JP3687774B2 - Image exposure device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exposure transport unit that transports cut photographic paper cut in accordance with a print size in the sub-scanning direction, an exposure head that extends in the main scanning direction to perform line exposure of the transported cut photographic paper, and the exposure transport unit. The present invention relates to an image exposure apparatus provided with a photographic paper conveyance control unit for controlling the above.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional image exposure apparatus, the photographic film is irradiated with illumination light from a light source, and the photographic paper is exposed with transmitted light that has passed through the photographic film so that the image captured on the photographic film is printed on the photographic paper. Photographic prints were obtained by developing exposed photographic paper. Recently, in place of such a projection exposure type image exposure apparatus, digital image data obtained by photoelectric conversion of a film image is subjected to appropriate image processing to generate print data, and digital data is generated based on the print data. A so-called digital exposure type image exposure apparatus in which an exposure head exposes printing paper has appeared.
[0003]
Such a digital exposure method has the advantage that operations such as image composition and partial correction can be easily performed because the acquired digital image data can be freely processed using image processing technology. In order to obtain comparable high resolution, an exposure head extending in the main scanning direction is used, and the cut photographic paper cut in accordance with the print size with respect to this exposure head is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. In this way, a linear exposure method is used to complete the exposure of the entire film image. For this reason, in order to obtain high finished quality, the sub-scanning conveyance of the cut photographic paper must be performed with sufficient accuracy.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional image exposure apparatus, sub-scanning conveyance (exposure conveyance) of cut photographic paper is performed by one exposure conveyance roller unit composed of a driving roller and a pressure roller. However, when large-size cut photographic paper is exposed and conveyed In some cases, meandering or skewing of the photographic paper may occur, resulting in a quality problem that a film image is not formed straight on the photographic paper surface. In particular, when double row image exposure as known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-197562 is adopted, that is, the cut photographic paper distributed in two rows by the sorting device is transported to the exposure head to form two rows. In the case of simultaneously exposing the cut photographic papers, the possibility of meandering and skewing of the cut photographic papers exposed and transported in two rows is further increased.
In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image exposure apparatus provided with a transport mechanism that suppresses meandering and skew of cut photographic paper during exposure transport.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an exposure transport unit that transports cut photographic paper cut in accordance with a print size in the sub-scanning direction, an exposure head that extends in the main scanning direction that performs line exposure of the transported cut photographic paper, In the image exposure apparatus including the photographic paper conveyance control unit for controlling the exposure conveyance unit, in the present invention, the exposure conveyance unit includes a first exposure conveyance roller unit upstream of the exposure head in the photographic paper conveyance direction. A second exposure transport roller unit on the downstream side of the exposure head, and the photographic paper transport control unit, a first exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper is exposed and transported by the first exposure transport roller unit; A second exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper is exposed and transported by both the first exposure transport roller unit and the second exposure transport roller unit; A third exposure transport mode for exposing and transporting the photographic printing paper by the second exposure transport roller unit, and further combining each of the three exposure transport modes to expose and transport one cut photographic paper. An exposure conveyance mode setting unit for changing the ratio of the exposure distance is provided.
[0006]
In this configuration, since the first and second exposure transport roller units are arranged on both sides of the line exposure type exposure head extending in the main scanning direction, only the first transport roller unit is provided at the initial stage of exposure transport. Of course, the photographic paper is transported only by the second transport roller unit at the end of the exposure transport, and both the first and second are at the middle stage of the exposure transport where the cut photographic paper straddles the first and second exposure transport roller units. The cut photographic paper can be transported by the transport roller unit. In addition, the application ratio of the above-described three exposure conveyance modes can be changed. The advantages brought about by the change in the application ratio of the exposure conveyance mode are as follows. In other words, in the exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper is held by pressure on both sides of the exposure head and conveyed, meandering and skewing are less likely to occur, even if the cut photographic paper is wide or cut. However, if a slight difference in conveyance speed occurs between the first and second exposure conveyance roller units, an accurate and constant conveyance speed of the cut photographic paper in the exposure head region cannot be obtained. Such a subtle transport behavior occurs at a level such as individual differences in image exposure apparatuses, so that the application ratios of the above-described three exposure transport modes for obtaining an optimal image exposure result are different for each apparatus. Become. In the image exposure apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to set an application ratio at which an optimum image exposure result is obtained for each apparatus. Is obtained.
[0007]
In order to facilitate the operation of determining the application ratio of the three exposure conveyance modes for obtaining an optimum image exposure result, in one of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the exposure conveyance mode setting unit is configured to perform test printing. The first test pattern setting that maximizes the exposure distance ratio in the first exposure conveyance mode, the second test pattern setting that maximizes the exposure distance ratio in the second exposure conveyance mode, and the exposure distance in the third exposure conveyance mode. The third test pattern is set in order so that the ratio becomes maximum. When the exposure specifications such as the print size are determined, test printing is performed at the application rate of the above-described three types of exposure conveyance modes. From this test print result, actual exposure is performed with the exposure conveyance mode application ratio that produced the best print.
[0008]
In the case of double-row image exposure in which cut photographic papers arranged in double rows are exposed simultaneously, the image exposure apparatus according to the present invention is particularly suitable for double-row image exposure, considering that the conveyance behavior is complicated and easy to meander or skew. Are suitable.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A schematic block diagram of a photographic processing apparatus equipped with an image exposure apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. This photographic processing apparatus adopts a digital exposure type, and is a film scanner which acquires a frame image of a photographic film (hereinafter simply referred to as film) 1 developed by a film developing machine (not shown) as digital image data. 3, a controller 7 that processes the acquired digital image data to create print data, a digital print unit 5 that exposes an image corresponding to the frame image on the photographic paper 2 based on the print data, and an exposure And a development processing unit 6 for developing the photographic paper 2. The photographic paper 2 developed by the development processing unit 6 is discharged as a finished print through a drying process.
[0010]
The film scanner 3 includes an illumination optical system 31, an imaging optical system 32, and a photoelectric conversion unit 33 using a CCD sensor as main components. The illumination optical system 31 includes a halogen lamp 31a as a white light source, a light control filter 31b, a mirror tunnel 31c, and the like, and irradiates the frame image of the film 1 by adjusting the color distribution and intensity distribution of the light beam from the light source. The imaging optical system 32 that processes the transmitted light beam from the film 2 includes a mirror 32a that changes the direction of the projection light, a lens unit 32b, and a prism 33c that splits the light beam that has passed through the lens unit in three directions. Has been. By feeding the film 1 at a predetermined scanning speed by the film transport mechanism 9, the frame image of the film 1 is scanned in the sub-scanning direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the film. The photoelectric conversion unit 33 that photoelectrically converts the light beam guided by the imaging optical system 32 includes three CCD sensors 33a for separately receiving the three light beams dispersed by the prism 32c, and each CCD sensor 33a. Is a line sensor in which a large number (for example, 5000) of CCD elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, that is, the width direction of the film 1, and the charge accumulation operation and the charge accumulation time are controlled during the main scanning by the sensor driving circuit. On the imaging surface of each CCD sensor 33a, color filters that allow only the blue, red, and green components of the light beam to pass are provided, and only the blue, red, and green components are photoelectrically converted, respectively. Each pixel signal output from each CCD sensor is sampled and held, and each pixel signal becomes a continuous image signal. Each pixel signal is converted into a digital signal having a predetermined number of bits (for example, 12 bits).
[0011]
When the frame image of the film 1 is positioned at a predetermined scan position, the frame image reading process is started. The projected light image of the frame image is sequentially read by the CCD sensor 33a in the form of being divided into a plurality of slit images by feeding the film 1 by the film transport mechanism 9, and photoelectrically converting the image signals of R, G, and B color components into photoelectric signals. It is converted and sent to the controller 7 as raw digital image data. Such control of the illumination optical system 31, the imaging optical system 32, and the photoelectric conversion unit 33 of the film scanner 3 is performed by the controller 7.
[0012]
In this embodiment, the digital print unit 5 employs a PLZT shutter system. That is, as the exposure head 5a, a shutter array made up of PLZT elements is adopted. This shutter array consisting of PLZT elements is composed of a transparent ferroelectric ceramic material obtained by adding lanthanum to lead zirconate titanate and uses the electro-optic effect of the material. Light of each color of R, G, and B is introduced from the light source 5b through many optical fibers. This shutter array extends over the photographic paper 2 arranged in two rows along the width direction of the photographic paper 2, that is, the transverse direction in the transport direction. When a predetermined level of voltage is applied to each shutter, a light transmission state is established, and when application of the voltage is stopped, a light blocking state is established. Accordingly, when a driving voltage is applied from the controller 7 to the shutter corresponding to each pixel based on the print data, the shutter is opened and light of the color introduced from the light source is irradiated onto the photographic paper 2. The light source 5b is provided with a rotation filter composed of optical filters of three colors R, G, and B. By controlling the rotation phase of the rotation filter, one of R, G, and B is selectively selected. Opposing the light source, the light of the selected color is sent to the shutter through the optical fiber through the color filter. In addition to the PLZT shutter method, a liquid crystal shutter method, a fluorescent beam method, a FOCRT method, and the like are known as the digital print unit method, and can be arbitrarily selected according to the exposure specification.
[0013]
As described above, the digital print unit 5 can simultaneously expose each of the photographic printing papers 2 arranged in double rows in this embodiment. For this reason, the photographic paper transport mechanism 8 is divided into a photographic paper supply line 8A for transporting cut photographic paper 2 in a single row, an exposure transport line 8B for transporting cut photographic paper 2 in two rows, and a development transport line 8C. Between the photographic paper supply line 8A and the exposure conveyance line 8B, there is provided a sorting device 4 that distributes the photographic paper 2 sequentially sent from the photographic paper supply line 8A to each row of the exposure conveyance line 8B.
[0014]
As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the photographic paper supply line 8A is selectively selected from one of the two photographic paper magazines 10 in which the photographic paper 2 is housed in a roll shape with the emulsion surface outside. It is composed of a drawer transport unit 8 a composed of a group of drawer rollers for pulling out the photographic paper 2, and a pre-sorting transport unit 8 b that delivers the photographic paper 2 to the sorting device 4.
[0015]
A paper cutter 11 that cuts the photographic paper 2 drawn out from the photographic paper magazine 10 in accordance with the print size is provided at the upstream end of the pre-sorting transport unit 8b. A print unit 12 is provided. The back print unit 12 prints a film ID, a frame number, and correction information indicating image processing performed at the time of creating print data on the back surface (non-emulsion surface) of the photographic paper 2, and is usually dot-in-pack. The printer is used.
[0016]
The pre-sorting conveyance unit 8b includes two pairs of conveyance roller units arranged so as to sandwich the back print unit 12. In particular, the conveyance roller unit on the downstream side constitutes a photographic paper carry-out area in the photographic paper supply line 8A. The driving roller 81 is in contact with the non-emulsion surface side of the photographic paper 2 and the pressure roller 82 is in contact with the emulsion surface side. The printing paper 2 can be pressure-bonded between the roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 or released.
[0017]
The exposure transport line 8B includes an intermediate transport unit 8c, an exposure transport unit 8d, and a post-exposure transport unit 8e in the order of the transport direction. All of these transport units include a wide transport roller unit and a guide member corresponding to each row so that the cut photographic paper 2 can be transported simultaneously in two rows. However, in the intermediate transport unit 8c, the intermediate driving roller 83 is a wide roller that covers two rows, but the intermediate pressure roller is divided into a right row and a left row. In other words, the intermediate transport unit 8c is configured as an intermediate transport roller unit 80A that constitutes two rows of carry-in areas of the exposure transport line 8B, and has an intermediate drive roller 83 that contacts the non-emulsion surface side of the cut photographic paper 2. The intermediate drive roller 83 includes a first intermediate pressure roller 84a and a second intermediate roller 84b that are displaceable from each other. The first intermediate pressure roller 84a presses the cut photographic paper 2 conveyed in the right row of the exposure conveyance line 8B, and the second intermediate pressure roller 84b crimps the cut photographic paper 2 conveyed in the left row of the exposure conveyance line 8B. The crimping / releasing operation can be performed independently of each other. That is, it is possible to receive and hold the two cut cut photographic papers 2 in order by the first intermediate press roller 84a and the second intermediate press roller 84b, and simultaneously send the two cut photographic papers 2 to the exposure transport unit 8d.
[0018]
The exposure transport unit 8d includes a first exposure transport roller unit 80B on the entrance side and a second exposure transport roller unit 80C on the exit side, which are arranged so as to sandwich the exposure head 5a of the digital print unit 5. The exposure transport roller unit 80B includes a first exposure driving roller 85 that contacts the non-emulsion surface side of the cut photographic paper 2, a first exposure pressure roller 86 that is displaceable from the first exposure driving roller 85, and a first exposure pressing roller 86. The two-exposure transport roller unit 80 </ b> C has a second exposure driving roller 87 that contacts the non-emulsion surface side of the cut photographic paper 2 and a second exposure pressure roller 88 that is displaceable with respect to the second exposure driving roller 87. ing. The first and second exposure driving rollers 85 and 87 are synchronously driven by a belt transmission mechanism 89a from one driving source 89, but the first and second exposure pressing rollers 86 and 88 are independently opposed to each other. Displaceable with respect to the roller. For this reason, a first drive body 86a that displaces the first exposure pressure roller 86 and a second drive body 87a that displaces the second exposure pressure roller 87 are provided. It is possible to adopt a mechanism according to specifications such as a combination of links and solenoids. With such a configuration, the cut photographic paper 2 is transported only by the first exposure transport roller unit 80B, only by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C, or by both the first and second exposure transport roller units 80B and 80C. be able to.
[0019]
The post-exposure transport unit 8e includes a first turn transport roller unit, a second turn transport roller unit, a normal transport roller group 95, and a turn guide 90. The first turn conveying roller unit includes a first turn driving roller 91 that contacts the emulsion surface side of the cut photographic paper 2 and a first turn pressure roller 92 that is displaceable with respect to the first turn driving roller 91. The two-turn conveying roller unit has a second turn driving roller 93 that contacts the emulsion surface side of the cut photographic paper 2 and a second turn pressure roller 94 that is attached to face the second turn driving roller 93. ing. The turn guide 90 disposed between the first and second turn conveying roller units is composed of an inner turn guide 90a on the emulsion surface side and an outer turn guide 90b on the non-emulsion surface side, and the outer turn guide 90b is the first turn guide 90b. Along with the turn pressure roller 92, the paper can be swung outwardly around a rocking fulcrum provided on the downstream side of the conveyance, and the cut photographic paper 2 passing through the turn guide 90 can be inflated as necessary.
[0020]
Next, the structure of the sorting device 4 that distributes the cut photographic paper 2 sequentially sent from the carry-out area of the photographic paper supply line 8A to the carry-in area of each row of the exposure transport line 8B will be described with reference to FIGS. . In FIG. 4, the center of the carry-out area of the photographic paper supply line 8A, that is, the center line of the cut photographic paper 2 to be carried out is indicated by 80a, and the center of the right column of the carry-in area of the exposure transport line 8B, that is, The center line of the cut photographic paper 2 carried into the right side is indicated by 80b, and the center line of the cut photographic paper 2 carried into the left side of the carry-in area, that is, the left side is indicated by 80c.
[0021]
The sorting device 4 receives the photographic paper 2 cut by the paper cutter 11 and is moved by the first vertical / horizontal movement mechanism 4A to one row position in the carry-in area, and the received cut photographic paper. 2 is moved by the second vertical / horizontal movement mechanism 4B to the other row position in the carry-in area. The first vertical / horizontal movement mechanism 4A includes a first horizontal movement mechanism 50A that moves the first chucker unit 60A in the transverse direction of the photographic paper transport direction (hereinafter, this direction is also referred to as the X direction), and the first chucker unit 60A. The first horizontal movement mechanism 50A is composed of a first vertical movement mechanism 50A for moving the first horizontal movement mechanism 50A in the photographic paper transport direction (hereinafter, this direction is also referred to as the Y direction). Similarly, the second vertical movement mechanism 4B includes the second horizontal movement mechanism 50B that moves the second chucker section 60B in the X direction and the second horizontal movement mechanism 50B including the second chucker section 60B. And a second vertical movement mechanism 50B. Since the first and second chucker portions 60A and 60B and the first and second vertical and horizontal movement mechanisms 4A and 4B have substantially mirror-like structures, the second vertical and horizontal movement mechanisms 4B and The second chucker unit 60B will be described, but the first vertical / horizontal movement mechanism 4A and the first chucker unit 60A should be easily understood from the description.
[0022]
The second vertical movement mechanism 40B includes a traveling rail 42 attached to the rail frame 41 fixed to the main body frame of the photographic processing apparatus, spaced from the carry-out area center line 80a, and attached along the photographic paper transport direction. A vertical traveling platform 43 that travels on the traveling rail 42 by a ball spline method is provided. A bracket 44 extending outward in the X direction from the traveling platform 43 is attached to the upper surface of the traveling platform 43. A belt 45 wound by a sprocket and extending in parallel with the traveling rail 42 is connected to the bracket 44, and the vertical traveling platform 43 reciprocates in the Y direction by forward and reverse driving of the belt 45 by a motor 46. be able to. 47 is a photo interrupter for detecting the position of the vertical traveling platform provided at a plurality of locations along the Y direction.
[0023]
The second lateral movement mechanism 50B extends in the X direction and has a left end that is cantilevered by a bracket 44 of the second vertical movement mechanism 40B, and a lateral traveling on the traveling rail 51 by a ball spline method. A traveling platform 52 is provided. A bracket 53 is attached to the horizontal traveling platform 52, and a belt 54 that is wound by a sprocket and extends parallel to the traveling rail 51 is connected to the bracket 53, and the bracket of the first vertical movement mechanism 40A. By the forward / reverse driving of the belt 54 by the motor 55 fixed to 44, the lateral traveling platform 52 can reciprocate in the Y direction. Although not shown, a plurality of photo interrupters for detecting the position of the lateral traveling platform 52 are also provided.
[0024]
A paper guide portion 61 constituting the second chucker portion 60B is attached to the bracket 53 of the second lateral movement mechanism 50B. The paper guide portion 61 is formed with a slit 61a that allows passage of the photographic paper 2 sent by the pre-sorting conveyance portion 8b. The slit 61a opens on the side facing the first chucker portion 60A. . In order to pressure-hold the photographic paper 2 that has entered the slit 61a, two chuck pins 62 that slide in the distance with respect to the photographic paper 2 are provided in the width direction of the photographic paper. As shown in FIG. 8, the chuck pin 62 is urged by a spring 63a in the direction in which the photographic paper is pressed. However, the link member 63 operated by a cam 64 rotated by a motor 65 causes the chuck pin 62 to move to the photographic paper 2. Is selectively switched between a pressure-bonding position that presses against the chuck pin and a release position that releases the pressing of the chuck pin 62. From the left end of the sorting device 4 with respect to FIG. 4 to the position where the center of the photographic paper 2 held by the second chucker unit 60B coincides with the carry-out area center line 80a, the second chucker unit 60B The direction is movable. Similarly, the first chucker portion 60A is also movable in the X direction from the right end of the sorting device 4 with respect to FIG. 4 to the position where the chucker holding centerline 80d coincides with the carry-out area centerline 80a.
[0025]
Accordingly, when the photographic paper 2 that has entered the slit 61a is held by the chuck pin 62, the chucker holding center line 80d of the first chucker portion 60A coincides with the center line 80b of the carry-in area in the right column of the exposure transport line 8B. The first chucker unit 60A can move X_Y, and the second chucker unit 60B so that the chucker holding center line 80d of the second chucker unit 60B coincides with the center line 80c of the carry-in area in the left column of the exposure transport line 8B. Can move X_Y. In this case, the first chucker unit 60A has the right side area of the sorting device 4 and the second chucker unit 60B has the left side area of the sorting device 4 according to the size of the cut photographic paper 2 to be held. Move with the determined movement pattern.
[0026]
The controller 7 to which a monitor 7a for displaying various processing information and an operation console 7b for inputting various processing instructions are connected is constituted by a microcomputer system comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / F circuit, etc. as a core member. Various functions necessary for controlling the photographic processing apparatus as described above are realized by hardware and / or software. As shown in FIG. 9, the main functional elements realized here are a film transport mechanism 9 and a scanner control unit 71 for controlling the film scanner 4, and white balance and negative / positive for image data acquired by the film scanner 3. An image processing unit 72 for generating print data by performing various image processing such as inversion and edge enhancement, and a video processing unit 73 for generating a video signal for displaying the image data processed by the image processing unit 72 on the monitor 7a. A digital print control unit 74 for driving the digital print unit 5 based on the print data, a back print control unit 75 for driving the back print unit 12, a photographic paper transport control unit 76 for controlling the photographic paper transport mechanism 8, and an exposure transport mode. The setting unit 78 is a distribution control unit 77 that controls the distribution device 4.
[0027]
The photographic paper conveyance control unit 76 includes a first exposure conveyance mode in which the cut photographic paper 2 is exposed and conveyed by the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B, and the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit. A second exposure transport mode for exposing and transporting in both 80C and a third exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper 2 is exposed and transported by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C are provided. As will be described in detail later, the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78 changes the ratio of the exposure distance in each exposure conveyance mode when the three exposure conveyance modes are combined to convey one cut photographic paper. The first test pattern setting that maximizes the exposure distance ratio in the first exposure conveyance mode and the second test pattern that maximizes the exposure distance ratio in the second exposure conveyance mode during test printing. There is also a function of sequentially setting the third test pattern setting in which the ratio of the setting and the exposure distance in the third exposure conveyance mode is maximized.
[0028]
Furthermore, the controller 7 is connected to an external image input unit 7c that accepts image data from image data recording media such as a CD-ROM, MO, and FD, and accepts digital image data transmitted via a communication line. Yes. Since the external image input unit 7c is provided, the photographic processing apparatus can input not only a photographic film as an original image but also an image captured by a digital camera and an image read by an external film scanner. CG images created by computer graphic software can also be handled.
[0029]
Next, a typical sorting / conveying pattern of the cut photographic paper 2 drawn out from the photographic paper magazine 10 and cut according to the print size is divided into two rows by the sorting device 4 and sent to the exposure conveying line 8B. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. At this time, the first cut photographic paper is called photographic paper I, the second cut photographic paper is called photographic paper I I, and the third cut photographic paper is called photographic paper III.
[0030]
(1) FIG. 10 (A) The long photographic paper 2 becomes photographic paper I by being drawn out from the cutting line of the paper cutter 11 and cut by the length corresponding to the print size.
(2) FIG. 10 (b) The photographic paper I enters the slit 61a of the first chucker portion 60A and is held by the chuck pin 62.
(3) FIG. 10 (C) The first chucker section 60A moves up in the Y direction until the trailing edge of the photographic paper I comes out of the pre-sorting transport section 8b, and then skews upward to the right. Accordingly, the second chucker unit 60B moves to the carry-out area of the pre-sorting conveyance unit 8b that has become empty.
(4) FIG. 10 (d) When the first chucker section 60A transfers the photographic paper I to the carry-in area in the right row of the intermediate transport section 8d, the photographic paper I is pressed and held by the first intermediate press roller 84a. Meanwhile, the next cut photographic paper II is held by the second chucker 60B.
(5) FIG. 11 (e) The second chucker 60B rises in the Y direction until the trailing edge of the photographic paper II comes out of the pre-sorting conveyance unit 8b, and then skews to the upper left.
(6) When the second chucker section 60B transfers the photographic paper II to the carry-in area in the left row of the intermediate transport section 8c, the photographic paper II is pressed and held by the second intermediate press roller 84b. . Meanwhile, the first chucker unit 60A returns to the carry-out area of the pre-sorting conveyance unit 8b to receive the next photographic paper.
(7) FIG. 11G) The photographic papers I and I I held on the first and second intermediate pressure rollers 84a and 84b are simultaneously conveyed toward the exposure head 5a.
(8) FIG. 11 (h) The first chucker section 60A holds the photographic paper III and heads to the transport area in the right row of the intermediate transport section 8c, and the second chucker section 60B sorts to receive the next photographic paper. It returns to the carry-out area of the front conveyance part 8b.
By repeating such a series of operations, the cut photographic paper 2 is sequentially distributed and conveyed in two rows to the intermediate conveyance roller unit 80A, and two rows are simultaneously sent from the intermediate conveyance roller unit 80A toward the exposure conveyance unit 8d.
Further, the sorting device 4 can feed a single cut photographic paper 2, particularly a wide cut photographic paper 2, as it is into the exposure transport line 8 </ b> B in one row without sorting. In this case, the first chucker unit 60A holds the right side of the cut photographic paper 2 and the second chucker unit 60B holds the left side of the cut photographic paper 2 and simultaneously moves in the Y direction to perform straight transfer. The first and second intermediate pressure rollers 84a and 84b also perform operations synchronized with each other, and sequentially feed the cut photographic papers 2 received in a row toward the exposure head 5a.
[0031]
The cut photographic paper 2 transferred to the intermediate transport unit 8c by the sorting device 4 in two rows is then sent from the intermediate transport unit 8c to the exposure transport unit 8d, and first, by the first exposure transport roller unit 80B. The first and second exposure transport roller units 80B and 80C are finally transported (sub-scanned) on the exposure head 5a extending in the main scanning direction by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C. Here, as a typical example, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for explaining the operation of exposure conveyance for a relatively short photographic paper size, and FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams for explaining the operation of an exposure size for a long photographic paper size. Yes. Note that a series of these exposure conveyance operations are controlled by the photographic paper conveyance control unit 76 and the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78.
[0032]
First, for short cut photographic paper 2,
(1) FIG. 12 (a) When the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 reaches the first exposure transport roller unit 80B, the first exposure pressure roller 85 is displaced toward the first exposure drive roller 84, and the first exposure drive roller Two rows of cut photographic paper 2 are sandwiched between 84 and the first exposure pressure roller 85. After completion of the pressure-bonding operation of the first exposure / conveyance roller unit 80B, the first and second intermediate pressure-bonding rollers 84a and 84b are displaced away from the intermediate drive roller 84 to pressure-bond the cut photographic paper 2 in the intermediate conveyance roller unit 80A. Is released. Thereby, the conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is taken over from the intermediate conveyance roller unit 80A to the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B.
(2) FIG. 12 (b) When the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 reaches the exposure head 5a, the exposure head 5a performs an exposure operation, and the front end region of the cut photographic paper 2 under sub-scanning by the first exposure transport roller unit 80B. The exposure starts.
(3) FIG. 12 (c) When the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 reaches the second exposure transport roller unit 80C, the second exposure pressure roller 88 is displaced toward the second exposure drive roller 87, and the second exposure drive roller Two rows of cut photographic paper 2 are sandwiched between 87 and the second exposure pressure roller 88. Thus, the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is performed by double driving by the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C arranged on both sides of the exposure head 5a.
(4) FIG. 13 (D) When the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 by both the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C is performed for a predetermined length that differs depending on the photographic paper length, The first exposure pressure roller 86 is displaced away from the second exposure driving roller 85 to release the pressure bonding of the cut photographic paper 2 in the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B. Thus, the subsequent conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is performed by the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C until the exposure is completed.
(5) FIG. 13 (e) When the rear end of the cut photographic paper 2 passes through the exposure head 5e, the first turn pressure roller 92 is displaced toward the first turn drive roller 91, and the first turn drive roller 91 and the first turn Two rows of cut photographic paper 2 are sandwiched between the one-turn pressure roller 92. As a result, the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is taken over from the exposure conveyance unit 8d to the post-exposure conveyance unit 8e.
[0033]
Next, in the case of long cut photographic paper 2,
(1) FIG. 14 (a) Same as the description of FIG. 12 (a) described above.
(2) FIG. 14 (b) Same as the explanation of FIG. 12 (b) described above.
(3) FIG. 14 (c) Same as the description of FIG.
(4) FIG. 15 (d) The second turn drive roller 93 and the second turn constituting the post-exposure transport unit 8e in which the leading end of the cut photographic paper 2 is set slightly lower than the transport speed of the exposure transport unit 8d. When bitten between the drive rollers, the cut photographic paper 2 is transported by the second turn drive roller 93 and the second exposure drive roller 83, but the cut photographic paper 2 caused by the speed difference is moved outward. In order to absorb the swelling, the outer turn guide 90b is opened and swung outward. That is, even at this time, the cut photographic paper 2 is substantially conveyed by both the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C.
(5) FIG. 15 (e) The exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 by both the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C is performed by a predetermined length (for example, the cut photographic paper 2 having a total length of 200 mm). If it is performed only about 160 mm), the first exposure pressure roller 86 is displaced away from the second exposure driving roller 85 to release the pressure of the cut photographic paper 2 in the first exposure transport roller unit 80B. Thereby, the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is substantially performed by the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C until the exposure is completed.
(6) FIG. 15 (f) When the trailing edge of the cut photographic paper 2 passes through the exposure head 5e, the first turn pressing roller 92 is displaced toward the first turn driving roller 91, and the first turn driving roller 91 and the first turn driving roller 91 Two rows of cut photographic paper 2 are sandwiched between the one-turn pressure roller 92. After completion of this pressure bonding operation, the second exposure pressure roller 86 is displaced away from the second exposure drive roller 85 to release the pressure of the cut photographic paper 2 in the second exposure transport roller unit 80C. As a result, the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is taken over from the exposure conveyance unit 8d to the post-exposure conveyance unit 8e. Further, after the rear end of the cut photographic paper 2 has passed through the exposure transport unit 8d, the outer turn guide 90b is closed inward to swing.
[0034]
In this way, the cut photographic paper 2 is exposed and transported by the first exposure transport roller unit 80B, the exposure transport by both the first and second exposure transport roller units 80B and 80C, and the exposure transport by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C. Then, an image is printed by the exposure head 5a. Thereafter, the exposed cut photographic printing paper 2 is sent to the development conveyance line 8C by the post-exposure conveyance unit 8e and developed by the development processing unit 6.
[0035]
As described above, the cut photographic paper 2 passing through the exposure head 5a is produced by the first exposure conveyance mode by the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and by both the first exposure conveyance roller unit 80B and the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C. The second exposure transport mode and the cut photographic paper 2 are exposed and transported in the third exposure transport mode by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C. The exposure transport ratio (distance) in each exposure transport mode is the exposure. It can be set in the conveyance mode setting unit 78.
[0036]
An example of a mechanism for realizing the application ratio adjustment in each exposure conveyance mode will be described with reference to the exposure conveyance timing chart of FIG. Here, the first photographic paper detection sensor S1 is a sensor that detects that the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 has entered the first exposure transport roller unit 80B, and the second photographic paper detection sensor S2 is the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2. 2 is a sensor that detects the passage of the second exposure transport roller unit 80C, and the third photographic paper detection sensor S3 is a sensor that detects that the trailing edge of the cut photographic paper 2 has passed the exposure head 5a. Is schematically shown as a triangle. Each photographic paper detection sensor is connected to the controller 7. Although not shown in the figure, each of the pressure-bonding rollers that can be displaced is accompanied by a sensor that detects the completion of the pressure-bonding operation, and is configured to send a pressure-bonding operation completion signal to the controller 7. Yes.
[0037]
First, when the first photographic paper detection sensor S1 detects that the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 has reached the first exposure / conveyance roller unit 80B, the first exposure pressure roller 85 performs the crimping and conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 for pressure bonding. Operate. When this crimping operation is completed, the crimping of the cut photographic paper 2 in the intermediate conveyance roller unit 80A is released. As a result, the exposure transport unit 8d is controlled in the first exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper 2 is transported by the first exposure transport roller unit 80B. When the cut photographic paper 2 reaches the exposure line by the exposure head 5a, the exposure process is started.
[0038]
Next, when the second photographic paper detection sensor S2 detects that the leading edge of the cut photographic paper 2 has passed through the second exposure conveyance roller unit 80C, the first delay included in the function of the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78 is included. The unit 78a is activated. The delay time D1 of the first delay section 78a is variable from 0 to a predetermined value determined by the length of the cut photographic paper 2. When the delay time D1 elapses, the second exposure pressure roller 88 performs a pressure bonding operation to carry out the pressure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2. Thus, the exposure transport unit 8d is controlled in the second exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper 2 is transported by both the first exposure transport roller unit 80B and the second exposure transport roller unit 80C. When the pressing operation of the second exposure press roller 88 is completed, the second delay unit 78b included in the function of the exposure transport mode setting unit 78 is activated. The delay time D2 of the second delay section 78b is also variable from 0 to a predetermined value determined by the length of the cut photographic paper 2. When this delay time: D2 has elapsed, the pressure-bonding operation of the first exposure pressure roller 86 is released. As a result, the exposure transport unit 8d is controlled in the third exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper 2 is transported by the second exposure transport roller unit 80C.
[0039]
Finally, when the exposure process for the cut photographic paper 2 is completed and the rear end of the cut photographic paper 2 is detected by the third photographic paper detection sensor S3, the first turn pressure roller 92 is pressed and conveyed by the cut photographic paper 2 To perform the crimping operation. When the pressing operation of the first turn pressing roller 92 is completed, the pressing operation of the second exposure pressing roller 88 is released. As a result, the exposure conveyance of the cut photographic paper 2 is taken over from the exposure conveyance unit 8d to the post-exposure conveyance unit 8e. As is apparent from the timing chart of FIG. 16, in order to lengthen the transport in the first exposure transport mode, the delay time: D1 of the first delay unit 78a may be increased, and the transport in the second exposure transport mode may be performed. In order to increase the delay time, the delay time: D1 of the first delay section 78a may be shortened or zero, and the delay time: D2 of the second delay section 78b may be increased, or the transport in the third exposure transport mode may be lengthened. For this purpose, both the delay time D1 of the first delay section 78a and the delay time D2 of the second delay section 78b may be shortened or set to zero.
[0040]
The optimum print quality can be obtained by using the ratio of application of these three exposure conveyance modes. The transmission system for each drive roller, the vibration of the motor, the resonance of the conveyance mechanism, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to make a test print by changing the application ratio of the three exposure conveyance modes and judge from the result. For this reason, the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78 maximizes the ratio of the first test pattern setting and the exposure distance in the second exposure conveyance mode in the first exposure conveyance mode during test printing. A third test pattern setting in which the ratio of the exposure distance in the second test pattern setting and the third exposure transport mode is maximized is prepared in advance. Of course, each delay time for determining the transport length in each exposure transport mode differs depending on the length of the cut photographic paper 2, so that each delay time for every cut photographic paper size to be handled is stored in the exposure transport mode setting unit 78. It is stored in the form.
[0041]
When the optimum application ratio of the exposure conveyance mode is determined by the test print, the operator accesses the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78 through the console 7b, and the exposure conveyance mode applied to each cut photographic paper size (print size). Application ratio, that is, delay times: D1 and D2. Thus, during actual printing, when the print size is determined, the photographic paper conveyance control unit 76 cooperates with the exposure conveyance mode setting unit 78 to set the exposure conveyance unit 7d so that the ratio of the optimum exposure conveyance mode is obtained. Control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a photographic processing apparatus employing an image exposure apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining photographic paper conveyance around a sorting device and a digital print unit.
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing a photographic paper transport mechanism around a sorting device and a digital print unit.
FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a sorting apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second chucker unit.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a sorting apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a second chucker portion of the sorting apparatus.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the chuck pin
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the controller.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a typical movement pattern of a chucker section for cut photographic paper
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a typical movement pattern of a chucker section for cut photographic paper
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an exposure conveyance operation on a short cut photographic paper.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an exposure conveyance operation on a short cut photographic paper.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an exposure conveyance operation for a long cut photographic paper.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an exposure conveyance operation in a long cut photographic paper.
FIG. 16 is a time chart of exposure conveyance;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 film
2 photographic paper (cut photographic paper)
3 Film scanner
4 sorter
5 Digital Print Department
6 Development processing section
7 Controller
8 Photographic paper transport mechanism
8A photographic paper supply line
8B Exposure transport line
8C Development transport line
8a Drawer transport section
8b Transport unit before sorting
8c Intermediate transfer section
8d Exposure transport unit
9e Post-exposure transport section
76 Photographic paper transport controller
78 Exposure conveyance mode setting section
78a First delay section
78b Second delay section
80A Intermediate transport roller unit
80B 1st exposure conveyance roller unit
80C Second exposure transport roller unit
85 First exposure driving roller
86 First exposure pressure roller
87 Second exposure driving roller
88 Second exposure press roller

Claims (3)

An exposure conveyance unit that conveys cut photographic paper cut in accordance with a print size in the sub-scanning direction, an exposure head that extends in the main scanning direction for line exposure of the conveyed cut photographic paper, and a print that controls the exposure conveyance unit In an image exposure apparatus comprising a paper conveyance control unit,
The exposure transport unit includes a first exposure transport roller unit upstream of the exposure head in the photographic paper transport direction and a second exposure transport roller unit downstream of the exposure head, and the photographic paper transport control. The first exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper is exposed and transported by the first exposure transport roller unit, and the cut photographic paper is exposed and transported by both the first exposure transport roller unit and the second exposure transport roller unit. A second exposure transport mode, and a third exposure transport mode in which the cut photographic paper is exposed and transported by the second exposure transport roller unit. Further, a combination of these three exposure transport modes is used to produce one cut photographic paper. An image having an exposure conveyance mode setting unit for changing a ratio of an exposure distance in each exposure conveyance mode when performing exposure conveyance. Exposure apparatus. The exposure conveyance mode setting unit is configured to set a first test pattern that maximizes an exposure distance ratio in the first exposure conveyance mode and a second test pattern that maximizes an exposure distance ratio in the second exposure conveyance mode during test printing. The image exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is sequentially performed to a third test pattern setting in which a ratio between the setting and the exposure distance in the third exposure conveyance mode is maximized. 2. The exposure transport unit is configured to be capable of transporting cut photographic paper in a double row, and the exposure head simultaneously exposes the cut photographic paper transported in a double row by the exposure transport unit. Or the image exposure apparatus of 2.

Images