Camera having a printer with a paper feed device using a vibration actuator

Abstract

An electronic camera having a printer with a portable printing function and a sheet feed device suitable for use with the printer. The electronic camera includes an image storage device it photoelectrically convert an optical image to picture data, a first memory to store picture data, and a printer unit to print the picture data. The printed picture data may be fed by a sheet drive mechanism having vibration member and a piezoelectric element fixed to the vibration member and expanding and contracting according to an applied voltage, and a driver which applies to the piezoelectric element a voltage including an alternating component, and at least one projection formed on the vibration member in a position in the neighborhood of a peak of the standing wave, and a sheet separation unit formed on the vibration member, outside the range of the standing wave. The sheet separation unit has a greater thickness than the thickness of the vibration member in the range of the standing wave, and includes a slit formed in the sheet separation unit. The slit has a thickness greater than the thickness of one sheet of paper being fed and smaller than the thickness of two sheets.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A portable electronic camera, comprising: 
 a camera unit including an image conversion and storage device to photoelectrically convert an optical image to picture data, and a first memory to store the picture data; and    a printer unit including a print device to print the picture data.    
     
     
         2 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 1 , wherein 
 the camera unit includes 
 a first connection device to connect the camera unit and the printer unit in a mutually detachable state, and  
 a first communication device to communicate the picture data and control information between the camera unit and the printer unit, and  
   the printer unit includes 
 a second connection device to connect the camera unit and the printer unit in a mutually detachable state, and  
 a second communication device to communicate the picture data and the control information between the camera unit and the printer unit.  
   
     
     
         3 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 2 , wherein 
 the first connection device is in a position on a side opposite the optical image, and the second connection device is in a position facing the optical image.    
     
     
         4 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the printer unit includes a display to display the picture data.  
     
     
         5 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 2 , wherein 
 the camera unit includes a first release device to store in the first memory, the picture data photoelectrically converted by the image conversion and storage device, and    the printer unit includes a second release device to store in the first memory the picture data photoelectrically converted by the image conversion and storage device.    
     
     
         6 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 5 , wherein 
 the first release device is in a position separated from a center of the camera unit, and the second release device is arranged in a position opposite the first release device, with respect to the center of the camera unit.    
     
     
         7 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 5 , wherein when at least one of the first release device and the second release device operates, the camera unit stores the picture data in the first memory.  
     
     
         8 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 an instruction device to instruct commencement of printing of the picture data by the printer device.    
     
     
         9 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the instruction device is opposite to the second release device with respect to the center of the camera unit.  
     
     
         10 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 8 , wherein 
 the camera unit includes a selection device to select an operating mode, and the storing of the picture data to the first memory and the commencement of printing are controlled by the operation of the second release device and the instruction device according to the operating mode selected by the selection device.    
     
     
         11 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 10 , wherein when the operating mode selected by the selection device is a photographic mode, and when the second release device and the instruction device are actuated together, the camera unit stores the picture data in the first memory, and the printer unit prints the picture data stored in the first memory.  
     
     
         12 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 10 , wherein 
 when the instruction device is actuated, and the operating mode selected by the selection device is a playback mode, the printer unit prints the picture data.    
     
     
         13 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 10 , wherein 
 when the instruction device is actuated, and the operating mode selected by the selection device is a photography mode, the printer unit prints the picture data stored in the first memory.    
     
     
         14 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a display to display the picture data.  
     
     
         15 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the display displays the picture data stored in the first memory.  
     
     
         16 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a second memory to which the picture data stored in the first memory is transferred, and the display displays the picture data stored in the second memory.    
     
     
         17 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 16 , wherein 
 the printer unit includes a release device, and stores the picture data photoelectrically converted by the image conversion and storage device in the first memory according to the operation of the release device.    
     
     
         18 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 1 , wherein 
 the printer unit stores photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper capable of paper feed, and further comprises 
 a detachable storage unit having a light screening door to screen light from the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper,  
 a paper feed unit to feed the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper from the storage unit,  
 a conveyor unit to convey the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper fed by the paper feed unit,  
 an exposure unit to expose a latent image in the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper conveyed by the conveyor unit, and  
 a development unit to compress the exposed photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.  
   
     
     
         19 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the printer unit further comprises a first ultrasonic motor which vibrates at a frequency above the audible frequency.  
     
     
         20 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 19 , wherein 
 the first ultrasonic motor includes a vibration member having a projection of about rectangular parallelepipedal shape contacting the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper at one surface, and a piezoelectric element adhered to the vibration member, and the projection contacts the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and feeds the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         21 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 18 , wherein 
 the paper feed unit includes a mechanism to open and close the light-screening door according to the detachment of the detachable storage unit.    
     
     
         22 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 18 , wherein 
 the conveyor unit includes a freely rotatable first roller, and a second roller which is driven in rotation, with the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper interposed between the first roller and the second roller.    
     
     
         23 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the development unit comprises: 
 a second ultrasonic motor which vibrates at a frequency above the audible frequency, and    a pressing member to compress the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper together with the second ultrasonic motor.    
     
     
         24 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the second ultrasonic motor comprises: 
 a vibration member having a projection extending in a direction of motion of the photosensitive, pressure sensitive paper and in a direction at right angles to the direction of motion of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and a piezoelectric element adhered to the vibration member.    
     
     
         25 . A portable electronic camera as recited in  claim 18 , wherein 
 the conveyor unit and the development unit are positioned to be shorter than about the length of the direction of motion of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and    the exposure unit and the development unit are separated by a distance longer than the length in the direction of motion of the exposed latent image.    
     
     
         26 . An electronic camera including a printer, comprising: 
 a camera unit, including 
 a photographic device to photoelectrically convert optical images to picture data, a memory to store the picture data,  
 a first release device to instruct a first release timing to store the picture data in the memory, and  
 a camera control unit to control the photographic device and the memory device based on a photographic procedure, and  
   a printer unit, including 
 a printing device to print the picture data stored in the memory, and  
 a printing control unit to control the printing device based on a printing procedure, has a printing procedure,  
 wherein either of the camera unit or the printer unit includes a combination procedure comprising the photographic procedure and the printing procedure.  
   
     
     
         27 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 26 , wherein 
 the printer unit further comprises a second release device to instruct a second release timing at which the memory stores the picture data.    
     
     
         28 . An electronic camera as recited  claim 27 , wherein 
 the first release device is in a position separated from a center of the camera unit, and    the second release device is in a position on an opposite side of the first release device, with respect to the center of the camera unit.    
     
     
         29 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 27 , wherein 
 at least one timing among a first release timing and a second release timing is a procedure causing the picture data to be stored in the memory, and is the photographic procedure.    
     
     
         30 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the camera unit further comprises: 
 a selection device to select an operating mode,    wherein the combination procedure, based on the commencement timing instructed by the instruction device and the operating mode selected by the selection device, the camera control unit executes the photographic procedure, and the printing control unit executes the printing procedure.    
     
     
         31 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 30 , wherein the instruction device is positioned on a side opposite to a position of the second release device.  
     
     
         32 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 30 , wherein 
 the combination procedure is a procedure in which, based on the second release timing instructed by the second release device, and on the commencement timing instructed by the instruction device, the camera control unit performs the photographic procedure, and the printing control means performs the printing procedure.    
     
     
         33 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 1 , wherein 
 the camera unit further comprises a selection device to select an operating mode, and    the printer unit further comprises instruction device to instruct the commencement timing of the printing operation, and    the combination procedure is a procedure in which, based on the operating mode selected by the selection device and on the commencement timing instructed by instruction device, the camera control unit performs the photographic procedure, and the printing control means performs the printing procedure.    
     
     
         34 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 33 , wherein 
 when the operating mode selected by the selection device is the photographic mode, the combination procedure is a procedure in which, based on the commencement timing instructed by the instruction device, the camera control unit performs the photographic procedure, and the printing control unit performs the printing procedure.    
     
     
         35 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 33 , wherein the combination procedure is a procedure in which, based on the commencement timing instructed by the instruction device, the printing control device performs the printing procedure.  
     
     
         36 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 26 , wherein A 
 the camera unit further comprises 
 a first connection device to connect the camera unit and the printer unit in a mutually detachable state, and  
 a first communication device to perform communication between the camera unit and the printer unit, and  
   the printer unit further comprises 
 a second connection device to connect with the first connection device, and  
 a second communication device to perform communication with the first communication device.  
   
     
     
         37 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 36 , wherein 
 the first connection device is positioned opposite the optical image, and the second connection device is in a position facing the optical image.    
     
     
         38 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 36 , wherein 
 the first communication device includes a first light emitting unit to emit infrared rays and a first light receiving unit to receive infrared rays,    the second communication device includes a second light emitting unit to emit infrared rays and a second light receiving unit to receive infrared rays, and    the printer unit further comprises a positioning device to position the camera unit in a position in which it is possible for the first light emitting unit to receive infrared rays output by the second light emitting unit, and in a position in which it is possible for the second light emitting unit to receive infrared rays output by the first light emitting unit.    
     
     
         39 . An electronic camera as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the printer unit includes the combination procedure.  
     
     
         40 . An electronic camera including a printer, comprising: 
 a camera unit including 
 a photographic device to photoelectrically convert an optical image into picture data,  
 a first memory to store picture data,  
 a first release device to instruct a first timer to store the picture data of the first memory, and  
 a camera control unit to control the photographic device and the first memory based on the first release timing; and  
   a printer unit to print the picture data;    a display to display the picture data; and    a printing control device to control the printing unit and the display;    the camera unit further comprises 
 a first connection device to mutually detachably connect the camera unit and the printer unit, and  
 a first communication device to perform communication between the camera unit and the printer unit;  
   the printer unit further comprises 
 a second connection device to connect to the first connection device, and  
 a second communication device to communicate with the first communication device.  
   
     
     
         41 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 40 , wherein 
 the printer unit further comprises a second memory, and    the printing control unit causes the printing device to print the picture data stored in second memory, and causes the display to display the picture data stored by the second memory.    
     
     
         42 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 41 , wherein 
 the printing control unit causes storage in the second memory of the picture data stored by the first memory, based on the first release timing.    
     
     
         43 . An electronic camera including a printer, comprising: 
 a camera unit including 
 a photographic device to photoelectrically convert an optical image into picture data,  
 a memory to store the picture data,  
 a release device to instruct release timing for the memory to store the picture data, and  
 a camera control unit to control the photographic device and the memory based on the release timing; and  
   a printer unit, including 
 a detachable storage unit to store photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper and having a light screening device to screen outside light from the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper,  
 a paper feed unit to feed the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper from the storage unit,  
 a conveyor unit to convey the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper which the paper feed unit feeds,  
 an exposure unit to convert the picture data to picture light and expose the picture light in the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper conveyed by the conveyor unit, and  
 a development unit to compress the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper exposed by the exposure unit, and to eject the compressed photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.  
   
     
     
         44 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 43 , wherein 
 the storage unit includes a storage space to store the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and a paper feed aperture through which the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper is fed from the storage space,    the light screening device covers the paper feed aperture, and moves between a screening position to screen the outside light, and an escape position in which feeding of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper is possible, and    the paper feed device further comprises an opening and closing device to move the light screening device to the escape position as the storage device is inserted into the paper feed device.    
     
     
         45 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 26 , wherein 
 the paper feed device includes an ultrasonic motor having a vibration terminal which vibrates in a direction about parallel to the surface of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         46 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 45 , wherein 
 the vibration terminal is an approximate parallepiped extending in a direction about perpendicular to the direction in which the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper is fed, and projecting in a thickness direction of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         47 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 43 , wherein 
 the development unit includes an ultrasonic motor having a vibration terminal which vibrates in a thickness direction of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and a pressing device to compress the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper to the vibration terminal.    
     
     
         48 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 47 , wherein 
 the vibration terminal extends in a direction about perpendicular to the direction in which the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper is ejected, and projects in a circular arcuate form in a thickness direction of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         49 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 47 , wherein 
 the conveyor unit includes a pair of rollers which sandwich the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and    the development unit is positioned in a n interval of a position of the vibration terminal and a position at which the pair of rollers sandwich the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper to be shorter than a length of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, in a direction in which the conveyor unit conveys the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         50 . An electronic camera including a printer as recited in  claim 43 , wherein 
 the conveyor unit includes a pair of rollers which sandwich the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, and    the exposure unit is positioned in the interval of a position where the picture light in the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper is exposed, and a position at which the pair of rollers sandwich the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, to be shorter than the length of the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper, in a direction in which the conveyor unit conveys the photosensitive, pressure-sensitive paper.    
     
     
         51 . A recording sheet feed device, comprising: 
 a vibration member,    a piezoelectric element fixed to the vibration member and expanding and contracting according to an applied voltage;    a driver to apply a voltage including an alternating component to the piezoelectric element to produce a standing wave in the vibration member, and    a projection formed on the vibration member at a position in a neighborhood of a peak of the standing wave,    wherein the vibration member includes first and second mutually opposing surfaces in a thickness direction outside the range of the standing wave, the first and second mutually opposing surfaces forming a slit, and    a distance between the first and second mutually opposing surfaces is larger than the thickness of one recording sheet being fed and smaller than the thickness of two recording sheets, and the first surface of the slit, a surface of the projection, and the second surface of the slit, are arranged in about the same position with respect to the thickness direction of the vibration member.    
     
     
         52 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the slit includes a tapered portion formed on a recording sheet entry side of the slit, the tapered portion including an aperture having a thickness larger than the thickness of two recording sheets being fed.  
     
     
         53 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 52 , wherein the surface of the projection, and one of two surfaces which are mutually opposite in about the thickness direction of the tapered portion, are arranged in about the same position with respect to the thickness direction.  
     
     
         54 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the vibration member further comprises: 
 a sheet separation unit outside the range of the standing wave on the vibration member and having a thickness larger than a thickness of the vibration member in the range of the standing wave.    
     
     
         55 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 54 , wherein one surface of the sheet separation unit is arranged in about the same position with respect to the thickness direction as the surface of the projection.  
     
     
         56 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the projection is formed in the vibration member with respect to an axial direction at right angles to the movement direction of the recording sheet which is fed, or in the neighborhood of the center of the sheet.  
     
     
         57 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of projections formed in a neighborhood of the respective positions through which the two axes pass,    wherein the distance from the vibration member to the sheet which is fed is equal with respect to the axial direction at right angles to the movement direction of the sheet which is fed, or the center of the sheet.    
     
     
         58 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the plurality of projections are formed in positions in a neighborhood of respective top parts of two peaks of the standing wave in the vibration member.  
     
     
         59 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 51 , further comprising: 
 a movable pressure member arranged in the thickness direction of a fed recording sheet, in a position opposite to the projection on the vibration member, and sandwiching the fed recording sheet.    
     
     
         60 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 59 , wherein a portion of the movable pressure member contacting the recording sheet has a flat surface.  
     
     
         61 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 59 , wherein a portion of the movable pressure member contacting the recording sheet comprises a roller which revolves freely.  
     
     
         62 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 59 , wherein a portion of the movable pressure member contacting the recording sheet comprises a sheet material having a curved surface projecting in the direction of the sheet.  
     
     
         63 . A paper feed device as recited in  claim 59 , further comprising: 
 a spherical member which revolves freely arranged in a portion of the pressure member contacting the recording sheet.