JP2007204200A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of suitably suppressing the meandering of a conveyed recording material. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a plurality of magazines for storing rolls; and a common pressure-attachment conveying means constituted so as to pressure-attachment-convey the recording materials from the respective magazines, and is provided with a meandering prevention means for preventing meandering of the conveyed recording material on at least a conveying route with a long conveying distance of a plurality of conveying routes formed between the respective magazines and the pressure-attachment-conveying means. The meandering prevention means is provided with a pair of width restriction guides abutted on with a side edge of the conveyed recording material and capable of adjusting a clearance according to a width dimension of the conveyed recording material, and is provided with a pair of curving restriction guides provided between the pair of width restriction guides having a narrower width than the clearance of the adjusted width restriction guides according to the recording material of the minimum width and arranged so as to be opposed to a surface and a back surface side of the conveyed recording material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs exposure / development processing or drawing processing on a recording material to form an image on the recording material. In particular, it comprises a plurality of magazines for storing rolls, and a common crimp conveyance means for crimping and conveying the recording material supplied from each magazine, and among a plurality of conveyance paths between each magazine and the crimp conveyance means, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with meander prevention means for preventing meandering of a recording material to be conveyed on at least a conveyance path having a long conveyance distance.

    Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, a photographic processing apparatus that forms an image by exposing and developing a photosensitive material (one form of the recording material), and a drawing process on the recording material. Printers and the like that form images by applying them are known. These image forming apparatuses include a plurality of magazines for accommodating rolls wound with a long photosensitive material, and image forming means for forming an image on the photosensitive material supplied from the magazine (in a photographic processing apparatus, Some of them include an exposure unit and a printer head in a printer.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a single pressure-conveying means (for example, a roller unit having a roller pair) is exposed from each magazine so that the recording material from each magazine can be processed by a common (single) image forming means. The material is supplied, and the recording material from each magazine can be supplied onto the conveyance path connected to the image forming means (processing area for forming an image) by the pressure-conveying by the pressure-conveying means.

Each magazine is configured so that the roll can be accommodated in a shaft-supported state, a pair of feed rollers that feeds (uncompresses and conveys) the unrolled recording material from the roll, and a feed roller that receives driving from the apparatus main body side. And a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive to the vehicle. Thus, each magazine can supply the recording material to the pressure-conveying means at a substantially constant speed by pressure-conveying (delivery) by the delivery roller. (For example, patent document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 36553651

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, there is one in which the conveyance path of the recording material from each magazine to the pressure-conveying means is formed with different conveyance distances. That is, in an image forming apparatus including a plurality of magazines, a conveyance path (short conveyance path) in which the conveyance distance (path length) of the recording material from the magazine to the crimping conveyance means is shortest due to the arrangement of the magazines. And a conveyance path (longitudinal conveyance path) in which the conveyance distance of the recording material from the magazine to the crimping conveyance means is longer than the short conveyance path.

  Such an image forming apparatus is configured so that the recording material supplied from each magazine is guided to a common pressure-conveying means through a junction after being conveyed through a short conveying path and a long conveying path. For this reason, among the conveying paths from each magazine, the longitudinal conveying path has a longer conveying path, so that the number of guides and rollers for guiding the recording material arranged on the conveying path is increased, and the recording material is not used. A turn roller is required to change the direction of the conveyance path in order to guide it to the merging part, or the longer conveyance path has more places to change the direction of the conveyance path than the short conveyance path, and the turn roller The number of will increase.

  As a result, of the recording material conveyance paths from each magazine, the longitudinal conveyance path is meandering of the recording material to be conveyed under the influence of conveyance resistance caused by contact with a plurality of guides or rollers, or the turn roller. There is a risk of (transport blur). The meandering means that the recording material is conveyed in a state deviating in the width direction with respect to the direction of the conveying path. When such a meandering occurs, an image can be formed in a state of being deviated from the recording material. As a result, a problem arises in the image quality of the output (photo print in a photo processing apparatus).

  Therefore, an image forming apparatus provided with a pair of width regulating guides (guide bars) for regulating the width of the recording material by bringing the side edge of the conveyed recording material into contact with the longitudinal conveyance path as a meandering prevention unit is provided. . The pair of width regulating guides have a surface along the recording material conveyance path and are fixed so as not to move in the width direction while the recording material is in contact. For this reason, when the side edge of the recording material being meandered comes into contact with this surface, a force (meandering in a direction opposite to the direction in which the side edge of the recording material deviates from the contacted surface (width regulation guide)). The force of pushing back) is received, and the meandering of the conveyed recording material is suppressed.

  However, when meandering exceeding the standard (deviation in the width direction exceeding the standard) occurs in the recording material to be conveyed, when the side edge of the recording material conveyed comes into contact with the width regulation guide, the recording material covers the entire width. Therefore, it is curved (bulged) in the surface direction (direction perpendicular to the surface). Therefore, the force that pushes back the recording material in the direction opposite to the meandering from the width regulation guide escapes in the surface direction by curving the recording material, and there arises a problem that suitable width regulation (suppression) of the recording material is not performed. There was concern.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suitably suppressing the meandering of the conveyed recording material.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of magazines for storing rolls formed by winding a long recording material, and a recording material supplied from each magazine. And a common crimping conveyance means configured to be capable of crimping and conveying on the downstream side, and among the plurality of conveyance paths formed between each magazine and the crimping conveyance means, at least a conveyance path having a long conveyance distance, An image forming apparatus including a meandering prevention unit for preventing meandering of a recording material to be conveyed, wherein the meandering prevention unit is in contact with a side edge of the recording material to be conveyed, and the width dimension of the recording material to be conveyed And a pair of width regulation guides that can be adjusted according to the distance, and are provided between the pair of width regulation guides, and the width is narrower than the interval between the width regulation guides adjusted according to the minimum width recording material. And transport The surface of the recording material, characterized in that it comprises a pair of curved regulating guide disposed opposite to the back surface side. Here, “crimp conveyance” means that the recording material is conveyed in a pressure-bonded state by being driven by a driving source. Further, “common” means a single thing common to each of a plurality of magazines. That is, it means that the recording material can be received and transported regardless of the supply of the recording material from any magazine.

  According to such a configuration, by providing the meandering prevention means with the pair of bending regulation guides, it is possible to regulate the bending (bulging) in the surface direction (direction perpendicular to the surface) over the entire width of the recording material. In other words, even if the recording material tries to bend so as to bulge in the surface direction, the bending is regulated because the curved recording material comes into contact with at least one of the bending regulation guides arranged so as to sandwich the recording material. Further, it is possible to prevent the bending more than the interval between the bending regulation guides.

  For this reason, even if the recording material to be conveyed is meandering exceeding the reference (deviation in the width direction above the reference), the recording material can be obtained by the side edges of the recording material being conveyed contacting the width regulation guide. Curved in the surface direction over the entire width, the recording material from the abutting width regulating guide is pushed back in the direction opposite to the meandering (the direction opposite to the direction in which the recording material deviates in the width direction with respect to the direction of the conveyance path). It becomes possible to prevent the force from escaping in the surface direction, and the meandering of the recording material is suitably suppressed (width regulation is performed), so that the straightness of conveyance is maintained.

  Further, a pair of guide guides provided on the downstream side of the meandering preventing means may be further provided, which is further provided with a pair of guide guides arranged to face each other over the entire width of the recording material.

  By adopting such a configuration, bending in the local plane direction over the entire width of the leading end portion of the recording material supplied from the meander prevention means (from one end to the other end in the width direction of the leading end portion) ( In particular, it is possible to regulate the jumping of the leading end corner portion, and to reliably guide the entire width of the leading end portion of the recording material to a predetermined position on the downstream side.

  As a result, when the recording material to be transported is supplied from the meandering prevention means to the downstream side of the transport path, even if the recording material has a curled tip corner, the recording material is transported downstream. Reliable guidance to a predetermined position on the conveyance path (for example, when inserting the paper leading edge between the rollers of the conveying means consisting of a pair of rollers, the outer peripheral surface of the roller is guided without bumping the leading edge of the recording material) Will come to be.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suitably suppressing the meandering of the recording material being conveyed.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, as an image forming device that forms an image on paper (recording material), a printer that forms an image using ink or toner on paper, or an image that is exposed and developed on a photosensitive material as paper is formed. In this embodiment, a photographic processing apparatus will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a photographic processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an exposure processing unit 2 that performs exposure processing on a photosensitive material P based on image data, and development that performs development processing on the exposed photosensitive material P. A processing unit 3, a drying processing unit 4 for drying the developed photosensitive material P, and a sorting unit 5 for sorting the dried photosensitive material P as a photographic print for each order are provided.

  In this photographic processing apparatus 1, a separate control device 6 is electrically connected, and overall control is performed by the control device 6, and exposure is performed based on image data read by the control device 6 or edited image data. Processing is performed. The control device 6 will be briefly described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control device 6 displays a processing status of each process, operation guidance, and the like, and performs an input operation based on the display of the monitor 60. An input unit 61 for performing image reading, a reading unit 62 for reading image data for performing exposure processing on the photosensitive material P in the exposure processing unit 2, various processes such as image editing, and substantial control of the entire photographic processing apparatus 1. And an arithmetic processing unit 63 that performs the processing.

  As the monitor 60, a cathode ray tube monitor or a liquid crystal monitor can be adopted. In this embodiment, a cathode ray tube monitor is adopted. As the input means 61, a keyboard 61a and a mouse 61b are employed. The reading means 62 includes a flatbed scanner 62a for reading an image from a photo print or the like, a film scanner 62b for reading a plurality of frame images formed on the belt-like film F, and various media such as a CD-R / RW and a memory card. A media drive 62c for reading data (for example, image data) is employed. The reading means 62 (flatbed scanner 62a, film scanner 62b, media drive 62c) is electrically connected to the arithmetic processing device 63, and transmits the read image data to the arithmetic processing device 63. . The arithmetic processing unit 63 includes a CPU 63a that performs substantial arithmetic operations, a RAM 63b that stores software for causing the CPU 63a to perform arithmetic operations, a ROM 63c, and the like, and an I / O interface (not shown). In addition to the reading means 62, a monitor 60 and an input means 61 are electrically connected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure processing unit 2 is supplied from magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, and magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d for accommodating a roll R around which a long photosensitive material P is wound. A cutting device 21 that cuts the photosensitive material P to a cut sheet by a predetermined length, an exposure unit 22 that exposes the photosensitive material P that has been cut by the cutting device 21, and the magazines 20a, 20b, and 20c. , 20d is provided with an exposure processing part transport system 23 for transporting the photosensitive material P supplied downstream (development processing part 3).

  The magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are formed in a box shape so that the roll R can be accommodated in a pivoted state, and are arranged at predetermined positions (a main housing 10 and a sub housing described later) in the photographic processing apparatus 1. 11, the photosensitive material P can be supplied from the roll R in the longitudinal direction while rotating the roll R about the axis.

  More specifically, the magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are configured so that the core body 200 on which the roll R is extrapolated can be mounted, and the roll R can be accommodated in a pivotally supported state via the core body 200. It has become. Further, each of the magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d has a supply port (not shown) for feeding the unwound photosensitive material P from the roll R to the outside, and corresponds to the supply port. A pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201 for pressure-conveying the photosensitive material P is disposed.

  The magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d according to the present embodiment are driven from a drive source provided outside (a main housing 10 or a sub-housing 11 described later) while being loaded in the photo processing apparatus 1. A drive transmission mechanism (not shown) for transmitting to the core body 200 (roll R) and the pair of delivery rollers 201, 201 and rotating them around the axis is provided. As a result, the magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d configured as described above are driven by the external drive source to drive the core body 200 (roll R) and the pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201, and the roll R The photosensitive material P is sent out (supplied) from the supply port to the downstream side by the pressure-conveying conveyance of the pair of delivery rollers 201, 201 while unwinding.

  In the photographic processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the magazine 20a having the above-described configuration is provided for the main housing 10 (exposure processing unit 2) in which the exposure processing unit 2, the development processing unit 3 and the drying processing unit 4 are integrally accommodated. , 20b are loaded as standard equipment, and the same (same) magazines 20c, 20d as the standard equipment can be added as options, and the number of magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d loaded in the entire apparatus can be increased. ing.

  More specifically, the photo processing apparatus 1 can connect a sub-housing 11 configured to be loaded with the magazines 20 c and 20 d having the above-described configuration to the main housing 10, and the magazine in the sub-housing 11. The photosensitive material P can be supplied from 20c and 20d in the same manner as the standard magazines 20a and 20b. That is, each configuration in the sub-casing 11 connected to the main housing 10 (optional magazines 20c and 20d, an intermediate transport unit 24 to be described later, etc.) is linked with each configuration in the main housing 10 and is optional. The magazines 20c and 20d function as a part of the exposure processing unit 2 (paper supply means) in the same manner as the magazines 20a and 20b provided as standard equipment.

  In this embodiment, two magazines 20a and 20b as standard equipment are provided in the main housing 10 (hereinafter, the magazines in the main housing 10 are referred to as a first magazine 20a and a second magazine 20b), and optional magazines are provided. Two magazines 20c and 20d are provided in the sub-housing 11 (the magazines in the sub-housing 11 are referred to as a third magazine 20c and a fourth magazine 20d). Then, the conveyance path of the photosensitive material P supplied from the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d merges with the conveyance path of the photosensitive material P supplied from the first and second magazines 20a and 20b. The photosensitive material P can be supplied from any one of the magazines 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d.

  The photographic processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the first and second magazines 20a and 20b each have a supply port facing a first roller unit 230 (first advance roller 230a (see FIG. 4)) described later. The first magazine 20a is loaded in the main housing 10 so that the photosensitive material P can be supplied vertically downward with the supply port facing downward. The second magazine 20b is loaded into the main housing 10 so that the photosensitive material P can be supplied in the horizontal direction with its supply port facing sideways above the second magazine 20b, and from each supply port to the first roller unit 230. The transport distances of the photosensitive material P are substantially equal.

  On the other hand, the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d supply the photosensitive material P in the horizontal direction in the sub-casing 11 in the vertical direction, with their supply ports facing sideways (toward the main housing 10 side). It is loaded in the sub-housing 11 so that it can be done. Due to this arrangement, the secondary housing 11 has two systems of transport paths TL1, TL2 with different transport distances of the photosensitive material P, and third and fourth magazines 20c, 20d and a second roller unit 231 described later. (Crimp-conveying means). Note that the two systems of transport paths TL1 and TL2 and the configurations for configuring the transport paths TL1 and TL2 will be described in detail later together with the description of the exposure processing section transport system 23.

  The exposure unit 22 includes an exposure engine 221 that exposes the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material P conveyed in the exposure processing unit conveyance system 23. The exposure engine 221 includes a laser light source (not shown) and an optical system (for example, a polygon mirror and a lens: not shown) that guides the laser light from the laser light source to an exposure point (image formation processing area) A. A so-called laser engine is used. The exposure engine 221 may be another so-called digital exposure engine such as a light source composed of a halogen lamp or the like and an optical shutter (PLZT) connected to the light source via an optical fiber bundle. Good.

  The exposure processing unit transport system 23 is disposed at various positions with respect to the transport path in the exposure processing unit 2, and a plurality of roller pairs 232... A main transport path for transporting the photosensitive material P in the main housing 10 in combination with the slide transport bodies 233 and 234 configured to be capable of gripping) and reciprocating along the transport path. TM is formed (referred to as main transport path). The main transport path TM is connected to an area (exposure point) A for forming an image on the photosensitive material P from the most upstream (downstream of the first and second roller units 230 and 231), and further, an exposure point. A is formed so as to be connected from A to the development processing unit 3. The slide transport bodies 233 and 234 are disposed between the roller pairs 232 and 232 (in the present embodiment, on the main transport path TM formed in a substantially vertical direction on the downstream side of the cutting device 21 and the exposure unit 22 (exposure point A). ) On the main transport path TM formed in a substantially horizontal direction on the downstream side)), and receives the photosensitive material P sent from the upstream roller pair 232, and sends the photosensitive material P to the downstream side. The roller pair 232 is fed out.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second magazines 20a and 20b are loaded in the main casing 10, and the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d are loaded in the sub casing 11, so that exposure is performed. In addition to the above configuration, the processing unit transport system 23 includes a first roller unit 230 for guiding the photosensitive material P from the first and second magazines 20a and 20b to the main transport path TM, and the third and fourth magazines 20c, 20c, And a second roller unit 231 as a pressure-conveying means for guiding the photosensitive material P from 20d to the main conveying path TM. The exposure processing unit transport system 23 according to this embodiment is driven synchronously with the core body 200 and the delivery roller 201 of the magazines 20a to 20d while having its own drive source different from the magazines 20a to 20d. It is controlled as follows.

  The first roller unit 230 is for changing the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material P supplied through the different paths from the first and second magazines 10a and 10b and leading it to the main conveyance path TM. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive material P from the third and fourth magazines 20c, 20d conveyed vertically upward from the second roller unit 231 is joined to the main conveyance path TM in the same posture. In order to secure the path, the transport direction of the photosensitive material P from the first and second magazines 20a and 20b is changed, and the first and second magazines are arranged with respect to the main transport path TM extending in the vertical direction on the downstream side. The photosensitive material P from 20a and 20b is entered obliquely from below (inclined with respect to the main transport path TM).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the first roller unit 230 is configured to be able to contact with and separate from the first advance roller 230a that is rotationally driven and the first advance roller 230a. First press rollers 230b and 230b that perform press-bonding and release thereof are provided.

  The first advance roller 230 a is rotated by receiving a drive from a drive source provided in the main housing 10. The first roller unit 230 can convey the photosensitive material P downstream (pressure-conveyed) by the first pressure rollers 230b and 230b being in pressure contact with the first advance roller 230a via the photosensitive material P. ing. The first roller unit 230 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first press rollers 230b and 230b (two in the drawing) around the outer periphery of the first advance roller 230a, and the first press rollers 230b, A turn guide 230d for guiding the photosensitive material P is provided between 230b. As a result, the photosensitive material P that is pressure-conveyed and conveyed by the first advance roller 230a and the upstream first pressure roller 230b is guided by the turn guide 230d, and the first advance roller 230a and the downstream first pressure roller 230b. As a result, the photosensitive material P is wound around the first advance roller 230a (change in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P). The first roller unit 230 is configured to send the photosensitive material P whose transport direction has been changed toward the main transport path TM (the uppermost roller pair 232) located obliquely above, and the uppermost roller pair. The photosensitive material P that has reached 232 is wound around one roller 232a of the pair of rollers 232, whereby the transport direction is changed to the vertical direction and guided to the main transport path TM.

  In the first roller unit 230, two first pressure rollers 230b and 230b are pivotally supported by a single frame 230c, and the frame 230c is brought into contact with and separated from the first advance roller 230a. The first pressing rollers 230b and 230b of the book are brought into contact with and separated from the first advance roller 230a at the same time so that the pressing and releasing of the photosensitive material P can be switched.

  The second roller unit 231 is for changing the transport direction of the photosensitive material P supplied from the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d through different paths and guiding the photosensitive material P to the main transport path TM. The second roller unit 231 according to the present embodiment is provided below the first roller unit 230, and is transported while changing the transport direction of the photosensitive material P transported from the sub-housing 11 side upward in the vertical direction. It is supposed to be.

  Specifically, the second roller unit 231 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the second advance roller 231a that is rotationally driven and the second advance roller 231a, and presses and releases the photosensitive material P. The second pressure roller 231b, 231b and the photosensitive material P from the third and fourth magazines 20c, 20d are placed on the outer periphery of the second advance roller 231a (actually, the second advance roller 231a and the second pressure roller 231b, 231b Guide means 235a and 235b for guiding the air gap between them.

  The second advance roller 231 a is rotated by receiving a drive from a drive source provided in the main housing 10. The second roller unit 231 can convey the photosensitive material P to the downstream side (crimp conveyance) by the second pressure rollers 231b and 231b being in pressure contact with the second advance roller 231a via the photosensitive material P. ing. The second roller unit 231 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of (two in the drawing) second pressure rollers 231b and 231b around the outer periphery of the second advance roller 231a, and the second pressure roller 231b. , 231b, a turn guide 231c for guiding the photosensitive material P is provided. Thus, the photosensitive material P that is pressure-conveyed and conveyed by the second advance roller 231a and the upstream second pressure roller 231b is guided by the turn guide 231c, and the second advance roller 231a and the downstream second pressure roller 231b. As a result, the photosensitive material P can be reliably wound around the second advance roller 231a (change in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P). The second roller unit 231 is configured to send the photosensitive material P whose conveyance direction has been changed toward the main conveyance path TM (uppermost roller pair 232) in the upper vertical direction. Without being changed, it is guided to the main transport path TM (between the uppermost roller pair 232).

  In the present embodiment, the two second pressure rollers 231b and 231b are pivotally supported by a single frame 236, and the two 236b are brought into contact with and separated from the second advance roller 231a. The second pressure rollers 231b and 231b are simultaneously brought into contact with and separated from the second advance roller 231a, so that the pressure bonding to the photosensitive material P and the release thereof can be switched simultaneously.

  The guide means 235a and 235b guide the photosensitive material P from the third magazine 20c onto the second advance roller 231a (first guide means 235a) and guide the photosensitive material P from the fourth magazine 20d to the second advance. A guide (second guide means 235b) for guiding onto the roller 231a is provided. The first guide means 235a and the second guide means 235b are each composed of a pair of plate materials (not numbered) that guide the photosensitive material P from both sides. The first guide means 235a forms a substantially horizontal path from the sub housing 11 side to the second advance roller 231a, and the second guide means 235b is the second advance roller 231a obliquely from above the sub housing 11 side. The photosensitive material P can be guided to the outer peripheral surface of the second advance roller 231a (on the outer peripheral surface facing downward). As a result, the transport paths TL1 and TL2 of the photosensitive material P supplied from the sub-housing 11 side merge on the second advance roller 231a. The second pressure rollers 231b and 231b can be brought into contact with and separated from the second advance roller 231a on the downstream side of the joining portion of the transport paths TL1 and TL2, and the photosensitive material from each of the transport paths TL1 and TL2. P can be conveyed by pressure bonding downstream.

  Next, the above-described two-system transport paths TL1 and TL2 formed inside the sub-housing 11 will be described. Along with the description of the transport paths TL1 and TL2, the sub-housing 11 and its internal structure will also be described.

  The sub-housing 11 has an internal space partitioned into two spaces (chambers) by a partition wall 113 extending in the vertical direction, a magazine housing chamber 11a for housing the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d, and a third housing And a transport system accommodation chamber 11b for housing a transport system (various guides 114a, 114b, 115, 116 and intermediate transport unit 24) for guiding the photosensitive material P from the fourth magazines 20c, 20d to the second roller unit 231. Are formed side by side.

  The magazine storage chamber 11a can store the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d in two upper and lower stages. Specifically, two sets of two rails 112, 112 are attached to the magazine housing chamber 11a at intervals in the vertical direction. A base 111 on which the magazines 20 c and 20 d are placed is slidably provided on each set of rails 112 and 112, and the third and fourth magazines 20 c and 20 d placed on the base 111 are removed from the sub-housing 11. The photosensitive material P can be pulled out in and removed from the width direction (the front side cover of the sub-housing 11 is opened). Although not shown, the first and second magazines 20a and 20b are also placed on a base that is slidable with respect to a rail attached in the main housing 10, and the third and fourth magazines 20c and 20d. In the same manner as described above, the photosensitive material P can be pulled out in the width direction (opening the front cover of the main housing 10 and the front side) and can be detached.

  In the sub-housing 11 (mainly the transport system accommodation chamber 11b), the two transport paths TL1 and TL2 having different transport distances of the photosensitive material P, that is, the lower side in the magazine storage chamber 11a are loaded. A magazine (the third magazine 20c) and the second roller unit 231 (hereinafter, this conveyance route is referred to as a short conveyance route) TL1 and a magazine (the first magazine loaded in the magazine storage chamber 11a) A transport path (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal transport path) TL2 connecting the four magazines 20d) and the second roller unit 231 is formed.

  The short transport path TL1 is formed so that the transport distance for transporting the photosensitive material P is the shortest in consideration of the arrangement of other configurations (for example, a relay transport unit described later). That is, the supply port of the third magazine 20c is located on the tangent line in the horizontal direction with respect to the lower outer periphery of the second advance roller 231a, and the short transport path TL1 is connected to the magazine storage chamber 11a via the transport system storage chamber 11b. It is formed in a straight line in the horizontal direction across the main housing 10.

  The short conveying path TL1 is provided so as to straddle the magazine accommodating chamber 11a and the conveying system accommodating chamber 11b, and a pair of first auxiliary guide plates 114a adjacent to the supply port of the third magazine 20c in the magazine accommodating chamber 11a. 114a and between the pair of first auxiliary guide plates 114a, 114a and the second roller unit 231 (second guide means 235b). A pair of guide plates 115 and 115 are provided.

  Each of the pair of first auxiliary guide plates 114a and 114a and the pair of guide plates 115 and 115 is opposed to each other in the vertical direction at a predetermined interval, and is continuous in the gap between the guide plates 114a, 114a, 115, and 115. A straight path (short transport path TL1) is formed to guide the photosensitive material P from both sides.

  The pair of first auxiliary guide plates 114a and 114a according to the present embodiment is provided so as to penetrate the partition wall 113 in the sub-housing 11, and end portions located on the third magazine 20c side are separated from each other. A tapered guide portion (not numbered) is formed which is bent and allows the photosensitive material P to enter from the third magazine 20c (supply port). On the other hand, the pair of guide plates 115, 115 according to the present embodiment are provided so as to penetrate through the wall portions of the connected sub-housing 11 and main housing 10, and the third magazine 20 c side (a pair of first auxiliary guides). End portions located on the plates 114a and 114a side are bent so as to be separated from each other, and tapered guide portions that allow entry of the photosensitive material P (transfer from the auxiliary guide plates 114a and 114a) (not numbered). ) Is formed.

  The short conveying path TL1 does not include any drive system, and drives the third magazine 20c (rotates and drives the feed roller 201 and the core body 200), thereby feeding the photosensitive material P from the third magazine 20c. It is guided to the second roller unit 231. That is, since the short conveyance path TL1 is linear and formed so that the conveyance distance of the photosensitive material P is as short as possible, since the resistance is small when supplying the photosensitive material P, the short magazine conveyance path TL1 The photosensitive material P is transported to the second roller unit 231 only by driving (crimp conveyance by the delivery roller 201).

  In the longitudinal conveyance path TL2, the conveyance distance of the photosensitive material P is significantly longer than the short conveyance path TL1 due to the arrangement of the fourth magazine 20d (the arrangement of the fourth magazine 20d and the second roller unit 231). Yes. The longitudinal conveyance path TL2 is formed to have a turn portion U at a plurality of places (two places in the present embodiment) to make a detour, and ensures the conveyance stability of the photosensitive material P, and then the photosensitive material P. Can be guided to the second roller unit 231. Specifically, the longitudinal transport path TL2 includes a first path TL2a extending in the horizontal direction from the fourth magazine 20d, a second path TL2b extending vertically downward from the first path TL2a via the turn part U, and a turn part. The third path TL2c extends obliquely downward from the second path TL2b toward the second roller unit 231 (second guide means 235b) via U.

  The longitudinal transport path TL2 (first to third paths TL2a to TL2c) is guided by a pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b and second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b adjacent to the supply port of the fourth magazine 20d. Receiving the photosensitive material P to be transferred, transporting the photosensitive material P downward in the vertical direction, and then changing the direction obliquely downward, the relay transport unit 24 and the second roller unit 231 (second guide means 235b). And a pair of inclined guide plates 116 and 116 that guide the photosensitive material P from the relay conveyance unit 24 to the second roller unit 231, and include a magazine accommodation chamber 11a, a conveyance system accommodation chamber 11b, and It is formed so as to straddle the main housing 10.

  The pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b are vertically opposed to each other at a predetermined interval, and a part of the horizontal first path TL2a is formed by a gap between the pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b. The photosensitive material P is formed and guided from both sides. The pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b according to the present embodiment are provided so as to penetrate the partition wall 113 in the sub-housing 11, and the end portions located on the fourth magazine 20d side are separated from each other. A tapered guide portion (not numbered) that allows the photosensitive material P to enter from the fourth magazine 20d (supply port) is formed.

  The relay transport unit 24 supplementarily applies a supply force (transport force) to the photosensitive material P on the longitudinal transport path TL2 so that the photosensitive material P can be smoothly supplied to the second roller unit 231. Relay transport means 240 is provided.

  More specifically, the relay conveyance unit 24 receives the photosensitive material P guided by the second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b, and first guide means 241 for guiding the photosensitive material P downstream, Relay conveying means 240 that auxiliaryly conveys the paper guided by one guiding means 241 and second guiding means that guides the photosensitive material P that is conveyed downstream by the conveying force applied by the relay conveying means 240. 242, direction changing means 243 for changing the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P guided by the second guiding means 242, and third guidance for guiding the photosensitive material P from the second guiding means 242 to the direction changing means 243. Means 244, and fourth guide means 245 for guiding the photosensitive material P changed in direction by the direction changing means 243 between the pair of inclined guide plates 116, 116. These are mounted on a common frame 246 are integrally unitized.

  The relay conveyance unit 24 is accommodated in the conveyance system accommodation chamber 11b, and can be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material P, like the magazines 20c and 20d in the magazine accommodation chamber 11a. . Thus, maintenance can be performed on the relay conveyance unit 24, the drive system in the sub-housing 11, and the like.

  Similar to the pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b, the first guide means 241 is composed of a pair of plate members that are vertically opposed to each other at a predetermined interval. A horizontal first path TL2a is formed together with a gap between the two auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b. As a result, the first guiding means 241 guides the photosensitive material P from both sides with each plate material, and can guide the photosensitive material P to the relay conveying means 240 (on the outer periphery of the first turn roller 240a described later). Yes. The first guide means 241 (a pair of plate members) is bent so that both end portions are fixed to the common frame 246 and the end portions located on the pair of second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b are separated from each other. A tapered guide portion (not numbered) that allows entry of the photosensitive material P is formed.

  The relay conveying means 240 according to the present embodiment is provided in a turn portion U (upstream turn portion U) that changes the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material P on the longitudinal conveyance path TL2, and is connected to the fourth via the first path TL2a. The photosensitive material P is conveyed while changing the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P supplied from the magazine 20d downward in the vertical direction, and sent out to the second path TL2b extending in the vertical direction.

  The relay transport unit 240 will be described in detail. The relay transport unit 240 is driven by a drive source provided in the sub-housing 11 (transport system storage chamber 11b) and rotates (rotates and drives). A turn roller 240a and a first sub-roller 240b configured to come into contact with and separate from the first turn roller 240a and to press and release the photosensitive material P are provided. The first sub-roller 240b is interposed via the photosensitive material P. The photosensitive material P can be pressed and conveyed by being pressed against the first turn roller 240a.

  In the relay conveying unit 240 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of (two in the drawing) first sub rollers 240b are provided around the outer periphery of the first turn roller 240a, and the photosensitive material P is guided between the first sub rollers 240b. A turn guide (first turn guide) 240d is provided. As a result, the photosensitive material P that is pressure-conveyed and conveyed by the first turn roller 240a and the upstream first sub-roller 240b is guided around the first turn roller 240a that is the center by the first turn guide 240d. As a result of being guided between 240a and the downstream first sub-roller 240b, it is wound around the first turn roller 240a and the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P is changed.

  In this embodiment, the first turn roller 240 a is pivotally supported at both ends by the common frame 246, while the two first sub rollers 240 b are provided so as to be movable with respect to the common frame 246. 240c, and the support frame 240c is brought into contact with and separated from the first turn roller 240a, whereby the two first sub-rollers 240b are brought into contact with and separated from the first turn roller 240a at the same time. The pressure bonding to P and the release thereof can be switched.

  The relay transport means 240 has a speed at which the photosensitive material P is transported faster than the speed at which the photosensitive material P is fed (supplied) by driving the fourth magazine 20d (core body 200). A tension is applied to the photosensitive material P between the magazine 20d (on the first path TL2a) (a pulling force is applied to the downstream side). On the other hand, the relay conveying means 240 is set so that the photosensitive material P is conveyed at a lower speed than the photosensitive material P is conveyed by the second roller unit 231. That is, the conveyance speed of the photosensitive material P in the second roller unit 231 is set to be higher than the conveyance speed in the relay conveyance means 240, and the photosensitive material P is transferred to the second roller unit 231 and the relay conveyance means 240. In such a state, the tension is applied to the photosensitive material P (the force pulled downstream) during that time (on the second path TL2b to the third path TL2c).

  As described above, the photosensitive material P is excessively supplied (conveyed) on the upstream side according to the relationship of the supply speed V1 of the fourth magazine 20d <conveyance speed V2 of the relay conveyance means 240 <conveyance speed V3 of the second roller unit 231. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem such as the photosensitive material P being clogged on the longitudinal conveyance path TL2 (each path TL2a to TL2c). The main transport path TM (roller pair 232) on the downstream side with respect to the second roller unit 231 is set at a higher speed than the second roller unit 231 and is in the main casing 10 (exposure processing unit). This prevents the occurrence of paper jams (jams).

  The relay conveying means 240 configured as described above is configured so that the leading end of the photosensitive material P reaches the second roller unit 231, and the second sub roller 240b, 240b is separated from the first turn roller 240a and the pressure bonding is released, and the photosensitive material P is supplied by driving the second roller unit 231 (second advance roller 231a) and driving the fourth magazine 20d (core body 200). Thus, unnecessary crimping ridges (so-called crimping fogging) are prevented from being attached when the relay conveying means 240 is crimped to the photosensitive material P. Thus, even if the first sub rollers 240b and 240b are separated from the first turn roller 240a and the pressure bonding is released, the relationship of the supply speed V1 of the fourth magazine 20d <the transport speed V3 of the second roller unit 231 is established. The tension is applied to the photosensitive material P between the fourth magazine 20d and the second roller unit 231, and the photosensitive material P can be kept wrapped around the first turn roller 240a and the photosensitive material P is excessive. Supply is prevented and paper jams are prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second guide unit 242 according to the present embodiment includes so-called width regulation guides 242 a and 242 a that prevent the photosensitive material P from meandering (conveyance blur) in the width direction. The width regulating guides 242a and 242a are constituted by a pair of guide bars provided at intervals in the width direction of the photosensitive material P (direction orthogonal to the transport direction), and a drive source provided in the sub-housing 11 , And a ball screw 242b for moving the width regulating guides 242a and 242a configured by the pair of guide bars (adjusting the distance).

  Further, the second guide means 242 prevents the curve (bulging) in the surface direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the width direction) across the entire width of the photosensitive material P between the width regulation guides 242a and 242a. , So-called curve regulation guides 242c, 242c are provided. The curving regulation guides 242c and 242c are composed of a pair of guide plates provided at intervals in the surface direction of the photosensitive material P (direction perpendicular to the surface of the photosensitive material P).

  Each of the pair of width regulating guides 242a and 242a is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction (vertical direction), and a guide slit S extending in the vertical direction is formed on the surfaces facing each other. The width regulating guides 242a and 242a are configured such that both side portions of the photosensitive material P enter the respective guide slits S and one side edge of the photosensitive material P abuts against the inner wall of the one guide slit S. The movement blur (meandering) in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is regulated (suppressed).

  As described above, the width regulating guides 242a and 242a can be arranged at positions corresponding to the width of the photosensitive material P by relatively moving (contacting and separating) the pair of width regulating guides 242a and 242a with the ball screw 242b. It has become. When the magazines 20c and 20b are set, the width dimension of the photosensitive material P is input to the control device 6, so that information on the width dimension of the photosensitive material P is automatically acquired from the control device 6, Based on the information, the driving source operates the ball screw 242b, and the distance between the pair of width regulating guides 242a and 242a is adjusted corresponding to the photosensitive material P.

  Each of the pair of bending regulation guides 242c, 242c is configured by a pair of plate members (guide plates) that extend in the vertical direction and are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval. That is, the pair of guide plates are disposed to face each other along the photosensitive material P to be conveyed (on the front and back sides of the photosensitive material P). Further, the widths of the curve regulation guides 242c, 242c formed by the guide plates are determined by the distance between the pair of width regulation guides 242a, 242a adjusted corresponding to the minimum width photosensitive material P used in the image forming apparatus. Is also narrowly formed. That is, the curving regulation guides 242c and 242c are set to have a width that does not prevent the width regulation guides 242a and 242a from being adjusted to an interval corresponding to the photosensitive material P.

  As described above, even when the distance between the width regulation guides 242a and 242a is adjusted by the operation of the ball screw 242b, the curvature regulation guides 242c and 242c are always positioned at the center in the width direction of the photosensitive material P to be conveyed. It is arranged. In the present embodiment, the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion of the bending regulation guides 242c, 242c are located at a position where the second guide means 242 is sandwiched from above and below in the common frame 246, and the width of the photosensitive material P to be conveyed. It is fixed to a guide plate (not shown) cross-linked in the direction.

  The curve regulation guides 242c and 242c regulate the photosensitive material P from curving (bulging) more than a predetermined amount in the surface (photosensitive surface) direction when the photosensitive material P enters the gap between the guide plates. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the direction changing means 243 is provided in a turn portion U (downstream turn portion) that changes the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material P on the downstream side of the second guide means 242. . The direction changing means 243 includes a second turn roller 243a around which the photosensitive material P is wound, and a plurality of (two in the drawing) second sub rollers 243b and 243b provided around the outer periphery of the second turn roller 243a. A turn guide (second turn guide) 243c is provided between the second sub rollers 243b and 243b and guides the photosensitive material P.

  Each of the second turn roller 243a and the second sub-roller 243b is a free roller and is pivotally supported by a common frame 246. And each 2nd sub-roller 243b is arrange | positioned so that a predetermined clearance may be formed between the 2nd turn roller 243a. In other words, the direction changing unit 243 enters the photosensitive material P guided by the second guide unit 242 between the second turn roller 243a and the upstream second sub-roller 243b without being pressure-bonded. The second turn guide 243c between 243b is guided around the second turn roller 243a. Then, the direction changing means 243 causes the photosensitive material P guided by the second turn guide 243c to enter between the second turn roller 243a and the downstream second sub-roller 243b without being pressure-bonded. It arrange | positions so that it may be in the state (state along the outer peripheral surface of the 2nd turn roller 243a) where the material P was wound around the 2nd turn roller 243a which becomes the center.

  The 3rd guide means 244 is comprised by a pair of board | plate material (not numbered) which mutually opposes at intervals. The third guide unit 244 is provided with a pair of plate members standing in the vertical direction, thereby forming a second path TL2b extending in the vertical direction together with the second guide unit 242 in the gap between the plate members. P is guided from both sides, and the photosensitive material P is guided to the direction changing means 243 (between the second turn roller 243a and the second sub-rollers 243b and 243b). Further, the third guiding means 244 has its photosensitive material P entering the third guiding means 244 so that the entire width of the tip end portion thereof (from one end to the other end in the width direction of the tip end portion) is localized. Bending in the surface direction (especially, jumping of the corner of the tip) is suppressed, and the locally bent portion of the photosensitive material P does not hit the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and the second turn roller 243a is reliably It is guided between the second sub-roller 243b. And the 4th guide means 245 is also comprised by a pair of board | plate material (not numbered) which mutually opposes at intervals. The fourth guide unit 245 is provided so that a pair of plate members descends toward the main housing 10 side, thereby forming a part of the third path TL2c with a gap between the plate members. The direction-changed photosensitive material P (photosensitive material P wound around the second turn roller 243a) is guided from both sides to be guided between a pair of inclined guide plates 116, 116 which are obliquely below.

  The pair of inclined guide plates 116, 116 are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween, and are provided in a state of being inclined forward and downward toward the main housing 10 side, and a gap between the pair of inclined guide plates 116, 116. Thus, a part of the third path TL2c is formed, and the photosensitive material P is guided from both sides to be guided to the second guide means 235b. In other words, the pair of inclined guide plates 116 and 116 are connected to the second roller unit 231 (second advance roller 231a) together with the fourth guide means 245 (gap between plate materials) and the second guide means 235b (gap between plate materials). A third path TL2c is formed that is inclined forward and downward and continues. The pair of inclined guides 116, 116 according to the present embodiment is provided to penetrate the wall portions of the sub-housing 11 and the main housing 10, and the end located on the upstream side (fourth guiding means 245 side) Tapered guide portions (not numbered) are formed which are bent so as to be separated from each other and allow the photosensitive material P to enter (transfer from the fourth guide means 245).

  Returning to FIG. 2, the development processing unit 3 is for developing the photosensitive material P sent from the exposure processing unit 2, and includes a development processing solution tank 30 in which the development processing solution is stored, and the development processing solution tank. A development processing section transport system 32 that transports the photosensitive material P is provided so as to repeat the operation of immersing and pulling up the photosensitive material P in the development processing solution within 30. The developing solution tank 30 is configured by arranging a plurality of liquid tanks 30a, 30b. Each of the liquid tanks 30a, 30b,... Stores a developing solution for performing a developing process, a bleaching process, a fixing process, and a stabilizing process on the photosensitive material P. That is, in each of the liquid tanks 30a, 30b,..., A developer (CD), a bleaching / fixing solution (BF), a stabilizing solution (STB), and a cleaning solution are stored in order from the upstream side. The development processing unit transport system 32 is a solution for transporting the photosensitive material P in the development processing solution (developing solution, bleaching / fixing solution, stabilizing solution, washing solution) of the developing processing solution tank 30 (each of the solution tanks 30a, 30b. The conveyance system 32a and the external conveyance system 32b that conveys the photosensitive material P pulled up from the respective liquid tanks 30a, 30b... Into the adjacent liquid tank 30b. , 32b is composed of a plurality of roller pairs (not numbered).

  The drying processing unit 4 includes a drying processing unit transport system 40 that transports the photosensitive material P sent from the upstream development processing unit 3, and a drying device 41 that dries the photosensitive material P transported by the drying processing unit transport system 40. And. The drying processing unit transport system 40 transports the photosensitive material P sent from the development processing unit 3 while changing its direction, and the distance necessary for the drying processing on the photosensitive material P (in practice, the drying processing is performed). Necessary time) is secured.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the photographic processing apparatus 1 includes discharge ports 434 and 435 for discharging the dried photosensitive material P out of the main housing 10 (first discharge ports for discharging small-sized photosensitive material P (photo print)). 434 and a second discharge port 435 for discharging a large-sized photosensitive material P (photo print). The sorting unit 5 includes a conveyor 50 that transports the photo prints discharged from the first discharge port 434 and a sorting mechanism 51 that sorts the photo prints transported by the conveyor 50 for each order. The sorting mechanism 51 includes a plurality of trays 51a, 51b,... For receiving the photo prints conveyed by the conveyor 50, and predetermined (empty) trays 51a, 51b among the plurality of trays 51a, 51b,. Is configured with driving means (not shown) for moving the photo prints from the conveyor 50 to a position where the photo prints can be received. The arrangement of the trays 51a, 51b,. The trays 51a, 51b,... Can be discharged.

  The photographic processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the above-described schematic configuration. Next, the operation of the photographic processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the drive source corresponding to the selected magazine 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is activated, and the roll R (core body 200) and the pair of delivery rollers 201, 201 in the magazine 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are driven. Communicated. Then, the roll R extrapolated to the core body 200 rotates, the roll R is unwound, and the photosensitive material P is pressure-fitted and conveyed by the pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201 and sent out from the supply port. When the photosensitive material P is supplied from the first magazine 20a or the second magazine 20b, the photosensitive material P is transferred to the first roller unit 230 only by the rotation of the roll R and the pressure conveyance by the pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201. The photosensitive material P is guided (supplied) onto the main transport path TM by the pressure transport of the first roller unit 230.

  When the photosensitive material P is supplied from the third magazine 20c, the photosensitive material P unwound from the roll R is rotated from the supply port by the rotation of the roll R and the pressure-feed conveyance by the pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201. It is sent out horizontally. Then, the photosensitive material P sent out from the third magazine 20c has a short conveying path while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture by the guide of the pair of first auxiliary guide plates 114a and 114a and the pair of guide plates 115 and 115. It is conveyed on TL1 and supplied to the second roller unit 231. Then, the photosensitive material P that has reached the second roller unit 231 is pressure-bonded and transported downstream by the second roller unit 231, but as described above, the transport speed of the second roller unit 231 is that of the third magazine 20c. Since the speed is set higher than the supply speed, the supply of the photosensitive material P from the third magazine 20c does not become excessive, and the supplied photosensitive material P is being changed from the horizontal direction to the upper direction in the vertical direction. It will be smoothly transported downstream. Then, the photosensitive material P whose transport direction has been changed (switched) to the vertical direction is guided (supplied) onto the main transport path TM by pressure transport of the second roller unit 231.

  On the other hand, when the photosensitive material P is supplied from the fourth magazine 20d, the photosensitive material P unwound from the roll R is removed from the supply port by the rotation of the roll R and the pressure-conveying conveyance by the pair of delivery rollers 201 and 201. It is sent out horizontally. Then, the photosensitive material P is guided to the relay conveyance unit 240 by the guidance of the second auxiliary guide plates 114b and 114b and the first guide unit 241, and the first turn roller 240a and the first sub roller 240b of the relay conveyance unit 240 are used. Crimped. Since the relay conveying means 240 operates synchronously with the fourth magazine 20d (the first turn roller 240a rotates), the photosensitive material P includes the first turn roller 240a, the first sub-roller 240b, and the like. As a result of being pressure-bonded and conveyed by the above, the state of being wound around the first turn roller 240a is changed, and the conveying direction is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertically downward direction. The photosensitive material P whose transport direction has been changed to the lower side in the vertical direction as described above is transported toward the second guide unit 242 on the downstream side by driving the relay transport unit 240 and the fourth magazine 20d.

  Then, the photosensitive material P that has reached the second guide means 242 enters both sides of the guide slits S of the pair of width regulation guides (guide bars) 242a and 242a and is conveyed downstream. At that time, when the photosensitive material P enters the guide slit S in a meandering state, one side edge of the photosensitive material P comes into contact with the inner wall of the one guide slit S, and the meandering direction in the width direction. Is pushed in the opposite direction (the direction opposite to the deviation from the carrying direction), and is conveyed downstream while suppressing the meandering in the width direction. Then, the photosensitive material P is guided to the direction changing means 243 (between the second turn roller 243a and the second sub rollers 243b and 243b) through the third guide means 244.

  However, when the photosensitive material P enters the guide slit S in a meandering state exceeding the reference (a deviation width in the transport direction exceeding the reference), one side edge of the photosensitive material P is pushed from the inner wall of the guide slit S. Since the force increases, the meandering of the photosensitive material P in the width direction is not corrected, and the photosensitive material P is curved over the entire width (in the width direction, bulges in an arc shape), and the photosensitive slit P is exposed from the inner wall of the guide slit S. The force to push back in the opposite direction to the meandering acting on the one side edge of the material P escapes in the surface direction due to the curvature, making it impossible to suppress meandering.

  Therefore, a pair of bending regulation guides 242c and 242c arranged opposite to each other so as to face the photosensitive material P to be conveyed, that is, sandwich the photosensitive material P from both sides, are provided to regulate the bending of the photosensitive material P in the width direction. By doing so, the force to push back the meandering from the inner wall of the guide slit S acting on the one side edge of the photosensitive material P is regulated so as not to escape in the surface direction, and the meandering of the photosensitive material P is suitably suppressed.

  Thus, when the photosensitive material P is guided by the pair of width regulating guides 242a and 242a and the pair of bending regulation guides 242c and 242c and being guided to the direction changing means 243, the conveyance resistance is caused by contact and interference with the photosensitive material P. However, since the photographic processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment adds an auxiliary conveyance force by the relay conveyance means 240, the photosensitive material P can be smoothly moved downstream without the conveyance force being insufficient. Will be transported.

  Then, as described above, the photosensitive material P guided to the direction changing unit 243 is changed in the conveying direction obliquely downward, and is guided to the second roller unit 231 via the fourth guide unit 245 and the second guide unit 235b. The second roller unit 231 is pressure-bonded and conveyed. When the photosensitive material P can be conveyed by the second roller unit 231 in this way, the relay conveying means 240 releases the pressure bonding to the photosensitive material P by separating the first sub roller 240b from the first turn roller 240a. Is conveyed only by driving the second roller unit 231 and the fourth magazine 20d. Since the second roller unit 231 operates (drives) in synchronization with the relay transport unit 240 and the fourth magazine 20d, the second roller unit is temporarily used until the press of the relay transport unit 240 is released. 231, the relay conveying means 240, and the fourth magazine 20 d are synchronously driven to convey the photosensitive material P, but the conveying speed is set to be higher toward the downstream side. Thus, the photosensitive material P is not supplied excessively from the upstream side, and stable conveyance is continued.

  As described above, the relationship between the conveyance speed of the second roller unit 231 and the supply speed of the fourth magazine 20d is maintained even if the pressure bonding by the relay conveyance means 240 is released. The supplied photosensitive material P is smoothly transported to the downstream side while the transport direction is changed upward in the vertical direction without excessive supply of the material P. Then, the photosensitive material P whose transport direction has been changed (switched) to the vertical direction is guided (supplied) onto the main transport path TM by pressure transport of the second roller unit 231.

  The photosensitive material P supplied from each magazine 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and having reached the main transport path TM passes through the cutting device 21 and reciprocates in the vertical direction on the main transport path TM. Is further conveyed downstream by the roller pair 232 until reaching. Then, the photosensitive material P that has reached the slide carrier 233 is gripped at the tip by the slide carrier 233, and in this state, the slide carrier 233 moves upward in the vertical direction and is conveyed downstream. . When the distance from the leading edge of the photosensitive material P conveyed downstream to the cutting device 21 reaches a length corresponding to a preset size, the cutting device 21 is activated to cut the photosensitive material P into a single sheet. It will be.

  When the photosensitive material P conveyed vertically upward reaches the exposure point A of the exposure unit 22, the photosensitive material P is subjected to exposure processing in order from the front end to the rear end while being conveyed downstream. The exposed photosensitive material P is conveyed by a pair of rollers 232... And then conveyed in the horizontal direction with the tip held by a slide conveyance body 234 that reciprocates in the horizontal direction. It is sent to the development processing unit 3 through the pair of rollers 232.

  The photosensitive material P sent to the development processing unit 3 is transported by the submerged transport system 32a and the external transport system 32b so as to repeat the dipping and pulling up with respect to the development processing liquid W in each liquid tank 30a, 30b. Development processing is performed. The developed photosensitive material P is dried by the drying processing unit 4 and distributed to the first discharge port 434 side when it is a small size, and to the second discharge port 435 side when it is a large size. It is done. After the large size photo print is discharged onto the large tray T through the second discharge port 435, the small size photo print is discharged onto the conveyor 50 through the first discharge port 434. .. Are discharged in a state of being sorted for each order on the trays 51a, 51b... Of the sorting mechanism 51 (see FIG. 1).

  As described above, the photographic processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment includes the curve regulation guides 242c and 242c between the width regulation guides 242a and 242a of the second guide unit 242, thereby meandering exceeding the reference. In this state, the photosensitive material P is conveyed, and the side edges of the photosensitive material P abut against the width regulation guides 242a and 242a, so that the photosensitive material P is curved in the surface direction over the entire width and is in contact with the width regulation guide 242a. , 242a, even if the force to push back the photosensitive material P tries to escape in the surface direction, the photosensitive material P comes into contact with at least one of the curving regulation guides 242a, 242a disposed so as to sandwich the photosensitive material P. The bending is restricted, and bending beyond the interval between the bending restriction guides 242a and 242a can be prevented. As a result, the force for pushing back the photosensitive material P does not escape in the surface direction, the photosensitive material P is pushed back in the direction opposite to the meandering direction, the meandering of the photosensitive material P is suitably suppressed, and the straight conveyance performance is maintained.

  Further, by providing the third guide means 244 composed of a pair of plates facing each other at an interval in the vicinity of the downstream side of the second guide means 242, the photosensitive material P from the second guide means 242 is provided. The second guide roller 243a and the second sub-roller 243b on the downstream side enter the third guide means 244, the local bending is suppressed over the entire width of the tip, and the outer peripheral surface of the roller is not hit. Will surely be guided between.

  Note that the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the bending regulation guides 242c and 242c are configured by disposing a pair of plate members facing each other, but are not necessarily limited thereto. In other words, the thick plates may be disposed opposite to each other, or a pair of rod-shaped bodies (or narrow plates) may be disposed to face each other.

  Further, the opposingly arranged plate members do not have to be a pair, and a plurality of the narrow plate members or the pair of rod-like bodies may be provided in parallel along the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material.

  In the present embodiment, the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion of the bending regulation guides 242c, 242c of the photosensitive material P to be conveyed are positioned so as to sandwich the second guide means 242 of the common frame 246 from above and below. Although it is fixed to a guide plate (not shown) that is bridged in the width direction, it is not necessary to be limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. Pins 242d and 242d are respectively provided in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material P on the opposite surface), and the end portions of the pins 242d and 242d are detachable to the width regulating guides 242a and 242a. An elastic body (for example, a helical spring) B is externally fitted between the bending restriction guide 242c and the width restriction guide 242a of this pin. Cage, by the biasing force of the elastic body B, the curved regulating guides 242c, 242c is always a pair of width regulating guides 242a, may be adapted to be maintained in the center between 242a. That is, the curvature regulation guides 242c and 242c are always centered in the width direction between the width regulation guides 242a and 242a even if the distance between the width regulation guides 242a and 242a is adjusted according to the width of the photosensitive material P to be conveyed. It suffices if it is disposed so as to be located in the area.

1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus (photographic processing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus (photographic processing apparatus) according to the embodiment. The front view of the control apparatus used with the image forming apparatus (photographic processing apparatus) which concerns on the embodiment is shown. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus (photographic processing apparatus) according to the embodiment. FIG. The partially expanded cross-sectional perspective view of the meandering prevention means which concerns on the embodiment is shown. The partial expansion perspective view of the meander prevention means which concerns on other embodiment is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photo processing apparatus, 2 ... Exposure processing part, 3 ... Development processing part, 4 ... Drying processing part, 5 ... Sorting part, 6 ... Control apparatus, 10 ... Main housing, 11 ... Sub housing, 11a ... Magazine accommodation Chamber, 11b ... conveying system accommodation chamber, 20a ... first magazine (magazine), 20b ... second magazine (magazine), 20c ... third magazine (magazine), 20d ... fourth magazine (magazine), 21 ... cutting device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Exposure unit, 23 ... Exposure processing part conveyance system, 24 ... Relay conveyance unit, 30 ... Development processing liquid tank, 30a, 30b ... Liquid tank, 32 ... Development processing part conveyance system, 32a ... Submerged conveyance system, 32b ... External conveying system, 40 ... conveying system, 41 ... drying device, 50 ... conveyor, 51 ... sorting mechanism, 51a, 51b ... tray, 60 ... monitor, 61 ... input means, 61a ... keyboard, 61b ... mouse, 62 ... reading means 62 ... Flatbed scanner, 62b ... Film scanner, 62c ... Media drive, 63 ... Arithmetic processing unit, 111 ... Base, 112, 112 ... Rail, 113 ... Partition wall, 114a ... First auxiliary guide plate, 114b ... Second auxiliary guide Plate 115, guide plate 116, tilt guide plate 200 core, 201 feeding roller 221 exposure engine 230 first roller unit 230 a first advance roller 230 b first pressure roller 231 ... second roller unit, 231a ... second advance roller, 231b ... second press roller, 232 ... roller pair, 232a ... roller, 233,234 ... slide carrier, 235a ... first guide means (guide means), 235b ... Second guide means (guide means), 236... Frame, 240. , 240a ... first turn roller, 240b ... first sub roller, 240c ... support frame, 241 ... first guide means, 242 ... second guide means, 242a ... width regulating guide (guide bar), 242b ... ball screw, 242c ... curved Restriction guide (guide plate), 242d, pin, 243, direction changing means, 243a, second turn roller, 243b, second sub roller, 244, third guide means, 245, fourth guide means, 246, common frame, 434 ... first discharge port (discharge port), 435 ... second discharge port (discharge port), A ... exposure point (image formation processing region), B ... elastic body (sparkling spring), F ... film, P ... photosensitive material (Paper), R ... roll, S ... guide slit, T ... tray, TL1 ... short conveyance path (conveyance path), TL2 ... longitudinal conveyance path (conveyance path), TL2a ... first path , TL2b ... second path, TL2c ... third channel, TM ... main conveying path, U ... turn portion, W ... developing solution

Claims (2)

A plurality of magazines for storing rolls formed by winding a long recording material, and a common crimping conveyance means configured to be able to crimp and convey the recording material supplied from each magazine to the downstream side. In addition, among the plurality of transport paths formed between each magazine and the pressure-carrying transport means, at least a transport path having a long transport distance is provided with meander prevention means for preventing meandering of the recording material being transported. A forming device,
The meander-preventing means includes a pair of width regulation guides that are in contact with the side edges of the recording material to be conveyed and can adjust the interval according to the width dimension of the recording material to be conveyed, and between the pair of width regulation guides. And a pair of curve regulating guides that are narrower than the adjusted width regulating guide according to the minimum width recording material and are opposed to the front and back sides of the recording material to be conveyed. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of guide guides provided on the downstream side of the meandering prevention unit, the guide guides being disposed to face each other over the entire width of the recording material.

Images