JP2004191808A - Development processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress degradation of quality of an image formed on a photosensitive medium due to solidification of a processing solution on photosensitive medium guides. <P>SOLUTION: A film 2 conveyed through a position opposite to a discharge opening 12a of a second nozzle 12 from which a developing solution is discharged, is guided only at both ends in the width direction by guides 35, 36 arranged at an interval in such a way that the guides 35, 36 do not come in contact with an image area of a rear side face of the film 2. A processing solution receiver 12a is disposed under the conveyance path of the film 2 between the guides 35, 36. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developing apparatus for performing a developing process on a photosensitive medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a development processing apparatus that performs development processing such as development, fixing, bleaching, and stabilization on a photosensitive medium, a development apparatus configured to sequentially pass the photosensitive medium through a processing solution tank containing each processing solution, a photosensitive processing apparatus, 2. Description of the Related Art A configuration in which each processing solution is sequentially applied to a medium (a so-called DRY-type development processing apparatus) is known. Here, as the development processing apparatus, the latter configuration has attracted attention from the viewpoint of easy management of processing liquid and maintenance of equipment.
[0003]
As a developing processing apparatus configured to apply a processing liquid to a photosensitive medium, a developing process including a color developing process and a fixing process is sequentially performed on a photosensitive surface of a color paper, which is a photosensitive medium supported and conveyed on an endless belt. Some are performed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a development processing device, the developer application roller immersed in the developer contained in the developer container is rotated so as to come into contact with the color paper, so that the color is applied to the color paper after the developer is applied on the color paper. The color developing process is performed by heating the paper for a predetermined processing time by the heat processing unit. After that, the fixing process is performed by applying the fixing solution on the color paper in the same manner as the developing solution.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-174887 (FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a development processing apparatus, when the developer is applied to the rear end of the color paper by the developer applying roller and the developer is ejected so as to protrude from the rear end of the color paper, the color The developer protruding from the rear end of the paper may adhere to the endless belt. The same can be said for the fixer. When the developing solution or the fixing solution adhered to the endless belt solidifies, the surface of the endless belt becomes uneven, and the flatness of the color paper conveyed while being supported by the endless belt cannot be ensured. As a result, the developing solution or the fixing solution is not evenly applied on the color paper, and the image formed on the color paper is significantly deteriorated.
[0006]
Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a development processing apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in quality of an image formed on a photosensitive medium due to solidification of a processing solution on a photosensitive medium guide. It is to be.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the development processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a processing liquid application section for applying a processing liquid to a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive medium, and a processing liquid passing along a transport path at a position facing the processing liquid application section. A photosensitive medium guide that guides the photosensitive medium to be transferred, and a transport unit that applies a transport force to the photosensitive medium so that the photosensitive medium moves along a transport path while being guided by the photosensitive medium guide. The guide guides the photosensitive medium without contacting an area on the opposite side of the photosensitive surface corresponding to the processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. It is.
[0008]
According to the first aspect, the photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without coming into contact with an area on the opposite side of the photosensitive surface corresponding to the processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. Therefore, even if the processing liquid is ejected so as to protrude from the rear end of the photosensitive medium by the processing liquid application unit, the processing liquid protruding from the rear end of the photosensitive medium is solidified on the photosensitive medium guide, so that the photosensitive medium is exposed. There is almost no possibility that the medium cannot be properly guided or transported along the transport path. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of an image formed on the photosensitive medium due to the solidification of the processing liquid on the photosensitive medium guide.
[0009]
Further, the development processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photosensitive medium guide of the photosensitive medium guide facing an area on a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. The portion is a concave portion.
[0010]
According to the second aspect, the photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without coming into contact with an area on the opposite side of the photosensitive surface corresponding to the processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. Since the photosensitive medium guide is provided with a concave portion so that the processing liquid can be discharged from the rear end of the photosensitive medium by the processing liquid application unit, a separate member for receiving the processing liquid discharged from the photosensitive medium guide can be omitted. The processing solution protruding from the rear end of the photosensitive medium hardly stains the inside of the development processing apparatus.
[0011]
Further, the development processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the photosensitive medium guide of the photosensitive medium guide opposed to a region on a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing solution application region by the processing solution application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. The portion is an opening, and the apparatus further comprises a processing liquid receiving section that receives the processing liquid discharged from the processing liquid application section and passed through the opening.
[0012]
The “opening” in claim 3 includes, for example, a through hole (slit) formed in the photosensitive medium guide, a gap formed between the plurality of photosensitive medium guides, and the like.
[0013]
According to the third aspect, the photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without contacting an area on a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. The photosensitive medium guide is provided with an opening and a processing liquid receiving portion for receiving the processing liquid passing through the opening so that the processing liquid protrudes from the rear end of the photosensitive medium. Accordingly, the inside of the developing device is hardly stained.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a film processor according to the present invention. FIG. 1 mainly shows a configuration in the vicinity of the color developing unit 10, the fixing processing unit 40, the bleaching processing unit 60, and the stabilizing processing unit 70 of the film processor 1, and other components are simplified. Have been. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
[0015]
The film processor 1, which is an example of the development processing apparatus according to the present invention, can perform development processing on an undeveloped film, and thereafter can optically capture an image obtained on the film by the development processing. is there. Here, in the film processor 1, five processes of a color developing process, a fixing process, a bleaching process, a stabilizing process (washing process), and a drying process are performed.
[0016]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the film processor 1 is applied with a developing solution on the film 2 in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the film storage section 5 and the film 2 discharged from the film storage section 5 to perform color development. A color developing unit 10 for performing processing, a fixing processing unit 40 for applying a fixing solution to the film 2 that has been subjected to color development processing in the color developing unit 10 and performing a fixing process, and a film 2 that has been fixed in the fixing processing unit 40. A bleaching section 60 for applying a bleaching solution and performing a bleaching process; a stabilizing section 70 for performing a stabilizing process (washing process) on the film 2 bleached by the bleaching section 60; A drying section 80 for drying the film 2 stabilized in step 70. Further, a scanner unit 90 for reading an image obtained on the developed film 2 is provided.
[0017]
The film storage unit 5 is for storing the undeveloped film 2 wound in a roll shape. Then, the long film 2 stored in the film storage unit 5 is sequentially unwound from the leading end thereof and supplied to the color developing unit 10.
[0018]
<Color developing section>
The color developing unit 10 includes a first nozzle 11, a second nozzle 12, a pair of turn rollers 13, 14, a belt 15, a rubber heater 16, a thermistor 17, processing liquid receiving units 11a, 12a, and a processing liquid. And a collection unit 25.
[0019]
The first nozzle 11 and the second nozzle 12 are for applying a developing solution to the film emulsion surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1; hereinafter, referred to as “photosensitive surface”) of the film 2 supplied to the color developing unit 10. is there. Here, the first nozzle 11 is disposed between the two transport roller pairs 26 and 27, and applies a developing solution to the film 2 facing the first nozzle 11. On the other hand, the second nozzle 12 is disposed between the pair of transport rollers 27 and the pair of turn rollers 13 on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first nozzle 11, and applies the developing solution to the film 2 facing the second nozzle 12.
[0020]
Therefore, in the color developing section 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the developing solution is first applied to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 by the first nozzle 11, and then applied by the first nozzle 11 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2. The developer is applied to the developed developer film by the second nozzle 12. In the present embodiment, the developer applied by the first nozzle 11 and the developer applied by the second nozzle 12 are different (in the embodiment, the first nozzle 11 is a main developer, The second nozzle 12 supplies an auxiliary developing solution), and the two are coated so as to overlap each other, so that the color developing process of the film 2 is properly performed.
[0021]
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller pair 26 disposed on the upstream side of the first nozzle 11 of the color developing unit 10 includes a drive roller 31 disposed below a transport surface of the film 2, A pressure roller 32 disposed above the conveying surface and capable of nipping the film 2 between itself and the driving roller 31; Guides 35 and 36 are disposed near both ends of the transport path of the film 2. In the present embodiment, the guides 35 and 36 are provided so as to correspond to the transport path of the film 2 from the vicinity of the exit of the film storage unit 5 to the stabilization processing unit 70. Here, each of the guides 35 and 36 may be configured by one member, or may be configured by a plurality of members.
[0022]
The drive roller 31 has a shaft 31a and a pair of roller portions 31b having a larger diameter than the shaft 31a. One end of the shaft 31 a is rotatably supported by a guide 35, and a portion inside the other end is rotatably supported by a guide 36. The other end of the shaft 31a is connected to a motor (not shown) outside the guide 36. The pair of roller portions 31b is a disk-shaped member fitted to the shaft 31a, and is disposed at a distance substantially equal to the width of the film 2.
[0023]
On the other hand, the pressure roller 32 has a shaft 32a and a pair of roller portions 32b having a larger diameter than the shaft 32a. Both ends of the shaft 32a are rotatably supported by guides 35 and 36, respectively. The pair of roller portions 32 b is a disk-shaped member fitted to the shaft 32 a, and is disposed at a distance substantially equal to the width of the film 2.
[0024]
Accordingly, when the shaft 31a is rotationally driven by the motor, the roller portion 31b rotates together with the shaft 31a, and the outer peripheral surface of the pair of roller portions 31b of the driving roller 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the pair of roller portions 32b of the pressure roller 32. By holding the vicinity of both ends of the film 2, the film 2 can be transported. Here, as described above, both the drive roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 are configured to sandwich only the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the film 2, and do not contact the vicinity of the center of the film 2 in the width direction. Has become.
[0025]
Note that, in the film processor 1 of the present embodiment, each of a large number of transport roller pairs and turn roller pairs for transporting the film 2 has the same configuration as the transport roller pair 26. In other words, each of the large number of transport roller pairs and turn roller pairs can sandwich and transport only the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the film 2 and does not come into contact with the vicinity of the center portion of the film 2 in the width direction. I have.
[0026]
When the film 2 conveyed downstream by the conveying roller pair 26 having the above-described configuration reaches a position facing the first nozzle 11 of the color developing unit 10, the film 2 is developed from the first nozzle 11 onto the photosensitive surface of the film 2. The liquid is applied. Thereafter, the film 2 in which the bead of the developer applied by the first nozzle 11 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 27 and faces the second nozzle 12 of the color developing unit 10. Reach position.
[0027]
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the discharge hole 12a of the second nozzle 12 through which the developing solution is discharged is in contact with the photosensitive surface of the film 2 or above the film 2 transport path. They are arranged so that a slight gap is formed between them and the surface. The film 2 passing through the position facing the discharge hole 12a of the second nozzle 12 is supported by guides 35 and 36 along the transport path. In other words, the guides 35 and 36 are formed with concave portions 35a and 36a having substantially U-shaped cross-sections that substantially coincide with the transport surface of the film 2 and face each other. Here, since the interval between the bottom surfaces of the concave portions 35a and 36a is substantially the same as the width of the film 2, the guides 35 and 36 can regulate the position in the width direction when the film 2 is transported. it can.
[0028]
Thus, the guides 35 and 36 support the film 2 in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction. Therefore, the guides 35 and 36 allow the developer to flow through the region corresponding to the vicinity of the center in the width direction on the surface (back surface) opposite to the photosensitive surface of the film 2, that is, the second nozzle 12 within the photosensitive surface of the film 2 The film 2 can be guided without contacting an area in the back surface of the film 2 corresponding to the area to be applied. In other words, at a position facing the first nozzle 12, the film 2 has a screen portion (a portion corresponding to the processing liquid application region) in a state where both the photosensitive surface and the back surface thereof are both exposed (contacting members). Transported in a state where there is no).
[0029]
Here, in the film processor 1 of the present embodiment, the concave portions 35 a and 36 a of the guides 35 and 36 are respectively provided by the color developing unit 10, the fixing processing unit 40, and the bleaching processing unit 60 in order from near the exit of the film storage unit 5. It is provided so as to be continuous corresponding to the transport path of the film 2. Therefore, the film 2 conveyed in order from the vicinity of the exit of the film storage unit 5 to the color developing unit 10, the fixing processing unit 40, and the bleaching processing unit 60 is supported by guides 35 and 36 at both ends in the width direction, and at the same time, The sheet is conveyed while its width direction position is regulated.
[0030]
The positional relationship between the first nozzle 11, the third nozzle 41, the fourth nozzle 61, the film 2 conveyed at a position facing them, and the guides 35 and 36 is such that the second nozzle 12 is opposed to the second nozzle 12. This is the same as the positional relationship between the film 2 conveyed at the position and the guides 35 and 36. Therefore, the guides 35 and 36 guide the film 2 without contacting the region on the back surface of the film 2 corresponding to the region where the developing solution is applied by the second nozzle 12 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2. The back surface of the film 2 corresponding to the area where the developing solution, the fixing solution or the bleaching solution is applied by the first nozzle 11, the third nozzle 41 or the fourth nozzle 61 in the photosensitive surface of the film 2 in the same manner as described above. The film 2 can be guided without contacting the region inside. That is, at the position facing each of the first nozzle 11, the third nozzle 41, and the fourth nozzle 61, the film 2 has a photosensitive surface and both the photosensitive surface and the back surface of the screen portion. Both are conveyed in an exposed state.
[0031]
The turn roller pair 13 changes the transport direction so that the film 2 transported on a substantially horizontal transport surface is curved downward along the transport direction. Here, below the turn roller pair 13, a transport roller pair 18 for transporting the film 2 further downward is provided. A U-shaped member is provided below the pair of transport rollers 18 for changing the transport direction of the film 2 whose transport direction has been changed downward by the turn roller 13 so as to be directed upward (U-turn). A guide member (not shown) is provided.
[0032]
A transport roller pair 19 for transporting the film 2 upward is provided at a position facing the transport roller pair 18 above the guide member. A turn roller pair 14 for changing the transport direction to the horizontal direction is provided above the transport roller pair 19 in order to return the film 2 curved along the transport direction to the original substantially horizontal transport surface. Are located.
[0033]
Therefore, the film 2 whose conveyance direction has been changed downward by the turn roller 13 is further conveyed further downward by the conveyance roller pair 18 and then makes a U-turn by contacting the guide member to form a conveyance roller pair. The paper is conveyed upward by 19, reaches the turn roller pair 14, and returns to the original horizontal conveyance surface. That is, the color developing unit 10 is provided with a curved conveyance path for conveying the film 2 to which the developing solution has been applied by the first nozzle 11 so that the film 2 is curved along the conveyance direction. The film 2 coated with the developer is transported along the curved transport path between the pair of turn rollers 13 and 14. Note that, for the sake of explanation, a portion of the film 2 that is transported along the curved transport path between the pair of turn rollers 13 and 14 may be referred to as a “curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10”.
[0034]
The belt 15 is an endless belt that is bridged between a lower roller 20 disposed near the lower end of the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 and a plurality of upper rollers 21 disposed above the curved portion of the film 2. It is a belt. Here, the belt 15 forms a loop extending vertically between the lower roller 20 and the upper roller 21. Further, the vicinity of the upper end of the loop is bent downward and obliquely by the three upper rollers 21 being properly arranged. The lower roller 20 is a driving roller that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), and the moving direction of the belt 15 is the same as the conveying direction of the film 2. Speed is greater than.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, the belt 15 is disposed such that a gap is formed at a predetermined interval between the outer surface thereof and the photosensitive surface of the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10. It can move along the photosensitive surface. The gap formed between the outer surface of the belt 15 and the photosensitive surface of the curved portion of the film 2 is a bead 38 which is a developer film formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, that is, the first gap. The thickness of the developer on the film 2 applied by the nozzle 11 and the second nozzle 12 is substantially the same. Therefore, a bead 38 of the developer exists almost without a gap between the outer surface of the belt 15 and the photosensitive surface in the curved portion of the film 2. In other words, almost the entire surface of the bead 38 of the developer formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is covered by the belt 15. Further, as described later, the rubber heater 16 is arranged outside the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 at a predetermined distance from the back surface of the film 2. Note that the rubber heater 16 may be arranged outside the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 so as to directly contact the back surface of the film 2.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, the belt 15 of the color developing section 10 is formed of PET or the like, which is a material having chemical resistance and extremely low water absorption. Therefore, as described later, the developing solution (old chemical) attached on the belt 15 can be efficiently collected in the processing liquid collecting unit 25.
[0037]
The rubber heater 16 is an electric heater arranged so as to correspond to the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10. The rubber heater 16 is a substantially U-shaped plate-shaped member disposed outside the curved portion (U-shaped conveyance path) of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10. The rubber heater 16 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the back surface of the film 2 outside the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10, and can heat the curved portion of the film 2 almost uniformly. As described above, since the screen portion of the film 2 is conveyed with the back surface exposed, the rubber heater 16 can directly heat the film 2 without passing through other members. And efficient. As a result, the heater capacity of the rubber heater 16 can be reduced.
[0038]
Here, as described above, the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 is formed between the pair of turn rollers 13 and 14, but the length of the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10, in other words, The height difference between the lowermost part of the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 in FIG. 1 and the initial horizontal transport surface of the film 2 is based on the color development of the film 2 coated with the developer in the color developing unit 10. It is set according to the time required for processing. Similarly, the length of the rubber heater 16 arranged along the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 depends on the time required for the color developing process of the film 2 coated with the developing solution in the color developing unit 10. Is set.
[0039]
The thermistor 17 is for detecting the temperature of the rubber heater 16 and is used for adjusting the temperature of the rubber heater 16. A safety thermistor 22 is provided below the rubber heater 16, and when the temperature of the rubber heater 16 becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, the power is automatically turned off.
[0040]
The processing liquid receiving portions 11a and 12a are for receiving the developing liquid discharged from the first nozzle 11 or the second nozzle 12 and passed between the guides 35 and 36, respectively. Further, the processing liquid receiving portions 11 a and 12 a are arranged between the guides 35 and 36 and below the transport path of the film 2 so as to face the first nozzle 11 or the second nozzle 12. Therefore, when the developing solution is discharged from the first nozzle 11 or the second nozzle 12 in a state where the film 2 is not located at the position facing the first nozzle 11 or the second nozzle 12, respectively, the processing liquid receiving portion 11a, 12a can receive almost all of it.
[0041]
The processing liquid collecting unit 25 is for collecting the developing liquid attached to the belt 15 in a region where the belt 15 does not contact the bead 38 of the developing liquid formed on the film 2. The processing liquid recovery unit 25 is disposed near the end of the bent portion at the upper end of the loop of the belt 15, and is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface of the belt 15 to remove the developer adhering to the belt 15. And a collecting tank 24 for storing the developer removed from the belt 15 by the removing member 23.
[0042]
Therefore, in the color developing section 10, the belt 15 moves while being in contact with the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, and after the part of the belt 15 is separated from the bead 38, the part of the belt 15 is moved. Even when the developer is attached to the belt 15, the unnecessary developer attached to the portion of the belt 15 can be removed by the processing liquid recovery unit 25. Therefore, when the portion of the belt 15 comes into contact with the developer bead on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 again, the developer hardly adheres to the portion of the belt 15.
[0043]
<Fixing processing section>
The fixing unit 40 includes a third nozzle 41, a pair of turn rollers 43 and 44, a belt 45, a rubber heater 46, a thermistor 47, a processing liquid receiving unit 41a, and a processing liquid collecting unit 55. I have.
[0044]
The third nozzle 41 is for applying a fixing liquid to the photosensitive surface of the film supplied to the fixing processing unit 40. Here, the third nozzle 41 is disposed between the transport roller pair 56 and the turn roller pair 43, and applies the fixing liquid to the film 2 facing the third nozzle 41.
[0045]
The turn roller pair 43 is for changing the transport direction to be downward in order to curve the film 2 transported on the transport surface in a substantially horizontal state along the transport direction. Here, below the turn roller pair 43, a transport roller pair 48 for transporting the film 2 further downward is provided. A U-shaped member is provided below the pair of transport rollers 48 for changing the transport direction of the film 2 whose transport direction has been changed downward by the turn roller 43 to be upward (turning U). A guide member (not shown) is provided.
[0046]
A transport roller pair 49 for transporting the film 2 upward is provided above the guide member at a position facing the transport roller pair 48. A turn roller pair 44 for changing the transport direction to the horizontal direction is disposed above the transport roller pair 49 in order to return the film 2 curved along the transport direction to the original transport surface. ing.
[0047]
Therefore, the film 2 whose conveyance direction has been changed downward by the turn roller 43 is further conveyed further downward by the conveyance roller pair 48, and then makes a U-turn by abutting on the guide member to form a conveyance roller pair. The sheet is conveyed upward by 49 and reaches the turn roller pair 44 to return to the original conveying surface. In other words, the fixing processing unit 40 is provided with a curved conveyance path for conveying the film 2 to which the fixing liquid has been applied by the third nozzle 41 so that the film 2 is curved along the conveyance direction. The film 2 to which the fixing liquid has been applied is conveyed between the pair of turn rollers 43 and 44 along the curved conveyance path. For the sake of explanation, the portion of the film 2 that is transported along the curved transport path between the pair of turn rollers 43 and 44 may be referred to as the “curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40”.
[0048]
The belt 45 is an endless belt that is bridged between a lower roller 50 disposed near the lower end of the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 and a plurality of upper rollers 51 disposed above the curved portion of the film 2. It is a belt. Here, the belt 45 forms a loop extending vertically between the lower roller 50 and the upper roller 51. Further, the vicinity of the upper end of the loop is bent downward and obliquely by the three upper rollers 51 being properly arranged. The lower roller 50 is a driving roller that is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The moving direction of the belt 45 is the same as the conveying direction of the film 2, and the moving speed thereof is Speed is greater than.
[0049]
Further, similarly to the belt 15 of the color developing unit 10, the belt 45 is disposed such that a predetermined gap is formed between the outer surface thereof and the photosensitive surface of the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40. And can move along the photosensitive surface. The gap formed between the outer surface of the belt 45 and the photosensitive surface in the curved portion of the film 2 is determined by the bead of the fixing solution formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, that is, by the third nozzle 41. It is almost the same as the film thickness of the fixing solution on the film 2 to be applied. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the outer peripheral surface of the belt 45 and the photosensitive surface of the curved portion of the film 2 with the bead of the fixing liquid. In other words, almost the entire surface of the bead of the fixing solution formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is covered by the belt 45.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the belt 45 in the fixing processing unit 40 is formed of PET or the like, which is a material having chemical resistance and extremely low water absorption. Therefore, the fixing liquid (old chemical) adhered onto the belt 45 in the processing liquid collecting unit 55 can be efficiently collected.
[0051]
The rubber heater 46 is an electric heater arranged so as to correspond to the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40. The rubber heater 46 is a substantially U-shaped plate-shaped member disposed outside the curved portion (U-shaped conveyance path) of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40. The rubber heater 46 is disposed outside the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 at a predetermined distance from the back surface of the film 2, and can heat the curved portion of the film 2 almost uniformly. As described above, since the screen portion of the film 2 is conveyed with the back surface exposed, the rubber heater 46 can directly heat the film 2 without passing through other members. And efficient. As a result, the heater capacity of the rubber heater 46 can be reduced.
[0052]
Here, as described above, the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 is formed between the pair of turn rollers 43 and 44, but the length of the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40, in other words, The height difference between the lowermost part of the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 in FIG. 1 and the initial horizontal transport surface of the film 2 is based on the fixing process of the film 2 coated with the fixing liquid in the fixing processing unit 40. Is set according to the time required for Similarly, the length of the rubber heater 46 arranged along the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 depends on the time required for the fixing process of the film 2 coated with the fixing liquid in the fixing processing unit 40. Is set.
[0053]
The thermistor 47 detects the temperature of the rubber heater 46 and is used for adjusting the temperature of the rubber heater 46. A safety thermistor 52 is provided below the rubber heater 46, and when the temperature of the rubber heater 46 becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, the power is automatically turned off.
[0054]
The processing liquid receiving portion 41 a is for receiving the fixing liquid discharged from the third nozzle 41 and passed between the guides 35 and 36. Further, the processing liquid receiving portion 41 a is disposed between the guides 35 and 36 and below the conveyance path of the film 2 so as to face the third nozzle 41. Therefore, when the fixing liquid is discharged from the third nozzle 41 in a state where the film 2 is not located at the position facing the third nozzle 41, the processing liquid receiving portion 41a can receive almost all of the fixing liquid.
[0055]
The processing liquid collecting unit 55 is for collecting the fixing liquid adhered on the belt 45 in a portion where the belt 45 does not contact the beads of the fixing liquid formed on the film 2. The processing liquid recovery unit 55 is disposed near the tip of the bent portion at the upper end of the loop of the belt 45, and is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface of the belt 45 in order to remove the fixing liquid adhered on the belt 45. And a recovery tank 54 for storing the fixing solution removed from above the belt 45 by the removing member 53.
[0056]
Therefore, in the fixing processing section 40, the belt 45 moves while being in contact with the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, and after the portion of the belt 45 is separated from the bead, the belt 45 is fixed to the portion of the belt 45. Even when the liquid has adhered, the unnecessary fixing liquid adhering to the portion of the belt 45 can be removed by the processing liquid collecting unit 55. Therefore, when the portion of the belt 45 comes into contact with the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 again, the fixing solution hardly adheres to the portion of the belt 45.
[0057]
<Bleaching section>
The bleaching section 60 has a fourth nozzle 61 and a processing liquid receiving section 61a. The fourth nozzle 61 is for applying a bleaching solution to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 supplied to the bleaching section 60. Here, the fourth nozzle 61 is disposed between the transport roller pair 62 and the transport roller pair 63, and applies the bleaching liquid to the film 2 facing the fourth nozzle 61.
[0058]
The processing liquid receiving section 61a is for receiving the bleaching liquid discharged from the fourth nozzle 61 and passed between the guides 35 and 36. The processing liquid receiving portion 61 a is disposed between the guides 35 and 36 and below the transport path of the film 2 so as to face the fourth nozzle 61. Therefore, when the bleaching liquid is discharged from the fourth nozzle 61 in a state where the film 2 is not located at the position facing the fourth nozzle 61, the processing liquid receiving portion 61a can receive almost all of the bleaching liquid.
[0059]
<Stabilization unit and drying unit>
The stabilization processing unit 70 performs a stabilization process on the film 2 that has sequentially passed through the color developing unit 10, the fixing processing unit 40, and the bleaching processing unit 60, and a developing solution that has permeated the photosensitive surface of the film 2 and a fixing solution. It is for washing off the solution and the bleaching solution. The drying section 80 is for drying the film 2 washed with water in the stabilizing section 70. The film 2 thus developed is supplied to the scanner unit 90. Then, the scanner unit 90 can read an image formed on the film 2.
[0060]
Next, the development processing operation of the film 2 in the film processor 1 will be described.
[0061]
First, the film 2 unwound from the film storage unit 5 is supplied to the color developing unit 10 while being maintained in a substantially horizontal state. Then, when the film 2 is transported to a position facing the first nozzle 11 of the color developing unit 10, the developing solution is applied to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 by the first nozzle 11. Subsequently, when the film 2 is conveyed and conveyed to a position facing the second nozzle 12 of the color developing unit 10, the second liquid is overlapped with the developer film applied on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 by the first nozzle. The developing solution is applied by the nozzle 12.
[0062]
Thereafter, the transport direction of the film 2 to which the developing solution has been applied by the first nozzle 11 and the second nozzle 12 is changed downward by the pair of turn rollers 13. Here, when the film 2 is substantially vertical along the outer peripheral surface of the pair of turn rollers 13, the belt 15 comes into contact with the developer bead 38 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2. At this time, the bead 38 of the developing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is almost entirely covered by the belt 15, so that it hardly comes into direct contact with air.
[0063]
When the belt 15 comes into contact with the developer bead 38 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 near the turn roller 13, the belt 15 is moving in the same direction as the transport direction of the film 2. Therefore, thereafter, the belt 15 and the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 move while maintaining the state of contact with the bead. In the present embodiment, as described above, the moving speed of the belt 15 is higher than the transport speed of the film 2.
[0064]
Therefore, the belt 15 can come into contact with the developer bead 38 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 mainly in a region heated by the rubber heater 16. In the present embodiment, the belt 15 can be brought into contact with the developer bead 38 on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 also in the vicinity of the turn rollers 13 and 14 other than the area heated by the rubber heater 16.
[0065]
In the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing section 10, the film 2 is heated by the rubber heater 16 in a state where the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is in contact with the belt 15, and the color developing reaction is performed. proceed. Here, when the color development reaction of the film 2 proceeds, the thickness of the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is made uniform and the bead of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is uniform. Since 38 has little direct contact with air, the developer on the photosensitive surface of film 2 is maintained in a state where it hardly dries. As described above, the rubber heater 16 has a length corresponding to the processing time required for the color development reaction of the film 2, and the temperature is appropriately adjusted based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 17.
[0066]
When the film 2 is transported to the pair of turn rollers 14, the belt 15 and the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 are separated from each other, and the transport direction of the film 2 is changed to the original direction. The film 2 returns to a substantially horizontal state again. Thereafter, the film 2 having passed through the color developing section 10 is supplied to the fixing processing section 40.
[0067]
Then, when the film 2 is transported to a position facing the third nozzle 41 of the fixing processing unit 40, the fixing liquid is applied to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 by the third nozzle 41.
[0068]
Thereafter, the transport direction of the film 2 to which the fixing liquid has been applied by the third nozzle 41 is changed by the turn roller pair 43 so as to be directed downward. Here, when the film 2 is substantially vertical along the outer peripheral surface of the pair of turn rollers 43, the belt 45 comes into contact with a bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2. At this time, the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is almost entirely covered by the belt 45, and thus hardly comes into direct contact with air.
[0069]
Further, when the belt 45 contacts the bead of the fixing liquid on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 near the turn roller 43, the belt 45 is moving in the same direction as the transport direction of the film 2. Therefore, thereafter, the belt 45 and the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 move while maintaining the state of contact with the bead. In the present embodiment, as described above, the moving speed of the belt 45 is higher than the transport speed of the film 2.
[0070]
Therefore, the belt 45 can be brought into contact with the bead of the fixing liquid on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 mainly in a region heated by the rubber heater 46. In the present embodiment, the belt 45 can contact the bead of the fixing liquid on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 also in the vicinity of the turn rollers 43 and 44 other than the area heated by the rubber heater 46.
[0071]
In the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40, the film 2 is heated by the rubber heater 46 in a state where the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is in contact with the belt 45, and the fixing reaction proceeds. . Here, when the fixing reaction of the film 2 proceeds, the thickness of the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is made uniform and the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is directly Since it hardly comes into contact with air, the fixer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is kept in a state where it hardly dries. As described above, the rubber heater 46 has a length corresponding to the processing time required for the fixing reaction of the film 2, and the temperature is appropriately adjusted based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 47.
[0072]
When the film 2 is transported to the pair of turn rollers 44, the belt 45 and the bead of the fixing solution on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 are separated from each other, and the transport direction of the film 2 is changed to the original direction. 2 returns to the horizontal state again. Thereafter, the film 2 that has passed through the fixing processing section 40 is supplied to the bleaching processing section 60.
[0073]
When the film 2 is conveyed to a position facing the fourth nozzle 61 of the bleaching section 60, the bleaching solution is applied to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 by the fourth nozzle 61. After that, the film 2 is supplied to the stabilization processing unit 70 and subjected to stabilization processing and washing with water. Then, the film 2 is dried by passing through the drying processing unit 80, and the development processing ends. In this way, the developed film 2 is supplied to the scanner main body 90.
[0074]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the film 2 conveyed at a position facing the first nozzle 11, the second nozzle 12, the third nozzle 41, and the fourth nozzle 61 is located near both ends in the width direction. The developer, the fixer and the bleaching solution are respectively applied while being guided only by the guides 35 and 36.
[0075]
Therefore, when the developing solution, the fixing solution, and the bleaching solution are applied to the vicinity of the rear end of the long film 2 by the first nozzle 11, the second nozzle 12, the third nozzle 41, and the fourth nozzle 61. Even when each processing liquid is applied so as to protrude from the rear end of the film 2, a portion corresponding to a region where each processing liquid is applied below the film 2 is a gap between the guides 35 and 36. Therefore, the processing liquids protruding from the rear end of the film 2 hardly adhere to the guides 35 and 36, and the processing liquids are received by the processing liquid receiving units 11a, 12a, 41a and 62a. Thereby, maintenance work of the film processor 1 can be reduced.
[0076]
In this embodiment, since the processing liquid is applied directly on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, for example, after the processing liquid is applied on the belt 15, the processing liquid is applied to the photosensitive surface of the film 2 via the belt 15. As compared with the case where the coating liquid is applied on the surface, the region where the processing liquid is applied on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 is less likely to be shifted from the position of the image of the film 2.
[0077]
Further, in the present embodiment, the curl in the width direction of the film 2 is regulated by curving the film 2 along the outer peripheral surface of the turn rollers 13, 14, 43, and 44. The flatness of the surface can be improved. Therefore, for example, when the position where the developer is applied by the second nozzle 12 (application position) is brought closer to the position where the film 2 abuts along the outer peripheral surface of the turn roller 13, the film having higher flatness is provided by the second nozzle 12. 2 can be coated with a developing solution.
[0078]
Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the color developing unit 10 and the fixing processing unit 40, the screen portion of the film 2 is transported with the back surface thereof exposed, so that the rubber heaters 16 and 46 The film 2 can be directly heated without the interposition of another member, and the heater capacity of the rubber heaters 16 and 46 can be reduced. Therefore, by reducing the heater capacity in the film processor 1, a 100 V household power supply may be usable.
[0079]
As described above, in the film processor 1 of the present embodiment, there is a gap between the guides 35 and 36, and the guides 35 and 36 guide only the both ends of the film 2 in the width direction. When the developing solution, the fixing solution, and the bleaching solution are applied by the first nozzle 11, the second nozzle 12, the third nozzle 41, and the fourth nozzle 61 near the rear end of the film 2, Even when the respective processing liquids are applied so as to protrude, the respective processing liquids protruding from the rear end of the film 2 are solidified on the guides 35 and 36 so that the film 2 can be properly guided or guided along the transport path. There is almost no possibility of being unable to be transported. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the quality of the image formed on the film 2 due to the solidification of the processing liquid on the guides 35 and 36.
[0080]
Further, since the processing liquid receiving portions 11a, 12a, 41a, 61a for receiving the respective processing liquids passing through the gaps between the guides 35, 36 are arranged, the first nozzle 11, the second nozzle 12, the third nozzle 41, The inside of the film processor 1 is hardly contaminated by each processing liquid protruding from the rear end of the film 2 by the fourth nozzle 61.
[0081]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the appended claims. Things. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the color developing unit 10, the belt 15 is disposed so as to be in contact with the surface of the bead 38 of the developer formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2. , The case in which the belt 45 is disposed so as to contact the surface of the bead of the fixing solution formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. 2 may be arranged so as to contact the surface of the bead of the processing liquid formed on the photosensitive surface. Therefore, the cover member does not necessarily have to be movable while being in contact with the surface of the bead of the processing liquid formed on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 like a belt, and may be fixedly arranged.
[0082]
In the above-described embodiment, in the color developing unit 10, while the belt 15 contacts the bead 38 of the developer on the photosensitive surface of the film 2, the belt 15 is moved in the same direction as the transport direction of the film 2. However, the moving direction of the belt 15 may be different from the conveying direction of the film 2, and the moving speed of the belt 15 may be different from that of the film 2. May be the same as the transport speed of the film 2, or may be lower than the transport speed of the film 2. The same applies to the belt 45 of the fixing processing unit 40.
[0083]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the color developing unit 10, in a region where the belt 15 does not contact the bead 38 of the developing solution formed on the film 2, the developing solution adhering to the belt 15 is Although the case where the liquid is collected is described, the invention is not limited to this, and in a region where the belt 15 does not contact the bead 38 of the developer formed on the film 2, the developer adhering to the belt 15 is not necessarily collected. It does not have to be done. The same applies to the fixing processing unit 40.
[0084]
In the above-described embodiment, the color developing process is described in the case where the rubber heater 16 having a length capable of heating substantially the entire curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 is provided. However, the length of the rubber heater 16 can be arbitrarily changed according to the time required for the color developing process of the film 2 coated with the developing solution. A rubber heater 16 capable of heating only a part of the curved portion of the color developing section 10 may be provided. In addition to the rubber heater capable of heating the entire curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing section 10, A rubber heater capable of heating the film 2 conveyed to the fixing processing unit 40 may be provided. This is the same for the fixing process.
[0085]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where both the curved portion of the film 2 of the color developing unit 10 and the curved portion of the film 2 of the fixing processing unit 40 are U-shaped is described. Instead, the shape of the curved portion of the film 2 can be arbitrarily changed.
[0086]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the film 2 conveyed at a position facing the first nozzle 11 is guided only by the guides 35 and 36 that are spaced apart from each other in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction. Although the case where the guide portions 35 and 36 do not contact the screen portion on the back surface of the film 2 is described, the present invention is not limited to this. And a concave portion may be provided at a position corresponding to the screen portion of the film 2 of the one support base. The same applies to the second nozzle 12, the third nozzle 41, and the fourth nozzle 61.
[0087]
In the above-described embodiment, the film processor 1 in which the developing process is performed on the film 2 conveyed by the conveying roller pair and the turn roller pair is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The film conveyed by the means may be subjected to development processing. Therefore, the film may be supported and transported on an endless belt.
[0088]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the film processor 1 performs five processes of the color developing process, the fixing process, the bleaching process, the stabilizing process (washing process), and the drying process is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, five processes of a color developing process, a fixing process, a bleaching process, a washing process, and a drying process may be performed in the film processor. That is, in the film processor 1, the type and number of other processes can be appropriately changed as long as at least the color development process is performed.
[0089]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the film 2 is heated while being conveyed in the color developing unit 10 and the fixing processing unit 40 so as to be curved along the conveyance direction has been described. Alternatively, the film 2 may be heated while being transported substantially straight without being curved. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the film 2 may be heated while being transported from the film storage unit 5 to the bleaching unit 60 while always being maintained in a substantially horizontal state. In this case, a plate-like rubber heater capable of heating the film 2 in a substantially horizontal state is disposed below the conveying surface of the film 2 and on the photosensitive surface of the film 2 above the conveying surface of the film 2. A flat cover member that can be arranged so as to be in contact with the formed processing liquid film may be arranged.
[0090]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the length of the rubber heater 16 of the color developing unit 10 and the length of the rubber heater 46 of the fixing processing unit 40 are different is described. Or the same. For example, even if the two heaters have the same length, the difference in the processing conditions can be absorbed by changing the respective control temperatures.
[0091]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the curved portion of the film 2 is formed in each of the color developing unit 10 and the fixing processing unit 40 has been described. Two curved portions may be formed. In this case, it is desirable that the bleaching processing unit 60 has a curved conveyance path similarly to the color developing unit 10 and the fixing processing unit 40, and a belt, a rubber heater, and the like are appropriately arranged.
[0092]
In the above-described embodiment, for example, a case is described in which the processing liquid receiving units 11a for receiving the developer discharged from the first nozzle 11 and passing between the guides 35 and 36 are arranged. The processing liquid receiving portion 11a may not be provided. The same applies to the processing liquid receiving sections 12a, 41a, and 61a.
[0093]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a film processor that performs a developing process on the film 2 is described as an example of the developing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. On the other hand, if the developing apparatus performs the developing process on the photosensitive medium, such as the apparatus that performs the developing process, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect, the photosensitive medium guide is brought into contact with an area on the opposite side to the photosensitive surface corresponding to the processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. Even if the processing liquid is ejected so as to protrude from the rear end of the photosensitive medium by the processing liquid application unit, the processing liquid protruding from the rear end of the photosensitive medium is guided onto the photosensitive medium guide. The solidification hardly makes it impossible to properly guide or transport the photosensitive medium along the transport path. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of an image formed on the photosensitive medium due to the solidification of the processing liquid on the photosensitive medium guide.
[0095]
According to the second aspect, the photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without coming into contact with an area on the opposite side of the photosensitive surface corresponding to the processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. Since the photosensitive medium guide is provided with a concave portion so that the processing liquid can be discharged from the rear end of the photosensitive medium by the processing liquid application unit, a separate member for receiving the processing liquid discharged from the photosensitive medium guide can be omitted. The processing solution protruding from the rear end of the photosensitive medium hardly stains the inside of the development processing apparatus.
[0096]
According to the third aspect, the photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without contacting an area on a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. The photosensitive medium guide is provided with an opening and a processing liquid receiving portion for receiving the processing liquid passing through the opening so that the processing liquid protrudes from the rear end of the photosensitive medium. Accordingly, the inside of the developing device is hardly stained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a film processor according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Film processor (processing equipment)
2 Film (photosensitive media)
10 color developing section 11 1st nozzle (processing liquid application section)
11a Treatment liquid receiving part 12 Second nozzle (treatment liquid application part)
12a Processing liquid receiving parts 13, 14 Turn roller pair (transport roller pair)
15 Belt 16 Rubber heaters 18, 19, 26, 27 Transport roller pair (Transport roller pair)
25 Processing liquid recovery unit 35, 36 Guide (photosensitive medium guide)
40 fixing processing section 41 third nozzle (processing liquid application section)
41a Processing liquid receiving units 43, 44 Turn roller pair (transport roller pair)
45 belt 46 rubber heaters 48, 49, 56 transport roller pair (transport roller pair)
55 Processing liquid recovery unit 60 Bleaching processing unit 61 Fourth nozzle (processing liquid application unit)
70 stabilization processing section 80 drying processing section 90 scanner section

Claims (3)

A processing liquid application unit that applies a processing liquid to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium,
A photosensitive medium guide that guides a photosensitive medium that passes along a transport path at a position facing the processing liquid application unit;
Transport means for applying a transport force to the photosensitive medium so that the photosensitive medium moves along the transport path while being guided by the photosensitive medium guide,
The photosensitive medium guide guides the photosensitive medium without contacting an area on a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application unit in the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium. Development processing device. A part of the photosensitive medium guide facing a region in a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application region by the processing liquid application unit in a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium is a concave portion. The development processing apparatus according to claim 1. A portion of the photosensitive medium guide facing an area in a surface opposite to a photosensitive surface corresponding to a processing liquid application area by the processing liquid application section in a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium has an opening,
The development processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing liquid receiving unit that receives the processing liquid discharged from the processing liquid application unit and passing through the opening.

Images