JPH11133514A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device having constitution by which the device can be made compact though it is provided with an optical exposure device exposing photosensitive material with transmitted light which is transmitted through photographic film and a digital exposure device exposing the photosensitive material with the light radiated in accordance with digital image data. SOLUTION: This device is provided with the optical exposure device 20 for forming an image by exposing the photosensitive material positioned at an exposure point with the transmitted light which is radiated from a 1st light source and transmitted through the photographic film and the digital exposure device 30 for forming the image by exposing the photosensitive material positioned at the exposure point with the light radiated from a 2nd light source emitting the light in accordance with the digital image data. Then, the devices 20 and 30 are constituted as an integrated unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an optical exposure device and a digital exposure device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, for example, one known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-73140,
An optical exposure point at which the photographic paper is exposed by the optical exposure device and a digital exposure at which the photographic paper is exposed by the digital exposure device during the transport path in which the photographic paper drawn from the paper magazine is transported to the developing device by the transport mechanism. The exposure process by the optical exposure device and the exposure process by the digital exposure device are independently performed by forming a photographic paper loop portion between these two exposure points.

[0003]

In such a conventional configuration, a light-shielded two-point light source for providing two exposure points is provided.
Not only requires one space but also a transport mechanism for positioning and moving the photographic paper at the optical exposure point and a transport mechanism for positioning and moving the photographic paper at the digital exposure point. However, when such an image forming apparatus is embodied as a printer processor, particularly as a component of a minilab system, this becomes a serious obstacle to downsizing the apparatus.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical exposure apparatus for exposing a photosensitive material with transmitted light transmitted through a photographic film, and a method for exposing the photosensitive material with light irradiated in accordance with digital image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a configuration that allows the apparatus to be compact despite having a digital exposure apparatus for performing exposure.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises exposing a photosensitive material located at an exposure point with light transmitted from a first light source and transmitted through a photographic film. An optical exposure device that forms an image; and a digital exposure device that forms an image by exposing a photosensitive material located at the exposure point with irradiation light from a second light source that emits light in accordance with digital image data. The exposure apparatus and the digital exposure apparatus are configured as an integrated unit.

In this configuration, the exposure of the photosensitive material by the optical exposure device and the exposure of the photosensitive material by the digital exposure device are performed at the same exposure point. Therefore, only one exposure point needs to be provided in this image forming apparatus. Further, in combination with the fact that the photographic paper is constituted by an integral unit, a mechanism required for positioning and moving the photographic paper at this exposure point can be shared. As a result, the space for digital exposure required in the conventional image forming apparatus can be omitted, which can contribute to downsizing of the apparatus.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the optical exposure apparatus includes a width light shield for setting a size of an image to be exposed in a width direction, and a feed light shield for setting a size in a transport direction. Independent of the movement of the light shield and the feed light shield,
It is preferable that the digital exposure apparatus is configured to be movable. According to this configuration, the optical exposure apparatus and the digital exposure apparatus can be driven independently. This makes it possible to reduce the size of a multifunctional print such as an optical exposure print with a border using only a mask function using a light shield, a digital print using only a digital exposure function, or a composite print using both functions. Was able to be provided while achieving.

Further, if the image forming apparatus is configured so as to be detachable on a conveying path through which the photosensitive material is conveyed, the mounting of the image forming apparatus is simplified, and maintenance can be easily performed.

[0009] Further, by adopting a structure further provided with a feed screw for moving the digital image device along the conveying path of the photosensitive material and a guide rail, vibration when the digital exposure device is moved can be minimized. It was possible to realize very precise constant velocity linear motion.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Description of Overall Configuration of Printer Processor] Hereinafter, a printer processor including an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As is clear from the schematic block diagram shown in FIG. 1, the printer processor projects and exposes an image of a photographic film (hereinafter, referred to as a film) 2 on a photographic paper 3 as a photosensitive material at an exposure point 1. Optical exposure device 2
0 and a digital exposure device 3 for exposing an image to photographic paper 3 at the same exposure point 1 according to digital image data
0, a developing section 5 for developing the photographic paper 3 exposed at the exposure point 1, a photographic paper transport mechanism 6 for transporting the photographic paper 3 from the photographic paper magazine 4 to the developing section 5 via the exposure point 1, and a printer A controller 7 for controlling various parts of the processor 1 is provided. An operation console 8 for inputting various information and a monitor 9 for displaying images and characters are connected to the controller 7. The photographic paper 3 pulled out from the photographic paper magazine 4 containing the photographic paper 3 in a roll shape is conveyed by the advanced roller 13 and the pressure roller 14 and cut by the cutter 15 into one frame. After being exposed by the optical exposure device 20 or the digital exposure device 30 or both exposure devices, it is developed by the development processing section 5, dried, and discharged. An exposure table 70 is provided below the photographic paper transport path,
The vehicle includes three rollers 87 and a conveyor belt 86 wound around these rollers 87. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the long printing paper 3 is cut into a size of one frame before discharging, and then discharged.

Hereinafter, each component will be described. The optical exposure device 20 includes an optical exposure light source 21 composed of a halogen lamp, a dimming filter 22 for adjusting the color balance of light applied to the film 2, and a mirror for uniformly mixing light passing through the dimming filter 22. Tunnel 23, film 2
A printing lens 24 and a shutter 25 for forming an image on the printing paper 3 are provided on the same optical axis forming an exposure light path. A scanner 10 that reads an image formed on the film 2 is provided upstream of the optical exposure device 20 on a film transport path. The scanner 10 irradiates the film 2 with white light, decomposes the intensity of the reflected light or transmitted light into three primary colors of red, green, and blue, and outputs the image using, for example, a CCD line sensor or a CCD image sensor. It measures the concentration. The image information read by the scanner 10 is sent to the controller 7 and used to display a simulated image of an image formed on the exposed photographic paper 3 on the monitor 9.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] Next, FIGS.
1, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail. 2 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 3 is a side view as viewed from the downstream side of the transport path, FIG. 4 is a side view as viewed from the upstream side of the transport path, FIG. 5 is a side view as viewed from the left side of the transport path,
6 is a side view as viewed from the right side of the transport path, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 2 (configuration of the light shielding curtain), and FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view (side view of the digital exposure apparatus), FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an exposure surface of the digital exposure apparatus, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a mounting structure of the image forming apparatus with respect to an exposure table, and FIG. It is a figure showing composition of a guide part of a stand.

As shown in FIG. 2, each component of the image forming apparatus 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped constituted by a first frame 16, a second frame 17, a third frame 18, and a fourth frame 19. It is generally stored inside the unit. In order to set the size of an image formed on the printing paper 3, a pair of width light shielding plates 31, 32 are set.
And a pair of feed light shielding plates 33 and 34 are provided. The width light shielding plates 31 and 32 define a width dimension orthogonal to the transport path, and the feed light shielding plates 33 and 34 define a length dimension along the transport path.

[Description of Driving Mechanism of Light Shield] Width light shield 3
The drive mechanisms 1 and 32 include a drive motor 35 and a width light shielding plate 3.
Width light-shielding plate synchro belt 3 disposed at the end portions of the first and second light-shielding plates
6, 37. The synchro belt 36 is wound around a drive pulley 38 of the drive motor 35 and a first pulley 39 (FIG. 3). The synchro belt 37 is the second pulley 4
1 and the tension pulley 42. The first pulley 39 and the second pulley 41 are connected to the width light shielding plate drive shaft 4.
The shaft 43 is fixed to the second frame 17 and the fourth frame 19 by bearings. The tension pulley 42 is attached to the fourth frame 19. The width light shielding plate 31 is a pair of connecting plates 31.
a, 31b are attached to the upper part of the width light-shielding plate synchro belts 36, 37, and the width light-shielding plate 32 is connected by a pair of connecting plates 32a, 32b.
37 is attached to the lower portion (FIGS. 3 and 4). According to this configuration, when the drive motor 35 is driven, the drive shaft 43 is rotated via the synchro belt 36, and the synchro belt 37 is also rotated. That is, the pair of sync belts 36 and 37 are simultaneously rotated in the same direction. Thereby, the pair of width light shielding plates 31, 3
2 is opened and closed.

The drive mechanism of the feed light shielding plates 33, 34 includes a drive motor 44 and feed light shielding plate synchro belts 45, 46, 47 disposed at the ends of the feed light shielding plates 33, 34. The sync belt 45 is wound around a driving pulley 48 and a third pulley 49 of the driving motor 44 (FIG. 5).
. The synchro belt 46 is wound around the fourth pulley 50 and the fifth pulley 51. The synchro belt 47 is wound around the sixth pulley 52 and the tension pulley 53 (
(Fig. 6). The third pulley 49 and the fourth pulley 50 are fixed to one side of the feed light shielding plate drive shaft 54, and the third pulley 49 is disposed outside (FIG. 4). The fifth pulley 51 and the sixth pulley 52 are fixed to both ends of the feed light shielding plate drive shaft 55. The shafts 54 and 55 are attached to the first frame 16 and the third frame 18 by bearings. The tension pulley 53 is attached to the first frame 16. The feed light-shielding plate 33 is formed by a pair of connecting plates 33a and 33b.
The feed light shielding plate 34 is attached to the upper part of the feed light shielding plate sync belts 46 and 47 by a pair of connecting plates 34a and 34b (FIG. 6).

With this configuration, when the drive motor 44 is driven, the synchro belt 45 is driven, and the shaft 54 is rotated. Thus, the synchro belt 46 is rotated, and the synchro belt 47 is rotated via the shaft 55. That is, the pair of synchro belts 46 and 47 are simultaneously rotated in the same direction. Thereby, the feed light shielding plate 33,
34 is driven to open and close.

As shown in FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V--V of FIG. 2, one end of a light shielding curtain 56 is attached to the feed light shielding plate 33 on the upstream side of the transport path. 54. In FIG. 2, when the feed light shielding plate 33 moves to the right, the light shielding curtain 56 is sent out, and when it moves to the left, the light shielding curtain 56 is wound around the shaft 54. Although the light-shielding curtain is not provided on the feed light-shielding plate 34 on the downstream side of the transport path, the width is formed wide.

[Configuration of Digital Exposure Apparatus] Next, the configuration of the drive mechanism of the digital exposure apparatus 30 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor 60 and a coupling 61 attached to a motor shaft.
A ball screw 62 connected to the drive motor 60 by the coupling 61; a nut holder 64 provided with a ball nut 63 engaging with the ball screw 62; and a linear rail 65 on which the nut holder 64 slides. I have. The digital exposure apparatus 30 includes a nut holder 64
Is mounted in a cantilevered manner. The drive motor 60 is fixed to a motor base 66, and the motor base 66 is
It is attached to the frame 18. Both ends of the ball screw 62 are supported by the motor base 66 and the third frame 18 by bearings. Instead of the linear rail 65, a combination of a shaft and a slide metal may be used. Further, a trapezoidal screw or the like may be adopted as the feed screw.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2, and shows the height relationship of each exposure apparatus. The width light shielding plates 31 and 32 are disposed immediately above the printing paper 3, the feed light shielding plates 33 and 34 are disposed immediately above, and the exposure surface 30a of the digital exposure device 30 is disposed immediately above. As can be seen, the optical exposure device 20 and the digital exposure device 30
And can be independently driven.

[Structure of Sensor] A sensor is provided for controlling the driving of each exposure apparatus. The first sensor 67 detects a position where the feed light shielding plates 33 and 34 are most opened, and sets this position as an origin position. The second sensor 68 detects a position where the width light shielding plates 31 and 32 are most opened, and this position is set as an origin position. The third sensor 69 detects the position at which the digital exposure device 30 has moved the most downstream of the transport path, and sets this position as the origin position. All of these sensors are optical, but other types may be employed.

[Specific Examples of Digital Exposure Apparatus] There are various types of digital exposure apparatus 30. Here, the one using a fluorescent tube will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The digital exposure apparatus 30 includes a first vacuum fluorescent tube 32a for performing red exposure.
, A green printer head 33 configured with a second vacuum fluorescent tube 33a performing green exposure, and a blue printer head 34 configured with a third vacuum fluorescent tube 34a performing blue exposure. Have. Each of the vacuum fluorescent tubes 32a, 33a, 34a has a fluorescent element of about 200d.
It is linearly arrayed so as to have a length corresponding to the width of the printing paper 3 in pi, and has an elongated shape.

[Description of Unit Mounting Configuration] FIG.
Next, attachment of the image forming apparatus 100 to the exposure table 70 will be described. In FIG. 10, the configuration of the light shielding plate and the like is omitted for simplicity. The arrow A in the figure indicates the direction in which the photographic paper is transported. The exposure table 70 includes a unit positioning block 71, a drawer connector 72, a unit receiving guide 73 on the downstream side of the transport path, and a unit receiving guide 74 on the upstream side. The unit positioning block 71 has two positioning holes 71a and 71b. Each of the guides 73 and 74 has a tapered portion 73 so that the image forming apparatus 100 can be easily mounted.
a, 74a are formed. Further, a pair of fastener mounting plates 7 are provided below the exposure table 70 on the right side of the transport path.
5, 76 and positioning pins 77, 78 are provided.
At the center of the exposure table 70, a conveyor belt 86 is provided. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100, the guide rail 79 that engages with the unit receiving guide 73, the guide rail 84 that engages with the unit receiving guide 74, and the third frame 18 that fits into the positioning holes 71a and 71b. The positioning holes 80a, 81 provided and the positioning holes 16a, 1 in which the positioning pins 77, 78 formed in the first frame 16 fit.
6b and a drawer connector 85 in which signal pins and the like are arranged
And the through holes 16 into which the sign fasteners 82 and 83 for fixing the image forming apparatus 100 to the exposure table 70 are inserted.
c and 16d. Drawer connector 7
Signals for controlling the operation of each unit are sent from the controller 7 via the controllers 2 and 85. When the image forming apparatus 100 is
When mounting on the device, slide in the direction of arrow B in FIG. FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the guide section when it is mounted.

[Description of Operation of Printer Processor] Next, a schematic operation of the printer processor will be described. When the film 2 is supplied to the optical exposure device 20 by the roller 11 driven by the motor 12, the controller 7 controls the light control filter 22 based on image information of the film 2 read by the scanner 10. Thereby, the irradiation light of the light source 21 is adjusted to a color balance according to the color density of the image on the film 2. The optical exposure device 20 irradiates the film 2 with the adjusted light, irradiates the image information of the film 2 as transmitted light to the photographic paper 3 located at the exposure point 1, and prints the image of the film 2 on the photographic paper 3. . When necessary, illustrations such as additional characters and logos are printed on the periphery of the printing area by the optical exposure device 20 by scanning the fluorescent tube head module 31 of the digital exposure device 30. Of course, when an image captured by a digital camera is printed on the photographic paper 3, only the digital exposure device 30 prints on the photographic paper 3 located at the exposure point 1. The printing paper 3 on which the image has been printed at the exposure point 1 is conveyed to the development processing unit 5 and is developed by sequentially passing through a plurality of tanks filled with a processing liquid for developing the printing paper 3. .

When optical printing of the maximum size is performed by the optical exposure device 20, the width light-shielding plates 31, 32 and the feed light-shielding plates 33, 34 are in the most opened state. In this case, the digital exposure device 30 is located on the rightmost side in FIG. 2 and is stopped immediately above the feed light shielding plate 34. When printing with borders of a size smaller than the maximum size,
34 is moved to set an exposure area. When performing digital exposure, exposure is performed by sliding the digital exposure device 30 with the light shielding plates 31 to 34 in the most opened state. Digital exposure is usually performed one way, and when returning, the speed is increased to shorten the processing time. When a plurality of digital exposure prints are continuous, reciprocal prints are possible. When strip-shaped optical exposure is continuously performed on one sheet of photographic paper 3 by test printing or the like, the feed light shielding plate 33,
34 is closed in a predetermined amount. In that case, if light hits the area before and after the exposure area, double exposure occurs. To prevent this, as shown in FIG. 7, a light-shielding curtain 56 is provided on the upstream-side light-shielding plate 33, and the downstream-side light-shielding plate 34 is widened to prevent light from hitting. It is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printer processor employing an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus (downstream of the conveyance path).

FIG. 4 is a side view of the image forming apparatus (upstream of the transport path).

FIG. 5 is a side view of the image forming apparatus (left side of the conveyance path).

FIG. 6 is a side view of the image forming apparatus (right side of the conveyance path).

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2 (configuration of a light shielding curtain).

8 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 (side view of the digital exposure apparatus).

FIG. 9 is a configuration of an exposure surface of a digital exposure apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a mounting structure of an image forming apparatus to an exposure table.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a guide unit of an image forming apparatus and an exposure table.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 exposure point 2 photographic film 3 photographic paper 6 photographic paper transport mechanism 20 optical exposure device 30 digital exposure device 100 image forming device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An optical exposure device for exposing a photosensitive material located at an exposure point to form an image by exposing a photosensitive material located at an exposure point with transmitted light emitted from a first light source and transmitted through a photographic film, and a second light emitting device that emits light according to digital image data. A digital exposure device that forms an image by exposing a photosensitive material located at the exposure point with irradiation light from a light source, wherein the optical exposure device and the digital exposure device are configured as an integrated unit. Image forming apparatus. 2. The optical exposure apparatus includes a width light shield for setting the size of an image to be exposed in the width direction and a feed light shield for setting the size in the transport direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the digital exposure device is configured to be movable independently of a body movement. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be detachable on a conveyance path through which the photosensitive material is conveyed. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a feed screw for moving said digital image device along a conveying path of said photosensitive material, and a guide rail.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.