JPH10171038A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming device capable of dieling with the various kinds of formats and constituted so that up-images such as a 2-up image or a 4-up image (images obtained by arranging plural images on one photographic paper) can be easily formed by exposing the image of an original on a photosensitive material by using an image forming means selected by switching plural image forming means. SOLUTION: By driving a motor 362, a switching substrate 361 can be moved in a direction that the linear image is extended by being guided by a guide 363 on a condition that the plural image forming means 353-355 are loaded. Therefore, the plural image forming means 353-355, whose focal distances are different can be selectively used by controlling the motor 362 to be normally rotated or reversely rotated. By moving a V-mirror 32 and the image forming means 35, magnification can be changed by changing the length of an optical path with the image forming means 35 as a center and the plural image forming means 353-355, whose focal distances are different can be selectively used besides.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for performing a scanning exposure, and more particularly, to a method in which a linear image projected or transmitted through or reflected by an original and a photosensitive material are relatively moved to expose the image of the original. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that scans and exposes a material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus for exposing an original (for example, a photographic film such as a color negative film, a reversal film, and a monochrome film; hereinafter, also referred to as a photographic film) onto a photosensitive material such as a color paper as a photographic paper is used. There is a static exposure type that illuminates the entire surface of one frame of the film and exposes the entire surface of the photosensitive material on the photosensitive material by light transmitted through the photographic film. In this static exposure type image forming apparatus, the arrangement of the optical system is linear in order to form an image of a photographic film on a photosensitive material, resulting in an increase in the size of the apparatus.

In order to reduce the size of the apparatus, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
A scanning exposure type image forming apparatus as described in JP-A-216636 has been developed. In the image forming apparatus described in this publication, the change of the projection magnification (hereinafter, also simply referred to as magnification) is performed by adjusting the image forming distance by the lens unit and the mirror, and by the relative speed of the original (photographic film) and the photosensitive material. Has been made.

[0004]

By the way, photographic films include 110, 120, 135, IX240 (AP
There are various formats (sizes) such as S). Also,
E, L, postcards, cabinets, 2L, 2
L wide, 6 cut, 4 cut, panorama, high definition,
2up (two identical images are arranged on one photographic paper), 4u
There are various formats (sizes) such as p (four identical images are arranged on one photographic paper). An image forming apparatus that exposes an image of a photographic film onto a photosensitive material is designed to be able to cope with various formats of these photographic films and various formats of photographic paper as much as possible. In order to support these various formats, it is necessary that various magnifications can be selected first.

[0005] However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 3-2166 discloses such a method.
In the image forming apparatus described in JP-A-36-36, since the magnification is changed as described above, the magnification is limited, and it is difficult to support various formats.

Accordingly, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus which can cope with various formats.

Further, the present invention provides a 2up image or 4up image.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus capable of easily forming an up image (an image in which a plurality of the same images are lined up on one photographic paper) such as the above image.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image of an original is scanned by scanning the original and relatively moving a linear image projected or transmitted through or reflected from the original and the photosensitive material. In an image forming apparatus that scans and exposes a photosensitive material,
A plurality of image forming means capable of forming an image of a light beam transmitted or reflected on a document on a photosensitive material, and a switching means for selectively switching the plurality of image forming means; Since the image of the original is exposed on the photosensitive material by the selected image forming means, a variable projection magnification is provided, and a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus corresponding to various formats is provided. it can.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, the plurality of image forming means are juxtaposed substantially in parallel with the direction in which the linear image extends, and the switching means controls the direction in which the linear image extends. The image forming apparatus can be configured to be compact.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the original is scanned, and the linear image projected or transmitted by the image forming means and the linear image projected or projected by the image forming means are relatively moved, so that the image of the original is scanned. In an image forming apparatus that scans and exposes a photosensitive material, the imaging unit projects a plurality of linear images on the photosensitive material in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the relative movement.
Since a plurality of lenses having substantially the same focal length are provided, an up image in which the same images are arranged in the direction in which the linear image extends can be easily formed.

Further, according to the present invention, the linear images projected by the plurality of lenses are subjected to scanning exposure on the photosensitive material so as not to overlap each other. Each of the images formed thereon is positioned independently, facilitating subsequent cutting and the like.

Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 5, the plurality of lenses are arranged at a predetermined lens interval in a direction in which the linear image extends. The image forming apparatus can be made compact.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, since the distance between the plurality of lenses is variable, each image formed on the photosensitive material is arranged at an appropriate position. Can be.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7,
Since the lens interval changes according to the projection magnification, images can be independently arranged at appropriate positions in various formats.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a light-shielding means for shielding an overlapping image of the linear images projected by the plurality of lenses, so that the linear image is formed on a photosensitive material. Each of the images to be cut is positioned independently, thereby facilitating subsequent cutting and the like.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same document is scanned and exposed a plurality of times to form a plurality of document images on the photosensitive material in the relative movement direction. The required number of up images can be easily formed in the relative movement direction.

Further, in the invention according to claim 10, the relative movement is stopped or the relative movement at the time of exposure is stopped during a period from the end of the scanning exposure to the start of the scanning of the next exposure. Because it is characterized by making it slower than the speed,
The images in the relative movement direction do not extend, and can be arranged at appropriate positions.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, of the plurality of scanning exposures, the light for transmitting or reflecting the original is turned off or the original is turned off from the end of the scanning exposure to the start of the next scanning exposure. It is characterized by shielding light so as not to project light transmitted or reflected on the photosensitive material, so that no extra image is formed between images in the relative movement direction,
Good images can be obtained.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. In the following description, a case where a photographic film is used as a document will be described.

In the image forming apparatus 1, a photographic film F and a photosensitive material P are relatively moved, and a linear image transmitted or reflected by the photographic film F extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction is converted into a photosensitive material. This is a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus that performs scanning exposure by projecting on P, and includes light irradiation means 10, film moving means 20, optical means 30, transport means 40, back printing means 47, developing means 50, and drying means 55. , Sorter 59 and the like.

First, the light irradiating means 10 is a photographic film F
Is a means for irradiating the light. The light irradiating unit 10 is disposed on an upper portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and has a light source 11 that emits white light and a mirror 1 that reflects light emitted from the light source 11.
2, a yellow filter, a magenta filter, and a cyan filter, which are light control means 13 for adjusting the amount of reflected light according to the density of the photographic film F, and a mirror tunnel, which is a diffusion means 14 for diffusing the light whose amount has been adjusted. And The light amount adjustment by the light adjusting means 13 is performed by appropriately changing the insertion amount of each filter into the optical path based on the photometric value, the correction value, and the like of the photographic film F. The light beam emitted from the diffusing unit 14 has its optical path changed by the mirror 12, the light intensity is adjusted by the dimming unit 13, the light amount is made uniform by the diffusing unit 14, and the photographic film is irradiated.

The film moving means 20 disposed on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 keeps the flatness of the photographic film F and holds the photographic film F.
In FIG. 1, the photographic film F
Is moved by one frame. The film moving means 20 also has a function of releasing the holding of the photographic film F and feeding the frame to the next frame. The luminous flux emitted from the light irradiation means 10 transmits through the photographic film F,
The photographic film F moving by the film moving means 20 is scanned, and the photographic film F shown in FIG.
Is guided to the subsequent optical means 30 through the slit 15 which is a linear opening extending in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The film moving means 20 will be described later in detail.

The optical means 30 guides the light beam transmitted through the photographic film F through the slit 15 onto a photosensitive material in a moving state which will be described in detail later, forms an image, and forms a linear image at the exposure position a. Means for projection. This optical means 3
0 is the second mirror provided on the first mirror 31 and the V mirror 32
It has a mirror 321, a third mirror 322, and a fourth mirror 33. The mirror changes the optical path (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) of the light beam transmitted through the photographic film F, and is exposed by the imaging means 35. A linear image transmitted through the photographic film F is projected at the position a. The optical means 30 will be described later in detail.

The first mirror 31 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slit 15 (left-right direction in FIG. 1) by a solenoid or a motor (not shown), and can be retracted from the optical path. When the first mirror retreats from the optical path, the light flux transmitted through the photographic film F by the photometric mirror 341 placed immediately below the slit 15 is
The light is guided to the photometric element 342 for photometry. Photometric element 342
Is an element for measuring the light amount of the light beam transmitted through the photographic film F for each BGR, and is used for adjusting the light amount by the light control means 13 as described above. When performing photometry,
Each filter as the light control means 13 is set at a reference position (for example, fully open (not inserted into the optical path)).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the photographic film F is scanned by moving the photographic film F by the film moving means 20 with the light irradiation means 10 and the optical means 30 fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical means 30 may be moved with respect to the photographic film F to scan the photographic film and obtain an image of the photographic film F. Further, in the present embodiment, the light beam from the light irradiation means 10 is transmitted through the photographic film F. However, the light beam may be reflected by the photographic film F to obtain an image of the photographic film F.

The transport means 40 is provided with a photosensitive material P such as photographic paper.
Is transported to the exposure position a and further transported to the developing unit. The transport means 40 includes a paper feed magazine 41,
It has a paper feed unit 42, a standby unit 43, an exposure unit transport unit 44, a transport path switching unit 46, a switchback unit 45, and the like. The paper feed magazine 41 is a magazine for storing roll-shaped unexposed photosensitive materials. The paper supply unit 42 is a unit that takes out the photosensitive material P stored in the paper supply magazine 41 and cuts the photosensitive material P into a sheet-shaped photosensitive material P having a predetermined length. The sheet supply means 42 includes a pair of sheet supply rollers 421 for taking out the photosensitive material contained in the sheet supply magazine 41 and cutting the taken out photosensitive material P to a predetermined length to form a sheet-like photosensitive material P. And a cutter 423 serving as a cutting means.

The standby means 43 has a plurality of roller pairs,
This is a unit that waits for the photosensitive material P in the form of a sheet before starting exposure and cutting the photosensitive material P. In addition, this standby means 43
The plurality of roller pairs are configured to be capable of pressing and releasing, and are configured to release during exposure of the photosensitive material P and not to apply a load to the photosensitive material P during exposure.

The exposure section transport means 44 is a means for transporting the photosensitive material P during exposure at a predetermined constant speed. During exposure, the photosensitive material P is transported only by the exposure section transport means 44. The exposing section conveying means 44 includes a pair of rollers in both the upper and lower directions in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P with the exposing position a interposed therebetween. The photosensitive material P is moved by the exposing section conveying means 44 so that the linear image projected on the exposure position a extends in a relative movement direction (left and right in FIG. Irradiating means 10, film moving means 2
0, linear images of the photographic film F scanned by the optical means 30 are sequentially exposed. In addition, the exposure unit transport means 44
The transport of the photosensitive material P is accelerated to a predetermined constant speed until the leading end of the photosensitive material P in the moving direction reaches the exposure position a.

The transport path switching means 46 transports the exposed photosensitive material P to the subsequent switchback means 45, and transports the photosensitive material P in the switchback means 45 to the further developing means 50. This is a means for switching the transport route with the route to be performed.

The switchback means 45 is a means for temporarily storing the exposed photosensitive material P, changing the transport direction (changing the leading end in the transport direction), and transporting the photosensitive material P to the developing means 50.
This is because, when developing the exposed photosensitive material P by the developing means 50, the emulsion surface, which is the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive material P, is directed toward the inside of each processing tank, and a guide member (not shown) at the U-turn portion is used. ) To prevent damage. Also,
When the photosensitive material P is directly conveyed to the developing means 50 without passing through the switchback means 45, a jam occurs due to a difference with the conveying speed in the developing means 50, and an unnecessary load is applied to the photosensitive material P during exposure. give. Alternatively, if the length of the transport path is set long enough to suppress the occurrence of a jam and not to apply an unnecessary load to the photosensitive material P during exposure, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

A back printing means 47 is provided between the transport path switching means 46 and the switchback means 45. The back printing unit 47 guides the photosensitive material P accommodated in the switchback unit 45 along the path to the developing unit 50 switched by the transfer path switching unit 46 and transports the photosensitive material P on the rear surface (emulsion). Surface opposite to surface)
The frame number, exposure conditions, and the like are printed on the display.

As described above, in this embodiment, the exposure position a is fixed and the photographic film F projected on the exposure position
Are sequentially exposed on the moving photosensitive material P by the exposing section conveying means 44, and the image of the photographic film F is scanned and exposed on the photosensitive material P. At least the projected line The shape of the image and the photosensitive material P need only be relatively moved.

The developing means 50 is a means for developing the exposed photosensitive material P. The developing means 50 includes a color developing tank 51 for performing color development of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive material P, and a bleaching / fixing tank 5 for bleaching and fixing the color-developed photosensitive layer.
2. Stabilization tank 53 for stabilizing the photosensitive layer and photosensitive material P
Have a plurality of rollers 54 (a part of which is shown) for sequentially transporting these into the tanks 51 to 53.

The drying means 55 is a means for drying the developed photosensitive material P.
A plurality of pairs of rollers (not shown) are transported through the photosensitive rack 56 as a drying unit, and the air heated by the heater 58 is heated by a drying fan 57 as a blowing unit. It is sent into the drying rack 56.

The sorter 59 is means for discharging the dried photosensitive material P out of the image forming apparatus 1 and collating the photosensitive material P on an order-by-order basis.

The operation of forming an image by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

The rolled photosensitive material P stored in the paper feed magazine 41 is fed from the paper feed magazine 41 to a paper feed roller pair 42.
1 and is conveyed by the roller pair of the standby means 43, cut by the cutter 423 into a predetermined length, and becomes a sheet-shaped photosensitive material P. The sheet-shaped photosensitive material P has its leading end in the transport direction exposed to the exposure unit transport unit 4.
In a state where the nip is performed by the roller pair on the upstream side in the transport direction among the four roller pairs, the photographic film F waits at the position of the standby unit 43 until the scanning of the photographic film F is started.

On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the light irradiating means 10 is applied to the photographic film F held by the film moving means 20, and the photographic film F is moved by the film holding means 20 in the scanning direction (right direction in FIG. 1). By moving, the entire image area of one frame of the photographic film F is scanned. The luminous flux transmitted through the photographic film F is transmitted to the first mirror 31, the second mirror 321, the third mirror 322,
The optical path is bent by the fourth mirror 33, and a linear image is projected on the exposure position a by the imaging means 35.

The exposing section conveying means 44 synchronizes the waiting photosensitive material P so that the linear image transmitted through the photographic film F and projected on the exposure position a is exposed on the photosensitive material P. Conveyed. At this time, means for transporting the photosensitive material P other than the exposing section transporting means 44 cancels the pressing of the roller pair on the photosensitive material P by, for example, the standby means 43 so as not to apply a driving force to the photosensitive material P. An image on the photographic film F is exposed on the entire surface of the photosensitive material P being conveyed by the exposing section conveying means 44 in synchronization with the scanning of the photographic film F.

The leading end of the photosensitive material P during exposure is transported to the switchback means 45 by the transport path switching means 46. When the exposure of the photosensitive material P is completed, the transport direction of the photosensitive material P is reversed by the switchback unit 45, and the photosensitive material P is guided to the developing unit 50 by the transport path switching unit 46. At this time, a frame number, exposure conditions, and the like are printed on the back surface of the photosensitive material P by the back printing means 47.

The photosensitive material P conveyed to the developing means 50 is
The photosensitive material P is sequentially conveyed by a plurality of rollers 54 to a color developing tank 51, a bleaching / fixing tank 52, and a stabilizing tank 53 with the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material P inward, and is subjected to a developing process. The photosensitive material P after the development processing is dried while being conveyed by a pair of rollers in the drying rack 56, and is discharged outside the apparatus.
The discharged photosensitive material P is collated by the sorter 59 for each order.

Next, the film moving means 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, the film moving unit 20 moves and holds the photographic film F by one frame in the scanning direction, which is the left-right direction in FIG. Further, it has a function of releasing the holding of the photographic film F and feeding the frame to the next frame. These functions will be described with a specific configuration.

The film moving means 20 includes a feeder 21 which is a film holding means for maintaining the flatness of the photographic film F, which is liable to be curled, and a photographic film F held by the feeder 21 in the scanning direction together with the feeder 21. And a carriage 22 which is a moving unit for moving the F. Thus, the film moving means 2
0 is divided into a feeder 21 and a carriage 22
For photographic film F, 110, 120, 135, IX2
There are various formats such as 40, and the feeder 21 can be exchanged for each format.

The feeder 21 has a crimping plate 211 which is urged in an upward direction, which is a direction of releasing by an elastic force of a spring or the like, which is an elastic means (not shown). The crimping plate 211 is provided with openings 212 corresponding to various formats of the photographic film F.
Reference numeral 1 is driven by a driving member such as a solenoid (not shown) against an elastic force to press the photographic film F in contact with the photographic film F and hold the photographic film F while scanning the photographic film F and maintain the flatness of the photographic film F. When the driving of the driving member is released, the pressure bonding plate 211 releases the pressure bonding of the photographic film F by the elastic force. Also, the feeder 21
A plurality of roller pairs 213 are provided.
Nip photographic film F in between. The plurality of pairs of rollers 213 are positioning means for positioning the frames (frames) of the photographic film F, frame feeding means for feeding the photographic film F in frame units, and insertion / ejection for inserting / ejecting the photographic film F into / from the feeder 21. The crimping plate 2 functions as a discharging unit and is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the feeder 21.
When the pressing of the photographic film F by the photographic film F is released, the photographic film F is driven to perform positioning, frame feeding, and insertion / ejection of the photographic film F to / from the feeder 21. The feeder 21 has an engaging portion 2 that engages with an engaged portion 223 of a carriage base 221 described later.
14 are provided. The solenoid and the motor are connected to a connector 2 provided on the rear side of the feeder 21.
It is driven and controlled by receiving a power supply and a control signal from 15.

The carriage 22 has a carriage base 221 that holds the feeder 21 and is movable in the scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the slit 15). The feeder 21 is provided on the carriage base 221.
An opening 222 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening 212. The opening 222 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 so as to correspond to a plurality of formats of the photographic film F.
The opening is larger than the largest format that can be handled. Further, the carriage base 22
1 includes an engaged portion 223 that engages with the engaging portion 214 of the feeder 21 and a connector 224 that is connected to the connector 215 of the feeder 21. The engaged portion 223 of the carriage base 221 functions as a holding unit that holds the feeder 21, and the feeder 21 is held by the carriage base 221 by engaging with the engaging section 214 of the feeder 21. Further, the carriage base 22
1 is provided with a flexible substrate 225 that is folded back from one end connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and connected to the carriage base 221.
5 and feeders 2 through connectors 224 and 215
Power and control signals are provided to one solenoid or motor.

The carriage 22 includes a pair of guides 226 for guiding the movement of the carriage base 221 and a drive motor 227 for moving the carriage base 221 as moving means for moving the carriage base 221 in the scanning direction. have. The drive motor 227 drives a wire (not shown) suspended on a pulley (not shown) via a gear (not shown), and the drive motor 227 is connected to the carriage base 221. 2
The carriage base 221 is rotated by rotating the
Can reciprocate in the scanning direction. At this time, the carriage base 221 slides on the guide 226 and is guided straight.

The slit 15 and the viewer 17 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 are provided within the moving range (the range of reciprocating movement in the scanning direction) of the opening 222 of the carriage base 221 and below the opening 222. Have been. A shutter 16 is provided below the slit 15 as a light blocking means for opening and closing the slit 15. The shutter 16 is driven by a solenoid (not shown) that is a driving unit. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, light passes through the slit 15 to the subsequent optical means 30. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, light does not pass to the optical means 30. ing. In addition, the viewer 17 is a unit that emits surface light for directly viewing the image of the photographic film F, and emits light emitted from the light emitting unit 171 such as a fluorescent lamp as a surface light source by using a light guide plate or a reflection plate. The luminous flux from the surface light source irradiates the photographic film F held by the feeder 21 so that the user can view it.

The feeder 21 and the carriage base 2
The operation of No. 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an operation in a single mode in which a correction value is input for each frame of the photographic film F and scanning exposure is performed, and FIG. 4 shows a correction value for one order in advance. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an operation in a pre-judgment mode in which input and scanning exposure are continuously performed by the order of the order, and FIG.
Performs scanning exposure of the same frame for a designated number of sheets, or forms the same image on a single sheet of photosensitive material (u
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an operation in a double scanning mode for performing scanning exposure for (p image). 3 to 5, the movement from the state where the photographic film F is already set on the feeder 21 and the feeder 21 is held by the carriage base 221 will be described. Also,
Although the photographic film F is illustrated as having six frames of images recorded as one order, the present invention is not limited to this.
12 frames, 24 frames, 36 frames, or the like may be used.

First, the feeder 21 in the single mode
The operation of the carriage base 221 will be described with reference to FIG.

The first frame of the photographic film F (the image recorded on the left end of the photographic film F hidden by the feeder 21 in the figure) is set on the feeder 21, and the opening 212 of the feeder 21 is positioned above the viewer 17. In this state, the carriage base 221 is stopped (FIG. 3A). Here, the light emitted from the viewer 17 is
The operator transmits the first frame image of the photographic film F, and
Check the image of the first frame. Then, the position of the first frame is adjusted, and a determination is made based on the transmitted image. If correction is necessary such as color feria, the correction value is input.

When the determination or input is completed, the carriage base 221 starts moving for scanning exposure with the feeder 21 holding the photographic film F (the photographic film F is pressed by the pressing plate 211). The user is moved leftward in the figure to the home position, which is the position to be moved (FIG. 3B). During this movement, the opening 21
2 passes over the slit 15, so that the light irradiation means 10
The light intensity of the light flux emitted from the first frame and transmitted through the image of the first frame is measured by the photometric element 342. Prior to this, the first
The mirror 31 is retracted from the optical path so that the light beam passing through the slit 15 is incident on the photometric element 342. When the photometry is completed, the first mirror 31 is returned to the optical path, and the dimming unit 13 is controlled based on the input correction value and the measured photometry value to adjust the light amount.

When the carriage base 221 is moved to the home position, the photosensitive material conveyed by the exposing unit conveying means 44 to the right in the drawing in order to scan the first frame of the image of the photographic film F. The photosensitive material P is moved while being synchronized with P to perform scanning exposure on the photosensitive material P (FIG. 3C).

When the scanning of the image of the first frame of the photographic film F is completed, the carriage base 221 continues to move rightward in the figure as it is, and the feeder 21
The pressing of the photographic film F by the pressing plate 211 is released, and the roller pair 213 is driven so that the second frame of the photographic film F is positioned in the opening 212 to feed the frame (FIG. 3).
(D)).

When the opening 212 of the feeder 21 is positioned above the viewer 17, the carriage base 22
1 is stopped, and when the frame feed by the feeder 21 is completed, the photographic film F is pressed by the pressing plate 211 (FIG. 3E).

As described above, in the single mode, FIG.
(A) to (e) are repeated, that is, a correction value is input for each frame of the photographic film F, and scanning exposure is performed.

Next, the operation of the feeder 21 and the carriage base 221 in the pre-judge mode will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the same case as the above-described single mode, the description may be omitted.

First, similar to the single mode described above,
The first frame of the photographic film F is set on the feeder 21, and the carriage base 221 is stopped in a state where the opening 212 of the feeder 21 is positioned above the viewer 17 (FIG. 4A). Here, the operator checks the image of the first frame. Then, the alignment is performed and a determination is made based on the transmitted image. If necessary, a correction value is input.

When the determination or input of the first frame is completed, the feeder 21 releases the pressing of the photographic film F by the pressing plate 211, and further performs a roller operation so that the second frame of the photographic film F is located in the opening 212. The pair 213 is driven to feed a frame (FIG. 4B). Then, the position of the second frame is determined, determined, and a correction value is input if necessary. This frame feed, alignment, determination, and input of a correction value, if necessary, are repeated for one order of the photographic film F (FIG. 4).
(C). It should be noted that the input correction value and the information on the alignment are stored in the storage means.

When the positioning of all the photographic films F for one order, the judgment, and the input of the correction value if necessary are completed, the feeder 21 is held in a state where the sixth frame of the photographic film F is held in the opening 212. The carriage base 221 is
4 is moved leftward in the figure to a home position where the movement for scanning exposure starts.
(D)). During this movement, the photometric element 342 measures the light amount of the luminous flux transmitted through the sixth frame image. When the photometry is completed, the light control means 13 is controlled based on the correction value of the sixth frame stored in the storage means and the measured photometry value, and the light amount is adjusted.

When the carriage base 221 moves to the home position, the carriage base 21 is moved rightward in the figure while synchronizing with the photosensitive material P in order to scan the sixth frame image of the photographic film F. Then, scanning exposure is performed on the photosensitive material P (FIG. 4E).

When the scanning of the sixth frame of the image of the photographic film F is completed, the feeder 21 releases the pressing of the photographic film F by the pressing plate 211, and
The roller pair 213 is driven so that the frame is positioned in the opening 212 and the frame is fed (FIG. 4F).

When the frame feed is completed, the feeder 21
While the fifth frame of the photographic film F is held in the opening 212, the carriage base 221 is moved leftward in the figure to a home position where the movement for scanning exposure is started. Then, the fifth frame is measured. When the photometry is completed, the light control unit 13 is controlled based on the correction value and the photometry value of the fifth frame stored in the storage unit, and the light amount is adjusted (see FIG. 4D).

Then, the image of the fifth frame of the photographic film F is scanned in the same manner as in FIG. Thus, FIG.
By repeating (d) to (e), scanning of the photographic film F for one order is performed. Thus, in the pre-judge mode, a correction value for one order is input in advance, and scanning exposure is continuously performed for the order.

Next, the operation of the feeder 21 and the carriage base 221 in the double scanning mode will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this mode can be performed in either the single mode or the pre-judge mode described above.
That is, in the single mode, FIG.
During (d), in the pre-judgment mode, FIG.
4 (f), the following operation is performed. Therefore, in the following description, the case where the image of the first frame is scanned a plurality of times will be described.

The first scan of the first frame is performed (FIG. 3 (c) in the single mode, FIG. 4 (e) in the pre-judge mode, and (a) in FIG. 5). When the eleventh scanning is completed, the carriage base 221 is moved to the home position where the movement for the scanning exposure is started with the feeder 21 holding the first frame of the photographic film F in the opening 212. , In the figure. At this time, photometry and light amount adjustment based on the photometry may be performed. However, in the present embodiment, photometry by the photometry element 342 is not performed, and data obtained by photometry before the first scan is used. Or the light amount adjustment by the light adjusting means 13 is not changed (FIG. 5B).

When the carriage base 221 moves to the home position, the carriage base 221 is moved rightward in the figure while synchronizing with the photosensitive material P in order to perform the second scanning of the image of the first frame of the photographic film F. Then, scanning exposure is performed on the photosensitive material P (FIG. 5C).

5 (a) to 5 (c) are repeated,
Scanning exposure is performed for the specified number of sheets. When the scanning exposure for the specified number of sheets is completed, the process returns to FIG. 3D in the case of the single mode, and returns to FIG. 4F in the case of the pre-judge mode. In this manner, the same frame is subjected to scanning exposure for the designated number of sheets.

As will be described in detail later, when performing scanning exposure for forming a plurality of identical images on one sheet of photosensitive material P, when the first scanning is completed,
When the conveyance of the photosensitive material P is stopped (or lower than the conveyance speed at the time of scanning exposure) and the carriage base 221 moves to the home position (FIG. 5B),
When the shutter 16 is closed (or the light source 11 is turned off), the light transmitted through the photographic film F is not projected onto the stopped photosensitive material P, and when the scanning is performed again (FIG. 5C). The shutter 16 is opened.

Next, the optical means 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The photometric element 342, the photometric mirror 341 and the solenoid and motor for moving the first mirror 31 are used for photometry, and are not shown in FIG. 6 and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the optical means 30 guides the light flux (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 6) transmitted through the photographic film F and passed through the slit 15 onto the moving photosensitive material to form an image. , A means for projecting a linear image to the exposure position a. That is, the optical unit 30 is provided with the first mirror 3
1. The optical path of the light beam transmitted through the photographic film F is changed by the second mirror 321, the third mirror 322, and the fourth mirror 33 provided on the V mirror 32, and the image is formed at the exposure position a by the image forming means 35. A linear image transmitted through the film F is projected.

In such an optical means 30, in order to change the magnification, the V mirror 32 and the image forming means 35 are
In FIG. 1, it is configured to be movable in the left-right direction. Therefore, the magnification is changed by moving the V mirror 32 and the image forming unit 35 to change the optical path length around the image forming unit 35. This structure will be further described. In the V mirror 32, a wire (not shown) is suspended on a pulley (not shown) provided on the shaft of the motor 323, and a part of this wire is connected to the V mirror 32. I have. Accordingly, the V mirror 32 moves by driving the motor 323 in the forward and reverse directions. Further, the image forming means 35 is also driven by a motor (not shown).
The imaging base 351 on which the reference numeral 5 is placed is guided by a pair of guides 352, and is configured to move in the left-right direction in FIG.

As described above, the image forming means 35 and the V mirror 3
2 can be changed to change the magnification. However, in the present embodiment, various formats can be supported, and in order to have a range of magnifications that can be changed, the magnification is changed as described below. The configuration of the image unit 35 and the configuration of the switching unit 36.

In the present embodiment, the first imaging means 353, the second imaging means 354, and the third
It has a plurality of image forming means of the image forming means 355. The first imaging unit 353, the second imaging unit 354, and the third imaging unit 355 are each configured by a single focus lens, and have different focal lengths. The plurality of imaging means 3
One of the plurality of imaging means 353 to 355 is selected by the switching means 36 for selectively switching 53 to 355, and the light beam transmitted through the photographic film F is projected onto the exposure position a. To do it. As described above, since the plurality of imaging units 353 to 355 having different focal lengths are configured to be selectively used, the magnification that can be changed is given a range and various formats can be supported.

Here, switching of the plurality of image forming means 353 to 355 will be described in detail.

In this embodiment, a plurality of image forming means 353
To 355 in the direction in which the linear image extends.
Juxtaposed above. The switching substrate 361 is used for the imaging substrate 3
Since it is provided on 51 via a guide 363,
Together with the imaging base 351, it can be moved in the optical axis direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1). A part of a wire (not shown) suspended on a pulley (not shown) is connected to the switching base 361, and this wire is also connected to the shaft of the motor 362. Therefore, by driving the motor 362, the switching base 361 is moved to the plurality of imaging units 353.
In a state where the image 355 is placed, the image is guided by the guide 363 and can move in the direction in which the linear image extends. Therefore, by controlling the forward / reverse rotation of the motor 362, a plurality of imaging units 353 to 355 having different focal lengths are controlled.
Can be selectively used. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by moving the V mirror 32 and the image forming means 35, in addition to changing the magnification by changing the optical path length around the image forming means 35, a plurality of images having different focal lengths are formed. Since the image units 353 to 355 are configured to be selectively used, a variable magnification is provided with a range and various formats can be supported.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of image forming means 353 to 355 are juxtaposed in the direction in which the linear image extends, and are provided so as to be movable by the switching means 36 in this direction. Can be made compact. In the present embodiment, the light shielding plate 356 is provided on the image forming base 351 on the downstream side in the light ray traveling direction of the image forming unit 35.
Is provided. The light-shielding plate 356 is provided with an opening 357, and the light beam passing through the selected imaging means passes through the opening 357 to reach the imaging position. The transmitted light is blocked by the light blocking plate 356 and does not reach the image forming position. Therefore, it is possible to avoid adverse effects (interference) due to the non-selected imaging means.

In the above description, the V mirror 3
2. The image forming means 35 is moved in the optical axis direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1).
Has been described, the magnification in the direction in which the linear image extends can be changed by changing the magnification in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the linear image extends.
Is changed by changing the transport speed. In the present embodiment, the first to third image forming means 35 are used as the image forming means 35.
Although three image forming means 3 to 355 are provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more image forming means may be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, an image (up) in which one frame of the image recorded on the photographic film F is arranged on one sheet of photosensitive material in the direction in which the linear image extends.
It is configured as follows so that an image can be formed.

In the present embodiment, the first to third image forming means 353 to 355 are provided as the image forming means 35. Of these, the third image forming means 355 is used as an image forming means for forming an up image. . When forming an up image, the switching unit 36 controls the third
The imaging means 355 is selected. The third imaging means 355
It is composed of a plurality of (two in this embodiment) single focus lenses having substantially the same focal length. The focal lengths of the two lenses of the third imaging unit 355 are different from the focal lengths of the first imaging unit 353 and the second imaging unit 354. The image (linear image) formed by the third image forming means 355 is the same image in a direction (such as a direction in which the linear image extends) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of one sheet of photographic paper, such as 2 up or 4 up. Image forming means for forming an up image, which is a side-by-side image, in which two lenses are linearly projected so that the linear images projected by the two lenses are arranged in the direction in which the linear images extend. Are juxtaposed in the direction of extension.

Further, the third imaging means 355 of the present embodiment
Is configured such that linear images formed (projected) by the two lenses of the third imaging means 355 do not overlap on the photosensitive material P. That is, the third imaging means 355
Are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals so that the projected linear images do not overlap. Further, in the present embodiment, the magnification is changed as described above, but even when the up image is formed, the V mirror 3
2. The image forming means 35 is moved in the optical axis direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1).
To change the magnification in the direction in which the linear image extends, and by changing the conveying speed of the photosensitive material P at the exposure position a, the magnification in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the linear image extends can be changed. It is possible. At this time, if the magnification is changed without changing the distance between the two lenses of the third imaging means 355, when the magnification is increased, the linear images overlap with each other. In this embodiment, a lens interval changing unit 358 is provided because the appearance is deteriorated. This lens interval changing means 3
58 is a means for changing the distance between the two lenses of the third imaging means 355 according to the magnification so that the images do not overlap each other.

In the present embodiment, the linear images formed by the two lenses do not overlap each other on the photosensitive material P, so that the linear images do not overlap each other. This was performed by juxtaposing the two lenses at intervals. However, when the linear images formed by the two lenses may overlap each other on the photosensitive material P, they may overlap. It can also be performed by providing a light shielding means between the third imaging means 363 and the exposure position a so as to shield the portion.

In this embodiment, two lenses are used as the third imaging means 355 for forming an up image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more lenses may be juxtaposed.

Here, the same image is arranged in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which one photosensitive material is conveyed (the direction in which the linear image extends), and the same image is also arranged in the conveyance direction, ie, an image in which the same image is arranged in the conveying direction. The operation at the time of forming an image in which four identical images are arranged on one sheet of photosensitive material) will be described with reference to FIG. 7, which schematically shows the relationship between the photographic film F and the photosensitive material P.

The photographic film F is transferred to the film moving means 20.
The photosensitive material P is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow by the exposure unit transport means 44 while the photosensitive material P is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow. Further, as the imaging unit 35, the third imaging unit 355 is selected by the switching unit 36, and the second imaging unit 355 of the third imaging unit 355 is selected.
The two lens intervals are determined by the lens interval changing unit 358.
The distance is adjusted so that the linear images projected on the photosensitive material P by the respective lenses do not overlap.

First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the film moving means 20 and the exposure section conveying means 44 are synchronized, and the leading end of one frame of the image recorded on the photographic film F (movement of the photographic film F) A linear image corresponding to the front end in the direction is projected onto the front end (the front end in the moving direction of the photosensitive material) of the photosensitive material P conveyed on the exposure position a by the third imaging means 355, The first scanning exposure is started. Then, the image of the photographic film F is scanned and exposed on the photosensitive material P, and a linear image corresponding to the rear end of the image of the photographic film F is projected onto the exposure position a by the third imaging means 355. The photosensitive material P has been transported to a substantially central position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material P (FIG. 7B).
Accordingly, the first scanning exposure is completed, and the image on the photographic film F is exposed so that the same image is arranged on the photosensitive material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (a direction in which the linear image extends). .

Next, when the first scanning exposure is completed, the movement of the photographic film by the film moving means 20 is reversed so that one frame of the photographic film F is scanned again in order to arrange the same image in the transport direction. Then, return to the home position (FIG. 7 (c)). At this time, the conveyance of the photosensitive material P is stopped. This is because if the transport of the photosensitive material P is continued as it is, it takes time until the second scanning exposure is started.
This is for avoiding wasteful use of the photosensitive material P due to an excessively large interval between images arranged in the transport direction of the photosensitive material P, and for arranging four images at appropriate positions. At this time, the shutter 16 is closed to prevent light transmitted through the photographic film F from being projected onto the photosensitive material P. This is to avoid that when light transmitted through the photographic film F is projected onto the photosensitive material P, an extra image is formed thereon and the image becomes difficult to see.

In the present embodiment, the conveyance of the photosensitive material P is stopped when the first scanning exposure is completed, but may be slower (slower) than the moving speed at the time of scanning exposure. Also,
Although the shutter 16 is closed when the first scanning exposure is completed, the light irradiation by the light irradiation means 10 may be stopped (that is, the light transmitted through the photographic film F is turned off).

When the photographic film F returns to the home position, as shown in FIG. 7D, the shutter 16 is opened, and the film moving means 20 and the exposure section conveying means 44 synchronize the photographic film F with each other. The conveyance and the conveyance of the photosensitive material P are performed, and a linear image corresponding to the front end of the image of the photographic film F is conveyed over the exposure position a by the third imaging unit 355. And the second scanning exposure is started. Then, the image of the photographic film F is scanned and exposed on the photosensitive material P, and a linear image corresponding to the trailing end of the image of the photographic film F is projected on the trailing end of the photosensitive material P. Exposure ends (FIG. 7
(E)).

As described above, the images on the photographic film F are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of one photosensitive material (the direction in which the linear image extends), and are also arranged in the conveying direction. 4 arranged on one sheet of photosensitive material
An up image is formed.

In this embodiment, the image forming means 355
Was selected to form a 4-up image, but the image forming means 353 or 354 was selected to transport one photosensitive material (the direction of relative movement, which is orthogonal to the direction in which the linear image extends).
, That is, two 2-up images arranged on one sheet of photosensitive material.

[0091]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an original is scanned, and a linear image projected or transmitted through or reflected by the original is relatively moved, and an image of the original is placed on the photosensitive material. In an image forming apparatus for scanning and exposing, a plurality of image forming means capable of forming an image of a light beam transmitted or reflected on a document on a photosensitive material, and a switching means for selectively switching the plurality of image forming means, Having a characteristic that the image of the original is exposed on a photosensitive material by the imaging means switched and selected by the switching means. A scanning exposure type image forming apparatus can be provided.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, the plurality of image forming means are juxtaposed substantially in parallel with the direction in which the linear image extends, and the switching means controls the direction in which the linear image extends. The image forming apparatus can be configured to be compact.

Further, in the invention according to the third aspect, the original is scanned, and the linear image projected or transmitted by the image forming means and the linear image projected or projected by the image forming means are relatively moved, so that the image of the original is scanned. In an image forming apparatus that scans and exposes a photosensitive material, the imaging unit projects a plurality of linear images on the photosensitive material in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the relative movement.
Since a plurality of lenses having substantially the same focal length are provided, an up image in which the same images are arranged in the direction in which the linear image extends can be easily formed.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the linear images projected by the plurality of lenses are subjected to scanning exposure on the photosensitive material so that they do not overlap each other. Each of the images formed thereon is positioned independently, facilitating subsequent cutting and the like.

Further, in the invention described in claim 5, the plurality of lenses are arranged at a predetermined lens interval in a direction in which the linear image extends. The image forming apparatus can be made compact.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 6, the distance between the plurality of lenses is variable, so that each image formed on the photosensitive material is arranged at an appropriate position. Can be.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7,
Since the lens interval changes according to the projection magnification, images can be independently arranged at appropriate positions in various formats.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a light-shielding means for shielding an overlapping image of the linear images projected by the plurality of lenses, so that the linear image is formed on a photosensitive material. Each of the images to be cut is positioned independently, thereby facilitating subsequent cutting and the like.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same document is scanned and exposed a plurality of times to form a plurality of document images on the photosensitive material in the relative movement direction. The required number of up images can be easily formed in the relative movement direction.

Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the relative movement is stopped or the relative movement at the time of exposure is stopped during a period from the end of the scanning exposure to the start of the scanning of the next exposure. Because it is characterized by making it slower than the speed,
The images in the relative movement direction do not extend, and can be arranged at appropriate positions.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, of the plurality of scanning exposures, the light for transmitting or reflecting the original is turned off or the original is turned off during the period from the end of the scanning exposure to the start of the next scanning exposure. It is characterized by shielding light so as not to project light transmitted or reflected on the photosensitive material, so that no extra image is formed between images in the relative movement direction,
Good images can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanning exposure type image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a film moving unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating operations of a feeder and a carriage base in a single mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating operations of a feeder and a carriage base in a pre-judge mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating operations of a feeder and a carriage base in a double scanning mode.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an optical unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between a photographic film and a photosensitive material in an operation at the time of forming a 4-up image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Light irradiation means 16 Shutter 20 Film moving means 21 Feeder 22 Carriage 30 Optical means 35 Imaging means 36 Switching means 40 Conveying means 44 Exposure part conveying means 50 Developing means 55 Drying means 221 Carriage base 353 First imaging Means 354 Second imaging means 355 Third imaging means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Taku Saito 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus which scans a document, relatively moves a linear image projected or transmitted through or reflected from the document and a photosensitive material, and scans and exposes an image of the document on the photosensitive material. A plurality of image forming means capable of forming an image of a light beam transmitted or reflected on a document on a photosensitive material; a switching means for selectively switching the plurality of image forming means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: exposing an image of a document onto a photosensitive material by an imaging unit switched and selected by the switching unit. 2. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of image forming units are juxtaposed substantially in parallel with a direction in which the linear image extends, and the switching unit is movable in a direction substantially in parallel with the direction in which the linear image extends. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An image for scanning and exposing an image of an original on a photosensitive material by scanning the original, transmitting or reflecting the original and relatively moving a linear image projected by an image forming means and the photosensitive material. In the forming apparatus, the imaging unit may include a plurality of lenses having substantially the same focal length in order to project a plurality of linear images on a photosensitive material in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the relative movement. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the linear image projected by the plurality of lenses is scanned and exposed on a photosensitive material so that the linear images do not overlap each other. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of lenses are arranged side by side at a predetermined lens interval in a direction in which the linear image extends. apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the plurality of lenses is variable. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the lenses changes according to a projection magnification. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a light shielding unit configured to shield an overlapping image of the linear images projected by the plurality of lenses. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the same document is subjected to scanning exposure a plurality of times to form a plurality of document images on a photosensitive material in the relative movement direction. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 10. The relative movement is stopped or made slower than the relative movement speed at the time of the start of scanning of the next exposure after the end of the scanning exposure among the plurality of scanning exposures. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. 11. During a period from the end of the scanning exposure to the start of the next scanning exposure among the plurality of scanning exposures, the light for transmitting or reflecting the original is turned off or the light transmitted or reflected for the original is exposed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein light is shielded so as not to be projected on a material.