JP4098507B2 - Measuring object positioning method of concentration measuring apparatus and measuring object for concentration measurement - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention illuminates with a light source while a plurality of images that have been printed in advance so as to have a reference density, and illuminates with the light source while frame-feeding each of the objects to be measured at predetermined positions. A density measuring device equipped with a density measuring optical system that reads reflected light from the object to be measured by a photoelectric conversion element and obtains the density of each image from the read result. In place The present invention relates to a positioning method for positioning the object to be measured.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, in an image recording apparatus for recording an image, in order to compensate for color reproducibility at the time of image recording, when the recording paper used is changed (including when the magazine is changed even if the type is not changed), An image recording process is performed on the basis of pattern data having different levels of density for each color stored in advance, and the resulting recording paper is applied as a color patch chart. In the color patch chart, the density of each color patch recorded in several levels of density is measured by a density measuring device provided in the apparatus. Here, when the density value of the reference pattern data is compared with the measured value and, as a result, a difference occurs, correction data for correcting this difference is created and stored in a memory or the like in the apparatus. I'm going to input.
[0003]
Thereafter, the image data input during normal image processing is corrected with the correction data. As a result, the color reproducibility for the image data can always be maintained in an appropriate state, and deterioration of image quality such as poor color reproducibility can be prevented.
[0004]
Here, in the above density measuring apparatus, as a positioning reference when transporting the color patch chart, the tip of the color patch chart is detected by a sensor such as a microswitch or a photo interrupter, and transported by pulse control using this tip as a reference. Thus, the control is performed so that the substantially central portion of each patch coincides with the optical axis of the density measuring optical system.
[0005]
However, when the tip of the color patch chart is used as a reference, if the mounting accuracy of the detection sensor for detecting the tip is poor or fluctuates over time, the position of the sensor and the optical axis position of the density measurement optical system shift, and this is the position. This will cause a shift. In addition, if the relative position of the color patch chart and the density pattern recorded on the color patch chart is shifted, each patch cannot be accurately positioned with reference to the sensor detection position, and accurate density measurement is possible. Can not.
[0006]
In consideration of the above-mentioned facts, the present invention can accurately position the measurement object in the concentration measurement optical system, and the method of positioning the measurement object of the concentration measurement device. The law The purpose is to obtain.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
1st invention uses the to-be-measured object in which the image was recorded so that each image may become a predetermined position. The measured object to be conveyed A density measurement optical system that illuminates with a light source, reads reflected or transmitted light from the object to be measured with a photoelectric conversion element, and obtains the density of each image from the read result For No The , A density measuring device for positioning an image recorded on the object to be measured on the optical axis of the density measuring optical system of DUT A positioning method comprising: A positioning image is provided on the leading side in the transport direction with respect to each image of the object to be measured, and each image is positioned using the detection position of the positioning image by the density measurement optical system as a reference position. A position confirmation image having a predetermined distance with respect to the positioning image is provided on the rear side in the conveyance direction with respect to each image, and a predetermined conveyance position after completion of density measurement of each image with reference to the positioning image. The position deviation is determined by whether or not the position confirmation image is detected. It is characterized by that.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the density measuring system for measuring each density of the image is also used for positioning the object to be measured, the sensor for positioning the object to be measured can be omitted, and the positioning sensor When it exists, it is not necessary to manage the relative position with the density measurement position with high accuracy.
[0010]
In addition, since it is possible to correct the shift between the end of the object to be measured in the conveyance direction and each image, it is possible to measure the density of each image at the center position in the conveyance direction.
[0012]
Furthermore, Since the positioning image is recorded at the same time as the image, the relative position with the image is surely matched. By using this positioning image as the transport reference position, it is possible to transport accurately.
[0015]
The detection accuracy for positioning is the above Configuration For example, when a pair of transport rollers is used in the transport system, sliding may occur during transport. For this reason, as with the positioning image, it is possible to confirm whether or not there has been a positional deviation after the density measurement is completed by providing a position confirmation image on the rear side in the transport direction.
[0016]
In addition, Positioning image and The position confirmation image preferably has a high density. This is to ensure detection by the density measurement optical system.
[0017]
In addition, when the image of the object to be measured is composed of images of two or more colors and includes light sources that generate colors corresponding to the respective colors, the light for positioning is controlled to irradiate the positioning image. The feature is that the emission color is different from the emission color applied to the adjacent head image.
[0018]
When the image has two or more colors, for example, colors, the position of the positioning image is made different from the emission color of the light source that irradiates the positioning image and the emission color of the light source applied to the image adjacent thereto. Can be prevented from being misread.
[0019]
Further, when the image of the object to be measured is composed of images of two or more colors and includes light sources that generate colors corresponding to the respective colors, the position confirmation image is irradiated by controlling the light sources. The emission color At the end of the transport direction It is characterized in that the color of light emitted to the image is different.
[0020]
When the image is two or more colors, for example, a color, the light emission color of the light source that irradiates the position confirmation patch unit is different from the light emission color of the light source applied to the image adjacent thereto, thereby the position confirmation image. It is possible to prevent misreading of reading that the position of is read erroneously.
[0021]
In the first invention, the transport direction dimension of each image recorded on the object to be measured is Increases sequentially or stepwise from the beginning to the back in the transport direction It is characterized by that.
[0023]
For example, slipping may occur when the object to be measured is transported while being sandwiched between a pair of transport rollers. This tendency may appear as a machine difference peculiar to the concentration measuring device, or may occur constantly or unsteadily. In the case of a machine difference peculiar to the density measuring apparatus, the machine direction dimension of each image (for example, a patch) may be set differently according to the machine difference in consideration of the machine difference. On the other hand, the deviations that occur regularly or unsteadily are accumulated as they go to the rear of the object to be measured. Therefore, the shift can be dealt with by increasing the conveyance direction dimension of each image (for example, a patch as an example) sequentially or stepwise from the head side to the rear side. Here, each image (for example, a patch) is provided with an imaginary reference line indicating the position of the object to be measured in the transport direction perpendicular to the transport direction. With respect to the reference line, the same width is given to the front and rear in the transport direction, and the length in the transport direction of each image (for example, a patch) formed by the width is the transport direction dimension.
[0026]
First 2 The present invention is a density measuring object in which an image is recorded and the density of each image is measured by a density measuring optical system while being transported by a transport means, and is provided on the leading side in the transport direction with respect to each image. A positioning image for positioning the images with respect to a position detected by the density measurement optical system as a transport reference, and a positioning image provided behind the image in the transport direction, and the positioning by the density measurement optical system. A measurement image for density measurement, comprising: a position confirmation image that determines whether or not the density measurement optical system detects a positional deviation at a predetermined transport position after the density measurement of each image with respect to the image for reference is completed. object. have.
[0027]
First 2 According to the invention, an object to be measured that can be positioned by the density measuring optical system of the density measuring device is provided, and an image for positioning and a position confirmation image are provided, and this image is detected by the density measuring optical system. By doing so, positioning accuracy can be improved.
[0028]
This first 2 The invention is characterized in that the size in the transport direction of each image recorded on the object to be measured is recorded so as to increase sequentially or stepwise from the front side to the rear side in the transport direction.
[0029]
Thereby, it is possible to compensate for a deviation (for example, slipping when the object to be measured is nipped and conveyed by a pair of conveyance rollers) based on mechanical elements of the conveyance system.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the embodiment of the present invention, a case where the present invention is applied to an exposure apparatus using a photosensitive material will be described.
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image recording apparatus 10. The image recording apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms an image by exposing an image to a photothermographic material and transferring the image to an image receiving material.
[0031]
The image recording apparatus 10 is configured in a box shape as a whole, and a front door 12A, a side door 12B, and the like are attached to the machine base 12. The interior of the machine base 12 can be exposed by opening each door.
[0032]
Further, an image for receiving an image signal from the outside and converting the image signal into a file format of the present apparatus and adjusting an image size, color and density is provided on the upper part of the machine base 12 of the image recording apparatus 10. A processing unit 13 and an image recording unit 15 are provided.
[0033]
On the other hand, a photosensitive material magazine 20 is arranged in the machine base 12 of the image recording apparatus 10, and a photosensitive material 22 is wound and stored in a roll shape. When the photosensitive material 22 is pulled out, the photosensitive (exposure) surface is directed obliquely downward to the right of the apparatus.
[0034]
Near the photosensitive material outlet 20A of the photosensitive material magazine 20, a nip roller 24 as a drawing roller is disposed. By rotating the nip roller 24, the photosensitive material 22 can be pulled out and conveyed from the photosensitive material magazine 20. The speed at which the photosensitive material 22 is drawn and conveyed by the nip roller 24 is, for example, 50 mm / sec.
[0035]
A cutter 26 is disposed above the nip roller 24, and the photosensitive material 22 drawn out from the photosensitive material magazine 20 by a predetermined length by the nip roller 24 can be cut. The nip roller 24 rotates reversely after the cutter 26 is actuated, and the nip roller 24 is rewound to the extent that the tip of the photosensitive material 22 is slightly nipped.
[0036]
A conveying roller 28, a conveying roller 30, and a guide plate 32 are disposed above the cutter 26, and the photosensitive material 22 cut to a predetermined length can be conveyed to the exposure unit 34.
[0037]
The exposure unit 34 is located between the conveyance roller 36 and the conveyance roller 38. When the photosensitive material 22 passes between the conveyance rollers as an exposure unit (exposure point), the image processing unit 13 removes the exposure unit 34. Are scanned (main scan) in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
[0038]
A switchback unit 70 is provided on the side of the exposure unit 34, and a water application unit 72 is provided below the exposure unit 34. The photosensitive material 22 raised from the photosensitive material magazine 20 and scanned and exposed by the exposure unit 34 is once sent to the switchback unit 70 and then exposed again by the reverse rotation of the conveyance roller 36, the conveyance roller 38 and the conveyance roller 30. It passes through the section 34 and is sent to the water application section 72 via a branch section 74 provided immediately below the transport roller 30.
[0039]
An application tank 76 is disposed in the water application unit 72. The application tank 76 is formed in a dish shape, and is filled with water as an image forming solvent. A supply roller 78 is disposed at the upstream end of the coating tank 76 in the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material 22, and a pair of squeeze rollers 80 are disposed at the downstream end of the photosensitive material 22 in the conveyance direction.
[0040]
A guide plate 82 is attached above the application tank 76 so as to face the application tank 76. The photosensitive material 22 is fed between the guide plate 82 and the application tank 76 to be applied with water, and is further nipped and conveyed by the squeeze roller 80 to remove excess water.
[0041]
Further, a ceramic heater is attached to the upper portion of the guide plate 82, and water can be heated (for example, 40 ± 3 ° C.) and filled into the application tank 76.
[0042]
A heat development transfer unit 90 is disposed on the side of the water application unit 72 so that the photosensitive material 22 applied with water (after passing through the squeeze roller 80) is fed.
[0043]
On the other hand, a receiving material magazine 92 is arranged on the machine base 12 on the side of the photosensitive material magazine 20, and the image receiving material 94 is wound and stored in a roll shape. The dimension of the image receiving material 94 in the width direction is smaller than that of the photosensitive material 22 (for example, 127 mm). Further, the image receiving material 94 has its image forming surface directed obliquely downward to the right of the apparatus when it is pulled out.
[0044]
A nip roller 96 is disposed in the vicinity of the image receiving material take-out port 92A of the image receiving material magazine 92. The image receiving material 94 can be pulled out from the image receiving material magazine 92 and conveyed, and the nip can be released.
[0045]
A cutter 98 is disposed above the nip roller 96. The cutter 98 is configured to cut the image receiving material 94 drawn from the receiving material magazine 92 into a shorter length than the photosensitive material 22 in the same manner as the above-described photosensitive material cutter 26.
[0046]
Above the cutter 98, a conveying roller 100, a conveying roller 102, and guide plates 104A and 104B are arranged on the side of the photosensitive material magazine 20, and an image receiving material 94 cut to a predetermined length is placed on the image receiving material 94. It can be conveyed to the heat development transfer unit 90.
[0047]
A peeling claw 134 is pivotally supported rotatably and substantially below the heating drum 110 on the downstream side in the material supply direction of the bending guide roller 132, and a pinch roller 136 is further disposed.
[0048]
The peeling claw 134 corresponds to the outer periphery of the heating drum 110 and can be brought into contact with and separated from the heating drum 110 by the operation of the cam 116 described above. In a state where the peeling claw 134 is in contact with the heating drum 110, the photosensitive material 22 and the image receiving material 94 that are nipped and conveyed between the endless pressure-contact belt 112 and the heating drum 110 are overlapped with each other by a predetermined length. Only the front end of the photosensitive material 22 is engaged, and this front end can be peeled off from the outer periphery of the heating drum 110. On the other hand, the pinch roller 136 is operated in conjunction with the peeling claw 134, and is pressed against the bending guide roller 132 with a predetermined pressure (for example, 600 g) when the peeling claw 134 is separated from the heating drum 110. Accordingly, the photosensitive material 22 peeled off by the peeling claw 134 is wound around the bending guide roller 132 while being pressed by the pinch roller 136 and moved to the side.
[0049]
A guide plate 138 is disposed on the side of the bending guide roller 132 and the peeling claw 134, and further, a sensitive material discharge roller 140, a backup roller 142, and a guide roller 144 are disposed at the tip of the guide plate 138. ing. The photosensitive material discharge roller 140 is a pair of so-called corrugation rollers that mesh with each other, and the backup roller 142 is in contact with one of the photosensitive material discharge rollers 140. Accordingly, the photosensitive material 22 that is moved to the side while being wound around the bending guide roller 132 can be further conveyed and accumulated in the waste photosensitive material storage box 146. The rotational speed of the photosensitive material discharge roller 140 is set to be 1 to 3% faster than the rotational peripheral speed of the heating drum 110, and prevents the photosensitive material 22 from being loosened and sticking to the guide plate 138. ing.
[0050]
A second peeling conveyance unit 150 is arranged in correspondence with the heating drum 110 and directly below the heating drum 110 on the side of the peeling claw 134. In the second peeling conveyance unit 150, a peeling roller 152 and a peeling claw 154 are disposed immediately below the heating drum 110. The peeling roller 152 is a rubber roller made of silicon rubber and has a surface roughness of 12.5 S or less, and is rotated by being transmitted with a driving force of a driving motor. Further, the peeling roller 152 is pressed against the outer periphery of the heating drum 110 with a predetermined pressure (for example, 400 g). Therefore, the peeling roller 152 can bend and guide the image receiving material 94 moving together with the heating drum 110 by acting with the peeling claw 154 from the outer periphery of the heating drum 110.
[0051]
A guide plate 156 and a receiving material discharge roller 158 are disposed below the peeling roller 152 and the peeling claw 154, and the image receiving material 94 peeled from the heating drum 110 by the peeling roller 152 and the peeling claw 154 can be guided and conveyed. it can. Further, a receiving material guide 160, a receiving material discharging roller 162, a receiving material discharging roller 164, and a guide roller 166 are arranged on the side of the receiving material discharging roller 158, and the image receiving image conveyed by the receiving material discharging roller 158. The material 94 can be further conveyed and discharged to the tray 168.
(Concentration measurement function)
The image recording apparatus 10 has a function of performing calibration when the magazines 20 and 92 of either the photosensitive material 22 or the image receiving material 94 are replaced or by an arbitrary operation of the user. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of this density measurement function.
[0052]
The image processing unit 13 of the image recording apparatus 10 includes a reference data storage unit 200 that stores predetermined reference image data. An image recording process is performed based on the reference image data, and a certain result is transferred to an image receiving material 94 as a color patch chart 202 shown in FIG. 4 and output. The form of the color patch chart 202 will be described later.
[0053]
The reference image data stored in the reference data storage unit 200 is sent to the image data output unit 204 as image data for image recording. As a result, the image recording apparatus is moved, and various processes such as scanning exposure to the photosensitive material 22 and thermal development transfer to the image receiving material are performed, and an image receiving material 92 as a color patch chart 202 is output.
[0054]
The color patch chart 202 created by the image recording process of the apparatus main body measures density data for each color patch in the density measurement unit 206, and the measurement result is sent to the comparison unit 208. The comparison unit 208 receives reference density data from a predetermined reference density data storage unit 200 and compares it with measurement data.
[0055]
The comparison result in the comparison unit 208 is sent to the correction data calculation unit 210, correction data for the reference image data is calculated, and stored in the correction data storage unit 212.
(Color patch chart)
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the color patch chart 202. In this color patch chart 202, images whose density is adjusted stepwise for each color are arranged in a single band. In the present embodiment, the order is the six-stage image (C1 to C6 shown in FIG. 4) from the high density to the low density of C (cyan) color, and then the high density to the low density of M (magenta) color. 6-stage images (M1 to M6 shown in FIG. 4), and subsequently, 6-stage images (Y1 to Y6 shown in FIG. 4) from high density to low density of Y (yellow) color are closely provided without gaps. ing.
[0056]
Black reference position pointer patches 216 and 218 are provided at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the band-shaped color patch portion 214, respectively.
[0057]
A density measuring device 220 is provided on the upper surface of the image recording apparatus 10. In this density measuring device 220, as will be described later, the color patch chart 202 is inserted while being conveyed at a steady speed. By detecting this, the feed speed is low, and the reference position pointer patch 216 on the insertion tip side is detected (actually, the center position of the width dimension (4.5 mm) of the reference position pointer patch 216 in the transport direction), and the pulse The pulse value of the motor is reset, and from here the frame is fed based on a predetermined number of pulses.
[0058]
That is, when the frame advance is stopped, each color patch is controlled to stop at the density measurement position. As a result, the shift between the end of the color patch chart 202 in the transport direction and each color patch can be corrected, so that the density at the center position of each color patch in the transport direction can be measured.
[0059]
On the other hand, the reference position pointer patch 218 located on the rear end side in the transport direction is used for the frame feed control by the pulse control to recognize errors such as slippage in the transport system. Further, if a difference of a predetermined position occurs in the difference from the movement amount until the reference position pointer patch 218 on the rear end side is detected, it can be determined that the conveyance is defective. In addition, the width dimension in the conveyance direction of the reference position pointer patch 218 on the rear end side in the conveyance direction is 14 mm.
[0060]
By the way, the conveyance direction length of each color patch of the color patch unit 214 in the present embodiment is not uniform and is gradually increased intentionally. This compensates for a certain amount of conveyance error due to pulse conveyance control, and the error is accumulated as it goes backward in the conveyance direction, so the length in the conveyance direction is changed accordingly. As shown in FIG. 4, the dimensions in the transport direction applied to the present embodiment are four types of dimensions A to D, and the relationship is A <B <C <D. Here, each patch is provided with an imaginary reference line (a two-dot broken line in FIG. 4) indicating a position in the transport direction in the color patch chart 202 perpendicular to the transport direction. With respect to the reference line, the same width is given to the front and rear in the transport direction, and the length in the transport direction of the patch formed by the width is the dimension in the transport direction. In addition, all the width direction dimensions are the same. Further, specific transport direction dimensions A to D are A = 13 mm, B = 14 mm, C = 15 mm, and D = 17 mm. Further, the distance from the front end in the transport direction of the color patch chart 202 to the front end edge of the reference position pointer patch 216 on the front end side in the transport direction is 10.25 mm.
[0061]
In addition, the light emitted from the LED chip 282, which will be described later, is applied to the luminescent color that irradiates the reference position pointer patch 216 and the color patch (C1 shown in FIG. 4) that is positioned at the forefront in the transport direction of the color patch unit 214. If the emitted color is the same, the position of the reference position pointer patch 216 may be erroneously read. Therefore, the LED chip 282 to be described later includes light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B to be described later that emit light corresponding to each color. That is, the light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B are controlled so that the light emission color for irradiating the reference position pointer patch 216 and the light emission color for irradiating the color patch C1 in the color patch unit 214 are different. This prevents misreading of reading that erroneously reads the position of the reference position pointer patch 216.
[0062]
Further, the light emitted from the LED chip 282, which will be described later, is emitted to the emission color for irradiating the reference position pointer patch 218 and the color patch (Y6 shown in FIG. 4) located at the end in the transport direction of the color patch unit 214. If the emitted color is the same, the position of the reference position pointer patch 218 may be erroneously read. Therefore, the LED chip 282 to be described later includes light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B to be described later that emit colors corresponding to the respective colors. That is, the light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B are controlled so that the light emission color for irradiating the reference position pointer patch 218 and the light emission color for irradiating the color patch Y6 in the color patch unit 214 are different. This prevents misreading of reading that erroneously reads the position of the reference position pointer patch 218.
(Structure of concentration measuring device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the concentration measuring device 220 is disposed on a flat surface portion 222 provided on the left side of FIG. The concentration measuring device 220 includes a base portion 224 and a main body portion 228 attached to the upper portion of the base portion 224 and covered with a cover 226.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment portion of the concentration measuring device 220 in the flat portion 222 is recessed in a rectangular shape, and the base portion 224 of the concentration measuring device 220 is fitted therein.
[0064]
A boundary portion between the base portion 224 and the main body portion 228 is in a so-called flush state with the flat surface portion 222 and serves as a conveyance path for the color patch chart 202.
[0065]
A transport roller pair 230 is provided on the most upstream side of the transport path. Of the conveying roller pair 230, the upper roller 230A is attached to the main body 228 side, and is a driving roller that rotates via the gear unit 235 (see FIG. 8) by the driving force of the motor 231 (see FIG. 8). The lower roller 230B is a driven roller attached to the base portion 224 side.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 6, the lower roller 230B is provided at two positions equally distributed from the center of the color patch chart conveyance width direction on the upper surface (conveyance support surface) of the base portion 224. A rectangular hole 232 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 224 corresponding to the position.
[0067]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the pair of lower rollers 230 </ b> B has a cross section formed at the distal end portion of the leaf spring bracket 236, with each rotation shaft 234 fixed to the base portion 224. A substantially U-shaped bearing portion 238 is pivotally supported. For this reason, the pair of lower rollers 230 </ b> B are urged in a direction protruding from the rectangular hole 232 by the urging force of the leaf spring bracket 236. That is, the pair of lower rollers 230B comes into contact with the pair of upper rollers 230A provided corresponding to the lower roller 232B with a predetermined nip force. As a result, the color patch chart 202 is conveyed at a constant speed by the driving force of the conveying roller pair 230.
[0068]
A contactor 240 of a limit sensor (not shown) protrudes from the main body 228 slightly downstream of the conveying roller pair 230. The contact 240 rotates by contacting the tip of the color patch chart 202 and can switch the contact of the limit sensor. For this reason, the tip of the color patch chart 202 can be detected by the switching signal of the limit sensor contact.
[0069]
A rectangular hole is formed on the conveyance support surface slightly downstream of the pair of lower rollers 230B in the conveyance path, corresponding to the conveyance path of the band-shaped color patch portion 214 (see FIG. 4) of the color patch chart 202. 233 is provided.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 5, the crimping portion 244 of the crimping plate 242 is disposed in the rectangular hole 233. The crimping plate 242 extends from the crimping portion 244 to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the center thereof is pivotally supported by the base portion 224 via the shaft 246. The rear end portion of the crimping plate 242 is a substantially L-shaped tongue piece portion 248. The tongue piece 248 has a predetermined gap with respect to the back side of the transport support surface 224A of the base 224. A compression coil spring 250 is disposed in the gap, and one end is in contact with the back surface side of the transport support surface 224A and the other end is in contact with the tongue piece portion 248. As a result, the crimping plate 242 rotates about the shaft 246 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 5 by the urging force of the compression coil spring 250. As a result, the crimping portion 244 protrudes from the rectangular hole 233 and is pushed up from the transport support surface 224A.
[0071]
Therefore, when the color patch chart 202 exists on the transport support surface 224A, the color patch chart 202 can be pushed up from the transport support surface 224A and brought into contact with a density measurement unit 252 described later. Yes. That is, the crimping portion 244 has a function of eliminating a gap between the density measurement unit 252 and the color patch chart 202.
[0072]
The tongue 248 of the crimping plate 242 is opposed to an actuator 254A of a solenoid 254 provided on the apparatus main body side on the lower surface (the back surface side of the contact surface with the compression coil spring 250). . The actuator 254 </ b> A of the solenoid 254 extends when the color patch chart 202 is conveyed, so that the crimping plate 242 is attached to the shaft 246 so that the crimping portion 244 is buried in the rectangular hole 233 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 250. 5 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow A in FIG. 5 and pulled in during non-conveyance (during concentration measurement) (see the imaginary line position in FIG. 5). It comes to act on.
[0073]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a white plate 256 is attached to the crimping portion 244. The white plate 256 is applied as a reference for white balance adjustment in a density measurement unit described later.
[0074]
Further, the pressure-bonding plate 242 is provided with a guide protrusion 258 formed with a substantially quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusion with respect to the pressure-bonding part 244. The function of the guide protrusion 258 will be described later.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 5, a bracket 262 that holds the casing 260 of the concentration measurement unit 252 is provided on the main body 228 disposed on the upper portion of the base 224. The bracket 262 is fixed in a state of being accommodated in a cover 226 that covers the main body 228. Further, the bracket 262 is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft of the upper roller 230A, and is attached with a motor 231 and a gear unit 233 (both see FIG. 8) which are driving sources thereof.
[0076]
Further, the housing 260 is made of conductive synthetic resin so as to reduce adverse effects due to noise on the photoelectric conversion elements 278 and the like (described later) attached to the housing 260.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 8, a shaft 264 whose axial direction is the conveyance width direction of the color patch chart 202 is attached to the bracket 262, and the density measurement unit 252 is supported by the shaft 264. As a result, the concentration measuring unit 252 can be moved in the axial direction of the shaft 264 (the left-right direction in FIG. 8), and can be positioned at least in two positions of the concentration detection position and the retracted position.
[0078]
Here, the pressure-bonding plate 242 of the pressure-bonding plate 242 approaches the measurement opening 266 provided in the housing 260 of the concentration-measuring unit 252. In this state, the concentration-measuring unit 252 is connected to the shaft 264. When moving along, the housing 260 and the guide protrusion 258 provided side by side with the crimping portion 244 interfere with each other. As a result, when the concentration measurement unit 252 is moved, the housing 260 By pressing down the crimping portion 244 (imaginary line position in FIG. 8), an unreasonable force (force in the conveyance width direction) is prevented from being applied to the crimping portion 244.
[0079]
When the casing 260 of the concentration measuring unit 252 is moved along the shaft 264 to the retracted position, the white plate 256 of the crimping portion 244 is exposed directly from the opening 268 provided on the upper surface of the cover 226. This space becomes a work space for wiping off the dirt on the white plate 256. As shown in FIG. 9, the opening 268 is provided with a slidable closing lid 270, and the closing lid 270 and the casing 260 are connected inside (not shown). The casing 260 can be moved to the concentration detection position in the closed state, and can be moved to the retracted position in the opened state.
[0080]
FIG. 10 shows the internal configuration of the housing 260 of the concentration measurement unit 252.
[0081]
A cylindrical portion 272 is formed in a part of the housing 260. An end portion of the cylindrical portion 272 facing the base portion 224 is integrated with the housing 260 and is provided with an abutting portion 274 that forms the periphery of the measurement opening 266. The pressure-bonding portion 244 is brought into contact with the abutting portion 274 by the urging force of the compression coil spring 250.
[0082]
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, one end of the cylindrical portion 272 is located at a position slightly behind the measurement opening 266 of the abutting portion 274.
[0083]
A photoelectric conversion element 278 is attached in the vicinity of the other end opening of the cylindrical portion 272. In addition, a plurality of lens groups 280 are disposed inside the cylindrical portion 272. The optical action of the lens group 280 constitutes a density measurement optical system using the photoelectric conversion element 278 with the abutting portion 274 as a focal position.
[0084]
An LED chip 282 as a light source is disposed between one end of the cylindrical portion 272 and the abutting portion 274, and the optical axis serving as a reference is directed to the opening 276 of the abutting portion 274. ing.
[0085]
The angle (irradiation angle) θ between the optical axis serving as a reference of the LED chip 282 and the optical axis (axial line of the cylindrical body) of the density measuring optical system by the photoelectric conversion element 278 is 52 ° in the present embodiment. Has been. This angle θ ensures the amount of light necessary for density measurement with the photoelectric conversion element 278 when the unit LED chip 282 is lit at a predetermined voltage, and reflects directly on the surface of the color patch chart 202 to directly LED The range in which the light from the chip 282 does not enter the photoelectric conversion element 278 is set, and the allowable range is 47 ° to 55 ° (described later).
[0086]
FIG. 14 shows a graph representing the amount of light received by the photoelectric conversion element 278 and a graph representing the angle margin with respect to the angle θ.
[0087]
Here, the “angle margin” means that when the color patch chart 202 is tilted at a set angle with respect to the optical axis of the density measurement optical system, specularly reflected light from the color patch chart 202 enters the density measurement optical system. The starting tilt angle.
[0088]
Here, in the present embodiment, since the angle θ is larger than 45 °, the amount of light received by the photoelectric conversion element 278 varies according to the change in the value of the angle θ. The SN ratio of the signal output from the photoelectric conversion element 278 at the time of density measurement varies according to the variation in the amount of received light. In particular, since the SN ratio fluctuates significantly at the time of high concentration measurement, the received light quantity is obtained when the angle θ is set to 45 ° in order to minimize the fluctuation range of the SN ratio at the time of high concentration measurement. It is preferable to obtain a received light amount of 70% or more. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to obtain the received light amount of 70% or more, the angle θ is set to 55 ° or less. The reason why the angle θ is set to 45 ° is based on the fact that the angle θ is set to 45 ° in a general concentration measuring apparatus.
[0089]
Further, along with the conveyance of the color patch chart 202, there may occur a conveyance blur such as a blur in the normal direction of the surface where each patch is formed on the color patch chart 202. Due to this transport blur, the angle formed by the normal of the surface on which each patch is formed and the optical axis serving as the reference of the LED chip 282, that is, the incident angle (tilt angle) varies. Due to the variation in the incident angle, the reflection angle of the light emitted from the LED chip 282 on the color patch chart 202 varies. When the reflection angle changes, the light directly enters the photoelectric conversion element 278. In the present embodiment, the angle margin is 5 ° or more so that accurate density measurement can be performed in response to assembly errors at the time of manufacture and conveyance blur of the color patch chart 202. Is preferred. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to make the angle margin 5 ° or more, the angle θ is made 47 ° or more.
[0090]
For this reason, the allowable range is 47 ° to 55 °.
[0091]
This angle θ is determined by attaching the LED chip 282 to the housing 260. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the casing 260 is integrally formed so that the normal line of the holding plate 284 that holds the LED chip 282 is 47 ° to 55 ° with respect to the axis of the cylindrical portion 272 in advance. In this embodiment, the angle is set to 52 °. As described above, the holding plate 284 and the housing 260 are integrally formed, so that the optical axis serving as the reference of the LED chip 282 and the optical axis (cylindrical) of the density measuring optical system by the photoelectric conversion element 278 are obtained. An angle θ with the body axis) is set.
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 12, the LED chip 282 is provided with light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B that generate colors of RGB in the bullet-shaped light emitting unit 282A. As described above, by providing the LED chip 282 that emits light of different colors, it is possible to cope with the concentration measurement of the measurement object on which the color image is formed. The light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B are linearly arranged along the conveyance direction of the color patch chart 202. As a result, the inclination angles of the light emitting chips 282R, 282G, and 282B with respect to the measurement axis of the density measurement optical system are always changed to be the same, so that there is no difference in inclination angle between colors. . Furthermore, if a plurality of light emitting chips 282 having the same light emission color are provided, the amount of light emitted to the color patch chart 202 can be increased.
[0093]
The holding plate 284 is provided with a circular hole 286, and the light emitting portion 282A of the LED chip 282 is accommodated in the circular hole 286. A rectangular substrate 282C is attached to the base of the LED chip 282. The substrate 282C serves as a stopper, and the amount of insertion into the circular hole 286 is constant.
[0094]
Here, as shown in FIG. 11, three terminals 282D, 282E, and 282F for emitting light of each color and a common ground terminal 282H are provided from the back surface of the substrate 282C. The LED chip 282 is held by the holding plate 288 from the back side of the substrate 282C, so that the relative position to the holding plate 284 is held by the plate spring function of the holding plate 288 itself. Incidentally, a lead wire 290 is connected to the four terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H from the substrate 282C. Therefore, the pressing plate 288 is formed with a slit-shaped cutout portion 288A so as to avoid the four terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H.
[0095]
In addition, the holding plate 288 is fixed by fixing one end of the holding plate 288 to a part of a connecting portion that connects the casing 260 and the holding plate 284 and screwing the other end to the holding plate 284 with a screw 292. It is like that.
[0096]
An insulating tube 294 for insulation is attached to a connection portion between each of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H and the lead wire 290. For this reason, the outer diameter when covered with the insulating tube 294 is larger than the pitch between terminals of the regular LED chip 282. Therefore, when the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are at normal positions, the insulating tubes 294 are adjacent to each other and interfere with each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are inclined along the arrangement direction of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, when the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H are inclined along the alignment direction of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H, the lead wires of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H are included. A part of the side connected to 290 is inclined. Normally, when the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are inclined, stress is generated in the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H. When the end portion on the substrate 282C side of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H is inclined, stress is concentrated on the end portions. Therefore, in the present invention, the end of the terminal 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H on the substrate 282C side is inclined by inclining the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H from the middle of the side connected to the lead wire 290. Compared to the case of tilting, the stress is reduced from concentrating on the terminal.
[0098]
That is, in this embodiment, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are inclined in the direction along the arrangement direction of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H from the middle of the side connected to the lead wire 290. . Thereby, the pitch between terminals of the position which provides the insulating tube 294 at least can be enlarged, and the interference between the insulating tubes 294 is suppressed. In this case, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H may be alternately tilted alternately, but it is more effective to tilt in the terminal arrangement direction in consideration of assembling property and the like.
[0099]
FIG. 15 shows the positions of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H on the substrate 282C. 15A and 15B, the arrangement direction of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H is indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow.
[0100]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are arranged in a line on the substrate 282C in a straight line along the arrangement direction. However, as shown in FIG. 15B, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the arrangement direction on the substrate 282C. Further, a part of the connection portion may be inclined radially along the arrangement direction of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, 282H.
[0101]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.
(Image recording procedure)
In the image recording apparatus 10 configured as described above, when an image signal is input to the image processing unit 13, a predetermined image processing is performed, then the magnification of the image to be recorded, the number of processed images, and the like are specified, and a start instruction is given. Then, a light beam is irradiated toward the photosensitive material 22 to execute main scanning. Image processing is started.
[0102]
That is, the nip roller 24 is operated in a state where the photosensitive material magazine 20 is set, and the photosensitive material 22 is pulled out by the nip roller 24 at a speed of, for example, 50 mm / sec. When the photosensitive material 22 is pulled out by a predetermined length, the cutter 26 is actuated to cut the photosensitive material 22 to a predetermined length, and is further transported by the transport roller 28 and the transport roller 30 at a speed of, for example, 50 mm / sec. Thereafter, the photosensitive material 22 conveyed by the conveying rollers 28 and 30 further passes through the exposure unit 34 at a predetermined speed (for example, 50 mm / sec) by the conveying roller 36 and the conveying roller 38. The exposure device 40 operates simultaneously with the conveyance of the photosensitive material 22 (passing through the exposure unit 34).
[0103]
The exposure unit 34 is located between the conveyance roller 36 and the conveyance roller 38. When the photosensitive material 22 passes between the conveyance rollers as an exposure unit (exposure point), the image processing unit 13 removes the exposure unit 34. Are scanned (main scan) in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.
[0104]
After the photosensitive material 22 exposed by the exposure device 40 is once sent to the switchback unit 70, it passes through the exposure unit 34 again by the reverse rotation of the transport rollers 36, 38, 30, and after passing through the branching unit 74. It is sent to the water application part 72.
[0105]
In the water application unit 72, the conveyed photosensitive material 22 is sent between the guide plate 82 and the application tank 76 by driving of the supply roller 78, and is further nipped and conveyed by the squeeze roller 80. Here, water is applied to the photosensitive material 22, and further passes through the water application unit 72 while removing excess water by the squeeze roller 80. The photosensitive material 22 coated with water as the image forming solvent in the water application unit 72 is sent to the heat development transfer unit 90 by the squeeze roller 80.
[0106]
On the other hand, as scanning exposure on the photosensitive material 22 is started, the image receiving material 94 is also pulled out of the receiving material magazine 92 by the nip roller 96 and conveyed. When the image receiving material 94 is pulled out by a predetermined length, the cutter 98 operates to cut the image receiving material 94 to a predetermined length. After the operation of the cutter 98, the image receiving material 94 after being cut is conveyed by the conveying roller 100 and the conveying roller 102 while being guided by the guide plates 104A and 104B, and enters a standby state immediately before the heat development transfer unit 90.
[0107]
When it is detected that the photosensitive material 22 has been sent between the outer periphery of the heating drum 110 and the laminating roller 114 by the squeeze roller 80 in the heat development transfer unit 90, the conveyance of the image receiving material 94 is resumed and the laminating roller is resumed. At the same time, the heating drum 110 is activated. As a result, the photosensitive material 22 and the image receiving material 94 superposed by the laminating roller 114 are sandwiched between the heating drum 110 and the endless pressure contact belt 112 while being superposed, and are approximately 1 / of the heating drum 110. It is conveyed over two rounds (between the winding roller 120 and the winding roller 126). Further, the superimposed photosensitive material 22 and image receiving material 94 are heated by the heating drum 110. When the photosensitive material 22 is heated at the time of nipping and transporting, it releases a movable dye, and at the same time, the dye is transferred to the dye fixing layer of the image receiving material 94 to obtain an image.
[0108]
After that, when the photosensitive material 22 and the image receiving material 94 are nipped and conveyed and reach the bending guide roller 132 on the side of the heating drum 110, the peeling claw 134 is moved by the cam 116, leading a predetermined length before the image receiving material 94. A peeling claw 134 is engaged with the leading end portion of the photosensitive material 22 to be conveyed, and the leading end portion of the photosensitive material 22 is peeled off from the outer periphery of the heating drum 110. Further, the pinch roller 136 presses the photosensitive material 22 by the return movement of the peeling claw 134, whereby the photosensitive material 22 is wound around the bending guide roller 132 while being pressed by the pinch roller 136, and is moved to the side. The photosensitive material 22 wound around the bending guide roller 132 is further conveyed by the photosensitive material discharge roller 140 while being guided by the guide plate 138 and the guide roller 144, and is accumulated in the waste photosensitive material storage box 146.
[0109]
On the other hand, the image receiving material 94 that is separated from the photosensitive material 22 and moves while being in close contact with the heating drum 110 is sent to the peeling roller 152. When the leading edge of the image receiving material 94 is nipped by the peeling roller 152 (between the heating drum 110), the peeling claw 154 is moved again by the cam 116, and the peeling claw 154 engages with the leading edge of the image receiving material 94. The image receiving material 94 is peeled off from the outer periphery of the heating drum 110.
[0110]
The image receiving material 94 peeled from the outer periphery of the heating drum 110 by the peeling claw 154 is further moved downward while being wound around the peeling roller 152, conveyed by the receiving material discharge roller 158 while being guided by the guide plate 156, and further received. While being guided by the material guide 160, it is conveyed by the receiving material discharge roller 162 and the receiving material discharge roller 164 and discharged to the tray 168.
(Concentration measurement procedure)
When the magazine 20 or 92 of either the photosensitive material 22 or the image receiving material 94 is replaced, the image recording apparatus 10 automatically enters the calibration mode. Further, even if the photosensitive material 94 is not replaced, the calibration mode is entered by a user operation. Hereinafter, the procedure of the calibration mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0111]
In step 300 shown in FIG. 16, the reference image data is read, and then in step 302, the image recording process is started based on the reference image data. Since this image recording process is the same as the normal process (described above), description thereof is omitted.
[0112]
In the next step 304, driving of the transport system of the density measuring device 220 is started, and then in step 306, it is determined whether or not the front end of the color patch chart 202 has been detected. The color patch chart 202 is carried to the insertion end of the density measuring device 220 by manual operation of the operator.
[0113]
When the color patch chart 202 is inserted into the insertion end of the density measuring device 220, the leading end is sandwiched between the transport roller pair 230. As a result, the color patch chart 202 is conveyed at a constant speed (normal conveyance) by the driving force of the conveyance roller pair 230.
[0114]
If it is determined in step 306 that the tip of the color patch chart 202 has been detected (the contact 240A of the limit sensor 240 comes into contact with the tip of the color patch chart 202, the contact 240A rotates and the contact of the limit sensor 240 is The tip is detected by switching), and the process proceeds to step 308 to switch from normal conveyance to low-speed conveyance.
[0115]
Next, at step 310, it is determined whether or not the leading edge of the reference position pointer patch 216 located on the leading end side of the color patch chart 202 has been detected. If an affirmative determination is made, the pulse count reset to 0 is started at step 312. . Next, at step 314, it is determined whether or not the rear end edge of the reference position pointer patch 216 has been detected. If an affirmative determination is made, at step 316, the value ½ of the pulse count value is corrected to the 0 reset position.
[0116]
As a result, the conveyance reference position of the color patch chart 202 is determined, and the color patch chart 202 is continuously conveyed for a predetermined number of pulses and stopped (steps 318 and 320 shown in FIG. 17). At this stop position, the approximate center of the color patch (C1) of the first color patch unit 214 coincides with the optical axis position of the density measurement optical system by the photoelectric conversion element 278, and density measurement is started (step 322).
[0117]
Here, while the color patch chart 202 is being transported, the actuator 254A of the solenoid 254 is in an extended state, and the crimping portion 244 is buried with respect to the transport support surface of the base portion 224 around the shaft 246 of the crimping plate 242. Therefore, there is no conveyance of the color patch chart 202 and sliding with the crimping portion 244. For this reason, the color patch chart 202 is not damaged, and no resistance is given to the transport system.
[0118]
Further, when the density patch chart 202 is stopped at the time of density measurement, that is, the actuator 254A of the solenoid 254 is in a retracted state, whereby the crimping plate 242 is centered on the shaft 246 by the urging force of the compression coil spring 250. The crimping part 244 rotates the color patch chart in the direction of pushing up. Thereby, since the color patch chart 202 is reliably abutted against the abutting portion 274 of the housing 260, there is no deviation in the depth of focus.
[0119]
When the density measurement is completed in step 322, it is determined in step 324 whether or not all the color patch density measurements of the color patch unit 202 have been completed. If the determination is negative, the conveyance is resumed in step 326, and step 318 is performed. The above process is repeated for the number of color patches.
[0120]
If the determination in step 324 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the density measurement of all the color patches has been completed, the process proceeds to step 328 and the reference density data is read out.
[0121]
In the next step 330, the measured density data and the reference density data are compared, and then in step 332, correction data is calculated. The calculated correction data is stored as correction data in step 334, and this routine ends.
[0122]
As a result, in the subsequent normal image recording process, the read image signal is corrected by the correction data, and the difference in density and color tone of the photosensitive material 22 and the image receiving material in units of lots is compensated. can do.
(White balance)
It is necessary to take a white balance of the photoelectric conversion element 278 every time the concentration measurement is performed or periodically. In this case, conventionally, an operation such as inserting white paper into the conveyance path of the density measuring device 220 has been required. However, in the present embodiment, since the white plate 256 is provided on the pressure-bonding surface of the pressure-bonding portion 244, the white plate 256 is disposed on the optical axis of the density measurement optical system without inserting anything into the density measurement device 220. Workability is improved.
[0123]
Further, when the white plate 256 is dirty, it is difficult to remove the white plate 256. However, in this embodiment, the casing 260 that holds the density measurement optical system can be moved along the shaft 264, and the cover is covered. Since the opening and closing of the closing lid 270 provided on the H.226 is interlocked with the opening and closing of the closing lid 270, the casing 260 is retracted and the working space for wiping the white plate 256 can be secured by opening the closing lid 270. it can. That is, the white plate 256 can be cleaned by inserting, for example, a cotton swab through the opening 276 opened by opening the closing lid 270.
(Relationship between optical axis of density measuring optical system and optical axis of illumination light source)
In the present embodiment, the color patch chart 202 abutted on the abutting portion 274 is illuminated by changing the emission color for each color by using a bullet-type LED chip 282 in which chips of each color of RGB are incorporated.
[0124]
The LED chips 282 are held on the holding plate 284 of the housing 260 so that the chips of the respective colors are arranged in a line along the conveying direction of the color patch chart 202, and the optical axis and the light of the density measuring optical system The angle θ formed with the axis is 52 °.
[0125]
The LED chip 282 is positioned by inserting a bullet-shaped light emitting portion into a circular hole 286 provided in the holding plate 284 and the base-side substrate 282C hits the periphery of the circular hole 286. In this state, the base plate 282C is pushed by the pressing force of the plate plate 288 having the slit-shaped notch 288A provided to avoid the buffering with the four terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H. By attaching, the LED chip 282 is held by the holding plate 284. One end of the pressing plate 288 is locked to a connecting portion that connects the holding plate 284 and the housing 260, and the other end is screwed to the holding plate 284 with a screw 292.
[0126]
This angle θ has an allowable range of 47 ° to 55 °. By maintaining this angle, it is possible to obtain a sufficient amount of light emission for density measurement when the single LED chip 282 emits light at a predetermined voltage (the basis for the lower limit of 47 °), and the surface of the color patch chart 202 Can be prevented from directly entering the photoelectric conversion element 278 (based on an upper limit of 55 °).
[0127]
Four terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H protrude from the base of the bullet-shaped light emitting portion of the LED chip 282 via the substrate 282C. Usually, the terminal is attached to a mounting hole provided in advance on the main substrate. Although inserted and soldered, the lead wire 290 is directly connected in this embodiment. At this time, in order to prevent the adjacent members connecting the lead wire 290 and the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H from contacting (short-circuiting), the lead wires 290 of the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H The connecting portion is covered with an insulating tube 294.
[0128]
Due to the covering with the insulating tube 294, the terminals 282D, 282E, 282F, and 282H are bent so as to open along the straight line alignment direction. Thereby, even if the pitch between terminals is originally smaller than the outer diameter of the insulating tube 294, the insulating tube 294 can be applied reliably.
[0129]
In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an exposure apparatus using a photosensitive material has been described. However, the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic apparatus, an inkjet printer, a thermal printer, and other types of image forming apparatuses. May be.
[0130]
In this embodiment, the reflected light of the light irradiated to the photosensitive material is read by the photoelectric conversion element 278. Instead, the photoelectric conversion is performed so that the transmitted light of the light can be read. The location where the element 278 is disposed may be changed.
[0131]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the method for positioning an object to be measured in the concentration measuring apparatus according to the present invention Law The measurement object for density measurement has an excellent effect that it can be accurately positioned at the density measurement position of the density measurement optical system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for concentration measurement according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a color patch chart used for density measurement.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the concentration measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the concentration measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the concentration measuring device viewed from the back side of the base portion.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the main body portion of the concentration measuring apparatus as viewed from the conveyance direction.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upper surface of the concentration measuring unit.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the concentration measurement unit.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show an attachment state of the LED chip, where FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 11B is a side cross-sectional view after attachment.
12A is a perspective view of an LED chip, and FIG. 12B is a front view of a substrate attached to a light emitting unit.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view when the cylindrical body of the concentration measuring unit is viewed from the base portion side.
FIG. 14 is a graph showing an amount of light received by the photoelectric conversion element and an angle margin with respect to an angle between an optical axis serving as a reference of the LED chip and an optical axis of the density measurement optical system (cylindrical axis) of the photoelectric conversion element. It is a graph.
15A is a top view of the substrate when the terminal connection positions are arranged in a straight line, and FIG. 15B is a top view of the substrate when the terminal connection positions are arranged in a staggered pattern.
FIG. 16 is a control flowchart showing a measurement procedure in the concentration measurement mode (first half).
FIG. 17 is a control flowchart showing a measurement procedure in the concentration measurement mode (second half).
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image recording device
20 Sensitive magazine
22 Photosensitive materials
40 Exposure equipment
90 Heat development transfer section
92 Receiving magazine
94 Image receiving material
200 Reference data storage unit
200 Reference density data storage unit
202 color patch chart
204 Image data output unit
206 Concentration measurement unit
208 comparator
210 Correction data calculation unit
212 Correction data storage unit
214 color patch
216 Reference position pointer patch
218 Reference position pointer patch
220 Concentration measuring device
224 base
224A Transport support surface
226 cover
228 body
230 Conveying roller pair
240 limit sensor
242 Crimping plate
244 Crimp part
246 axes
252 Concentration measurement unit
272 Cylindrical part
274 Butting part
278 Photoelectric conversion element
280 lens group
282 LED chip
284 Retaining plate
288 plates
290 Lead wire
292 screw
294 insulation tube

Claims (6)

  Using the object to be measured on which the image is recorded, the object to be measured conveyed so that each image is at a predetermined position is illuminated by a light source, and reflected light or transmitted light from the object to be measured is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion element. A measurement object positioning method of a density measurement apparatus for positioning an image recorded on the measurement object on an optical axis of the density measurement optical system using a density measurement optical system that obtains a density of each image from reading and a read result The positioning image is provided on the leading side in the transport direction with respect to each image of the object to be measured, and each image is positioned using the detection position of the positioning image by the density measurement optical system as a reference position. A position confirmation image having a predetermined distance with respect to the positioning image is provided on the rear side in the transport direction from each image of the object to be measured, and after the density measurement of each image is completed with reference to the positioning image. That determines the positional deviation according to whether to detect the position confirming image in a predetermined conveying position, the measurement object positioning method of concentration measuring apparatus characterized by.   When the image of the object to be measured is composed of images of two or more colors and includes light sources that emit colors corresponding to the respective colors, the emission color that controls the light source to irradiate the positioning image The method for positioning an object to be measured of a concentration measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emission color emitted to the adjacent leading image is different. When the image of the object to be measured is composed of images of two or more colors and includes light sources that emit colors corresponding to the respective colors, light emission for controlling the light source to irradiate the position confirmation image 2. The method for positioning an object to be measured of a concentration measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color and the emitted color emitted to the last image in the conveying direction are made different. 4. The transport direction dimension of each image recorded on the object to be measured increases sequentially or stepwise from the front side to the rear side in the transport direction. Measuring object positioning method of the concentration measuring apparatus of the present invention An object for density measurement in which an image is recorded and the density of each image is measured by a density measuring optical system while being conveyed by a conveying means,
A positioning image that is provided on the leading side in the transport direction from the respective images, and in which the transport means positions each of the images using a position detected by the density measurement optical system as a transport reference;
Whether the density measurement optical system detects at a predetermined transport position after the density measurement of each image is completed with respect to the positioning image by the density measurement optical system, which is provided behind the image in the transport direction. An object for density measurement, comprising: a position confirmation image for determining positional deviation according to the shape. 6. The measurement object for density measurement according to claim 5, wherein the dimension of each image in the transport direction is recorded so as to increase sequentially or stepwise from the front side to the rear side in the transport direction.

Images