JP2003107735A - Photosensitive material processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a processing liquid inside a processing tank from splashing and foaming when the processing liquid squeezed by a carrying roller pair from a photosensitive material carried on the outside of the liquid is dropped from the carrying roller pair. SOLUTION: A washing tank 26 is provided with a storage part 110 storing washing water on the side of a development part 14, an inclined wall 116 is formed on the side of a desensitizing processing part 18 and the washing water supplied to a PS plate 12 is dropped from the carrying roller pair 64 to the inclined wall 116 and then recovered to the storage part 110. Also, in the desensitizing processing part, a gum liquid supplied to the PS plate is dropped from the carrying roller pair 70 to the inclined wall 120 and then recovered to the storage part 112. Thus, the washing water and the gum liquid are surely prevented from splashing and foaming.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention supplies a processing liquid in a processing tank to a photosensitive material which is conveyed above the liquid surface of a processing tank for storing the processing liquid and processes the photosensitive material. The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing step of collecting a processing liquid falling from the processing tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as an automatic developing apparatus, while conveying an image-exposed photosensitive material, the photosensitive material is immersed in a processing solution, or the processing solution is sprayed on the surface of the photosensitive material. Processing solution processing such as development processing is performed.

For example, a photosensitive lithographic printing plate (hereinafter referred to as "PS") which is a photosensitive material in which a photosensitive layer is provided on a support such as aluminum.
In the PS plate processor, which is an automatic developing device for processing a plate, the PS plate is dipped in a developing solution for processing, and washing water is sprayed on the front and back surfaces of the PS plate after the development processing. There are provided a treatment step such as a washing step of performing a washing treatment with water and a desensitization step of applying a desensitizing treatment liquid such as a gum solution to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate subjected to the water washing treatment.

By the way, in such a water washing section or desensitizing section of the PS plate processor, a conveying roller pair is provided above the liquid surface of the stored processing liquid, and the PS plate is substantially formed by the conveying roller pair. The processing liquid is supplied to the surface of the PS plate by using a processing liquid supply means such as a spray pipe while being conveyed in a range slightly downward from the horizontal state.

Further, in the PS plate processor, after supplying to the PS plate, the excess processing liquid is collected in the processing tank. At this time, P
By conveying the S plate while sandwiching it, the processing liquid adhering to the surface of the PS plate is squeezed and the excess processing liquid is squeezed out.

[0006]

However, when collecting the processing liquid squeezed from the PS plate in the processing tank,
The falling processing liquid may hit the surface of the processing liquid in the processing tank. In particular, the treatment liquid adhering to the peripheral surfaces of the rollers forming the conveying roller pair becomes a drop from the lower end of the lower roller and drops into the treatment tank. And scattering.

Particularly in the PS plate processor, the gum solution, which is a treating solution used for desensitizing treatment, drops as drops from the roller and hits the surface of the gum solution in the desensitizing treatment tank. Foaming occurs and it is scattered around.

When the gum solution is scattered and adheres to surrounding parts, it is necessary to perform maintenance such as cleaning, and frequent maintenance is required. Further, when foaming occurs in the gum solution stored in the desensitizing treatment tank, there is a problem that the PS plate treated with this gum solution deteriorates in finish quality.

The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and when the processing liquid supplied to the photosensitive material conveyed outside the liquid drops as a drop from a roller or the like, the processing liquid is stored in the processing tank. It is an object of the present invention to propose a light-sensitive material processing apparatus which prevents bubbling or liquid splashing in a processing liquid.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a photosensitive material which is conveyed along a conveying path above a liquid surface of a processing liquid stored in a processing tank while the photosensitive material is being conveyed to the conveying path. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for supplying the processing liquid to the surface of the photosensitive material conveyed along the surface thereof for processing and collecting the excessive processing liquid in the processing tank. A pair of conveying rollers arranged above the liquid surface of the processing liquid to convey the photosensitive material while sandwiching it, a processing liquid storage section provided below the processing tank for storing the processing liquid, and the photosensitive material. The treatment liquid which passes from the tank wall of the treatment tank below the conveyance roller pair along the conveyance direction of the treatment tank, is inclined toward the treatment liquid storage section, and falls from the conveyance roller pair. Including an inclined wall that guides to the storage part And it features.

According to the present invention, the processing liquid storage section is provided in the lower portion of the processing tank, and the inclined wall reaching the processing liquid storage section from the tank wall of the processing tank via the lower side of the conveying roller pair is disposed on the processing liquid storage section side. It is provided so that it is located below.

Thus, after being supplied to the photosensitive material, the processing liquid adhering to the conveying roller pair drops from the lower roller to the inclined wall, flows down on the inclined wall toward the processing liquid storage section, and then from the roller. It is possible to reliably prevent the falling processing liquid from directly hitting the surface of the processing liquid in the processing tank.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the processing liquid that drops as drops from the rollers from spattering or foaming due to hitting the surface of the processing liquid in the processing tank. The frequency of maintenance such as cleaning for removal can be reduced, and the deterioration of the finished quality of the photosensitive material due to the bubbling of the processing liquid in the processing tank does not occur.

In the present invention as described above, it is preferable that the processing liquid storage portion is formed at one of the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the photosensitive material in the conveying direction. More preferably, it is provided. This facilitates the formation of the inclined wall below the pair of conveying rollers.

Further, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the inclined wall reaches at least below the conveying roller pair, and reaches a position where the processing liquid dropped by being squeezed from the photosensitive material by the conveying roller pair is received. It is more preferable that the occurrence of bubbling or scattering due to not only the processing liquid falling from the pair of conveying rollers but also the processing liquid falling from the photosensitive material can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, the inclined wall is directed toward both side walls of the processing tank in the transport direction of the photosensitive material so that an intermediate portion in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the photosensitive material is convex. May be inclined, and the inclined wall may be further curved so that an intermediate portion in the transport direction of the photosensitive material is convex. Further, in the present invention, a concave portion and / or a convex portion may be formed on the upper surface of the inclined wall.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing plate processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “PS plate processor 10”) applied as an example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus. This P
The S plate processor 10 is a lithographic printing plate (hereinafter referred to as “PS
Plate 12 "). In addition, PS version 1
2 has a thin rectangular flat plate such as an aluminum plate as a support, and a photosensitive layer is formed on the support. In addition, as the PS plate 12, an optical bonding layer, a photopolymerization layer, and an overcoat layer are overlapped to form a photosensitive layer, and scanning exposure with a laser beam accelerates the polymerization reaction of the image portion of the photopolymerization layer. A so-called photopolymer plate or the like can also be applied.

The PS plate processor 10 comprises a developing section 14 for treating the PS plate 12 with a developing solution, a washing section 16 for supplying washing water to the PS plate 12 treated with the developing solution to wash it, and a washing section 16 after washing with water. Desensitization processing section 18 for applying a gum solution for plate surface protection to the PS plate 12 to desensitize the PS plate 12.
And a drying section 20 for drying the PS plate 12 are provided. That is, in the PS version processor 10,
A developing process, a water washing process, a desensitizing process process, and a drying process are sequentially arranged along the transport direction of the plate 12 (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1).

A processing tank 22 is provided in the PS plate processor 10. In the processing tank 22, a developing tank 24 is formed as a processing tank at a position to be the developing section 14, and a washing tank 26 and a desensitizing processing tank 28 are formed at positions to be the water washing section 16 and the desensitizing processing section 18. Has been done. Further, in the processing tank 22, a space serving as an insertion portion 34 is provided on the upstream side of the developing tank 24, and the desensitizing processing tank 28 is provided.
A space to be the drying unit 20 is formed on the downstream side of the.

A slit-shaped insertion opening 32 is formed in the outer panel 30 covering the processing tank 22, and an insertion portion 34 is provided between the insertion opening 32 and the developing portion 14.

The PS plate processor 10 has a cover 3 for covering the upper part of the processing tank 22 and the upper part of the drying section 20.
6, 38 are provided. Cover 36 on the side of the insertion opening 32
Covers the upper part of the washing part 16 from the insertion part 34 of the treatment tank 22, and the cover 38 covers the drying part 2 from the upper part of the washing part 16.
It is arranged so as to cover a space between the upper parts of 0.

Further, the cover 36 is provided with an insertion opening (sub-insertion opening) 40 for inserting the PS plate 12 between the developing section 14 and the water washing section 16. The sub-insertion port 40 is for inserting the PS plate 12 when performing the process in the PS plate processor 10 excluding the process in the developing unit 14.

At the insertion portion 34 adjacent to the insertion opening 32, a rubber conveying roller pair 42 is arranged. The PS plate 12 on which the image has been printed is inserted between the conveying roller pair 42 by being inserted from the insertion port 32 in the direction of the arrow A.

The conveying roller pair 42 is driven to rotate, so that the PS plate 12 is pulled in from the insertion opening 32, and is inclined at an angle of about 15 ° to 31 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. Send to. In this embodiment, a single-sided PS plate 12 having a photosensitive layer formed on one surface of the support is used, and the PS plate 12 is inserted from the insertion opening 32 with the photosensitive layer facing upward. It is inserted into the PS plate processor 10.

The developing tank 2 formed in the processing tank 22
4 has a substantially mountain shape in which the center of the bottom is projected downward, and stores a developing solution for developing the PS plate 12. In the developing tank 24, guide plates 44 and 46 are arranged on the lower side along the transport direction of the PS plate 12 along the bottom. Further, in the developing tank 24, conveying roller pairs 48, 50 and 52 are arranged at the upstream portion (insertion portion 34 side), the middle portion and the downstream portion (water washing portion 16 side).

The PS plate 12 drawn from the insertion opening 32 by the pair of conveying rollers 42 is fed into the space between the pair of conveying rollers 48, and the pair of conveying rollers 48 draws the PS plate 12 into the developing tank 24.

The guide plate 44 includes a pair of conveying rollers 48, 50.
Between the developing roller 24 and the conveying roller pair 48.
The PS plate 12 drawn in is guided obliquely downward. In addition, the guide plate 46 is composed of the conveying roller pairs 50 and 5.
2, the pair of transport rollers 50 are arranged between the guide plates 4 and
The PS plate 12 guided by the guide plate 46
Then, the guide plate 46 guides the PS plate 12 obliquely upward along the bottom surface of the developing tank 24.

As a result, the PS plate 12 is immersed in the developing solution while being guided and conveyed in the developing tank 24 in a substantially U-shape.

Further, the conveying roller pair 52 has, for example, an outer peripheral portion formed by a roller made of rubber, and has a guide plate 4
The developing tank 24 with the PS plate 12 guided by 6 interposed therebetween.
While pulling out from, it is sent to the washing section 16. PS version 1
2 is immersed in a developing solution when it is conveyed in the developing tank 24 in this way, and an unnecessary photosensitive layer is removed by being exposed.

In the developing tank 24, spray pipes 54 and 56 are provided on the lower surface side of the guide plates 44 and 46.
Further, a large number of liquid passage holes (not shown) are formed in each of the guide plates 44 and 46.

The spray pipes 54, 56 are supplied with the developer in the developing tank 24 sucked by a pump (not shown), and the developer is jetted from the spray pipes 54, 56. 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 circulates from the liquid passage holes formed in the guide plates 44 and 46 to the transport path side of the PS plate 12 to prevent rapid development processing of the PS plate 12 and occurrence of processing unevenness. There is.

A brush roller 58 and a conveying roller 60 are provided inside the developing tank 24 so as to face the guide plate 46. The brush roller 58 rotates while contacting the surface of the PS plate 12 conveyed on the guide plate 46 with the bristle material while being immersed in the developing solution, thereby brushing the surface of the PS plate 12 to make the PS plate 12 Promotes the removal of unwanted photosensitive layers from the surface of the. At this time, the transport roller 60 prevents the PS plate 12 brushed by the brush roller 58 from rising from the guide plate 46.

The PS plate 12 pulled out from the developing tank 24 by the pair of conveying rollers 52 is sent to the water washing section 16 while the developing solution adhering to the surface thereof is squeezed by the pair of conveying rollers 52.

The washing section 16 is provided with a conveying path for conveying the PS plate 12 in a substantially horizontal state by means of conveying roller pairs 62 and 64 arranged above the washing tank 26.
2 is sandwiched between a pair of conveyance rollers 62 and 64, and the washing tank 26
Is transported horizontally above.

The washing section 16 has a pair of conveying rollers 62, 64.
In between, spray pipes 66 and 68 are provided in a pair in the vertical direction with the transport path of the PS plate 12 interposed therebetween. The spray pipes 66 and 68 are arranged such that the axial direction is along the width direction of the PS plate 12 (direction orthogonal to the transport direction), and a plurality of discharge holes (not shown) facing the transport path of the PS plate 12 are provided in the axial direction. It is formed along.

The washing water is stored in the washing tank 26, and in the PS plate processor 10, the washing water is supplied to the spray pipes 66 and 68 in synchronization with the conveyance of the PS plate 12 by a water supply pump (not shown). . As a result, washing water is ejected from the spray pipes 66 and 68 toward the PS plate 12, and the developer adhering to the surface of the PS plate 12 is washed away.

The rinsing water supplied to the PS plate 12 is sent out while the PS plate 12 is sandwiched by the conveying roller pair 64, and is sent out together with the developer adhered to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12. It is squeezed out from the water and collected in the washing tank 26. Note that the direction of jetting the washing water from the spray pipes 66 and 68 is such that the spray pipe 66 is upstream in the transport direction of the PS plate 12 and the spray pipe 68 is downstream in the transport direction of the PS plate 12, but is not limited to this. Instead, it may be in another direction. In addition, the new liquid for rinsing water is PS version 12
The water is supplied to the washing tank 26 by means not shown according to the treatment amount.

The desensitizing section 18 is provided with a pair of conveying rollers 70 above the desensitizing tank 28, and the PS plate 12 is provided therewith.
After being transported by the transport roller pair 64 toward the transport roller pair 70, it is transported through the desensitization processing unit 18, and then is sandwiched by the transport roller pair 70 and transported toward the drying unit 20.

In the desensitizing section 18, a spray pipe 72 is provided above the transport path of the PS plate 12, and a spray pipe 74 is provided below the transport path. The spray pipes 72, 74 have PS in the longitudinal direction (axial direction).
The PS plates 12 are vertically arranged along the width direction of the plate 12 with the transport path of the PS plate 12 interposed therebetween. Also, spray pipes 72, 74
A plurality of discharge holes are formed along the width direction of the PS plate 12.

In the desensitizing tank 28, a gum solution used for protecting the plate surface of the PS plate 12 is stored, and this gum solution is synchronized with the transportation of the PS plate 12 and the spray pipes 72, 74.
Is supplied to. The spray pipe 72 uses this gum solution as a P
It is dripped toward the S plate 12 and spread on the surface of the PS plate 12 and applied. In addition, the spray pipe 74 is
The gum solution is discharged toward the back surface of the plate 12 to apply the gum solution to the back surface of the PS plate 12.

The PS plate 12 has protective films formed by the gum solution applied to the front and back surfaces. In addition, spray pipe 7
The discharging direction of the gum liquid from 2 is not limited to the downstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12, and may be another direction. Further, a rectifying plate is provided and the gum liquid jetted toward the rectifying plate is While uniformly diffusing along the width direction of the PS plate 12 with the current plate,
The PS plate 12 may be applied by dropping it on the surface. Further, instead of the spray pipe 74, the PS plate 12 moves while being in contact with the discharged gum liquid, so that P
You may use the discharge unit etc. which apply a gum solution to the back surface of S plate 12.

In the desensitizing section 18, a cleaning spray 76 is provided above the conveying roller pair 70, and a cleaning roller 78 that rotates while contacting the roller above the conveying roller pair 70 is provided. The cleaning water is dropped from the cleaning spray 76 to a contact position between the cleaning roller 78 above the conveying roller pair 70 and the cleaning roller 78 at a predetermined timing set in advance through the straightening plate 80. The gum liquid is evenly dispersed on the peripheral surfaces of the rollers above the conveying roller pair 70 to wash away the gum liquid from the peripheral surfaces of the upper and lower rollers of the conveying roller pair 70, and the gum liquid adheres to the peripheral surfaces of the rollers to cause PS.
The plate 12 is prevented from being damaged.

The PS plate 12 coated with the gum solution in the desensitizing section 18 is nipped by the pair of transport rollers 70 and sent to the drying section 20 with the gum solution remaining on the front and back surfaces.

The PS plate processor 10 is provided with a partition plate 82 between the desensitizing section 18 and the drying section 20. The partition plate 82 is disposed above the transporting path of the PS plate 12 so as to face the upper end of the processing tank 22, whereby the desensitization processing unit 18 and the drying unit 20 are disposed.
A slit-shaped insertion opening 84 is formed between the two. In addition, the partition plate 82 has a double structure, whereby a groove-shaped ventilation passage is formed on the drying portion 20 side of the insertion opening 84, and the air in the drying portion 20 enters into this ventilation passage. This prevents the air in the drying unit 20 from entering the desensitization processing unit 18 through the insertion opening 84.

In the drying section 20, in the vicinity of the insertion opening 84,
A support roller 86 that supports the PS plate 12 is disposed, and a transport roller pair 90 and a transport roller pair 92 are disposed in the central portion of the PS plate 12 in the transport direction and in the vicinity of the discharge port 88. . The PS plate 12 is transported in the drying section 20 by the support roller 86 and the transport roller pair 90, 92.

Between the support roller 86 and the conveying roller pair 90 and between the conveying roller pair 90 and the conveying roller pair 92, a pair of ducts 94 and 96 sandwiching the conveying path of the PS plate 12 is provided.
Is provided. The ducts 94 and 96 have a longitudinal direction of P.
The PS plate 12 is arranged along the width direction of the S plate 12.
A slit hole 98 is provided on the surface facing the conveyance path.

When the dry air generated by the dry air generating means (not shown) is supplied to the ducts 94 and 96 from one end side in the longitudinal direction, the dry air is supplied from the slit holes 98 to the slit P.
It is discharged toward the transport path of the S plate 12 and sprayed on the PS plate 12. As a result, the gum solution applied to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 is dried to form a protective film.

On the other hand, the lower surface of the developing section 14 is the developing tank 24.
The shielding lid 100 is arranged below the liquid surface of the developer stored in the developing tank 24 to reduce the area where the liquid surface of the developer in the developing tank 24 contacts the air. The sub-insertion port (reentry insertion port) 40 of the cover 36 is closed by a shielding member (not shown), and the shielding member prevents outside air from entering the developing unit 14. Further, the shielding lid 100 is narrowed between the upper side of the conveying roller pair 48, 52 protruding from the liquid surface and the like,
This prevents the developer in the developer tank 24 from being deteriorated due to contact with carbon dioxide gas in the air. A blade-shaped shielding member made of silicon rubber or the like is provided between the shielding lid 100 and the processing tank 22 and the conveying roller pairs 48, 52, etc., so that the developer in the developing tank 24 may come into contact with fresh outside air. It is also possible to prevent the water content in the developer from evaporating.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the water washing tank 26 of the water washing section 16, the storage section 1 for storing the washing water is provided on the developing tank 24 side which is the upstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12.
10 are provided. Further, the desensitizing treatment tank 28 of the desensitizing treatment unit 18 is provided with a storage section 112 on the side of the washing tank 26.

That is, in the rinsing tank 26, the rinsing water is supplied to the developing tank 24 by providing the storage section 110 on the developing tank 24 side.
In the desensitizing tank 28, the gum solution is biased and stored in the washing tank 26 side by providing the storing section 112 on the washing tank 26 side. Note that, in FIG. 2, essential parts of the water washing section 16 and the desensitizing processing section 18 of the PS plate processor 10 are shown, and the illustration of the washing spray 76, the washing roller 78, etc. is omitted.

The water washing tank 26 is a desensitizing treatment tank 28.
Side tank wall 114 is inclined from an intermediate portion in the vertical direction (vertical direction of the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 2) toward the storage section 110, whereby the washing tank 26 stores on the developing tank 24 side. Part 110 is provided, and the inclined wall 1 is provided on the side of the desensitizing tank 28.
16 are provided.

The inclined wall 116 passes below the conveying roller pair 64 and reaches near the lower portion of the spray pipe 68 provided on the upstream side of the conveying roller pair 64, and the tip thereof becomes the storage section 110. ing. Further, the inclined wall 116 is inclined so that the storage portion 110 side is downward.

As a result, the washing water adhering to the pair of conveying rollers 64 and the washing water squeezed out from the PS plate 12 by the pair of conveying rollers 64 are allowed to drop on the inclined wall 116. Further, the wash water that has fallen on the inclined wall 116 flows down on the inclined wall 116 to the storage section 110, and is stored in the storage tank 110.
I am trying to collect it inside.

On the other hand, the desensitizing treatment tank 28 includes the drying section 20.
The tank wall 118 on the side is from the intermediate portion in the vertical direction to the storage portion 112.
The storage section 112 and the inclined wall 120 are formed in the desensitizing treatment tank 28.

Inclined wall 120 provided in desensitizing tank 28
Has reached below the conveying roller pair 70, and the storage portion 112 is ahead. In addition, the inclined wall 120 is inclined so that the storage portion 112 side is downward.

As a result, in the desensitizing section 18, the gum liquid adhering to the conveying roller pair 70 is transferred to the conveying roller pair 7.
The rollers 70B on the lower side of 0 fall onto the inclined wall 120. Further, the gum liquid that has dropped onto the inclined wall 120 flows down onto the inclined wall 120 into the storage tank 112,
It is collected in the storage tank 112.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inclined walls 116,
A large number of protrusions 122 are tightly formed on the upper surface of each of the 120. Each of the protrusions 122 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape, and these protrusions 122 serve as resistance when the washing water flows down on the inclined wall 116 and the gum solution flows down on the inclined wall 120. Inclined wall 1
The washing water falling on 16 and the gum solution falling on the inclined wall 120 are prevented from splashing high.

In the PS plate processor 10 thus constructed, the PS plate 12 on which an image is recorded by being exposed by a printing device (not shown) is inserted into the insertion port 32.
When it is inserted from, the conveying roller pair 42 is rotationally driven. As a result, the PS plate 12 is nipped by the pair of transport rollers 42 and drawn into the PS plate processor 10.

In the PS plate processor 10, a sensor for detecting the PS plate 12 passing through the insertion port 32 is provided in the vicinity of the insertion port 32, and this sensor is the PS plate 1
When the insertion of 2 is detected, the rotation drive of the conveying roller pair 42 and the like is started, and at the timing based on the detection of the PS plate 12 by this sensor, the rinsing water from the spray pipes 66, 68 of the rinsing section 16 is detected. The gum liquid is discharged from the spray pipes 72 and 74 of the discharge and desensitization processing unit 18.

The conveying roller pair 42 has the PS plate 12 drawn in from the insertion port 32, and is 15 ° to 31 ° with respect to the horizontal direction.
It is fed into the developing tank 24 at an insertion angle within the range. As a result, the PS plate 12 is conveyed in the developing tank 24 by the pair of conveying rollers 48 to 52 while being guided by the guide plates 44 and 46, and is immersed in the developing solution stored in the developing tank 24 to be 17 °. It is delivered from within the developer at an ejection angle in the range of ˜31 °.

When the PS plate 12 is immersed in the developing solution in the developing tank 24, an unnecessary photosensitive layer swells according to the exposed image, and the swollen photosensitive layer is removed from the support. At this time, in the PS plate processor 10, the surface of the PS plate 12 (the surface on the photosensitive layer side) is brushed by the brush roller 58 arranged in the developing tank 24, so that P
The removal of the unnecessary photosensitive layer from the surface of the S plate 12 is promoted.

As the PS version processor 10,
The surface of the PS plate 12 may be brushed using a plurality of brush rollers, or the PS plate 12 may be treated without using the brush rollers.

The PS plate 12 which has been developed and sent out from the developing tank 24 is sent to the washing section 16 by the pair of carrying rollers 52. At this time, the conveying roller pair 52 is set to P
The developer adhering to the front and back surfaces of the S plate 12 is squeezed out.

In the water washing section 16, while the PS plate 12 is nipped by the conveying roller pairs 62 and 64 and conveyed in a substantially horizontal state, washing water is jetted from the spray pipes 66 and 68. The transport roller pair 64 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12 squeezes the wash 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 52. While dropping, the PS plate 12 is sent to the desensitization processing unit 18.

As a result, when the PS plate 12 passes through the water washing section 16, the developer remaining on the front and back surfaces is washed off.

The PS plate 12 sent to the desensitizing section 18
Passes through between the spray pipes 72 and 74 and is sandwiched by the pair of transport rollers 70, so that the pair of transport rollers 7
0 is sent from the desensitization processing unit 18.

At this time, in the desensitizing section 18, the gum solution is discharged from the spray pipes 66 and 68 to make the PS plate 1
The gum solution is uniformly applied to the front and back surfaces of No. 2 while diffusing the gum solution.
The conveying roller pair 70 sandwiches and conveys the PS plate 12, and squeezes the excess gum liquid from the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12, thereby forming a uniform thin film of gum liquid on the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12. .

The PS plate 12 coated with the gum liquid is sent to the drying section 20 from the insertion opening 84 by the pair of conveying rollers 70. When the insertion opening 84 is provided with a shutter, the timing for starting the processing of the PS plate 12 or P
At the timing when the S plate 12 is sent out from the desensitization processing unit 18, the shutter is operated to open the insertion opening 84,
When the PS plate 12 does not pass through, the drying air of the drying unit 20 unnecessarily enters the desensitization processing unit 18 to prevent the gum solution from sticking to the pair of transport rollers 70, and also the insertion port 8
4 to prevent the deterioration of the developing solution due to carbon dioxide in the air that reaches the developing section 14 and to prevent the developing solution from deteriorating, or the water in the developing solution, the washing water and the water in the gum solution evaporate. It prevents you from getting out of 84.

In the drying section 20, while the PS plate 12 is being conveyed by the support roller 86 and the pair of conveying rollers 90 and 92, the drying air is blown from the ducts 94 and 96 to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12. As a result, the PS plate 12 has a protective film formed by the gum solution applied on the surface and is discharged from the discharge port 88.

By the way, in the washing section 16 of the PS plate processor 10, the spray pipe 6 is directed toward the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 which is conveyed substantially horizontally between the conveying roller pairs 62 and 64.
The washing water stored in the storage portion 110 of the washing tank 26 is jetted from 6, 68 to wash off the developing solution adhering to the surface of the PS plate 12.

At this time, the PS plate 12 is sandwiched by the conveying roller pair 64 in a state where the washing water ejected from the spray pipes 66, 68 is attached.

As a result, the washing water adhering to the upper surface of the PS plate 12 is PS which is in the axial direction of the conveying roller pair 64.
It moves along the width direction of the plate 12 and drops from between the upper and lower rollers 64A and 64B of the conveying roller pair 64 at both ends in the width direction. Further, the washing water adhering to the back surface of the PS plate 12 drops along the peripheral surface of the roller 64B below the conveying roller pair 64 when the PS plate 12 is sandwiched by the conveying roller pair 64.

On the other hand, the washing tank 26 has a pair of conveying rollers 64.
An inclined wall 116 is formed below the
The washing water adhering to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12 is the inclined wall 1
It is collected in the storage part 110 by falling to 16 and flowing down on the inclined wall 116 to the storage part 110.

Therefore, the washing water adhering to the PS plate 12 does not drop directly into the storage section 110 and hit the liquid surface of the washing water stored in the storage section 110. The washing water dropped from 12 does not scatter the washing water due to hitting the liquid surface of the washing water stored in the washing tank 26, nor foaming in the washing tank 26.

The inclined wall 116 has a large number of protrusions 1
22 is formed, and the washing water squeezed by the pair of conveying rollers 64 has a hemispherical shape.
By hitting 22, the upward jump can be suppressed.

As a result, in the rinsing section 16, the rinsing water does not scatter out of the rinsing tank 26, and the PS plate 12 processor 10 has rinsing water in which the inside is mixed with a developing solution and a dissolved photosensitive layer component. It doesn't get dirty.

On the other hand, in the desensitizing section 18 of the PS plate processor 10, the conveying roller pair 64 of the water washing section 16 and the conveying roller pair 70 provided above the downstream section of the desensitizing tank 28 serve to convey the sheet in the conveying direction. While conveying the PS plate 12 with the downstream side slightly inclined, the spray pipe 7
From 2 and 74, the gum liquid stored in the storage portion 112 of the desensitizing tank 28 is supplied to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12.

As a result, the PS plate 12 is sandwiched by the conveying roller pair 70 while the gum liquid is evenly attached to the front and back surfaces, and is further sent out from the desensitizing section 18 by the conveying roller pair 70.

The gum liquid adhering to the PS plate 12 is the PS liquid 1
Since 2 is sandwiched by the pair of transport rollers 70, the surplus when a thin film is formed on the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12,
The conveyance roller pair 70 squeezes the PS plate 12 from the front and back surfaces.

At this time, the gum solution on the surface of the PS plate 12 is
This flows along the width direction of the PS plate 12 which is the axial direction of the conveying roller pair 70, and adheres to the peripheral surface of the lower roller 70B forming the conveying roller pair 70 from the end of the PS plate 12 in the width direction. It flows down along the peripheral surface of the roller 70B. The gum solution adhering to the back surface of the PS plate 12 flows down along the peripheral surface of the roller 70B on the lower side.

On the other hand, in the desensitizing tank 28, an inclined wall 120 is provided below the conveying roller pair 70, and the gum liquid adhering to the lower roller 70B of the conveying roller pair 70 is the roller 70B. Falls on the inclined wall 120 from the lower end and flows down on the inclined wall 120 toward the storage section 112.

Therefore, the gum solution adhering to the PS plate 12 does not drop directly into the storage section 112 and hit the liquid surface of the gum solution stored in the storage section 112. In addition, a large number of protrusions 122, which are convex portions, are formed on the inclined wall 120, and the gum solution squeezed down by the pair of conveying rollers 70 is above the hemispherical protrusions 122. Bounce up to is suppressed.

As a result, the scattering of the gum liquid and the foaming of the gum liquid caused by the gum liquid dropped from the PS plate 12 hitting the liquid surface of the gum liquid stored in the desensitizing tank 28 can be surely prevented. Can, gum solution PS version processor 1
The inside of 0 is not polluted.

Further, in the PS plate processor 10, since the foaming of the gum liquid in the desensitizing tank 28 can be reliably prevented, the foamed gum liquid does not spoil the finish of the PS plate 12. . Further, even if a large number of recesses are provided instead of the protrusions 122, the same effect as that of the protrusions 122 can be obtained.

The embodiment described above does not limit the structure of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the sloping wall 1 is provided in the washing tank 26 and the desensitizing tank 28.
16 and 120, and sloped walls 116 and 120
Although the projection 122 is provided on each of the above, the projection 122 may be omitted and only the substantially planar inclined walls 116 and 120 may be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the inclined walls 116 and 120 having a substantially flat shape are formed, but the inclined wall of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing tank 2 shown in FIG.
In 2A, the washing tank 26A in which an inclined wall 124 whose upper surface is curved in a convex shape is formed between the storage section 110 and the tank wall 114.
And the desensitizing tank 2 in which an inclined wall 126 having a curved upper surface is formed between the storage section 112 and the tank wall 118.
8A is provided.

Further, in the processing tank 22B shown in FIG.
A washing tank 26B having an inclined wall 128 whose upper surface is curved in a concave shape is provided between the storage section 110 and the tank wall 114, and an inclination whose upper surface is curved in a concave shape is provided between the storage section 112 and the tank wall 118. A desensitizing tank 28B having a wall 130 is provided.

Washing tanks 26A and 26B thus formed
Also in the desensitizing tanks 28A and 28B, the inclined wall 1
Since each of 24 to 130 is entirely inclined toward the storage part 110 or the storage part 112, the washing water, the scattering of the gum solution, and the bubbling are surely prevented. In addition, each of the inclined walls 124 to 130 has a protrusion 122.
May be provided, or may be formed with a predetermined inclined curved surface without providing the projection 122.

As shown in FIG. 5, the processing tank 22
In C, the washing tank 2 is formed by the storage section 110 and the inclined wall 132.
6C is formed, and the storage tank 112 and the inclined wall 134 form a desensitization processing tank 28C.

At this time, the inclined walls 132 and 134 are inclined so that the storage portions 110 and 112 sides are downward, and at least one end side in the width direction is inclined.

Also in the washing tank 26C and the desensitizing treatment tank 28C thus formed, the washing water and the gum solution are scattered,
It is possible to prevent foaming.

As the inclined walls 132 and 134, P
The S plate 12 may be inclined so that both end sides are lower than the widthwise middle portion, or may be inclined so that the other end side is lower than one end side in the width direction. Also, the inclined wall 1
32 and 134 may be inclined so that the middle portion in the width direction is lower than both end portions.

As described above, the inclined walls 132 and 13 inclined not only toward the storage portions 110 and 112 but also in the width direction.
By providing 4, the washing water and the gum solution that have fallen on the inclined walls 132 and 134 can be treated by the washing tank 26C and the desensitizing treatment tank 28.
It is possible to reliably prevent jumping out of C.

Further, in this embodiment, the storage portions 110 and 112 are provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the PS plate 12, and the inclined walls 116 and 120 are formed on the downstream side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The storage part may be formed on the downstream side in the transfer direction, and the inclined wall inclined toward the storage part may be formed on the upstream side in the transfer direction of the PS plate 12. At this time, at least the washing water falling from the conveying roller pair 64 and the gum liquid falling from the conveying roller pair 70 may be dropped onto the inclined wall.

In the present embodiment, the PS plate processor 10 for processing the PS plate 12 is used as a photosensitive material processing device.
Although the present invention is not limited to this, the present invention is not limited to this, and a photosensitive material conveyed along a conveyance path provided outside the liquid is processed while supplying the processing liquid, and a process of dropping excessively is also performed. As long as the liquid is collected in the processing tank provided below the transport path, it can be applied to a photosensitive material processing apparatus having any structure.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the processing liquid stored in the processing tank is supplied and processed while the photosensitive material is conveyed outside the liquid, the photosensitive material is squeezed from the photosensitive material by the pair of conveying rollers. When the taken processing liquid drops from the pair of conveying rollers, it is possible to reliably prevent the processing liquid from bubbling or scattering due to the falling processing liquid hitting the surface of the processing liquid in the processing tank. . As a result, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that frequent maintenance of the inside of the apparatus is unnecessary and it is possible to reliably prevent the finish of the photosensitive material from being damaged by the foamed processing liquid.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a PS plate processor applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing essential parts of a water washing section and a desensitizing section to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a desensitizing process for a water washing section which is another application example of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a desensitizing process of a water washing part different from FIGS. 2 and 3 which is another application example of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a desensitizing process for a water washing part different from FIGS. 2 to 4 which is another application example of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 PS Plate Processor (Photosensitive Material Processing Device) 12 PS plate (photosensitive material) 14 Development Department 16 Washing department 18 Desensitizing section 22, 22A-22C processing tank 26, 26A-26C Washing tank 28, 28A to 28C Desensitizing treatment tank 64, 70 Conveyor roller pair 64A, 64B, 70A, 70B roller 66, 68, 72, 74 Spray pipe 110, 112 Reservoir 114, 118 tank wall 116, 120, 124-134 inclined wall 122 protrusion

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hideaki Iijima             1250 Takematsu, Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Equipment             Industry Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H096 AA07 GA17 GA18 GA22 HA02

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. While transporting a photosensitive material along a transport path above a liquid surface of a processing liquid stored in a processing tank, the processing liquid is transferred onto the surface of the photosensitive material transported along the transport path. A photosensitive material processing device for supplying and processing, and collecting the excess processing liquid in the processing tank, wherein the photosensitive material is disposed above a liquid surface of the processing liquid in the processing tank. A pair of transport rollers for transporting while sandwiching a sheet, a processing liquid storage part provided in the lower part of the processing bath for storing the processing liquid, and the transportation from the bath wall of the processing bath along the transport direction of the photosensitive material. An inclined wall that passes below the roller pair and is inclined toward the processing liquid storage unit and that receives the processing liquid that falls from the transport roller pair and guides the processing liquid to the processing liquid storage unit. Photosensitive material processing device. 2. The inclined wall is further inclined toward both side walls of the processing tank in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material such that an intermediate portion in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material is convex. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined wall is further curved so that an intermediate portion of the photosensitive material in the conveying direction is convex. 4. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion and / or a convex portion is formed on the upper surface of the inclined wall.