Printer device and digital camera with printer

Abstract

A printer device and a digital camera with a printer capable of preventing variation in the position of a gear caused by reaction force between gears and capable of suppressing a decrease in image quality. A printer section (13) includes a device frame (56) that houses a feed roller and a spread roller, a roller drive mechanism (52) that is mounted to the device frame (56) and has a drive transmission gear train (72) that drives the feed roller and the spread roller, and a cover member (60) that covers the roller drive mechanism (52). The roller drive mechanism (52) includes a gear plate (73) that is separate from the cover member (60). The gear plate (73) is fixed to the device frame (56) at two points and is formed in a plate shape that axially supports at least one of the rotation shafts of the drive transmission gear train (72).

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 a recording medium, the structure typically includes a loading chamber, transport rollers, a spreading roller, and a roller drive mechanism. The loading chamber contains a film cartridge holding multiple sheets of instant film within its housing. The transport rollers clamp the two edges of the instant film and transport them. The spreading rollers spread the developing solution by crushing the developing solution sac within the instant film.

[0004] The roller drive mechanism drives the unfolding roller and the conveying roller, and for example, consists of a motor that serves as the drive source and multiple gears that transmit rotational driving force. The gears constituting the drive mechanism are supported by shafts in a part of the filling chamber or fixed to a cover member on the filling chamber. The cover member is formed in a box shape to accommodate multiple gears, etc.

[0005] Previous technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-300838 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, in printers or digital cameras with a printer that have a roller drive mechanism as described above, multiple gears are supported by the cover member shaft. Therefore, during drive transmission, the reaction force between the rotating gears acts on the cover member, causing it to deflect. If the cover member deflects, the position of the gears supported by the cover member shaft changes, which in turn causes the positions of the transport roller and the spreader roller to deviate. This results in a decrease in the transport accuracy of the developing film and uneven spread of the developer caused by the spreader roller, leading to a decrease in image quality.

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a printer device and a digital camera with a printer that can prevent changes in gear position caused by the reaction force between gears and suppress the degradation of image quality.

[0011] means for solving technical problems

[0012] To address the aforementioned problems, the printer apparatus of the present invention exposes an image to an instant film having a developer capsule containing developer and unfolds the developer. The printer apparatus includes: a transport roller, an unfolding roller, an apparatus frame, a roller drive mechanism, and a cover assembly. The roller drive mechanism includes a plate-shaped gear plate, which is separate from the cover assembly and fixed to the apparatus frame at at least two locations. The gear plate provides axial support for at least one of the rotation axes of the transport roller, the unfolding roller, and the drive transmission gear system. The transport roller transports the instant film to an outlet. The unfolding roller is positioned downstream of the transport roller in the transport direction and unfolds the developer by clamping the instant film and crushing the developer capsule. The apparatus frame contains the transport roller and the unfolding roller. The roller drive mechanism is mounted on the apparatus frame and has a drive transmission gear system for driving the transport roller and the unfolding roller. The cover assembly covers the roller drive mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, the gear plate has a fixing part for fixing to the device frame and a bearing part for supporting at least one of the rotating shafts, and the portion connecting the fixing parts to each other, the bearing parts to each other, or the portion between the fixing part and the bearing part is formed in a straight line.

[0014] Preferably, relative to the gear plate, the gears disposed on the rotating shaft of the conveying roller, the gears disposed on the rotating shaft of the unfolding roller, and the drive transmission gear system are arranged on the side of the device frame and on the side opposite to the device frame.

[0015] Preferably, the roller drive mechanism includes a motor as a drive source and a drive transmission gear system. The drive transmission gear system consists of a first gear system that transmits the rotational driving force from the motor, a second gear system that receives the rotational driving force from the first gear system and transmits the rotational driving force to the conveying roller, and a third gear system that receives the rotational driving force from the first gear system and transmits the rotational driving force to the unfolding roller. The second gear system is disposed on the side of the device frame relative to the gear plate, and the third gear system is disposed on the side opposite to the device frame relative to the gear plate.

[0016] 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 the printer device.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent changes in gear position caused by the reaction force between gears and to suppress the degradation of image quality. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 It is a front-view perspective view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a central longitudinal sectional view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a rear-side perspective view of a digital camera with a printer, with the filling cap in the closed position.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the film packaging box.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the film packaging box.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded 3D view of the i-film packaging box.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the film.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the printer section.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the printer section, omitting the device frame.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a 3D view of the printer section.

[0030] Figure 12 It is an exploded 3D view of the printer section.

[0031] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional view of the device frame.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a 3D view of the roller drive mechanism.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a three-dimensional view of the gears connected to the conveyor roller and the unfolding roller.

[0034] Figure 16 It is an exploded 3D view showing the structure surrounding the roller drive mechanism.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a top view of the gear plate.

[0036] Figure 18 It is a three-dimensional view showing the structure around the gear plate and the cover component.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts surrounding the roller drive mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0038] [Overview of digital cameras with built-in printers]

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 9 The developing film 28 is, for example, a square developing film. However, it is not limited to this; wide-format or card-type developing films can also be used.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] like Figure 3 As 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 4The 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.

[0047] 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). The user fills the instant film packaging box 24 containing the instant film 28 into the film packaging box chamber 23. A plurality of film pressing parts 22a are provided on the inner surface of the filling cover 22.

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

[0049] If the photographer presses at least one of the release switches 16A and 16B, shooting begins. During shooting, image data is acquired from the solid-state imaging element 20. The image data undergoes known image processing by an image processing unit (not shown), followed by compression. Examples of image processing include matrix operations, 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.

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

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

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

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

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, an exposure opening 31a for exposing the instant film 28 is formed on the housing component 31. Hereinafter, the surface in the instant film packaging box 24 where the exposure opening 31a is formed will be referred to as the "front surface," the surface opposite to the "front surface" as the "back surface," the surface opposite to the film outlet 21 of the camera body 11 as the "top surface," and the surface opposite to the "top surface" as the "bottom surface." Inside the housing component 31, a film cover 30 is stacked on the front surface of the initial instant film 28 into which the exposure opening 31a is first placed. Thus, the exposure opening 31a is tightly blocked by the film cover 30. Furthermore, a known 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.

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

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

[0057] like Figure 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] [The structure of the developing film]

[0064] 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 51, which will be described later.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Details will be described later. During printing, the developing film 28 is exposed to light illuminating the photosensitive layer. During development, the developer sac 36 ruptures, and the developer 38 flows into the gap 39 between the photosensitive film 34 and the cover plate 35, where it is spread out. The image formed by the exposure of the photosensitive layer is inverted through the diffuse reflection layer and transferred to 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] [Structure of the printer section]

[0069] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 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 component 55, and a device frame 56 (see reference). Figure 11 and Figure 12 ), gripper component 57, gripper component drive mechanism (not shown), discharge guide 58, control unit 59 and cover component 60 (see reference) Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is composed of ( ). The printer section 13 corresponds to the printer apparatus in the claims.

[0070] In addition, Figure 10 To avoid complexity, illustrations of the device frame 56, cover component 60, etc., have been omitted. However, in reality, as shown in the diagram... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the printer unit 13 is constructed by mounting an exposure head 51, a roller drive mechanism 52, a pair of conveying rollers 53, a pair of unfolding rollers 54, an unfolding control component 55, a claw component 57, a claw component drive mechanism, and a cover component 60 on the device frame 56.

[0071] Furthermore, the following explanation will use the conveying direction of the conveyor roller pair 53, i.e., the conveying direction of the film 28, as the Y direction, the width direction of the film 28 which is orthogonal to the Y direction as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions as the Z direction.

[0072] [Structure of the device frame]

[0073] like Figure 13 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 box chamber 23 is integrally provided therein. In addition to the film packaging box chamber 23, the device frame 56 also has a frame portion that supports the exposure head 51, roller drive mechanism 52, transport roller pair 53, unfolding roller pair 54, gripper component 57, and cover component 60, etc. Figure 13 The details are omitted here. The device frame 56 and the cover component 60 are formed of a resin material, for example, preferably polycarbonate resin, and more preferably glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate resin containing 20% ​​glass fiber.

[0074] L-shaped notches 23c are formed on the two sides 23a, 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, 24b of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] As described above, the instant 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, a plurality of film pressing parts 22a provided on the filling cover 22 position the instant film packaging box 24 in the Z direction.

[0079] When one of the instant film packaging boxes 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 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.

[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 14 As shown, the conveying 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 and the display film 28.

[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 sandwich 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 disposed at both ends of rotating shafts 61c and 62c and mesh with each other. Furthermore, one end of rotating shaft 61c is connected to DC motor 71 via drive transmission gear train 72, which will be described later. Therefore, when DC motor 71 rotates, drive roller 61 and pinch roller 62 rotate synchronously.

[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.

[0088] Gears 76e and 76d, which constitute the drive transmission gear system 72 described later, are connected to one side of the ends of the unfolding rollers 63 and 64. Furthermore, the drive transmission gear system 72 is connected to the DC motor 71. Therefore, if the DC motor 71 rotates, the unfolding rollers 63 and 64 rotate synchronously.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The conveyor rollers 53 convey the instant film 28, which is delivered from the instant film packaging box 24, to the film discharge port 21 via the gripper component 57. Additionally, the exposure head 51 exposes the printing light to the exposure position P (reference point) on the instant film 28. Figure 9 It is located between the outlet 31c of the film packaging box 24 and the transport roller pair 53. Moreover, exposure based on the aforementioned exposure head 51 is performed during the transport by the transport roller pair 53.

[0093] The control unit 59 controls the exposure of the exposure head 51 based on the image data. Exposure based on the exposure head 51 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 the roller drive mechanism]

[0095] like Figure 14 As shown, the roller drive mechanism 52 includes a DC motor 71 that serves as the drive source, a drive transmission gear system 72 that transmits rotational driving force, and a gear plate 73. The drive transmission gear system 72 consists of a first gear train 74, a second gear train 75, and a third gear train 76. The first gear train 74 transmits the rotational driving force from the DC motor 71 to the drive. The first gear train 74 consists of a worm gear 74a supported by the rotating shaft of the DC motor 71, and gears 74b, 74c, and 74d that sequentially transmit the rotational driving force from the worm gear 74a.

[0096] The second gear train 75 receives rotational driving force from the first gear train 74 and transmits this rotational driving force to the drive roller 61 of the conveyor roller pair 53. The second gear train 75 is composed of a gear 75a, which rotates by receiving rotational driving force from the gear 74d (which constitutes the first gear train 74). In this embodiment, the second gear train 75 is composed of a single gear 75a, but it is not limited to this and may also be composed of multiple gears that sequentially transmit rotational driving force from the gear 74d.

[0097] like Figure 15 As shown, one end 61d of the rotating shaft 61c of the drive roller 61 is formed in a D-cut shape. One end 61d protrudes from the device frame 56 (see reference). Figure 16Gear 75a has a fitting hole 77. Gear 75a is connected to rotating shaft 61c by fitting one end 61d into fitting hole 77.

[0098] The third gear train 76 receives rotational driving force from the first gear train 74 and transmits the rotational driving force to the unfolding roller pair 54. The third gear train 76 consists of gear 76a and gears 76b, 76c, 76d, and 76e that transmit the rotational driving force from gear 76a. Gear 76a rotates by receiving the rotational driving force from gear 74d (which constitutes the first gear train 74).

[0099] One end 63d, 64d of the rotating shaft of the unfolding rollers 63, 64 is formed in a D-cut shape. One end 63d, 64d protrudes from the device frame 56 (see reference). Figure 16 Gears 76e and 76d have fitting holes 78a and 78b. Gears 76e and 76d are connected to unfolding rollers 63 and 64 by fitting one end 63d and 64d into fitting holes 78a and 78b.

[0100] The roller drive mechanism 52 transmits the rotational driving force from the DC motor 71 to the drive roller 61 via the first gear train 74, and simultaneously transmits the rotational driving force from the first gear train 74 to the drive roller 61 via the second gear train 75, and to the unfolding rollers 63 and 64 via the third gear train 76. Therefore, the rotational driving force from the DC motor 71 is transmitted to the drive roller 61 via the second gear train 75. On the other hand, the rotational driving force from the DC motor 71 is transmitted to the unfolding rollers 63 and 64 via the third gear train 76. Thus, the paths of the transmitted rotational driving force are different in the drive roller 61 and the unfolding rollers 63 and 64.

[0101] On the other hand, considering the miniaturization and space-saving of the roller drive mechanism 52, the second gear train 75 and the third gear train 76 are arranged at different positions in the X direction and at least partially overlap in the Y and Z directions. Therefore, the second gear train 75 and the third gear train 76 are preferably supported by separate components to avoid being affected by each other's reaction forces.

[0102] Therefore, as Figure 16 As shown, gear 75a of the second gear train 75 is supported by the shaft of the device frame 56, and gears 76a to 76c of the third gear train 76 are supported by the shaft of the gear plate 73, which is separate from the cover component 60. Additionally, as described above, gears 76e and 76d are supported by the shafts of the unfolding rollers 63 and 64. Furthermore, the first gear train 74 is supported by the shaft of the device frame 56.

[0103] like Figure 17As shown, the gear plate 73 has a positioning hole 73a, fixing holes 73b and 73c, and support holes 73d, 73e, and 73f. The positioning hole 73a and fixing holes 73b and 73c correspond to the fixing parts in the claims, and the support holes 73d, 73e, and 73f correspond to the bearing parts in the claims. Hereinafter, these positioning holes 73a, fixing holes 73b and 73c, and support holes 73d, 73e, and 73f will be collectively referred to as reference holes.

[0104] Similar to the device frame 56 and the cover component 60, the gear plate 73 is formed of a resin material, for example, preferably polycarbonate resin, and more preferably glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate resin containing 20% ​​glass fiber.

[0105] In the gear plate 73, the portions connecting the reference holes to each other are formed in a straight line. That is, the portion 73g connecting the positioning hole 73a and the support hole 73d, the portion 73h connecting the positioning hole 73a and the support hole 73f, and the portion 73i connecting the fixing hole 73c and the support hole 73f are formed in a straight line.

[0106] like Figure 18 As shown, a locating pin 80 is provided in the device frame 56. In the gear plate 73, the locating hole 73a engages with the locating pin 80 and abuts against the bosses of the internal threads 83 and 84, which will be described later. Thus, the gear plate 73 is positioned in the X direction. The support holes 73d, 73e, and 73f are bearing portions that provide shaft support for the rotating shafts of the gears 76a to 76c of the third gear train 76.

[0107] In the gear plate 73, external threads 81 and 82 are installed in the fixing holes 73b and 73c. ​​The external threads 81 and 82 are fastened to the internal threads 83 and 84 of the device frame 56. Thus, the gear plate 73 is fixed to the device frame 56. In addition, as described later, one of the multiple external threads 82 also serves as a fastener for the cover component 60, and is fastened to the device frame 56 through the fixing hole 60a of the cover component 60 and the fixing hole 73b of the gear plate 73. Furthermore, the fixing part for fixing the gear plate 73 to the device frame 56 is not limited to the fixing holes 73b and 73c, and can also be three or more.

[0108] As described above, the device frame 56 supports the first gear train 74 and the second gear train 75. The unfolding rollers 63 and 64 support gears 76e and 76d. Furthermore, the gear plate 73 supports the rotation shafts of gears 76a to 76c of the third gear train 76 and is fixed to the device frame 56.

[0109] The drive transmission gear train 72 is directly or via the unfolding rollers 63, 64 and the gear plate 73 shaft supported on the device frame 56. Furthermore, the cover member 60 is fixed to the device frame 56. The cover member 60 is formed in a box shape that covers the drive transmission gear train 72. The cover member 60 has a plurality of fixing holes 60a.

[0110] In the cover component 60, external threads 82 are installed in a plurality of fixing holes 60a. The external threads 82 are fastened to the internal threads 84, 85 of the device frame 56. Thus, the cover component 60 is fixed to the device frame 56.

[0111] like Figure 19 As shown, with the drive transmission gear train 72 mounted on the device frame 56 and the gear plate 73 and cover member 60 fixed to the device frame 56, the second gear train 75 is located inside the gear plate 73, that is, on the side of the gear plate 73 opposite to the device frame 56. On the other hand, the third gear train 76 is located outside the gear plate 73, that is, on the side opposite to the device frame 56. Furthermore, the first gear train 74 contains both a gear train disposed inside the gear plate 73 and a gear train disposed outside the gear plate 73. In addition, in Figure 19 In order to avoid complicating the process, the sectional view of the cover component 60 is omitted and represented by a double-dotted line.

[0112] As described above, in the digital camera 10 with a printer, gears 76a to 76c, which are part of the drive transmission gear system 72, are fixed to the device frame 56 with a plate-shaped gear plate 73 supporting their shafts. Therefore, during drive transmission, the reaction force acting between the rotating gears 76a to 76c acts on the gear plate 73, but the plate-shaped and highly rigid gear plate 73 is not easily bent, thereby suppressing positional displacement of the shaft-supported gears 76a to 76c. Therefore, the transport accuracy of the developing film 28 based on the transport roller pair 53 can be improved, and uneven development of the developing solution caused by the developing roller pair 54 can be prevented, thereby improving image quality.

[0113] In conventional printer devices, where the gear is supported solely by the device frame or a cover member that covers the drive transmission gear train, the cover member is box-shaped. Therefore, the portion located on the outer side of the cover member (the portion on the side opposite to the device frame, separated from the drive transmission gear train) supports the gear. This results in a large gap from the beginning portion on the device frame side to the bearing portion, making the cover member prone to bending and causing significant positional variation in the supported gear. In contrast, in this invention, the gear is supported by a gear plate 73, which is separate from the cover member 60, thus preventing this problem.

[0114] Furthermore, as described above, in the gear plate 73, the portions connecting the reference holes to each other are formed in a straight line. By forming the portions connecting the reference holes to each other in a straight line and without any recessed shapes along the way, the rigidity of the gear plate 73 can be improved by preventing deflection. Moreover, by forming it in this shape, a shape that does not interfere with other components and avoids waste can be obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, the positioning hole 73a, fixing hole 73c, and support hole 73f are used as vertices, and they are formed in a straight line, thus the gear plate 73 is formed in a roughly triangular shape. Therefore, the gear plate 73 is formed in a shape that is less prone to deflection and has high rigidity. Furthermore, the overall shape of the gear plate 73 is not limited to this; as long as the portions connecting the reference holes to each other are formed in a straight line, it can be appropriately changed according to the arrangement of the reference holes.

[0115] Furthermore, the first and second gear sets 74-76 are distributed on the inner and outer sides of the gear plate 73, thus the reaction force exerted from the gears on the gear plate 73 is also small. Therefore, the positional displacement of the shaft-supporting gears 76a-76c can be further suppressed.

[0116] Furthermore, by supporting the gears with the gear plate 73 shaft, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the gears constituting the drive transmission gear train 72 is increased, and gears on different paths can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, the number of gears can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Even if the thickness of the gear plate 73 is smaller than the thickness of the cover member 60, it can maintain rigidity, so it can be made thinner, achieving space saving in the width direction of the printing section 13. Moreover, the strength of the cover member 60 can be reduced according to the degree to which the gears are held by the gear plate 73, thereby improving the appearance design.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the gear plate 73 provides shaft support for the rotation shaft of the gear constituting the drive transmission gear train 72, but it is not limited to this; it may also provide shaft support for either the rotation shaft of the conveyor roller pair 53 or the rotation shaft of the unfolding roller pair 54. 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 single printer device.

[0118] 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); processors whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs); and processors with dedicated circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, such as dedicated circuits.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0122] 10-Digital camera with printer, 11-Camera body, 12-Image sensor unit, 13-Printer section, 15-Image window, 16A-Release switch, 16B-Release switch, 17-Rear display section, 18-Operating section, 18a-Menu switch, 18b-Print switch, 19-Camera optical system, 20-Solid-state imaging element, 21-Film outlet, 22-Filling cover, 22a-Film pressing section, 22c-Hinge section, 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 release Film packaging box, 24a, 24b - sides, 24c - protrusion, 24e - top surface, 26 - housing, 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 - housing component, 31a - exposure opening, 31b - notch, 31c - feed outlet, 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 film, 36-developer sac, 37-collection section, 38-developer, 39-gap, 40-image viewing surface, 51-exposure head, 52-roller drive mechanism, 53-transfer roller pair, 54-developing roller pair, 55-development control component, 55a-support component, 56-device frame, 57-claw component, 58-discharge guide, 59-control unit, 60-cover component, 60a-fixing hole, 61-drive roller, 61a-toothed roller component, 61b-drive gear, 61c-rotating shaft, 61d-one end, 62-pinch roller, 62a-roller component, 62b-drive gear, 62c-rotating shaft, 63, 64- Unfolding roller, 63d, 64d - one end, 66 - spring, 67 - spring, 71 - DC motor, 72 - drive transmission gear system, 73 - gear plate, 73a - positioning hole, 73b, 73c - fixing hole, 73d, 73e, 73f - support hole, 73g, 73h, 73i - connecting part, 74 - first gear system, 74a - worm gear, 74b, 74c, 74d - gear, 75 - second gear system, 75a - gear, 76 - third gear system, 76a~76e - gear, 77 - fitting hole, 78a, 78b - fitting hole, 80 - positioning pin, 81, 82 - external thread, 83, 84, 85 - internal thread.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that exposes an image to a developing film having a developing solution sac containing developing solution and unfolds the developing solution, the printing apparatus comprising: A conveyor roller that conveys the i.e., the film, to the discharge outlet; The unfolding roller is positioned downstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction and unfolds the developer by crushing the developer sac by clamping the developing film. The device frame contains conveying rollers and unfolding rollers; A roller drive mechanism, which is mounted on the device frame and has a drive transmission gear system for driving the conveying roller and the unfolding roller; and Cover component, which covers the roller drive mechanism, The roller drive mechanism includes a plate-shaped gear plate, which is separate from the cover component and fixed to the device frame at at least two points. This gear plate provides axial support for at least one of the rotating shafts of the conveying roller, the unfolding roller, and the drive transmission gear system. The roller drive mechanism includes a motor that serves as the drive source and the drive transmission gear system. The drive transmission gear system has: The first gear train transmits the rotational driving force from the motor; The second gear train receives the rotational driving force from the first gear train and transmits the rotational driving force to the conveyor roller; and The third gear train receives the rotational driving force from the first gear train and transmits the rotational driving force to the unfolding roller. The rotating shaft of the second gear train is supported by the device frame, and the rotating shaft of the third gear train is supported by the gear plate.

2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The gear plate has a fixing part for fixing to the device frame and a bearing part for supporting at least one of the rotating shafts, and the portion connecting the fixing parts to each other, the bearing parts to each other, or the fixing part and the bearing part is formed in a straight line.

3. The printer apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Relative to the gear plate, the gears disposed on the rotating shaft of the conveying roller, the gears disposed on the rotating shaft of the unfolding roller, and the drive transmission gear system are arranged on the side of the device frame and on the side opposite to the device frame.

4. A printing apparatus that exposes an image to a developing film having a developing solution sac containing developing solution and unfolds the developing solution, wherein, The printer device includes: A conveyor roller that conveys the i.e., the film, to the discharge outlet; The unfolding roller is positioned downstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction and unfolds the developer by crushing the developer sac by clamping the developing film. The device frame contains conveying rollers and unfolding rollers; A roller drive mechanism, which is mounted on the device frame and has a drive transmission gear system for driving the conveying roller and the unfolding roller; and Cover component, which covers the roller drive mechanism, The roller drive mechanism includes a plate-shaped gear plate, which is separate from the cover component and fixed to the device frame at at least two points. This gear plate provides axial support for at least one of the rotating shafts of the conveying roller, the unfolding roller, and the drive transmission gear system. The roller drive mechanism includes a motor that serves as the drive source and the drive transmission gear system. The drive transmission gear system has: The first gear train transmits the rotational driving force from the motor; The second gear train receives the rotational driving force from the first gear train and transmits the rotational driving force to the conveyor roller; and The third gear train receives the rotational driving force from the first gear train and transmits the rotational driving force to the unfolding roller. The second auxiliary gear train is disposed on the side of the device frame relative to the gear plate. The third set of gears is positioned on the opposite side of the device frame relative to the gear plate.

5. A digital camera with a built-in printer, comprising: The printer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4; 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