JP2628212B2 - Photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus used when wet processing a photosensitive material.

<Prior Art> In general, in a wet process, a photosensitive material after exposure is processed according to the steps of developing, (bleaching) fixing, and washing with water.

In the processing of such photosensitive materials, environmental protection and resource saving have been demanded in recent years, and various studies have been conducted from the viewpoints of reusing the processing solution, reducing the discharge amount, and reducing the washing water. ing.

For example, for the regeneration of a color developing solution, the electrodialysis method (J. Ap
pl.Phot.Eng., 5 , 208 (1979)) and the ion exchange resin method (see J. Appl.Phot.Eng., 5 , 132 and 216 (1979)).
Has been put to practical use.

For the regeneration of the bleach-fix solution, the ion exchange resin method (see J. Appl. Phot. Eng., 2 , 65 (1976)), the steel wool method (see Kodak Publication No. J-9), and the overflow solution A method of adding a regenerating agent and using it again as a replenisher (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 48-49437) has been implemented.

Regarding the reuse of washing water, the ion exchange resin method (J. Ap
Pl. Phot. Eng., 6 , 120 (1980) and 5 , 141 (1979)) and a method using a reverse osmotic pressure device (see US Pat. No. 701963).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-105150 discloses a structure in which washing wastewater is treated by a reverse osmotic pressure device, and a concentrate obtained by the treatment is returned to a bleach-fixing tank, and a diluent is returned to a washing tank. Is disclosed.

<Problem to be Solved by the Invention> Among the methods described above, in the method of reusing the washing water using the reverse osmosis pressure device, although the effect of saving the washing water is certainly obtained, a large amount of the washing water is reversed. It is necessary to perform osmotic pressure treatment,
The load on the reverse osmotic pressure device increases, and the device also becomes large-scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of reducing the amount of washing water.

<Means for Solving the Problems> In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following (1):
It has the configuration of (2).

(1) A photosensitive material processing apparatus for wet-processing a photosensitive material after exposure, wherein at least washing water is filled in a washing tank, and the processing and conveying system including the washing tank transports and processes the photosensitive material according to a processing step. In doing so, a plurality of processing chambers are formed in the rinsing tank, each processing chamber is filled with rinsing water, and a shutter member is provided between the processing chambers. With this shutter member, communication between the processing chambers is performed when the photosensitive material is not processed. During processing, the photosensitive material can pass through the shutter means during processing, and there is only a small flow between the processing chambers. The photosensitive material is transported between the processing chambers without contact with air, and the waste water of the washing water from the washing tank is removed. 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a separating means for separating a diluting liquid and a concentrated liquid, wherein at least the diluting water is returned to a washing tank.

(2) The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the above (1), wherein the diluent is returned so as to flow in a direction opposite to a conveying direction of the photosensitive material.

<Action> According to the invention, the photosensitive material after exposure is processed according to, for example, processing steps of development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water.

In this case, at least the washing water is filled in a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers.

Preferably, a developing solution and a bleach-fixing solution are also filled in such a processing tank, and the photosensitive material is sequentially transported and processed between these processing tanks which are processing and transport systems.

At this time, the waste water of the washing water from the treatment tank filled with the washing water is separated into a diluting liquid and a concentrated liquid by the separating means.

Then, the separated diluent is returned to the washing tank so that it preferably flows in a direction opposite to the direction in which the photosensitive material is conveyed.

By performing such treatment, the treatment efficiency is improved and the amount of washing water can be reduced.

<Example> An example will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a processor 1 as one embodiment of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, a processor 1 processes a photosensitive material S after exposure, and according to each processing step of developing, bleach-fixing, and washing, a developing tank 10, a bleach-fix tank 11, and washing tanks 12, 13 are provided. Is installed.

The developing tank 10 is filled with the developing solution 100, the bleach-fixing tank 11 is filled with the bleach-fixing solution 110, and the washing tanks 12 and 13 are filled with the washing water 120, and are sequentially transported between these processing tanks. Then, the photosensitive material S is processed.

In this case, the developing tank 10, the bleach-fix tank 11, the washing tank 12,
13 is applied to a treatment tank as shown in FIG. By applying such a processing tank, the amount of the processing liquid can be reduced.

In the processing tank shown in FIG. 2, the above-mentioned developer, bleach-fixing solution, and washing water actually filled are collectively shown as a processing solution 3.

In the processing tank shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 2 is divided into a plurality of processing chambers 6A to 6J by a main roller 4, a partition member 5, and the like. The processing is performed by sequentially passing the photosensitive material S.

In the housing 2, main rollers 4 for transporting the photosensitive material S are arranged at predetermined intervals in multiple stages. Some or all of these main rollers 4 are rollers that are driven and rotated by any driving means (not shown).

A partition member 5 is provided between the main rollers 4.
The partition member 5 has both ends in contact with the upper and lower main rollers 4, respectively, and divides the space in the housing 2 into right and left.

The processing chamber 6 is defined by the main roller 4, the partition member 5, and the inner wall of the housing 2.

The number of processing chambers 6 in one housing 2 is, for example, about 3 to 19, and the volume of one processing chamber 6 is, for example, about 200 ml to 5.

Since the partition member 5 serves as a boundary between the left and right processing chambers while sliding with the rotating main roller 4, its constituent material is durability, chemical resistance to the processing liquid (deformation, expansion, strength reduction, etc.). And does not adversely affect the developing characteristics by altering the processing solution. At least both ends of the partition member 5 are preferably made of an elastic material in order to obtain a sealing effect. In consideration of such a point, the partition member 5 is, for example,
It is preferable to be made of various natural rubbers such as neoprene, butadiene, and neoprene-butadiene, synthetic rubbers, and elastomers such as soft resins such as tetron, nylon, silicone, and Teflon.

Under the lowermost main roller 4, reversing guides 30, 30 for reversing and raising the lowered photosensitive material S are provided. A main roller 4 is located between the reversing guides 30, 30.
And a guide roller 31 for sandwiching the photosensitive material S therebetween.

The photosensitive material S is provided on the inner wall of the housing 2 in each processing chamber 6.
Is provided.

A photosensitive material passage gate 8 through which the photosensitive material S passes is formed between the upper portion of the guide 7 and the main roller 4.

Also, as shown in FIG.
A taper 1 is formed to guide the photosensitive material S to the next photosensitive material passage gate 7. At the upper end of the guide 7, an inclined surface 702 on which a later-described free roller 9 is placed is formed.

A free roller 9 as a shutter means for opening and closing the light-sensitive material passage gate 8 is provided. The free roller 9 has a diameter larger than the width of the photosensitive material passage gate 8 and can freely roll on the inclined surface 702 at the upper end of the guide.

When the photosensitive material S does not pass, the free roller 9 descends on the inclined surface 702 by its own weight and rotates while abutting on the main roller 4 (solid line in FIG. 3).
Is closed. On the other hand, when the photosensitive material S is transported, the free roller 9 rises on the inclined surface 702 due to the advance of the photosensitive material S, and rotates while pinching the photosensitive material S with the main roller 4 (dotted line in FIG. 3). This allows the photosensitive material S to pass through.

The free roller 9 may be pressed against the main roller 4 by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring.

Further, the free roller 9 completely closes the photosensitive material passage gate 8 in a liquid-tight manner. In this case, the processing liquid 3 may hardly flow through the photosensitive material passage gate 8 when the photosensitive material S passes. The constituent materials of the main roller 4 and the free roller 9 are as follows.
Preferably, it has durability and chemical resistance to the processing liquid 3 (does not cause deformation, expansion, decrease in strength, etc.), and does not deteriorate the processing liquid to adversely affect development characteristics and the like. Neoprene, butadiene, various natural rubbers such as neoprene-butadiene, synthetic rubber, various resins such as tetron, nylon, silicone, Teflon, hard vinyl chloride, ceramics such as alumina, stainless steel, titanium,
Metals having corrosion resistance, such as Hastelloy, or a combination thereof can be given.

Further, the following various processes may be performed on the cylindrical surfaces of the main roller 4 and the free roller 9. For example, the cylindrical surface of the roller can be subjected to a surface coating treatment such as Teflon, nylon, or fluororesin, and if the cylindrical surface of the roller is made of metal, it can be smoothed by electrolytic polishing, electrolytic plating, or the like. If the cylindrical surface is made of ceramics,
Fluorine treatment or the like can be performed.

In the illustrated example, the free roller 9 is configured to move by passing the photosensitive material S. However, a driving unit (not shown) for moving the free roller 9 is provided, and the photosensitive material passage gate 8 is moved by the movement. May be opened and closed.

The shutter means in the present invention is not limited to the one using the free roller 9, but an opening and closing member (for example, a movable piece, a squeegee made of an elastic body, etc.) instead of this,
Alternatively, any member such as a combination of the opening and closing member and the above-described free roller may be used. Further, the shutter means may be of any structure, such as a labyrinth, in which the photosensitive material passes through the photosensitive material passage gate, but the passage of the processing liquid is suppressed.

Supply / waste liquid ports 22 and 23 for supplying or discharging the processing liquid 3 are provided near the processing liquid level in the processing chambers 6A and 6K located at the upper part of the housing 2, respectively.

The supply / waste liquid ports 22 and 23 select either liquid supply or drainage depending on the use of the processing apparatus.

In the present invention, the processing tank is a developing tank in FIG.
In the case of application as 10, the inlet side of the photosensitive material S is provided with the liquid supply port 22.
The outlet side is a waste liquid port 23, and the flow direction of the developer 100 in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material S is the same (parallel flow).
It is preferred that

With such a flow, development efficiency is improved.

Also, when applied as the bleach-fixing tank 11, a parallel flow is preferable. With such a flow, the efficiency of bleach-fixing is improved.

Further, when the processing tank shown in FIG. 2 is applied as the washing tanks 12 and 13, the entrance side of the photosensitive material S is used as the waste liquid port 22,
It is preferable that the outlet side is the liquid supply port 23 and the flow direction of the washing water with respect to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material S is the opposite direction (counter flow).

With such a flow, the efficiency of washing is improved.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the treatment machine 1 is provided with a reverse osmotic pressure device 70 which is a separation means for separating waste water of washing water into a concentrated liquid and a diluted liquid.

The concentrate separated by the reverse osmosis device 70 is
70c, bleach-fixing tank 11 via air introduction means 60 and pipe 70d
However, it is preferable that the flow is returned so as to be a parallel flow for the above reason. Accordingly, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the supply side of the photosensitive material S may be set as the supply port 22, the output side may be set as the waste liquid port 23, and the pipe 70d may be connected to the liquid supply port 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present invention, the washing tank 12 is used.
The waste liquid port 22 is connected to a pipe 70a, and the waste liquid of the washing water 120 flows into the reverse osmosis pressure device 70 via the pipe 70a. Then, the diluent separated by the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 is
The liquid is returned to the liquid supply port 23 of the washing tank 13 via the pipe 70b, but it is preferable that the liquid is returned to have a counter flow for the above-described reason.

As the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 as the separation means in the present invention, for example, a device using a tubular module manufactured by Paterson Candy International LTD is used, and the main specifications of this device are as follows.

Semi-permeable membrane material: Cellulose acetate type Semi-permeable membrane material: Total 30 m ² Operating pressure: 10 to 20 kg / cm ² As described above, the operating pressure can be reduced in the present invention, and the apparatus is smaller than in the past. As described above, the separation means is provided, and the separated diluent is returned to the washing water, and the concentrated liquid is returned to the bleach-fixing solution, whereby the washing water can be saved, and the bleach-fixing can be performed. The replenishment rate of the liquid can be reduced.

Specifically, the bleach-fix solution can reduce the amount by about 10 to 50%,
In washing water, the replenishment amount can be about 10-40%.

 Also, the recovery rate of silver is improved.

As shown in FIG. 1, an air introducing means 60 is provided between the pipe 70c and the pipe 70d. As shown in FIG. 4, the air introduction means 60 is provided with a multi-working cylindrical pipe 61 and an outer cylinder 65.
The pressurized air sent into the outer cylinder 65 by the pump P is introduced into the pipe 61 to introduce air into the concentrated liquid. The outer cylinder 65 is provided with a valve V for adjusting the pressure in the outer cylinder 65.

The porous material has a pore size of 0.02 to 10 μm, preferably 1 to 10 μm.
The thickness is about μm, specifically, a ceramic material or the like, and any material that does not adversely affect the above-mentioned concentrated solution may be used.

For the introduction of pressurized air, the method described in JP-A-63-251747 may be employed. In this case, the pressure may be increased to 1.1 to 10 atm, preferably 1.2 to 3 atm.

In addition, oxygen permeable membranes such as various porous plastic materials can be used.

The amount of air introduced is 0.3 to 30 per concentrated liquid.
/ Min.

By installing such an air introduction means 60,
The bleaching action of the bleach component of the bleach-fix solution 110 is promoted.

The effect of accelerating the bleaching action is effectively exerted when the processing amount per unit time is standard to extremely large, and when the processing amount is extremely small (closed processing), natural air oxidation is sufficient, and air introduction is performed. There is no need to install any means.

It is preferable that the supply of each processing liquid is performed only when the photosensitive material S is transported.

Further, the number and positions of the supply and waste liquid ports 22 and 23 are not limited to the above configuration.

The photosensitive material S is placed above the housing 2.
Conductor rollers 20, 20 are provided to guide the photosensitive material S to an appropriate place in the inside or to guide the processed photosensitive material S to the next step.

In the processing tank according to the present invention, the number of stages of the main rollers 4, the number of processing chambers, the arrangement thereof, and the like are not limited to those having the above-described configuration.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the photosensitive material S is supplied to the developing tank
10, the bleach-fixing tank 11, the washing tanks 12 and 13 are sequentially transported and processed between the processing tanks.

In this case, since the waste liquid of the washing water is separated into the diluting liquid and the concentrated liquid by the separation means, and the diluting liquid is returned to the washing water and the concentrated liquid is returned to the bleach-fixing solution, the replenishing amount of each of the diluting liquid and the concentrated liquid can be reduced. it can.

In the present invention, the separating means is not limited to the reverse osmotic pressure device, and as such, it is configured to evaporate the liquid to make the evaporation component water while concentrating the liquid by evaporation. Device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 63-200882 and 63-2008
It is preferable to use the evaporation-condensation separation apparatus described in -200883 and 63-156501, but any may be used.

For example, such an evaporative-condensation separation device is the fifth type.
Examples include those shown in the figures.

In the evaporative-condensation separation device 80 shown in FIG. 5, a waste liquid tank 73 is provided in a main body case 72 thereof.
The waste water of the washing water stored in 74 is supplied by a pipe 75. This pipe 75 is provided with a pump P ′ controlled by a float switch 76 and a pump drive circuit 77. The pump P 'operates until the float switch 76 detects the level of the waste liquid 79 when the waste liquid is supplied. A pipe 70c shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the waste liquid tank 73,
The concentrated solution is returned to the bleach-fix tank 11 filled with the bleach-fix solution 110 and reused.

In the waste liquid tank 73, pulleys 82a and 82b are attached, and endless belts 84a and 84b are respectively stretched between the pulleys 83a and 83b provided in the main body case 72 in correspondence thereto. . The pulleys 83a and 83b are connected to the motor M1 via V-belts 85a and 85b.

A duct 86 is provided above the pulleys 83a and 83b, and a fan 87 is provided in the duct 86. When the motor M1 rotates the fan 87 through the V-belt 88, the air containing moisture evaporated from the endless belts 84a and 84b is sent to the cooler 89 through the duct 86, where the moisture is condensed and collected. Is done. A part of the air from which the moisture has been removed is returned to the endless belts 84a and 84b, and the rest is exhausted from the exhaust holes 72a. Below the cooler 89, a receiving tray 90 for receiving the condensed water droplets is provided. Water (distilled water) collected in this pan 90
Is sent via a pipe 91 to a filter 92 arranged outside the main body case 72. Activated carbon or the like is stored in the filter 92, and is sent to the ion exchanger 93 after removing organic substances and the like. The ion exchanger 93 contains a well-known ion exchange resin, and removes metal ions (calcium ions, magnesium ions) and the like necessary for propagation of microorganisms such as mold and the like, and then passes through the tube 70b. It is returned to the washing tank 13 filled with the washing water 120 and reused.

An intake hole 72b is formed in the main body case 72, and air taken in from the intake hole 72b is heated by the radiator 95. This heated air is supplied to an endless belt 84 by a fan 96.
sprayed on a, 84b. The radiator 95 and the cooler 89 are connected via a pipe 98 with an expansion valve 97 interposed therebetween.After the refrigerant liquefied by the radiator 95 passes through the expansion valve 97, the temperature is reduced. It is sent to the cooler 89. This cooler 89
In, the refrigerant absorbs heat of vaporization from the air and evaporates, and this vapor is sent to the compressor 100 through the pipe 89. The compressor 100 pressurizes the refrigerant vapor to produce superheated vapor, and then sends the superheated vapor to the radiator 95. In this radiator 95,
The refrigerant is cooled by ambient heat and returned to a liquid.

According to the evaporation-condensation separation device 80 configured as described above, the waste water of the washing water is temporarily stored in the waste liquid tank 74 and then supplied to the waste liquid tank 73 by the pump 78. At the time of the regeneration process, by driving the motor M1, the endless belts 84a and 84b run while being partially immersed in the waste liquid. Therefore, the endless belts 84a, 84a,
4b is drawn out of the waste liquid tank 73 and touches the outside air. The endless belts 84a and 84b exposed to the outside air have suction holes.
The air that flows in from 72b and is warmed by the radiator 95
Sprayed by. This air is an endless belt
When sprayed on 84a, 84b, endless belts 84a, 8
The water in the waste liquid adhering to 4b evaporates. The moist air containing the evaporated water is supplied to a duct 86 by a fan 87.
Through the cooler 89. Water vapor in the air is cooled
Since it is cooled at 89, it condenses and drops on the pan 90. A part of the air from which the moisture has been removed is recirculated, but the rest is exhausted from the exhaust holes 72a.

The water dropped on the tray 90 passes through a pipe 91 and passes through a filter 92.
, Where the organic substances and the like are removed, and then sent to the ion exchanger 93 for deionization. The deionized water is supplied via a pipe 70b to a liquid supply port of a washing tank 13 filled with washing water 120.

On the other hand, by the rotation of the endless belts 84a and 84b, the concentrated liquid obtained by evaporating and condensing the water in the waste liquid is supplied to the processing tank 13 filled with the bleach-fix solution 110 via the pipe 70c, the air introduction means 60 and the pipe 70d. It is supplied to the liquid port.

In addition, as a material of the endless belt, it is preferable that the waste liquid easily adheres and is provided with air permeability. Specifically, various resins, cloths, and the like are used, and a mesh structure may be used. The number of endless belts and the like may be appropriately selected.

In the above description, the diluting solution is configured to be returned to the washing tank 13, but it may be returned to the washing tank 12.

Although two washing tanks are arranged, the number of washing tanks can be increased, and a washing tank for returning the diluent can be selected according to the degree of dilution.

In the present invention, since the treatment tank having the structure as shown in FIG. 2 is applied to the washing tank, the washing efficiency is improved. Therefore, in some cases, only one tank may be used.

In the above description, the processing tank shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be applied to all the processing tanks of the developing tank, the bleach-fixing tank, and the washing tank. In the present invention, at least such a processing tank is used in the washing tank. A processing tank having a conventional structure may be applied to the developing tank and the bleach-fixing tank.

The treatment tank in the present invention may be of various other forms, and at least the washing water is filled in the treatment tank as shown in FIG. 2 and the wastewater of the washing water is separated into a concentrate and a diluent. There is no particular limitation as long as it has a means and is configured to use the diluent as a replenisher for washing water.

In this case, as described above, it is preferable that the separated concentrated liquid be used as a replenisher for the treatment liquid used in the treatment at the preceding stage of the water washing treatment.

In a configuration in which this concentrated solution is used as a replenisher, as described above,
It is preferable that the processing tank used in the first-stage processing is also as shown in FIG. 2 and the concentrated liquid is returned as a parallel flow.

In the present invention, the processing tank divided into a plurality of processing chambers at least as a washing tank may be as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing a configuration example in the case of a washing tank, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

The washing tank shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
The rack 33 is inserted into the rack 25, and the side plate 32 of the rack 3
Between the 34, block bodies 40 and 50 are installed.

The block body 40 is inserted into the inside of the block body 50, and in this inserted state, the five processing chambers 65A, 65B, 65C, 65 serving as spaces for washing the photosensitive material S with water.
D and 65E are formed.

Each of the processing chambers 65A to 65E is filled with washing water 120.

Also, adjacent processing chambers 65A and 65B, 65B and 65C, 65C and 65D
Between 65D and 65E, narrow passages 41, 42, 43 and 44 connecting the processing chambers are formed.

Further, similar passages for loading and unloading the photosensitive material S are provided above the processing chamber 65A and the processing chamber 65E, respectively.
45 and 46 are formed.

The block bodies 40 and 50 are solid in the illustrated example, but are not limited to this, may be hollow, and may be made of resin or the like.

In the above, the volume of the processing chamber per room is 10 to 80
00ml, preferably 10-4000ml, more preferably 10-500m
l is good.

The width of the passages 41 to 46 is 5 to 40 times the thickness of the photosensitive material S.
It may be about 0.5 to 5 mm, which is about double. Then, shutter means (not shown) is provided in this passage.

With such a gap, the photosensitive material S is conveyed without any trouble.

Further, in order to further improve the transportability, the inner wall surfaces of the passages 41 to 44 may be subjected to a water-repellent treatment or the like.

The length of the passage between the processing chambers depends on the shape and size of the processing chambers, but is preferably about 10 to 200 mm.

By providing such a narrow passage and providing the shutter means, when the photosensitive material S is not processed,
There is almost no circulation of the washing water between the adjacent treatment chambers, and only a small amount of the circulation at the time of treatment.

Here, `` there is almost no circulation '' means that the transfer amount of the washing water between the treatment chambers is substantially negligible, for example, the transfer amount of the washing water is 2 ml / min or less. Say the case.

Further, "there is only a slight flow" means that the transfer amount of the washing water between the treatment chambers is about the same as or less than the supply amount of the replenisher.
Preferably it is 20 ml / min. The movement of the washing water in this case is a movement in a direction (counterflow) opposite to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material.

As described above, since the washing water 120 does not communicate with the water during processing, the concentration of the chemicals brought in by the photosensitive material S from the previous bath increases in the processing chamber 65A, and the processing chambers 65B, 65C,
As 5D and 65E become more difficult, the concentration decreases, but the water washing efficiency is improved by maintaining the concentration ratio in the processing chambers 65A to 65E.

Further, since there is no contact between the photosensitive material and the atmosphere during processing, the washing efficiency is improved.

Near the center of the processing chambers 65A, 65B, 65D, and 65E, a pair of transport rollers 85 are installed, respectively.
A pair of transport rollers 65 are provided. Also, in the vicinity of the photosensitive material entrance of the passage 45 and the vicinity of the photosensitive material exit of the passage 46,
One unloading roller 63 for loading and unloading the photosensitive material S, respectively.
They are installed in pairs.

Each of these transport rollers 63 is pivotally supported by the block body 40 or the block body 50, and one or both of the roller pairs are driven and rotated so that the photosensitive material S is transported by sandwiching the photosensitive material between the rollers. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 7, the drive mechanism of the transport roller 63 includes a bevel gear 803 fixed to a predetermined position of a main shaft 802 supported vertically in the figure, and a rotating shaft 801 of each transport roller 63.
Is engaged with a bevel gear 804 fixed to one end of the main shaft 802, and the main shaft 802 is rotated in a predetermined direction by operation of a drive source (not shown) such as a motor, so that each transport roller 63 is rotated. .

In this case, since the rotating shaft 801a of the uppermost conveying roller 63 is shifted from the main shaft 802, the driven shaft supported in parallel with the main shaft 802 via a gear train including a gear 805 fixed to the main shaft 802. A bevel gear 806 fixed to the driven shaft 806 is engaged with a bevel gear 804 fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 801a to rotate the rotating shaft 801a. Further, a gear 807 is fixed to the rotating shaft 801a inside the bevel gear 804, and the rotating shaft 8 of the gear 807 and the other conveying roller 63 is fixed.
By engaging a gear 808 fixed to one end of 01b, both transport rollers 63 are simultaneously driven and rotated.

In the transport rollers 63 in each processing chamber, one of the rollers is driven to rotate, and the other roller is driven to rotate by contacting the peripheral surfaces of both rollers. In addition, both rollers may be connected by a gear, and both rollers may be driven and rotated.

The material of such a roller may be a material that does not cause deformation, expansion, decrease in strength, or the like with respect to durability and washing water, and may be a resin, a metal having corrosion resistance, or the like, as described above.

A pair of guides 64 for guiding the photosensitive material S is installed in the processing chambers 65A, 65B, 65D, and 65E near the upper and lower sides of the transport roller 63. A reversing guide 66 that is curved in an arc shape and changes the direction of the photosensitive material S along the curved portion is provided between the transport rollers 63 in the processing chamber 65C.

The guides 64 and 66 are made of, for example, a molded plastic or metal plate, and have openings 901 that penetrate the guides substantially uniformly.

Thereby, the washing water 120 circulates, circulation is promoted, and the treatment effect of the washing treatment is enhanced.

Near the upper liquid level of the processing chamber 65E and the processing chamber 65A, a supply port 47 for supplying a replenisher Rw and the like of the washing water 120 and a waste liquid port 48 for discharging the overflow OF ₁ so as to maintain the liquid level are provided respectively. Have been.

Further, the waste liquid port 49 to the processing chamber 65C discharging overflow OF ₂ is installed.

In FIG. 7, the number of processing chambers is five, but is not limited thereto, and is usually five to fifteen.

In such a washing tank, the reverse osmosis pressure device 70 in FIG.
When installing a, connect the connecting pipe or the like in the waste liquid port 48 or 49, the overflow from each of the waste liquid port 48 or 49 OF ₁
Alternatively, OF ₂ may flow into the reverse osmosis pressure device 70.

In particular, flows overflow OF ₂ from disposal port 49 in the opposite滲等pressure device 70, it is preferable to separate the the diluent and concentrate.

This is because the processing chambers 65A to 65E
Although a concentration gradient is formed, the washing water 120 filled in the processing chamber 65C has a medium concentration in each processing chamber, and the overflow OF ₂ also has this concentration. .

Drugs were collected, the purposes of returning to the processing bath using the concentrate in the preceding processing of the washing process, better to separate the overflow OF ₁ processing chamber 65A is expected to be preferred.
However, such a case of separating the overflow OF ₁ rises load in the reverse osmotic pressure device, there is a drawback that the life of the semipermeable membrane is shortened.

For this reason, separating the overflow OF ₂ achieves the desired drug recovery, preferable in which can prolong the life of and semi-permeable membrane.

In this case, the life of the semipermeable membrane becomes 1.3 to 4 times as compared with the case of separating the overflow OF _1.

In addition, the overflow OF ₂ is used for washing water 120 in the processing chamber 6C.
Is in a state in which it is isolated from the air, so that it can flow into the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 in such a state, which is advantageous when the concentrated liquid is reused.

In particular, it is possible to eliminate deterioration of the fixing agent component and the like.

On the other hand, the overflow OF ₁ is caused by the washing water 12 in the processing chamber 65A.
Since 0 is in contact with air, overflow O
Additional advantages over the F ₂ will not be obtained.

However, when the processing amount per unit time is remarkably large, the overflow OF ₁ may be used. When the overflow OF ₂ is used, as in FIG.
It is preferable to provide an air introduction means.

For this reason, when the processing amount is significantly less or standard, it is necessary to use an overflow OF _2.

FIGS. 8a to 8e show examples of a tank arrangement of a processing machine to which the washing tank shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is applied.

In these figures, processing tanks, processing liquids, devices, pipes and the like having the same functions are indicated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

In FIG. 8a, a one-stage washing tank 12 is applied, and the overflow from the processing chamber 65C located in the middle flows into the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 through a pipe 70a, and is separated into a diluting liquid and a concentrated liquid. ,
The diluent is supplied to the processing chamber 65E as a replenisher for washing water via the pipe 70b.
And the concentrated solution is returned to the bleach-fixing tank 11 via the pipe 70c as a replenisher for the bleach-fix solution 110.

Further, in order to maintain the liquid level of the washing water 120 at a constant level, the washing water is overflowed from the processing chamber 65A, and a replenisher of fresh washing water is further added to the processing chamber 65E in addition to the dilution water.
To replenish.

The flows of the liquid such as the washing water 120 are indicated by arrows in the figure.

Note that, in this case, the overflow from the processing chamber 65A is preferably performed only for the purpose of maintaining the liquid level at a constant level, and the overflow from the processing chamber 65A is preferably substantially 0, and the overflow occurs. Also in this case, it is preferable that the water replenished from the processing chamber 65E is 10% or less.

FIGS. 8b to 8e show an arrangement in which two washing tanks 12, 13 are arranged.

In FIG. 8b, the overflow of the processing chamber 65A is flowing into the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 via the pipe 70a, and the diluent is supplied to the pipe 70b.
The concentrated liquid is returned to the bleach-fixing tank 11 via a pipe 70c.

Further, a replenisher of fresh washing water is replenished from the processing chamber 65E, and the processing chamber 65 for keeping the level of the washing tank 13 constant.
The overflow from A is the processing chamber 65E of the former washing tank 12.
And overflows from the processing chamber 65A of the washing tank 12. That is, the washing tanks 13 and 12
Adopts a multi-stage countercurrent method.

What is shown in FIG. 8c is the one shown in FIG. 8b,
The other configuration is the same except that the overflow of the processing chamber 65C of the washing tank 13 flows into the reverse osmotic pressure device and that the concentrated liquid after separation is not returned to the bleach-fixing tank.

What is shown in FIG.8d is the one shown in FIG.8c,
The difference is that the concentrated liquid after the separation is returned to the bleach-fixing tank and that the overflow from the processing chamber 65A of the washing tank 12 flows into the bleach-fixing tank 11, and the other configurations are the same.

The structure shown in FIG. 8e is the same as that shown in FIG. 8d except that the overflow from the treatment chamber 65C of the washing tank 12 flows into the reverse osmosis pressure device 70.

In FIGS. 8a to 8e, the washing tank is configured as one or two washing tanks, but the number of washing tanks is not particularly limited. The preferred number of tanks depends on the number and volume of the processing chambers,
Usually it is 1-3.

8a to 8e, the processing chamber 65 of the former washing tank 12
Although the liquid overflowing from A is small compared to the washing water to be replenished, it is preferable to further replenish this liquid to the preceding treatment tank, and from this point, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8d and 8e is adopted. Is preferred.

8a to 8e, in the case where the concentrated liquid separated by the reverse osmotic pressure device 70 is returned to the bleach-fixing tank used in the preceding processing, the bleach-fixing tank is also structurally shown in FIGS. It is preferable to apply the processing tank shown in FIG.

However, when a bleach-fixing tank is used, it is preferable that the waste liquid port is not provided in the processing chamber 65C, and the concentrated liquid is preferably returned so as to flow in the same direction (parallel flow) as the conveying direction of the photosensitive material S. Therefore, the case of using a washing tank and the method of using the liquid supply / waste liquid port are opposite.

Also, when the overflow of the washing water is allowed to flow directly into the bleach-fixing tank in the countercurrent method, it is preferable to use the parallel flow.

Further, the processing tank shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be applied to the developing tank 11 as well. When used as a developing tank, it is used in the same manner as when used as a bleach-fixing tank.

The use of such a developing tank and a bleach-fixing tank is preferable because the effect of maintaining the concentration ratio in each processing chamber is obtained and the processing efficiency in each processing is improved, as in the case of the washing tank.

8a to 8e, an evaporation-condensation separation device as shown in FIG. 5 may be applied instead of the reverse osmosis pressure device, and if necessary, as in FIG. An air introducing means may be provided, and other various modifications are possible in the same manner as in FIG. 1, and the same effects can be obtained.

In the present invention, the washing treatment means an operation of removing a chemical used in the preceding processing from the photosensitive material. Therefore, the rinsing process is a concept including a stabilizing process and a water-saving rinsing process, and “washing water” has a meaning including that used in such a process.

However, when the separated concentrated solution is used as a replenisher for the processing solution used in the preceding stage of the washing process, it is not a stable solution,
It is generally preferable to perform a washing treatment using ordinary washing water.

The processing machine in the present invention is filled with various processing liquids according to the processing steps to be applied without being limited to the above embodiment.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation as long as the treatment step includes the above-described water washing step.

For example, the method is not limited to the above-described development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, but may be appropriately selected according to the type of the photosensitive material, such as a method in which the bleach-fixing step is a bleaching and fixing step, a method without the bleaching step, and the like.

It is also possible to use a combination such as color development, first fixing, and bleach fixing.

In addition, various steps such as a pre-hardening bath, a neutralization bath, a first development (black and white development), and an image stabilization bath are combined as needed.

Further, the photosensitive material to be processed may be any of various color and black-and-white photosensitive materials. For example, a color negative film, a color reversal film, a color photographic paper, a color positive film, a color reversal photographic paper, a photographic light-sensitive material for plate making, an X-ray photographic light-sensitive material, a black-and-white negative film, a black-and-white photographic paper, a micro-sensitive light material, and the like can be mentioned.

<Effects of the Invention> According to the present invention, washing water can be saved and, in some cases, a replenishment amount of a processing solution such as a bleach-fix solution used in a process preceding the washing process can be reduced.

 The recovery rate of silver is improved and the processing time can be shortened.

In order to confirm the effects of the present invention, the present inventors conducted various experiments. An example is shown below.

Experimental Example 1 A color paper type 02 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. was exposed using the processing machine shown in FIG.
Developed using Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. processing agent CP-25Q color developer PQ1 and bleach-fixer PQ2
It was bleach-fixed at 30-34 ° C, then washed with water at 27-33 ° C and dried.

In this case, the number of processing chambers in each processing tank and the volume of one processing chamber were as follows. However, a developing tank having a conventional structure was used as described below.

Processing chamber Volume (ml) of one processing chamber (unit) Developing tank 1 60000 Bleaching and fixing tank 11 150 Rinse tank 11 150 Separation means used was the reverse osmosis pressure unit (RO) described in the text.

Further, the air introducing means had a pore diameter of the porous material constituting the pipe of 0.3 to 1 μm, and the air was pressurized to about 1.05 atm and introduced at a rate of 1 / min. The washing time was 45 seconds. In this case, the running was performed at a level at which the developing solution in the developing layer was changed twice per day.

 Processing using such a processor is referred to as processing A.

In treatment 1A, the same treatment was performed using the same processor except that no air introduction means was provided. This is referred to as processing 1B.

In the treatment 1A, the same treatment was performed using the same processor except that the air introduction means and the separation means were not provided.
This is referred to as processing 1C.

Using the treatment layer disclosed in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 of JP-A-58-105150, treatment was carried out in the same manner as treatment 1A. However,
The washing time was 120 seconds.

The processing tank using the processing tank of FIG. 1 is referred to as processing 1D, and the processing tank using the processing tank of FIG. 2 is referred to as processing 1E.

 Table 1 summarizes the above processes 1A to 1E.

From Table 1, it can be seen that in the treatments 1A and 1B of the present invention, the replenishing amount of washing can be greatly reduced.

It can also be seen that the operating pressure of the osmotic pressure device (RO) can be reduced.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that good photographic properties could be obtained without occurrence of poor desilvering, poor washing, and poor recoloring, although the processing time for bleach-fixing and washing could be shortened and the amount of replenishment could be reduced. .

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 2 In the treatments 1A and 1B of Experimental Example 1, the same treatment was carried out except that a reverse osmosis pressure device was used instead of the reverse osmotic pressure device. The same effects as those of the treatments 1A and 1B were obtained.

Experimental Example 3 On a paper support laminated on both sides with polyethylene,
A color printing paper having the following layer configuration was produced. The coating solution was prepared as follows.

(Preparation of First Layer Coating Solution) To 19.1 g of yellow coupler (ExY-1) and 4.4 g of color image stabilizer (Cpd-1), 27.2 cc of ethyl acetate and 7.7 cc (8.0 g) of high boiling solvent (Solv-1) were added. Dissolve and add this solution to 1
10% containing 8cc of 0% sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate
It was emulsified and dispersed in 185 cc of an aqueous solution of gelatin at 185%. This emulsified dispersion and emulsifiers EM1 and EM2 were mixed and dissolved, and the gelatin concentration was adjusted so as to have the following composition to prepare a first layer coating solution. Coating solutions for the second to seventh layers were prepared in the same manner as the coating solution for the first layer. As the gelatin hardener for each layer, 1-
Oxy-3,5-dichloro-s-triazine sodium salt was used.

 (CpD-2) was used as a thickener.

(Layer Configuration) The composition of each layer is shown below. The numbers represent the coating amount (g / m ² ). The silver halide emulsion represents a silver equivalent coating amount.

Support Polyethylene laminated paper [The first layer of polyethylene contains white pigment (TiO ₂ ) and blue dye. First layer (blue sensitive layer) Monodisperse silver chloride emulsion (EM1) spectrally sensitized with sensitizing dye (ExS-1) ... monodisperse chloride spectrally sensitized with 0.15 sensitizing dye (ExS-1) Emulsion (EM2) 0.15 Gelatin 1.86 Yellow coupler (ExY-1) 0.82 Color image stabilizer (Cpd-2) 0.19 Solvent (Solv-1) 0.35 Second layer (color mixture prevention layer) Gelatin 0.99 Color mixture prevention Agent (Cpd-3) ... 0.08 Third layer (green sensitive layer) Monodisperse silver chloride emulsion (EM3) spectrally sensitized with sensitizing dye (ExS-2, 3) ... 0.12 Sensitizing dye (ExS-2, Monodisperse silver chloride emulsion (EM4) spectrally sensitized in 3) 0.24 Gelatin ... 1.24 Magenta coupler (ExM-1) ... 0.39 Color image stabilizer (Cpd-4) ... 0.25 Color image stabilizer (Cpd-5) ... 0.12 Solvent (Solv-2) ... 0.25 Fourth layer (ultraviolet ray absorbing layer) Gelatin ... 1.60 Ultraviolet ray absorbent (Cpd-6 / Cpd-7 / Cpd-8 = 3/2/6: weight ratio) ... 0.70 Color mixing inhibitor (Cpd-9 ... 0.05 Solvent (Solv-3) ... 0.42 Fifth layer (red-sensitive layer) Monodisperse silver chloride emulsion (EM5) spectrally sensitized with sensitizing dye (ExS-4, 5) ... 0.07 Sensitizing dye (ExS- Monodisperse silver chloride emulsion (EM6) spectrally sensitized in 4, 5) ... 0.16 Gelatin ... 0.92 Cyan coupler (ExC-1) ... 1.46 Cyan coupler (ExC-2) ... 1.84 Color image stabilizer (Cpd-7 / Cpd-8 / Cpd-10 = 3/4/2: weight ratio ... 0.17 Dispersion polymer (Cpd-11) ... 0.14 Solvent (Solv-1) ... 0.20 Sixth layer (ultraviolet absorbing layer) Gelatin ... 0.54 Ultraviolet absorption Agent (Cpd-6 / Cpd-8 / Cpd-10 = 1/5/3: weight ratio) ... 0.21 Solvent (Solv-4) ... 0.08 7th layer (protective layer) Gelatin ... 1.33 Acrylic modified copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol Merging (degree of denaturation
0.17 Liquid paraffin ... 0.03 At this time, (Cpd-12, Cpd-13) was used as a dye for preventing irradiation.

Further, in each layer, alkanol XC (Dupont), sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, succinate and Magefacx F-120 were used as emulsifying dispersants and coating aids.
(Manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.). (Cpd-14, 15) was used as a silver halide stabilizer.

 The details of the emulsion used are as follows.

The structural formula of the compound used is shown below.

Solv-1 dibutyl phthalate Solv-2 trioctyl phosphate Solv-3 trinonyl phosphate Solv-4 tricresyl phosphate The composition of each processing solution is as follows.

Bleach-fix solution (same as tank solution and replenisher) Water 400 ml Ammonium thiosulfate (70%) 100 ml Sodium sulfite 17 g Ammonium iron (III) ethylenediaminetetraacetate 55 g Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate 5 g Ammonium bromide 40 g Glacial acetic acid 9 g Add water 1000ml pH (25 ℃) 5.40 Rinse water (tank solution and replenisher are the same) Ion exchange water (calcium and magnesium 3ppm or less each) Such treatment is referred to as treatment 3A.

In the treatment 3A, instead of using three washing tanks, the washing tank shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
Is not installed. ) Was performed in the same manner except that one tank was used. This is referred to as processing 3B.

8a to 8e, the same reverse osmotic pressure device (RO) as the reverse osmotic pressure device of the present invention in Experimental Example 1 was installed. Treated similarly.

 These processes are referred to as processes 3C to 3G, respectively.

In processing 3C to 3G, the developing tank and the bleach-fix tank were processed.
The same thing as 3A and 3B was used.

However, the washing time in treatments 3B to 3G was as shown in Table 2.

The volume of the processing chamber per room in the washing tank shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 was 260 ml, and the number of the processing chambers was 5.

In this case, the movement of the washing water was about 0.1 ml / min during non-treatment and 20 ml / min during treatment.

Table 2 shows the results of comparing the replenishment amounts of the washing water and the bleach-fix solution in the treatments 3A to 3G.

 Furthermore, the total replenishment amount is also described.

From Table 2, it can be seen that in the treatments 3C to 3G of the present invention, the replenishing amount and the washing time can be greatly reduced.

In addition, when processing 3D using the processing machine of FIG. 8b is compared with processing 3F using the processing machine of FIG. 8d, the reverse osmosis apparatus (RO)
The life of the semipermeable membrane in the processing 3F is 1.3 ~ more than the processing 3D
It was confirmed that it extended about four times.

In addition, the life of the semipermeable membrane of the RO becomes more remarkable when the same comparison as described above is performed in the forefront washing tank (the washing tank 12).

Further, in each of the bleach-fixing and washing processes, the processing time in the present invention can be shortened and the replenishment amount can be reduced. It was confirmed that the property was obtained. Further, the recovery rate of silver was the same as that of Experimental Example 1 in the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a processing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cut end view of the treatment layer in the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cut end view of the vicinity of a photosensitive material passage gate of the processing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of the air introducing means in the present invention in a crushed state. FIG. 5 is a cut end view of the evaporation-condensation separation device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the processing tank in the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 8a to 8e are schematic configuration diagrams of the processing machine in the present invention, respectively. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processor 10 ... Development tank 11 ... Bleaching and fixing tank 12, 13 ... Washing tank 70 ... Reverse osmotic pressure device 80 ... Evaporation-condensation separation device

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for wet-processing a photosensitive material after exposure, wherein at least washing water is filled in a washing tank, and a processing and transport system including the washing tank transports the photosensitive material according to a processing step. In processing, a plurality of processing chambers are formed in the rinsing tank, each processing chamber is filled with rinsing water, and a shutter member is provided between the processing chambers. There is almost no communication, the photosensitive material can pass through the shutter means during processing, and there is little flow between the processing chambers. The photosensitive material is transported between the processing chambers without contact with air, and the washing water from the washing tank is washed. 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a separating means for separating waste liquid into a diluting liquid and a concentrated liquid, wherein at least the diluting water is returned to the washing tank. 2. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said diluting liquid is returned so as to flow in a direction opposite to a conveying direction of the photosensitive material.