Printers and digital cameras with printers

Abstract

Provided, at a low cost, are a printer and a digital camera equipped with a printer that can accommodate two types of instant-film packs and that can prevent an increase in the number of components.　A printer (13) comprises: a film pack chamber (23) into which either a first instant-film pack or a second instant-film pack can be loaded; an exposure head (51); and a control unit (59). The second instant-film pack is positioned more towards one side in the film pack chamber (23).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and a digital camera with a built-in printer. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Various types of mobile printers or digital cameras with printers are commercially available, which are designed to record images taken with a digital camera or a smartphone on a recording medium such as instant film.

[0003] Printers or digital cameras with printers that use instant film as a recording medium typically have a configuration that includes a loading chamber and an exposure head. The loading chamber is loaded with an instant film pack containing multiple sheets of instant film in a case. The exposure head exposes an image onto the instant film stored in or fed out of the case.

[0004] Instant film comes in a variety of sizes, and printers or digital cameras with printers that can selectively use different sizes of instant film are known. The instant film exposure device described in Patent Document 1 is applicable to the above-mentioned printers, digital cameras with printers, or analog instant cameras, and is equipped with a loading chamber that can store instant film packs of various sizes. The loading chamber is sized to store larger instant film packs, and smaller instant film packs are stored in the space to the left of the partition plate. The partition plate that positions the smaller instant film pack is movable, and when the larger instant film pack is inserted into the loading chamber, it is pressed against the instant film pack case and retracts from the loading chamber.

[0005] On the other hand, the instant film exposure device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a claw member that feeds the instant film from inside the instant film pack. Two claw members are provided at different positions in the loading chamber to match the positions of the instant film packs of different sizes loaded in the loading chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3827217 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the instant film exposure device described in Patent Document 1 has two claw members, and requires a complex mechanism to drive only one of the two claw members according to the instant film pack loaded in the loading chamber, which increases the number of parts and further increases the cost of the printer and the digital camera with printer.

[0008] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems and aims to provide a low-cost printer and digital camera with a printer that can store two types of instant film packs and prevent an increase in the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the printer of the present invention comprises a loading chamber, an exposure head, a transport mechanism, a feeding mechanism, and a positioning unit, the first and second cases have an insertion opening through which a claw member is inserted, the second instant film pack is smaller in width than the first instant film pack, the positioning unit positions the second instant film pack by shifting it to one side in the width direction where the claw member is located, and the insertion openings of the first and second instant film packs positioned in the positioning unit are located at the same position in the loading chamber. The loading chamber is loaded with either a first instant film pack having at least a first case that stores a plurality of first instant film sheets in a stack and has a feed opening for feeding out the first instant film, or a second instant film pack having at least a second case that stores a plurality of second instant film sheets in a stack and has a feed opening for feeding out the second instant film. The exposure head exposes an image on the first or second instant film. The transport mechanism transports the first or second instant film to an exposure position where the exposure head exposes an image. The feeding mechanism is located on one side of the loading chamber in the width direction and has a claw member that enters the inside of the first case or the second case, and the claw member presses the first or second instant film and feeds it out through the feeding opening. The positioning unit positions the first and second instant film packs relative to the loading chamber.

[0010] It is preferable that the second instant film pack has a step portion that is larger in dimension than the first instant film pack in a thickness direction that is parallel to the loading direction into the loading chamber and perpendicular to the width direction, and that the positioning portion is composed of a first positioning portion that positions the first instant film pack by abutting against both side surfaces of the first instant film pack, and a second positioning portion that engages with the step portion to position the second instant film pack relative to the loading chamber by shifting it to one side in the width direction where the claw member is located.

[0011] Preferably, the step portion is a rib that extends parallel to a length direction perpendicular to the width direction and thickness direction and protrudes in the thickness direction, and the second positioning portion is a positioning groove that fits into the rib.

[0012] The first positioning portion is preferably a wedge-shaped positioning protrusion provided on a side surface of the loading chamber, and the second positioning portion is preferably located more inward of the loading chamber in the width direction than the first positioning portion.

[0013] A digital camera with a printer according to the present invention comprises the above-described printer and an imaging unit having an imaging optical system, capturing an image of a subject, and outputting image data to the printer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to store two types of instant film packs and prevent an increase in the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital camera with a printer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of the digital camera with a printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera with a printer with the loading lid in the closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera with a printer with the loading lid in the open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first instant film pack. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first instant film pack. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first instant film pack. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first instant film. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first instant film. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second instant film pack. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second instant film pack as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second instant film pack. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of the second instant film. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the film pack chamber as seen from another angle. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for comparing the dimensions of a first instant film pack and a second instant film pack. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera with a printer loaded with a first instant film pack. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera with a printer loaded with a second instant film pack. [Figure 21] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the digital camera with a printer showing the configuration around the cutout of the loading chamber. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing dimensions of a spike roller member and a sub-roller member. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a pair of conveying rollers and a first instant film. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the pair of conveying rollers and the second instant film. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a first instant film, a second instant film, and an exposure head. [Figure 27] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the detection switch. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart illustrating exposure head switching control by a control unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a control unit and an exposure head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [Outline of digital camera with printer] 1, a digital camera 10 with a printer of the present invention comprises a camera body 11, an imaging unit 12, and a printer section 13. On the front surface of the camera body 11, an imaging window 15 and two release switches 16A and 16B are provided.

[0017] The camera body 11 has a roughly square shape when viewed from the front. The digital camera with printer 10 selectively uses one of two types of instant film 28, 29 (see Figures 9 and 13). The first instant film 28 is square-shaped, and the second instant film 29 is card-shaped. As will be described later, the second instant film 29 has a smaller dimension in the width direction X than the first instant film 28, but the dimension in the transport direction is the same.

[0018] The imaging window 15 is disposed in the center of the front surface of the camera body 11. The imaging window 15 exposes an imaging optical system 19 (see FIG. 2) that constitutes the imaging unit 12.

[0019] 2, the imaging unit 12 is provided with an imaging optical system 19 and a solid-state imaging element 20. The solid-state imaging element 20 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and has a light-receiving surface configured with a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, and performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed on the light-receiving surface by the imaging optical system 19 to generate an imaging signal.

[0020] The solid-state imaging device 20 includes signal processing circuits (none of which are shown) such as a noise reduction circuit, an auto-gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit. The noise reduction circuit performs noise reduction processing on the imaging signal. The auto-gain controller amplifies the level of the imaging signal to an optimum value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the imaging signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the solid-state imaging device 20 to an internal memory (not shown). The output signal from the solid-state imaging device 20 is image data (so-called RAW data) having one color signal for each pixel.

[0021] When at least one of the release switches 16A and 16B is pressed, the solid-state image sensor 20 is driven to capture an image of a subject.

[0022] A film ejection opening 21 is provided on the top surface of the camera body 11. From the film ejection opening 21, a first instant film 28 on which an image has been printed is ejected.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, a loading lid 22 is attached to the rear side of the camera body 11 by a hinge portion 22c. The hinge portion 22c supports the loading lid 22 so that it can rotate freely between an open position (the state shown in Fig. 4) and a closed position (the state shown in Fig. 3). In the open position, the loading lid 22 exposes the film pack chamber 23 inside the camera body 11. In the closed position, the loading lid 22 covers the film pack chamber 23. A locking mechanism and an unlocking mechanism (not shown) are provided between the camera body 11 and the loading lid 22. The locking mechanism holds the loading lid 22 in the closed position, and when the unlocking mechanism is operated, the loading lid 22 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, either a first instant film pack 24 containing a first instant film 28 or a second instant film pack 25 containing a second instant film 29 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23 (loading chamber). The user selects one of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 containing the first and second instant films 28, 29 they wish to use and loads it into the film pack chamber 23. The loading lid 22 is provided with a pair of film holders 22a on its inner surface. The film pack chamber 23 is also provided with a detection switch 78 (see Figs. 17 and 27).

[0025] A rear display unit 17 and an operation unit 18 are provided on the outer surface of the loading lid 22, i.e., on the rear surface of the camera body 11. The rear display unit 17 is configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Image data for one frame output from the solid-state imaging device 20 is sequentially input to the rear display unit 17 and displayed as a through image.

[0026] Shooting begins when the photographer presses at least one of the release switches 16A and 16B. During shooting, image data is acquired from the solid-state image sensor 20. This image data is subjected to known image processing by an image processing unit (not shown) and then compressed. Image processing includes, for example, matrix calculation, demosaic processing, gamma correction, brightness conversion, color difference conversion, and resizing. The processed and compressed image data is recorded in an internal memory (not shown), such as a flash memory, provided within the camera body 11.

[0027] When the menu switch 18a of the operation unit 18 is pressed, an image is reproduced and displayed on the rear display unit 17 based on the image data recorded in the built-in memory. When an image that the photographer wants to print is displayed on the rear display unit 17, the photographer can press the print switch 18b of the operation unit 18, and the printing process by the printer unit 13 will start.

[0028] [Instant film pack composition] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first instant film pack 24 includes a case 26, a film pressure plate 27, a plurality of first instant films 28, and a film cover 30.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, case 26 stores a stack of multiple first instant films 28 and one film cover 30. Case 26 is made of a material such as thermoplastic resin or a paper resin made by mixing thermoplastic resin with cellulose. Case 26 is made up of a box-shaped case member 31 and a lid 32 that covers an opening formed on the back side of case member 31.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the case member 31 has an exposure opening 31a for exposing the first instant film 28. In the following description, the surface of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 on which the exposure opening 31a is formed is referred to as the "front," the surface opposite the "front" is referred to as the "rear," the surface facing the film ejection opening 21 of the camera body 11 is referred to as the "top," and the surface opposite the "top" is referred to as the "bottom." Within the case member 31, a film cover 30 is placed in front of the first instant film 28, the foremost film that is initially loaded into the exposure opening 31a. This provides a light-tight seal for the exposure opening 31a. A notch 31b is provided below the exposure opening 31a, into which a well-known claw member 57 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) provided on the camera is inserted. The notch 31b corresponds to the insertion opening in the claims. The insertion opening for inserting the claw member 57 is not limited to the notch 31b, but may be a through-hole that penetrates the case member 31.

[0031] An outlet 31c is formed on the top surface of the case member 31. The outlet 31c is slit-shaped. The first instant film 28 or film cover 30 is fed out of the first instant film pack 24 one by one from the outlet 31c by a claw member 57 inserted into the notch 31b of the case member 31.

[0032] A light-shielding seal 31d is attached to the case member 31 so as to block the outlet 31c from the outside. The light-shielding seal 31d is formed in a flexible sheet shape. The light-shielding seal 31d is attached only to one edge of the long side of the outlet 31c so as not to interfere with the first instant film 28 or the film cover 30 passing through the outlet 31c.

[0033] 7, the cover 32 has a pair of openings 32a, a pair of unit support projections 32b, a pair of crimping pins 32c, and a support piece 32d. The pair of openings 32a are formed at a predetermined distance above and below, and serve as entrances for the film holder 22a provided on the digital camera with printer 10 when the film is loaded into the digital camera with printer 10.

[0034] A pair of unit support protrusions 32b are provided vertically on both side edges of the lid 32, with their central arc-shaped portions projecting toward the exposure opening 31a. The unit support protrusions 32b abut against both side edges of the backside of the last layer of first instant film 28, pushing up the first instant film 28 in an arc-shaped manner with its central portion projecting toward the exposure opening 31a. This prevents a gap from forming between the film cover 30 and the exposure opening 31a.

[0035] The pair of caulking pins 32c are for attaching the film pressure plate 27. The support piece 32d supports the central portion of the last layer of first instant film 28 from behind, preventing the central portion of first instant film 28 from bending in a direction that curves toward the lid 32.

[0036] Film pressure plate 27 consists of two sheets 27a and 27b made of elastic synthetic resin. When loading lid 22 is closed, sheet 27a is pressed by a pair of film holders 22a and curves convexly toward lid 32. Sheet 27a is formed with opening 27c and a pair of holes 27d. Opening 27c is formed vertically in the center of sheet 27a and is for inserting support piece 32d. A pair of caulking pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27d to attach film pressure plate 27 to lid 32.

[0037] The sheet 27b has an opening 27e and a pair of holes 27f. The opening 27e is formed in the center of the sheet 27a and is for inserting the support piece 32d. A pair of crimping pins 32c are inserted into the pair of holes 27f. The lower end 27h of the sheet 27b is attached to the lower end 27g of the sheet 27a. This prevents the sheet 27a from sagging and prevents light leakage from the pair of openings 32a. Furthermore, when the sheet 27a is elastically bent by the pair of film holders 22a, the sheet 27b pushes up the first instant film 28 in a substantially flat state. As a result, the frontmost film cover 30 or the first instant film 28 is pressed against the rear side of the front surface of the case member 31.

[0038] [Configuration of L-shaped protrusions] An L-shaped protrusion 24c is provided on both side surfaces 24a, 24b of the first instant film pack 24. The protrusion 24c is provided to prevent the first instant film pack 24 from being loaded backwards.

[0039] [Configuration of the first instant film] As shown in Figure 8, the first instant film 28 is a so-called mono-sheet type film, consisting of a mask sheet 33, a photosensitive sheet 34, a cover sheet 35, a developer pod 36, and a trap section 37. The mask sheet 33 is formed into a sheet shape from a thin synthetic resin and has a screen opening 33a. The photosensitive sheet 34 is provided with a photosensitive layer, a diffuse reflection layer, an image-receiving layer, etc. The cover sheet 35 has an exposure surface 28a that faces the exposure head 51, which will be described later.

[0040] The developer pod 36 is formed in a roughly bag-like shape and contains developer 38. The developer pod 36 is attached to the end of the photosensitive sheet 34 on the outlet 31c side, and is wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33. In the width direction X of the first instant film 28, both ends of the developer pod 36 are spaced a predetermined distance from both ends of the first instant film 28.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, the widthwise X dimension W12 of the developer pod 36 is the same as the widthwise X dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a. Note that "same" here includes cases where the widthwise X dimensions are approximately the same. In the first instant film 28, the side edges 28b and 28c are located outside the widthwise X dimension of the exposure surface 28a and both ends of the developer pod 36. As shown in FIG. 8, the trap portion 37 is attached to the end of the photosensitive sheet 34 opposite the outlet 31c and is similarly wrapped by the end of the mask sheet 33. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for example, the widthwise X dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a is 62 mm, the dimension H11 in the transport direction Y perpendicular to the widthwise X is also 62 mm, and the widthwise X dimension D11 of the side edges 28b and 28c is 5 mm. In this case, the widthwise X dimension W13 of the first instant film 28 is 72 mm.

[0042] As will be described in detail later, when printing, the first instant film 28 is exposed to printing light by irradiating the photosensitive layer. When developing, the developer pod 36 is torn open, and developer 38 is poured into the gap 39 between the photosensitive sheet 34 and the cover sheet 35 and developed. The image formed by the exposure of the photosensitive layer is inverted by the diffuse reflection layer and transferred to the image-receiving layer. A positive image thus appears on the positive image observation surface 40 of the photosensitive sheet 34 exposed through the screen opening 33a.

[0043] The film cover 30 is formed in a sheet-like shape that is thinner than the first instant film 28, and has light-blocking properties and flexibility. The film cover 30 is a molded synthetic resin product, formed from polystyrene containing carbon black, for example. That is, the film cover 30 has greater rigidity than the first instant film 28. When the first instant film pack 24 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23 for use, the film cover 30 is discharged into the film discharge opening 21 by a pair of spreading rollers 54 (see FIG. 15), which will be described later.

[0044] [Configuration of protrusions to prevent reverse loading and positioning ribs] 10, the second instant film pack 25 has the same basic configuration as the first instant film pack 24, but differs in size due to the different types of first and second instant films 28, 29 stored therein, and in the locations for preventing reverse loading and positioning. In the following, locations that have the same functions as the first instant film pack 24 will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0045] The second instant film pack 25 comprises a case 26, a film pressure plate 27, a plurality of second instant films 29, and a film cover 30. As mentioned above, the case 26, film pressure plate 27, and film cover 30 in the second instant film pack 25 are sized to fit the second instant films 29.

[0046] As with the first instant film pack 24, a delivery opening 31c is formed on the top surface of the case member 31. A light-blocking seal 31d is attached to close the delivery opening 31c from the outside. The second instant film 29 or film cover 30 is delivered one by one from the delivery opening 31c to the outside of the second instant film pack 25 by a claw member 57 inserted into the notch 31b of the case member 31.

[0047] 11 and 12, the second instant film pack 25 does not have the L-shaped protrusions 24c on both side surfaces 25a, 25b that are present on the first instant film pack 24. Instead, the second instant film pack 25 has a protrusion 25d on the bottom surface 25c to prevent reverse loading. The protrusion 25d is located close to one side surface 25a of the second instant film pack 25 with respect to the center line CLX2 in the width direction X of the second instant film pack 25 (see FIG. 12).

[0048] The protrusion 25d is formed integrally with the case 26 of the second instant film pack 25. The protrusion 25d is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that protrudes from the bottom surface 25c of the second instant film pack 25.

[0049] A pair of ribs 25f, 25g are provided on the front surface 25e of the second instant film pack 25. The ribs 25f, 25g are located on both sides of the exposure opening 31a, extend parallel to the transport direction Y (length direction) of the second instant film pack 25, and protrude forward in the thickness direction along the side surfaces 25a, 25b of the second instant film pack 25. One of the ribs 25f is adjacent to the notch 31b into which the claw member 57 (see Figures 14 and 15) is inserted, and therefore has a notch at its bottom end so as not to interfere with the claw member 57. Therefore, the dimension in the transport direction Y is shorter than that of the other rib 25g.

[0050] [Configuration of the second instant film] As shown in Figure 13, the second instant film 29 is a mono-sheet type film similar to the first instant film 28, except for the difference in size. Like the first instant film 28, the second instant film 29 includes a mask sheet 33, a photosensitive sheet 34, a cover sheet 35, a developer pod 36, a trap unit 37, etc. In the following, parts and the like that have the same functions as the first instant film 28 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0051] In the second instant film 29, the portions of the second instant film 29 that are outside the exposed surface 29a and both ends of the developer pod 36 in the width direction X of the second instant film 29 are side edges 29b, 29c. In the second instant film 29, the dimension W22 of the developer pod 36 in the width direction X is the same as the dimension W21 of the exposed surface 29a in the width direction X. Note that the dimensions in the width direction X being the same here also include cases where they are almost the same. In the example shown in FIG. 13, for example, the dimension W21 of the exposed surface 29a in the width direction X is 46 mm, and the dimension H21 in the transport direction Y perpendicular to the width direction X is 62 mm, and the side edges 29b, 29c are 9 b,2 9 The dimension D21 of c in the width direction X is 4 mm. In this case, the dimension W23 of the second instant film 29 in the width direction X is 54 mm. In other words, the dimensions of each part of the second instant film 29 in the width direction are all smaller than the dimensions of each part of the first instant film 28.

[0052] [Printer section configuration] 14 and 15, the printer unit 13 is composed of an exposure head 51, a roller drive mechanism 52, a pair of transport rollers 53, a pair of unfolding rollers 54, an unfolding control member 56, a film pack chamber 23 (see FIGS. 16 and 17), a claw member 57, a discharge guide 58, a control unit 59, and a claw member drive mechanism 60. The pair of transport rollers 53 and the roller drive mechanism 52 constitute the transport mechanism in the claims. The claw member 57 and the claw member drive mechanism 60 constitute the feed mechanism in the claims.

[0053] [Configuration of the first and second positioning portions of the film pack chamber] 16 and 17, the film pack chamber 23 is formed in a box shape that is open on the rear side of the camera body 11. The film pack chamber 23 is provided with positioning protrusions 61a to 61c and 62a that position the first instant film pack 24 in the width direction X. The positioning protrusions 61a to 61c and 62a constitute a first positioning portion in the claims.

[0054] The positioning protrusions 61a to 61c are provided on the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23, and the positioning protrusion 62a is provided on the left side surface 23b of the film pack chamber 23. The positioning protrusions 61a to 61c, 62a are formed in a wedge shape whose thickness gradually increases along the loading direction Z of the first instant film pack 24, i.e., the front-to-rear direction of the camera body 11.

[0055] Furthermore, an L-shaped notch 63a is formed on both side surfaces 23a, 23b of the film pack chamber 23. The L-shaped notch 63a fits into an L-shaped protrusion 24c provided on both side surfaces 24a, 24b of the first instant film pack 24, thereby preventing the first instant film pack 24 from being loaded in the wrong direction.

[0056] Fig. 18 shows only the outline shapes superimposed to compare the dimensions of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25. Fig. 18 shows the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 positioned by the first and second positioning units, and also shows the outline shapes of the first instant film pack 24 (shape indicated by two-dot chain line) and the second instant film pack 25 (shape indicated by solid line) when viewed along the conveyance direction Y.

[0057] The dimension WP1 of the first instant film pack 24 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension WP2 of the second instant film pack 25 in the width direction X. When the direction parallel to the loading direction Z and perpendicular to the width direction X is taken as the thickness direction, the second instant film pack 2 5 has a stepped portion where the dimension TP21 in the thickness direction is one step larger than the dimension TP20 of the periphery. This stepped portion is the portion including the ribs 25f, 25g. The dimension TP21 in the thickness direction of the portion including the ribs 25f, 25g of the second instant film pack 25 is larger than the dimension TP11 in the thickness direction of the first instant film pack 24. The first instant film pack 24 has a shape with few steps in the thickness direction and an almost constant thickness.

[0058] On the other hand, in the second instant film pack 25, the dimension TP20 in the thickness direction of the portion excluding the ribs 25f, 25g is equal to or smaller than the dimension TP11 in the thickness direction of the first instant film pack 24. In other words, the contour shape of the second instant film pack 25 is formed so that only the portion including the ribs 25f, 25g protrudes from the contour shape of the first instant film pack 24.

[0059] As described above, the dimension WP1 of the first instant film pack 24 in the width direction X is larger than the dimension WP2 of the second instant film pack 25 in the width direction X. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19 , the first instant film pack 24 can be positioned in the width direction X by abutting both side surfaces 24a, 24b against the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a. Specifically, abutting the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a against both side surfaces 24a, 24b allows the center line CLX1 of the first instant film pack 24 in the width direction X to coincide with the center line CLX0 of the film pack chamber 23 in the width direction X. Note that "coincidence" here also includes the case where the center lines CLX1 and CLX0 are substantially coincident. Note that in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the stacked first and second instant films 28, 29 are omitted from illustration to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0060] Because the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a are formed in a wedge shape, when the first instant film pack 24 is pushed in the loading direction into the film pack chamber 23, both side surfaces 24a, 24b of the first instant film pack 24 securely come into contact with the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a. Note that the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a are not used for the second instant film pack 25, as it is positioned by positioning grooves 65a, 65b, which will be described later.

[0061] Additionally, elastic members 64a-64c (see FIGS. 16 and 17) are provided on the bottom surface 23c of the film pack chamber 23 to position the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 in the transport direction Y. The elastic members 64a-64c are rectangular parallelepiped members made of sponge or rubber, and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction X. When both side surfaces 24a, 24b of the first instant film pack 24 are brought into contact with the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a, and the L-shaped protrusion 24c is fitted into the L-shaped notch 63a, the bottom surface 24d of the first instant film pack 24 simultaneously comes into contact with the elastic members 64a-64c. The elastic members 64a-64c in contact with the bottom surface 24d of the first instant film pack 24 are compressed. As a result, the elastic force acts when the elastic members 64a to 64c return from the compressed state to the state before compression, and the upper surface 24e of the first instant film pack 24 is pressed against the upper surface 23d of the film pack chamber 23. hair The film pack chamber 23 has an opening in its upper surface 23d that leads to the pair of transport rollers 53.

[0062] On the other hand, the film pack chamber 23 is provided with positioning grooves 65a and 65b for positioning the second instant film pack 25 in the width direction X. The positioning grooves 65a and 65b constitute second positioning portions in the claims.

[0063] The positioning grooves 65a, 65b are formed on the front surface 23e of the film pack chamber 23 (the surface facing the exposure openings 31a of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25). The positioning groove 65a is located close to the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23. The positioning groove 65b is located a predetermined distance from the positioning groove 65a. The width and spacing of the positioning grooves 65a, 65b match the width and spacing of the ribs 25f, 25g of the second instant film pack 25.

[0064] The film pack chamber 23 is provided with a notch 23f (see Figures 16 and 21). The notch 23f is formed in a position facing the notch 31b of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25, and continues to the bottom of the film pack chamber 23. The claw member 57 enters the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 through the notch 23f and feeds the first and second instant films 28, 29 out of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 one by one.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 21, the notch 23f is located in the film pack chamber 23, closer to the right side surface 23a than the center in the width direction X. In accordance with the position of this notch 23f, the notches 31b of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 loaded in the film pack chamber 23 are also formed in a position closer to one of the side surfaces 24a, 25a of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25. Note that the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 are omitted from Fig. 21 to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0066] The claw member 57 is positioned to align with the notch 23f. Specifically, it is positioned closer to the right side surface 23a than the center line CLX0 in the width direction X of the film pack chamber 23. The claw member drive mechanism 60 is a well-known mechanism that is made up of a motor as a drive source, a gear train, a spring member, etc., and that moves the claw member back and forth (see Figure 14).

[0067] As described above, the second instant film pack 25 has a smaller dimension in the width direction X than the first instant film pack 24, and furthermore, the dimension TP21 in the thickness direction of the portion including the ribs 25f, 25g is larger than the dimension TP11 in the thickness direction of the first instant film pack 24. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 20, the second instant film pack 25 can be positioned in the width direction X by fitting the ribs 25f, 25g into the positioning grooves 65a, 65b (second positioning portions) that are located more inward in the width direction X of the film pack chamber 23 than the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a (first positioning portions). Specifically, by fitting the ribs 25f, 25g into the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, the second instant film pack 25 can be positioned such that the center line CLX2 in the width direction X of the second instant film pack 25 is shifted toward the right side surface 23a with respect to the center line CLX0 in the width direction X of the film pack chamber 23.

[0068] Furthermore, the positioning of the second instant film pack 25 is not simply a matter of shifting it to one side, but rather the right side surface 25a of the second instant film pack 25, positioned by the ribs 25f and 25g, is positioned about 0.5 mm inside the film pack chamber 23 relative to the right side surface 24a of the first instant film pack 24, which is positioned by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a. This makes it possible to absorb the dimensional differences between the side edges 28b, 28c of the first instant film 28 and the side edges 29b, 29c of the second instant film 29, and expose the image within the appropriate exposure range, as will be described later.

[0069] Furthermore, since the second positioning portion is made up of positioning grooves 65a and 65b that fit into the ribs 25f and 25g, it is possible to secure a space S (shown by the hatched area in Figure 20) between the positioning grooves 65a and 65b and on the opposite side of the film pack chamber 23. This makes it possible to place components in the space S, making it possible to make the printer thinner as a whole. If the second positioning portion were a recess with a large dimension in the width direction instead of a groove, the space S would be smaller. vinegarHowever, in this embodiment, the second positioning portion is configured from the positioning grooves 65a and 65b, so this does not happen.

[0070] Additionally, a reverse loading prevention notch 66 is formed in the bottom surface 23c of the film pack chamber 23. The reverse loading prevention notch 66 fits into a rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 25d provided on the bottom surface 25c of the second instant film pack 25, thereby preventing the second instant film pack 25 from being loaded in the wrong direction.

[0071] Furthermore, when the ribs 25f, 25g of the second instant film pack 25 are fitted into the positioning grooves 65a, 65b and the protrusion 25d is fitted into the reverse-loading prevention notch 66, the bottom surface 25c of the second instant film pack 25 comes into contact with the elastic members 64a, 64b. Because the second instant film pack 25 is smaller in width than the first instant film pack 24, the bottom surface 25c does not come into contact with the elastic member 64c. As a result, an elastic force is applied from the elastic members 64a, 64b, and the top surface 25h of the second instant film pack 25 is pressed against the top surface 23d of the film pack chamber 23.

[0072] As described above, the first and second instant film packs 24 and 25 are conveyed in the width direction X with respect to the film pack chamber 23. direction The loading lid 22 is then positioned in the Y direction, and then the loading lid 22 is closed to position the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 in the loading direction Z. Specifically, a pair of film holders 22a provided on the loading lid 22 position the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 in the loading direction Z.

[0073] When one of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23 and the loading lid 22 is in the closed position, the pair of film pressing portions 22a enter the inside of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 through the opening 32a and press the film pressing plate 27. This presses the first and second instant films 28, 29 inside the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 in the stacking direction.

[0074] 22, film pressing portion 22a is made up of a pair of pressing members 67, a holding frame 68, and a spring 69. Holding frame 68 holds pressing members 67, and is fixed to the inner wall surface side of loading lid 22.

[0075] The pair of pressing members 67 are held by a holding frame 68 so that the tip portions 67a and the rotation shafts 67b face each other and are positioned in opposite directions. The holding frame 68 is fixed to the loading lid 22, for example, by screws. The spring 69 is a torsion coil spring and is attached between the pressing members 67 and the holding frame 68. The spring 69 biases the pressing members 67 so that the tip portions 67a rotate upward in the figure. This causes the tip portions 67a to press the film pressing plate 27.

[0076] As described above, the second instant film pack 25 has a smaller width dimension than the first instant film pack 24, and one of the positioning grooves 65a is positioned close to the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23, so the second instant film pack 25 is positioned toward the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23.

[0077] The pair of film pressing portions 22a are positioned to match the second instant film pack 25, and are formed with a smaller dimension in the width direction X to match the opening 32a of the second instant film pack 25. Therefore, when the second instant film pack 25 is loaded in the film pack chamber 23 (the state shown in FIG. 20), the film pressing portions 22a enter in alignment with the opening 32a, and press the second instant film 29 in the stacking direction via the film pressing plate 27. As a result, the second instant film pack 25 is pressed against the front surface 23e of the film pack chamber 23, and is positioned in the loading direction Z.

[0078] On the other hand, the first instant film pack 24 has a larger width than the second instant film pack 25, and the opening 32a of the first instant film pack 24 is formed so that its dimension in the width direction X is longer than that of the opening 32a of the second instant film pack 25. The dimensions in the transport direction Y of the opening 32a of the first instant film pack 24 and the opening 32a of the second instant film pack 25 are approximately the same. When the first instant film pack 24 is loaded in the film pack chamber 23 (the state shown in FIG. 19 ), the film pressing portion 22a is positioned to match the second instant film pack 25, that is, positioned to one side with respect to the first instant film pack 24, but because the opening 32a of the first instant film pack 24 is formed so that its dimension in the width direction X is longer, the film pressing portion 22a enters and presses the first instant film 28 in the stacking direction via the film pressing plate 27. As a result, the first instant film pack 24 is pressed against the front surface 23e of the film pack chamber 23 and positioned in the loading direction Z.

[0079] The first and second instant film packs 24, 25 are loaded as described above, and images are recorded by the printer unit 13 on the first and second instant films 28, 29 ejected from the first and second instant film packs 24, 25.

[0080] The pair of transport rollers 53 and the pair of spreading rollers 54 are rotationally driven by a roller drive mechanism 52 to transport the film cover 30 and the first and second instant films 28, 29. The roller drive mechanism 52 is composed of, for example, a motor as a drive source and a transmission mechanism such as a gear train that transmits the rotational drive. The pair of transport rollers 53 is composed of a capstan roller 71 and a pinch roller 72. The capstan roller 71 and the pinch roller 72 are positioned so that they sandwich the transport path of the first instant film 28.

[0081] The capstan roller 71 is disposed on the side (left side of the transport path in the drawing) facing the exposure surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second instant films 28, 29. The capstan roller 71 is composed of a pair of cylindrical spike roller members 71a, 71b, a sub-roller member 71c, and a rotating shaft 71d that holds each of the spike roller members 71a and the sub-roller member 71c.

[0082] The circumferential surface of the spike roller member 71a is formed with spikes having a plurality of minute protrusions (convex portions). These protrusions further improve the holding power of the spike roller member 71a. The number and shape of the protrusions may be designed as appropriate. The protrusions include minute irregularities formed by filing the circumferential surface of the spike roller member 71a. The sub-roller member 71c is formed into a smoothly curved shape that is convex outward when cut along a plane including the axial and diametric directions.

[0083] As shown in Figure 23, if the average value of the maximum outer diameter RM including the tip of the convex portion of the spike roller members 71a, 71b and the minimum outer diameter RO excluding the convex portion is taken as the effective outer diameter R1 of the spike roller members 71a, 71b, it is preferable that the outer diameter R2 of the sub-roller member 71c is smaller than the effective outer diameter R1 of the spike roller members 71a, 71b and larger than the minimum outer diameter RO of the spike roller members 71a, 71b.

[0084] The dimension SL2 of the sub-roller member 71c in the width direction X is preferably smaller than the dimension SL1 of the spike roller members 71a, 71b in the width direction X. Preferably, the dimension SL1 of the spike roller members 71a, 71b in the width direction X is 1.4 mm, and the dimension SL2 of the sub-roller member 71c in the width direction X is 1.2 mm.

[0085] As shown in Figure 14, the pinch roller 72 is positioned on the side facing the positive image observation surface 40 (see Figure 8) of the first instant film 28 (to the right of the transport path in the figure). The pinch roller 72 is composed of a roller member 72a and a rotating shaft 72b. Both ends of this roller member 72a are supported by support members (not shown) so that it can move freely within the thickness range of the first instant film 28, and are pressed against the capstan roller 71 by a spring 76 that serves as a pressing mechanism. Therefore, the pinch roller 72 is elastically supported in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first instant film 28.

[0086] The transport roller pair 53 transports the first and second instant films 28, 29 sent out from the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 by the claw members 57 toward the spreading roller pair 54. The configuration by which the transport roller pair 53 transports the first and second instant films 28, 29 will be described later. Note that the exposure position P (see FIG. 14) where the exposure head 51 exposes the first and second instant films 28, 29 with printing light is located between the outlets 31c of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 and the transport roller pair 53. Then, exposure by the exposure head 51 is performed during transport by the transport roller pair 53.

[0087] The exposure is performed by moving the first and second instant films 28, 29 line by line while the exposure head 51 sequentially exposes line images onto the first and second instant films 28, 29. This exposes one frame's worth of image onto the photosensitive layers of the first and second instant films 28, 29. The first and second instant films 28, 29 are then transported by the transport roller pair 53 toward the spreading roller pair 54.

[0088] Since the first and second instant films 28, 29 have different dimensions in the width direction X, the exposure of the line images by the exposure head 51 also differs. The exposure by the exposure head 51 is switched in response to a signal from a detection switch 78 provided in the film pack chamber 23, as will be described later.

[0089] The spreading roller pair 54 is composed of spreading rollers 73, 74, and is arranged downstream in the conveying direction relative to the conveying roller pair 53. The spreading roller 73 is arranged on the side facing the exposure surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second instant films 28, 29 (on the left side of the conveying path in the drawing). The spreading roller 74 is arranged on the side facing the image observation surfaces of the first and second instant films 28, 29 (on the right side of the conveying path in the drawing). Both ends of the spreading roller 74 are supported by support members (not shown) so as to be able to move freely within the thickness range of the first and second instant films 28, 29, and are pressed toward the spreading roller 73 by springs 77 that serve as pressure mechanisms. Therefore, the spreading roller 74 is elastically supported in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first instant film 28.

[0090] Although not shown, a drive gear is attached to one of the shaft ends of the spreading rollers 73, 74, and the two drive gears mesh with each other. The motor is connected to one of these drive gears via an intermediate gear or the like. Therefore, when the motor rotates, the spreading rollers 73, 74 rotate in sync.

[0091] The discharge guide 58 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction relative to the pair of spreading rollers 54. The pair of spreading rollers 54 holds the first instant film 28 conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 53 across its entire width and conveys it to the discharge guide 58. The developer pod 36 of the first instant film 28 is crushed by being held between the pair of spreading rollers 54. This causes the developer to be spread in the gap 39 (see FIG. 8 ). The first instant film 28 sent out from the pair of spreading rollers 54 is then conveyed toward the discharge guide 58.

[0092] A development control member 56 is provided between the pair of transport rollers 53 and the pair of spreading rollers 54. The development control member 56 comes into contact with the positive image observation surface 40 of the first instant film 28 as it is conveyed, and controls the distribution of the developing solution as it spreads by rubbing the positive image observation surface 40 of the first instant film 28. The development control member 56 extends parallel to the width direction of the first instant film 28 as it is being conveyed and in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the first instant film 28. The development control member 56 is formed integrally with a plate-shaped support member 56a, and is fixed to the camera body 11 via the support member 56a.

[0093] The tip of the development control member 56 is perpendicular to the exposure surface 28a of the first instant film 28 being transported, and in a cross section parallel to the transport direction, protrudes toward the first instant film 28 beyond the clamping position where the development roller pair 54 clamps the first instant film 28. This allows the development control member 56 to reliably rub the positive image observation surface 40 of the first instant film 28.

[0094] [Function of the film pack chamber positioning part] When the first instant film pack 24 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23, the positioning is performed in the width direction X, the transport direction Y, and the loading direction Z by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a, the elastic members 64a-64c, and the pair of film pressing parts 22a. In other words, the first instant film 28 housed in the first instant film pack 24 is positioned relative to the pair of transport rollers incorporated in the camera body 11.

[0095] 24, the pair of spike roller members 71a, 71b are spaced apart from each other to match the dimension in the width direction X of the first instant film 28. More specifically, the first distance L1, which is the distance between the inner edges 71e, 71f of the pair of spike roller members 71a, 71b, is longer than the dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a in the width direction X and shorter than the dimension W13 of the first instant film 28 in the width direction X.

[0096] When the conveying roller pair 53 conveys the first instant film 28, the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a position the first instant film 28, particularly in the width direction X, so that both side edges 28b, 28c of the first instant film 28 come into sliding contact with the pair of spike roller members 71a, 71b. This allows the pair of spike roller members 71a, 71b to securely hold both side edges 28b, 28c of the first instant film 28, and convey the first instant film 28 toward the unfolding roller pair 54. Note that the inner edges 71e, 71f of the spike roller members 71a, 71b refer to edges that face each other in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 71d, excluding the sub-roller member 71c. Also, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 teeth 1, the first and second instant films 28, 29, the pair of transport rollers 53, the pair of spreading rollers 54, etc. are shown as viewed from the exposure surfaces 28a, 29a.

[0097] When the transport roller pair 53 transports the first instant film 28, the sub-roller member 71c is located between the spike roller members 71a and 71b and is positioned to press against the developer pod 36 of the first instant film 28. However, as described above, the sub-roller member 71c has a smoothly curved, outwardly convex shape, so the pressing force is very small. This prevents the developer pod 36 from being crushed, and prevents uneven development from occurring only in the area where the sub-roller member 71c abuts the first instant film 28. Furthermore, because the outer diameter R2 of the sub-roller member 71c is smaller than the effective outer diameter R1 of the spike roller members 71a and 71b, the pressing force on the first instant film 28 is reduced while still providing sufficient holding force when transporting the second instant film 29.

[0098] On the other hand, when the second instant film pack 25 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23, the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, the elastic members 64a, 64b, and the pair of film pressing parts 22a determine the positioning in the width direction X, the transport direction Y, and the loading direction Z. In other words, the second instant film 29 contained in the second instant film pack 25 is positioned relative to the pair of transport rollers 53 incorporated in the camera body 11.

[0099] 25, the sub-roller member 71c is spaced apart from one of the spike roller members 71b to match the dimension in the width direction X of the second instant film 29. More specifically, the second distance L2, which is the distance between the inner edges 71e, 71g of one of the spike roller members 71b and the sub-roller member 71c, is longer than the dimension W21 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a described above, and shorter than the dimension W23 in the width direction X of the second instant film 29. As a result, the spike roller member 71b securely holds one side edge 29b of the second instant film 29, and the other side edge 29b and the sub-roller member 71c are in sliding contact, so that the second instant film 29 can be transported toward the spreading roller pair 54.

[0100] Since the second instant film 29 is smaller in size than the first instant film 28, only one side edge is held, and the other side is held by the sub-roller. Materials The inner edges 71e and 71g of the spike roller member 71b and the sub-roller member 71c refer to edges that are arranged on the sides facing each other in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 71d.

[0101] As described above, the second instant film pack 25 is positioned toward the right side surface 23a with respect to the film pack chamber 23. As a result, as shown in Figure 25, when the transport roller pair 53 transports the second instant film 29, the second instant film 29 is positioned, particularly in the width direction X, by the positioning of the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, so that one side edge 29b of the second instant film 29 is in sliding contact with one spike roller member 71b, and the other side edge 29c of the second instant film 29 is in sliding contact with the sub-roller member 71c.

[0102] As mentioned above, there is a difference in the dimensions D11 and D21 in the width direction X between the side edges 28b, 28c of the first instant film 28 and the side edges 29b, 29c of the second instant film 29. In the example shown in Figures 9 and 13, the difference between D11 and D21 is 1 mm. In other words, even if the second instant film pack 25 and the second instant film 29 are shifted to the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23 as described above, it is not possible to perfectly align the positions of one side edge 28b and one side edge 29b. Furthermore, when the positions of the sides of the first and second instant films 28, 29 are aligned, the exposure surface 28 a , 29 a The sides of the brackets will not match.

[0103] Therefore, when the positioning is performed as described above, as shown in FIG. 26, the position of one side 29e of the second instant film 29 is slightly inward relative to the position of one side 28e of the first instant film 28. to As described above, the right side surface 25a of the second instant film pack 25 is positioned about 0.5 mm inside the film pack chamber 23 relative to the right side surface 24a of the first instant film pack 24, so that the films can be transported with their positions shifted as shown in Figure 26. Note that Figure 26 compares the positions when the first and second instant films 28, 29 are positioned by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a or the positioning grooves 65a, 65b as described above and transported by the transport roller pair 53. Also, Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram for comparison and differs from the actual positional relationship of the first and second instant films 28, 29, exposure head 51, etc.

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 26, the difference G1 between the position of one side edge 28e of the first instant film 28 and the position of one side edge 29e of the second instant film 29 is 0.5 mm. However, as mentioned above, there is a difference of 1 mm between the dimensions D11 and D21 of the side edges 29b and 29c in the width direction X. a The position of the side edge 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located outward by a difference G2 with respect to the position of the side edge 28f of the exposure surface 29a, and the difference G2 is 0.5 mm. in This exposure surface 28 a , 29 a The positional deviation will be described later.

[0105] As described above, the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 are positioned by the positioning protrusions 61a-61c, 62a or the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, and the second instant film pack 25 is positioned toward the right side surface 23a of the film pack chamber 23. Therefore, when either the first or second instant film pack 24, 25 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23, the notch 31b of the first instant film pack 24 and the notch 31b of the second instant film pack 25 are both located in the same position (see Figures 19 and 20). This allows the first and second instant film packs 28, 29 to be pressed by the common claw member 57 and claw member drive mechanism 60. Furthermore, multiple claw members or complex mechanisms are not required, which prevents an increase in the number of parts and contributes to cost reduction. The same position here means within a range in which a common claw member 57 can be inserted, and when the above positioning is performed, it is acceptable for the position of the notch 31b to be slightly misaligned as long as the claw member 57 can be inserted.

[0106] The claw member 57 is driven by the claw member drive mechanism 60 to enter the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 through the notches 23f and 31b and press against the film cover 30 or the first and second instant films 28, 29 located at the forefront. This allows the film cover 30 or the first and second instant films 28, 29 located at the forefront to be fed out of the first and second instant film packs 24, 25 through the feeding opening 31c.

[0107] The exposure head 51 is composed of, for example, a light source, a liquid crystal shutter, a lens, etc. The exposure head 51 is disposed upstream in the instant film transport direction relative to the transport roller pair 53, facing the instant film transport path. The exposure head 51 irradiates the exposure surfaces 28a, 29a with linear printing light that is parallel to the width direction X of the first and second instant films 28, 29.

[0108] Exposure begins based on output signals from a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the passage of the leading edges of the first and second instant films 28, 29, and a rotation speed detection sensor that detects the rotation speed of the capstan roller 71. First, the leading edge passage detection sensor detects the passage of the leading edge. Based on this detection signal, the rotation speed detection sensor begins detecting the rotation speed. When the rotation speed reaches a certain value, it detects that the exposure surface 28a of the first instant film 28 has been transported to a position facing the exposure head 51. This starts exposure by the exposure head 51.

[0109] Exposure by the exposure head 51 is switched in response to a signal from a detection switch 78 (detector) provided in the film pack chamber 23. As shown in Figure 27(A), the detection switch 78 is made up of a pressing portion 78a, a spring, a contact point (none of which are shown), and a case 78b that holds these. The detection switch 78 is provided on the left side surface 23b of the film pack chamber 23. The case 78b is fitted into an opening 23g formed in the left side surface 23b of the film pack chamber 23, and does not protrude into the interior of the film pack chamber 23.

[0110] As described above, the second instant film pack 25 is positioned toward the right side surface 23a with respect to the film pack chamber 23, so it will not come into contact with the detection switch 78. The first instant film pack 24 comes into contact with the positioning protrusion 62a provided on the left side surface 23b, so it will always come into contact with the detection switch 78 also provided on the left side surface 23b.

[0111] The pressing portion 78a has a fan shape. The pressing portion 78a rotates relative to the case 78b. motion The case 78b is supported rotatably via a shaft 78c. A spring incorporated inside the case 78b causes the pressing portion 78a to protrude from the case 78b and enter the inside of the film pack chamber 23.

[0112] As shown in Figure 27(B), when the first instant film pack 24 is loaded into the film pack chamber 23, the side surface 24b of the first instant film pack 24 presses the pressing portion 78a. The pressing portion 78a is pushed into the case 78b against the biasing force of the spring, pressing the internal contacts and the like. This causes the detection switch 78 to output an ON signal. When the pressing portion 78a is not being pressed, the detection switch 78 outputs an OFF signal.

[0113] As described above, the dimension W21 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a of the second instant film 29 is smaller than the dimension W11 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a of the first instant film 28. On the other hand, by positioning the positioning protrusions 61a to 61c, 62a or the positioning grooves 65a, 65b, the exposure surface 28 a The position of the side edge 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located outside the position of the side edge 28f of the exposure surface 29a by a difference G2 (see FIG. 26). Even if the line-shaped printing light irradiated onto the exposure surfaces 28a, 29a is aligned with the exposure surface 28a, which has the larger dimension in the width direction X, one side edge 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located outside the side edge 28f of the exposure surface 28a, and therefore exposure by the difference G2 is not possible. Therefore, in the exposure head 51 of this embodiment, the maximum irradiation range W31 of the line-shaped printing light is set to be larger than the dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a in the width direction X. When using the first and second instant films 28, 29 exemplified above, it is preferable to set the maximum irradiation range W31 of the line-shaped printing light to be approximately 1 mm larger than the dimension W11 of the exposure surface 28a in the width direction X.

[0114] The control unit 59 controls the switching of the exposure range in which the exposure head 51 exposes an image in response to a signal from the detection switch 78. That is, when an ON signal is output from the detection switch 78, the control unit 59 switches the control of the exposure head 51 to an exposure range that matches the first instant film 28, and when an OFF signal is output from the detection switch 78, the control unit 59 switches the control of the exposure head 51 to an exposure range that matches the second instant film 29.

[0115] The switching control of the exposure head 51 by the control unit 59 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 28 and the explanatory diagrams shown in Fig. 26 and 29. The print process by the printer unit 13 starts when the photographer presses the print switch 18b. First, the control unit 59 determines whether the signal output from the detection switch 78 is an on signal or an off signal (S11).

[0116] If a first instant film pack 24 is loaded in the film pack chamber 23, i.e., if the detection switch 78 outputs an ON signal (Y in S11), the control unit 59 creates image data D1 tailored to the exposure surface 28a of the first instant film 28, which has a larger dimension in the width direction X (S12). After creating the image data D1, the control unit 59 controls the exposure head 51 based on the image data D1 stored in its internal memory to irradiate a line of printing light over an exposure range tailored to the first instant film 28, i.e., the dimension W11 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 28a (S13; see FIG. 26). At this time, the conveying roller pair 53 conveys the first instant film 28, which has been fed out of the first instant film pack 24 by the claw member 57, toward the unfolding roller pair 54. This allows an image to be formed across the entire exposure surface 28a. The unfolding roller pair 54 ejects the first instant film 28, with the image formed, from the film ejection opening 21 to the outside of the camera body 11.

[0117] On the other hand, if the second instant film pack 25 is loaded in the film pack chamber 23, that is, if the detection switch 78 outputs an OFF signal (N in S11), the control unit 59 creates image data D2 that matches the exposed surface 29a of the second instant film 29, which has a smaller dimension in the width direction X (S14). Note that in the example shown in Fig. 29, the image data D2 is created by trimming (cutting out) the image at the center in the width direction X from the image data D1, since the dimension of the exposed surface 29a in the width direction X is smaller than the dimension of the exposed surface 28a in the width direction X.

[0118] After creating the image data D2, the control unit 59 controls the exposure head 51 based on the image data D2 to irradiate a line of printing light in an exposure range suited to the second instant film 29, i.e., in accordance with the dimension W21 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a (S15; see FIG. 26). At this time, the transport roller pair 53 transports the second instant film 29, which has been sent out from the second instant film pack 25 by the claw member 57, toward the unfolding roller pair 54. When the exposure head 51 irradiates the exposure surface 29a with printing light, the exposure surface 29a is exposed to the light from the second instant film 29, i.e., the dimension W21 in the width direction X of the exposure surface 29a (S15; see FIG. 26). a The position of the side edge 29f of the exposure surface 29a is located outside the position of the side edge 28f of the second instant film 29a by the difference G2, but since the maximum irradiation range W31 of the printing light of the exposure head 51 is set large, an image can be formed over the entire surface of the exposure surface 29a. 9 The film is discharged from the film discharge port 21 to the outside of the camera body 11 by the pair of spreading rollers 54.

[0119] In the example shown in FIG. 29, image data D2 is created by trimming the central image in the width direction X from image data D1, but this is not limited to this. Image data D2 may be created to fit the exposed surface 29a of the second instant film 29. For example, image data D1 that fits the exposed surface 28a of the first instant film 28 may be reduced at the same ratio in both the width direction X and the transport direction Y to create image data D2.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the detection switch 78 that detects the pressure from the first instant film pack 24 is used as the detector that detects that the first instant film pack 24 is loaded in the film pack chamber 23. Appointment However, the detector is not limited to this, and may be a contact-type detector that outputs an ON signal when it comes into contact with the first instant film pack 24, or a detector configured from a photoelectric sensor.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an example in which the instant film transport device is applied to a digital camera with a printer is described. AppointmentHowever, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a printer. For example, it is preferable that the printer has a configuration including a printer unit 13 similar to that of the above embodiment and a device main body that incorporates it, in which either a first or second instant film pack 24, 25 is loaded into a film pack chamber 23, and the printer receives image data from an electronic device such as a smartphone using wireless communication and prints images on first and second instant films 28, 29 based on the received image data.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of a processing unit that executes various processes, such as the control unit 59, is various processors as follows: The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing various processes.

[0123] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple processing units configured with a single processor include, first, a configuration in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to form a single processor, as typified by client or server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, a configuration in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by a system-on-chip (SoC). In this way, the various processing units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0124] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit in the form of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10. Digital camera with printer 11 Camera body 12 Imaging unit 13 Printer section 15 Imaging window 16A release switch 16B Release switch 17 Rear display 18 Control section 18a Menu switch 18b Print switch 19 Imaging optical system 20 Solid-state imaging device 21 Film outlet 22 Loading lid 22a Film holder 22c Hinge part 23 Film Pack Room 23a Right side 23b Left side 23c Bottom 23d top surface 23e front 23f notch 23g opening 24, 25 instant film packs 24a, 24b side 24c L-shaped protrusion 24d bottom 24e Top 25a, 25b side 25c bottom 25d protrusion 25e front 25f, 25g rib 25h top 26 cases 27 Film pressure plate 27a, 27b seats 27c,27e opening 27d, 27f holes 27g,27h Lower end 28, 29 Instant film 28a, 29a Exposed surface 28b, 28c, 29b, 29c side edges 28e, 28f, 29e, 29f side 30 Film Cover 31 Case material 31a Exposure aperture 31b Notch 31c outlet 31d Light-blocking sticker 32 Lid 32a aperture 32b Unit support protrusion 32c Pair of rivet pins 32d support piece 33 Mask Sheet 33a Screen aperture 34 Photosensitive sheet 35 Cover Sheet 36 Developer Pod 37 Trap section 38 Developer 39 Gap 40 Positive image observation surface 51 Exposure head 52 Roller drive mechanism 53 Conveyor roller pair 54 Spreading roller pair 56 Deployment control member 56a Support member 57 Claw member 58 Ejection Guide 59 Control Unit 60 Claw member drive mechanism 61a, 61b, 61c, 62a Positioning protrusions 63a L-shaped notch 64a, 64b, 64c Elastic members 65a, 65b Positioning groove 66 Reverse loading prevention notch 67 Pressing member 67a Tip 67b Rotating shaft 68 Retaining frame 69 Spring 71 Capstan Roller 71a Spike crawler member 71b Spike roller member 71c Sub-roller member 71d Rotating shaft 71e Medial edge 71f inner edge 71g inner edge 72 Pinch roller 72a Roller member 72b Rotating shaft 73 Unfolding roller 74 Unfolding roller 76 Spring 77 Spring 78 Detector Switch 78a Pressing part 78b Case 78c times motion shaft CLX0, CLX1, CLX2 center line D11, D21 dimensions G1, G2 difference H11, H21 dimensions L1 1st distance L2 2nd distance P exposure position R1 Effective outer diameter R2 outer diameter RM Maximum outer diameter RO minimum outer diameter S Space SL1, SL2, TP11, TP20, TP21, W11, W12, W13, W21, W22, W23, WP1, WP 2 size W31 Maximum illumination range

Claims

1. a loading chamber into which one of a first instant film pack including at least a first case for storing a plurality of first instant films in a stacked state and having a feed opening for feeding out the first instant films, and a second instant film pack including at least a second case for storing a plurality of second instant films in a stacked state and having a feed opening for feeding out the second instant films is loaded; an exposure head that exposes an image onto the first instant film or the second instant film; a transport mechanism that transports the first instant film or the second instant film to an exposure position where the exposure head exposes the image; a feeding mechanism located on one side of the loading chamber in the width direction and having a claw member that enters the first case or the second case, the claw member pressing the first or second instant film to feed it out of the feeding opening; a positioning unit for positioning the first and second instant film packs relative to the loading chamber, the first and second cases have insertion openings into which the claw members are inserted, the second instant film pack is smaller in width than the first instant film pack, the positioning unit positions the second instant film pack by shifting it to one side in the width direction where the claw member is located, The first and second instant film packs positioned in the positioning section have their insertion openings disposed at the same position in the loading chamber, the second instant film pack has a step portion that is larger in dimension than the first instant film pack in a thickness direction that is parallel to a loading direction into the loading chamber and perpendicular to the width direction, The printer has a second positioning portion that engages with the step portion to position the second instant film pack relative to the loading chamber by shifting it to one side of the width direction where the claw member is located.

2. The positioning portion is 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising first positioning portions that position said first instant film pack by contacting both side surfaces of said first instant film pack.

3. the step portion is a rib extending parallel to a length direction perpendicular to the width direction and the thickness direction and protruding in the thickness direction, 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second positioning portion is a positioning groove that fits into the rib.

4. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first positioning portion is a wedge-shaped positioning protrusion provided on a side surface of the loading chamber.

5. The printer according to claim 2 , wherein the second positioning portion is located more inward of the loading chamber in the width direction than the first positioning portion.

6. 6. A digital camera with a printer, comprising: the printer according to claim 1; and an imaging unit having an imaging optical system, capturing an image of a subject, and outputting image data to the printer.

Images