JPH04280243A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a transmitted manuscript light source device for exposing a transmitted manuscript electrically independent from a device body for conducting the image formation of a reflected manuscript, efficiently improve the operability and electric capacity, and provide an image forming device capable of easily and automatically conducting the image formation of the transmitted manuscript similarly to the image formation of the reflected manuscript only by placing the light source device onto the manuscript table of the device body and optionally taking the placing position of the light source device on the manuscript table. CONSTITUTION:Both a light source device 36 and a device body 14 have means for detecting that a light source device 14 is placed on a manuscript table 30, and during transmitted manuscript exposure, a light source for reflected manuscript exposure is extinguished, and a light source 36 for transmitted manuscript exposure is lighted. The illuminance distributions in manuscript surface position of both the light sources 36 are flatted, and a correction mask is mounted on the device body 14.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Field of Application] The present invention provides a method for forming images on a reflective original by placing it on the original table of an image forming apparatus main body and sliding it.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with a transparent original light source device that also forms images on transparent originals such as negatives.

0002

[Background Art] With the recent diversification of image information recording,
Image forming devices such as copying machines that copy reflective originals such as printed matter and photographs do not only copy reflective originals.
Various transparent original light source devices have been proposed that are placed on the original table of the image forming apparatus in order to copy transparent originals such as slides, positive films, and negative films. This transparent original light source device has been proposed as a completely separate and independent device that can be applied to various image forming devices, as well as a device that is electrically integrated with the image forming device.

[0003] Such a transparent original light source device (hereinafter referred to as a proof) usually consists of a light source that illuminates the transparent original within a housing, and a reflector that reflects the irradiation light emitted by this light source onto the transparent original. . Placed directly or indirectly on the document table of the image forming apparatus main body for reflective original copying,
An image is formed on a transparent original placed directly or indirectly on the original table. That is,
A transparent original is irradiated by the light source, and the transmitted light that has passed through the transparent original is imaged on the exposure surface of the image forming apparatus main body to expose a photosensitive material, etc., and after development, a visible reproduced image is finally obtained. be.

By the way, a proof that is completely independent of the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter simply referred to as the apparatus main body) is versatile and can be applied to many different image forming apparatuses, but normally the proof signal line is connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user must visually confirm the start of exposure on the main body of the apparatus and turn on the light source for exposing the transparent original by manually turning on the light source, making copying of the transparent original cumbersome.

For this reason, even in the case of a separate proof, the illumination light from the reflective original exposure light source on the main body side, which is turned on when the main body of the apparatus starts exposure, is read and the light source of the proof (
Some devices are configured to automatically turn on the light (for exposing transparent originals). However, with this proof, as in the case of the manual mentioned above, both the light source of the device itself and the light source of the proof are lit during exposure, so flare etc. occur.
There is a problem that the quality of the formed image deteriorates.

[0006] The present applicant has also developed an image forming apparatus in which the proof and the main body of the apparatus are electrically integrated by connecting them through a power cord and a signal cord.
No. 1629 and No. 2-91633. Since the proof disclosed herein is connected to the main body of the apparatus by a signal cord, the light source of the main body of the apparatus is automatically turned off when exposing a transparent original, making it possible to obtain high-quality reproduced images without flare etc. can. However, since image forming devices such as copying machines often copy reflective originals rather than transparent originals, it is necessary to move the proof, but since the power cord and signal cord are connected, Another problem is that these cords get in the way when copying a reflective original after being moved, and that it is troublesome to attach and detach when detaching and storing. Furthermore, when the proof is integrated with the main body of the device, there is a risk that a general power outlet, for example, a 100V, 15A outlet, does not have sufficient electrical capacity and may exceed the electrical capacity.

[0007] In addition, in a conventional image forming apparatus, if the main body of the scanning exposure type apparatus and the proof are capable of forming images of approximately the same size, for example, B5 to B4 or A4 to A3, it is possible to form images on photosensitive materials. A scanning type exposure method is used. On the other hand, in addition to the scanning exposure type, a surface exposure type is also used for small-sized proofs, but the problem is that the size is limited and it is difficult to use.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-91630, the present applicant uses a light source for exposing a transparent original as a light source having an illuminance distribution in which the peripheral light amount is corrected according to the cos fourth law, and the light amount on the exposed surface of the photosensitive material of the main body of the apparatus is Discloses a proof that is uniform over the entire surface. The proof disclosed here is
Since it is applied to an apparatus main body that has the same size as the apparatus main body and uses a scanning exposure light source having an illuminance distribution corrected to the fourth power of cos, uniform and high-quality images can be obtained for both reflective and transparent originals. However, the placement position of this proof on the document table is limited (for example, in the center),
The size will also increase. For this reason, when applied to small size proofs, since the shape is usually rectangular,
It is conceivable to switch the vertical and horizontal directions and place the document on the document table with a 90° shift, but in this case, no light amount correction will be performed, and a uniform, high-quality image will not be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to correct this by using the proof's light source as a surface light source and increasing the amount of peripheral light, but such a surface light source is difficult to construct, and the position to place the document on the document table is determined by the center reference.
There is also the problem that it cannot be placed freely in any position.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, is equipped with a transparent original light source device, and is capable of forming images on both reflective and transparent originals. Even though the light source device is independent from the main body of the apparatus, it is possible to automatically determine whether image formation is possible and perform the image forming operation just by placing the light source device on the document table of the main body of the apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability and efficiently improved electric capacity.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which is further equipped with a small-sized transparent original light source device and is capable of forming images on both reflective and transparent originals, the light source device being connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus. When forming an image on a transparent original by placing it on the document table, the exposure system of the device itself is used in any position and orientation, even if the proof has a different aspect ratio. Similarly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can always obtain uniform and good high-quality images.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a reflective original, and a document placed on a document table of the image forming apparatus main body. and a transparent original light source device used to form an image of a transparent original; means for switching between a transparent original mode in which an image is formed on the transparent original by the apparatus; a means for detecting the transparent original light source device placed on the original table; and a means for detecting the transparent original light source device placed on the original table; means for turning off a light source for exposing a reflective original, and the transparent original light source device has a means for detecting that the transparent original light source device itself is placed on a document table of the main body of the image forming apparatus; The present invention provides an image forming apparatus characterized by having means for lighting a light source for exposing a transparent original in response to a detection signal from the detection means.

The present invention provides the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, wherein the light source for exposing the reflective original is turned off when the switching means switches to the transparent original mode, and the transparent original light source device detection means of the main body of the image forming apparatus comprises: a light emitting element that emits a light beam toward a transparent original light source device on the original table;
The image forming apparatus comprises a photodetector that detects the light beam reflected by the transparent original light source device, and the detection means of the transparent original light source device itself is a photodetector that detects the light beam. It provides equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides the image forming apparatus, characterized in that both the transparent original light source device detecting means of the image forming apparatus main body and the detecting means of the transparent original light source device itself are photointerrupters. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus.

Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, in which the detection means of the transparent original light source device itself is a photodetector for detecting the light emitted from the reflective original exposure light source; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the transparent original light source device detection means of the forming apparatus main body is a photodetector that detects the reflected light of the emitted light by the transparent original light source device.

Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, wherein the light source for exposing the reflective original is configured to be turned off when the switching means switches to the transparent original mode. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, in which the light source for exposing a reflective original is turned on almost simultaneously with the lighting of the light source for exposing a transparent original, based on a detection signal of the light source device detection means for a transparent original. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is configured so that the light is turned off.

The present invention also provides the image forming apparatus described above, wherein the light source unit comprising the reflective original exposure light source and the reflective mirror is configured to perform pre-scanning. It is something to do.

A second aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a reflective original, and a transparent original placed on a document table of the image forming apparatus main body and used for forming an image on a transparent original. An image forming apparatus comprising a light source device,
The reflective original exposure light source of the image forming apparatus main body and the transparent original exposure light source of the transparent original light source device are both configured so that the light amount distribution is uniform over the entire surface at the original surface position, and the image forming apparatus The present invention provides an image forming apparatus characterized by having peripheral light amount correction means in an exposure device of a main body.

[0019]

Effect of the Invention The image forming apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a transparent original light source device (proof) for forming an image on a transparent original, and both the image forming apparatus main body and the proofing apparatus are provided with a transparent original light source device (proof) for forming images on a transparent original. A means for detecting that a proof is placed thereon is provided, such as a photointerrupter or a photodetector consisting of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. After placing a transparent original such as a slide, a positive film or a negative film, and a proof on the original table, the user selects a transparent original mode.

After selection, in the main body light source off mode, if the reflective original exposure light source (main body light source) is on, it is turned off, and the apparatus main body and proof detection means perform pre-scanning of the scanning system of the apparatus main body as necessary. After mutually detecting the proof on the document table, the light source for exposing the transparent original is turned on at the proof, and the scanning system of the main body of the apparatus scans the illuminated transparent original to perform scanning exposure on the photosensitive material.

On the other hand, in the main body light source lighting mode, the proof detects the irradiation light from the main body light source by pre-scanning the scanning system of the main body as necessary, and the main body detects the reflected light from the proof or the light emitting element etc. After detecting the synchrotron radiation, the main body light source is turned off on the main body side, returns to the home position if the scanning system of the main body performs pre-scanning, and on the other hand, the light source for exposing the transparent original is turned off at the correct timing on the proof side. After the light is turned on, the scanning system of the main body of the apparatus scans the illuminated transparent original to perform scanning exposure on the photosensitive material.

After that, the exposed photosensitive material is developed,
At the end a visible reconstructed image is obtained. In this way, the user can extremely easily copy a transparent original through extremely simple operations. Note that it would be more convenient if the apparatus main body could not detect a proof in either the main body light source on mode or the light off mode, and the user could be warned by displaying a message to that effect.

In addition, in an image forming apparatus in which the light intensity distribution, that is, the illuminance distribution of both the light source for exposing a reflective original and the light source for exposing a transparent original is uniform over the entire surface of the original, how should the proof be used? Even if the transmissive original is placed in the opposite direction, it is possible to produce a uniform, high-quality image similar to that of a reflective original.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which the image forming apparatus main body requires a thermal development process on the recording material, and the image receiving material having an image receiving layer is developed in the presence of an image forming solvent such as water. 1 shows an example of a copying apparatus that uses a photosensitive material for transferring images and has a transparent original light source device placed on a document table.

A copying apparatus 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a transparent original light source device (hereinafter referred to as a proof) 12 and a copying apparatus main body 14. an exposure device 18 disposed at the top of the housing 16; and a photosensitive material/image receiving material supply section (hereinafter referred to as a supply section) 20 disposed at the side of the housing 16.
, a heat development transfer section 22 disposed on the opposite side of the supply section 20 of the housing 16 , and a heat development transfer section 22 arranged between the supply section 20 and the heat development transfer section 2 .
2, and a mode switching key (or button) for switching modes between transparent original mode and reflective original mode, and a copying key for starting copying, which are necessary for various copying devices. An operating section 26 has operation keys for selection, setting, switching, etc., and operations of each part of the copying apparatus main body 14 according to inputs from the operating section 26 and outputs from various sensors provided on the copying apparatus main body 14. and a control section 28 that controls the.

The proof 12 is placed on the document table 30 of the copying machine main body 14 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and
This is for irradiating a transparent original 32 placed on or close to the upper part of the original platen 30 so that the image of the transparent original 32 is exposed to the photosensitive material A by the exposure device 18 of the main body 14 of the apparatus. , basically, the housing 34 and this housing 3
A light source 36 for exposing a transparent original 36 that illuminates the transparent original 32 inside the transparent original 4
, 36 and above the light sources 36, 36, the light source 36
, 36 for reflecting the emitted light toward the transparent original 32, a cooling fan 40 for cooling the inside of the proof 12, a heat absorption filter 42 below the light sources 36, 36, and a heat absorption filter 42 below the light sources 36, 36. Diffusion plate 44 on the side and device main body 14
The light source 36 is composed of a photodetector 46 that detects light emitted from the light detector 46, and a controller 48 that controls turning on and off of the light source 36 in response to a detection signal from the photodetector 46.

The transparent original exposure light source 36 is for illuminating the transparent original 32 placed on the original platen 30, and is supported at both ends by support plates 50 attached to the housing 34. There is. The light source 36 is not particularly limited, but may include a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a rod-shaped light source with a large number of short filaments arranged in the longitudinal direction, a point light source with a single filament arranged in large numbers over the entire surface, etc. A conventionally known light source for exposing a transparent original can be used.

The reflector 38 is a member for reflecting the emitted light emitted behind the light source 36, that is, toward the side opposite to the transparent original 32, toward the transparent original 32.
placed above. Since the inside of the light-shielding casing 34 of the proof 12 is heated to a high temperature by the light source 36, there are problems such as deterioration and deformation of the transparent original 32 made of a heat-resistant material. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a cooling fan 40 that cools the inside of the light-shielding housing 34 and a heat absorption filter 42 that prevents the heat radiated from the light source 36 from being directly irradiated onto the transparent original 32. Depending on the size of 12, it may not be provided.

The diffuser plate 44 eliminates unevenness in the illumination light emitted from the light source 36 and makes it uniform.
Known materials such as opal glass and milky white plastic can be used.

The photodetector 46 is the most characteristic member of the present invention, and is for detecting that the proof 12 itself is placed on the document table 30 of the apparatus main body 14.
Emitted light from the apparatus main body 14 (light from a reflective original exposure light source described later or a light emitting element provided in the exposure apparatus 18,
light from the light emitting device) or reflected light from the device main body 14 (
When a light emitting element or a light emitting device is provided on the proof 12 side), the light is received, photoelectrically converted, and the signal is transmitted to the controller 48. Here, if a light emitting device is not provided on the proof 12 side, it is recommended that the photodetector 46 or the proof 12 itself be provided with a means for reflecting the emitted light from the main body 14, for example, a reflecting plate. preferable. The emitted light and reflected light may be visible light,
It may be infrared or ultraviolet light.

The controller 48 controls at least the exposure apparatus 1 of the apparatus main body 14 based on the detection signal of the photodetector 46.
Any type of device may be used as long as it controls the light source 36 to turn on during the exposure scan of step 8. controller 4
8, for example, turns on the light source 36 immediately or after a predetermined time after receiving the detection signal, and turns on the light source 36 after the elapse of a predetermined time.
It may be configured with a timer set to turn off the light.

As shown in FIG. 3, a power cord 52 is extended from the back side of the proof 12. The power cord 52 is connected to the light source 36, cooling fan 40, and controller 48 within the housing 34. Further, the controller 48 is connected to the light source 36 and the photodetector 46, and turns on (ON) or turns off (OFF) the light source 36 based on the detection signal of the photodetector 46.
do. Here, the cooling fan 40 is turned on (ON) and turned off (
OFF) may also be controlled by the controller 48.

An exposure device 18, which is one of the characteristic features of the present invention, is disposed below the document table 30 on which the proof 12 is placed, that is, above the housing 16 of the apparatus main body 14. Housing 16 of copying device main body 14
A document table 30 disposed on the top surface is made of transparent glass or the like on which a transparent document 32 and a reflective document 54 are placed. When copying the reflective original 54, as shown in FIG. be done.

As shown in FIG. 2, below the document table 30,
A reflective original exposure light source 58, a reflector 60 in which a slit 60a is formed, and a slit 60a on the reflector 60
A light emitting element 62a and a light receiving element 62 provided on both sides of the
b. A light source unit integrally configured with a mirror 64 is disposed. In the case of a reflective original 54, this light source unit illuminates the reflective original 54 with a light source 58 as shown in FIG. In the case of a transparent original 32, the light source 58 is turned off as shown in FIG. 2, and the transparent original 32 illuminated by the light sources 36, 36 in the proof 12 is scanned. The reflected light emitted by the light source 58 and reflected by the reflective original 54 and the transmitted light emitted by the light sources 36 and 36 and transmitted through the transparent original 32 are both the first
The light enters the mirror 64, is reflected by the mirror 64, and is directed toward the mirror unit. Here, as the light source 58 for exposing the reflective original, any light source that can be used as a light source for exposing the reflective original of a normal copying machine, such as a halogen lamp, can be used. Further, the photointerrupter 62, which includes a light emitting element 62a and a light receiving element 62b, is a means for detecting that the proof 12 is placed on the document table 30.
It is configured such that the light emitted from the light emitting element 62a is received by the light receiving element 62b only when the light is reflected by the proof 12. Therefore, the light emitting element 62a, the light receiving element 62b
The arrangement position and angle of the proof 12, as well as the reflection direction of the proof 12, etc., need to be selected as appropriate.

The reflected light reflected by the first mirror 64 (the reflected light from the reflective original 54 or the transmitted light from the transparent original 32) then enters the mirror unit and is reflected along the optical path L in a predetermined direction. The mirror unit has two mirrors 66a.
and 66b are integrally constructed, and are configured to move in the same direction as the light source unit described above at 1/2 the speed.

A variable aperture 68 for adjusting the exposure amount and a lens unit 70 are arranged behind the mirror unit in the optical path L. The variable diaphragm 68 basically consists of a plate cam 67 having an opening 67a and a pair of diaphragm plates 68a and 68b. Adjust the amount of light that passes through the reflected light that has traveled through L. The amount of light passing through is adjusted by the variable aperture 68, and the reflected light traveling along the optical path L is then passed through the lens unit 7.
0.

The lens unit 70 is a combination of an imaging lens for forming an image of the reflected light from the reflective original 54 and the transmitted light from the transparent original 32 onto the photosensitive material A being conveyed, and a color filter for adjusting light quality. From the front of the optical path L, a front lens group 70a as an imaging lens, a first color filter plate 70b,
Fixed aperture 70c, second color filter 70d, rear lens group 7
0e is arranged. The first and second color filter plates 70b and 70d are made of, for example, a transparent glass plate, and have a transparent central part and vapor-deposited color filter films of different colors on both sides.For example, the first color filter plate 70b has C (cyan) and Y (yellow) color filters, and the second color filter plate 70d has C (cyan) and M (magenta) color filters, respectively. The first and second color filter plates 70b and 70d are used to adjust the quality of reflected light traveling along the optical path L by adjusting the amounts Y, M, and C of each color filter inserted into the optical path L. be.

Behind the lens unit 70 on the optical path L,
Mirrors 72a, 72b, and 72c are arranged to reflect reflected light in a predetermined direction. The reflected light that has traveled along the optical path L is reflected in a predetermined direction by each of these mirrors, travels along the optical path L, and forms an image on the photosensitive material A that is being scanned and conveyed at a predetermined position in the exposure section 80. Expose material A.

A movable mirror 76 is arranged behind the mirror 72c to switch the optical path of the reflected light between the exposure unit 80 side and the image sensor 74 side. During normal exposure, the movable mirror 76 is moved by a known means and is in a state of being retracted from the optical path L, but it can also be used for white balance adjustment,
During pre-scanning, it moves to the illustrated position and is inserted into the optical path L, and reflects the reflected light to the image sensor 74.

The image sensor 74 measures the amount and quality of reflected light during white balance adjustment and pre-scanning, and includes a red (R) sensor, a green (G) sensor,
It has a built-in blue (B) sensor. Here, one sensor for each color may be used, but a total of six optical sensors that measure the light intensity of two wavelengths for each color may be used.

Further, the variable diaphragm 68 and the lens unit 70 each have a variable diaphragm 67 for adjusting the amount of light passing therethrough and a filter for each color, based on the measurement results of the image sensor 72 and in accordance with preset copying conditions. In order to adjust the light quality (the amount of light passing through each color filter) by plates Y, M, and C, the aperture D and the amount of insertion of color filters Y, M, and C (
An adjustment device 78 that adjusts Y, M, C) is connected.

The supply unit 20 is loaded with a photosensitive material magazine 82 for storing a wound photosensitive material A, and an image receiving material magazine 84 for storing a wound image receiving material C. The material magazine 84 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the right side of the housing 16 in the drawing.

Further, the photosensitive material magazine 82 is configured to be completely shielded from light when stored in the housing 16, so that the photosensitive material A is not inadvertently exposed. It looks like this.

In the illustrated example, photosensitive material A requires a heat development process as described above, and an image is transferred and formed on image-receiving material C having an image-receiving layer in the presence of an image-forming solvent such as water. It has a photosensitive silver halide, a binder, a dye-donating substance, a reducing agent, etc. on its body. In the illustrated copying apparatus 10, the photosensitive material A is wound so that its photosensitive surface faces downward, and the photosensitive material magazine 82
will be stored in.

Image-receiving material C is formed by coating a dye fixing material containing a mordant on a support. Image-receiving material C has a width narrower than that of photosensitive material A,
Further, it is wound so that the image forming surface faces upward and is stored in an image receiving material magazine 84.

Pairs of pull-out rollers 86 and 88 are arranged in front of the photosensitive material magazine 82 and the image-receiving material magazine 84, respectively, corresponding to their exits. Cutters 90 and 92 are arranged to cut to length. here,
Image-receiving material C is cut somewhat shorter than photosensitive material A to facilitate subsequent peeling after thermal development transfer.

Pull-out roller pair 86 corresponding to photosensitive material A
After the cutter 90 is operated, the cutter 90 is reversed to a position where the leading end of the photosensitive material A is slightly clamped, thereby preventing the leading end of the photosensitive material A from being unnecessarily exposed to light and being deteriorated. Further, the pair of pull-out rollers 88 corresponding to the image-receiving material C releases the grip of the image-receiving material C after the cutter 92 is operated, thereby preventing damage to the leading end of the image-receiving material C.

At the rear of the cutter 90 (hereinafter, the rear means the downstream side in the direction of conveyance of the photosensitive material A and the image-receiving material C), there is an exposure section 80, and behind it there is a guide, a pair of rollers, and a flapper. A reversing section 94 forming a loop-shaped conveyance path is arranged. Photosensitive material A drawn out by a pair of drawing rollers 86 and cut into a predetermined length by a cutter 90
Once passes through the exposure section 80 and is turned upside down at the reversing section 94, it is transported again to the exposure section 80 and exposed by the exposure device 18, which will be described later.

The exposure section 80 includes a pair of transport rollers 96 and 9.
8, an exposure surface glass 100 that defines the transportation path and exposure position of the photosensitive material A disposed between the pair of transportation rollers 96 and 98;
It is composed of a pressing plate 102 that presses the. In other words, the photosensitive material A is held between the exposure glass 100 and the press plate 102 and is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 96 and 98 to the reversing section 94, and the photosensitive surface is turned upward at the reversing section 94. It is then reversed and conveyed again to the exposure section 80, and while being conveyed in the same manner, it is scanned and exposed by the exposure device 18.

The photosensitive material A that has been exposed by the exposure device 18 in the exposure section 80 is inverted in a second reversing section 104 consisting of a loop-shaped conveyance guide so that the photosensitive surface faces downward. The water is conveyed to the water application section 24 through a conveyance path 106 consisting of a pair of rollers and a guide roller. The water application section 24 is for applying water as an image forming solvent to the exposed photosensitive material A, and is connected to the application tank 1.
08, a pair of transport rollers 110 disposed in front of the coating tank 108, a pair of squeeze rollers 112 disposed after the coating tank 108, and a water replenishment tank (not shown).

In addition, in the illustrated example, the coating tank 108
A conveyance guide 114 for the photosensitive material A is arranged opposite to the conveyance guide 114 for the photosensitive material A. The photosensitive material A conveyed from the reversing section 104 is conveyed to the coating tank 108 by a pair of conveyance rollers 110, and is coated with water, which is an image forming solvent, while being conveyed between the coating tank 108 and the conveyance guide 114, and squeezed. roller pair 112
Excess water is removed in the process and the product is transported to the next process.

A supply line (not shown) having a pump and a filter and an overflow line (not shown) comprising a water tank and a filter are connected between the coating tank 108 and the replenishment tank. 108
Water is supplied from the replenishment tank 108, while excess water in the coating tank 108 is discharged to the replenishment tank. Note that the image forming solvent in the present invention is not limited to water, and may be a mixture of water and a low boiling point solvent such as methanol, DMF, acetone, or isobutyl ketone. Further, it is preferable that the replenishment tank contains not only an image forming solvent but also an antifoaming agent.

A thermal development transfer section 2 is located behind the water application section 24.
2 is placed. On the other hand, the image receiving material magazine 84 of the supply section
The image-receiving material C is pulled out and cut into a predetermined length by the cutter 92, and is conveyed along a conveyance path 116 consisting of a pair of conveyance rollers and a conveyance guide, and conveyed to the thermal development transfer section 22.

A bonding roller 118 is disposed at the entrance of the thermal development transfer section 22, and bonds the water-coated photosensitive material A and the transported image-receiving material C. Here, the photosensitive material A and the image-receiving material C are pasted together so that the photosensitive material A is approximately 5 mm in front.

A pair of registration rollers 120 is arranged in front of the bonding roller 118 on the conveyance path of the image-receiving material C, and a sensor (not shown) detects the position of the image-receiving material C.
It is constructed so that a photosensitive material A and an image receiving material C are bonded together at a predetermined position.

The thermal development transfer section 22 includes a heating drum 124 containing a halogen lamp 122 as a heat source, and four belt support rollers 126, 126 that are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the heating drum 124 at an angle of approximately 270°. ,12
6 and 126, and heats the photosensitive material A and the image receiving material C in a bonded state. By this heating, the latent image on the photosensitive material A formed by exposure in the above-mentioned exposure section 80 is developed and transferred to the image receiving material C to develop color.

The thermal development transfer section 22 includes a first peeling claw 132 and a guide roller 134 that peel the photosensitive material A from the image-receiving material C and convey it to the waste tray 130, and a guide roller 134 that peels the photosensitive material A from the image-receiving material C and transports the image-receiving material C from the heating drum 124. Peel it off and remove it from tray 1.
36 and the second peeling claw 138 and guide roller 14
0 is placed.

Heating drum 124 and endless belt 128
The photosensitive material A and the image-receiving material C that have been heat-transferred are first peeled off by the first peeling claw 132, and then this photosensitive material A is conveyed toward the waste tray 130 by the guide roller 134, and then conveyed. It is conveyed by a pair of rollers 142 and cutter 1
After being shredded at 44, it is discarded into a waste tray 130. On the other hand, the image receiving material C remaining on the heating drum 124 is removed from the second peeling claw 13 by further rotation of the heating drum 124.
8, it is peeled off from the heating drum 124 and transferred to the guide roller 14.
0 toward the take-out tray 136, and is discharged onto the take-out tray 136 by a pair of transport rollers 146.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 26 includes a main switch 148 for turning the main power on and off, and a transparent original mode for copying at least a transparent original 32 and a reflective original 5.
4, a copy key 152 for the user to copy in each mode, and various known operation keys 154. The operation unit 26 also displays the on/off state, mode, copying state, and operation state of each switch, and the presence or absence of the proof 12 by the photointerrupter 62, which is composed of a light emitting element 62a and a light receiving element 62b of the exposure device 18. The copying apparatus main body 14 also includes a display section 156 for displaying various necessary displays.

The control unit 28 includes a CPU 158 and a ROM 16.
0 and RAM 162, and in the transparent original mode, upon receiving the detection signal of the proof 12 from the photointerrupter 62, the scanning system of the exposure device 18, that is, the light source unit having the first mirror 64 and the second and third mirrors 66a, In addition to controlling the operations of the mirror unit 66b and the transport roller pair 96, 98 for transporting the photosensitive material A, the light source 5
8, performs necessary control on the copying machine main body 14 based on on/off of various switches, displays on the display unit 156, and displays Y, M, and C from the image sensor 74 by pre-scanning. The optimum copying conditions (image forming conditions) are calculated based on the color density signal, and the adjustment amounts of the Y, M and C filters (the adjustment amounts of the first and second color filter plates 72b and 72d) are calculated based on the calculation results. insertion amount) and adjustment amount of aperture D (variable aperture 68 (aperture plates 68a and 68b)
In addition to controlling the opening degree of the copying machine main body 1
Each part necessary for 4, such as exposure system, transport system, sensitive material supply unit,
It controls the operation of the thermal development transfer section, etc. Therefore, although not shown, the control unit 28 is not only electrically connected to each part as necessary, but also electrically connected to various sensors arranged in each part. .

One of the characteristics of the copying apparatus 10 according to the first aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is that there is no signal line for transmitting various control signals between the proof 12 and the copying apparatus main body 14, and these are completely independent electrically. Therefore, when copying the transparent original 32, in the apparatus main body 14, the transparent original mode is selected using the mode switching key 150, the original pressure plate 56 for reflective originals is opened or removed, and the transparent original 32 is placed on the original table 30. After placing the proof 12 on top of the proof 12 with the power cord 54 plugged into an appropriate outlet, the copy key 152 of the main body 14 of the device is inserted.
By simply pressing , it is possible to detect that a proof is placed on the document table 30 and automatically form an image on the transparent document 32.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the proof detection means on the document table of the apparatus main body and the means for detecting that the proof itself is placed on the document table (proof body detection means) are as shown in FIG. The present invention is not limited to the photodetector 46 of the proof 12 and the photointerrupter 62 (62a, 62b) of the device main body 14 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. It can be anything. In other words, it is necessary to provide light detection means on the proof side and the main body side, but a light emitting source such as a light emitting element or a light source that emits light in a specific direction or wavelength (characteristic) towards these light detection means is They may be provided on the opposite side to the side where each light detection means is installed, or may be provided on the same side. Here, the light emitting source on one side may emit light after the light emitted from the light emitting source on the other side is detected by the light detection means. In addition, a light emitting source is provided only on one side, and the emitted light is directly incident on the light detecting means on the opposite side, and the light reflected by the opposite side is incident on the light detecting means on the same side. You may also do so. The light source on the apparatus main body side may be a light source for exposing a reflective original.

A specific example of a combination of these light detecting means and a light emitting source includes a light emitting element provided in the main body of the apparatus and emitting a light beam toward a proof placed on the document table; proof detection means of the main body of the device consisting of a photodetector that detects the reflected light beam; and detection means of the proof itself consisting of a photodetector that detects the light beam emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the main body detection of the proof. You may also use a combination of means. Of course, the proof detection means of the main body of the apparatus may be constituted by a photointerrupter in which the light emitting element and the photodetector are integrated. Further, both of the detection means may be composed of photointerrupters. In addition, a reflective original exposure light source is used as a light source on the apparatus main body side, a photodetector for detecting the emitted light is used as the main body detection means of the proof, and a photodetector for detecting the reflected light from the proof of the emitted light is used in the apparatus. It may also be used as proof detection means for the main body.

[0065] When copying a transparent original, the light source for exposing the reflective original must be turned off, but this time of turning off the light is the time when the mode is switched from the reflective original (copy) mode to the transparent original (copy) mode. It may be at the time (light source off mode) or at the time when copying operation of a transparent original is started (light source for exposing the transparent original is turned on) (light source on mode). In particular, when a reflective original exposure light source is used as the detection light source, it is preferable to turn off the light at the start of the copying operation of the transparent original. by the way,
The scanning system (reflection document scanning system) of the exposure device of the main body of the apparatus is preferably configured to perform pre-scanning especially when a proof detection means is attached to the light source unit or in a light source on mode using the light source.

The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is basically constructed as described above, and its operation will be described below with reference to the copying apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. Here, Figure 6 is Figure 1
7 is a flowchart showing the exposure operation control of the transparent original 32 by the control unit 28 of the apparatus main body 14 of the copying apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. controller 48
3 is a flowchart showing exposure operation control according to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the copying apparatus 1
0, the user turns on the main switch 148,
First, place the transparent original 32 at a predetermined position on the original table 30 of the main body 14 of the apparatus, then plug the power cord 52 of the proof 12 into an outlet, and place the proof 12 on the original table 30 so as to cover the transparent original 32. Place it on. At this time, both light sources 36 and 58 are turned off. Next, the user
As shown in FIG.
4. Switch the copy mode from the reflective original (copy) mode to the transparent original (copy) mode. Here, if the transparent original mode is not set and the proof 12 is not selected, a normal reflective original type copying operation is performed. Note that switching of the copy mode using the mode switching key 150 may be performed before placing the transparent original 32 and the proof 12 on the original platen 30.

After the above preparations are completed, when the user presses the copy key 152, in the illustrated light source off mode, the light emitting element 62a of the photointerrupter 62 attached to the exposure device 18 of the apparatus main body 14 emits light. As shown in FIG. 7, on the proof 12 side, the photodetector 46 detects this emitted light and detects that the proof 12 is correctly placed on the document table 30 of the apparatus main body 14. The emitted light is reflected toward the photodetector (light receiving element) 62b of the photointerrupter 62 of the device main body 14. Here, on the apparatus main body 14 side, the photodetector 62b detects this reflected light and detects that the proof 12 is correctly placed on the document table 30. After the detection, the light emitting element 62a of the photointerrupter 62 stops emitting light. if,
When the proof 12 is not placed on the document table 30, the controller 28 controls the display 1 on the device main body 14 side.
50, and the proof 12 ends the control of the controller 48.

By the way, in the case of the light source on mode in which the reflective original exposure light source 58 is used as a light source for proof detection, the light source 58 is turned on when the copy key 152 is pressed by the user, and the light source unit including this light source 58 is turned on. Start pre-scanning. During pre-scanning, in the proof 12, the light emitted from the light source 58 is detected by the photodetector 46, and in the apparatus main body 14, the light reflected by the proof 12 of the emitted light is detected by the photodetector.
2 is placed on the document table 30. After this, when the pre-scan ends, the light source 58 is turned off and the scanning system of the exposure apparatus 18 including the light source unit returns to the home position.

As shown in FIG. 7, on the proof 12 side,
Upon detection by the photodetector 46, the controller 48 starts a timer and turns on the light source 3 of the proof 12 after a predetermined time.
6 and 36 are turned on, and on the apparatus main body 14 side, the exposure device 18 is turned on.
starts scanning the transparent original 32 illuminated by the light sources 36, 36 of the proof 12, and starts exposing the photosensitive material A. At this time, the movable mirror 76 of the exposure device 18 is retracted from the optical path L, and the photosensitive material A is pulled out from the magazine 82 and cut into a predetermined length by the cutter 90.
being transported to 0.

Here, the transmitted light carrying the image emitted by the light sources 36 and 36 and transmitted through the transparent original 32 is transmitted to the first mirror 64 of the light source unit which moves at the scanning speed, and moves at a speed 1/2 of the scanning speed. It is reflected by the second and third mirrors 66a and 66b of the mirror unit, and the variable aperture 6
After the light quantity is adjusted by 8 and the color is adjusted by the lens unit 70, it travels along the optical path L and is exposed to the mirrors 72a and 72.
b, 72c, and exposes the photosensitive material A sandwiched between conveyance rollers 96, 98 in synchronization with the moving scanning speed of the light source unit. In this way, the copying operation by the exposure device 18 is performed.

When the exposure scan of the exposure device 18 is completed, the scanning system such as the light source unit and mirror unit of the exposure device 18 returns to the home position on the main body 14 side, and the exposure operation control by the control section 28 is completed. On the proof 12 side, the light sources 36, 36 are turned off, and the exposure operation control by the controller 48 is completed.

When the exposure is completed, the photosensitive material A is transferred to the reversal section 1.
At 04, it is reversely conveyed and transferred to the water application section 2 with the photosensitive surface facing downward.
4, and while being transported by a pair of transport rollers 110 and a pair of squeeze rollers 112, it passes through a coating tank 108 and is coated with water, which is an image forming solvent. Note that excess water applied in the application tank 108 is removed by a pair of squeeze rollers 112.

On the other hand, the image receiving material C is stored in the image receiving material magazine 84.
The sheet is pulled out by a pair of pull-out rollers 88, cut into a predetermined length by a cutter 92, conveyed by a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers, and made to stand by at a predetermined position by a pair of registration rollers 118.

[0075] When the photosensitive material A is conveyed to a predetermined position,
The registration roller pair 118 starts conveying the image receiving material C,
The photosensitive material A and the image-receiving material C are bonded together by a bonding roller 120 .

The photosensitive material A and the image-receiving material C, which have been pasted together by the pasting roller 120, are conveyed while being held between the heating drum 124 and the endless belt 128 in the thermal development transfer section 22.
The latent image carried by the photosensitive material A is thermally developed and transferred to the image-receiving material C to develop color.

Next, the photosensitive material A is removed using the first peeling claw 132.
is peeled off from the image-receiving material C, guided by a guide roller 134, conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 142, and cut by a cutter 144.
It is shredded and discarded in the waste tray 130. on the other hand,
The image receiving material C on which the transparent original image is formed is removed by the second peeling claw 13
8, it is peeled off from the heating drum 124 and transferred to the guide roller 14.
0, is transported by a pair of transport rollers 146, and is discharged onto a take-out tray 136.

Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the copying apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this embodiment, when the size of the proof 12 is small, the light source 36 for exposing the transparent original of the proof 12,
36 and the reflective original exposure light source 58 of the apparatus main body 14, the illuminance distribution on the original surface is made flat. That is, light source 3
The light distribution characteristics on the document table 30 of the light source 58 are made flat over the entire surface of the proof 12, and the light distribution characteristics on the document table 30 of the light source 58 are
The light distribution characteristics shown above are made flat over the entire surface of the slit 60a (that is, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the light source 58).

Therefore, in order to correct the resulting decrease in the amount of peripheral light, that is, to correct based on the fourth power law of COS,
The apparatus main body 14 is provided with a correction mask 164 as shown in FIG. Although the position where this correction mask is provided is not particularly limited, it is preferably provided within the fixed aperture 70c, the variable aperture 68, or the lens unit 70, or before and after the fixed aperture 70c. The correction mask may be configured by combining the fixed aperture 70c, the variable aperture 68, etc.

In this way, since the illuminance distribution on the document surface of the light source 36 of the proof 12 and the light source 58 of the apparatus main body 14 is made flat, in the copying apparatus of the present invention, the illuminance distribution of the proof 12
Regardless of how the proof 12 is placed on the document table 30, for example, whether the proof 12 is placed vertically or horizontally, a uniform and good image can be formed on the transparent original 32 as well as on the reflective original 54. In addition, the document table 30 is divided into multiple parts, and the proof 1
The proof 12 and the device that copy the transparent original 32 using the proof 12 are placed on the part where the proof 2 is placed, and place the reflective original 54 or a three-dimensional object in the area where the proof 12 is not placed, and copy these. It is also possible to carry out simultaneous exposure of the main body 14, or to perform multiple exposure in which the transparent original 32 is first copied using the proof 12, and then the reflective original 54 is copied again using the apparatus main body 14. The copying order of the above simultaneous exposure and multiple exposure may be reversed. Furthermore, multiple proofs 12 can be exposed simultaneously or multiple times on the document table 30.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described above in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be applied to various image forming apparatuses, such as image forming apparatuses using wet development, image forming apparatuses using heat-sensitive and pressure-sensitive photosensitive materials, and electrophotographic image forming apparatuses. Depending on the photosensitive material or image-receiving material, such as resin photosensitive material, heat-developable photosensitive material, heat-sensitive photosensitive material, etc., processing tanks including exposure equipment, development, fixing, and water washing tanks, pressure transfer equipment, heat development equipment, and heat-sensitive development are used. Depending on the device, electrophotographic photosensitive material, or photoreceptor, it may be equipped with any processing device necessary for image formation, such as a charging device, an exposure device, and a developing device. In the case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, charging conditions, exposure conditions, and development conditions can be set as image forming conditions.

In the above embodiments, an image forming apparatus using a photosensitive material and an image receiving material was described as a representative example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a so-called mono-sheet type image forming apparatus in which this photosensitive material is developed and fixed to carry a visible reproduced image on the photosensitive material itself. Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be a copying apparatus or a color printer. Further, the exposure method is not limited to the light source moving type scanning exposure shown in the illustrated example, but can also be applied to document table moving type scanning exposure or surface exposure.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and it goes without saying that various changes and improvements may be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0084]

According to the first aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, by simply placing the transparent original light source device together with the transparent original on the document table of the main body of the apparatus and plugging the power cord into an outlet, the image forming apparatus Images can be formed on transparent originals as easily as on originals. That is, since the device main body and the light source device can be electrically completely independent,
When forming images on transparent originals, there is no need to attach or detach the troublesome signal cord, and the cord does not get in the way when stored, making it easy to operate and eliminating the need to increase the electrical capacity of the device itself.
Equipment configuration can be efficiently improved.

Further, in the case where the light source for exposing the reflective original is used as the light source for detection, there is no need to provide a separate light source. In addition, in a device that performs pre-scanning using a scanning system in the main body of the device, it is possible to detect the placement position and state of the light source device by making measurements from time to time. Image receiving materials etc. can be used effectively.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the illuminance distribution of the light source for exposing transparent originals and reflective originals at the position of the original surface is made flat, so that the light source device can be placed on the original table at any time. In addition to vertical and horizontal placement, simultaneous exposure and multiple exposure using the device main body and the light source device can be performed, and uniform images can be obtained in both cases. Therefore, according to the present invention, a uniform image can be formed regardless of the size, shape, and mounting position of the light source device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a copying apparatus which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a transparent original light source device of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and an exposure device of the copying apparatus main body; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway top view of the transparent original light source device of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reflection original exposure device of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system of the main body of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart on the apparatus main body side specifically showing one embodiment of transparent original exposure operation control of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart on the side of a transparent original light source device specifically showing one embodiment of transparent original exposure operation control of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a correction mask attached to the exposure device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 Copying device 16
Housing 18 Exposure device
20 Photosensitive material/image receiving material supply section 22 Heat development transfer section 24 Water application section 26 Operation section
28 Control unit 30 Original table
32 Transparent original 34 Housing
36 Transparent original exposure light source 38 Reflector 40
Cooling fan 42 Heat absorption filter 4
4 Diffusion plate 46 Photodetector
48 Controller 50 Support plate
52 Power cord 54 Reflective original 56 Original pressure plate 58 Reflective original exposure light source 60 Reflector 62 Photo interrupter 62a Light emitting element 62b Light receiving element 64
, 66a, 66b mirror

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a reflective original, and a transparent original light source device placed on a document table of the image forming apparatus main body and used for forming an image on a transparent original. The image forming apparatus main body includes:
means for switching between at least a reflective original mode in which an image is formed on the reflective original and a transparent original mode in which the transparent original light source device forms an image on the transparent original, and the transparent original light source placed on the original table; and means for turning off a light source for exposing a reflective original at least during exposure of a transparent original in the transparent original mode, and the transparent original light source device itself has An image forming apparatus comprising: means for detecting that the document is placed on a document table of the main body; and means for turning on a light source for exposing a transparent document based on a detection signal from the detecting means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflective original exposure light source is turned off when the switching means switches to the transparent original mode, and the transparent original light source device of the image forming apparatus main body is detected. The means includes a light emitting element that emits a light beam toward the transparent original light source device on the document table, and a photodetector that detects the light beam reflected by the transparent original light source device, and An image forming apparatus characterized in that the detection means of the apparatus itself is a photodetector that detects the light beam. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent original light source device detection means of the image forming apparatus main body and the detection means of the transparent original light source device itself are both photointerrupters. image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means of the transparent original light source device itself is a photodetector that detects the light emitted from the reflective original exposure light source, and An image forming apparatus characterized in that the transparent original light source device detection means of the image forming apparatus main body is a photodetector that detects the reflected light of the emitted light by the transparent original light source device. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflective original exposure light source is configured to be turned off when the switching means switches to the transparent original mode. An image forming apparatus characterized by: 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source for exposing the reflective original is configured to detect the light source for exposing the transparent original based on the detection signal of the transparent original light source device detection means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is configured so that a light source is turned on and turned off almost simultaneously. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit including the reflective original exposure light source and the reflective mirror is configured to perform pre-scanning. Device. 8. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a reflective original; and a transparent original light source device placed on a document table of the image forming apparatus main body and used for forming an image on a transparent original. The reflective original exposure light source of the image forming apparatus main body and the transparent original exposure light source of the transparent original light source device are both configured so that the light amount distribution thereof is uniform over the entire surface at the original surface position, An image forming apparatus comprising a peripheral light amount correction means in an exposure device of the image forming apparatus main body.