JP2007055151A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can prevent a recording medium from unpreparedly jumping out of a medium pack. <P>SOLUTION: In case the printer falls by mistake, a phenomenon that an instant film sheet jumps out of a film pack 500, can be prevented from occurring by an anti-film jump-out member 600 positioned in front of a feed-out aperture 503 for an instant film sheet coming from a film pack 500 loaded in a pack chamber 22. On the other hand, in case an image is recorded on the instant film sheet, a cam 900 rotates, interlocked with the movement of a claw 24, in an arrow A direction. Consequently, the anti-film jump-out member 600 is retreated from the front of the feed-out aperture 503 by the contact of an inclined part 800a of a claw actuation member 800 with the end part 700a of a member transfer mechanism 700. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that records an image on a recording medium by writing the image on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded in a predetermined conveyance direction.

Conventionally, as an example of the above-described printer, a printer that records an image on an instant film sheet is known. This type of printer has a pack chamber in which a film pack containing a plurality of stacked instant film sheets is loaded, and conveyance of an instant film sheet of one of the film packs loaded in the pack chamber A claw (claw) is provided that is locked to the rear end in the direction, scrapes the instant film sheet in the conveying direction, and returns to the original standby position. In order to record an image on the instant film sheet, among the instant film sheets in the film pack, the trailing edge of the first instant film sheet in the transport direction is scraped up by the claw and transported by the transport roller. A developer that the instant film sheet has, further, writes a latent image by cyclically irradiating three color lights from light emitting elements having red (R), green (G), and blue (B) emission colors on the film sheet. This is done by crushing the pool with a developing roller and developing the developer (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-221761

  In the film pack loaded in the pack room of the printer described above, a seal member for shielding the instant film sheet is attached with an adhesive to the leading end of the film pack where the instant film sheet is sent out. When the first instant film sheet in the film pack is sent out, a part of the sealing member is rolled and the first instant film sheet is sent out. Thus, the adhesive strength of the sealing member is weak enough to peel off when the instant film sheet is fed out from the film pack.

  Here, if the printer is accidentally dropped and the printer is dropped in a state where the direction of dropping the printer coincides with the direction in which the instant film sheet of the unused film pack is fed out, the sealing member Is pushed by an instant film sheet (referred to as a first sheet) and peeled off from the leading end of the film pack, and the first sheet jumps out of the film pack. Further, in the film pack in use, the sealing member is peeled off and the frictional force between the instant film sheets is small. Therefore, when the printer is accidentally dropped, the first sheet is placed outside the film pack. The phenomenon of jumping out easily occurs.

  In such a case, the leading edge of the first sheet in the conveying direction comes into contact with the conveying roller, and the trailing edge of the first sheet in the conveying direction is out of the claw engagement position. In this state, in order to record an image on the first sheet, even if the first sheet is scraped up by the claw, the claw does not engage with the rear end in the conveyance direction of the first sheet. Engage with the rear end of the next instant film sheet (referred to as the second sheet) in the conveying direction. Further, the claw scoops up the second sheet and moves to the rear end in the conveyance direction of the first sheet. At this time, the claw is disengaged without engaging any of the first and second sheets, or is in a state of conveying both the first and second sheets. In the former case, the instant film sheet is not conveyed. On the other hand, in the latter case, the drive mechanism stops when a pair of transport rollers having only a gap between one instant film sheet is reached.

  Here, even if the user notices an abnormality and opens the back cover and takes out the film pack, the tip of the instant film sheet has already popped out of the film pack and sent into the printer, so the film pack can be easily removed. It is difficult to take out. Thus, in a conventional printer loaded with a medium pack in which a plurality of recording media such as instant film sheets are stacked and stored, if the printer is accidentally dropped, the recording medium is inadvertently removed from the medium pack. I have a problem of popping out.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer that can prevent inadvertent jumping of a recording medium from a medium pack.

The printer of the present invention that achieves the above object is a printer that records an image on a recording medium by writing the image on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded in a predetermined conveying direction.
A pack chamber in which a medium pack containing a plurality of stacked recording media is loaded;
A claw that locks at the rear end in the transport direction of one recording medium among the recording media loaded in the pack chamber, scrapes the recording medium in the transport direction, and returns to the original standby position;
A conveyance roller that takes over conveyance of the recording medium that has been scraped up by the claw;
And a film ejection preventing member that is positioned in front of the recording medium delivery port from the medium pack loaded in the pack chamber and prevents inadvertent ejection of the recording medium from the medium pack. .

  The printer of the present invention is located in front of a recording medium delivery outlet from a medium pack in which a plurality of recording media are stacked and accommodated, and prevents the recording medium from inadvertently ejecting from the medium pack. Since it is provided with a member, even if the printer of the present invention is accidentally dropped, the film pop-out preventing member can prevent the recording medium from being accidentally popped out from the medium pack. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the phenomenon that the recording medium is not conveyed or the recording medium conveyance mechanism is stopped due to the recording medium jumping out of the medium pack.

  Here, it is preferable to have a member moving mechanism that retracts the film pop-out prevention member from the front surface of the delivery port in conjunction with the scraping of the recording medium by the claw and returns it to the front surface of the delivery port after the conveyance of the recording medium is completed. .

  With such a member moving mechanism, even if the printer of the present invention is accidentally dropped, the phenomenon that the recording medium jumps out of the medium pack can be prevented by the film pop-out preventing member. When recording an image on a recording medium, the film pop-out preventing member can be retracted from the front surface of the medium pack outlet.

  According to the printer of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from inadvertently popping out of the medium pack.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front.

  The printer 1 is used in combination with a mobile phone or the like. A plurality of instant film sheets (here, a latent image is formed by exposure and a processing liquid is developed and visualized at the time of delivery (here). In this example, the laminated instant film pack (corresponding to an example of the media pack according to the present invention) is loaded into the pack chamber, and the instant film sheet is exposed according to image data and sent to the outside. The processing liquid is spread on an instant film sheet. This instant film sheet corresponds to an example of the recording medium referred to in the present invention.

  Some mobile phones can perform infrared communication conforming to IrDA (Infrared Data Association). Using this infrared communication, you can send your information to other information devices. If there is, the image data can be transmitted to the printer 1. When the printer 1 receives image data representing an image taken by the camera-equipped cellular phone or image data transmitted to the cellular phone by e-mail or the like, the printer 1 uses infrared communication to transmit the image data. The image is recorded on the instant film sheet on the basis of the image data, and the re-recording of the image based on the transmitted image data is repeated as described later without having to retransmit from the mobile phone. It can be performed on another instant film sheet with a simple operation of operating a switch.

  The printer 1 is a portable printer having a thin, light, and small structure as shown in FIG. 1, and includes two 3V primary batteries. An instant film pack is loaded in the casing 1a of the printer 1, and an image is recorded on each of the ten instant film sheets stacked in the instant film pack.

  On the upper surface of the casing 1a of the printer 1, as operation buttons, a power switch (hereinafter referred to as a power SW) 11 for instructing to turn on and off the power of the printer 1 and an image replay based on the transmitted image data. A repeat switch (hereinafter referred to as repeat SW) 12 for recording is provided. A counter 13 indicating the remaining number of instant film sheets is provided on the upper surface of the housing 1a. The counter 13 is a mechanical counter, and when an unused instant film pack is loaded, a numerical value “10” indicating that the remaining number is 10 is displayed. Hereinafter, each time an image is recorded on the instant film sheet, a numerical value indicating the remaining number is displayed, and when the image is recorded on the tenth instant film sheet, the remaining number is zero. A numerical value “0” is displayed. When the instant film pack is removed, a blank state is displayed in which nothing is displayed.

  A transmission / reception unit 14 is provided at the end of the printer 1. The transmission / reception unit 14 receives the image data transmitted by the infrared communication described above, and transmits a signal for notifying the other party that the image data has been received.

  In addition, the casing 1a of the printer 1 is turned on when the power is turned on and also flashes when the infrared communication is performed, the power LED 15 is turned on, the communication error LED 16 is turned on when an error occurs in the infrared communication, and the built-in battery voltage. When the battery voltage decreases, a low-battery display LED 17 that is lit to prompt the user to replace the battery is provided.

  Further, the side face of the printer 1 is provided with a film door opening switch 18 provided on the lower surface side of the printer 1 for opening a film door, which will be described later, and the corner portion is provided with a strap attaching portion 1b. ing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an instant film sheet on which an image is recorded based on image data from a camera-equipped mobile phone is discharged in the printer illustrated in FIG.

  With the infrared communication unit of the camera-equipped mobile phone 2 facing the transmission / reception unit 14 of the printer 1, the camera-equipped mobile phone 2 is operated to transmit image data representing an image taken by the camera-equipped mobile phone 2 by infrared communication. Is transmitted to the printer 1. The printer 1 receives image data transmitted by infrared communication, and records the latent image based on the received image data on the instant film sheet 1001 by exposure, while visualizing the instant film sheet 1001. The paper is gradually discharged from the outlet 19 of the printer 1 to the outside. Thereafter, when the repeat SW 12 is operated, the same image as that image is re-recorded on another instant film sheet.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower surface side of the printer shown in FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from above.

  A film door 20 that is opened by the operation of the film door opening switch 18 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the lower surface side of the printer 1, and the film door 20 is opened, and an instant film pack is loaded into the pack chamber. The The film door 20 is provided with a pack presence / absence confirmation window 20a for confirming whether or not an instant film pack is loaded. Further, a battery cover 21 that is opened to mount a battery that serves as a power source of the printer 1 is also provided adjacent to the film door 20.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 3 with the film door opened.

  The above-described pack presence / absence confirmation window 20a and spring members 20b and 20c are provided inside the film door 20, and the instant film sheets stacked in the instant film pack by the spring members 20b and 20c are printed on the printer. 1 is pressed to the upper surface side.

  Further, the printer 1 is provided with a pack chamber 22 for loading an instant film pack. On the right side in FIG. 4 outside the pack chamber 22, an image writing unit 300 and a medium transporting and developing unit 30 for writing an image on the transported instant film sheet are provided. Details of the image writing unit 300 and the medium transporting and developing unit 30 will be described later. Further, a claw 24 for feeding the instant film sheet to the image writing unit 300 and the medium conveying / developing unit 30 side is provided below the pack chamber 22 in FIG. The claw 24 is locked to the rear end of the instant film sheet of the instant film sheet loaded in the pack chamber 22 in the transport direction, and the instant film sheet is scraped up in the transport direction to return to the original standby position. It is a member which returns to. With such a configuration, of the instant film sheets in the instant film pack, the instant film sheet on the uppermost side of the printer 1 is picked up by the claw 24 and conveyed by the medium conveying / developing unit 30 to write an image. An image is written and developed by the unit 300.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 4 with the housing removed when viewed from the back side.

  FIG. 5 shows a medium conveying / developing unit 30 including a DC motor 406 and a gear train 39 that transmits a rotational driving force from the DC motor 406 to a conveying roller and a developing roller, which will be described later. Further, FIG. 5 also shows a claw 24 provided in the pack chamber 22.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the surface of the instant film pack used in the printer of this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the instant film pack shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the surface 501 of the instant film pack 500 is provided with openings 501a and 501b through which the spring members 20b and 20c described above enter.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a slit-shaped instant film delivery port 503 is provided on the end surface 502 of the instant film pack 500, and a light-shielding seal that shields the instant film delivery port 503 from the outside. 504 is affixed so as to close the instant film delivery port 503. When the instant film is sent out from the instant film delivery port 503, a part of the light-shielding seal 504 is rolled and the instant film is sent out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a confirmation window 505a indicating whether or not the instant film pack 500 is unused is provided on the back surface 505 of the instant film pack 500. The confirmation window 505a is closed to the mark 505b when the instant film pack 500 is not used, and is opened to the mark 505c when the instant film pack 500 is used.

  The instant film pack 500 is loaded into the pack chamber 22 of the printer 1, and images are recorded on each of the ten instant film stacks in the instant film pack 500.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exposure surface of the instant film sheet in the instant film pack shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an observation surface of the instant film sheet shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows an exposure surface 1001_1 of the instant film sheet 1001. The exposure surface 1001_1 includes a processing liquid reservoir 1001a disposed at the leading end of the instant film sheet 1001 in the conveyance direction, an exposure unit 1001b on which an image is exposed, a blank portion 1001c, and a trap unit that absorbs excess processing liquid. 1001d. Further, FIG. 9 shows the observation surface 1001_2 side of the instant film sheet 1001. The observation surface 1001_2 is provided with an observation unit 1001e for observing an image formed by exposure to develop a latent image and developed by the processing liquid, and a blank portion 1001f.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the medium conveying and developing unit in the printer of this embodiment.

  The medium conveying and developing unit 30 includes a pair of conveying rollers 31 and 32 that convey the instant film sheet 1001 with both side portions of the instant film sheet 1001 being sandwiched. The conveyance roller 32 is urged toward the conveyance roller 31 by a spring member 35_1. Here, the gap between the pair of transport rollers 31 and 32 is set to be larger than the thickness of one instant film sheet 1001 and smaller than the thickness of two sheets.

  In addition, the medium transport / development unit 30 is disposed downstream of the pair of transport rollers 31 and 32 in the transport direction of the instant film sheet 1001, and the processing liquid reservoir 1001 a is sandwiched across the entire width of the instant film sheet 1001. A pair of developing rollers 33 and 34 for crushing and developing the processing liquid is provided. The developing roller 34 is urged toward the developing roller 33 by a spring member 35_2.

  Further, the medium transport / development unit 30 is provided with control plates 36 and 37 for controlling the processing liquid being unfolded between the transport rollers 31 and 32 and the development rollers 33 and 34, and an instant film sheet 1001. A film guide frame 38 for guiding is provided. Further, near the exit of the instant film pack 500, a film ejection member 600 and an image writing unit 300, which will be described later, are provided.

  The printer 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the instant film sheet 1001 on the uppermost surface side of the printer 1 among the instant film sheets 1001 in the instant film pack 500 is claw 24 (see FIG. 4) from a predetermined conveyance start point Ps. The image writing unit 300 starts writing an image at the fixed writing point Pf while being conveyed by the conveying rollers 31 and 32. Further, the printer 1 conveys the instant film sheet 1001 with the conveying rollers 31 and 32 while writing an image on the instant film sheet 1001, and develops the processing liquid by crushing the processing liquid reservoir 1001 a with the developing rollers 33 and 34. The developing processing liquid is controlled by the control plates 36 and 37 to perform development, and is transported to a predetermined transport end point Pe.

  As described above, the film pack 500 loaded in the pack chamber 22 of the printer 1 has a seal for shielding the instant film sheet 1001 from light at the leading end of the film pack 500 to which the instant film sheet 1001 is sent out. A member 504 is attached with an adhesive. When the first instant film sheet 1001 in the film pack 500 is sent out, a part of the seal member 504 is rolled up and the first instant film sheet 1001 is sent out. Thus, the adhesive strength of the seal member 504 is weak enough to peel off when the instant film sheet 1001 is sent out from the film pack 500.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining inadvertent pop-out of an instant film sheet from a film pack of a printer as a comparative example.

  Conventionally, when a printer is accidentally dropped and the printer falls in a state where the falling direction of the printer coincides with the direction in which the instant film sheet of the unused film pack 500 is fed out, the sealing member A phenomenon occurs in which 504 is pushed by the instant film sheet 1001_1 and peeled off from the leading end of the film pack 500, and the instant film sheet 1001 jumps out of the film pack 500. Further, in the film pack 500 in use, the seal member 504 is peeled off and the frictional force between the instant film sheets 1001 and 1002 is small. Therefore, when the printer is accidentally dropped, the instant film sheet 1001 is removed. A phenomenon that the battery 500 easily jumps out of the pack 500 occurs.

  In such a case, the leading end of the instant film sheet 1001 in the transport direction comes into contact with the transport rollers 31 and 32, and the rear end in the transport direction of the instant film sheet 1001 is out of the engagement position of the claw 24. In this state, even if an attempt is made to scoop up the instant film sheet 1001 with the claw 24 in order to record an image on the instant film sheet 1001, the claw 24 is not engaged with the rear end of the instant film sheet 1001 in the conveying direction. Instead, it engages with the rear end of the next instant film sheet 1002 in the conveying direction. Further, the claw 24 scoops up the instant film sheet 1002 and moves to the rear end in the conveyance direction of the instant film sheet 1001. At this time, the claw 24 is in a state of being detached without engaging with any of the instant film sheets 1001 and 1002, or is in a state of transporting both of the instant film sheets 1001 and 1002. In the former case, the instant film sheet 1001_1 is not conveyed. On the other hand, in the latter case, the drive mechanism stops when the pair of transport rollers 31 and 32 having only a gap between the instant film sheets is reached.

  Here, even if the user notices an abnormality and tries to open the back cover and take out the film pack 500, the tip of the instant film sheet 1001 has already jumped out of the film pack 500 and sent into the printer. It is difficult to take out the film pack 500 easily.

  In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the instant film sheet 1001 can be prevented from popping out from the film pack 500 with the configuration described below.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the printer according to the present embodiment when the housing is removed when the printer is viewed from the front side.

  The printer 1 is provided with a box 51 containing a pack chamber 22 in which a film pack 500 is loaded, and a film pop-out prevention member 600 provided on the inner surface of the box 51. The film ejection preventing member 600 is located in front of the delivery port 503 of the instant film sheet 1001 from the film pack 500 loaded in the pack chamber 22 and prevents the instant film sheet 1001 from inadvertently ejecting from the film pack 500. It is a member. As shown in FIG. 12, the film pop-out preventing member 600 has a shape that blocks between the pack chamber 22 and the image writing unit 300. For this reason, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as dust from entering the exposure head of the image writing unit 300 from the pack chamber 22 when the film pack 500 is replaced.

  In addition, the printer 1 is provided with a member moving mechanism 700, a claw actuating member 800, and a cam 900 arranged on the upper surface of the box 51. The member moving mechanism 700 is a mechanism for retracting the film ejection preventing member 600 from the front surface of the delivery port 503 in conjunction with the scooping up of the instant film sheet 1001 by the claw 24 and returning it to the front surface of the delivery port 503 after the instant film sheet 1001 is conveyed. It is. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for preventing inadvertent popping of an instant film sheet from a film pack in the printer of this embodiment.

  FIG. 13A shows an unused film pack 500 in which ten instant film sheets (here, three instant film sheets 1001, 1002, and 1003 are shown as an example) are laminated, and the film pack. A film pop-out preventing member 600 located in front of the delivery port of the instant film sheet 1001 from 500 is shown. For this reason, when the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is accidentally dropped, the printer 1 is dropped in a state in which the direction in which the printer 1 is dropped coincides with the direction in which the instant film sheet is fed out of the film pack 500. Even so, the phenomenon that the instant film sheet 1001 jumps out of the film pack 500 by the film pop-out preventing member 600 and the leading end of the instant film sheet 1001 in the transport direction abuts against the transport rollers 31 and 32 is prevented. .

  When an image is recorded on the instant film sheet 1001, the claw 24 moves in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. Then, in conjunction with the movement of the claw 24, the cam 900 shown in FIG. 12 rotates in the direction of arrow A, whereby the claw operating member 800 moves to the upper part of FIG. Comes into contact with the end portion 700 a of the member moving mechanism 700. Then, the film pop-out preventing member 600 is retracted in the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG. In this way, the film ejection preventing member 600 is retracted from the front surface of the delivery port 503 of the film pack 500. In this state, the instant film sheet 1001 is picked up by the claw 24 and conveyed by the conveying rollers 31 and 32, and an image is written and developed by the image writing unit 300. Thereafter, the cam 900 further rotates in the direction of arrow A, so that the film pop-out prevention member 600 is returned to the front surface of the delivery port 503 of the film pack 500.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the internal control system of the printer.

  A schematic diagram of the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown on the right end side of FIG. 14, and a configuration showing a control system of the printer 1 is shown in the entire area excluding the right end portion. Note that the arrows shown in FIG. 14 indicate the arrangement relationship of the components indicating the control system in the printer 1.

  In the printer 1, the main board unit 100, the sub board unit 200, the image writing unit 300, the FPI unit 401, the ENCPI unit 402, the COUNTPI unit 403, the cam switch 404, and the transmission / reception unit 14 are provided. The IrDA transmission / reception unit 405 and the DC motor 406 are provided.

  The sub-board unit 200 includes a power supply SW11, a repeat SW12, and a display LED unit 201, which are also shown in FIG. The display LED unit 201 includes a power LED 15, a communication error LED 16, a low battery display LED 17, and a counter backlight LED (not shown) provided on the back side of the counter 13.

  The image writing unit 300 includes an optical head unit 301 having a light guide, a liquid crystal shutter (LCS), and the like, flexible cables 302 and 303 that connect the optical head unit 301 and the main substrate unit 100, and a flexible cable 303. Light-emitting elements (LEDs) 304, 305, and 306 having emission colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are provided. This image writing unit 300 is provided with three R, G, and B from the LEDs 304, 305, and 306 based on the image data received by the transmission / reception unit 14 in synchronization with the writing instruction pulse on the instant film sheet being conveyed. A latent image is written on the instant film sheet by cyclically irradiating two colored lights. The printer 1 includes two primary batteries 407 for 3V.

  Hereinafter, the main substrate unit 100 will be described. A power supply voltage VB of 6V from the primary battery 407 connected in series is applied to the main substrate unit 100. The main board unit 100 includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 101, an oscillator 102, a reset circuit 103, a flash memory (FLASH) 104, and an SDRAM 105.

  The MPU 101 comprehensively controls the operation of the printer 1.

  The oscillator 102 generates an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency and supplies it to the MPU 101 as an operation clock signal.

  The reset circuit 103 outputs a reset signal for initializing the MPU 101.

  The flash memory 104 is a non-volatile memory, and the flash memory 104 stores adjustment values for solid difference adjustment that are determined depending on a mechanism or the like unique to the printer 1.

  The SDRAM 105 is a volatile memory, and the SDRAM 105 stores image data from the camera-equipped mobile phone 2.

  The main board 100 is supplied with a power supply voltage VB of 6V, a power supply 106 for outputting a voltage of 2.5V, a power supply 107 for outputting a voltage of 3.3V, and a voltage of 15V. A DC / DC converter 108 is provided. Further, a power supply control unit 109 that controls the power supply units 106 and 107 and the DC / DC converter 108 in response to an instruction from the MPU 101 is also provided. Here, a voltage of 2.5 V is supplied to the MPU 101 and a voltage of 3.3 V is supplied to peripheral circuits other than the MPU 101. Moreover, the voltage of 15V is used for LCD drive mentioned later.

  In order to extend the life of the primary battery 407, the printer 1 includes the MPU 101 having a standby mode which is a low power consumption mode, and the MPU 101 completes the initial process even when the power switch 12 is pressed. At that time, it becomes standby mode. When infrared communication is performed from the outside in this state, the standby mode is shifted to the normal operation mode, an image is recorded on the instant film sheet, and the normal operation mode is quickly shifted to the standby mode. Also, when the repeat SW 12 is pressed, after the image is recorded on the instant film sheet, the standby mode is set. Further, the MPU 101 controls the power supply units 106 and 107 and the DC / DC converter 108 via the power supply control unit 109 so that power is supplied to each unit only when necessary. In this way, the printer 1 can be used for a long time with the built-in primary battery 407.

  Further, the main substrate unit 100 includes a BC unit 110, a TPG unit 111, a temperature detection unit 112, an oscillator 113, an IrDA / LCS control unit 114, and a head LED driving unit 115.

  The BC unit 110 checks whether or not the power supply voltage VB of the primary battery 407 has decreased below a predetermined value. When the MPU 101 determines that the power supply voltage VB of the primary battery 407 is lower than a predetermined value with reference to the check result, the MPU 101 turns on the low battery display LED 17 to prompt the user to replace the battery. .

  The TPG unit 111 turns on and off the 15 V voltage output from the DC / DC converter 108.

  The temperature detection unit 112 detects the temperature of the image writing unit 300. The MPU 101 controls the shutter speed of each shutter unit of the liquid crystal shutter in the optical head unit 301 in accordance with the detection signal from the temperature detection unit 112.

  The oscillator 113 generates an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency and supplies it to the IrDA / LCS control unit 114.

  The IrDA / LCS control unit 114 controls the IrDA transmission / reception unit 405 and the optical head unit 301 based on the oscillation signal from the oscillator 113. The IrDA transmission / reception unit 405 includes a light projecting element and a light receiving element for performing infrared communication, and the IrDA / LCS control unit 114 sends data photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element to the MPU 101 or from the MPU 101. Data for notifying an external device to that effect is transmitted to the outside via the light projecting element. Further, the IrDA / LCS control unit 114 controls a liquid crystal shutter provided in the optical head unit 301 via the flexible cable 302 based on an instruction from the MPU 101.

  The head LED drive unit 115 drives the LEDs 304, 305, and 306 by flowing a current based on an instruction from the MPU 101 to the LEDs 304, 305, and 306 via the flexible cable 303.

  The printer 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the instant film sheet 1001 is fed in the predetermined sub-scanning direction (the direction in which the instant film sheet 1001 is sent out) by the DC motor 406 while the R, The three colors G and B are cyclically written, and in the main scanning direction intersecting with the sub-scanning direction, the same color is simultaneously written for all the pixels arranged in the main scanning direction, thereby obtaining the instant film. A color image is recorded on the sheet 1001.

  In recording a color image, a control signal corresponding to image data is supplied from the IrDA / LCS control unit 114 to the optical head unit 301 constituting the image writing unit 300 via the flexible cable 302. This control signal controls the shutter speed of each shutter section of the liquid crystal shutter in the optical head section 301. The shutter speed of each shutter unit is controlled according to the image data, and light corresponding to each of RGB from the LEDs 304, 305, and 306 provided in the flexible cable 303 is irradiated onto the instant film sheet, and the instant film sheet 1001 A latent image composed of a large number of light spots (dots) is recorded in the width direction. The width direction, that is, the direction in which the shutter portions are arranged one-dimensionally is the main scanning direction. Accordingly, each shutter portion is electronically scanned in the main scanning direction, and a light spot (all pixels) for one line is recorded on the instant film sheet 1001. By the electronic scanning of the optical head unit 301, light spots composed of a large number of dots are recorded in the main scanning direction of the instant film sheet 1001. Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the instant film sheet 1001 is fed in the sub-scanning direction by the DC motor 406. Accordingly, the light spot is sequentially recorded for each of a large number of dots by the image writing unit 300 also in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, the main board unit 100 is provided with a PI driving unit 116. The PI driving unit 116 drives the FPI unit 401, the ENCPI unit 402, and the COUNTPI unit 403. Here, the FPI unit 401, the ENCPI unit 402, and the COUNTPI unit 403 will be described.

  The FPI unit 401 is a photo interrupter for detecting the presence / absence of the instant film sheet 1001.

  The ENCPI unit 402 is a photo interrupter for outputting an encode signal composed of a pulse train synchronized with the rotation of the DC motor 406.

  The COUNTPI unit 403 is a photointerrupter for the counter 13 to detect a reset state (a state where the instant film pack is removed).

  A cam switch 404 is connected to the main board portion 100. The cam switch 404 is a switch for monitoring an initial position in the transport mechanism of the printer 1.

  Further, the main board part 100 is provided with a motor driving part 117. In response to an instruction from the MPU 101, the motor drive unit 117 controls the rotational speed of the DC motor 406 so that the time interval of the pulse train of the encode signal output from the ENCPI unit 402 becomes a predetermined time interval.

  In the present embodiment, an example of an instant film sheet has been described as the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium according to the present invention may be a recording medium on which an image is recorded.

It is the perspective view which looked at the printer of one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally forward. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an instant film sheet on which an image is recorded based on image data from a camera-equipped mobile phone is discharged in the printer illustrated in FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the lower surface side of the printer shown in FIG. 1 from diagonally upward. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 3 in a state where a film door is opened. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the printer illustrated in FIG. 4 in a state where a housing is removed when viewed from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the surface of the instant film pack used for the printer of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface of the instant film pack shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the exposure surface of the instant film sheet in the instant film pack shown in FIG. 6, FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the observation surface of the instant film sheet shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the medium conveyance expansion | deployment part in the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining inadvertent popping of an instant film sheet from a film pack of a printer as a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment when the housing is removed when viewed from the front side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for preventing an inadvertent pop-out of an instant film sheet from a film pack in the printer of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing a control system inside the printer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 1a Case 1b Strap attachment part 2 Cellular phone with camera 11 Power switch (Power SW)
12 Repeat switch (repeat SW)
13 Counter 14 Transceiver 15 Power LED
16 Communication error LED
17 LED for low battery display
18 Film door opening switch 19 Outlet 20 Film door 20a Pack presence / absence confirmation window 20b, 20c, 35_1, 35_2 Spring member 21 Battery cover 22 Pack chamber 24 Claw
Reference Signs List 30 Media conveying / developing part 31, 32 Conveying roller 33, 34 Developing roller 36, 37 Control plate 38 Film guide frame 39 Gear train 51 Box body 100 Main board part 101 MPU
102, 113 Oscillator 103 Reset circuit 104 Flash memory 105 SDRAM
106, 107 Power supply unit 108 DC / DC converter 109 Power supply control unit 110 BC unit 111 TPG unit 112 Temperature detection unit 114 IrDA / LCS control unit 115 Head LED drive unit 116 PI drive unit 117 Motor drive unit 200 Sub-board unit 201 For display LED unit 300 Image writing unit 301 Optical head unit 302, 303 Flexible cable 304, 305, 306 Light emitting element (LED)
401 FPI part 402 ENCPI part 403 COUNTPI part 404 Cam switch 405 IrDA transmission / reception part 406 DC motor 407 Primary battery 500 Instant film pack 501 Instant film pack surface 501a, 501b Opening 502 Instant film pack end face 503 Instant film sending exit 504 Light shielding 505 Instant film pack back surface 505a Confirmation window 505b, 505c Mark 600 Film projecting member 700 Member moving mechanism 700a End portion 800 Claw operating member 800a Inclined portion 900 Cam 1001, 1002, 1003 Instant film sheet 1001_1 Exposure surface 1001_2 Observation surface 1001a Development surface 1001a Pool 1001b Exposure part 1001c, 1001f Margin part 001d trap portion 1001e observation section

Claims (2)

In a printer that records an image on the recording medium by writing the image on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium on which the image is recorded in a predetermined conveying direction.
A pack chamber in which a medium pack containing a plurality of the recording media stacked therein is loaded;
A claw that engages with the rear end in the transport direction of the recording medium for one of the recording media loaded in the pack chamber, scrapes the recording medium in the transport direction, and returns to the original standby position;
A conveyance roller that takes over conveyance of the recording medium that has been scraped up by the claw;
A film ejection preventing member that is positioned in front of the recording medium delivery port from the medium pack loaded in the pack chamber and prevents inadvertent ejection of the recording medium from the medium pack; Printer.   The apparatus further comprises a member moving mechanism that retracts the film ejection preventing member from the front surface of the delivery port in conjunction with the scraping of the recording medium by the claw and returns it to the front surface of the delivery port after the conveyance of the recording medium is completed. Item 1. The printer according to Item 1.

Images