JP2002214714A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting the presence/no presence of photosensitive material in a sorting device. SOLUTION: The photosensitive material happens to stop in a state where its leading edge lies on the detecting position of a sensor in the sorting device. In such a case, there is risk that a control part erroneously detects that the photosensitive material has passed though it actually stops because of the chattering of the photosensitive material. However, in this image forming apparatus, the detected value I of a 4th sensor is read at the intervals of 10 ms and compared with a threshold Is (steps 304 and 306). Since the device is constituted to detect the presence of the photosensitive material only when the compared result continuously coincides with each other 50 times exceeding a stop time of 400 ms (40 times), the control part is prevented from erroneously detecting the passage of the photosensitive material because of the chattering of the photosensitive material which is stopped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like for exposing a photosensitive material to record a latent image. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a distribution device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a printing apparatus using digital exposure, that is, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read, and the read image is converted into a digital signal. 2. Description of the Related Art A digital photo printer has been put into practical use that scans and exposes a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data to record an image (latent image), develops the image, and outputs it as a print (photo). ing.

In a digital photo printer, an exposure condition is determined by photoelectrically reading a film and performing gradation correction and the like by image (signal) processing. Therefore, it is possible to freely perform editing of a print image such as synthesis of a plurality of images by image processing and image division, and various image processing such as color / density adjustment and contour enhancement. Can be output. Further, the image data of the print image can be supplied to a computer or the like, or can be stored in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk. Furthermore, according to the digital photo printer, the resolution,
It is possible to output a print with excellent image quality and excellent color / density reproducibility.

Such a digital photo printer basically comprises an input device having a scanner (image reading device) and an image processing device, and an output device having a printing device (image recording device) and a developing device. You. In the scanner, the projection light of the image photographed on the film is photoelectrically read by an image sensor such as a CCD sensor and transmitted to the image processing device as film image data (image data signal). The image processing device performs predetermined image processing on the image data,
The image data is sent to a printing apparatus as output image data (exposure conditions) for image recording. For example, if the printing apparatus uses a light beam scanning exposure, the printing apparatus deflects a light beam modulated in accordance with the supplied image data in the main scanning direction and exposes the light beam in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. By scanning and transporting the material, the photosensitive material is scanned and exposed by a light beam to form a latent image, and a back print is recorded. In the developing machine, the exposed photosensitive material is subjected to a predetermined developing process and the like, so that an image photographed on a film is reproduced.

By the way, in a photo printer, development processing generally takes more time than exposure. Therefore, if the exposure (image input) and the development processing are performed continuously in parallel, the development processing cannot catch up, and the exposed photosensitive material gradually accumulates in an undeveloped state. It is necessary to stop the exposure operation.

Therefore, in a photo printer that performs exposure after forming the photosensitive material into a cut sheet, the exposed photosensitive material to be supplied to the developing device is moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as a transport direction).
(A width direction) is disposed between the exposure unit and the development unit, and a plurality of rows are overlapped in the transport direction to improve the processing capacity of the development apparatus. ,
If the number of rows is three, it is possible to cancel the difference in speed between the exposure and the development by enabling about three times the development.

More specifically, in the distribution device, the photosensitive material conveyed from the exposure unit to the development unit by the conveyance belt is adsorbed by the suction cup and distributed in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-38588 (hereinafter referred to as "conventional example") discloses a configuration in which photosensitive materials are adsorbed and distributed in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the distributing apparatus adsorbs the transport belt 300 on which the photosensitive material A scanned and exposed by the laser beam L at the exposure position is placed, and the photosensitive material A transported onto the transport belt 300. When the sucker unit 302 sucks and distributes the photosensitive material A (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 16A), the sucker unit 304 sucks from the distribution position. Return to position (Fig. 16
Along with (A) the broken line arrow), the suction unit 304 sucks and sorts the photosensitive material A (FIG. 16 (B) solid line arrow).
Sometimes, the suction unit 302 is returned from the distribution position to the suction position (FIG. 16 (B), broken arrow). As described above, the suction efficiency of the photosensitive material A is improved by the suction units 302 and 304 alternately adsorbing and sorting the photosensitive material A.

In such a distributing apparatus, the photosensitive material detecting sensors 31 are respectively located upstream of the exposure position in the transport direction and downstream of the transport belt 300 in the transport direction (immediately before the developing section).
0, 312A to 312C are arranged, and based on a detection signal of each sensor, a distribution abnormality, for example, the photosensitive material A is not jammed on the transport belt 300 or inserted into the developing unit after the distribution. It is checked whether the order of the photosensitive materials A is normal. The photosensitive material detection sensors 312A to 312A-3
Reference numeral 12C is for reliably detecting the photosensitive material A in each row even when the photosensitive material A is distributed in three rows.

In the sorting device, the output signal from each sensor is read at a constant interval (for example, 10 ms), and when the determination result based on the output signal matches twice consecutively, the presence or absence of the photosensitive material (passage) is determined. ) Is detected.

[0011]

However, in the above-mentioned distribution control, the conveyor belt 300 is sucked and released by the suction units 302 and 304 with the photosensitive material A.
To stop. Therefore, depending on the size of the photosensitive material A, the sorted front end of the photosensitive material A may be located on the photosensitive material detection sensors 312A to 312C.

In this case, the leading end of the stopped photosensitive material A may protrude from the conveyor belt 300 and come into contact with a developing unit insertion roller or a guide belt. At this time, since the stop time (for example, 400 ms) is much longer than the detection interval of the sensor (for example, 10 ms), the photosensitive material A
The detection of the presence or absence of the photosensitive material is repeated due to the occurrence of chattering, and it is determined that a plurality of photosensitive materials A have passed in succession, and there is a possibility that a distribution abnormality is erroneously detected.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting the presence or absence of a photosensitive material in a sorting device in consideration of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive material by developing a photosensitive material exposed in an exposure unit in a developing unit, the sheet-shaped photosensitive material exposed in the exposure unit is sorted in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction. A distributing unit that supplies the photosensitive material in a plurality of rows to the developing unit; and a distributing unit that is provided downstream of the distributing unit and immediately before the developing unit is inserted, and outputs different detection signals based on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material. Detecting means for inputting the detection signal at regular intervals, and detecting the presence or absence of a photosensitive material when the determination result based on the detection signal is continuously matched a predetermined number of times; The transport stop time of the means is T1,
When the constant interval is ΔT, the predetermined number of times exceeds at least (T1 / (2 × ΔT)).

The operation of the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

Since the sheet-like photosensitive material is sorted in the width direction by the sorting means and inserted into the developing section as a plurality of rows, the processing speed of the developing section is improved and the image processing efficiency is improved.

At this time, a detection means for outputting a detection signal different depending on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material is provided at a position downstream of the distribution means and immediately before the insertion of the developing unit. Therefore, the photosensitive material detecting means detects the presence / absence (passing timing) of the photosensitive material based on the detection signal, thereby detecting an abnormal distribution of the photosensitive material, a transport abnormality (jam), and the like.

However, in order to distribute the photosensitive material with high accuracy, the distributing means stops the transport once the photosensitive material discharged from the exposure unit is inserted into the distributing means. Therefore, depending on the size of the photosensitive material, the photosensitive material may stop when the leading end of the photosensitive material stopped at the downstream end of the distribution unit has reached the detection position of the detection unit. In this case, the leading end of the photosensitive material may come into contact with the developing unit insertion guide belt or the insertion roller pair to cause chattering (fluttering).

As a result, the detecting means alternately detects the presence or absence of the photosensitive material and outputs different detection signals, even though the photosensitive material is stopped. There is a risk that the photosensitive material detecting means may erroneously detect the passage of the photosensitive material based on this detection signal.

However, the photosensitive material detecting means outputs a detection signal input at a predetermined interval a predetermined number of times (stop time / (2
(Constant interval) = T1 / (2 × ΔT)) and only when they are the same continuously, it is detected that there is a photosensitive material or no photosensitive material.

For example, when the detection signal indicating the presence of the photosensitive material exceeds the above-mentioned predetermined number (half of (T1 / ΔT)) and is continuously input to the photosensitive material detecting means, the result of the determination continuously matches the predetermined number of times. Therefore, the photosensitive material detecting means detects the presence of the photosensitive material. However, even if the detection signal indicating the absence of the photosensitive material is continuously input to the photosensitive material detecting means until the photosensitive material is conveyed, the number of times of the input (determination result) ((T1 / Δ
T)) cannot exceed the predetermined number, and there is no erroneous detection that there is no photosensitive material.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid erroneous detection of the passage timing and the number of sheets of the photosensitive material due to the chattering of the leading end of the photosensitive material during stoppage, and it is possible to detect the photosensitive material with high accuracy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive material by developing a photosensitive material exposed in an exposure unit in a developing unit.
Distributing the sheet-shaped photosensitive material exposed in the exposure unit in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, distributing means for supplying the photosensitive material as a plurality of rows to the developing unit, and the distributing means on the downstream side of the distributing means A detection unit that is provided immediately before the insertion of the developing unit and outputs a different detection signal based on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material; and the detection signal is input at regular intervals, and a determination result based on the detection signal continuously matches a predetermined number of times. And a photosensitive material detecting means for detecting the presence of a photosensitive material in a case where the transfer stop time of the distributing means is T1 and the predetermined interval is ΔT, and the predetermined number of times is at least (T1 / ΔT) or more. There is a feature.

The operation of the second aspect of the present invention will be described.

The sheet-like photosensitive material is sorted in the width direction by the sorting means and inserted into the developing section as a plurality of rows, so that the processing speed of the developing section is improved and the image processing efficiency is improved.

At this time, a detection means for outputting a detection signal different depending on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material is provided at a position immediately downstream of the distribution means and immediately before the insertion of the developing unit. Therefore, the photosensitive material detecting means detects the presence / absence (passing timing) of the photosensitive material based on the detection signal, thereby detecting an abnormal distribution of the photosensitive material, a transport abnormality (jam), and the like.

However, in order to distribute the photosensitive material with high accuracy, the distributing means stops the transport once the photosensitive material discharged from the exposure unit is inserted into the distributing means. Therefore, depending on the size of the photosensitive material, the photosensitive material may stop when the leading end of the photosensitive material located at the downstream end of the distribution unit reaches the detection position of the detection unit. In this case, the leading end of the photosensitive material may come into contact with the developing unit insertion guide belt or the insertion roller pair to cause chattering (fluttering).

As a result, the detection means alternately detects the presence or absence of the photosensitive material and outputs a different detection signal even though the photosensitive material is stopped. There is a risk that the photosensitive material detecting means may erroneously detect the passage of the photosensitive material based on this detection signal.

However, the light-sensitive material detecting means detects the light-sensitive material only when the determination result of the light-sensitive material presence based on the detection signal inputted at a constant interval exceeds a predetermined number of times (stop time / constant interval = T1 / ΔT). Detect as present.

Therefore, even if the photosensitive material detecting means detects the absence of the photosensitive material based on the determination result of the photosensitive material absence based on the detection signal only once, the chattering of the leading end of the photosensitive material during the stoppage of the conveyance causes There is no erroneous detection of passage of the photosensitive material. That is, in order for the photosensitive material detecting means to detect the presence of the photosensitive material, the detection signal of the presence of the photosensitive material must be continuously input until the stopped photosensitive material is conveyed. The presence or absence of the photosensitive material is continuously detected by the chattering of the photosensitive material, so that it is not erroneously detected that the photosensitive material has passed.

Therefore, erroneous detection of the passage timing and the number of sheets passing through the photosensitive material due to the chattering of the leading end of the photosensitive material during stopping can be reliably avoided, and the photosensitive material can be detected with high accuracy.

The third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect.
In the invention described in the above, when the passing time in which the photosensitive material having the minimum length in the transport direction passes through the detection position of the detection unit without stopping is T2, the predetermined number of times is (T2 / Δ
T) It is characterized by the following.

The operation of the third aspect of the present invention will be described.

The predetermined number of times that the determination result based on the detection signal, which is the detection condition of the photosensitive material detecting means, continuously matches is set to be smaller than the passage time of the minimum size photosensitive material / the predetermined interval. This is because if the predetermined number of times that the determination results continuously match is set to a value greater than that, when the photosensitive material of the minimum size passes the detection position of the detection means, the photosensitive material detection means cannot detect the passage of the photosensitive material. That's why.

[0035]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, an overall description of the image forming apparatus will be given, and later, a distribution unit which is a main part will be described in detail.

(Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus used as a printing device of the above-described digital photo printer, and is used for printing a long photosensitive material. After cutting into a cut sheet according to the predetermined length, back print recording (back print) and digital scanning exposure are performed, and the exposed photosensitive material A is divided into a plurality of rows as necessary by the distribution device of the present invention. And supplies it to the processor (developing device) 50.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a photosensitive material supply unit 12 and a printer 14 for recording a back print.
And an image recording unit 16 for exposing the photosensitive material A at a recording (exposure) position X, and a distribution unit 18 for distributing the exposed photosensitive material A into a plurality of rows. In addition, in the image forming apparatus 10, various members such as a conveyance unit of the photosensitive material A such as a conveyance roller, a conveyance guide, and a sensor are arranged as necessary in addition to the illustrated members.

In the image forming apparatus 10, the photosensitive material supply unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the supply unit 12) includes the loading units 20, 2
2, drawer roller pairs 24 and 26, cutters 28 and 3
0.

Each of the loading sections 20 and 22 has a magazine 32 in which a long photosensitive material A wound in a roll shape with the recording surface outside is housed in a light-shielding housing. Both loading units 20,
The magazine 32 loaded in the magazine 22 usually contains photosensitive materials A of different types such as size (width), surface type (silk or mat, etc.), specifications (thickness, type of base, etc.). Note that, depending on the size and configuration of the image forming apparatus 10, the number of magazines 32 that can be loaded is one even if it is one.
The number may be more than one.

The pull-out roller pairs 24 and 26 pull out and transport the photosensitive material A stored in the magazine 32 loaded in the loading units 20 and 22. This conveyance stops when the photosensitive material A conveyed downstream from the corresponding cutters 28 and 30 has a length corresponding to the print to be made, and then the cutters 28 and 30 are activated to operate the photosensitive material A. Is cut into a cut sheet of a predetermined length. In addition, one cutter may be shared by a plurality of loading units.

The photosensitive material A pulled out of the magazine 32 of the loading section 22 and cut to a predetermined length by the cutter 30
The photosensitive material A pulled out of the magazine 32 of the loading unit 20 and cut by the cutter 28 on the other hand is transported by the first transport unit 34 and the second transport unit 36 composed of a number of transport roller pairs. By 36, both are conveyed upward, then conveyed rightward, and conveyed to the image recording unit 16 (scanning conveyance unit 42) with the recording surface facing up.

In the middle of the second transport section 36, the printer 14
Is arranged. The printer 14 includes, on the non-recording side (non-emulsion side = back side) of the photosensitive material A, the photographing date, print printing date, frame number, film ID number (sign), camera ID number used for photographing, photo printer Record various information such as the ID number, so-called back print (back print)
Is what you do. Therefore, the back print is recorded by the printer 14 while the photosensitive material A is transported by the second transport unit 36. As the printer 14 for recording the back print, a back print printer used for a known photo printer, such as an ink jet printer, a dot impact printer, and a thermal transfer printer, is exemplified. The printer 14 is a so-called APS (Advan)
(ced PhotoSystem), it is preferable that two or more lines can be printed.

A loop forming section 38 is provided between the pair of conveying rollers 36A and the pair of conveying rollers 36B downstream of the printer 14 in the second conveying section 36. That is, the transport speed of the photosensitive material A in the second transport unit 36 is the same as that of the image recording unit 1 after the transport roller pair 36B downstream of the loop forming unit 38.
6 (scanning conveying means 42), the speed is set higher than that of the conveying roller pair 36A upstream of the loop forming section 38 at the same speed as the scanning conveying speed of the photosensitive material A conveyed through the second conveying section 36. In the loop forming section 38, a loop corresponding to the size is formed as indicated by a dotted line in the drawing, based on the difference between the upstream and downstream transport speeds. Image forming apparatus 10
In this case, the printer 14 and the image recording unit 16 are separated from each other with a short path length, and the photosensitive material A at the time of exposure is
High-precision scanning conveyance.

The image recording section 16 comprises an exposure unit 40 and a scanning and conveying means 42. The scanning and conveying means 42 holds the photosensitive material A at a predetermined recording position P and scans and conveys the photosensitive material A in the direction of the arrow Y. A recording light L modulated according to data (recorded image) and deflected in a main scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an arrow X direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the scanning and conveying direction is exposed from the exposure unit 40. The photosensitive material A is ejected two-dimensionally by scanning and exposing to the recording position P to record a latent image. In the illustrated image recording section 16, the side registration (edge position regulation) is performed so that the center of the photosensitive material A in the main scanning direction is at a predetermined position.
And exposure is performed with reference to the center.

The exposure unit 40 is a known light beam scanning device that uses a light beam such as a laser beam as the recording light L. The exposure unit 40 exposes the photosensitive material A to red (R), green (G), and blue (G). B) A light source that emits a light beam corresponding to each exposure, a modulating unit such as an AOM (acousto-optic modulator) that modulates the light beam emitted from the light source according to digital image data, a modulated light beam An optical deflector such as a polygon mirror that deflects the light beam in the main scanning direction, and an fθ (scanning) lens for adjusting the optical path of a fθ (scanning) lens that forms a light beam deflected in the main scanning direction at a predetermined position on the recording position P with a predetermined beam diameter. It has a mirror and the like.

PDP (plasma display) array,
ELD (electroluminescent display) array, LED (light emitting diode) array, LCD (liquid crystal display) array, DMD (digital micromirror device) array, laser array, etc. Digital exposure means using a light emitting array, a spatial modulation element array, or the like may be used.

On the other hand, the scanning and conveying means 42
A pair of transport rollers 4 arranged with the (scanning line) interposed therebetween
4 and 46, and an exposure guide 52 (see FIG. 2) for more accurately holding the photosensitive material A at the recording position P. The exposure guide 52 is orthogonal to the main scanning direction while holding the photosensitive material A at the recording position P. The photosensitive material A is scanned and transported in the sub-scanning direction. Here, since the light beam as the recording light L is deflected in the main scanning direction, the photosensitive material A is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the recording light L modulated according to the image data, and the latent image is formed. Be recorded. In addition, as the scanning and conveying means, an exposure drum that conveys the photosensitive material A while holding it at the recording position P,
A scanning conveyance unit using two nip rollers abutting on the exposure drum with the recording position P interposed therebetween may be used.

A distribution unit 18 is arranged downstream of the image recording unit 16. The allocating unit 18 receives the photosensitive material A discharged from the scanning and transporting unit 42 of the image recording unit 16 and transports the photosensitive material A in the same direction as the scanning and transporting direction (arrow Y direction).
If necessary, the photosensitive material A is divided into a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (that is, corresponding to the main scanning direction (arrow X direction), hereinafter, referred to as a width direction), and is divided into a plurality of rows through the processor 50 via the guide belt 49. Is transported to a transport roller pair 48 for supplying the photosensitive material A to the processor (processor entry). Exposure and development processing generally takes longer in development processing, but in the image forming apparatus 10, in the distribution unit 18, the photosensitive material A is sorted in the width direction and processed by the processor 50. By making A a plurality of rows that overlap in the transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as overlap), if the processing capacity of the processor 50 is two rows, it is approximately doubled.
If it is a row, it is set to about three times to cancel the speed difference between the exposure and the development processing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution section 18 basically includes a belt conveyer 70 that is a means for conveying the photosensitive material A.
And a distribution device 72. Image recording unit 1
The photosensitive material A exposed in step 6 is discharged and placed on the belt conveyor 70 and transported, and when transported to a predetermined position,
It is lifted up by the distribution device 72, conveyed in the downstream oblique width direction and sorted, placed again on the belt conveyor 70, conveyed as it is, and supplied to the conveyance roller pair 48. The belt conveyor 70 and the distributing device 72 of the distributing unit 18 are disposed immediately downstream of the image recording unit 16 (scanning and transporting unit 42) that performs exposure on the basis of the center, in the center of the horizontal (main scanning) direction (hereinafter, referred to as “the main scanning”). Simply centered).

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the distribution device 72 basically includes a lower substrate 88, an upper substrate 90 (omitted in FIGS. 3 to 6), a center line (an auxiliary belt conveyor 8 described later).
0) (referred to as the right side) in the transport direction (arrow Y direction) with the first suction unit 92 interposed therebetween.
And a first paddle 96 and a second suction unit 9 which engage with the second suction unit 94 and the first suction unit 92 on the left side.
4 and a driving means 100 (omitted in FIGS. 3 to 6) for rotating both paddles. The distributing device 72 of the distributing section 18 sucks and holds the photosensitive material A by the suction units 92 and 94, lifts the photosensitive material A, and moves the right first suction unit 92 obliquely outward on the downstream side. Left second suction cup unit 94
The photosensitive material A is conveyed in the width direction and is sorted into two or three rows.

The lower substrate 88 and the upper substrate 90 are the first substrate
It serves as a moving substrate of the suction unit 92 and the second suction unit 94, and is a plate material having basically the same plane shape, and is parallel to each other at a predetermined interval by a known means using a spacer, a stay or the like. Retained and fixed.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the lower substrate 88 and the upper substrate 90 guide long guide holes 102A and 102B for guiding the first suction unit 92 on the right side and the second suction unit 94 on the left side. Long guide holes 104A, 104B
Are formed to extend in the direction in which the photosensitive material A is distributed by the distribution device 72, that is, in the direction in which each sucker unit moves. As will be described later, each of the suction units 92 and 94 has two suction cups arranged in the conveying direction by the belt conveyor 70, and each guide hole corresponds to each suction cup. Therefore, the guide holes 102A, 102B and the guide holes 10
4A and 104B are formed in parallel with each other at the same position in the width direction and separated in the conveying direction by the belt conveyor 70. In the illustrated example, the guide hole 102 and the guide hole 104 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line.

The moving guide means of the suction units 92 and 94 is not limited to a long hole as in the illustrated example, but may guide the suction units using, for example, a guide rail or a pipe. The lower substrate 88 and the upper substrate 90 include
In addition, it has a hole, a member, or the like for supporting each member, etc. of the driving means 100.

The first sucker unit 92 for transporting and sorting the photosensitive material A obliquely to the right and downstream thereof includes suckers 106A and 106.
B, holding shafts 108A and 108B, and connecting member 110
Is configured. On the other hand, the second sucker unit 94 that conveys and sorts the photosensitive material A diagonally to the left downstream,
2A, 112B, holding shafts 114A, 114B, and a connecting member 116. As described above, in the distribution device 72, the photosensitive material A is sucked and held by the suction units 92 and 94, and the photosensitive material A is transported left and right to form a plurality of rows. Therefore, the width of the auxiliary belt conveyor 80 described later disposed on the center line and the position in the width direction on the upstream side of the guide hole 102 and the guide hole 104 are determined based on the minimum size of the photosensitive material A to be distributed. Is set to be able to be adsorbed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, suckers 106A, 106B, 112A, 1A described later so that all types (sizes) of photosensitive materials A (A1 to A4) can be adsorbed.
12B is configured to be adsorbed near the center on the rear end side. That is, the photosensitive material A of any size is configured to be sucked at a predetermined position at a fixed distance (reference to the rear end) from the rear end.

Exposure is performed on the basis of the center, and both suction units are arranged with the auxiliary belt conveyor 80 interposed therebetween.
As a result, the second suction unit 94 sucks and holds the left side. Both sucker units have basically the same configuration except that the arrangement positions are different, so the following description
The first sucker unit 92 is used as a representative example.

The holding shaft 108A is inserted into the guide hole 102A of the lower substrate 88 and the upper substrate 90, and the other holding shaft 108B is inserted into the guide hole 102B by a known method.
02A and 102B are movably held in the extending direction.
That is, the suction unit 92 includes the guide holes 102A,
The photosensitive material A is guided by 2B and moves in the transport direction of the photosensitive material A. At the lower end of the holding shaft 108A, a suction cup 106A is provided.
A suction cup 106B is held at the lower end of 08B so as to be vertically movable. A suction hose (not shown) connected to a vacuum pump or the like for sucking and holding the photosensitive material A by the suction cups 106A and 106B is connected to upper ends of the holding shafts 108A and 108B. Further, the suction cup 106
A and 106B are connected by a connecting member 110 and fixed to each other in a state where they are arranged in the conveying direction by the belt conveyor 70, and the first suction unit 92 is configured.

The first sucker unit 92 absorbs the photosensitive material A and lifts the photosensitive material A.
106B lifting / lowering means is arranged. There is no particular limitation on the means for raising and lowering the suction cups 106. For example, both suction cups 106 are urged upward using a spring or the like to be held on the holding shaft 108, and the connecting member 110 has a concave central portion. As the shape, an air cylinder or the like that presses the lower surface of the lower substrate 88 is disposed thereon, and means for moving the suction cup 106 up and down by pressing / non-pressing the lower surface of the lower substrate 88 by this cylinder is exemplified. The means for lifting and lowering the suction cup is not limited to this. For example, a method of fixing the suction cup to the support shaft and raising and lowering the support shaft, the lower substrate 88 or the lower substrate 88 and the upper substrate 90
, A method of raising and lowering the belt conveyor 70 (and the auxiliary belt conveyor 80), a method of providing a fulcrum at a position away from the suction cup (suction cup unit), and raising and lowering by swinging or rotating. . Further, the lift drive source may be performed by using a cam or a link mechanism other than the cylinder.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first paddle 96 and a second paddle 98 are arranged on the upper surface of the lower substrate 88. The paddles 96 and 98 are both plate members that are rotatably supported on the support shaft 118 independently of each other, and are urged in directions approaching each other by a spring 132 described later. The center Z of the support shaft 118 is located on the center line (that is, on the center line of conveyance). First paddle 96
A long hole 120 is formed near the end opposite to the second paddle 98. The holding shaft 108 </ b> B is inserted into the elongated hole 120 and movably engages in the longitudinal direction, so that the right first
The suction unit 92 and the first paddle 96 are engaged. A rod-like stopper 122 is provided near the end of the upper surface of the first paddle 96 on the second paddle 98 side, and the engaging member 12 is provided outside the stopper 122.
4 are respectively fixed. Further, at a position near the support shaft 118 where the second paddle 98 does not overlap, a rod-shaped pin 96 is provided.
A is fixed vertically to the first paddle 96.

On the other hand, a long hole 126 is formed near the end of the second paddle 98 opposite to the first paddle 96. The holding shaft 114B is inserted into the long hole 126 and movably engages in the longitudinal direction, so that the left second suction cup unit 94
And the second paddle 98 are engaged. Also, the second paddle 9
An elongated hole 128 is formed in the vicinity of the end of the first paddle 8 on the side of the first paddle 96, and the stopper 122 and the engaging member 124 of the first paddle 96 are movably inserted in the longitudinal direction. further,
In the vicinity of the support shaft 118, the pin 96A of the first paddle 96 and the support shaft 1
A bar-shaped pin 98 </ b> B is vertically fixed to the second paddle 98 at a position opposed to the pin 18.

Further, the first paddle 96 of the second paddle 98
An engagement member 130 is fixed near the end on the opposite side to the above, and a spring 132 is wrapped between the engagement member 124 of the first paddle 96 and the two paddles in a direction to approach each other. . Therefore, the driving means 100 is connected to the first paddle 96
Is rotated counterclockwise, so that the spring 132
, The second paddle 98 also rotates in the same direction, and the driving means 100 rotates the second paddle 98 clockwise, so that the second paddle 98 is pulled via the spring 132 and the first paddle 96 also rotates. Rotate in the direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the driving means 100 includes a motor 134, which is a driving source, capable of bidirectional rotation,
34, a reduction gear 138 meshing with the gear 136, and the support shaft 1 meshing with the reduction gear 138.
The gear 140 includes a gear 140 supported by the gear 18 and a cylindrical rotating member 142 fixed to the gear 140 and rotatably supported by the support shaft 118. The upper substrate 90 and the lower substrate 88 are provided with through holes and support shafts for arranging them. The rotation transmission from the gear 136 of the motor 134 to the reduction gear 138 may be performed using a timing belt instead of meshing.

On the side surface of the rotating member 142, there are provided rotating pins 142A and 142B protruding in the radial direction at a height engaging with the pins 96A and 98B of each paddle. Accordingly, by driving the motor 134 and rotating the rotating member 142 in the counterclockwise direction, the rotating pin 142A pushes the pin 96A of the first paddle 96 to rotate the first paddle 96 in the counterclockwise direction. Then, the first suction unit 92 engaged with the first suction unit 92 can be moved along the guide holes 102A and 102B. By rotating the rotating member 142 in the clockwise direction, the rotating pin 142B is moved to the second paddle 98.
The second paddle 98 is rotated clockwise by pushing the pin 98B, and the second suction unit 94 engaged with the second paddle 98 can be moved along the guide holes 104A and 104B.
Further, by the action of the spring 132, the rotating member 142
As a result, the paddle that cannot be given a rotational force also rotates in the same direction.

Hereinafter, the movement of the first suction unit 92 and the second suction unit 94 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows a state when the photosensitive material A described later is sorted into three rows, where the first sucker unit 92 transports the photosensitive material A, and the second sucker unit 94 removes the photosensitive material A on the belt conveyor 70. Suction holding position (hereafter,
This position is the home position). When the motor 134 rotates from this state to rotate the rotating member 142 clockwise, the pin 96A follows and rotates clockwise due to the elastic action of the spring 132 in the compression direction.
That is, the first paddle 96 rotates clockwise to
First sucker unit 9 engaging with elongated hole 120 of paddle 96
2 (the suction cups 106A and 106B) are guided by the guide holes 102 and move in the left upstream direction (see FIG. 4).

In this state, the rotation pin 142B engages with the pin 98B of the second paddle 98, and the rotation member 142 further rotates clockwise, so that the rotation pin 142B pushes the pin 98B. Then, the second paddle 98 is rotated clockwise. As a result, the second sucker unit 94 (the suction cups 112A and 112A) that engages with the long hole 126 of the second paddle 98 is formed.
B) is guided by the guide holes 104A and 104B and moves in the left downstream direction (see FIG. 5). Here, the spring 132
The rotation of the first paddle 96 due to the elastic action by the compression of
The first paddle 96 is not transmitted to the spring 1
The first sucker unit 92 is guided by the guide hole 102 and moves in the left-upstream direction to reach the home position (see FIG. 5).

Further, when the rotating member 142 is rotated clockwise by the driving of the motor 134 and the second paddle 98 is rotated by pressing the pin 98B by the rotating pin 142B, the elastic force of the spring 132 is resisted. Then, the second suction unit 94 moves to the most downstream side of the guide hole 104 (FIG. 6).
reference). At this point, the motor 134 stops, and the rotation of the rotation member 142 stops. The control of the motor 134 may be performed by a known method such as pulse control. Here, the first sucker unit 9 located at the home position
2 is locked by the guide hole 102, does not move any more, and the spring 132 expands in accordance with the rotation of the second paddle 98.

Further, from the state shown in FIG.
0 by reversing the motor 134,
2 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, and conversely to the above-described operation, the respective paddles 96, 9 are arranged in the order of FIG. 6 → FIG. 5 → FIG. 4 → FIG.
8 rotates counterclockwise to move each suction unit 92, 94 to the right. That is, the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating member 142 causes the second paddle 98 to move as shown in FIG.
Is rotated counterclockwise by the action of the spring 132 and the like, and the second suction unit 94 is moved rightward in the upstream direction, and the rotating pin 142A and the pin 96A are engaged. When the rotating member 142 further rotates, as shown in FIG.
The paddle 96 is rotated to move the first suction unit 92 rightward and downstream, and the second paddle 98 is pulled via the spring 132 to reach the home position. When the rotation member 142 further rotates, as shown in FIG.
By the rotation of 6, the first suction unit 92 moves to the most downstream side, and the motor 134 stops. The second suction unit 94 that has reached the home position is locked by the guide hole 104 and does not move any further.

The distribution device 72 is not limited to performing all distribution by moving the first suction unit 92 and the second suction unit 94 to the most downstream position shown in FIGS. For example, when performing sorting in three rows, both sucker units 92 and 94 are connected to each of FIGS.
When moving to the most downstream position shown in FIG. 4 and distributing in two rows, the movement of both sucker units 92 and 94 is shown in FIGS.
, That is, until the sucker unit that does not hold the photosensitive material A returns to the home position. As a result, quicker sorting becomes possible. The control and adjustment of the moving amount of the suction cup unit may be performed by driving control of the motor.

That is, as will become more apparent from the description of the function later, according to the distribution device 72, the photosensitive material A by one sucker unit is alternately used by two sucker units (lift units). In synchronization with the conveyance, the other suction unit is moved to the home position to prepare for the next photosensitive material A by suction and holding, and by lifting the photosensitive material A sucked and held at the home position, Since the next loading of the photosensitive material A is not obstructed, the photosensitive material A is lifted and transported, so that the transport, that is, the sorting can be performed at high speed independently of the belt conveyor 70 and the like. Therefore, according to the sorting apparatus of the present invention, as described above, it is possible to sufficiently and quickly cope with the printing (exposure) of one sheet per two seconds or the like, and to quickly and surely sort the print with a short path length. Can be done with In addition, the distributing device of the present invention can easily move the two suction units, that is, distribute the photosensitive material A by using a guide plate for guiding the suction unit and two paddles with one motor. This is achieved by the configuration, and the distribution width can be easily changed by controlling the motor or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the belt conveyor 70 includes two rollers 74 and 76, an endless belt 78 wound around the rollers 74 and 76, and a drive source (not shown). Belt conveyor. The belt conveyor 70 holds the photosensitive material A after the exposure.
Is received and placed and transported, and the photosensitive material A transported (distributed) by the distribution device 72 is received, placed, transported, and supplied to a transport roller pair 48 that performs processor entry. The transport roller pair 48 nips the photosensitive material A and enters the processor 50, and transports the photosensitive material A at the same speed as the processor 50.

In the image forming apparatus 10, the interval between the scanning and conveying means 42 (conveying roller pair 46) and the conveying roller pair 48 is determined according to the maximum size of the print in the conveying direction which is the object of the image forming apparatus 10. Since the belt conveyor 70 needs to take longer, the belt conveyer 70 is accordingly required to stably exchange the photosensitive material A between the two.
The position and the transport length are set. On the other hand, the scanning transport means 4
If the distance between the roller 2 and the transport roller pair 48 is too long, the path length will increase, which leads to an increase in the cost and size of the apparatus. Therefore, the distance between the two is determined in consideration of this. The size (width) of the belt conveyor 70 in the width direction may be set to a width that allows the photosensitive material A to be stably and reliably conveyed in accordance with the maximum size in the width direction of the print, the number of sorting rows of the photosensitive material, and the like.

In the sorting section 18 of the present embodiment, as a preferred mode, the belt conveyor 70 has an inclination so as to descend toward the downstream. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive material A from being caught due to a curl (curl habit) which the photosensitive material A normally has and to prevent the photosensitive material A from buckling.
It is possible to more smoothly and stably receive the photosensitive material A from the scanning and conveying means 42 and supply the photosensitive material A to the processor 50. The angle is not particularly limited. However, if the angle is too large, the belt conveyor 70
5 ° because the photosensitive material A placed on the
It is preferable to set it to about 30 °.

The transport speed of the belt conveyor 70 is set higher than the transport speed of the processor 50 (transport roller pair 48). As a result, the difference between the photosensitive material conveyed at the conveyance speed of the processor 50 and the photosensitive material conveyed at the conveyance speed of the processor 50 due to being nipped by the conveyance roller pair 48 is reduced by the conveyance of the belt conveyor 70 (the overlap amount between the photosensitive materials A increases And the photosensitive material A can be arranged more densely in the transport path of the processor 50.

The transport speed of the belt conveyor 70 is
It is preferable that the speed is slightly higher than the scanning conveyance speed of the image recording unit 16. This makes it possible to more reliably eliminate the influence on the scanning conveyance when the photosensitive material A is placed (contacted) on the belt conveyor 70. Specifically, it is preferable to increase the scanning conveyance speed by about 2% to 10% in consideration of the variation in the scanning conveyance speed, the stability of conveyance by the belt conveyor 70, and the like.

In the sorting section 18 of this embodiment, as described above, the thin auxiliary belt conveyor 80 is disposed on the center line above the belt conveyor 70. The auxiliary belt conveyor 80 includes rollers 82 and 84 and an endless belt 86 wound around both rollers, and is driven at the same speed as the belt conveyor 70. The auxiliary belt conveyor 80 does not pinch and convey the photosensitive material A together with the belt conveyor 70, and is arranged with a slight gap from the belt conveyor 70. That is, the auxiliary belt conveyor 80 controls the curl of the photosensitive material A, assists the conveyance by the belt conveyor 70 and the suction and holding of the photosensitive material A by the distribution device 72, and
This is to improve the stability of the processor entry of the photosensitive material A. The interval between the belt conveyor 70 and the auxiliary belt conveyor 80 is not particularly limited. However, if the interval between them is too small, it affects the scanning and transport of the photosensitive material A during exposure, and the skew of the photosensitive material A is reduced. On the contrary, if it is too wide, there is no point in arranging the auxiliary belt conveyor 80, and the effect of improving the stability of the processor entry will not be obtained. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between them is about 4 mm to 20 mm.

When the photosensitive material A is sorted in two or three rows, the curl of the photosensitive material A after the sorting is suppressed, and in order to secure the stability of the processor entry, the photosensitive material A is parallel to the auxiliary belt conveyor 80. Are provided with a pair of auxiliary belt conveyors 81A and 81B (see FIG. 3). The auxiliary belt conveyors 81A and 81B
5 and endless belts 87A and 87B wound around rollers 84.

The belt conveyor 70 places and transports the photosensitive material A. On the other hand, the scanning transport means 42 and the processor 50
The conveying roller pair 48 (or conveying means in the processor 50) that supplies the photosensitive material A to the photosensitive material A normally sandwiches and conveys the photosensitive material A. Therefore, even if the photosensitive material A being exposed is discharged from the scanning and conveying means 42 and a part thereof is placed on the belt conveyor 70, the conveying speed of the photosensitive material A is controlled by the scanning and conveying means 42. Even if the transport speed and the scan transport speed are different from each other, it does not affect the scan transport speed of the photosensitive material A during exposure.
The distributing unit 18 can be disposed immediately after the scanning and conveying unit 42. On the other hand, when the photosensitive material A is released from the scanning and transporting means 42, the belt conveyor 70 transports the photosensitive material A at the transport speed and supplies it to the transport roller pair 48. Here, the transport speed of the transport roller pair 48 performing the processor entry is the same as the transport speed in the processor 50,
Although the transport speed is lower than the transport speed in the image forming apparatus 10 such as the belt conveyor 70, if the transport is performed by the belt conveyor 70, the transport speed at the time when the photosensitive material A is nipped by the transport roller pair 48 is Since the light-sensitive material A is controlled by the pair 48, the exposed photosensitive material A can be smoothly and safely processed by the processor 50.
Can be supplied to

That is, the distribution unit 18 includes the distribution device 72
Conveyor belt 70 on which photosensitive material A is placed and transported
And a sorting device 72 on the belt conveyor 70.
Is a small-sized, simple, and low-cost apparatus having a linear, short path, and a simple and short path, without affecting the scanning and conveying and the conveyance of the photosensitive material A by the processor 50. The photosensitive material A is stably conveyed from the image recording unit 16 to the processor 50, and the photosensitive material A is quickly and reliably distributed in a plurality of rows in the meantime, corresponding to high-speed printing. I have.

(Operation of Entire Configuration) First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 having such an overall configuration will be described.

The distribution unit 1 using such a distribution device 72
Reference numeral 8 combines the transport of the photosensitive material A in the width direction by the two sucker units, or a combination of the transport without the transport of the photosensitive material A in the width direction, and sorts the photosensitive material A into two or three rows. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG.
A specific example in a case where the supply timing of the photosensitive material A to the distribution unit 18 is fixed will be described.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the area indicated by the arrow is the distribution section 18 and the image recording section 16 upstream of the distribution section 18.
(Scanning / conveying means 42) and a conveying roller pair 48 for performing processor entry downstream of the distribution unit 18 are shown. The vertical lines shown in the figure schematically show the transport speeds at the upstream and downstream of the distribution unit 18. Specifically, as an example, the upstream side of the distribution unit 18 has an interval of 80 mm corresponding to the scanning conveyance speed of 80 mm / sec, and the downstream side of the distribution unit 18 has a conveyance roller pair 48 (processor). The interval between each line is 28.3 mm, corresponding to the conveyance speed of 28.3 mm / sec of 50).
Is shown. That is, the photosensitive material A is conveyed by a vertical line interval in one second. In this example, the conveying speed of the belt conveyer 70 of the sorting unit 18 is 84 mm / sec, and the (conveying) length is 15 inches corresponding to a so-called wide four-cut (254 mm × 381 mm). That is, the image forming apparatus 1
The maximum size corresponding to 0 is four wide.

Further, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first sucker unit 92 and the second sucker unit 94 are rectangles indicated by a dashed line at the center, the photosensitive material A is indicated by a white rectangle, and the photosensitive material A The sucker unit that sucks and holds is drawn with diagonal lines. 7 and 8, the first suction unit 92 and the second suction unit 94
Although the home position is written at the same position, in practice, both sucker units are arranged with the center line interposed, and the home position is symmetrical with respect to the center line. It is as follows.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the operation of sorting the photosensitive material A into three rows by the sorting unit 18. In the illustrated image forming apparatus 10, for example, L-size printing is continuously performed. In the case where the photosensitive material A is to be prepared, the exposure is performed at a rate of about one sheet every two seconds, that is, the photosensitive material A passes through the exposure point, and the photosensitive material A is divided into three rows and supplied to the processor 50.

In the example of FIG. 7, first, the first suction unit 9
2 is located at the home position, and the second suction unit 94
Has moved to the left downstream side (see FIG. 6).
As shown in a, the first photosensitive material A is transported to a position corresponding to the home position of the suction cup unit (hereinafter, referred to as “a”).
"Conveyed to the home position"), the belt conveyor 70 of the sorting unit 18 stops, and as shown in b, the first suction unit 92 (the suction unit 1)
06A and 106B) descend to hold the photosensitive material A by suction, and then the first sucker unit 92 moves up by the lifting / lowering means to lift the photosensitive material A. Note that even if the belt conveyor 70 stops, the exposure in the image recording unit 16, that is, the scanning conveyance (80 mm
/ Sec) is continuously performed at an exposure speed of about one sheet every two seconds, so that the interval between the photosensitive material A at the home position and the next photosensitive material A is as shown in b and d. When the front end reaches the home position, the rear end side of the previous photosensitive material A (A1) has already been lifted at that time, so that the next photosensitive material A (A2) becomes the previous photosensitive material A (A1).
Is transported so as to dive below the rear end side, and is smoothly carried in without affecting the scanning transport and sorting.

When the first suction unit 92 rises, the belt conveyor 70 is driven, and the motor 134 is driven to rotate the rotating member 142 in the counterclockwise direction to rotate the first paddle 9.
6, the first suction unit 92 moves rightward and downstream to convey the photosensitive material A, and the second suction unit 94 moves to the home position, as shown in c. 3 state). In the illustrated example, at this point, the second photosensitive material A has been transported to the home position.
The belt conveyor 70 stops, the elevating means lowers both sucker units, and the first sucker unit 92 opens the first photosensitive material A and places it on the belt conveyor 70, as shown in FIG. The second suction unit 94 adsorbs the second photosensitive material A, and then both suction units rise. Next, the belt conveyor 70 is driven and the motor 13 is driven.
4 rotates the rotating member 142 clockwise, the first sucker unit 92 moves to the home position, and the second sucker unit 94 moves to the left-downstream direction to convey the photosensitive material A as shown in e. . In the illustrated example, during this time, the first photosensitive material A is transported by the belt conveyor 70 (84 mm /
sec) to reach the pair of conveying rollers 48, and thereafter, are conveyed at the conveying speed of the processor 50 (28.3 mm / sec).

Next, the belt conveyor 70 stops,
The second sucker unit 94 descends, releases the second photosensitive material A as shown in f, and places it on the belt conveyor 70,
Next, the belt conveyor 70 is driven up. Here, when the sorting unit 18 in the illustrated example sorts three rows, the two photosensitive materials A are sorted right and left, and the next photosensitive material A is not sorted, and is passed through as it is. The belt is conveyed on the center line by the belt conveyor 70. Accordingly, in the steps e to g, the first suction unit 92 does not perform any operation, and the third photosensitive material A is transported by the belt conveyor 70 as it is.

As shown by g, when the fourth photosensitive material A is transported to the home position, the belt conveyor 70 stops. Note that the scanning speed is lower than the scanning speed.
, The third photosensitive material A has completely moved from the home position. Next, as shown by h, the first sucker unit 92 descends to adsorb the fourth photosensitive material A, rises, and the belt conveyor 70 is driven. Between these, the second photosensitive material A reaches the transport roller pair 48. The belt conveyor 70 repeats stop / drive, but the belt conveyor 70 and the transport roller pair 4
The photosensitive material A entered in the processor 50 is overlapped by the difference in transport speed between the photosensitive material A and the processor 8 (processor 50). Thereafter, as shown by i to k, similarly, the rightward distribution, the leftward distribution, and the clearing are sequentially repeated by moving, sucking and opening each suction unit, loading the photosensitive material A, and the like. Then, the photosensitive material A is sorted into three rows.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the operation of distributing the photosensitive material A into two rows by the distribution unit 18. As shown in FIG.
In the image forming apparatus 10, for example, 102 to 1
For sizes up to 52, the photosensitive material A is divided into two rows and supplied to the processor 50. In the illustrated example, the interval between the photosensitive materials A is slightly larger than the L size.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first sucker unit 92 is initially at the home position, and the second sucker unit 94 has moved to the left downstream side. In addition, in this example, when performing sorting in two rows, the movement of each suction unit is not to the most downstream of the guide holes 102 and 104, but to the position shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
Initially, the state is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the first photosensitive material A is transported to the home position, the belt conveyor 70 of the sorting unit 18 stops, and
As shown in FIG. 2B, the first suction unit 92 descends due to the operation of the lifting / lowering means to suck and hold the photosensitive material A, and then the first suction unit 92 ascends and lifts the photosensitive material A.

When the first suction unit 92 rises, the belt conveyor 70 is driven again, and the motor 134 rotates the rotating member 142 counterclockwise, as shown in FIG.
The first suction unit 92 moves rightward and downstream to convey the photosensitive material A, and the second suction unit 94 moves to the home position (the state of FIG. 4). When these movements are completed, the belt conveyor 70 stops, the first sucker unit 92 descends, releases the photosensitive material A, and places it on the belt conveyor 70, and then the first sucker unit 92 rises. The belt conveyor 70 is driven.

When the second photosensitive material A is conveyed to the home position, the belt conveyor 70 stops, and as shown in d, the second suction unit 94 descends to adsorb the photosensitive material A, and then rises. Then, the belt conveyor 70 is driven. Next, the motor 134 rotates the rotating member 142 in the clockwise direction, and as shown in e, the second suction unit 94 moves in the left-downstream direction to convey the photosensitive material A,
The suction unit 92 moves to the home position. When these movements are completed, the belt conveyor 70 stops, the second sucker unit 94 descends, releases the photosensitive material A, places it on the belt conveyor 70, and then moves up to drive the belt conveyor 70. And f, the third photosensitive material A is carried into the home position. Hereafter, f
As shown in (k), according to the transport of the photosensitive material A to the home position, the belt conveyor 70 is stopped / re-driven, the suction units are moved, and the suction and release are performed, so that the distribution to the right and the distribution to the left are performed. The process is repeated, and the photosensitive material A is sorted into two rows. Further, as in the case of the three rows, the photosensitive material A entered in the processor 50 is overlapped by the difference in transport speed between the belt conveyor 70 and the transport roller pair 48.

In the above example, the belt conveyor 70 is stopped in order to carry out a more reliable operation when the photosensitive material A is sucked and released by the suction unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If present, belt conveyor 7
Suction or the like may be performed while 0 is driven.

Also, as described above, the belt conveyor 70
Is faster than the transport roller pair 48 for performing processor entry. In the above example, the photosensitive material A in the processor 50 can be sufficiently overlapped by the speed difference. At this point, the photosensitive material A does not overlap. However, as the overlap of the photosensitive material A conveyed in the processor 50 increases, the processing capability of the processor 50 improves. Therefore, when the photosensitive materials A are arranged in a plurality of rows on the belt conveyor 70 of the sorting unit 18, the photosensitive materials A may be sorted such that they already overlap. However,
In any case, when the photosensitive material A (finished print) that has undergone processing such as development and drying is discharged from the processor 50, the difference between the front and rear photosensitive materials A (the discharging means from the processor 50 is nipped by a nip roller or the like) In the case of transport, etc., the difference between the rear ends)
Is too small, it may be difficult to accumulate the photosensitive materials A in the order of exposure depending on the configuration of the accumulating device and the sorting device, and so on. Must be taken into account.

The photosensitive material A conveyed by the distribution unit 18
As described above, is supplied to the processor 50 by the pair of transport rollers 48, is subjected to development processing such as color development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, is dried, and is discharged as a (finished) print.

(Explanation of Principal Part) A distribution abnormality detecting mechanism, which is a principal part, will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the distribution abnormality detecting mechanism.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first sensor 1 disposed immediately before the exposure position of the image recording unit 16 to detect the passage of the photosensitive material A
50; second to fourth sensors 152 to 156 disposed immediately before the transport roller pair 48 for processor entry;
The control unit 158 detects a distribution abnormality based on the detection signals of the fourth sensors 150 to 156.

The first sensor 150 is a light transmission type sensor comprising a light emitting section 150A and a light receiving section 150B. The second to fourth sensors 152 to 156 have the same configuration.

The second to fourth sensors 152 to 156
As shown in FIG. 11, even when the photosensitive material A is sorted into three rows, the photosensitive material A is arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction in order to detect the photosensitive material A sorted into each row. is there.

Hereinafter, the distribution abnormality detection control of the distribution abnormality detection mechanism will be briefly described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

For the sake of explanation, the movement of one photosensitive material A will be described.

First, when the photosensitive material A passes through the first sensor 150, the control unit 158 causes the control unit 158 to move the photosensitive material A to the exposure position (FIG. 1) based on a detection signal from the first sensor 150.
1, L) (Step 20)
0).

Here, the controller 158 (the first sensor 15)
If 0) cannot detect the photosensitive material A at a predetermined timing, it is determined that a conveyance abnormality such as a jam has occurred in the image forming apparatus 10, the conveyance of the photosensitive material A is stopped, and an error message is displayed on a display (not shown). Is displayed.

On the other hand, when the control section 158 detects that the photosensitive material A has reached the exposure position at a normal timing based on the detection signal of the first sensor 150, the photosensitive material A is subsequently transferred to the distribution device. The sensor corresponding to the row sorted at 72, that is, the sensor disposed at the position where the sorted photosensitive material A passes, performs detection processing for detecting the photosensitive material (step 202). This is because any one of the second to fourth sensors 152 to 156 is based on information indicating which row of the photosensitive material A is already set at the timing of cutting out the photosensitive material A of the printer.
This is performed based on the detection signals at three locations. For convenience of explanation, it is described that the processing is performed intermittently.
Actually, the operation is continuously performed after the apparatus is driven until the conveyance is stopped.

Hereinafter, the photosensitive material detection processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the photosensitive material A is separately transported to the position of A5 → A4 → A3 → A1 and passes over the fourth sensor 156.
A description will be given as processing for the detection signal of the fourth sensor 156. The fourth sensor 1 does not stop when the photosensitive material A stops.
The description will be made separately for the case where the sheet passes through 56 (see FIG. 11) and the case where the photosensitive material A stops and the leading end is applied to the detection position of the fourth sensor 156 (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

First, when the photosensitive material A passes through the detection position without stopping, the control unit 158 resets the flag (F = 0), and sets the number of logical matches N of the photosensitive material presence detection counter to N, Reset the number of logical matches M of the material absence detection counter (N = 0, M = 0)
(Step 300).

Next, it is confirmed whether the power has been turned off (step 302). This is because the processing is always performed while the power is on.

Subsequently, the detection signal (current value I) of the fourth sensor 156 is read (step 304). This reading is performed at intervals of 10 ms.

Next, the current value I is compared with the threshold value Is (step 306). This threshold Is is a reference for detecting the presence or absence of the photosensitive material A at the sensor position. Here, when the photosensitive material A has not reached the detection position of the second sensor 152, I ≧ Is.

That is, when the current value I is equal to or larger than the threshold value Is, it is determined that there is no photosensitive material, and the logical match number M of the photosensitive material absence detection counter is incremented. N is reset (step 308). Here, the number of logical matches N of the photosensitive material presence detection counter is reset because the presence / absence of the photosensitive material is detected only when the logical matches are continued for a predetermined number of times or more, as described later. This is because the number of logical matches is reset at that point.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of logical matches M is 50 or more (step 308). If the number of logical matches M is 50 consecutive times (N ≧ 50), it is determined that no photosensitive material is detected, and the flag is reset (F =
0) (step 312). If the number N of logical matches is less than 50, the process from step 302 is repeated.

Here, the reason why the number N of logical matches is set to 50 is to surely avoid erroneous detection due to chattering described later.

When the leading end of the photosensitive material A reaches the detection position of the fourth sensor 156, the detection signal of the fourth sensor 156 changes, and the current value I detected by the fourth sensor 156 becomes less than the threshold value Is ( Step 306). Therefore, if the difference is smaller than the threshold Is, it is determined that the photosensitive material is present, and the number N of logic matches of the counter for detecting the presence of photosensitive material is incremented, and the number M of logic matches of the counter for detecting no photosensitive material is reset (step 314). ).

Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the number N of logical matches has reached 50 (step 316). Until the number N of logical matches becomes 50 or more, the determination result based on the detection signal becomes the same due to the passage of the photosensitive material. Therefore, when the number N of logical matches becomes 50 or more, the presence of the photosensitive material is detected and a flag is set (F = 1) (step 318).

When the rear end of the photosensitive material passes, the fourth
Since the detection value of the sensor 156 changes, the number of logical matches M without the photosensitive material is incremented again, and
When the photosensitive material is absent for the consecutive times or more, the flag is reset (F = 0) (step 312).

As described above, in the photosensitive material detection processing, the flag is set only when the presence of the photosensitive material is detected. Therefore, in the distribution abnormality detection control, it is confirmed in step 204 whether the flag is set (step 204). ).

If the flag is not set,
It is determined whether 25 seconds have elapsed since the first sensor 150 detected the photosensitive material A (step 206). This is 25 seconds after the first sensor 150 detects the photosensitive material A.
The fact that the photosensitive material A cannot be detected even after a lapse of seconds is to determine that a jam or the like has occurred and cannot reach the predetermined position.

Therefore, the processing from step 202 onward is repeated until 25 seconds have elapsed. On the other hand, if 25 seconds have elapsed, it is determined that the above-described transport abnormality has occurred, and the driving of the sorting device 72 and the belt conveyor 70 is stopped (step 208).

On the other hand, if the flag is set at step 204, it is determined that the photosensitive material A has reached the detection position (immediately before the processor entry), and the detection timing and the photosensitive material detection timing by other sensors are used. It is determined whether the order of the photosensitive materials A to be inserted into the processor 50 is normal (step 210). If the order of the photosensitive materials A is not normal, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the sorting operation or the like, and the conveyance of the photosensitive materials A is stopped (step 2).
08).

As described above, the case where the photosensitive material A does not stop at the detection position of the sensor has been described. However, the operation of this embodiment is performed when the tip of the photosensitive material A is located on the sensor. Photosensitive material detection processing in this case (step 202)
Will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG.

This is because the photosensitive material A2 is the same as that shown in FIGS.
As shown at 5, when the belt conveyor 70 stops at the downstream end in the transport direction, the leading end of the photosensitive material A2 is
9 may come into contact. In this case, for example, assuming that the stop time is 400 ms, the movement of the guide belt 49 causes the leading end to chatter, and the detection value from the fourth sensor 156 fluctuates. Therefore, the control unit 158 reads the detection value of the fourth sensor 156 at 10 ms intervals and makes a determination (Steps 304 and 3).
06), the following inconvenience occurs unless the presence of the photosensitive material is detected only when the determination result (I <Is) indicating that the photosensitive material is present (I <Is) continuously exceeds the stop time of 400 ms (N> 40). I do.

For example, in the configuration in which the presence of the photosensitive material is detected when the determination result of the presence of the photosensitive material (I <Is) in step 306 matches ten times in succession, the detection value I of the fourth sensor 156 during the stop of the conveyance is provided. Is lower than the threshold value Is for 10 or more consecutive times, the presence of the photosensitive material is detected, and when the determination result is reversed (I ≧ Is), the absence of the photosensitive material is detected. That is, although the actual photosensitive material A is stopped, it is erroneously detected that the photosensitive material has passed.

In the present embodiment, by setting the number of logical matches N to 50 times, which is more than 40 times corresponding to the stop time 400 ms of the belt conveyor 70, it is possible to detect the presence of the photosensitive material while the photosensitive material A is stopped. Impossible. Therefore, when the photosensitive material A is stopped, the control unit 158 can surely avoid detecting the presence of the photosensitive material and the absence of the photosensitive material and erroneously detecting the passage of the photosensitive material.

The value of 500 ms (N = 50) indicates that the photosensitive material A having the minimum size in the transport direction is the fourth sensor 1.
It is set to be shorter than the passage time when the vehicle passes without stopping on 56. This is for surely detecting the passage of the photosensitive material A of any size.

Therefore, the photosensitive material presence detection counter N
Is determined to be 50 times or more, it is determined that there is a photosensitive material, and a flag is set (F = 1) (step 318).

On the other hand, when the detection value I of the fourth sensor read at intervals of 10 ms exceeds the set value Is, the number of logic matches M of the photosensitive material absence detection counter is incremented, and the logic of the photosensitive material presence detection counter is incremented. The number of matches N is reset (set to 0) (step 312). When the number of logical matches M becomes 50 or more, it is detected that there is no photosensitive material, and the flag is reset (F = 0) (step 312). When the numbers N and M are the same, it is only necessary to make the number of logical matches larger than half the stop time. That is, when the stop time is 400 ms, the number of logical matches N = M> (400/10) × ／ = 20 can also be satisfied. That is, the number of logical matches N = M is set to 21
By stopping the photosensitive material A at the position of the fourth sensor 156, the control unit 15
Even if the number of logical matches N with the photosensitive material is 21 and the presence of the paper is detected at 8, the number of logical matches M without the photosensitive material due to chattering of the photosensitive material A during stop does not exceed 19 times. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the control unit 158 from erroneously detecting the passage of the photosensitive material A due to the chattering of the photosensitive material A while stopped.

[0125]

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, even if the leading end of the photosensitive material stops at the detection position of the detecting means, the passage of the sheet is not erroneously detected by chattering.
Detection can be performed with high accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a distribution unit of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a distribution unit of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a distribution unit of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a distribution unit of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a distribution unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of distribution in a distribution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of distribution in a distribution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a suction position in a distribution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a distribution abnormality detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a sensor arrangement of the distribution abnormality detecting mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating distribution abnormality detection control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a photosensitive material detection process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing a photosensitive material arrangement when the belt conveyor stops around the distribution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a relationship between a photosensitive material and a detection position of a sensor when the belt conveyor is stopped according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic plan views illustrating a distribution operation in a distribution unit according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 16 ... Image recording part (exposure part) 50 ... Processor (development part) 70 ... Belt conveyor (distributing means) 72 ... Distributing apparatus (distributing means) 152, 154, 156 ... 2nd-2nd 4 sensors (detection means) 158 ... Control unit (control means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive material by developing a photosensitive material exposed in an exposure unit in a development unit, wherein the sheet-shaped photosensitive material exposed in the exposure unit is orthogonal to a conveying direction. A distributing unit that distributes the photosensitive material in a plurality of rows to the developing unit in a width direction, and is provided at a position immediately downstream of the distributing unit immediately before the insertion of the developing unit, and differs based on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material. A detection unit that outputs a detection signal; and a photosensitive material detection unit that inputs the detection signal at regular intervals, and detects the presence or absence of the photosensitive material when the determination result based on the detection signal matches a predetermined number of times consecutively. When the transport stop time of the distribution unit is T1 and the predetermined interval is ΔT, the predetermined number of times is at least (T
1 / (2 × ΔT)). 2. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photosensitive material by developing a photosensitive material exposed in an exposure unit in a developing unit, wherein the sheet-shaped photosensitive material exposed in the exposure unit is orthogonal to a conveying direction. A distributing unit that distributes the photosensitive material in a plurality of rows to the developing unit in a width direction, and is provided at a position immediately downstream of the distributing unit immediately before the insertion of the developing unit, and differs based on the presence or absence of the photosensitive material. A detection means for outputting a detection signal; and a photosensitive material detection means for inputting the detection signal at regular intervals and detecting the presence of a photosensitive material when a result of determination based on the detection signal is continuously matched a predetermined number of times. When the transport stop time of the distribution unit is T1 and the fixed interval is ΔT, the predetermined number of times is at least (T
1 / ΔT) or more. 3. The predetermined number of times is equal to or less than (T2 / ΔT), where T2 is a transit time in which a photosensitive material having a minimum length in the transport direction passes through the detection position of the detection means without stopping. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: