JP2006011133A - Image forming apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a method for forming an image by which a level of leaked light can be accurately decided without requiring a new sensor for detection of leaked light. <P>SOLUTION: The method for forming an image is carried out by exposing a silver salt photosensitive material to light from a light source on the basis of image data, conveying, developing and outputting the silver salt photosensitive material after exposure. When the relative positions of the light source and a measuring means for measuring the light quantity of the light source make the measurement of light from the light source impossible, the sensor part of the light measuring means is opened and closed with a shutter while the light quantity in each of the open state and the closed state is measured. If the difference in the measured light is out of a prescribed range, warning is given. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for recording on a silver salt photosensitive material.

  Light emitting elements such as LEDs and LDs are used as light sources for exposing recording materials such as silver salt photosensitive materials in image forming apparatuses and the like. However, the light quantity of such light emitting elements changes due to deterioration over time, and also depending on temperature. The amount of light varies. For this reason, the light source is made to emit light before the image is exposed in the image forming apparatus, the light amount at that time is measured by a sensor such as a photodiode, and the light source drive value is determined based on the photometric value so that a desired light amount is obtained. Calibration is performed so that At the time of the calibration, it is checked whether or not the photometric value is within a specified range. If it is not within the specified range, it is determined that the light source is abnormal and error processing is performed.

  Further, when the silver salt photosensitive material cartridge is replaced, light is generated at the front end portion of the photosensitive material, so that the photosensitive material is discharged to the paper discharge portion without being conveyed to the developing portion. This is because when the photosensitive material exposed to light is developed, the relationship between the development process and the replenishment amount is lost. This is because the development processing stability is impaired.

Light exposure of the photosensitive material may occur, for example, when the exposure operation is performed with the exterior of the device open during maintenance. Even if the development unit transport / discharge can be selected by setting, a setting error may occur. In this case, the photosensitive material may be transported to the developing unit. When the photosensitive material is exposed to light for reasons other than cartridge replacement, a separate sensor is required to detect the light exposure.
JP 09-44039 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that do not require a new sensor for light leakage detection and can accurately determine the light leakage level. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention exposes a silver salt photosensitive material with light from a light source in an exposure unit based on image data, conveys the exposed silver salt photosensitive material, and develops the developing unit. In the image forming apparatus that develops and outputs the light, a photometric unit that measures the amount of light of the light source, and a shutter that can be opened and closed so as to shield the sensor unit of the photometric unit, the light source and the photometric unit When the relative position is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the light metering means measures each light quantity in the open state and the closed state of the shutter, and issues a warning when the difference between the two light meter values is not within a specified range. It is characterized by controlling to.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when the relative position between the light source and the photometric means is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the difference between both photometric values measured in the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the sensor unit is within a specified range. Since the warning is given when there is no light, the operator can confirm that the amount of leaked light is relatively large and the difference between the two photometric values is not within the specified range. For example, it can be determined whether or not to continue the exposure. As described above, since the light metering means for calibrating the light source can detect the leaked light, it is not necessary to newly provide a sensor for detecting the leaked light, and a shutter for shielding the sensor unit of the light metering means is provided. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine the level of leakage light.

  That is, if light measurement is performed when the light source is in a position where photometry is not possible, light from the light source does not enter the sensor unit, so that leakage light and light from the light source can be distinguished. In this case, the photometric value when the shutter is open is offset + leakage light, and the photometric value when the shutter is closed is offset. If metering is performed with the light source in the meterable position, the metering value when the shutter is closed is offset, and the metering value when the shutter is open is offset + leakage light + light from the light source. Cannot distinguish the light from. The light from the light source is light when the light source emits light even when the light source and its drive section are defective, even when the light source drive is off. In addition, it is preferable to detect separately the malfunction of a light source, and to make it an error.

  Also, if the shutter is provided on the sensor unit side instead of the light source side, the effect of offset of the sensor unit and the sensor signal processing unit is eliminated by taking the difference in the photometric value when the shutter on the sensor unit side is opened and closed. Only the leakage light component can be measured. This is because the photometric value when the shutter is open is offset + leakage light component, and the photometric value when the shutter is closed is offset, so that taking the difference between the two results in only the leakage light component. If the shutter is on the light source side, the photometric value when the shutter is open is offset + leakage light + light from the light source, and the photometric value when the shutter is closed is offset + leakage light. Can be detected, but the leakage light component and the offset output cannot be distinguished.

  With the configuration as described above, the leak light can be detected by the photometric means for calibrating the light source without adding a separate sensor.

  In the image forming apparatus, the exposure unit includes a paper discharge unit that discharges the exposed silver halide photosensitive material without conveying it to the developing unit, so that the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is discharged on the exposure unit side. Since it can be controlled so that it is not sent to the developing section, unnecessary development is not required, and development processing stability is not impaired.

  Further, by controlling the silver halide photosensitive material after the exposure to be discharged to the paper discharge unit based on the difference between the two photometric values measured during the exposure by the exposure unit, leakage light is exposed during the exposure. It can be monitored, and when there is a relatively large amount of leaked light, the exposed silver halide photosensitive material can be discharged on the exposure unit side and not sent to the development unit, eliminating unnecessary development and impairing development processing stability. There is no. Further, it is possible to prevent the silver salt photosensitive material that has been accidentally exposed to light during maintenance or the like from being conveyed to the developing unit.

  Another image forming apparatus according to the present invention exposes a silver salt photosensitive material with light from a light source in an exposure unit based on image data, and develops and outputs the silver salt photosensitive material after the exposure in a developing unit. In the forming apparatus, a photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source, a shutter that can be opened and closed so as to shield the sensor part of the photometric means, and the exposed silver halide photosensitive material without being conveyed to the developing part. A paper discharge section provided in the exposure section so that paper can be provided, and when the relative position between the light source and the photometry means is a position where the light source cannot be measured, the photometry means opens the shutter. Each light quantity in the closed state and the closed state is measured. If the difference between the two photometric values is not within the first specified range, a warning is given. If the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range, the exposure is performed. The subsequent photosensitive material is controlled to be discharged to the paper discharge unit. Characterized in that it.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when the relative position between the light source and the photometric means is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the difference between the two photometric values measured in the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the sensor unit is the first specified value. Since the warning is given when the light is not within the range, the operator can confirm that the light leakage is relatively large and the difference between the two photometric values is not within the first specified range. For example, it can be determined whether or not to continue the exposure. Also, because the amount of leaked light is larger, the exposed silver halide photosensitive material can be discharged on the exposure unit side and not sent to the development unit when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range. Therefore, unnecessary development is not required, and development processing stability is not impaired. In this manner, since the leak light can be detected by the photometric means for light source calibration, it is not necessary to newly provide a leak light detection sensor. Further, by providing a shutter that shields the sensor unit of the photometric means, it is possible to accurately determine the level of leakage light. Further, it is possible to prevent the silver salt photosensitive material that has been accidentally exposed to light during maintenance or the like from being conveyed to the developing unit.

  The image forming method according to the present invention comprises exposing the silver salt photosensitive material with light from a light source based on image data, transporting the developed silver salt photosensitive material, developing and outputting the light source, A step of opening and closing a sensor portion of the photometric means with a shutter when the relative position to the photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source is in a position where the photometry of the light source is not possible, and measuring each light quantity in the open state and the closed state And a step of giving a warning when the difference between the two photometric values is not within a specified range.

  According to this image forming method, when the relative position of the light source and the photometric means is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the difference between both photometric values measured in the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the sensor unit is within the specified range. Since the warning is given when there is no light, the operator can confirm that the amount of leaked light is relatively large and the difference between the two photometric values is not within the specified range. For example, it can be determined whether or not to continue the exposure. As described above, since the light metering means for calibrating the light source can detect the leaked light, it is not necessary to newly provide a sensor for detecting the leaked light, and the sensor unit of the light metering means is opened and closed with a shutter for shielding light. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine the level of leakage light.

  In the image forming method, after the warning, the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is discharged without carrying for the development. Since it is not transported and sent to the developing unit, unnecessary development is not required, and development processing stability is not impaired.

  Another image forming method according to the present invention is an image forming method in which a silver salt photosensitive material is exposed with light from a light source based on image data, and the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is conveyed, developed, and output. When the relative position between the light source and the photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source is in a position where the light source is not photometric, the sensor unit of the photometric means is opened and closed with a shutter, and each light quantity in the open state and the closed state is determined. A step of measuring, a step of giving a warning when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the first prescribed range, and a silver after the exposure when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second prescribed range And discharging the salt-sensitive material without carrying it for the development.

  According to this image forming method, when the relative position between the light source and the photometric means is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the difference between both photometric values measured in the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the sensor unit is the first specified value. Since the warning is given when the light is not within the range, the operator can confirm that the light leakage is relatively large and the difference between the two photometric values is not within the first specified range. For example, it can be determined whether or not to continue the exposure. Also, because the amount of leaked light is larger, the exposed silver halide photosensitive material can be discharged on the exposure unit side and not sent to the development unit when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range. Therefore, unnecessary development is not required, and development processing stability is not impaired. In this way, since the leak light can be detected by the photometric means for calibration of the light source, it is not necessary to newly provide a leak light detection sensor in the apparatus. In addition, the level of leakage light can be accurately determined by performing photometry by opening and closing the sensor unit of the photometry means with a shutter that blocks light.

  In each of the image forming methods described above, by repeatedly measuring the light amount during the exposure, the leakage light can be monitored during the exposure, and the silver salt photosensitive material that is accidentally exposed to light during maintenance is conveyed for development. Can be prevented.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, a new sensor for detecting leakage light is not required, and the leakage light level can be accurately determined. In addition, when the silver halide photosensitive material is exposed to light due to leakage light, it can be controlled so that the exposed silver halide photosensitive material is discharged on the exposure unit side and is not sent to the development unit, so unnecessary development is not required. The development processing stability is not impaired.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the entire image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the inside of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the main part of the drum and the optical unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from above.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment creates a color proof (calibration sample) for confirming a pattern, color tone, sentence, character, etc. to be printed out. An exposure unit 11 that exposes a silver salt color photosensitive material (hereinafter also simply referred to as “photosensitive paper”) that is a recording material to form an image, a developing unit 21 that develops the exposed photosensitive paper, Is provided.

  The exposure unit 11 includes a front panel 5 that can be opened and closed so that maintenance can be performed from the front side, a display unit 2 that includes various information displays and a touch panel and can be input for operation of the entire apparatus, and a roll-like silver salt color inside. Loading sections 12 and 12 ′ capable of loading a cartridge 13 containing photosensitive paper, which is a photosensitive material, after the paper feed covers 3 and 4 are opened. FIG. 1 shows a state before and after the cartridge 13 is loaded in the loading units 12 and 12 ′.

  The development unit 21 includes an upper panel 6 that can be opened and closed for maintenance, and a replenishment panel 7 that is provided on the front surface so as to be opened and closed for replenishment of a developing solution or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 is loaded with loading units 12 and 12 for loading and storing a dedicated cartridge 13 that houses photosensitive paper, which is a sheet-like recording material wound inside a roll. ', A feeding unit 14 including a pair of conveying rollers 40, 41, and 42 for feeding the photosensitive paper from the cartridge 13 loaded in the loading unit 12, 12', and the photosensitive paper fed from the feeding unit 14. A drum 10 that rotates in the rotation direction R for main scanning while vacuum-sucking and holding S on the outer peripheral surface, and an optical unit 16 that exposes a photosensitive paper on the drum 10 to light beams such as LED light and laser light. A sub-scanning unit 17 that transports the optical unit 16 in the sub-scanning direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) H (FIG. 3) for sub-scanning, and a peeling member that peels off the photosensitive paper on the drum 10 after image recording 15. The exposed photosensitive paper is conveyed to the developing unit 21 through the outlet 19 and the connecting portion 19a.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 further includes a driven roller 31 that is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 42 and is driven to rotate following the conveyance of the photosensitive paper fed toward the drum 10, and the photosensitive paper between the drum 10. The driven roller 31 to be conveyed, the accumulating guide member 18 for guiding the photosensitive paper when the photosensitive paper peeled off from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15 is conveyed by the drum 10 and the driven roller 31, and the accumulating guide member 18 A conveying roller pair 32 that further conveys the photosensitive paper that has been conveyed to the outlet 19 and an accumulator formed by opening a part of the accumulating guide member 18 to accumulate the photosensitive paper that has reached the conveying roller pair 32. The rate unit 30 and a detection sensor 33 that detects the leading edge of the photosensitive paper disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the conveyance roller pair 32 are provided.

  A relatively narrow driven roller 43 disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 42 is driven to rotate along with the movement of the recording paper, and a rotary encoder (not shown) is connected coaxially with the driven roller 43. . The rotary encoder rotates with the driven roller 43 and measures the amount of rotation, whereby the length of the photosensitive paper wound around the drum 10 after passing through the conveying roller pair 42 can be obtained. The downstream conveying roller pair 32 has a one-way clutch structure and can freely rotate in the direction of feeding the photosensitive paper downstream.

  A cut portion 10a for cutting the photosensitive paper is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the pair of conveyance rollers 40 and 41 in FIG. 2, and each cut portion 10a has a rotary cutter that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The photosensitive paper is cut into a predetermined length based on the above-described measurement of the length of the photosensitive paper. In addition, a tray-shaped paper discharge unit 30 a capable of storing photosensitive paper to be discarded is disposed below the drum 10 and the accumulating guide member 18 inside the exposure unit 11.

  The developing unit 21 in FIG. 2 performs wet development on the exposed photosensitive paper sent from the exposure unit 11, and includes a developing unit 23 that performs development processing of the photosensitive paper, a fixing unit 24 that performs fixing processing, and a stable unit. A stabilizing unit 25 that performs processing, a drying unit 26 that performs a drying process, a discharge unit 27 that discharges dried photosensitive paper to the outside by a pair of conveying rollers 27a, and a stacking unit 28 that stacks the discharged photosensitive paper. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of tanks 23 a, 24 a, and 25 a for replenishing the developing solution of the developing unit 23, the fixing solution of the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing solution of the stabilizing unit 25 are provided in the developing unit 21. Each replenisher is automatically replenished each time the exposed photosensitive paper is developed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the drum 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, the rotation shaft 14a of the rotation shaft portion 14 ′ and the rotation shaft 15a of the rotation shaft portion 18a are rotatable to the support bases 34a and 34b via the bearings 33a and 33b. It is pivotally supported. One rotating shaft 15a of the drum 10 is provided with a driving pulley 35a. The driving pulley 35a is connected to an output pulley 35b of a drum driving pulse motor M6 by a belt 36, and is driven by the drum driving pulse motor M6. 10 rotates. The rotary shaft 15a of the drum 10 is provided with a rotary encoder 37, which outputs a pulse signal for rotation and is used for pixel clock control synchronized with the rotation of the drum.

  The other rotating shaft 14a of the drum 10 is connected to the suction blower P1. A large number of suction holes 31c are formed on the surface of the drum 10 so as to extend linearly in the direction of the rotation axis. The inside of the drum 10 is depressurized by driving the suction blower P1, and the photosensitive paper is sucked onto the surface of the drum 10. .

  The optical unit 16 is configured to be movable in parallel with the drum axis by the sub-scanning unit 17, and performs image writing by exposing the photosensitive paper adsorbed to the drum 10 with a light beam. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical unit 16 includes an LED unit 320, an LED unit 321, and an LED unit 322 as multi-light sources having different three wavelengths.

  Each LED unit 320, 321, 322 includes a light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a substrate for 32 channels, and a light beam from each LED unit 320, 321, 322 passes through mirrors 325, 326, 327. Thus, an image is exposed from the condenser lens unit 331 to the photosensitive paper on the drum 10. The exposure shutter 332 is opened / closed by an exposure solenoid 333 to open / close the optical path at the start / end of exposure.

  Further, the plurality of LED units 320, 321, and 322 are configured to emit light of, for example, B (blue) having a wavelength of about 450 nm, G (green) having a wavelength of about 540 nm, and R (red) having a wavelength of about 650 nm. When a silver salt color photosensitive material is exposed by each LED unit, Y (yellow) is developed by B, M (magenta) is produced by R, and C (cyan) is produced by G.

  The optical unit 16 is fixed to a moving belt 340 and guided by a pair of guide rails 341 and 342 so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction H parallel to the drum axis and in the opposite direction H ′. The moving belt 340 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 343 and 344. One pulley 344 is connected to the output shaft 345 of the sub-scanning motor M7, and the optical unit 16 is sub-scanned in parallel with the drum axis by driving the sub-scanning motor M7. Move in the direction H and in the opposite direction H ′.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a photometric unit 57 composed of a light receiving element such as a photodiode is disposed at an extended position parallel to the drum axis on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10, and the optical at the position of the home position in FIG. When the unit 16 moves slightly in the direction H ′ and the light beams from the LED units 320 to 322 enter the photometry unit 57, the light amount of the light beam of each LED of each channel can be measured.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the suction blower P <b> 1 sucks the inside of the drum 10 through the suction connection pipe 51 by an air suction pump, and sets the inside of the drum 10 to a negative pressure before the exposure unit 11 starts the exposure, thereby adsorbing the photosensitive paper to the outer peripheral surface. .

  Next, each LED unit 320-322 and the photometry part 57 are further demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the light beam spots from the light sources of 32 channels constituted by the LED units 320 to 322 in FIG. 3 are arranged on the light receiving surface of the photometry unit.

  When a plurality of LED units 320 to 322 emit light beams from the LEDs for 32 channels from the condenser lens unit 331 in FIG. 3, the light beams 59 for 32 channels simultaneously irradiate the photosensitive paper on the drum 10, At this time, a plurality of B, G, and R light beams having different wavelengths are emitted from each channel.

  The optical unit 16 in FIG. 3 moves to a position where the light beams from the plurality of LED units 320 to 322 can irradiate the photometry unit 57 (photometry position), and the condensing lens unit 331 becomes the photometry unit as indicated by the broken line in FIG. When facing 57, the light beam 59 for 32 channels is irradiated into the light receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the flow of image data and the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 in the exposure unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 creates halftone image data from raster data by an RIP (Raster Image Processor) 49, which is an external image processing apparatus, in order to create a color proof. The halftone image data is transferred from the RIP 49 to the exposure unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the exposure unit 11 receives the image data I / F unit 52 to which YMCK binary halftone image data from the external RIP 49 is input, and the halftone image data from the image data I / F unit 52. A data buffer 53 composed of a hard disk storage device or the like that is once stored and output as needed, and a light source drive value for YMCK binary halftone image data from the data buffer 53 are associated with each other to obtain exposure data for exposure on photosensitive paper. Up table (LUT) 54 and a plurality of D / A converters 55a and 55b corresponding to B, G and R LED units 320 to 322 for converting the digital signal of the exposure data from look-up table 54 into an analog signal. , 55c and each analog signal from the D / A converters 55a-55c, each LED unit 320-322 Comprising a plurality of drivers 56a to drive directly to the analog modulation to ED, 56b, and 56c, a.

  5 includes a central processing unit (CPU) or the like, and receives a signal from a photometry circuit or the like of the photometry unit 57, and receives an image data I / F unit 52, a data buffer 53, and a lookup table 54. The display unit 2, the suction blower P1, and other device parts are controlled.

  At the photometric position where the condenser lens unit 331 faces the photometric unit 57 as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 drives each LED of each of the LED units 320 to 322, for example, sequentially emits light from the leftmost channel. As a result, the light amount of the light beam of each channel incident on the light receiving surface 58 of FIG. 4 is measured by the photometry unit 57, and the exposure amount is corrected based on the measurement signal (measurement value) from the photometry circuit of the photometry unit 57. Then, calibration is performed, and when the light amount of the light beam of each channel measured by the photometry unit 57 is out of the specified range, it is determined that the error is a light source and the exposure is stopped.

  Further, the control unit 50 opens and closes the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57 in FIG. 4 with the shutter 61 in FIG. 6 when the optical unit 16 in FIG. 3 is moving in the sub-scanning direction H in FIG. Then, the photometry unit 57 performs photometry, and when the difference between the open and closed measurement values is outside the first specified range, it is determined that there is a large amount of leaked light, a warning is displayed on the display unit 2, and the second specified range. When it is outside, it is determined that there is more leaked light, and control is performed so that the exposed photosensitive paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a. Further, when a warning is displayed on the display unit 2, it is possible to control to stop the exposure and discharge the photosensitive paper to the paper discharge unit 30a at the operator's discretion.

  As described above, since the optical unit 16 moves and performs photometry at a position where the light from the condenser lens unit 331 does not enter the photometry unit 57, the light from the condenser lens unit 331 enters the light receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57. not enter. For this reason, it is possible to distinguish between leakage light and light from the light source.

  When the photosensitive paper that has been exposed to external light or leakage light and has been exposed to light is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a in the exposure unit 11 without being transported to the developing unit 21, the light is covered as shown in FIG. Since the suction blower P1 is controlled so that it does not operate when the conveyed photosensitive paper SA is conveyed to the drum 10, the photosensitive paper SA is not wound around the drum 10 and is not attracted, and the peeling member 15 is in the peeling position and is accumulating. The guide member 18 is conveyed by the drum 10 and the driven roller 31 in a state where the guide member 18 is rotated to the accumulator position as shown by the broken line in FIG. 2, and falls from the accumulation unit 30 to the paper discharge unit 30a by its own weight. .

  Next, an example in which a shutter that can be opened and closed for light shielding is arranged on the front surface of the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57 in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 is a plan view (a) of a main part showing a shutter disposed in the condenser lens unit 331 in FIG. 3, and a front view (b) of the main part when the shutter and the photometry unit are viewed from the side of the condenser lens unit 331 in FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a shutter 61 is disposed in front of the light-receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57. The shutter 61 is rotated by a rotary solenoid 60 for driving the shutter in the rotational direction r in FIG. It is configured to be driven to rotate in the reverse direction r ′ and to open and close with respect to the front surface of the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary solenoid 60 is controlled by the control unit 50.

  That is, when the shutter 61 in the closed position is opened as shown by the solid line in FIG. 6B, the rotary solenoid 60 for driving the shutter rotates the shutter 61 in the rotation direction r to open the position as shown by the broken line in the figure. Further, the shutter 61 can be opened and closed by rotating the shutter 61 in the open position in the rotation direction r ′ and moving it to the closed position shown by the solid line in the figure. When the calibration is performed at the photometric position where the condenser lens unit 331 faces the photometric unit 57, the shutter 61 rotates to the open position, and the light from the condenser lens unit 331 is received by the light receiving surface of the photometric unit 57. 58 can be incident.

  Since the shutter 61 is positioned in front of the light receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57 as described above, the sensor signal processing unit from the photometry unit 57 and the photometry unit 57 is obtained by taking a difference in photometric value when the shutter 61 is opened and closed. It is possible to measure only the leakage light component by eliminating the influence of the offset.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when image data is input to the image forming apparatus (S01), the shutter 61 in FIG. 6 is set to the open position, and the optical unit 16 is moved so that the condenser lens unit 331 is located at the photometry position facing the photometry unit 57. Then, calibration is performed by causing the light from the condenser lens unit 331 to enter the light receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57 (S02).

  Next, the feeding unit 14 is driven to convey the photosensitive paper from the cartridge 13 in the loading unit 12 or 12 ′ and wind it around the drum 10 (S 03), and the optical unit 16 and the condenser lens unit 331 face the photometric unit 57. (S04), the light from the condenser lens unit 331 is exposed on the photosensitive paper wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 based on the input image data (S05). ).

  During the exposure, the shutter 61 of FIG. 6 is opened and closed, and the photometry unit 57 performs photometry (S06), and the difference between the photometric value when the shutter 61 is open and the photometric value when the shutter 61 is closed is the first specified range. (S07). When the difference between the two photometric values is outside the first specified range, a warning to that effect is displayed on the display unit 2 (S08), and the operation confirmed by the warning display The person determines whether or not to continue the exposure (S09). When the exposure is continued, the photometry of the photometry unit 57 is repeatedly performed by opening and closing the shutter 61 in step S06 until the exposure is completed (S10). It is similarly determined whether or not the difference between the photometric values is within the first specified range.

  When the above exposure is completed (S10), the photosensitive paper exposed by the exposure is peeled from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15 at the peeling position, and conveyed to the outlet 19 by the conveying roller pair 32 and the like while being guided by the accumulating guide member 18. (S11), and sent from the connecting portion 19a to the developing unit 21. The exposed photosensitive paper is developed by the developing unit 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25, and dried by the drying unit 26 (S12), and the photosensitive paper on which the image is formed is discharged by the discharge unit 27. To the stacking unit 28 (S13).

  If it is determined in step S09 that the exposure is not continued, the exposure is stopped (S14), and the exposed photosensitive paper is not conveyed to the developing unit 21, and the paper discharge unit 30a in the exposure unit 11 is used. (S15).

  When the developing process is completed in step S12, the developing unit 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25 in FIG. 2 are automatically replenished with the developer from the tank 23a according to the exposure amount of the photosensitive paper. The fixing solution is replenished from 24a, and the stabilizing solution is replenished from the tank 25a.

  As described above, according to the operation of FIG. 7, when exposure is performed, the relative position between the condenser lens unit 331 of the optical unit 16 and the photometry unit 57 is at a position where the photometry of the condenser lens unit 331 is not photometric. Since a warning is given when the difference between the two photometric values measured when the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57 is opened and closed by the shutter 61 is not within the specified range, the amount of leaked light is relatively large. The operator can confirm that the difference between the two photometric values is not within the specified range, and can determine whether or not to continue the exposure. As described above, since the light metering unit 57 for calibration of the light source can detect the leaked light, it is not necessary to newly provide a sensor for detecting the leaked light, and the shutter that blocks the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57. By opening and closing at 61 and performing photometry, the level of leakage light can be accurately determined.

  If it is determined that the exposure is not continued, the exposed photosensitive paper can be discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a in the exposure unit 11 and is not sent to the development unit 21, so that unnecessary development is not required. The development processing stability in the developing unit 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25 is not impaired.

  Next, another operation in the image forming apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when image data is input to the image forming apparatus (S21), the shutter 61 in FIG. 6 is set to the open position, and the optical unit 16 is moved so that the condenser lens unit 331 is located at the photometric position facing the photometric unit 57. Then, calibration is performed by causing the light from the condenser lens unit 331 to enter the light receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57 (S22).

  Next, the feeding unit 14 is driven to convey the photosensitive paper from the cartridge 13 in the loading unit 12 or 12 ′ and wind it around the drum 10 (S23), and the optical unit 16 and the condenser lens unit 331 are opposed to the photometric unit 57. (S24), and the light from the condenser lens unit 331 is exposed to the photosensitive paper wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum 10 based on the input image data (S25). ).

  During the exposure, the shutter 61 of FIG. 6 is opened and closed, and the photometry unit 57 performs photometry (S26). The difference between the photometric value when the shutter 61 is open and the photometric value when the shutter 61 is closed is the first specified range. (S27). When the difference between the two photometric values is outside the first specified range, a warning is displayed on the display unit 2 (S28), and the operation confirmed by the warning display. The person determines whether or not to continue the exposure (S29).

  Next, when the exposure is continued in step S29 or when the difference between both photometric values is within the first specified range in step S27, the difference between both photometric values is within the second specified range. (S30), and when the difference between the two photometric values is within the second specified range, the photometry of the photometry unit 57 by repeatedly opening and closing the shutter 61 in step S26 is repeated until the exposure is completed (S31). It is similarly determined whether or not the difference between the two photometric values is within the first specified range and whether it is within the second specified range.

  When the above exposure is completed (S31), the photosensitive paper exposed by the exposure is peeled off from the drum 10 by the peeling member 15 at the peeling position, and conveyed to the outlet 19 by the conveying roller pair 32 and the like while being guided by the accumulating guide member 18. (S32), and sent from the connecting portion 19a to the developing unit 21. The exposed photosensitive paper is developed by the developing unit 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25, and dried by the drying unit 26 (S33), and the photosensitive paper on which the image is formed is discharged by the discharging unit 27. To the stacking unit 28 (S34).

  If it is determined in step S29 that the exposure is not continued, or if the difference between the two photometric values is outside the second specified range in step S30, the exposure is stopped (S35), and the exposed photosensitivity is detected. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a in the exposure unit 11 without being conveyed to the developing unit 21 (S36).

  When the developing process is completed in step S33, the developing solution 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25 shown in FIG. 2 are automatically replenished with developer from the tank 23a according to the exposure amount of the photosensitive paper. The fixing solution is replenished from 24a, and the stabilizing solution is replenished from the tank 25a.

  As described above, according to the operation of FIG. 8, when exposure is performed, the relative position between the condenser lens unit 331 of the optical unit 16 and the photometry unit 57 is at a position where the condenser lens unit 331 is not capable of photometry. Since a warning is given when the difference between the two photometric values measured when the light receiving surface 58 of the photometric unit 57 is opened and closed by the shutter 61 is not within the specified range, the amount of leaked light is relatively large. The operator can confirm that the difference between the two photometric values is not within the specified range, and can determine whether or not to continue the exposure. As described above, since the light metering unit 57 for light source calibration can detect the leaked light, it is not necessary to newly provide a sensor for detecting the leaked light, and a specified range as a determination criterion is set in the control unit 50. By appropriately setting, the level of leakage light can be accurately determined.

  When the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range due to more leaking light, the exposure is stopped and the exposed photosensitive paper is automatically discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a of the exposure unit 11. In addition, since the image is not sent to the developing unit 21, it is not necessary to perform useless development, and the development processing stability in the developing unit 23, the fixing unit 24, and the stabilizing unit 25 is not impaired. Further, the light-receiving surface 58 of the photometry unit 57 is opened and closed with a shutter 61 that shields light, and photometry is performed, so that the level of leakage light can be accurately determined.

  As described above, when the difference between the photometric values of the shutter 61 in the open state and the closed state is outside the first specified range during exposure, it is determined that there is leaked light from the outside and a warning is displayed on the display unit 2. When it is out of the second specified range, control is performed so that the paper is not conveyed to the developing unit 21 but is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30a. By determining whether or not the exposed photosensitive paper is discharged without being developed, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive paper that is accidentally covered with light during maintenance or the like from being conveyed to the developing unit 21. Further, for a level that does not impair development processing stability, such as leakage light from the outside, a warning is displayed, and the user can determine / select whether to continue or stop exposure.

  As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention can be applied to other than the creation of a color proof.

  The warning means may include a warning lamp that emits warning light, a warning buzzer that emits a warning sound, or the like. Further, the light source in the optical unit 16 may be other than an LED, a laser diode (LD), or the like.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an entire image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the inside of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part when a drum and an optical unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which spots of light beams from light sources for 32 channels configured by a plurality of LED units 320 to 322 in FIG. 3 are arranged on a light receiving surface of a photometry unit. 4 is a graph showing a flow of image data in the exposure unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3 and a control system of the image forming apparatus 1. 3A and 4B are plan views of the main part showing the shutter disposed in front of the photometry surface of the photometry part of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and a front view of the main part when the shutter and the photometry part are viewed from the condenser lens unit 331 side of FIG. ). 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the image forming apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. 7 is a flowchart for explaining another operation in the image forming apparatus 1 in FIGS. 1 to 6.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Display part 10 Drum 11 Exposure unit 16 Optical unit 21 Developing unit 23 Developing part 24 Fixing part 25 Stabilizing part 26 Drying part 30 Accumulation part 30a Paper discharge part 50 Control part 57 Photometry part 58 Light-receiving surface (sensor part) )
60 Rotary solenoid 61 Shutter 320, 321, 322 LED unit (light source)
331 Condensing lens unit S Photosensitive paper (silver salt photosensitive material)

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus that exposes a silver salt photosensitive material by light from a light source in an exposure unit based on image data, conveys the exposed silver salt photosensitive material, develops it in a developing unit, and outputs it.
Photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source;
A shutter that can be opened and closed to shield the sensor part of the photometric means,
When the relative position between the light source and the photometric means is in a position where the light source cannot be measured, the photometric means measures each light quantity in the open state and the closed state of the shutter, and the difference between the two photometric values is within a specified range. An image forming apparatus that performs control so as to give a warning when it is not present.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure unit includes a paper discharge unit that discharges the exposed silver salt photosensitive material without transporting it to the development unit.   3. The control according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so that the silver halide photosensitive material after the exposure is discharged to the paper discharge unit based on a difference between the two photometric values measured during exposure by the exposure unit. Image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that exposes a silver salt photosensitive material with light from a light source in an exposure unit based on image data, and develops and outputs the exposed silver salt photosensitive material in a developing unit.
Photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source;
A shutter that can be opened and closed so as to shield the sensor portion of the photometric means;
A paper discharge section provided in the exposure section so that the silver halide photosensitive material after the exposure can be discharged without being conveyed to the development section,
When the relative position between the light source and the photometric means is at a position where the light source cannot be measured, the photometric means measures each light quantity in the open state and the closed state of the shutter, and the difference between the two photometric values is the first. A warning is issued when the value is not within the specified range, and control is performed so that the exposed photosensitive material is discharged to the paper discharge unit when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range. An image forming apparatus. In an image forming method in which a silver salt photosensitive material is exposed with light from a light source based on image data, and the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is transported, developed, and output.
When the relative position between the light source and the photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source is in a position where the light source is not photometric, the sensor unit of the photometric means is opened and closed with a shutter, and each light quantity in the open state and the closed state is determined. Measuring step;
And a warning step when the difference between the two photometric values is not within a specified range.   6. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein after the warning, the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is discharged without being conveyed for the development. In an image forming method in which a silver salt photosensitive material is exposed with light from a light source based on image data, and the exposed silver salt photosensitive material is transported, developed, and output.
When the relative position between the light source and the photometric means for measuring the light quantity of the light source is in a position where the light source is not photometric, the sensor unit of the photometric means is opened and closed with a shutter, and the light quantity in the open state and the closed state is determined. Measuring step;
Warning when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the first specified range;
And a step of discharging the exposed silver halide photosensitive material without carrying it for the development when the difference between the two photometric values is not within the second specified range. Forming method. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the measurement of the light quantity is repeatedly performed during the exposure.

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