JP2005089124A - Sensitive material exposure device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital system sensitive material exposure device capable of eliminating a factor fluctuating conveying speed of photographic sensitive material in exposure and forming good print in the sensitive material exposure device for carrying out digital exposure on the sensitive material. <P>SOLUTION: The device has a belt for conveying the photographic sensitive material under exposure light; a belt guide plate for placing the belt thereon and guiding the conveying; and a fixing means for fixing the photographic sensitive material placed on the belt. The photographic sensitive material placed on the belt is closely adhered to the belt only by action of the fixing means and any member contacting with the placed photographic sensitive material is not arranged on the belt. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photosensitive material exposure apparatus for digitally exposing an image on a photosensitive material.

  In order to obtain a photographic print from image information recorded on a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as film) such as a reversal film or negative film, the image information on the film is applied to an image forming layer such as silver halide color paper which is a photographic photosensitive material. A latent image is formed by printing (exposure), and a predetermined development process is performed to convert the latent image into a visible image. The exposure to the photosensitive material is performed by an analog exposure method (direct exposure) in which image information recorded on the film is projected onto the photosensitive material through a lens system for a predetermined time. The method has been put into practical use. The digital exposure method photoelectrically reads image information recorded on a film, converts the read image into a digital signal, and then performs various image processing to obtain image data for recording. In this method, a photographic photosensitive material conveyed at a constant speed with modulated exposure light is subjected to main scanning exposure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction to form a latent image. The digital exposure method is superior in resolution, color / density reproducibility, etc. compared to the conventional analog exposure method printing, so that it can form a higher-quality print image and the image data signal. The image is processed and exposure is performed with exposure light modulated according to the image information signal subjected to image processing, so that tone correction, color / density adjustment, edge enhancement, etc. can be easily performed, composition of multiple images, image division, etc. The image can be freely edited, the prints subjected to image processing can be output according to the application, and the image data of the print image can be supplied to a computer or the like. Since it can be stored in a recording medium such as a magnetic card, the application field is being expanded.

  The exposure of a digital exposure type printer will be described. First, in an image reading unit, an image recorded on a film by an image reading unit such as a scanner is imaged on an image sensor such as a CCD sensor by an imaging lens system. The image data (image data signal) obtained by the conversion is sent to the image processing unit. The image processing unit performs predetermined image processing on the image data signal sent from the image input unit and sends it to the exposure mechanism unit as output image data (exposure conditions) for image recording. For example, if the exposure mechanism is configured to use a light beam, it modulates the light beam according to the image data sent from the image processing apparatus, deflects the light beam in the main scanning direction, and performs main scanning. Exposure is performed by irradiating a photosensitive material (photographic paper) conveyed in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the direction. A latent image is formed on the exposed photosensitive material.

  In digital exposure, a long photosensitive material supplied and stored in a rolled state is cut into a predetermined length corresponding to one print, and a photographic photosensitive material having a predetermined length is obtained. In order to achieve a reduction in the size of the apparatus and a significant reduction in running cost, an exposure method is used.

  As described above, the digital exposure method can output prints with better image quality and better resolution, color / density reproducibility, etc. than the conventional analog exposure method. It is also known that there is a problem that does not occur in the method.

  That is, in the digital exposure method, unlike the analog exposure method in which exposure is performed with the photosensitive material stationary, the exposure is performed while the photosensitive material is conveyed at a constant speed. If the (scanning speed) fluctuates for some reason, the screen may be distorted at that point, causing streaky density unevenness and impairing image quality, which may cause a problem that does not exist in an analog exposure type printer.

  In digital exposure printers, one of the factors that fluctuates the conveyance speed is the effect of external force on the photographic photosensitive material being exposed, and contacts the photographic photosensitive material being exposed to reduce the influence of external force. It is desired to reduce the number of members.

  Conveying means (hereinafter also referred to as exposure conveying means) for conveying a photographic photosensitive material in digital exposure at a sub-scanning speed is a sub-scanning speed for the photosensitive material upstream and downstream of the light beam (exposure light) position. A method is generally used in which a pair of transport rollers for transporting is disposed and the photosensitive material is sandwiched and transported.

  In such a structure, when the leading end portion of the photographic photosensitive material being exposed contacts and enters the roller pair on the downstream side of the exposure light position, resistance is received from the roller pair, and the resistance force is transferred to the photosensitive material conveyance speed (sub-level). This is a factor that fluctuates the scanning speed. Then, due to the resistance force, streaky density unevenness is generated in a print after development processing at a site on the photosensitive material subjected to main scanning exposure when the conveyance speed (sub-scanning speed) of the photosensitive material fluctuates. Further, when the rear end portion of the photosensitive material is separated from the pair of rollers on the upstream side of the exposure light position, an external force may be generated to change the photosensitive material conveyance speed (sub-scanning speed). An exposure failure occurs and streaky density unevenness occurs. Thus, a problem occurs when the photosensitive material is conveyed by the roller pair.

As a countermeasure against such a problem, for example, the front and rear ends of the photosensitive material are detected, and the upstream and downstream roller pairs of the sub-scanning conveying means which is the conveying means of the exposure unit are respectively connected to the nip side. A technique has been proposed in which the rollers are retracted to reduce fluctuations in the photosensitive material conveyance load. (See Patent Document 1)
However, although the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can alleviate the action of external force generated when the photosensitive material passes through the roller pair, it requires a space and means for retracting the roller, so that the compactness of the apparatus is required. It was difficult to simplify the structure and structure. In addition, since the exposure light should not be shielded by the roller by disposing the roller in the vicinity of the exposure unit, there are restrictions on conditions such as the position and size of the roller, and the upstream and downstream roller shaft intervals. Therefore, even if a roller pair is arranged, it is difficult to convey and expose the photosensitive material of various sizes while providing sufficient flatness. In particular, since many digital exposure apparatuses expose a long photosensitive material wound in a roll shape to a predetermined length corresponding to one print, as described above, such exposure is performed. A technique has not yet been completed that allows a sheet-shaped photosensitive material with a strong curl immediately after cutting to be sufficiently flat and conveyed and exposed.
JP 11-46262 A (paragraphs 0041-0050)

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus capable of eliminating a factor that fluctuates the conveyance speed of a photographic photosensitive material during exposure, which causes image defects, and capable of forming a good print.

  The present invention also provides a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus capable of carrying and exposing while providing sufficient flatness to a strongly curled photosensitive material obtained by cutting a roll-shaped long photosensitive material. Is a second problem.

  The inventor of the present application uses a sub-scanning conveying means for the photographic photosensitive material in digital exposure as a belt, and sucks the photographic photosensitive material placed and conveyed on the belt, and does not arrange a member that contacts the photographic photosensitive material. Thus, it has been found that there can be provided a digital exposure apparatus capable of forming a good print without causing a change in the conveyance speed of the photographic photosensitive material.

  That is, the invention according to claim 1 is a "photosensitive material exposure apparatus that performs digital exposure on a photosensitive material in a state where a predetermined length of the photosensitive material is conveyed; and a belt that conveys the photosensitive material under exposure light; A belt guide plate for carrying the belt and guiding the conveyance; and a fixing means for fixing the photosensitive material placed on the belt; and the photograph placed on the belt. A photosensitive material exposure apparatus characterized in that no member that contacts the photosensitive material is disposed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in a photosensitive material exposure apparatus that performs digital exposure on a photosensitive material in a state where a photographic photosensitive material having a predetermined length is conveyed, a belt that conveys the photosensitive material under exposure light; A belt guide plate for carrying the belt and guiding the conveyance; and a fixing means for fixing the photosensitive material placed on the belt; and only on the belt by the action of the fixing means. A photosensitive material exposure apparatus characterized in that the placed photographic photosensitive material is brought into close contact with the belt and digital exposure is performed on the photosensitive material.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that "the fixing means fixes the photographic material on the belt by moving air existing in the vicinity of the belt and the belt guide plate. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, “the belt and the belt guide plate each have a plurality of holes, and the belt guide plate has a portion corresponding to a region where the photosensitive material is exposed. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hole is not disposed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, “the surface of the belt guide plate on which the belt is mounted is closer to the light source side of the exposure light than the position of the plane contacting the outer diameter with which the belt of the pulley driving the belt contacts. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive material exposure apparatus is in a position.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, “a driven roller of a pair of conveyance rollers for conveying a photographic photosensitive material of a unit located on the upstream side of the exposure conveyance means and a photograph of a unit located on the downstream side of the exposure conveyance means”. 6. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driven roller of the pair of conveying rollers that convey the photosensitive material has a pressure release mechanism.

According to the invention of claim 1,
By fixing the photographic photosensitive material to the belt by a fixing means, the conveyance of the photographic photosensitive material during exposure is stabilized, and since no member that contacts the photographic photosensitive material other than the belt is disposed, the photographic photosensitive material during exposure is arranged. Can be provided with a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus capable of forming a good print by being conveyed at a constant sub-scanning speed without receiving external force due to contact or separation with the member. In particular, it has been found that sufficient planarity can be imparted even to a sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a strong curl.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the conveyance of the photographic photosensitive material during exposure is stabilized by fixing the photographic photosensitive material to the belt by the fixing means, and the photographic photosensitive material is applied to the belt only by the fixing means. Because it is in close contact, it is possible to maintain a stable position under the exposure light and to carry a constant sub-scanning speed without arranging a member that restricts the floating of the photographic photosensitive material during exposure. A photosensitive material exposure apparatus of the type can be provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the photosensitive material is fixed by sucking the photosensitive material onto the belt, the photosensitive material on the belt can be sucked and fixed in a wide range, and the position of the exposed photosensitive material can be determined. It is possible to provide a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus that can stabilize and form good prints.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the photographic photosensitive material at the position where the exposure light is subjected to the main scanning is not deformed by suction, it is possible to provide a digital type exposure apparatus that does not impair the image quality due to the deformation.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the belt is always in contact with and supported by the belt guide plate, it is possible to provide a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus that enables stable conveyance of photographic photosensitive material and can form good prints. it can.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the photographic photosensitive material enters the transport roller portion of the unit located downstream of the exposure transport portion, and from the transport roller portion of the unit located upstream of the exposure transport portion, the photograph is taken. Since the photosensitive material does not receive external force from the respective transport rollers when the photosensitive material is detached, it is possible to transport the photosensitive material being exposed at a constant sub-scanning speed and form a good print. It is possible to provide a digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus that can be used.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the photosensitive material exposure apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic embodiment of a photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a laser exposure unit, 2 is an exposure conveyance unit that conveys a predetermined length of sheet-like photographic photosensitive material while exposing it, 3 is a sub-drive unit, and 4 is a delivery unit. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention incorporates a photosensitive material P, which is a silver halide photographic photosensitive material for printing such as color paper (color photographic paper) and a color printing film, from the arrow A side shown in the drawing, After passing through the sub-drive unit 3, the exposure transport unit 2 and the delivery unit 4, it is discharged from the arrow B side. The exposure transport unit 2 performs digital exposure on the photosensitive material placed on the belt with a laser beam, and a latent image. Form.

  A paper magazine (not shown) is provided upstream of the arrow A, and accommodates and stores a wound unexposed long photosensitive material P. The expression “upstream” or “downstream” in the text is based on the direction in which the photosensitive material P is conveyed through the photosensitive material exposure apparatus.

  On the downstream side of the arrow B, there is a development processing section (not shown), which visualizes the latent image of the photosensitive material by a predetermined processing, performs a stabilization processing, and discharges it as a photographic print.

  The sub drive unit 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 31, 32, 33, a cutter 34, and a flap plate 35. The conveyance roller pairs 31, 32 draw the photosensitive material P from the paper magazine unit to a length corresponding to the print size. The photosensitive material P is cut into a length corresponding to the print size by 34, and the photosensitive material P cut by the general feed roller pair 33 is conveyed to the exposure conveyance unit 2.

  The flap plate 35 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the lower roller (drive roller) in the figure of the conveying roller pair 33. When the photosensitive material P is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 32, When the leading end portion is guided to the conveying roller pair 33 and the leading end portion of the photosensitive material P is sandwiched between the conveying roller pair 33, the counterclockwise direction is centered on the rotation center of the lower roller (drive roller) in the drawing of the conveying roller pair 33. And is retracted from the conveyance path of the photosensitive material P. The conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P of the conveyance roller pair 32 is faster than that of the conveyance roller pair 33, and the flap plate 34 retracts the photosensitive material P conveyed at a speed higher than the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller pair 33. In this way, slack is formed in the formed space and the sheet is fed, and the difference in transport speed between the transport roller pair 32 and the transport roller pair 33 is absorbed by the slack. In FIG. 1, the flap plate 34 is in the retracted position, and the photosensitive material P is conveyed in a slack inside the sub-drive unit 3.

  When the photosensitive material P is pulled out from the paper magazine portion to a length corresponding to the print size, the transport rollers 31 and 32 stop transporting the photosensitive material P, and the cutter 34 cuts the photosensitive material P during the stop. While the conveyance of the photosensitive material P by the conveyance rollers 31 and 32 is stopped, the conveyance roller 33 conveys the photosensitive material P to the downstream exposure conveyance unit 2. The conveyance of the photosensitive material P is not affected, and the photosensitive material P is conveyed to the exposure conveyance unit 2 at a constant speed.

  The exposure transport unit 2 includes exposure transport means including a flat belt 21 which is a belt that transports a photographic photosensitive material under exposure light while being exposed, belt drive pulleys 22, 23, 24, a belt guide plate 25, and a suction duct 26. Is done. The exposure transport unit places the photosensitive material P on the flat belt 21 in a stable state at a position facing the exposure light, and a predetermined transport speed (= sub-scan) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction of the exposure light. It also functions as a sub-scanning conveying means that allows the photosensitive material P to pass while being exposed by digital exposure.

  The flat belt 21 is made of an endless and flexible material and is stretched between belt drive pulleys 22, 23 and 24. One of the belt drive pulleys 22, 23, 24 is adapted to give a driving force to the flat belt 21, and the flat belt 21 is continuously rotated at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow by the driving force, The photosensitive material P is placed on the upper surface in the drawing and conveyed.

  The delivery unit 4 located on the downstream side of the exposure transport unit 2 has a function of transporting the exposed photosensitive material P transported from the exposure transport unit 2 to a further downstream development processing unit. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is composed of a pair of conveying rollers 41 to 46 and a back surface printing unit 47 for recording a print printing date, a frame number and the like on the back surface (non-emulsion surface) of the photosensitive material P. The transport roller pair 41 sandwiches the exposed photosensitive material P transported from the exposure transport unit 2 at the nip portion and transports it to the transport roller pairs 42 to 46 on the downstream side. In addition, the back surface printing part 47 can also be arrange | positioned in positions other than a sending-out part.

  For example, the laser exposure unit 1 deflects a light beam (not shown) that emits a light beam corresponding to red (R), green (G), and blue (B) exposure of the photosensitive material P in the main scanning direction. A polygon mirror 11, an fθ lens 13 that stores a light beam L deflected in the main scanning direction at a recording position X (main running position) with a beam having a predetermined diameter, and a reflection that guides the light beam to a predetermined position on the exposure transport unit 2. An optical unit comprising mirrors 14, 15, and 16, which projects a light beam L (exposure light) obtained by deflecting the photosensitive material P transported at the sub-scanning speed by the exposure transport unit 2 in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The so-called digital exposure is performed.

  Here, the exposure conveying means in the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the exposure conveying means according to the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) is a view of the exposure conveying means from the light source of exposure light, and FIG. 2 (b) is a view from the front side of the photosensitive material exposure apparatus. 2 (a) and 2 (b), members having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 2A, the flat belt 21 is cut along a straight line XX so that the belt guide plate 25 and the belt driving pulleys 22 and 23 arranged below the flat belt 21 can be seen.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), a flat belt 21 made of a rubber material is stretched around drive pulleys 22, 23, and 24, and rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing. The belt guide plate 25 has a flat surface facing the flat belt 21, and the flat surface is at the same position and height as a flat surface contacting the outer diameter of the belt driving pulleys 22 and 23 carrying the flat belt 21. Thus, the support member is disposed between the belt drive pulleys 22 and 23, and supports the flat belt 21 from the lower surface side and keeps it flat without being loosened. The flat belt 21 supported by the belt guide plate 25 places the photosensitive material P at a constant speed (= sub-scanning speed) by the driving force of the driving pulley 23 and conveys it along the upper surface of the belt guide plate 25.

  The exposure light L performs main scanning in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the belt 21, and exposes the photosensitive material P placed and transported on the flat belt 21.

  Next, fixing means for fixing the photosensitive material P to the flat belt 21 will be described. In the present invention, the photosensitive material P placed on the flat belt 21 is fixed by sucking air in the vicinity of the flat belt 21.

  The suction duct 26 is disposed below the belt guide plate 25 and is configured so as to form a space inside thereof in combination with the belt guide plate 25. Then, the space formed by the suction duct 26 and the belt guide plate 25 is sucked and decompressed by a suction means (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the flat belt 21 is provided with a plurality of small holes 21a, and air can be freely moved between the front and back of the flat belt 21 through the small holes 21a. The guide plate 25 is also provided with a plurality of openings 25a on almost the entire surface except for a part thereof, and air can be freely moved between the front and back of the belt guide plate 25 through the openings 25a. Due to the suction effect of the suction means, the photosensitive material P placed and conveyed on the flat belt 21 is sucked to the suction duct 26 side through the small hole 21a of the flat belt 21 and the opening 25a of the belt guide plate 25. The photosensitive material P is in close contact with the flat belt 21 by this suction force, and the flat belt 21 is in close contact with the flat belt guide plate 25. Therefore, the photosensitive material P placed and transported on the flat belt 21 is exposed to the exposure light L while being transported at a constant speed while maintaining a flat surface.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the flat belt 21, a member that contacts the photosensitive material P such as a member having a function of assisting the conveyance of the photosensitive material P or preventing the photosensitive material from being lifted is disposed. Absent. Since the photosensitive material P is transported at a constant sub-transport speed in an environment where there is no factor that disturbs the transport of the photosensitive material P, such as contact with or separation from a member, stable digital exposure is possible.

  In order to increase the efficiency of suction, a shutter mechanism that closes a part of the opening 25a corresponding to the size of the photosensitive material is provided on the belt guide plate 25 so that only the photosensitive material portion is sucked and sucked. It is also possible to configure.

  By the way, since the flat belt 21 carries the photosensitive material P and moves on the belt guide plate, the relative position of the small hole 21a of the flat belt 21 and the opening 25a of the belt guide plate 25 changes as the flat belt 21 moves. As described above, since the photosensitive material P is sucked through the small holes 21a of the flat belt 21 and the openings 25a of the belt guide plate 25, the state changes as the belt 21 moves.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing suction of the photosensitive material P in the present invention, and shows a cross section of the photosensitive material P, the flat belt 21 and the belt guide plate 25 at the exposure position cut in parallel with the moving direction of the flat belt. . The exposure light L is a light beam having a diameter d, which scans in a direction orthogonal to the illustrated screen to expose the photosensitive material. The trajectory scanned by the exposure light L is called a main scanning line. In FIG. 3A, the photosensitive material P is sucked in the direction of the arrow through the small hole 21a at a position where the small hole 21a of the flat belt 21 overlaps the opening 25a of the belt guide plate 25, and is exposed to the exposure light L. A certain photosensitive material P is also sucked.

  By the way, the sucked photosensitive material P is deformed although the range of the sucked small holes 21 is slight due to the pressure difference. The deformation of the photosensitive material P at the position of the main scanning line where the exposure light L scans the photosensitive material P causes the sharpness of the exposure image to be impaired. Therefore, the photosensitive material P is exposed at the position where the exposure light L is scanned. Is preferably not aspirated. For this reason, it is preferable not to provide the opening 25a of the belt guide plate 25 at a position where the exposure light L scans as shown in FIG. 3B. In the embodiment, the opening 25a of the belt guide plate 25 is provided on the main scanning line. Constricted to avoid the position.

  Since the photosensitive material P is not sucked at the position where the belt guide plate 25 does not have the opening 25a, the photosensitive material P is not deformed by being sucked, and the sharpness of the exposed image is not impaired. That is, it is effective for forming a sharp image that the opening 25a is not constricted in the belt guide plate 25 at a position directly under which the exposure light scans the photosensitive material P.

  The range in which no opening is provided in the belt guide plate 25 is preferably as narrow as possible for stable conveyance of the photosensitive material P. As shown in FIG. 3C, when the diameter of the exposure light is d and the aperture of the small hole 21a of the flat belt 21 is D, the exposure light is exposed to the photosensitive material P directly below the exposure light on the belt guide plate. The opening 25a is not confined in a region surrounded by a straight line at a distance of d / 2 + X (where X> D) on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flat belt with the scanning line for scanning as the center line. That's fine. With such a configuration, when the photosensitive material P placed and conveyed on the flat belt 21 reaches the exposure light position, the photosensitive material P under the main scanning line of the exposure light L is sucked. There is no. On the contrary, the effect can be realized even if the X dimension is determined in advance and the diameter of the small hole 21a constricted in the flat belt 21 is X or less.

  The belt guide plate of the exposure conveyance unit needs to always contact and support the belt in order to stably convey the photosensitive material. However, even if the upper surface of the belt guide plate is designed to be the same as the lower surface of the belt stretched between the belt drive pulleys, depending on the parts processing accuracy and assembly accuracy, the position of the belt guide plate may be The lower surface of the belt stretched between the drive pulleys may be lower, and the belt may be slack and the surface on which the photosensitive material is placed may not be stable.

  4, the belt guide plate 25 is configured to push up the flat belt 21 stretched between pulleys from the lower surface to the light source side of the exposure light L. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to mitigate the effects of component processing accuracy and assembly processing accuracy, and the flat belt 21 stretched between the pulleys is always in contact with the belt guide plate by the tension force. This makes it possible to stabilize the position of the photographic photosensitive material sucked and conveyed by the flat belt 21.

  That is, in FIG. 4, the straight line HH ′ is a straight line in contact with the outer diameter of the belt driving pulleys 22 and 23 that carries the flat belt 21, and is also in the position of the plane VP in contact with the outer diameter of the belt driving pulley that carries the flat belt 21. is there. The upper surface position of the belt guide plate 25 that supports the belt 21 is configured to be closer to the light source side of the exposure light L than the position of the plane VP, and the flat belt 21 is always driven on the upper surface of the belt guide plate by the driving force of the pulley. Move in contact. The left and right ends of the belt guide plate 25 shown in the figure are preferably configured with a relaxed curved surface that relieves rapid deformation of the flat belt 21 due to a dimensional difference between the plane VP and the belt guide plate 25. With this configuration, the flat belt 21 is always in contact with the belt guide plate 25 even if some dimensional errors occur in the parts processing or assembly process, and the photosensitive material P can be stably conveyed.

  The embodiments of the exposure transport unit in the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the effects of the present invention can be further enhanced by adding new configurations to the photosensitive material transport mechanisms of the upstream unit and the downstream unit of the exposure transport unit. This is possible and will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery unit 4 is a unit positioned downstream of the exposure transport unit 2 and has a function of transporting the exposed photosensitive material P transported from the exposure transport unit 2 to the development processing unit. . Each of the conveyance roller pairs 41 to 46 includes a driving roller and a driven roller, and the speed at which each photosensitive material P is conveyed is set to be the same as the conveyance speed of the exposure conveyance unit 2. The resistance that the photosensitive material P receives from the roller pair 41 when the exposed photosensitive material P reaches the conveying roller pair 41 positioned at the uppermost stream of the sending-out portion and the leading end portion enters the nip portion of the roller pair 41. The force may cause a variation in the conveyance load, causing the conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P to fluctuate momentarily and cause streaky density unevenness in the print after development processing.

  FIG. 5 shows that when the photosensitive material P enters the nip portion of the conveying roller pair 41 of the delivery portion 4, the position of the driven roller 41b constituting the conveying roller pair 41 is variable, and the leading end of the photosensitive material P is the nip portion. FIG. 6 is a view showing an embodiment in which the driven roller 41b is separated from the driving roller 41a when entering the lens, and the load fluctuation applied to the photosensitive material P is reduced.

  FIG. 5A shows a state immediately before the leading edge of the photosensitive material P enters the driven roller pair 41. The driven roller 41b is separated from the driving roller 41a and is conveyed from the exposure conveying unit. It is possible for the front end of the roller to enter and pass between the driving roller pair 41a and the driven roller 41b without receiving a resistance force. Therefore, when the leading end portion of the photosensitive material P enters the nip portion of the driven roller pair 41, the conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P is not changed.

  When the leading edge of the photosensitive material P passes through the conveying roller pair 41, the driven roller 41b is displaced so as to come into contact with the driving roller 41a by means (not shown), and the photosensitive material P is sandwiched by a predetermined pressure, and together with the driving roller 41a, the photosensitive material. Transport P. The conveyance speed of the conveyance roller pair 41 is set to be the same as the conveyance speed of the exposure conveyance unit 2, and the moment the photosensitive material P is sandwiched so that the conveyance roller pair 41 conveys the photosensitive material P, the photosensitive material P There is no change in the conveyance speed.

  The transport roller pair 41 takes over the transport operation of the photosensitive material P transported from the exposure transport unit 2 and transports the photosensitive material P toward the transport roller downstream after the photosensitive material P is detached from the exposure transport unit 2 and transports it. Although the operation is handed over, depending on the size of the photosensitive material targeted by the exposure apparatus, the exposure is continued even when the leading end portion of the photosensitive material P reaches the conveying roller pair positioned on the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 41. Therefore, the arrangement of the displacement mechanism of the driven roller is not limited to the uppermost conveying roller pair 41.

  The sub-drive unit 3 is a unit located on the upstream side of the exposure conveyance unit 2, and conveys and supplies the photosensitive material P cut to a predetermined length to the exposure conveyance unit 2 on the downstream side. The conveyance roller pair 33 is located at the most downstream portion of the sub-drive unit 3, that is, immediately upstream of the exposure conveyance unit 2, sandwiches the photosensitive material P cut to a predetermined length, and sends it to the exposure conveyance unit 2. The speed at which the photosensitive material P is transported by the transport roller pair 33 is set equal to the transport speed of the photosensitive material P in the exposure transport unit 2. When the photosensitive material P sent out by the transport roller pair 33 reaches the belt portion of the exposure transport unit 2, the flat belt 21 is attracted by the suction effect of the small hole 21a of the flat belt 21 and the opening 25a surface of the belt guide plate 25 and the suction mechanism. Is transported at the moving speed of the flat belt 21. As described above, the speed at which the conveyance roller pair 33 conveys the photosensitive material P is equal to the speed at which the flat belt of the exposure conveyance unit 2 conveys the photosensitive material P. The conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P does not change even if it is adsorbed and conveyed.

  When the photosensitive material P adsorbed and conveyed by the flat belt 21 reaches the exposure light portion, exposure is started and when the exposure proceeds, the photosensitive material P having a predetermined length passes through the conveying roller pair 33 at the rear end thereof and is conveyed. Leave from 33. The force received when the rear end portion of the photosensitive material P is detached and released from the conveyance roller pair 33 causes the conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P to fluctuate momentarily, and streaky density unevenness occurs in the print after development processing. There is.

  In FIG. 6, the position of the driven roller 33b constituting the roller pair 33 is made variable so that the driven roller 33b is separated from the driving roller 33a when the rear end portion of the photosensitive material P is separated from the conveying roller pair 33. In this embodiment, the load fluctuation applied to the photosensitive material P by the conveying roller pair is alleviated.

  FIG. 6A shows a state in which the photosensitive material P is conveyed right below in the drawing under the exposure light L by the conveyance roller pair 33 and the flat belt 21 of the exposure conveyance unit 2. FIG. 6B shows a state immediately before the exposure progresses and the rear end of the photosensitive material P is detached from the driven roller pair 33. The driven roller 33b is separated from the driving roller 33a by means not shown, and exposure is performed. The rear end of the photosensitive material P transported by the flat belt 21 of the transport unit 2 can pass between the transport roller pair 33 without receiving an external force. As described above, the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller pair 33 is set to be the same as the conveyance speed of the flat belt 21 of the exposure conveyance unit 2, and even if the conveyance roller pair 33 is separated from the photosensitive material P, the photosensitive material. The conveyance speed of P does not fluctuate.

  When the rear end of the photosensitive material P passes through the nip portion of the conveying roller pair 33, the driven roller 33b again moves to a position where the photosensitive material P is sandwiched and conveyed, and prepares conveyance of the photosensitive material P for the next exposure.

  With the above-described configuration, when the leading edge of the photosensitive material P being exposed enters the nip portion of the conveying roller pair on the downstream side of the exposure conveying unit, or the trailing end of the photosensitive material P is the exposure conveying unit. Since the conveyance speed (sub-scanning speed) of the photosensitive material P does not change when the nip portion of the upstream conveying roller pair is separated, high-quality printing without image deterioration caused by the fluctuation of the sub-scanning speed can be achieved. It is possible to provide an obtained digital photosensitive material exposure apparatus.

It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of embodiment of the photosensitive material exposure apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the exposure conveyance means which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows attraction | suction of the photosensitive material which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of a structure of the exposure conveyance means which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows one Example which made variable the position of the driven roller of the conveyance roller pair of the unit located in the downstream of the exposure conveyance means which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows one Example which varied the position of the driven roller of the conveyance roller pair of the unit located in the upstream of the exposure conveyance means which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser exposure unit 2 Exposure conveyance part 3 Sub drive part 4 Sending part 11 Polygon mirror 11
13 fθ lens 14 Reflecting mirror 14
15 Reflection mirror 15
16 Reflection mirror 16
21 Flat belt 22 Drive pulley 22
23 Drive pulley 23
24 Drive pulley 24
25 Belt guide plate 31 Conveying roller pair 31
32 Conveying roller pair 32
33 Conveying roller pair 33
34 Cutter 35 Flap plate 41 Conveying roller pair 41
42 Conveying roller pair 42
43 Conveying roller pair 43
44 Conveying roller pair 44
45 Conveying roller pair 45
45 Conveying roller pair 46
47 Back side printing section

Claims (6)

In a photosensitive material exposure apparatus that performs digital exposure on the photosensitive material in a state where a photographic photosensitive material of a predetermined length is conveyed,
A belt for conveying a photographic material under exposure light;
A belt guide plate on which the belt is mounted to guide conveyance;
Fixing means for fixing the photographic material placed on the belt,
And,
An apparatus for exposing a photosensitive material, characterized in that no member which contacts the photographic photosensitive material placed thereon is disposed on the belt. In a photosensitive material exposure apparatus that performs digital exposure on the photosensitive material in a state where a photographic photosensitive material of a predetermined length is conveyed,
A belt for conveying a photographic material under exposure light;
A belt guide plate on which the belt is mounted to guide conveyance;
Fixing means for fixing the photographic material placed on the belt,
And,
A photosensitive material exposure apparatus characterized in that the photosensitive material placed on the belt is brought into close contact with the belt only by the action of the fixing means, and the photosensitive material is subjected to digital exposure. 3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means fixes the photographic photosensitive material on the belt by moving air existing in the vicinity of the belt and the belt guide plate. Photosensitive material exposure device. Each of the belt and the belt guide plate has a plurality of holes, and the holes are not arranged at positions corresponding to regions where the photosensitive material on the belt guide plate is exposed. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The surface of the belt guide plate on which the belt is mounted is located closer to a light source side of the exposure light than a position of a plane contacting an outer diameter with which a belt of a pulley driving the belt contacts. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus of any one of 1-4. A follower roller of a conveyance roller pair for conveying a photographic photosensitive material of a unit located on the upstream side of the exposure conveyance means, and a driven roller pair of a conveyance roller pair for conveying the photographic photosensitive material of a unit located on the downstream side of the exposure conveyance means. The photosensitive material exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roller has a pressure release mechanism.

Images