JP3437329B2 - Photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus, and more particularly to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material by sequentially passing it through a plurality of processing tanks.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as a processor, in order to form a gradient in the liquid composition or concentration of a processing liquid in each processing chamber, for example, in the case of a washing tank, the most downstream tank is provided. It has a cascade mechanism to supply fresh replenisher (wash water) and to flow the replenisher in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the photosensitive material. A method of providing a blade to be inserted through the blade to allow the liquid to flow through the blade due to the difference in water pressure (as one example, JP-A-4-242253, JP-A-5-27402, JP-A-5-127340, and JP-A-5-27340). -273720 gazette) etc., the replenisher is supplied.

[0003]

However, in the method of supplying the replenishing liquid by overflow, it takes time until the liquid overflows from the processing tank, and therefore the time until the liquid is supplied to the most upstream processing tank is increased. become longer.

On the other hand, in the method of supplying the replenishing liquid in which the liquid is circulated through the blade, the water pressure in each tank is not always constant, so that the liquid in the upstream processing tank may be mixed in the downstream processing tank. is there.

In order to cope with this, a method has been proposed in which a liquid supply means having a liquid level sensor, a pump and the like is provided in each processing tank to forcibly make the liquid level in each processing tank constant. It is complicated and there are economic difficulties.

In view of the above facts, the present invention provides a photosensitive material processing apparatus which ensures the flow of a replenisher required at any time and maintains a good composition of the processing solution, and which is excellent in economic efficiency. That is the purpose.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of processing tanks each containing a processing solution, and a conveying means for sequentially passing a photosensitive material to the plurality of processing tanks. A photosensitive material processing device provided, which is connected to a processing tank,
A first distribution path having a pump for circulating the processing liquid stored therein, a processing tank located downstream of the first distribution path and the processing tank connected to the first distribution path in the transport direction of the photosensitive material. And a control means for controlling the inflow of the processing liquid flowing into the first distribution path via the second distribution path.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to the first aspect, a passage having a blade that allows passage of the light-sensitive material and substantially blocks the flow of the processing liquid is provided between the processing tanks. It is characterized in that the provided and conveyed means conveys the photosensitive material to the adjacent processing tank via the passage.

The invention described in claim 3 is the same as claim 1
Alternatively, in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect, a replenishing means for replenishing the processing liquid in the most downstream processing tank is provided, and the control means operates in conjunction with the replenishing means.

[0010]

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention, the photosensitive material is carried by the carrying means, the photosensitive material sequentially passes through the plurality of processing tanks, and the predetermined processing is performed by the processing liquid in each processing tank. .

Further, the processing liquid in each processing tank is sucked from one end of the first flow path by the operation of the pump and discharged from the other end of the circulation path, whereby the processing liquid in the tank circulates in the tank, The composition of the treatment liquid in the tank is made uniform.

On the other hand, when the processing solution in the processing tank deteriorates or runs short, and when the processing solution is replenished with fresh processing solution, the fresh processing solution is fed to the processing tank on the most downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material. To replenish. At this time, the control means causes the processing liquid in the processing tank on the downstream side in the transport direction to flow into the circulation path connected to the processing tank on the upstream side.

When a fresh processing solution is supplied to the processing tank on the most downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material, the fresh processing solution is sequentially passed through the second distribution path and the first distribution path to the upstream processing tank. Will be supplied to.

The replenished fresh processing liquid is forcibly supplied to the processing tank on the upstream side by the pump, so that it is quickly supplied to the most upstream processing tank.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect,
The photosensitive material is conveyed to a processing tank on the downstream side through a passage provided with a blade. When the photosensitive material is conveyed to the next processing tank, the photosensitive material is not pulled out into the air and the processing is not interrupted, so that the processing can be efficiently performed in a short time.

Further, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the third aspect, when the processing solution is replenished to the processing tank on the most downstream side by the replenishing means, the control means operates in tandem to operate the processing tank on the downstream side in the transport direction. The processing liquid is caused to flow into a circulation path connected to the processing tank on the upstream side.

When the replenishment of the processing liquid by the replenishing means is stopped, the control means stops the processing liquid in the processing tank on the downstream side in the conveying direction from flowing into the circulation path connected to the upstream processing tank. .

[0018]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a development processing section 1 of an automatic development device 10.
2 is shown. The development processing section 12 includes a photosensitive material 14
Of the developing tank 1 in order from the upstream side (the arrow A direction side) in the transport direction of
6, a fixing tank 18, a first water washing tank 20, a second water washing tank 22, a third water washing tank 24, and a fourth water washing tank 26 are horizontally provided. A predetermined amount of the developer is stored in the developing tank 16 and a predetermined amount of the fixer is stored in the fixing tank 18. Further, in the first water washing tank 20, the second water washing tank 22, the third water washing tank 24, and the fourth water washing tank 26, a predetermined amount of washing water as a treatment liquid is stored.
The photosensitive material 14 of this embodiment is a silver halide photosensitive material for photography.

Inside the developing tank 16 and the fixing tank 18, there is provided a conveying device 28 including a plurality of rollers for conveying the photosensitive material 14 in a substantially U-shape in the tank.

Above the developing tank 16, a nipping roller 30 that conveys the photosensitive material 14 into the developing tank 16 and a nipping roller 3 that conveys the developed photosensitive material 14 to the fixing tank 18 side.
Two are provided.

Above the fixing tank 18, the developing tank 16 is provided.
A nipping roller 34 that conveys the photosensitive material 14 conveyed from the side into the fixing tank 18 and a nipping roller 36 that conveys the photosensitive material 14 subjected to the fixing treatment to the first washing tank 20 side are provided.

On the other hand, above the first water washing tank 20, there is provided a nipping roller 38 which conveys the fixed photosensitive material 14 into the first water washing tank 20.

A partition 40 between the first and second washing tanks 20 and 22, a partition 42 between the second and third washing tanks 22 and 24, a third and fourth washing tanks 24 and 26, respectively. Slit-shaped passages 46 that allow the passage of the photosensitive material 14 are provided in the partition wall 44 between and.

A blade 48 is attached to each passage 46. The blade 48 is composed of a lower blade and an upper blade made of an elastic body (rubber, synthetic resin, etc.), and the lower blade and the upper blade are inclined toward the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material 14, and their tips come into contact with each other. ing.

Further, the first washing tank 20, the second washing tank 22,
Inside the third washing tank 24 and the fourth washing tank 26, a nipping roller 50 for conveying the photosensitive material 14 in the tank to the arrow B direction side.
Is provided. In addition, above the fourth washing tank 26,
A nipping roller 52 is provided to convey the washed photosensitive material 14 to a drying processing section (not shown).

The first washing tank 20 is connected with a suction pipe 56 for guiding the washing water in the first washing tank to the circulation pump 54. The circulation pump 54 is connected with a pipe 58 for returning the sucked washing water to the first washing tank 20 again. The first pipe of the present invention is provided by the suction pipe 56 and the pipe 58.
Distribution channels are configured.

An electromagnetic switching valve 60 as a control means is attached to an intermediate portion of the suction pipe 56, and the switching valve 60 serves as a second flow passage connected to the second washing tank 22. The pipe 62 is connected.

The switching valve 60 has a first state in which the first washing tank 20 and the circulation pump 54 communicate with each other, and a second washing tank 22.
And a second state in which the first washing tank 20 is communicated with the first washing tank 20.

Further, the first washing tank 20 is provided with an overflow pipe 64 for discharging a predetermined amount or more of washing water.

The second washing tank 22 is connected with a suction pipe 68 for guiding the washing water in the second washing tank to the circulation pump 66. The circulation pump 66 is connected to a pipe 70 for returning the sucked washing water to the second washing tank 22 again. The first pipe of the present invention is provided by the suction pipe 68 and the pipe 70.
Distribution channels are configured.

A switching valve 72 as a control means is attached to an intermediate portion of the suction pipe 68, and the switching valve 72 has a pipe 74 as a second flow passage connected to the third washing tank 24. It is connected.

The switching valve 72 has a first state in which the second washing tank 22 communicates with the circulation pump 66 and a third washing tank 24.
And a second state in which the second washing tank 22 communicates with each other.

The third washing tank 24 is connected with a suction pipe 78 for guiding the washing water in the third washing tank to the circulation pump 76. The circulation pump 76 is connected to a pipe 80 for returning the sucked washing water to the third washing tank 24 again. The first pipe of the present invention is provided by the suction pipe 78 and the pipe 80.
Distribution channels are configured.

A switching valve 82 as a control means is attached to an intermediate portion of the suction pipe 78, and the switching valve 82 has a pipe 84 as a second flow passage connected to the fourth flush tank 26. It is connected.

This switching valve 82 has a first state in which the third washing tank 24 and the circulation pump 76 communicate with each other and a fourth washing tank 26.
And the second state in which the third washing tank 24 communicates with each other.

The fourth washing tank 26 is connected with a suction pipe 88 for guiding the washing water in the fourth washing tank to the circulation pump 86, and the circulation pump 86 again sucks the washing water into the fourth washing water. A pipe 90 for returning to the tank 26 is connected.

A replenishment tank 9 is provided above the fourth washing tank 26.
An end portion of a pipe 94 for supplying the fresh washing water stored in No. 2 to the fourth washing tank 26 is arranged. The flush water in the replenishment tank 92 is supplied to the fourth flush tank 26 by a pump 96 provided in the middle of the pipe 94.

The replenishing tank 92, the pipe 94 and the pump 96 constitute the replenishing means of the present invention.

Further, these pumps 54, 66, 76,
86, the pump 96, and the switching valves 60, 72, 82 are connected to and controlled by the controller 98.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the automatic developing device 10, the photosensitive material 14 dipped in the developing solution in the developing tank 16 is then dipped in the fixing solution in the fixing tank 18 and conveyed to the first washing tank 20.

The photosensitive material 1 sent to the first washing tank 20.
4 is washed with the washing water stored in the first washing tank 20.

Photosensitive material 14 washed with water in the first washing tank 20
Is horizontally conveyed to the second washing tank 22 by the nipping roller 50, and is inserted through the blade 48 of the passage 46 to the second washing tank 22.
It is carried into the washing tank 22. After that, the photosensitive material 14 is the second
The rinsing tank 22, the third rinsing tank 24, and the fourth rinsing tank 26 wash the rinsing water, and the nipping roller pair 52 conveys the rinsing water to the drying processing section.

As described above, when the photosensitive material 14 is washed with water, the switching valves 60, 72 and 82 are switched to the first state,
The washing water in each tank is circulated by the circulation pumps 54, 66, 76, 86 to stir the washing water in the tank to make the composition of the liquid uniform and improve the washing efficiency.

That is, the first washing tank 20 contains a large amount of processing liquid components brought in from the tank on the upstream side by the photosensitive material 14, and the photosensitive material 14 is contained in the first washing tank 2
After passing 0, the freshest rinsing water in the last fourth rinsing tank 26 is passed through the second rinsing tank 22 and the third rinsing tank 24 (washing solution containing almost no processing liquid component brought in by the photosensitive material 14). It is washed with water). Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress the change with time that occurs in the photosensitive material 14 due to the remaining fixing liquid component.

In the automatic developing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the washing water is replenished by a so-called cascade method, and for example, the most downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material 14 depending on the processing amount of the photosensitive material 14. Side fourth washing tank 26
Top up with fresh flush water.

When the pump 96 is operated to replenish the fourth flush tank 26 with fresh flush water, the switching valves 60, 72, 82
To the second state. As a result, the wash water stored in the wash tank on the downstream side is circulated by the circulation pumps 54, 66, 76,
It is forcibly and rapidly supplied to the upstream washing tank by 86. The excess washing water in the first washing tank 20 is discharged from the overflow pipe 64.

Thus, the automatic developing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is
The washing water can be quickly supplied from the washing tank on the downstream side to the washing tank on the upstream side according to the amount of the washing water to be replenished, and the liquid in each washing tank can be irrespective of the passage position of the photosensitive material 14. It can form and maintain a uniform composition.

Further, in the washing part, when the photosensitive material 14 is fed from the upstream washing tank to the downstream washing tank, the photosensitive material 14 is not drawn into the air and the substantial washing process is not interrupted. Therefore, the washing work can be efficiently performed in a short time. [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the automatic developing device 10 of the second embodiment, the suction pipe 56 and the pipe 62 are connected, the suction pipe 68 and the pipe 74 are connected, and the suction pipe is also connected. 78 and the pipe 84 are connected. And
An electromagnetic on-off valve 1 as control means is provided in the middle of the pipe 62.
00 in the middle of the pipe 74 is an on-off valve 1 as a control means.
02, the on-off valve 1 as a control means in the middle of the pipe 84
04 is attached. These on-off valves 102,1
04 and 106 are controlled by the control device 98.

In this embodiment, the opening / closing valve 10 is normally operated.
2, 104 and 106 are closed and the on-off valves 102, 104 and 10 are used when the fourth flush tank 26 is replenished with fresh flush water.
Open 6

During operation of the circulation pumps 54, 66 and 76,
Since the pressure on the suction pipe side has dropped, the rinse water in the downstream washing tank is drawn into the suction pipes 56, 68, 78, and the washing water in the downstream washing tank is supplied to the upstream washing tank. To be done.

As described above, in the second embodiment as well, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the washing water is quickly supplied from the downstream washing tank to the upstream washing tank according to the amount of the washing water to be replenished. Therefore, regardless of the passage position of the photosensitive material 14, the liquid composition in each washing tank can be uniformly formed and maintained.

In this embodiment, circulation of the washing water in the tank and supply of fresh washing water can be performed at the same time. [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and the same components as those in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the automatic developing device 10 of the third embodiment, the opening / closing valve 112 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe 56.
However, an on-off valve 114 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe 68,
An on-off valve 116 is attached in the middle of the suction pipe 78. The on-off valves 112, 114, 116 are controlled by the control device 98.

In the present embodiment, the opening / closing valves 100, 102 and 104 are closed and the opening / closing valves 112, 114 and 116 are opened during normal operation (during circulation of washing water in the tank). Thereby, the wash water in each tank is circulated by the circulation pumps 54, 66, 76, 86 to stir and uniformize the wash water in the tank and improve the water washing efficiency.

On the other hand, when replenishing the fourth flush tank 26 with fresh flush water, the on-off valves 112, 114 and 116 are closed,
The on-off valves 100, 102, 104 are closed. This allows
Circulating pumps 54, 66, 7 are used for washing water in the downstream washing tank.
It is quickly supplied to the upstream washing tank by 6,86.

As described above, the automatic developing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment
Depending on the amount of washing water to be replenished with 0, washing water can be quickly supplied from the washing tank on the downstream side to the washing tank on the upstream side, regardless of the passage position of the photosensitive material 14, The liquid composition is formed uniformly and can be maintained. [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the second washing tank 22 is arranged below the first washing tank 20 (direction of arrow C), and the third washing tank 22 is arranged below the second washing tank 22. A washing tank 24 is arranged. In addition, on the upper side of the third washing tank 24 and the second
The fourth washing tank 26 is arranged on the arrow B direction side of the washing tank 22 and the fifth washing tank 120 is arranged on the upper side of the fourth washing tank 26 and on the arrow B direction side of the first washing tank 22. There is.

As shown in FIG. 5, slit-shaped passages 46 to which blades 48 are attached are provided in the partition walls between adjacent tanks in the transport direction of the photosensitive material 14.
It should be noted that the photosensitive material 1 in the fifth washing tank 120 is also provided in the tank.
A nipping roller 50 that conveys 4 to the downstream side is provided.

A switching valve 122 as a control means is attached in the middle of a pipe 90 connected to the fourth washing tank 26, and a pipe 124 connected to the fifth washing tank 120 is connected to the switching valve 122. Has been done.

The fifth washing tank 120 includes the fifth washing tank 120.
A suction pipe 128 for guiding the washing water to the circulation pump 126 is connected to the circulation pump 126, and a pipe 130 for returning the suctioned washing water to the fifth washing tank 120 again is connected to the circulation pump 126.

Above the fifth washing tank 120, an end of a pipe 94 for supplying the fresh washing water from the replenishing tank 92 to the fourth washing tank 26 is arranged.

The circulation pump 126 and the switching valve 122
Is also connected to and controlled by the controller 98 (not shown in FIG. 5).

In the present embodiment, when the photosensitive material 14 is washed with water, the switching valves 60, 72, 82, 122 are switched to the first state, and the circulation pumps 54, 66, 76, 86, 126.
By circulating the washing water in each washing tank to stir the washing water in the tank to make it uniform and improve the washing efficiency.

On the other hand, when replenishing the fifth flush tank 120 with fresh flush water, the switching valves 60, 72, 82, 122 are switched to the second state. As a result, the washing water in the downstream washing tank is quickly supplied to the upstream washing tank by the circulation pumps 54, 66, 76, 86.

Also in this embodiment, the washing water can be quickly supplied from the washing tank on the downstream side to the washing tank on the upstream side according to the amount of the washing water to be replenished, regardless of the passage position of the photosensitive material 14. The liquid composition in each water washing tank is uniformly formed and can be maintained.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a washing tank is shown, but a treatment tank other than the washing tank (for example,
It can also be applied to a developing tank, a fixing tank, etc.).

The treatment liquid may be a chemical liquid other than water. In addition, if a liquid level sensor is provided in each washing tank and the circulating pump, the replenishing pump, the on-off valve, and the switching valve are controlled at the time of replenishing the washing water to make the liquid level in each washing tank constant, the replenishment water is wasted Therefore, the processing efficiency can be further improved.

Further, in the automatic developing apparatus of the above-mentioned embodiment, when the photosensitive material is conveyed to the next washing tank, the photosensitive material is conveyed without being taken out from the washing water. A so-called external crossover system may be used in which the liquid is taken out and then conveyed to the next washing tank. Even in this case, it is possible to quickly supply fresh rinsing water to the upstream side without using the cascade method due to overflow.

[0071]

As described above, the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention can ensure the necessary circulation of the replenisher and can maintain a good composition of the processing solution.

Since a fresh replenisher is supplied from the downstream rinsing tank to the upstream rinsing tank quickly by using a pump that circulates the treating solution in the processing tank, each rinsing tank The cost can be reduced as compared with the one in which a supplementary pump is additionally provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a development processing unit according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a development processing unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a development processing unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a development processing unit according to a fourth embodiment.

5 is a detailed view of a washing tank portion of the development processing section shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Automatic development device (photosensitive material processing device) 14 Photosensitive material 20 First water washing tank (treatment tank) 22 Second water washing tank (treatment tank) 24 Third washing tank (treatment tank) 26 4th water washing tank (treatment tank) 46 passage 48 blades 50 nip rollers (conveying means) 54 Circulation pump 56 Inhalation pipe (first distribution channel) 60 Switching valve (control means) 62 piping (second distribution channel) 66 Circulation pump 68 Inhalation piping (first distribution channel) 74 Piping (second distribution channel) 76 Circulation pump 78 Inhalation piping (first distribution channel) 72 Switching valve (control means) 82 Switching valve (control means) 84 Piping (second distribution channel) 86 Circulation pump 92 Replenishment tank (replenishing means) 94 piping (replenishing means) 96 pumps (replenishing means) 100 Open / close valve (control means) 102 Open / close valve (control means) 104 Open / close valve (control means) 120 5th water washing tank (treatment tank) 122 Switching valve (control means) 124 Piping (second distribution channel) 126 Circulation pump 128 Inhalation pipe (first distribution route) 130 piping (first distribution channel)

Front page continuation (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/00-5/06 G03D 11/00 G03D 15/00-17/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of processing tanks each storing a processing liquid; and a conveying means for sequentially passing a photosensitive material to the plurality of processing tanks. A first distribution path that is connected and has a pump that circulates the processing liquid stored therein, and a first distribution path and a downstream side in the transport direction of the photosensitive material with respect to the processing tank in which the first distribution path is connected. And a control means for controlling the inflow of the processing liquid flowing into the first distribution path via the second distribution path. Photosensitive material processing device. 2. A passage provided with a blade that allows passage of a photosensitive material and substantially blocks the flow of a processing liquid is provided between processing tanks, and a conveying means conveys the photosensitive material to an adjacent processing tank through the passage. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The replenishing means for replenishing the treatment liquid in the most downstream processing tank, and the control means operates in conjunction with the replenishing means. Photosensitive material processing device.