ROLL SHEET ASSEMBLY AND ROLL SHEET FLANGE

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a roll sheet assembly and a roll sheet flange.

A roll sheet produced by winding a printer sheet around a cardboard tube has been used in a printer such as a thermal printer, a thermal transfer printer (including a dye sublimation printer), and an ink jet printer in order to perform much printing, or the like. A method of using flanges provided at the both ends of the roll sheet is used as a method of delivering information regarding a print characteristic, a remaining amount, and the like of the roll sheet to the printer.

For example, in the thermal printer described in JP 2012-51703A, flanges having concave and convex portions formed on an outer surface are attached at the both ends of a thermal sheet roll, and a contact sensor is provided on a holder of the thermal printer, which accommodates the thermal sheet roll. A state of the thermal sheet roll (including a remaining sheet amount, a type of thermal sheet, or a mounted state) is detected based on a state of contact of the irregularities of the flanges with the contact sensor, and delivered to the printer.

SUMMARY

Incidentally, when applying the flanges described in JP 2012-51703A to a roll sheet, it is requested that the flanges and a cardboard tube of the roll sheet are configured to be securely integrated with each other such that the flanges are not easily detached from the roll sheet before and while the roll sheet is used. Meanwhile, it is also requested that the roll sheet and the flanges are easily disassembled such that the roll sheet and the flanges, which include different materials (such as a paper material and a resin material including polypropylene, respectively), are separately wasted after the roll sheet is used.

However, in the thermal sheet roll described in JP 2012-51703A, if it is emphasized that the roll sheet and the flanges are tightly fixed to be securely integrated before and while the roll sheet is used, it becomes difficult to detach the cardboard tube from the flanges after the roll sheet is used. Consequently, the flanges and the cardboard tube are very difficult to separately waste, and it is also very difficult to reduce an amount of the waste. To the contrary, if it is emphasized that the cardboard tube and the flanges are easy to detach after the roll sheet is used so that the cardboard tube and the flanges are configured to be loosely fixed, the flanges are easily detached from the cardboard tube before and while the roll sheet is used, which is inconvenient for use and interferes with the operation of the printer.

In view of such circumstances, it is desired to provide a roll sheet assembly which can have a roll sheet and flanges securely fixed before and while the roll sheet is used, and can also have the roll sheet and the flanges easily disassembled after the roll sheet is used.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a roll sheet assembly including a cardboard tube, a roll sheet wound around the cardboard tube, a pair of flanges each disposed at one of both ends of the cardboard tube, and an inner shaft being inserted through the cardboard tube, and coupling the pair of flanges. At least one of the flanges includes a flange main body covering an end face of the roll sheet, and a joint provided at a center of an inner surface of the flange main body, and joined to an end of the inner shaft. The flange main body has a cutting line formed thereon, the cutting line being for separating the joint joined to the inner shaft from the flange main body.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a roll sheet flange including a pair of flanges each disposed at one of both ends of a cardboard tube around which a roll sheet is wound, and an inner shaft coupling the pair of flanges, the inner shaft being inserted through the cardboard tube in an axis direction. At least one of the flanges includes a flange main body covering an end face of the roll sheet, and a joint provided at a center of an inner surface of the flange main body, and joined to an end of the inner shaft. The flange main body has a cutting line formed thereon, the cutting line separating the joint joined to the inner shaft from the flange main body.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, when force is applied to the flange main body in a direction separated from the cardboard tube, the flange main body may be cut along the cutting line and at least a part of the joint joined to the inner shaft may be separated from the flange main body. The joint separated from the flange main body, and the inner shaft may be pulled out from the flange main body with the joint joined to the inner shaft. The flange can hereby be securely joined to the cardboard tube before and while the roll sheet assembly is used, and the flange main body can be cut along the cutting line to separate the inner shaft from the flange main body and to separate the flange from the cardboard tube after the roll sheet assembly is used.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to securely fix the cardboard tube of the roll sheet and the flanges before and while the roll sheet is used, and to easily disassemble the cardboard tube and the flanges after the roll sheet is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a whole configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view and a perspective view, each of which illustrates a configuration of a roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view, a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′, and a side view, each of which illustrates a roll sheet holder according to the same embodiment with the roll sheet assembly not mounted thereon;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view illustrating the roll sheet holder according to the same embodiment with the roll sheet assembly mounted thereon;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of contact of a contact sensor with a convex portion of a flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating a sensor signal output from the contact sensor according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a signal waveform chart illustrating a relationship between a remaining amount of a roll sheet according to the same embodiment and the sensor signal of the contact sensor;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a flange according to a modified example of the same embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a roll sheet assembly according to a modified example of the same embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an assembled perspective view of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an outer surface and an inner surface of the flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint between the flange of the roll sheet assembly and the inner shaft according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating perforations, which are an example of a cutting line according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating cutting guide kerfs, which are another example of the cutting line according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a flange according to a modified example of the same embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a process drawing illustrating a method for assembling the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a process drawing illustrating the method for assembling the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a process drawing illustrating the method for assembling the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the roll sheet assembly after the roll sheet according to the same embodiment is completely used out;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the roll sheet assembly after the roll sheet according to the same embodiment is completely used out;

FIG. 22 is a process drawing illustrating a method for disassembling the flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the roll sheet assembly with the flange according to the same embodiment separated therefrom;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a roll sheet assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is an assembled perspective view of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint between a flange of the roll sheet assembly and an inner shaft according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating the roll sheet assembly after a roll sheet according to the same embodiment is completely used out;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the roll sheet assembly after the roll sheet according to the same embodiment is completely used out;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the roll sheet assembly with the flange according to the same embodiment separated therefrom;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the roll sheet assembly with the flange according to the same embodiment separated therefrom;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of the flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a flange of a roll sheet assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating the flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a mating unit of the flange according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the mating unit of the flange illustrated in FIG. 31A; and

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of the flange of the roll sheet assembly according to the same embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.

The description will be made in the following order.

1. First Embodiment (Spiral Coupling Cutting Line and Cyclic Cutting Line)
1.1. Configuration of Printer
1.2. Method for Detecting State of Roll Sheet Assembly
1.2.1. Detection of Remaining Amount of Roll Sheet
1.2.2. Detection of Type of Roll Sheet
1.2.3. Detection of Improper Mounting
1.3. Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly
1.3.1. Overview of Roll Sheet Assembly
1.3.2. Whole Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly
1.3.3. Configuration of Cutting Line
1.3.4. Specific Examples of Cutting Lines
1.3.5. Intersection Site of Cutting Line and Convex Portion
1.4. Method for Assembling Roll Sheet Assembly
1.5. Method for Disassembling Roll Sheet Assembly
1.6. Conclusion
2. Second Embodiment (Plurality of Linear Coupling Cutting Lines and Cyclic Cutting Line)
2.1. Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly
2.1.1. Whole Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly
2.1.2. Configurations of Cutting Lines
2.2. Method for Disassembling Roll Sheet Assembly
2.3. Modified Examples
2.4. Conclusion
3. Third Embodiment (Only Cyclic Cutting Line)
3.1. Configuration of Cutting Line
3.2. Conclusion
4. Fourth Embodiment (Only Split Cutting Line)
4.1. Configuration of Cutting Line
4.2. Modified Example
4.3. Conclusion

1. First Embodiment
[1.1. Configuration of Printer]

First, FIG. 1 will be seen to describe a whole configuration of a printer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the whole configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment.

An example of a thermal printer will be described below, which is used in a medical apparatus such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, as the printer 1 to which a roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment is applied. However, the roll sheet assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be applicable to any printer such as a thermal transfer printer (including a dye sublimation printer) and an ink jet printer other than the thermal printer. The printer 1 is used not only in the medical apparatus, but may also be applicable to any electronic apparatus such as a register device, a kiosk terminal, an electronic calculator, and a business or home printer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes an interface 2, image memory 3, a print information configuration unit 4, a roll sheet holder 5, a sensor 6, a head 7, a platen roller 8, and a platen motor 9. The printer 1 further includes a manipulation unit 10, a printer control unit 11, a print control unit 12, a sheet control unit 13, a platen motor control unit 14, a display unit 15, and a roll state determination unit 16.

The interface 2 is a device used for inputting an image signal of a print target from an external apparatus to the printer 1. The image memory 3 temporarily stores the image signal input via the interface 2. The print information configuration unit 4 reads out the image signal from the image memory 3, configures print information based on the image signal, and outputs the print information to the head 7. The print information indicates an image, a text, or the like of the print target that is laid out within a print frame on a printer sheet.

The roll sheet holder 5 is a holder (mounting unit) used for mounting the roll sheet assembly 100 on the printer 1, and is provided on a housing of the printer 1. The roll sheet assembly 100 includes a roll sheet 120 that is a wound printer sheet, which will be described below in detail. The roll sheet is a thermal sheet made of paper or synthetic resin in the thermal printer according to the present embodiment, but is not limited to such an example.

The head 7 is supplied with the roll sheet 120 unwound from the roll sheet assembly 100 by the rotation of the platen roller 8. The head 7 is a thermal print head, and cooperates with the platen roller 8 in performing a print operation. That is, the head 7 prints the print information that has been input from the print information configuration unit 4 on the roll sheet 120 (printer sheet) fed from the roll sheet assembly 100. The platen roller 8 is rotated by the platen motor 9, and ejects the roll sheet 120 in a print direction.

The manipulation unit 10 includes various keys and touch panels, receives a user manipulation for manipulating the printer 1, and outputs an input signal indicating the user manipulation to the printer control unit 11. The printer control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the printer 1 based on the input signal from the manipulation unit 10. For example, the printer control unit 11 controls the image memory 3, the print information configuration unit 4, and the head 7 via the print control unit 12. The print control unit 11 also controls the platen motor control unit 14 and the display unit 15 via the sheet control unit 13. The platen motor control unit 14 controls the platen motor 9, which controls sheet feed of the roll sheet 120 by the platen roller 8.

In the printer 1, the roll sheet assembly 100 is mounted on the roll sheet folder 5 provided on the housing of the printer 1. The roll sheet holder 5 has a dimension and a shape conforming to the roll sheet assembly 100, and holds the roll sheet assembly 100. The roll sheet holder 5 is provided with the contact type sensor 6 that detects a state (including a type, a remaining amount of a sheet, a mounted state, and a rotation state) of the roll sheet assembly 100. The roll state determination unit 16 determines the state of the roll sheet assembly 100 based on the detection result of the sensor 6, and outputs the determination result to the sheet control unit 13. The sheet control unit 13 controls the platen motor control unit 14 or the display unit 15 in accordance with the determination result. The determination result is also supplied to the printer control unit 11, and the printer control unit 11 controls the head 7 or the print information configuration unit 4 via the print control unit 12 in accordance with the determination result.

[1.2. Method for Detecting State of Roll Sheet Assembly]
[1.2.1. Detection of Remaining Amount of Roll Sheet]

Next, FIGS. 2 to 6 will be seen to describe a method for detecting the state of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. The rotation state and the mounted state of the roll sheet assembly 100 are detected in the present embodiment in order to detect the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view and a perspective view, each of which illustrates the configuration of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the roll sheet assembly 100 includes a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube 110, a roll sheet wound around an outer circumference of the cardboard tube 110, and a symmetrical pair of flanges 130A and 130B (which may be generically referred to as “flange 130,” hereinafter) attached at the both ends of the roll sheet 120.

The roll sheet assembly 100 is assembled from the cardboard tube 110, the roll sheet 120, and the pair of flanges 130 in this way, and has a cylindrical roller shape as a whole. The roll sheet assembly 100 is usually distributed in the market with the flange 130 attached to the cardboard tube 100.

The roll sheet assembly 100 is mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 of the printer 1 with the flanges 130 and 130 attached at the both ends of the roll sheet 120, and serves for printing. Then, after the roll sheet 120 is used out, the roll sheet assembly 100 is detached from the roll sheet holder 5. The roll sheet assembly 100 is separated into the flange 130 and the cardboard tube 110, separately collected, and wasted.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the cardboard tube 110 is a cylindrical axial member for winding the roll sheet 120 therearound. The cardboard tube 110 rotates around a central axis (roll axis C in FIG. 2) of the roll sheet assembly 100 with the roll sheet assembly 100 mounted on the roll sheet holder 5. A material of the cardboard tube 110 includes paper such as cardboard, but is not limited thereto. Another material including synthetic resin may also be adopted as far as having strength enough to wind the roll sheet 120 therearound. A longitudinal length of the cardboard tube 110 is substantially the same as a width of the roll sheet 120. The cardboard tube 110 functions as a support shaft of supporting the roll sheet 120. If the cardboard tube 110 is not provided and only the roll sheet 120 is configured to be wound so as to allow a cardboard tubeless configuration, the unwound printer sheet unfortunately curls much, or the like. The cardboard tube 110 is therefore favorably used as a roll shaft.

The roll sheet 120 is a belt-shaped printer sheet, and is wound around the outer circumference of the cardboard tube 110. A material of the roll sheet 120 is generally paper (such as a thermal sheet in a thermal printer), but another material such as synthetic resin (including plastic paper) may also be adopted as far as the material is a print medium capable of being printed by a printer.

The flange 130 is a disk-shaped member covering the both sides of the roll sheet assembly 100 in a roll axis direction. The symmetrical pair of flanges 130A and 130B is attached to the respective sides of the cardboard tube 110. The flange 130 is injection-molded using an inexpensive material such as synthetic resin, but may also be molded using another material and in another manufacturing method. The flange is molded such that the outer diameter of the flange 130 is equal to or more than the maximum diameter of the roll sheet 120 that is wound around the cardboard tube 110.

The flange 130 includes a function of protecting the roll sheet 120 in transit and a function of preventing the roll sheet 120 from meandering during a print operation. The flange 130 according to the present embodiment further includes a function of delivering information indicating a state of the roll sheet assembly 100 to the printer 1.

That is, an outer surface of at least one of the flanges 130A and 130B has a concave portion and a convex portion formed thereon, which are used for the sensor 6 to detect the state of the roll sheet assembly 100. Here, an inner surface of the flange 130 is a surface on the side facing to the roll sheet 120. To the contrary, the outer surface of the flange 130 is on the opposite side to the inner surface of the flange 130, and faces to a side surface of the roll sheet folder 5, which will be described below. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, a boss convex portion 131 and a ring convex portion 132 project on the outer surface of the flange 130 as convex portions for detecting the state of the roll sheet assembly 100.

The boss convex portion 131 is a convex portion for detecting the rotation state of the roll sheet assembly 100. The ring convex portion 132 is a convex portion for detecting the mounted state of the roll sheet assembly 100. A circular boss convex portion projects as the boss convex portion 131 at only one position that is off the roll axis C. The ring convex portion 132 projects around the roll axis C in a ring shape having a predetermined width. The boss convex portion 131 and the ring convex portion 132 of the flange 130 cooperate with the sensor 6 of the roll sheet holder 5, which will be described below, in detecting the rotation state and the mounted state of the roll sheet assembly 100.

The boss convex portion 131 is formed at only one position inside the ring convex portion 132 in the example illustrated in FIG. 5C. However, the boss convex portion 131 may also be formed outside the ring convex portion 132. Alternatively, the boss convex portions 131 may be formed at a plurality of positions. Furthermore, the boss convex portion 131 is circularly boss-shaped, but any shape such as an elliptic shape and a rectangular shape may be adopted. The only one ring convex portion 132 is formed around the roll axis C, but a plurality of the ring convex portions 132 may also be formed around the roll axis C in concentric circles. A width of the ring convex portion 132 can also be changed as necessary.

Next, FIGS. 3 and 4 will be seen to describe a configuration of the roll sheet holder 5 with the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment mounted thereon. FIG. 3 is an elevation view, a cross-sectional view take from line A-A′, and a side view illustrating the roll sheet holder 5 with the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment not mounted thereon. FIG. 4 is an elevation view illustrating the roll sheet holder 5 with the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment mounted thereon.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the roll sheet holder 5 includes a housing 51 having an aperture area. The housing 51 is provided with an accommodating unit (central accommodating unit 52, and flange accommodating units 53 and 54) that accommodates the roll sheet assembly 100, and the sensor 6 that detects the state of the roll sheet assembly 100.

The central accommodating unit 52 accommodates a main body part (parts of the cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120) at the center of the roll sheet assembly 100. The central accommodating unit 52 is a concave portion having an arcuate longitudinal cross-section whose diameter is longer than the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 100, and has one side open. The flange accommodating units 53 and 54 accommodate portions outside the flanges 130A and 130B on the both sides of the roll sheet assembly 100. The flange accommodating units 53 and 54 are concave portions having arcuate longitudinal cross-sections whose diameters are a little longer than the ring convex portion 132 of the flange 130, and have either sides open.

The flange accommodating unit 53 is provided with two contact sensors 61 and 62 on the side surface as the sensor 6 for detecting the state of the roll sheet assembly 100 mounted on the roll sheet holder 5. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the contact sensors 61 and 62 are disposed at positions at which it is possible to face to the respective boss convex portion 131 and ring convex portion 132 formed on the outer surface of the flange 130A of the roll sheet assembly 100.

The contact sensor 61 functions as a rotation state detection sensor for detecting the rotation state of the roll sheet assembly 100. The contact sensor 61 faces to and contacts the boss convex portion 131 of the flange 130 for each rotation of the roll sheet assembly 100, which has been properly mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 (see FIG. 5). The contact sensor 62 functions as a mounted state detection sensor for detecting the mounted state of the roll sheet assembly 100. The contact sensor 62 constantly faces to and contacts the ring convex portion 132 of the roll sheet assembly 100, which has been properly mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 (see FIG. 5).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a sheet feed mechanism including the platen roller 55 is provided in front of the roll sheet holder 5. The platen roller 55 pulls out the roll sheet 120 from the roll sheet assembly 100 mounted on the roll sheet holder 5. An axis direction of the platen roller 55 is horizontal. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the roll sheet assembly 100 is mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 with a pulled-out end 120a of the roll sheet 120 wound around the platen roller 55. The roll sheet assembly 100 is mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 in the state in which the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 100 does not contact an inner surface of the central accommodating unit 52 and the flange accommodating units 53 and 54 support the flanges 130A and 130B on the both sides of the roll sheet assembly 100 in a rotatable way. The roll sheet assembly 100 successively feeds the roll sheet 120 in a print direction while smoothly rotating around the roll axis C in accordance with the rotation of the platen roller 55.

Next, FIG. 5 will be seen to describe detection operations of the contact sensors 61 and 62 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of contact of the contact sensors 61 and 62 with the convex portions 131 and 132 on the flange 130 of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the roll sheet assembly 100 is properly mounted on the roll sheet holder 5, the contact sensor 62 constantly faces to and contacts the ring convex portion 132 to be pressed by the ring convex portion 132. Thus, a SW2 of the contact sensor 62 is constantly on. Additionally, when the roll sheet assembly 100 is not mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 or is not properly mounted, the SW2 is off because the contact sensor 62 is not pressed by the ring convex portion 132.

Meanwhile, the contact sensor 61 repeats contact/non-contact with the boss convex portion 131 in accordance with the rotation of the roll sheet assembly 100 so that a SW1 of the contact sensor 61 also repeats on/off at all times. As illustrated in FIG. 5A in detail, when the contact sensor 61 does not face to or contact the boss convex portion 131, the contact sensor 61 is not pressed by the boss convex portion 131 so that the SW1 is also off. Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the roll sheet assembly 100 rotates and the contact sensor 61 faces to and contacts the boss convex portion 131, the contact sensor 61 is pressed by the boss convex portion 131 so that the SW1 is on.

The contact sensors 61 and 62 detect the state of contact with the boss convex portion 131 and the ring convex portion 132 of the flange 130A in this way, and turn the switches SW1 and SW2 on/off in accordance with the state of contact. The contact sensors 61 and 62 output sensor signals indicating the detection results to the roll state determination unit 16 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is a table illustrating the sensor signals output from the contact sensors 61 and 62 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when pressed by the ring convex portion 132, the first contact sensor 62 (mounted state detection sensor) outputs a low signal indicating that the roll sheet assembly 100 is properly mounted on the roll sheet holder 5. To the contrary, when not pressed by the ring convex portion 132, the first contact sensor 62 outputs a high signal indicating that the roll sheet assembly 100 is not mounted or is improperly mounted.

When pressed by the boss convex portion 131, the second contact sensor 61 (rotation state detection sensor) outputs a low signal indicating that the boss convex portion 131 faces to the contact sensor 61. To the contrary, when not pressed by the boss convex portion 131, the second contact sensor 61 outputs a high signal indicating that the boss convex portion 131 does not face to the contact sensor 61.

Additionally, the contact sensor 61 outputs the high signal indicating that the boss convex portion 131 does not face to the contact sensor 61 when the roll sheet assembly 100 is not mounted. Any combination other than the example illustrated in FIG. 6 may also be used as the combination of the mounted state and the rotation state of the roll sheet assembly 100 and the sensor signals of the two contact sensors 61 and 62.

It is assumed here that the roll sheet 120 is fed from the roll sheet assembly 100 at a constant rate. In this case, the rotation speed of the roll sheet assembly 100 around the roll axis C decreases with increase in the roll diameter of the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 100, that is, increase in the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120. Thus, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120 by detecting the rotation speed of the roll sheet assembly 100.

FIG. 7 is a signal waveform chart illustrating a relationship between the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120 and the sensor signal of the contact sensor 61 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 assumes that the roll sheet 120 is fed from the roll sheet assembly 100 at a constant rate.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when a large amount of the roll sheet 120 remains, the rotation speed of the roll sheet assembly 100 decreases so that a time interval Δt from low signal falling of the contact sensor 61 to next low signal falling is lengthened. To the contrary, when a small amount of the roll sheet 120 remains, the rotation speed of the roll sheet assembly 100 increases so that the time interval Δt is relatively shortened.

Accordingly, if the time interval Δt between the low signals of the contact sensor 61 is measured and Δt is equal to or less than a threshold value Δtt, which means that the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120 is small, it is possible to notify a user of the necessity for exchanging the roll sheet assembly 100. In this case, the rotation speed of the roll sheet assembly 100 is obtained in the state in which, for example, 90% of the roll sheet 120 has been used out, and the time interval Δt of the corresponding low signals is calculated as the threshold value Δtt.

As described above, according to the roll sheet assembly 100 of the present embodiment, the boss convex portion 131 and the ring convex portion 132 formed on the outer surface of the flange 130 are used to detect the mounted state and the rotation state of the roll sheet assembly 100. Just a simple configuration hereby allows the detection of the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120. Thus, it is possible to notify a user of the consumption of the roll sheet 120, the necessity for exchanging the roll sheet 120, or the like in accordance with the detection result of the remaining amount of the roll sheet 120.

The boss convex portion 131 and the ring convex portion 132 are used above to detect the mounted state and the rotation state of the roll sheet assembly 100, but a shape of the convex portion on the outer surface of the flange 130 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and a state of the roll sheet assembly 100 detected by using the convex portion are not limited thereto. The modified examples will be described below.

[1.2.2. Detection of Type of Roll Sheet]

For example, a change in a width of the ring convex portion 132 on the outer surface of the flange 130 may allow a type of the roll sheet assembly 100 or a type (including a roll width, a material, and a species) of the roll sheet 120 to be detected. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when using a flange 130C that includes a ring convex portion 132C of a wide width w1, the two contact sensors 61 and 62 provided on the roll sheet holder 5 are configured to be depressed by the ring convex portion 132C. To the contrary, when using a flange 130D that includes a ring convex portion 132D of a narrow width w2, only the contact sensor 61 is configured to be depressed by the ring convex portion 132D.

Consequently, just a simple configuration allows the type of the roll sheet 120 to be detected only by changing the width of the ring convex portion 132 on the flange 130 in accordance with the type of the roll sheet 120. Thus, the printer 1 can perform control (including control for adjusting the print speed, shade, and density) according to the type of the roll sheet 120 without a designation manipulation by a user.

[1.2.3. Detection of Improper Mounting]

It is also possible to detect improper mounting of the roll sheet assembly 100 by changing a shape and disposition of a convex portion between the two flanges 130 on the both sides of the roll sheet assembly 100. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a ring convex portion 132E having a large outer diameter D1 is attached onto one of the sides of the roll sheet assembly 100 while a ring convex portion 132F having a small outer diameter D2 is attached onto the other side of the roll sheet assembly 100. The flange accommodating unit 53 on one of the sides of the roll sheet holder 5 is shaped so as to conform to the ring convex portion 132E having the large outer diameter D1 while the flange accommodating unit 54 on the other side is shaped so as to conform to the ring convex portion 132F having the small outer diameter D2.

Consequently, if the roll sheet assembly 100 is mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 in a proper direction, the ring convex portions 132E and 130F are appropriately accommodated into the flange accommodating units 53 and 54, respectively. To the contrary, if the roll sheet assembly 100 attempts to be mounted on the roll sheet holder 5 in an improper direction, the ring convex portion 132E having the large outer diameter D1 is not capable of being accommodated into flange accommodating unit 54 for the small outer diameter D2. Thus, a simple configuration can prevent the roll sheet assembly 100 from being improperly mounted only by changing sizes of the ring convex portions 132 on the symmetrical flanges 130E and 130F.

[1.3. Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly]

Next, the description will be made regarding a configuration of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[1.3.1. Overview of Roll Sheet Assembly]

First, the description will be made regarding an overview of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to have the pair of flanges 130 attached to the respective ends of the cardboard tube 110, around which the roll sheet 120 is wound, in an axis direction, and the flange 130 is configured to cover the each end face of the roll sheet 120. The flange 130 allows a function of detecting the state of the roll sheet assembly 100 by use of a convex portion on the outer surface of the flange 130 and the like to be realized in addition to the function of protecting the roll sheet 120, the secure mounting of the roll sheet 120 on the roll sheet holder 5, and the function of preventing the roll sheet 120 from meandering.

Meanwhile, the configuration using the flange 130 may interfere with easy disassembly of the flange 130 and the cardboard tube 110 after the roll sheet assembly 100 is used. That is, the flange 130 has to be configured to be integrated with the roll sheet 120 and the cardboard tube 110 such that the flange 130 is not easily detached from the cardboard tube 110 before and while the roll sheet 120 is used. To the contrary, after the roll sheet 120 is used, it is necessary to easily separate the cardboard tube 110 from the flange 130, to separately collect the cardboard tube 110 and the flange 130 when wasted, to reduce the waste, and the like.

The roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment is therefore configured to have a cutting line (such as perforations and cutting guide kerfs) easy to cut formed on a main body of the flange 130. The cardboard 110 is hereby easy to separate from the flange 130 by cutting the main body of the flange 130 along the cutting line after the roll sheet 120 is used.

[1.3.2. Whole Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly]

Next, FIGS. 10 to 13 will be seen to describe the configuration of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment in detail. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is an assembled perspective view of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the outer surface and the inner surface of the flange 130 of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint between the flange 130 and an inner shaft 140 of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. The cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 100 are omitted in FIGS. 10 to 13 for convenience of explanation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the roll sheet assembly 100 includes the cardboard tube 110, the roll sheet 120, the symmetrical pair of flanges 130A and 130B (which may be generically referred to as “flange 130,” hereinafter) disposed on the respective ends of the cardboard tube 110 in the axis direction, and the inner shaft 140 that is inserted through the cardboard tube 110 and couples the pair of flanges 130A and 130B.

The inner shaft 140 is a stick member having substantially the same length as the cardboard tube 110. A thickness of the inner shaft 140 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube 110. The inner shaft 140 is capable of being inserted into the cardboard tube 110. Both ends 141A and 141B (which may be referred to as “end 141,” hereinafter) of the inner shaft 140 function as portions to be joined, with which the flange 130 is joined to the inner shaft 140.

The inner shaft 140 is inserted through a hollow space inside the cardboard tube 110. The end 141A of the inner shaft 140 is joined to the flange 130A, and the other end 141B of the inner shaft 140 is joined to the other shaft 130B. The inner shaft 140 in the illustrated example is a square stick member having a rectangular cross-section, but the inner shaft 140 is not limited thereto. The inner shaft 140 may adopt any shape as far as the thickness and the shape allow the inner shaft 140 to be inserted into the cardboard tube 110.

The flange 130 includes a flange main body 133 and a joint (mating unit 134) for joining the flange main body 133 to the inner shaft 140. The flange main body 133 is a disk-shaped member having an outer diameter corresponding to the maximum outer diameter of the roll sheet 120, and has a function of covering the cardboard tube 110 and the end face of the roll sheet 120. A convex portion such as the ring convex portion 132 for detecting the state of the roll sheet assembly 100A projects on an outer surface 133a (outwardly exposed side surface of the roll sheet assembly 100 in the axis direction) of the flange main body 133. To the contrary, a joint to be joined to the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 is formed at the center of an inner surface 133b (side surface facing to the end face of the roll sheet 120) of the flange main body 133.

Here, the joint of the flange 130 is used for joining the flange main body 133 to the inner shaft 140. The joint of the flange 130 according to the present embodiment includes a mating unit 134 that mates with the end 141 of the inner shaft 140. The mating unit 134 projects from the center of the inner surface 133b of the flange main body 133 toward the inner side (side of the cardboard tube 110). The mating unit 134 has a shape that allows the mating unit 134 to be inserted into the cardboard tube 110 and to mate with the end 141 of the inner shaft 140. The mating unit 134 has a shape like a square cylinder that allows the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 to be inserted therein in the illustrated example. A locking pawl 135 that mates with a concave 142 on the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 projects on an inner surface of the mating unit 134.

The end 141 (portion to be mated) of the inner shaft 140 is inserted into the mating unit 134 on the flange 130 owing to the mating structure so that it is possible to mate the locking pawl 135 in the mating unit 134 with the concave portion 142 of the inner shaft 140. Since the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 is hereby locked by the locking pawl 135, it is possible to firmly join the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 to the mating unit 134 on the flange 130. It is therefore possible to prevent the flange 130 from being detached from the cardboard tube 110. The use of the mating structure allows the inner shaft 140 to be relatively easily joined to the flange 130 without an additional joining member.

The above-described example uses the mating structure that the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 is inserted into a mating hole of the mating unit 134 on the flange 130, but another mating structure may also be adopted. For example, the mating unit 134 of the flange 130 may be configured to be inserted into a mating hole formed at the end 141 of the inner shaft 140.

Another joining method other than the above-described example of the mating structure may also be used as a method for joining the inner shaft 140 to the flange 130 as far as the flange 130 is not easily detached from the inner shaft 140 while the roll sheet assembly 100 is being used. For example, a joining method using thermal deposition (including thermal welding), a joining method using an adhesive, and a joining method using a fixing member such as a screw may be adoptable.

[1.3.3. Configuration of Cutting Line]

Next, FIGS. 10 to 13 will be seen to describe a cutting line 150, which is formed on the flange 130 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13, the cutting line 150 is formed on the flange main body 133 of the flange 130 according to the present embodiment for separating the mating unit 134 joined to the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 133. The cutting line 150 is a linear portion that is easy to cut and formed on the flange main body 133, and a cutting guide line that facilitates the flange main body 133 to be cut. A part on which the cutting line 150 is formed in the flange main body 133 has a weaker and thinner member than another part in the flange main body 133. Consequently, when no external force is applied to the flange main body 133, the flange main body 133 is not cut along the cutting line 150. However, when external force is applied, the flange main body 133 can be easily cut along the cutting line 150.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13, the cutting line 150 according to the present embodiment includes a cyclic cutting line 151 formed around the mating unit 134 (joint) on the flange main body 133, and a spiral cutting line 152 that couples a peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 with the cyclic cutting line 151.

The cyclic cutting line 151 is formed so as to surround portions all around the mating unit 134 on the flange main body 133, and is, for example, an endless cutting line such as a circular line, an elliptical line, and a rectangular line. The cyclic cutting line 151 does not reach the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 and remains inside the flange main body 133. The cyclic cutting line 151 is preferably formed outside the mating unit 134 on the flange main body 133 and as close to the mating unit 134 as possible. It is hereby possible to separate the mating unit 134 mated with the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 133 when the flange main body 133 is cut along the cyclic cutting line 151, and the separated mating unit 134 can be pulled out from the cardboard tube 110 along with the inner shaft 140. From this point of view, the size of the cyclic cutting line 151 preferably falls within a range less than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube 110.

The spiral cutting line 152 is an example of a coupling cutting line that couples the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 with the cyclic cutting line 151, and spirals from the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 to the cyclic cutting line 151. An end on the inner circumference of the spiral cutting line 152 is connected to the cyclic cutting line 151 while an end (position on an outer edge in the flange main body 133) on the outer circumference of the spiral cutting line 152 has a notch 153 formed thereon.

The spiral cutting line 152 has a function of guiding an opening slit on the flange main body 133 from the outer circumference of the flange main body 133 to the cyclic cutting line 151. That is, when cutting the flange main body 133, first, the notch 153 on the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 is used as an opening slit to cut the flange main body 133 along the spiral cutting line 152. Next, it becomes possible to cut portions around the mating unit 134 of the flange main body 133 along the cyclic cutting line 151 when the opening slot along the spiral cutting line 152 reaches the cyclic cutting line 151.

The coupling cutting line includes the spiral cutting line 152 in this way. As a result, only one spiral cutting line 152 has to be used in order to allow the flange main body 133 to be easily cut from the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 to the cyclic cutting line 151.

[1.3.4. Specific Examples of Cutting Lines]

FIGS. 14 and 15 will be seen here to describe specific examples of the cutting line 150 (such as the cyclic cutting line 151 and the spiral cutting line 152). FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flange main body 133 that has the perforations 155 formed thereon, which are an example of the cutting line 150 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flange main body 133 that has a cutting guide kerf 156 formed thereon, which is another example of the cutting line 150 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the cutting line 150 may include the perforations 155. A length of a hole and a length of a part of the perforations 155 that is not penetrated are selected as necessary in accordance with a material or a thickness of the flange main body 133. If a metal mold for perforations is used upon injection-molding the flange main body 133, the perforations 155 can be formed relatively with ease. Alternatively, the perforations 155 may be formed by using a cutter for perforations after the flange main body 133 is molded.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the cutting line 150 may include the cutting guide kerf 156. A depth and a width of the cutting guide kerf 156 are selected as necessary in accordance with a material and a thickness of the flange main body 133. The cutting guide kerf 156 may be formed by using a metal mold for kerfs upon injection-molding the flange main body 133, or may be formed by being half-cut with a cutting tool after the flange main body 133 is molded.

A shape of a cross-section of the cutting guide kerf 156 can also be realized in the various forms. For example, a V-shaped groove 156A may be formed over a surface of the flange main body 133, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, or two V-shaped grooves 156B and 156B may be formed on the both surfaces of the flange main body 133 so as to face to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 15B. The cutting guide kerf 156 may be a kerf 156C of a rectangular cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, or may also be a kerf 156D of a semicircular cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 15D.

[1.3.5. Intersection Site of Cutting Line and Convex Portion]

Next, the description will be made regarding a relationship between a convex portion of the flange 130 and the cutting line 150. As described above, a convex portion such as the ring convex portion 132 is formed on the outer surface 133a of the flange main body 133 of the flange 130 according to the present embodiment. The convex portion is detected by the sensor 6 provided on the roll sheet holder 5. A thickness of the flange main body 133 increases at a site at which the convex portion is provided.

Thus, it becomes possibly difficult to cut the flange main body 133 along the cutting line 150 at the site at which the cutting line 150 intersects the convex portion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, cutting along the spiral cutting line 152 may be prevented at a site 154 at which the spiral cutting line 152 intersects the ring convex portion 132.

It is therefore preferable to form a slit 157 at the site 154 on the flange main body 133 at which the spiral cutting line 152 intersects the ring convex portion 132, as illustrated in FIG. 16. The slit 157 is an elongate gap that penetrates the flange main body 133, and is formed along the spiral cutting line 152 at the intersection site 154. Since the slit 157 allows the intersection site 154 to be cut in advance, it is possible to cut the flange main body 133 along the spiral cutting line 152 more smoothly.

[1.4. Method for Assembling Roll Sheet Assembly]

Next, FIGS. 17 to 19 will be seen to describe a method for assembling the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 17 to 19 are process drawings illustrating the method for assembling the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the roll sheet assembly 100 starts to be assembled, the pair of flanges 130A and 130B of the roll sheet assembly 100, the inner shaft 140, the cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120 are separated. It is assumed that the cardboard tube 110, the roll sheet 120, the flanges 130A and 130B, and the inner shaft 140 start to be assembled.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, first, the flange 130A is joined to the end 141A of the inner shaft 140. Specifically, the end 141A of the inner shaft 140 is inserted into the mating unit 134 of the flange 130A to mate with each other, and the concave portion 142 at the end 141A is locked by the locking pawl 135 of the mating unit 134. The flange 130A is hereby securely fixed to the inner shaft 140. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the inner shaft 140, to which the flange 130A has been joined, is inserted into the cardboard tube 110 of the roll sheet 120.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the other end 141B of the inner shaft 140, which has been inserted into the cardboard tube 110, is joined to the other flange 130A. Specifically, the other end 141B of the inner shaft 140 is inserted into the mating unit 134 of the flange 130B to mate with each other, and the concave portion 142 at the other end 141B is locked by the locking pawl 135 of the mating unit 134. The flange 130B is hereby securely fixed to the inner shaft 140.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the flanges 130A and 130B are coupled by the inner shaft 140, which has been inserted through the cardboard tube 110, with the roll sheet 120 and the cardboard tube 110 sandwiched between the flanges 130A and 130B, and the assembly of the roll sheet assembly 100 is completed.

As described above, in the method for assembling the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily and quickly assemble the roll sheet assembly 100 only by joining the flanges 130A and 130B, the inner shaft 140, the roll sheet 120, and the cardboard tube 110. Moreover, since the both flanges 130A and 130B are firmly coupled with the inner shaft 140 in the assembled roll sheet assembly 100, the flanges 130A and 130B are not easy to detach from the roll sheet 120 and the cardboard tube 110.

[1.5. Method for Disassembling Roll Sheet Assembly]

Next, FIGS. 20 to 23 will be seen to describe a method for disassembling the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 20 and 21 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, each of which illustrates the roll sheet assembly 100 after the roll sheet 120 according to the present embodiment is completely used out. FIG. 22 is a process drawing illustrating a method for disassembling the flange 130A of the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the roll sheet assembly 100 with the flange 130A according to the present embodiment separated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 100 is completely used out and the roll sheet 120 is not left, the cardboard tube 100 is exposed between the pair of flanges 130A and 130B. The description will be made regarding a procedure for disassembling the roll sheet assembly 100 in this state into the cardboard tube 110, the flange 130A, the flange 130B, and the inner shaft 140.

First, a user applies force to the flange main body 133 of the flange 130A in a direction separated from the cardboard tube 110. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the flange main body 133 of the flange 130A is hereby cut along the cutting line 150, and the flange main body 133 is separated from the inner shaft 140 and the cardboard tube 110.

Specifically, first, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, the flange main body 133 of the flange 130A starts to be cut by using the notch 153 on the peripheral edge of the flange main body 133 as an opening slit. Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the flange main body 133 is spirally cut along the spiral cutting line 152 from the outer circumference to the inner circumference. Next, after a part that is cut along the spiral cutting line 152 reaches the cyclic cutting line 151, portions all around the mating unit 134 of the flange main body 133 are cut along the cyclic cutting line 151 in a cyclic way.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 22C, the flange main body 133 is completely cut along the cyclic cutting line 151 so that the flange main body 133, the mating unit 134, and the inner shaft 140 are separated. The mating unit 134 still remains mated with the inner shaft 140. A part 133c of the inner circumference of the flange main body 133 inside the cyclic cutting line 151 remains around the mating unit 134, which does not interfere with the following disassembling procedures because the part 133c can pass through the cardboard tube 110 as far as the outer diameter of the part 133c is smaller than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube 110.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the mating unit 134 and the inner shaft 140 are pulled out from the cardboard tube 110 in the state in which the inner shaft 140 remains joined to the mating unit 134 that has been separated from the flange main body 133. The roll sheet assembly 100 is hereby disassembled into the flange main body 133 of the flange 130A, the cardboard tube 110, the inner shaft 140, and the flange 130B.

As described above, it is possible to easily disassemble the used roll sheet assembly 100 into the cardboard tube 110 of a paper material and a roll sheet flange (flanges 130A and 130B, and inner shaft 140) of a synthetic resin material. It becomes hereby possible to separately collect and waste the roll sheet assembly 100 in accordance with the materials. It is further possible to reduce the volume (quantity) of the waste much more than the waste thrown away if the used roll sheet assembly 100 is not disassembled.

Thereafter, the flange main body 133 of the other flange 130B may be similarly cut along the spiral cutting line 152 and the cyclic cutting line 151 to separate the flange 130B from the inner shaft 140. It is hereby possible to further reduce the volume of the waste. If the other flange 130B does not have to be disassembled from the inner shaft 140, the cutting line 150 does not have to be formed on the other flange 130 and the other flange 130B may be integrated with the inner shaft 140 without providing the mating unit 134 on the flange 130B.

[1.6. Conclusion]

As explained above, the detailed description has been made regarding the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to deliver information regarding the state (such as a remaining amount of a sheet and a mounted state) of the roll sheet assembly 100 from the roll sheet assembly 100 to the printer 1 owing to the easy and inexpensive configuration in which the flanges 130 each having the ring convex portion 132 and the like formed on the outer surface are attached to the respective sides of the roll sheet 120.

Since the symmetrical two flanges 130 are coupled by the inner shaft 140 that has been inserted into the cardboard tube 110, the both flanges 130 can be securely attached to the respective ends of the cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120. Thus, the flange 130 is not easily detached from the cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120 before and while the roll sheet assembly 100 is used.

Furthermore, the cutting line 150 that is easy to cut is formed on the flange 130 of the roll sheet assembly 100 in advance. It is hereby possible to easily separate the cardboard 110, the flange 130, and the inner shaft 140 by cutting the flange 130 along the cutting line 150 and disassembling the flange 130 from the inner shaft 140 when the used roll sheet assembly 100 is wasted. Thus, it is also possible to easily disassemble and sort out the remaining parts (cardboard tube 110, flange 130, and inner shaft 140) of the used roll sheet assembly 100. Consequently, it is possible to facilitate resources such as paper and synthetic resin to be effectively used, reused, and the like because the waste of the roll sheet assembly 100 can be separately collected for each material.

Furthermore, the used roll sheet assembly 100 can be disassembled into as small a part as each part before assembled so that it is possible to further enhance capacity of disassembly of the roll sheet assembly 100 upon being wasted. Thus, the volume of the waste of the roll sheet assembly 100 can be reduced so as not to grow voluminous. Thus, it is possible to enhance efficiency of keeping, transferring, and throwing away the waste, or the like.

2. Second Embodiment

Next, the description will be made regarding a roll sheet assembly 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. A cutting line 250, which is formed on a flange main body, includes a cyclic cutting line 251 and a plurality of linear cutting lines 252 in the second embodiment. The linear cutting lines 252 are an example of the coupling cutting line, and correspond to the spiral cutting line 152 in the first embodiment. The roll sheet assembly 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in configurations of the coupling cutting line (linear cutting lines 252) and an inner shaft 240, but the other functional configurations are substantially the same as the functional configurations of the first embodiment. Consequently, the detailed description will be omitted.

[2.1. Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly]

First of all, the description will be made regarding a configuration of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the second embodiment.

[2.1.1. Whole Configuration of Roll Sheet Assembly]

First, FIGS. 24 to 26 will be seen to describe the whole configuration of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the second embodiment in detail. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is an assembled perspective view of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint between the flange 230 and the inner shaft 240 of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment. Additionally, FIGS. 24 to 26 omit the cardboard tube 110 and the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 200 for convenience of explanation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the roll sheet assembly 200 includes the cardboard tube 110, the roll sheet 120, a symmetrical pair of flanges 230A and 230B (which may be generically referred to as “flange 230,” hereinafter) disposed at the respective ends of the cardboard tube 110 in the axis direction, and the inner shaft 240 that is inserted through the cardboard tube 110 to couple the pair of flanges 230A and 230B.

The inner shaft 240 according to the second embodiment is a circular stick member having substantially the same length as the cardboard tube 110. An outer diameter of the inner shaft 240 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube 110 so that an inner shaft 240 can be inserted into the cardboard tube 110. Both ends 241A and 241B (which may be generically referred to as “end 241,” hereinafter) of the inner shaft 240 function as a portion to be joined for joining the flange 230 to the inner shaft 240.

The inner shaft 240 is inserted through a hollow space inside the cardboard tube 110. The end 241A of the inner shaft 240 is joined to the flange 230A, and the other end 241B of the inner shaft 240 is joined to the other flange 230B. The inner shaft 240 in the illustrated example is a round stick member having a circular cross-section, and the shape is different from the square inner shaft 140 according to the first embodiment. However, the inner shaft 240 has substantially the same function as the inner shaft 140. The end 241 of the inner shaft 240 is also substantially cylindrical. A cyclic concave portion 242 that mates with a mating unit 243 of the flange 230, which will be described below, is formed on the outer circumference of the end 241.

The flange 230 according to the second embodiment is the same as the flange 130 according to the first embodiment but a shape of a mating unit 234 and the configuration of the cutting line 250, which will be described below. That is, the flange 230 includes a disk-shaped flange main body 233 and the mating unit 234 that is a joint for joining the flange main body 233 to the inner shaft 240. A convex portion such as the ring convex portion 232 (corresponding to the ring convex portion 132) for detecting a state of the roll sheet assembly 200 projects on an outer surface 233a of the flange main body 233. To the contrary, the cylindrical mating unit 234 that mates with the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 projects at the center of an inner surface 233b of the flange main body 233.

Here, the mating unit 234 has a shape that allows the mating unit 234 to be inserted into the cardboard tube 110, and to mate with the end 241 of the inner shaft 240. In the illustrated example, the mating unit 234 has a cylindrical shape that allows the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 inserted therein. As illustrated in FIG. 26, a cyclic locking pawl 235 that mates with the concave portion 242 at the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 projects on the inner circumferential surface of the mating unit 234.

The mating structure allows the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 to be inserted into the mating unit 234 of the flange 230 to mate the concave portion 234 at the end 241 with the locking pawl 235 of the mating unit 234. Since the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 is hereby locked by the locking pawl 235 of the mating unit 234, the end 241 of the inner shaft 240 can be firmly joined to the mating unit 234 of the flange 230. The flange 230 can therefore be prevented from being detached from the cardboard tube 110. The use of the mating structure also allows the inner shaft 240 to be relatively easily joined to the flange 230 without an additional adhesive.

[2.1.2. Configurations of Cutting Lines]

Next, FIGS. 24 to 26 will be seen to describe the cutting line 250 formed on the flange 230 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26, the flange main body 233 of the flange 230 according to the present embodiment has the cutting line 250 formed thereon for separating the mating unit 234 that has been joined to the inner shaft 240 from the flange main body 233. The cutting line 250 includes the cyclic cutting line 251 that is formed around the mating unit 234 on the flange main body 233, and the two linear cutting lines 252 that couple the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 with the cyclic cutting line 251.

The cyclic cutting line 251 is formed so as to surround portions all around the circular mating unit 234 of the flange main body 233, and is, for example, a circular cutting line. The cyclic cutting line 251 does not reach the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233, and remains inside the flange main body 233. The cyclic cutting line 251 is also favorably formed as close to the mating unit 234 as possible in the same way as the cyclic cutting line 151 according to the first embodiment. It becomes hereby possible to pull out the separated mating unit 234 along with the inner shaft 240 from the cardboard tube 110 when the flange main body 233 is cut along the cyclic cutting line 251.

The linear cutting lines 252 are an example of the coupling cutting line that couples the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 with the cyclic cutting line 251. In the illustrated example, the two linear cutting lines 252 are formed on the same line that passes the center of the flange main body 233. An end on the inner circumference of each linear cutting line 252 is connected to the cyclic cutting line 251, and a notch 253 is formed at an end (position on an outer edge of the flange main body 233) on the outer circumference of each linear cutting line 252.

In the same way as the spiral cutting line 152 according to the first embodiment, the linear cutting lines 252 have a function of guiding opening slits on the flange main body 233 from the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 to the cyclic cutting line 251. That is, when the flange main body 233 is cut, first, the flange main body 233 is cut from the both sides to the cyclic cutting line 251 along the two linear cutting lines 252 by using the two notches 253 on the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 as opening slits. It becomes hereby possible to cut portions around the mating unit 234 of the flange main body 233 along the cyclic cutting line 251.

The coupling cutting line includes the two linear cutting lines 252 in this way so that it becomes possible to easily cut the flange main body 233 in a short cutting length from the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 to the cyclic cutting line 251. Additionally, the cyclic cutting line 251 and the linear cutting lines 252 are also formed by using the perforations 155, the cutting guide kerfs 156, or the like (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Consequently, once a user applies external force to the flange 130, the cyclic cutting line 251 and the linear cutting lines 252 can be easily cut.

A plurality of arc-shaped slits 255 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 251. The slits 255 are elongate gaps penetrating the flange main body 233, and are formed along the cyclic cutting line 251. Since the slits 255 allow a part of the cyclic cutting line 251 to be cut in advance, it is possible to cut the flange main body 233 more smoothly along the cyclic cutting line 251. Although not illustrated, the slits may be formed in advance at a site 254 on the flange main body 233 at which the linear cutting lines 252 intersect the ring convex portion 232 (see the slit 157 in FIG. 16). The relatively thick intersection site 254 can be hereby cut in advance so that the flange main body 233 can be cut more smoothly along the linear cutting lines 252.

[2.2. Method for Disassembling Roll Sheet Assembly]

Next, FIGS. 27 to 30 will be seen to describe a method for disassembling the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 27 and 28 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, each of which illustrates the roll sheet assembly 200 after the roll sheet 120 according to the present embodiment is completely used out. FIGS. 29 and 30 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, each of which illustrates the roll sheet assembly 200 with the flange 230A according to the present embodiment separated.

Since a method for assembling the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the method for assembling the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, when the roll sheet 120 of the roll sheet assembly 200 is completely used out and the roll sheet 120 is not left, the cardboard tube 100 is exposed between the pair of flanges 230A and 230B. The description will be made regarding a procedure of disassembling the roll sheet assembly 200 in this state into the cardboard tube 110, the flange 230A, the flange 230B, and the inner shaft 240.

First, a user applies force to the flange main body 233 of the flange 230A in a direction separated from the cardboard tube 110. The user hereby cuts the flange main body 233 of the flange 230A along the cutting line 250 to separate the flange main body 233 from the inner shaft 240 and the cardboard tube 110.

Specifically, first, the user linearly cuts the flange main body 233 along the two linear cutting lines 252 from the outer circumference toward the inner circumference by using the two notches 253 on the peripheral edge of the flange main body 233 of the flange 230A as opening slits. Next, after a part that has been cut along the linear cutting lines 252 reaches the cyclic cutting line 251, portions all around the mating unit 234 of the flange main body 233 are cut along the cyclic cutting line 251 in a cyclic way. Since the plurality of slits 255 have been formed on a part of the cyclic cutting line 251 in advance, the flange main body 233 can be easily cut along the cyclic cutting line 251.

As a result, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the flange main body 233 is completely cut along the cyclic cutting line 251 so that the flange main body 233, the mating unit 234, and the inner shaft 240 are separated. The mating unit 234 still remains mated with the inner shaft 240. A part 233c of the inner circumference of the flange main body 233 inside the cyclic cutting line 251 remains around the mating unit 234, which does not interfere with the following disassembling procedures because the part 233c can pass through the cardboard tube 110 as far as the outer diameter of the part 233c is smaller than the inner diameter of the cardboard tube 110.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the mating unit 234 and the inner shaft 240 are pulled out from the cardboard tube 110 with the inner shaft 240 joined to the mating unit 234 that has been separated from the flange main body 233. The roll sheet assembly 200 is hereby disassembled into the flange main body 233 of the flange 230A, the cardboard tube 110, the inner shaft 240, and the flange 230B. Thereafter, the flange main body 233 of the other flange 230B may be similarly cut along the linear cutting lines 252 and the cyclic cutting line 251 to disassemble the flange 230B and the inner shaft 240.

As described above, the used roll sheet assembly 200 can be easily disassembled into the cardboard tube 110 of a paper material and the roll sheet flange (flanges 230A and 230B, and inner shaft 240) of a synthetic resin material. It becomes hereby possible to separately collect and waste the roll sheet assembly 200 in accordance with the materials. It is further possible to reduce the volume (quantity) of the waste much more than the waste thrown away if the used roll sheet assembly 200 is not disassembled.

[2.3. Modified Examples]

Next, FIG. 31 will be seen to describe modified examples of the flange 230 of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating the modified examples of the flange 230 of the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the present embodiment.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 31A, a rectangular mating unit 236 is provided at the center of the flange main body 233. An inner surface of the mating unit 236 has a locking pawl 237 formed thereon, which locks a concave portion 142 at an end 141 of a square inner shaft 140. An oval cyclic cutting line 251 is formed around the rectangular mating unit 236, and two arc-shaped slits 255 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 251. The two slits 255 are symmetrically disposed on the respective sides of the mating unit 236 in the longitudinal direction. The two linear cutting lines 252 are formed so as to couple the outer edge of the flange main body 233 with the two slits 255 on the cyclic cutting line 251. The two linear cutting lines 252 are disposed on the same line that passes the center of the flange main body 233.

The configuration allows the flange main body 233 to be cut along the two linear cutting lines 252, and further allows portions around the rectangular mating unit 236 of the flange main body 233 to be cut along the cyclic cutting line 251 and the slits 255 in a rectangular shape.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 31B, a circular mating unit 234 is provided at the center of the flange main body 233. The inner circumferential surface of the mating unit 234 has a cyclic locking pawl 235 formed thereon, which locks a cyclic concave portion 242 at an end 241 of a circular inner shaft 240. The circular cyclic cutting line 251 is formed around the circular mating unit 234, and four arc-shaped slits 255 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 251. The four slits 255 are disposed in a circumferential direction of the circular mating unit 234 at the same intervals. Four linear cutting lines 252 are formed so as to couple the outer edge of the flange main body 233 with the four slits 255 on the cyclic cutting line 251. Two of the linear cutting lines 252 are disposed in the circumferential direction at the same intervals so as to radically extend from the center of the flange main body 233.

The configuration allows the flange main body 233 to be cut along the four linear cutting lines 252, and further allows portions around the circular mating unit 234 of the flange main body 233 to be cut along the cyclic cutting line 251 and the slits 255.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 31C, a rectangular mating unit 236 is provided at the center of the flange main body 233. An inner surface of the mating unit 236 has a locking pawl 237 formed thereon, which locks a concave portion 142 at an end 141 of a square inner shaft 140. A rectangular cyclic cutting line 251 is formed around the rectangular mating unit 236, and four L-shaped slits 257 are formed at the corners of the cyclic cutting line 251. Two linear cutting lines 252 are formed so as to couple the outer edge of the flange main body 233 with the two slits 257 on the cyclic cutting line 251. The two linear cutting lines 252 deviate from a line that passes the center of the flange main body 233, and extend from the slits 257 to the outer edge of the flange main body 233 in a direction parallel to a long edge of the rectangular cyclic cutting line 251.

It has been described in the above examples that the slits 255 and 257 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 251. However, no slit may be formed. It has also been described that a plurality of linear cutting lines 252 are formed, but only a single line may also be formed. The coupling cutting line is not limited to the example as the linear cutting lines 252. Any form such as a curve and a zigzag may be adopted as the cutting line.

[2.4. Conclusion]

As explained above, the detailed description has been made regarding the roll sheet assembly 200 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The roll sheet assembly 200 according to the second embodiment has the following advantageous effects in addition to the advantageous effects that the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment has.

According to the second embodiment, the linear cutting lines 252 are included as the coupling cutting line that couples the outer edge of the flange main body 233 with the cyclic cutting line 251. The flange main body 233 hereby only has to be linearly cut along the linear cutting lines 252 so that it is easy to cut the flange main body 233 from the outer edge to the cyclic cutting line 251. Moreover, the plurality of linear lines 252 allow the flange main body 233 to be cut part by part so that it becomes further easier to cut the flange main body 233.

3. Third Embodiment

Next, the description will be made regarding a roll sheet assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Only the cyclic cutting line 351 is formed as the cutting line on the flange main body in the third embodiment. The coupling cutting line (spiral cutting line 152 and linear cutting lines 252) that couples the cyclic cutting line 351 with the outer edge of the flange main body is not formed. The roll sheet assembly according to the third assembly is different from the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that the coupling cutting line is not formed. Since the other functional configurations are substantially the same as the functional configurations according to the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[3.1. Configuration of Cutting Line]

First, FIG. 32 will be seen to describe a cutting line formed on a flange 330 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the flange 330 of the roll sheet assembly according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the flange 330 according to the third embodiment is the same as the flange 130 according to the first embodiment but a configuration of the cutting line. That is, the flange 330 includes a disk-shaped flange main body 333, and mating units 334 and 336 that are joints for joining the flange main body 333 to the inner shaft 140. A convex portion such as a ring convex portion 332 (corresponding to the ring convex portion 132) for detecting a state of the roll sheet assembly projects on an outer surface 333a of the flange main body 333. To the contrary, square cylindrical or cylindrical mating units 334 and 336 that mate with the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 project at the center of an inner surface of the flange main body 333.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the flange main body 333 of the flange 330 according to the present embodiment has only the cyclic cutting line 351 formed thereon as a cutting line for separating the mating units 334 and 336 joined to the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 333. The cyclic cutting line 351 is a cyclic cutting line formed so as to surround portions all around the mating units 334 and 336 in the flange main body 333. The cyclic cutting line 351 does not reach a peripheral edge of the flange main body 333, and remains inside the flange main body 333.

More specifically, a square cylindrical mating unit 334 is provided at the center of the flange main body 333 in the example illustrated in FIG. 32A. An inner surface of the mating unit 334 has a locking pawl 335 formed thereon, which locks a concave portion 142 at an end 141 of a square inner shaft 140. An elliptic cyclic cutting line 351 is formed around the rectangular mating unit 334, and two elliptic arc-shaped slits 355 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 351. The two slits 355 are symmetrically disposed on the both sides of the mating unit 334 in a longitudinal direction.

Meanwhile, a cylindrical mating unit 336 is provided at the center of the flange main body 333 in the example illustrated in FIG. 32B. An inner surface of the mating unit 336 has a cyclic locking pawl 337 formed thereon, which locks a cyclic concave portion 242 at an end 241 of a circular inner shaft 240. A circular cyclic cutting line 351 is formed around the circular mating unit 336, and four arc-shaped slits 355 are formed on the cyclic cutting line 351. The four slits 355 are disposed in a circumferential direction of the circular mating unit 334 at the same intervals.

As described above, the flange 330 according to the present embodiment has only the cyclic cutting line 351 formed thereon, but does not have a coupling cutting line formed thereon, which couples the cyclic cutting line 351 with the peripheral edge of the flange main body 333. However, it is possible in this configuration to cut portions all around the mating units 334 and 336 of the flange main body 333 along the cyclic cutting line 351, and to separate the mating units 334 and 336 joined to the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 333.

That is, force is applied to the flange main body 333 of the flange 330 in a direction separated from the cardboard tube 110 to deform an outer circumference of the flange main body 333 in separating the roll sheet assembly according to the present embodiment. Namely, external force that pulls the flange main body 333 apart from the cardboard tube 110 is applied to the flange main body 333. The external force directly causes sites around the mating units 334 and 336 mated with the inner shaft 140 to be distorted so that the flange main body 333 starts to be cut from one side of the cyclic cutting line 351 present at the sites and the flange main body 333 is completely cut along the cyclic cutting line 351.

Since the slits 355 have been formed on the cyclic cutting line 351 in advance, the flange main body 333 becomes easy to start to be cut along the cyclic cutting line 351 by using the slits 355 as starting points. When the cyclic cutting line 351 is cyclic in a curve shape such as a circle and an ellipse, it becomes easier to start to cut the flange main body 333 because external force is likely to be concentrated on one point on the cyclic cutting line 351.

If applying force to the flange main body 333 and cutting the flange main body 333 along the cyclic cutting line 351 in the above-described way, the mating units 334 and 336 can be separated from the flange main body 333. In the same way as the first and second embodiments, the mating units 334 and 336, and the inner shaft 140 are hereby pulled out from the cardboard tube 110 in the state in which the inner shaft 140 is joined to the mating units 334 and 336 that have been separated from the flange main body 333. The roll sheet assembly is hereby disassembled into the flange main body 333 of one of the flanges 330, the cardboard tube 110, the inner shaft 140, and the other flange 330. Thereafter, the flange main body 333 of the other flange 330 may be similarly cut along the cyclic cutting line 351 to disassemble the flange 330 and the inner shaft 140.

As described above, it is possible to easily disassemble the used roll sheet assembly into the cardboard tube 110 of a paper material and the roll sheet flange (flanges 330 and 330, and inner shaft 140) of a synthetic resin material. It becomes hereby possible to separately collect and waste the roll sheet assembly in accordance with the materials. It is further possible to reduce the volume (quantity) of the waste much more than the waste thrown away if the used roll sheet assembly is not disassembled.

[3.2. Conclusion]

As explained above, the detailed description has been made regarding the roll sheet assembly according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The roll sheet assembly according to the third embodiment has the following advantageous effects in addition to the advantageous effects that the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment has.

According to the third embodiment, only the cyclic cutting line 351 has to be formed as a cutting line on the flange main body 333, and no coupling cutting line may be formed. Thus, it is possible to reduce a burden and a cost for processing the flange 330. Furthermore, since no coupling cutting line is formed, strength of the flange main body 333 can be enhanced. Thus, it is possible to prevent the flange main body 333 from being unintentionally cut before and while the roll sheet assembly is used, and to prevent the flange 330 from being detached from the cardboard tube 110.

4. Fourth Embodiment

Next, the description will be made regarding a roll sheet assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Only a split cutting line 451 is formed as a cutting line on the flange main body in the fourth embodiment. The cyclic cutting lines 151, 251, and 351, and the coupling cutting line (spiral cutting line 152 and linear cutting lines 252) are not formed. The roll sheet assembly according to the fourth embodiment is different from the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that the split cutting line 451 is formed. Since the other functional configurations are substantially the same as the functional configurations according to the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[4.1. Configuration of Cutting Line]

First, FIGS. 33 and 34 will be seen to describe the split cutting line 451 that is formed on a flange 430 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating the flange 430 of the roll sheet assembly according to the present embodiment. FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a mating unit 434 of the flange 430 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34, the flange 430 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the flange 130 according to the first embodiment but a configuration of the cutting line. That is, the flange 430 includes a disk-shaped flange main body 433, and mating units 434 and 436 that are joints for joining the flange main body 433 to the inner shaft 140. A convex portion such as a ring convex portion 432 (corresponding to the ring convex portion 132) for detecting a state of the roll sheet assembly projects on an outer surface 433a of the flange main body 433. To the contrary, a square cylindrical mating unit 434 that mates with the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 projects at the center of an inner surface of the flange main body 433.

Only the split cutting line 451 is formed on the flange main body 433 of the flange 430 according to the present embodiment as a cutting line for separating a part of the mating unit 434 joined to the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 433. The split cutting line 451 is formed so as to split the flange main body 433 and the mating unit 434. Two linear split cutting lines 451 are formed, which reach the mating unit 434 from the peripheral edges on the both sides of the flange main body 433 in the example illustrated in FIG. 33. The flange main body 433 and the mating unit 434 are cut along the split cutting lines 451, and it is possible to destroy the mating unit 434 mated with the inner shaft 140.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 34, a square cylindrical mating unit 434 projects at the center of an inner surface 433b of the flange main body 433. An end 141 of the inner shaft 140 can be inserted into the mating unit 434. An inner surface of the mating unit 434 has a locking pawl 435 formed thereon, which locks a concave portion 142 at the end 141 of the inner shaft 140. The locking pawl 435 locks the concave portion 142 so that the mating unit 434 mates with the end 141 of the inner shaft 140.

If separating one side surface 434a of the mating unit 434 and destroying the mating unit 434, it is possible to separate the mating unit 434 from the end 141 of the inner shaft 140. It is therefore assumed in the present embodiment that the split cutting line 451 is formed on the flange main body 433, and the flange main body 433 can be cut from the outer edge to the mating unit 434. Furthermore, slashes 452 and 452 are formed at the corners on the both sides of the one side surface 434a of the square cylindrical mating unit 434.

If cutting the flange main body 433 along the two split cutting lines 451 and 451 according to the configuration, the two split cutting lines 451 are coupled with the two splashes 452 and 452 to split the flange main body 433 and the mating unit 434. That is, not only the flange main body 433 is separated into two members, but the mating unit 434 is also separated into two members (side surface 434a, and side surfaces 434b, 434c and 434d), and destroyed. A mating structure of the end 141 of the inner shaft 140 and the mating unit 434 is also destroyed so that it becomes possible to separate the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 433.

Meanwhile, FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the mating unit 234 of the flange 230 in FIG. 31A according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 35, the cyclic cutting line 251 and the slits 255 are formed around the flange 230 in the second embodiment, and the linear cutting lines 252 that couples the slits 255 on the cyclic cutting line 251 with the outer edge of the flange main body 233 are also formed. According to the configuration, the flange main body 233 is cut along the cyclic cutting line 251 and the linear cutting lines 252 so that it is possible to separate the mating unit 234 from the flange main body 233. Thus, the slashes 452 (see FIG. 34) do not have to be formed at the corners of the square cylindrical mating unit 234.

However, the square cylindrical mating unit 434 is also separated in the flange 430 according to the fourth embodiment so that the mating unit 434 is destroyed and it becomes possible to separate the inner shaft 140 from the flange main body 433. The split cutting line 451 is therefore formed on the flange main body 433 in advance, and the slashes 452 are also formed at the corners of the mating unit 434 in the fourth embodiment. The split cutting line 451 may be extended on the mating unit 434 instead of the slashes 452, and both the flange main body 433 and the mating unit 434 may be cut along the split cutting line 451.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the split cutting line 451 and the notches 452 allow the flange main body 433 and the mating unit 434 to be split to destroy the mating unit 434. Since the flange 430 can hereby be separated from the inner shaft 140, it is possible to preferably disassemble the roll sheet assembly. That is, if applying force to the flange main body 433, and cutting the flange main body 433 along the split cutting line 451, the mating unit 434 can be split into a part (side surface 434a) and the other parts (side surfaces 434b, 434c, and 434d).

The structure of the flange 430 allows the used roll sheet assembly to be disassembled. Specifically, first, the flange main body 433 is cut along the split cutting line 451 on one of the flanges 430 to destroy the mating unit 434, and to separate the flange 430 from the inner shaft 140. The inner shaft 140 is pulled out from the cardboard tube 110. The roll sheet assembly is hereby disassembled into one of the flanges 430, the cardboard tube 110, the inner shaft 140, and the other flange 430. Thereafter, the flange main body 433 of the other flange 430 may be similarly cut along the split cutting line 451 to disassemble the flange 430 and the inner shaft 140.

As described above, it is possible to easily disassemble the used roll sheet assembly into the cardboard tube 110 of a paper material, and the roll sheet flange (flanges 430 and 430, and inner shaft 140) of a synthetic resin material. It becomes hereby possible to separately collect and waste the roll sheet assembly in accordance with the materials. It is further possible to reduce the volume (quantity) of the waste much more than the waste thrown away if the used roll sheet assembly is not disassembled.

[4.2. Modified Example]

Next, FIG. 36 will be seen to describe a modified example of the flange 430 of the roll sheet assembly according to the present embodiment. FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the modified example of the flange 430 of the roll sheet assembly according to the present embodiment.

A circular mating unit 436 is provided at the center of the flange main body 433 in the example illustrated in FIG. 36. An inner surface of the mating unit 436 has a cyclic locking pawl 437 formed thereon, which locks a cyclic concave portion 242 at the end 241 of the inner shaft 240. The two split cutting lines 451 are formed such that the circular mating unit 436 and the flange main body 433 are split. The two split cutting lines 451 are formed at a position at which the two split cutting lines 451 split the center of the circular mating unit 436.

According to the configuration, the flange main body 433 is cut along the two split cutting lines 451, and the mating unit 436 is also cut along the split cutting lines 451 so that the mating unit 436 can be destroyed. It becomes hereby possible to separate the flange main body 433 from the inner shaft 140 joined to the mating unit 436.

[4.3. Conclusion]

As explained above, the detailed description has been made regarding the roll sheet assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The roll sheet assembly according to the fourth embodiment has the following advantageous effects in addition to the advantageous effects that the roll sheet assembly 100 according to the first embodiment has.

Only the split cutting line 451 has to be formed as a cutting line on the flange main body 433 in the fourth embodiment, and no other lines have to be formed. Thus, it is possible to reduce a burden and a cost for processing the flange 430.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1) A roll sheet assembly including:

a cardboard tube;

a roll sheet wound around the cardboard tube;

a pair of flanges each disposed at one of both ends of the cardboard tube; and

an inner shaft being inserted through the cardboard tube, and coupling the pair of flanges,

wherein at least one of the flanges includes

- a flange main body covering an end face of the roll sheet, and
- a joint provided at a center of an inner surface of the flange main body, and joined to an end of the inner shaft, and

wherein the flange main body has a cutting line formed thereon, the cutting line being for separating the joint joined to the inner shaft from the flange main body.

(2) The roll sheet assembly according to (1), wherein the cutting line includes a cyclic cutting line that is formed around the joint on the flange main body.
(3) The roll sheet assembly according to (2), wherein the cutting line includes one or more coupling cutting lines that couple an outer edge of the flange main body with the cyclic cutting line.
(4) The roll sheet assembly according to (3),

wherein the roll sheet assembly is mountable on a holder, the holder being provided in a printer,

wherein an outer surface of the flange main body has a convex portion formed thereon, the convex portion being detected by a sensor disposed on the holder, and

wherein the coupling cutting lines are formed in a manner that the coupling cutting lines intersect the convex portion.

(5) The roll sheet assembly according to (4), wherein a slit is formed at a site on the flange main body, the coupling cutting lines intersecting the convex portion at the site.
(6) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the coupling cutting lines include a single spiral cutting line that couples the outer edge of the flange main body with the cyclic cutting line.
(7) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the coupling cutting lines include a plurality of linear cutting lines that couple the outer edge of the flange main body with the cyclic cutting line.
(8) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein one or more slits are formed on the cyclic cutting line.
(9) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the joint includes a mating unit that mates with the end of the inner shaft.
(10) The roll sheet assembly according to (9), wherein the cutting line includes a split cutting line that splits the flange main body and the mating unit.
(11) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the cutting line includes perforations or a cutting guide kerf.
(12) The roll sheet assembly according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein, when force is applied to the flange main body in a direction separated from the cardboard tube, the flange main body is cut along the cutting line and at least a part of the joint joined to the inner shaft is separated from the flange main body.
(13) A roll sheet flange including:

a pair of flanges each disposed at one of both ends of a cardboard tube around which a roll sheet is wound; and

an inner shaft coupling the pair of flanges, the inner shaft being inserted through the cardboard tube in an axis direction,

wherein at least one of the flanges includes

- a flange main body covering an end face of the roll sheet, and
- a joint provided at a center of an inner surface of the flange main body, and joined to an end of the inner shaft, and

wherein the flange main body has a cutting line formed thereon, the cutting line separating the joint joined to the inner shaft from the flange main body.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-196415 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 6, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

ROLL SHEET ASSEMBLY AND ROLL SHEET FLANGE

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

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Original Assignees

CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)