft <NUM> protruding on the inside of the cartridge case <NUM>.

If the platen roller <NUM> and the winding core <NUM> are driven by the tape feeding mechanism <NUM> described above, the printing tape <NUM> is fed from the tape core <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM> is fed from the feeding core <NUM>. The printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM>, which are fed, run in parallel in the platen roller <NUM> portion and are subjected to printing by the printing head <NUM>. A feeding end portion (printed portion) of the printing tape <NUM>, in which printing is performed, is fed from the tape feeding port <NUM> to the tape discharge port <NUM>. On the other hand, the ink ribbon <NUM> rotates around a peripheral wall portion of the insertion opening <NUM> and is wound on the winding core <NUM>. Moreover, a plurality of types of printing tapes having different thicknesses according to a tape width of the printing tape <NUM> are prepared in the tape cartridge <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> is formed in a complementary planar shape with a planar shape of the tape cartridge <NUM> and is formed in a recessed shape having a depth corresponding to the tape cartridge <NUM> of the maximum thickness among a plurality of types of tape cartridges <NUM> which are mountable. In this case, a mounting base <NUM> configuring a bottom plate portion of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> and a side plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed (molding) of resin and the like. A slit-shaped tape discharge path <NUM> is formed between the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> and the tape discharge port <NUM>, and the tape cutting mechanism <NUM> is built into the portion.

A positioning protrusion <NUM> which is positioned by fitting of the core shaft <NUM>, the printing head <NUM> which is covered by a head cover <NUM>, a platen driving shaft <NUM> which drives the platen roller <NUM> to rotate, and a winding driving shaft <NUM> which drives the winding core <NUM> to rotate are provided uprightly in the mounting base <NUM> of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. In addition, a tape width detecting portion <NUM> which detects a tape width of the printing tape <NUM> and a core release portion <NUM> which releases rotation stoppers of the feeding core <NUM> and the winding core <NUM> are provided in positions in the vicinity of the winding driving shaft <NUM> in the mounting base <NUM>.

Furthermore, a pair of small protrusions <NUM> is provided at diagonal positions in the mounting base <NUM>. In addition, a pair of latch pieces <NUM> for latching a center portion of the mounted tape cartridge <NUM> is provided. On the other hand, the tape feeding mechanism <NUM> configured of a motor and a gear train (both not illustrated), and the like for rotating the platen driving shaft <NUM> and the winding driving shaft <NUM> is built into a rear space of the mounting base <NUM>. The tape feeding mechanism <NUM> is power-branched in the gear train and synchronously rotates the platen driving shaft <NUM> and the winding driving shaft <NUM>.

On the other hand, a pattern reading portion <NUM> for reading a type reading pattern <NUM> described below provided on a side surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> is disposed in the side plate portion <NUM> (front side) of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. In the embodiment, the tape width detecting portion <NUM> detects (recognizes) the tape width of the printing tape <NUM> housed in the tape cartridge <NUM> and the pattern reading portion <NUM> recognizes type information (tape color and material of the housed printing tape <NUM>, and ribbon color of the housed ink ribbon <NUM>, and the like) of the tape cartridge <NUM> except the tape width. Details of the pattern reading portion <NUM> will be described later.

The printing mechanism portion <NUM> has the printing head <NUM> configured of a thermal head and a head support frame <NUM> that is rotated while supplying the printing head <NUM>. In addition, the printing mechanism portion <NUM> has a head release mechanism (not illustrated) that rotates the printing head <NUM> between a printing position and a retracted position via the head support frame <NUM>, and the head cover <NUM> that covers the printing head <NUM> (and the head support frame <NUM>).

The head release mechanism is operated in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing lid <NUM>, and moves (rotates) the printing head <NUM> to the printing position in conjunction with a closing operation of the opening and closing lid <NUM>. In addition, the head release mechanism causes the printing head <NUM> to be moved (rotated) in conjunction with an opening operation. The printing head <NUM> moved to the printing position abuts against the platen roller <NUM> via the ink ribbon <NUM> and the printing tape <NUM>, and the printing head <NUM> moved to the retracted position is separated from the platen roller <NUM>. Therefore, when mounting and demounting the tape cartridge <NUM>, interference of the printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM> with the printing head <NUM> is prevented.

A plurality of heat generating elements are provided in the printing head <NUM> and the plurality of heat generating elements are arranged in parallel in the same direction as an axial direction of the platen roller <NUM>. Then, printing is performed by delivery of the printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM>, and selective driving of the plurality of heat generating elements. The head cover <NUM> is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and is formed (molded) integrally with the mounting base <NUM> (cartridge mounting portion <NUM>). In addition, the head cover <NUM> largely vertically protrudes from the mounting base <NUM>, allows the rotation of the printing head <NUM> on the inside thereof, and functions as a mounting guide of the tape cartridge <NUM> on the outside.

The tape width detecting portion <NUM> is configured of a plurality of micro switches 51a, selectively engages with a detection hole group <NUM> of the tape cartridge <NUM> described below, and detects the tape width of the printing tape <NUM>.

The core release portion <NUM> is configured of two release pins 53a for the feeding core <NUM> and the winding core <NUM>. Although details will be described later, a rotation stopper hook <NUM> for latching each of the feeding core <NUM> and the winding core <NUM> is provided in the cartridge case <NUM> (see <FIG>) and if the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted, the release pin 53a is engaged with the rotation stopper hook <NUM> and the rotation stoppers of the feeding core <NUM> and the winding core <NUM> are released.

The platen driving shaft <NUM> has a platen support shaft <NUM> elongated so as to pass through the platen roller <NUM> and a spline-shaped rotation driving shaft <NUM> rotatably journaled on a base portion of the platen support shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>). Rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism <NUM> is transmitted to the rotation driving shaft <NUM> and is further transmitted from the rotation driving shaft <NUM> to the platen roller <NUM> (details will be described later).

Similarly, the winding driving shaft <NUM> has a fixed shaft 47a and a spline-shaped movable shaft 47b rotatably journaled on the fixed shaft 47a. Also, in this case, rotational power of the tape feeding mechanism <NUM> is transmitted to the movable shaft 47b and is further transmitted from the movable shaft 47b to the winding core <NUM>.

If the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>, the core shaft <NUM> (the tape core <NUM>) is engaged with the positioning protrusion <NUM>, the platen roller <NUM> is engaged with the platen driving shaft <NUM>, and the winding core <NUM> is further engaged with the winding driving shaft <NUM>. Then, if the opening and closing lid <NUM> is closed, the printing head <NUM> is rotated and abuts against the platen roller <NUM> to interpose the printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM> therebetween, and the tape printing device <NUM> is in a printing standby state.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening and closing lid <NUM> is rotatably, that is, open-closeably mounted on the device case <NUM> via a hinge portion <NUM> provided on a rear side. The opening and closing lid <NUM> has an opening and closing lid body <NUM> and a viewing window <NUM> provided at the center of the opening and closing lid body <NUM>. In addition, the opening and closing lid <NUM> has a pair of journal pieces <NUM> that are rotatably journaled on the hinge portion <NUM> protruding on the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body <NUM> and an operation lever <NUM> that protrudes on the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body <NUM> and rotates the printing head <NUM>. Furthermore, the opening and closing lid <NUM> has two push protrusions <NUM> that protrude on the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body <NUM> and press the tape cartridge <NUM>, and a pressing protrusion <NUM> that protrudes on the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body <NUM> and operates (ON) a built-in lid closing detection switch (not illustrated).

The viewing window <NUM> is formed to be horizontally elongated and is configured of transparent (transparent to visible light) resin as a separate body from the opening and closing lid body <NUM>. The tape cartridge <NUM> mounted on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> is visible (type of the printing tape <NUM> and tape remaining amount) over the viewing window <NUM>. In addition, the pair of journal pieces <NUM>, the operation lever <NUM>, the push protrusion <NUM>, the pressing protrusion <NUM>, and the opening and closing lid body <NUM> are integrally formed (molded) of resin.

The operation lever <NUM> largely protrudes from the rear surface of the opening and closing lid body <NUM> and is inserted into a slit opening <NUM> provided on the side surface of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> in accordance with closing of the opening and closing lid <NUM>. The operation lever <NUM> inserted into the slit opening <NUM> operates the head release mechanism and rotates the printing head <NUM>. Similarly, the pressing protrusion <NUM> is inserted into a rectangular opening <NUM> adjacent to the slit opening <NUM> and operates (ON) the lid closing detection switch in accordance with the closure of the opening and closing lid <NUM>. The push protrusion <NUM> corresponds to a position in the vicinity of the platen roller <NUM> of the tape cartridge <NUM> and presses the tape cartridge <NUM> so that the tape cartridge <NUM> sits on the mounting base <NUM> of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> in accordance with closing of the opening and closing lid <NUM>.

Next, the tape cartridge <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Moreover, in the description of the tape cartridge <NUM>, in the example of <FIG> of the description of the tape printing device <NUM>, a front surface in the mounting direction, which is an upper front surface of the tape cartridge <NUM>, is referred to as a "front surface", a surface on the rear side (mounting direction side) in the mounting direction on the opposite side is referred to as a "rear surface", a side surface of the left side is referred to as a "left side surface", a side surface of the right side is referred to as a "right side surface", an arc-shaped side surface on the upper side is referred to as a "leading end surface", and a side surface on the lower side is referred to as a "base end surface". Moreover, the "wall surface in the mounting direction" referred to in the claims is the side surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> in the embodiment and the "wall surface on the mounting direction side" referred to in the claims is the rear surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> in the embodiment.

As described above, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes the cartridge case <NUM>, the tape roll <NUM> housed therein, the ribbon roll <NUM>, the winding core <NUM>, and the platen roller <NUM>. In addition, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes the insertion opening <NUM> formed in the cartridge case <NUM> and the tape feeding port <NUM> formed on the left side surface in the vicinity of the platen roller <NUM>.

Furthermore, the tape cartridge <NUM> includes a type display seal <NUM> (see <FIG>) adhered over the front surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface of a portion in which the tape roll <NUM> is housed, and a type reading seal <NUM> adhered on the base end surface of the cartridge case <NUM>. Type information (tape width, a tape color, a material of the housed printing tape <NUM>, and the like) of the tape cartridge <NUM> is displayed in the type display seal <NUM>.

On the other hand, the type reading pattern (detected portion) <NUM> indicating type information (tape color and a material of the housed printing tape <NUM>, and the ribbon color of the housed ink ribbon <NUM>, and the like) of the tape cartridge <NUM> is formed in the type reading seal <NUM> (see <FIG>). The type reading pattern <NUM> has eight bit configuration portions <NUM> disposed in a matrix with two rows and four columns. Each bit configuration portion <NUM> displays bit information of each one bit by whether or not black ink is printed (solid printing) in a white printing region. That is, a bit pattern of eight bits is displayed by a total of eight bit configuration portions <NUM>. The bit pattern of eight bits corresponds to various types of information described above and various types of information are displayed by the bit pattern. Moreover, for the sake of convenience of description, broken lines of reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG> are illustrated to indicate the bit configuration portion <NUM> and are not actually formed.

The cartridge case <NUM> configures an outer shell of the tape cartridge <NUM> (shell structure) and has an appearance of an "L" shape in a plan view of which the base end side of the right side surface protrudes somewhat. The cartridge case <NUM> in a front and rear direction is configured of two members of a lower case <NUM> (second member) that becomes the rear side (mounting direction side) and an upper case <NUM> (first member) that becomes the front side (removal direction side) when being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. The cartridge case <NUM> of the embodiment is configured such that the upper case <NUM> is formed of molding of transparent resin and the lower case <NUM> is formed of molding of opaque resin.

The upper case <NUM> is formed (molded) integrally with a top wall portion <NUM> configuring the surface of the cartridge case <NUM> and an upper periphery wall portion <NUM> provided uprightly in a periphery portion of the top wall portion <NUM>. In addition, the lower case <NUM> is formed (molded) integrally with a bottom wall portion <NUM> configuring the rear surface of the cartridge case <NUM>, a lower periphery wall <NUM> provided uprightly in the periphery portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM>, and an opening periphery wall portion <NUM> vertically provided in the bottom wall portion <NUM> in order to form the insertion opening <NUM>.

A plurality of joining pins <NUM> are provided on the lower end surface of the upper periphery wall portion <NUM> at appropriate intervals in the upper case <NUM> and a plurality of joining holes <NUM>, which correspond to the plurality of joining pins <NUM> and to which the plurality of joining pins <NUM> are respectively joined, are provided in the lower periphery wall <NUM> of the lower case <NUM> (see <FIG>). The tape cartridge <NUM> is assembled by joining the upper case <NUM> to the lower case <NUM> so as to press fit the plurality of joining pins <NUM> into the plurality of joining holes <NUM> after setting configuration components such as the tape roll <NUM> and the ribbon roll <NUM>. Moreover, each joining hole <NUM> is configured of a through-hole in consideration of ease of molding.

On the other hand, a pair of latch receiving portions <NUM> that are latched to the pair of latch pieces <NUM> of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> are provided on the left side surface and the right side surface of the lower case <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The pair of latch pieces <NUM> on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> side are latched to the pair of latch receiving portions <NUM> of the mounted tape cartridge <NUM> and thereby floating of the tape cartridge <NUM> is prevented.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, a reading seal adhesive portion <NUM> for adhering the type reading seal is formed on the base end surface of the lower case <NUM>. The reading seal adhesive portion <NUM> is recessed with respect to the base end surface so as to cause a rectangular recessed portion to have a depth equal (or equal to or greater than a thickness) to a thickness of the type reading seal <NUM>. The type reading seal <NUM> is not protruded from the base end surface by the reading seal adhesive portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, fitting small holes <NUM> into which the pair of small protrusions <NUM> are fitted with clearance somewhat are provided on the rear surface of the lower case <NUM>. The pair of small protrusions <NUM> on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> side are fitted into a pair of fitting small holes <NUM> of the mounted tape cartridge <NUM> and thereby simple positioning of the tape cartridge <NUM> is performed on the mounting base <NUM>.

In addition, the detection hole group <NUM>, which is positioned in a left corner portion (right corner portion viewed on the front surface side) on the base end surface side and corresponds to the tape width detecting portion <NUM>, is provided on the rear surface of the lower case <NUM> (see <FIG>). The detection hole group <NUM> indicates the bit pattern by the presence or absence of receiving holes 180a provided in a portion corresponding to the plurality of micro switches 51a of the tape width detecting portion <NUM>. That is, the bit pattern indicates the tape width of the printing tape <NUM> housed in the tape cartridge <NUM> and the tape width detecting portion <NUM> detects the tape width of the printing tape <NUM> housed in the tape cartridge <NUM> by detecting the bit pattern by the plurality of micro switches 51a.

In addition, a positioning hole portion <NUM> (engaging portion) engaged with a positioning pin <NUM> (described below) provided in the pattern reading portion <NUM> is disposed in the vicinity of the detection hole group <NUM>. Details of the positioning hole portion <NUM> will be described later.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a tape housing area <NUM>, in which the wide tape roll <NUM> is housed, is configured in an upper space (leading end surface side) within the cartridge case <NUM>. The core shaft <NUM> formed (molded) integrally with the lower case <NUM> is provided uprightly at the center of the tape housing area <NUM>. The core shaft <NUM> is formed in a cylinder shape and the tape roll <NUM> (tape core <NUM>) is rotatably journaled on an outer peripheral surface thereof. In addition, a tape guide <NUM>, which is positioned in the vicinity of the platen roller <NUM> and guides the fed printing tape <NUM> to the platen roller <NUM>, is provided uprightly and integrally with the lower case <NUM> in the tape housing area <NUM>.

That is, a tape delivery path <NUM> from the tape roll <NUM> as a starting point to the tape feeding port <NUM> through the tape guide <NUM> and the platen roller <NUM> is configured within the cartridge case <NUM>. The printing tape <NUM> fed from the tape roll <NUM> is guided to the platen roller <NUM> via the tape guide <NUM>, is subjected to printing in the platen roller <NUM>, and is further guided from the platen roller <NUM> to the tape feeding port <NUM>.

The tape roll <NUM> has the printing tape <NUM> and the tape core <NUM>, and also has two films <NUM> adhered on both end surfaces of the printing tape <NUM> of a roll shape. The two films <NUM> prevent loosening of the printing tape <NUM> wound around the tape core <NUM>. In addition, although not illustrated, a reverse rotation stop mechanism is incorporated in the tape core <NUM>. When carrying the tape cartridge <NUM>, the reverse rotation of the printing tape <NUM> is prevented by the reverse rotation stop mechanism. On the other hand, if the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> of the tape printing device <NUM>, the reverse rotation stop of the reverse rotation stop mechanism is released by the positioning protrusion <NUM> and delivery of the printing tape <NUM> may be performed.

A ribbon housing area <NUM> is configured adjacent to the insertion opening <NUM> on the right side of the base portion on the inside of the cartridge case <NUM>. A feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> rotatably supporting the ribbon roll <NUM> (the feeding core <NUM>) is formed integrally with the cartridge case <NUM> on the right side of the ribbon housing area <NUM> and a winding-side bearing portion <NUM> rotatably supporting the winding core <NUM> is formed integrally with the cartridge case <NUM> on the left side thereof. That is, the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> and the winding-side bearing portion <NUM> are respectively formed in the upper case <NUM> and the lower case <NUM>.

The rotation stopper hooks <NUM> of which leading end portions face the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> and the winding-side bearing portion <NUM> are respectively and integrally formed in cutout portions of the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> and the winding-side bearing portion <NUM> formed in the lower case <NUM>. Then, one rotation stopper hook <NUM> is engaged with the feeding core <NUM> and the other rotation stopper hook <NUM> is engaged with the winding core <NUM> respectively in a rotation stop state.

A first ribbon guide <NUM>, which is positioned in the vicinity of the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> and guides the fed ink ribbon <NUM> to the platen roller <NUM> is provided uprightly and integrally with the lower case <NUM> in the ribbon housing area <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of second ribbon guides <NUM>, which guide circulation of the ink ribbon <NUM>, are integrally formed on an outer periphery side of the opening periphery wall portion <NUM>.

That is, a ribbon delivery path <NUM> from the ribbon roll <NUM> as a starting point to the winding core <NUM> through the first ribbon guide <NUM>, the platen roller <NUM> and the plurality of second ribbon guides <NUM> is configured on the inside of the cartridge case <NUM>. The ink ribbon <NUM> fed from the ribbon roll <NUM> is guided to the platen roller <NUM> via the first ribbon guide <NUM>, where it is subjected to printing, and is wound around the winding core <NUM> by circulating the opening periphery wall portion <NUM> (plurality of second ribbon guides <NUM>) from the platen roller <NUM>.

The ribbon roll <NUM> has the ink ribbon <NUM> and the feeding core <NUM>, and also has an annular leaf spring <NUM> applying a braking load to the feeding core <NUM> (see <FIG>). The leaf spring <NUM> is formed in a wave shape in a circumferential direction and is interposed between the top wall portion <NUM> of the upper case <NUM> and the feeding core <NUM>. That is, a rotational braking load is applied to the feeding core <NUM> by an elastic force of the leaf spring <NUM>. Therefore, back tension is applied to the ink ribbon <NUM> that is fed by the winding core <NUM> and slack of the ink ribbon <NUM> is prevented.

The feeding core <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape and a plurality of cutouts <NUM> is formed in an end portion on the lower case <NUM> side in the circumferential direction (see <FIG>). Then, the rotation stopper hooks <NUM> are engaged and disengaged with the plurality of cutouts <NUM>. Moreover, the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> on the lower case <NUM> side supplying the feeding core <NUM> is configured of a circular opening and the feeding-side bearing portion <NUM> on the upper case <NUM> side is configured of a cylindrical protrusion portion. Then, the leaf spring <NUM> is mounted on the protrusion portion (both, see <FIG>).

Similarly, the winding core <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape and a plurality of cutouts <NUM> are formed in an end portion on the lower case <NUM> side in the circumferential direction. Then, the rotation stopper hooks <NUM> are engaged and disengaged with the plurality of cutouts <NUM>. In addition, spline grooves <NUM> are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the winding core <NUM> and are splined to the winding driving shaft <NUM>. Therefore, the rotational force of the winding driving shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the winding core <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM> is wound.

A platen housing area <NUM> is configured adjacent to the insertion opening <NUM> on the left side of the base portion within the cartridge case <NUM>. A lower bearing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of an elliptical (oblong) opening formed in the lower case <NUM> and an upper bearing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of an elliptical opening formed in the upper case <NUM> are provided at the center of the platen housing area <NUM>. Then, the platen roller <NUM> is supported on the upper bearing portion <NUM> and the lower bearing portion <NUM> rotatably and slightly movably in lateral direction. That is, the platen roller <NUM> supported on the upper bearing portion <NUM> and the lower bearing portion <NUM> having the elliptical shape is configured to be movable in the lateral direction (fine movement) between a home position to be engaged with the platen driving shaft <NUM> and a clamped position to come into contact with the tape guide <NUM> by sandwiching the printing tape <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the tape cartridge <NUM> carries the feeding end portion of the printing tape <NUM> in a state of slightly protruding from the tape feeding port <NUM> to the outside (see <FIG>). In this case, if a pushing force or a pulling force accidentally acts on the feeding end portion of the printing tape <NUM>, the platen roller <NUM> dragged thereto is moved to the clamped position. Therefore, the feeding end portion of the printing tape <NUM> is prevented from being drawn from the tape feeding port <NUM> into the cartridge case <NUM>.

The platen roller <NUM> has a cylindrical roller base body <NUM> and a rubber roller <NUM> mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the roller base body <NUM>. The rubber roller <NUM> has a length corresponding to the printing head <NUM> in the axial direction and the printing head <NUM> moved to the printed position comes into contact with the rubber roller <NUM> by sandwiching the printing tape <NUM> and the ink ribbon <NUM>. In addition, spline grooves <NUM> are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the roller base body <NUM> and the rotation driving shaft <NUM> of the platen driving shaft <NUM> is splined into the spline grooves <NUM>. Therefore, the rotational force of the platen driving shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the platen roller <NUM> and print feeding of the printing tape <NUM> (and the ink ribbon <NUM>) is performed.

Next, the pattern reading portion <NUM> and the positioning hole portion <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. First, the pattern reading portion <NUM> of the tape printing device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the pattern reading portion <NUM> is provided in the side plate portion <NUM> (front side) of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> and is disposed toward the inside of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. That is, the pattern reading portion <NUM> is disposed in a position facing the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> when the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>. The pattern reading portion <NUM> includes a sensor unit <NUM> that is disposed toward the inside of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>, a unit support portion <NUM> that movably supports the sensor unit <NUM>, and a unit biasing portion <NUM> that biases the sensor unit <NUM> toward the inside of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>.

The unit support portion <NUM> is provided in an opening portion 33a opened to the side plate portion <NUM> of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> and supports the sensor unit <NUM> to be movable to the inside and the outside of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM>.

The unit biasing portion <NUM> has a pair of right and left coil springs <NUM> and biases a pair of spring receiving portions <NUM> (described below) provided in the sensor unit <NUM> by the pair of coil springs <NUM>. That is, the unit biasing portion <NUM> biases the sensor unit <NUM> into the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> via the pair of spring receiving portions <NUM> by the pair of right and left coil springs <NUM>. In a state where the tape cartridge <NUM> is not mounted, the sensor unit <NUM> is in a state of protruding toward the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> by the bias. In addition, in a state where the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted, the sensor unit <NUM> is biased on the tape cartridge <NUM> side and the sensor unit <NUM> is in a state of being pressed against the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor unit <NUM> includes a sensor portion <NUM> (detecting portion) where a plurality of optical sensors <NUM> are mounted on a sensor substrate <NUM> and a sensor holder <NUM> (holder) on which the sensor portion <NUM> is mounted. The sensor substrate <NUM> is mounted on a base end portion of the sensor holder <NUM> in a vertical posture. As described above, the sensor substrate <NUM> is mounted on the sensor holder <NUM> and thereby the sensor holder <NUM> is in a state of holding the sensor portion <NUM>.

The plurality of optical sensors <NUM> are arranged on the sensor substrate <NUM> in a matrix shape of two rows and four columns similar to the bit configuration portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, the plurality of optical sensors <NUM> are respectively configured of a light reflection type optical non-contact sensor, applies detection light to each bit configuration portion <NUM>, and receives reflection light from each bit configuration portion <NUM>. As described above, each bit configuration portion <NUM> displays bit information by whether or not black ink is printed in the white printing region. Each optical sensor <NUM> detects whether or not black ink is printed in the printing region by the presence or absence (strictly speaking, whether or not a light amount is equal to or greater than a certain amount) of the reflection light from each bit configuration portion. The bit information displayed by each bit configuration portion <NUM> is read based on the detection result. The sensor portion <NUM> reads the bit information of each bit configuration portion <NUM> by the plurality of optical sensors <NUM>. Therefore, the bit information of each bit configuration portion <NUM> is read and the type information of the tape cartridge <NUM> corresponding thereto is read.

The sensor holder <NUM> includes a holder body <NUM> having a trapezoidal shape in a side view, a pair of upper and lower substrate mounting hooks <NUM> protruding from the holder body <NUM> on the base end side, a pair of right and left spring receiving portions <NUM> protruding from the base end portion of the holder body <NUM> on right and left sides, the positioning pin <NUM> (engaged portion) provided on a right front side of the holder body <NUM>, and a connection portion <NUM> connecting the positioning pin <NUM> and the holder body <NUM>. Moreover, the holder body <NUM>, the pair of substrate mounting hooks <NUM>, the pair of spring receiving portions <NUM>, the positioning pin <NUM>, and the connection portion <NUM> are integrally formed (molded) of resin and the like.

The pair of substrate mounting hooks <NUM> mount the sensor substrate <NUM> on the sensor holder <NUM>. That is, the sensor substrate <NUM> is mounted on the sensor holder <NUM> by the pair of substrate mounting hook <NUM>.

The pair of spring receiving portions <NUM> are portions against which one end of the pair of right and left coil springs <NUM> abut and which receive a biasing force of the pair of right and left coil springs <NUM>. The pair of spring receiving portions <NUM> abut against the side plate portion <NUM> of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> and also function as a front end regulation portion for performing regulation of the front end in the movement of the sensor unit <NUM>.

The holder body <NUM> is configured of a holder cover <NUM> that covers an entirety of the plurality of optical sensors <NUM> and partition members <NUM> that individually surround each optical sensor <NUM>. A plurality of sensor holes <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of optical sensors <NUM> are formed in a leading end portion of the holder cover <NUM>. Each optical sensor <NUM> applies the detection light from each sensor hole <NUM> and receives the reflection light from each bit configuration portion <NUM> from each sensor hole <NUM>.

The holder cover <NUM> functions as an external light shielding portion for shielding external light toward each optical sensor <NUM>. On the other hand, the partition member <NUM> functions as an interference preventing portion for shielding the detection light from the adjacent optical sensors <NUM> and preventing interference between the optical sensors <NUM>.

In addition, the holder cover <NUM> also functions as a spacer that abuts against the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> and causes clearance between the sensor portion <NUM> (each optical sensor <NUM>) and the type reading pattern <NUM> to be a predetermined clearance in addition to the function of the external light shielding portion. That is, a leading end surface 330a of the holder cover <NUM> becomes an abutting surface against the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM>. Then, if the holder cover <NUM> is pressed by the tape cartridge <NUM> via the pair of spring receiving portions <NUM> by bias of the unit biasing portion <NUM> (pair of right and left coil springs <NUM>), the leading end surface 330a abuts against the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> to come into close contact with the base end surface. Therefore, the predetermined clearance is formed between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM>. Moreover, the leading end surface 330a of the holder cover <NUM> is formed to be inclined slightly downward so as to follow the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM>.

In addition, a leading inclined surface 330b inclined downward on the front side is formed in an upper end portion of the holder cover <NUM> on the front side. The leading inclined surface 330b abuts against an end portion of the tape cartridge <NUM> on the rear surface side and causes a part (component force) of a force for mounting the tape cartridge <NUM> to act as a force for pushing the sensor unit <NUM> back on the outside of the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> when mounting the tape cartridge <NUM>. The sensor unit <NUM> is pushed back against the unit biasing portion <NUM> by the leading inclined surface 330b in accordance with the mounting of the tape cartridge <NUM>. Therefore, when the mounting of the tape cartridge <NUM> is completed, the sensor unit <NUM> is in a state of being pressed against the tape cartridge <NUM>.

The positioning pin <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape which rises upward, tapered, and upright. That is, the leading end portion of the positioning pin <NUM> is formed in a frustoconical shape and an upper bottom surface portion thereof has a rounded dome shape. The positioning pin <NUM> becomes the engaged portion of the sensor holder <NUM> engaged with the positioning hole portion <NUM>.

Next, the positioning hole portion <NUM> of the tape cartridge <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the positioning hole portion <NUM> is formed in the bottom wall portion <NUM> of the lower case <NUM> and is disposed on the rear surface of the lower case <NUM>. In addition, the positioning hole portion <NUM> is disposed coaxially with the joining hole <NUM> positioned in the right corner portion and is configured of a lower end portion of a through-hole 172a configuring the joining hole <NUM>. That is, the positioning hole portion <NUM> and the joining hole <NUM> are configured of the integral through-hole 172a. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the positioning hole portion <NUM> is engaged with the positioning pin <NUM> of the sensor holder <NUM>. The positioning hole portion <NUM> is engaged with the positioning pin <NUM> of the sensor holder <NUM> thereby positioning the position of the sensor portion <NUM> mounted on the sensor holder <NUM> with respect to the type reading pattern <NUM> provided in the tape cartridge <NUM>. That is, the positioning hole portion <NUM> performs positioning between the type reading pattern <NUM> and the sensor portion <NUM> via the sensor holder <NUM>. Therefore, a positional relationship between the type reading pattern <NUM> and the sensor portion <NUM> is corrected to an optimal positional relationship. Moreover, a cutout <NUM> corresponding to the connection portion <NUM> is formed in the lower case <NUM>.

Next, a mounting operation of the tape cartridge <NUM> on the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, if the tape cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion <NUM> from the front side in the mounting direction, first, the end portion of the tape cartridge <NUM> on the rear surface side abuts against the leading inclined surface 330b of the holder cover <NUM>. Then, if the insertion is further advanced, the sensor unit <NUM> is pushed back against the unit biasing portion <NUM> by the leading inclined surface 330b and the sensor unit <NUM> is in a state of being pressed against the base end surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> (provisional positioning) (see <FIG>).

Thereafter, if the insertion is further advanced, the tape cartridge <NUM> continues to advance on the rear side in the mounting direction while sliding to the sensor unit <NUM>. The positioning hole portion <NUM> provided on the rear surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> is engaged with (positioning) the positioning pin <NUM> of the sensor unit <NUM> while positioning of the sensor unit <NUM> is performed by the frustoconical shape (tapered surface) of the leading end surface of the positioning pin <NUM> (see <FIG>). That is, in a state where the sensor unit <NUM> is pressed against the tape cartridge <NUM>, the positioning pin <NUM> and the positioning hole portion <NUM> are further engaged. Therefore, the sensor unit <NUM> and the tape cartridge <NUM> firmly come into contact with each other and the sensor unit <NUM> and the tape cartridge <NUM> are integrated. Thus, the sensor portion <NUM> is positioned with respect to the type reading pattern <NUM> via the sensor holder <NUM> and a positional relationship between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM> is optimized. That is, each bit configuration portion <NUM> is positioned in an optimal focal position of each optical sensor <NUM> and a positional shift in the right and left direction and a shift in inclination (angle) are also corrected. As a result, a reading operation of the type reading pattern <NUM> can be performed in an optimal state by the sensor portion <NUM>. Therefore, the mounting operation is completed.

According to the configuration described above, if the tape cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the tape printing device <NUM>, the positioning hole portion <NUM> of the tape cartridge <NUM> is engaged with the positioning pin <NUM> of the sensor holder <NUM>. The tape cartridge <NUM> and the sensor holder <NUM> are integrated and the position of the sensor portion <NUM> is positioned with respect to the position of the type reading pattern <NUM> by the engagement. The positional relationship between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM> can be the optimal positional relationship by positioning in accordance with mounting. In addition, the positioning hole portion <NUM> and the positioning pin <NUM> are engaged and thereby it is possible to prevent the position and the inclination (angle) of the tape cartridge <NUM> with respect to the sensor portion <NUM> from being shifted by shock from the outside and force from each of the driving shafts <NUM> and <NUM> of the tape printing device <NUM>. That is, it is possible to maintain the optimal positional relationship between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM>. As described above, it is possible to make the positional relationship between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM> the optimal positional relationship and to maintain the optimal positional relationship. Therefore, it is possible to improve a detection ability by the sensor portion <NUM> (each of the optical sensor <NUM>) and to accurately read the type information of the tape cartridge <NUM>.

In addition, in the lower case <NUM>, the positioning hole portion <NUM> is formed coaxially with one of the joining holes <NUM> and thereby the positioning hole portion <NUM> is disposed by using the space immediately below the joining hole <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the positioning hole portion <NUM> with good efficiency in space. Thus, it is possible to form the positioning hole portion <NUM> by using a "waste hole" generated when forming the joining hole <NUM>.

Furthermore, the joining hole <NUM> and the positioning hole portion <NUM> are configured by the integral through-hole 172a and thereby it is possible to easily form the joining hole <NUM> and the positioning hole portion <NUM>. In addition, it is possible to simply configure the tape cartridge <NUM>.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, the positioning hole portion <NUM> and the joining hole <NUM> are configured by the integral through-hole 172a, but the positioning hole portion <NUM> and the joining hole <NUM> may be individually formed.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, the positioning hole portion <NUM> and the positioning pin <NUM> are provided in only one set, but they may be provided in two sets or more.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the shape of the positioning hole portion <NUM> is circular, but the shape is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the shape of the positioning hole portion <NUM> may be rectangular and other polygons.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, the engaging portion (positioning hole portion <NUM>) on the tape cartridge <NUM> side is the hole portion and the engaged portion (positioning pin <NUM>) on the sensor unit <NUM> side is the protrusion portion, which are used for positioning between the sensor portion <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM>, but the portions are not limited to the embodiment. For example, the former may be the protrusion portion and the latter may be the hole portion.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, each of the bit configuration portion <NUM> and the detection sensor <NUM> includes eight of two rows and four columns, but the number and arrangement (the number of rows and the number of columns) thereof are not limited to the embodiment. For example, each of the bit configuration portion <NUM> and the detection sensor <NUM> may be horizontally arranged side by side as six of one row and six columns or may be vertically arranged side by side as six of six rows and one column. In addition, the number of rows and the number of columns may be the same as each other as sixteen of four rows and four columns.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, the bit configuration portion <NUM> displays the bit information of one bit by whether or not black ink is printed (solid printing) in a white printing region, but the color of the printing region and the color of ink to be printed are not limited to the embodiment if the bit information can be detected by the detection sensor <NUM> (if presence or absence and intensity of the reflection light can be detected when applying the detection light). For example, bit information of one bit may be displayed by whether or not white ink is printed in a black printing region. In addition, for example, one of the color of the printing region and the color of ink may be a color of blue, navy blue, and a greenish color, and the other may be red, yellow, and orange.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the type reading seal <NUM> on which the type reading pattern <NUM> is formed is adhered to the side surface of the tape cartridge <NUM> and the type reading pattern <NUM> is provided on the side surface of the tape cartridge <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A tape cartridge (<NUM>) that accommodates a printing tape (<NUM>) wound around a tape core (<NUM>) in a cartridge case (<NUM>), and is attached or detached in an attaching direction and a detaching direction to or from a cartridge mounting portion (<NUM>) of a tape printing device (<NUM>) including a pattern reading portion (<NUM>) disposed in a side plate portion (<NUM>) of the cartridge mounting portion (<NUM>), the pattern reading portion (<NUM>) including a sensor holder (<NUM>) on which a detecting portion (<NUM>) is mounted for reading type information of the tape cartridge (<NUM>), characterised in that the type information is read with detection light for each of a number of bit configuration portions (<NUM>) of a type reading pattern (<NUM>), the bit configuration portions (<NUM>) being disposed in a matrix with rows and columns, the type reading pattern (<NUM>) indicating the type information of the tape cartridge (<NUM>) and formed in a type reading seal (<NUM>) adhered on a base end surface of the cartridge case (<NUM>) of the tape cartridge (<NUM>),
wherein the tape cartridge case (<NUM>) comprises:
the base end surface along the attaching direction of the cartridge case (<NUM>); and
a positioning hole portion (<NUM>) provided at a position corresponding to a positioning pin (<NUM>) provided in the sensor holder (<NUM>) of the tape printing device (<NUM>) for positioning between the detecting portion (<NUM>) and the type reading pattern (<NUM>),
wherein
the base end surface has a cutout (<NUM>) connecting to the positioning hole portion (<NUM>); and
the cutout (<NUM>) corresponds to a connection portion (<NUM>) when the tape cartridge (<NUM>) is attached to the tape printing device (<NUM>), the connection portion (<NUM>) being provided in the tape printing device (<NUM>) and connected to the positioning pin (<NUM>).