FILM TRANSFER TOOL HEAD UNIT AND FILM TRANSFER TOOL

Abstract

A film transfer tool 10 has a case main body 5 and a head unit 30 that is provided at a distal end of the case main body 5. The head unit 30 includes a head main body 31 and a head support member 32. The head main body 31 supports on the head support member 32 so as to rotate back and forth. A transfer projecting portion is brought into abutment with a rear surface of a transfer tape T to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape T on to a transfer receiving surface. The head main body 31 includes side rollers rotatable back and forth that are positioned individually at two locations lying outwards of both side edges of the transfer tape T. A support shaft of the side rollers is provided so as to be spaced apart from the transfer tape T.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-075710 filed on Apr. 2, 2015, the entire disclosure of which, including the description, claims, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a film transfer tool that transfers a transfer layer of a transfer tape on to a transfer receiving surface and a head unit for use on this film transfer tool.

2. Description of the Related Art

Film transfer tools have conventionally been provided for application to transferring a correction tape or a tape glue. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-37991 (JP-A-2000-37991) discloses a film transfer tool that includes a spatulate transfer portion and a roller that is provided on an upstream side of the transfer portion. In this film transfer tool, a transfer tape is fed by the upstream roller, and therefore, a light transfer operation can be provided. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 10-236081 (JP-A-10-236081) discloses a film transfer tool that includes similarly a spatulate transfer portion and a roller that is disposed on an upstream side of the transfer portion. A collar portion having a circular shape when seen from a side thereof is formed at each end of the roller of the film transfer tool. A transfer tape is fed to the transfer portion while being guided by the collar portions along their side edges.

In the film transfer tool disclosed in JP-A-2000-37991, the transfer tape is brought into abutment with a transfer receiving surface by not only the spatulate transfer portion but also the roller provided upstream of the transfer portion, and therefore, there may occur a case where the roller completes the transfer of the transfer film on to the transfer film receiving surface before the spatulate transfer portion transfers the same. As this occurs, the transfer tape is sometimes transferred on to an unintended location on the transfer receiving surface. Further, the transfer tape is pressed by both the roller and the transfer portion, and therefore, the pressing force exerted by a user is not sometimes exerted on the transfer portion sufficiently during a transfer operation. This causes a transfer failure. Furthermore, an excessive tension is produced in the transfer tape between the transfer portion and the roller, leading to concerns that a traveling failure such as snaking is caused in the film transfer tool.

In the film transfer tool disclosed in JP-A-236081, the transfer tape is fed to the transfer portion while being positioned between the collar portions having the circular shape when seen from the side thereof that are provided at both the end portions of the roller. The collar portions are in contact with the transfer receiving surface, whereby the roller rotates. Thus, the roller is spaced apart from the transfer receiving surface, and therefore, the roller is never involved in transferring the transfer tape on to the transfer receiving surface. However, the transfer tape is in contact with the roller over a full width thereof. In this case, a difference in speed is caused between an outer circumference of the collar portion and an outer circumference of the roller while the film transfer tool is traveling. This speed difference prevents the feeding speed of the transfer tape from being synchronized with the rotation speed of the roller, sometimes resulting in a case where an excessive tension is produced in the transfer tape between the transfer tape and the roller. Then, there are caused fears that the transfer operation of the film transfer tool becomes heavy, the transfer tape is dislocated from the spatulate transfer portion, and a traveling failure such as snaking of the film transfer tool is caused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a film transfer tool head unit that can enhance the capability of traveling straight when a film transfer tool is caused to travel and a film transfer tool that includes this head unit.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a film transfer tool head unit that has a head main body, a head support member that supports the head main body, and a transfer projecting portion that is provided on the head main body so as to be brought into abutment with a rear surface of a transfer tape to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape on to a transfer receiving surface. The head main body has side rollers rotatable back and forth that are positioned individually at two locations lying outwards of both side edges of the transfer tape while being in contact with the transfer receiving surface. Support shafts that support the side rollers rotatably are disposed so as to be spaced apart from the transfer tape.

The head main body is supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth.

A rotational center about which the head main body rotates back and forth is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion than a middle point in a front-to-rear direction between a contact point of the transfer projecting portion with the transfer tape and a rotational center of the side rollers.

The head main body includes a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth. The tape feeding member has a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers and an annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape. An outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion.

The drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface.

The protuberant portion of the tape feeding member has a truncated cone shape whose open angle relative to the axis of the drive shaft is the angle α, and the tape feeding member is provided so that an upper surface side of the truncated cone shape is positioned lower on the inclined drive shaft.

The side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

A film transfer tool according to another aspect of the invention has a case main body and a head unit that is provided at a distal end of the case main body. The head unit has a head main body, a head support member that supports the head main body so as to rotate back and forth, and a transfer projecting portion that is provided on the head main body so as to be brought into abutment with a rear surface of a transfer tape to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape on to a transfer receiving surface. The head main body includes side rollers rotatable back and forth that are positioned individually at two locations lying outwards of both side edges of the transfer tape.

In case the film transfer tool head unit according to the aspect of the invention is applied to a film transfer tool, the transfer layer of the transfer tape can be transferred on to a transfer receiving surface in an ensured fashion by the transfer projecting portion while realizing the capability of traveling straight by the side rollers that are provided outwards of both the side edges of the transfer tape. Then, the support shaft that supports the side rollers rotatably is provided so as to be spaced apart from the transfer tape, and therefore, there is no such situation that an excessive tension is exerted on the transfer tape that lies between the transfer projecting portion and the side rollers and between the transfer projecting portion and the support shaft of the side rollers. Consequently, the occurrence of a traveling failure such as snaking of the transfer tape is reduced by providing the head unit on the film transfer tool.

The head main body is supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth. By adopting this configuration, even though the main body of the film transfer tool that is connected to the head support member is at any angle of various angles relative to the transfer receiving surface, the film transfer tool can perform the transfer operation.

The head main body is formed so that the rotation center thereof is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion than the rotational center of the side rollers in relation to a front-to-rear direction. By adopting this configuration, even though the main body of the film transfer tool that is connected to the head support member is at any angle of various angles relative to the transfer receiving surface, much of the pressing force with which the user presses the film transfer tool against the transfer receiving surface is exerted on the transfer projection portion at all times. Consequently, even though the main body of the film transfer tool that is connected to the head support member is at any angle of various angles relative to the transfer receiving surface, the film transfer tool can perform the transfer operation in an ensured fashion.

The tape feeding member that rotates back and forth is provided on the head main body. The protuberant portion that is brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape is provided on the tape feeding member. Then, this tape feeding member is rotated by means of the rotational force of the side rollers. Consequently, the head unit can be given the construction in which the transfer tape is fed without bringing the protuberant portion into abutment with the transfer receiving surface. Further, since the outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with the outside diameter of the protuberant portion, the feeding speed of the transfer tape can be synchronized with the rotational speed of the protuberant portion. Consequently, since no excessive tension is exerted on the transfer tape even between the protuberant portion and the transfer projecting portion, the protuberant portion can assist in feeding the transfer tape. Thus, the film transfer tool can realize a light transfer operation.

The drive shaft of the tape feeding member is inclined at the angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface. By adopting this configuration, even though one of the side rollers is disposed on the drive shaft, it is possible to form easily the construction in which the protuberant portion is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the transfer receiving surface.

The protuberant portion has the truncated cone shape whose upper surface side is inclined downwards, and the open angle thereof is set to the angle α. By adopting this configuration, even though the drive shaft is provided so that the axis thereof is inclined at the angle α, the protuberant portion can be brought into abutment with the transfer tape so as to be parallel to the transfer tape. Consequently, since the protuberant portion can be brought into abutment with the transfer tape in an ensured fashion, the film transfer tool can realize a lighter transfer operation.

The side rollers are made up of the drive member that is provided on the drive shaft and the side guide member that is supported rotatably on the head main body. By adopting this configuration, the protuberant portion can be rotated by means of the rotational force of the drive member. Thus, the side rollers can be formed by the simple configuration.

The film transfer tool includes the head unit that includes the head main body having the side rollers. Then, the case main body of the film transfer tool can rotate freely relative to the head main body. Consequently, the transfer operation can be performed even though the case main body is inclined at any angle of the various angles. Thus, it is possible to provide the film transfer tool that holds the capability of traveling straight in a more stable fashion that is provided by the side rollers and facilitates the transfer operation further.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film transfer tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a head unit of the film transfer tool according to the embodiment of the invention, which results when the head unit is seen from therebelow.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit according to the embodiment of the invention, which results when the head unit is seen from the left and therebelow.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit according to the embodiment of the invention, which results when the head unit is seen from the right and therebelow.

FIG. 5 is a partially vertical sectional perspective view of the head unit according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the film transfer tool according to the embodiment of the invention is in use.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the film transfer tool according to the embodiment of the invention is in use.

FIG. 8A shows a tape feeding member according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B shows a modified example made to the tape feeding member of the embodiment.

FIG. 8C shows another modified example made to the tape feeding member of the embodiment.

FIG. 8D shows another modified example made to the tape feeding member of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film transfer tool 10. The film transfer tool 10 has a case main body 5 indicated by chain double-dashed lines. A head unit support member 20 is provided at a distal end of the case main body 5. A head unit 30 is provided at a distal end of the head unit support member 20. A transfer operation of a transfer tape T by the film transfer tool 10 is performed by holding the case main body 5 and pulling back the case main body 5 while pressing the head unit 30 against a transfer receiving surface. Here, in the following description, in a transfer operation, a direction in which the film transfer tool 10 is pulled will be referred to as a rear, and a direction opposite thereto will be referred to as a front of the film transfer tool 10. Additionally, a left and right sides of the film transfer tool 10 that result when the film transfer tool 10 is seen straight ahead from the rear thereof will be referred to a left and right sides of the film transfer tool 10, respectively. Then, in FIG. 1, upper and lower sides will be referred to as upper and lower sides of the film transfer tool 10.

The film transfer tool 10 is used to distribute a correction tape or a glue tape. Although not shown, internal structures such as a supply bobbin, a take-up bobbin, a gear mechanism and a clutch mechanism are installed in an interior of the case main body 5. An unused transfer tape T is wound around the supply bobbin and is then supplied from the supply bobbin. The used transfer tape T, from which a transfer layer has been transferred, is taken up by the take-up bobbin. The gear mechanism connects the supply bobbin and the take-up bobbin so that the bobbins rotate in an interlocked fashion. The clutch mechanism corrects a difference in rotation speed between the supply bobbin and the take-up bobbin.

Then, the head unit 30 includes a head main body 31 and a head support member 32 that supports the head main body 31 so as to rotate freely back and forth. A plate-shaped support base portion 32a is formed at a proximal end portion of the head support member 32. A locking hole 32a1 is provided substantially in a center of the support base portion 32a. A locking shaft 20a of the head unit support member 20 is locked in the locking hole 32a1. In this way, the head unit 30 is supported on the head unit support member 20.

In performing a transfer operation, firstly, an unused portion of the transfer tape T is fed out from a lower side of an opening portion 6 at a distal end portion of the case main body 5 and passes a lower side of the head unit 30, and a transfer is effected on to a transfer receiving surface on a lower surface of the head main body 31. Thereafter, the used portion of the transfer tape T from which the transfer has been effected passes the head main body 31 and an upper side of the head support member 32 to enter again the interior of the case main body 5 from the opening portion 6 and is then taken up by the take-up bobbin so as to be wound therearound.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head unit 30 that results when the head unit 30 is seen from therebelow. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit 30 that results when the head unit 30 is seen from the left and therebelow. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit 30 that results when the head unit 30 is seen from the right and therebelow. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, support side plates 32b, 32c are formed so as to extend to the front from left and right ends of the support base portion 32a at the proximal end portion of the head support member 32. When seen sideways, the support side plates 32b, 32c are formed so as to be tapered towards front ends thereof.

Rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1 are provided at distal end portions of the support side plates 32b, 32c where the support side plates 32b, 32c are tapered, respectively. Left and right head rotational shafts 31a, 31b of the head main body 31 are supported rotatably in the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, respectively. Rotational shaft bearing portions 82b, 82c, which are arc-shaped holes when seen sideways, are formed at a front side of the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, respectively, and rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c, which are sector holes when seen sideways, are formed at a rear side of the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, respectively, when seen sideways. Recess portions 32b2, 32c2 are formed at distal end portions of inner surfaces of the left and right support side plates 32b, 32c, respectively. The recess portions 32b2, 32c2 have shapes that match shapes of left and right side surfaces of the head main body 31, respectively, so that the head main body 31 is rotated smoothly.

The head main body 31 is disposed between the inner surfaces of the support side plates 32b, 32c of the head support member 32. An upper surface of the head main body 31 is formed into a curved surface 31c that projects convexly when seen sideways. Plate-shaped guide projections 31d, 31e are formed to extend to the front from both ends of the curved surface 31c in its width direction. Upper surfaces of the guide projections 31d, 31e are formed into a curved surface that projects convexly when seen sideways. Inner surfaces of the guide projections 31d, 31e are positioned near side edges of the transfer tape T. Consequently, the used portion of the transfer tape T is guided by the guide projections 31d, 31e.

As shown in FIG. 1, an opening hole portion 31f is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the head main body 31 so as to be opened downwards from the upper surface. This opening hole portion 31f has a laterally elongated rectangular shape when seen from thereabove. The opening hole portion 31f is configured so that when the film transfer tool 10 is in use, the position of an unused portion of the transfer tape T can be seen from the opening hole portion 31f through the used portion of the transfer tape T, which enables a user to confirm that the unused portion of the transfer tape T is being fed so that a transfer is effected on a desired location on a transfer receiving surface S.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a transfer projecting portion 31g is provided on the lower surface of the head main body 31, and this transfer projecting portion 31g has a substantially triangular shape when seen sideways. The transfer projecting portion 31g is brought into abutment with a rear surface of the transfer tape T to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape T on to the transfer receiving surface. The transfer projecting portion 31g is formed so as to extend long in a width direction of the head main body 31 while projecting downwards. A lower end portion of the transfer projecting portion 31g constitutes an apex of the substantially triangular shape thereof when seen sideways and is chamfered to be rounded. This lower end portion is formed close to the front of the head main body 31. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6, a rear surface of the transfer projecting portion 31g is formed into an inclined surface 31g1, and this inclined surface 31g1 is inclined at an angle that falls in a range of acute angles relative to the transfer receiving surface S when seen sideways. In performing a transfer operation, this configuration allows a pressing force to be exerted gradually on the transfer tape T, whereby the occurrence of a transfer failure such as a partial loss of the transfer layer is reduced.

Further, a front surface 31g2 of the transfer projecting portion 31g is formed so as to extend upwards almost perpendicularly from a lower end portion of the transfer projecting portion 31g that is curved convexly when seen sideways. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the front surface 31g2 and the curved surface 31c are formed continuously. This enables the used portion of the transfer tape T to be fed upwards smoothly.

A support portion 31h is provided at the rear of the transfer projecting portion 31g in a position that lies closer to a left end thereof, and this support portion 31h supports a tape feeding member 33 rotatably. The support portion 31h includes a main shaft support portion 60 that supports a main shaft 33a1 of the tape feeding member 33 rotatably and an end portion shaft support portion 70 that supports an end portion shaft 33a2 of the tape feeding member 33 rotatably.

An opening portion 61 is formed on a lower side of the main shaft support portion 60 so as to be opened downwards. An upper main shaft bearing portion 62 is formed on an upper side of the main shaft support portion 60. The upper main shaft bearing portion 62 is formed into an arc-like shape when seen sideways that matches an external shape of the main shaft 33a1. Lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 are formed on the opening portion 61 so as to project to face each other in a front-to-rear direction. The lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 are provided at a right end side of the opening portion 61 (refer to FIG. 2). A distance between the lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 is formed smaller than an outside diameter of the main shaft 33a1. Consequently, in assembling the tape feeding member 33 to the head main body 31, the main shaft 33a1 is inserted between the lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 through press fitting. And, the main shaft 33a1 is supported rotatably by an upper surface of distal end portions of the lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 and the upper main shaft bearing portion 62. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 that is a partially vertical sectional perspective view of the head unit 30, surfaces of the upper main shaft bearing portion 62 and the lower main shaft bearing portions 63, 64 that bear the main shaft 33a1 are formed to slope down to the left so as to support the main shaft 33a1 in an inclined fashion.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, an upper surface of the end portion shaft support portion 70 is formed into a concavely curved end portion shaft bearing portion 71 so as to support a lower side of the end portion shaft 33a2. The upper surface of the end portion shaft support portion 70 is formed to slope down to the left so as to support the end portion shaft 33a2 in an inclined fashion.

A partition wall 31j is formed on a right-hand side of the end portion shaft support portion 70. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, too, a side guide member support shaft 31k is erected to extend towards the right from a right side surface of the partition wall 31j. An axis of the side guide member support shaft 31k coincides with a rotational center of a drive member 35. A dislocation preventing projection 31k1 is formed at end portion of the side guide member support shaft 31k so as to project downwards (refer to FIG. 4). A side guide member 34 is loosely fitted on the side guide member support shaft 31k so as to rotate freely thereon. The side guide member 34 is prevented from being dislocated by the dislocation preventing projection 31k1. The side guide member 34 is an annular roller.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the head rotational shafts 31a, 31b are formed on left and right side surface portions of the head main body 31, respectively, so as to be erected towards the left and right. These head rotational shafts 31a, 31b are brought into rotatable engagement with the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, whereby the head main body 31 is supported by the head support member 32 so as to rotate back and forth.

The head rotational shafts 31a, 31b are made up of substantially cylindrical shaft portions 31a1, 31b1 and restricting projections 31a2, 31b2. The restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are each formed into a trapezoidal shape when seen sideways that contacts the shaft portions 31a1, 31b1 along a bottom side thereof. The restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are formed so as to project upwards and rearwards from outer circumferential surfaces of the shaft portions 31a1, 31b1, respectively.

In bring the head rotational shafts 31a, 31b into engagement with the corresponding rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, specifically speaking, the shaft portions 31a1, 31b1 are supported rotatably by the corresponding rotational shaft bearing portions 81b, 81c. Then, the restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are brought into engagement with the rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c. Namely, front and rear side surfaces of the restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 can be brought into abutment with end faces of the corresponding sector rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate states in which the front and rear surfaces of the restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are brought into abutment with the end faces of the corresponding rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c. For example, in the case of the state shown in FIG. 6, one side surfaces (front side surfaces) of the restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are brought into abutment with one end faces (front end faces) of the rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c. In the case of the state shown in FIG. 7, the other side surfaces (rear side surfaces) of the restricting projections 31a2, 31b2 are brought into abutment with the other end faces (rear end faces) of the rotation restricting portions 82b, 82c. In this way, the case main body 5 to which the head support member 32 is connected via the head unit support member 20 can rotate relative to the transfer receiving surface S in an angular range of about 30 degrees to 90 degrees.

When looking at the head unit 30 sideways as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a rotation center Q about which the head rotational shafts 31a, 31b are supported rotatably in the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1 is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion 31b than a middle point in the front-to-rear direction between a contact point P where a lower end of the transfer projecting portion 31g is brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape T to press against the transfer tape T and a rotational center C of the drive member 35.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8A, the tape feeding member 33 includes a drive shaft 33a. The drive shaft 33a is made up of the main shaft 33a1 and the end portion shaft 33a2. The main shaft 33a1 and the end portion shaft 33a2 are coaxial. An outside diameter of the main shaft 33a1 is formed greater than an outside diameter of the end portion shaft 33a2. The annular drive member 35, which is a roller, is fixed to a left end of the main shaft 33a1. A substantially cylindrical drive wheel 35a is provided on the drive member 35. A circumferential groove 35a1 is formed in the drive wheel 35a, and a drive wheel 35b is fitted in the groove 35a1. This drive wheel 35b is formed of a silicone material and is brought into contact with the transfer receiving surface such as a surface of a sheet of paper. The drive wheel 35b has an annular shape.

A protuberant portion 36 is provided at a right end of the main shaft 33a1, and this protuberant portion 36 protrudes into an annular shape from the drive shaft 33a. A substantially cylindrical protuberant portion wheel 36a is provided on the protuberant portion 36. A circumferential groove 36a1 is formed in the protuberant wheel 36a. A surface of a bottom portion of the groove 36a1 is formed so as to slope downwards to the left or to open towards the right. As shown in FIG. 8A, an open angle of the surface of the bottom portion of the groove 36a1 relative to an axis L of the drive shaft 33a is expressed by an angle α.

Further, a feeding roller 36b is fitted in the groove 36a1, and this feeding roller 36b is made of a silicone material and is brought into the rear surface of the transfer tape T. An outer circumferential surface of the feeding roller 36b is also formed so as to slope downwards to the left or to open towards the right. In other words, the feeding roller 36b of the protuberant portion 36 that is brought into abutment with the transfer tape T is formed into a truncated cone shape whose upper surface is oriented to the left. Here, the surface of the bottom portion of the groove 36a1 and the outer circumferential surface of the feeding roller 36b are formed parallel. Consequently, an open angle of the outer circumferential surface of the feeding roller 36b relative to the axis L becomes the angle α. Then, an outside diameter D1 of the drive wheel 35b of the drive member 35 and an outside diameter D2 of an upper surface side of the feeding roller 36b that is formed into the truncated cone shape substantially coincide with each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tape feeding member 33 that is formed in the way described above is supported rotatably by the support portion 31h of the head main body 31 while being inclined so that the upper surface side of the protuberant portion 36 that is formed into the truncated cone shape is positioned lower. Then, an angle that is formed by the axis L of the drive shaft 33a of the tape feeding member 33 that is supported while being inclined and the transfer receiving surface S such as a surface of a sheet of paper is set to the angle α. Then, a lower end edge (in other words, an abutment portion with the rear surface of the transfer tape T) of the feeding roller 36b of the protuberant portion 36 that opens at the angle α relative to the axis L becomes substantially parallel to the transfer receiving surface S. Further, while the drive member 35 is brought into contact with the transfer receiving surface S, the feeding roller 36b of the protuberant portion 36 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the transfer receiving surface S.

An outside diameter of the side guide member 34 that is provided so as to face the drive wheel 35b of the drive member 35 substantially coincides with the outside diameter D1 of the drive wheel 35b (refer to FIG. 8A). Then, the transfer tape T is positioned between the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35. The side guide member 34 and the drive member 35 are disposed so that their inner surfaces lie near side edges of the transfer tape T. Consequently, the transfer tape T is guided by the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35.

In this way, the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35 make up side rollers that rotate back and forth while being in abutment with the transfer receiving surface S to thereby enhance the capability of traveling straight of the head main body 31 when the head main body 31 is caused to travel to the rear. Namely, the side rollers are disposed at two locations lying outwards of both the side edges of the transfer tape T as the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35. Then, the support shafts of the side rollers, that is, the side guide member support shaft 31k that supports the side guide member 34 rotatably and the drive shaft 33a to which the drive member 35 is fixed are provided so as to be spaced apart from the transfer tape T.

Next, the operation of the film transfer tool 10 in the transfer operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, when the film transfer tool 10 is pulled backwards, the transfer tape T is fed out towards the transfer projecting portion 31g by the feeding roller 36b of the protuberant portion 36 that is brought into abutment with the transfer tape T from the rear surface thereof. At the same time as this operation is performed, the transfer tape T is pressed against the transfer receiving surface S by the transfer projecting portion 31g, whereby a transfer layer that is provided on a front surface of the transfer tape T is transferred on to the transfer receiving surface S.

As this occurs, the film transfer tool 10 is caused to travel straight backwards in a stable fashion by the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35 that constitute the side rollers. In addition, a light pull-back feeling can be realized because the transfer tape T is fed out towards the transfer projecting portion 31g by the feeding roller 36. Further, the transfer layer of the transfer tape T is transferred on to the transfer receiving surface in an ensured fashion.

A outer circumferential speed of the drive wheel 35b and an outer circumferential speed of the feeding roller 36 substantially coincide with each other because the outside diameter D1 (refer to FIG. 8A) of the drive wheel 35b and the outside diameter D2 (refer to FIG. 8A) of the upper surface side of the feeding roller 36b that is formed into the truncated cone shape substantially coincide with each other. On the other hand, a speed at which the transfer tape T is fed (hereinafter, referred to as a “feeding speed”) substantially coincides with the outer circumferential speed of the drive wheel 35b that rotates while kept in contact with the transfer receiving surface S. Consequently, the feeding roller 36b can feed the transfer tape T towards the transfer projecting portion 31g in an ensured fashion because the outer circumferential speed of the feeding roller 36b and the feeding speed of the transfer tape T substantially coincide with each other.

In FIG. 5, the drive wheel 35b is in contact with the transfer receiving surface S while being inclined. However, the drive wheel 35b is formed from a soft silicone material, and therefore, the drive wheel 35b rotates while kept in substantially parallel abutment with the transfer receiving surface S.

The transfer tape T whose transfer layer is transferred at the transfer projecting portion 31g travels upwards on the front surface 31g2 of the transfer projecting portion 31g, continues to travel over the curved surface 31c while being guided by the guide projections 31d, 31e and is finally taken up into the interior of the case main body 5. As this occurs, a connecting portion between the front surface of the transfer projecting portion 31g and the curved surface 31c is formed continuously, and therefore, the transfer tape T from which the transfer layer has been transferred can be taken up smoothly.

In addition, the head main body 31 is supported rotatably relative to the head support member 32. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the transfer operation can be carried out with the case main body 5 kept lying substantially flat or horizontal relative to the transfer receiving surface S. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the transfer operation can also be carried out with the case main body 5 kept lying erected or vertical relative to the transfer receiving surface S.

As this occurs, the rotational center Q of the head rotation shafts 31a, 31b that are supported in the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1, respectively, is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion 31g than the middle point C between the contact point P of the transfer projecting portion 31g and the rotational center C of the drive member 35. Thus, even though the case main body 5 is disposed at any angle relative to the head main body 31 (that is, either in the case shown in FIG. 6 or in the case shown in FIG. 7), the pressing force transmitted from the case main body 5 is exerted more on the transfer projecting portion 31g than on the drive member 35 (and the side guide member 34). Consequently, even though the case main body 5 is kept traveling on the transfer receiving surface S at any angle, it is possible to reduce the risk of a bonding failure of the transfer layer that would otherwise be caused due to insufficient pressing force being exerted on the transfer projecting portion 31g.

Next, modified examples made to the tape feeding member 33 will be described based on FIGS. 8B to 8D. Like reference numerals will be given to like members or portions to those of the tape feeding member 33 shown in FIG. 8A, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In a tape feeding member 133 shown in FIG. 8B, the protuberant portion 36 of the tape feeding member 33 shown in FIG. 8A is modified, and an annular protuberant portion 136 is provided in which an edge portion is chamfered to be rounded and which is formed of a soft material such as a silicone material or a thermoplastic elastomer. The protuberant portion 136 is fixed to a drive shaft 33a through bonding or two-color extrusion. An outside diameter of the protuberant portion 136 substantially coincides with an outside diameter of a drive member 35.

In a tape feeding member 233 shown in FIG. 8C, the protuberant portion 36 of the tape feeding member 33 shown in FIG. 8A is modified, and an annular protuberant portion 236 is provided which is formed into a polygonal shape when seen sideways. This protuberant portion 236 is also formed of a soft material such as a silicone material or a thermoplastic elastomer and is fixed to a drive shaft 33a through bonding or two-color extrusion. An outside diameter of this protuberant portion 236 substantially coincides with an outside diameter of a drive member 35.

In the tape feeding member 233 shown in FIG. 8C, a guide roller 238 that guides the transfer tape T is provided so as to be fixed on to a drive shaft 33a between the drive member 35 and the protuberant portion 236. In this way, the member that guides the transfer tape T may be provided separately from the drive member 35.

A tape feeding member 333 shown in FIG. 8D can be provided on the head main body in place of the tape feeding member 33 shown in FIG. 8A and the side guide member 34 (refer to FIG. 5). The tape feeding member 333 includes a drive shaft 333a. The drive shaft 333a is made up of a main shaft 333a1 and an end portion shaft 333a2. The main shaft 333a1 has an outside diameter that is greater than that of the end portion shaft 333a2. A drive member 35 is provided fixedly at a left end of the main shaft 333a1. On the other hand, a protuberant portion 336 is formed at a right end portion of the main shaft 333a1 where the main shaft 333a1 is connected to the end portion shaft 333a2. This protuberant portion 336 is also formed from a soft material and is provided fixedly on the drive shaft 333a.

The protuberant portion 336 is formed into a truncated cone shape. Then, a diameter of the protuberant portion 336 that corresponds to an upper surface of the truncated cone shape coincides with that of a drive wheel 35b. Additionally, an angle at which the protuberant portion 336 is opened to the right relative to an axis L of the drive shaft 333a is set to an angle α.

Further, a side guide member 334 is provided on the end portion shaft 333a. The side guide member 334 is formed into an annular shape and is loosely fitted on the end portion shaft 333a2. Namely, a rotational force is not transmitted from the drive shaft 333a to the side guide member 334. A diameter of the side guide member 334 is formed greater than that of the drive wheel 35b.

The tape feeding member 333 that is configured in the way described above is provided rotatably on the head main body in such a way that the side guide member 334 and the drive wheel 35b are brought into contact with the transfer receiving surface S. Here, an outside diameter of the side guide member 334 is greater than an outside diameter of the drive wheel 35b. Consequently, the drive shaft 333a is provided on the head main body in such a way as to be inclined so that a side guide member 334 side (that is, a right side) of the drive shaft 333a is positioned higher. As this occurs, the transfer tape T located where the protuberant portion 336 is provided is not in contact with the transfer receiving surface S. In other words, the protuberant portion 336 is spaced apart from the transfer receiving portion 336. In this embodiment, the angle at which the axis L of the drive shaft 333a is inclined relative to the transfer receiving surface S is set to the angle α. Thus, a lower end edge of the protuberant portion 336 when seen from the front becomes parallel to the transfer receiving surface S. Namely, the protuberant portion 336 is brought into parallel abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape T.

In this way, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the protuberant portion that is formed so as to protrude from the drive shaft can take the various shapes. Then, the protuberant portion is brought into abutment with part of the rear surface of the transfer tape T by being formed so as to protrude from the drive shaft. Consequently, compared with a case where the protuberant portion is formed to extend over the width of the transfer tape T, a surface contact pressure at the abutment portion can be increased higher, whereby the transfer tape T can be fed towards the transfer projecting portion 31g in a more ensured fashion.

Thus, while the embodiment of the invention has been described heretofore, the invention is not limited to the embodiment but can be carried out in various forms. For example, the drive member that drives the drive shaft rotationally as a result of being brought into contact with the transfer receiving surface S can be configured as a tape feeding member that is separate from the drive shaft on which the protuberant portion is provided. As this occurs, a transmission mechanism is provided which transmits the rotational force of the drive member to the drive shaft on which the protuberant portion is provided.

In this embodiment, the transfer projecting portion 31g is disposed at the front side, and the tape feeding member 33 is disposed at the rear side of the head main body 31. However, the transfer projecting portion 31g and the tape feeding member 33 can be disposed the other way round. Namely, the tape feeding member 33 can be disposed at the front side and the transfer projecting portion 31g can be disposed at the rear side of the head main body 31. As this occurs, the used portion of the transfer tape T is pulled to be fed into the case main body 5 by the tape feeding member.

The mounting position of the side guide member 34 in the front-to-rear direction is not limited to the mounting position described in the embodiment. However, in order to obtain the capability of traveling straight of the film transfer tool 10 in a more stable fashion, it is preferable that the side guide member 34 is provided in a position that faces the drive member 35.

The side rollers of this embodiment are made up of the side guide member 34 and the drive member 35 and are disposed individually near the side edges of the transfer tape T. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and hence, it is possible that the side rollers are disposed so outwards of the side edges of the transfer tape T that the side rollers are spaced sufficiently apart from the side edges of the transfer tape T.

In addition, the tape feeding member 33 can be disposed parallel to the transfer receiving surface S, so that the protuberant portion 36 can be formed into a protuberant portion whose outside diameter is smaller than those of the drive member 35 and the side guide member 34.

In the embodiment, the transfer projecting portion 31g is formed into the triangular shape when seen sideways. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and hence, various shapes can be adopted which includes a spatulate portion whose distal end is formed into a thin plate-like shape.

In this embodiment, the head rotational shafts 31a, 31b are provided on the head main body 31 and are allowed to be brought into engagement with the rotational support holes 32b1, 32c1 in the head support member 32 so that the head main body 31 rotates back and forth. However, the positional relationship between the shafts and the holes may be reversed.

The embodiment that has been described heretofore is presented as the example of the invention, and there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be carried out in other various forms, and hence, various omissions, replacements and/or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The resulting embodiments and their modifications are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as well as in the scope of inventions described in claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A film transfer tool head unit having: a head main body;a head support member that supports the head main body; anda transfer projecting portion that is provided on the head main body so as to be brought into abutment with a rear surface of a transfer tape to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape on to a transfer receiving surface,wherein the head main body has side rollers rotatable back and forth that are positioned individually at two locations lying outwards of both side edges of the transfer tape while being in contact with the transfer receiving surface, andwherein support shafts that support the side rollers rotatably are disposed so as to be spaced apart from the transfer tape.

2. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body is supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth.

3. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 2, wherein a rotational center about which the head main body rotates back and forth is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion than a middle point in a front-to-rear direction between a contact point of the transfer projecting portion with the transfer tape and a rotational center of the side rollers.

4. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape, andwherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion.

5. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 2, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape, andwherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion.

6. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 3, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape, andwherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion.

7. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface.

8. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 2, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface.

9. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 3, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface.

10. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface, andwherein the protuberant portion of the tape feeding member has a truncated cone shape whose open angle relative to the axis of the drive shaft is the angle α, and the tape feeding member is provided so that an upper surface side of the truncated cone shape is positioned lower on the inclined drive shaft.

11. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 2, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface, andwherein the protuberant portion of the tape feeding member has a truncated cone shape whose open angle relative to the axis of the drive shaft is the angle α, and the tape feeding member is provided so that an upper surface side of the truncated cone shape is positioned lower on the inclined drive shaft.

12. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 3, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface, andwherein the protuberant portion of the tape feeding member has a truncated cone shape whose open angle relative to the axis of the drive shaft is the angle α, and the tape feeding member is provided so that an upper surface side of the truncated cone shape is positioned lower on the inclined drive shaft.

13. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

14. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth by being supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

15. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth by being supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein a rotational center about which the head main body rotates back and forth is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion than a middle point in a front-to-rear direction between a contact point of the transfer projecting portion with the transfer tape and a rotational center of the side rollers,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

16. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

17. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth by being supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

18. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth by being supported on the head support member so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein a rotational center about which the head main body rotates back and forth is positioned closer to the transfer projecting portion than a middle point in a front-to-rear direction between a contact point of the transfer projecting portion with the transfer tape and a rotational center of the side rollers,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion, andwherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body.

19. The film transfer tool head unit according to claim 1, wherein the head main body comprises a tape feeding member that is supported so as to rotate back and forth,wherein the tape feeding member has: a drive shaft that is rotated by means of a rotating force of the side rollers; andan annular protuberant portion that is provided on the drive shaft so as to be brought into abutment with the rear surface of the transfer tape,wherein the drive shaft of the tape feeding member is supported on the head main body so that an axis thereof is inclined at an angle α relative to the transfer receiving surface,wherein an outside diameter of the side rollers coincides with an outside diameter of the protuberant portion,wherein the side rollers are made up of a drive member that is fixed to the drive shaft and a side guide member that is supported rotatably by a side guide member support shaft that is provided on the head main body, andwherein the protuberant portion of the tape feeding member has a truncated cone shape whose open angle relative to the axis of the drive shaft is the angle α, and the tape feeding member is provided so that an upper surface side of the truncated cone shape is positioned lower on the inclined drive shaft.

20. A film transfer tool having: a case main body; anda head unit that is provided at a distal end of the case main body,wherein the head unit has: a head main body;a head support member that supports the head main body so as to rotate back and forth; anda transfer projecting portion that is provided on the head main body so as to be brought into abutment with a rear surface of a transfer tape to thereby transfer a transfer layer of the transfer tape on to a transfer receiving surface, andwherein the head main body comprises side rollers rotatable back and forth that are positioned individually at two locations lying outwards of both side edges of the transfer tape.