JPH0363637A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make sensitivity definite regardless of the change of an ambient temperature by keeping the temperature of a supporting member for silver halide photosensitive material in which infrared wavelength region is spectrally sensitized within a specified range. CONSTITUTION:Sensitive material for infrared S is conveyed to be subscanned by the rotation of a drum 9 in a state where it is wound to a part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 9. At such a time, the temperature information of a drum main body 90 which is detected by a temperature sensor 13 is finally digitized and inputted in a control means 16. The means 16 compares the previously stored appropriate temperature of the main body 90 with the inputted temperature information and makes the temperature of the main body 90 kept the set temperature by repeatedly driving and stopping a heater 12 through a switch 15. Thus, the variance of the sensitivity is prevented regardless of the change of the ambient temperature.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an image recording device using a silver halide photographic material that is spectrally sensitized in the infrared wavelength region.

<Prior Art> Laser light sources, especially semiconductor lasers, have the advantage of being small, inexpensive, and easy to modulate. In addition, they emit light in the infrared wavelength region, so they are made of silver halide that is sensitive to the infrared region. Since a photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter referred to as an infrared light-sensitive material) can be used and a bright safelight can be used, there is an advantage that handling efficiency is improved.

The following are known as image recording apparatuses that record on such infrared sensitive materials using semiconductor lasers.

In other words, it is a scanning type light beam that performs main scanning by swinging the light beam emitted from a laser light source over a predetermined angle range using a deflector such as a carbanometer mirror, and performs sub-scanning by wrapping an infrared sensitive material around a rotating drum. It is a beam recording device.

By the way, when using such a scanning light beam recording device, a phenomenon occurs in which the sensitivity of the infrared sensitive material varies for some reason.

When we investigated the cause of this, we found that infrared sensitive materials have a strong temperature dependence, and if the temperature at the time of exposure is low (for example, less than 5 degrees Celsius), the sensitivity will be low, causing a malfunction in which the spaces between the scanning lines appear transparent. On the other hand, it has been found that at high temperatures (for example, 45° C. or higher), the sensitivity is high and fogging occurs.

In particular, such a phenomenon occurs conspicuously with high-contrast infrared sensitive materials.

However, in conventional scanning light beam recording devices, no consideration is given to the temperature of the exposed area, and by installing a fan to introduce outside air, the temperature of the exposed area is almost equal to the temperature inside the room where the device is installed. It was becoming like that.

Therefore, the temperature of the infrared photosensitive material during exposure depends on the environmental temperature in the room where the device is installed, and as a result, changes in environmental temperature, such as in winter and summer, early morning and daytime, and in cold and tropical regions. This has the drawback of a difference in sensitivity due to the difference in sensitivity, and a lack of sensitivity stability.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device that can obtain constant sensitivity regardless of changes in environmental temperature. be.

〈Means for solving problems〉 Such objects are achieved by the present invention as described below.

That is, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus that forms an image by exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material spectrally sensitized in the infrared wavelength region, comprising: an optical system for exposure; An image recording apparatus comprising: a support member that supports a photosensitive material; and a temperature control means installed on the support member and capable of maintaining the temperature of the support member within a predetermined range.

<Function> In the present invention having such a configuration, the temperature of the supporting member such as a drum that supports the infrared sensitive material is maintained within a predetermined range by a temperature regulating means such as a heater capable of temperature control. The temperature of the infrared sensitive material in the exposed area is maintained within an appropriate range, and the sensitivity remains constant.

<Embodiments> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the image recording apparatus of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of an image recording apparatus of the present invention. As shown in the figure, an image recording device (
(Hereinafter, also simply referred to as a device) l is a laser light source 3 that outputs a laser beam L, a collimator lens 4 that adjusts the diameter of the laser beam L, a mirror 5 that changes the direction of the laser beam L, a carbanometer mirror or a polygon mirror. The optical system 2 includes an optical deflector 6 such as the above, and a scanning lens 7 such as an fθ lens.

Examples of the laser light source 3 include a semiconductor laser (LD), a YAG laser, and the like, but it may also be a light-seeing diode (LED), among others, it is preferable to use a semiconductor laser.

Further, the wavelength of the laser beam is preferably 700 to 850.
nm, more preferably about 760 to 800 nm.

On the other hand, in the exposure section 8, the infrared sensitive material S is held between the drum 9, which is a support member that supports the sheet-like infrared sensitive material S, and the drum 9, which is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the drum 9. nip roller 10. a and 10b are installed.

The infrared sensitive material S is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 by the rotation of the drum 9 while being wrapped around a part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 9.

A laser beam L emitted from a laser light source 3 has its diameter strictly adjusted by a collimator lens 4, is reflected by a mirror 5, and travels toward an optical deflector 6.

The laser beam L is polarized by the optical deflector 6.

The light beam is deflected to a predetermined angle range indicated by the symbol L2, and is converged by the scanning lens 7 (imaged at a distance according to the incident angle). The infrared photosensitive material S between the nip rollers 10a and 10b is then irradiated and main-scanned in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1, thereby recording image elements as dots on the main-scanning line of the - book.

Since the infrared sensitive material S is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction A substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction B as described above, the recording surface of the infrared sensitive material S is two-dimensionally scanned, and a desired image is scanned. The image is recorded.

Examples of infrared-sensitive materials applicable to the present invention include black-and-white or color infrared-sensitive materials described in JP-A-59-191032, JP-A-592-192242, JP-A-60-80841, and JP-A-62-123454. Examples include materials.

Next, the configuration of the drum 9 will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum 9. As shown in the figure, the drum 9 is composed of a cylindrical drum main body 90 and hollow rotating shafts 92 and 93 protruding from both ends thereof.

The rotation axis 92,93 of this drum 9 is connected to the side plate 11 of the device 1.
a and llb are supported by bearings 11c and lid, respectively.

Further, the rotating shaft 93 extends outward from the side plate 11b, and a pulley 94 is fixed to the end thereof. On the other hand, a small diameter pulley 95 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 96 which is the drive source.
is installed, and an endless belt 97 is looped around both pulleys 94 and 95.

As a result, when the motor 96 is driven, its rotational force is applied to the pulley 95, the endless belt 97, and the pulley 94.
is transmitted to the rotating shaft 93 via the drum 9, and the drum 9 rotates in a predetermined direction.

A rod-shaped heater 12 is provided in the internal space 91 of the drum body 90.
is installed without contact with the drum. This heater 1
Both ends of the drum 2 pass through the rotating shafts 92 and 93 of the drum and project to the outside, and are supported and fixed to the device 1 at one or both of the projecting ends.

When the heater 12 is driven by energizing the heating element, the drum body 90, particularly its cylindrical portion, is heated.

The drum body 90 is preferably made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, copper, or metal such as aluminum.

An annular recess 98 is formed in one side end surface of the drum body 90 , and a temperature sensor 13 capable of detecting the temperature of the drum body 90 , particularly its cylindrical portion, is placed in the recess 98 without contacting the recess 98 . It is inserted in. As the temperature sensor 13, a thermistor, thermocouple, or the like can be used.

The heating element of the heater 12 is connected to a power source 14, and a switch (relay) 15 for energizing and disconnecting the heater 12 is provided in the middle thereof.

Further, a control means 16 such as a microcomputer for controlling ON/OFF of the switch 15 is provided, and an input terminal of this control means 16 is connected to the temperature sensor 13, and an output terminal is connected to the switch 15, respectively.

Such a heater 12, temperature sensor 13, power supply 14
, the switch 15 and the control means 16 constitute a temperature control means.

Hereinafter, temperature control by this temperature control means will be explained.

The temperature information of the drum body 90 detected by the temperature sensor 13 is finally digitized and input to the control means 16. In the control means 16, the drum body 9
An appropriate temperature (set temperature) of 0 is stored in advance, and the temperature information input in real time is compared with this set temperature.

When the temperature of the drum body 90 becomes lower than the set temperature, the control means 16 outputs a command signal to turn on the switch 15, and executes this command. As a result, the heater 12 is energized and the drum body 90 is heated.

When the temperature of the drum body 90 rises and reaches the set temperature, the control means 16 outputs a command signal to turn off the switch 15, and executes this command. As a result, heater 1
The drive of No. 2 is stopped.

In this way, the heater 12 is repeatedly driven and stopped, and the temperature of the drum body 90 is maintained near the set temperature. As a result, in the exposure section 8, the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S in contact with the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the drum body 90 is maintained within a predetermined range, and variations in sensitivity are prevented.

In this case, it is preferable that the control means 16 performs PID control.

Note that the temperature of the drum body 90 is approximately equal to the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S that is in contact with the cylindrical portion of the drum body 90.
If the temperature is detected, it means that the temperature of the infrared sensitive material S in the exposure section 8 has been detected.

The preferred value for the set temperature varies depending on the type of infrared sensitive material S, but for example, it may be set at one point within the range of 5 to 40°C (for example, 30°C), or it may be set within a predetermined range above and below the temperature (for example, 30°C). For example, the temperature range may be within a range of ±5° C.).

In the present invention, suitable temperature control conditions include 10 to 35
One point within the range of °C is set temperature, and ±5 from that temperature.
The temperature of the drum body 9 is controlled within a range of .degree.

The above-mentioned control means 16 controls driving and stopping of the heater 12 by turning on and off a switch, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the amount of heat generated by the heater 12 can be increased or decreased continuously or in stages. Such control may also be performed.

Note that when the image recording device 1 is used in a low-temperature environment such as in a cold region or during the winter, the drum 9 is
By heating the drum 9 to about 35° C., it is possible to prevent dew condensation from forming on the surface of the drum 9.

The temperature control means in the present invention is a drum 9 using a heater or the like.
It is not limited to a device that heats the drum 9, but may also be a device that cools the drum 9 or a device that is capable of both cooling and heating.

When cooling the drum 9, the internal space 91 of the drum 9
A cooler may be installed in the cooler, and the operation and stop of the cooler may be controlled by a control system similar to that described above.

In this case, as a cooler, a heat exchanger using a refrigerant or one using an electronic cooling element (Beltier element) can be used, and the latter in particular has a simple structure and is small, so it can be used inside the drum 9. It is advantageous and preferable to install it in

An image recording device having such a cooler is suitable for use in high-temperature environments such as in tropical regions and in summer.

Further, as another example of the structure of the temperature control means, a jacket is provided inside the drum through which a heating or cooling fluid can flow,
One example is one in which the fluid is controlled to flow based on the temperature of the drum body detected by a sensor similar to the above, and the temperature of the drum is maintained near the set temperature.

As the infrared sensitive material S applied to the present invention, 700 to 8
It is spectrally sensitized to have maximum sensitivity in the long wavelength region (infrared region) of 50 nm.

In particular, high-gradation infrared sensitive materials such as black-and-white sensitive materials for obtaining halftone images are susceptible to variations in sensitivity due to temperature changes, and thus are effective for application to the present invention.

Although the image description apparatus of the present invention has been described above with reference to the configuration example shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various applications and modifications are possible.

For example, a platen (a flat support plate) may be used instead of the drum 9 as a support member for the infrared sensitive material.

Also, the temperature sensor 13 is connected to the nip roller 10a or 1
It may be installed at 0b.

In addition, in the exposure section 8, the nip roller 10b on the upstream side in the direction of conveyance of the photosensitive material is a hollow roller, and a heater 12 etc. are installed inside the nip roller 10b to control the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the nip roller 10b. It is also possible to configure the temperature of S to be maintained within a predetermined range.

<Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, by maintaining the temperature of the infrared sensitive material within a predetermined range during exposure, the image recording apparatus can record images without being affected by changes in environmental temperature. A certain sensitivity can be obtained.

For example, when exposure is performed without using the apparatus of the present invention,
If exposure is carried out in an environment of

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drum according to the present invention. Explanation of symbols 1... Image recording device 2... Optical system 3... Laser light source 4... Collimator lens 5... Mirror 6... Light deflector 7... Scanning lens 8... Exposure section 9...Drum 90...Drum body 91...Inner space 92.93...Rotating shaft 94.95...Pulley 96...Motor 97...Endless belt 98...Concavity 10a, 10b...Nip roller 11a111b...Side plate 11c, lld...Bearing 12...Heater 13...Temperature sensor 14...Power source 15...Switch 16...Control means A...Secondary Scanning direction B...Main scanning direction L, L, L...Laser beam S...Infrared sensitive material Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney: Kakan Ishii Patent attorney
Increase 1) Tatsuya) tG・1 S

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) An image recording device that forms an image by exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material that has been spectrally sensitized in the infrared wavelength region, comprising: an optical system for exposure; An image recording apparatus comprising: a supporting member; and a temperature control means installed on the supporting member and capable of maintaining the temperature of the supporting member within a predetermined range.