EP0349448A1 - Apparatus to introduce an end of a film unrolled from a cassette to a developing apparatus for films, and a module for using this apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for introducing the free end of a negative film (12) into a film development unit, unwound from a reel (9), characterized in that it consists of a clamp (1) formed of two shells, respectively upper (2) and lower, articulated around an axis parallel to the unwinding axis (8) of the coil (9), said clamp (1) comprising: - a properly cylindrical cradle, intended to receive the coil (9) unwinding and preventing (10) its rotation during the unwinding of the film (12); - A rectilinear portion (14,16), adjacent to the cradle, intended to guide the film (12) during its unwinding, comprising:. two parallel paths (17,18) for guiding the film (12),. a first window (20, 21) for the passage of the blade of the cutting member, when one arrives at the end of the unwinding of the film (12),. a second window (23) for the passage of the first pair of film drive pressure rollers (12).

Description

The invention relates to a device for introducing the free end of a negative film to be developed, unwound from a reel, into a unit for developing photographic films; it also relates to a module for the introduction of this device into the film development unit, making it possible then to automatically cut the other end of this film when it has been unwound from its reel and remains attached to it ; it also relates to machines for developing negative films equipped in this way.

In current film processors, the cutting device essentially comprises electromagnets integral with the knives, associated with cells for detecting the presence of the film. If more generally, this provision is satisfactory on the technical level, however it remains expensive, and sensitive to external influences. This solution is not suitable for inexpensive automatic machines handled by inexperienced personnel.

In French patent application 87.14 228 of October 9, 1987, a satisfactory solution was proposed on the mechanical level, but in which the positioning of the film is still too delicate for an inexperienced operator.

The invention overcomes these drawbacks.

It targets a device of the type in question which ensures easy installation of the reel of film to be developed, without calling on a "leader", which ensures good sealing of the assembly in light and automatic cutting of the film. at the end of the course. This device also allows the operator, even an inexperienced one, to prepare this positioning in advance outside the machine, therefore in masked time, which results in appreciable savings.

This device for introducing the free end of a negative film to be developed into a film development unit, unwound from a reel, in which the film to be developed:
. is unwound around the axis of the coil which rests in a cradle-shaped support:
. is driven first by a first pair of motorized pressure rollers, then by a plurality of successive pairs of rollers arranged in the film development unit proper;
. and in which the other end of the unwound film, still attached to the reel unwinding axis, is cut by an appropriate cutting member;
is characterized in that it is constituted by a clamp formed by two shells, respectively lower and upper, articulated around an axis parallel to the axis of unwinding of the reel, said clamp comprising:
- a properly cylindrical cradle, intended to receive the reel to be unwound and to prevent its rotation during the unwinding of the film;
- a straight portion, adjoining the cradle, intended to guide the film during its unfolding, comprising:
. two parallel paths for guiding the film,
. a first window for the passage of the blade of the cutting member, when one arrives at the end of the unwinding of the film,
. a second window for the passage of the first pair of film drive pressure rollers.

Advantageously, in practice:
- The connection portion of the lower shell with the rectilinear guide portion of the film has at each of the ends of the two parallel guide tracks a lug against which the lower lip of the film exit area of the reel comes to bear;
- The first window for the passage of the cutting lip is constituted by an opening formed in the lower shell and by a clearance made opposite, in the upper shell;
- The underside of the lower shell has a housing intended to receive the end of the trigger for triggering the cutting blade;
- The lower shell of the clamp present on its external faces at each of the ends of the guide tracks, of the positioning studs of the clamp in the introduction module, capable of authorizing a displacement of said clamp at the end of the unwinding;
- The free ends of the straight portions of the two shells have clipping means.

The invention also relates to a module for the introduction of this device, loaded with a film reel, into a film development unit. This module is characterized in that it includes:
. a light-tight case, closed by an articulated cover, intended to receive and position said clamp,
. the first pair of disengageable film drive rollers, intended to be positioned in the second window of the clamp after closing the cover, comprises a driving roller disposed in the fixed part of the housing, while the pressure counter-roller is fixed on the inner face of the cover,
. a guillotine shears whose blade is intended to cut the film at the end of the unwinding by engaging in the first window of the pliers.

Advantageously, in practice:
the introduction module also comprises a second pair of rollers driven in synchronism by the same geared motor as the first pair, for drawing the film unwound in the guide paths for introducing the film into the developing unit;
- The output shaft of this geared motor comprises a freewheel which, on the one hand meshes with the drive pinions of the two pairs of rollers and which, on the other hand, is disengageable when the free end of the film unwound from the reel is taken up by the first pair of rollers of the film developing unit;
- the end of the guide path of the unwound film placed just upstream of the first pair of film drive rollers in the film development tank includes a detection cell for determining when the free end of the film unrolled is supported by the first pair of rou leaux of the film development unit, in order to stop the rotation of the gear motor;
- The cutting member is constituted by a guillotine shears comprising a cutting blade proper fixed to a blade holder, itself in abutment against a molten trigger, at the end of the unwinding, by a lateral translation of the clamp; the free end of the articulated trigger is engaged in a housing provided for this purpose under the rectilinear portion of the lower shell;
- finally, the set also includes:
. a first safety device preventing the opening of the cover when the film is being unwound;
. a second safety device blocking the movement of the blade holder when the cover is open.

• La figure 1 est une représentation en perspective sommaire d'une pince caractéristique de l'invention montrée en position fermée.
• La figure 2 est une vue également en perspective sommaire de cette même pince, mais en position ouverte, bobine en position mais film non engagé.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe du module d'intro­duction caractéristique de l'invention.

The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which ensue therefrom will emerge more clearly from the embodiment which follows, given by way of indication but not limitation, in support of the appended figures.

• Figure 1 is a summary perspective representation of a clamp characteristic of the invention shown in the closed position.
• Figure 2 is also a summary perspective view of the same clamp, but in the open position, reel in position but film not engaged.
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of the characteristic introduction module of the invention.

The clamp characteristic of the invention designated by the general reference (1) comprises two molded shells respectively upper (2) and lower (3), articulated around an axis (4) by hinges (5) and (6), said axis being parallel to the unwinding axis (8) of the coil (9) once in place.

The lower shell (3) has a pin (10) on the spindle of the axis (4) intended to block the coil (9) once in position.

The two shells (2,3) define a cradle designated by the general reference (11) cylindrical, intended to receive the film reel. To prevent the rotation of this reel (9) during the unwinding of the film designated by the general reference (12), the connection portion of the lower shell (3) with the rectilinear guide portion of the film (14) has a lug ( 13) against which bears the lower lip (15) of the film outlet area (12) of the reel (9). The two shells (2,3) are then extended by two rectilinear portions, respectively (14,16) adjoining the cradle, intended to guide the film (12) during its unwinding. These two rectilinear portions (14, 16) are clipped at their ends to properly hold the film (12) during the unwinding. These portions (14,16) first of all comprise two parallel guide paths, respectively (17,18) on which the unwound film slides and more precisely the drive perforations.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the two rectilinear portions (14,15) have two facing openings, respectively (20) and (21), arranged facing each other, forming a first window for the passage of the blade (30) of the cutting member when one arrives at the end of the unwinding of the film (12). In an advantageous embodiment, this window is constituted by a first opening (21) formed in the rectilinear portion (14) of the lower shell (3), while the portion (16) of the upper shell (2) has a clearance (20) arranged opposite (21). In an economic variant, the clearance (20) can be replaced by a recessed housing. The straight portions (14,16) then have two other openings arranged opposite, respectively (22,23) for the passage of the first pair of pressure rollers (24,25) for driving the film (12).

The underside of the straight portion (14) of the lower shell (3) has a housing (26) intended to receive the end (31) of the trigger (32) for triggering the support of the cutting blade (30) .

It is easily understood that the positioning of the film in the clamp (1) can be carried out by inexperienced personnel outside the film development unit. To do this, the operator opens the two shells (2,3), engages the coil (9) by blocking it on the lug (10) and the outlet lip (13) against the lug (13). By hand, he pulls the free end of the film (12) to bring the edges of the film onto the guide tracks (17,18) until the end of the film (12) is slightly flush.

He then introduces the clamp (1) into the introduction module designated by the general reference (40) shown in FIG. 3 of the film development unit designated by the general reference (60).

This module (40) comprises a light-tight housing (41), closed by a cover (42) articulated at (43). By means of lugs or positioning pads respectively (33) and (34) provided for this purpose at the end of the guide tracks (17,18), the clamp is positioned in the fixed part (41) of the module. introduction (40). The pressure counter roller (25) associated with a spring (35) is fixed to the cover (42).

The output shaft (37) of a gear motor (36) comprises a free wheel (38) which meshes with pinions (39) on the one hand, with the drive roller (24) of the first pair of rollers, but also with two other motor return rollers (44,45), driven in synchronism with (24,25) to pull the unwound film (12) in the guide paths (46) of the film to the unit development (60). In the vicinity of the end (47) of this path (46), there is a detection cell (48) which makes it possible to determine the moment when the free end of the unwound film (12) is taken over by the first pair rolls (61,62) of the film developing tank (60). The drive of the geared motor (36) is then stopped and consequently the rollers (24,44,45).

The cutting member comprises a trigger (32) articulated at (50), the end (31) of which is, as already said, engaged in the housing (26) provided for this purpose. This trigger (32) cooperates by a stop (51) with a knife holder (30) associated with a spring (52) and having a counter-stop (53). The end of the blade holder (30) has the actual cutting blade forming a guillotine (30).

The positioning being carried out, that is to say the clamp as shown in FIG. 1 loaded being placed in the introduction module, the operator closes the cover (42). Automatically, the presser roller (25) pinches the end (12) of the film to be unwound. Safety devices not shown prevent the opening of the cover (42) when the film (12) is being unwound and other safety devices block the movement of the blade holder (30) when the cover (42) is open.

Locking the cover (42) automatically starts the motor (36). The first pair of rollers (24,25) advances the film to the second pair of rollers (44,45) which it engages in the path (46). When it arrives at the pair (61, 62), the detector (48) controls the stopping of the motor (36) and the film is taken in charge and is advanced by the development unit (60). At the end of the unwinding, as the other end of the film (12) is attached to the unwinding shaft (8), there follows a longitudinal traction indicated by the arrow T. This causes the clamp to move towards the right and consequently, a pivoting of the trigger (32) which then releases the knife (30) which thus cuts the end of the unwound film.

A suitable device enables the knife (30) to be armed when the cover (42) is opened.

The device according to the invention is particularly simple, of easy construction, and can be implemented by non-specialized personnel. In addition, it allows the reels or films to be loaded into the gripper outside of the machine itself, which results in appreciable time savings.

In this way, this arrangement can be advantageously used in automatic film development machines, as well as in film development machines and integrated photographic prints.

Claims (10)

1 / Device for introducing the free end of a negative film (12) to be developed into a film development unit (60), unwound from a reel (9), in which the film (12) to be developed:
. is unwound around the axis (8) of said coil (9) which rests in a support in the form of a cradle;
. is driven first by a first pair of motorized presser rollers (24,25), then by a plurality of successive pairs of rollers (61,62) disposed in the unit (60) of actual film developments;
. and in which the other end of the unwound film is cut from the unwinding axis (8) of the reel (9) by a cutting member,
characterized in that it is constituted by a clamp (1) formed by two shells, respectively upper (2) and lower (3), articulated around an axis (4) parallel to the unwinding axis (8) of the coil (9), said clamp (1) comprising:
- a proper cradle (11) cylindrical, intended to receive the reel (9) to unwind and to prevent (10) its rotation during the unwinding of the film (12);
- a rectilinear portion (14,16), adjacent to the cradle, intended to guide the film (12) during its unwinding, comprising:
. two parallel paths (17,18) for guiding the film (12),
. a first window (20, 21) for the passage of the blade (53) of the cutting member (30), when the end of the unwinding of the film (12) is reached,
. a second window (22,23) for the passage of the first pair of pressure rollers (24,25) for driving the film (12). 2 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting portion of the lower shell (3) with the straight portion (14) for guiding the film present at each end of the two parallel guide paths (17,18) a lug (13) against which the lower lip of the exit zone (15) of the film (12) of the reel (9) rests. 3 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first window (20,21) for the passage of the cutting lip (53) is constituted by an opening (21) formed in the lower shell (3) and by a clearance (20) arranged opposite, in the upper shell (2). 4 / Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the underside of the lower shell (3) has a housing (26) intended to receive the end of the trigger (30) for triggering the blade cutting (53). 5 / Device according to claim 1, characterized:
- in that the lower shell (3) which comprises the cylindrical cradle (11) intended to receive the reel (9) to be unwound, has, in the vicinity of the axis of the articulation (4), a lug (10) intended to blocking said coil (10) during unwinding, said cradle being connected to a first straight portion (14) adjoining the cradle (11), comprising in order a first window (21) for the passage of the blade (53), a lodge ment (26) directed downwards and a second window (23) for the passage of a pair of rollers;
- And in that the upper shell (2), articulated in (4) comprises a second rectilinear portion (16), parallel to the first (14), intended to be clipped onto it, comprising a recess disposed in hollow facing the first window (21) and a window (22) arranged facing the second window (23). 6 / module for the introduction of the loading clamp according to one of claims 1 to 5, loaded with a reel (9) of film (12) in the film development unit (60), characterized in that that he understands:
. a light-tight casing, closed by a hinged cover (42) (43), intended to receive and position said clamp (1),
. the first pair of disengageable film drive rollers, intended to be positioned in the second window (22,23) of the clamp (1) after closing the cover (42), comprising a driving roller (24), disposed in the fixed part (41) of the housing, while the pressing counter-roller (25) is fixed on the internal face of the cover (42);
. a second pair of motor rollers (44,45) driven in synchronism by the same geared motor (36) as the first pair (24,25), to pull the film (12) unwound in the guide paths (46) of introduction film in the development unit (60);
. a guillotine shears (30,53), the blade (53) of which is intended to cut the film at the end of the unwinding by engaging in the first window (20,21) of the pliers (1). 7 / introduction module according to claim 6, characterized in that the output shaft (37) of the gear motor (36) has a free wheel (38) which, on the one hand meshes with the pinions (39) for driving the two pairs (24.25 - 44.45) of rollers and which, on the other hand, is disengageable when the free end of the film (12) unwound from the reel (9) is supported by the first pair of rollers (61,62) of the film developing unit (60). 8 / introduction module according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the end (47) of the guide path (46) disposed just upstream of the introduction into the film development unit ( 60), comprises a detection cell (48) making it possible to determine the moment when the free end of the unwound film (12) is taken up by the first pair of rollers (61,62) of said unit (60) to stop the gear motor (36). 9 / introduction module according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the cutting member is constituted by a shears (30) with guillotine comprising a cutting blade (53) fixed to a blade holder ( 30), itself in abutment (51,53) against a trigger (32) moved, at the end of the unwinding, by a lateral translation of the clamp (1), the free end (31) of said trigger (32 ) articulated in (50) being engaged in the housing (26) formed under the rectilinear portion (14) of the lower shell (3). 10 / Introductory module according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it also comprises:
- A first security preventing the opening of the cover when the film (12) is being unwound;
- A second safety device blocking the movement of the blade holder (30) when the cover (42) is open.

Images