JPS63262638A - Exposing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute an exposure to an unexposed part with high accuracy without providing a display, etc., by executing projection of specific light by a light projecting means, detecting the position of an unexposed part, and executing adjustment of the relative position to a photosensitive material and the light irradiating means. CONSTITUTION:A control part 16 which has received an output signal Si from a position detecting part 28 sends out a roller driving signals Sr to a roller driving part 18, executes a driving control of a guide roller 12, adjusts the position to a light projecting part 14 of a photosensitive sheet 2, and stops it for a prescribed period, in a state that the projection of a light beam from a light source 20 is executed properly, to an unexposed part 2U. In such a state, an exposure by the light beam from the light source 20 passing through a printing plate 22, to the unexposed part 2U is executed for a prescribed period, thereafter, from the control part 16, the roller driving signal Sr is supplied to the roller driving part 18 again, and the photosensitive sheet 2 is moved. In such a way, exposure can be executed in a state that a relative alignment of the unexposed part and the light projecting means is executed properly, without providing a display device, etc.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The present invention will be explained in the following order.

A. Field of industrial application B. Overview of the invention C. Prior art D. Problem to be solved by the invention E. Means for solving the problem F. Figure 3) One specific configuration example of the G-2 position detection section (Figure 4).

Figure 5) G-3 Another specific example of the configuration of the position detection section (FIG. 6).

Figure 7) G-4 Modification H Effect of the invention A Industrial field of application The present invention provides a photosensitive agent and a pigment or dyes that harden in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. It is said that a large number of microcapsules containing a precursor are dispersed, and contains light in a predetermined wavelength range to the unexposed area of a photosensitive material in which an exposed area and an unexposed area are formed. The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus that performs exposure using specific light.

B. Summary of the Invention The present invention is characterized in that a large number of microcapsules containing a photosensitizer that cures in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range and a dye or a dye precursor are dispersed on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. The exposed area is defined as a part where the photosensitizing agent contained in the microcapsules has been cured in advance, and the unexposed area is considered to be the area where the photosensitizing agent contained in the microcapsules has not been hardened. of the photosensitive material formed with
In an apparatus that exposes an unexposed area to specific light including light in a predetermined wavelength range, a position detection means equipped with an optical sensor is used to detect the difference in light reflection characteristics between the exposed area and the unexposed area of the photosensitive material. is used to detect the position of the unexposed area to be exposed by irradiation with specific light by the light irradiation means, and adjust the relative position of the photosensitive material and the light irradiation means based on the detection output. By doing so, it is possible to expose an unexposed portion of a photosensitive material to specific light with high accuracy without providing a separate display on the photosensitive material.

C. Conventional technology A large number of microcapsules of multiple types containing a dye or dye precursor and a photosensitizer that hardens through a photopolymerization reaction with light in a relatively short wavelength range are mixed and dispersed on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. A photosensitive sheet consisting of a photosensitive sheet is irradiated with light in a predetermined wavelength range to selectively cure the mixed and dispersed multiple types of microcapsules for each type. Developing sheets with a layer of color developing material that reacts with a dye precursor to develop a color depending on the type of dye or dye precursor are stacked and pressed together to contain an uncured photosensitizer. A method of forming an image by crushing the microcapsules and causing the color developing material of the developing sheet to develop colors according to the pigments contained in the crushed microcapsules.
For example, it has been proposed as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-30537.

For example, when obtaining a copy of a color image using such an image forming method, a first, a second and a third photosensitizer which are cured upon exposure to light in different wavelength ranges, and a developing sheet are used. 1. reacts with the color developing substance to develop magenta, yellow and cyan colors respectively; Second
and a third dye or dye precursor, respectively, the first photosensitizer and the first dye or dye precursor, the second photosensitizer and the second dye or dye precursor, and the third dye or dye precursor. A photosensitive sheet is prepared in which a large number of three types of microcapsules containing a combination of a photosensitizer and a third dye or dye precursor are mixed and dispersed.

And the color image to be copied is green.

The three primary color images of blue and red are separated into three types of black and white positive films: a green separation image plate, a blue separation image plate and a red separation image plate, and the photosensitive sheet is passed through the black and white positive film of the green separation image plate. An exposure state in which the first photosensitizer is irradiated with light that causes curing, an exposure state in which the second photosensitizer is irradiated with light that causes curing through the black and white positive film of the blue separation image plate, and a red separation image. A first dye that is exposed to light that causes curing of the third photosensitizer through the black and white positive film of the plate, thereby causing the color developing substance of the developing sheet in the photosensitive sheet to develop a magenta color. curing in accordance with the black and white positive film of the green-resolving image plate inside the microcapsules, and curing the blue-resolving image plate inside the microcapsules containing a second dye that causes the color developer of the developing sheet to develop a yellow color. Curing corresponding to the black and white positive film and curing corresponding to the black and white positive film of the red decomposition image plate inside the microcapsule containing a third dye that causes the color developing substance of the developing sheet to develop a cyan color occurs. .

Thereafter, a developing sheet provided with a layer of a color developing substance is superposed and pressed onto the photosensitive sheet in which the interiors of the three types of microcapsules have been selectively hardened, and the interiors of the photosensitive sheet are hardened. Microcapsules that have not been crushed are crushed.

As a result, yellow and cyan color developing portions are formed in the color developing material layer provided on the developing sheet at positions corresponding to the crushed microcapsules.

A cyan and magenta coloring area and a magenta and yellow coloring area, that is, a green coloring area, a blue coloring area, and a red coloring area are formed, and a copy image corresponding to a color image original is obtained. Become.

However, when the developing sheet is overlaid and pressed onto the photosensitive sheet and subjected to development processing, in the layer of color developing material provided on the developing sheet, the portions where a copied image is obtained are green, blue, and red on the photosensitive sheet. The area facing the area irradiated with light through the three types of black and white positive film that is the decomposed image plate of The part that has not been received,
In other words, since the part is opposed to the part where the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules has not been cured, when the photosensitive sheet and the developing sheet are overlapped and pressed, the copied image is Substantially all of the microcapsules of the photosensitive sheet facing the area surrounding the area obtained are crushed, and the area surrounding the area from which a copied image is obtained in the color developer layer of the developing sheet is magenta.

The color develops into yellow and cyan, and as a result, the color becomes black, which is a mixture of these colors, and the area where the copied image is obtained is placed in an unfavorable environment.

Therefore, for example, it is a good idea to make the part of the photosensitive sheet that should face the peripheral part of the part where the copied image is obtained in the color developer layer of the developing sheet as an exposed part that has been exposed in advance to light in a predetermined wavelength range. It will be done. In such a case, the microcapsules arranged in the exposed area of the photosensitive sheet opposite to the surrounding area of the area where a copied image is obtained in the color developer layer of the developing sheet are exposed to the photosensitizer contained therein. Since it is considered to be pre-hardened,
After the unexposed area of the photosensitive sheet, which is opposite to the area where the copied image is to be obtained in the color developer layer of the developer sheet, is exposed to light in accordance with the image to be copied, the photosensitive sheet and the developer sheet are superimposed. The area where the microcapsules are not crushed when pressed and where a copied image is obtained in the color developer layer of the developer sheet is
It will be placed in a favorable environment where the surrounding area is white.

D Problems to be Solved by the Invention As mentioned above, the part of the photosensitive sheet that should face the peripheral part of the part where a copied image is obtained in the color developer layer of the developing sheet is formed by microcapsules arranged therein. The photosensitizer contained in the sensitizer is cured as an exposed area, and when the unexposed area is exposed to light in accordance with the image to be copied to the color developing material layer of the developing sheet. It is required that the unexposed areas of the photosensitive sheet be accurately irradiated with light in a predetermined wavelength range corresponding to the image to be copied. Therefore, a display consisting of a predetermined printed mark or a predetermined through hole is provided on the exposed area of the photosensitive sheet, and by detecting the display,
Positioning is performed when the photosensitive sheet is exposed. However, in such a case, when producing the photosensitive sheet (7), processes such as printing marks as alignment indicators and forming through holes are required, which increases the number of photosensitive sheet production processes. Furthermore, there is a risk that the display may be missing or misaligned, resulting in the inconvenience that the photosensitive sheet may not be accurately aligned during exposure.

In view of these points, the present invention provides a method for applying a method of forming a sheet-like substrate on the surface of the sheet-like substrate.
It is said that a large number of microcapsules containing a dye or a dye precursor and a photosensitizer that hardens in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range are dispersed, and the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules is cured in advance. The unexposed area of a photosensitive material has been formed with an exposed area, which is a cured area, and an unexposed area, which is an area where the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules has not been cured. To ensure that exposure for selectively curing a photosensitizer contained in microcapsules in an exposed area is performed without providing any special markings on the photosensitive material, and in a state in which appropriate positioning is achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure apparatus that can perform the following functions.

E. Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the exposure apparatus according to the present invention includes a photosensitive agent and a pigment that harden in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. Alternatively, it is said that a large number of microcapsules containing a dye precursor are dispersed, and the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules is incorporated in the exposed area and the pre-hardened area, and in the microcapsules. a photosensitive material supply means for supplying a photosensitive material in which an unexposed area is formed, which is a part where the photosensitizer is not cured; and a light irradiation means for irradiating specific light including light in the area, and further includes an optical sensor, and has light reflection characteristics in exposed areas and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material supplied by the photosensitive material supply means. position detecting means detects the position of the unexposed part of the photosensitive material to be irradiated with specific light by the light irradiating means, and detects the position of the photosensitive material and the light based on the detection output from the position detecting means. A control means for adjusting the relative position with the irradiation means is provided and configured.

In the exposure apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above, the light-sensitive material is supplied to the light irradiation means by the light-sensitive material supply means.
For a photosensitive material in which an exposed area and an unexposed area are formed,
The position detection means is activated.

The position detection means detects, through an optical sensor, the position of the unexposed area to be irradiated with the specific light by the light irradiation means, based on the difference in light reflection characteristics between the exposed area and the unexposed area of the photosensitive material. , supplying the detection output to the control means.

Then, the control means controls, for example, the photosensitive material supply means in accordance with the detection output from the position detection means, and adjusts the relative positions of the photosensitive material and the light irradiation means, so that the light emitted from the light irradiation means is adjusted. A state is established in which the unexposed portions of the photosensitive material are appropriately irradiated with the specific light.

Therefore, the exposure of the unexposed areas of the photosensitive material according to the image to be copied can be carried out without any special markings being provided on the photosensitive material, and moreover, the unexposed areas of the photosensitive material can be properly aligned. This will ensure that it will be done.

G Example G-1 Overall configuration and operation (Figures 1 to 3) Figure 1 shows the following:
1 schematically shows an example of an exposure apparatus according to the present invention. In this example, a long photosensitive sheet 2 having a predetermined width is exposed to light in accordance with a predetermined image.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the photosensitive sheet 2 emits light in a predetermined wavelength range, for example, onto the surface of a sheet-like base 3.
A large number of microcapsules Cp containing a photosensitizer that hardens upon exposure to light having a peak wavelength of about 550 nm and a dye or a dye precursor, such as a leuco dye, are dispersed. It is assumed that the The dye-containing substance contained in the microcapsules CP reacts with the color developer layer of the developer sheet used in connection with the photosensitive sheet 2, and turns the color developer layer of the developer sheet into a predetermined color, for example, black. It is said to have the property of producing color. Therefore, when the exposed photosensitive sheet 2 is applied to the developing sheet, for example,
The photosensitive sheet 2 is stacked and pressed on the color developer layer of the developer sheet, and the microcapsules Cp in the unexposed areas of the photosensitive sheet 2, where the built-in photosensitizer has not hardened, are crushed. When the leuco dye contained in the microcapsules Cp reacts with the color developer layer of the developer sheet, the area corresponding to the unexposed area of the photosensitive sheet 2 in the color developer layer of the developer sheet 1- is It will appear black.

Further, as shown by hatching in the plan view of FIG. 2B, the photosensitive sheet 2 has a frame-shaped portion that is pre-exposed to light in a predetermined wavelength range, i.e.
The exposed portion 2R is provided to surround a portion that has not been exposed to light in a predetermined wavelength range, that is, an unexposed portion 2U. In the exposed area 2R of the photosensitive sheet 2, the photosensitizer contained in each microcapsule Cp is hardened, and in the unexposed area 2U, each microcapsule Cp has a hardened photosensitive agent contained therein. It is assumed that the photosensitizer is not cured.

Therefore, light in a predetermined wavelength range, for example, a wavelength of approximately 550n.
FIG. 3 shows the light absorption characteristics of the unexposed portion 2U, for example, with the vertical axis representing the light absorption rate and the horizontal axis representing the wavelength for light in a wavelength range having a peak at In contrast, the exposed area 2R shows a relatively low absorption rate as shown by the broken line L s ' in FIG. becomes. Therefore, the photosensitive sheet 2 provided with the exposed area 2R surrounding the unexposed area 2U is
When irradiated with light in a wavelength range having a peak in nm, the unexposed portion 2U exhibits a relatively low light reflectance, and
The exposed portion 2R is assumed to exhibit a relatively high reflectance.

In FIG. 1, the photosensitive sheet 2 forms a roll 4, which is fed out to the right in FIG. The light irradiation unit 14
is supplied to The roller drive section 18 receives a roller drive signal Sr from the control section I6, and drives the guide roller 12 in accordance with the roller drive signal Sr. A rotation sensor 30 is arranged on the guide roller 12 to detect its rotation.
A rotation detection signal Se obtained from the rotation detection signal Se is supplied to the control section 16.

The light irradiation unit 14 includes a light source 20. It is equipped with a printing plate 22 and a light projecting lens 24. The light source 20 is connected to a light source driving section 21, and when a light source driving signal SI2 is supplied from the control section 16 to the light source driving section 21, the light source 20 is activated by the light source driving section 21, and the light source provided on the photosensitive sheet 2 is activated. The photosensitive agent contained in the microcapsules Cp in the exposure section 2U emits light in a predetermined wavelength range that is sensitive and hardened, and has a peak wavelength of about 550 nm. The printing plate 22 is made of, for example, a transparent film with a layer of light absorbing material arranged in a pattern corresponding to a predetermined image, and has a peak at a wavelength of about 550 nm emitted from the light source 20. When irradiated with light in a specific wavelength range, the layer of light absorbing material acts as a photomask that blocks or reduces transmission of the light. Furthermore, the light projecting lens 24 emits light from the light source 20 to the printing plate 2.
2 is projected onto an unexposed portion 2Ul of the photosensitive sheet 2. In such a light irradiation unit 14, the light from the light source 20 that has passed through the printing plate 22 is applied to the photosensitive sheet 1-2 while the movement of the photosensitive sheet 1-2 supplied via the guide roller 12 and the auxiliary roller 13 is stopped. Exposure is performed to selectively harden the microcapsules Cp in the unexposed portions 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 in accordance with the printing plate 22.

In this example, when the photosensitive sheet 2 is exposed by the light irradiation unit 14 as described above, the light irradiation from the light tj, 20 is applied to each unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2. In order to obtain a state in which the control unit 16. A position detection unit 28 that includes an optical sensor 26 arranged close to the roller drive unit 18 and the light irradiation unit 14
A photosensitive sheet position control system including: The position detection unit 28 operates in response to the drive signal Sd from the control unit 16, and when the photosensitive sheet 2 is exposed by the light irradiation unit 14, the position detection unit 28 detects the exposed area 2R and the unexposed area of the photosensitive sheet 2 through the optical sensor 26. By utilizing the difference in light reflection characteristics between the exposed area 2U and the unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2,
, and supplies an output signal Si to the control section 16. The control unit 6 that receives the output signal Si from the position detection unit 28 outputs a roller drive signal S according to the output signal Si.
r to the roller drive unit 18 to control the drive of the guide roller 12, adjust the position of the photosensitive sheet 2 with respect to the light irradiation unit 14, and apply light to the unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2. The light irradiation from the light source 20 of the irradiation unit 14 is stopped for a predetermined period in a state where it is properly performed.

In this way, while the photosensitive sheet 2 is stopped in a state where the unexposed portion 2U is appropriately irradiated with light from the light source 20 of the light irradiation section 14, the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is stopped. The portion 2U is exposed to light from the light source 20 through the printing plate 22 in the light irradiation portion 14. After the unexposed area 2U has been exposed for a predetermined period, the control unit 16 again sends a signal to the roller drive unit 18.
The roller drive signal Sr is supplied to the guide roller 12.
is rotated, and the photosensitive sheet 2 is moved to the right in FIG. At that time, the rotation sensor 30 provided in association with the guide roller 12 detects that the guide roller 1
2 is detected, and a rotation detection signal Se is supplied to the control section 16. Then, the control unit 16 controls the rotation detection signal Se.
Based on this, the roller drive unit 18 is controlled to move the photosensitive sheet 2 by a distance corresponding to one block length in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the exposed portion of the photosensitive sheet 2 in the light irradiation section 14 is sent through a pair of guide rollers 32 to a development processing section (not shown).

Thereafter, when the photosensitive sheet 2 is moved approximately a distance, the control section 16 again sends the roller drive signal Sr corresponding to the output signal Si to the roller drive section 18 to control the drive of the guide roller 12. , by adjusting the position of the photosensitive sheet 2 with respect to the light irradiation unit 14 so that the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is properly irradiated with light from the light source 20 of the light irradiation unit 14; be stopped for a predetermined period of time.

A specific configuration example of the G-2 position detection section (FIG. 4).

FIG. 5) FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the position detection section 28. This example is
The optical sensor 26 is comprised of a reflective optical sensor consisting of a light emitting diode D and a phototransistor Q+. The light emitting diode D1 is connected to the power source B via the resistor R1, and the phototransistor Q1 is connected to the power source B through the resistor R1.
Its collector is connected to power supply element B via resistor R2,
Its emitter is grounded, and the collector of the phototransistor Q is provided with an output terminal 31 from which an output signal Si is derived.

When the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is detected by the specific example of the position detection unit 28, as shown in FIG. The light from the light emitting diode D forming the reflective optical sensor forms a spot Pd and is made to enter a position covering both the exposed area 2R and the unexposed area 2U, as shown by the broken line X. It will be done. The light from the light-emitting diode D1 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2 is received by the phototransistor Q1, and the level of the output signal St obtained at the output terminal 31 provided at the collector of the phototransistor Q is It changes depending on the strength of the light from the light emitting diode D1 reflected at the light emitting diode D1.

In the photosensitive sheet 2, as described above, the light reflectance of the exposed area 2R is larger than that of the unexposed area 2U, so that the spot Pd on the photosensitive sheet 2 is larger than that of the exposed area 2R. When located at 2R, the light-emitting diode D reflected at the light absorbing sea 1-2.

The intensity of the light from the light-emitting diode D1 becomes large and the output signal 3i takes a low level l. On the other hand, when the light is located in the unexposed area 2U, the intensity of the light from the light-emitting diode D1 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2 is small. Then, the output signal Si takes a high level h, and the output signal Si takes a low level β and a high level h corresponding to the exposed portion 2R and the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2, as shown in FIG. 5B. It becomes something that takes. Therefore, the portion of the output signal SiO that takes a high level becomes the detection output for the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2. For example, when the output signal Si changes from the low level l to the high level h, the control unit 16 Control is performed to stop the movement of the photosensitive sheets 1 and 2 for a predetermined period.

Note that since the light emitted from the light emitting diode D1 is of very low illuminance, the unexposed portion 2 of the photosensitive sheet 2
Although there is almost no influence on the microcapsules Cp in the light emitting diode D, in order to more reliably suppress the influence of the light emitted from the light emitting diode D on the microcapsules Cp in the unexposed part 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2, the control unit 16 controls the output. Control may be performed to stop the light emitting diode D when the signal Si changes from the low level l to the high level h.

G-3 Another specific example of the configuration of the position detection section (FIG. 6).

Figure 7) FIG. 6 shows another specific example of the position detection section 28.

This example includes a reflective optical sensor 33 consisting of a light emitting diode D2 and a phototransistor Q2, and a light emitting diode D and a phototransistor Q.

The optical sensor 26 is comprised of a reflective optical sensor 34 consisting of. The light emitting diode D2 is connected to the power supply 1B via a resistor R3, and the phototransistor Q2 has its collector connected to the power supply 1B via a resistor R4, and its emitter is grounded. , the collector of the photo-l transistor Q2 is connected to one input terminal of the differential circuit 38. Further, the light emitting diode D3 is connected to the power supply 1B via the resistor R5,
Further, the phototransistor Q3 has its collector connected to the power supply 1B via a resistor R6 and a variable resistor R7,
Its emitter is grounded, and the collector of phototransistor Q3 is connected to the other input terminal of differential circuit 38. An output terminal 40 from which an output signal Si is derived is provided at the output end of the differential circuit 38.

When the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is detected by the specific example of the position detection section 28, as shown in FIG. , the light from the light emitting diode D2 forming the optical sensor 33 forms a spot Pe, and is made incident on both the exposed area 2R and the unexposed area 2U as shown by the broken line y. , the light from the light emitting diode D3 forming the optical sensor 34 is directed to the spot Pe.
2, and the exposed area 2R as shown by the dashed line Z
The beam is made to enter the position where the light is applied.

Then, the light from the light emitting diode D2 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2 is received by the phototransistor Q2, and is sent to the collector of the phototransistor Q2 at a level corresponding to the intensity of the light from the light emitting diode D2 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2. A signal S having the following values is obtained. In addition, the light emitting diode D reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2,
The light from the light emitting diode D3 is received by the phototransistor Q3, and a signal S2 is obtained at the collector of the phototransistor Q3, which has a level corresponding to the intensity of the light from the light emitting diode D3 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2.

In the photosensitive sheet 2, the light reflectance of the exposed area 2R is higher than that of the unexposed area 2U, so that the spot 1-PeI on the photosensitive sheet 2 is larger than that of the exposed area 2.
When the phototransistor Q2 is located at the position R, the intensity of the light reflected from the light emitting diode D2 on the photosensitive sheet 2 received by the phototransistor Q2 becomes large, and the signal Sl takes a low level p'. In this case, the intensity of the light from the light emitting diode D2 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2, which is received by the first transistor Q2, is reduced.
The signal S takes on a high level h°.

Moreover, since the spot Pe2 on the photosensitive sheet 2 is always located in the exposed area 2R, the intensity of the light from the light emitting diode D3 reflected on the photosensitive sheet 2, which is received by the phototransistor Q3, is always high, and the signal S2 is It will always be at a low level l. That is, the signals SI and S2 are such that, as shown in FIG. 7B, the signal S1 takes a low level l'' and a high level h'' corresponding to the exposed area 2R and the unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2. On the other hand, the signal S2 always takes a low level l'.

Then, in the differential circuit 38, the difference between the signal S1 and the signal S2 is taken, and the output signal Si obtained at the output terminal 40 is a difference between the level of the signal S1 and the level of the signal S2, as shown in FIG. 7C. shall have the level deducted,
Low level 7 corresponding to the exposed area 2R and unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2! ″-0(l″-!゛) and high level h″
(-h'-z'). Therefore, the portion where the output signal Si takes a high level h'' is the portion of the photosensitive sheet 2.
For example, when the output signal St changes from a low level β''-〇 to a high level h'', the control section 16 causes the movement of the photosensitive sheet 2 to be stopped for a predetermined period. control is performed.

In this example as well, since the light emitted from the light emitting diodes D2 and D3 is of very low illuminance, the microcapsules Cp in the unexposed area 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2
However, in order to more reliably suppress the influence of the light emitted from the light emitting diode D2 and the microcapsules Cp in the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2, the control unit 16 lowers the output signal St. level! Control may be performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting diodes D2 and D3 when the level changes from "-0" to the high level h.

When the specific example of the position detecting section 28 as shown in FIG. The effects of
It is considered to be a stable signal based on the zero level, and as a result,
An advantage is obtained that the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is aligned with the light irradiation portion 14 more accurately.

G-4 Modification In the above example, based on the output signal Si obtained from the position detection section 28, the photosensitive sheet 2
The position of the light irradiator 14 is adjusted relative to the light irradiator 14 in order to properly irradiate the light source 20 of the light irradiator 14 with respect to U. Instead of this,
Based on the output signal Si obtained from the position detection section 28,
The position of the light irradiation unit 14 is adjusted with respect to the photosensitive sheet 2 so that the unexposed portion 2U of the photosensitive sheet 2 is appropriately irradiated with light from the light source 20 of the light irradiation unit 14. It may be done as follows.

Effects of the Invention H As is clear from the above explanation, according to the exposure apparatus of the present invention, a photosensitizer that cures in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range and a dye or a dye precursor are coated on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. It is said that a large number of microcapsules containing a body are dispersed, and the exposed area is said to be a part where the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules has been pre-hardened, and the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules. A light irradiation means for selectively curing the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules in the unexposed parts of the photosensitive material in which the unexposed parts are formed. To surely perform exposure to light from a photosensitive material without providing any special markings on the photosensitive material, and in a state where the relative alignment between the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material and a light irradiation means is properly achieved. Can be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an exposure apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2A and B, and FIG. 3 are sectional views for explaining a photosensitive sheet applied to the example shown in FIG. 1. , a plan view and a spectral absorption characteristic diagram, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the integral configuration of the position detection section used in the example shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5A and B show the positions shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram used to explain the operation of one specific configuration example of the detection section, and FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration example of the position detection section used in the example shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 7A and B and C are diagrams for explaining the operation of another specific configuration example of the position detecting section shown in FIG. 6. In the figure, 2 is a photosensitive sheet, 2R is an exposed area, 2U is an unexposed area, 12 is a guide roller, 14 is a light irradiation unit, 16 is a control unit, 18 is a roller drive unit, 20 is a light source, and 22 is a printing plate ,
26 is an optical sensor, 28 is a position detection section, and Cp is a microcapsule. Figure 2 Wavelength (nm) Figure 4

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A large number of microcapsules containing a photosensitizer that cures in response to light in a predetermined wavelength range and a dye or a dye precursor are dispersed on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. and an exposed area where the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules has been cured in advance, and an unexposed area where the photosensitizer contained in the microcapsules has not been hardened. a photosensitive material supplying means for supplying a photosensitive material on which is formed; and a light irradiation for irradiating the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material supplied by the photosensitive material supplying means with specific light including light in the predetermined wavelength range. irradiation of the specific light by the light irradiation means, using a difference in light reflection characteristics between the exposed portion and the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material supplied by the photosensitive material supply device; a position detection means for detecting the position of the unexposed area where the light is to be exposed; a control section for adjusting the relative position of the photosensitive material and the light irradiation means based on the detection output from the position detection means; An exposure apparatus comprising: