Exposure device and test cartridge

Abstract

Provided is an exposure device and a test strip cassette that can be miniaturized. An exposure device includes: a housing portion in which sheet-shaped recording media each having a single exposure surface are stacked with the exposure surfaces aligned; a pressing portion that presses the recording media housed in the housing portion in a stacking direction from the exposure surface side; an ejection portion that ejects the recording media from the housing portion from a front end in the pressing direction of the pressing portion; a conveyance portion that conveys the recording media ejected from the housing portion; and an exposure portion that is provided between the housing portion and the conveyance portion, and exposes the recording media ejected from the housing portion by irradiating the exposure surfaces of the recording media with light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an exposure apparatus and a test strip box, and more particularly to an exposure apparatus for recording images on a sheet-like recording medium having an exposure surface on one side, and a test strip box containing the sheet-like recording medium having an exposure surface on one side. Background Technology

[0002] There are known printers that use instant film in recording media (instant printers). These printers use an exposure head to expose the instant film and record an image on it.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a printer with a structure that bends the instant film for transport and exposes it with an exposure head during transport.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a printer that uses a film pack (a film pack containing multiple sheets of instant film stacked in a container), and describes the configuration of the exposure head in a manner that falls within the thickness range of the film pack.

[0005] Patent document 3 describes the following: In a printer with a structure that transports the instant film by a rotating roller, the amount of rotation of the roller is detected by an encoder, and the speed of the instant film is also detected.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-330898

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-194429

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-343758 Summary of the Invention

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides an exposure apparatus and test paper box that enable miniaturization of the device.

[0010] [1] An exposure apparatus comprising: a receiving section, wherein a sheet-shaped recording medium having an exposure surface on one side is stacked and received in the receiving section with the exposure surfaces aligned; a pressing section, which presses the recording medium received in the receiving section from the exposure surface side toward the stacking direction; a delivery section, which delivers the recording medium located at the front end of the pressing section in the pressing direction from the receiving section; a transport section, which transports the recording medium delivered from the receiving section; and an exposure section disposed between the receiving section and the transport section, which exposes the exposure surface of the recording medium delivered from the receiving section by irradiating it with light.

[0011] [2] According to the exposure apparatus described in [1], the pressing part has a first pressing part and a second pressing part arranged sequentially from the downstream side to the upstream side along the feeding direction of the recording medium, the first pressing part pressing the recording medium with a first pressing force, and the second pressing part pressing the recording medium with a second pressing force different from the first pressing force.

[0012] [3] According to the exposure apparatus described in [2], the second pressing part presses the recording medium with a second pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force.

[0013] [4] The exposure apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the recording medium is contained in a test paper box, and the test paper box is contained in a receiving section.

[0014] [5] According to the exposure apparatus of [4], the test paper box includes: a housing that accommodates a recording medium and has a first opening on a surface facing the exposure surface of the recording medium; and a sheet-like light-shielding member disposed inside the housing that covers the first opening from the inside of the housing and has a protrusion that is inserted into the first opening; and a pressing part that includes a pressing member that is inserted into the first opening of the test paper box accommodated in the housing and presses the light-shielding member.

[0015] [6] According to the exposure apparatus of [5], the light-shielding member comprises: a first light-shielding member in the form of an elastically deformable sheet, a portion of which is engaged with the test paper box and disposed within the housing to cover the first opening; and a second light-shielding member in the form of a sheet, a portion of which is engaged with the first light-shielding member and stacked on the first light-shielding member to support the recording medium.

[0016] [7] According to the exposure apparatus of [5] or [6], the delivery part has a locking member that moves in the delivery direction of the recording medium, so that the locking member locks with the recording medium at the front end and delivers it out of the receiving part, the test paper box has a second opening on the housing for the locking member to be inserted, and the light-shielding member has a first recess that corresponds to the position of the second opening and is recessed in the thickness direction, so that the light-shielding member and the locking member are prevented from locking through the first recess.

[0017] [8] The exposure apparatus according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein the light-shielding member has an external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the housing and has a non-porous shape.

[0018] [9] The exposure apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8] further includes a detection unit for detecting the speed of the recording medium conveyed by the transport unit, the transport unit including: a roller for rotating and feeding the recording medium; and a gear train for transmitting power to the roller, the detection unit including: a reflective member disposed on one of the gears constituting the gear train; a light-projecting unit for projecting light onto the reflective member; and a light-receiving unit for receiving light projected from the light-projecting unit and reflected by the reflective member.

[0019]

[10] The exposure apparatus according to [9] includes a reflective component on a gear mounted on the shaft of the roller.

[0020]

[11] The exposure apparatus according to

[10] includes a reflective component on the side of the gear roller.

[0021]

[12] According to the exposure apparatus of

[11] , the gear has a second recess on the side, and a reflective element is disposed in the second recess.

[0022]

[13] The exposure apparatus according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the exposure unit comprises: a light source unit configured to face the exposure surface of the recording medium delivered from the receiving unit; and an optical system for focusing light emitted from the light source unit onto the exposure surface.

[0023]

[14] The exposure apparatus according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the exposure unit comprises: a light source unit; and an optical system including a reflective optical element that bends and focuses light emitted from the light source unit onto the exposure surface.

[0024]

[15] An exposure apparatus comprising: a receiving section, wherein sheet-shaped recording media having an exposure surface on one side are stacked and housed in the receiving section with the exposure surfaces aligned in orientation; a pressing section, which presses the recording media housed in the receiving section in a stacking direction; a delivery section, which delivers the recording media located at the front end of the pressing section in a pressing direction from the receiving section; a conveying section, which conveys the recording media delivered from the receiving section; an exposure section, which exposes the exposure surface of the recording media delivered from the receiving section by irradiating light; and a detection section, which detects the speed of the recording media conveyed by the conveying section, the conveying section comprising: a roller, which rotates and applies delivery to the recording media; and a gear train, which transmits power to the roller; and the detection section comprising: a reflecting member, which is disposed on one of the gears constituting the gear train; a light projection section, which projects light onto the reflecting member; and a light receiving section, which receives light projected from the light projection section and reflected by the reflecting member.

[0025]

[16] The exposure apparatus according to

[15] includes a reflective component on a gear mounted on the shaft of the roller.

[0026]

[17] The exposure apparatus according to

[15] or

[16] , wherein a reflective element is provided on the side of the gear roller.

[0027]

[18] According to the exposure apparatus of

[17] , the gear has a second recess on the side, and a reflective element is disposed in the second recess.

[0028]

[19] A test strip box, which is a test strip box in which a sheet-shaped recording medium with an exposure surface on one side is stacked and housed with the exposure surfaces aligned, comprises: a housing for housing the recording medium and having a first opening on the surface facing the exposure surface of the recording medium; and a sheet-shaped light-shielding member disposed inside the housing, covering the first opening from the inside of the housing, and having a protrusion inserted into the first opening, through the light-shielding member, pressing the recording medium inside the housing from the exposure surface side toward the stacking direction.

[0029]

[20] According to the test kit of

[19] , the light-shielding member has: a first light-shielding member that is elastically deformable, a portion of which is engaged with the test kit and disposed within the housing, covering the first opening; and a second light-shielding member that is engaged with the first light-shielding member and stacked on the first light-shielding member, supporting the recording medium.

[0030]

[21] According to the test paper box of

[19] or

[20] , the recording medium inside the housing is discharged from the housing by engaging with a locking member that moves in the discharge direction, the housing having a second opening for the locking member to be inserted, and a light-shielding member having a first recess corresponding to the position of the second opening and recessed in the thickness direction, thereby preventing the light-shielding member from engaging with the locking member.

[0031]

[22] The test paper box according to any one of

[19] to

[21] , wherein the light-shielding member has an outline corresponding to the internal shape of the housing and has a non-porous shape. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front-view 3D view of the printer.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a rear-view 3D view of the printer.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the filling method of the test strip box.

[0035] Figure 4 This is the front view of the film.

[0036] Figure 5 This is the rear view of the film.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a front-view 3D view of the test strip box.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a rear-view 3D view of the test strip box.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the test strip box.

[0040] Figure 9This is an exploded 3D view of the shell.

[0041] Figure 10 This is an exploded 3D view of the shell.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a front-view stereoscopic view of the sunshade.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a rear-view 3D view of the sunshade.

[0044] Figure 13 It is an exploded perspective view of the light-shielding plate of the cover, including the shell.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the test strip box.

[0046] Figure 15 It is magnification Figure 14 An enlarged view of a portion (the area enclosed by the circle indicated by the dashed line).

[0047] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the test strip box when it is pressed.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a conceptual diagram of the ejection of the instant film based on the chuck.

[0049] Figure 18 This is an illustration of the ejection action of the instant film based on the chuck.

[0050] Figure 19 This is an illustration of the ejection action of the instant film based on the chuck.

[0051] Figure 20 It is a front-view stereoscopic view of the cover plate.

[0052] Figure 21 This is a rear-view stereoscopic view of the cover plate.

[0053] Figure 22 This is the main view of the overlay.

[0054] Figure 23 This is the rear view of the cover sheet.

[0055] Figure 24 This is a top view of the cover sheet.

[0056] Figure 25 It is a rough structural diagram of the printer's internal structure.

[0057] Figure 26 This is a 3D view of the pressing unit.

[0058] Figure 27 This is an exploded 3D view of the pressing unit.

[0059] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the general structure of the film transport section.

[0060] Figure 29 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the general structure of the film transport section.

[0061] Figure 30 It is a perspective view including the drive roller of the rotation detection unit.

[0062] Figure 31 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the rotation detection unit.

[0063] Figure 32 This is a rough structural diagram of the exposure department.

[0064] Figure 33 It is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of a printer.

[0065] Figure 34 This diagram shows a comparison between an exposure unit using a straight-line optical system and an exposure unit using a curved optical system.

[0066] Figure 35 This is another example of a film outlet in a test strip box.

[0067] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the overlay is configured.

[0068] Figure 37 It is magnification Figure 36 A diagram of the main parts.

[0069] Figure 38 This is a front-view stereoscopic view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet.

[0070] Figure 39 This is a rear-view perspective view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet.

[0071] Figure 40 This is a front view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet.

[0072] Figure 41 This is a rear view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet.

[0073] Figure 42 This is an example of a cover sheet with chamfered edges.

[0074] Figure 43 This is another example of the protrusions and recesses of the housing body and cover.

[0075] Figure 44 It is magnification Figure 43 A diagram of a portion (the convex and concave parts).

[0076] Figure 45 This is another example of the shape of a convex part.

[0077] Figure 46 This is a diagram illustrating an example of smoothing applied to the inner surface of the housing body. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Here, we will take the application of the present invention to a printer that uses instant film in a recording medium (instant printing printer) as an example. The printer is an example of an exposure device.

[0080] Figure 1 This is a front-view 3D view of the printer. Figure 2 This is a rear-view 3D view of the printer. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the filling method of the test strip box. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this diagram, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are three orthogonal axes. The z-axis direction is defined as the front-back direction of the printer 200, the x-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the y-axis direction as the up-down direction. The left-right direction has the same meaning as the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction has the same meaning as the height direction.

[0081] The printer 200 in this embodiment is a so-called mobile printer (a portable printer that can be carried), mainly connected to mobile terminals with cameras, such as smartphones, for printing photographic images. It connects wirelessly to the terminal. Communication utilizes, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0082] As described above, instant film is used in the recording medium. In this embodiment, a test paper cassette 100 containing multiple instant films is loaded into a printer 200, and the instant film for printing is placed in the printer 200.

[0083] Therefore, firstly, the instant film 10 and the test paper box 100 used in the printer 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0084] [Instant film]

[0085] Figure 4 This is the front view of the film. Figure 5 This is the rear view of the developing film. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, the direction indicated by arrow F is the feeding direction of the developing film 10. That is, it is the conveying direction during printing. Furthermore, it is also the feeding direction (discharge direction) from the test paper cassette 100.

[0086] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The instant film 10 shown is a so-called "instantaneous imaging film cartridge" (also known as thin film type, integral film, etc.). Instantaneous imaging film cartridges refer to films where multiple functional layers (photosensitive layer, development layer, and support, etc.) required for photography and development are stacked on a single film, forming a visible image without external peeling. Instantaneous imaging film cartridges produce an image on the back side of the exposed surface.

[0087] The developing film 10 has a rectangular card shape. One side of the developing film 10 is configured as the exposure surface 10a, and the other side is configured as the observation surface 10b. The exposure surface 10a is the surface through which the image is recorded by exposure, and the observation surface 10b is the surface through which the recorded image is observed. That is, the back side (opposite side) of the exposure surface 10a is formed by the observation surface 10b.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the exposure surface 10a has an exposure area 12, a side edge portion 13, a sac portion 14, and a collection portion 16.

[0089] Exposure area 12 is the area where an image is recorded through exposure. Exposure area 12 becomes the printable area of ​​instant film 10. Side edges 13 are disposed on the left and right sides of exposure area 12 and have a predetermined width.

[0090] The capsule 14 is positioned in front of the exposure area 12 in the delivery direction and has a predetermined width. A developing solution capsule 14a containing developing solution is housed within the capsule 14.

[0091] The collecting section 16 is positioned rearward relative to the exposure area 12 in the delivery direction and has a predetermined width. Absorbent material 16a is housed within the collecting section 16. The width of the collecting section 16 is narrower than the width of the capsule section 14.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, an observation area 18 is provided on the observation surface 10b of the developing film 10. The observation area 18 is the area for displaying images. By developing the exposure area 12, an image is displayed in the observation area 18. The observation area 18 is configured correspondingly to the exposure area 12. A frame 18a is provided around the observation area 18. Therefore, the image is displayed within the frame.

[0093] The film 10 is viewed with the collecting portion 16, which is narrow in the vertical direction, on the upper side and the bladder portion 14, which is wide in the vertical direction, on the lower side. Therefore, the image can be printed with the collecting portion 16 facing upward and the bladder portion 14 facing downward.

[0094] After exposure, the developing film 10 is developed by spreading the developing solution in the capsule 14 into the exposure area 12. The developing solution in the capsule 14 is extruded from the capsule 14 and spread into the exposure area 12 by passing the developing film 10 between the spreading rollers 252. During the spreading process, any remaining developing solution is captured by the collection unit 16.

[0095] The instant film 10 of this embodiment is well known as the film used in instant cameras (Instax (registered trademark), trade name "Cheki") manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation, and can be used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the instant film 10 is an example of a sheet-like recording medium.

[0096] [Test strip box]

[0097] Test strip cartridges 100 are stacked and contain multiple instant developing films 10. Test strip cartridges 100 containing instant developing films 10 are also referred to as film packs.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a front-view 3D view of the test strip box. Figure 7 This is a rear-view 3D view of the test strip box. Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the test strip box. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this diagram, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are three mutually orthogonal axes. The z-axis is defined as the front-to-back direction of the test strip box 100, the x-axis as the left-to-right direction, and the y-axis as the up-down direction. The left-to-right direction has the same meaning as the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction has the same meaning as the height direction. And, in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the diagram, the direction indicated by arrow F is the discharge direction (feeding direction) of the developing film 10. In this embodiment, the discharge direction of the developing film 10 is along the vertical direction of the test paper box 100.

[0099] The test strip box 100 has a shell 110 that constitutes the main body of the test strip box 100. The shell 110 is composed of a shell body 111 and a cover 112, and has a flat rectangular box shape overall.

[0100] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an exploded 3D view of the shell. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the shell 110 from the rear side. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the shell 110 viewed from the front side.

[0101] The housing body 111 is the container portion of the housing 110, and has a rectangular box shape with a rear side opening. As an example, the housing body 111 is made of a light-shielding resin.

[0102] Cover 112 is the cover portion of housing 110, and has a rectangular plate shape corresponding to the shape of the back side of housing body 111. As an example, cover 112 is made of a light-shielding resin.

[0103] After the instant film 10 is housed in the housing body 111, a cover 112 is installed on the back of the housing body 111 to close the opening on the back of the housing body 111.

[0104] The cover 112 has a thin, sheet-like protrusion 113 protruding toward the housing body 111 at a predetermined position on its outer periphery. On the other hand, the housing body 111 has a recess 114 at a predetermined position on its outer periphery (corresponding to the protrusion 113) for the protrusion 113 of the cover 112 to fit into. The protrusion 113 and the recess 114 serve to prevent misassembly. That is, they prevent the cover 112 from being installed vertically or horizontally relative to the housing body 111. Therefore, the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 are arranged in a positional relationship that prevents the cover 112 from being physically installed vertically or horizontally relative to the housing body 111. As an example, in this embodiment, the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 are arranged at two locations on each of the left and right sides of the cover 112 and the housing body 111, for a total of four locations. By adjusting the arrangement of the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 on each side, misassembly is prevented. Specifically, on each side, the protrusions 113 and recesses 114 are arranged in an asymmetrical manner to prevent misassembly. By arranging the protrusions 113 and recesses 114 asymmetrically on each side, the cover 112 cannot be physically flipped upside down, thus preventing misassembly.

[0105] Furthermore, the protrusions 113 and the recesses 114 also function as positioning elements during assembly. That is, when the cover 112 is assembled onto the housing body 111, it can be accurately positioned and installed onto the housing body 111 by fitting the protrusions 113 of the cover 112 into the recesses 114 of the housing body 111.

[0106] Furthermore, the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 also function as guides during assembly. That is, by fitting the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 together, the guide cover 112 is automatically installed in the appropriate position. To achieve this function, the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 in this embodiment have a trapezoidal shape. That is, they have a tapered shape that tapers towards the front end relative to the insertion direction (the protruding direction of the protrusion 113). As a result, it is not necessary to precisely align the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 during installation, making assembly easier.

[0107] Furthermore, the shapes of the protrusions 113 and concave portions 114 need only be able to fulfill the guiding function, and can also be shapes other than trapezoids. For example, triangular shapes and semi-circular shapes can also be used.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 are provided at four locations on the outer periphery is illustrated as an example, but the protrusion 113 and the recess 114 need to be provided at at least one location.

[0109] The cover 112, assembled to the housing body 111, is integrated with the housing body 111 by bonding or welding. As an example, in this embodiment, the cover 112 is integrated with the housing body 111 by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). The cover 112, integrated with the housing body 111, forms the back side of the housing 110.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, multiple (e.g., 10) instant films 10 are stacked and housed within a housing 110. The exposure surfaces 10a of each instant film 10 are aligned in one direction and housed within the housing 110. In this embodiment, all instant films 10 within the housing 110 are housed with their exposure surfaces 10a facing the back side (cover 112 side) of the housing 110. Therefore, the observation surfaces 10b of all instant films 10 within the housing 110 face the front side (front surface side) of the housing 110.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper surface (top surface) of the housing 110 is provided with a film outlet 120 for discharging the instant film 10 contained in the housing 110. The film outlet 120 has a slit-like shape through which the instant film 10 can pass.

[0112] As described later, the test strip cartridge 100 of this embodiment has a structure that presses the instant display film 10 inside the housing 110 from the back side of the housing 110. Therefore, the film discharge port 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110 near the front surface (near the front surface) of the housing 110. More specifically, it is disposed at a position that allows direct passage when applying delivery to the uppermost instant display film 10 (the front instant display film 10) located inside the housing 110.

[0113] A baffle 121 is provided in the film discharge port 120. The baffle 121 is a component that covers and blocks the film discharge port 120 from the outside. The baffle 121 is made of a light-blocking, elastically deformable sheet. When the film 10 is released, the baffle 121 is elastically deformed and discharged from the film discharge port 120. After the film 10 has passed through, the baffle 121 returns to its original shape through elastic recovery and closes the film discharge port 120.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, a pair of pressing openings 130A and 130B are provided on the back of the housing 110. The pressing openings 130A and 130B are openings (holes) required for pressing the instant film 10 within the housing 110 in the lamination direction. A pressing component is inserted into the housing 110 through the pressing openings 130A and 130B, and the instant film 10 within the housing 110 is pressed in the lamination direction. The pressing component is provided on the device side of the test paper cartridge 100. In this embodiment, it is provided in the printer 200. The pressing component and pressing mechanism provided in the printer 200 will be described later. The pressing openings 130A and 130B are an example of the first opening.

[0115] The pressing openings 130A and 130B are formed by elongated holes (holes that are horizontally elongated circular holes) extending laterally (x-axis direction) along the back of the housing 110. Furthermore, the pressing openings 130A and 130B are arranged at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction of the housing 110 (i.e., the delivery direction of the developing film 10).

[0116] Hereinafter, as needed, the pressing opening 130A disposed on the upper side of the housing 110 (i.e., the downstream side of the film 10 in the delivery direction) will be referred to as the first pressing opening 130A, and the pressing opening 130B disposed on the lower side of the housing 110 (i.e., the upstream side of the film 10 in the delivery direction) will be referred to as the second pressing opening 130B, so as to distinguish between the two.

[0117] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a light-shielding plate 140 is provided inside the housing 110. The light-shielding plate 140 covers and blocks the pressing openings 130A and 130B from the inside of the housing 110. The light-shielding plate 140 is disposed inside the housing 110 between the back surface (cover 112) of the housing 110 and the instant display film 10. That is, the instant display film 10 inside the housing 110 overlaps with the light-shielding plate 140. Therefore, the instant display film 10 inside the housing 110 has a structure that can be pressed via the light-shielding plate 140. Therefore, the test strip box 100 is configured such that the internal instant display film 10 can be pressed via the light-shielding plate 140.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a front-view stereoscopic view of the sunshade. Figure 12 This is a rear-view 3D view of the sunshade. Figure 13 It is an exploded perspective view of the light-shielding plate of the cover, including the shell.

[0119] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, the light-shielding plate 140 is constructed by combining the first light-shielding plate 141 and the second light-shielding plate 142. The first light-shielding plate 141 and the second light-shielding plate 142 overlap to form one light-shielding plate 140. In this embodiment, the first light-shielding plate 141 is disposed on the back side (cover 112 side) of the housing 110, and the second light-shielding plate 142 is disposed on the front side (i.e., the side of the film 10 inside the housing 110), thus forming one light-shielding plate 140. The light-shielding plate 140 is an example of a light-shielding member. Furthermore, the first light-shielding plate 141 is an example of a first light-shielding member, and the second light-shielding plate 142 is an example of a second light-shielding member.

[0120] The light shield 140, formed by combining the first light shield 141 and the second light shield 142, has a rectangular sheet-like (plate-like) shape. Furthermore, the light shield 140 has an external shape (outer periphery contour shape) that corresponds to the internal shape of the housing 110. Therefore, the light shield 140, when not pressed, is disposed within the housing 110 with almost no gaps around it.

[0121] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 140, formed by combining the first light-shielding plate 141 and the second light-shielding plate 142, has a shape without any in-plane openings (holes). That is, it has a non-porous shape. Thus, by placing the light-shielding plate 140 with a non-porous shape inside the housing 110 and covering the pressing openings 130A and 130B from the inside, the pressing openings 130A and 130B are blocked. As a result, the intrusion (leakage) of light from the pressing openings 130A and 130B can be effectively suppressed.

[0122] Both the first light-shielding plate 141 and the second light-shielding plate 142 have a rectangular sheet-like (thin plate-like) shape, and a portion of them are joined together to form a single unit. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the second light-shielding plate 142 has a joining portion 142a on the surface opposite to the first light-shielding plate 141. The joining portion 142a is composed of a linear protrusion extending laterally (x-axis direction) and is disposed near the end of the lower side of the second light-shielding plate 142 (i.e., the upstream side in the delivery direction of the developing film 10). The second light-shielding plate 142 is joined to the first light-shielding plate 141 at the joining portion 142a. The joining method is not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, the joining is performed by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). In addition, since the joining is performed by welding, the first light-shielding plate 141 and the second light-shielding plate 142 are made of resin (especially a resin with light-shielding properties). In addition to this, bonding and riveting methods can also be used for joining. In addition, in this embodiment, the joint portion 142a is provided on the side of the second light-shielding plate 142, but the joint portion 142a may also be provided on the side of the first light-shielding plate 141. For example, the joint portion 142a with the second light-shielding plate 142 may also be provided near the lower end of the first light-shielding plate 141.

[0123] The light shield 140, which is integrated by joining the first light shield 141 and the second light shield 142, is further joined to the inner surface of the cover 112 of the housing 110 and thus integrated with the cover 112.

[0124] As described above, regarding the light-shielding plate 140, the first light-shielding plate 141 is disposed on the rear side of the housing 110, and the second light-shielding plate 142 is disposed on the front side of the housing 110. Therefore, in the light-shielding plate 140, the first light-shielding plate 141 is engaged with the cover 112 and integrated with the cover 112. More specifically, the surface of the first light-shielding plate 141 opposite to the cover 112 is engaged with the inner surface of the cover 112 and integrated with the cover 112.

[0125] like Figure 10 As shown, the inner surface of the cover 112 has a joining portion 112a for the light-shielding plate 140. The joining portion 112a is composed of a linear protrusion extending laterally (x-axis direction) and is disposed in the central portion of the inner surface of the cover 112 (the area between the first pressing opening 130A and the second pressing opening 130B). Regarding the light-shielding plate 140, the first light-shielding plate 141 is integrally formed with the cover 112 by joining it to the inner surface of the cover 112 via the joining portion 112a. The joining method is not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, the cover 112 and the first light-shielding plate 141 are joined by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). In addition to this, methods such as bonding and riveting can also be used for joining.

[0126] The light shield 140 is integrated with the cover 112 by joining them together, and the light shield 140 is installed on the inside of the cover 112. As a result, the pressing openings 130A and 130B of the cover 112 are covered from the inside of the housing 110 by the light shield 140, and the pressing openings 130A and 130B are blocked from light.

[0127] As a structure to improve the light-blocking properties of the pressing openings 130A and 130B, the light-shielding plate 140 has a pair of light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B on its back side. In this embodiment, the first light-shielding plate 141 constitutes the back side of the light-shielding plate 140, and therefore the light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B are provided on the first light-shielding plate 141.

[0128] The light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B are formed by protrusions that fit into the shapes of the pressing openings 130A and 130B. Therefore, their outer shape (outer peripheral contour shape) has a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral shape of the pressing openings 130A and 130B. As an example, in this embodiment, the light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B are formed by frame-shaped protrusions that correspond to the inner peripheral shape of the pressing openings 130A and 130B.

[0129] A light-shielding plate 140 integrated with the cover 112 overlaps the cover 112, covering the pressing openings 130A and 130B provided by the cover 112, and the light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B are fitted into the pressing openings 130A and 130B.

[0130] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the test strip box. Furthermore, Figure 15 It is magnification Figure 14 An enlarged view of a portion (the area enclosed by the circle indicated by the dashed line). Additionally, Figure 14 This indicates a test kit that is not in use.

[0131] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the pressing openings 130A and 130B on the back of the housing 110 are covered from the inside by a light shield 140. Furthermore, the light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B of the light shield 140 are embedded in the pressing openings 130A and 130B. Because the light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B are embedded in the pressing openings 130A and 130B, they function as light barriers, suppressing light intrusion through the gaps. This improves the light-shielding performance at the pressing openings 130A and 130B. In particular, it improves the light-shielding performance when the light shield 140 is pressed in a non-dark room environment.

[0132] In addition to blocking the pressing openings 130A and 130B, the light shield 140 also supports the instant film 10 housed within the housing 110. Specifically, when pressed by the pressing component through the pressing openings 130A and 130B, the instant film 10 inside the housing 110 is clamped between the inner wall surfaces of the front side of the housing 110 for support.

[0133] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the test strip box when it is pressed. Figure 16 This indicates the state after using multiple instant films 10 (after extruding multiple films).

[0134] like Figure 16 As shown, the pressing components PA and PB, inserted into the pressing openings 130A and 130B, press the i-display film 10 inside the housing 110 in the stacking direction via the light shield 140.

[0135] The light-shielding plate 140 moves the second light-shielding plate 142 toward the instant film 10 due to the elastic deformation of the first light-shielding plate 141. That is, the instant film 10 is moved in the pressing direction. At this time, the second light-shielding plate 142 moves while maintaining a state that is approximately parallel to the inner wall surface of the front side of the housing 110. Each time an instant film 10 is discharged from the housing 110, the second light-shielding plate 142 moves toward the front side.

[0136] In the first light-shielding plate 141, in order to facilitate bending along the pressing direction, a slit 141a is provided in a direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the first light-shielding plate 141 (see reference). Figure 12 and Figure 13 The slit 141a is separated from the joint 112a of the cover 112 (see reference). Figure 10 And the top and bottom configurations.

[0137] Thus, the instant film 10 inside the housing 110 is pressed by the light shield 140, and the instant film 10 is clamped and supported between the second light shield 142 and the inner wall surface of the housing (the inner wall surface on the front side of the housing 110). As a result, the front instant film 10 (the instant film 10 located at the uppermost position in the pressing direction) can always be positioned and held in a predetermined position.

[0138] The film 10 is ejected (delivered) via a chuck. Figure 17 This is a conceptual diagram of the ejection of the instant film based on the chuck.

[0139] Typically, the chuck CL is a thin, plate-like component with a hook-shaped engaging portion CL1 at its front end. The chuck CL is moved along the discharge direction of the display film 10, causing the display film 10 to engage with the engaging portion CL1 at its front end, thereby discharging the display film 10 from the housing 110. The chuck CL is an example of an engaging component.

[0140] like Figure 17 As shown, the front side of the housing 110 has a claw opening 150 for inserting the claw CL into a predetermined position. The claw opening 150 is a slit-shaped opening (hole) extending from the bottom surface of the housing 110 along the discharge direction of the display film 10. More specifically, the claw opening 150 includes a claw bottom opening 150A on the bottom surface of the housing 110 and a claw front opening 150B on the front surface of the housing 110, which are connected to form a slit-shaped opening. The claw bottom opening 150A is an opening that allows the claw CL to be inserted from the bottom surface. The claw front opening 150B is an opening that allows the claw CL to move in the discharge direction. Therefore, the claw front opening 150B is arranged along the discharge direction of the display film 10. The claw opening 150 is configured with a width corresponding to the thickness of the claw CL (the width at which the claw CL can be inserted). The opening 150 of the chuck is an example of the second opening.

[0141] like Figure 17 As shown, in the test paper box 100 of this embodiment, the claw opening 150 is disposed on the front of the housing 110 near the end of one side in the lateral (x-axis direction) direction (when viewed from the front, it is disposed near the end of the right side).

[0142] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram of the film ejection action based on the chuck. Additionally, in Figure 18 and Figure 19 The example shown is when the last sheet is ejected. That is, an example is shown when the film 10, which is located at the bottom in the pressing direction, is ejected.

[0143] like Figure 18 As shown, the claw CL moves along the discharge direction of the film and enters the housing 110 through the bottom opening 150A of the claw.

[0144] If the claw CL enters the housing 110, the claw CL engages with the rear end of the front display film 10. More specifically, the front end of the hook-shaped engaging part CL1 enters between the frontmost display film 10 and the next display film 10, and the claw CL engages with the rear end of the frontmost display film 10.

[0145] In addition, as mentioned above, Figure 18 and Figure 19 An example is shown when the last sheet is ejected. In this case, the front end of the engaging portion CL1 enters between the instant film 10 and the light shield 140 (more specifically, between the second light shield 142) and engages with the rear end of the last instant film 10.

[0146] Moreover, by moving the chuck CL, such as Figure 19 As shown, the display film 10, which engages with the claw CL, is pressed by the claw CL and discharged from the film discharge port 120.

[0147] If the chuck CL moves to the specified position, it is pulled out from the chuck opening 150 and returned to its original position (origin position).

[0148] In this way, the claw CL, which moves in the discharge direction, engages with the instant film 10 inside the housing 110, causing the instant film 10 to be discharged from the housing 110.

[0149] However, as described above, the display film 10 inside the housing 110 is supported by the light-shielding plate 140. Therefore, as Figure 18 As shown, the light-shielding plate 140 is in contact with the final instant film 10.

[0150] As described above, the display film 10 is ejected from the housing 110 by engaging the claws. Therefore, if there is no gap between the display film 10 and the light shield 140, at least in the part where the claws engage, it is impossible to engage the display film 10 with the claws alone, resulting in an ejection error.

[0151] Therefore, in the test strip box 100 of this embodiment, a concave engagement avoidance portion 144 is provided on the light shield 140 corresponding to the part that engages with the claw, so as to prevent the claw from engaging with the light shield 140. That is, it is ensured that the tip of the claw can enter the gap between the light shield 140 and the i.e., the developing film 10, so as to prevent the claw from engaging with the light shield 140.

[0152] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the engaging avoidance portion 144 is formed by combining the recess 144A of the second light shield 142 and the notch 144B of the first light shield 141. The housing 110 of this embodiment has a claw opening 150 on the lower right side of the front (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, the locking and avoiding part 144 is located at the lower right position of the light shield 140 when viewed from the front. More specifically, it is located at the lower right corner.

[0153] The recess 144A of the second light shield 142 is a rectangular recess that is recessed toward the back side along the thickness direction of the light shield 140, and is located at the lower right corner of the front side of the second light shield 142.

[0154] The notch 144B of the first light shield 141 is a rectangular notch that can accommodate the recess 144A of the second light shield 142, and is located at the lower right corner of the front side of the first light shield 141.

[0155] By providing a notch 144B on the first light-shielding plate 141 and a recess 144A on the second light-shielding plate 142, a light-shielding plate 140 with an overall shape without any notches can be provided. This improves the light-shielding performance.

[0156] When the final developing film 10 is discharged, as Figure 18 As shown, the claw CL enters the gap formed between the engagement avoidance part 144 and the instant film 10 and engages with the instant film 10. As a result, the last instant film 10 can be stably ejected.

[0157] In this embodiment, the concave engaging avoidance portion 144 of the light shield 140 is an example of the first concave portion.

[0158] like Figure 8 As shown, a cover sheet 160 is housed within the housing 110. The cover sheet 160 is configured to overlap with the observation surface 10b of the front end of the test strip 10. Therefore, in the unused test strip cartridge 100, the cover sheet 160 is positioned at the uppermost position in the pressing direction.

[0159] Figure 20 This is the front stereoscopic view of the cover plate. Figure 21 It is a rear-view stereoscopic view of the cover plate. Furthermore, Figure 22This is the main view of the overlay. Figure 23 This is the rear view of the cover plate. Figure 24 This is a top view of the cover sheet. Figures 20 to 23 In the diagram, the symbol F indicates the discharge direction (outflow direction) of the cover sheet 160.

[0160] The cover sheet 160 has a card shape with approximately the same planar dimensions as the instant film 10, but has a thinner thickness than the instant film 10. The cover sheet 160 is made of a light-blocking resin (e.g., polystyrene containing carbon black), has a specified rigidity, and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0161] The cover plate 160 is configured to overlap with the observation surface 10b of the front-end display film 10 and abut against the inner surface of the cover 112, opening 150 for the light-shielding claws from the inside of the housing 110. The opening 150 for the claws is shielded from light by the cover plate 160 and the skirt member 161 mounted on the cover plate 160. The skirt member 161 is made of a long strip of thin film with light-shielding properties.

[0162] Furthermore, a stop membrane 162 is provided at the front end of the cover sheet 160 in the delivery direction F. The stop membrane 162 engages with the inner wall surface of the housing 110 to prevent the cover sheet 160 from being accidentally discharged. Therefore, if a force greater than a specified force is applied to push the cover sheet 160, the stop membrane 162 will deform, allowing the cover sheet 160 to be discharged.

[0163] Furthermore, at the front end of the cover sheet 160 in the delivery direction F, a pair of recesses 163 are provided at the corner. Each recess 163 has a hemispherical shape and is constructed with a predetermined wall thickness, recessed on the front side 160F and protruding on the back side 160B of the cover sheet 160. Therefore, the recesses 163 form a recess on the front side 160F of the cover sheet 160 and a protrusion on the back side 160B. The back side 160B of the cover sheet 160 from which the recesses 163 protrude overlaps with the display film 10. On the other hand, the viewing surface 10b of the display film 10 overlaps with the cover sheet 160. Therefore, the cover sheet 160 is arranged such that the protruding back side 160B of the recesses 163 faces the viewing surface 10b of the display film 10.

[0164] The recess 163 has the function of preventing the front-end instant film 10 from being carried out. After the test paper cartridge 100 is loaded into the printer, the cover sheet 160 is discharged. At this time, sometimes the front-end instant film 10 is not separated and is pulled out together with the cover sheet 160 (so-called overlapping transport). By having the recess 163, the instant film 10 can be prevented from passing through the film discharge port 120 along with the cover sheet 160, thus preventing it from being carried out.

[0165] Thus, the recess 163, through its relationship with the film outlet 120, prevents the developing film 10 from being carried out. Therefore, its height (protrusion amount) is set with consideration of the relationship with the width of the slit in the film outlet 120 (i.e., the width in the thickness direction of the developing film 10). It is preferably set to be the same as or slightly higher than the width of the slit in the film outlet 120 (through deformation (flattening)).

[0166] As described above, after the test paper cartridge 100 is loaded into the printer, the cover sheet 160 is ejected. Similar to the display film 10, the cover sheet 160 is ejected using a clamp CL. The clamp CL engages with the rear end of the cover sheet 160, causing the cover sheet 160 to exit from the film ejection port 120.

[0167] As described above, the test strip cartridge 100 of this embodiment has a structure that presses the developing film 10 housed in the housing 110 from the exposure surface side. With this structure, when the test strip cartridge 100 is placed in a non-dark room environment, light leakage from the pressing openings 130A and 130B becomes a problem. However, the test strip cartridge 100 of this embodiment can suppress this by providing a light-shielding plate 140. That is, by providing a light-shielding plate 140 with a shape (holeless shape) without notches on the outer periphery and without openings in the surface, the incident light from the pressing openings 130A and 130B can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing light-shielding protrusions 143A and 143B on the light-shielding plate 140 that fit into the pressing openings 130A and 130B, the incident light from the pressing openings 130A and 130B can be suppressed more effectively. Thus, a test strip cartridge 100 with high light-shielding performance can be achieved.

[0168] [printer]

[0169] [Printer's appearance and structure]

[0170] As described above, the printer 200 of this embodiment is configured as a so-called mobile printer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, printer 200 has a flat, box-shaped frame 210.

[0171] The upper surface of the frame 210 has a printing outlet 212. The printing outlet 212 is a slit-shaped opening through which the instant film 10 can pass. The printed instant film 10 is discharged from the printing outlet 212.

[0172] A film door 213 is provided on the back of the frame 210. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the film door 213 opens and closes the test paper box filling section 220. The film door 213 is locked by a film door locking member 214 provided on the side of the frame 210.

[0173] [Internal structure of the printer]

[0174] Figure 25 It is a rough structural diagram of the printer's internal structure.

[0175] like Figure 25 As shown, the printer 200 has a test paper loading section 220, a film pressing section 230, a film feeding section 240, a film transport section 250, a detection section (not shown), and an exposure section 280 inside the frame 210.

[0176] [Test strip box filling section]

[0177] The test strip cartridge filling section 220 has a test strip cartridge filling chamber 221 for accommodating the test strip cartridge 100. The test strip cartridge filling chamber 221 is formed by a concave space into which the test strip cartridge 100 is inserted, and is opened and closed via a film door 213 (see reference). Figure 3 The test paper cartridge 100 is inserted into the test paper cartridge loading chamber 221, and the film door 213 is closed, thereby loading the test paper into the printer 200. By closing the film door 213, the test paper cartridge loading chamber 221 is blocked from light, becoming a dark chamber. The test paper cartridge 100 loaded into the printer 200 is positioned and held within the test paper cartridge loading chamber 221.

[0178] The test strip filling section 220 includes a test strip filling detection section (not shown) that detects the filling of the test strip 100 into the test strip filling chamber 221.

[0179] Furthermore, the test strip filling section 220 is equipped with a film door opening and closing detection section (not shown) for detecting the opening and closing of the film door 213.

[0180] In this embodiment, the test strip box filling section 220 is an example of a receiving section.

[0181] [Film pressing part]

[0182] The film pressing part 230 presses the instant film 10 (which has the same meaning as the instant film 10 in the housing 110) inside the test paper box 100, which is filled in the test paper box filling part 220, in the stacking direction via the pressing openings 130A and 130B. The film pressing part 230 is provided on the film door 213. More specifically, it is provided on the inner side of the film door 213.

[0183] The film pressing part 230 has pressing units 230A and 230B corresponding to a pair of pressing openings 130A and 130B provided in the test strip box 100. Hereinafter, one pressing unit 230A will be referred to as the first pressing unit 230A, and the other pressing unit 230B will be referred to as the second pressing unit 230B, to distinguish between the two. The first pressing unit 230A is inserted into the first pressing opening 130A of the test strip box 100 when the film door 213 is closed. And the second pressing unit 230B is inserted into the second pressing opening 130B of the test strip box 100 when the film door 213 is closed. Therefore, the first pressing opening 130A and the second pressing opening 130B of the test strip box 100 are arranged corresponding to the first pressing opening 130A and the second pressing opening 130B of the test strip box 100 that are filled into the test strip box filling chamber 221. As described above, the first pressing opening 130A is disposed on the upper side of the test strip box 100 (i.e., downstream side in the discharge direction of the developing film 10), and the second pressing opening 130B is disposed on the lower side of the test strip box 100 (i.e., upstream side in the discharge direction of the developing film 10). Therefore, the first pressing unit 230A is disposed on the upper side of the film door 213 (i.e., downstream side in the discharge direction of the developing film 10), and the second pressing unit 230B is disposed on the lower side of the film door 213 (i.e., upstream side in the discharge direction of the developing film 10).

[0184] Figure 26 This is a 3D view of the pressing unit. Figure 27 This is an exploded 3D view of the pressing unit.

[0185] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the pressing units 230A and 230B consist of a main frame 231, a pair of pressing rods 232 and a pair of springs 233.

[0186] The main frame 231 has a thin plate shape that corresponds to the inner circumferential shape of the pressing openings 130A and 130B, and is configured to be inserted into the pressing openings 130A and 130B. The main frame 231 is mounted to the film door 213 by screws 234.

[0187] A pair of pressing rods 232 have a rod-like shape and are arranged in a cross configuration. Each pressing rod 232 has a shaft 232a at its base end. Each pressing rod 232 is flexibly supported on the main frame 231 via the shaft 232a.

[0188] A pair of springs 233 apply force to a pair of pressing rods 232 in the protruding direction. That is, the front end of each pressing rod 232 applies force in the direction of protrusion from the main frame 231. The springs 233 are, for example, torsion springs and are mounted on the shaft 232a of the pressing rod 232.

[0189] When the film door 213 is closed, the pressing units 230A and 230B are inserted into the pressing openings 130A and 130B of the test paper box 100, which is filled in the test paper box filling section 220. With the pressing units 230A and 230B inserted into the pressing openings 130A and 130B, a pair of pressing rods 232 abut against the light-shielding plate 140, and the light-shielding plate 140 is pressed towards the instant film 10 by the force of the spring 233. As a result, the instant film 10 inside the test paper box 100 is pressed to the front side of the test paper box 100 along the stacking direction.

[0190] Thus, by pressing with the film pressing part 230, the instant film 10 inside the test strip box 100 is held in a predetermined position. In particular, the instant film 10 at the front end is held in a predetermined position.

[0191] In this embodiment, the film pressing part 230 is an example of a pressing part. Furthermore, the first pressing unit 230A is an example of a first pressing part, and the second pressing unit 230B is an example of a second pressing part. Additionally, the pressing rod 232 provided in the pressing units 230A and 230B is an example of a pressing component.

[0192] [Film Delivery Department]

[0193] The film delivery unit 240 delivers the instant development films 10 one by one from the test strip box 100 filled in the test strip box filling unit 220. As described above, the delivery of the instant development films 10 is performed by a chuck.

[0194] The film feed unit 240 includes a chuck 241 and a chuck drive unit (not shown) that drives the chuck 241. The chuck drive unit includes a drive source and a drive mechanism, which moves the chuck 241 along a predetermined movement path.

[0195] The instant film 10 inside the test strip box 100 engages with the movable claw 241, and is fed out one by one from the front end. In this embodiment, the film feeding section 240 is an example of a feeding section.

[0196] [Film Transport Department]

[0197] The film transport unit 250 receives the instant film 10 from the test paper box 100 and transports it along a predetermined transport path.

[0198] Figure 28 and Figure 29 This is a perspective view showing the general structure of the film transport section. Additionally, Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the transported developing film 10 as observed from the exposure surface 10a. Furthermore, Figure 29 This is a three-dimensional view of the transported instant film 10 as observed from the observation surface 10b.

[0199] The film transport unit 250 includes a transport roller pair 251, a spreading roller pair 252, and a film transport drive unit 253, etc. In this embodiment, the film transport unit 250 is an example of a transport unit.

[0200] [Conveyor Roller Pair]

[0201] The conveyor roller pair 251 consists of a drive roller 251A and a pinch roller 251B. The drive roller 251A and the pinch roller 251B clamp the developing film 10 and convey it. In the conveyor roller pair 251, the drive roller 251A is arranged on the exposure surface 10a side of the developing film 10, and the pinch roller 251B is arranged on the observation surface 10b side.

[0202] The drive roller 251A has a pair of abutment portions 251A1. The abutment portions 251A1 are configured as large-diameter portions with a predetermined width and are disposed near both ends of the drive roller 251A. The drive roller 251A abuts the abutment portions 251A1 against the display film 10 to clamp the display film 10. More specifically, the abutment portions 251A1 abut against the side edge portions 13 of the display film 10 to clamp the display film 10. Therefore, the abutment portions 251A1 and the side edge portions 13 of the display film 10 are correspondingly disposed.

[0203] The drive roller 251A has multiple small protrusions (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface of the contact portion 251A1. These small protrusions function as anti-slip elements (so-called spikes) during conveying.

[0204] The pinch roller 251B is pressed against the drive roller 251A by a force-applying mechanism (not shown). More specifically, its outer periphery is pressed against the abutment portion 251A1 of the drive roller 251A.

[0205] The instant film 10, fed from the test paper box 100 by the gripper 241, is supplied between the drive roller 251A and the pinch roller 251B. The instant film 10 supplied between the drive roller 251A and the pinch roller 251B is conveyed by the rotating drive roller 251A. At this time, the two side edges (parts of the side edges 13) are clamped and conveyed by the drive roller 251A and the pinch roller 251B. More specifically, the two side edges are clamped and conveyed by the abutment portion 251A1 of the drive roller 251A and the pinch roller 251B.

[0206] [Unroller Pair]

[0207] The spreading roller pair 252 is disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 251. The spreading roller pair 252 consists of a first spreading roller 252A and a second spreading roller 252B, and transports the developing film 10 by clamping it between the first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B. Then, during this transport process, the developing solution is spread out. The first spreading roller 252A is disposed on the exposure surface 10a side of the developing film 10, and the second spreading roller 252B is disposed on the observation surface 10b side.

[0208] The developing film 10, fed from the conveyor roller pair 251, is supplied between the first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B. The developing film 10 supplied between the first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B is conveyed by the rotating first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B. At this time, it is conveyed by being clamped by the first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B over the entire width direction. The developing film 10 is flattened by being conveyed while being clamped by the first spreading roller 252A and the second spreading roller 252B. As a result, developing solution is supplied from the solution 14. The developing solution spreads from upstream to downstream through the conveying of the developing film 10. Then, the remaining portion is captured by the collection unit 16.

[0209] The developing film 10, which is unfolded by the developing solution, is conveyed to the unfolding roller pair 252 and discharged from the printing outlet 212.

[0210] [Film Transport Drive Unit]

[0211] The film transport drive unit 253 drives the transport roller pair 251 and the unfolding roller pair 252. More specifically, it rotates and drives the drive roller 251A that constitutes the transport roller pair 251, and the first unfolding roller 252A and the second unfolding roller 252B that constitute the unfolding roller pair 252.

[0212] The film transport drive unit 253 consists of a motor 253A as a drive source and a gear mechanism 253B that transmits the power of the motor 253A to the drive roller 251A, the first unfolding roller 252A and the second unfolding roller 252B.

[0213] Motor 253A is positioned between conveyor roller pair 251 and unfolding roller pair 252. The output shaft of motor 253A is arranged parallel to the rotation shafts of conveyor roller pair 251 and unfolding roller pair 252.

[0214] The gear mechanism 253B is composed of a gear train consisting of multiple gears, including a first gear 253B1, a second gear 253B2, a third gear 253B3, a fourth gear 253B4, a fifth gear 253B5, and a sixth gear 253B6.

[0215] The first gear 253B1 is located on the output shaft of the motor 253A. The first gear 253B1 is driven to rotate by the motor 253A.

[0216] The second gear 253B2 is an idler gear. The second gear 253B2 is rotatably supported on a frame (not shown). The second gear 253B2 meshes with the first gear 253B1, the third gear 253B3, and the fourth gear 253B4. The second gear 253B2 rotates by transmitting the rotation of the first gear 253B1.

[0217] The third gear 253B3 is disposed on the drive roller 251A. The third gear 253B3 meshes with the second gear 253B2. The third gear 253B3 rotates by transmitting the rotation of the second gear 253B2. The drive roller 251A rotates due to the rotation of the third gear 253B3.

[0218] The fourth gear 253B4 is disposed on the first unfolding roller 252A. The fourth gear 253B4 meshes with the second gear 253B2. The fourth gear 253B4 rotates by transmitting the rotation of the second gear 253B2. The first unfolding roller 252A rotates due to the rotation of the fourth gear 253B4.

[0219] The fifth gear 253B5 is disposed together with the fourth gear 253B4 on the first unfolding roller 252A. Therefore, the fifth gear 253B5 rotates by the rotation of the first unfolding roller 252A.

[0220] The sixth gear 253B6 is disposed on the second unfolding roller 252B. The sixth gear 253B6 meshes with the fifth gear 253B5. The sixth gear 253B6 rotates by transmitting the rotation of the fifth gear 253B5. The second unfolding roller 252B rotates due to the rotation of the sixth gear 253B6.

[0221] If the drive motor 253A is used, the film transport drive unit 253 configured as described above will rotate and drive the drive roller 251A, the first unfolding roller 252A, and the second unfolding roller 252B via the gear mechanism 253B. Specifically, the rotation of the motor 253A is transmitted from the first gear 253B1 to the third gear 253B3 via the second gear 253B2, causing the drive roller 251A to rotate. Furthermore, the rotation of the motor 253A is transmitted from the first gear 253B1 to the fourth gear 253B4 via the second gear 253B2, causing the first unfolding roller 252A to rotate. And, through the rotation of the first unfolding roller 252A, its rotation is transmitted via the fifth gear 253B5 to the sixth gear 253B6, causing the second unfolding roller 252B to rotate.

[0222] The instantaneous film 10 is fed out by the rotation of the drive roller 251A, the first unfolding roller 252A and the second unfolding roller 252B, and the instantaneous film 10 is conveyed along the conveying path.

[0223] [Testing Department]

[0224] The detection unit includes a film front detection unit 260 that detects the front end of the film 10 at a predetermined position on the conveying path, and a rotation amount detection unit 270 that detects the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A.

[0225] [Film Front-End Inspection Department]

[0226] As described above, the film front detection unit 260 detects the front end of the developing film 10 at a predetermined position on the transport path. In other words, the film front detection unit 260 detects that the front end of the developing film 10 has passed a predetermined position (reference position) on the transport path. As an example, in this embodiment, a reference position is set between the transport roller pair 251 and the unfolding roller pair 252. Therefore, the film front detection unit 260 detects that the front end of the developing film 10 has passed the reference position.

[0227] As an example, the film front detection unit 260 of this embodiment uses a detection switch 261 to detect the front end of the i.e. display film 10.

[0228] The detection switch 261 has a swinging detection rod 261A. The detection switch 261 is turned on and off by the swinging of the detection rod 261A. More specifically, it is turned on by pushing down the detection rod 261A. And it is automatically turned off by releasing the pushing force.

[0229] The detection switch 261 is positioned where the detection rod 261A engages with the display film 10 that has passed the reference position. That is, the detection rod 261A is configured to be pushed down by the display film 10 passing the reference position. This results in a structure where the detection switch 261 is activated when the front end of the display film 10 passes the reference position, and deactivated when the rear end of the display film 10 passes the reference position.

[0230] Therefore, the presence of the display film 10 passing the reference position can be detected by detecting the state of the detection switch 261 (on or off). That is, by detecting that the detection switch 261 is on, it is possible to detect that the front end of the display film 10 has passed the reference position, and by detecting that the detection switch 261 is off, it is possible to detect that the rear end of the display film 10 has passed the reference position.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection switch 261 is used to detect the structure of the front end of the display film 10, but the detection of the structure of the front end of the display film 10 is not limited to this. In addition, for example, a non-contact sensor or the like can also be used to detect the structure of the front end of the display film 10.

[0232] [Rotation Measurement Unit]

[0233] As described above, the rotation detection unit 270 detects the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A. As an example, in this embodiment, an optical encoder (rotary encoder), and especially a reflective encoder, is used to detect the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A.

[0234] Figure 30 It is a perspective view including the drive roller of the rotation detection unit. Figure 31 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the rotation detection unit.

[0235] As described above, in this embodiment, encoder 271 is used to detect the amount of rotation of drive roller 251A.

[0236] The encoder 271 is a reflective type and has a code disk (encoder disk) 272 and a sensor module 273.

[0237] The code disk 272 is a disc-shaped scale with a structure in which reflective parts 272A and non-reflective parts 272B are alternately arranged on the circumference.

[0238] The code disk 272 is mounted on the shaft 251A2 of the drive roller 251A. As an example, in this embodiment, the code disk 272 is mounted on the gear (third gear 253B3) mounted on the shaft 251A2 of the drive roller 251A. More specifically, the code disk 272 is mounted on the inner side (drive roller side) of the third gear 253B3. In particular, in this embodiment, the third gear 253B3 has a circular recess 253B3a on its inner side capable of accommodating the code disk 272, and the code disk 272 is disposed within this recess 253B3a and mounted on the third gear 253B3. That is, the code disk 272 is mounted on the bottom surface of the recess 253B3a and on the third gear 253B3. Thus, by providing a recess 253B3a on the inner side of the third gear 253B3, and housing the code disk 272 within this recess 253B3a, the required width (axial width of the drive roller 251A) for mounting the encoder 271 can be reduced. That is, the effective tooth width of the third gear 253B3 can be sufficiently ensured, and the sensor module 273 can be positioned close to the third gear 253B3, thereby reducing the required width for mounting. This enables overall miniaturization. In particular, miniaturization in the lateral direction (axial direction of the drive roller 251A) is achieved. Furthermore, since the effective tooth width of the third gear 253B3 can be ensured, the risk of breakage caused by the load torque during transport can be reduced. Moreover, by arranging the code disk 272 within the recess 253B3a, the reduction in detection accuracy caused by dust generated by the gears can be suppressed.

[0239] In this embodiment, the code disk 272 is an example of a reflective component. Furthermore, the recess 253B3a on the inner side of the third gear 253B3 is an example of a second recess.

[0240] In addition, in this embodiment, the code disk 272 is configured to be placed in the recess 253B3a of the third gear 253B3, but the code disk 272 only needs to be installed coaxially with the third gear 253B3.

[0241] Sensor module 273 has a light-projecting part 273A and a light-receiving part 273B on the same surface and is arranged opposite to code disk 272. Therefore, sensor module 273 is disposed inside the third gear 253B3 (drive roller side). The light-projecting part 273A has a light-projecting element (not shown) and projects light toward code disk 272. The light-receiving part 273B has a light-receiving element (not shown) and receives light reflected by code disk 272. That is, light projected from light-projecting part 273A and reflected by code disk 272 is received by light-receiving part 273B.

[0242] The light projected from the projection section 273A is reflected only by the reflective section 272A of the code disk 272. The reflective sections 272A are arranged at a constant interval, so the amount of rotation of the code disk 272 can be detected by detecting the reflection of light from the code disk 272 by the light receiving section 273B.

[0243] By detecting the rotation amount of the encoder 272, the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A on which the encoder 272 is mounted can be detected. Furthermore, by detecting the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A, the speed of the display film 10 conveyed by the drive roller 251A can be detected.

[0244] Thus, the rotation detection unit 270 of this embodiment adopts a structure that uses a reflective encoder 271 and arranges the encoder 271 inside the third gear 253B3 driving the drive roller 251A (drive roller side). As a result, the printer 200 can be miniaturized. In particular, miniaturization in the lateral direction (axial direction of the drive roller 251A) can be achieved.

[0245] [Exposure Department]

[0246] Figure 32 This is a rough structural diagram of the exposure department.

[0247] like Figure 32 As shown, the exposure unit 280 exposes the instant film 10 to light (printing light) on the exposure surface 10a of the instant film 10 being transported on the transport path. That is, an image is recorded by exposure.

[0248] In this embodiment, the exposure unit 280 exposes the instant film 10 between the test strip cartridge filling unit 220 and the film transport unit 250. That is, the instant film 10 delivered from the test strip cartridge 100 is exposed on the upstream side of the film transport unit 250 (more specifically, on the upstream side of the transport roller pair 251). Therefore, the exposure unit 280 is disposed between the test strip cartridge filling unit 220 and the film transport unit 250.

[0249] The exposure unit 280 includes an exposure head 281. The exposure head 281 is composed of a so-called linear nozzle and is arranged intersecting the transport direction of the developing film 10. As an example, in this embodiment, it is arranged orthogonally to the transport direction of the developing film 10.

[0250] The exposure head 281 includes: a light source 282 that emits linear printing light; and an optical system 283 that focuses the light emitted from the light source 282 onto the exposure surface 10a of the instantaneous developing film 10.

[0251] The light source unit 282 has a plurality of light-emitting elements (not shown) arranged in an array. The light-emitting elements selectively emit light according to the image recorded (printed) on the instant film 10. In this embodiment, the light source unit 282 is disposed opposite to the exposure surface 10a of the instant film 10 transported on the transport path.

[0252] An optical system 283 is disposed between the developing film 10 and the light source unit 282, which are transported along the transport path. The optical system 283 comprises at least one lens. As an example, in this embodiment, it comprises a condenser lens array 283A. The condenser lens array 283A includes a plurality of refractive index distribution lenses arranged in an array, with their optical axes orthogonal to the exposure surface 10a of the developing film 10. For example, an SLA (Selfoc lens array) manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (Selfoc / SELF should be a registered trademark) can be used in the condenser lens array 283A.

[0253] Light emitted from each light-emitting element of the light source 282 is transmitted through each refractive index distribution lens of the focusing lens array 283A constituting the optical system 283 to form an image on the exposure surface 10a of the instant film 10. By emitting printing light from the light source 282 in conjunction with the transport of the instant film 10, the image is recorded on the instant film 10.

[0254] As described above, the printer 200 of this embodiment has a structure in which the developing film 10 is pressed and laminated from the exposure surface 10a side. In this type of printer 200, such as Figure 32 As shown, a space is formed on the exposure surface 10a side relative to the developing film 10 discharged from the test strip box 100 (in Figure 32In the diagram, area A is enclosed by a dotted line. That is, it has a structure where the developing film 10 is stacked on the exposure surface 10a side, with the front developing film 10 as a reference. Therefore, inside the frame 210, a wider space is formed on the exposure surface 10a side compared to the observation surface 10b side. By effectively utilizing this space to configure the exposure unit 280, miniaturization of the printer 200 can be achieved. In particular, miniaturization (thinning) of the frame 210 in the thickness direction (front-back direction; z-axis direction) can be achieved. That is, the exposure unit 280 can be accommodated and configured within approximately the thickness of the test paper tray 100, enabling a thinner frame 210.

[0255] [Printer's electrical structure]

[0256] Figure 33 It is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of a printer.

[0257] like Figure 33 As shown, the printer 200, as an electrical component, includes a test paper tray filling detection unit 222, a film door opening / closing detection unit 223, a film feeding unit 240, a film transport unit 250, a film front end detection unit 260, a rotation amount detection unit 270, an exposure unit 280, a control unit 291, an operation unit 292, a wireless communication unit 293, an audio output unit 294, and a power control unit 295.

[0258] The test strip filling detection unit 222, the film door opening and closing detection unit 223, the film delivery unit 240, the film transport unit 250, the film front end detection unit 260, the rotation amount detection unit 270, and the exposure unit 280 are as described above.

[0259] The control unit 291 oversees the operation of the printer 200. The control unit 291 may be, for example, a computer equipped with a processor 291A and a memory 291B. That is, the computer functions as the control unit 291 by executing a predetermined program. The processor 291A may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 291B includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory, etc. The memory 291B stores the program executed by the processor 291A and the data required for control. The terms "program" and "software" are synonymous.

[0260] The operation unit 292 is a user interface unit for inputting various settings and instructions related to printing. The operation unit 292 has operating components such as physical buttons, switches, and dials, and handles power on / off and various setting instructions.

[0261] Under the control of the control unit 291, the wireless communication unit 293 communicates wirelessly with external devices (e.g., smartphones). The communication method is not particularly limited. Communication based on standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be used. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 293 can support communication based on multiple communication standards. As an example, in this embodiment, wireless communication with external devices is performed via Bluetooth.

[0262] The audio output unit 294 includes a speaker, and under the control of the control unit 291, it outputs a specified sound (e.g., operation tone, start tone, warning tone, etc.).

[0263] Under the control of the control unit 291, the power control unit 295 controls the power supply to each part and the charging of the built-in battery (not shown).

[0264] [Functions of the Control Department]

[0265] When using printer 200, control unit 291 mainly performs the following processes.

[0266] (1) Handling during test paper filling

[0267] If the test strip box 100 is filled into the test strip box filling chamber 221, the cover sheet 160 is discharged from the test strip box 100.

[0268] The control unit 291 detects the filling of the test strip box 100 into the test strip box filling chamber 221 via the test strip box filling detection unit 222. Furthermore, the control unit 291 detects the opening and closing of the film door 213 via the film door opening and closing detection unit 223.

[0269] If the filling of the test strip box 100 is detected by the test strip box filling detection unit 222 and the film door 213 is detected to be closed by the film door opening and closing detection unit 223, the control unit 291 drives the film delivery unit 240 and the film transport unit 250 to discharge the cover sheet 160 from the test strip box 100.

[0270] (2) Printing process

[0271] The control unit 291 receives a print job instruction (print job) from an external device (e.g., a smartphone) connected to the destination and executes the printing process. Connection to the external device is established via the wireless communication unit 293.

[0272] The control unit 291 receives the image data to be printed from the external device connected to the destination via the wireless communication unit 293.

[0273] The control unit 291 performs prescribed signal processing on the received image data to generate printing data. That is, data for recording on the instant film 10 is generated via the exposure head 281.

[0274] After generating printing data, the control unit 291 controls the film delivery unit 240, the film transport unit 250, and the exposure unit 280 to perform printing processing.

[0275] First, the film feeder 240 is controlled to eject one developing film 10 from the test strip box 100. Specifically, the gripper 241 is actuated to eject one developing film 10 from the test strip box 100.

[0276] The control unit 291 activates the film transport unit 250 in accordance with the timing of the instant film 10 discharged from the test paper box 100 arriving at the film transport unit 250, thereby transporting the instant film 10. Specifically, the film transport drive unit 253 is activated to rotate the transport roller pair 251 and the unfolding roller pair 252, and the instant film 10 is transported by the rotating transport roller pair 251 and the unfolding roller pair 252.

[0277] The control unit 291 drives the exposure unit 280 to record an image on the transported instant film 10. That is, light (printing light) is irradiated onto the exposure surface 10a to expose the instant film 10. At this time, the control unit 291 controls the exposure based on the exposure unit 280 according to the outputs from the film front detection unit 260 and the rotation amount detection unit 270. Specifically, the start position of the exposure (the start position of image recording) is controlled based on the detection result of the front end of the instant film 10 based on the film front detection unit 260. Furthermore, the exposure interval (the interval between light emitted from the light source unit 282) is controlled based on the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A based on the rotation amount detection unit 270. Specifically, the transport speed of the instant film 10 is calculated based on the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A, and the exposure is controlled to be synchronized with the transport of the instant film 10.

[0278] Once the exposed developing film 10 has been exposed, its front end capsule 14 passes through the spreading roller pair 252 during transport, whereby the developing solution is squeezed out from the capsule 14 and spread out in the exposure area 12. Thus, development is performed.

[0279] The control unit 291 stops the film transport drive unit 253 in a timely manner corresponding to the timing of the rear end of the instant film 10 passing through the unfolding roller pair 252. The instant film 10 is held in a state where a portion is discharged from the printing exit 212.

[0280] [The effect of the printer and test paper tray]

[0281] According to the printer 200 of this embodiment configured as described above, by adopting a structure in the rotation detection unit 270 in which an encoder 271 for detecting the rotation of the drive roller 251A is disposed inside the third gear 253B3 (drive roller side), it is possible to miniaturize (narrow) the frame 210 in the width direction (x-axis direction).

[0282] Furthermore, by employing a structure in which the developing film 10 is pressed and stacked from the exposure surface 10a side, the space formed within the frame 210 can be effectively utilized to arrange the exposure section 280. As a result, miniaturization (thinning) of the frame 210 in the thickness direction (front-back direction; z-axis direction) can be achieved.

[0283] On the other hand, if a structure is adopted in which the developing film 10 is pressed from the exposure surface 10a side, an opening (pressing opening 130A, 130B) is provided on the exposure surface 10a side of the test paper box 100. Therefore, when the test paper box 100 is processed in a non-darkroom environment, it is easy to expose (compared to a structure with an opening on the observation surface 10b side, it is easier to expose).

[0284] However, in the test strip box 100 of this embodiment, the exposure surface 10a of the instantaneous film 10 inside the test strip box 100 is covered by a light-shielding plate 140 with a non-porous shape, thus effectively suppressing exposure.

[0285] Furthermore, since the light shield 140 has light shielding protrusions 143A and 143B that fit into the pressing openings 130A and 130, it can further effectively suppress light leakage from the pressing openings 130A and 130.

[0286] [Variation Example]

[0287] [1] Modified examples of printers

[0288] [Film pressing part]

[0289] (1) According to the pressure setting

[0290] In the above embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the instant display film 10 is pressed at two points inside the test strip box 100 filled in the test strip box filling chamber 221. However, the structure for pressing the instant display film 10 is not limited to this. Any structure that can press at least one point is acceptable. However, in order to achieve more stable delivery, it is preferable to press at multiple points. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the pressing part along the delivery direction (discharge direction) of the instant display film 10.

[0291] When employing a structure that presses the instant film 10 at multiple locations, the pressing force can be set to different values ​​for each location. For example, in the printer 200 of the above embodiment, the pressing force (first pressing force) of the first pressing unit 230A (first pressing part) and the pressing force (second pressing force) of the second pressing unit 230B (second pressing part) can be set to different values. In this case, it is preferable to set the pressing force of the pressing unit (pressing part) on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the instant film 10 to be less than the pressing force of the pressing unit (pressing part) on the downstream side. That is, it is preferable to set the pressing force to be greater closer to the film discharge port 120. Therefore, for example, in the printer 200 of the above embodiment, it is preferable to set the pressing force (second pressing force) of the second pressing unit 230B (second pressing part) disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction to be less than the pressing force (first pressing force) of the first pressing unit 230A (first pressing part) disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction (first pressing force > second pressing force).

[0292] Thus, by increasing the pressing pressure on the downstream side of the transport direction, i.e., the side near the film outlet 120, the floating of the instant film 10 discharged from the film outlet 120 can be suppressed, achieving stable transport of the instant film 10 and thus enabling high-quality image recording. That is, since the instant film 10 is a long strip, stable transport can be achieved by pressing at multiple points. On the other hand, if the pressing pressure on the upstream side of the transport direction is increased, floating is more likely to occur on the downstream side of the transport direction. That is, floating is more likely to occur on the instant film 10 discharged from the film outlet 120. Floating of the instant film 10 at the film outlet 120 can affect exposure, etc. By increasing the pressing pressure on the downstream side of the transport direction, the floating of the instant film 10 discharged from the film outlet 120 can be suppressed, enabling high-quality image recording.

[0293] The pressing force can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the spring constant of the spring 233 that applies force to the pressing rod 232 in each pressing unit 230A, 230B.

[0294] (2) A structure with a pressing part on the side of the test strip box.

[0295] In the above embodiment, the printer 200 is provided with a mechanism (pressing part) for pressing the instant film 10, but it can also be provided in the test paper box 100. For example, in the test paper box 100 of the above embodiment, a structure can be adopted in which a force-applying member such as a spring is arranged in the housing 110, and the force-applying member applies force to the light shield 140. In addition, a structure can be adopted in which the first light shield 141 is given spring properties (for example, configured as a leaf spring), and the first light shield 141 presses the instant film 10 in the stacking direction.

[0296] Therefore, since the test paper cartridge 100 has a pressing mechanism, a pressing mechanism on the printer 200 side is not needed. Furthermore, the test paper cartridge 100 does not need a pressing opening.

[0297] [Exposure Department]

[0298] The exposure unit 280 of the above embodiment has a structure (a so-called straight-line optical system) in which the light source unit 282 constituting the exposure head 281 is arranged opposite to the exposure surface 10a of the developing film 10, and the optical axis of the optical system 283 is orthogonal to the exposure surface 10a of the developing film 10. However, the structure of the exposure unit 280 is not limited to this. For example, a structure (a so-called curved optical system) can be used in which the light emitted from the light source unit 282 is bent and focused onto the exposure surface 10a. In this case, for example, a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) is used for a part of the optical system to bend the optical axis.

[0299] Figure 34 This diagram compares the exposure section using a straight-line optical system with the exposure section using a curved optical system. Figure 34 In the diagram, (A) represents the structure of the exposure unit 280 employing a straight-line optical system (the exposure unit 280 used in the printer 200 of the above embodiment). Furthermore, (B) represents the structure of the exposure unit 280 employing a curved optical system.

[0300] like Figure 34 As shown in (B), the exposure unit 280 employing a curved optical system includes a condenser lens array 283A and a reflector 283B in the optical system 283. The reflector 283B bends the light from the light source unit 282. The light source unit 282 emits light along the transport direction of the developing film 10. That is, it emits light parallel to the exposure surface 10a. The optical axis of the condenser lens array (SLA, for example) 283A is also arranged along the transport direction of the developing film 10. Therefore, the optical axis of the condenser lens array 283A is also arranged parallel to the exposure surface 10a. The reflector 283B reflects the light that has passed through the condenser lens array 283A toward the exposure surface 10a of the developing film 10. In this example, the light is reflected in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the condenser lens array 283A.

[0301] like Figure 34 As shown, by employing a curved optical system, the space required for assembling the exposure section 280 in the front-to-back direction (z-axis direction) can be reduced. That is, as... Figure 34 As shown in (A), in the exposure section 280 of the linear optical system, when assembled to the frame, a space of width (thickness) Z1 is required in the front-back direction of the frame (the direction orthogonal to the exposure surface 10a of the developing film 10). On the other hand, in the exposure section 280 of the curved optical system, as... Figure 34As shown in (B), the exposure unit 280 can be assembled within a space narrower than width Z1 by width Z2 (Z2 < Z1). This allows for a reduction in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction; z-axis direction) of the frame 210. In other words, the frame 210 can be made thinner.

[0302] [Rotation Measurement Unit]

[0303] In the above embodiment, the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A is detected by the rotation amount detection unit 270, but it can also be configured to detect the rotation amount of other rollers, such as the first unfolding roller 252A or the second unfolding roller 252B. Therefore, for example, it can be configured to mount the encoder 272 on a gear other than the third gear 253B3 and detect its rotation amount.

[0304] However, for higher accuracy in detecting the speed of the instant film 10, it is preferable to configure the structure to detect the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A. The drive roller 251A rotates with almost no slippage between itself and the instant film 10. Therefore, by detecting the rotation amount of the drive roller 251A, the speed of the instant film 10 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0305] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the encoder 272 is configured to be mounted on the gear (third gear 253B3), but it can also be configured to be mounted on the shaft portion of the roller. For example, it can be configured to be mounted on the shaft portion between the encoder and the gear.

[0306] On the other hand, by designing the structure to be mounted on the gear, the code disk 272 can be stably maintained and its width can be reduced. In particular, as described in the above embodiment, the width can be reduced by providing a recess on the side of the gear and arranging the code disk 272 within the recess. At the same time, it is also possible to suppress the reduction in detection accuracy caused by dust or other contaminants generated by the gear.

[0307] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a disc-shaped scale is used as the code disk, but the shape of the scale in the encoder is not limited to this and can be appropriately deformed according to the shape of the installed component.

[0308] [2] Modified example of test strip box

[0309] [Film discharge port]

[0310] Figure 35 This is another example of a film outlet in a test strip box. Figure 35 This is equivalent to a top view of the test strip box. Additionally, for clarity, illustrations of the baffle, stop film, and instant display film have been omitted.

[0311] like Figure 35 As shown, the film outlet 120 in this example has a protrusion. Figure 35In the example shown, the film outlet 120 has a first protrusion 120A and a second protrusion 120B with a rectangular shape at both ends along the long side.

[0312] The first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B restrict the width of the film outlet 120 (the width in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the film outlet 120) to suppress the extrusion of the instant film 10. Specifically, the width of the film outlet 120 is restricted so that only one sheet of instant film 10 can pass through. Therefore, the height (protrusion amount) of the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B is set such that the width restricted by the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B is narrower than the thickness of two sheets of instant film.

[0313] Furthermore, in relation to the cover plate 160, the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B are positioned at the recess 163. More specifically, the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B are positioned with the top of the recess 163 separated from each other. In other words, the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B are positioned such that the top of the recess 163 is located between the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B.

[0314] The cover sheet 160 is preferably configured such that the recess 163 is slightly thicker than the width limited by the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B. More specifically, it is preferably configured such that the thickest part of the recess 163 (the top of the recess 163) is disposed between the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B, and its thickness is slightly thicker than the width limited by the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B. In this case, the recess 163 is flattened as it passes through the first protrusion 120A and the second protrusion 120B when the cover sheet 160 is discharged. Thus, the carry-out of the instant film 10 can be suppressed when the cover sheet 160 is discharged.

[0315] In addition, Figure 35 In the example shown, the protrusions (first protrusion 120A and second protrusion 120B) of the film outlet 120 are rectangular, but the shape of the protrusions is not limited to this. Any shape that limits the width of the film outlet 120 and can suppress the film 10 from being carried out is acceptable. Therefore, for example, a triangular shape could also be used.

[0316] [Cover film]

[0317] As described above, the cover plate 160 is configured to overlap with the observation surface 10b of the front end of the display film 10, and functions to block the opening 150 for the claws from the inside of the housing 110. Since the cover plate 160 is a component provided for the purpose of blocking light, it is ejected after the test paper cartridge 100 is loaded into the printer 200.

[0318] In order for the cover sheet 160 to be smoothly discharged, the cover sheet 160 needs to be correctly positioned within the housing 110. That is, it needs to be positioned in the specified position without offset.

[0319] To suppress displacement within the housing 110, the cover sheet 160 is preferably configured such that its front end engages with the film outlet 120. Specifically, it is configured (held) within the housing 110 such that a portion of its front end enters the film outlet 120.

[0320] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the overlay is configured. Figure 37 It is magnification Figure 36 A diagram of the main parts.

[0321] like Figure 36 and Figure 37 As shown, when the cover sheet 160 is housed in the housing 110, the front end of the cover sheet 160 is positioned such that a portion of it enters the film outlet 120. Because a portion of the front end of the cover sheet 160 enters the film outlet 120, it can be configured to resist shifting even under vibration and impact. Furthermore, it allows for easy assembly. That is, by installing it with the front end entering the film outlet 120 during assembly, positioning becomes easy, and assembly is readily achievable.

[0322] Figure 38 This is a front perspective perspective view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet. Figure 39 This is a rear-view perspective view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet. Furthermore, Figure 40 This is a front view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet. Figure 41 This is a rear view showing an example of a preferred cover sheet.

[0323] The cover sheet 160 is preferably configured such that a portion of the recess 163 protrudes partially. That is, it is preferably configured such that a portion of the recess 163 partially enters the film outlet 120.

[0324] As described above, the film outlet 120 has protrusions (first protrusion 120A and second protrusion 120B) corresponding to the position of the recess 163. Therefore, by making a portion of the recess 163 protrude into the film outlet 120, positional displacement can be effectively suppressed. That is, by setting the structure to the narrowest part entering the film outlet 120, the effect of restraining the cover sheet 160 can be improved, and positional displacement can be effectively suppressed.

[0325] Furthermore, by partially protruding a portion of the recess 163, the stop film 162 can be positioned appropriately. The portion where the stop film 162 is mounted has a structure that is recessed rearward relative to a portion of the recess 163.

[0326] Furthermore, regarding the cover sheet 160, it is preferable to chamfer the edge portion (at least the front edge portion in the conveying direction). That is, it is preferable to remove the sharp-angled edge portion and form the edge portion with an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface.

[0327] Figure 42 This is an example of a cover sheet with chamfered edges.

[0328] Figure 42 This example illustrates a case where a C-shaped chamfer is applied to the edge portion 160c, forming a corner with an inclined surface. By chamfering the edge portion 160c, smooth paper ejection from the printer is achieved. Specifically, it allows for easy and smooth paper ejection between the unfolding roller pairs 252 (preventing paper jams and other issues).

[0329] Besides C-beveling, R-beveling can also be used for chamfering.

[0330] [Structure of the shell]

[0331] As described above, it is preferable that the housing body 111 and the cover 112 have a protrusion 113 and a recess 114 that are mutually fitted only when properly assembled (see reference). Figure 9 and Figure 10 This prevents misassembly.

[0332] The protrusion 113 and the recess 114 can be provided on either the housing body 111 or the cover 112, with the protrusion 113 provided on the other side.

[0333] If miniaturization of the housing 110 is considered, the protrusion 113 provided by the housing 110 is preferably thin. On the other hand, if the thickness of the protrusion 113 is reduced, the strength will decrease and it will be easily damaged by impact or the like. Furthermore, when the cover 112 and the housing body 111 are ultrasonically welded, the protrusion 113 may be damaged by vibration during the welding process.

[0334] Therefore, the protrusion 113 is preferably in a shape that is not easily damaged even when it is thinned.

[0335] Figure 43 This diagram shows another example of the protrusions and recesses present in the main body and cover of the housing. Furthermore, Figure 44 It is magnification Figure 43 A diagram of a portion (the convex and concave parts).

[0336] like Figure 43 and Figure 44 As shown, the protrusion 113 in this example has a rounded portion 113a (so-called rounded corner) at its base end. That is, the bottom of the trapezoid (the boundary portion between the protrusion 113 and the cover 112) has a rounded portion 113a.

[0337] Thus, by making the base end of the protrusion 113 into an arc shape, the stress concentration at the base end can be reduced, and the strength of the protrusion 113 can be improved (the rigidity can be improved).

[0338] In addition, in this case, the concave portion 114 is also provided with an arc portion 114a at the entrance portion, corresponding to the shape of the convex portion 113.

[0339] Figure 45 This is another example of the shape of a convex part.

[0340] Figure 45 This example illustrates a case where the protrusion 113 has an arc-shaped form. In this case, by providing an arc-shaped portion 113a at the base end of the protrusion 113, the strength of the protrusion 113 can also be improved.

[0341] Thus, by making the base of the protrusion 113 rounded, the protrusion 113 can be made thinner while ensuring strength. Furthermore, this allows the test paper box 100 to be miniaturized.

[0342] In this example, the base end of the protrusion 113 is shaped as an arc, but it could also be shaped as a tapered extension at the base end. However, from the viewpoint of reducing stress concentration, an arc shape is preferred.

[0343] Furthermore, in ultrasonic welding, the relationship between the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration applied from the welding head to the workpiece and the natural vibration frequency of the workpiece affects the weld quality. Typically, when the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration is the same as or close to the natural vibration frequency of the workpiece, resonance occurs, and the vibration amplitude may become excessive. As a result, unnecessary stress concentration occurs in areas outside the welded portion, potentially leading to deformation, cracks, whitening, or breakage. Therefore, when ultrasonically welding the cover 112 and the housing body 111, it is preferable to ensure that the natural vibration frequency of the protrusion 113 is sufficiently far away from the driving frequency of the ultrasonic welding. This suppresses breakage of the protrusion 113 caused by resonance.

[0344] In order to make the inherent vibration frequency of the protrusion 113 sufficiently far away from the driving frequency of ultrasonic welding, as described above, it is preferable to provide an arc portion 113a at the base end of the protrusion 113 or adjust the thickness to adjust the shape or mass distribution of the protrusion 113.

[0345] [Inner surface treatment of the housing]

[0346] As described above, the test paper cartridge 100 loaded in the printer 200 is used with the instant film 10 inside the housing 110 pressed in the stacking direction. The pressing of the instant film 10 is performed by the film pressing part 230 of the printer 200. The instant film 10 inside the housing 110 is pressed by the film pressing part 230, thereby pressing the front end of the instant film 10 against the inner surface of the front side of the housing 110. As a result, the front end of the instant film 10 is always positioned in a predetermined position inside the housing 110 (facing the film outlet 120).

[0347] However, if the instant film 10 is pressed, the observation surface 10b of the instant film 10 may rub against the inner surface of the housing 110 during discharge, causing damage.

[0348] Therefore, the housing 110 preferably has a structure that reduces the coefficient of friction with the instant film 10 (low-friction structure). This helps to suppress scratches on the viewing surface 10b of the instant film 10 during discharge.

[0349] The friction-reducing structure may be provided at least on the surface through which the observation surface 10b of the instant film 10 slides when the instant film 10 is discharged. In the case of the housing 110 of the above embodiment, it may be provided at least on the inner surface of the front side of the housing body 111.

[0350] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the specific structure of the friction-reducing structure. Any structure that minimizes the coefficient of friction between the structure and the viewing surface 10 of the instant film is acceptable. For example, a smooth surface can be used to allow the viewing surface 10b of the instant film 10 to slide. In the case of the housing 110 of the above embodiment, the inner surface of the front side of the housing body 111 is formed by a smooth surface. For example, when the housing 110 is resin-molded, the smooth surface is achieved by grinding the surface of the molding die. In the case of the housing 110 of the above embodiment, the smooth surface is achieved by grinding the surface of the mold that shapes the inner surface of the front side of the housing body 111 (for example, by performing a mirror finish).

[0351] Furthermore, if the entire inner surface of the housing body 111 is made of a smooth surface, light is prone to leak into the housing due to internal reflection (specular reflection) when it enters through the claw opening 150. Therefore, when smoothing the inner surface of the housing body 111, it is preferable to smooth it except around the claw opening 150. This can suppress internal reflection of light entering through the claw opening 150.

[0352] Figure 46 This is a diagram illustrating an example of smoothing applied to the inner surface of the housing body. Figure 46 This is equivalent to the rear view of the main body 111 of the housing.

[0353] exist Figure 46 In the diagram, the sparsely shaded area 111A is a region composed of smooth surfaces, while the densely shaded area 111B is a region composed of non-smooth surfaces. On the inner surface of the front side of the housing body 111, the area except around the claw opening 150 is composed of smooth surfaces. This suppresses internal reflection of light entering from the claw opening 150.

[0354] Furthermore, the region 111B, which is a non-smooth surface (rough surface structure) surrounding the opening 150 of the chuck, is provided for the purpose of suppressing internal reflection. Therefore, its surface roughness is set to a value that can reduce internal reflection.

[0355] In addition to the above, the area 111B around the opening 150 of the chuck can also be treated with matte black finish, flocking, micro-textured texture, or low-reflection coating to suppress internal reflection.

[0356] Furthermore, regarding the friction-reducing structure, in addition to being composed of a smooth surface, methods such as forming the inner surface of the housing body 111 with a low-friction material or providing a low-friction layer on the inner surface can also be used. For example, a silicone-based or fluorine-based lubricating coating can also be provided on the inner surface to reduce friction.

[0357] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0358] [Applicable Equipment]

[0359] In the above embodiments, the application of the present invention to a printer was described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to cameras with a built-in printer (so-called cameras with a printer). A camera with a printer is a camera that has an image-capturing unit and a printer as an exposure device in a frame. The image-capturing unit has a structure that functions as a digital camera.

[0360] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to devices that have functions other than printers.

[0361] [Recorded Media]

[0362] In the above embodiments, the invention was described as an example of applying it to an exposure apparatus (printer) using instant film in a recording medium, but the application of the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can be applied to any apparatus that uses a sheet-like recording medium with an exposure surface on one side and records images through exposure (light irradiation).

[0363] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the developing film has a so-called elongated shape, but the shape of the developing film is not limited to this, and various shapes (aspect ratios) can be adopted.

[0364] [Postscript]

[0365] Regarding the implementation methods described above, the following notes are also disclosed. [1]

[0367] A test strip cartridge contains stacked sheets of recording media within a housing, and the recording media are discharged sheet by sheet from a slit-shaped outlet provided in the housing. The test strip cartridge includes a cover sheet that overlaps with the recording medium at the front end and is discharged from the outlet. The cover is disposed within the housing such that its front end engages with the outlet. [2]

[0369] According to the test kit described in [1], wherein, The front end portion of the cover is inserted into the outlet and disposed within the housing. [3]

[0371] According to the test kit described in [1] or [2], wherein, The cover sheet has a protrusion at the front end of the surface opposite to the recording medium. [4]

[0373] According to the test kit described in [3], wherein, The cover is disposed within the housing such that a portion of the protrusion is inserted into the outlet. [5]

[0375] A test strip cartridge contains stacked sheets of recording media within a housing, and the recording media are discharged sheet by sheet from a slit-shaped outlet provided in the housing. The shell comprises a shell body and a cover. The housing body and the cover have protrusions and recesses that fit together only when properly assembled. The base ends of the convex portion and the concave portion are formed by arcuate portions. [6]

[0377] A test strip cartridge contains stacked sheets of recording media within a housing, and the recording media are discharged sheet by sheet from a slit-shaped outlet provided in the housing. The housing has a structure on at least the surface on which the recording medium slides to reduce the coefficient of friction with the recording medium. [7]

[0379] According to the test kit described in [6], wherein, The surface of the housing is composed of a smooth surface. [8]

[0381] According to the test kit described in [6] or [7], wherein, The housing has an opening for inserting jaws to discharge the recording medium. In addition to the area around the opening for the jaws, it has a structure that reduces the coefficient of friction with the recording medium.

[0382] [other]

[0383] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "same" and "identical" have the meaning of "comparatively the same" in addition to "completely identical" in terms of design and manufacturing tolerances.

[0384] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "coaxial" means not only completely coaxial, but also "approximately coaxial" including allowable errors in design and manufacturing.

[0385] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "orthogonal" means not only that it is perfectly orthogonal, but also that it is "approximately orthogonal" to include allowable errors in design and manufacturing.

[0386] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "parallel" means not only perfectly parallel, but also "generally parallel" including allowable errors in design and manufacturing.

[0387] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "synchronization" means not only complete synchronization but also the range that is substantially considered to be synchronized (meaning "roughly synchronized").

[0388] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "simultaneous" means not only complete simultaneity but also the range of things that are substantially considered to be simultaneous ("approximately simultaneous").

[0389] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "constant" means not only completely constant, but also a range that is substantially recognized as constant (meaning "almost constant").

[0390] Furthermore, the technology illustrated in the above embodiments can be modified, replaced, added, and omitted in various ways within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0391] Symbol Explanation

[0392] 10-Developing film, 10a-Exposure surface, 10b-Observation surface, 12-Exposure area, 13-Side edge, 14-Capsule, 14a-Developer solution capsule, 16-Collection section, 16a-Absorbent material, 18-Observation area, 18a-Frame, 100-Test paper box, 110-Shell, 111-Shell body, 111A-Smooth surface area, 111B-Non-smooth surface area, 112-Cover, 112a-Light shield joint, 113-Protrusion of cover, 113a-Arc portion of protrusion, 114-Concave portion of shell body, 114a-Arc portion of concave portion, 120-Film outlet, 120A-First protrusion of film outlet, 120B-Second protrusion of film outlet, 121-Baffle 130 - Pressing opening, 130A - Pressing opening (first pressing opening), 130B - Pressing opening (second pressing opening), 140 - Light shield, 140a - Joint with cover, 141 - First light shield, 141a - Slit of first light shield, 142 - Second light shield, 142a - Joint of first and second light shields, 143A - Light shielding protrusion, 143B - Light shielding protrusion, 144 - Engaging avoidance part, 144A - Recess, 144B - Cutout, 150 - Claw opening, 150A - Claw bottom opening, 150B - Claw front opening, 160 - Cover plate, 160B - Back side of cover plate, 160F - Cover plate Front view, 160c - Edge of the cover sheet, 161 - Skirt component, 162 - Stop film, 200 - Printer, 210 - Frame, 212 - Printing exit, 213 - Film door, 214 - Film door locking component, 220 - Test paper cartridge filling section, 221 - Test paper cartridge filling chamber, 222 - Test paper cartridge filling detection section, 223 - Film door opening / closing detection section, 230 - Film pressing section, 230A - Pressing unit (first pressing unit), 230B - Pressing unit (second pressing unit), 231 - Main frame, 232 - Pressing rod, 232a - Shaft of pressing rod, 233 - Spring, 234 - Screw, 240 - Film feed section, 241 - Claw, 250 - Film transport section, 251 - Transport roller pair 251A - Drive roller, 251A1 - Contact part of drive roller, 251A2 - Shaft, 251B - Pinch roller, 252 - Unwinding roller pair, 252A - First unwinding roller, 252B - Second unwinding roller, 253 - Film transport drive unit, 253A - Motor, 253B - Gear mechanism, 253B1 - First gear, 253B2 - Second gear, 253B3 - Third gear, 253B3a - Recess on the side of the third gear, 253B4 - Fourth gear, 253B5 - Fifth gear, 253B6 - Sixth gear, 260 - Film front end detection unit, 261 - Detection switch, 261A - Detection rod, 270 - Rotation detection unit, 271 - Encoder, 272 - Code disk, 272A - Reflector272B - Non-reflective section, 273 - Sensor module, 273A - Light projection section, 273B - Light receiving section, 280 - Exposure section, 281 - Exposure head, 282 - Light source section, 283 - Optical system, 283A - Condensing lens array, 283B - Reflector, 291 - Control section, 291A - Processor, 291B - Memory, 292 - Operation section, 293 - Wireless communication section, 294 - Audio output section, 295 - Power control section, CL - Claw, CL1 - Claw engaging section, F - Film feed direction, PA - Pressing component, PB - Pressing component.

Claims

1. An exposure apparatus comprising: The receiving portion is in which a sheet-like recording medium with an exposure surface on one side is stacked and housed with the exposure surfaces aligned. The pressing part presses the recording medium housed in the receiving part from the exposure surface side toward the stacking direction; The delivery section delivers the recording medium, located at the front end of the pressing section in the pressing direction, from the receiving section; The conveying unit conveys the recording medium sent out from the receiving unit; and An exposure unit is disposed between the receiving unit and the conveying unit, and exposes the exposure surface of the recording medium sent from the receiving unit by irradiating it with light.

2. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing part has a first pressing part and a second pressing part arranged sequentially from the downstream side to the upstream side along the delivery direction of the recording medium. The first pressing part presses the recording medium with a first pressing force. The second pressing part presses the recording medium with a second pressing force different from the first pressing force.

3. The exposure apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The second pressing part presses the recording medium with a second pressing force that is less than the first pressing force.

4. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The recording medium is housed in a test strip box, and the test strip box is housed in the receiving section.

5. The exposure apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The test strip box includes: A housing that accommodates the recording medium and has a first opening on a surface facing the exposure surface of the recording medium; and A sheet-like light-shielding component is disposed within the housing, covering the first opening from the inside of the housing, and has a protrusion that inserts into the first opening. The pressing part includes a pressing member, which is inserted into the first opening of the test paper box housed in the receiving part and presses the light-blocking member.

6. The exposure apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The light-shielding component includes: A first light-shielding member in the form of an elastically deformable sheet, a portion of which is engaged with the test strip box and disposed within the housing, covering the first opening; and A second light-shielding member in sheet form, a portion of which is joined to and stacked on the first light-shielding member, supports the recording medium.

7. The exposure apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The delivery section has an engaging member that moves along the delivery direction of the recording medium, engaging with the recording medium at the front end and delivering it out of the receiving section. The test strip box has a second opening on the housing for inserting the engaging component. The light-shielding component has a first recess, which corresponds to the position of the second opening and is recessed in the thickness direction. The first recess prevents the light-shielding component from engaging with the engaging component.

8. The exposure apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The light-shielding component has an external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the housing, and has a non-porous shape.

9. The exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, It further possesses: The detection unit detects the speed of the recording medium transported by the transport unit. The conveying unit includes: The roller rotates and applies force to the recording medium; and The gear train transmits power to the rollers. The detection unit includes: A reflective component is disposed on one of the gears constituting the gear train; The light-projecting part projects light onto the reflective component; and A light receiving unit receives light projected from the light projector and reflected by the reflector.

10. The exposure apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The reflective component is provided on the gear on the shaft of the roller.

11. The exposure apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The reflective component is provided on the side of the roller side of the gear.

12. The exposure apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The gear has a second recess on its side, and the reflective component is disposed within the second recess.

13. The exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The exposure unit has: The light source is configured to face the exposure surface of the recording medium discharged from the receiving portion; and An optical system focuses the light emitted from the light source onto the exposure surface.

14. The exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The exposure unit has: Light source section; and An optical system comprising reflective optical elements that bend and focus light emitted from the light source onto the exposure surface.

15. An exposure apparatus comprising: The receiving portion is in which a sheet-like recording medium with an exposure surface on one side is stacked and housed with the exposure surfaces aligned. The pressing part presses the recording medium housed in the receiving part in the stacking direction; The delivery section delivers the recording medium, located at the front end of the pressing section in the pressing direction, from the receiving section; The conveying unit conveys the recording medium sent out from the receiving unit; The exposure unit exposes the recording medium ejected from the receiving section by irradiating the exposure surface with light; and The detection unit detects the speed of the recording medium transported by the transport unit. The conveying unit includes: The roller rotates and applies force to the recording medium; and The gear train transmits power to the rollers. The detection unit includes: A reflective component is disposed on one of the gears constituting the gear train; The light-projecting part projects light onto the reflective component; and A light receiving unit receives light projected from the light projector and reflected by the reflector.

16. The exposure apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The reflective component is provided on the gear on the shaft of the roller.

17. The exposure apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The reflective component is provided on the side of the roller side of the gear.

18. The exposure apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The gear has a second recess on its side, and the reflective component is disposed within the second recess.

19. A test strip cartridge comprising a sheet-like recording medium having an exposure surface on one side, which is stacked and housed with the exposure surfaces aligned, and comprising: A housing that accommodates the recording medium and has a first opening on a surface facing the exposure surface of the recording medium; and A sheet-like light-shielding component is disposed within the housing, covering the first opening from the inside of the housing, and has a protrusion that inserts into the first opening. The recording medium inside the housing is pressed from the first opening through the light-shielding member in the stacking direction from the exposure surface side.

20. The test strip box according to claim 19, wherein, The light-shielding component has: A first light-shielding member in the form of an elastically deformable sheet, a portion of which is engaged with the test strip box and disposed within the housing, covering the first opening; and A second light-shielding member in sheet form, a portion of which is joined to and stacked on the first light-shielding member, supports the recording medium.

21. The test strip box according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The recording medium inside the housing is discharged from the housing by engaging a locking member that moves in the discharge direction. The housing has a second opening for inserting the engaging component. The light-shielding component has a first recess, which corresponds to the position of the second opening and is recessed in the thickness direction. The first recess prevents the light-shielding component from engaging with the engaging component.

22. The test strip box according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The light-shielding component has an external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the housing, and has a non-porous shape.

Images