Instant film pack and device using the same

A film cover covers an exposure surface of a film unit to lighttightly block an exposure opening and is ejected from a discharge port. A bending guide groove is formed on the outside of an accompanying prevention rib in a width direction of a cover member along the accompanying prevention rib. The bending guide groove tilts a side edge portion, which is a distal end portion of the film cover, and the portion outside the accompanying prevention rib, in a protruding direction of the accompanying prevention rib. Since the side edge portion is bent by the bending guide groove, the both side edges portions do not engage with the discharge port, and the film cover can be ejected smoothly from the discharge port.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an instant film pack and a device using the same such as a developer spreading device, a printer, and a camera.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a box-shaped case, an instant film pack in which a plurality of mono-sheet type instant film units (hereinafter, abbreviates to film units) is accommodated in a box-shaped case has been variously sold. The case is made of a synthetic resin having light shielding properties, and an exposure opening which exposes an exposure surface of the film unit and a slit-shaped discharge port through which the film unit is discharged from the case are formed in the case. The instant film pack is used in a device such as an instant camera or a printer, and is loaded into a film pack room provided in the device for each case.

In a case where the instant film pack is not used, the discharge port and the exposure opening are closed to shield an inside of the case from light. A light shielding sheet formed of a synthetic resin film having light shielding properties is attached from the outside to the discharge port such that the discharge port is shielded from light. Also, the exposure opening is blocked from the inside by a film cover which is accommodated together with the film unit. The film cover is formed in a thin plate shape by using a synthetic resin having light shielding properties, and is disposed between the exposure opening and the front-most film unit. Light shielding ribs that engage with grooves, which are disposed on an exposure opening side on an inner wall surface of the case, to improve light shielding properties within the case are formed in the film cover.

An ejection mechanism for ejecting the film cover and the exposed film unit to the outside of the device is built in the device that uses the instant film pack. The ejection mechanism includes a claw member, a claw member driving mechanism, a transport roller pair, and a spreading roller pair. The claw member is inserted into a cut-off portion formed in a lower side of a front surface of the case from below, and holds a lower end edge of the film unit to push up the film unit toward the discharge port. The claw member driving mechanism drives the claw member. The transport roller pair rotates while pinching the film unit discharged from the case, and transports the film unit. The spreading roller pair ejects the film unit from the transport roller pair to the outside of the device, and simultaneously spreads a developer.

The most problem caused in the device that uses the instant film pack is an ejection error which occurs in a case where the film unit is ejected from the case. The cause is mainly warpage, deformation or the like of the film unit, and in particular, the cause is a large variation in shape of both end portions of the film unit. For this reason, an end of the film unit may be stopped by the discharge port of the case.

Since the ejection mechanism is mainly designed in order to appropriately eject the film unit and appropriately spread the developer, a high load is applied in a case where a film cover having stiffness higher than that of the film unit is ejected, and thus, failure is caused. In order to solve the problem, a thickness of the film cover is reduced. However, in a case where the thickness of the film cover is excessively thin, the film cover is co-ejected with (accompanies) the film unit positioned in the foremost row in a case where the film cover is ejected. Therefore, on the surface of the film cover on the side facing the exposure opening, a push-up rib (accompanying prevention rib) is formed along an ejecting direction, the push-up rib which is in contact with the inner wall surface of the case to push up the film cover to the film unit side. The push-up rib prevents the film cover and the film unit from being ejected together such that the film unit does not face the discharge port during the ejection of the film cover (see JP2000-081689A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,114B1)).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the demand for diversification of the film unit size, for example, a substantially square-shaped film unit having a square size which is wider and longer than the film unit according to the related art, is desired. In the film unit having such a square size, the film cover covering the exposure surface of the film unit also has a larger size than the sizes of the related art. Therefore, as the size increases, distortion during molding is more likely to occur than in the related art, and the film cover may be deformed into a spherical shape in which a center portion is recessed and a peripheral part is protruded.

The spherically deformed film cover is accommodated in the case together with a plurality of film units. A support piece and a support rib are formed on a cover in the case so as to protrude, and a front-most film cover or film unit is pressed against an edge of the exposure opening of the case. In addition, in a case where the film pack is loaded into a film pack room such as a camera or a printer, the press member in the film pack room enters the case through the opening of the cover, presses a film unit press plate in the case, and presses the film cover or the film unit positioned in the foremost row against the edge of the exposure opening of the case.

Therefore, in a case where the square-sized film cover is larger than that of the related art, the amount of deformation of the film cover becomes significant, and there is a concern that both side edge portions of the film cover may be stopped on both end portions of the discharge port of the case. In a case where the both side edge portions are stopped, the film cover cannot be ejected.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an instant film pack that prevents an ejection error of the film cover and a device using the same.

In order to solve the above problems, an instant film pack according to the present invention comprises a plurality of film units, a case, a film cover, an accompanying prevention rib, and a bending guide portion. The film unit has a developer pod which contains a developer. The case has an exposure opening and a slit-shaped discharge port, and laminates and accommodates the plurality of film units. The film cover covers an exposure surface of the film unit to lighttightly block the exposure opening and is ejected from the discharge port. The accompanying prevention rib is formed at a distal end portion on a front surface of the film cover facing the exposure opening so as to protrude from both side edge portions with a height equal to a gap of the discharge port, and preventing the film unit positioned in the topmost layer from being ejected. The bending guide portion tilts an outer portion of the accompanying prevention rib of the film cover in a protruding direction of the accompanying prevention rib.

It is preferable that the film cover is a synthetic resin molded item having light shielding properties, and the bending guide portion is a groove formed on the outer portion along the accompanying prevention rib on the outside of the accompanying prevention rib in a width direction of the film cover.

It is preferable that the accompanying prevention rib has a tilt surface whose protruding height gradually decreases toward the distal end of the film cover.

It is preferable that a developer spreading device according to the present invention comprise the instant film pack which accommodates the film unit including a mask sheet, a photosensitive sheet which is pasted onto the mask sheet, a cover sheet which is pasted onto the photosensitive sheet and includes a front surface as the exposure surface, and the developer pod which is formed at a distal end portion in a transport direction perpendicular to a width direction of the exposure surface and contains the developer, a transport roller pair, a spreading roller pair, a control member, and an ejection guide. The transport roller pair transports the film unit discharged through the discharge port while pinching the film unit. The spreading roller pair is arranged on a downstream side of the transport roller pair in the transport direction, and spreads the developer between the photosensitive sheet and the cover sheet by crushing the developer pod while pinching the film unit. The control member is formed to extend in the width direction of the exposure surface between the transport roller pair and the spreading roller pair, and a distal end of which is in contact with the film unit to control a distribution of the developer spread by crushing of the developer pod. The ejection guide is formed on an outlet side of the spreading roller pair from which the film cover is ejected, in a state in which the film cover passes through the spreading roller pair, and guides the outer portion of the accompanying prevention rib bent by the bending guide portion to the outlet.

It is preferable that the ejection guide includes a guide passage that guides the distal end portion of the film cover delivered from the spreading roller pair towards a film ejection port, the guide passage has a tilt surface that is provided to be tilted with respect to a proximal end surface, and a tilt angle of the tilt surface with respect to the proximal end surface is 15° or more and 55° or less.

A printer according to the present invention comprises the developer spreading device, and an exposure head. The exposure head is provided on an upstream side of the developer spreading device in the transport direction, and irradiates the exposure surface of the film unit transported by the transport roller pair with line-shaped print light parallel to the width direction of the exposure surface.

A digital camera according to the present invention comprises the printer, and an imaging unit. The imaging unit includes an imaging optical system, captures a subject image, and outputs image data to the printer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the ejection error of the film cover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

InFIG. 1, a digital camera10with a printer according to the present invention comprises a camera body11, an imaging unit12, and a printer unit13. An imaging window15and two release switches16A and16B are provided on a front surface of the camera body11.

As shown inFIG. 2, the camera body11has a substantially square shape in front view. A film unit29(seeFIG. 7) as a recording medium used in the digital camera10with a printer has a substantially square shape.

The imaging window15is disposed in the center on the front surface of the camera body11. The imaging window15exposes an imaging optical system19(seeFIG. 3) constituting the imaging unit12.

As shown inFIG. 3, the imaging optical system19and a solid-state imaging device20are provided in the imaging unit12. For example, the solid-state imaging device20is a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and includes a light receiving surface constituted by a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix shape. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, photoelectrically converts a subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the imaging optical system19, and generates an imaging signal.

The solid-state imaging device20comprises signal processing circuits (all not shown) such as a noise removal circuit, an auto gain controller, and an A/D conversion circuit. The noise removal circuit performs a noise removal process on the imaging signal. The auto gain controller amplifies a level of the imaging signal to an optimum value. The A/D conversion circuit converts the imaging signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to a built-in memory (not shown) from the solid-state imaging device20. An output signal of the solid-state imaging device20is image data (so-called RAW data) having one color signal for each pixel.

The solid-state imaging device20is driven by pressing at least one of the release switch16A or16B, and the subject image is captured.

A film ejection port22is formed in a top surface of the camera body11. The film unit29on which an image is printed is ejected from the film ejection port22.

A loading cover24is attached to a rear surface of the camera body11through a hinge portion24c. The hinge portion24csupports the loading cover24such that the loading cover can move rotationally between an opened position and a closed position. As represented by a dashed double-dotted line, the loading cover24opens a film pack room25within the camera body11in the opened position. As represented by a solid line, the loading cover24covers the film pack room25in the closed position. An instant film pack26is loaded within the film pack room25. A pair of press members24aand24bis formed on an inner surface of the loading cover24.

As shown inFIG. 4, a rear display unit17and an operation unit18are provided on an outer surface of the loading cover24, that is, a rear surface of the camera body11. The rear display unit17is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. Image data items corresponding one frame output from the solid-state imaging device20are sequentially input into the rear display unit17, and are displayed as a live preview image.

A photographer presses at least one of the release switch16A or16B, and thus, capturing is started. Image data items are acquired from the solid-state imaging device20through the capturing. An image processing unit (not shown) performs known image processing on the image data items, and then the image data items are compressed. Examples of the image processing include matrix operation, demosaicing, γ correction, brightness conversion, color difference conversion, and resizing. The image data items on which the image processing and compression are performed is recorded in a built-in memory (not shown) such as a flash memory provided within the camera body11.

In a case where a menu switch18aof the operation unit18is pressed, the image is played and displayed on the rear display unit17based on the image data items recorded in the built-in memory. In a case where an image desired to be printed is displayed on the rear display unit17, the photographer presses a print switch18bof the operation unit18, and a printing process using the printer unit13is started.

InFIGS. 5 and 6, the instant film pack26comprises a case27, a film unit press plate28, the film unit29, and a film cover30.

As shown inFIG. 6, the case27accommodates a plurality of film units29and one film cover30while the film units and the film cover are laminated. The case27is made of a material such as a thermoplastic resin or a paper resin acquired by mixing the thermoplastic resin with cellulose. The case27includes a box-shaped case member31, and a cover32that covers an opening formed in a rear surface of the case member31.

As shown inFIG. 7, an exposure opening31afor exposing the film unit29is formed in the case member31. In the following description, a surface of the instant film pack26in which the exposure opening31ais formed is a “front surface”, a surface opposite to the “front surface” is a “rear surface”, a surface facing the film ejection port22of the camera body11is a “top surface”, and a surface opposite to the “top surface” is a “bottom surface”. The film cover30is overlapped before the film unit29initially set in the exposure opening31awithin the case member31. Accordingly, the exposure opening31ais lighttightly blocked by the film cover30. A cut-off portion31binto which a known claw member57(seeFIGS. 17 and 18) formed at the camera is inserted is formed in a lower portion of the exposure opening31a.

A discharge port31cis formed in a top surface of the case member31. The discharge port31cis formed in a slit shape. The film units29or the film cover30are discharged one by one outwards from the instant film pack26by the claw member57inserted into the cut-off portion31bof the case member31through the discharge port31c.

A light shielding seal31dis pasted onto the case member31so as to close the discharge port31cfrom the outside. The light shielding seal31dis formed as a flexible sheet. The light shielding seal31dis pasted onto one edge of a long side of the discharge port31cso as not to hinder the film unit or the film cover in a case where the film unit29or the film cover30passes through the discharge port31c.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the case member31, a pair of light shielding grooves31eis formed in positions corresponding to both sides of the exposure opening31aand an inner wall surface facing the film cover30. A pair of outer light shielding ribs30cof the film cover30to be described below is inserted into the pair of light shielding grooves31e.

As shown inFIG. 7, the cover32includes a pair of openings32a, a pair of unit support protrusions32b, a pair of caulking pins32c, and a support piece32d. The pair of openings32ais formed so as to be vertically spaced apart from each other with a predetermined space, and is openings into which the press members24aand24bformed at the camera are inserted in a case where the instant film pack is loaded into the camera.

The pair of unit support protrusions32bare formed at both side edge portions of the cover32so as to be vertically long, and each has an arc shape of which a center portion protrudes toward the exposure opening31a. The unit support protrusions32btouch both side edge portions on a rear surface of the film unit29positioned in the last layer, and push up the film unit29by each having the arc shape of which the center portion protrudes toward the exposure opening31a. Accordingly, a gap between the film cover30and the exposure opening31ais prevented from being formed.

The pair of caulking pins32cis used for attaching the film unit press plate28. The support piece32dsupports the center portion of the film unit29positioned in the last layer from behind, and prevents the film unit29from being bent in which the center portion thereof is curved toward the cover32.

The film unit press plate28includes two elastic sheets28aand28bmade of a synthetic resin. The sheet28ais pressed by the press members24aand24bin a case where the loading cover24closes the film pack room, and is curved so as to protrude toward the cover32. An opening28cand a pair of holes28dare formed in the sheet28a. The opening28cis formed in the center portion of the sheet28aso as to be vertically long, and the support piece32dis inserted into this opening. The pair of caulking pins32cis inserted into the pair of holes28d, and the pair of holes is used for attaching the film unit press plate28to the cover32.

An opening28eand a pair of holes28fare formed in the sheet28b. The opening28eis formed in the center portion of the sheet28b, and the support piece32dis inserted into this opening. The pair of caulking pins32cis inserted into the pair of holes28f. A lower end portion28hof the sheet28bis attached to a lower end portion28gof the sheet28a. Accordingly, the sheet28bprevents the sheet28afrom being slack, and prevents light leak from the pair of openings32a. The sheet28bpushes up the film unit29in a substantially planar manner in a case where the sheet28ais elastically bent by the press members24aand24b. As a result, the film cover30positioned in the foremost layer or the film unit29is pressed rearwards on the front surface of the case member31.

As shown inFIG. 9, the film unit29includes a mask sheet33, a photosensitive sheet34, a cover sheet35, a developer pod36, and a trap portion37, and is a so-called mono-sheet type film. The mask sheet33is formed as a sheet made of a thin synthetic resin, and includes a screen opening33a. A photosensitive layer, a diffusion reflective layer, and an image reception layer are formed in the photosensitive sheet34. The cover sheet35includes an exposure surface29afacing an exposure head51to be described below.

The developer pod36is formed in a substantially bag shape, and contains a developer38therein. The developer pod36is pasted onto an end portion of the photosensitive sheet34close to the discharge port31c, and is wrapped by an end portion of the mask sheet33. Both ends of the developer pod36are spaced apart from both ends of the film unit29with predetermined spaces in a width direction of the exposure surface29a.

As shown inFIG. 10, a width W1of the developer pod36is equal to a width W2of the exposure surface29a. In this example, a case where the widths are equal to each other includes a case where the widths are substantially equal to each other. Portions of the film unit29which are positioned outside both ends of the developer pod36in the width direction of the exposure surface29aare side edge portions29b. As shown inFIG. 9, the trap portion37is pasted onto an end portion of the photosensitive sheet34opposite to the discharge port31c, and is similarly wrapped by the end portion of the mask sheet33.

As will be described in detail later, the film unit29irradiates the photosensitive layer with a print light at the time of printing, and thus, the photosensitive layer is exposed. The developer pod36is torn at the time of development, and the developer38flows and is spread into a gap39between the photosensitive sheet34and the cover sheet35. An image acquired through the exposure of the photosensitive layer is reversed by the diffusion reflective layer, and is transferred to the image reception layer. By doing this, a positive image appears on a positive image observation surface40of the photosensitive sheet34exposed through the screen opening33a.

As shown inFIG. 11, the developer pod36is formed by using a packaging material44, and contains the developer38(seeFIG. 9). The packaging material44is acquired by pasting aluminum foil into a paper support and applying an adhesive to the aluminum foil pasted onto the paper support. As depicted by mosaic hatching in the diagram, middle seals46to48are formed near the center of the developer pod36. As depicted by hatching in the diagram, a weak seal49is formed in an outlet portion through which the developer38leaks. The outlet portion that is pasted by the weak seal49is pasted with adhesive strength weaker than those of the middle seals46to48.

The middle seals46and47paste positions in which the developer pod36is divided into three in the width direction of the film unit29and which are close to the outlet of the developer38. The middle seals48paste a position which is the center in the width direction of the film unit29and is opposite to the outlet of the developer38.

The middle seals46to48have a function of controlling the spreading of the developer38. Specifically, the middle seals46to48spread the developer38into the gap39(seeFIG. 9) from the developer pod36as depicted by a dashed line ofFIG. 10in a case where the weak seal49is broken through crushing using a spreading roller pair54to be described below and the developer38leaks from the outlet portion in three divided positions.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the film cover30is formed as a sheet thinner than the film unit29, and has light shielding properties and flexibility. The film cover30is a molded item made of a synthetic resin, and is made, for example, of polystyrene containing carbon black.

The film cover30comprises a cover member30a, a pair of accompanying prevention ribs30b, a pair of outer light shielding ribs30c, a pair of inner light shielding ribs30d, a light shielding film30e, and bending guide grooves30gas bending guide portions.

The accompanying prevention ribs30b, the outer light shielding ribs30c, the inner light shielding ribs30d, and the bending guide grooves30gas the bending guide portions are integrally formed on a front surface of the cover member30afacing the exposure opening31a(seeFIG. 7). The outer light shielding ribs30cand the inner light shielding ribs30dare positioned closer to proximal ends than the accompanying prevention ribs30bin a discharge direction in a case where the film cover30is discharged through the discharge port31c. The light shielding film30eis pasted onto a rear surface of the cover member30a.

The cover member30ahas a width enough to close at least the exposure opening31a, and the width is 72.2 mm in the present embodiment.

The accompanying prevention ribs30bare arranged in parallel with a discharge direction from a distal end of the film cover30in the discharge direction. The accompanying prevention ribs30bprevent the film unit29positioned in the next layer from being discharged together in a case where the film cover30is discharged through the discharge port31c. Thus, the accompanying prevention ribs30bare formed so as to protrude from positions which are the distal end portion on the front surface of the cover member30afacing the exposure opening31aand are both side edge portions with a height equal to the gap of the discharge port31c, and prevent the film unit29positioned in the topmost layer from being ejected. A case where the height is equal to the gap of the discharge port31cincludes a case where the height of the accompanying prevention ribs30bis substantially equal to the gap.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, a tilt surface41of which a protruding height gradually decreases toward the distal end from the proximal end of the cover member30ais formed at each accompanying prevention rib30b. It preferable that the tilt surface41has a tilt angle α of 7° to 30° (which is equal to greater than 7° and is equal to or less than 30°, and “˜” includes an upper limit and a lower limit in the following description) with respect to the cover member30a. The tilt angle α is set in the above-described range, and thus, the distal end of the film cover30can smoothly pass without rapidly increasing a load of a motor that rotates the spreading roller pair54in a case where the distal end of the film cover30passes between the spreading roller pair (seeFIG. 17)54.

As shown inFIG. 14, the bending guide groove30gguides bending so as to tilt a portion (hereinafter, side edge portion)30fwhich is at the distal end portion of the film cover30and is on the outside of the accompanying prevention rib30bin the protruding direction (arrow A1) of the accompanying prevention rib30b. The bending guide groove30ghaving an arc-shaped cross section is formed on the outside of the accompanying prevention rib30bin a width direction of the cover member30aalong the accompanying prevention rib30b.

The sectional shape of the bending guide groove30gis not particularly limited, and may be a triangle shape, a square shape, and other sectional shapes in addition to an arc shape. The bending guide groove30gmay be continuously formed along the accompanying prevention rib30b, and may also be intermittently formed along the accompanying prevention rib30b. The bending guide groove30gis formed so as to be close to the accompanying prevention rib30b, but may be formed, for example, in a surface opposite to the accompanying prevention rib30balthough not shown. In this case, the bending guide groove may guide bending so as to tilt the side edge portion30foutside the accompanying prevention rib30bin the protruding direction of the accompanying prevention rib30bby using the groove.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare diagrams for describing an ejection effect of the film cover30through the discharge port31cusing the bending guide grooves30g, and show the relationship between a distortion state of film covers30and201and the discharge port31c.FIG. 15Ashows the film cover30which includes the bending guide groove30gaccording to the present invention, andFIG. 15Bshows a film cover201of the related art which does not include the bending guide grooves30g.

The exposure surface29aof the instant film pack26having the square size according to the present invention has an area greater than that of the instant film pack according to the related art. Thus, a distortion amount at which the center portion of the film cover protrudes in a spherical shape is also large at the time of molding the film cover30. In addition, as shown inFIG. 15B, the film cover201is pressed through the pressing using the press members24aand24bwithin the instant film pack26such that the center portion thereof is strongly pressed and both side edge portions30fthereof are weakly pressed as represented by an arrow. Accordingly, in a case of the film cover201according to the related art on which the bending guide grooves30gare not formed as shown inFIG. 15B, since the both side edge portions30fof the cover member30aare stopped by the discharge port31c, there is a concern that an error will occur in the discharge of the film cover30. In contrast, in the film cover30according to the embodiment of the present invention having the bending guide grooves30gas shown inFIG. 15A, the both side edge portions30fare bent in a direction in which a bending deformation at the time of molding the film cover is relaxed by the bending guide grooves30g. Thus, the both side edge portions30fare not stopped by the discharge port31c, and thus, the film cover30can be smoothly ejected through the discharge port31c.

As shown inFIG. 16, the pair of outer light shielding ribs30cis arranged in parallel with each other in a width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the film cover30, and extends in a narrow strip shape along the discharge direction.

The outer light shielding ribs30care formed so as to be spaced apart from one end in the width direction of the film cover30with a predetermined space. Portions ranging from an edge of the film cover30in the width direction to outer edges42of the outer light shielding ribs30care the side edge portions30fof the film cover30. The both side edge portions30fof the film cover30face the both side edge portions29bof the film unit29, and do not face portions of the film unit which are positioned inside the both side edge portions29b. Accordingly, in a case where the film unit29is transported by a capstan roller61to be described below, only the both side edge portions29bof the film unit29are pinched, and the developer pod36is prevented from being crushed. Widths D1of the both side edge portions30fare 2.3 mm in the present embodiment.

A second distance L2which is a space between the outer edges42of the pair of outer light shielding ribs30cis 67.6 mm in the present embodiment. The outer edges42of the outer light shielding rib30cis an edge positioned outside in the width direction of the film cover30.

The pair of inner light shielding ribs30dis positioned inside the pair of outer light shielding ribs30cin the width direction of the film cover30. The pair of inner light shielding ribs30dis arranged in parallel with each other, and extends in a narrow strip shape along the discharge direction. The pair of inner light shielding ribs30dfaces both side edges of the exposure opening31a.

As shown inFIG. 8, in a state in which the instant film pack26is accommodated in the case member31, the outer light shielding ribs30care inserted into the light shielding grooves31e, and the inner light shielding ribs30dare positioned near both the side edges of the exposure opening31a. Accordingly, a labyrinth structure is built by the light shielding grooves31e, the outer light shielding ribs30c, and the inner light shielding ribs30d. Due to the labyrinth structure, even in a case where the film cover30is deformed in a thickness direction and the gap between the film cover30and the exposure opening31ais formed, external light is prevented from being incident within the instant film pack26through the gap. InFIG. 8, the film unit29is not shown for simplicity of illustration.

As shown inFIG. 16, the light shielding film30eis provided at a lower end of the cover member30awith which the claw member57(seeFIG. 17) engages. The light shielding film30eis formed in a striped shape, and is pasted onto such that a part43thereof protrudes from the lower end of the cover member30a. The protruding part43is bent in an L shape toward the front surface of the cover member30a. A width of at least the part43of the light shielding film30eis greater than a width of the cut-off portion31bformed on the case member31. The cut-off portion31bis blocked from the inside by the part43of the light shielding film30e, external light is prevented from being incident within the instant film pack26through the cut-off portion31b.

Although not shown, a distal-end light shielding flap made of a synthetic resin film having light shielding properties is attached to the center portion of the upper end of the cover member30a. The distal-end light shielding flap is bent toward the film unit29, and blocks the center portion of the discharge port31cwithin the case27. Accordingly, the film cover30or the film unit29is prevented from being blown away through the discharge port31cdue to impact in a case where the instant film pack26fell onto the floor.

As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the printer unit13includes the exposure head51and a developer spreading device52. For example, the exposure head51includes a light source, a liquid crystal shutter, and a lens.

The exposure head51is disposed in a position facing a transport path of the film unit on an upstream side of the developer spreading device52in a transport direction of the film unit. The exposure head51irradiates the exposure surface29awith line-shaped print light parallel to the width direction of the film unit29.

The developer spreading device52includes a transport roller pair53, the spreading roller pair54, a spreading control member56, a film pack room25(seeFIGS. 3 and 17), the claw member57, a claw member driving mechanism (not shown), and an ejection guide58.

The claw member57is inserted into the cut-off portion31bof the case member31by the claw member driving mechanism, and presses the film cover30or the foremost film unit29. Accordingly, the film cover30or the foremost film unit29is discharged outwards from the instant film pack26through the discharge port31c.

The transport roller pair53and the spreading roller pair54are driven so as to be rotated by a motor (not shown), and transport the film cover30and the film unit29while pinching the film cover and the film unit. The transport roller pair53includes the capstan roller61and a pinch roller62. The capstan roller61and the pinch roller62are arranged in a position in which these rollers pinch a transport path of the film unit29.

The capstan roller61is disposed on a side (a left side of the transport path in the diagram) facing the exposure surface29aof the film unit29. The capstan roller61includes a pair of cylindrical roller members61aand a rotational shaft61bthat holds the roller members61a. A spike (not shown) including a plurality of small protrusions is formed on a circumferential surface of the roller member61a.

As shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, a first distance L1which is a space between inner side edges61cof the pair of roller members61ais longer than the second distance L2. The holding force of the transport roller pair53that holds the film cover30is improved. Since a holding area of the transport roller pair53that holds the film cover30increases, a frictional force occurring between the transport roller pair and the film cover30also increases. Thus, it is possible to transport the film unit with a sufficient holding force even with low torque. The inner side edges61cof the pair of roller members61aare edges positioned on the inside in an axial direction of the rotational shaft61b.

As shown inFIG. 20, the pair of roller members61ais arranged in a position in which the pair of roller members is in slidingly contact with the both side edge portions29bof the film unit29. That is, the first distance L1which is a space between the inner side edges61cof the transport roller pair53is longer than the width W1of the developer pod36. Accordingly, the transport roller pair53can transport the film unit without tearing the developer pod36of the film unit29.

As shown inFIG. 21, the pinch roller62is disposed on a side (a right side of the transport path in the diagram) facing the positive image observation surface40of the film unit29. The pinch roller62includes a roller member62aand a rotational shaft62b. Both end portions of the roller member62aare pressed toward the capstan roller61by springs66as press mechanisms.

The transport roller pair53transports the film unit toward the spreading roller pair54while pinching the both side edge portions29bof the film unit29discharged from the instant film pack26by the claw member57. An exposure position P (seeFIG. 17) in which the exposure head51exposes the film unit29with print light is positioned between the discharge port31cof the instant film pack26and the transport roller pair53. The exposure using the exposure head51is performed for a period during which the film unit is transmitted by the transport roller pair53.

The exposure is started based on output signals from a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the passing of the distal end portion of the film unit29and a rotation speed detection sensor that detects a rotation speed of the capstan roller61. Initially, the passing of the distal end portion is detected by the distal-end-portion passing detection sensor. The detection of the rotation speed is started by the rotation speed detection sensor based on the detection signal. In a case where the rotation speed reaches a predetermined value, the detection sensor detects that the exposure surface29aof the film unit29is transported to a position facing the exposure head51. Accordingly, the exposure using the exposure head51is started.

The exposure is performed by sequentially exposing line images on the film unit29by the exposure head51while moving the film unit29for each line. Accordingly, an image corresponding to a single screen is exposed on the photosensitive layer of the film unit29. The film unit29is subsequently transported toward the spreading roller pair54by the transport roller pair53.

The spreading roller pair54includes spreading rollers63and64, and is arranged on a downstream side of the transport roller pair53in the transport direction. The spreading roller63is disposed on the side (the left side of the transport path in the diagram) facing the exposure surface29aof the film unit29. The spreading roller64is disposed on the side (the right side of the transport path in the diagram) facing the image observation surface of the film unit29. Both end portions of the spreading roller64are pressed toward the spreading roller63by springs67as press mechanisms.

Although not shown, driving gears are attached to one-side shaft end portions of the spreading rollers63and64, and both the driving gears mesh each other. The motor is connected to one of the driving gears through an intermediate gear. Thus, in a case where the motor rotates, the spreading rollers63and64are rotated in synchronization with the motor.

The spreading roller pair54transports the film unit29transported by the transport roller pair53toward the ejection guide58while pinching the film unit over the entire width. The film unit is pinched by the spreading roller pair54, and thus, the developer pod36of the film unit29is crushed. Accordingly, the developer is spread into the gap39(seeFIG. 8). The film unit29delivered from the spreading roller pair54is transported toward the ejection guide58.

The spreading control member56is provided between the transport roller pair53and the spreading roller pair54. The spreading control member56touches the positive image observation surface40of the transported film unit29, and controls the distribution of the spreading developer by rubbing the positive image observation surface40of the film unit29. The spreading control member56is disposed in a position in which a space between the transport roller pair53and the spreading roller pair54is substantially divided into two. Thus, the spreading control member56can control the developer spread into the gap39of the film unit29in the transport direction of the film unit29.

The spreading control member56extends in a direction which is in parallel with the width direction of the film unit29being transported and is perpendicular to the transport direction of the film unit29. The spreading control member56is formed integrally with a plate-shaped support member56a, and is fixed to the camera body11through the support member56a.

A distal end of the spreading control member56protrudes toward the film unit29from a pinching position in which the spreading roller pair54pinches the film unit29on a cross-section which is perpendicular to the exposure surface29aof the film unit29being transported and is in parallel with the transport direction. Specifically, the spreading control member56is formed in a mountain shape of which a dimension in the transport direction gradually decreases toward the film unit29. Accordingly, the spreading control member56can reliably rub the positive image observation surface40of the film unit29.

As shown inFIG. 22A, the distal end of the spreading control member56, that is, an end surface56bat a top of the mountain shape is formed in a convex shape of which the center portion protrudes toward the film unit29on a cross-section of the film unit29in the width direction. Specifically, the end surface56bis formed such that the center portion protrudes from distal ends of both side edges of the spreading control member56on the cross-section of the film unit29by 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm in the width direction.FIG. 22Ashows a dimension in a thickness direction (a protruding direction of the spreading control member56) with respect to a width direction of the spreading control member56for the sake of convenience in the description.

Since most components of the camera body11including the spreading control member56are molded items made of a synthetic resin, the components are distorted in some cases. Particularly, both ends of the spreading control member56are distorted toward the film unit29in many cases as shown inFIG. 22B. However, since the spreading control member56is formed in the convex shape of which the center portion of the distal end protrudes toward the film unit29as described above, the spreading control member can press the film unit29with an equal pressing force in the width direction of the film unit29. Accordingly, it is possible to control the developer38spread into the gap39of the film unit29over the width direction of the film unit29. The developer38is spread into the gap39from the developer pod36in three divided positions, and the spreading control member56touches the film unit29with the equal pressing force. Thus, the developer38can be more equally spread in the width direction of the film unit29.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 23A, an end surface69aon a distal end of a spreading control member69according to the related art is formed in a flat shape. Thus, in a case where both ends of the spreading control member69are distorted toward the film unit29as shown inFIG. 23B, a pressure of the center portion against the film unit29is weak, and thus, the developer more easily flows in the center portion than both the end portions. Accordingly, since the developer does not reach four corners of the exposure surface29a, development unevenness is caused. As stated above, the spreading control member56according to the present invention is formed in the convex shape of which the center portion of the distal end protrudes, the center portion and both the end portions can equally press the film unit29.

As shown inFIG. 24, a width W3of the spreading control member56is less than the width W2of the exposure surface29a. Specifically, the width W3of the spreading control member56is 70% to 95% of the width W2of the exposure surface29a. The width of the spreading control member56mentioned in this example is a width of the end surface56bthat controls the spreading of the developer by rubbing the positive image observation surface40of the film unit29. The width W3of the spreading control member56is less than the width W2of the exposure surface29a, and thus, the developer easily flows around the outside of the spreading control member56in the width direction of the exposure surface29a. Accordingly, the developer is equally spread over the entire width of the exposure surface29a. As described above, since the developer38is spread into the gap39of the film unit29by the spreading roller pair54and the distribution of the developer38is controlled in the transport direction by the spreading control member56, the developer is equally spread to the four corners of the exposure surface29a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the development unevenness of the film unit29.

As shown inFIG. 21, the ejection guide58includes a guide passage68that guides the distal end portion of the film unit29delivered from the spreading roller pair54towards the film ejection port22. The ejection guide58is formed separately from the camera body11, and is fixed to the camera body11through a support member (not shown). One guide surface of the guide passage68is a tilt surface68a. A tilt angle β of the tilt surface68awith respect to a proximal end surface68bpreferably ranges from 15° to 55°, and particularly preferably 25° to 45°. The tilt angle β is set in this range, and thus, the both side edge portions30fof the film cover30are not stopped by an end surface58aof the ejection guide58in a case where the distal end of the film cover30passes through the ejection guide58. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the ejection error of the film cover30. A development treatment is ended, and the film unit29delivered into the guide passage68by the spreading roller pair54is transported to the film ejection port22along the guide passage68, and is ejected to the outside of the camera body11.

As mentioned above, the distal end portion of the spreading control member56protrudes toward the film unit29from the pinching position in which the spreading roller pair54pinches the film unit29. Thus, the film unit29is in contact with the spreading roller pair54, the spreading control member56, and the guide passage68of the ejection guide58. Accordingly, the film unit29is curved in a gentle S shape. As a result, a sliding contact force of the film unit29and the spreading control member56increases, and the developer38is more effectively spread by the spreading control member56.

In a case where the film cover30passes through the spreading roller pair54, the spherical distortion of the film cover30is corrected through the pinching performed by the spreading roller pair54. Since the both side edge portions30fof the cover member30ais further bent by the bending guide grooves30gat the time of correction, the distal ends of the both side edge portions30fare not stopped by an end surface58aof the ejection guide58, and the film cover30can be smoothly ejected.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment, film holding portions are formed in the loading cover, and position alignment protrusion portions and reversal loading prevention cut-off portions are formed at the film pack room. In the second embodiment, the exterior shape of the digital camera with a printer is the same as the front surface, the rear surface, the side surfaces, the planes, and the bottom surface of the digital camera with a printer according to the first embodiment, and the internal shapes of the loading cover and the film pack room are different from those of the digital camera with a printer according to the first embodiment. The same components as those used in the first embodiment will be assigned the same references, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 25 to 28, a digital camera80with a printer comprises a camera body81. Although not shown, the digital camera80with a printer comprises the imaging unit12and the printer unit13which are the same as those of the digital camera10with a printer according to the first embodiment.

A loading cover82is attached to a rear surface of the camera body81through a hinge portion82c. The hinge portion82csupports the loading cover82such that the loading cover can move rotationally between an opened position and a closed position. The loading cover82opens a film pack room83within the camera body81in the opened position. The loading cover82covers the film pack room83in the closed position. The same instant film pack26as that of the first embodiment is loaded into the film pack room83.

Position alignment protrusion portions84ato84care formed on both side surfaces of the film pack room83. The position alignment protrusion portions84ato84care formed in wedge shapes of which a thickness gradually increases along a loading direction of the instant film pack26, and prevent the instant film pack26from being loaded in a reverse direction.

The reversal loading prevention cut-off portions85aand85bare formed on both side surfaces of the film pack room83. Each of the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions85aand85bare formed in L shapes. The reversal loading prevention cut-off portions85aand85bengage with protrusion portions26a(seeFIG. 5) formed on both side surfaces of the instant film pack26, and thus, the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions together with the position alignment protrusion portions84ato84cprevent the instant film pack26from being loaded in the reverse direction.

A cut-off portion87is formed in the film pack room83in a position facing the cut-off portion31bof the instant film pack26. The cut-off portion87is continuously formed up to a bottom surface of the film pack room83. The claw member57formed in the camera body81passes through the cut-off portion87and enters the inside of the instant film pack26, and the film units29are discharged to the outside of the instant film pack26one by one.

A pair of film holding portions82aand82bis formed on the inner surface of the loading cover82. Similarly to the press members24aand24baccording to the first embodiment, in a case where the instant film pack26is loaded into the film pack room83and the loading cover82is positioned in the closed position, the film holding portions82aand82bpass through the openings32a, are inserted into the instant film pack26, and press the film unit press plate28. Accordingly, the film unit29within the instant film pack26is pressed in a laminated direction.

As shown inFIG. 29, the film holding portion82aincludes a pair of press members88, a holding frame89, and springs91. The holding frame89holds the press members88, and is fixed to an inner wall surface of the loading cover82. The film holding portion82bhas the same configuration as that of the film holding portion82a.

As shown inFIG. 30, a press surface88ais formed at one end portion of the press member88. The press surface88ais formed in a smooth curved surface shape. A rotational shaft88bis formed at the other end portion of the press member88. An engagement hole89ais formed in the holding frame89. The rotational shaft88bengages with the engagement hole89aso as to move rotationally.

The pair of press members88faces each other such that the positions of the press surface88aand the rotational shaft88bare opposite to each other, and are held by the holding frame89. For example, the holding frame89is fixed to the loading cover82through screwing.

The springs91are torsion coil springs, and are attached between the press members88and the holding frame89. The springs91bias the press members88such that the press surfaces88amove rotationally around the rotational shafts88bupwards in the diagram. Accordingly, the press surfaces88apress the film unit press plate28.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment is acquired by applying the present invention to a printer. Similarly to the first and second embodiments, a printer according to the third embodiment and the subsequent embodiments is a printer in which the instant film pack26is loaded into the film pack room, the image data items are received from an electronic device such as a smartphone through wireless communication, and an image is printed on the film unit29based on the received image data items. The same components as those used in the embodiments will be assigned the same references, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 31 to 40, a printer100comprises a main body101. The printer unit13(not shown) which is the same as that of the first embodiment is provided at the main body101. A loading cover102is attached to a rear surface of the main body101through a hinge portion102c. The hinge portion102csupports the loading cover102such that the loading cover can move rotationally between an opened position and a closed position. The loading cover102opens a film pack room103within the main body101in the opened position. The loading cover102covers the film pack room103in the closed position. The same instant film pack26as that of the first embodiment is loaded into the film pack room103. An operation button101ais provided at the main body101. For example, the operation button101ais a print switch for instructing that a printing process using the printer unit13is to be performed.

As shown inFIGS. 41 to 43, the film pack room103comprises a cut-off portion104and a rectangular frame106. The cut-off portion104is formed in a position facing the cut-off portion31bof the instant film pack26, and is continuous with a bottom surface of the film pack room103. The claw member57formed in the main body101passes through the cut-off portion104and enters the inside of the instant film pack26, and the film units29are discharged to the outside of the instant film pack26one by one. The rectangular frame106is formed in a position facing the exposure opening31aof the instant film pack26.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment, position alignment protrusion portions are formed at the film pack room. In the fourth embodiment, the exterior shape of the printer is the same as the front surface, the side surfaces, the plane, and the bottom surface of the printer according to the third embodiment, and the shape of the rear surface including the inside of the film pack room is different from that of the printer according to the third embodiment. The same components as those used in the embodiments will be assigned the same references, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 44 to 46, in a printer110, a pair of position alignment protrusion portions111aand111bare formed on both side surfaces of the film pack room103. As shown inFIGS. 47 to 49, the position alignment protrusion portions111aand111bare formed in the same wedge shape as those of the position alignment protrusion portions84ato84caccording to the second embodiment, and prevent the instant film pack26from being loaded in a reverse direction. Although not shown, the cut-off portion104into which the claw member57is inserted and the rectangular frame106may also be formed at the film pack room103in the present embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, reversal loading prevention cut-off portions and position alignment protrusion portions are formed at the film pack room. In the fifth embodiment, the exterior shape of the printer is the same as the front surface, the side surfaces, the plane, and the bottom surface of the printer according to the third embodiment, and the shape of the rear surface including the inside of the film pack room is different from that of the printer according to the third embodiment. The same components as those used in the embodiments will be assigned the same references, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 50 to 52, in a printer120, reversal loading prevention cut-off portions121aand121bare formed on both side surfaces of the film pack room103. As shown inFIGS. 53 and 54, the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions121aand121bare formed in L shapes. Similarly to the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions85aand85baccording to the second embodiment, the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions121aand121bprevent the instant film pack26from being loaded in a reverse direction.

As shown inFIGS. 53 to 55, position alignment protrusion portions122ato122care formed on both side surfaces of the film pack room103. The position alignment protrusion portions122ato122care formed in the same wedge shape as those of the position alignment protrusion portions84ato84caccording to the second embodiment, and prevent the instant film pack26from being loaded in a reverse direction. Although not shown, the cut-off portion104into which the claw member57is inserted and the rectangular frame106may also be formed at the film pack room103in the present embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

In a sixth embodiment, reversal loading prevention cut-off portions and position alignment protrusion portions are formed at the film pack room. In the sixth embodiment, the exterior shape of the printer is the same as the front surface and the bottom surface of the printer according to the third embodiment, and the shapes of the rear surface, the side surfaces, and the plane including the inside of the loading cover are different from those of the printer according to the third embodiment. The same components as those used in the embodiments will be assigned the same references, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 56 to 61, in a printer130, a pair of film holding portions102aand102bis formed on an inner surface of the loading cover102. The film holding portions102aand102bhave the same configurations as those of the film holding portions82aand82baccording to the second embodiment. That is, in a case where the instant film pack26is loaded into the film pack room103and the loading cover24is positioned in the closed position, the film holding portions102aand102bpass through the opening32a, are inserted into the instant film pack26, and press the film unit press plate28. Accordingly, the film unit29within the instant film pack26is pressed in a laminated direction. Although not shown, the cut-off portion104into which the claw member57is inserted, the rectangular frame106, the reversal loading prevention cut-off portions, and the position alignment protrusion portions may also be formed at the film pack room103in the present embodiment.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES