Printer and digital camera with printer

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of accommodating two instant film packs and preventing an increase in the number of components at low cost and a digital camera with the printer. A printer section (13) has a film pack chamber (23) that accommodates either a first instant film pack or a second instant film pack, an exposure head (51), and a control section (59). The second instant film pack is positioned with a bias toward the film pack chamber (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printer and a digital camera with a built-in printer. Background Technology

[0002] We sell a variety of portable printers or digital cameras with built-in printers for recording images taken with digital cameras or smartphones onto recording media such as instant film.

[0003] Printers or digital cameras with built-in printers that use instant film as the recording medium typically have a loading chamber and an exposure head. The loading chamber holds a film cartridge containing multiple sheets of instant film housed within a housing. The exposure head exposes the image onto the instant film housed within or ejected from the housing.

[0004] Instant film comes in various sizes, and printers or digital cameras with printers are known to selectively use different sizes of instant film. The instant film exposure apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is suitable for printers, digital cameras with printers, or analog instant cameras as described above, and has a loading chamber capable of accommodating instant film packaging boxes of different sizes. The loading chamber is sized to accommodate larger instant film packaging boxes, and is configured to accommodate smaller instant film packaging boxes in the space to the left of a partition plate. The partition plate positioning the smaller instant film packaging box is movable, and when the larger instant film packaging box is inserted into the loading chamber, it is pressed back out of the loading chamber by the housing of the instant film packaging box.

[0005] On the other hand, in the instant film exposure apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a claw component is provided for feeding instant film from an instant film packaging box. Two claw components are provided at different positions in the loading chamber, corresponding to the positions of instant film packaging boxes of different sizes filled in the loading chamber.

[0006] Previous technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3827217 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, the instant film exposure apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has two gripper components, and requires a complex mechanism that drives only one gripper component while corresponding to the instant film packaging box filled in the loading chamber. Therefore, the number of components increases, and the cost of the printer and the digital camera with the printer also increases.

[0011] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide, at low cost, a printer capable of accommodating two types of instant film packaging boxes and preventing an increase in the number of components, as well as a digital camera with a printer.

[0012] means for solving technical problems

[0013] To solve the above problems, the printer of the present invention includes: a loading chamber, an exposure head, a conveying mechanism, an output mechanism, and a positioning part. The first housing and the second housing have insertion ports for inserting the claw members. The width dimension of the second film packaging box is smaller than the width dimension of the first film packaging box. The positioning part positions the second film packaging box biased against the side of the claw members in the width direction. The insertion ports of the first and second film packaging boxes, positioned by the positioning part, are arranged in the same position within the loading chamber. In the loading chamber, either a first instant film packaging box or a second instant film packaging box is loaded. The first instant film packaging box comprises at least a plurality of first instant films and a first housing for accommodating and stacking the first instant films, forming a delivery outlet for discharging the first instant films. The second instant film packaging box comprises at least a plurality of second instant films and a second housing for accommodating and stacking the second instant films, forming a delivery outlet for discharging the second instant films. An exposure head exposes an image onto either the first or second instant film. A transport mechanism transports either the first or second instant film to the exposure position of the exposure head for image exposure. A delivery mechanism is located on one side of the loading chamber in the width direction and has a claw component that enters the interior of the first or second housing. The claw component presses the first or second instant film and delivers it from the delivery outlet. The positioning unit positions the first and second imprinted film packaging boxes relative to the loading chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the second instant film packaging box has a height difference portion in the thickness direction, which is parallel to the filling direction into the filling chamber and orthogonal to the width direction, and is larger than that of the first instant film packaging box. The positioning part is composed of the following: a first positioning part, which positions the first instant film packaging box by abutting against the two sides of the first instant film packaging box; and a second positioning part, which positions the second instant film packaging box relative to the filling chamber by fitting into the height difference portion, biasing it toward the side of the width direction where the claw member is located.

[0015] Preferably, the height difference portion is a rib that extends parallel to the length direction orthogonal to the width direction and the thickness direction and protrudes in the thickness direction, and the second positioning portion is a positioning groove that fits into the rib.

[0016] Preferably, the first positioning part is a wedge-shaped positioning protrusion provided on the side of the filling chamber. Preferably, the second positioning part is located inside the filling chamber in the width direction, which is more inclined than the first positioning part.

[0017] The digital camera with printer of the present invention includes: the printer 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.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to accommodate two types of instant film packaging boxes and to prevent an increase in the number of components. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 It is a front-view perspective view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a central longitudinal sectional view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a rear-side perspective view of a digital camera with a printer, with the filling cap in the closed position.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the back side of a digital camera with a printer, with the filling cap in the open position.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the first film packaging box.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first visible film packaging box.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the first visible film packaging box.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the first film.

[0028] Figure 9 This is the first view of the film.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the second film packaging box.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the second visible film packaging box, viewed from the bottom side.

[0031] Figure 12 This is the front view of the second film packaging box.

[0032] Figure 13 This is the front view of the second film.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the printer section.

[0034] Figure 15 It is a 3D view of the printer section.

[0035] Figure 16 It is a 3D view of the film packaging box room.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of the film packaging box from another angle.

[0037] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram used to compare the dimensions of the first and second film packaging boxes.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera with a printer, containing the first film packaging box.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera with a printer, containing a second film box.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view taken with a digital camera and a printer, showing the structure around the opening in the loading chamber.

[0041] Figure 22 This is an exploded 3D view of the film pressing part.

[0042] Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram showing the dimensions of the spike roll component and the sub-roll component.

[0043] Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the conveyor roller pair and the first, i.e., the film.

[0044] Figure 25 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the conveyor roller pair and the second, i.e., the display film.

[0045] Figure 26 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first developing film, the second developing film, and the exposure head.

[0046] Figure 27 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the detection switch.

[0047] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the switching control of the exposure head based on the control unit.

[0048] Figure 29 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the control unit and the exposure head. Detailed Implementation

[0049] [Overview of digital cameras with built-in printers]

[0050] exist Figure 1In this invention, the digital camera 10 with printer includes a camera body 11, an image-capturing unit 12, and a printer unit 13. An image-capturing window 15 and two release switches 16A and 16B are provided on the front surface of the camera body 11.

[0051] The camera body 11 is roughly square in shape when viewed from the front surface. The digital camera 10 with a printer selectively uses two types of developing films 28 and 29 (see reference). Figure 9 and Figure 13 Any one of the following. The first display film 28 is a square display film, and the second display film 29 is a card-type display film. As will be described later, the second display film 29 has a smaller dimension in the width direction X compared to the first display film 28, but the same dimension in the conveying direction.

[0052] The image sensor window 15 is located at the center of the front surface of the camera body 11. The image sensor window 15 enables the imaging optical system 19 (see reference 12) that constitutes the imaging unit 12. Figure 2 Exposure.

[0053] 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 includes a photoelectric conversion element that performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image imaged onto the light-receiving surface by the camera optical system 19 to generate a camera signal.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] A film outlet 21 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 11. The first developing film 28, which has been printed with the completed image, is discharged from the film outlet 21.

[0057] like Figure 3As shown, a loading cover 22 is mounted on the rear side of the camera body 11 via a hinge portion 22c. The hinge portion 22c supports the loading cover 22 in the open position. Figure 4 The states shown) and the closed position ( Figure 3 The loading cover 22 can rotate freely between the states shown. In the open position, the loading cover 22 opens the film packaging chamber 23 inside the camera body 11. In the closed position, the loading cover 22 covers the film packaging chamber 23. Additionally, a locking mechanism (not shown) and a locking release mechanism are provided between the camera body 11 and the loading cover 22. The locking mechanism holds the loading cover 22 in the closed position, and if the locking release mechanism is activated, the loading cover 22 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, either the first instant-display film packaging box 24 containing the first instant-display film 28 or the second instant-display film packaging box 25 containing the second instant-display film 29 is filled into the film packaging box chamber 23 (filling chamber). The user selects one of the instant-display film packaging boxes 24 and 25 containing the first instant-display film 28 or the second instant-display film 29 that they wish to use and fills it into the film packaging box chamber 23. A pair of film pressing parts 22a are provided on the inner surface of the filling cover 22. Furthermore, a detection switch 78 (see reference) is provided in the film packaging box chamber 23. Figure 17 and Figure 27 ).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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, demosaicing, 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 located within the camera body 11.

[0061] 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.

[0062] [Summary of Immediately Displayed Film Packaging Box]

[0063] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first display film packaging box 24 includes a shell 26, a film pressing plate 27, multiple first display films 28, and a film cover 30.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 26 houses multiple first developing films 28 and a film cover 30 stacked together. The housing 26 is formed of a material such as thermoplastic resin or paper resin made by mixing cellulose into thermoplastic resin. 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.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, an exposure opening 31a for exposing the first instant film 28 is formed on the housing component 31. Hereinafter, the surface in the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 where the exposure opening 31a is formed will be designated as the "front surface," the surface opposite to the "front surface" will be designated as the "back surface," the surface opposite to the film outlet 21 of the camera body 11 will be designated as the "top surface," and the surface opposite to the "top surface" will be designated as the "bottom surface." Inside the housing component 31, a film cover 30 is stacked in front of the first instant film 28, the first layer into which the exposure opening 31a is initially placed. Thus, the exposure opening 31a is tightly blocked by the film cover 30. Furthermore, a known claw component 57 (see reference) is provided at the lower part of the exposure opening 31a for mounting on a camera. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The notch 31b is for insertion. The notch 31b corresponds to the insertion port in the claims. Alternatively, the insertion port for inserting the claw component 57 is not limited to the notch 31b, but can be a through hole through the housing component 31.

[0066] A feed outlet 31c is formed on the upper surface of the housing component 31. The feed outlet 31c is formed in the shape of a slit. The first display film 28 or film cover 30 is fed out one by one from the feed outlet 31c to the outside of the first display film packaging box 24 through the claw component 57 inserted into the notch 31b of the housing component 31.

[0067] A light-shielding seal 31d is attached to the housing component 31 in such a way as to block 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 first film 28 or film cover 30 passes through the feed outlet 31c.

[0068] like Figure 7 As 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 digital camera 10 with a printer, they become the entrance for the film pressing part 22a of the digital camera 10 with a printer to enter.

[0069] 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 first developing film 28 located in the last layer, pushing the first 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.

[0070] A pair of rivet pins 32c are used to install the film pressing plate 27. The support piece 32d supports the central portion of the last layer of the first, i.e., the first display film 28 from behind, preventing the central portion of the first, i.e., the first display film 28 from deflecting in the direction of bending toward the cover 32.

[0071] The film pressing plate 27 is composed of two sheets 27a and 27b made of elastic synthetic resin. When the filling cover 22 is closed, sheet 27a is pressed by a pair of film pressing parts 22a, bending it in a manner that protrudes towards 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 piece 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.

[0072] 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 for the support piece 32d to pass through. A pair of rivet pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27f. The lower end 27h of the sheet 27b is mounted to 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 first display film 28 substantially flat when the sheet 27a is elastically bent by the pair of film pressing parts 22a. As a result, the foremost film cover 30 or the first display film 28 is pressed against the inner side of the front surface of the housing component 31.

[0073] [L-shaped protrusions]

[0074] L-shaped protrusions 24c are provided on the two sides 24a and 24b of the first instant film packaging box 24. The protrusions 24c are provided to prevent the first instant film packaging box 24 from being filled upside down.

[0075] [The structure of the first developing film]

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, the first 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. A photosensitive layer, a diffuse reflection layer, and an image receiving layer are provided on the photosensitive film 34. The cover plate 35 has an exposure surface 28a that faces the exposure head 51, which will be described later.

[0077] The developer sac 36 is formed in a generally pouch shape and contains developer 38 inside. The developer sac 36 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 at the outlet 31c side and is wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33. In the width direction X of the first developing film 28, the two ends of the developer sac 36 are separated by a predetermined interval from the two ends of the first developing film 28.

[0078] like Figure 9 As shown, the dimension W12 of the developer sac 36 in the width direction X is the same as the dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a in the width direction X. Furthermore, the same dimension in the width direction X here includes cases where they are approximately the same. In the first developing film 28, the portions in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a that are further outward than the exposure surface 28a and the two ends of the developer sac 36 are the side edges 28b and 28c. Figure 8 As shown, the collecting part 37 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 on the side opposite to the outlet 31c, and is similarly wrapped by the end of the mask 33. Figure 9 In the example shown, for instance, the dimension W11 of the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a is 62 mm, the dimension H11 of the transport direction Y, which is orthogonal to the width direction X, is also 62 mm, and the dimension D11 of the width direction X of the side edges 28b and 28c is 5 mm. In this case, the dimension W13 of the width direction X of the first developing film 28 is 72 mm.

[0079] Details will be described later. Firstly, during printing, the developing film 28 is exposed to light by the printing light onto the photosensitive layer. 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.

[0080] The film cover 30 is formed as a sheet thinner than the first display film 28 and has light-blocking and flexibility. The film cover 30 is a molded synthetic resin, for example, formed from polystyrene containing carbon black. That is, the film cover 30 has higher rigidity than the first display film 28. When used to fill the first display film packaging box 24 into the film packaging box chamber 23, the film cover 30 is passed through the unfolding rollers 54 (see reference 54) described later. Figure 15 It is discharged into the film discharge port 21.

[0081] [Structure with protrusions for preventing inverted loading and ribs for positioning]

[0082] like Figure 10 As shown, the basic structure of the second display film packaging box 25 is the same as that of the first display film packaging box 24, but the size is different due to the different types of the first display film 28 and the second display film 29 it contains, and the parts for preventing inverted filling and positioning are different. Hereinafter, the same symbols are used to mark the parts that have the same function as the first display film packaging box 24, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0083] The second instant film packaging box 25 includes a housing 26, a film pressing plate 27, multiple second instant films 29, and a film cover 30. Furthermore, as described above, the housing 26, film pressing plate 27, and film cover 30 in the second instant film packaging box 25 are sized to correspond to the second instant films 29.

[0084] Similar to the first instant film packaging box 24, a feed outlet 31c is formed on the upper surface of the housing component 31. A light-blocking seal 31d is affixed to the feed outlet 31c to block it from the outside. The second instant film 29 or film cover 30 is fed one by one from the feed outlet 31c to the outside of the second instant film packaging box 25 via a claw member 57 inserted into the notch 31b of the housing component 31.

[0085] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the second instant film packaging box 25 does not have the L-shaped protrusion 24c present on its two sides 25a and 25b, as does the first instant film packaging box 24. Instead, the second instant film packaging box 25 has a protrusion 25d for preventing inverted filling on its bottom surface 25c. The protrusion 25d is positioned relative to the center line CLX2 in the width direction X of the second instant film packaging box 25 (see reference). Figure 12 It is positioned on one side 25a near the second film packaging box 25.

[0086] The protrusion 25d is integrally formed with the shell 26 of the second instant film packaging box 25. The protrusion 25d is formed into a cuboid shape that protrudes from the bottom surface 25c of the second instant film packaging box 25.

[0087] A pair of ribs 25f and 25g are provided on the front surface 25e of the second instant film packaging cassette 25. Ribs 25f and 25g are located on either side of the exposure opening 31a, extending parallel to the transport direction Y (length direction) of the second instant film packaging cassette 25 and protruding forward in the thickness direction along the sides 25a and 25b of the second instant film packaging cassette 25. Additionally, one rib 25f is connected to the feed claw component 57 (see reference). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The insertion notch 31b is adjacent, so the lower end is cut off to avoid interference with the claw component 57. Therefore, the dimension formed in the conveying direction Y is shorter than that of the other rib 25g.

[0088] [The structure of the second developing film]

[0089] like Figure 13 As shown, except for the size, the second developing film 29 is the same single-piece type film as the first developing film 28. Like the first developing film 28, the second developing film 29 includes a mask 33, a photosensitive film 34, a cover plate 35, a developer reservoir 36, and a collection section 37. Hereinafter, parts having the same functions as the first developing film 28 will be labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0090] In the second developing film 29, the portions extending outward from the exposure surface 29a and the two ends of the developer sac 36 along the width direction X are the side edges 29b and 29c. In the second developing film 29, the dimension W22 of the developer sac 36 in the width direction X is the same as the dimension W21 of the exposure surface 29a in the width direction X. Furthermore, the statement that the dimensions in the width direction X are the same here includes cases where they are approximately identical. Figure 13In the example shown, for instance, the dimension W21 of the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a is 46 mm, the dimension H21 of the transport direction Y, which is orthogonal to the width direction X, is 62 mm, and the dimension D21 of the width direction X of the side edges 29b and 29c is 4 mm. In this case, the dimension W23 of the width direction X of the second developing film 29 is 54 mm. That is, the dimensions of each part of the second developing film 29 are all smaller in the width direction compared to the dimensions of each part of the first developing film 28.

[0091] [Structure of the printer section]

[0092] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the printer unit 13 comprises an exposure head 51, a roller drive mechanism 52, a pair of transport rollers 53, a pair of unfolding rollers 54, an unfolding control unit 56, and a film packaging chamber 23 (see reference). Figure 16 and Figure 17 The conveying mechanism comprises a gripper component 57, a discharge guide 58, a control unit 59, and a gripper component drive mechanism 60. The conveying roller pair 53 and the roller drive mechanism 52 constitute the conveying mechanism as described in the claims. The gripper component 57 and the gripper component drive mechanism 60 constitute the delivery mechanism as described in the claims.

[0093] [Structure of the first and second positioning parts of the film packaging box chamber]

[0094] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the film packaging box chamber 23 is formed as a box-shaped structure with an open rear side of the camera body 11. The film packaging box chamber 23 is provided with positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a for positioning the first film packaging box 24 in the width direction X. The positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a constitute the first positioning part in the claims.

[0095] Positioning protrusions 61a-61c are provided on the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23, and positioning protrusion 62a is provided on the left side 23b of the film packaging box chamber 23. Positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a are formed into a wedge shape with a thickness that gradually increases along the loading direction Z of the first film packaging box 24, i.e., the front-rear direction of the camera body 11.

[0096] In addition, L-shaped notches 63a are formed on the two sides 23a, 23b of the film packaging box chamber 23. The L-shaped notches 63a prevent the first display film packaging box 24 from being filled in the reverse direction by engaging with the L-shaped protrusions 24c provided on the two sides 24a, 24b of the first display film packaging box 24.

[0097] Figure 18This diagram is created by superimposing the outlines of the first and second display film packaging boxes 24 and 25 to compare their dimensions. Additionally, Figure 18 The first display film packaging box 24 and the second display film packaging box 25 are positioned by the first positioning part and the second positioning part, and the outline shape of the first display film packaging box 24 (shaped with double dotted lines) and the second display film packaging box 25 (shaped with solid lines) are observed along the conveying direction Y.

[0098] The width dimension WP1 of the first display film packaging box 24 is larger than the width dimension WP2 of the second display film packaging box 25. Furthermore, taking the direction parallel to the filling direction Z and orthogonal to the width direction X as the thickness direction, the second display film packaging box 25 has a height difference portion whose thickness dimension TP21 is one size larger than the surrounding dimension TP20. This height difference portion includes the ribs 25f and 25g. The thickness dimension TP21 of the portion of the second display film packaging box 25 including the ribs 25f and 25g is larger than the thickness dimension TP11 of the first display film packaging box 24. Additionally, the first display film packaging box 24 has a shape with a small height difference in the thickness direction and a generally constant thickness.

[0099] On the other hand, in the second instant film packaging box 25, the thickness dimension TP20 of the portion excluding the ribs 25f and 25g is less than or equal to the thickness dimension TP11 of the first instant film packaging box 24. That is, the outline shape of the second instant film packaging box 25 is formed relative to the outline shape of the first instant film packaging box 24 such that only the portion including the ribs 25f and 25g protrudes.

[0100] As described above, the dimension WP1 of the width direction X of the first film packaging box 24 is larger than the dimension WP2 of the width direction X of the second film packaging box 25, therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, by abutting the two sides 24a and 24b of the first display film packaging box 24 against the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a, positioning in the width direction X can be achieved. Specifically, by abutting the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a against the two sides 24a and 24b, the center line CLX1 in the width direction X of the first display film packaging box 24 can be aligned with the center line CLX0 in the width direction X of the film packaging box chamber 23. Furthermore, this alignment also includes the case where the center lines CLX1 and CLX0 are approximately aligned. Additionally, in Figure 19 and Figure 20 To avoid making the accompanying drawings too complicated, the illustrations of the first and second films 28 and 29 are omitted.

[0101] The positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a are wedge-shaped, so when the first display film packaging box 24 is pressed into the film packaging box chamber 23 in the filling direction, the two sides 24a and 24b of the first display film packaging box 24 reliably abut against the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a. Furthermore, the second display film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the positioning grooves 65a and 65b (described later), therefore the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a are not used.

[0102] Furthermore, elastic components 64a to 64c are provided on the bottom surface 23c of the film packaging box chamber 23 for positioning the first display film packaging box 24 and the second display film packaging box 25 in the conveying direction Y (see reference). Figure 16 and Figure 17 The elastic components 64a to 64c are cuboid components made of sponge or rubber, arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction X. When the two sides 24a and 24b of the first display film packaging box 24 abut against the positioning protrusions 61a to 61c and 62a, and the L-shaped protrusion 24c is fitted into the L-shaped notch 63a, simultaneously, the bottom surface 24d of the first display film packaging box 24 abuts against the elastic components 64a to 64c. The elastic components 64a to 64c abutting against the bottom surface 24d of the first display film packaging box 24 are in a compressed state. As a result, the elastic force of the elastic components 64a to 64c to return from the compressed state to the state before compression is applied, thereby pressing the upper surface 24e of the first display film packaging box 24 against the upper surface 23d of the film packaging box chamber 23. Additionally, the upper surface 23d of the film packaging box chamber 23 has an opening leading to the conveyor roller pair 53.

[0103] On the other hand, the film packaging box chamber 23 is provided with positioning grooves 65a and 65b for positioning the second film packaging box 25 in the width direction X. The positioning grooves 65a and 65b constitute the second positioning part in the claims.

[0104] Positioning grooves 65a and 65b are formed on the front surface 23e of the film packaging chamber 23 (the surface facing the exposure openings 31a of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25). Positioning groove 65a is positioned close to the right side surface 23a of the film packaging chamber 23. Positioning groove 65b is positioned at a predetermined interval from positioning groove 65a. The width and spacing of positioning grooves 65a and 65b correspond to the width and spacing of the ribs 25f and 25g of the second instant film packaging box 25.

[0105] Additionally, the film packaging box compartment 23 has a notch 23f (reference). Figure 16 and Figure 21A notch 23f is formed at a position opposite to the notch 31b of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25, and continues to the bottom surface of the film packaging box chamber 23. The claw component 57 enters the interior of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25 through the notch 23f, and feeds the first and second instant films 28 and 29 one by one to the outside of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25.

[0106] like Figure 21 As shown, the notch 23f is positioned in the film packaging box chamber 23 at a location more offset from the center in the width direction X, towards the right side 23a. Corresponding to the position of the notch 23f, notches 31b for the first display film box 24 and the second display film box 25, which are filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, are also formed at a position offset towards one side 24a of the first display film box 24 and one side 25a of the second display film box 25. Furthermore, in Figure 21 To avoid making the attached diagrams too complicated, the first i.e., film packaging box 24 and the second i.e., film packaging box 25 have been omitted.

[0107] The claw component 57 is positioned corresponding to the notch 23f. Specifically, it is positioned slightly off-center from the center line CLX0 in the width direction X of the film packaging box chamber 23, towards the right side 23a. The claw component drive mechanism 60 consists of a motor, gear train, and spring components, which serve as the drive source, and is a known mechanism for reciprocating movement of the claw component (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0108] As described above, the width direction X of the second i.e. film packaging box 25 is smaller than that of the first i.e. film packaging box 24, and the thickness direction TP21 of the portion including the ribs 25f and 25g is larger than the thickness direction TP11 of the first i.e. film packaging box 24. Therefore, as Figure 20 As shown, by fitting the ribs 25f and 25g into the positioning grooves 65a and 65b (second positioning parts) located inside the film packaging box chamber 23 in the width direction X, which are positioned further inward than the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a (first positioning parts), positioning in the width direction X can be achieved. Specifically, by fitting the ribs 25f and 25g into the positioning grooves 65a and 65b, the center line CLX2 of the second film packaging box 25 in the width direction X can be positioned relative to the center line CLX0 of the film packaging box chamber 23 in the width direction X, offset towards the right side surface 23a.

[0109] Furthermore, the positioning of the second instant film packaging box 25 is not a simple offset, but rather, relative to the right side 24a of the first instant film packaging box 24 positioned by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a, the right side 25a of the second instant film packaging box 25 positioned by the ribs 25f and 25g is offset by approximately 0.5mm towards the inside of the film packaging box chamber 23. Thus, as described later, the dimensional difference between the two side edges 28b and 28c of the first instant film 28 and the two side edges 29b and 29c of the second instant film 29 can be absorbed, and the image can be exposed within an appropriate exposure range.

[0110] Furthermore, the second positioning part is composed of positioning grooves 65a and 65b that fit into ribs 25f and 25g, thus ensuring the space S between positioning grooves 65a and 65b on the opposite side of the film packaging box chamber 23. Figure 20 (The parts indicated by grid shading). Therefore, components can be arranged in space S, and the overall thickness of the printer can be further reduced. If the second positioning part is not a groove, but a recess with a large dimension in the width direction, space S cannot be secured; however, in this embodiment, the second positioning part is constituted by positioning grooves 65a and 65b, so this situation does not occur.

[0111] Furthermore, a backfill prevention notch 66 is formed on the bottom surface 23c of the film packaging box chamber 23. The backfill prevention notch 66 prevents the second display film packaging box 25 from being filled in the reverse direction by engaging with a cuboid protrusion 25d provided on the bottom surface 25c of the second display film packaging box 25.

[0112] Furthermore, when the ribs 25f and 25g of the second display film packaging box 25 are engaged with the positioning grooves 65a and 65b and the protrusion 25d is engaged with the inversion filling prevention notch 66, simultaneously, the bottom surface 25c of the second display film packaging box 25 abuts against the elastic members 64a and 64b. The width dimension of the second display film packaging box 25 is smaller than that of the first display film packaging box 24, so the bottom surface 25c does not abut against the elastic member 64c. As a result, elastic force is exerted from the elastic members 64a and 64b, thereby pressing the upper surface 25h of the second display film packaging box 25 against the upper surface 23d of the film packaging box chamber 23.

[0113] As described above, the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 are positioned relative to the film packaging box chamber 23 in the width direction X and the conveying direction Y, and are positioned in the filling direction Z by keeping the filling cover 22 in the closed position. Specifically, a pair of film pressing parts 22a provided on the filling cover 22 position the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 in the filling direction Z.

[0114] When one of the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23 and the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, a pair of film pressing parts 22a enter the interior of the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 through the opening 32a and press the film pressing plate 27. As a result, the first instant film 28 in the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film 29 in the second instant film packaging box 25 are pressed in the stacking direction.

[0115] like Figure 22 As shown, the film pressing part 22a consists of a pair of pressing members 67, a retaining frame 68, and a spring 69. The retaining frame 68 holds the pressing members 67 and is fixed to the inner wall side of the filling cover 22.

[0116] A pair of pressing members 67 are held in a retaining frame 68 with their front ends 67a and rotating shaft 67b positioned opposite to each other. The retaining frame 68 is fixed to the filling cover 22, for example, by threads. A torsion coil spring 69 is installed between the pressing members 67 and the retaining frame 68. The spring 69 applies force to the pressing members 67, causing the front end 67a to rotate upwards in the figure. As a result, the front end 67a presses against the film pressing plate 27.

[0117] As described above, the width dimension of the second film packaging box 25 is smaller than that of the first film packaging box 24. A positioning groove 65a is disposed near the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23. Therefore, the second film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23.

[0118] A pair of film pressing parts 22a are positioned corresponding to the second display film packaging box 25, and their width X dimension is smaller, corresponding to the opening 32a of the second display film packaging box 25. Therefore, when the second display film packaging box 25 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23 ( Figure 20 In the state shown, the film pressing part 22a enters corresponding to the position of the opening 32a, and the second display film 29 is pressed along the stacking direction by the film pressing plate 27. As a result, the second display film packaging box 25 is pressed onto the front surface 23e of the film packaging box chamber 23 and positioned in the filling direction Z.

[0119] On the other hand, the width dimension of the first display film packaging box 24 is larger than that of the second display film packaging box 25, and the width dimension X of the opening 32a of the first display film packaging box 24 is longer than that of the opening 32a of the second display film packaging box 25. Furthermore, the conveying direction Y dimensions of the opening 32a of the first display film packaging box 24 and the opening 32a of the second display film packaging box 25 are approximately the same. This is in the case where the first display film packaging box 24 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23. Figure 19 In the state shown, the film pressing part 22a is positioned corresponding to the second ready-to-display film packaging box 25, that is, offset to one side relative to the first ready-to-display film packaging box 24. However, since the width direction X dimension of the opening 32a of the first ready-to-display film packaging box 24 is formed to be longer, the film pressing part 22a enters and presses the first ready-to-display film 28 along the stacking direction via the film pressing plate 27. As a result, the first ready-to-display film packaging box 24 is pressed onto the front surface 23e of the film packaging box chamber 23 and positioned in the filling direction Z.

[0120] The first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 are filled in the manner described above, and the first instant film 28 and the second instant film 29 ejected from the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 are recorded by the printer unit 13.

[0121] The conveyor roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54 are driven to rotate by the roller drive mechanism 52, and convey the film cover 30, the first unfolding film 28, and the second unfolding film 29. The roller drive mechanism 52 is composed, for example, a transmission mechanism such as a motor that serves as the drive source and a gear train that transmits the rotational drive. The conveyor roller pair 53 is composed of a drive roller 71 and a pinch roller 72. The drive roller 71 and the pinch roller 72 are positioned to sandwich the conveying path of the first unfolding film 28 between them.

[0122] The drive roller 71 is positioned on the side opposite to the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28 and the exposure surface 29a of the second developing film 29 (left side in the transport path diagram). The drive roller 71 consists of a pair of cylindrical toothed roller components 71a and 71b, a sub-roller component 71c, and a rotating shaft 71d that holds each toothed roller component 71a and sub-roller component 71c.

[0123] The toothed roller component 71a has teeth with multiple tiny protrusions (convexities) formed on its circumferential surface. These protrusions further enhance the holding force of the toothed roller component 71a. Furthermore, the number and shape of the protrusions can be appropriately designed. These protrusions include tiny irregularities formed by filing the circumferential surface of the toothed roller component 71a with a file. The sub-roller component 71c is formed as a smooth curved surface shape whose cross-section, cut along a plane including both axial and diametrical directions, convexes outwards.

[0124] like Figure 23 As shown, when the average value of the maximum outer diameter RM including the front end of the protrusion and the minimum outer diameter RO excluding the protrusion in the toothed roller components 71a and 71b is set as the effective outer diameter R1 of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b, it is preferable that the outer diameter R2 of the sub-roller component 71c is smaller than the effective outer diameter R1 of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b and larger than the minimum outer diameter RO of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b.

[0125] Preferably, the dimension SL2 of the width direction X of the sub-roller component 71c is smaller than the dimension SL1 of the width direction X of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b. Furthermore, it is preferred that the dimension SL1 of the width direction X of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b is 1.4 mm, and the dimension SL2 of the width direction X of the sub-roller component 71c is 1.2 mm.

[0126] like Figure 14 As shown, the pinch roller 72 is positioned on the positive image viewing surface 40 of the first developing film 28 (reference). Figure 8 On the opposite side (right side in the diagram of the conveying path). The pinch roller 72 consists of a roller component 72a and a rotating shaft 72b. Both ends of the roller component 72a are supported by support members (not shown) to allow free movement within the thickness range of the first i.e., the developing film 28, and are pressed towards the drive roller 71 by a spring 76, which serves as a pressing mechanism. Therefore, the pinch roller 72 is elastically supported in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the first i.e., the developing film 28.

[0127] The conveyor roller pair 53 conveys the first display film 28 and the second display film 29, which are fed out from the first display film packaging box 24 and the second display film packaging box 25, through the gripper component 57 to the unfolding roller pair 54. The structure of the conveyor roller pair 53 for conveying the first display film 28 and the second display film 29 will be described later. Additionally, the exposure head 51 exposes the printing light to the exposure positions P (refer to...) on the first display film 28 and the second display film 29. Figure 14 The exposure head 51 is located between the outlet 31c of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and the transport roller pair 53. Furthermore, exposure based on the aforementioned exposure head 51 is performed during transport by the transport roller pair 53.

[0128] Exposure is performed by sequentially exposing the line image onto the first and second instant films 28 and 29 using the exposure head 51 while moving the first and second instant films 28 and 29 line by line. Thus, an image of one frame size is exposed onto the photosensitive layers of the first and second instant films 28 and 29. The first and second instant films 28 and 29 continue to be conveyed to the unfolding roller pair 54 via the transport roller pair 53.

[0129] Furthermore, since the first developing film 28 and the second developing film 29 have different dimensions in the width direction X, the exposure of the line image based on the exposure head 51 is also different. As described later, the exposure based on the exposure head 51 is switched according to the signal of the detection switch 78 provided in the film packaging chamber 23.

[0130] The spreading roller pair 54 consists of spreading rollers 73 and 74, and is positioned downstream of the conveying roller pair 53 in the conveying direction. Spreading roller 73 is positioned opposite the exposure surfaces 28a of the first developing film 28 and 29a of the second developing film 29 (left side in the conveying path diagram). Spreading roller 74 is positioned opposite the image viewing surfaces of the first developing film 28 and 29 (right side in the conveying path diagram). Both ends of spreading roller 74 are supported by support members (not shown) to allow free movement within the thickness range of the first developing film 28 and 29, and are pressed towards spreading roller 73 by springs 77, which serve as pressing mechanisms. Therefore, spreading roller 74 is elastically supported in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the first developing film 28.

[0131] Although the illustration is omitted, drive gears are mounted on one end of the shaft of the unfolding rollers 73 and 74, and the two drive gears mesh with each other. Moreover, the aforementioned motor is connected to one of these drive gears via an intermediate gear or the like. Therefore, if the motor rotates, the unfolding rollers 73 and 74 rotate synchronously.

[0132] The discharge guide 58 is positioned downstream of the unfolding roller pair 54 in the conveying direction. The unfolding roller pair 54 clamps the first developing film 28, conveyed by the conveying roller pair 53, across its entire width, while simultaneously conveying it to the discharge guide 58. By being clamped by the unfolding roller pair 54, the developer sac 36 of the first developing film 28 is flattened. Consequently, the developer is released through the gap 39 (reference). Figure 8 The film is unfolded (extended) in the roll. Furthermore, the first film 28, which is fed from the unfolding roller pair 54, is conveyed to the discharge guide 58.

[0133] An unfolding control component 56 is provided between the transport roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54. The unfolding control component 56 abuts against the positive image viewing surface 40 of the first developing film 28 that is being transported, and controls the distribution of the developing solution during unfolding by rubbing the positive image viewing surface 40 of the first developing film 28. The unfolding control component 56 extends in a direction parallel to the width direction of the first developing film 28 being transported and orthogonal to the transport direction of the first developing film 28. The unfolding control component 56 is integrally formed with the plate-shaped support component 56a and is fixed to the camera body 11 via the support component 56a.

[0134] The front end of the unfolding control unit 56 protrudes further towards the first developing film 28 than the clamping position of the unfolding roller pair 54 on a cross section orthogonal to the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28 being transported and parallel to the transport direction. Therefore, the unfolding control unit 56 can reliably rub the positive image viewing surface 40 of the first developing film 28.

[0135] [The function of the positioning part in the film packaging box compartment]

[0136] When the first instant film packaging box 24 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a, elastic members 64a-64c, and a pair of film pressing parts 22a are used to position the film in the width direction X, the conveying direction Y, and the filling direction Z. That is, the first instant film 28, which is built into the first instant film packaging box 24, is positioned relative to the conveying roller pair assembled in the camera body 11.

[0137] like Figure 24 As shown, a pair of toothed roller components 71a and 71b are spaced apart from each other, corresponding to the dimension in the width direction X of the first developing film 28. More specifically, the distance L1 between the inner edges 71e and 71f of the pair of toothed roller components 71a and 71b is longer than the dimension W11 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a and shorter than the dimension W13 in the width direction X of the first developing film 28.

[0138] When the conveyor roller pair 53 conveys the first developing film 28, particularly in the width direction X, the first developing film 28 is positioned by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c and 62a at a position where its two side edges 28b and 28c slide against a pair of toothed roller components 71a and 71b, respectively. Thus, the pair of toothed roller components 71a and 71b can reliably hold the two side edges 28b and 28c of the first developing film 28 and convey it toward the unfolding roller pair 54. Furthermore, the inner edges 71e and 71f of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b refer to the edges facing each other axially along the rotation axis 71d, excluding the sub-roller component 71c. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The attached diagram shows the first developing film 28 and the second developing film 29, as well as the conveying roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54, observed from the exposure surfaces 28a and 29a.

[0139] Furthermore, when the transport roller pair 53 transports the first developing film 28, the sub-roller component 71c is located between the toothed roller components 71a and 71b and is positioned to press the developer sac 36 of the first developing film 28. However, since the sub-roller component 71c is formed into a smooth curved surface that convexes outwards, as described above, the pressing force is very small. Therefore, there is no flattening of the developer sac 36, or uneven development occurring only at the part where the sub-roller component 71c abuts against the first developing film 28. In addition, since the outer diameter R2 of the sub-roller component 71c is formed to be smaller than the effective outer diameter R1 of the toothed roller components 71a and 71b, the pressing force on the first developing film 28 can be reduced, and the holding force when transporting the second developing film 29 can also be obtained.

[0140] On the other hand, when the second instant film packaging box 25 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, the positioning in the width direction X, the conveying direction Y, and the filling direction Z are achieved by the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, the elastic members 64a, 64b, and the pair of film pressing parts 22a. That is, the second instant film 29 built into the second instant film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the conveying roller pair 53 assembled in the camera body 11.

[0141] like Figure 25 As shown, the sub-roller component 71c is spaced apart from a toothed roller component 71b, corresponding to the width direction X dimension of the second developing film 29. More specifically, the second distance L2 between the inner edges 71e and 71g of the toothed roller component 71b and the sub-roller component 71c is longer than the width direction X dimension W21 of the exposure surface 29a and shorter than the width direction X dimension W23 of the second developing film 29. Thus, the toothed roller component 71b reliably holds one side edge 29b of the second developing film 29, while the other side edge 29b slides against the sub-roller component 71c, thereby enabling the second developing film 29 to be conveyed toward the unfolding roller pair 54.

[0142] Furthermore, since the second developing film 29 is smaller than the first developing film 28, sufficient torque can be obtained even if only one side edge is maintained while the other side edge is only slidably connected by the sub-roller component, thereby enabling the conveying of the developing film. Additionally, the inner edges 71e and 71g of the toothed roller component 71b and the sub-roller component 71c refer to the edges arranged facing each other on the axial side of the rotation shaft 71d.

[0143] As described above, the second film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23. Therefore, as... Figure 25As shown, when the conveyor roller pair 53 conveys the second film 29, especially in the width direction X, the positioning grooves 65a and 65b position one side edge 29b of the second film 29 in contact with a toothed roller component 71b, and the other side edge 29c of the second film 29 in contact with a sub-roller component 71c, thereby positioning the second film 29.

[0144] Furthermore, as described above, the two side edges 28b and 28c of the first developing film 28 and the two side edges 29b and 29c of the second developing film 29 have a dimensional difference in dimensions D11 and D21 in the width direction X. Figure 9 and Figure 13 In the example shown, the difference between D11 and D21 is 1 mm. That is, even if the second instant film packaging box 25 and the second instant film 29 are offset from the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23 as described above, it is impossible to completely align the positions of one side edge 28b and the side edge 29b. Furthermore, if the positions of the sides of the first instant film 28 and the second instant film 29 are aligned, the positions of the sides of the exposure surfaces 28a and 29a will not be aligned.

[0145] Therefore, in the case where positioning has been performed as described above, such as Figure 26 As shown, relative to the position of one side 28e of the first developing film 28, the position of one side 29e of the second developing film 29 is slightly offset inward. As described above, relative to the right side 24a of the first developing film packaging box 24, the right side 25a of the second developing film packaging box 25 is offset inward by approximately 0.5mm from the film packaging box chamber 23, thus enabling it to be positioned as described above. Figure 26 The conveying is performed at staggered positions as shown. Additionally, Figure 26 As described above, the first display film 28 and the second display film 29 are positioned using positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a or positioning grooves 65a, 65b, and their positions are compared during transport by the conveyor roller 53. Furthermore, Figure 26 This is an explanatory diagram for comparison, and its positional relationship differs from that of the actual first developing film 28, second developing film 29, exposure head 51, etc.

[0146] exist Figure 26In the example shown, the difference G1 between the position of one side 28e of the first developing film 28 and the position of one side 29e of the second developing film 29 is 0.5 mm. However, as mentioned above, the dimensions D11 and D21 of the width direction X of the side edges 29b and 29c differ by 1 mm. Even so, the position of the side 29f of the exposure surface 29a is still located outward by a difference G2 of 0.5 mm relative to the position of the side 28f of the exposure surface 28a. The offset of the positions of the exposure surfaces 28a and 29a will be described later.

[0147] As described above, the first instant film packaging box 24 and the second instant film packaging box 25 are positioned by positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a or positioning grooves 65a, 65b, and the second instant film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the film packaging box chamber 23, offset from the right side 23a. Therefore, when either the first instant film packaging box 24 or the second instant film packaging box 25 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, the notch 31b of the first instant film packaging box 24 and the notch 31b of the second instant film packaging box 25 will also be positioned in the same location (see reference). Figure 19 and Figure 20 Therefore, the first display film 28 and the second display film 29 can be pressed using the shared claw component 57 and claw component drive mechanism 60. Furthermore, the elimination of multiple claw components or complex mechanisms prevents an increase in the number of components and also reduces costs. Additionally, the "same position" here refers to the range within which the shared claw component 57 can be inserted. With the aforementioned positioning, even if there is some offset at the notch 31b, as long as the claw component 57 can be inserted, it is acceptable.

[0148] The claw component 57 enters the interior of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25 through notches 23f and 31b via the claw component drive mechanism 60, pressing the film cover 30 or the first and second instant films 28 and 29 located at the front. This allows the film cover 30 or the first and second instant films 28 and 29 located at the front to be discharged from the outlet 31c to the outside of the first and second instant film packaging boxes 24 and 25.

[0149] The exposure head 51 is composed of, for example, a light source, a liquid crystal shutter, and a lens. The exposure head 51 is positioned upstream of the transport roller pair 53 in the instant film transport direction, facing the instant film transport path. This exposure head 51 illuminates the exposure surfaces 28a and 29a with a linear printing light parallel to the width direction X of the first instant film 28 and the second instant film 29.

[0150] Exposure begins based on output signals from a detection sensor that detects the passage of the front ends of the first developing film 28 (not shown) and the second developing film 29, and a speed detection sensor that detects the rotational speed of the drive roller 71. First, the passage of the front ends is detected using the front end passage detection sensor. Based on this detection signal, the rotational speed is detected by the speed detection sensor. When the rotational speed reaches a certain value, it is detected that the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28 has been conveyed to a position opposite the exposure head 51. Thus, exposure based on the exposure head 51 begins.

[0151] Exposure based on exposure head 51 is switched according to the signal from detection switch 78 (detector) located in film packaging chamber 23. For example... Figure 27 As shown in (A), the detection switch 78 consists of a pressing part 78a, a spring, contacts (not shown), and a housing 78b that holds them. The detection switch 78 is located on the left side 23b of the film packaging box chamber 23. The housing 78b fits into the opening 23g formed on the left side 23b of the film packaging box chamber 23 and does not protrude into the interior of the film packaging box chamber 23.

[0152] As described above, the second display film packaging box 25 is positioned relative to the right side 23a of the film packaging box chamber 23, and therefore will not come into contact with the detection switch 78. The first display film packaging box 24 abuts against the positioning protrusion 62a provided on the left side 23b, and therefore must abut against the detection switch 78, which is also provided on the left side 23b.

[0153] The pressing part 78a is fan-shaped. The pressing part 78a is supported and rotates freely relative to the housing 78b via the rotating shaft 78c. The pressing part 78a protrudes from the housing 78b and enters the interior of the film packaging box 23 by means of a spring assembled inside the housing 78b.

[0154] like Figure 27 As shown in (B), when the first display film packaging box 24 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, the pressing part 78a is pressed against the side 24b of the first display film packaging box 24. The pressing part 78a is pressed into the interior of the housing 78b against the force of the spring, thereby pressing the internal contacts, etc. As a result, the detection switch 78 outputs an on signal. Conversely, when the pressing part 78a is not pressed, the detection switch 78 outputs an off signal.

[0155] As described above, the width direction dimension W21 of the exposure surface 29a of the second developing film 29 is smaller than the width direction dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28. On the other hand, through the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a or the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, the position of the side edge 29f of the exposure surface 29a relative to the position of the side edge 28f of the exposure surface 28a is located at a position differing outward by an amount G2 (see reference). Figure 26 As a linear printing light irradiating the exposure surfaces 28a and 29a, even if it corresponds to the exposure surface 28a, which has a larger dimension in the width direction X, the difference G2 cannot be exposed because one side 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located further outward than the side 28f of the exposure surface 28a. Therefore, in the exposure head 51 of this embodiment, the maximum irradiation range W31 of the linear printing light is set to be larger than the dimension W11 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a. When using the first developing film 28 and the second developing film 29 illustrated above, the maximum irradiation range W31 of the linear printing light is preferably set to be about 1 mm larger than the dimension W11 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a.

[0156] The control unit 59 switches the exposure range of the exposure head 51 to expose the image based on the signal from the detection switch 78. That is, when the detection switch 78 outputs an on signal, the control unit 59 switches the control of the exposure head 51 to the exposure range corresponding to the first developing film 28, and when the detection switch 78 outputs an off signal, the control unit 59 switches the control of the exposure head 51 to the exposure range corresponding to the second developing film 29.

[0157] according to Figure 28 The flowchart shown Figure 26 and Figure 29 The illustrated diagram explains the switching control of the exposure head 51 based on the control unit 59. Printing processing based on the printer unit 13 is initiated by the photographer pressing the print switch 18b. First, the control unit 59 determines whether the signal output from the detection switch 78 is an on or off signal (S11).

[0158] When the first developing film packaging box 24 is loaded into the film packaging box chamber 23, that is, when the detection switch 78 outputs an on signal ("Yes" in S11), the control unit 59 generates image data D1 corresponding to the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28, which has a larger size in the width direction X (S12). After generating the image data D1, the control unit 59 controls the exposure head 51 according to the image data D1 recorded in the built-in memory, and irradiates a linear printing light corresponding to the exposure range corresponding to the first developing film 28, that is, the size W11 of the exposure surface 28a in the width direction X (S13; see reference). Figure 26 At this time, the conveyor roller pair 53 conveys the first developing film 28, which is fed out from the first developing film packaging box 24 through the claw component 57, to the unfolding roller pair 54. As a result, an image can be formed over the entire surface of the exposure surface 28a. The first developing film 28 with the image formed is discharged from the film discharge port 21 through the unfolding roller pair 54 to the outside of the camera body 11.

[0159] On the other hand, when the second developing film packaging box 25 is loaded into the film packaging box chamber 23, that is, when a disconnect signal is output from the detection switch 78 ("No" in S11), the control unit 59 generates image data D2 corresponding to the exposure surface 29a of the second developing film 29, which has a smaller size in the width direction X (S14). Furthermore, in Figure 29 In the example shown, image data D2 is created by cropping (cutting out) the central portion of the image in the width direction X from image data D1, by the amount by which the size of the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a is smaller than the size of the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a.

[0160] After generating image data D2, the control unit 59 controls the exposure head 51 based on image data D2 to irradiate a linear printing light corresponding to the dimension W21 of the width direction X of the exposure area 29a corresponding to the second developing film 29 (S15; Reference). Figure 26 At this time, the conveyor roller pair 53 conveys the second developing film 29, which is fed out from the second developing film packaging box 25, through the gripper component 57, to the unfolding roller pair 54. When the exposure head 51 irradiates the exposure surface 29a with printing light, the position of the side 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located at a position that differs from the side 28f of the exposure surface 28a by an amount G2. However, since the maximum irradiation range W31 of the printing light of the exposure head 51 is set to be large, an image can be formed over the entire surface of the exposure surface 29a. The second developing film 29 with the image formed is discharged from the film discharge port 21 to the outside of the camera body 11 through the unfolding roller pair 54.

[0161] In addition, Figure 29 In the example shown, image data D2 is created by trimming the central portion of image data D1 in the width direction X, but it is not limited to this. As long as image data D2 is created that corresponds to the exposure surface 29a of the second developing film 29, for example, image data D2 can be created by scaling down image data D1 that corresponds to the exposure surface 28a of the first developing film 28 in both the width direction X and the transport direction Y at the same ratio.

[0162] In the above embodiment, as a detector for detecting that the first display film packaging box 24 is filled in the film packaging box chamber 23, a detection switch 78 for detecting the pressing from the first display film packaging box 24 is provided, but it is not limited to this. It may also be a contact type detector that outputs an on signal by contacting the first display film packaging box 24 or a detector composed of a photoelectric sensor, etc.

[0163] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the instant film transport device to a digital camera with a printer is given, but it is not limited to this. It can also be applied to a printer. For example, a printer that has the same printer section 13 as in the above embodiments and a device body with the printer section 13 built in it is preferred. In the film packaging chamber 23, either the first instant film packaging box 24 or the second instant film packaging box 25 is filled. Image data is received from an electronic device such as a smartphone using wireless communication, and the image is printed on the first instant film 28 and the second instant film 29 according to the received image data.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 CPUs and FPGAs, or a combination of CPUs and GPUs). 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 approach: as exemplified by computers such as client or server computers, 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 approach: as exemplified by System-on-Chip (SoC), a processor that implements the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units is used, implemented by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, various processing units are constructed as hardware structures using one or more of the aforementioned processors.

[0166] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0167] Symbol Explanation

[0168] 10-Digital camera with printer, 11-Camera body, 12-Image sensor unit, 13-Printer unit, 15-Image window, 16A-Release switch, 16B-Release switch, 17-Rear display, 18-Operation unit, 18a-Menu switch, 18b-Print switch, 19-Camera optical system, 20-Solid-state imaging element, 21-Film outlet, 22-Filling cover, 22a-Film pressing part, 22c-Hinge, 23-Film packaging box chamber, 23a-Right side, 23b-Left side, 23c-Bottom, 23d-Top surface, 23e-Front surface, 23f-Notch, 23g-Opening, 24, 25-Instant film packaging box, 24a, 24b-Side, 24c-L-shaped protrusion 24d - Bottom surface, 24e - Top surface, 25a, 25b - Side surface, 25c - Bottom surface, 25d - Protrusion, 25e - Front surface, 25f, 25g - Ribs, 25h - Top surface, 26 - Housing, 27 - Film pressing plate, 27a, 27b - Sheet, 27c, 27e - Opening, 27d, 27f - Hole, 27g, 27h - Lower end, 28, 29 - Immediately developing film, 28a, 29a - Exposure surface, 28b, 28c, 29b, 29c - Side edge, 28e, 28f, 29e, 29f - Side edge, 30 - Film cover, 31 - Housing component, 31a - Exposure opening, 31b - Notch, 31c - Feed outlet, 31d - Light-shielding seal, 32 - Cover, 32a - Opening 32b - Unit support protrusion, 32c - Pair of rivet pins, 32d - Support piece, 33 - Mask piece, 33a - Image opening, 34 - Photosensitive film, 35 - Cover plate, 36 - Developer sac, 37 - Collection section, 38 - Developer, 39 - Gap, 40 - Positive image viewing surface, 51 - Exposure head, 52 - Roller drive mechanism, 53 - Conveyor roller pair, 54 - Unfolding roller pair, 56 - Unfolding control component, 56a - Support component, 57 - Claw component, 58 - Discharge guide, 59 - Control section, 60 - Claw component drive mechanism, 61a, 61b, 61c, 62a - Positioning protrusions, 63a - L-shaped notch, 64a, 64b, 64c - Elastic component, 65a, 65b - Positioning groove, 66 - Inverted filling prevention notch, 67-pressing component, 67a-front end, 67b-rotating shaft, 68-holding frame, 69-spring, 71-drive roller, 71a-toothed roller assembly, 71b-toothed roller assembly, 71c-sub-roller assembly, 71d-rotating shaft, 71e-inner edge, 71f-inner edge, 71g-inner edge, 72-pinch roller, 72a-roller assembly, 72b-rotating shaft, 73-unfolding roller, 74-unfolding roller, 76-spring, 77-spring, 78-detection switch, 78a-pressing part, 78b-housing, 78c-rotating shaft, CLX0, CLX1, CLX2-centerline, D11, D21-dimension, G1, G2-difference, H11, H21-dimension, L1-first distanceL2 - Second distance, P - Exposure position, R1 - Effective outer diameter, R2 - Outer diameter, RM - Maximum outer diameter, RO - Minimum outer diameter, S - Space, SL1, SL2, TP11, TP20, TP21, W11, W12, W13, W21, W22, W23, WP1, WP2 - Dimensions, W31 - Maximum irradiation range.

Claims

1. A printer comprising: A loading chamber for loading either a first instant film packaging box or a second instant film packaging box. The first instant film packaging box comprises at least a plurality of first instant films and a first housing for accommodating and stacking the first instant films and forming a discharge outlet for discharging the first instant films. The second instant film packaging box comprises at least a plurality of second instant films and a second housing for accommodating and stacking the second instant films and forming a discharge outlet for discharging the second instant films. An exposure head that exposes an image onto either the first or the second developing film; A conveying mechanism that conveys the first or second developing film to the exposure position of the exposure head to expose the image; The delivery mechanism is located on one side of the loading chamber in the width direction and has a claw component that enters the interior of the first housing or the second housing and a claw component drive mechanism consisting of a motor, gear train and spring component that serve as the drive source. The claw component presses the first or second i.e., the film and delivers it from the delivery outlet. and The positioning unit, relative to the filling chamber, positions the first and second i-film packaging boxes. The first housing and the second housing have insertion ports for inserting the claw components. The width dimension of the second i.e., the film packaging box is smaller than the width dimension of the first i.e., the film packaging box. The positioning part positions the second, i.e., the film packaging box, biased against the side of the claw component in the width direction. The insertion ports of the first and second i.e., ... The second i.e., the film packaging box, has a height difference portion that is larger than that of the first i.e., the film packaging box, in the thickness direction which is parallel to the filling direction into the filling chamber and orthogonal to the width direction. The positioning part is composed of the following: The first positioning part positions the first i.e., ... The second positioning part positions the second i.e. film packaging box relative to the filling chamber by engaging with the height difference part, thus positioning it against the side of the width direction where the claw component is located.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The height difference portion is a rib that extends parallel to the length direction orthogonal to the width direction and the thickness direction and protrudes towards the thickness direction. The second positioning part is a positioning groove that fits into the rib.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The first positioning part is a wedge-shaped positioning protrusion disposed on the side of the filling chamber.

4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein, The first positioning part is a wedge-shaped positioning protrusion disposed on the side of the filling chamber.

5. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second positioning part is located inside the loading chamber in the width direction, which is closer to the first positioning part than the first positioning part.

6. A digital camera with a built-in printer, comprising: The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and The camera unit has a camera optical system that captures images of the subject and outputs the image data to the printer.

Images