JP2001142155A - Scanning exposure device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a scanning exposure device which is capable of preventing the stagger of a photosensitive material in the optical axis direction of light beams in an exposure position and is eventually capable of printing the photosensitive material with the image free from out-of-focus or density. SOLUTION: In an exposure transporting line (scanning exposure) device) of a digital printer, the paper 3 (photosensitive material is transported by first and second transporting rollers 12 and 14 and first and second pressure contact rollers 13 and 15 while the paper is guided by first and second guide plates 16 and 17. When the paper 3 passes near slits 20 formed at the second guide plates 17, i.e., the exposure position, the paper is pressed to the inner side surfaces of the second guide member 17 by adequate pressing force by the slit opposing section of a pressing member 19. As a result, the stagger of the exposure surface of the paper 3 in the optical axis direction of the light beams in the exposure position is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for guiding a photosensitive material such as photographic paper, which is being conveyed by a roller conveying mechanism or the like, by passing the photosensitive material through a gap between two guide plates, so that the exposed surface of the photosensitive material is Scanning exposure processing,
The present invention relates to a scanning exposure apparatus used for a digital photographic printing apparatus and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a scanning exposure apparatus used in an image printing apparatus such as a digital printer, a photosensitive material such as photographic paper conveyed by a roller conveying mechanism is passed through a gap between two guide plates. While guiding, the exposure surface of the photosensitive material is subjected to a scanning exposure process to print a desired image on the photosensitive material.

Hereinafter, a specific structure of a conventional typical scanning exposure apparatus for a digital printer will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the conventional scanning exposure apparatus, the photosensitive material 100 includes a first roller pair including a first transport roller 101 and a first pressure roller 102, and a second transport roller 103. The second pair of rollers constituted by the second pressure roller 104 and the second pressure roller 104 are adapted to be conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow Z '. Here, the photosensitive material 100 is placed in a gap (conveyance path) between the first guide plate 105 and the second guide plate 106.
And is guided (restricted) by both guide plates 105 and 106. The exposure surface of the photosensitive material 100 is subjected to a scanning exposure process by irradiating a light beam in a direction indicated by an arrow Y 'by an exposure engine (not shown).

[0004]

The distance d 'between the first guide plate 105 and the second guide plate is determined by the distance between the first guide plate 105 and the second guide plate.
Is set to a value larger than the thickness of the photosensitive material 100 in order to ensure the passage of the light. Therefore, the peripheral speed of the first roller pair 101, 102 is reduced to the second roller pair 103, 104.
If the peripheral speed is higher than the peripheral speed, as shown in FIG. 5 (dashed line), the photosensitive material 100 during exposure is slackened between the pair of rollers as viewed in the photosensitive material transport direction.

The light-sensitive material 10 being exposed in this manner is
When the slack occurs in 0, the position of the exposure surface of the photosensitive material 100 fluctuates in the optical axis direction of the light beam (the horizontal direction in the positional relationship in FIG. 5), and the image printed on the photosensitive material 100 becomes out of focus. There is a problem that the density is not stabilized (density unevenness occurs). The difference in the peripheral speed between the two roller pairs is mainly caused by the low component accuracy of each roller. However, the component accuracy is increased as the difference in the peripheral speed is completely eliminated. It is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can prevent the photosensitive material from fluctuating in the direction of the optical axis of a light beam at an exposure position. An object of the present invention is to provide a scanning exposure apparatus capable of printing an image without unevenness on a photosensitive material.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a scanning exposure apparatus comprising: (a) two scanning exposure apparatuses arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap (conveyance path) therebetween; A guide mechanism that has two guide plates and guides (regulates) a conveyed photosensitive material (for example, photographic paper or paper) by passing through the gap; and (b) one of the two guide plates Slit (hole) formed in
A scanning exposure apparatus provided with an exposure mechanism for performing a scanning exposure process (line exposure process) by irradiating a light beam on an exposure surface of the photosensitive material being conveyed through
A pressing member for pressing the conveyed photosensitive material against the surface (inner surface) of one of the guide plates near the slit is provided. In addition,
This scanning exposure apparatus can be used, for example, in a digital photographic printing apparatus.

In this scanning exposure apparatus, the photosensitive material being conveyed is pressed against the surface of one of the guide plates by a pressing member near the exposure position, so that the position of the photosensitive material fluctuates in the optical axis direction of the light beam. Absent. That is,
The exposure position of the photosensitive material, that is, the distance from the exposure head to the exposed surface of the photosensitive material is always kept constant. Therefore, it is possible to print an image without defocus or uneven density on the photosensitive material. Generally, in this type of scanning exposure apparatus, in order to keep the light amount of the light source constant, printing (printing) for calibration is periodically performed, and light source adjustment is performed so that the printing density becomes a reference density. In the scanning exposure apparatus according to the present invention, since the exposure position of the photosensitive material is kept constant, the accuracy of light source adjustment is improved.

In this scanning exposure apparatus, it is preferable that the pressing member presses the photosensitive material (exposure surface) against the surface (inner surface) of the guide plate on which the slit is formed. In this way, even when the thickness of the photosensitive material is different or varies, the exposure position of the photosensitive material can be kept constant.

In this scanning exposure apparatus, for example, the photosensitive material is transported by a roller transport mechanism that transports the photosensitive material by sandwiching the photosensitive material between a transport roller and a pressure roller and rotating both rollers.

Further, in this scanning exposure apparatus, the pressing member is weakly pressed (to such an extent that the photosensitive material does not bend when the leading end of the photosensitive material passes through the pressing member). Preferably, the photosensitive material is pressed by force. As such a pressing member, for example, a flexible member (for example, a thin spring steel,
A resin plate or flocking). Also, it is urged toward the surface of the guide plate by a spring or the like,
A rotating member (a pressing mechanism with a rotating actuator) that contacts the photosensitive material may be used.

When the pressing member is slid or in contact with the exposed surface of the photosensitive material, the pressing member is formed of an appropriate material so as not to damage the exposed surface.
Alternatively, a surface treatment is preferably performed. The pressing member may be provided with a mechanism that does not damage the exposed surface.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital printer IP (digital photographic printing apparatus) having a scanning exposure apparatus according to the present invention includes a frame of a film 1 (photographic film) developed by a film developing machine (not shown). A film scanner S for acquiring an image as digital image data, a controller 2 for processing the digital image data to generate print data, and performing an exposure process on a paper 3 (photosensitive material) based on the print data to obtain a frame image A digital printing unit P (scanning exposure device) for printing an image corresponding to the image data, and a development processing unit D for performing a development process on the exposed paper 3 are provided. Then, development processing was performed (developed) in the development processing section D.
After the paper 3 is subjected to the drying process, the paper 3 is discharged from the digital printer IP as a finished print.

The film scanner S has an illumination optical system 4
And an imaging optical system 5 and a photoelectric conversion unit 6 using a CCD sensor. Here, the illumination optical system 4 includes a halogen lamp 4a as a white light source, a dimming filter 4b, a mirror tunnel 4c, and the like, and adjusts the color distribution and intensity distribution of a light beam from the light source, and Are irradiated on the frame image. Further, the imaging optical system 5
Although not shown in detail, is composed of a mirror that changes the direction of the projection light, a lens unit, a prism that splits the light beam transmitted through the lens unit into three directions, and the like, and processes the light beam transmitted through the film 1. It is supposed to. The frame image of the film 1 is scanned in the sub-scanning direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the film) by transporting the film 1 at a predetermined scanning speed by the film transport mechanism 7.

The photoelectric conversion unit 6 performs photoelectric conversion of the light beam introduced from the imaging optical system 5. The photoelectric conversion unit 6 includes three CCD sensors for individually receiving three light beams separated by the prism of the imaging optical system 5. Each CCD sensor has a large number (for example, 5
(000) CCD elements are arranged in the main scanning direction (that is, the film width direction), and the charge accumulation operation and the charge accumulation time are controlled during the main scanning by the sensor driving circuit. I have. Each CCD sensor is provided on its imaging surface with a color filter that transmits only the blue, red, or green component of the light beam, and performs photoelectric conversion of only the blue, red, or green component, respectively. Each pixel signal output from each CCD sensor is sampled and held, and each pixel signal becomes a continuous image signal. Each pixel signal is converted into a digital signal having a predetermined number of bits (for example, 12 bits).

Thus, when the frame image of the film 1 is positioned at the predetermined scanning position, the reading process of the frame image is started. At this time, each frame image of the film 1 is
As the film 1 is transported by the film transport mechanism 7, the film 1 is sequentially read by the photoelectric conversion unit 6 in a form divided into a plurality of slit images, and is sent to the controller 2 as original digital image data. Such control of the illumination optical system 4, the imaging optical system 5, and the photoelectric conversion unit 6 of the film scanner S is performed by the controller 2.

The digital printing section P is of the PLZT shutter type.
An exposure head 11 is used as an exposure device for performing an exposure process on the paper 3 conveyed from the magazine 8 and printing an image.
An exposure engine 11 including a, a light source 11b, and an optical cable 11c is provided. Here, the exposure head 11a
Uses a shutter array composed of PLZT elements. The shutter array composed of this PLZT element
The electro-optical effect of the material is used, and R, G, and B light is introduced into each shutter from a light source 11b via a number of optical fibers in an optical cable 11c.

The exposure head 11a is arranged in the width direction of the paper 3,
That is, it extends over substantially the entire width of the paper 3 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing, so that an exposure process can be performed on almost the entire surface of the paper 3 being conveyed to print an image. Thus, each shutter transmits light when a predetermined level of voltage is applied (open state).
When the application of the voltage is stopped, the light is blocked (closed state). Therefore, when a drive voltage is applied from the controller 2 to the shutter corresponding to each pixel based on the print data, the shutter is opened and the light of the color introduced from the light source 11b is irradiated on the paper 3. . Here, looking at the paper 3 to which the exposure processing is performed, in the paper width direction, over the entire length of the image,
In the paper transport direction (the longitudinal direction of the paper), a partial image including only a part of the image (for example, the width of one pixel) is printed on the paper 3 in a state where the exposure amount is set for each pixel.

Although not shown in detail, the light source 11b is provided with a rotation filter composed of optical filters of three colors of R, G, and B. By controlling the rotation phase of the rotation filter, R, G, B Is selectively opposed to the light source 11b, and the light of the selected color is sent to the shutter via the optical cable 11c (optical fiber) via the filter of that color.

In the digital printer IP according to the present embodiment, a digital print section P of a PLZT shutter system is used, but the digital print section P is not limited to such a system. Other types, such as a liquid crystal shutter type, a fluorescent beam type, and a FOCRT type, can be used according to the exposure specifications.

The exposure engine 1 is controlled by the controller 2.
1 is basically based on the image data read by the film scanner S. The image data input from the external image input unit 2 c connected to the controller 2 is transmitted to the controller 2. It is also possible to send the paper 3 to the digital print unit P to perform an exposure process on the paper 3. The image data input to the controller 2 from the film scanner S or the external image input unit 2c is displayed on the monitor 2a as a simulated image that would be obtained when the image data is printed on the paper 3. Scan desk 2b while checking the display of 2a
The user can input an instruction to correct the color tone and the like of the image. In this case, the corrected image data is sent to the digital print unit P.

Hereinafter, the paper transport device C for transporting the paper 3 from the magazine 8 to the development processing unit D via the digital printing unit P will be described in detail. The paper conveying apparatus C, the paper feed line C ₁ that conveys the paper 3 in a substantially horizontal position, an exposure transport line C ₂ (including the scanning exposure apparatus) for conveying the paper 3 in a substantially vertical posture, the developer conveying line C It is divided into _three .

At the upstream end of the paper supply line C ₁ ,
A magazine 8 containing the long paper 3 in a roll shape is detachably disposed. Then, on the downstream side (right side in FIG. 1) of the magazine 8 as viewed in the paper transport direction, a paper cutter 9 for cutting the paper 3 drawn from the magazine 8 according to the print size, and a back surface (non-photosensitive surface) of the paper 3 ) Is provided with a back print unit 10 for printing a film ID, a frame number, correction information indicating image processing performed when print data is created, and the like. Although not particularly numbered, the paper supply line C ₁ is provided with various rollers or roller pairs for transporting the paper 3 or changing the transport direction of the paper 3. ing. Further, the paper feed line C _1, although not shown, a drive mechanism for rotating the roller (motor), is provided a guide for guiding the paper 3.

The specific structure and function of the portion near the exposure engine of the exposure transport line C ₂ (including the scanning exposure apparatus) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3
As shown in FIG. ₂ , in the vicinity of the exposure engine of the exposure transport line C2, the paper 3
A first roller pair including a first pressure roller 13 and a first pressure roller 13;
The second pair of rollers constituted by the second transport roller 14 and the second pressure roller 15 transports in the direction indicated by the arrow Z, that is, vertically upward. Note that the exposure head 11 a of the exposure engine 11 is
(See FIG. 1), a scanning exposure process is performed in the direction indicated by arrow Y.

First transport roller 12 and second transport roller 1
Reference numerals 4 denote rollers 12a and 14a (for example, rubber rollers) on small diameter shafts 12b and 14b (roller shafts).
Is externally fitted. Further, the first pressure roller 13 and the second pressure roller 15 are also provided with roller portions 13a, 15a on the small diameter shaft portions 13b, 15b (roller shaft), respectively.
(For example, a rubber roller) is fitted to the outside. Each of these roller portions 12a to 15a is in a state where it is missing at several places in the axial direction (the direction of arrow X). In other words, each of the roller portions 12a to 15
a has a structure divided into a plurality of parts at a slight interval.

Here, the positions of the first transport roller 12 and the second transport roller 14 are fixed (however, they rotate or rotate), but the first pressure roller 1
The third and second pressure rollers 15 can move in the thickness direction of the paper, that is, in the direction of the arrow Y or in the direction opposite thereto. The pressure rollers 13 and 15 are appropriately biased toward the transport rollers 12 and 14 by biasing means (not shown) such as a spring. For this reason, the paper 3 is sandwiched between the transport rollers 12 and 14 and the pressure rollers 13 and 15 with an appropriate pressing force.

Accordingly, when the transport rollers 12, 14 rotate clockwise as viewed in the direction of arrow X, ie, in the directions indicated by arrows A ₁ and A ₂ , the pressure rollers 1
3 and 15 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and paper 3 is indicated by arrow Z.
It is transported in the direction, that is, upward. Although not shown, the first transport roller 12 and the second transport roller 14 are
The drive motor is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed via a belt or the like.

Further, paper 3 is provided on the exposure transport line C _2.
A first guide plate 16 located on the transport roller side and a second guide plate 17 located on the pressure roller side are provided in order to guide (regulate) the transport of the paper. The two guide plates 16 and 17 are arranged at a predetermined distance d from each other in the thickness direction of the paper, and a gap 22 (paper transport path) is formed between the two guide plates. This gap 22
Is set to a value slightly larger than the thickness of the paper 3 in order to secure the passage property of the paper 3. Thus,
The paper 3 transported by the transport rollers 12 and 14 and the pressure rollers 13 and 15 passes through the gap 22 between the guide plates 16 and 17 and is guided thereby.

Then, the first roller pair (the first transport roller 12 and the first pressure roller 13) and the second roller pair (the second transport roller 14 and the second transport roller 12) are viewed in the vertical direction (paper transport direction).
A slit 20 for accommodating the exposure head 11a (see FIG. 1) is formed in the second guide plate 17 (located on the side of the exposure engine) at a substantially intermediate position with the pressure roller 15). Therefore, the light beam output from the exposure engine 11 or the exposure head 11a is irradiated on the exposure surface of the paper 3 through the slit 20.

On the other hand, a recess 18 is provided slightly below the slit 20 on the surface of the first guide plate 16 facing the second guide plate 17 or the paper 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner surface"). Is formed. A lower end of a pressing member 19 for pressing the paper 3 against the second guide member is fixed to a lower portion of the recess 18. The pressing member 19 extends upward from the portion fixed to the concave portion 18 so as to approach the second guide plate 17, and near the position facing the slit 20,
It extends parallel to (directly above) the second guide plate 17 while approaching the surface thereof.

The pressing member 19 is formed of a flexible material (for example, a thin spring steel or resin plate), so that the second guide plate 1 is located near a position facing the slit 20.
7 (hereinafter, referred to as a “slit-facing portion”) can be easily displaced in the thickness direction of the paper 3 (the left-right direction in the positional relationship in FIG. 3). Therefore, when the paper 3 passes near the slit 20, the second guide member 17 faces the surface of the second guide member 17 facing the paper 3 (hereinafter referred to as “inner surface”) by the slit facing portion of the pressing member 19. Pressed.

Here, the pressing member 19 is provided with an appropriate weak pressing force so that the paper 3 can pass through the slit-facing portion of the pressing member 19 without any problem when the tip end of the paper 3 passes through the slit-facing portion. 3 is pressed against the inner surface of the second guide plate 17. The paper 3 is moved to the inner surface of the second guide plate 17 by a rotating member (a pressing mechanism with a rotating actuator) that comes into contact with the paper 3 while being urged toward the inner surface of the second guide plate 17 by a spring or the like. You may make it press.

Thus, the paper 3 being conveyed is pressed against the inner surface of the second guide plate 17 by the slit opposing portion of the pressing member 19 when passing near the slit 20, that is, at the exposure position. Therefore, the position of the paper 3 (exposure surface) does not fluctuate in the optical axis direction of the light beam and is always kept constant. That is, the exposure position of the paper 3, that is, the distance from the exposure head 11a to the exposure surface of the paper 3 is always kept constant. In this case, since the exposed surface of the paper 3 is located on the side of the second guide plate, the position of the exposed surface of the paper 3 is reliably kept constant even when the thickness of the paper 3 is different or varies. . Therefore, it is possible to print on the paper 3 an image free from defocus or uneven density.

In addition, since the position of the exposure surface of the paper 3 is kept constant in this way, printing (printing) for calibration is periodically performed to keep the light amount of the light source 11b (see FIG. 1) constant. When the light source adjustment is performed so that this becomes the reference density, the accuracy of the light source adjustment is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a digital printer including a scanning exposure apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion near an exposure engine of an exposure transport line (scanning exposure apparatus) of the digital printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the exposure transport line shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion near an exposure position of a scanning exposure apparatus of a conventional digital printer.

5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the scanning exposure apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

IP: Digital printer, C: Paper transport device, C ₁ ...
Paper supply line, C ₂ : Exposure conveyance line, C ₃ : Development conveyance line, D: Development processing section, P: Digital printing section,
S: film scanner, 1: film, 2: controller, 3: paper, 4: illumination optical system, 5: imaging optical system, 6
... Photoelectric conversion unit, 7 ... Film transport mechanism, 8 ... Magazine,
9 ... paper cutter, 10 ... back print section, 11 ...
Exposure engine, 11a Exposure head, 11b Light source, 1
1c Optical cable, 12 First transport roller, 12a Roller part, 12b Shaft part, 13 First pressure roller, 13a
... Roller part, 13b ... Shaft part, 14 ... Second transport roller, 1
4a: roller portion, 14b: shaft portion, 15: second pressure roller, 15a: roller portion, 15b: shaft portion, 16: first guide plate, 17: second guide plate, 18: concave portion, 19: pressing member, 20: slit, 22: gap (paper transport path).

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A guide mechanism having two guide plates disposed to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and guiding a conveyed photosensitive material by passing through said gap. An exposure mechanism for irradiating an exposure surface of the photosensitive material being conveyed with a light beam through a slit formed in one of the two guide plates to perform a scanning exposure process. 3. The scanning exposure apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member that presses the conveyed photosensitive material against a surface of one of the guide plates near the slit. 2. The scanning exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member presses the photosensitive material against a surface of the guide plate on which the slit is formed. 3. A roller transport mechanism for transporting the photosensitive material by sandwiching the photosensitive material between a transport roller and a pressure roller and rotating the two rollers. 3. The scanning exposure apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The pressing member presses the photosensitive material with a weak pressing force such that the photosensitive material does not bend when the tip of the photosensitive material passes through the pressing member. The scanning exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a flexible member that slides on the photosensitive material and presses the photosensitive material against the surface of the guide plate.
4. A scanning exposure apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a rotating member which is urged toward the surface of the guide plate and comes into contact with the photosensitive material. Exposure equipment. 7. The scanning exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning exposure apparatus is for a digital photographic printing apparatus, and the photosensitive material is photographic paper. .