JP2001215680A - Maintenance device for outside-liquid roller of photosensitive material processing device and bearing for maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a maintenance device for an outside liquid roller for a photosensitive material processing device, which is capable of effectively preventing the crystallization on a bearing part of the outside liquid roller of the photosensitive material processing device, and a bearing for maintenance. SOLUTION: Water dropped between a rack side plate 102 and a water introducing guide 105 flows in a hole 106c through a groove 106e as shown by the arrow and further flow in a very small gap between a bearing inner peripheral surface 106a and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 103a of the outer liquid roller 103. The water flowing along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 103a flows out to the outside liquid roller 103 side of flows out from the opposed hole 106c and flows out again between the rack side plate 102 and the water introducing guide 105 through the groove 106e. As a result, the processing liquid stuck to the shaft 103a is washed out and the crystallization is effectively prevented. Accordingly, noise is prevented and the smooth rotation of the outside liquid roller can be ensured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a maintenance device for an external roller of a photosensitive material processing apparatus and a bearing for maintenance of the external roller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, photographic paper (hereinafter, also referred to as paper) is exposed and printed by light transmitted through a film, and then passed through processing solutions such as a developing solution, a fixing solution, and a stabilizing solution. A photographic printing / developing apparatus configured to be dried and discharged to the outside has been put to practical use. Such a developing device is disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,307,114.
Issue.

In a photosensitive material processing apparatus as a part of this type of developing apparatus, each processing liquid is stored in a processing tank, and photographic paper as a photosensitive material is transferred into the processing liquid by a transport roller provided in the processing tank. Is transported. Among these transport rollers, those present outside the processing liquid are generally referred to as extra-liquid rollers. The out-of-liquid roller may cause the processing liquid that has adhered to dry and form crystals on its surface.If such processing liquid crystals are generated between the bearing and the shaft, the roller rotates smoothly. It was disturbing or causing abnormal noise.

[0004] In order to prevent this crystallization, some maintenance devices for extra-liquid rollers have been devised.

[0005] For example, a technique of providing an O-ring on a bearing portion or arranging a blade is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 1-113132.
No. 2 and the like.

[0006] On the other hand, an automatic cleaning device for dripping or spraying water on the outer roller itself has been proposed.
JP-A-6-308700 and JP-A-8-8290
No. 7 discloses this.

[0007]

However, among the above-mentioned conventional devices, the O-ring and the blade are difficult to assemble and have low productivity, but the crystallization cannot be prevented for a long period of time. In addition, it was not possible to sufficiently prevent crystallization of the bearing portion by using a cleaning device for an extra-liquid roller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of effectively preventing crystallization of a bearing portion of an external roller. An object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance device for an outboard roller and a bearing for maintenance of the outboard roller.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a conveying roller provided in a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material, the processing roller being provided outside the processing liquid stored in the processing tank. In the maintenance device of the extra-liquid roller for transporting the photosensitive material, bearing means for the extra-liquid roller, and a water supply means for supplying water to the outer periphery of the bearing,
The bearing means includes a water passage for guiding water supplied by the water supply means to an inner peripheral side of the bearing means.

The bearing means is a sliding bearing, and the water passage is provided with water supplied to an outer periphery of the bearing and the bearing means;
The liquid guide roller is guided to a sliding contact surface with a shaft.

[0011] The water supply means has a drain pipe having a nozzle, and a water guide for guiding water supplied from the nozzle to the bearing means.

[0012] The water passage is a hole for conducting between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing means.

[0013] The water channel may further include a groove for guiding water supplied from the water supply means to the hole.

[0014] The bearing according to the present invention is preferably a liquid roller for conveying the photosensitive material out of the processing liquid stored in the processing tank, among the conveying rollers provided in the processing tank for processing the photosensitive material. A bearing for maintenance, comprising a water passage for guiding water supplied to an outer peripheral surface to an inner peripheral side.

The bearing according to the present invention is a maintenance bearing for an external roller for transporting the photosensitive material out of the processing solution in the processing tank among the transport rollers of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, and is supplied to the outer peripheral surface. It is characterized by having a water channel for guiding water to the inner peripheral side.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the relative arrangements, numerical values, and the like of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified.

(One Embodiment) <Structure of Entire Apparatus> First, the structure of an entire developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a photographic printing and developing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus 1).
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire internal configuration of the present embodiment. The device 1 is provided with a cover and the like detachably provided to the housing 2, and this figure shows a state where the cover and the like of the device 1 are partially removed.

In FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 is made up of a printer (exposure printing) section 3, a processor (development processing) section 5, and a dryer (drying) section 6, which are horizontally long and flattened back and forth. In order to minimize the occupied area, it is designed so that the main parts can be easily accessed from the front in various operations to be performed daily.

The photographic paper P exposed by the printer unit 3 is sent to the processor unit 5 via the transport unit 8. The photographic paper P transported to the processor unit 5 is sequentially sent to the developing tank 1
1, through the fixing processing tank 12 and the stabilizing processing tank 13, and then sent to the dryer unit 6.

Each processing tank has a rack unit 1
4 and a reversing roller (not shown). When the rack unit 14 and the reversing roller all rotate simultaneously, the photographic paper P entering the horizontal direction is turned downward and guided into the inside of each processing tank. Further, the inside of each processing tank is transported as indicated by an arrow, and the direction is changed again by the rack unit 14 and sent to the next processing tank. The development processing tank 11 and the fixing processing tank 12 are each composed of one tank, but the stabilization processing tank 13 has four tanks (1
3a, 13b, 13c, 13d), and each tank is arranged so that the liquid level becomes lower in order from the right,
The replenishing stabilizer flowing into 13a is from 13b to 13c
And then to 13d.

The water is discharged from the tank 13a of the stabilization tank 13,
The photographic paper P conveyed to the dryer section 6 is first sent to a drying unit 15, dried, guided to a direction changing device 16, sorted by size, and supplied to a large-size tray 18.
Alternatively, the sheet is sent to a belt conveyor 17 of a normal size and discharged outside the apparatus 1.

A replenishing tank 24 for replenishing the processing solution, a replenishing tank 25 for the fixing solution, and a replenishing tank 26 for the stabilizing solution are provided below the processing tank in the processor unit 5. Above these replenishment tanks, a container storing various concentrated processing liquids as raw materials for making a processing liquid for replenishment is configured to be set, and when the processing liquid in the replenishment tank is reduced. Next, the set container is opened and poured into these tanks to generate a replenisher. The figure shows a state in which a developer container 20, a fixer container 21, and two stabilizing solution containers 22, 23 are set with their openings downward.

Below the drying unit 15, a control unit 9 for performing various controls relating to each of the above-described processing tanks is provided together with a power supply unit, and is configured to control the entire apparatus. I have.

<Detailed Configuration of Processor Unit> Next, the detailed configuration of the processor unit 5 will be described separately with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the developing tank 11 and the fixing tank 1.
2. Supply each processing liquid to the stable processing tank 13
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the piping for discharging.

[Replenishment tank] Replenishment tank for developer 24,
Fixer replenishment tank 25 and stabilizer replenishment tank 26
Are connected to a developing processing tank 11, a fixing processing tank 12, and a stabilizing processing tank 13, respectively, by a liquid supply pipe 10c having a pump 10a and an electromagnetic valve 10b. And
Basically, each replenisher can be supplied to each processing tank at a predetermined timing according to the number of processed prints. That is, the pump 10a and the solenoid valve 10b between each replenishment tank and each processing tank are controlled based on the output of the processing number counter 33 as shown in FIG.

Each of the replenishing tanks 24, 25, 26 is connected to a concentrated developing solution container 20, a concentrated fixing solution container 21, and a not-shown opening device for opening and closing the two concentrated stable solution containers 22, 23. Tubes 24a, 25a, 26a are provided. The tube is a hollow tube and also plays a role as an inflow path for the concentrated processing liquid. In addition, each replenishment tank 24, 2
5 and 26 are spare holes 24b, 2
5b and 26b are provided, and a stirrer (not shown) is provided for each of them. 31 is a motor for the stirring device.

As shown in FIG. 3, inside the replenishment tank, replenisher full sensors 24c, 25c, 26c are provided.
And control of the pump 100 and the solenoid valve when replenishing water from the water supply tank 27, or control of the opening time of the solenoid valve when replenishing the processing solution to the processing tank. Used for

[Waste liquid tank] Waste liquid tanks 28 and 29 are provided below the developing processing tank 11 and the fixing processing tank 12, and the aged developer and fixing liquid in each processing tank are discharged to each tank. Is done. At the bottom of each waste liquid tank 28, 29, a sensor 28a for detecting the amount of waste liquid in the tank,
If the amount of waste liquid in the tank exceeds a certain amount, the user is prompted to remove the waste liquid in the tank. The waste liquid tanks 28 and 29 are piped such that the waste liquid flows out not only from the liquid surface of each of the processing tanks 11 and 12 but also from the bottom. Therefore, at the bottom of each processing tank, outlets 11a and 12a are provided at substantially the center thereof, and outflow passages 28c and 29c extend toward the waste liquid tanks 28 and 29. Solenoid valves 28b, 29b are provided in each of the outflow paths 28c, 29c.
Is provided, and the liquid level sensor 1 of each of the processing tanks 11 and 12 is provided.
It is linked with 1b and 12b. When the processing liquid is detected by these liquid level sensors 11b and 12b,
When the processing liquid is replenished beyond a certain amount, the electromagnetic valves 28b and 29b are opened for a certain time, the waste liquid flows out, and the paper powder and crystals settled at the bottom of each of the processing tanks 11 and 12 are removed. Is discharged. To this end, the bottoms of the processing tanks 11 and 12 are provided with inclinations toward the outlets 11a and 12a.

On the other hand, intermediate tanks 11c and 12c and a solenoid valve 10b are provided in the outflow paths from the upper portions of the processing tanks 11 and 12, respectively. Further, an outflow path extends from the upper part of the tank 13d of the stabilization processing tank 13 to the waste liquid tank 29, and an intermediate tank 13c is also provided in the outflow path. These intermediate tanks 11c, 12c and 13c temporarily store the waste liquid discharged while the waste liquid tank is full and is replaced with an empty waste liquid tank. It is possible to exchange the waste liquid tank or remove the waste liquid without interruption.

[Reuse Tank] A reuse tank 30 is provided below the stabilization tank 13. An inflow path extends from the upper part of the tank 13d, and when a replenisher of a predetermined amount or more flows into the stabilization tank 13, the overflow is temporarily stored in the reuse tank 30. A flow path extends from the reuse tank 30 to the fixer replenishment tank 25. A predetermined amount of stabilizing liquid (an old one, close to water) at a predetermined timing by a pump and a solenoid valve provided on the way.
Is supplied to the replenishment tank 25 for fixing.

[Water Supply Tank] A water supply tank 27 is disposed below the apparatus 1 and is provided with a maintenance device for an external liquid roller in a rack unit of each of the processing layers 11, 12, and 13.
Water is rehydrated once or twice a day. This device is for preventing the generation of crystals and the generation of abnormal noise by injecting water into the sliding surface between the bearing and the shaft. For this reason, a water supply pipe provided with a pump and an electromagnetic valve extends from the water supply tank 27 to all the tanks in each processing tank. The pump and the solenoid valve that determine the timing of water replenishment are controlled by the output of the evaporation sensor 32 so that water is replenished before the processing liquid attached to the shaft of the extra liquid roller evaporates and crystallizes.

Each replenishing tank 2
The flow passages extend to 4, 25, and 26, but this flow passage is one on the water supply tank side and one pump 10
It has only 0 and branches to three beyond it. An electromagnetic valve is provided in each of the flow paths after branching, and controls the amount of inflowing water. From the water supply tank 27 to each replenishment tank 24, 2
Since a single pump is used as a device for supplying water to the devices 5 and 26, the productivity of the device 1 as a whole is improved, and the size of the device can be reduced. Further, a water tap 35 is provided in the water supply tank 27.
Is supplied with water.

[Other Configurations] A temperature control device 70 is provided in each processing tank, and is controlled so that each processing liquid is maintained at a desired temperature. Further, a reuse tank 30 for reusing a part of the water from the above-mentioned stabilization tank 13 is provided between the stabilizing tank 13 and the replenisher tank 25 for fixing solution. <Detailed Configuration and Operation of Outer Roller Maintenance Device> Next, the configuration and operation of the outer roller maintenance device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a maintenance device for an extra-liquid roller as one embodiment of the present invention. This figure is a view showing, as an example, a portion of the processing rack provided inside the development processing tank outside the liquid, so that the wall surface of the processing tank is transparently shown. The entire processing rack in all processing tanks constitutes the rack unit 14 in FIG.

The processing rack 101 includes a pair of rack side plates 1.
02, a plurality of rollers including an extra-liquid roller 103, and a maintenance device for the extra-liquid roller. In addition, the device for maintaining the outer liquid roller includes a water supply pipe 104 having a pair of nozzles 104a and 104b, a water guide 105 fixed to each rack side plate 102, and a liquid guide roller fixed to each rack side plate 102. 103, and bearings 106 provided at both ends of the shaft. An interval is provided between the water guide 105 and the rack side plate 102 so that the water dropped from the nozzles 104a and 104b can pass therethrough. As shown in the drawing, an ant for guiding the water to each bearing 106 is provided. Nest-shaped grooves are provided. The water that has passed between the rack side plate 102 and the water guide 105 finally flows into the processing liquid.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the structure of the bearing 106. FIG. 5 (a) is a front view, FIG. 5 (b) is a sectional view, FIG. 5 (c) is a bottom view, and FIG. It is a schematic perspective view.

As shown in the figure, the bearing 106 has an inner peripheral surface 106 which is a sliding surface between the shaft and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft.
a, an outer peripheral surface 106b which is inserted into the rack side plate 102 and is fixed so as not to rotate, an outer peripheral surface 106b and an inner peripheral surface 10b.
6a and a hole 106c that allows the passage through the hole 106c. Outer surface 1
In 06b, a pair of flat portions 106d for preventing rotation of the bearing 106 and water supplied to the outer peripheral surface 106b are provided.
A groove 106e leading to flow into the hole 106c, a first protrusion 106f which comes into contact with the rack side plate 102 to determine a position of the bearing 106 in the thrust direction, and water in the groove 106e
The second protrusion 10 that guards against flowing in the opposite direction to c.
6 g. The first and second projections are provided over the entire circumference.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing a state in which the bearing 106 is mounted. FIG. 7 is a view showing a part of a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. It is a figure showing a part of B section.

As indicated by the arrows in FIG.
02 and the water guide 105 are dropped into the groove 1
06e, flows into the hole 106c, and further flows into a slight gap between the inner peripheral surface 106a of the bearing and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 103a of the outer roller 103. The water flowing along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 103a flows toward the extra-liquid roller 103 or flows out of the facing hole 106c to form a groove 106e. Flows out between.

Thus, the processing liquid adhering to the shaft 103a is washed away, and crystallization can be effectively prevented. Therefore, abnormal noise can be prevented, and smooth rotation of the extra-liquid roller can be maintained.

Although the developing tank 11 has been described here, the developing apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration for other processing tanks.

[0043]

According to the present invention, a maintenance device for an extra-liquid roller, which can effectively prevent crystallization of a bearing portion of the extra-liquid roller,
And a bearing for maintenance of the outboard roller.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing an overall configuration of a photographic printing and developing apparatus 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a piping configuration of a processor unit of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a piping configuration of a processor unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing rack provided with a maintenance device for an outboard roller as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a bearing provided in a maintenance device for an outboard roller as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a bearing provided in a maintenance device for an outboard roller as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a bearing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of a bearing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photo printing and developing device 2 housing 3 printer unit 5 processor unit 6 dryer unit 8 transport unit 9 control unit 10 a, 100 pump 10 b electromagnetic valve 10 c liquid supply pipe 11 development processing tank 12 fixing processing tank 13 stabilization processing tank 20 developer container 21 Fixing solution container 22, 23 Stabilizing solution container 24 Developer replenishing tank 25 Fixing solution replenishing tank 26 Stabilizing solution replenishing tank 27 Water supply tank 28, 29 Waste liquid tank 24c, 25c, 26c Fullness detection sensors 24d, 25d, 26d Depletion Detection sensor 32 Evaporation sensor 33 Number of processed sheets 101 Processing rack 102 Rack side plate 103 Outboard roller 104 Water supply pipe 105 Water guide 106 Bearing

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A maintenance device for an out-of-liquid roller used outside a processing liquid in a processing tank among conveying rollers of a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: bearing means for rotatably supporting the out-of-liquid roller. Water supply means for supplying water to the outer periphery of the bearing, wherein the bearing means transfers the water supplied by the water supply means to a sliding contact surface between the bearing means and a shaft of the extra-liquid roller. A maintenance device for an extra-liquid roller, comprising a water channel for guiding. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water passage is a hole that connects the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water channel further has a groove for guiding water supplied from the water supply means to the hole. 4. A bearing for maintenance of an outer roller for transporting a photosensitive material outside a processing solution in a processing tank among transport rollers of a photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein water supplied to an outer peripheral surface is supplied to an inner peripheral side. A bearing for maintenance of an extra-liquid roller, characterized by comprising a water passage leading to the water.