Printer device and digital camera with printer

Abstract

A printer device and a digital camera with a printer capable of suppressing flexing caused by the weight of instant film and capable of preventing a decrease in image quality. A printer section (13) has a film pack chamber (23), an exposure head (50), a pair of conveyance rollers (53), a spread roller, and a support rib (51c). The support rib (51c) is provided between the film pack chamber (23) and the exposure head (50) in the conveyance direction and supports the instant film (28) from the side opposite the exposure head (50).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] We sell various 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] In printers or digital cameras that use instant film as the recording medium, the structure typically includes a loading chamber, an exposure head, a transport roller, and a spreading roller. The loading chamber contains a film cartridge holding multiple sheets of instant film within a housing. The exposure head exposes the instant film being transported from the loading chamber to the image. The transport roller, located downstream of the exposure head in the transport direction, holds and transports the instant film. The spreading roller, also located downstream of the transport roller in the transport direction, spreads the developing solution by crushing the developing solution sac within the instant film.

[0004] Previous technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-43548 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] Instant film, used as a recording medium, exists in various sizes, with those having a width greater than their transport width being referred to as wide-format instant film. The applicant is researching technology for using this wide-format instant film in the aforementioned printer apparatus or digital camera with a printer.

[0009] However, when using wide-format instant film, the film may flex in its width direction due to its own weight before reaching the transport rollers after exiting the instant film packaging box. If the instant film is transported in a flexed state and exposure is performed based on the exposure head and development based on the development rollers, image quality may be degraded, for example, the image may be stretched during exposure due to the amount of flex, or uneven development may occur in the developer.

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a printer device and a digital camera with printer that can suppress the deflection caused by the weight of the instant film and prevent the degradation of image quality.

[0011] means for solving technical problems

[0012] To solve the above problems, the printer apparatus of the present invention includes a loading chamber, an exposure head, a transport roller, a spreading roller, and a support rib. An instant film packaging box is loaded into the loading chamber. The instant film packaging box includes at least a plurality of instant films and a housing for accommodating stacked instant films and forming a discharge outlet for discharging instant films. The exposure head exposes an image onto the instant film transported from the loading chamber. The transport roller is disposed downstream of the exposure head in the transport direction of the instant film and transports the instant film discharged from the instant film packaging box to a position further downstream in the transport direction. The spreading roller is disposed downstream of the transport roller in the transport direction and spreads the developer by clamping the instant film and crushing the developer sac. The support rib is provided between the loading chamber and the exposure head in the transport direction and supports the instant film from the side opposite the exposure head.

[0013] Preferably, multiple support ribs are provided in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, and each support rib has a sliding surface that slides on one surface of the film, and the sliding surface is formed into a curved surface.

[0014] Preferably, the support rib is positioned to separate from the track of the instant film and to slide in the event of deflection of the instant film.

[0015] Preferably, the support rib is integrally formed with the support member protruding from the exposure head toward the developing film side, and the support member is fixed to the exposure head.

[0016] Preferably, the loading chamber is formed as a box with one open side. The printer device includes: a loading cover that covers the open side of the loading chamber; and a film pressing part disposed on the loading cover and pressing a film pressing plate stored in the housing. The film pressing part has a pressing member that abuts against a film cover member and a force-applying member that applies force to the pressing member. Multiple such members are provided in the width direction and the conveying direction of the loading cover. Preferably, the force-applying member is a spring member, and each film pressing part has a different spring constant.

[0017] The digital camera with printer of the present invention includes: the printer described above; and a camera unit having a camera optical system, which captures an image of a subject and outputs image data to a printer device.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deflection caused by the weight of the instant film and to prevent the degradation of image quality. 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 film packaging box.

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

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

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

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the printer section.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the printer section, omitting the device frame.

[0030] Figure 11 It is a 3D view of the printer section.

[0031] Figure 12 It is a three-dimensional view of the device frame.

[0032] Figure 13 It is a 3D view of the exposure head and the surrounding supporting components.

[0033] Figure 14 It is a 3D view of the supporting components.

[0034] Figure 15 It is a 3D view of the exposure head and supporting components.

[0035] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view of the main parts surrounding the supporting component.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a rear-side perspective view of a digital camera with a printer, in the open position and containing an instant film packaging box.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera with a printer, containing a film box.

[0038] Figure 19 This is an exploded 3D view of the film pressing part.

[0039] Figure 20This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the film pressing section.

[0040] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the support ribs and the film. Detailed Implementation

[0041] [Overview of digital cameras with built-in printers]

[0042] exist Figure 1 In 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.

[0043] The camera body 11 is roughly square in shape when viewed from the front surface. The digital camera 10 with a printer uses instant film 28 (reference). Figure 7 The instant film 28 is a wide-width instant film whose width dimension is longer than its conveying dimension.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The solid-state imaging element 20 is driven by pressing at least one of the switches 16A and 16B, thereby capturing an image of the subject.

[0048] A film outlet 21 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 11. The ready-to-print film 28, after the image has been printed, is discharged from the film outlet 21.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, a loading cover 22 is mounted on the rear side of the camera body 11 via a hinge portion 22e. The hinge portion 22e supports the loading cover 22 in the open position. Figure 4 The states shown) and the closed position ( Figure 3 It 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. The locking mechanism keeps the loading cover 22 in the closed position. If the locking release mechanism is activated, the loading cover 22 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 containing the instant film 28 is filled into the film packaging box chamber 23 (filling chamber). Multiple film pressing parts 22a are provided on the inner surface of the filling cover 22.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] [Summary of Immediately Displayed Film Packaging Box]

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 includes a shell 26, a film pressing plate 27, multiple instant films 28, and a film cover 30.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 claw component 57 (see reference) is provided at the lower part of the exposure opening 31a for mounting on a camera. Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) The gap 31b is the entry point.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 protruding towards the exposure opening 31a. This prevents a gap from forming between the film cover 30 and the exposure opening 31a.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 multiple 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.

[0064] 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 display film 28 substantially flat when the sheet 27a is elastically bent by 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.

[0065] L-shaped protrusions 24c are provided on the two sides 24a and 24b of the instant film packaging box 24. The protrusions 24c are provided to prevent the instant film packaging box 24 from being filled upside down.

[0066] [The structure of the developing film]

[0067] like Figure 8 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 monolithic 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 opposite to the exposure head 50, which will be described later.

[0068] 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 wrapped 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 wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 to fill the instant 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 9 and Figure 10 It is discharged into the film discharge port 21.

[0071] [Structure of the printer section]

[0072] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 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 frame 56 (see reference). Figure 11 It consists of a gripper component 57, a gripper component drive mechanism (not shown), a discharge guide 58, and a control unit 59.

[0073] In addition, Figure 10 In order to avoid complexity, the illustrations of the device frame 56, etc., have been omitted, but in fact, as shown in the illustrations... Figure 11 As shown, the printer unit 13 is constructed by mounting an exposure head 50, a roller drive mechanism 52, a pair of conveying rollers 53, a pair of unfolding rollers 54, an unfolding control component 55, a gripper component 57, and a gripper component drive mechanism on the device frame 56.

[0074] 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.

[0075] like Figure 12 As shown, the device frame 56 is formed into a box shape with an open rear side of the camera body 11, and a film packaging chamber 23 is integrally provided therein. In addition to the film packaging chamber 23, the device frame 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 12 The details are omitted here. The device frame 56 is made of resin material.

[0076] L-shaped notches 23c are formed on the two sides 23a and 23b of the film packaging box chamber 23. The L-shaped notches 23c prevent the instant 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 and 24b of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0077] Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 23d is provided in the film packaging chamber 23 to position the instantaneous film packaging box 24 in the X direction. The positioning protrusion 23d is formed into a wedge shape with its thickness gradually increasing along the Z direction, i.e., the front-rear direction of the camera body 11.

[0078] Furthermore, an elastic member 23f for positioning in the Y direction is provided on the bottom surface 23e of the film packaging box chamber 23. The elastic member 23f is a cuboid component made of sponge or rubber. The elastic member 23f exerts its elastic force to return from a compressed state to its uncompressed state, thereby pressing the upper surface 24e of the film packaging box 24 onto the upper surface 23g of the film packaging box chamber 23. In addition, an opening leading to the conveyor roller pair 53 is provided on the upper surface 23g of the film packaging box chamber 23.

[0079] Furthermore, the film packaging box chamber 23 has a notch 23h. The claw component 57 enters the interior of the instant film packaging box 24 through the notch 23h and feeds the instant films 28 one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0080] As described above, the instant film packaging cassette 24 is filled into the film packaging cassette chamber 23. The instant film 28 ejected from the instant film packaging cassette 24 is recorded by the printer unit 13.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the device frame 56 contains a pair of conveying rollers 53 and a pair of unfolding rollers 54. Specifically, a bearing portion (not shown) is provided inside the device frame 56 to support the conveying rollers 53 and the unfolding rollers 54.

[0082] [Structure of conveyor roller pairs and unfolding roller pairs]

[0083] like Figure 13As shown, 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.

[0084] 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 clamp the conveyor path of the display film 28 (see reference). Figure 9 The drive roller 61 is positioned on the side opposite to the exposure surface 28a of the developing film 28. 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. The circumferential surface of the toothed roller component 61a has multiple tiny protrusions forming teeth.

[0085] The pinch roller 62 is positioned on the side opposite the positive image viewing surface 40 of the display film 28. The pinch roller 62 consists of a roller component 62a, a drive gear 62b, and a rotating shaft 62c. Both ends of the roller component 62a are supported by the device frame 56, allowing it to move freely within the thickness range of the display film 28, and are pressed towards the drive roller 61 by a spring 66, which serves as a pressing mechanism. Therefore, the pinch roller 62 is elastically supported in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the display film 28.

[0086] Drive gears 61b and 62b are located at both ends of rotating shafts 61c and 62c and mesh with each other. Furthermore, one end of 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 can be reliably held at both edges by the toothed roller component 61a and conveyed further downstream in the conveying direction, namely to the unfolding roller pair 54.

[0087] 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 positive image viewing surface 40. Both ends of the spreading roller 64 are supported by the device frame 56 to allow free movement within the thickness range of the developing film 28, and are secured by a spring 67 (see reference) serving as a pressing mechanism. Figure 9 The film is pressed towards the spreading roller 63. Therefore, the spreading roller 64 is elastically supported in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the film 28. A motor is connected to one end of the spreading rollers 63 and 64 via a drive transmission gear system. Therefore, if the DC motor rotates, the spreading rollers 63 and 64 rotate synchronously.

[0088] The discharge guide 58 is positioned downstream of the unfolding roller pair 54 in the conveying direction. The unfolding roller pair 54, covering its entire width, clamps the developing film 28 conveyed by the conveying roller pair 53 and transports it to the discharge guide 58. By being clamped by the unfolding roller pair 54, the developer sac 36 of the developing film 28 is crushed. Thus, the developer is released into the gap 39 (reference). Figure 8 The film is unfolded (extended) in the unfolding roller pair 54. Moreover, the film 28 delivered from the unfolding roller pair 54 is conveyed to the discharge guide 58.

[0089] An unfolding control component 55 is provided between the conveying roller pair 53 and the unfolding roller pair 54 (reference). Figure 9 The unfolding control component 55 abuts against the positive image viewing surface 40 of the transported instant film 28. The unfolding control component 55, which controls the distribution of the developing solution during unfolding by rubbing the positive image viewing surface 40 of the instant film 28, extends in a direction parallel to the width direction of the transported instant film 28 and orthogonal to the transport direction of the instant film 28. The unfolding control component 55 is integrally formed with the plate-shaped support component 55a and is fixed to the device frame 56 via the support component 55a.

[0090] The front end of the unfolding control component 55 protrudes further toward the film 28 than the clamping position of the unfolding roller pair 54 on a cross section that is orthogonal to the exposure surface 28a of the film 28 being transported and parallel to the transport direction. As a result, the unfolding control component 55 can reliably rub the positive image viewing surface 40 of the film 28.

[0091] The conveyor rollers 53 convey the instant film 28, which is being delivered from the instant film packaging box 24, to the film discharge port 21 via the gripper component 57. Additionally, the exposure head 50 exposes the printing light to the exposure position P (reference point) on the instant film 28. Figure 9 The exposure head 50 is located between the outlet 31c of the instant film packaging box 24 and the transport roller pair 53. That is, the transport roller pair 53 is positioned downstream of the instant film 28 in the transport direction (film outlet 21 side) relative to the exposure head 50. Moreover, exposure based on the exposure head 50 is performed during transport by the transport roller pair 53.

[0092] Furthermore, the lens 60 constituting the exposure head 50 requires a certain focal length. (Referring to lens 60) Figure 16 For example, using SELFOC lenses (registered trademark).

[0093] 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 line by line. Thus, a full-frame image is exposed onto the photosensitive layer of the instant film 28. The instant film 28 continues to be conveyed to the unfolding roller pair 54 via the transport roller pair 53.

[0094] [Structure of supporting components]

[0095] like Figure 13 As shown, the film support member 51 is formed as a plate that protrudes from the exposure head 50 toward the developing film 28 and extends in the X direction (width direction). The film support member 51 is fixed to the exposure head 50.

[0096] like Figure 14 As shown, in the film support component 51, the fixing piece 51a, the protruding piece 51b, and the two support ribs 51c and 51d, which are fixed to the exposure head 50, are formed as a single unit. The fixing piece 51a has a fixing hole 51e and a positioning recess 51f. The protruding piece 51b protrudes from the fixing piece 51a toward the side of the developing film 28, forming a roughly L-shaped cross section with the fixing piece 51a.

[0097] like Figure 15 As shown, the exposure head 50 has an internal threaded hole 50a and a positioning protrusion 50b. The positioning recess 51f of the film support member 51 engages with the positioning protrusion 50b of the exposure head 50. This positions the film support member 51 relative to the exposure head 50. On the other hand, an external thread 71 is installed in the fixing hole 51e of the film support member 51. The external thread 71 is fastened to the internal threaded hole 50a of the exposure head 50. This fixes the film support member 51 to the exposure head 50.

[0098] Support ribs 51c and 51d protrude further from the protruding piece 51b toward the i.e., the film 28, and are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. In this embodiment, two support ribs 51c and 51d are provided in the X direction, but it is not limited to this, and more than three support ribs may also be provided.

[0099] like Figure 16 As shown, support ribs 51c and 51d are disposed between the film packaging chamber 23 and the exposure head 50 in the Y direction, and support the developing film 28 from the side opposite to the exposure head 50. Specifically, the phrase "between the film packaging chamber 23 and the exposure head 50" refers to the space between the film packaging chamber 23 and the lens 60 of the exposure head 50.

[0100] Support ribs 51c and 51d have sliding surfaces 51h at their front ends on the side of the developing film 28. Additionally, in Figure 16Only the support rib 51c and its sliding surface 51h are shown in the diagram, but the support rib 51d also has a sliding surface 51h of the same shape. The sliding surface 51h is formed as a curved surface. Specifically, the sliding surface 51h includes an arc-shaped curved surface with a central axis parallel to the X direction, and further, it has rounded corners at all its corners.

[0101] Support ribs 51c and 51d are positioned at points separating from the track of the display film 28 (indicated by the double-dotted line). Here, the track of the display film 28 refers to the track along which the display film 28 is transported while remaining flat and without bending. The actual point along which the display film 28 passes (indicated by the solid line) separates from the track (indicated by the double-dotted line). Therefore, support ribs 51c and 51d are positioned at points where the display film 28 slides when it bends.

[0102] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the lens 60 constituting the exposure head 50 sometimes requires a focal length of a certain value or more, necessitating a gap of size L from the surface of the lens 60 to the developing film 28. Size L is, for example, 2.8 mm or more. Therefore, the developing film 28 cannot be supported by the lens 60 constituting the exposure head 50. Therefore, support ribs 51c and 51d for supporting the developing film 28 are provided in the printer section 13.

[0103] [Structure of the film pressing part]

[0104] like Figure 17 As shown, when the filling cover 22 is in the open position, the film packaging chamber 23 is open; when the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, the filling cover 22 covers the open back side of the film packaging chamber 23. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). That is, the film packaging box 24 is positioned relative to the film packaging box chamber 23 in the X and Y directions, and then 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 film packaging box 24 in the Z direction.

[0105] like Figure 18 As shown, when the instant film packaging box 24 is filled in the film packaging box 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. As a result, the instant film 28 inside the instant film packaging box 24 is pressed in the stacking direction. Furthermore, in Figure 18 To avoid complicating the illustration, the instant film 28 is omitted, but in fact, the instant film 28 is stacked between the film pressing plate 27 and the film cover 30.

[0106] like Figure 19As shown, the film pressing part 22a consists of a pair of pressing members 77, a retaining frame 78, and a spring 79 (force-applying member) (spring member). Furthermore, since the film pressing parts 22b to 22d have the same structure as the film pressing part 22a, their description is omitted. The retaining frame 78 holds the pressing members 77 and is fixed to the inner wall side of the filling cover 22.

[0107] A pair of pressing members 77 are held in a retaining frame 78 with their front ends 77a and rotating shaft 77b positioned opposite to each other. The retaining frame 78 is fixed to the filling cover 22, for example, by threads. A torsion coil spring 79 is installed between the pressing members 77 and the retaining frame 78. The spring 79 applies force to the pressing members 77, causing the front end 77a to rotate upwards in the figure. As a result, the front end 77a presses against the film pressing plate 27.

[0108] like Figure 20 As shown, when the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, multiple film pressing parts 22a to 22d are provided in the X and Y directions of the filling cover 22. That is, two rows of film pressing parts 22a, 22b and film pressing parts 22c, 22d are arranged in the Y direction, and the film pressing parts 22a, 22b and film pressing parts 22c, 22d in each row are arranged in the X direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the springs 79 constituting the film pressing portions 22a to 22d can be configured to have different spring constants in each film pressing portion 22a to 22d. In this case, for example, the spring constant of the springs 79 constituting the film pressing portions 22c and 22d can be made greater than the spring constant of the springs 79 constituting the film pressing portions 22a and 22b.

[0110] As described above, in the digital camera 10 with a printer, support ribs 51c and 51d are provided between the film packaging chamber 23 and the exposure head 50 in the Y direction, supporting the instant film 28 from the side opposite to the exposure head 50. Therefore, even if the instant film 28 deflects due to its own weight, the support ribs 51c and 51d slide with the instant film 28. This suppresses deflection of the instant film 28 and prevents image quality degradation. Furthermore, since multiple support ribs 51c and 51d are provided, the sliding resistance experienced by the instant film 28 can be reduced.

[0111] like Figure 21As shown, without the support ribs 51c and 51d, the developing film 28 may flex in the width direction (X direction) due to its own weight (represented by the double-dotted line). In this case, the image quality may deteriorate due to the flexure. In contrast, in this invention, the support ribs 51c and 51d are provided, thus minimizing the flexure of the developing film 28 and allowing it to be transported to the exposure head 50 and the unfolding roller pair 54 while maintaining a substantially flat state (represented by the solid line). Therefore, a deterioration in image quality can be prevented.

[0112] Furthermore, as described above, in the digital camera 10 with a printer, multiple film pressing parts 22a to 22d are provided in the X and Y directions of the loading cover 22. This reduces the spring constant of the springs 79 constituting each film pressing part 22a to 22d. In conventional printer devices, where one film pressing part is provided per row, a spring component with a certain or higher spring constant must be used to continuously press the instant film within the instant film packaging box from the state where all the instant film remains until it becomes the last sheet. This results in larger film pressing parts, leading to a larger printer device.

[0113] Furthermore, in conventional printers, when using spring components with high spring constants, the pressing pressure varies significantly depending on whether there is a large amount of film remaining or when it is the last sheet. This variation in the flatness of the film, depending on the remaining film, affects the transport performance based on the transport rollers, potentially leading to a decrease in image quality. Moreover, with large variations in the pressing pressure at the film pressing section, the film may become stuck at the discharge port.

[0114] In contrast, in this invention, multiple film pressing portions 22a, 22b or film pressing portions 22c, 22d are provided in one column, thus reducing the spring constant of the spring 79 constituting each film pressing portion 22a to 22d. Therefore, the number of components in each film pressing portion 22a to 22d can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the spring constant of the spring 79, the variation in pressing force caused by the residual amount of film 28 can be reduced, thereby preventing image quality degradation.

[0115] Furthermore, since multiple film pressing portions 22a to 22d are provided in the X and Y directions of the filling cap 22, the spring constants of the springs 79 constituting each film pressing portion 22a to 22d can be different. That is, the degree of freedom in designing the spring constants of the springs 79 constituting the film pressing portions 22a to 22d can be increased, and the variation in pressing force caused by the residual number of i.e., the film 28 can be further reduced.

[0116] In the above embodiment, a helical spring is used as spring 79, but it is not limited to this; other spring components such as leaf springs may also be used. Furthermore, the above embodiment provides an example applicable to a digital camera with a printer, but it is not limited to this; it may also be applicable to a standalone printer unit.

[0117] 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, i.e., programmable logic devices (PLDs), and processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, i.e., dedicated circuits.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0120] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0121] 10-Digital camera with printer, 11-Camera body, 12-Image sensor unit, 13-Printer unit, 15-Image sensor 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-22d-Film pressing part, 22e-Hinge, 23-Film packaging box chamber, 23a, 23b-Both sides, 23c-Notch, 23d-Positioning protrusion, 23e-Bottom surface, 23f- Elastic component, 23g-top surface, 23h-notch, 24-instant film packaging box, 24a, 24b-side, 24c-protrusion, 24e-top surface, 26-shell, 27-film pressing plate, 27a-sheet, 27b-sheet, 27c-opening, 27d-hole, 27e-opening, 27f-hole, 27g-lower end, 27h-lower end, 28-instant film, 28a-exposure surface, 30-film cover, 31-shell component, 31a-exposure opening, 31b-notch, 31c-feedout end, 31d-light-shielding seal, 32-cover, 32a-opening 32b-Unit support protrusion, 32c-Rivet pin, 32d-Support piece, 33-Mask piece, 33a-Image opening, 34-Photosensitive film, 35-Cover piece, 36-Developer sac, 37-Collection section, 38-Developer, 39-Gap, 40-Image viewing surface, 50-Exposure head, 50a-Internal threaded hole, 50b-Positioning protrusion, 51-Film support component, 51a-Fixing piece, 51b-Protruding piece, 51c, 51d-Support rib, 51e-Fixing hole, 51f-Positioning recess, 51h-Sliding surface, 52-Roller drive mechanism, 53-Conveyor roller pair, 54 - Unfolding roller pair, 55- Unfolding control component, 55a- Support component, 56- Device frame, 57- Claw component, 58- Discharge guide, 59- Control unit, 60- Lens, 61- Drive roller, 61a- Toothed roller component, 61b- Drive gear, 61c- Rotating shaft, 62- Pinch roller, 62a- Roller component, 62b- Drive gear, 62c- Rotating shaft, 63, 64- Unfolding roller, 66, 67- Spring, 71- External thread, 77- Pressing component, 77a- Front end, 77b- Rotating shaft, 78- Holding frame, 79- Spring, L- Size, P- Exposure position.

Claims

1. A printer apparatus comprising: The loading chamber contains an instant film packaging box, which has at least a plurality of instant films with developer sacs, and a housing for stacking and containing the instant films and forming an outlet for discharging the instant films. An exposure head that exposes an image onto a developing film conveyed from the loading chamber; A conveyor roller, positioned downstream of the exposure head in the conveying direction of the instant film, transports the instant film discharged from the instant film packaging box to a position further downstream in the conveying direction. A spreading roller, disposed downstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction, spreads the developing solution by crushing the developing solution sac while clamping the developing film; and A support rib is disposed between the loading chamber and the exposure head in the conveying direction, and supports the instant film from the side opposite to the exposure head. The support rib is positioned at a point where it separates from the track from which the instant film is transported in a flat state without bending, and where it slides when the instant film bends due to its own weight.

2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple support ribs are provided in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Each of the support ribs has a sliding surface that slides on one surface of the film. The sliding surface is formed into a curved shape.

3. The printer apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support rib is integral with the support member that protrudes from the exposure head toward the developing film side. The support component is fixed to the exposure head.

4. The printer apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The filling chamber is shaped like a box with one open side. The printer device includes: A filling cover that covers the open surface of the filling chamber; and A film pressing part is disposed on the loading cover and presses the film pressing plate stored in the housing. The film pressing part has a pressing component that abuts against the film pressing plate and a force-applying component that applies force to the pressing component, and a plurality of such components are provided in the conveying direction of the filling cover and in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

5. The printer apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The filling chamber is shaped like a box with one open side. The printer device includes: A filling cover that covers the open surface of the filling chamber; and A film pressing part is disposed on the loading cover and presses the film pressing plate stored in the housing. The film pressing part has a pressing component that abuts against the film pressing plate and a force-applying component that applies force to the pressing component, and a plurality of such components are provided in the conveying direction of the filling cover and in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

6. The printer apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The force-applying component is a spring component. The spring component has a different spring constant in each of the film pressing portions.

7. The printer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The force-applying component is a spring component. The spring component has a different spring constant in each of the film pressing portions.

8. A digital camera with a built-in printer, comprising: The printer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The camera unit has a camera optical system and captures an image of the subject and outputs the image data to the printer device.

Images