JP2002296750A - Photosensitive material process cartridge, and photosensitive material processing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a photosensitive material process cartridge constituted so that processing solution is not spilled or scattered to and around a place for processing photosensitive material, and a photosensitive material processing device and a photosensitive material processing method. SOLUTION: Since carrying roller pairs 50 to 126 are enclosed and also the processing solution is enclosed inside this photosensitive material process cartridge 14, the processing solution is prevented from being leaked and spilled even when the cartridge 14 is carried. Besides, the driving force of a motor 142 is transmitted to the roller pairs 50 to 126 by the attractive force and the repulsive force of magnets 140 and 144 and the roller pairs 50 to 126 are rotated, so that the processing solution is surely enclosed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing cartridge, a photosensitive material processing apparatus, and a photosensitive material processing method for processing an image-exposed photosensitive material with a processing solution.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Photosensitive materials, such as photographic paper, on which images formed on a so-called negative film are exposed, are generally exposed to various processing solutions such as a color developing solution, a bleach-fixing solution, and washing water. The material is processed.

In recent years, there is also an automatic developing apparatus for automatically immersing a photosensitive material in a processing tank in which a processing solution is stored and automatically attaching the above-described processing solutions to the photosensitive material.

In this type of automatic developing apparatus, a plurality of processing tanks storing the above-described various processing solutions are arranged in an order corresponding to the flow of the processing steps. Further, each processing tank is provided with, for example, a transport rack constituted by a plurality of transport rollers.

[0005] The transporting rack can transport the photosensitive material by rotating while holding the photosensitive material between the roller pairs. In the course of the photosensitive material transport path by this transport rack, the processing solution is contained in the processing solution,
The photosensitive material transported by the transport rack is immersed in the processing liquid during transportation, whereby the processing liquid adheres to the photosensitive material.

Further, the transport rack can transfer the photosensitive material transported to the transport rack corresponding to the processing tank of the next processing, and therefore, the photosensitive material is transported to the transport rack of each processing tank. Thus, the immersion processing is performed on each processing liquid, and the processing liquid is attached.

[0007]

Since the above-mentioned various processing solutions are deteriorated by use, a so-called replenisher is charged into the processing tank after the processing of the photosensitive material for a certain period or after a certain amount of processing is completed. It was necessary to add a new solution or replace the processing solution.

However, in order to add the replenisher, the replenisher must be prepared and put into the treatment tank, and the replenisher may spill around when the replenisher is replenished. Further, the processing liquid overflowing from the processing tank due to the replenishment is stored in the waste liquid tank. When the overflowing processing liquid flows into the waste liquid tank or when the waste liquid tank is replaced, the waste liquid (ie, the processing liquid) spills around. There was a possibility. The spilling of the processing liquid in this way stains the surroundings, and when preparing a replenisher or wiping off the spilled processing liquid, the hands and the like of the operator are also soiled. Furthermore, since complicated work such as replenishment of the replenisher, replacement of the processing solution, replacement of the waste liquid tank, and washing as described above is required, workability is poor and skill may be required to perform the work efficiently. Was.

On the other hand, when carrying out maintenance such as repair and inspection of the transport rack provided in each processing tank, the transport rack is taken out of the processing tank. A part of the transport rack is immersed in the processing liquid. Therefore, if the transport rack is taken out of the processing tank for maintenance, there is a possibility that the processing liquid attached to the transport rack may spill around.

Further, when the transporting rack is taken out of the processing tank or when the automatic developing device shakes due to an earthquake or the like, the processing liquid adhering to the transporting rack stores another type of processing liquid. In such a case, there is a possibility that a failure caused by mixing of different types of processing solutions, a so-called contamination failure, may occur. In addition, when such different kinds of processing liquids are mixed, all of the processing liquids have to be replaced with new liquids.

As described above, in the conventional automatic developing apparatus, the processing liquid may be spilled to the surroundings when the processing liquid is exchanged or maintenance work of the transport rack is performed. Is difficult to install, and
Since replenishment and replacement of the processing solution and other maintenance and other operations are complicated, there is a problem that it is difficult to install in a store other than a photo store.

In view of the above facts, the present invention provides a photosensitive material processing cartridge, a photosensitive material processing apparatus, and a processing method which prevent the processing liquid from spilling or scattering around and around the processing area of the photosensitive material when replacing the processing liquid. And a method for processing a light-sensitive material.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive material processing cartridge, wherein a processing liquid which adheres to a photosensitive material and which processes the photosensitive material is enclosed, and which is detachable and mountable at a predetermined mounting position. A cartridge main body that can be carried in a state detached from a position, and a driving force from a transfer driving unit that is sealed inside the cartridge main body together with the processing liquid and provided inside or outside the cartridge main body, directly or indirectly. Conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material in the cartridge body by receiving the photosensitive material,
It has.

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above structure, a conveying means is sealed in the cartridge body, and when the photosensitive material is drawn into the cartridge body, the conveying means conveys the photosensitive material in the cartridge body. .

Further, a processing liquid is enclosed inside the cartridge body together with the transporting means, and the photosensitive material is transported by the transporting means in the cartridge body so that the processing liquid is attached thereto, thereby processing the photosensitive material. Done.

In the present invention, both the processing liquid and the transporting means are sealed in the cartridge body. Moreover,
The cartridge main body is detachable from a predetermined mounting position, and the cartridge main body removed from the mounting position is portable.

Therefore, even if the photosensitive material processing cartridge is detached from a predetermined mounting portion and carried, the processing liquid does not basically spill or leak.

Thus, even if the user is unfamiliar with complicated operations such as replacement of the processing solution and maintenance of the transporting means, it is possible to replace the processing solution and maintain the transporting means at the place where the photosensitive material is processed. Therefore, the processing liquid is not spilled to the place where the photosensitive material is to be processed at the time of replacement of the processing liquid or maintenance of the transporting means, and the cleanliness of the place where the photosensitive material is processed can be secured and maintained.

Further, since the processing liquid and the transporting means are sealed in the cartridge body, the photosensitive material processing cartridge which requires maintenance of the deteriorated processing liquid and the transporting means can be replaced with a new processing liquid or another maintenance means in which the maintained transporting means is sealed. By simply replacing the photosensitive material processing cartridge, processing of the photosensitive material can be continued, so that labor and time for replacement can be reduced, and workability in processing the photosensitive material can be improved.

The photosensitive material to be processed by the present photosensitive material processing cartridge is not limited to a specific form as long as an image (including a latent image) is formed on its surface or the like by light. Therefore, the photosensitive material to be processed by the present processing method is not limited to photographic papers and films used in so-called black-and-white photographs and color photographs, as well as reversal films and reversal papers, films for X-ray photography, and printing lithography films. Is possible.

The same applies to the processing liquid in the photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing cartridge, and it goes without saying that the processing solution differs depending on the photosensitive material used.

Further, the photosensitive material processing cartridge may be filled with only one type of processing solution, or the internal space of the cartridge body may be partitioned by one or a plurality of partitions, and each space partitioned by the partition may be separated. Different processing solutions may be charged and these processing solutions may be sealed in one photosensitive material processing cartridge.

The driving source (transport driving means) of the driving force applied to the transport means of the photosensitive material processing cartridge is not limited to any particular mode. Further, the mode of transmission of the driving force from the drive source (transport drive unit) to the transport unit is not limited at all.

Therefore, the drive source (transport drive means) is mechanically connected to the drive source (transport drive means) by a mechanical transmission means such as a rotating shaft, a gear train, a ball screw, an endless belt or the like. May be mechanically transmitted to the transporting means, or may be mechanically driven by an electromagnetic transmitting means such as induced electromotive force or magnetism (driving means for transporting).
A configuration may be adopted in which the driving force of the drive source (transport drive unit) is transmitted to the transport unit without connecting the and the transport unit.

A photosensitive material processing cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the present invention according to the first aspect, one type of processing liquid is sealed inside the cartridge body.

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above-described structure, one type of processing liquid is sealed in the cartridge main body. Therefore, when the photosensitive material is drawn into the cartridge main body and conveyed by the conveying means, this one liquid is conveyed. Only the type of processing liquid is deposited in the cartridge body.

That is, in the present invention, a photosensitive material processing cartridge (cartridge main body) is used individually for at least different types of processing liquids. When a plurality of types of processing liquids are sequentially attached to the photosensitive material, The photosensitive material passes through the inside of the cartridge body for each processing liquid.

As described above, in the present invention, since one type of processing liquid is sealed in the cartridge main body, the cartridge main body is compared with a configuration in which a plurality of types of processing liquids are separately sealed in one cartridge main body. Can be reduced in size.
Thus, the photosensitive material processing cartridge can be more easily attached and detached and carried, and workability such as replacement work of the cartridge body (photosensitive material processing cartridge) can be improved.

Further, the processing liquid is contained in the cartridge body.
Since only the type is enclosed, even when the degree of deterioration of the processing solution differs for each type, only the cartridge body (photosensitive material processing cartridge) in which the processing solution that needs to be exchanged is exchanged needs to be replaced. It is also possible to aim.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing cartridge according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the driving means is configured such that the driving force is directly supplied from a driving means for conveyance provided outside the cartridge body. Alternatively, it is characterized by being provided indirectly.

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above-described structure, the photosensitive material is transported inside the cartridge body by directly or indirectly receiving the driving force from the transport driving means provided outside the cartridge body. Is done.

That is, in the photosensitive material processing cartridge of the present invention, since the transport driving means is separated by the cartridge body, the processing liquid does not adhere to the transport driving means. And malfunction can be prevented, and as a result, the malfunction and failure of the transport means caused by the malfunction and malfunction of the transport driving means can be suppressed or prevented.

Further, it is not necessary to provide the transport driving means with a special structure such as a waterproof property, so that the cost is reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing cartridge according to the third aspect of the present invention, the photosensitive material processing cartridge is rotatably provided inside the cartridge and connected to the transporting means, and is rotated by a specific change in a surrounding magnetic field. And a driving force transmitting means for transmitting the rotational force of the rotation to the transporting means. The driving force transmitting means is provided outside the cartridge body and is rotated by the driving force, and forms a predetermined magnetic field which changes by the rotation around the cartridge body. The driving force transmitting means is rotated by a change in the magnetic field due to the rotation of the magnetic field forming means.

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above-described structure, when the magnetic field forming means of the transport driving means provided outside the cartridge body rotates to change the surrounding magnetic field, the change of the magnetic field causes the cartridge body to change. The driving force transmission means provided inside is rotated. further,
When the driving force transmitting means rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the conveying means connected to the driving force transmitting means, whereby the conveying means conveys the photosensitive material.

As described above, the drive force is transmitted by the change of the magnetic field (magnetic force), so that the transport means and the transport drive means outside the cartridge main body are mechanically transmitted by a mechanical transmission means such as a shaft. As compared with the configuration connected to the above, there is no need to form a hole for the mechanical transmission means to penetrate in the cartridge main body, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the processing liquid from leaking from the inside of the cartridge main body in the normal state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the photosensitive material processing cartridge is rotatably provided inside the cartridge body and is connected to the transporting means to transfer its own rotational force to the transporting means. The driving force transmitting means includes an internal magnet provided to the means, and the magnetic field forming means has a magnetic pole corresponding to the magnetic pole of the internal magnet, and is rotatable by the driving force outside the cartridge body. The internal magnet rotates at least one of a magnetic attractive force and a repulsive force acting between the external magnet and the internal magnet in accordance with the rotation of the constituent external magnet.

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above-described structure, an internal magnet constituting driving force transmitting means is provided inside the cartridge body, and the magnetic pole of the internal magnet is formed outside the cartridge body. It faces the magnetic pole of the external magnet as means.

Therefore, when the external magnet rotates, the internal magnet rotates following the external magnet by at least one of the attraction force and the repulsive force with the external magnet, and the conveying means conveys the photosensitive material by the rotational force of the external magnet. I do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotating body is rotated by a surrounding rotating magnetic field and connected to the transporting means to apply its own rotating force to the transporting means. And forming the rotating magnetic field around the periphery by a change in an energization pattern in which at least one phase is energized and at least any other one phase is energized. The rotating body is rotated by the rotating magnetic field formed by the multi-phase coil group constituting the magnetic field forming means,
It is characterized by:

In the photosensitive material processing cartridge having the above-described structure, the magnetic field forming means is constituted by a group of coils of a plurality of phases provided outside the cartridge main body. , A rotating magnetic field is formed around it. When the rotating magnetic field is formed in this manner, the rotating body provided inside the cartridge body is rotated under the influence of the rotating magnetic field, and the transporting means transports the photosensitive material by the rotating force of the rotating body.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus, a processing solution that adheres to the photosensitive material to process the photosensitive material is sealed, and is detachable from a predetermined mounting position and detached from the mounting position. A transportable photosensitive material processing cartridge, transport means sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge together with the processing liquid, and transporting the photosensitive material inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge by receiving a driving force; A transport drive unit provided outside or inside the material processing cartridge and directly or indirectly applying the driving force to the transport unit.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above structure, when the photosensitive material is drawn into the photosensitive material processing cartridge in a state where the photosensitive material processing cartridge in which the transport means is sealed is mounted at a predetermined mounting position, the transport is performed. The photosensitive material is conveyed in the cartridge body by the means.

A processing liquid is sealed inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge together with the transporting means. The photosensitive material is transported by the transporting means in the photosensitive material processing cartridge so that the processing liquid is adhered to the photosensitive material. Processing of the material is performed.

In the present invention, both the processing liquid and the conveying means are sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge. Moreover, the photosensitive material processing cartridge is detachable from a predetermined mounting position, and the cartridge body removed from the mounting position is portable.

Therefore, even if the photosensitive material processing cartridge is detached from a predetermined mounting portion and carried, the processing liquid does not basically spill or leak.

Thus, even if the user is unfamiliar with complicated operations such as replacement of the processing solution and maintenance of the transporting means, it is possible to replace the processing solution and maintain the transporting means at the place where the photosensitive material is processed. Therefore, the processing liquid is not spilled to the place where the photosensitive material is to be processed at the time of replacement of the processing liquid or maintenance of the transporting means, and the cleanliness of the place where the photosensitive material is processed can be secured and maintained.

Further, since the processing solution and the transporting means are sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge, the deteriorated processing solution and the photosensitive material processing cartridge requiring maintenance of the transporting means are replaced with a new processing solution and the transporting means which has been maintained. Since the processing of the photosensitive material can be continued by merely replacing the cartridge with another photosensitive material processing cartridge, the labor and time required for replacement can be reduced, and workability in processing the photosensitive material can be improved.

The photosensitive material to be processed by the present photosensitive material processing apparatus is not limited to an embodiment as long as an image (including a latent image) is formed on the surface or the like by light. Therefore, the photosensitive material to be processed by the present processing method is not limited to photographic papers and films used in so-called black-and-white photographs and color photographs, as well as reversal films and reversal papers, films for X-ray photography, and printing lithography films. Is possible.

The same applies to the processing liquid in the photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing apparatus, and it goes without saying that the processing liquid differs depending on the photosensitive material used.

Further, in the present photosensitive material processing apparatus,
Only one type of processing solution may be sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge, or the internal space of the photosensitive material processing cartridge may be partitioned by one or more partitions, and a different processing solution may be filled in each of the partitioned spaces. These processing solutions may be sealed in a single photosensitive material processing cartridge.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, the mode of the transport driving means is not limited at all. Further, the mode of transmission of the driving force from the transport driving means to the transport means is not limited at all.

Therefore, the transport driving means and the transport means are mechanically connected by mechanical transmission means such as a rotary shaft, a gear train, a ball screw, an endless belt, and the like, and the driving force of the transport drive means is mechanically transported. The driving force of the transport driving means may be transmitted to the transport means without mechanically connecting the transport driving means and the transport means by electromagnetic transmission means such as induced electromotive force or magnetism. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 8 may be configured to transmit the plurality of types of the processing liquids required for processing the photosensitive material. A photosensitive material processing cartridge is provided, and the plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges are mounted side by side in an order corresponding to a processing step of the photosensitive material.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above-described structure, the processing liquid required for processing the photosensitive material is individually sealed in each of the plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges. They are arranged in an order corresponding to the processing steps. Therefore, the photosensitive material passes through the inside of each photosensitive material processing cartridge in the order in which the photosensitive material processing cartridges are arranged, whereby the processing liquid is applied in an order corresponding to the processing steps, whereby the processing in each step is performed in order. It is.

In the present photosensitive material processing apparatus, since different types of processing solutions are individually sealed in the respective photosensitive material processing cartridges, a plurality of types of processing solutions are sealed in one photosensitive material processing cartridge. The photosensitive material processing cartridges can be reduced in size, the removal and carrying of the photosensitive material processing cartridges are simplified, and workability is improved. Further, even if the degree of deterioration of the processing liquid differs for each type, the processing liquid requiring replacement can be replaced together with the photosensitive material processing cartridge, so that workability can be improved in this sense as well.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the transport driving means is provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above-described structure, the transport driving means is provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, and the driving force of the transport driving means is directly or indirectly applied to the transport means. The photosensitive material is transported inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge.

That is, in the present photosensitive material processing apparatus, since the transport driving means is separated by the photosensitive material processing cartridge, the processing liquid does not adhere to the transport driving means. An operation failure or a failure can be prevented, and as a result, an operation failure or a failure of the transport unit due to an operation failure or a failure of the transport driving unit is suppressed or prevented.

Further, it is not necessary to provide the transport driving means with a special structure such as waterproofness, so that the cost is reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographic material processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the photosensitive material processing cartridge is provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, and is rotated by the driving force and generates a predetermined magnetic field that is changed by the rotation. The transport drive unit is configured to include a magnetic field forming unit formed around, and is rotatably provided inside the cartridge and connected to the transport unit. The apparatus further comprises a driving force transmitting unit that rotates in response to the rotation and transmits a rotational force of the rotation to the conveying unit.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above structure, when the magnetic field forming means of the transport driving means provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge rotates to change the surrounding magnetic field,
The driving force transmitting means provided inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge is rotated with the change of the magnetic field. Further, when the driving force transmitting means rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the conveying means connected to the driving force transmitting means, whereby the conveying means conveys the photosensitive material.

As described above, the configuration in which the driving force is transmitted by the change in the magnetic field (magnetic force) allows the transport unit and the transport driving unit to be mechanically connected by a mechanical transmission unit such as a shaft. In comparison with the above, there is no need to form a hole in the photosensitive material processing cartridge through which the mechanical transmission means penetrates, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the processing liquid from leaking from the inside of the photosensitive material processing cartridge during normal times.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the photographic material processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, the magnetic field forming means includes an external magnet rotatably provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge. A magnetic pole facing the magnetic pole of the external magnet, rotatably provided inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, and following the external magnet by at least one of an attractive force and a repulsive force with respect to the external magnet. The driving force transmitting means includes a rotating internal magnet.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above-described structure, an internal magnet constituting driving force transmitting means is provided inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, and the magnetic pole of the internal magnet is provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge. The magnetic pole of the external magnet as the magnetic field forming means.

Therefore, when the external magnet rotates, the internal magnet follows the external magnet by at least one of the attraction force and the repulsive force with the external magnet, and the conveying means conveys the photosensitive material by the rotational force of the external magnet. I do.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the phases is energized and at least one of the other phases is deenergized. The invention is characterized in that the magnetic field forming means is configured to include a group of coils of a plurality of phases that form a rotating magnetic field around it, and the driving force transmitting means is configured to include a rotating body that is rotated by the rotating magnetic field.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the magnetic field forming means is constituted by a plurality of phases of coil groups provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge. A rotating magnetic field is formed around the periphery according to the change in the energization pattern. When the rotating magnetic field is formed as described above, the rotating body provided inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge is rotated under the influence of the rotating magnetic field, and the transporting means transports the photosensitive material by the rotating force of the rotating body.
The method for processing a photosensitive material according to the present invention is characterized in that a transporting means for transporting the photosensitive material and a processing solution required for processing the photosensitive material are sealed in advance, and are detachably mounted at a predetermined mounting position and carried in a state detached from the predetermined mounting position. The processing liquid is adhered to the photosensitive material inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge while the photosensitive material is passed through the photosensitive material processing cartridge by the transporting means.

In the photosensitive material processing method having the above structure, when the photosensitive material is drawn into the photosensitive material processing cartridge, the photosensitive material is transported in the photosensitive material processing cartridge by the transporting means enclosed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge. Further, when the photosensitive material is transported in the photosensitive material processing cartridge, the processing liquid sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge is attached to the photosensitive material, whereby the photosensitive material is processed.

Here, in the present processing method, since the processing liquid and the transporting means are sealed in advance in the photosensitive material processing cartridge mounted at the predetermined mounting position, the photosensitive material processing cartridge is removed from the predetermined mounting portion and carried. But
Basically, the processing liquid does not spill or leak.

As described above, the photosensitive material processing cartridge can be moved without spilling the processing liquid.
The replacement of the processing liquid, the maintenance of the transporting means, and the like can be performed at another place.

Thus, even if the user is unfamiliar with complicated operations such as replacement of the processing solution or maintenance of the transporting means, the photosensitive material processing cartridge requiring maintenance of the deteriorated processing solution or the transporting means can be replaced with a new processing solution or a new processing solution. Since the processing of the photosensitive material can be continued by simply replacing it with another photosensitive material processing cartridge in which the transport means that has been maintained is sealed, workability in the processing of the photosensitive material is improved.

The light-sensitive material to be processed by the present light-sensitive material processing method is not limited to a mode in which an image (including a latent image) is formed on its surface or the like by light. Absent. Therefore, the photosensitive material to be processed by the present processing method is not limited to photographic papers and films used in so-called black-and-white photographs and color photographs, as well as reversal films and reversal papers, films for X-ray photography, and printing lithography films. Is possible.

The same applies to the processing liquid in the photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing method, and it goes without saying that the processing solution differs depending on the photosensitive material used.

Further, only one type of processing solution may be sealed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing method, or the photosensitive material processing cartridge may be partitioned by one or more partition walls, and the partition walls may be partitioned. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which different processing liquids are charged in each of the spaces, and these processing liquids are sealed in one photosensitive material processing cartridge.

Further, as for the transport means in the photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing method, the above-described transport means used in the present invention can be applied.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photosensitive material processing method according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a plurality of the photosensitive material processing cartridges each separately enclosing a plurality of types of the processing liquids required for processing the photosensitive material are provided. The photosensitive material processing cartridges are arranged in an order corresponding to the material processing steps, and the photosensitive material is passed through the photosensitive material processing cartridges substantially continuously inside each of the photosensitive material processing cartridges. The processing liquid in the processing cartridge is sequentially attached to the photosensitive material.

In the photosensitive material processing method having the above-described structure, the processing liquid required for processing the photosensitive material is sealed in each of the plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges, and is further arranged in an order corresponding to the processing steps of the photosensitive material. Can be The photosensitive material passes through the inside of each photosensitive material processing cartridge in the order in which the photosensitive material processing cartridges are arranged, whereby the processing liquid is applied in an order corresponding to the processing steps, whereby the processing in each step is performed in order. .

Here, since the processing liquid is individually sealed in each photosensitive material processing cartridge used in the present photosensitive material processing method, each processing liquid is compared with a case where a plurality of types of processing liquids are sealed in one photosensitive material processing cartridge. The photosensitive material processing cartridge can be miniaturized, the photosensitive material processing cartridge can be easily removed and carried, and workability is improved. Further, even if the degree of deterioration of the processing liquid differs for each type, the processing liquid requiring replacement can be replaced together with the photosensitive material processing cartridge, so that workability can be improved in this sense as well.

[0079]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Configuration of First Embodiment> FIG.
1 is a front sectional view schematically showing the configuration of an automatic developing apparatus 10 as a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the present automatic developing apparatus 10 has a substantially box-shaped frame 12 mounted on a predetermined installation place, and each of the frames 12 is provided with the first frame of the present invention. A plurality of processing cartridges 14, 16, and 18 as photosensitive material processing cartridges according to the embodiment are arranged in a line. These processing cartridges 14 to 18 are basically the same in structure except that the type of the processing liquid 20 stored therein is different. Therefore, the configuration of the processing cartridge 14 will be described below. The description of the processing cartridges 16 and 18 is omitted. The processing liquid 20 stored in the processing cartridge 14
Is a color developing solution, and the processing solution 20 stored in the processing cartridge 16 is a bleach-fixing solution. The processing liquid 20 stored in the processing cartridge 18 is used as washing water.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the processing cartridge 14 has a substantially box-shaped cartridge main body 22 opened upward. This cartridge body 2
A cover 24 formed on a flat plate having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view is provided at the upper open end of 2. The lid 24 is integrally fixed to the upper opening end of the cartridge main body 22 by fastening means such as a screw, and seals the upper opening end of the cartridge main body 22. 20 are enclosed.

A pair of vertical walls 26 are provided on the end face of the lid 24 opposite to the cartridge body 22 so as to face each other along the longitudinal direction of the lid 24. A connecting plate 28 is provided between these vertical walls 26, and both vertical walls 2 are provided.
6 are integrally connected. A through-hole 30 is formed on the lid 24 side of the connecting plate 28 along the width direction of the lid 24. For example, the connecting plate 28 is gripped in a state where a finger of a hand passes through the through-hole 30. And the lid 24, and thus the lid 24
Can lift the cartridge body 22 integrally fixed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, among the side walls 32 and 34 of the cartridge body 22 facing each other along the arrangement direction of the processing cartridges 14 to 18 (see FIG. 2), the side wall 32 has a drawing hole 36 therein. Are formed, and the side wall 3 is formed.
4 has a drawing hole 38 formed therein.

The drawing hole 36 is formed near the upper end portion of the side wall 32, and the photographic paper 40 as a photosensitive material can be drawn into the cartridge body 22 from the outside of the cartridge body 22 through the drawing hole 36. It has become.

A blade 42 as an opening sealing means is provided on the side wall 32 corresponding to the drawing hole 36. The blade 42 is a plate material formed of a rubber material or a synthetic resin material having elasticity about the same as that of the rubber material. The blade 42 has a width direction substantially along the vertical direction of the cartridge body 22 and a thickness direction substantially including the side walls 32 and 34. Are arranged inside the cartridge body 22 so as to be along the facing direction of the cartridge body 22.

The lower end of the blade 42 in the width direction is fixed to the side wall 32 below the drawing hole 36. On the other hand, the upper end in the width direction of the blade 42 is a free end, and is in contact with the guide block 44 fixed to the cartridge main body 22 above the drawing hole 36. Here, since the upper end of the blade 42 in the width direction is interfered with the guide block 44, the upper end side of the blade 42 is curved toward the side wall 34 against its own elasticity, and the blade 42 is restored to its own position. The upper end in the width direction is in close contact with the guide block 44 by the force.

The drawing hole 38 is formed near the upper end of the side wall 34, and the printing paper 40 can be drawn from the inside of the cartridge body 22 to the outside of the cartridge body 22 through the drawing hole 38. I have.

A blade 46 as an opening sealing means is provided on the side wall 34 corresponding to the drawing hole 38. The blade 46 is a plate material similar to the blade 42 formed of a rubber material or a synthetic resin material having an elasticity similar to that of the rubber material.
Fixed to. On the other hand, the upper end in the width direction of the blade 46 is a free end, and is in contact with the upper inner peripheral portion of the extraction hole 38. The upper end of the blade 46 in the width direction is interfered with the upper inner peripheral portion of the extraction hole 38 so that the upper end of the blade 46 is curved in the same manner as the blade 42 against its own elasticity at the widthwise middle portion. The upper end in the width direction is in close contact with the upper inner peripheral portion of the extraction hole 38 by its own restoring force.

Further, on the side wall 34 side of the blade 42, a conveying roller pair 50 constituting the conveying means is provided. The transport roller pair 50 is constituted by a pair of rollers 52 and 54 that are axially oriented along the longitudinal direction of the lid 24 in plan view. Roller 52 and Roller 5
4 are adjacent to each other along the radial direction of rotation, and one end of each roller 52, 54 in the axial direction is a side wall 56 of the cartridge body 22 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the lid 24.
The rollers 52, 54 are rotatably supported by bearings 58, 60 (see FIG. 3), and the other axial end of each of the rollers 52, 54 is a side wall of the cartridge body 22 on the other longitudinal side of the lid 24. The bearing 62 is rotatably supported by bearings 62 and 64 (see FIG. 3) formed at 62.

When the photographic paper 40 drawn in from the drawing hole 36 is guided between the rollers 52 and 54 by the interference from the guide block 44, the conveying roller pair 50
The photographic paper 40 is rolled by the rollers 52 and 54, and further, the roller 52 rotates in a predetermined direction while the photographic paper 40 is held,
When the roller 54 rotates in the opposite direction to the roller 52, the photographic paper 40 is transported to the opposite side of the drawing hole 36 via the transport roller pair 50.

Further, the side wall 34 is closer than the conveying roller pair 50.
On the side, there is provided a guide roller 68 which constitutes a conveying means. The axial direction of the guide roller 68 is the same as the axial direction of the roller 52.
62 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed on each of the shafts 62. The guide roller 68 is a roller 52
, The printing paper 40 whose leading end in the transport direction or one surface in the thickness direction contacts the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 68 is guided to the lower side of the cartridge main body 22.

A guide wall 70 is provided below the guide roller 68, and a guide wall 72 is provided below the roller 54. Below these guide walls 70 and 72, a pair of transport rollers 74 constituting a transport unit is provided. The transport roller pair 74 has a pair of rollers 76, 7 whose axial direction is the same as the axial direction of the roller 52 described above, and which is adjacent to each other along each rotational radius direction.
8. Both ends in the axial direction of the roller 76 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed on the side walls 56 and 62, and both ends of the roller 78 in the axial direction are bearings formed on the side walls 56 and 62. 80, 82 (see FIG. 3)
Is rotatably supported.

When the photographic paper 40 passing between the guide wall 70 and the guide wall 72 is guided between the rollers 76 and 78, the transport roller pair 74 is moved by the rollers 76 and 78. Further, the roller 76 rotates in the same direction as the roller 52 while the photographic paper 40 is held, and the roller 78 rotates in the opposite direction to the roller 76,
The photographic paper 40 is transported to the opposite side of the guide walls 70 and 72 via the transport roller pair 74.

The guide wall 8 is provided below the roller 76.
4 are provided, and a guide wall 86 is provided below the roller 78.
Is provided. Further, these guide walls 84, 86
A pair of transport rollers 88 constituting a transport unit is provided below the printer. The transport roller pair 88 has a pair of rollers 90 and 92 whose axial direction is the same as the axial direction of the roller 52 described above, and which is adjacent to each other along each rotational radius direction.
It consists of. Both ends in the axial direction of the roller 90 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed in the side walls 56 and 62, and both ends in the axial direction of the roller 92 are connected to the side walls 56 and 62 (see FIG. 3). The formed bearing portions 94 and 96
Is rotatably supported.

When the photographic paper 40 passing between the guide wall 84 and the guide wall 86 is guided between the rollers 90 and 92, the pair of transport rollers 88 is pinched by the rollers 90 and 92. Further, the roller 9 is held while the photographic paper 40 is
0 rotates in the same direction as the roller 52, and the roller 92 rotates in the opposite direction to the roller 90, so that the photographic paper 40 moves toward the opposite side of the guide walls 84 and 86 via the pair of transport rollers 88.
Is transported.

Below the transport roller pair 88, the guide block 102 is fixed to the side walls 32 and 34 above the bottom of the cartridge body 22. The guide block 102 has a guide surface 104 formed on the upper end surface.
The guide surface 104 is a curved surface that is upwardly opened at a predetermined locality around a virtual axis line in the same direction as the axial direction of the roller 52 and is curved in a substantially concave shape, and conveys the photographic paper 40 sent from the conveying roller pair 88. When the guide surface 104 interferes with the direction side end and the other surface in the thickness direction, the conveyance direction of the printing paper 40 is changed substantially upward.

Further, on the opposite side of the pair of conveying rollers 88 via the central portion of the cartridge main body 22 along the direction in which the side walls 32 and 34 are opposed to each other, a pair of conveying rollers 106 constituting conveying means is provided.

The transport roller pair 106 has a pair of rollers 108, the axial direction of which is the same as the axial direction of the roller 52 described above, and which is adjacent to each other along each rotational radius direction.
110. Both axial ends of the rollers 108 and 110 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed on the side walls 56 and 62.

The transport roller pair 106 is
When the photographic paper 40 whose conveyance direction is changed by being interfered by the guide surface 104 is guided between the roller 108 and the roller 110, the photographic paper 40 is nipped by the roller 108 and the roller 110, and further nipped. In this state, the roller 108 rotates in the same direction as the roller 52, and the roller 110
By rotating in the opposite direction to
6 to the opposite side of the guide block 102 to the photographic paper 40
Is transported.

The guide wall 112 is provided above the roller 108.
The guide wall 11 is provided above the roller 110.
4 are provided. Further, a roller 116 is provided above the guide wall 112, and both ends in the axial direction are supported by bearings (not shown) formed on the side walls 56 and 62. The roller 116 is provided on the opposite side of the roller 78 via the roller 76, and forms a pair of conveying rollers 118 together with the roller 76 (that is, the roller 76 not only forms the pair of conveying rollers 74 but also conveys the pair of conveying rollers 74). The roller pair 118 is also configured).

The transport roller pair 106 includes guide walls 112, 1
When the photographic paper 40 that has passed through the guide walls 112 and 114 while being guided by 14 is guided between the roller 76 and the roller 116, the photographic paper 40 is nipped by the roller 76 and the roller 116, and further, in the state where the photographic paper 40 is nipped. When the roller 76 rotates in the same direction as the roller 52 and the roller 116 rotates in the direction opposite to the roller 76, the photographic paper 40 is transported to the opposite side to the guide walls 112 and 114 via the transport roller pair 106. .

Further, the guide wall 120 is provided above the roller 76.
The guide wall 12 is provided above the roller 116.
2 are provided. Further, a guide roller 124 is provided above the guide wall 120. This guide roller 1
The axial direction of the roller 24 is the same as the axial direction of the roller 52, and both axial ends are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed on each of the side walls 56 and 62. The guide roller 124 rotates in the same direction as the roller 52, and guides the printing paper 40 having the leading end in the transport direction or one surface in the thickness direction contacting the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 68 to the upper side of the cartridge body 22. I do.

A pair of transport rollers 126 constituting a transport means is provided between the guide roller 124 and the drawing hole 38. The conveying roller pair 126 has a pair of rollers 128, 1 whose axial direction is the same as the axial direction of the above-described roller 52 and which is adjacent to each other along each rotational radius direction.
30. Both ends in the axial direction of the rollers 128 and 130 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) formed on the side walls 56 and 62.

The transport roller pair 126 includes the guide roller 124.
When the photographic paper 40 is guided between the rollers 128 and the rollers 130, the photographic paper 40 is nipped by the rollers 128 and the rollers 130.
Rotates in the same direction as the roller 52, and the roller 130 rotates in the direction opposite to the roller 128, and conveys the photographic paper 40 to the side opposite to the guide roller 124 via the conveying roller pair 126.

Further, a guide block 132 is fixed to the side wall 34 between the roller 128 and the draw-out hole 38 and above the draw-out hole 38, and conveys the photographic paper 40 sent from the conveying roller pair 126. The printing paper 40 is guided to the drawing hole 38 by interfering with the leading end in the direction.

Further, these rollers 52 to 1
The one end in the axial direction of 30 protrudes outside the side wall 56, and is mechanically connected to the outside of the side wall 56 by a rotational force transmission mechanism constituted by an endless belt 134 and a gear train (not shown). When the roller 76 rotates, the roller 76 rotates in conjunction with the rollers 52 to 130 excluding the roller 76.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A cover 136 is provided on the outside. Inside the cover 136, rollers 52-1 protruding from the side wall 56 are provided.
30 are accommodated at one axial end.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, and more specifically, FIG. 4, the cover 136 has a magnet housing 1 having a cylindrical shape with a bottom.
38 is formed so as to project to the side opposite to the side wall 56. The magnet accommodating portion 138 is formed substantially coaxially with the roller 76, and accommodates a cylindrical internal magnet 140 as a driving force transmitting means inside thereof. The internal magnet 140 has a polarity such that one side in the radial direction is an N pole and the other side is an S pole via an axis, and is fixed coaxially to one end of the roller 76 in the axial direction.

On the other hand, outside the cover 136, the roller 7
A motor 142 as a transport driving means having an output shaft coaxial with the motor 6 is provided. The motor 142 is connected to a power supply (not shown) via a motor driver, and rotates the output shaft by supplying power from the power supply. Also,
The motor driver is connected to a control panel (not shown) provided on the frame or other parts.
Electric power is supplied to the motor 142 according to an electric signal when the control panel is operated.

A magnet holding base 143 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom is coaxially and integrally attached to the output shaft of the motor 142. The magnet holding base 143 has a cylindrical shape with an open end opposite to the motor 142, and a substantially cylindrical external magnet 144 is coaxially and integrally fixed to the open end. This external magnet 144
Has a polarity such that one side in the radial direction is an N pole and the other side is an S pole via an axis. In addition, external magnet 1
The inner diameter of the magnet 44 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnet housing 138, and the outer magnet 1 is positioned such that the magnet housing 138 is located inside the outer magnet 144.
44 are arranged. Therefore, in this state, the outer peripheral portion of the internal magnet 140 and the inner peripheral portion of the external magnet 144 face each other along the radial direction and via the magnet housing portion 138.

Further, a pump cover 146 is fixed to the bottom of the cartridge body 22. Pump cover 1
46 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose upper end in the axial direction is closed by an upper wall portion. Inside the pump cover 146, an impeller 148 as a stirring means having a plurality of blades formed on the outer periphery of its own shaft is housed. The upper end of the impeller 148 in the axial direction is rotatably supported by the upper wall of the pump cover 146.

At the side of the impeller 148, a cylindrical inlet (not shown) is formed on the pump cover 146 so as to communicate between the inside and the outside of the pump cover 146.
When 48 rotates in a predetermined direction, the processing liquid 20 (see FIG. 2) is enclosed in the cartridge main body 22 and the pump liquid 146 is sucked into the pump cover 146 from this inlet. On the other hand, a pump outlet 146 is connected to the pump cover 146 such that a cylindrical outlet 150 communicates with the inside and outside of the pump cover 146.
When the impeller 148 rotates in a predetermined direction, the processing liquid 20 in the pump cover 146 is discharged from the outlet 150 to the outside of the pump cover 146. In addition, as shown in FIG.
One end of the hose 152 is connected.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The other end of 52 is a chamber 154 provided on the guide wall 114.
And the processing liquid 20 that has passed through the hose 152.
The processing liquid 20 is sprayed onto the photographic paper 40 passing between the guide walls 112 and 114 from the chamber 154.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A magnet housing 156 is formed below the cartridge 48 at the bottom of the cartridge body 22. The magnet accommodating portion 156 has a bottomed cylindrical shape coaxial with the impeller 148, and accommodates an internal magnet 158 as a driving force transmitting means for stirring formed in a cylindrical shape inside thereof.

The inner magnet 158 has a polarity such that one side in the radial direction is an N pole and the other side is an S pole via an axis, and the impeller 148 has a lower end in the axial direction of the impeller 148.
48 are coaxially and integrally connected.

On the other hand, below the cartridge body 22,
A motor 160 as an agitating drive unit having an output shaft extended upward is housed inside the frame 12. The motor 160 is connected to a power supply (not shown) via a motor driver, and rotates an output shaft by supplying power from the power supply. The motor driver is connected to a control panel (not shown) provided on a frame or another part, and supplies electric power to the motor in accordance with an electric signal when the control panel is operated.

A substantially cylindrical cylindrical magnet holding base 161 is coaxially and integrally attached to the output shaft of the motor 160. The magnet holding base 161 has a cylindrical shape with an open end opposite to the motor 160, and a substantially cylindrical external magnet 162 is coaxially and integrally fixed to the open end. This external magnet 162
Has a polarity such that one side in the radial direction is an N pole and the other side is an S pole via an axis. In addition, external magnet 1
The inner diameter of the magnet 62 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnet housing 156, and the outer magnet 1 is positioned so that the magnet housing 156 is located inside the outer magnet 162.
62 are arranged. Accordingly, in this state, the outer peripheral portion of the inner magnet 158 and the inner peripheral portion of the outer magnet 162 face each other along the radial direction and via the magnet housing 156.

As shown in FIG. 3, a heating plate 164 constituting a temperature control means made of stainless steel is arranged at the bottom of the cartridge body 22.
Further, an induction coil 166 is arranged below the bottom of the cartridge body 22 so as to face the heating plate 164. The induction coil 166 is connected to a power supply via a control panel (not shown), and is energized by operating the control panel. When the induction coil 166 is energized, it forms a magnetic field around it, generates an induced eddy current in the heating plate 164, heats the heating plate 164, and further heats the processing liquid 20 sealed in the cartridge body 22.

Further, the control panel to which the induction coil 166 is connected is connected to a not-shown liquid temperature detecting means for detecting the liquid temperature of the processing liquid 20 sealed in the cartridge main body 22, and is connected to the liquid temperature detecting means. Processing solution 2 detected
An electric signal corresponding to the liquid temperature of 0 is sent to the control panel, and when the liquid temperature detected by the liquid temperature detecting means is lower than the liquid temperature value set in advance by the control means provided in the control panel, an induction is performed. When the coil 166 is energized, the heating plate 16
4 is heated to increase the temperature of the processing liquid 20.

<Operation and Effect of First Embodiment>
Operation of each part of the automatic developing apparatus 10 described above (that is, a method of processing the photographic paper 40 by the automatic developing apparatus 10).
The operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described through the description.

(Operation Related to Transport System of Automatic Developing Apparatus 10) First, the operation of the transport system of the photographic paper 40 in the automatic developing apparatus 10 will be described.

In the automatic developing apparatus 10, each of the processing cartridges 14 to 1 is operated by operating a control panel (not shown).
When the motor 142 corresponding to each of the motors 8 is driven, the output shaft of each motor 142 rotates around its own axis, and the external magnet 144 provided on the output shaft rotates.

Here, as described above, the internal magnet 140 is provided inside the external magnet 144 via the magnet housing 138. External magnet 1
Both the inner magnet 44 and the inner magnet 140 are formed so that the polarities are different between one side and the other side in the radial direction via the axis, so that magnetic attraction is generated between the outer magnet 144 and the inner magnet. Force and repulsion act. The external magnet 144 is generated by the magnetic attraction and repulsion.
When rotates, the internal magnet 140 rotates around its own axis.

The roller 76 is rotated by the rotational force of the internal magnet 140, and is further connected to the roller 76 via an endless belt 134 or a gear train.
The other rollers 52 to 130 except for rotate.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the motor 1
42 is transmitted to the internal magnet 140 by magnetic attraction and repulsion, and the rollers 52 to 13 are driven.
0, the motor 142 and the inside of the cartridge main body 22 can be reliably separated from each other by the side wall 56 and the cover 136 (in other words, the processing liquid 20 can be surely separated).
Can be sealed in the cartridge main body 22 and leakage of the processing liquid 20 can be prevented. Therefore, the processing solution 20 such as the color developing solution, the bleach-fixing solution, and the washing solution does not adhere to the motor 142, and operation failure or failure due to the adhesion of the processing solution 20 to the motor 142 can be prevented. . Also,
Since it is not necessary to apply a special structure such as a waterproof structure to the motor 142, the cost of the motor 142 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the automatic developing apparatus 10 can be reduced.

On the other hand, in the state where the rollers 52 to 130 start rotating, the photographic paper 40 on which an image is
Is first drawn into the processing cartridge 14 from the drawing hole 36 of the processing cartridge 14.

Here, the blade 4 corresponding to the drawing hole 36
2 is provided in the cartridge body 22, and the blade 42 is in close contact with the
The communication between the inside and the outside of the cartridge main body 22 through 6 is cut off. However, the blade 42 has elasticity,
Moreover, the upper end side of the blade 42 is
It is curved inward. Therefore, when the end of the photographic paper 40 in the transport direction presses the blade 42, the blade 42 is further curved, and the communication between the inside and the outside of the cartridge main body 22 through the drawing hole 36 is re-opened. From the end in the transport direction, the processing cartridge 14 is drawn into the cartridge main body 22.

The photographic paper 40 drawn into the cartridge main body 22 is nipped by the rollers 52 and 54 of the conveying roller pair 50 and is sent out below the cartridge main body 22. Then, the guide roller 68 and the conveying roller pair 74 are further moved. The photographic paper 40 is sent to the lower side of the cartridge body 22 by the pair of transport rollers 88, and the photographic paper 40 is immersed in the processing liquid 20 (color developing solution) sealed in the processing cartridge 14. Further, the transport direction of the photographic paper 40 sent out from the transport roller pair 88 is changed upward by the guide surface 104 of the guide block 102, and the transport roller pair 1
The printing paper 40 is conveyed above the cartridge main body 22 by the guide rollers 124, 06 and 118. Further, the photographic paper 40 is sent to the drawing hole 38 by the pair of conveying rollers 126.

Here, since the upper end of the blade 46 is in close contact with the upper end of the inner periphery of the extraction hole 38, the extraction hole 38 is closed, but the blade 46 has elasticity. Since the upper end side of the blade 46 is curved toward the outside of the cartridge main body 22, the end of the photographic paper 40 in the conveyance direction presses the blade 46, so that the blade 46 is further curved and the drawing hole 38 is opened. You. As a result, the photographic paper 40 is moved from the end in the transport direction to the processing cartridge 1.
4 is pulled out.

Next, the drawing hole 3 of the processing cartridge 14 is
From 8, the photographic paper 40 is drawn into the processing cartridge 16 from the drawing hole 36 of the processing cartridge 16 adjacent to the processing cartridge 14, as in the case of the processing cartridge 14. The photographic paper 40 drawn into the processing cartridge 16 is conveyed in the processing cartridge 16 in the same manner as in the processing cartridge 14, and the processing liquid 20 (bleach-fixing solution)
After being immersed in the sheet, the sheet is drawn out from the drawing hole 38.

Further, the drawing hole 3 of the processing cartridge 16
From 8, the photographic paper 40 is drawn into the processing cartridge 18 from the drawing hole 36 of the processing cartridge 18 adjacent to the processing cartridge 16, as in the case of the processing cartridges 14 and 16. The photographic paper 40 drawn into the processing cartridge 18 is conveyed in the processing cartridge 18 in the same manner as in the processing cartridges 14 and 16, and the processing liquid 20.
After being immersed in the (washing liquid), it is pulled out from the extraction hole 38, and the processing with each processing liquid 20 is completed in this way.

Here, in this embodiment, unless the pressing force acts on the blades 42 and 46 from the photographic paper 40 as described above, the blade 42 blocks the communication between the inside and the outside of the cartridge main body 22 through the drawing hole 36. Then, the blade 46 blocks the communication between the inside and the outside of the cartridge main body 22 through the extraction hole 38. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the processing liquid 20 from leaking through the inlet 36 and the outlet 38. Thus, even if the processing cartridges 14 to 18 are removed from the automatic developing apparatus 10 and the processing cartridge 14 is carried, the processing liquid 20 does not spill.

(Operation Regarding Stirring System of Automatic Developing Apparatus 10) Next, the operation relating to the stirring system of the present automatic developing apparatus 10 will be described.

In the automatic developing apparatus 10, each of the processing cartridges 14 to 1 is operated by operating a control panel (not shown).
When the motors 160 corresponding to each of the motors 8 are driven, the output shaft of each motor 160 rotates around its own axis, and the external magnet 162 provided on the output shaft rotates.

Here, as described above, the inner magnet 158 is provided inside the outer magnet 162 via the magnet housing 156. External magnet 1
Both the inner magnet 62 and the inner magnet 158 are formed so as to have different polarities on one side and the other side in the radial direction via the axis, so that magnetic attraction is generated between the outer magnet 162 and the inner magnet. Force and repulsion act. The external magnet 162 is generated by the magnetic attraction and repulsion.
When rotates, the internal magnet 158 rotates around its own axis.

When the internal magnet 158 rotates, the impeller 148 integrally and coaxially fixed to the internal magnet 158 rotates. When the impeller 148 rotates,
The processing liquid 20 is sucked into the pump cover 146 from the inlet of the pump cover 146. Furthermore, impeller 14
The processing liquid 20 sucked in by the pump 8 is sent to the outlet 150 side by the impeller 148, and further, from the outlet 150 through the hose 152 to the chamber 15.
Sent to 4. The processing liquid 20 sent to the chamber 154 passes between the guide wall 112 and the guide wall 114 and the photographic paper 40 passes therethrough.
And the processing liquid 20 is sent above the pump cover 146, whereby the processing liquid 20 is stirred. In this way, by stirring the processing liquid 20,
The temperature, concentration, degree of deterioration, and the like of the processing liquid 20 become uniform, and the quality of the image of the photographic paper 40 processed with each processing liquid 20 can be stabilized.

Here, in the present embodiment, the motor 160
Is transmitted to the internal magnet 158 by magnetic attraction and repulsive force, and thus a rotational force is applied to the rollers 52 to 130. Therefore, the motor 160 and the inside of the cartridge main body 22 are separated from each other by the side wall 56 and the cover 136. (In other words, the processing liquid 20 can be reliably sealed in the cartridge body 22 and leakage of the processing liquid 20 can be prevented). For this reason, the processing solution 20 such as the color developing solution, the bleach-fixing solution, and the washing solution does not adhere to the motor 160, and it is possible to prevent the operation failure or failure due to the processing solution 20 attaching to the motor 160. In addition, since it is not necessary to apply a special structure such as a waterproof structure to the motor 160, the cost of the motor 160 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the automatic developing apparatus 10 can be reduced.

(Effects of Processing Cartridges 14 to 18) As described above, the processing liquid 20 is securely sealed in each of the processing cartridges 14 to 18 without spilling or leaking from the inlet 36 and the outlet 38. Is done. Therefore, the processing cartridges 14 to 18 can be easily removed from the frame 12 and carried. Thereby, for example, the place where the frame 12 is placed (ie,
The processing cartridges 14 to 18 are carried from one place (where the processing of the photographic paper 40 is performed) to another place. For example, the processing liquid 20 is exchanged at a dedicated place such as a cartridge collection center, and the transport roller pairs 50 to 126 are inspected. Repairs and the like can be performed.

As a result, the frame 1 is replaced by replacement of the processing liquid 20, inspection and repair of the transport roller pairs 50 to 126, and the like.
The processing liquid 20 does not spill to the place where the frame 2 is placed (that is, the place where the processing of the photographic paper 40 is performed), and the cleanliness of the place where the frame 12 is placed can be secured and maintained.

Further, since the processing liquid 20 is sealed in the processing cartridges 14 to 20 as described above,
The replacement of the processing solution 20 at the place where
The processing cartridges 14 to 20 in which the deteriorated processing liquid 20 is sealed are replaced with the processing cartridges 14 to 20 in which new processing liquid 20 is sealed. As described above, the work of replacing the processing liquid 20 is replaced with the work of replacing the processing cartridges 14 to 20, thereby facilitating the work, thereby improving the work efficiency. Moreover, the processing cartridges 14 to 2
Since the processing of the photographic paper 40 can be resumed after the replacement work of 0, the processing efficiency of the photographic paper 40 is also improved.

In this embodiment, the motor 142 and the motor 160 are provided for each of the processing cartridges 14 to 18. For example, each of the processing cartridges 14 to 18 is provided.
The external magnets 144 provided for each motor 18 may be mechanically connected by a gear train or the like, and all the external magnets 144 may be rotated by the driving force of one motor 142 (the motor 160 and the external magnet 162 may also be configured). The same is true).

Further, in the present embodiment, the photographic paper 40 for color photography is used as the photosensitive material. However, the photosensitive material may be any material that can form an image (including a latent image) on its surface or the like by light. It is not limited to the embodiment. Therefore,
In addition to photographic paper 40, photographic paper and film for black and white photography,
Any photosensitive material such as a film for color photography, a reversal film or reversal paper, a film for X-ray photography, a printed lithographic film, etc. can be applied. The processing solution 20
It goes without saying that the processing liquid 20 differs depending on the type of photosensitive material used.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a main part of an automatic developing apparatus 210 as a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in this figure, the automatic developing apparatus 210 includes a processing cartridge 212 as a photosensitive material processing cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing cartridge 212 includes a magnet 214 as a rotating body. This magnet 214
The structure is basically the same as the internal magnet 140, so that the detailed description is omitted.

On the other hand, the present automatic developing apparatus 210 is provided with a coil group 216 constituting a driving means for conveyance as a driving coil group. The coil group 216 is configured by coils of a plurality of phases (for example, three phases), and forms a rotating magnetic field around the surroundings by continuously changing an energizing pattern to each phase.

Further, the coil group 216 includes, for example,
It is connected to a power supply (not shown) via a driver 218 composed of a plurality of switching elements such as transistors, and the coil group 216 is energized in a different energization pattern depending on whether each switching element is on or off. I have.

The driver 218 is connected to the controller 22
0, and the control device 220 is connected to a control panel (not shown).

That is, in the automatic developing device 210, the control device 220 operates the driver 218 to appropriately turn on / off each switching element, so that the coil group 216 has a different pattern at predetermined time intervals. It is energized. As described above, when the coil group 216 is energized, a rotating magnetic field is formed around the coil group 216. The interaction between the rotating magnetic field and the magnetic field formed by the magnet 214 causes the magnet 214 to rotate around its own axis.

As described above, the rotation of the magnet 214 causes the roller 76 to rotate, and the rollers 52 to 130 other than the roller 76 rotate in conjunction with the roller 76.

Here, in this embodiment, the structure of the transport driving means is different, but it is the same as the first embodiment in that the magnetism of the transport driving means rotates the magnet 214. Basically, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, the motor 1
Although the roller 76 is not mechanically connected to the transfer driving means such as 42, for example, a hole is formed in the cover 136 so that the shaft of the roller 76 protrudes from the cover 136. In addition to being mechanically connected to the driving means, a sealing means such as an O-ring (O-ring) is attached to the inner periphery of a hole formed in the cover 136 through which the shaft of the roller 76 passes, so that the shaft can rotate. May be sealed.

[0153]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing solution does not spill or scatter at or around the place where the photosensitive material is processed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a photosensitive material processing cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side sectional view showing a configuration of a transport driving unit of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side sectional view showing a configuration of a transport driving unit of a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic developing apparatus (photosensitive material processing apparatus) 14 Processing cartridge (photosensitive material processing cartridge) 16 Processing cartridge (photosensitive material processing cartridge) 18 Processing cartridge (photosensitive material processing cartridge) 20 Processing liquid 22 Cartridge main body 50 Transport roller pair (transport means) 74 Transport roller pair (transportation means) 88 Transport roller pair (transportation means) 106 Transport roller pair (transportation means) 118 Transport roller pair (transportation means) 126 Transport roller pair (transportation means) 140 Internal magnet (drive force transmission means) 142 Motor (transport drive unit) 144 External magnet (transport drive unit, magnetic field forming unit) 210 Automatic developing device (photosensitive material processing device) 212 Processing cartridge (photosensitive material processing cartridge) 214 Magnet (rotating body) 216 Coil group ( Drive for transport Moving means, magnetic field forming means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2H098 AA02 BA03 CA02 CA28

Claims (14)

[Claims] A cartridge body for enclosing a processing solution that adheres to the photosensitive material and processes the photosensitive material, and is detachable to a predetermined mounting position and can be carried in a state detached from the mounting position; The photosensitive material is enclosed in the cartridge main body together with the liquid, and receives the driving force from the transfer driving means provided inside or outside the cartridge main body directly or indirectly to convey the photosensitive material in the cartridge main body. A photosensitive material processing cartridge, comprising: transport means. 2. A photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one type of processing liquid is sealed in said cartridge body. 3. The transfer means to which the driving force is directly or indirectly applied from a transfer driving means provided outside the cartridge body.
Or the photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 2. 4. A driving force transmitting means which is rotatably provided inside the cartridge and is connected to the transport means, rotates by a specific change in a surrounding magnetic field, and transmits a rotational force of the rotation to the transport means. The driving force transmission means is provided outside the cartridge body and is rotated by the driving force, and the driving force transmission means is rotated by the change of the magnetic field due to the rotation of the magnetic field forming means which forms a predetermined magnetic field which changes by the rotation. The photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The driving force transmitting means includes an internal magnet that is rotatably provided inside the cartridge body and is connected to the transporting means and applies its own rotating force to the transporting means. A magnetic pole corresponding to the magnetic pole of the internal magnet, between the external magnet and the internal magnet associated with rotation of the external magnet constituting the magnetic field forming means rotatable by the driving force outside the cartridge body; The photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the internal magnet rotates at least one of a magnetic attraction force and a repulsion force acting on the photosensitive material. 6. The driving force transmitting means includes a rotating body which is rotated by a surrounding rotating magnetic field and is connected to the conveying means and applies its own rotating force to the conveying means. Is energized and at least one of the other phases is de-energized. The energizing pattern is changed to form the rotating magnetic field around the magnetic field generating means, and the rotating magnetic field formed by the multi-phase coil group constituting the magnetic field forming means. The photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the rotating body rotates. 7. A photosensitive material processing cartridge, which encloses a processing solution that adheres to the photosensitive material and processes the photosensitive material, is detachable to a predetermined mounting position, and is portable in a state of being removed from the mounting position. A transporting unit that is enclosed in the photosensitive material processing cartridge together with the processing liquid, and that receives the driving force to transport the photosensitive material inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge; and provided outside or inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge. And a transport driving means for directly or indirectly applying the driving force to the transport means. 8. A photosensitive material processing cartridge comprising: a plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges each individually enclosing a plurality of types of the processing liquids required for processing the photosensitive material; and a plurality of the photosensitive materials in an order corresponding to the processing steps of the photosensitive material. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the material processing cartridges are mounted side by side. 9. The photosensitive material processing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein said transport driving means is provided outside said photosensitive material processing cartridge.
Or a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 8. 10. The transport drive unit includes a magnetic field forming unit that is provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, rotates by the driving force, and forms a predetermined magnetic field that changes by the rotation around the cartridge. Along with the cartridge, the cartridge is rotatably provided and connected to the transport unit, and rotates in response to a change in the magnetic field due to the rotation of the magnetic field forming unit, and transmits the rotational force of the rotation to the transport unit. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a driving force transmitting unit that performs the driving force transmission. 11. The photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein the magnetic field forming means includes an external magnet rotatably provided outside the photosensitive material processing cartridge, and the magnetic material processing means has a magnetic pole facing a magnetic pole of the external magnet. The driving force transmitting means is configured to include an internal magnet rotatably provided inside the cartridge and rotating following the external magnet by at least one of an attractive force and a repulsive force with respect to the external magnet. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: 12. The magnetic field formation including a plurality of phase coil groups that form a rotating magnetic field around by a change in an energization pattern in which at least one phase is energized and at least one other phase is deenergized. 11. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the driving force transmission unit includes a rotating unit rotated by the rotating magnetic field. 13. A photosensitive means which transports a photosensitive material and a processing liquid required for processing the photosensitive material, is preliminarily sealed, is detachable at a predetermined mounting position, and is portable in a state of being removed from the predetermined mounting position. While passing the photosensitive material by the transport means inside the material processing cartridge,
A method for processing a photosensitive material, comprising: attaching the processing solution to the photosensitive material inside the photosensitive material processing cartridge. 14. A plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges each separately enclosing a plurality of types of processing solutions required for processing of the photosensitive material, arranged in an order corresponding to the processing steps of the photosensitive material, In the order in which the cartridges are arranged, the processing liquid in the plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges is sequentially adhered to the photosensitive material while passing the photosensitive material substantially continuously through each of the plurality of photosensitive material processing cartridges. 14. The method for processing a photosensitive material according to claim 13, wherein: