Multiple color ink ribbon cassette

Abstract

To reduce the cost of a cassette case by simplifying the design, a cassette case 10 is made up of a case body 26 and a case cover 27 fitted to the upper surface of the case body 26, a ribbon guide 28 is fitted to the outside of the cassette case 10 in such a way that it is free to slide in the longitudinal direction, and at times of printing color changeover the required color band of the multiple color ink ribbon 11 is guided over the end of the printing head by this ribbon guide 28. The ribbon guide 28 is provided with guide portions 36, 37 facing both of the side surfaces of the case cover 27, and the movement of the ribbon guide 28 in the direction of the length of the cassette case 10 is guided by these guide portions 36, 37 sliding along the side surfaces of the case cover 27.

We claim: 
     
       1. A multiple color ink ribbon cassette, comprising: a cassettes case fitted with a multiple color ink ribbon and comprising a case body and a case cover with a pair of opposed side surfaces;   a ribbon guide, mounted on the cassette case in such a way that it is free to slide in the direction of the length of the cassette case, for guiding the multiple color ink ribbon over the end of a printing head;   a pair of longitudinal flange portions provided in the case body extending outwardly, along each side of the upper part of the case body, and which are mounted on the case cover;   a base board portion provided in the ribbon guide, and facing and in slidable contact with the top surface of the case cover; and   a pair of leg portions provided in the ribbon guide, and projecting in the same direction from the base board portion such that an inner surface of each leg portion faces a respective side of the cassette case, and which are provided with guide portions facing the side surfaces of the case cover, and with engaging projections facing the undersides of the flange portions;   wherein the movement of the ribbon guide in the direction of the length of the cassette case is guided by the guide portions sliding along the side surfaces of the case cover, and the ribbon guide is held onto the cassette case by the engagement between the engaging projections and the flange portions and by the contact of the base board portion and the top surface of the case cover, securely and such that it can slide in the longitudinal direction.