Supply magazine for recording material roll and having code reader

Abstract

A recording paper roll includes a tubular spool shaft having first and second end faces. Thermosensitive recording paper is wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. A code is formed in the first end face. For use with the recording paper roll, a supply magazine includes two roll holders secured to the spool shaft. First and second support plates are arranged in an axial direction of the roll holder, and support the roll holder in a rotatable manner. Guide cutouts are formed in the first and second support plates, receive first and second ends of the roll holder, and move the roll holder in a predetermined direction according to a decrease in a diameter of the recording material roll in use of the recording material. A code sensor reads the code from the first end face. A sensor shifter constituted by a depression portion moves the code sensor in the predetermined direction with the two roll holders.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a supply magazine for containing a recording material roll. More particularly, the present invention relates to a supply magazine which are used with a recording material roll with a code represent information, and in which the code can be read reliably.[0003] 2. Description Related to the Prior Art[0004] A photographic printer or thermal printer is used with a recording paper roll, which include a tubular spool shaft and such recording paper wound about the tubular spool shaft as photographic paper or thermosensitive recording paper of a great length. After the printer operation, the recording paper is cut into each piece of a predetermined size. The recording paper has photosensitivity or thermosensitivity. A supply magazine is used with the recording paper, and has characteristics of shielding moisture and light. A printer is loaded with the recording paper roll by setting the supply magazine in the printer.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording material supply magazine in which the code can be read reliably by easy access to the end face having the code.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a supply magazine for containing a recording material roll includes first and second roll holders for being fitted partially in openings in respectively the first and second end faces. A first flange is formed to project from at least the first roll holder, opposed to the first end face, for preventing the tubular spool shaft from offsetting in an axial direction. A code sensor reads the code from the first end face. An inclined face is formed in the first flange, for facilitating an access of the code sensor to the first end face.

[0033] Furthermore, a second flange is formed with the second roll holder, opposed to the second end face, for preventing the tubular spool shaft from offsetting in the axial direction.

[0035] According to still another aspect of the invention, a roll holder for supporting a recording material roll includes a holder core for being fitted partially in an opening in the first end face. A flange is formed to project from at least the holder core, opposed to the first end face, for preventing the tubular spool shaft from offsetting in an axial direction. An inclined face is formed in the flange, for facilitating an access to the first end face for reading the code.

Problems solved by technology

Although the code can be read directly after inserting the recording paper roll into the supply magazine, the code cannot be read from the recording paper roll when the tubular spool shaft is moved by the decrease in the diameter of the recording paper roll.

An output level from the sensor increases or decreases to cause an error in the reading.

If there is looseness in the recording paper roll, there occurs an error in the detected remaining amount of the recording paper roll

However, it is likely that a flange of the roll holders covers the code, and that the code cannot be read successfully.

However, the tubular spool shaft moves in an unwanted manner.

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