JP2609185B2 - Image forming method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method for forming an image on a recording material, and more particularly to an image forming method capable of reliably detecting the remaining amount of the recording material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus is configured to form an image by exposing a recording material such as a photosensitive material or an image receiving material with reflected light of light illuminating a document or transmitted light of light illuminating the document. There is something. The recording material is housed in a case so as to be able to be pulled out while being wound on a core, and these are integrated to constitute a recording magazine. The recording material is provided with an end mark at a position near the bonding portion with the core, in other words, at an end near the end. The end mark is formed, for example, in a hole through which light can pass, and the end display is performed by detecting this hole with an optical sensor.

On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus, after a recording material having a predetermined length is pulled out of a magazine, the recording material is slightly rewound and the leading end is always positioned at a reference position (home position) so as to prepare for the next recording operation. . Therefore, if the desired size length is obtained at the time of detecting the end mark, cutting is performed with the size priority following the end mark detection,
Then it was rewinding.

[0004]

As described above, a predetermined size length is obtained in spite of the detection of the end mark, and when cutting is performed with priority given to the size, the end mark is cut off from the winding core to form the end mark. In some cases, this may be used as a recording material, including the part that has been removed. In this case, the recording material remaining on the core side has no end mark, and the remaining amount cannot be detected. In addition, even if the end mark is cut at the leading end, if the film is rewound as described above, the end mark may enter the magazine, making it impossible to recognize that there is no remaining amount. As a result, if the magazine removed for replacement is placed in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, the magazine may be mistakenly loaded as a magazine having a sufficient remaining amount. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method capable of reliably determining the presence or absence of a recording material in a recording magazine.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method in which an image is formed by pulling out a required length of a recording material from a magazine which is detachably loaded in an apparatus main body and contains a roll-shaped recording material. In the forming method, end mark detecting means provided at a predetermined distance from the magazine and detecting an end mark formed near the end of the recording material, further provided at a predetermined distance from the end mark detecting means The length of the recording material is detected by a length detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a predetermined length of the recording material. If the length is a length that cannot be detected by the length detection means and the end mark is detected by the end mark detection means, the entire recording material is moved forward. If the end mark is detected by the end mark detecting means by pulling it out of the magazine to make it empty, and the drawing length of the recording material is a length that can be detected by the length detecting means, a predetermined length is set. This is achieved by an image forming method, wherein the recording material is cut so that the end mark is rewound so that the end mark is visible outside the magazine.

[0006]

In other words, when the end mark is detected when the recording material is pulled out, the entire recording material is pulled out from the magazine, so that the magazine is empty and it can be determined that there is no remaining recording material. Also, when the recording material is pulled out, if the end mark having a predetermined length is detected, the recording material is rewound by a predetermined length to cut the recording material so that the end mark faces outside the magazine. By the recognition, it can be determined that the remaining amount of the recording material is less than the necessary amount for image formation. Therefore, the user of the image forming apparatus does not erroneously load a magazine having no remaining amount, and can reliably prevent erroneous operation due to erroneous loading.
The reliability and usability of the device can be improved.

[0007] The processing method of the recording material in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be any of wet processing and dry processing. Examples of the recording material used in the present invention include a photothermographic material. Regarding the photothermographic material, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,500,626 and 4,483,914;
Nos. 4,430,415 and 4,503,137
JP-A-59-154445 and JP-A-59-18054.
No. 8, No. 59-165054, No. 61-88256
No. 60-120356, 59-218443
And No. 61-238056.

The above-mentioned photothermographic material basically has a photosensitive silver halide, a binder, a dye-donating compound, and a reducing agent (a dye-donating substance may also serve as a reducing agent) on a support. In addition, an organic silver salt and other additives can be contained as needed.

The photothermographic material may be one which gives a negative image or a positive image upon exposure. The method of giving a positive image is a method using a direct positive emulsion (a method using a nucleating agent or a light fogging method) as a silver halide emulsion, and a dye that emits a positive diffusible dye image. Any of the methods using a donor compound can be adopted.

The solvent for image formation used for diffusion transfer includes, for example, water, and this water is not limited to so-called pure water, but includes water in a widely and conventionally used sense. Also,
A mixed solvent of pure water and a low boiling point solvent such as methanol, DMF, acetone and diisobutyl ketone may be used. further,
A solution containing an image formation accelerator, an antifoggant, a development terminator, a hydrophilic heat solvent and the like may be used.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an end mark detection process of the photosensitive material, and FIG.
Is a flowchart, FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram, and FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The photosensitive material 1 is pulled out of the magazine 2,
It is assumed that the sheet is conveyed from right to left in FIG. A sensor 4 for detecting the presence or absence of the end mark 3 along the conveyance path of the photosensitive material 1, a conveyance roller 5, a cutter 6, conveyance rollers 7 and 8, and whether or not a predetermined size W of the photosensitive material 1 exists. Is provided. In addition,
The end mark 3 is an opening formed in the photosensitive material 1,
Although optical sensors are applied as the sensors 4 and 5,
It is not limited to these. In a normal standby state, the front end of the photosensitive material 1 is positioned at a home position H which is separated from the sensor 4 by a distance U. When an image is formed, the photosensitive material 1
Is designated or the size is designated by automatic reading, so that the photosensitive material 1 of a required length is pulled out of the magazine 2 starting from the standby position U.

Next, the operation of pulling out the photosensitive material 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in step S1,
When there is a request (start) for image formation, the size of the photosensitive material 1 is calculated, and as necessary, the photosensitive material 1 is withdrawn as shown in step S2. If the end mark 3 is not detected by the sensor 4 at this time, the necessary size is pulled out as shown in step S4, and the photosensitive material 1 is cut by the cutter 6. The photosensitive material 1 on the magazine side is rewound into the magazine 2. The rewinding distance is between the cutter 6 and the home position H, and the distance A shown in the figure is the rewinding distance. On the other hand, the photosensitive material 1 cut off by the cutter 6 is transported to the left in FIG. 1, and normal image formation is performed on the photosensitive material 1 as shown in the next step S5. If the photosensitive material 1 of the required size is not pulled out due to some trouble in step S4, the process returns to step S4 and the same operation is repeated.

On the other hand, when the end mark 3 is detected by the sensor 4 in step S3, the following two operations are performed. The first is an operation in a case where the end mark 3 is detected before the photosensitive material 1 is pulled out by a predetermined length W. For example, as shown in FIG. The length X is less than the constant length W. The second is an operation in a case where the end mark 3 is detected at a stage where the end mark 3 is drawn out by a predetermined length W or more, and this state is exemplified in FIG. And
The determination of the first and second operations is performed in step S1 shown in FIG.
1 is performed. Step S1 for the first operation
2, the operation shown in S13 is performed, and in the case of the second operation, the operation in step S14 is performed, and the contents will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (c).

Here, the English character code in the figure will be described. W is a home position H when the photosensitive material 1 is pulled out.
, U is the distance between the home position (the end of the stop position) of the photosensitive material 1 and the sensor 4, V is the remaining length after the end mark 3, A is the return length, and X is from the start of supply. It indicates the length up to the end detection, and is a constant amount except for X. In the first case, that is, in the state of (b), X <W. In this case, as shown in step S12, all the remaining amount of the photosensitive material 1 is pulled out so that the photosensitive material 1 does not come out of the magazine 2. . Therefore, the presence or absence of the photosensitive material 1 can be determined at a glance, and there is no possibility that the photosensitive material 1 is erroneously loaded. After all the photosensitive material 1 is pulled out, an end display is performed as shown in step S13.

In the second case, that is, in the state of (c), X> W
In this case, the photosensitive material 1 is cut by the cutter 6 after the length A is rewound. As a result, end mark 3
Returns to the magazine 2 side from the position of the sensor 4, but does not enter the magazine 2, so that the end mark 3 can be viewed from outside the magazine 2. Therefore, the presence or absence of the remaining amount of the photosensitive material 1 can be easily determined, and erroneous loading can be prevented. This operation corresponds to the operation of step 14 shown in FIG. 2, and then an end display is performed as shown in step S13. Even in the case of step S14, if the size required for image formation can be obtained, normal image formation is performed on the cut photosensitive material 1.

Next, an example of a circuit configuration for performing the above control will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit 11 is supplied with detection signals from the sensors 4 and 5 and an input signal from the input circuit 12. The input signal is a signal for specifying a size or the like necessary for image formation, and may be input manually by a user or input by automatic reading.
In the storage circuit 13, W, U, V,
Data such as A is stored, and data X is supplied as an input signal. The data stored in the storage circuit 13 is read as needed by the control circuit 11 when performing image formation. The drive circuit 14 performs the normal rotation of the rollers 5, 7, and 8, that is, the rotation for pulling out the photosensitive material 1, the rotation stop, and the rotation for rewinding the portion A, and the rotation control signal is supplied from the control circuit 11. Is done. Although not particularly shown,
A drive circuit and the like for driving the cutter 6 are also provided. The display circuit 15 performs end display, and a display signal is supplied from the control circuit 11.

Next, the circuit operation will be described.
2, an input signal for designating the size of the photosensitive material 1 and the like is supplied to the control circuit 11, and the control circuit 11 reads out data stored in the storage circuit 13 and performs an arithmetic operation. To supply a drive signal.
As a result, the operation described in step S2 is performed, and if the end mark 3 is not detected by the sensor 4, the image forming operation described in steps S4 and S5 is performed.

On the other hand, when the state shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C is reached, the control circuit 11 compares the detection signals supplied from the sensors 4 and 5 with the data read from the storage circuit 13. An operation is performed, and steps S11 to S
The circuit operation shown in FIG. That is, the photosensitive material 1 in the magazine 2 is completely pulled out, or the photosensitive material 1 is cut such that the end mark 3 comes out of the magazine 2. Accordingly, the presence or absence of the remaining amount of the photosensitive material 1 can be determined at a glance, and operation failure due to erroneous loading of the empty magazine 2 can be prevented.

Next, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. A photosensitive material magazine 2 is disposed in the image forming apparatus 100, and the photosensitive material 1 is wound and stored in the photosensitive material magazine 2 in a roll shape. Photosensitive material 1
Has a photosensitive silver halide, a binder, a dye-donating substance, and a reducing agent on a support, and the dye-donating substance is transferred to the image-receiving material by superimposing the image-receiving material on heat development. .

The heat-development transfer processing of the photosensitive material 1 is accelerated in the presence of an image forming solvent such as water. The photosensitive material 1 pulled out from the photosensitive material magazine 2 and cut into a predetermined length is conveyed to the exposure unit 16. A receiving material magazine 18 is arranged below the light-sensitive material magazine 2, and an image receiving material 20 is wound and stored in the receiving material magazine 18 in a roll shape. A dye fixing material having a mordant is applied to the image forming surface of the image receiving material 20. The image receiving material 20 pulled out from the material receiving magazine 18 and cut into a predetermined length is conveyed to a heat development transfer unit 22 described later.

A platen glass 25 is provided on the upper part of the main body, and when a reflective original is used, an original cover 27 for covering the upper surface of the original is mounted. A light source 28, a first movable mirror 22A that moves together with the light source 28, and a plurality of second movable mirrors 22B whose relative movement is variable with respect to the first movable mirror 22A are disposed directly above the exposure unit 20 as a reflective original illumination device. All of them are movable along the platen glass 25. Further, a photometric device 21 for measuring the image density of the document based on the image light reflected by the fixed mirror 23 and the movable mirror 24 through the imaging lens unit 19 is provided. Is determined. Exposure to the photosensitive material 1 is performed by moving the light source 28 and the first moving mirror 22A while moving the second moving mirror 2A.
2B at a predetermined speed, irradiates the light from the light source 28 along the original, and reflects the reflected light on the mirrors 22A and 22A.
2B, 23, and the exposure unit 1 using the imaging lens unit 19.
An image is formed on the photosensitive material 1 located at 6 and scanning exposure is performed.

A transparent original illumination device (proof unit) 30 is detachably mounted on the upper part of the main body. The transmissive original illumination device 30 is movable as shown by an arrow between an illumination position on the platen glass 25 and a standby position off the platen glass 25.

A transmissive light source 36 for illuminating the original on the platen glass 25 from the back side (upward in the figure) is provided in the transmissive original illumination device 30.
Is moved in the direction of the arrow a in the transmissive original illuminating device 30 to slit-scan the original to expose the photosensitive material 1.

Photosensitive material 1 scanned and exposed in exposure section 16
Are conveyed upside down, and water as a solvent for image formation is applied by a water application section 38. The photosensitive material 1 to which water has been applied by the water application unit 38 is superimposed on the image receiving material 20 in the heat development transfer unit 29 so that heat development transfer is performed. The thermal development transfer section 29 includes a heating drum 42 having a built-in heating element 40 such as a halogen lamp, and an endless pressure contact belt 44. The photosensitive material 14 and the image receiving material 20 are superimposed and pressed against the outer periphery of the heating drum 42 by the endless pressure contact belt 44, and are nipped and conveyed over the peripheral surface of the heating drum 42 in the superimposed state to be thermally developed. Has become. Thus, the photosensitive material 1 emits a movable dye, and at the same time, the dye is transferred to the dye fixing layer of the image receiving material 20, so that an image can be obtained.

The photosensitive material 1 separated from the image receiving material 20 after the heat transfer is sent to a waste photosensitive material tray 46 provided below the thermal development transfer section 29. The image receiving material 20 separated from the photosensitive material 14 is
It is configured to be accumulated in the discharge tray 48.

[0027]

As described above, in the image forming method according to the present invention, the end mark detecting means for detecting the end mark formed near the end of the recording material, and the end mark detecting means which is separated from the end mark detecting means by a predetermined distance. With the recording material length detecting means at the position, when the recording material is pulled out to form an image, the drawing length at the time of detecting the end mark is determined, and the end mark is detected and the length of the recording material is reduced. If not detected by the length detecting means, all of the recording material is pulled out of the magazine, and if the length of the recording material is detected by the length detecting means, the recording medium is rewound by a predetermined length and the end mark is The recording material is cut so as to face the outside of the magazine. Therefore,
The presence or absence of the recording material in the magazine can be easily determined based on whether the magazine is empty or the end mark is visible, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which an empty magazine is incorrectly loaded to cause a malfunction. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a configuration diagram of a detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of pulling out a photosensitive material, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a detection operation.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive material 2 Magazine 3 End mark 4, 9 Detecting means 6 Cutter 11 Control circuit 12 Input circuit 13 Storage circuit 14 Drive circuit 15 Display means 16 Exposure unit 18 Receiving magazine 20 Image receiving material 29 Thermal development transfer unit 25 Platen glass 30 Transmission Document illuminator 38 Water application part X Length of photosensitive material withdrawal W Constant distance from home position A Length of rewinding photosensitive material

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming method for forming an image by pulling out a required length of a recording material from a magazine removably loaded in an apparatus main body and containing a roll-shaped recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus has a predetermined distance from the magazine. End mark detecting means for detecting an end mark formed near the end of the recording material, and further provided at a predetermined distance from the end mark detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a predetermined length of the recording material. When the recording material is pulled out to form an image, the length at which the end mark is detected is determined, and the length of the recording material cannot be detected by the length detecting means. In the length, when the end mark is detected by the end mark detection means, pull out all of the recording material from the magazine to make it empty, When the end mark is detected by the end mark detecting means so that the drawing length of the recording material is detectable by the length detecting means, the end mark is rewound by a predetermined length and the end mark is set in the magazine. An image forming method, comprising cutting the recording material so that the recording material is visible outside.