JP2002296800A - Photosensitive material processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent damage when jamming occurs in the case of transmitting a driving power from a worm gear through a helical gear. SOLUTION: A helical gear 114 is supported by a shield bracket 108, with which a rotary shaft 116 is attached to a cover plate 106 of a processing rack. The shield bracket is energized by a coil spring 142 provided in the gap to the cover plate so that the helical gear is engaged to a worm gear 134. Besides, when jamming occurs and torque increases, the helical gear is moved together with the shield bracket against the energizing power of the coil spring and separated from the worm gear. Thus, the helical gear and the worm gear are disengaged from each other and damage caused by the increased torque is prevented.

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 apparatus for processing a photosensitive material while transporting the photosensitive material by transmitting a driving force to a photosensitive material transporting roller arranged along a photosensitive material transporting path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photosensitive material includes a printing plate (hereinafter referred to as "PS plate") having a photosensitive layer formed on a support such as aluminum. P which is a photosensitive material processing device that processes PS plates
In the S-plate processor, a pair of side plates are arranged in a processing tank for storing a processing liquid such as a developing solution, and a pair of side plates are placed around a transport roller for transporting the PS plate, and a driving force is transmitted to the transport rollers to transport the PS plate. The PS plate is transported by rollers.

In such a PS plate processor, a drive shaft is arranged at one end in a direction orthogonal to the PS plate transport direction along the PS plate transport direction in consideration of the maintainability of the drive system, and the drive shaft is provided with the drive shaft. A configuration in which a driving force is transmitted from a shaft to each of the transport rollers is generally used. At this time, a worm gear is arranged on the drive shaft, and a helical gear is provided on the side plate, so that the rotating shaft provided with the helical gear is extended in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the PS plate, and the driving force is transmitted to the transport roller. Like that.

Incidentally, the combination of the worm gear and the helical gear has a reduction ratio of 4 to 12 times. That is, the driving force is transmitted at a reduced speed from the worm gear on the driving source side to the helical gear on the side plate side.

On the other hand, in the PS plate processor, conveyance failure such as jamming of the PS plate may occur. In this case, it is possible to resume the processing of the PS plate by quickly removing the PS plate where the jamming has occurred.

[0006]

However, when so-called jamming or the like, which is a transport failure of the PS plate, occurs, the rollers are locked. At this time, in a drive system using a combination of a worm gear and a helical gear, a large torque acts on the helical gear side due to a large reduction ratio, which may cause damage to the helical gear and other gears on the side plate side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has as its object to propose a photosensitive material processing apparatus which does not damage a driving system even when the photosensitive material is jammed. I do.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a photosensitive material for processing while conveying a photosensitive material by transmitting a driving force of a driving source to a conveying roller provided between a pair of side plates. A material processing apparatus, wherein the worm gear is provided on a shaft that is rotated by the driving force of the driving source, and is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft provided between the pair of side plates and meshes with the worm gear. A helical gear that transmits a rotational force to the transport roller,
Urging means for urging the helical gear in a direction in which the worm gear meshes with the worm gear and enabling at least the shaft and the rotary shaft to relatively rotate when a predetermined or more rotational torque acts between the helical gear and the worm gear; And characterized in that:

According to the present invention, in a drive system in which a worm gear is mounted on a shaft that is rotated by the driving force of a drive source and a helical gear is mounted on a side plate, the worm gear is meshed with the helical gear, so that the helical gear is engaged with the conveying roller. Transmit the driving force.

At this time, the helical gear is meshed with the worm gear so as to be integrally rotatable by the urging force of the urging means. Further, the biasing means is configured such that, when a predetermined torque or more acts on the helical gear, the shaft provided with the worm gear and the rotary shaft provided with the helical gear can be relatively rotated.

[0011] Thus, when the conveying roller stretched between the pair of side plates is locked due to jamming or the like, it is possible to prevent a torque greater than a predetermined value from acting on the helical gear. The helical gear and other gears are not damaged. Further, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the drive source via the shaft.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the urging means urges the helical gear so that it can be separated from the worm gear.

According to the present invention, when a predetermined torque or more acts on the helical gear, the helical gear is separated from the worm gear against the urging force. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the torque greater than a predetermined value from acting on the helical gear.

In the present invention, the helical gear includes a base plate to which the helical gear is rotatably mounted, and the urging means is provided between the base plate and the side plate, and is provided with a predetermined urging force. The base plate may be biased in a direction in which the helical gear meshes with the worm gear.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a one-way clutch mechanism wherein the urging means is provided at a position between the shaft and the worm gear or between the helical gear and the rotary shaft. There is a feature.

According to the present invention, the one-way clutch mechanism is provided between the shaft and the worm gear or between the rotating shaft and the helical gear. Generally, the one-way clutch mechanism rotates integrally in the forward direction and relatively rotates in the reverse direction, but becomes relatively rotatable in the forward direction when a predetermined torque or more acts. The urging force of the urging means is set as described above.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "P") applied as an example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.
S-version processor 10). The PS plate processor 10 performs development processing of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate (hereinafter, referred to as a “PS plate 12”) such as a photopolymer plate, which has been image-exposed as a photosensitive material by an exposure device (not shown). The PS plate 12 has a photosensitive layer formed on a thin rectangular flat plate such as an aluminum plate as a support, and the photopolymer plate has an optical bonding layer, a photopolymerization layer, and an overcoat layer stacked thereon. Thus, a photosensitive layer is formed, and the image is exposed to light by a laser beam, whereby a polymerization reaction of an image portion of the photopolymerizable layer is promoted.

The PS plate processor 10 includes a developing unit 14 for processing the PS plate 12 with a developer, a washing unit 16 for supplying and washing the PS plate 12 treated with the developer with washing water, and a washing unit 16 after washing. A desensitizing unit 18 for applying a gum solution to the PS plate 12 to desensitize the PS plate 12;
And a drying unit 20 for drying the water.

A processing tank 22 is provided in the PS plate processor 10. In the processing tank 22, a developing tank 24 is formed at a position to be the developing section 14 as a processing tank, and a washing tank 26 and a desensitizing processing tank 28 are formed at a position to be the washing section 16 and the desensitizing processing section 18. Have been.

A slit-shaped insertion opening 32 is formed in the outer panel 30 covering the processing tank 22 so that the processing tank 2
2, a discharge port 34 is formed on the drying unit 20 side.

The PS plate processor 10 is provided with a cover 36 that covers the upper part of the processing tank 22. The cover 36 integrally covers the developing step, the washing step, and the desensitizing step provided in the processing tank 22. The cover 36 includes the developing unit 14 and the washing unit 1.
6, a re-entry insertion port (sub-insertion port) 38 for inserting the PS plate 12 is provided. The sub-insertion opening 38 is used to insert the PS plate 12 for performing processing in the PS plate processor 10 except for processing in the developing unit 14.

An insertion table 40 is provided outside the insertion port 32, and a rubber conveying roller pair 42 is disposed on the side of the developing unit 14 where the PS plate 12 is inserted. The PS plate 12 on which the image has been printed is placed on the insertion table 40 and inserted from the insertion port 32 along the direction of arrow A, and the conveying roller pair 42 is inserted.
Sent between.

The pair of transport rollers 42 are driven to rotate, thereby feeding the PS plate 12 into the developing unit 14 at an angle in the range of about 15 ° to 31 ° with respect to the horizontal direction while pulling the PS plate 12 from the insertion port 32. In this embodiment, a single-sided PS plate 12 having a photosensitive layer formed on one surface of the support is used. The PS plate 12 is inserted from the insertion port 32 with the photosensitive layer facing upward. It is inserted into the PS version processor 10.

The developing tank 2 formed in the processing tank 22
Numeral 4 has a substantially mountain shape with a bottom center protruding downward, and stores a developing solution for performing a developing process of the PS plate 12. In the developing tank 24, guide plates 44 and 46 are provided along the bottom on the lower side along the transport direction of the PS plate 12.

The guide plate 44 is provided upstream (on the side of the insertion port 32) of the developing tank 24, and guides the PS plate 12 fed by the pair of conveying rollers 42 obliquely downward.
The guide plate 46 is provided downstream of the developing tank 24 and guides the PS plate 12 obliquely upward along the bottom surface of the developing tank 24.

In the developing tank 24, a pair of conveying rollers 45 is provided between a guide plate 44 and a guide plate 46.
The transport roller pair 45 is driven to rotate,
The PS plate 12 guided by the guide plate 44 is fed toward the guide plate 46 while imparting a conveying force. Thus, the PS plate 12 is immersed in the developer while being guided and transported in the developing tank 24 in a substantially U-shape.

In the developing tank 24, a pair of conveying rollers 48 whose outer periphery is made of rubber are arranged on the side of the washing section 16, and the PS plate 1
2 is guided toward the transport roller pair 48 by the guide plate 46, and is pulled out from the developing tank 24 by being pinched by the transport roller pair 48. The PS plate 12 is immersed in the developing solution when transported in the developing tank 24 in this manner, and unnecessary portions of the photosensitive layer exposed by the image exposure are swollen by the developing solution, peeled from the support, and exposed to light. Unnecessary photosensitive layers are removed according to the image.

In the developing tank 24, guide plates 44, 4
A spray pipe 50 is provided on the lower surface side of 6. In each of the guide plates 44 and 46, a large number of liquid passage holes (not shown) are formed.

The developer in the developing tank 24 sucked by a pump (not shown) is supplied to the spray pipe 50, and the developer is ejected from the spray pipe 50. As a result, the developer in the developing tank 24 is agitated so that the PS plate 12 can be uniformly processed. At this time, the developing solution flows to the PS plate 12 transport path side from the liquid passage holes formed in the guide plates 44 and 46, so that rapid development processing of the PS plate 12 and occurrence of processing unevenness are prevented. I have.

A brush roller 80 is provided in the developing tank 24 so as to face the guide plate 46. The brush roller 80 is immersed in the developing solution while the guide plate 46
By rotating while contacting the bristle material with the surface of the PS plate 12 conveyed thereon, the surface of the PS plate 12 is brushed, and removal of an unnecessary photosensitive layer from the surface of the PS plate 12 is promoted. .

On the other hand, the developing unit 14 has a lower surface
The liquid level cover 52 is arranged so as to be lower than the liquid level of the developer stored in the liquid container. Further, on the wall surface of the developing tank 24 and the liquid surface lid 52, shielding members 54A, 54B
Are provided, and shielding members 54C and 54D are attached to the washing section 24 side. The processing tank 22 has a discharge port 34.
Around the periphery of the pair of conveying rollers 56
4E and 54F are attached, and the sub insertion slot 3 of the cover 36 is attached.
8 is provided with a shielding member 54G.

The shielding members 54A to 54G are formed of silicon rubber or the like. The inside of the developing tank 24 is filled with a liquid level in a space in a sealed portion formed by the shielding members 54A to 54G, the pair of conveying rollers 42 and 48, and the like. Is provided to reduce the amount of air trapped in this space, and the liquid level lid 52 and the shielding members 54A to 5A are provided.
The use of 4G or the like prevents fresh air from entering near the liquid surface of the developing solution, and suppresses deterioration of the developing solution and evaporation of water due to carbon dioxide gas in the air. The liquid surface lid 52 is provided with skewer rollers 52A and 52B on the lower surfaces of the upstream and downstream ends of the PS plate 12 in the transport direction, and the PS plate 12 transported in the developing unit 14 is provided with the liquid surface lid 52. To prevent damage to the surface (mainly the photosensitive surface) due to contact with the lower surface of the photomask.

The PS plate 12 pulled out from the developing tank 24 by the pair of transport rollers 48 is sent to the washing section 16 while the developer adhering to the surface is squeezed out by the pair of transport rollers 48.

In the rinsing section 16, a transport path for transporting the PS plate 12 in a substantially horizontal state by a pair of transport rollers 58 and 60 disposed above the rinsing tank 26 is formed.
2 is sandwiched between the conveying roller pairs 58 and 60 and
Is transported horizontally above the

The washing section 16 includes a pair of conveying rollers 58, 60.
Spray pipes 62A and 62B are provided in pairs between the upper and lower sides of the PS plate 12 conveyance path. The spray pipes 62 </ b> A and 62 </ b> B are arranged so that the axial direction is along the width direction of the PS plate 12 (a direction orthogonal to the transport direction), face the transport path of the PS plate 12, and
A plurality of ejection holes are formed along the axial directions of A and 62B.

The washing tank 26 stores washing water as a processing liquid. In the PS plate processor 10, the washing water is supplied to the spray pipes 62A and 62B by a water supply pump (not shown) in synchronization with the transport of the PS plate 12. Supply. As a result, the washing water is jetted from the spray pipes 62A and 62B toward the PS plate 12, and the developing solution attached to the surface of the PS plate 12 is washed away.

The washing water supplied to the PS plate 12 is sent out while the PS plate 12 is sandwiched by the pair of transport rollers 60 and the developing solution attached to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 together with the developer. And is collected in the washing tank 26. The spraying direction of the washing water from the spray pipes 62A and 62B is such that the spray pipe 62A is on the upstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12 and the spray pipe 62B is
Although the downstream side in the transport direction of the plate 12 is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another direction. The new washing water is P
The S plate 12 is supplied to the washing tank 26 by means (not shown) in accordance with the processing amount.

The desensitizing section 18 is provided with a pair of conveying rollers 56 above the desensitizing tank 28,
Is desensitized by the conveying roller pair 56.
After being conveyed through the inside, it is sent out from the outlet 34.

In the desensitizing section 18, a spray pipe 64 is provided above the transport path of the PS plate 12, and a discharge unit 66 is provided below the transport path. The longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the spray pipe 64 and the discharge unit 66 extends along the width direction of the PS plate 12 and is disposed vertically above and below the transport path of the PS plate 12. A plurality of discharge holes are formed in the spray pipe 64 along the width direction of the PS plate 12, and a slit hole is formed in the discharge unit 66 along the width direction of the PS plate 12.

A gum solution used to protect the plate surface of the PS plate 12 is stored in the desensitizing tank 28, and the gum solution is supplied to the spray pipe 64 and the discharge unit 66 in synchronization with the transport of the PS plate 12. Is done. The spray pipe 64 is
This gum solution is dropped toward the PS plate 12 and spread and applied on the surface of the PS plate 12. Further, the discharge unit 66 discharges the gum solution from the slit holes, and the PS plate 12 moves while contacting the gum solution, so that the gum solution is applied to the PS plate.

The PS plate 12 has a protective film formed by the gum solution applied to the front and back surfaces. The spray pipe 6
The discharge direction of the gum solution from 4 is not limited to the downstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12, and may be any other direction. Also, a straightening plate is provided, and the gum solution ejected toward the straightening plate is discharged. While uniformly spreading along the width direction of the PS plate 12 with the current plate,
It may be applied by flowing down onto the surface of the PS plate 12. Further, instead of the discharge unit 66, a spray pipe or the like may be used.

In the desensitizing section 18, a cleaning spray 102 is provided above the conveying roller pair 56, and the cleaning spray 102 is transferred from the cleaning spray 102 to the conveying roller pair 56 at a predetermined timing. The washing liquid dropped on the peripheral surface causes the gum solution to be washed off from the peripheral surface of the roller forming the transport roller pair 56, and the components in the gum solution fixed to the peripheral surface of the roller damage the PS plate 12. I try to prevent it.

The PS plate 12 to which the gum solution has been applied in the desensitizing unit 18 is sandwiched between the pair of transport rollers 56 and discharged from the outlet 34 with a slight amount of gum solution remaining on the front and back surfaces.
It is sent to the drying unit 20.

In the drying section 20, P
A support roller 68 for supporting the S plate 12 is provided.
A transport roller pair 72 and a transport roller pair 74 are disposed in the center of the PS plate 12 in the transport direction and near the discharge port 70. The PS plate 12 is transported in the drying section 20 by the support roller 68 and the transport roller pairs 72 and 74.

Ducts 76A, 7 are provided between the support roller 68 and the transport roller pair 72 and between the transport roller pair 72 and the transport roller pair 74 with the transport path of the PS plate 12 therebetween.
6B is provided. The ducts 76A and 76B are disposed such that the longitudinal direction is along the width direction of the PS plate 12,
A slit hole 78 is provided on a surface of the S plate 12 facing the conveyance path.

When the drying air generated by the drying air generating means (not shown) is supplied from one end in the longitudinal direction, the ducts 76A and 76B direct the drying air from the slit holes 78 to the transport path of the PS plate 12. And spray it onto the PS plate 12. Thereby, in the PS plate 12, the gum solution applied to the front and back surfaces is dried, and a protective film is formed. The outlet 34 has a processor unit up to the desensitizing unit 18 for treating the PS plate 12 with the processing liquid and the drying unit 2.
A shutter (not shown) is provided to separate the air from zero, and the discharge port 34 is unnecessarily opened to prevent the heated air in the drying unit 20 from entering the desensitization processing unit 18.

By the way, in the developing tank 24 of the developing section 14,
A pair of side plates 100 are provided (only one is shown in FIG. 1 and the other is not shown). Between the pair of side plates 104 of the side plate portion 100, the above-described transfer roller pairs 42, 45, 48, the brush roller 80, and the like are stretched as transfer rollers.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the side plate 100
The side plate 104 is provided with gear units 122, 124 and 126 as driving force transmitting means. The gear unit 122 transmits a driving force to the pair of conveying rollers 42, and the gear unit 124 transmits a driving force to the pair of conveying rollers 45 and the brush roller 80. Also, the gear unit 126
Is adapted to transmit a driving force to the conveying roller pair 48.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the gear unit, the gear unit 124 includes gears 128, 1
30, 132 are provided. The gear 128 is a side plate 104
The brush roller 80 is attached to the rotating shaft 80A of the brush roller 80 (not shown in FIG. 4). A gear 130 meshes with the gear 128, and the gear 130 and the gear 13
2 are engaged. Thus, when the gear 132 rotates, the brush roller 80 rotates.

The gear unit 124 includes the gear 14
4, 146, and 148 are provided, and the gear 144 and the gear 148 are engaged with the gear 146. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating shaft 148A of the gear 148 projects through the side plate 104 at the lower end of the side plate 104 toward the transport path side of the PS plate 12, and the gear 152 is attached to the projected end. I have.

The gear 152 has a pair of transport rollers 45.
A gear provided on a lower roller (not shown in FIG. 5) meshes. Further, the transport roller pair 45 has a general configuration in which gears provided on each of the opposing rollers mesh with each other and rotate integrally, and the rotation of the gear 152 causes the transport roller pair 45 to rotate. The torque is transmitted.

As a result, in the gear unit 124, the rotation of the gear 144 rotates the transport roller pair 45.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
22 is provided with gears 156, 158 and 160, and as shown in FIG.
04 projects toward the transport path side of the PS plate 12 at the lower end,
A gear 164 is attached to the rotation shaft 156A. The gear 164 is designed to mesh with a gear provided on the transport roller pair 42, whereby the transport roller pair 42 rotates together with the gear 160.

Also, as shown in FIG.
26 includes 166, 168, and 170. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation shaft 166A of the gear 166 is connected to the side plate 104.
At the lower end of the PS plate 12 toward the transport path side of the PS plate 12. A gear 174 is attached to the protruding rotation shaft 166A, and the gear 174 is meshed with a gear provided on the transport roller pair 48. Thus, the conveying roller pair 48 is rotated together with the gear 170.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a cover plate 106 is attached to an upper end of the side plate 104 of the side plate portion 100. The cover plate 106 projects from the upper end of the side plate 104 toward the side wall 24 </ b> A of the developing tank 24 which is in the opposite direction to the transport path of the PS plate 12. Also, the cover plate 106
The shielding bracket 108 is attached to the tip of the. The shielding bracket 108 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and a tip directed downward is opposed to an upper end of the side wall 24A.

Thus, the developing tank 24 is connected to the side plate 100
Is arranged, the side plate 104 of the side plate portion 100 and the side wall 2
4A is closed by the cover plate 106 and the shielding bracket 108. The liquid surface cover 52 is disposed between the pair of side plates 104 of the side plate unit 100 so as to cover the liquid level of the developer between the side plates 104.

That is, in the developing tank 24, the pair of side plates 1
04 is covered with the liquid level cover 52 and
Cover plate 106 and bracket 108 between
This prevents fresh air from entering near the liquid surface of the developer and suppresses changes in processing performance due to evaporation of water in the developer and deterioration of the developer due to carbon dioxide gas in the air. ing.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A communication portion 110 is provided at one end of the PS plate 12 in the width direction (leftward in FIG. 2). This communication part 11
0 so that it reaches the drying section 20 from the developing tank 24 side.
Are provided along the front and back sides of the drawing.

A drive shaft 11 driven by a transport motor (not shown) is provided in the communication section 110.
2 are arranged. This drive shaft 112
The length spans from the drying section 20 to the developing section 14, and P
In the S version processor 10, the drive shaft 11
2, the supporting roller 68 and the conveying roller pair 72, 74 in the drying unit 20, and the conveying roller pair 5 in the desensitizing unit 18
6. The driving force of a transport motor (not shown) is transmitted to the transport roller pairs 58 and 60 in the washing section 16 and the transport roller pairs 42, 45 and 48 and the brush roller 80 in the developing section 14.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side plate 100
Is a gear unit 122 provided on the side plate 104,
The developing tanks 124 and 126 are mounted in the developing tank 24 so as to be on the communication section 110 side (see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, helical gears, that is, helical gears 114 are arranged on the side plate portion 100 in correspondence with the gear units 122, 124 and 126, respectively.

Each of the helical gears 114 is attached to a rotating shaft 116 which is supported by the shielding bracket 108. As shown in FIG. 2, these helical gears 11
4 is arranged in the communication part 110. As shown in FIG. 4, gears 160, 118, and 170 are attached to the rotating shaft 116 at ends protruding toward the side plate 104. The gear 118 is formed by a gear 120A and a small-diameter gear 120B.
Are engaged with the gear 144, and the gear 120B is engaged with the gear 132.

As a result, in the side plate portion 100, the rotational force is transmitted from the helical gear 114 to the transport roller pairs 42, 45, 48 and the brush roller 80.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a worm gear, that is, a worm gear 134 is attached to the drive shaft 112 at a position facing each of the helical gears 114. Each of the worm gears 134 meshes with the helical gear 114. Thus, in the PS version processor 10, the drive shaft 1
12 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 116 while decelerating (for example, the reduction ratio is about 4 to 12), and the conveying roller pair 42, 4
5, 48 and the brush roller 80 are rotated at a predetermined rotation speed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the shielding bracket 108 has a plurality of pins 136 projecting from a surface facing the cover plate 106. Also, the cover plate 10
6 is provided with a pin hole 138 facing each of the pins 136. Shielding bracket 108
Is positioned with respect to the cover plate 106 by inserting each of the pins 136 into the pin hole 138.

The cover plate 106 has a longitudinal direction (PS plate 1).
(2 transport direction), a thumbscrew 140 is mounted at an intermediate portion. This thumbscrew 140 is
, Whereby the shielding bracket 108 is attached to the cover plate 106.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A predetermined gap is provided between the coil spring 142 and the shielding bracket 108.
Is arranged. The coil spring 142 urges the shielding bracket 108 in a direction away from the cover plate 106 with a predetermined urging force. Also, the cover plate 106 and the shielding bracket 108 can be approached against the urging force of the coil spring 142.

As a result, the helical gear 114 attached to the shielding bracket 108 meshes with the worm gear 134 by the urging force of the coil spring 142. When the shielding bracket 108 moves upward against the urging force of the coil spring 142 and approaches the cover plate 106, the helical gear 114 is separated from the helical gear 134, and the helical gear 114 is separated from the helical gear 114. Can be relatively rotated.

When the helical gear 114 is separated from the worm gear 134, the transmission of the driving force to the transport roller pairs 42, 45, 48 and the brush roller 80 is released from the side plate portion 100.

In the PS version processor 10, the worm gear 134 of the drive shaft 112 is moved to the helical gear 11.
When the torque for rotating the helical gear 114 exceeds a predetermined value when transmitting the driving force to the helical gear 4, the helical gear 114 resists the urging force of the coil spring 142 and the shielding bracket 108.
The urging force of the coil spring 142 is set so that the coil spring 142 is lifted up together. The setting of this biasing force is based on the wing nut 1
The adjustment may be made by an arbitrary method, such as changing the distance between the cover plate 106 and the shielding bracket 108 by using 40.

Generally, when the worm gear 134 meshes with the helical gear 114 to transmit the rotational force from the worm gear 134 to the helical gear 114, the helical gear 114
The helical gear 114 has a torque larger than the torque required to rotate the helical gear 114, which is the load torque on the side.
, The helical gear 114 is rotated, and the conveying roller pairs 42, 45, 48 and the brush roller 80 are rotated.
The driving force is transmitted to the motor.

On the other hand, when the torque of the helical gear 114 increases, the force (separation force) F _{S of} the helical gear 114 in the direction away from the worm gear 134 increases.

[0073] In the PS plate processor 10, the biasing force F _C of the coil spring 142, when the torque T exceeds a predetermined value, the biasing force of the separating force F _S is a coil spring 142 which the helical gear 114 is moved away from the worm gear 134 F _Try to cross _C.

Thus, when the torque T exceeds a predetermined value, the helical gear 114 separates from the worm gear 134, so that transmission of the driving force to the gear units 122, 124, 126 is cut off.

At this time, in the present embodiment, when the PS plate 12 is transported in the normal state, when the torque T required to drive the helical gear 114 is T _S , the driving of the helical gear 114 is performed. required torque T, until it reaches the 2 · T _S, more preferably, up to reach the 3 · T _S, the helical gear 114 is so as to avoid spaced from the worm gear 134.

The limit torque value (for example, 30 · Ts) at which the gears provided in the helical gear 114 and the gear units 122, 124, 126 do not break is about 1/100.
By the time the value of 3 (10 · T _S ) is reached,
4 has set biasing force F _C of the coil spring 142 so as reliably separated from the worm gear 134.

That is, the torque T (N / m) required to rotationally drive the helical gear 114 is 2 · T _S ≦ T ≦ 30 · T _S, preferably, 3 · T _S ≦ T ≦ 10 · T _S Between them, the urging force F _C of the coil spring 142 is adjusted so that the helical gear 114 is separated from the worm gear 134. Note that 30 · Ts is an example of a limit torque value at which damage to a gear or the like occurs, and the upper limit of the torque T is not limited to this.

In the PS plate processor 10 configured as described above, the PS plate 12 on which an image is recorded by a printing device (not shown) or the like is placed on the insertion table 40, and the insertion port 3
2, the PS plate 12 is pulled in by the transport roller pair 42 and sent to the developing unit 14. In the PS plate processor 10, the PS plate 1 passing through the insertion slot 32 is used.
When 2 is detected by a sensor (not shown), a timer is started. The timer measures the timing of discharging the washing water from the spray pipes 62A and 62B of the washing unit 16 and the timing of discharging the gum solution in the desensitizing unit 18 together with the operation of the driving unit for transporting the PS plate 12. Used for

In the developing section 14, the PS plate 12 is fed by the pair of conveying rollers 42 at an insertion angle of 15 ° to 31 ° with respect to the horizontal direction, and is conveyed while being immersed in the developing solution. The PS plate 12 is sent out of the developer at a discharge angle in the range of 17 ° to 31 °. PS version 12
By being immersed in a developing solution in the developing unit 14, unnecessary portions of the photosensitive layer swell according to the exposed image, and the swollen photosensitive layer is removed from the support. At this time, by brushing the surface of the PS plate 12 with a brush roller 80 disposed in the developing tank 24, removal of an unnecessary photosensitive layer from the surface of the PS plate 12 is promoted.

The PS version processor 10 includes:
A plurality of brush rollers 80 may be arranged to face the surface of the PS plate 12 for brushing,
Further, the processing of the PS plate 12 may be performed without using the brush roller 80.

The PS plate 12 thus processed with the developing solution and sent out of the developing solution is drawn out by the transport roller pair 48 and sent to the washing section 16. At this time, the transport roller pair 48 squeezes the developer adhering to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 from the PS plate 12.

In the rinsing section 16, rinsing water is ejected from the spray pipes 62A and 62B while the PS plate 12 is conveyed in a substantially horizontal state while being sandwiched by the conveying roller pairs 58 and 60. The transport roller pair 60 disposed downstream in the transport direction of the PS plate 12 squeezes the washing water supplied to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 together with the developer remaining without being squeezed by the transport roller pair 48. While dropping, this PS version 1
2 is sent to the desensitizing unit 18.

Thus, when the PS plate 12 passes through the washing section 16, the developer remaining on the front and back surfaces is washed away.

The PS plate 12 sent to the desensitizing unit 18
Is passed between the spray pipe 64 and the discharge unit 66, and is pinched by the pair of transport rollers 56, so as to be sent out of the desensitizing unit 18 by the pair of transport rollers 56.

At this time, in the desensitizing section 18, the gum solution is supplied to the spray pipe 64 and the discharge unit 66, and the gum solution is applied to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12. The transport roller pair 56 forms a thin film of the gum solution on the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 by pinching and sending out the PS plate 12, and squeezes excess gum solution from the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12.

The PS plate 12 to which the gum solution has been applied is sent from the outlet 34 to the drying unit 20 by the pair of conveying rollers 56. The shutter (not shown) provided at the discharge port 34 is used for controlling the timing of starting the processing of the PS plate 12 or the PS timing.
The plate 12 operates at the timing of being sent out from the desensitizing unit 18 to open the discharge port 34, and the drying air from the drying unit 20 unnecessarily enters the desensitizing unit 18, and the gum solution is supplied to the conveying roller pair 56. To prevent sticking,
The air enters from the outlet 34 and reaches the developing unit 14 to prevent the developer from being deteriorated by carbon dioxide in the air, or the moisture in the developer, washing water, and moisture in the gum solution evaporate. It is prevented from getting out of the discharge port 34.

In the drying section 20, drying air is blown from the ducts 76A and 76B while the PS plate 12 is transported by the support roller 68 and the transport roller pairs 72 and 74. As a result, the PS plate 12 is discharged from the outlet 70 after the protective film is formed by the applied gum solution.

By the way, in the PS version processor 10,
If a conveyance failure of the PS plate 12 such as jamming occurs, the PS
The roller for transporting the plate 12 is locked. For example, in the side plate portion 100 provided in the developing tank 24, the transport roller pair 4
2, 45, 48 and the brush roller 80 are rotated to
The S plate 12 is transported. At this time, if a conveyance failure such as jamming occurs and the conveyance roller pair 45 is locked, for example, the loads on the gears 144, 146, and 148 of the gear unit 124, the gears 120A and 120B, and the helical gear 114 increase. That is, a large torque acts on these gears.

This increase in torque is caused by the helical gear 114,
146 and 148, the gears 120A and 120B, the helical gear 114, and the like may be damaged.

On the other hand, in the PS plate processor 10, a coil spring 142 is provided between the cover plate 106 of the side plate portion 100 and the shielding bracket 108, and the helical gear 114 increases the torque T acting on the helical gear 114. When the pushing-up separating force F _S exceeds the urging force F _C of the coil spring 142, the helical gear 114 is separated from the worm gear 134.

That is, between the helical gear 114 and the worm gear 134, a repulsive force F _{S for} separating the helical gear 114 from the worm gear 134 is generated in accordance with the torque T for rotating the helical gear 114.

Normally, the repulsive force F _S is applied to the coil spring 14
Less than 2 biasing forces _{F C (F S <F C} ) for, kept meshing state of the helical gear 114 and worm gear 134, the driving force of the drive shaft 112 is conveying roller pair 4
5 and so on.

On the other hand, when the torque T acting on the helical gear 114 increases and the separating force F _S exceeds the urging force F _C of the coil spring 142 (F _S > F _C ), the shielding bracket 108 is disengaged.
At the same time, the helical gear 114 rises, and the helical gear 1
14 moves away from the worm gear 134. As a result, the transmission of the driving force not only to the conveying roller pair 45 but also to the helical gear 114 and the gear unit 124 is interrupted.
14 and the gear unit 124 can be prevented from being damaged.

In the PS plate processor 10, the torque T (N) necessary to drive the helical gear 114 to rotate at normal times is used.
/ M) is defined as the torque T _S, and is a value equal to or less than about 1/3 of the limit torque value (for example, 30 · T _S ) at which the gears of the helical gear 114 and the gear unit 124 are damaged (T · T _S or less).
≦ 10 · T _S ), the urging force F _C by the coil spring 142 is set so that the helical gear 114 and the worm gear 134 are surely separated from each other.

Thus, in the PS plate processor 10, even if jamming or the like occurs, the gears of the gear unit 124 as well as the helical gear 114 are not damaged.

On the other hand, in the PS plate processor 10, the torque T is less than 2 · T _S (T <2 · T _S ), more preferably 3
The urging force F _C of the coil spring 142 is set so that the helical gear 114 does not separate from the worm gear 134 below T _S (T <3 · T _S ).

Thus, it is possible to prevent the helical gear 114 and the worm gear 134 from unnecessarily separating from each other, thereby preventing the PS plate 12 from being transported or being transported poorly.

That is, in the PS version processor 10,
Torque T acting on the helical gear 114 (N / m) _{is, 2 · T S ≦ T ≦} 30 · T S ( however, 30-T _S is one example of a torque value limit damage to the gear or the like is generated), preferably, 3 - Since the urging force F _C of the coil spring 142 is set so that the helical gear 114 is separated from the worm gear 134 in the range of T _S ≦ T ≦ 10 · T _S , it is possible to prevent the driving force from being cut off unnecessarily. However, damage to the helical gear 114, the gear unit 124, and the like can be reliably prevented.

Thus, in the PS plate processor 10, even if jamming or the like occurs, the PS plate 12
The components for transmitting the driving force to the transfer rollers and the like are surely prevented from being damaged, and the recovery for starting the processing of the PS plate 12 is facilitated.

In the first embodiment described above, the coil spring 142 is disposed between the cover plate 106 and the shielding bracket 108 that supports the helical gear 114. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any configuration can be applied as long as the helical gear 114 is separated from the worm gear 134 with a torque T greater than or equal to a predetermined value, such as providing an urging means between the helical gear 134 and the shielding bracket 108. [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the basic configuration of the second embodiment is as follows.
In the second embodiment described below, which is the same as the above-described first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 shows a main part of a side plate portion 180 according to the second embodiment. This processing unit 180
This embodiment is used in place of the side plate portion 100. In the second embodiment, a worm gear 182 is used instead of the worm gear 134 provided on the drive shaft 112.

Accordingly, the side plate 1 is attached to the side plate portion 180.
04, between the cover plate 106 and the shielding bracket 108,
The shielding bracket 108 is fixed to the cover plate 106 without providing the coil spring 142.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
The worm gear 182 includes an outer cylindrical portion 186 in which a tooth portion 184 is formed on an outer peripheral portion, and an inner cylindrical portion 190 in which a shaft hole 188 into which the drive shaft 112 is inserted is formed. The inner cylinder portion 190 is fitted into the inside.

The worm gear 182 has a space 192 between the outer tube 186 and the inner tube 190, and the space 192 is closed by a cap 194 (see FIG. 8A).

The worm gear 182 includes the space 19
2, a torsion coil spring 196 is disposed as an urging means. The torsion coil spring 196 is wound around the outer periphery of the inner cylindrical portion 190, and one end thereof is locked by a stopper portion 198 projecting from the outer cylindrical portion 186 into the space 192.

As a result, the torsion coil spring 196 rotates integrally with the outer cylinder 186. Also,
Since the torsion coil spring 196 is wound around the inner cylinder 190, the torsion coil spring 196 rotates integrally with the inner cylinder 190 when the inner cylinder 190 is tightened by the urging force.

That is, in the normal state, the worm gear 182 is engaged by the torsion coil spring 196 such that the outer cylindrical portion 186 and the inner cylindrical portion 190 rotate integrally. The torsion coil spring 19 applied to the present embodiment
6 is formed by using a wire having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, thereby increasing the contact area with the inner cylindrical portion 190 and being able to securely engage with the inner cylindrical portion 190.

On the other hand, the worm gear 182 connects the outer cylindrical portion 186 to the inner cylindrical portion 19 against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 196.
It can be rotated relative to zero.

That is, the worm gear 182 is provided with a one-way clutch mechanism,
When the torque T acting on the helical gear 114 when transmitting the driving force of the drive shaft 112 from the 82 to the helical gear 114 exceeds the torque due to the urging force of the torsion coil spring 196, the tightening of the inner cylinder portion 190 by the torsion coil spring 196. The outer cylinder 18 is weakened relative to the inner cylinder 190.
6 and the torsion coil spring 196 rotate relative to each other.

As a result, in the side plate portion 180, jamming or the like occurs, and the torque T (N / N) acting on the helical gear 114 is generated.
When m) exceeds a predetermined value, the transmission of the driving force to the helical gear 114 is released through the relative rotation between the helical gear 114 and the drive shaft 112.

At this time, also in the second embodiment,
The transmission of the driving force to the helical gear 114 is canceled when the torque T (N / m) is in the range of 2 · T _S ≦ T ≦ 30 · T _S, preferably, 3 · T _S ≦ T ≦ 10 · T _S. , The urging force of the torsion coil spring 196 is set.

Thus, even in the PS plate processor 10 using the side plate portion 180, the transport roller pair 4
5 is prevented from being released, and when jamming or the like occurs, the helical gear 11
4 and the gear unit 124 can be reliably prevented from being damaged.

In the second embodiment, the one-way clutch mechanism is formed on the worm gear 182 by using the torsion coil spring 196. However, the one-way clutch mechanism is formed between the helical gear 114 and the rotary shaft 116. May be.

In the embodiment described above, the PS plate processor 10 for processing the PS plate 12 is applied as an example of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, but the present invention is applied to the photosensitive material processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any hard photosensitive material processing apparatus that processes various photosensitive materials such as photographic paper and photographic film while transporting them using transport rollers.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a torque greater than a preset value acts on the helical gear, the rotating shaft is separated from the drive shaft, thereby causing jamming or the like, and the transporting roller is formed. Lock it,
Even if the torque acting on the helical gear increases, an excellent effect of reliably preventing the helical gear and the driving force transmitting means from being damaged can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a PS plate processor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of a developing tank and a processing unit according to the first embodiment, taken along a direction orthogonal to a PS plate transport direction.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing one side plate of a processing unit, viewed from a direction opposite to a PS plate transport path.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing one side plate of the processing unit, viewed from a direction opposite to the PS plate transport path and from a direction different from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing one side plate of the processing unit, as viewed from a PS plate conveyance path side.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a helical gear and a wall gear according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a side plate of a processing unit according to a second embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a wall gear according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 8A is a schematic sectional view along an axial direction, and FIG. 8B is a view along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 PS plate processor (photosensitive material processing device) 12 PS plate (photosensitive material) 14 developing unit 22 processing tank 24 developing tank 100, 180 processing unit 104 side plate 108 shielding bracket (base plate) 110 communication unit 112 drive shaft 114 helical gear 116 rotation Shafts 122, 124, 126 Gear unit (driving force transmitting means) 134 Worm gear 142 Coil spring (biasing means) 182 Worm gear (one-way clutch mechanism) 186 Outer cylinder (one-way clutch mechanism) 190 Inner cylinder (one-way clutch mechanism) 196 Torsion coil spring (biasing means, one-way clutch mechanism)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiro Sutani 1250 Takematsu, Minamiashigara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fuji Kiki Kogyo Co., Ltd. Reference) 2H096 AA06 GA24 2H112 BA07 BA08 BA16

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material while transporting the photosensitive material by transmitting a driving force of a drive source to a transport roller provided between a pair of side plates, wherein the photosensitive material processing apparatus rotates by a driving force of the drive source. A worm gear provided on the shaft to be rotated; and a helical gear supported by the rotation shaft provided between the pair of side plates so as to be integrally rotatable and meshing with the worm gear to transmit a rotational force to the transport roller. Urging the helical gear in a direction in which the helical gear meshes with the worm gear and urging the at least the shaft and the rotary shaft to be relatively rotatable when a predetermined or more rotational torque is applied between the helical gear and the worm gear; Means for processing a photosensitive material. 2. A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said urging means urges said helical gear so as to be separated from said worm gear. 3. A base plate on which the helical gear is rotatably mounted, wherein the urging means is provided between the base plate and the side plate, and the helical gear rotates the helical gear with a predetermined urging force. 3. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gear urges in a direction in which the gear meshes with the worm gear. 4. The one-way clutch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the urging means is a one-way clutch mechanism provided between the shaft and the worm gear or between the helical gear and the rotating shaft. 2. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to item 1.