JP2761605B2 - Sensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a silver salt type photosensitive material such as photographic paper, photosensitive paper for direct plate making, or a film.

[Prior art]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a copying camera for directly making a printing plate for light printing, an exposed photosensitive material is treated with a static developer. Sensitive materials used in such applications are mainly made of, for example, a layer which prevents halation on the surface of a water-resistant base (paper), a silver salt emulsion layer which feels light, and gelatin in which physical development nuclei such as silver are dispersed. A hydrophilic layer is formed. The properties of the emulsion layer are changed by the irradiation of light, and the diffusion of the reduced silver to the surface layer is inhibited in the emulsion layer which has been irradiated with the light, even if a developer is applied. On the other hand, in the emulsion layer which has not been irradiated with light, the silver halide is complexed and diffuses into the surface layer, where it is physically developed to precipitate metallic silver and become sensitized. After that, if a stabilization treatment is performed and a desensitization treatment is performed, only the place where the metallic silver is deposited shows lipophilicity and the printing ink is applied, so that a printing plate is obtained. Such a photosensitive material reacts with a processing solution such as a developing solution in a very short time, so that even if the photosensitive material is stopped for a short time in the developing solution, or if the developing solution is wavy, unevenness in processing such as development may occur. Are known. Therefore, conventionally, an apparatus for performing an immersion type developing process in which a large tank is filled with a large amount of a developing solution and the photosensitive material is slowly conveyed in the developing solution so as not to be wavy has been used.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in an apparatus using immersion development, it is necessary to store a large amount of a developing solution to be used in a developing processing tank. There was a problem that it was deposited on the bottom surface and turned into sludge. Sludge is generated due to generation of swarf of the photosensitive material in a cutting step of cutting the roll-shaped photosensitive material into a predetermined size, and elution of gelatin which forms a surface layer of the photosensitive material. Sludge accumulates and sludges when left for a long period of time, and there is a problem that simply discharging the processing liquid does not flow out of the tank and requires washing the processing tank with water. If the washing is neglected, the tip of the photosensitive material carried into the processing tank hits the sludge deposited on the bottom of the processing tank, and the conveyance is hindered.
In some cases, the photosensitive material was stopped in the processing solution or the processing solution was wavy, resulting in uneven development. Furthermore, in immersion type development in which a large amount of developer is stored,
There has been a problem that it is difficult to maintain a constant developer temperature. In addition, there is a problem in that when the apparatus is started to be used, the temperature of the developer is raised to a temperature suitable for processing, that is, a so-called warm-up takes a considerable time. In order to shorten the warm-up time, a heater or the like for adjusting the temperature must have a large electric power. It is an object of the present invention to realize a light-sensitive material processing apparatus that realizes maintenance-free operation of the apparatus and facilitates management of a processing liquid temperature. The configuration of the present invention that achieves the above object will be described below.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention is a processing apparatus for processing a silver salt type photosensitive material such as photographic paper, photosensitive paper for direct plate making, or a film, wherein the processing solution for the photosensitive material is stored, A processing tank having a length in which the photosensitive material carried into the liquid is only partially immersed along the transport direction, and a processing for supplying a new processing liquid to the processing tank at least while the photosensitive material is passing therethrough. A liquid supply unit, a groove provided at the bottom of the processing tank across the width of the processing tank, and a temperature control unit disposed inside the groove and managing the temperature of the processing liquid. Is the gist. Further, in this light-sensitive material processing apparatus, the groove provided at the bottom of the processing tank may be provided with a valve for discharging the processing liquid in the processing tank when the valve is opened. It is suitable.

[Action]

The light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention having the above configuration has a processing tank for storing the processing liquid having a length such that the light-sensitive material is only partially immersed in the transport direction, and the processing liquid stored in the processing tank is The volume is small. Further, the processing liquid in the groove is warmed by temperature control means provided in the groove at the bottom of the processing tank,
The warmed processing liquid flows into the processing tank. In this way, the processing liquid in the processing tank is controlled uniformly and within a short time at a predetermined temperature, and when the photosensitive material passes through this processing tank, a new processing liquid is supplied by the processing liquid supply means.
Therefore, the light-sensitive material is sufficiently processed by a small amount of the processing solution. In addition, the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention collects sludge in the processing liquid in this groove, so that there is no problem that the sludge hinders conveyance of the light-sensitive material. If a valve is provided at the bottom of the groove, it is easy to discharge sludge settled in the groove together with the processing liquid from the valve.

【Example】

The configuration and operation of the present invention described above will be further clarified.
Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.
Will be described. FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a developing processing apparatus according to the present invention.
Schematic configuration showing the built-in slit exposure type copying camera 1
FIG. The slit exposure type copying camera 1 copies an original
This is an apparatus for producing a printing plate for light printing. First, according to FIG.
Will be described. As shown,
The lit-exposure type copying camera 1 has a projection
It incorporates an optical system and a development processing device.
Console panel 4 provided on the upper surface of the
Reciprocable in horizontal direction (left-right direction in the figure) along the surface
Document holder 10 and the sheet-shaped photosensitive material PM
The photosensitive material transport device 20 that transports to the light position and the document holder 10
Irradiates the held document with light and is reflected by the document.
Projection optical system that projects the exposed light onto the upper surface of the photosensitive material PM and exposes it
30 and develop and stabilize the exposed photosensitive material PM.
Development processing device 40 and the feeling carried out of the development processing device 40.
Drying unit 50 for drying material PM, various motors and rear
And an electronic control unit 60 that controls the drive of the solenoid valve and the like described above.
You. The console panel 4 is used to set exposure conditions and the like.
Seed setting switch, power switch, start switch, etc.
Is provided, and is operated by an operator. Con
Each switch on the sole panel 4 is connected to the electronic control unit 60
Have been. The document holder 10 is a platen made of a transparent glass plate.
11 and an openable / closable document cover 12.
It is held downward between the platen 11 and the document cover 12. This
The original holder 10 is driven by a motor 13 provided in the housing 2.
Not shown, such as sprockets, chains, belts, etc.
Reciprocatingly driven in the horizontal direction via a dynamic system, and irradiation for exposure
The original is conveyed to the light source. The photosensitive material transport device 20 includes a first photosensitive material roll 21 and a second photosensitive material.
Sending out the photosensitive material from the first photosensitive material roll 21 in addition to the roll 22
Special roller pair 23, photosensitive material feed from second photosensitive material roll 22
Roller pair 24 for feeding and photosensitive material from each photosensitive material roll
With two roller pairs 25 and 26 commonly used for
From one of the photosensitive material rolls 21 and 22 as necessary
Sends out the sheet of photosensitive material PM. In this embodiment, the photosensitive material PM and
Silver Master (Product name: Mitsubishi Paper Mills, Ltd.)
SLM-R2) was used, but silver salt-based photosensitive paper for plate making
Then, Super Master (Product name: Agfagebar
And SPP (manufactured by Toshiba Corporation) can also be used. FIG. 2 shows that the photosensitive material PM is composed of three sets from the first photosensitive material roll 21.
Roller pairs 23, 25, 26
It shows a state in which Using the photosensitive material PM of the second photosensitive material roll 22
The roller pair 24 and 2 instead of the roller pair 23
The photosensitive material PM is transferred to the second photosensitive material row by the set of roller pairs 25 and 26.
Conveyed from the file 22. The first photosensitive material roll 21 or the second photosensitive material roll 22
Of the photosensitive material PM from the
It is performed in synchronization with the movement. The photosensitive material PM thus transported is composed of two roller pairs 25 and 26.
Exposure is performed at the exposure position set between
The cutting device 27 provided on the back side of the photosensitive material PM
And cut to the dimensions set from the console panel 4.
You. The projection optical system 30 for exposing the photosensitive material PM
Light for irradiating light across the width of the held document
Source 31 and three mirrors 32 for reflecting the reflected light LB from the original
a mirror group 32 composed of a, 32b, and 32c and a photosensitive material PM at an exposure position
Projection lens 33 that forms an image of the original on the surface, and upper surface of photosensitive material PM
And a slit 34 for limiting the width of the reflected light LB projected on the
I can. A projection lens 33 and a mirror 32b constituting a mirror group 32,
32c is a mirror support plate 36 mounted on a tilt base 35.
And the lens support 37, respectively.
The projection magnification in the projection optical system 30 is set to a value of 1.
You. The mirror support plate 36 and the lens support 37
Is positioned on the tilt table 35 during alignment of the projection magnification.
Position is adjusted, and after alignment is complete,
It is. Light emitted from the light source 31 toward the original is reflected by the lower surface of the original.
The reflected light LB is sequentially reflected by each mirror of the mirror group 32.
After passing through the projection lens 33 and the slit 34,
An image is formed on the photosensitive surface of PM. Therefore, the feeling of being conveyed
On the photosensitive surface of the material PM, there is a slit-shaped image
Is projected. The photosensitive material PM is transported horizontally on the original holder 10.
The document holder 10 in the horizontal direction.
When the movement is completed, exposure of the entire document is completed. The photosensitive material PM is uniformly exposed to the lower side of the roller pair 26.
A plurality of LEDs 38 are provided on the line to
By driving the LED 38 and irradiating the photosensitive material PM,
Unable to expose with reflected light LB from original when exposing with small size
The peripheral part of the photosensitive material PM is skipped as an image forming unnecessary part.
You. Thereafter, the photosensitive material PM is cut by the cutting device 27. The development processing device 40 is installed below the projection optical system 30.
The photosensitive material PM introduced through the introduction roller 41
A development process and a stabilization process are performed. This present
The image processing device 40 is a developer main tank for storing the developer.
42 and stabilizer main tank 43 for storing stabilizer
Possible, rollers and other components are driven together by a motor (not shown)
And is housed in the housing 2
Have been. The details of the configuration of the development processing device 40 will be described later.
Will be described. Along the path of the photosensitive material PM, a dry
A drying unit 50 is provided. This drying unit 50
Applies tension to the photosensitive material PM processed by the development processing device 40.
Pairs of rollers 51 and 52 for conveying while moving,
And a transfer tray 53 provided between the transfer trays 53.
Sensitive material provided at a position facing the photosensitive material PM across the transport path
The drying heater 54 and the fan 55 and the outside of the housing 2 are installed.
An external tray 56 for storing the attached and dried photosensitive material PM
Prepare. Accordingly, the exposed photosensitive material PM is transferred to the developing device 40.
After the development and stabilization process, the photosensitive material is dried by the heater 54 for drying the photosensitive material.
It is dried and sent to an external tray 56 outside the housing 2. like this
Then, a printing plate for offset printing is manufactured from the original. Next, a development process for developing and stabilizing the photosensitive material PM
The device 40 will be described. In the description of the development processing device 40,
In addition to FIG. 1 showing the schematic configuration, perspective views (FIGS.
Figures) and cross-sectional views (Fig. 5) are used as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, this development processing device 40
The exposed photosensitive material PM introduced from the
Developing unit 70 that develops using developer in tank 42 and stable
Developed using the stabilizer in the main tank 43
The material PM is subjected to a stabilization process, and this is rolled in the drying unit 50.
Stabilization processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “stabilization unit”) 72 sent out to pair 51
And The developing unit 70 includes a developer mainter as a developer supply system.
In addition to the ink tank 42, this developer main tank 42 is attached and detached.
Receiving the developer from the in-tank 42 and keeping the liquid level constant
The liquid level control cylinder 74 and the liquid level control cylinder 74
A developer system tank 78 into which the image solution flows, and a developer system tank 78.
Opens and closes the conduit 79 for the developer outflow from the stern tank 78
Inflow solenoid valve 80 and developer nozzle for discharging developer
82 and. The developer nozzle 82 has an orifice
(See Fig. 5).
Of developer from the tip of the developer nozzle 82 during the valve opening period
The output is restricted. Developer solution from the tip of developer nozzle 82
Depends on the pressure applied to the orifice, that is, the liquid level.
It depends on the height of the liquid level in the control cylinder 74 and the diameter of the orifice.
Is determined. In this embodiment, the liquid level is kept constant.
Therefore, when the inflow solenoid valve 80 is opened, the flow rate of the developer is
Be kept constant. The developer cistern tank 78 has a liquid inflow chamber
A partition plate 84, which is divided into a liquid storage chamber 78b and a liquid storage chamber 78b,
It stands upright from the bottom, and a conduit 76 opens in the liquid inflow chamber 78a.
Has been spoken. On the other hand, on the bottom of the liquid
According to the amount of liquid in the tank and the heater 86
A developer cistern tank 78 having a float 87 that moves up and down
And a float sensor 88 for detecting the amount of liquid in the
You. It is also connected to the bottom of the developer system tank 78.
At the entrance of the duct 79, dust is removed from the developing solution flowing out.
A mesh filter 90 to be removed is provided. Therefore, from the developer main tank 42 through the conduit 76
The flowing cold developer first flows into the liquid inflow chamber 78a.
It flows over the upper end of the partition plate 84 and into the upper part of the liquid retaining chamber 78b. Stagnation
The developer in the reservoir 78b is heated by the heater 86. He
The temperature of the developer by the heater 86 is sent to an electronic control unit 60 described later.
The temperature is controlled at a predetermined temperature. Thus, the temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature.
When the inflow solenoid valve 80 is opened, the developer retained is developed.
It flows out of the liquid nozzle 82. Next, a developing tank 96 where the development of the photosensitive material PM is actually performed is performed.
The outline configuration of the surroundings and the outline of the operation will be described. Present
Below the introduction roller 41 for introducing the photosensitive material PM into the image section 70,
Fig. 5 Entrance row that rotates in the direction of arrow X and sends photosensitive material PM
La pair 92 is provided, and further below it,
Guides the photosensitive material PM in contact with the material PM and transfers it to the photosensitive material PM during transport.
A so-called waist-free roller 94 is provided. The developing tank 96 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is shown in FIG.
The width of the photosensitive material PM has a width corresponding to
Form 95. The developing tank 96 contains a developing process.
A little distance from the bottom of the developing tank 96 over the width of the tank 96
The developer supply roller 98 is disposed at a position where the separation is left.
You. Therefore, the developer is stored in the storage section 95 of the development processing tank 96.
Then, the lower part of the developer supply roller 98 is partially immersed in the developer.
Pickle. The surface of the developer supply roller 98 is made of a spongy material
And the bubbles that make up the sponge are individually
It is an independent bubble (single bubble). Developer supply
As shown in FIG. 4, the roller 98
The image liquid is temporarily stored between the developing liquid supply roller 98 and the developing liquid supply roller 98.
An image liquid temporary storage unit 100 is assembled. The bottom of the developing tank 96 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG.
Developed by a plurality of communication lights 102 opened at the bottom of the bath 96
The liquid can flow in. Inside the bottom sump chamber 101
Has two bar heaters 103 for heating the developer.
You. At the center bottom of the bottom reservoir 101, open and close the pipeline
It communicates with the bottom reservoir 101 via the discharge solenoid valve 104.
Developer that discharges used developer to waste liquid receiving tray 106
A discharge pipe 108 is provided continuously. On the unloading side of the photosensitive material PM in the developing tank 96,
The guide plate 110 is arranged with a predetermined elevation angle α.
You. Guide plate 110 reduces the contact area with photosensitive material PM
(See Fig. 3).
Of the developed photosensitive material PM toward the squeezing roller pair 109 in the fixed section 72
Form an entry path. The lower surface of the guide plate 110 has a self-temperature
A heating planar heater 112 having an adjustment function is attached.
I have. As shown in FIG. 3, the planar heater 112
The mounting bracket 113 provided on the treatment tank 96 side and other metal
Tool, it is integrally fixed to the guide plate 110. The detailed configuration of the developing tank 96 will be described. Development
As shown in FIG. 3, the storage section 95 of the treatment tank 96 has a curved periphery.
On both sides of the face plate 120, a substantially half-moon shaped side plate 122 (in the figure,
(The side plate on the left side is omitted)
It is formed by fixing. Guide plate 1 for peripheral plate 120
At the approximate center of the 10 side, a through hole 126 penetrating the peripheral plate 120
Is provided. The developer is supplied from the developer nozzle 82.
When the amount of liquid in the storage section 95 increases due to the
Outflow from 126. Therefore, the developer level in the reservoir 95 is
Is held at the height of the through hole 126. The discharge solenoid valve 104 immediately below the developing tank 96 has a
As shown in FIG. 1, a drip-proof cover 114 is provided,
Prevents developer from dropping from bath 96 or guide plate 110
doing. The temporary developer storage 100 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
As shown in detail, both ends of the developer supply roller 98 are
Two end face plates 134 that contact the roller while allowing rotation of the roller,
The end plate 134 is fixed at both ends.
And a support plate 136. Also, the upper plate constituting the support plate 136
At the position corresponding to the center of 136a, the tip of the developer nozzle 82,
A liquid passage hole 138 is provided, while a spine constituting a support plate 136 is provided.
The plate 136b is urged toward the developer supply roller 98,
Stainless steel leaf spring 140 that abuts the outer periphery of the roller 98
Is provided. Immediately below the liquid passage hole 138, start from the center of the front end of the upper plate 136a.
The liquid receiving plate 142 is connected to the leaf spring 140.
A slight gap is provided between the tip of the liquid receiving plate 142 and the leaf spring 140.
Is provided. The developer supply roller 98 and both end faces
The end face plate 134 in contact and the plate in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 98
The portion surrounded by the spring 140 is covered with the developer supply roller 98.
In the part of, together with the fact that it rotates upward,
Temporarily store the developer dropped from the developer nozzle 82
be able to. This part is called a liquid pool part 143. The liquid receiving plate 142 is used to supply the developing solution to the developing solution supply roller 98.
Plays the role of efficiently spreading in the axial direction of the
Even if the plate 142 is not provided, the developer temporarily collects in the liquid reservoir 143.
The developer supply roller 98 spreads in the axial direction.
Not really. The developer dropped from the developer nozzle 82 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid receiving plate 1
42, formed between both ends of the liquid receiving plate 142 and the leaf spring 140
Flow down along the surface of the leaf spring 140 from the slight gap
You. In other words, the developing solution supply roller 98 spreads along the axial direction.
It reaches the liquid pool part 143 while falling, and is temporarily stored here.
It is. Some of the developer stored in the liquid reservoir 143 is
Individual bubbles in the single bubble layer on the surface of the image supply roller 98
And the developer supply roller 98 in the direction of arrow Y in FIG.
Pumped out with the rotation of. The lower portion of the developer supply roller 98 is stored in a developing tank 96.
Since it is immersed in the retained developer,
The discharged new developing solution is caused by the rotation of the roller 98.
It is supplied into the developer already stored. New development
The liquid diffuses to the photosensitive material carry-in side in the developing tank 96.
And When the developer is supplied, the amount of the developer in the reservoir 95 increases.
When the developer is added, the amount
Of the amount excluding the amount of developer lost when the material PM is unloaded
The liquid (old developer) flows to the outside through the through hole 126 of the peripheral plate 120.
Then, the amount of the developer in the developing tank 96 is balanced. The developer also flows into the bottom liquid storage chamber 101,
It is heated by two built-in rod heaters 103
You. The heated developer is supplied to the reservoir 95 through the communication hole 102.
Convection between and. Energization of the rod-shaped heater 103 is a temperature detector
Feedback control based on the current liquid temperature detected
The developer in the processing tank 96 is extremely low.
The temperature is raised in a short time and maintained at a predetermined temperature. When the photosensitive material PM passes through the developer reservoir 95 of the developing tank 96,
For example, sludge is mixed into the developer with the development of the photosensitive material PM.
Enter. Such sludge is supplied from the storage section 95 to the communication hole 102.
And settles down in the bottom liquid storage chamber 101. Bottom liquid storage chamber 101
Sludge accumulated in the tank is opened by the discharge solenoid valve 104
And the waste liquid together with the developer through the developer discharge pipe 108
The sheet is discharged to the tray 106. Next, conveyance of the photosensitive material PM will be described. Entrance roller pair
The exposed photosensitive material PM sent by 92 is
While entering the storage section 95 while being guided by the
It passes through the inside of the storage part 95 along the inner peripheral surface of 0. Inside storage unit 95
Reacts with the developer stored in the
Processing is started. The developer supply roller 98 and the peripheral plate 120
After passing through the storage section 95 after passing through the gap of
A diaphragm provided at the entrance of the stabilizer 72 along the upper surface of the plate 110
Is sent out to the roller pair 109. On guide plate 110
The atmosphere is provided by a planar heater 112 having a temperature control function.
Since the temperature is near the specified temperature by heating, the guide
While being transported on the plate 110, it adheres to the surface of the photosensitive material PM.
The developing process of the photosensitive material PM is continued by the developing solution. Sensitive material
The developer adhering to the surface of the PM is sent to the squeeze roller pair 109.
More squeezed and removed. Next, the stabilizing part, which is a stabilizing system
72 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In addition, above
It has the same members or the same functions as the developing unit 70 described above.
The description of the members is omitted, and the developing unit 70
Auxiliary code A is added to the code (numerical value) used in the description.
I will decide. The stabilizing section 72 serves as a stabilizing agent supply system.
Stabilizer main tank 43
Liquid level control cylinder 74A to which the stabilizer main tank 43 is attached and detached,
Stabilizer cistern tank 7 with partition plate 84A standing inside
8A, liquid level control cylinder 74A and stabilizer cistern tank 78A
Stabilization with conductive tube 76A and inflow solenoid valve 80A
It has an agent nozzle 82A and the like. Stabilizer cistern tank 78A
In the same manner as the developer cistern tank 78, the float 87
A with float sensor 88A and mesh filter 90A
Has been obtained. Inlet solenoid valve 80A and stabilizer nozzle 82A
Stabilizer from the cistern tank 78A
When flowing out, the stabilizer flows in from the conduit 76A
I do. With respect to the other components of the stabilizer 72,
This will be briefly described. At the upper end of the guide plate 110 of the developing section 70
The photosensitive material PM that has passed through the arranged squeezing roller pair 109 becomes the photosensitive material P
The guide cover 144 and the
Guided by the lead roller 146, transported to the stabilization tank 96A
Is entered. At the entrance of the stabilization tank 96A,
A free roller 94A for providing a loose waist is provided. Cheap
The stabilization tank 96A, which forms the storage area 95A for the stabilizing agent,
As with the image processing tank 96, a sponge-type stabilizer supply roller 98 is provided.
A and the stabilizing agent supply roller 98A.
A temporary storage section 100A for forming the stabilizer 134A is provided.
Supply the stabilizer to the loading side of the photosensitive material PM in the storage section 95A.
You. On the other hand, at the bottom of the stabilization tank 96A,
Similarly, a bottom liquid storage chamber 101A is provided. Drip-proof cover
Used when the discharge solenoid valve 104A with 114A is opened
Of the bottom liquid via the stabilizer discharge pipe 108A.
The liquid is discharged from the storage chamber 101A to the waste liquid receiving tray 106A. In addition,
Stabilizers do not require temperature control, so the bottom
No heater is provided in liquid storage chamber 101A. Downstream of stabilization tank 96A along photosensitive material PM transport path
Is the guide plate 11 that forms the entry path of the stabilized photosensitive material PM.
0A is arranged to be inclined upward from the stabilization tank 96A.
And the upper end of the guide plate 110A
Rotating the stabilized photosensitive material PM into a drying unit 50 (see Fig. 2)
Extra) from the surface of the photosensitive material while transporting it toward the roller pair 51
Squeezing roller pair 109A for squeezing the various stabilizers
You. The stabilizer supply roller 98A and each squeezing roller
The pair 109 and 109A are common to each roller of the developing tank 96 described above.
, And are rotated synchronously. Rotation in the direction of arrow Z in FIG.
While transporting the photosensitive material PM, excess developer and
Squeezing roller pairs 109 and 109A for squeezing and stabilizing
The plane passing through the center of each roller is
The plane passing through the center is opposite to the vertical plane passing through the center of the roller.
It is provided clockwise inclined by an angle β. Follow
The photosensitive material PM is sandwiched between the squeezing roller pair 109 and 109A.
And the transport direction of the photosensitive material PM at the squeeze roller pair 109 and 109A
Becomes downward by an angle corresponding to the angle β. This result
As a result, the squeezed developer or stabilizer passes through the photosensitive material PM
The inside stays between the photosensitive material PM and the pair of squeezing rollers 109 and 109A,
It does not hang down on the side of the material PM. Development while staying at each squeezing roller pair 109,109A during transport of photosensitive material PM
After cutting the photosensitive material PM, the end surface of the liquid or stabilizer
At the same time as passing through
Along the lower roller surface of the pair 109,109A
Right squeeze liquid collecting plate 15 disposed below roller pair 109, 109A.
2 or drop on the left squeeze liquid collecting plate 154,
Flows into 106A. Also, each squeeze roller pair 109, 109A
The two scrapers 150 each have a leaf spring at the tip.
Is provided at the position where it contacts the roller.
Sludge and waste liquid scraped off can also be collected on the right
152 and the left squeeze liquid collecting plate 154,
Collected by Ray 106A. Each of the developing unit 70 and the stabilizing unit 72
The waste liquid receiving trays 106 and 106A are
A tube 158 is provided and collected in each tray 106, 106A.
The waste liquid finally reaches the waste liquid tank 156 via the pipe 158.
Collected. In the stabilizing section 72 configured as described above, the developing section 70
The developed photosensitive material PM is sent to the squeeze roller pair 109.
The remaining developer is squeezed out, and the free roller 94A
It is carried into the storage part 95A while being guided by the like. Sensitive material P
The stabilization process starts when M enters the stabilizer in the storage section 95A
After passing through the storage section 95A, it is placed on the upper surface of the guide plate 110A.
The stabilization process proceeds during the transfer. Aperture low
Extra stabilization from the top of the photosensitive material PM when passing through the pair 109A
After the agent is squeezed out, the photosensitive material PM is then removed by the roller pair 51.
And transported to the drying unit 50. Next, temperature control in the developer cistern tank 78 etc.
Control device that controls the drive of the developer and developer supply roller 98, etc.
The device 60 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
You. As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic control unit 60 includes a well-known CPU 1
Built-in 62, ROM164, RAM166 and multiple self-running timer counters
As an arithmetic and logic operation circuit with the timer 168 etc.
Connected to each other via a common bus 170.
Exposure output port 172, development input port 174, development output
An input / output interface such as a power port 176 is provided. Ma
The common reservoir 170 of the electronic control unit 60 has a bottom reservoir.
The developer and the developer system in the reservoir 95 communicating with the chamber 101
Temperature adjustment for adjusting the temperature of the developer in the turn tank 78
A circuit 178 and a console for the operator to make various settings
To the control panel 4. The exposure output port 172 has a drive
A motor 13; a cutting device 27 for cutting the photosensitive material PM;
A light source 31 for irradiating the document in the document holder 10 with light;
From the first photosensitive material roll 21 or the second photosensitive material roll 22 to the photosensitive material PM
Motor 28 for sending out the light, and uniformly exposing the photosensitive material PM
LED38 for drying and drying to dry the stabilized photosensitive material
The unit 50 is connected. On the other hand, the developer input port 174
Float sensor 88 and stabilizer cistern in tank 78
Is connected to the float sensor 88A in the
Each roller of the processing unit 44 is connected to the image output port 176.
Drive motor 180, which is driven synchronously, and developer nozzle 82
The inflow solenoid valve 80 and the stabilizer nozzle 82A
The inflow solenoid valve 80A and the developer discharge pipe 108
Installed in the discharged electromagnetic valve 104 and the stabilizer discharge pipe 108A.
The discharged electromagnetic valve 104A and the atmosphere near the guide plate 110.
The sheet heater 112 for heating to a certain temperature
Has been continued. The temperature adjusting circuit 178 includes a developing solution cistern tank.
The temperature of the heater 86 and the tank
A temperature sensor 85 to be detected, and a temperature sensor 85
Two rod-shaped heaters 103 and the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 101.
A temperature sensor 103a for detecting a temperature is connected. this
The temperature adjustment circuit 178 is provided for storing the developer and the developer in the reservoir 95.
Set the temperature of the developer in the
Control the heating of each of the above heaters to maintain the temperature range.
Signal indicating whether or not is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.
Output to CPU162. Next, of the processes executed by the electronic control unit 60, the present invention
For the part directly related to
explain. FIG. 7 shows the initial processing routine executed when the power is turned on.
8 is a flow chart showing the routine.
Standby and development processing
It is a flowchart which shows a routine. The power is turned on to the slit exposure type copying camera of this embodiment.
Then, the electronic control unit 60 first performs the initial processing shown in FIG.
Execute the routine. This process is a slit exposure type copy
This is a process that is executed only once at the start of using the camera. When this routine is started, first, the discharge solenoid valves 104, 10
4A is opened (Step S10), and development is performed.
Tank 96 and stabilization tank 96A (hereinafter, if necessary,
Developer also remains in the processing tank 96).
Or a stabilizing agent (hereinafter collectively treated as necessary)
Drainage time is sufficient for all of the
Only wait (step S20). Stored in processing tank 96
Since the amount of processing solution is fixed, set the discharge time in advance.
It is easy to keep. After waiting for a predetermined discharge time, the discharge solenoid valves 104 and 104A are turned on.
After closing (Step S30), then the inflow solenoid valves 80, 80A
Is opened (step S40) and further developed.
Start operation of drive motor 180 via output port 176
Processing is performed (step S50). Inlet solenoid valve 80, 80A
When the valve is opened, the developer cistern tank 78 and the stabilizer
Processing liquid from the cistern tank 78A, developer nozzle 82, stable
Begins to flow out through the dispensing agent nozzle 82A,
Of the developer supply roller 98 and the stabilizer supply roller 98A
Accordingly, the processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank 96. Since the processing liquid is gradually stored in the processing tank 96,
Wait for the set storage time (time required for storage)
From (Step S60), close the inflow solenoid valves 80 and 80A
Processing (step S70), stop the drive motor 180, and
(Step S80).
As a result, each processing tank 96 is required for development and stabilization processing.
The processing liquid is stored. After the storage of the processing liquid is completed, the developer temperature is adjusted.
A start instruction is output to the temperature adjustment circuit 178 (step S9
0). Upon receiving this instruction, the temperature adjustment circuit 178
Calculates the detection signals of 85 and 103a while energizing the heaters 86 and 103
The developer solution tank 78 and the developing tank 96
Control the temperature of the developer within the range of about 28 ° C to 31 ° C.
You. The temperature adjusting circuit 178 heats the developing solution and
When controlled within the box, a signal indicating that temperature adjustment has been completed
Is output to the CPU 162. Therefore, this adjustment completion signal is input
(Step S100) until this signal is input.
Is warmed up on the console panel 4
Is displayed (step S110), and initial processing is performed.
Assuming that all the processes have been completed, the process proceeds to the next standby process. The opening and closing of each solenoid valve and the warm-up signal
The timing of the output and the like are shown in FIG. This initial processing
By executing, the current state of the slit exposure type copying camera 1 is
The image processing device 40 remains in the development processing tank 96 and the stabilization processing tank 96A.
Processing solution (developing solution and stabilizer) that has been
Together with a new processing solution and a developing solution
Is adjusted to an appropriate temperature required for processing. In the standby / development process executed after the end of the initial process,
First, as shown in FIG.
Key input for setting (step S200)
Various settings, such as the size of the original and the exposure
Are set (step S210). Next,
Image solution cistern tank 78 and stabilizer cisterntan
Read the status of each float sensor 88, 88A of the
Step S220), whether or not the float sensors 88 and 88A are on
Is determined (step S230). Float sensor 8
8,88A is off, that is, the developer cistern tank 78 or
If the liquid level in the stabilizer cistern tank 78A is low
Replenish the developer or stabilizer main tanks 42 and 43
Display on the console panel 4
(Step S235), and repeats the above-described processing from Step 200.
repeat. On the other hand, if the float sensors 88 and 88A are both on (the
Step 230) Next, determine whether the temperature of the developer is appropriate
(Step S240) and, if appropriate, the console
Start key on the control panel 4
It is determined whether the switch is turned on (step S250). developing
The temperature of the liquid is adjusted by a temperature adjustment circuit 178,
If the initial processing (Fig. 7) is completed, the temperature should be appropriate
However, the temperature of the liquid drops due to the failure of the heaters 86 and 103.
I'm checking again here
It is. Incorrect temperature or start key turned on
If not, repeat the processing from step 200 described above.
You. If the start key is pressed and turned on, the exposure
・ After executing development processing (step S260), change to “END”
Exit and end this routine. Here, exposure and development processing
Means the transport of the original holder 10 on which the original is placed, and the projection optical system.
Synchronized with exposure of photosensitive material PM by 30 and conveyance of original holder 10
Delivery of photosensitive material PM, development and stability in development processing unit 40
Processing, cutting of photosensitive material PM by cutting device 27, sheet heater 11
2 and processing such as drying of the photosensitive material PM by the drying unit 50.
You. The photosensitive material PM exposed by the projection optical system 30 is developed.
Developed while passing through the control tank 96, and stabilization processing tank
Stabilized while passing through 96A, then dried,
As a printing plate for offset printing on the external tray 56 outside the body 2
Will be sent out. As described above, the slit exposure type copying camera 1
The built-in development processing apparatus 40 of the present embodiment transports the photosensitive material PM.
During transport, a new developing solution is supplied to the developing tank 96,
Development processing continues even after photosensitive material PM is unloaded from development tank 96
I do. Therefore, storing only a small amount of developing solution can reduce the sensitivity of photosensitive material PM.
Development became possible. In addition, a large amount of developer can be
It is not necessary to store it in the developing tank 96
A bottom liquid storage chamber 101 is provided at the bottom,
The developer settles in the bottom liquid storage chamber 101, so the developing tank 9
Sludge sticks to the bottom of the storage part 95 of 6 and becomes sludge.
And not. Therefore, the tip of the photosensitive material PM
The smooth conveyance is not impeded.
No. Therefore, there is no problem of uneven development of the photosensitive material PM.
No. Further, in the present embodiment, a small amount stored in the developing tank 96 is used.
Of the developer is supplied by a rod-shaped heater 103 in the bottom liquid reservoir 101.
The heated developer is warmed by convection. Obedience
Therefore, is the developer in the storage section 95 to which the photosensitive material PM is transported easy?
In a short time, it is uniformly heated to a predetermined temperature. As a result,
Warm up until the developer is adjusted to a processable temperature.
The problem of the time loss of the power supply has been solved, and
Have been. In this embodiment, a slit exposure type copying camera is used.
At the start of use, from development processing tank 96 and stabilization processing tank 96A
Stored in each processing tank 96, 96A via the bottom liquid storage chamber 101, 101A
The discharged developer and stabilizer are discharged. Follow
The sludge in the used processing solution is easy to use together with the processing solution.
Is discharged. As a result, the treatment tank 96 requires particularly washing with water.
Maintenance-free equipment without the need
It became. In addition, in the present embodiment, the discharge from the developer nozzle 82 is
Spread the developer along the axis of developer supply roller 98
In other words, the liquid reservoir 143 is uniformly distributed over the width direction of the photosensitive material PM.
To a single bubble layer on the surface of the developer supply roller 98.
The developer (new developer) held in each bubble
Supply to the storage unit 95 based on the rotation of the developer supply roller 98
Therefore, the surface of the developer in the storage section 95 may be disturbed by ripples or the like.
Will not occur. As a result, the turbulence (wave) of the developer liquid level
Unevenness on the surface of the photosensitive material
(Irregular uneven streaks). The stabilization tank 96A is also provided with a heater for heating.
The configuration is the same except that it is not
Process efficiency and stabilization to improve processing quality.
Of course, the above-mentioned effect is achieved. The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
The stabilizer used is a drug that needs to maintain the liquid temperature due to its nature.
If it is a stabilization process, a heater for heating is provided.
Or silver halide photographic paper or plate making film
A range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention, such as application to a developing device.
Of course, it can be implemented in various modes.
You.

【The invention's effect】

As described in detail above, according to the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, since a small amount of processing liquid is stored in the processing tank for processing the light-sensitive material and a groove is provided at the bottom of the processing tank,
Sludge in the processing solution does not adhere to the bottom of the processing tank and does not sludge. Therefore, the fixed sludge does not hinder the transport of the photosensitive material and does not adversely affect the processing of the photosensitive material.
Moreover, there is an excellent effect that the maintenance required for the conventional apparatus can be remarkably reduced by eliminating the need for the maintenance of the processing tank. Further, the temperature of the processing liquid stored in a small amount is controlled by the temperature control means provided in the groove, so that the temperature of the processing liquid can be easily and uniformly controlled in a short time. Further, if the used processing liquid is discharged through a valve provided at the bottom of the groove, the discharge of sludge can be further facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a development processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a slit exposure type copying camera 1 incorporating the development processing apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a tank 96, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement of a developer supply roller 98 and a developer temporary storage unit 100 in the developing tank 96. FIG. 6 is a block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the electronic control unit 60. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an initial processing routine executed by the electronic control unit 60, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a standby / developing processing routine, and FIG. 9 is a timing showing the timing of opening / closing of each solenoid valve in the initial processing. Chart. 1 Slit exposure type copying camera 10 Document holder 20 Sensitive material transport device 21,22 Sensitive material roll 30 Projection optical system 40 Development processing device 50 Drying unit 60 Electronic control device 95, 95A Storage section 96 Development processing tank 96A Stabilization processing tank 98 Developer supply roller 98A Stabilizer supply roller 100 Temporary developer storage section 100A Stable Agent temporary storage section 101 Bottom liquid storage chamber 101A Bottom liquid storage chamber 102 Communication hole 103 Bar heater 143, 143A Liquid storage section PM Sensitive material

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-77061 (JP, A) JP-A-63-132238 (JP, A) Jikken Sho 31-9954 (JP, Y1) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03D 3/00-5/06

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A processing apparatus for processing a silver salt type photosensitive material such as a photographic paper, a photosensitive paper for direct plate making or a film, wherein the processing solution for the photosensitive material is stored and carried into the processing solution. A processing tank having a length in which the photosensitive material to be immersed only partially along the transport direction; and a processing liquid supply unit for supplying a new processing liquid to the processing tank at least while the photosensitive material is passing therethrough. A light-sensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a groove provided in a bottom portion of the processing tank in a width direction of the processing tank; and a temperature control unit disposed inside the groove and managing a temperature of the processing liquid. 2. A light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a valve provided in a groove provided at a bottom of the processing tank to discharge a processing liquid in the processing tank when the valve is opened. .