JPH0264636A - Small-sized automatic developing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the size over the entire part of the device by utilizing a cap side member for forming a processing tank to a slit shape to constitute a processing liquid tank. CONSTITUTION:The automatic developing machine is formed with the processing tank 10 which is formed of the members separated to a lower side member 20 and the cap side member 30 to the slit shape and the processing liquid is housed into the cap side member 30 which is formed to a recessed shape as a processing tank. This processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank and a photographic sensitive material F is guided in an arrow direction by the rotation of transporting rollers 11 disposed in the inlet side and outlet side of the processing tank 10 and is thereby subjected to a dip processing. A temp. controller is disposed to the lower side member 20 and/or the cap side member 30. Not only the entire part of the device is effectively utilized in this way but also the processing liquid is easily maintained at the temp. adequate for processing even if the processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank 10 is extremely little.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application 1] The present invention relates to an automatic developing machine used to develop a photographic material 1. More specifically, various improvements to the design of automatic processors to make them more compact.

For example, the present invention relates to a small-sized automatic developing machine that has been improved in terms of a processing method that is optimal for downsizing, storage and supply/discharge of processing liquid, purification of processing liquid, etc.

[Prior Art] An automatic developing machine that automatically processes ordinary photographic materials (including both transparent-based materials and reflective-based materials, such as photographic film and photographic paper) requires a large-scale centralized processing facility. (hereinafter referred to as large labs), to relatively small ones that are installed and used inside stores (
(hereinafter referred to as minilabs) are quite large, but even smaller ones include self-service ones that process direct positive photographs for identification purposes, ones that process X-ray films, and so-called hand-developed ones. Ultra-small ones containing elements of are known.

These conventional automatic processing machines use a so-called immersion processing method, in which a processing solution is stored in a processing tank, and the photosensitive material is guided to the processing tank using a transport rack or a guide plate, and then immersed in the processing solution. is normal.

In addition, in a relatively small automatic processing machine, as a modification of the immersion processing method, processing solution is stored in a processing tank formed in the shape of a slit, and the processing solution is transferred while conveying the photographic light-sensitive material in the slit. There are those in which the photographic material is transported horizontally with the emulsion side facing down and the emulsion surface is brought into contact with the processing liquid surface, and those in which the processing liquid is scooped up with a roll and applied to the emulsion surface. There are some that spray and supply the processing liquid from the bottom surface.

C invention solves the problem 1. Try a! In recent years, with the spread of so-called mini-labs, DPE service shops have appeared that can perform quick processing such as finishing in one hour, but the current situation is that approximately 75% of the total processing volume is handled by large labs. be.

However, processing in a large laboratory has a limit to reducing the finishing time due to the problem of collection and delivery via a DPE agency, and as minilabs become more popular, ultra-quick processing within one hour will become the norm. It is expected that the majority of processing will be carried out in minilabs.

Looking further into the future, from processing in minilabs to OA
An ultra-compact automatic machine like a seed device 4g1. It is conceivable that this will develop into self-service DPE processing using machines.

If the mode of DPE processing changes in this way, the place where the automatic processing machine is installed will not be the same as the conventional mini lab.
It is expected that this will not be limited to specialized service shops, but will be used in various places such as office automation equipment, and it will be difficult to accommodate even relatively small automatic developing machines such as the current mini labs.

However, automatic processing machines, which are currently called minilabs, require a considerable amount of installation space even though they are small, and cannot be installed in small stores.Also, it is difficult to handle photosensitive materials and processing solutions, and jams occur. This is because maintenance such as cleaning the rollers and filters is complicated and requires skill to operate.

Therefore, the items required for an automatic processing machine that can be used for future self-service DPE processing are, of course, good processing performance, but also an ultra-compact and lightweight design that can be operated easily. The mechanism is simple and transport problems are unlikely to occur; the processing liquid used is small, the amount of waste liquid and waste is small, and there is little odor, vibration, and noise. For example, it can be manufactured at low cost.

The present inventors have completed the present invention by conducting research on systems, mechanisms, or structures that satisfy the above-mentioned items.In particular, the present invention focuses on how to miniaturize an automatic processor. The main purpose of this invention is to clarify various improvements for miniaturization, and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A small automatic developing machine according to the present invention solves the above problems with the configuration characterized below.

■Processing in which the downwardly curved lower member and the lid member are joined at a certain interval to form a slit-shaped processing tank, and the M-side member is formed into a concave shape to store the processing liquid. A liquid tank is used to supply the processing liquid to the processing tank to develop the photographic light-sensitive material. ■Immersion processing method in which the development process involves immersing the photographic light-sensitive material in the processing liquid stored in a slit-shaped processing tank. ■The lid side member is equipped with a pump that circulates the processing liquid; ■The lid side member constitutes a processing liquid tank, and the processing liquid tank is double-layered by a filter. It is divided into an upper compartment, and the processing liquid purified by the filter is supplied to the processing tank. A heating device is placed on the lid side member to adjust the temperature of the processing liquid stored. Things to be done (1) A heating device is disposed on the lower member, and the temperature of the processing liquid in the processing tank is adjusted.

[Function] The automatic developing machine according to the present invention includes a lower member 20 and a lid member 3.
The processing tank lO is formed in a slit shape by the member separated into the 1M side member 30, and the processing liquid stored in the four parts of the 1M side member 30 is supplied to the processing +610, and the processing liquid is supplied to the lower member 20 and/or the lid side member 30. Temperature X11t! Since the i device is placed,
Not only is it convenient for downsizing the entire equipment, but also the treatment tank 1
Even if a very small amount of processing liquid is supplied to the system, it is extremely easy to maintain the processing liquid at an appropriate temperature for processing.

In addition, in an embodiment in which the processing solution is circulated between the processing solution tank and the processing tank IO, and in an embodiment in which a mechanism for purifying the processing solution is incorporated in the processing solution tank, cutting of the photographic light-sensitive material is possible. Floating objects such as chips generated during processing are removed during storage of the processing solution, and the risk of damage to the image surface of the photographic light-sensitive material due to floating objects mixed in the processing solution is eliminated.

[Embodiments] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views of the main parts of the automatic processor of the present invention. In the figures, 10 is a slit-shaped processing tank, and a lower member 20 and a lid member 30 are connected to each other. Formed on the joint surface. The processing liquid is stored in a processing liquid tank by forming the lid side member 30 into a concave shape, and the processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank by transport rollers disposed at least on the inlet side and the outlet side of the processing tank 10. According to the rotation of 11, the photographic material F is guided in the direction of the arrow and subjected to immersion treatment.

40 is a hot tub, which is heated by a heating device such as a heater and stores filtered water and other heat storage materials. Is it possible to heat with a heater or the like without installing the hot tub 40? C location is processing #@
The present invention also includes an embodiment in which the lower member 20 forming the lower member 10 is directly attached to the outer wall thereof.

Furthermore, the hot tub may be formed under the lid member 30, that is, the processing liquid tank, the hot tub, and the processing tank 10 may be formed from above, or the lid member 30 may be provided with a heating device such as a heater instead of the hot tub. A mode in which only the device is arranged is also included in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
The processing liquid moves from the processing liquid tank to the processing tank 10 simply by connecting the processing liquid tank and processing #alQ.

In the case of a method that does not reuse the processing liquid, after the processing is completed, the processing liquid in the processing tank 10 is discharged as is to a waste liquid tank, etc. In the case of a method that reuses the processing liquid, a pump or the like is used to pump up the processing liquid. is pumped up from the processing tank 10 to the processing liquid tank.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment where the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing liquid tank and the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44110 are approximately equal, the two are connected by a supply pipe and a discharge pipe, and at least the supply pipe A pump is disposed on either side of the discharge pipe to circulate the processing liquid.

Furthermore, in a mode in which a pump is used, it is preferable that the pump is also disposed within the recess of the lid side member 30, but this does not exclude a mode in which it is disposed in another location.

As shown in FIG. 4, the processing liquid tank formed on the lid side member 30 is divided into upper and lower compartments by a filter 32 attached via a partition frame 31. As shown in FIG.

In the illustrated state, the level of the process liquid in the process liquid tank is located above the filter 32; however, in other embodiments, the level shown does not allow the process liquid to return from the process tank 10. It is preferable that the liquid level is at a position inside the filter 32 or at a position below the filter 32 and close to the lower surface of the filter 32 after a certain period of time has passed after the return.

By setting the liquid level as described above, it is possible to prevent the processing liquid from coming into contact with air, which is effective in preventing oxidation of the processing liquid.

In addition, as shown in FIG.
In an embodiment located above the processing liquid level, it is preferable to cover the surface of the processing liquid with a floating lid or the like.

Note that the partition frame 31 also serves as a fixing means to prevent the filter 32 from sinking or rising, but the partition frame 31 may be provided in multiple stages or moved in an r/q manner to accommodate the amount of processing liquid to be stored. It is preferable that the level of attachment of the filter 32 can be changed.

Furthermore, a plurality of partition frames 31 are provided, each of which has filters 3 of the same type or different types having different materials, roughness, etc.
It is also a preferable embodiment to attach 2.

In addition, in an embodiment in which a single filter 32 is disposed, it is preferable to use filters having different materials, roughness, etc., stacked in layers.

Although not shown in the drawings, depending on the material and surface area of the filter 32 used, there is a risk of it falling off from the partition frame 31.
It is preferable to configure it so that it is fixed to.

In the illustrated embodiment, most of the floating matter mixed in the processing liquid floats above the filter 32, and the processing liquid descends in the filter 32 according to gravity and is purified.

Although not shown, the present invention also includes a mode in which the processing liquid tank is divided horizontally (horizontally) with the filter 32 as a boundary.

Although not shown, each of the above y,! ! In Mr. i, a lid is disposed on the top of the lid-side member 30 so that operations such as replenishing the processing liquid and cleaning or replacing the filter 32 can be easily performed.

In addition, in consideration of ease of maintenance, the entire lid side member 30 is configured to be movable, and in addition to each member on the lid side member 30 side,
It is preferable to take into account the ease of cleaning the processing tank 10, conveyance roller 11, etc.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the automatic processing machine according to the present invention utilizes the lid side member for forming the processing tank into a slit shape to form the processing liquid tank, so that the entire apparatus can be made very small. It is also advantageous for storage and supply of processing liquids, temperature adjustment, etc., and it is possible to achieve the above-mentioned purpose.

Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a mechanism for purifying the processing liquid is incorporated in the processing liquid tank, even if floating objects such as chips generated during cutting of photographic light-sensitive materials get mixed into the processing liquid, the processing liquid can be easily cleaned. tlJ+, there is an advantage that the risk of damaging the image surface of the photographic light-sensitive material due to processing with a stained processing liquid is eliminated.

Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the heating device is disposed on the lid side member, there is an advantage that the temperature of the processing liquid can be easily controlled.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 are schematic cross-sectional views showing embodiments of a development processing section in an automatic developing machine according to the present invention. In the figure, each symbol indicates the following. F: Photographic photosensitive material 10; Processing tank 11: 8a feed roller 20; Lower member 30: Upper member 31; Partition frame 32: Filter 40: Hot bath

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A slit-shaped processing tank is formed by joining a downwardly curved lower member and a lid member at a constant interval, and the lid member is formed in a concave shape. 1. A small automatic developing machine, characterized in that a processing liquid tank is used to store a processing liquid, and the processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank to develop a photographic light-sensitive material. 2. Claim 1, characterized in that the development process is carried out by an immersion process method in which the photographic light-sensitive material is immersed in a processing solution.
The small automatic developing machine described. 3. The small automatic developing machine according to claim 1, wherein a pump for circulating the processing liquid is disposed on the lid side member. 4. The lid side member constitutes a processing liquid tank, and the processing liquid tank is divided into two or more compartments by a filter, and the processing liquid purified by the filter is supplied to the processing tank. A small automatic developing machine with special features. 5. A small automatic developing machine characterized in that a heating device is disposed on the lid side member to adjust the temperature of the processing liquid stored therein. 6. A small automatic developing machine characterized in that a heating device is disposed on the lower member to adjust the temperature of the processing liquid in the processing tank.