Printer device, camera with printer, and camera

Abstract

The present invention provides a printer device, a camera with a printer, and a camera, which can prevent a recording medium from being bent when the recording medium is fed out. The camera with a printer (10) is provided with: a loading chamber (23) that loads a photographic paper package (24) in which a photographic paper (28) is housed in a stacked manner; a slit (23f) formed in the loading chamber (23); a claw member (57) that enters the loading chamber (23) through the slit (23f) and feeds out the photographic paper (28); and a loading chamber side rib (23g) that is provided along the slit (23f), the loading chamber side rib (23g) being formed at a position where it can be inserted into the photographic paper package (24) loaded in the loading chamber (23) and in a projection amount where it can be inserted into the photographic paper package (24) loaded in the loading chamber (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printer device and a camera with a printer. Background Technology

[0002] Various portable printers and cameras with printers are sold that record images on recording media such as instant film. In printers or cameras using instant film as the recording medium, structures with a loading chamber and an ejection mechanism are known. An instant film cartridge containing multiple sheets of instant film is loaded into the loading chamber. The outer shell of the instant film cartridge has an ejection port for discharging the instant film. The ejection mechanism has a claw component that enters the outer shell of the instant film cartridge and ejects the instant film from the ejection port.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-246021

[0004] In the aforementioned printer apparatus or camera with a printer, when the gripper assembly feeds the instant film from the outlet, jamming sometimes occurs at the front end of the instant film, for example, when the conveyor roller's rotational speed is low and the rotational load is high. When jamming occurs at the front end of the instant film, the base end of the instant film is subjected to compressive force due to the gripper assembly. The instant film is a thin sheet, so its thickness is very small compared to its length from the front end to the base end. Therefore, when jamming occurs at the front end of the instant film and compressive force is applied from the base end, the instant film can sometimes be bent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a printer device and a camera with printer that can prevent the recording medium from bending when it is being dispensed.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the printer apparatus of the present invention includes a loading chamber, a slit, a gripper member, and a loading chamber side rib. The loading chamber side rib is formed at a position allowing insertion into a recording medium cartridge loaded in the loading chamber and protrudes by an amount allowing insertion into the recording medium cartridge. The loading chamber loads the recording medium cartridge, which includes at least a sheet-like recording medium and a housing that accommodates the recording medium in a stacked manner and forms a delivery outlet for discharging the recording medium. A slit is formed in the loading chamber by cutting a portion of the inner surface of the loading chamber facing the recording medium. The gripper member enters the interior of the housing through the slit and discharges the recording medium from the delivery outlet. The loading chamber side rib is configured to protrude from the inner surface of the loading chamber along the slit.

[0007] The front end of the loading chamber side rib facing the recording medium is preferably positioned to support the recording medium inside the housing together with the film packaging box side rib disposed inside the housing, and is preferably positioned between the chuck component and the film packaging box side rib.

[0008] The preferred housing has a notch through which the claw component passes when the recording medium is dispensed, and the film packaging cartridge side rib is configured along the notch. When the recording medium packaging cartridge is filled in the filling chamber, the filling chamber side rib is configured to enter the notch.

[0009] The front surface of the filling chamber side rib facing the recording medium is preferably planar, and when the recording medium packaging box is filled in the filling chamber, the filling chamber side rib is preferably a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib.

[0010] The recording medium is preferably a single-piece type, i.e., a developing film. Preferably, the loading chamber has an exposure opening that exposes the recording medium inside the housing with light from the subject, and the side ribs of the loading chamber are arranged along one side of the exposure opening.

[0011] The camera with printer of the present invention includes: the printer device described above; and a camera unit having a camera optical system for capturing an image of a subject and outputting image data to the printer device.

[0012] The camera with printer of the present invention includes: the above-described printer device; and a camera optical system that exposes the image of the subject onto an instant film inside the housing through an exposure opening.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, bending of the recording medium can be prevented when the recording medium is ejected. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 It is a front-view perspective view of a camera with a printer.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a central longitudinal sectional view of a camera with a printer.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a rear-side perspective view of a camera with a printer, where the loading cover is in the closed position.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a rear-side perspective view of a camera with a printer, with the loading cover in the open position.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the film packaging box.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the film packaging box.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the i-film packaging box.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the outer shell components of the film packaging box, viewed from the back side.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a magnified 3D view of a portion of the outer casing component, viewed from the rear side.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the film.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the printer section.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the printer section, omitting the device housing.

[0027] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional view of the device casing.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a magnified three-dimensional view of a portion of the loading chamber and the chuck components from the rear side.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the filling chamber, a portion of the outer shell, and a portion of the claw components, viewed from the back side, showing the state of the packaging box containing the instant film.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a rear view of a portion of the loading chamber, a portion of the outer casing, and a claw component, showing the contents of the display film packaging box.

[0031] Figure 17 It is a sectional view of the main part of the camera with printer cut along the width and front-back directions, and a sectional view of the main part cut around the side ribs of the loading chamber and the claw components.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the function of the side ribs and claw components of the loading chamber.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of the camera with printer in the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the loading chamber and the claw components in the second embodiment, viewed from the rear side.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the loading chamber, a portion of the outer shell component, and a claw component in the second embodiment, showing the state of the i.e., the film packaging box being filled.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the loading chamber, a portion of the outer shell component, and a claw component in a modified example, showing the state of the film packaging box being filled.

[0037] Symbol Explanation

[0038] 10-Camera with printer, 11-Camera body, 12-Image sensor unit, 13-Printer section, 15-Image window, 16A, 16B-Release switch, 17-Rear display section, 18-Operation section, 18a-Menu switch, 18b-Print switch, 19-Camera optical system, 20-Solid-state imaging element, 21-Film outlet, 22-Loading cover, 22a-22d-Film pressing section, 22e-Hinge section, 23, 105-Loading chamber, 23a, 23b-Side, 23c-Top surface, 23d-Bottom surface, 23e-Front surface, 23f-Slit, 23g, 105d-Side ribs of loading chamber, 2 3h - Positioning protrusion, 23i - Elastic component, 23j - Inverted filling prevention notch, 24 - Immediately developing film packaging box, 24a, 24b - Sides, 24c - Bottom surface, 24d - Inverted filling prevention protrusion, 24e - Top surface, 26 - Outer shell, 27 - Film pressing plate, 27a, 27b - Sheet, 27c - Opening, 27d - Hole, 27e - Opening, 27f - Hole, 27g - Lower end, 27h - Lower end, 28 - Immediately developing film, 28a - Exposure surface, 30 - Film cover, 31 - Outer shell component, 31a - Exposure opening, 31b - Notch, 31c - Feed outlet, 31d - Light-shielding seal, 31e - Film packaging box side rib, 32-lid, 32a-opening, 32b-unit support protrusion, 32c-rivet pin, 32d-support piece, 33-mask piece, 33a-image opening, 34-photosensitive film, 35-covering film, 36-developer sac, 37-collection section, 38-developer, 39-gap, 40-positive image viewing surface, 50-exposure head, 51-film support component, 52-roller drive mechanism, 53-transfer roller pair, 54-spreading roller pair, 55-spreading control component, 56-device housing, 57-claw component, 57a-front end, 58-claw component drive mechanism, 59-control section, 61-main Moving roller, 61a-toothed roller assembly, 61b, 62b-drive gears, 61c, 62c-rotating shaft, 62-pinch roller, 62a-roller assembly, 62b-drive gear, 62c-rotating shaft, 63, 64-unwinding roller, 100-camera with printer, 101-camera body, 102-camera optical system, 103-printer section, 104-camera window, 105-loading chamber, 105a-one side, 105b-slit, 105c-front surface, 105d-loading chamber side rib, 106-connecting component, 110-exposure opening, 111-dark chamber section, X, Y, Z-directions, P-exposure position. Detailed Implementation

[0039] [First Implementation]

[0040] [Overview of a camera with a built-in printer]

[0041] exist Figure 1In this invention, the camera 10 with printer includes a camera body 11, an imaging unit 12, and a printer section 13. An image window 15 and two release switches 16A and 16B are provided on the front surface of the camera body 11. The image window 15 is located at the center of the front surface of the camera body 11. The image window 15 provides access to the imaging optical system 19 constituting the imaging unit 12 (see reference). Figure 2 Exposure.

[0042] The camera body 11 is roughly square in shape when viewed from the front surface. The camera 10 with printer uses instant film 28 as a sheet-like recording medium (see reference). Figure 10 The instant film 28 is a wide-format instant film whose width is longer than its conveying width.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera unit 12 includes a camera optical system 19 and a solid-state camera element 20. The solid-state camera element 20 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, having a light-receiving surface composed of multiple pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel contains a photoelectric conversion element that performs photoelectric conversion on the image of the subject imaged onto the light-receiving surface by the camera optical system 19 to generate a camera signal.

[0044] The solid-state imaging element 20 includes signal processing circuits such as a noise cancellation circuit, an automatic gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit (none shown). The noise cancellation circuit performs noise cancellation processing on the imaging signal. The automatic gain controller amplifies the imaging signal level to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the imaging signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the solid-state imaging element 20 to the built-in memory (not shown). The output signal of the solid-state imaging element 20 is image data (so-called RAW data) with one color signal per pixel.

[0045] The solid-state imaging element 20 is driven by pressing at least one of the release switches 16A and 16B, thereby capturing an image of the subject. A film outlet 21 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 11. Immediately printed film 28, with the image completed, is discharged from the film outlet 21.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, a loading cover 22 is mounted on the rear side of the camera body 11 via a hinge 22e. The hinge 22e supports the loading cover 22 in the open position. Figure 4 The states shown) and the closed position ( Figure 3It can rotate freely between the states shown. In addition, a locking mechanism and a locking release mechanism (not shown) are provided between the camera body 11 and the loading cover 22. If the locking mechanism keeps the loading cover 22 in the closed position and the locking release mechanism is activated, the loading cover 22 will rotate from the closed position to the open position.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 (recording medium packaging box) containing the instant film 28 is filled into the filling chamber 23. Multiple film pressing parts 22a to 22d are provided on the inner surface of the filling cover 22.

[0048] A rear display unit 17 and an operation unit 18 are provided on the outer surface of the loading cover 22, i.e., on the back of the camera body 11. The rear display unit 17 is, for example, composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. One frame of image data output from the solid-state imaging element 20 is sequentially input to the rear display unit 17 and displayed as a live view image.

[0049] If the photographer presses at least one of the release switches 16A and 16B, shooting begins. During shooting, image data is acquired from the solid-state imaging element 20. The image data undergoes known image processing by an image processing unit (not shown), followed by compression. Examples of image processing include matrix operations, depigmentation, gamma correction, brightness conversion, chromatic aberration conversion, and resizing. The processed and compressed image data is recorded in a built-in memory (not shown) such as a flash memory device located within the camera body 11.

[0050] If the menu switch 18a of the operation unit 18 is pressed, the image is reproduced and displayed on the rear display unit 17 based on the image data recorded in the built-in memory. Furthermore, when the image to be printed is displayed on the rear display unit 17, the photographer presses the print switch 18b of the operation unit 18, thereby initiating printing processing based on the printer unit 13.

[0051] [Summary of Immediately Displayed Film Packaging Box]

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 includes an outer shell 26, a film pressing plate 27, multiple instant films 28, and a film cover 30.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 26 houses multiple instant films 28 and a film cover 30 stacked together. The housing 26 is formed of a thermoplastic resin or a paper resin mixed with cellulose, etc. The housing 26 consists of a box-shaped housing component 31 and a cover 32 covering an opening formed on the back side of the housing component 31.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, an exposure opening 31a for exposing the instant film 28 is formed on the housing component 31. Hereinafter, the surface in the instant film packaging box 24 where the exposure opening 31a is formed will be referred to as the "front surface," the surface opposite to the "front surface" as the "back surface," the surface opposite to the film outlet 21 of the camera body 11 as the "top surface," and the surface opposite to the "top surface" as the "bottom surface." Inside the housing component 31, a film cover 30 is stacked on the front surface of the initial instant film 28 into which the exposure opening 31a is first placed. Thus, the exposure opening 31a is tightly blocked by the film cover 30. Furthermore, a known type of latch component 57 (see reference) is provided at the lower part of the exposure opening 31a for mounting on a camera. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The notch 31b is a straight notch through which the claw component 57 passes when delivering the developing film 28 or film cover 30. The notch 31b connects from the lower part of the exposure opening 31a to the bottom surface of the housing component 31.

[0055] An outlet 31c is formed on the upper surface of the housing component 31. The outlet 31c is slit-shaped. Through the claw component 57 inserted into the notch 31b of the housing component 31, the film 28 or film cover 30 is fed out one by one from the outlet 31c to the outside of the film packaging box 24.

[0056] A light-shielding seal 31d is attached to the housing component 31 in a manner that blocks the feed outlet 31c from the outside. The light-shielding seal 31d is formed in the form of a flexible sheet. The light-shielding seal 31d is attached only to one edge of the long side of the feed outlet 31c so as not to become an obstruction when the film 28 or film cover 30 passes through the feed outlet 31c.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, a film packaging box side rib 31e is provided on the inner side of the front surface of the housing component 31. The film packaging box side rib 31e is arranged along the notch 31b and protrudes from the inner side of the front surface of the housing component 31 toward the rear side.

[0058] like Figure 9 As shown, the film packaging box side rib 31e is also formed as a straight line, similar to the notch 31b. Specifically, the film packaging box side rib 31e is a quadrangular prism-shaped rib arranged parallel to the notch 31b. As mentioned above, the notch 31b is connected to the exposure opening 31a, so the film packaging box side rib 31e formed along the notch 31b contacts the exposure opening 31a.

[0059] like Figure 7As shown, the cover 32 has a pair of openings 32a, a pair of unit support protrusions 32b, a pair of rivet pins 32c, and a support piece 32d. The pair of openings 32a are formed vertically at a predetermined interval, and when loaded into the camera 10 with a printer, they become the entrances for the film pressing part 22a of the camera 10 with a printer to enter.

[0060] A pair of unit support protrusions 32b are longitudinally disposed on the two side edges of the cover 32, forming an arc shape with the central portion protruding towards the exposure opening 31a. The unit support protrusions 32b abut against the two side edges of the inner surface of the final developing film 28, pushing the developing film 28 upward into an arc shape with the central portion convex towards the exposure opening 31a. This prevents a gap from forming between the film cover 30 and the exposure opening 31a.

[0061] A pair of rivet pins 32c are used to mount the film pressing plate 27. A support piece 32d supports the central portion of the last layer of instant film 28 from behind, preventing the central portion of the instant film 28 from flexing in the direction of bending toward the cover 32.

[0062] The film pressing plate 27 includes two sheets 27a and 27b made of elastic synthetic resin. Sheet 27a is pressed by multiple film pressing parts 22a when the filling cover 22 is closed, and is bent into a convex shape toward the cover 32. An opening 27c and a pair of holes 27d are formed on sheet 27a. The opening 27c is formed longitudinally in the central portion of sheet 27a for inserting a support sheet 32d. A pair of rivet pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27d for mounting the film pressing plate 27 onto the cover 32.

[0063] An opening 27e and a pair of holes 27f are formed on the sheet 27b. The opening 27e is formed in the central portion of the sheet 27a and is used for the insertion of the support sheet 32d. A pair of rivet pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27f. The lower end 27h of the sheet 27b is mounted on the lower end 27g of the sheet 27a. Thus, the sheet 27b prevents the sheet 27a from loosening and prevents light leakage from the pair of openings 32a, and pushes the display film 28 upward in a generally planar manner when the sheet 27a is elastically bent due to the multiple film pressing parts 22a. As a result, the foremost film cover 30 or the display film 28 is pressed against the inner side of the front surface of the housing component 31.

[0064] The two sides 24a and 24b of the film packaging box 24 abut against the positioning protrusion 23h of the filling chamber 23 (described later). The film packaging box 24 has a backfilling prevention protrusion 24d on its bottom surface 24c (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9The protrusion 24d is positioned near one side 24a along the centerline of the instant film packaging box 24 in the width direction X. The protrusion 24d is integrally formed with the outer shell component 31 of the instant film packaging box 24. The protrusion 24d is formed into a cuboid shape protruding from the bottom surface 24c of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0065] [The structure of the developing film]

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, the developing film 28 comprises a mask 33, a photosensitive film 34, a cover plate 35, a developer reservoir 36, and a collection section 37, and is a so-called single-piece film. The mask 33 is formed into a sheet shape from a thin layer of synthetic resin and has an image opening 33a. The photosensitive film 34 is provided with a photosensitive layer, a diffuse reflection layer, an image receiving layer, etc. The cover plate 35 has an exposure surface 28a that faces the exposure head 50, which will be described later.

[0067] The developer sac 36 is formed in a generally bag-like shape and contains developer 38 inside. The developer sac 36 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 on the outlet 31c side and is covered by the end of the mask sheet 33. The collection part 37 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 on the side opposite to the outlet 31c side and is also covered by the end of the mask sheet 33.

[0068] During printing, the photosensitive layer is exposed to printing light by the developing film 28. During development, the developer sac 36 is ruptured, and the developer 38 flows into the gap 39 between the photosensitive film 34 and the cover plate 35 and is spread out. The image formed by the exposure of the photosensitive layer is inverted through the diffuse reflection layer and transferred onto the image receiving layer. Thus, a positive image appears on the positive image viewing surface 40 of the photosensitive film 34 exposed from the image opening 33a.

[0069] The film cover 30 is formed as a sheet thinner than the instant film 28 and has light-blocking and flexibility. The film cover 30 is a molded synthetic resin, such as polystyrene containing carbon black. That is, the film cover 30 has higher rigidity than the instant film 28. When used by filling the instant film packaging box 24 into the filling chamber 23, the film cover 30 passes through the unfolding rollers 54 (see reference 54) described later. Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is discharged into the film discharge port 21.

[0070] [Structure of the printer section]

[0071] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the printer unit 13 comprises an exposure head 50, a film support component 51, a roller drive mechanism 52, a transport roller pair 53, an unfolding roller pair 54, an unfolding control component 55, and a device housing 56 (see reference). Figure 13It consists of a gripper component 57, a gripper component drive mechanism 58, and a control unit 59.

[0072] In addition, Figure 12 To avoid complexity, the illustration of the device housing 56 and the like is omitted. However, the printer section 13 is actually constructed by mounting the exposure head 50, film support component 51, roller drive mechanism 52, conveying roller pair 53, unfolding roller pair 54, unfolding control component 55, gripper component 57 and gripper component drive mechanism 58 on the device housing 56.

[0073] Furthermore, the following explanation will use the conveying direction of the conveyor roller pair 53 to convey the i.e., the conveying direction of the i.e., the film 28, as the Y direction, the width direction of the i.e., the direction orthogonal to the Y direction as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions as the Z direction.

[0074] like Figure 13 As shown, the device housing 56 is formed into a box shape with the rear side of the camera body 11 open, and a loading chamber 23 is integrally provided. In addition to the loading chamber 23, the device housing 56 also has a frame portion supporting the exposure head 50, roller drive mechanism 52, transport roller pair 53, unfolding roller pair 54, and gripper component 57, etc. Figure 13 (The text is omitted.) The device housing 56 is made of resin material.

[0075] As described above, the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the loading chamber 23. The printer unit 13 records images of the instant film 28 ejected from the instant film packaging box 24. The shape of the loading chamber 23, etc., will be described later.

[0076] [Structure of conveyor roller pairs and unfolding roller pairs]

[0077] The conveying roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54 are axially supported by bearing portions (not shown) provided in the device housing 56. The conveying roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54 are rotated by the roller drive mechanism 52 and convey the film cover 30 and the display film 28. The roller drive mechanism 52 includes, for example, a motor that serves as the drive source and a drive transmission gear system that transmits the rotational driving force.

[0078] The conveyor roller pair 53 consists of a drive roller 61 and a pinch roller 62. The drive roller 61 and the pinch roller 62 are positioned to sandwich the conveyor path of the display film 28 (see reference). Figure 11 The drive roller 61 consists of a pair of cylindrical toothed roller components 61a, a drive gear 61b, and a rotating shaft 61c that holds each toothed roller component 61a and the drive gear 61b.

[0079] The pinch roller 62 consists of a roller component 62a, a drive gear 62b, and a rotating shaft 62c. Drive gears 61b and 62b are located at both ends of the rotating shafts 61c and 62c and mesh with each other. Furthermore, one end of the rotating shaft 61c is connected to a motor via a drive transmission gear system. Therefore, if the motor rotates, the drive roller 61 and the pinch roller 62 rotate synchronously. The instant film 28 discharged from the instant film packaging box 24 is conveyed towards the unfolding roller pair 54 via the conveyor roller pair 53.

[0080] The spreading roller pair 54 consists of spreading rollers 63 and 64, and is positioned downstream of the conveying roller pair 53 in the conveying direction. Spreading roller 63 is positioned on the side of the developing film 28 opposite to the exposure surface 28a. Spreading roller 64 is positioned on the side of the developing film 28 opposite to the image viewing surface 40. A motor is connected to one end of spreading rollers 63 and 64 via a drive transmission gear train. Therefore, if the DC motor rotates, spreading rollers 63 and 64 rotate synchronously.

[0081] The spreading roller pair 54 clamps the developing film 28, which is being conveyed by the conveying roller pair 53, across its entire width and simultaneously delivers it to the film outlet 21. As the developing roller pair 54 clamps the developing film 28, the developer sac 36 is flattened. Consequently, the developer is released through the gap 39 (reference). Figure 10 Expand (extend) within ).

[0082] An unfolding control component 55 is provided between the conveying roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54 (reference). Figure 11 The development control unit 55 controls the distribution of the developing solution during development by contacting the positive image viewing surface 40 of the developed film 28, i.e., rubbing the positive image viewing surface 40 of the developed film 28. The development control unit 55 is fixed to the device housing 56 via a support member (not shown).

[0083] The conveyor rollers 53 convey the instant film 28, which is fed from the instant film packaging box 24, through the gripper component 57 towards the film discharge port 21. Additionally, the exposure head 50 exposes the printing light to the exposure position P (reference point) on the instant film 28. Figure 11 It is located between the outlet 31c of the film packaging box 24 and the transport roller pair 53. Moreover, exposure based on the above-mentioned exposure head 50 is performed during transport using the transport roller pair 53.

[0084] The control unit 59 controls the exposure of the exposure head 50 based on the image data. Exposure based on the exposure head 50 is performed by sequentially exposing the line image onto the instant film 28 while moving the instant film 28 one line at a time. Thus, one frame of image is exposed onto the photosensitive layer of the instant film 28. The instant film 28 continues to be conveyed from the transport roller pair 53 to the unfolding roller pair 54.

[0085] [Structure of the film pressing part]

[0086] When the filling cover 22 is in the open position, the filling chamber 23 is opened. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram), when the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, the filling cover 22 covers the open back side of the filling chamber 23. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The i.e., the i.e., film packaging box 24 is positioned relative to the filling chamber 23 in the X and Y directions, and is also positioned in the Z direction by placing the filling cover 22 in the closed position. Specifically, the plurality of film pressing parts 22a to 22d provided on the filling cover 22 position the i.e., the i.e., film packaging box 24 in the Z direction.

[0087] When the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23 and the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, multiple film pressing parts 22a-22d enter the interior of the instant film packaging box 24 through the opening 32a and press the film pressing plate 27 (see reference). Figure 17 Thus, the instant film 28 inside the instant film packaging box 24 is pressed in the stacking direction.

[0088] [Structure of the loading chamber]

[0089] like Figure 13 As shown, the filling chamber 23 has sides 23a and 23b, a top surface 23c, a bottom surface 23d, a front surface 23e (inner surface of the filling chamber), a slit 23f, and side ribs 23g. When the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, the front surface 23e of the filling chamber 23 faces the instant film 28 contained in the instant film packaging box 24. The slit 23f is formed by cutting a portion of the front surface 23e. The aforementioned claw member 57 enters the interior of the outer casing 26 through the slit 23f and delivers the instant film 28 one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0090] The claw component 57 is a hook with its front end 57a bent into a C-shape (see reference). Figure 11 The front end 57a engages with the base end of the film 28 for pressing. The claw component 57 is driven linearly and rotaryly by the claw component drive mechanism 58. The claw component drive mechanism 58 is a known structure consisting of a motor and a drive transmission gear system.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, the side rib 23g of the loading chamber is configured to protrude from the front surface 23e along the slit 23f. (As indicated...) Figure 15 As shown, the side rib 23g of the filling chamber is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 23, and is formed with a protrusion that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 23. Additionally, in Figure 15To avoid complications, only the outer shell component 31 of the i.e., the film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 23 is shown in the figure.

[0092] When the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, the filling chamber side rib 23g is positioned inside the notch 31b that enters the instant film packaging box 24. Thus, the filling chamber side rib 23g is positioned to support the instant film 28 inside the outer casing 26 together with the film packaging box side rib 31e (see reference). Figure 17 ).

[0093] like Figure 16 As shown, the loading chamber side rib 23g is positioned between the claw component 57 and the film packaging box side rib 31e. The claw component 57 passes between the loading chamber side rib 23g and the film packaging box side rib 31e and feeds the instant film 28 one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0094] When the instant film packaging box 24 is filled in the filling chamber 23, the front end face of the filling chamber side rib 23g facing the instant film 28 is flat, and the filling chamber side rib 23g is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib 31e.

[0095] Furthermore, the loading chamber 23 is provided with a positioning protrusion 23h. By abutting against the two sides 24a and 24b of the instant film packaging box 24, the instant film packaging box 24 can be positioned in the X direction.

[0096] Furthermore, an elastic member 23i is provided on the bottom surface 23d of the filling chamber 23. The elastic member 23i exerts its elastic force to return from a compressed state to its pre-compression state, pressing the upper surface 24e of the film packaging box 24 against the upper surface 23c of the filling chamber 23. This allows for the positioning of the film packaging box 24 in the Y direction. Additionally, the upper surface 23c of the filling chamber 23 has an opening leading to the conveyor roller pair 53.

[0097] Furthermore, a notch 23j for preventing inversion filling is formed on the bottom surface 23d of the filling chamber 23. The notch 23j for preventing inversion filling engages with the protrusion 24d of the immediate film packaging box 24. Figure 15 (as shown in the diagram) to prevent the instant film packaging box 24 from being filled in the reverse direction.

[0098] The instant film packaging box 24 is positioned relative to the filling chamber 23 in the X and Y directions. In addition, it is positioned in the Z direction by keeping the filling cover 22 in the closed position. Specifically, the film pressing parts 22a to 22d provided on the filling cover 22 enter the interior of the instant film packaging box 24 through the opening 32a and press the film pressing plate 27, thereby positioning the instant film packaging box 24 in the Z direction.

[0099] [The function of the side ribs in the loading chamber]

[0100] As described above, the camera 10 with a printer has a loading chamber side rib 23g in the loading chamber 23. This loading chamber side rib 23g protrudes along the slit 23f and is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24, with a protrusion amount that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24. Thus, when the instant film packaging box 24 is loaded into the loading chamber 23, the loading chamber side rib 23g supports the instant film 28.

[0101] For example, when the conveyor roller pair 53 has just started rotating, if the rotational load is high, or if the movement of the gripper component 57 is not synchronized with the movement of the conveyor roller pair 53, sometimes jamming may occur at the front end of the instant film 28. When jamming occurs at the front end of the instant film 28, the base of the instant film will be subjected to compressive force due to the gripper component 57. If there is no loading chamber side rib 23g as in conventional printer devices, there are no supporting components around the area where the gripper component passes, so sometimes the instant film subjected to compressive force may bend and wrinkle.

[0102] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, a loading chamber side rib 23g is provided in the loading chamber 23. Therefore, as... Figure 17 As shown, when the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, the side rib 23g of the filling chamber supports the instant film 28. Additionally, in Figure 17 The film cover 30 is in the state where it has been fed out from the feed outlet 31c and discharged from the film discharge outlet 21. Furthermore, in Figure 17 To avoid complications, the illustration of the instant film 28 is omitted, but in reality, multiple instant films 28 are stacked between the exposure opening 31a and the film pressing plate 27. Furthermore, in Figure 17 The illustration of the claw component drive mechanism 58 located around the claw component 57 is omitted, but in fact, a claw component drive mechanism 58 consisting of a gear system is assembled in front of the loading chamber 23.

[0103] The filling chamber side rib 23g protrudes along the slit 23f, so the claw component 57 passes through the position closest to the filling chamber side rib 23g. That is, the position closest to the claw component 57 of the display film 28 is supported by the filling chamber side rib 23g, so even if the claw component 57 is subjected to compressive force, it is not easy to bend.

[0104] like Figure 18 As shown, when the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, the instant film 28 is supported by the side ribs 23g of the filling chamber, thereby easily bending into a U-shaped curved surface that is straight in the Y direction and convex in the Z direction. In addition, as described above, the instant film 28 is pressed in the Z direction by the film pressing parts 22a to 22d, thus bending into a convex shape towards the exposure opening 31a. By bending in this way, the rigidity in the Y and Z directions is increased, so even if subjected to compressive force generated by the claw member 57, i.e., compressive force in the Y direction, it is possible to prevent the instant film 28 from bending.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filling chamber side rib 23g is positioned to support the display film 28 within the outer casing 26 together with the film packaging box side rib 31e. Thus, the closest point through which the claw member 57 of the display film 28 passes is reliably supported by the filling chamber side rib 23g and the film packaging box side rib 31e. Moreover, by supporting the display film 28 with two ribs, flatness is maintained. Therefore, bending caused by the claw member 57 is less likely to occur.

[0106] Furthermore, when the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, the front surface of the filling chamber side rib 23g facing the instant film 28 is flat, and the filling chamber side rib 23g is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib 31e. This widens the contact area between the filling chamber side rib 23g and the instant film 28. Therefore, the instant film 28 can be reliably supported further, and bending caused by the claw component 57 is less likely to occur.

[0107] [Second Implementation]

[0108] In the first embodiment described above, an example applicable to digital cameras with printers was given, but it is not limited to this, such as... Figure 19 As shown, this method can also be applied to analog cameras with printers. Furthermore, components and parts identical to those in the camera 10 with a printer described in the first embodiment are labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted.

[0109] The camera 100 with printer includes a camera body 101, an imaging optical system 102, and a printer unit 103. An image viewing window 104 and a release switch (not shown) are provided on the front surface of the camera body 101. The image viewing window 104 is located at the center of the front surface of the camera body 101. The image viewing window 104 exposes the imaging optical system 102. A shutter device (not shown) is provided in the imaging optical system 102, which opens and closes according to the pressing operation of the release switch.

[0110] The camera 100 with a printer uses instant film 28 in the same way as the camera 10 with a printer in the first embodiment described above. The printer unit 103 has a loading chamber 105. The instant film packaging box 24 (recording medium packaging box) containing the instant film 28 is loaded into the loading chamber 105.

[0111] The loading chamber 105 is similarly shaped as the loading chamber 23 of the camera 10 with printer in the first embodiment described above, and is a box shape with the back side open. When the loading cover 22 is in the open position, the loading chamber 105 is open, and when the loading cover 22 is in the closed position, the loading cover 22 covers the open back side of the loading chamber 105.

[0112] like Figure 20 As shown, a slit 105b is provided on one side 105a (inner surface of the loading chamber) of the loading chamber 105. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, in the camera 100 with a printer, the gripper drive mechanism 58 is assembled on the side of the loading chamber 105, rather than on the front. The gripper component 57 is integrally formed with the connecting component 106. The connecting component 106 is connected to the gripper drive mechanism 58 via the slit 105b, transmitting the drive of the gripper drive mechanism 58 to the gripper component 57.

[0113] The camera 100 with printer is an analog camera, therefore an exposure opening 110 is provided in the loading chamber 105. The exposure opening 110 is formed by cutting the front surface 105c of the loading chamber 105 into a quadrilateral shape. A dark box 111 is provided in front of the loading chamber 105 (see reference). Figure 19 The dark chamber 111 is connected to the exposure opening 110. The imaging optical system 102 is located in front of the dark chamber 111. When the shutter is opened or closed, the imaging optical system 102 exposes the image of the subject onto the developing film 28 inside the housing 26 through the exposure opening 110.

[0114] Similar to the camera with printer in the first embodiment described above, the claw component 57 is positioned to enter the interior of the housing 26 through the slit 105b, and feeds the instant film 28 one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0115] The loading chamber side rib 105d is similarly configured to protrude from the front surface 105c along the slit 105b, as in the first embodiment described above. The loading chamber side rib 23g is positioned along one side of the exposure opening 110. Furthermore, the loading chamber side rib 105d is positioned further inward than the chuck member 57.

[0116] like Figure 21 As shown, the side rib 105d of the filling chamber is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 105, and is formed with a protrusion that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 23. Additionally, in Figure 21 To avoid complications, only the outer shell component 31 of the i.e., the film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 105 is shown in the figure.

[0117] Similar to the camera 10 with printer in the first embodiment described above, when the instant film packaging box 24 is filled in the filling chamber 105, the filling chamber side rib 105d is positioned inside the notch 31b that enters the instant film packaging box 24. Thus, the filling chamber side rib 105d is positioned to support the instant film 28 inside the instant film packaging box 24 together with the film packaging box side rib 31e.

[0118] Furthermore, the loading chamber side rib 105d is positioned between the claw member 57 and the film packaging box side rib 31e. That is, the claw member 57 passes between the loading chamber side rib 105d and the film packaging box side rib 31e and feeds the instant film 28 sheets one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24. Moreover, when the instant film packaging box 24 is loaded into the loading chamber 105, the front end face of the loading chamber side rib 105d facing the instant film 28 is flat, and the loading chamber side rib 105d is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib 31e.

[0119] As described above, the camera 100 with a printer has a loading chamber side rib 105d in the loading chamber 105. This loading chamber side rib 105d protrudes along the slit 105b and is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging cassette 24, with a protrusion amount that allows it to be inserted into the instant film packaging cassette 24. Thus, similar to the camera 10 with a printer in the first embodiment described above, when the instant film 28 is delivered, the instant film 28 is supported by the loading chamber side rib 105d, so even if it is subjected to compressive force from the claw member 57, it is not easy to bend.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analog camera 100 with a printer is provided with an exposure opening 110 in the loading chamber 105. Therefore, when the instant film 28 is fed out, there is no supporting component on the part facing the exposure opening 110. That is, the part of the instant film 28 facing the exposure opening 110 is easily subjected to compressive force, but in this embodiment, a loading chamber side rib 105d is provided to support the instant film 28, thus preventing bending.

[0121] In the above embodiments, a loading chamber side rib 23g and 105d are provided for the loading chambers 23 and 105, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any rib that can support the shape and configuration of the instant film 28 is acceptable. For example, ... Figure 22 As shown, multiple discontinuous filling chamber side ribs 23g and 105d can also be arranged in a row. Furthermore, the shape of the filling chamber side ribs 23g and 105d is not limited to a quadrangular prism, but can also be a triangular prism, a semi-cylindrical shape, etc.

[0122] In the above embodiments, a single-sheet type, i.e., a film, is exemplified as the sheet-like recording medium, but the invention is not limited to this. Any recording medium housed in a housing in a stacked manner can be used, such as thermal paper or inkjet paper. Furthermore, when the recording medium is thermal paper, the printer becomes a thermal printer; when the recording medium is inkjet paper, the printer becomes an inkjet printer. Also, the above embodiments illustrate the application of the invention to a camera with a built-in printer, but the invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a standalone printer device.

[0123] In the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit (processing unit) that performs various processes, such as the control unit 59, is as shown below, including various processors. These processors include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) to function as various processing units, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), as well as processors whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs), and processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, such as dedicated circuits.

[0124] A processing unit can be composed of one of these various processors, or it can be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of CPU and FPGA, or a combination of CPU and GPU, etc.). Furthermore, a single processor can also constitute multiple processing units. As examples of a single processor constituting multiple processing units, firstly, there is the following method: as exemplified by computers such as client computers or servers, a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, there is the following method: as exemplified by System-on-Chip (SoC), a processor that implements the overall system functionality including multiple processing units is used, implemented by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. Thus, as a hardware structure, various processing units are constructed using one or more of the aforementioned processors.

[0125] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

Claims

1. A printer apparatus comprising: A filling chamber for filling recording medium packaging boxes, the recording medium packaging boxes having at least sheet-like recording media and an outer shell that accommodates the recording media in a stacked manner and forms a discharge outlet for discharging the recording media; A slit, formed in the loading chamber, is created by cutting through a portion of the inner surface of the loading chamber facing the recording medium; A chuck component that enters the interior of the housing through the slit and ejects the recording medium from the outlet. A side rib of the filling chamber, which is configured to protrude from the inner surface of the filling chamber along the slit; as well as The control unit controls the exposure of the image to the recording medium being sent out from the output port. The filling chamber side rib is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the recording medium cartridge filled in the filling chamber, and is formed by a protrusion that allows it to be inserted into the recording medium cartridge filled in the filling chamber. The side rib of the loading chamber is formed higher than the slit relative to the entry direction of the claw component.

2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The front end of the loading chamber side rib, facing the recording medium, is positioned such that it can support the recording medium inside the housing together with the film packaging box side rib disposed inside the housing.

3. The printer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The loading chamber side rib is positioned between the claw component and the film packaging box side rib.

4. The printer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The housing has a notch through which the claw component passes when the recording medium is ejected. The side ribs of the film packaging box are arranged along the notch. The side rib of the filling chamber is positioned to enter the notch when the recording medium package is filled in the filling chamber.

5. The printer apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The housing has a notch through which the claw component passes when the recording medium is ejected. The side ribs of the film packaging box are arranged along the notch. The side rib of the loading chamber is positioned to enter the notch when the recording medium package is loaded into the loading chamber.

6. The printer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The filling chamber side rib is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib when the recording medium packaging box is filled in the filling chamber.

7. The printer apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The filling chamber side rib is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib when the recording medium packaging box is filled in the filling chamber.

8. The printer apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The filling chamber side rib is a quadrangular prism arranged parallel to the film packaging box side rib when the recording medium packaging box is filled in the filling chamber.

9. The printer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The front surface of the side rib of the loading chamber that faces the recording medium is planar.

10. The printer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The recording medium is a single-film type, i.e., a developing film.

11. The printer apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The recording medium is a single-film type, i.e., a developing film.

12. A camera with a printer, comprising: a printer device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; and an imaging unit having an imaging optical system for capturing an image of a subject and outputting image data to a printer unit including the control unit.

13. A camera that comprises: A filling chamber for filling recording medium packaging boxes, the recording medium packaging boxes having at least sheet-like recording media and an outer shell that accommodates the recording media in a stacked manner and forms a discharge outlet for discharging the recording media; A slit, formed in the loading chamber, is created by cutting through a portion of the inner surface of the loading chamber facing the recording medium; A chuck component that enters the interior of the housing through the slit and ejects the recording medium from the outlet. as well as A side rib of the filling chamber, configured to project from the inner surface of the filling chamber along the slit. The filling chamber side rib is formed at a position that allows it to be inserted into the recording medium cartridge filled in the filling chamber, and is formed by a protrusion that allows it to be inserted into the recording medium cartridge filled in the filling chamber. The side rib of the loading chamber is formed higher than the slit relative to the entry direction of the claw component. The loading chamber has an exposure opening that exposes the recording medium inside the housing to light from the subject. The loading chamber side ribs are arranged along one side of the exposure opening.

14. The camera according to claim 13, wherein, The camera is equipped with an imaging optical system, which exposes the image of the subject onto the recording medium inside the housing through the exposure opening.

Images