Printer and digital camera with printer

Abstract

The utility model provides a printer and a digital camera with the printer. The printer can accurately position a photoelectric interrupter through simple operation and can restrain cost increase. The photoelectric interrupter outputs a rotation detection signal of a part which rotates in linkage with conveying of a recording medium. A printer is provided with: an encoder plate (71) in which slits are formed in a radial pattern; a photoelectric interrupter (72) that emits light to and receives light from the encoder plate (71) and outputs a rotation detection signal; a fixed slit plate (73) for limiting the light irradiated by the photoelectric interrupter; and a positioning part for positioning the photoelectric interrupter (72) with respect to the fixed slit plate (73), the positioning part having a reference holding part and a deformable holding part provided at a position facing the reference holding part, the deformable holding part being deformed to hold the photoelectric interrupter (72).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printer that records images on instant film. This printer includes: a pair of transport rollers; a pair of unfolding rollers positioned downstream of the transport rollers in the transport direction, clamping the instant film and unfolding the developer; a motor that provides rotational driving force to both the transport rollers and the unfolding rollers; and a gear system that transmits the rotational driving force from the motor to the transport rollers and the unfolding rollers. The gear system includes: a first gear system that transmits the rotational driving force from the motor to the intermediate gear; a second gear system that directly receives the transmission of the rotational driving force from the first gear system and transmits it to the transport rollers; and a third gear system that directly receives the transmission of the rotational driving force from the first gear system and transmits it to the unfolding rollers.

[0003] The printer described in Patent Document 2 includes an exposure device, the main body of which includes: a cleaning unit, which is movably mounted; a motor, which drives the cleaning unit; and gears and belts, etc., which transmit the driving force of the motor to the cleaning unit.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-300838

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-290157 Utility Model Content

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides an optoelectronic interruptor that can accurately position and output a rotation detection signal of a component that rotates in conjunction with the transport of a recording medium through simple operation, and can suppress the increased costs of printers and digital cameras with printers.

[0007] The present invention relates to a printer comprising an encoder plate that rotates in conjunction with the transport of a recording medium and has radially arranged slits; a photoelectric interruptor that irradiates and receives light onto the encoder plate and outputs a rotation detection signal; a fixed slit plate that constricts the light irradiated by the photoelectric interruptor; and a positioning part that positions the photoelectric interruptor relative to the fixed slit plate, and having a reference holding part and a deformable holding part disposed at a position opposite to the reference holding part, the deformable holding part deforming to hold the photoelectric interruptor.

[0008] The photoelectric interruptor is preferably held between the reference holding part and the deformable holding part.

[0009] The deformable retaining part is preferably a protrusion that protrudes circumferentially along the encoder plate.

[0010] The protrusion of the deformable retaining part is preferably within the dimensional tolerance range of the photoelectric interruptor.

[0011] The preferred positioning part has an opening that accommodates at least a portion of the photoelectric interruptor, and the reference holding part and the deformable holding part are located inside the opening.

[0012] Preferably, when the photoelectric interruptor is housed in the opening, the deformable retaining part is deformed by being pressed by the photoelectric interruptor.

[0013] Preferably, it includes a fixing component that fixes the photoelectric interruptor positioned by the positioning part.

[0014] Preferably, a housing component is provided to hold the encoder plate and the positioning part, and the fixing component is a fastening component that is fastened relative to the housing component.

[0015] Preferably, a conveyor roller is provided for conveying the recording medium, and the encoder plate is coaxially arranged with the conveyor roller.

[0016] The recording medium is preferably instant film, and it is equipped with an exposure head for exposing the instant film to record images.

[0017] In a digital camera with a printer according to one aspect of the present invention, the digital camera includes: the aforementioned printer; and an imaging element for photographing a subject, the recording medium being instant film, the printer having an exposure head that exposes the image captured by the imaging element onto the instant film. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 It is a front-view perspective view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a central longitudinal sectional view of a digital camera with a printer.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a rear-side perspective view of a digital camera with a printer, with the filling cap in the closed position.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the film packaging box.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the film packaging box.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the i-film packaging box.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the film.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the printer section.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the printer section, omitting the housing components, exposure head, and rotation detection sensor.

[0027] Figure 10 It is a 3D view of the printer section.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a 3D view of the rotation detection sensor.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the printer section.

[0030] Figure 13A This is a top view of the encoder board.

[0031] Figure 13B This is a top view of an optoelectronic interruptor.

[0032] Figure 14 These are exploded perspective views of the rotation detection sensor and perspective views of the cover components.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a top view of the cover component.

[0034] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the cover component cut along the XVI-XVI line.

[0035] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the installation of the photoelectric interruptor on the cover component.

[0036] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the dimensions of the reference retaining part and the deformable retaining part in the receiving part.

[0037] Figure 19A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of positioning the photoelectric interruptor by the reference holding part and the deformable holding part, showing the state before it is held by the reference holding part and the deformable holding part.

[0038] Figure 19B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of positioning the photoelectric interruptor by the reference holding part and the deformable holding part, showing the state after being held by the reference holding part and the deformable holding part.

[0039] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of a conventional printer equipped with an optocoupler. Detailed Implementation

[0040] [First Implementation]

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

[0042] exist Figure 1 The digital camera 10 with printer of this invention includes a camera body 11, an image-capturing unit 12, and a printer unit 13. An image-capturing window 15 and a release switch 16 are provided on the front surface of the camera body 11. The image-capturing window 15 is located at the center of the front surface of the camera body 11. The image-capturing window 15 allows the imaging optical system 19 (see reference 13) constituting the image-capturing unit 12 to pass through. Figure 2 Exposure.

[0043] The camera body 11 has a long, rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The digital camera 10 with a printer uses instant film 28 as a sheet-like recording medium (see reference). Figure 7 The instant film 28 is, for example, a card-type instant film. However, it is not limited to this; square or wide-angle instant films can also be used. The instant film 28 corresponds to the recording medium in the technical solution.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera unit 12 includes a camera optical system 19 and a camera element 20. The camera element 20 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, having a light-receiving surface composed of multiple pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element that performs photoelectric conversion on the image of the subject image imaged onto the light-receiving surface by the camera optical system 19 to generate a camera signal.

[0045] Imaging element 20 includes signal processing circuits such as a noise cancellation circuit, an automatic gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit (none shown). The noise cancellation circuit performs noise cancellation processing on the captured signal. The automatic gain controller amplifies the level of the captured signal to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the captured signal into a digital signal and outputs it from imaging element 20 to the built-in memory (not shown). The output signal of imaging element 20 is image data (so-called RAW data) with one color signal per pixel.

[0046] By pressing the release switch 16, the imaging element 20 is driven, thereby capturing an image of the subject. A film outlet 21 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 11. The ready-to-develop film 28, after image printing, is discharged from the film outlet 21.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, a loading cover 22 is mounted on the rear side of the camera body 11 via a hinge portion 22a. The hinge portion 22a is in the open position ( Figure 2 The position shown by the solid line) and the closed position ( Figure 2The loading cover 22 is rotatably supported between the positions indicated by the double-dotted lines. In addition, a locking mechanism and a locking release mechanism (not shown) are provided between the camera body 11 and the loading cover 22. The locking mechanism keeps the loading cover 22 in the closed position, and if the locking release mechanism is activated, the loading cover 22 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 containing the instant film 28 is filled into the filling chamber 23. A plurality of film pressing parts 22b are provided on the inner surface of the filling cover 22.

[0049] When the instant film packaging box 24 is filled in the filling chamber 23 and the filling cover 22 is in the closed position, multiple film pressing parts 22b pass through the opening 32a (see reference). Figure 7 Enter the interior of the instant film packaging box 24 and press the film pressing plate 27 (see reference). Figure 7 As a result, the instant film 28 inside the instant film packaging box 24 is pressed in the stacking direction.

[0050] A rear display unit 17 and an operation unit 18 are provided on the outer surface of the loading cover 22, i.e., on the back of the camera body 11. The rear display unit 17 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or an OLED (Organic Electroluminescent Display). One frame of image data output from the imaging element 20 is sequentially input to the rear display unit 17 and displayed as a live view image.

[0051] If the photographer presses the release switch 16, shooting begins. During shooting, image data is acquired from the imaging element 20. The image data undergoes known image processing by an image processing unit (not shown), followed by compression. Examples of image processing include matrix operations, depigmentation, gamma correction, brightness conversion, chromatic aberration conversion, and resizing. The processed and compressed image data is recorded in a built-in memory (not shown) such as flash memory located within the camera body 11.

[0052] If the menu switch of the operation unit 18 is pressed, the image is reproduced and displayed on the rear display unit 17 based on the image data recorded in the built-in memory. Furthermore, when the image to be printed is displayed on the rear display unit 17, the photographer presses the print switch of the operation unit 18, thereby initiating printing processing based on the printer unit 13.

[0053] [Structure of the Immediately Displayed Film Packaging Box]

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the instant film packaging box 24 includes a shell 26, a film pressing plate 27, multiple instant films 28, and a film cover 30.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 26 houses multiple instant films 28 and a film cover 30 stacked together. The housing 26 is formed of a thermoplastic resin or a paper resin mixed with cellulose, etc. The housing 26 consists of a box-shaped housing component 31 and a cover 32 covering an opening formed on the back side of the housing component 31.

[0056] An exposure opening 31a for exposing the instant film 28 is formed on the housing component 31. Hereinafter, the surface in the instant film packaging box 24 where the exposure opening 31a is formed will be referred to as the "front surface," the surface opposite to the "front surface" as the "back surface," the surface opposite to the film outlet 21 of the camera body 11 as the "top surface," and the surface opposite to the "top surface" as the "bottom surface." Inside the housing component 31, a film cover 30 is stacked on the front surface of the initial instant film 28 into which the exposure opening 31a is first placed. Thus, the exposure opening 31a is tightly blocked by the film cover 30. Furthermore, a known claw component 59 (see reference) is provided at the lower part of the exposure opening 31a for mounting on a camera. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The notch 31b is a straight notch through which the claw component 59 passes when delivering the developing film 28 or the film cover 30. The notch 31b connects from the lower part of the exposure opening 31a to the bottom surface of the housing component 31.

[0057] An outlet 31c is formed on the upper surface of the housing component 31. The outlet 31c is slit-shaped. Through the claw component 59 inserted into the notch 31b of the housing component 31, the film 28 or film cover 30 is fed out one by one from the outlet 31c to the outside of the film packaging box 24.

[0058] A light-shielding seal 31d is attached to the housing component 31 in a manner that blocks the feed outlet 31c from the outside. The light-shielding seal 31d is formed in the form of a flexible sheet. The light-shielding seal 31d is attached only to one edge of the long side of the feed outlet 31c so as not to become an obstruction when the film 28 or film cover 30 passes through the feed outlet 31c.

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

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

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

[0062] The film pressing plate 27 is composed of two sheets 27a and 27b made of elastic synthetic resin. When the filling cover 22 is closed, sheet 27a is pressed by multiple film pressing parts 22b, bending it in a manner that protrudes towards the cover 32. An opening 27c and a pair of holes 27d are formed on sheet 27a. The opening 27c is formed longitudinally in the central portion of sheet 27a for inserting a support piece 32d. A pair of rivet pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27d for mounting the film pressing plate 27 onto the cover 32.

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

[0064] [The structure of the developing film]

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the developing film 28 comprises a mask 33, a photosensitive film 34, a cover plate 35, a developer reservoir 36, and a collection section 37, and is a so-called monolithic film. The mask 33 is formed into a sheet shape from a thin layer of synthetic resin and has an image opening 33a. A photosensitive layer, a diffuse reflection layer, and an image receiving layer are provided on the photosensitive film 34. The cover plate 35 has an exposure surface 28a opposite to the exposure head 50, which will be described later.

[0066] The developer sac 36 is formed in a generally bag-like shape and contains developer 38 inside. The developer sac 36 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 on the outlet 31c side and is wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33. The collection part 37 is attached to the end of the photosensitive film 34 on the side opposite to the outlet 31c side and is also wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33.

[0067] During printing, the photosensitive layer is exposed to printing light by the developing film 28. During development, the developer sac 36 is ruptured, and the developer 38 flows into the gap 39 between the photosensitive film 34 and the cover plate 35 and is spread out. The image formed by the exposure of the photosensitive layer is inverted through the diffuse reflection layer and transferred onto the image receiving layer. Thus, a positive image appears on the image viewing surface 40 of the photosensitive film 34 exposed from the image opening 33a.

[0068] The film cover 30 is formed into a thin sheet and has light-blocking and flexibility. When used, the instant film packaging box 24 is filled into the filling chamber 23, and the film cover 30 passes through the unfolding roller 54 (described later) Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is discharged into the film discharge port 21.

[0069] [Structure of the printer section]

[0070] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the printer unit 13 consists of an exposure head 50 and a housing component 51 (see reference). Figure 10 ), roller drive mechanism 52, a pair of conveying rollers 53, a pair of unfolding rollers 54, unfolding control component 55, front end detection switch 56, rotation detection sensor 57, cover component 58 (reference) Figure 10 and Figure 12 It consists of a gripper component 59, a gripper component drive mechanism 61, and a control unit 62. The printer unit 13 is equivalent to the printer in the technical solution.

[0071] In addition, Figure 8 and Figure 9 To avoid complexity, the illustrations of housing components 51 and the like are omitted. However, the printer unit 13 is actually constructed by mounting an exposure head 50, a roller drive mechanism 52, a conveying roller 53, an unfolding roller 54, an unfolding control component 55, a front detection switch 56, a rotation detection sensor 57, a cover component 58, a gripper component 59, and a gripper component drive mechanism 61 on the housing component 51.

[0072] Furthermore, the following explanation will use the conveying direction of the conveying roller 53 to convey the i.e., the conveying direction of the i.e., the film 28, which is orthogonal to the Y direction, as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions as the Z direction.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, the housing component 51 is formed into a box shape with an open rear side of the camera body 11, and a loading chamber 23 is integrally provided therein. Additionally, in Figure 10 The image shows the state in which the film packaging box 24 is filled in the filling chamber 23. The housing component 51 is formed, for example, from a resin material.

[0074] As described above, the instant film packaging cassette 24 is filled into the loading chamber 23. The instant film 28 ejected from the instant film packaging cassette 24 is recorded by the printer unit 13.

[0075] [Structure of conveyor roller pairs and unfolding roller pairs]

[0076] The conveyor roller 53 and the unfolding roller 54 are supported by bearings (not shown) located in the housing component 51. The conveyor roller 53 and the unfolding roller 54 are driven to rotate by the roller drive mechanism 52 and convey the film cover 30 and the display film 28. The roller drive mechanism 52 includes, for example, a motor that serves as the drive source and a drive transmission gear train that transmits the rotational driving force.

[0077] The conveyor roller 53 consists of a drive roller 65 and a pinch roller 66. The drive roller 65 and the pinch roller 66 are positioned to clamp the conveyor path of the display film 28 (see reference). Figure 8 The drive roller 65 consists of a pair of cylindrical holding roller components 65a, a drive gear 65b, and a rotating shaft 65c that holds each holding roller component 65a and the drive gear 65b.

[0078] The pinch roller 66 consists of a roller component 66a, a drive gear 66b, and a rotating shaft 66c. Drive gears 65b and 66b are located at both ends of the rotating shafts 65c and 66c and mesh with each other. Furthermore, one end of the rotating shaft 65c is connected to a motor via a drive transmission gear system. Therefore, if the motor rotates, the drive roller 65 and the pinch roller 66 rotate synchronously. The instant film 28 discharged from the instant film packaging box 24 is conveyed towards the unfolding roller 54 via the conveyor roller 53.

[0079] The spreading roller 54 is composed of spreading rollers 67 and 68, and is positioned downstream of the conveying roller 53 in the conveying direction. Spreading roller 67 is positioned on the side of the developing film 28 opposite to the exposure surface 28a. Spreading roller 68 is positioned on the side of the developing film 28 opposite to the image viewing surface 40. A motor is connected to one end of spreading rollers 67 and 68 via a drive transmission gear train. Therefore, if the motor rotates, spreading rollers 67 and 68 rotate synchronously.

[0080] The spreading roller 54, covering its entire width, clamps the developing film 28 conveyed by the transport roller 53 and transports it to the film outlet 21. The developer sac 36 of the developing film 28 is flattened by being clamped by the spreading roller 54. As a result, the developer is released through the gap 39 (reference). Figure 7 Expand (extend) within ).

[0081] The conveyor roller 53 conveys the instant film 28, which is delivered from the instant film packaging box 24 via the jaw member 59, to the film discharge port 21. Additionally, the exposure head 50 exposes the printing light to the exposure position EP (see reference) on the instant film 28. Figure 8 It is located between the outlet 31c of the film packaging box 24 and the transport roller 53. Moreover, exposure based on the above-mentioned exposure head 50 is performed during the transport using the transport roller 53.

[0082] The control unit 62 controls the exposure of the exposure head 50 based on the image data. Exposure based on the exposure head 50 is performed by sequentially exposing the line image onto the instant film 28 while moving the instant film 28 line by line. Thus, a full-frame image is exposed onto the photosensitive layer of the instant film 28. The instant film 28 continues to be conveyed to the unfolding roller 54 via the transport roller 53.

[0083] [Structure of the chuck component and its drive mechanism]

[0084] With the instant film packaging box 24 filled in the filling chamber 23, the claw component 59 enters the interior of the housing 26 and delivers the instant film 28 one by one to the outside of the instant film packaging box 24.

[0085] The claw component 59 is a hook with its front end 59a bent into a C-shape (see reference). Figure 8 The front end 59a engages with the base end of the film 28 for pressing. The claw component 59 is driven linearly and rotaryly by the claw component drive mechanism 61. The claw component drive mechanism 61 is a known structure consisting of a motor and a drive transmission gear system.

[0086] [Structure of the Deployment Control Component]

[0087] like Figure 8 As shown, an unfolding control component 55 is provided between the transport roller 53 and the unfolding roller 54 in the Y direction. The unfolding control component 55 is formed as a plate extending in the X direction and is fixed to the housing component 51. The unfolding control component 55 abuts against the image viewing surface 40 of the transported instant film 28 and controls the distribution of the developing solution unfolded in the gap 39 by rubbing the image viewing surface 40 of the instant film 28.

[0088] [Structure of the front-end detection switch]

[0089] The front detection switch 56, for example a mechanical switch, is located near the unfolding control component 55. The front detection switch 56 is activated by a press from the front end of the display film 28 and is capable of detecting the front end of the display film 28.

[0090] The front-end detection switch 56 is activated by a press from the front end of the instant film 28. The activated front-end detection switch 56 outputs a signal to the control unit 62. Upon receiving the signal from the front-end detection switch 56, the control unit 62 counts the output signals from the rotation detection sensor 57 and then drives the exposure head 50 to begin exposing the instant film 28 to an image.

[0091] [Structure of the Rotation Detection Sensor]

[0092] like Figure 11 As shown, the rotation detection sensor 57 includes an encoder plate 71, a photoelectric interruptor 72, and a fixed slot plate 73. The encoder plate 71 is circular and has multiple slots 71A arranged radially.

[0093] The encoder plate 71 and the drive roller 65, which is one of the conveying rollers 53, are mounted coaxially. Specifically, the center of the encoder plate 71 is fixed to the rotation shaft 65c of the drive roller 65. Thus, when the drive roller 65 rotates, the encoder plate 71 rotates in conjunction with the conveying of the film 28.

[0094] As described above, the drive roller 65 is held by the housing member 51, and therefore the encoder plate 71, which is integrally formed with the drive roller 65, is also supported by the housing member 51. The encoder plate 71 is disposed on the outside of the housing member 51. Furthermore, the end 65d of the rotating shaft 65c (refer to...) Figure 12 It extends through the encoder plate 71 and protrudes to the outside of the housing component 51.

[0095] like Figure 12 As shown, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is an optical sensor having a light-emitting part 72A and a light-receiving part 72B. The photoelectric interruptor 72 is U-shaped, with the light-emitting part 72A disposed at one end and the light-receiving part 72B disposed at the other end, positioned opposite each other. The light-emitting part 72A is, for example, a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving part 72B is, for example, a light-receiving element. The photoelectric interruptor 72 receives light emitted by the light-emitting part 72A through the light-receiving part 72B. In this embodiment, an encoder plate 71 and a fixing slit plate 73 are disposed between the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B. The fixing slit plate 73 is located on the side of the light-emitting part 72A relative to the encoder plate 71. A light aperture slit 73A is formed on the fixing slit plate 73.

[0096] like Figure 13A and Figure 13BAs shown, the width dimension L21 and length dimension L22 of the aperture slit 73A of the fixed slit plate 73 are smaller than the width dimension L11 and length dimension L12 of the slit 71A of the encoder plate 71. Therefore, the fixed slit plate 73 confines the light emitted by the light-emitting part 72A of the photoelectric interruptor 72, and the light-receiving part 72B receives the light amount confined by the fixed slit plate 73. Furthermore, the width direction refers to the circumferential direction R of the encoder plate 71, and the length direction refers to the radial direction D of the encoder plate 71.

[0097] When the slit 71A passes between the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B, the light irradiated by the light-emitting part 72A is not blocked and is received by the light-receiving part 72B, and the photoelectric interruptor 72 outputs an on signal. On the other hand, when the slit 71A does not pass between the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B, that is, when the encoder plate 71 blocks the light irradiated by the light-emitting part 72A, the light-receiving part 72B does not receive light, and the photoelectric interruptor 72 outputs an off signal. In this way, the photoelectric interruptor 72 can output a rotation detection signal that detects the rotation of the encoder plate 71.

[0098] The control unit 62, which receives a signal from the front-end detection switch 56, counts the rotation detection signals from the photoelectric interruptor 72. When the control unit 62 has counted a predetermined number of rotation detection signals, the front end of the exposure surface 28a of the developing film 28 reaches the exposure position EP. Then, the control unit 62 drives the exposure head 50 to begin exposing the image to the exposure surface 28a. Thus, the exposure head 50 can accurately expose the image corresponding to the position of the exposure surface 28a.

[0099] [Structure of the cover component]

[0100] like Figure 14 As shown, the cover component 58 covers the encoder plate 71, which is mounted on the housing component 51 and disposed on the outside of the housing component 51. The cover component 58 has a cover body 74, fixing parts 75A and 75B, receiving part 76, and abutting part 77.

[0101] like Figure 15 As shown, the cover body 74 has a semi-circular portion 74A, a rectangular portion 74B, and a fitting hole 74C, and its outer shape is larger than that of the encoder plate 71. The semi-circular portion 74A is connected to the rectangular portion 74B. The fitting hole 74C is located at the center of the circle formed when the outer peripheral surface of the semi-circular portion 74A is extended. The fitting hole 74C is rotatably fitted with the end 65d of the rotating shaft 65c protruding from the encoder plate 71 (see reference). Figure 12 Therefore, relative to the encoder board 71 and the housing component 51, the positioning cover component 58 is positioned.

[0102] Fixing portions 75A and 75B are located on both sides of the cover body 74. A receiving portion 76 is formed at one end of the rectangular portion 74B. An abutting portion 77 is disposed continuously with the receiving portion 76. Fixing portions 75A and 75B and threaded component 78 (see reference) Figure 14 The cover component 58 is screwed and fastened to the housing component 51. Thus, the cover component 58 is mounted to the housing component 51. That is, the cover component 58 is held by the housing component 51.

[0103] Furthermore, while the fixing parts 75A and 75B are screwed into the threaded part 78, the pressing part 79 is also tightened simultaneously (see reference). Figure 14 The pressing member 79 is fixed to the outside of the cover member 58. The pressing member 79 abuts against the end 65d of the rotating shaft 65c (see reference). Figure 12 Therefore, the rotation axis 65c is restricted from moving axially.

[0104] like Figure 16 As shown, the receiving portion 76 has an opening 81 for receiving at least a portion of the photoelectric interruptor 72, a groove 82 for receiving at least a portion of the fixing plate 73, and reference holding portions 83A and 83B (see reference). Figure 15 ) and deformable retaining parts 84A, 84B (reference) Figure 15 ).

[0105] The groove 82 is formed corresponding to the thickness of the fixing plate 73 and is positioned at the point of passing through the opening 81. When the cover member 58 is mounted on the housing member 51 and the fixing plate 73 is accommodated in the groove 82, the fixing plate 73 is positioned parallel to the encoder plate 71 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0106] The abutment portion 77 is positioned continuously with the groove portion 82. The abutment portion 77 abuts against the fixing seam plate 73 housed in the groove portion 82. This restricts the movement of the fixing seam plate 73 in the axial direction A. Axial direction A refers to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 65c, which is also the axial direction of the encoder plate 71. The fixing seam plate 73 and the threaded component 85 (see reference) Figure 14 The screw is then fastened to the cover component 58. Thus, the fixing seam plate 73 is installed on the cover component 58. Furthermore, when the fixing seam plate 73 is installed on the cover component 58, radial D and circumferential R positioning are also performed.

[0107] like Figure 17 As shown, the opening 81 is formed corresponding to the outer shape of the photoelectric interruptor 72. When the photoelectric interruptor 72 is housed in the opening 81, the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B are positioned at the locations of the clamping encoder plate 71 and the fixing slot plate 73 (see reference). Figure 12 Additionally, in Figures 17-20 To avoid complicating the accompanying drawings, the illustration of the fixing plate 73 has been omitted.

[0108] The opening 81, the reference holding parts 83A and 83B, and the deformable holding parts 84A and 84B correspond to the "positioning parts" in the technical solution. These "positioning parts" position the photoelectric interruptor 72 relative to the fixed seam plate 73. The reference holding parts 83A and 83B and the deformable holding parts 84A and 84B are located inside the opening 81.

[0109] The opening 81 has an inner front end surface 81A and inner side surfaces 81B and 81C. The inner front end surface 81A is positioned opposite to the front end surface 72C of the photoelectric interruptor 72. The inner side surfaces 82B and 82C are positioned opposite to the side surfaces 72D and 72E of the photoelectric interruptor 72.

[0110] Furthermore, the front end face 72C of the photoelectric interruptor 72 refers to the front end face in the radial direction D on the side where the encoder plate 71 and the fixing slot plate 73 are located when the photoelectric interruptor 72 is housed in the opening 81. The side faces 72D and 72E of the photoelectric interruptor 72 are continuous with the front end face 72C and have the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B disposed in the middle. That is, the side faces 72D and 72E are surfaces disposed at different positions in the circumferential direction R relative to the light-emitting part 72A and the light-receiving part 72B.

[0111] like Figure 18 As shown, the inner side surfaces 81B and 81C of the opening 81 are surfaces parallel to the radial direction D. Reference holding parts 83A and 83B are provided on the inner side surface 81B. Deformable holding parts 84A and 84B are provided on the inner side surface 81C. That is, the reference holding part 83A and the deformable holding part 84A are positioned opposite each other, and the reference holding part 83B and the deformable holding part 84B are positioned opposite each other. Furthermore, the spacing between the reference holding part 83A and the deformable holding part 84A, the spacing between the reference holding part 83B and the deformable holding part 84B, and the width dimension L31 of the sides 72D and 72E of the photoelectric interruptor 72 (see reference) are... Figure 17 Correspondingly, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is formed. Thus, it is held between the reference holding portions 83A and 83B and the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B.

[0112] The deformable retaining portions 84A and 84B are protrusions that project circumferentially from the inner side surface 81C. The amount of protrusion P (the dimension of the circumferential direction R) of the deformable retaining portions 84A and 84B is within the external tolerance range of the photoelectric interruptor 72. Furthermore, the radial dimension L41 of the deformable retaining portions 84A and 84B is equal to the amount of protrusion P. When the external tolerance range of the photoelectric interruptor 72 is, for example, 0 mm to 0.1 mm, the amount of protrusion P of the deformable retaining portions 84A and 84B is preferably set to 0.1 mm or less.

[0113] The radial dimension L42 of the reference holding portions 83A and 83B is longer than the radial dimension L41 of the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B, and is sufficient to maintain the shape of the photoelectric interruptor 72. When the photoelectric interruptor 72 is accommodated in the opening 81, the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B are deformed by being pressed by the photoelectric interruptor 72. As a result, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is held between the reference holding portions 83A and 83B and the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B, thereby achieving circumferential positioning R.

[0114] The photoelectric interruptor 72, held and positioned by the reference holding parts 83A, 83B and the deformable holding parts 84A, 84B, is fixed to the housing part 51 by a fixing member. In this embodiment, the fixing member for fixing the photoelectric interruptor 72 is a threaded member 86 (fastening member) that is fastened relative to the housing part 51.

[0115] [The function of the positioning part]

[0116] As described above, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is held between the reference holding portions 83A and 83B and the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B. When the photoelectric interruptor 72 is accommodated in the opening 81 and held in the reference holding portions 83A and 83B and the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is inserted into the opening 81 from the front end face 72C side.

[0117] like Figure 19A As shown, the deformable retaining parts 84A and 84B abut against the photoelectric interruptor 72 inserted into the opening 81. The protrusion P of the deformable retaining parts 84A and 84B is a very small dimension within the dimensional tolerance range of the photoelectric interruptor 72, and therefore deforms under pressure from the photoelectric interruptor 72.

[0118] like Figure 19B As shown, when the photoelectric interruptor 72 is housed in the opening 81, the deformable retaining portions 84A and 84B, pressed by the photoelectric interruptor 72, deform and retain the photoelectric interruptor 72. In the photoelectric interruptor 72, the front end face 72C is pressed into a position abutting against the inner front end face 81A of the opening 81 and thus housed within the opening 81. This allows for radial D positioning of the photoelectric interruptor 72.

[0119] As described above, the photoelectric interruptor 72 is held between the reference holding portions 83A and 83B and the deformable holding portions 84A and 84B, thereby performing circumferential positioning R. The fixed seam plate 73 is positioned relative to the encoder plate 71, therefore the photoelectric interruptor 72 is positioned relative to the fixed seam plate 73.

[0120] like Figure 20As shown, if the structure is like that of a conventional printer without a reference holding part and a deformable holding part, the photoelectric interruptor 72 inserted into the opening 81 is sometimes inserted at an angle relative to the radial direction D. In the case of angled insertion, the position of the photoelectric interruptor 72 is offset relative to the fixed slit plate 73, and sometimes insufficient light from the light-emitting part 72A reaches the aperture slit 73A of the fixed slit plate 73. In this case, the light amount limited by the aperture slit 73A cannot be received by the light receiving part 72B, and the photoelectric interruptor 72 cannot output a rotation detection signal for the conveyor roller 53. Therefore, the photoelectric interruptor 72 needs to be reassembled, resulting in poor yield and increased production costs. Furthermore, if the gap between the photoelectric interruptor 72 and the opening 81 is reduced, it becomes difficult to insert into the opening 81, leading to time and labor costs.

[0121] In contrast, the printer unit 13 of this embodiment includes a positioning unit with reference holding units 83A and 83B and deformable holding units 84A and 84B. Therefore, the photoelectric interruptor 72 will not tilt and will be positioned relative to the fixed seam plate 73. Thus, sufficient light from the light-emitting unit 72A reaches the light aperture slit 73A of the fixed seam plate 73, and the amount of light is limited by the light aperture slit 73A and received by the light-receiving unit 72B. Therefore, the photoelectric interruptor 72 can output a rotation detection signal for the conveyor roller 53.

[0122] As described above, by a simple operation such as inserting the photoelectric interruptor 72 into the opening 81, the photoelectric interruptor 72 can be positioned accurately relative to the fixed seam plate 73. Furthermore, the yield rate is improved, and cost increases can be suppressed.

[0123] In the above embodiments, a single-piece recording medium, i.e., a developing film, is exemplified as the sheet-like recording medium, but the invention is not limited to this; any recording medium can be used, such as thermal paper or inkjet paper. Furthermore, when the recording medium is thermal paper, the printer becomes a thermal printer; when the recording medium is inkjet paper, the printer becomes an inkjet printer. Also, in the above embodiments, examples of applying this invention to digital cameras with built-in printers are given, but the invention is not limited to this; it can also be applied to stand-alone printers. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of applying this invention to digital cameras with built-in printers are given, but the invention is not limited to this; it can also be applied to analog cameras with built-in printers.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit (processing unit) that performs various processes, such as the control unit 62, is as shown below, including various processors. These processors include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) to function as various processing units, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), as well as processors whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, i.e., programmable logic devices (PLDs), and processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing various processes, i.e., dedicated circuits.

[0125] A processing unit can be composed of one of these various processors, or it can be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of CPUs and FPGAs, or a combination of CPUs and GPUs). Furthermore, a single processor can also constitute multiple processing units. As examples of a single processor constituting multiple processing units, firstly, there is the following approach: as exemplified by computers such as client or server computers, a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, there is the following approach: as exemplified by System-on-Chip (SoC), a processor that implements the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units is used, implemented by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, various processing units are constructed as hardware structures using one or more of the aforementioned processors.

[0126] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor components.

[0127] Symbol Explanation

[0128] 10-Digital camera with printer, 11-Camera body, 12-Image sensor unit, 13-Printer section, 15-Image window, 16-Release switch, 17-Rear display section, 18-Operating section, 19-Camera optical system, 20-Imaging element, 21-Film outlet, 22-Loading cover, 22a-Hinge section, 22b-Film pressing section, 23-Loading chamber, 24-Instant film packaging box, 26-Housing, 27-Film pressing plate, 27a, 27b-Film, 27c-Opening, 27d-Hole, 27e-Opening, 27f-Hole, 27g-Lower end, 27h-Lower end, 28-Instant film, 28 a- Exposure surface, 30- Film cover, 31- Housing component, 31a- Exposure opening, 31b- Notch, 31c- Feed outlet, 31d- Light-shielding seal, 32- Cover, 32a- Opening, 32b- Unit support protrusion, 32c- Rivet pin, 32d- Support plate, 33- Mask plate, 33a- Image opening, 34- Photosensitive film, 35- Cover plate, 36- Developer sac, 37- Collection section, 38- Developer, 39- Gap, 40- Image viewing surface, 50- Exposure head, 51- Housing component, 52- Roller drive mechanism, 53- Conveyor roller, 54- Unfolding roller, 55- Unfolding control component, 56- Front end inspection 57-Switch, Rotational Detection Sensor, 58-Cover Component, 59-Claw Component, 59a-Front End, 61-Claw Component Drive Mechanism, 62-Control Unit, 65-Drive Roller, 65a-Holding Roller Component, 65b, 66b-Drive Gears, 65c, 66c-Rotating Shaft, 65d-End, 66-Pinch Roller, 66a-Roller Component, 67, 68-Unfolding Roller, 71-Encoder Plate, 71A-Gap, 72-Photoelectric Interruptor, 72A-Light Emitting Unit, 72B-Light Receiving Unit, 72C-Front End Face, 72D, 72E-Side Face, 73-Fixed Gap Plate, 73A-Light Aperture Gap, 74-Cover Body, 7 4A - Semicircular part, 74B - Rectangular part, 74C - Fitting hole, 75A, 75B - Fixing part, 76 - Receiving part, 77 - Abutting part, 78 - Threaded part, 79 - Pressing part, 81 - Opening part, 81A - Inner front end face, 81B, 81C - Inner side face, 82 - Groove part, 83A, 83B - Reference holding part, 84A, 84B - Deformable holding part, 85 - Threaded part, 86 - Threaded part, A - Axial direction, D - Radial direction, EP - Exposure position, L11, L12, L21, L22, L31, L41, L42 - Dimensions, P - Protrusion amount, R - Circumferential direction, X, Y, Z - Directions.

Claims

1. A printer characterized by comprising: Having: an encoder plate which rotates in conjunction with the transport of a recording medium, and which is formed with slits in a radial direction; a photo interrupter which irradiates light to the encoder plate and receives the light, and which outputs a rotation detection signal; a fixed slit plate which narrows the light irradiated by the photo interrupter; and a positioning portion which positions the photo interrupter with respect to the fixed slit plate, and which has a reference holding portion and a deformable holding portion provided at a position opposite the reference holding portion, the deformable holding portion deforming to hold the photo interrupter.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the photo interrupter is held sandwiched between the reference holding portion and the deformable holding portion.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the deformable holding portion is a protrusion portion which protrudes in a circumferential direction of the encoder plate.

4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein a protruding amount of the deformable holding portion is within a dimensional tolerance range of the photo interrupter.

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion has an opening portion which accommodates at least a portion of the photo interrupter, the reference holding portion and the deformable holding portion being located inside the opening portion.

6. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the deformable holding portion is deformed by being pressed by the photo interrupter in a case where the photo interrupter is accommodated in the opening portion.

7. The printer of claim 1, wherein, Having: a fixed member which fixes the photo interrupter positioned by the positioning portion.

8. The printer of claim 7, wherein, Having: a housing member which holds the encoder plate and the positioning portion, the fixed member is a fastening member which is fastened to the housing member.

9. The printer according to claim 1, wherein having a transport roller which transports the recording medium, the encoder plate is provided coaxially with the transport roller.

10. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recording medium is a photographic paper, the printer has an exposure head which exposes the photographic paper to record an image.

11. A digital camera with a printer, wherein the digital camera has: the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an imaging element which captures a subject, the recording medium is a photographic paper, the printer has an exposure head which exposes the photographic paper to an image captured by the imaging element.

Images