JP2001350220A - Image forming device and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which efficiently uses photosensitive materials and is improved in image forming speed. SOLUTION: The image forming device 10 changes a rewinding position from a photosensitive magazine 14 (position A) to an exposure position (position B) when a fresh print signal is inputted from outside during rewinding after the unexposed photosensitive material is transported to a transfer drum 36. As a result, the immediate start of exposure after the end of the rewinding is made possible and the image forming speed is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that improve the processing speed while efficiently using a photosensitive material. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been used in which a predetermined image is formed on an image receiving material by exposing the image to the photosensitive material and transferring the image from the photosensitive material to the image receiving material.

In such an image forming apparatus, when a print signal is input from the outside, an unexposed photosensitive material formed in a roll shape is conveyed from a light shielding portion to an exposure position and exposed.
An image is formed by transferring an image to a receiving paper in a transfer unit. At this time, the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material reaches the transfer portion. If the unexposed photosensitive material is exposed to the outside, it becomes unsuitable for image formation (exposure). Therefore, the photosensitive material is rewound to the light-shielding portion, and the image is formed again based on the next print signal.

[0004] By controlling the image forming apparatus in this way, efficient (lean) use of the photosensitive material is achieved.

[0005]

However, in such control, even if the next print signal is input during rewinding, the unexposed photosensitive material passes through the exposure position and is rewound to the light shielding portion. It will be transported to the exposure position again. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that image formation cannot be performed quickly.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently forming an image in consideration of the above fact.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Based on a print signal input from the outside, the roll-shaped photosensitive material is conveyed from the light-shielding portion, exposed at the exposure position to form an image, and the image formed on the photosensitive material is transferred to the image receiving material at the transfer portion. Then, in the image forming apparatus that rewinds the unexposed photosensitive material to the light shielding portion, when a print signal is input during rewinding of the unexposed photosensitive material, the rewind position is switched from the light shielding portion to the exposure position. It is characterized by comprising switching means.

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

When a print signal is input, the unexposed photosensitive material is pulled out of the light-shielding portion, exposed at the exposure portion, and the image is transferred to the image receiving material at the transfer portion. After the transfer, the unexposed photosensitive material that has reached the transfer portion is rewound to the light-shielding portion.
However, when the next print signal is input during the rewinding, the switching means switches the rewinding position from the light shielding portion to the exposure position. As a result, the leading end of the unexposed photosensitive material that is being rewound is not rewound to the light shielding portion. Therefore, exposure (image formation) can be quickly performed based on the next print signal, and an image can be efficiently formed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the switching means is configured to output the next print signal between the end of exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal and the end of transfer. Is entered,
A rewind position is switched from the light shielding portion to the exposure position.

The operation of the second aspect will be described.

If the next print signal is not input before the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal is completed, the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material is conveyed to the transfer unit without being exposed. Therefore, the next print signal is input between the end of the exposure of the photosensitive material and the end of the transfer, and even if the exposure is performed immediately based on the next print signal, the unexposed (unused) portion is left on the roll-shaped photosensitive material. Will be caused. Therefore, if the next print signal is input between the end of the exposure of the photosensitive material and the end of the transfer, the process waits for the end of the rewind without exposing immediately. This can prevent unused (unexposed) portions from being formed on the photosensitive material. Further, since the rewind position is changed to the exposure position, image formation (exposure) can be performed quickly after the rewind is completed.

If the next print signal is input before the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal is completed, the exposure based on the previous print signal is followed by the next print signal. Exposure is performed continuously.
Therefore, since the rewinding process between the print signals is omitted, the image forming process is performed more quickly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an unexposed roll-shaped photosensitive material is conveyed from a light-shielding portion and exposed at an exposure position based on an input of a print signal from the outside, and an image is received at the transfer portion. A first step of transferring the unexposed photosensitive material that has reached the transfer section to a rewind position, and a second step of rewinding the unexposed photosensitive material to the rewind position, wherein a print signal is input during the second step. The rewind position is switched from the light-shielding portion to the exposure position.

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

When a print signal is input, the unexposed photosensitive material is conveyed from the light-shielding portion to the transfer portion, so that the photosensitive material is exposed at the exposure portion, and the transfer portion transfers an image to an image receiving material. After the transfer, the unexposed photosensitive material that has reached the transfer portion is rewound to the light-shielding portion. However, when the next print signal is input during the rewinding, the rewinding position is switched from the light shielding portion to the exposure position. As a result, the leading end of the unexposed photosensitive material that is being rewound is not rewound to the light shielding portion. Therefore, the next exposure (image formation) can be quickly performed, and an image can be efficiently formed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the first step, the next print is performed after the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal is completed until the transfer is completed. Also in a case where a signal is input, the rewinding position in the second step is switched from the light shielding portion to the exposure position.

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

If there is no input of the next print signal before the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal is completed, the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material is conveyed to the transfer section without being exposed. Therefore, the next print signal is input between the end of the exposure of the photosensitive material and the end of the transfer. Can be done. Therefore, if the next print signal is input after the end of the exposure corresponding to the print signal and before the end of the transfer, the process waits until the end of the rewind without exposing immediately. This can prevent unused (unexposed) portions from being formed on the photosensitive material. Further, since the rewind position is changed to the exposure position, image formation (exposure) can be performed quickly after the rewind is completed.

If the next print signal is input before the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal is completed, the next print signal is used after the exposure based on the previous print signal. Exposure is performed continuously.
Therefore, since the rewinding process between the print signals is omitted, the image forming process is performed more quickly.

[0021]

(First Embodiment) An image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. (Schematic Description of Image Forming Apparatus) First, the outline of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive material magazine 14 disposed below a housing 12 of an image forming apparatus 10 is set with a photosensitive material 18 wound around a supply reel 16. The supply reel 16 is rotated by driving means (not shown) to unwind the photosensitive material 18.

The leading end of the photosensitive material 18 is nipped by a nip roller 20 provided at a mounting opening of the photosensitive material magazine 14. The nip roller 20 pulls out the photosensitive material 18 under predetermined conditions and sends it out to the guide plate 22. The amount of rotation of the nip roller 20 and the like is detected by a rotary encoder, and the transport amount (transport position) of the photosensitive material 18 is controlled by a control unit 100 described later.

The photosensitive material 18 having passed through the guide plate 22 is
An image is exposed around the exposure drum 24 by the scanning head 26. In this way, the photosensitive material 18 is wound around the exposure drum 24 and exposed to light, whereby the photosensitive material 1 is exposed.
No wrinkles or the like occur in the width direction of No. 8 and the flatness of the exposed surface can be ensured.

The photosensitive material 18 to which the image has been exposed is sandwiched between a support base 28 and a pressure bonding plate 30, and water is applied by a water absorbing coating member 34 (sponge or the like) provided on a water coating bottle 32.

The photosensitive material 18 to which water has been applied is wound around a heat drum 36 containing a halogen lamp by tension rollers 38 and 40 at a constant pressure. The wound photosensitive material 18 is superposed from above on an image receiving material 42 described later while being heated, and transfers an image.

The photosensitive material 18 to which the image has been transferred is taken up on a waste reel 44. In this way, by transferring the photosensitive material 18 from the supply reel 16 to the waste reel 44 without cutting, the photosensitive material 18 itself functions as a belt that applies a certain pressure to the image receiving material 42.

On the other hand, an image receiving material 42 wound around a supply reel 48 is set in a receiving material magazine 46 disposed above the housing 12. This image receiving material 42
Is pulled out by a nip roller 49 and cut by a cutter 50 to a predetermined length, and then is conveyed by a transport roller 52 and a guide plate 5.
3 and is wound around a heat drum 36 while being superposed on the photosensitive material 18.

When the image is to be continuously transferred onto a plurality of sheet-like image receiving materials 42 on the heat drum 36, the tension roller 38 is at the transfer position shown in FIG. The image is continuously transferred by being pressed against the image receiving material 42 between the tension rollers 38 and 40 above.

When the image is transferred only to one sheet of the image receiving material 42 on the heat drum 36 or when the last image receiving material 42 continuously transferred is transferred, the rear end of the image receiving material 42 At the same time, the tension roller 38 moves along the guide groove 90, and the separation roller 8 of the movable arm 82 is moved.
4, 86 and 88 separate the unexposed photosensitive material 18 from the heat drum 36 (see FIG. 3). This prevents the unexposed photosensitive material 18 from contacting the heat drum 36 to prevent the image from being unable to be formed. The unexposed photosensitive material 18 is rewound to the photosensitive material magazine 14 by control described later.

On the other hand, the image receiving material 42 to which the image has been transferred from the photosensitive material 18 is separated from the heat drum 36 by a separating claw (not shown), guided by the transport roller 54 and the guide plate 56, and reaches the tray 58.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above has a control unit 100 shown in FIG. The control unit 100 includes an I / O 104 connected to an external host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host PC) 102, a RAM 106 for storing image data and the like input from the host PC 102, and an image forming processing program to be described later. ROM 108 stored therein and CPU 110 performing image forming processing based on a signal input from the outside
Nip roller 2 for photosensitive material 18 and image receiving material 42
A transport system driver 112 for driving a transport system such as 0, an exposure unit driver 114 for driving the scanning unit 26,
A bus 116 connects these components. (Image Forming Method) The image forming apparatus 1 thus configured
The image forming method at 0 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and the conveyance state explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, when a print signal is input from the outside to the control unit 100, an image forming process is started (step 200).

Specifically, when a print signal is input from the host PC 102 to the control unit 100, a drive signal is output from the CPU 110 to the transport system driver 112. As a result, the nip roller 20 and the like are driven, and the leading end (see FIG. 6, position A) of the unexposed photosensitive material 18 accommodated in the photosensitive material magazine 14 is transported to the exposure position (see FIG. 6, position B). I do.

Subsequently, the CPU 110 reads out the image data input together with the print signal from the RAM 106,
The photosensitive material 18 is exposed by driving the scanning unit 26 based on the image data and driving the rollers of the transport system including the exposure drum 24 (step 2).
02).

After the exposure processing is completed, it is determined whether or not the next print signal has been input to the control section 100 (step 204). This is because if the next print signal (image data) has already been input, the exposure process can be performed continuously, so that it is determined whether continuous processing is possible.

Therefore, when the next print signal is input at the end of the exposure processing, the exposure processing is continuously performed on the roll-shaped photosensitive material 18 so that
The image forming process can be sped up by omitting the rewinding process between print signals described later.

On the other hand, if the next print signal has not been input, it is determined whether or not the transfer processing has been completed (step 206).

This is because the photosensitive material 18 is continuously exposed.
Is conveyed to the heat drum 36, is superimposed on the sheet-shaped image receiving material 42 in a timely manner, and it is for checking whether or not the next print signal is input until the transfer of the image to the image receiving material 42 is completed. . That is, a new print signal (image data) is sent from the control unit 10 between the end of continuous exposure of the photosensitive material 18 and the end of transfer.
0 (Step 206 → Step 20)
In step 4), the image forming process is further speeded up by performing the exposure process continuously even if an unused portion is formed on the photosensitive material 18 because it is before the rewinding process (step 202). .

When the transfer processing of the exposed image is completed, the leading end of the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is
6 (FIG. 6, position C).
It is separated from the heat drum 36 by 4, 86, 88 (see FIG. 3), and is maintained in a state where image formation (exposure) is possible.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the next print signal is input (step 208). Here, the next print signal is different from the print signal determined in step 204, and determines whether or not there is a print signal input after the transfer process is completed, that is, during rewinding.

If a new print signal is not input during rewinding, the rewinding target position of the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is set to a light shielding portion (the photosensitive material magazine 14 in the present embodiment).
(See FIG. 6, position A) (step 210).

Since the next print signal is not received, if the unexposed photosensitive material is made to stand by at the exposure position, it is exposed to the outside until the next print signal is received, which is not suitable for image formation. This is because there is a possibility of becoming.
Therefore, when the next print signal is not received, the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is stored in the photosensitive material magazine 14 to prevent the photosensitive material 18 from becoming unsuitable for image formation until the next image formation (exposure). To do that.

On the other hand, if the print signal has been input, the target position is set as the exposure position (step 212).

This is because, when an unprocessed print signal is input, the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is returned to the exposure position B directly without being rewound into the photosensitive material magazine 14 (position A), thereby quickly There is an advantage that it is possible to shift to the next image formation.

After the rewind target position is set to a different position depending on the presence or absence of the next print signal as described above, (the leading end of) the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material 18 is rewound to the set rewind position. (Step 214).

The processing of steps 208 to 214 is repeated until rewinding to the predetermined position is completed (step 216). This means that even if a new print signal is input to the control unit 100 during rewinding, the target position is changed from the light shielding unit (see FIG. 6, position A) to the exposure position (see FIG. 6, position B). Means That is, when a new print signal is received during rewinding, the transport direction downstream of the exposure position (heat drum 36
Side), the rewinding conveyance is stopped at the exposure position, and if the film is rewound to the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the exposure position (to the photosensitive material magazine 14 side), the rewinding is stopped at the position.
By transporting in the reverse direction, it is transported to the exposure position.

When the rewinding is completed, that is, when there is no input of the print signal during the rewinding, the process is terminated.

As described above, in the image forming method according to the present embodiment, when a new print signal is input during rewinding, the target position for rewinding is changed from the light-shielding portion to the exposure position, and thus the image is rewound to the light-shielding portion. Never. Therefore, the next image formation can be performed quickly, and the speed of the image formation processing can be increased.

When the next print signal is not input, the photosensitive material 18 which has not been exposed until the next image formation is exposed in the vicinity of the exposure position by rewinding the photosensitive material into the photosensitive material magazine 14. Also, it is possible to prevent the image from being unsuitable for image formation. That is, the photosensitive material can be used efficiently.

In the present embodiment, when the next print signal is input between the end of the continuous exposure process and the end of the transfer process, the unexposed (unused) portion of the photosensitive material is removed. Although the image formation processing speed is prioritized by exposing (leaving) the film, the rewinding process may be performed in order to use the photosensitive material efficiently. Specifically, when a print signal is input to the control unit 100 after the end of exposure to after the end of transfer, instead of immediately starting the exposure process, a rewind process to the exposure position is performed. The above-described control for exposing the unexposed portion may be performed. When such an image forming method is used, the photosensitive material can be efficiently used for image formation. In addition, by rewinding to the exposure position, a certain image forming speed can be secured. (Second Embodiment) An image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the image forming method used in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is rewound to the inside of the photosensitive material magazine 14, but the image forming apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment is The amount of rewinding is reduced by providing a light shielding portion inside.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 120 has a configuration in which the upper unit 60 is opened to the lower unit 62 via the rotating shaft 64, and a box which is shielded from the outside by the cover 70. 68 is formed in the lower unit 62, and the photosensitive material magazine 14 is housed inside the box 68.

Therefore, when the unexposed photosensitive material 18 is rewound to the light-shielding portion, it is rewound to the inside of the box 68 without being rewound to the inside of the photosensitive material magazine 14 (FIG. 8, position C → position D). Thus, sufficient light-shielding properties are ensured. Therefore, the rewind amount (FIG. 8, L1 + L2) is reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

[0055]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the image forming speed while efficiently using the photosensitive material.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transfer unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transfer unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating rewind control of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a transport state of the photosensitive material according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a state of conveying a photosensitive material according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 14 ... Sensitive material magazine (light shielding part) 20 ... Nip roller (conveying means) 26 ... Scanning head (exposure position) 36 ... Heat drum (transfer part) 38, 40 ... Tension roller (transfer part) 68 ... Box (Light shielding part) 70 ... Cover (light shielding part) 100 ... Control part (switching means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] An image formed by conveying a roll-shaped photosensitive material from a light-shielding portion based on a print signal input from the outside, exposing it at an exposure position, and forming an image on the photosensitive material at a transfer portion. After transferring the unexposed photosensitive material to the light receiving portion after transferring the unexposed photosensitive material to the light receiving portion, when a print signal is input during the rewinding of the unexposed photosensitive material, the rewind position is moved from the light shielding portion to the light receiving portion. An image forming apparatus comprising a switching unit for switching to the exposure position. 2. The rewinding device according to claim 1, wherein the rewind position is set even when a next print signal is input between the end of the exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal and the end of the transfer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure position is switched from a light shielding portion to the exposure position. 3. A first method in which an unexposed roll-shaped photosensitive material is conveyed from a light-shielding portion and exposed at an exposure position based on an input of a print signal from the outside, and an image is transferred to an image receiving material at the transfer portion. And a second step of rewinding the unexposed photosensitive material that has reached the transfer unit to a rewind position. If a print signal is input during the second step, the rewind position is set to the An image forming method comprising: switching from a light shielding portion to the exposure position. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the first step, a next print signal is input between the end of exposure of the photosensitive material based on the print signal and the end of transfer. 4. The image forming method according to claim 3, wherein the rewinding position is switched from the light shielding portion to the exposure position.