JPH0363143A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To keep the temperature of an infrared sensitive material in an exposure section within a proper range and to maintain sensitivity constant by holding a temperature in a casing within a fixed range by a temperature regulating means such as a hot air feeder, a temperature of which can be controlled. CONSTITUTION:A temperature regulating means is composed of a hot air feeder 14, a temperature sensor 20, a power supply 17, a switch 18 and a control means 19. The temperature information of an atmosphere in a casing 13 detected by the temperature sensor 20 is digitized and input finally to the control means 19. The proper temperature (a set temperature) of an exposure section 8 is stored previously in the control means 19, and temperature information input at the real time and the set temperature are compared. Accordingly, the operation and stoppage of a heater 144 are repeated, and an atmospheric temperature in the casing 13 is held at a value close to the set temperature, thus keeping the temperature of an infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8 within a fixed range, then preventing the dispersion of sensitivity.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an image recording device using a silver halide photographic material spectrally sensitized to an infrared wavelength region.

<Prior Art> Laser light sources, especially semiconductor lasers, have the advantage of being small, inexpensive, and easy to modulate. In addition, they emit light in the infrared wavelength region, so they are made of silver halide that is sensitive to the infrared region. Since a photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter referred to as an infrared light-sensitive material) can be used and a bright safelight can be used, there is an advantage that handling efficiency is improved.

The following are known as image recording apparatuses that record on such infrared sensitive materials using semiconductor lasers.

In other words, it is a scanning type light beam that performs main scanning by swinging the light beam emitted from a laser light source over a predetermined angle range using a deflector such as a carbanometer mirror, and performs sub-scanning by wrapping an infrared sensitive material around a rotating drum. It is a beam recording device.

By the way, when using such a scanning light beam recording device, a phenomenon occurs in which the sensitivity of the infrared sensitive material varies for some reason.

When we investigated the cause of this, we found that infrared sensitive materials have a strong temperature dependence, and if the temperature at the time of exposure is low (for example, less than 5 degrees Celsius), the sensitivity decreases, resulting in a malfunction where the spaces between the scanning lines appear transparent. On the other hand, it has been found that high temperatures (for example, 45° C. or higher) result in high sensitivity and fog.

In particular, such a phenomenon occurs conspicuously with high-contrast infrared sensitive materials.

However, in conventional scanning light beam recording devices, no consideration is given to the temperature of the exposed area, and by installing a fan to introduce outside air, the temperature of the exposed area is almost equal to the temperature inside the room where the device is installed. It was becoming like that.

Therefore, the temperature of the infrared photosensitive material during exposure depends on the environmental temperature in the room where the device is installed, and as a result, changes in environmental temperature, such as in winter and summer, early morning and daytime, and in cold and tropical regions. This has the drawback of a difference in sensitivity due to the difference in sensitivity, and a lack of sensitivity stability.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device that can obtain constant sensitivity regardless of changes in environmental temperature. be.

Means to solve problems〉 Such objects are achieved by the present invention as described below.

That is, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus that forms an image by exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material spectrally sensitized to an infrared wavelength region, comprising: an optical system for exposure; and the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. A conveying means for conveying; and a casing for enclosing at least the exposure section.

The image recording apparatus is characterized in that it has a temperature control means capable of maintaining the atmospheric temperature within the casing within a predetermined range.

In the present invention having such a configuration, the temperature inside the casing is maintained within a predetermined range by a temperature control means such as a hot air supply device capable of temperature control, so that the temperature of the infrared sensitive material in the exposed area is maintained. Temperature is maintained within the appropriate range and sensitivity remains constant.

<Embodiments> Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail as shown in the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, schematically showing a configuration example of an image recording apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image recording device (hereinafter also simply referred to as the device) 1 includes a laser light source 3 that outputs a laser beam L, a collimator lens 4 that adjusts the diameter of the laser beam L, and a collimator lens 4 that adjusts the direction of the laser beam L. It has an optical system 2 composed of a changing mirror 5, an optical deflector 6 such as a carbanometer mirror or a polygon mirror, and a scanning lens 7 such as an fθ lens.

Examples of the laser light source 3 include a semiconductor laser (LD), a YAG laser, etc.
It may be a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, but it is preferable to use a semiconductor laser.

Further, the wavelength of the laser beam is preferably 700 to 850 nm.
- approximately 760 to 800 ns, more preferably approximately 760 to 800 ns.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, in the exposure section 8, a drum 9 supporting an infrared sensitive material S in a sheet or continuous band shape
Nip rollers 10a and 1 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the drum 9 and sandwich the infrared sensitive material S between them.
Further, a pair of conveying rollers 1 and 1 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the drum 9 in the direction of conveying the photosensitive material.
1 and 12 are installed. Drum 9 like this
, nip roller 10a.

10b and conveying rollers 11 and 12 constitute a conveying means for the infrared sensitive material S.

The infrared sensitive material S is introduced into a casing 13, which will be described later, and then introduced into the exposure section 8 while being sandwiched between transport rollers 11, 11, and wrapped around a part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 9. By the rotation of 9, it is conveyed in a sub-scanning direction in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

Examples of infrared sensitive materials applicable to the present invention include JP-A No. 5
No. 9-191032, No. 59-192242, No. 60
Examples include black-and-white or color infrared-sensitive materials described in Publications No. -80841 and No. 62-123454.

The drum 9 has a cylindrical shape and is driven and rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow in the figure by a drive source such as a motor and a power transmission mechanism such as a gear train (both not shown).

The drum 9 may be made of, for example, stainless steel,
A material with good thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum is preferable.

The conveyance rollers 11 and 12 may be rollers that are driven to rotate or rollers that rotate freely.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laser beam L emitted from a laser light source 3 has its diameter precisely adjusted by a collimator lens 4, is reflected by a mirror 5, and travels toward an optical deflector 6.

The laser beam L is changed from code Ll to code L by the optical deflector 6.
It is deflected to a predetermined angle range indicated by 2 and converged by the scanning lens 7 (imaged at a distance according to the angle of incidence). The infrared photosensitive material S between the nip rollers 10a and 10b is then irradiated and main-scanned in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1, thereby recording image elements as dots on the main-scanning line of the - book.

Since the infrared sensitive material S is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction A substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction B as described above, the recording surface of the infrared sensitive material S is two-dimensionally scanned, and a desired image is scanned. The image is recorded.

Now, the image recording apparatus 1 is provided with a casing 13 that surrounds the above-mentioned conveyance means. On the right side of the casing 13 in FIG. 2, an exposure window 131, which is an opening extending along the main scanning direction B, is formed near the exposure section 8. As a result, the laser beams Ll to L are exposed to the exposure window 13.
1, and is irradiated onto the infrared sensitive material S at the exposure section 8 inside the casing 13.

Furthermore, an inlet 132 and an outlet 133 for the infrared photosensitive material S, which are openings extending along the width direction of the photosensitive material, are formed in the lower and upper portions of the casing 13 in the figure, respectively.

Further, a hot air inlet 134 and an outlet 135 are formed at the lower and upper parts of the casing 13 in the figure.

The constituent materials of the casing 13 include iron, stainless steel,
Examples include metals such as aluminum, vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyimide, resins such as styryl resins, and the like. In order to improve heat retention, the casing 13 itself may be made of various ceramics such as alumina, or a heat insulating material such as asbestos, glass wool, or polyurethane, or these heat insulating materials may be bonded to the inner or outer surface of the casing 13. You can also.

Note that the conveyance rollers 11 and/or 12 may be installed outside the casing 13.

In addition to the drum 9 and rollers 10 to 12, other rollers, guide members, etc. may be provided inside and outside the casing 13.

A hot air supply device 14 is installed on the side of the casing 13, and the air outlet 141 of this hot air supply device 14 and the introduction port 1
34 are connected by a duct 15, and the suction port 142 and the discharge port 135 are connected by a duct 16.

For example, a propeller type fan 1 is provided in the hot air supply device 14.
43 is installed, and a heater 144 is installed behind it (on the downstream side of the airflow).

Further, a temperature sensor 20 is installed inside the duct 16 to detect the temperature of the atmosphere. As this temperature sensor 20, a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc. can be used.

The heating element of the heater 144 is connected to a power source 17, and a switch (relay) 18 for energizing and disconnecting the heater 144 is provided in the middle thereof.

Further, a control means 19 such as a microcomputer for controlling ON/OFF of the switch 18 is provided, and an input terminal of this control means 19 is connected to the temperature sensor 13, and an output terminal is connected to the switch 15, respectively.

Such hot air supply device 14, temperature sensor 20, power supply 17. The switch 18 and the control means 19 constitute a temperature control means.

Hereinafter, temperature control by this temperature control means will be explained.

When the fan 143 is activated, the air inside the casing 13 is exhausted from the exhaust port 135, passes through the duct 16, is introduced into the hot air supply device 14 from the suction port 142, and then passes through the duct 15 from the air outlet 142. Inlet port 134
Then, it is returned to the casing 13 again.

Such air circulation is performed constantly or at appropriate times (for example, when exposure recording is performed on the infrared sensitive material S).

The temperature information of the atmosphere inside the casing 13 detected by the temperature sensor 20 is finally digitized and input to the control means 19.

In the control means 19, an appropriate 4 degrees (set temperature) for the exposure section 8 is stored in advance, and the temperature information input in real time is compared with this set temperature.

When the ambient temperature inside the casing 13 (the temperature of the exposure section 8) becomes lower than the set temperature, the control means 19 outputs a command signal to turn on the switch 18, and executes this command. As a result, the heater 144 is energized, the circulating air is heated, and hot air of, for example, 25 to 40° C. is generated.

By supplying this warm air into the casing 13 from the inlet 134, the atmospheric temperature inside the casing increases,
When the set temperature is reached, the control means 19 outputs a command signal to turn off the switch 18, and executes this command. As a result, the operation of the heater 144 is stopped.

Note that the amount of hot air supplied varies depending on the volume of the casing 13, and is not particularly limited.
/minute.

In this way, the heater 144 is repeatedly activated and deactivated, and the atmospheric temperature within the casing 13 is maintained near the set temperature. As a result, the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8 is maintained within a predetermined range, and variations in sensitivity are prevented.

In this case, it is preferable that the control means 19 performs PrD control.

Note that the ambient temperature inside the casing 13 is approximately equal to the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8, so if the ambient temperature inside the casing 13 is detected, the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8 can be determined. This means that it has been detected.

In addition, inside the casing 13, the duct 16, the hot air supply device,
In the air circulation system constituted by the duct 15, the ambient temperature is almost the same everywhere in the system, so the temperature sensor 20 detects this fl! It can be installed at any location in the science department. For example, the temperature sensor 20 can be installed inside the casing 20, particularly in the vicinity of the exposure section 8, in contact with or without contact with the infrared sensitive material S.

According to such a circulation system, there is an advantage that the responsiveness of temperature adjustment within the casing 13 is good.

Note that in the present invention, the fan 143 is activated and stopped by the heater 14.
It may also be possible to open the port in synchronization with the operation and stop of step 4.

The preferred value for the set temperature varies depending on the type of infrared sensitive material S, but for example, it may be set at one point within the range of 5 to 40°C (for example, 30°C), or it may be set within a predetermined range above and below the temperature (for example, 30°C). For example, the temperature range may be set to allow a variation of ±5° C.).

In the present invention, suitable temperature control conditions include 10 to 35
One point within the range of °C is set temperature, and ±5 from that temperature.
The temperature inside the casing 13 is controlled within a range of .degree.

The above-mentioned control means 19 controls the operation and stop of the heater 144 by turning on and off the switch 18, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, increases or decreases the calorific value of the heater 144 continuously or stepwise. Control may also be performed to cause

Note that when the image recording apparatus 1 is used in a low-lying environment such as in a cold region or during the winter, the drum 9 may be
It is possible to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the

The temperature control means in the present invention is not limited to heating the inside of the casing 13 by supplying hot air;
It may be one that cools the inside, or one that is capable of both cooling and heating.

When cooling the inside of the casing 13, a cooler is installed in place of the hot air supply device 14 in FIG. 2, and the operation and stop of the cooler is controlled by the same control system as described above. do it.

In this case, as a cooler, a heat exchanger using a refrigerant or one using an electronic cooling element (Beltier element) can be used, and the latter in particular has a simple structure and is small, so it can be used inside the drum 9. It is advantageous and preferable to install it in

An image recording device having such a cooler.

Suitable for use in high temperature environments such as tropical regions and summer.

Further, as another example of the configuration of the temperature control means, the casing 13
A flow path pipe through which a heating or cooling fluid can flow is provided on the outside or inside of the casing, and the flow of the fluid is controlled based on the atmospheric temperature within the casing detected by the same temperature sensor as described above, Examples include those configured to maintain the temperature inside the casing near the set temperature.

As the infrared sensitive material S applied to the present invention, 700 to 8
It is spectrally sensitized to have maximum sensitivity in the long wavelength region (infrared region) of 50 nm.

In particular, high-gradation infrared sensitive materials such as black-and-white sensitive materials for obtaining halftone images are susceptible to variations in sensitivity due to temperature changes, and thus are effective for application to the present invention.

Although the image description apparatus of the present invention has been described above with reference to the configuration example shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various applications and modifications are possible.

For example, a platen (a flat support plate) may be used instead of the drum 9 as a support member for the infrared sensitive material.

In addition, the conveyance of the infrared sensitive material S is not carried out only in the input direction, but the sheet-shaped infrared sensitive material S is once conveyed in the opposite direction to A, and then transported in the input direction during exposure recording. It is also possible to configure the system to do this.

Furthermore, the introduction port 134 can be installed near the exposure section 8 to make the heat transfer (response) to the infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8 more sensitive.

Moreover, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which heating or cooling air is directly fed into the casing 13 without using the above-described circulation system.

<Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, by maintaining the temperature of the infrared sensitive material within a predetermined range during exposure, the temperature of the infrared sensitive material can be maintained at a constant level without being affected by changes in the environmental temperature. sensitivity can be obtained.

When exposure is performed without using the apparatus of the present invention, for example, 5°C
If exposure is carried out in an environment of

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the image recording apparatus of the present invention. Explanation of symbols 1... Image recording device 2... Optical system 3... Laser light source 4... Collimator lens 5... Mirror 6... Light deflector 7... Scanning lens 8... Exposure section 9...Drums 10a, 10b...Nip rollers 11.12...Conveyance roller 13...Casing 131...Exposure window 132...Inlet 133...Outlet 134...Inlet 135 ...Exhaust port 14...Hot air supply device 141...Outlet port 142...Intake port 143...Fan 144...Heater 15% 16...Duct 17...Power supply 18... - Switch 19... Control means 20... Temperature sensor A... Sub-scanning direction B... Main scanning direction 1% LI% L,... Laser beam S... Infrared sensitive material FIG, 1

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) An image recording device that forms an image by exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material that has been spectrally sensitized to an infrared wavelength region, comprising: an optical system for exposure, and a conveyor that transports the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. An image recording apparatus comprising: a casing that encloses at least an exposure section; and a temperature control means that can maintain an atmospheric temperature within the casing within a predetermined range.