Apparatus for performing exposure by scanning with optical beams

Abstract

An apparatus for performing exposure by scanning with optical beams, in which exposing light sources issuing the optical beams to be deflected in a main scanning direction are used to scan and expose a web of light-sensitive material as it is transported in an auxiliary scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The apparatus has a transport guide that is positioned at least in a neighborhood of an area upstream in the auxiliary scanning direction of an exposing position where the light-sensitive material is scanned and exposed. The transport guide includes a pair of U-shaped members for regulating both end portions of the light-sensitive material in a direction of width, each of the members having at least two rollers juxtaposed in the auxiliary scanning direction in a side that faces each lateral end portion of the light-sensitive material in the direction of width. The transport guide is capable of reducing the resistance of the light-sensitive material against transport by a sufficient amount to prevent the occurrence of uneven exposure and the development of abrasion marks.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.