JPH0268549A - Rack mechanism for photographic sensitive material processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To slow down the deterioration of processing liquid and to perform stable processing for a long period by moving flexible moving shutters in a groove formed in a rack plate and evading the contacting between the processing liquid and air as much as possible. CONSTITUTION:The respective moving shutters 20 are elevated before a photo sensitive material A is carried in a tank to form a gap with fixed shutters 22, thereby opening the conveyance path for the photo sensitive material A. Then the photo sensitive material A is dipped in the liquid developer and developed and after the photo sensitive material A is carried out of the tank, the respective moving shutters 20 are pressed down to abut on the fixed shutters 22. Therefore, while the photo sensitive material A is developed, the liquid developer and air contact each other across the gap between the moving shutters 20 and fixed shutters 22, but when the photosensitive material A is not developed, the contacting between the liquid developer and air is evaded as much as possible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is a method of developing a photographic material that has been exposed to light that has passed through an original or an original or reflected from the original, by immersing it in a processing solution. The present invention relates to a rack mechanism for processing photographic light-sensitive materials.

[Conventional technology]

Generally, in an automatic developing apparatus using a silver halide photographic material, the photographic material is developed by being immersed in a developer contained in a developer tank for a predetermined period of time.

After development, the photographic light-sensitive material is subjected to treatments such as bleaching, fixing, and washing with water, as necessary. In order to effectively immerse and transport the photographic material into a tank containing these processing solutions,
For example, tanks containing each treatment liquid are arranged in parallel. Further, in order to effectively immerse the photographic light-sensitive material in each processing solution, each processing tank has a vertically elongated shape, and the photographic light-sensitive material is conveyed vertically within each processing tank. That is, the photographic material is conveyed vertically downward into the developer solution in the developer tank, turned over at the bottom of the developer tank, and then conveyed vertically upward to be sent to the next processing chamber.

On the other hand, since the developer is oxidized and deteriorated by contact with oxygen in the air, it is necessary to avoid contact between the developer and air. For this purpose, there is a developing tank that has a structure in which a shutter is disposed above the surface of the developer in a non-contact manner, and the conveyance path is opened only when the photographic light-sensitive material travels along the conveyance path, thereby avoiding contact between the developer and air as much as possible. .

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As a mechanism for conveying the photosensitive material, a plurality of conveyance rollers are alternately arranged in two rows via a conveyance path, the photosensitive material is brought into contact with the circumferential surface of the conveyance rollers, and the photosensitive material is conveyed by friction between the two. There is a roller transport mechanism that does this.

In such a mechanism, in order to prevent oxidation, since the conveyance rollers and the like are close to each other, it is not possible to easily provide a liquid level shutter, and contact between the liquid level and the outside air is unavoidable.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and to provide a device for processing photographic materials that can avoid contact between the processing liquid and air as much as possible even in a mechanism that transports photographic materials using a roller transport mechanism. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rack mechanism.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] The above object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of pairs of racks arranged in a substantially U-shape between a pair of opposing side plates of a rack provided in a tank containing a processing liquid. A rack mechanism for processing photosensitive materials in which a photosensitive material is carried in from above, immersed in a processing liquid, reversed at the bottom and carried out upward by a roller transport mechanism consisting of carrying rollers, A conveying roller is provided with a vertical gap in a part of the side plate, and a groove is formed on the opposing surface of the side plate to extend substantially horizontally from above through the gap between the channel rollers and above the processing liquid level. , the both ends of which are inserted into the groove, are restricted from moving from above by a fixed shank at a position beyond the conveyance path of the photographic light-sensitive material in the gap, and are brought into close contact with a fixed shank provided at the restricted position. This is accomplished by a photographic material processing rack mechanism with a flexible moving shutter.

In other words, by moving the movable shank in the groove and separating it from the fixed shank as appropriate to open and close the photographic material conveyance path, it is possible to prevent the processing liquid in the tank from coming into contact with air as much as possible. , it is possible to reduce the adverse effects caused by air, such as oxidation of the processing liquid.

Therefore, the photographic material can be processed satisfactorily over a long period of time.

In addition, by providing a member having a predetermined thickness across the width of the movable shutter at the upper part of the end thereof that contacts the fixed shutter, the movable shutter is loosened in the sealed position and a gap is created between the movable shutter and the fixed shutter. Also, the gap between the movable shutter and the fixed shutter can be sealed.

Furthermore, by providing a high-rigidity member across the width at the end of the movable shutter that contacts the fixed shutter, the end of the movable shutter is reinforced, so that the end becomes slack and a gap is created between the end and the limiting member. This will not occur and a reliable seal will be ensured.

Further, by providing a movable shutter support member below the end of the movable shutter that contacts the fixed shutter,
The ends of the movable shutter do not slacken and create gaps between the movable shutter and the fixed shutter, ensuring a reliable seal.

The photographic light-sensitive material used in the present invention may be any photographic light-sensitive material as long as it is processed by immersing it in a processing solution.

For example, it is effective for a configuration in which a long length of photographic film or photographic paper is immersed in a developer solution for development, and it is also effective in a configuration in which a sheet-shaped photographic film or photographic paper is immersed in a developer solution for development. is also valid.

[Embodiment]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a photographic material developing tank.

A rack 4 for guiding the photosensitive material A into the tank is loaded in the tank 2 containing the developer. Between the two side plates 6 of the rack 4, there are a plurality of conveying roller groups 8 for conveying the photosensitive material A.
It is equipped with a roller transport mechanism in which the rollers are arranged in a substantially U-shape. The conveyance rollers 8 are arranged alternately through the photosensitive material conveyance path, and the conveyance rollers 8 are not in contact with each other. Therefore, the photosensitive material A is transported by friction with the peripheral surface of the transport roller 8.

A heater 10 for heating the developer in the tank to an appropriate temperature and a stirring member 12 for stirring the developer are provided at the bottom of the tank 2. The stirring member 12 has a configuration in which fins 16 are provided on both sides of a disc 14, and is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown) to stir the developer.

The photosensitive material A, which is carried into the tank from above to below by the transport roller 8, is reversed at the bottom of the tank, and is transported upward and discharged. In the conventional roller transport mechanism, there is no gap between the upper and lower transport rollers, and the transport roller 8
At least one of them intersects with the surface of the developer and is in contact with the developer and air. On the other hand, the roller transport mechanism in this embodiment has the transport roller 8
A gap is formed between the conveyance rollers 8 so that the conveyance rollers 8 do not intersect with the developer surface. Then, the developer is stored in the tank so that the developer level is located in the gap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the rack. The rack side plate 6 is made of a metal plate or plastic with a thickness of 10 mm, and two rows of grooves 18 are formed in the side plate 6.
8 extends downward from approximately the center of the side plate 6, curves, reaches each gap between the conveying rollers 8, and extends approximately horizontally. The lower end of a18 has reached a position beyond the intersection with the transport path of the photosensitive material A.

A flexible movable shutter 20 is installed in the groove 18 of the rack side plate 6.
is inserted. The movable shutter 20 is made of a thin plate made of ABS resin, metal, etc., has flexibility, and can move within the groove 18 of the side plate 6 according to the shape of the groove 18.

Further, on the extension line of the groove 18 of the side plate 6, a fixed shutter 2 is provided.
2 is provided, and the stationary shutter 22 abuts against the end of the movable shutter 20 moving within the groove to limit the movement of the movable shutter 20. Furthermore, the fixed shutter 22 is in close contact with the inner wall of the tank 2.

Further, the side plate 6 is provided with a fixed shack 24 that closes the space between the two movable shutters 20, and the fixed shutter 24 is configured to be in close contact with the movable shutter 20.

These moving shutters 20 and fixed shanks 22,24
is provided between the side plates, and when the movable shutter 20 comes into contact with the fixed shutter 22, the developer is kept in a sealed state within the tank. Therefore, the developing solution does not come into contact with air and does not deteriorate due to oxidation. Note that if the movable shank 20 and the fixed shutters 22, 24 are in contact with the developer, the developer, fixer, etc. may adhere to the upper surfaces of these due to the surface tension of the developer, fixer, etc., and crystals may form. This will result in poor sealing. Therefore, the movable shutter 2
It is preferable that the zero and fixed shutters 22 and 24 be provided in close proximity to the developer. Here, a small amount of air exists between the moving shank 20 and the stationary printers 22 and 24 and the developer, which causes the developer to oxidize. However, since the air becomes saturated after this oxidation with air, no further oxidation occurs and there is almost no adverse effect on the developer.

The movable shutter 20 can be moved as indicated by the arrow. Before carrying the photosensitive material A into the tank, first, each movable shutter 20 is pulled upward to create a predetermined gap between it and each fixed shutter 22, and a conveyance path for the photosensitive material A is opened. After the photosensitive material A is immersed in a developer to be developed and the photosensitive material A is carried out of the tank, each movable shutter 20 is pushed down and brought into contact with each fixed shutter 22. Therefore, while the photosensitive material A is being developed, the developer and air come into contact through the gap between the movable shutter 20 and the fixed shutter 22, but when the photosensitive material A is not being developed, the developer and the air come into contact with each other. can be prevented as much as possible.

3 to 5 are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the lower end of the moving/yanota 2Q, taken at the center in the width direction.

The movable shutter 20 shown in FIG. 3 has a structure in which a sealing member 26 having a predetermined thickness is provided across the width at the upper part of the lower end. When the moving shutter 20 closes the conveyance path of the photosensitive material, unless the moving shutter 20 comes into contact with the fixed shutter 22, the developer cannot be sealed. The lower end of the movable shutter 20, particularly the center portion in the width direction, may sag due to its own weight, and when the lower end sag, the movable shutter 20 cannot contact the fixed shutter 22 across the width direction. Therefore, even if the movable shutter 20 blocks the conveyance path, a gap is created between the movable shutter 20 and the fixed shutter 22, making it impossible to seal the developer.

Therefore, by providing the sealing member 26 at the upper part of the lower end of the movable shutter 20 in advance, even if the movable shutter 20 hangs down, the movable shutter 20 and the fixed shank 20 can be separated.
Since the sealing member 26 closes the gap between the developer and the developer, the developer can be sealed.

The movable shutter 20 shown in FIG. 4 has a structure in which a highly rigid member 28 is provided across the width at the upper part of the lower end. By providing this highly rigid member 28, the lower end of the movable shutter 20 does not sag when it comes into contact with the fixed shutter 22, and the movable shutter 20 can come into contact with the fixed shutter 22 without creating a gap between the movable shutter 20 and the fixed shutter 22. can.

FIG. 5 shows a structure in which a movable shutter support member 30 is provided across the width in the vicinity of the position where the movable shutter 20 contacts the fixed shutter 22. By providing the support member 30, when the movable shutter 20 comes into contact with the fixed shutter 22, the movable shutter 20 will not hang down, and no gap will be created between the movable shack 20 and the fixed shutter 22. It is also effective to have a configuration in which the fixed shutter 24 provided between the movable shutters supports the lower end portion of the movable shutter 20.

Note that the movable shutter 20 may be moved up and down manually, but it can also be moved automatically using a driving means. In this case, the moving roller 20 can be automatically moved in synchronization with the loading and unloading of the photosensitive material A.

For example, a photosensitive material detection sensor is provided upstream of the carry-in side moving shank 20, and the sensor is electrically connected to the shutter drive means. Then, after the sensor detects the front end of the photosensitive material A carried into the tank, when the photosensitive material 11A reaches each movable shutter 20, each movable shutter 20 is synchronously pulled upward to open the conveyance path. .

Then, after the sensor detects the rear end of the photosensitive material A, when the photosensitive material A passes over each movable shutter 20, each movable shutter 20 is pushed down synchronously to close the conveyance path.

The operation of the movable shutter 20 is controlled, for example, based on the time since the sensor detected the photosensitive material.

Although this embodiment has a configuration in which two movable shutters 20 are provided, the two movable shutters 20 may be formed integrally, for example, the opposing parts of two movable shanks 20 may be connected and fixed. , the two movable shutters 20 may be moved up and down simultaneously.

Further, in this embodiment, the thickness of the rack side plate 6 is 10
However, in order to form the groove 18 for moving the movable shutter 20, the thickness should be 3 mm or more.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the rack mechanism for photographic photosensitive material processing of the present invention, by moving the flexible movable shutter within the groove formed in the side plate of the rack, the movable shutter comes into contact with and separates from the fixed shutter, and the photographic photosensitive material on the surface of the processing liquid is moved. The material conveyance path can be opened and closed as appropriate. Therefore, when the photographic light-sensitive material is not being transported, the transport path is closed and the tank is sealed, so that contact between the processing liquid and air can be avoided as much as possible, and deterioration of the processing liquid can be slowed down. Therefore, stable processing can be performed over a long period of time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the developer tank, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the rack, and FIGS. 3 to 5 are sectional views of the vicinity of the lower end of the movable shutter. Symbols in the figure: 2 Tank 4 Rack 6 Side plate 8 Conveyance roller 10 Heater
12 Stirring member 14 Disc 16
Fin 18 Groove 20 Movable shutter 22 Fixed shutter 24 Fixed shutter 26 Sealing member
28 High rigidity member 30 Support member A Photosensitive material (3 people)

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Photographic material is transported from above by a roller transport mechanism consisting of multiple pairs of transport rollers arranged in a substantially U-shape between a pair of opposing side plates of a rack installed in a tank containing processing liquid. A rack mechanism for processing photographic light-sensitive materials that is carried in, immersed in a processing solution, reversed at the bottom of the tank, and carried out upwards, wherein the carrying rollers are arranged with a vertical gap provided in a part between the carrying rollers. A groove is formed on the opposing surface of the side plate, extending vertically from above through the gap between the conveying rollers and substantially horizontally above the processing liquid level, and both ends of the groove are inserted into the groove to allow photographic exposure in the gap. A rack mechanism for processing photographic light-sensitive materials, comprising a flexible movable shutter whose movement from above is restricted by a fixed shutter at a position beyond a material conveyance path, and which comes into close contact with the fixed shutter provided at the restricted position. (2) The rack mechanism for processing photographic light-sensitive materials according to claim 1, further comprising a member having a predetermined thickness provided across the width of the movable shutter at the upper end of the movable shutter in contact with the fixed shutter. (3) The rack mechanism for processing photographic light-sensitive materials according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a highly rigid member provided across the width at an end of the movable shutter that contacts the fixed shutter. (4) A rack mechanism for photographic material processing according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a movable shutter support member provided below an end of the movable shutter that contacts the fixed shutter. .