JPH1124227A - Photosensitive material processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To process a film in a first film housing container and a film in a second film housing container by a common mechanism. SOLUTION: This photosensitive material processor is provided with a first loading member 142 for loading a cartridge 94 housing the 135-sized film 96 and a second loading member for loading a cartridge for APS(advanced photo system). Besides, it is provided with a mounting seat 140 attachably and detachably holding the first loading member 142 or the second loading member. Since the first loading member 142 for loading the 135-sized film 96 and the second loading member for loading the cartridge for APS can be exchanged with respect to the seat 140, a roller 125B and a motor 121 can be used in common. Thus, the photosensitive material processor can be made compact.

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 for loading a film contained in a film container into a loading section and developing the film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, 135-size negative films generally used are prepared by removing a negative film from a spool shaft or cutting the film in the vicinity of the spool shaft, and carrying out development processing while transporting a plurality of processing tanks with transport rollers or the like. It is supposed to do.

Further, a developed negative film is cut at a predetermined number of frames and returned to a customer as a piece negative.

In recent years, APS (abbreviation of “Advanced Photo System”) as a new system for returning a developed negative film in a film storage container (cartridge) without cutting the negative film as described above. In the following, this new system is simply referred to as “APS”.

[0005] In this APS, a negative film is taken out of a cartridge received from a customer, developed and processed.
The developed negative film is stored in the original cartridge and returned to the customer.

[0006]

By the way, in the processing of a conventional automatic processing machine for a negative film, the work of cutting the end of a 135-size negative film and attaching it to a dedicated reader matching a transport device in a processing tank is performed. Or a troublesome operation of setting the reader with the film attached to a predetermined position of the automatic processor.

Furthermore, the processing tank also requires a complicated mechanism and rollers for bending and transporting the reader with the negative film.
The processing tank also has a complicated mechanism with a dedicated large internal volume, and requires a large space and liquid volume.

In an automatic developing machine, since a plurality of processes such as color development, fixing bleaching, and washing with water are performed, a plurality of processing tanks are required, so that the size of the machine is increased and a large installation space is required. . For this reason, there is a problem that the installation cannot be performed in a narrow place and the installation place is limited.

Further, in the case of a 135-size negative film, it is premised that the negative film is cut in advance and developed, so that an image frame is formed near the engagement of the spool shaft of the negative film, that is, up to the rearmost end of the negative film. ing.

In a 135-size negative film,
Perforations (film holes) of the negative film that has been pulled out from the cartridge in advance near the tip of the negative film, loaded with the cartridge into the camera, and pulled out
Must be engaged with the sprocket (gear) of the camera, so that an image is not formed over a slight length from the leading end of the negative film.

For this reason, if a 135-size negative film is to be developed with its rear end held,
Image frames near the rear end of the negative film may not be developed.

On the other hand, if an attempt is made to adopt the above-described new system in an automatic developing machine, a device for separating the negative film from the spool shaft of the cartridge and a device for locking the negative film after development processing to the spool shaft again are required. Further, there is a problem that the machine becomes more complicated and larger.

Further, if a processing apparatus for developing a 135-size negative film can develop an APS negative film, the cost can be reduced as compared with a case where a separate processing apparatus is provided, and the processing apparatus can be installed in a small space. However, 135
There is a problem that the configuration (external shape and the like) is different between a film container of a size and an APS film container, and there is a problem that both film containers cannot be loaded in the same container loading section.

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention can be installed in a small space, and can process a film in the first film container and a film in the second film container by a common mechanism. It is an object to provide a processing device.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first elongate film wound around a first spool shaft is transferred from the first spool shaft to the first film. A first film container containing the first film of the type to be developed and returned in a state where the first film is returned is loaded, and the first film is wound and held from the first film container. The first loading member and an insertion port for taking in and out the second long film wound around the second spool shaft are formed, and the second film is wound around the second spool shaft. A second loading member for loading a second film storage container containing the second film of the type to be returned in a folded state, connecting means for connecting to the second spool shaft, and the connecting means being detachable. Times to connect and rotate A drive means, the first or second
Holding means for detachably holding the loading member.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first aspect,
The first or second film container containing the undeveloped first or second film is loaded into the first or second loading member. Holding means detachably holds the first loading member or the second loading member. The connecting means is connected to the second spool shaft, and the rotation driving means is rotated to put the second film in and out of the insertion port.

According to the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, the first loading member for loading the first film container into the holding means and the second loading member for loading the second film container to the holding means. Since the members can be replaced, a roller for feeding the film from the loading member, a motor for driving the rollers, and the like can be used in common, and the photosensitive material processing apparatus can be reduced in size.

Here, the long type first film wound around the first spool shaft is developed with the first film separated from the first spool shaft, and is returned. The first film is a film whose screen position is not defined in advance and differs depending on how to use the film. A typical example is a 135 size film. Note that 135
In the case of a film of a size or the like, the number of screens may be larger than a standard number of screens (that is, the number of exposures) depending on a shooting method. Returning here means that the developed film is cut every predetermined number of frames and returned as a piece negative to a customer or the like.

The second film of the type in which the second film is returned while being wound on a second spool shaft is a film whose screen position is defined in advance by perforation or the like. A typical example is an APS film. The return here means the second
This means returning the second film storage container in a state where the film is wound around the second spool shaft to a customer or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the first aspect, the first film is disposed on the first loading member and holds one end of the first film in a longitudinal direction. And an intermediate spool shaft for winding the first film from the film storage container. The intermediate spool shaft or the connecting means is detachably connected to the rotation driving means and rotated.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect,
The first film in the first film container loaded in the first loading member is wound around an intermediate spool shaft. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the first film in the first film container loaded in the first loading member is provided. Cutting means for cutting the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film after winding the first film into the first loading member, and the first or second loading member disposed on the first or second loading member. The one end in the longitudinal direction of the film
Alternatively, a delivery means for delivering the first or second film while being locked to the second loading member, and a film insertion opening formed with the first film and the first film wound around the first loading member. The film is sent out from the film insertion port by the sending means in a state where the insertion port of the second film storage container loaded in the other end in the longitudinal direction or the second loading member faces the film insertion port of the processing tank. A single common processing tank for inserting and developing the first and second films.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the third aspect,
The first film container is loaded into the first loading member.
The first film in the first film container loaded in the first loading member is wound into the first loading member. Then, the first film sent out by the sending means is developed in the processing tank.

Further, a second film storage container is loaded into the second loading member. With the longitudinal end of the second film wound around the second spool shaft in the second film container being locked, the second film is fed into the processing tank by the feeding means. Then, the second film sent out by the sending means is developed in the processing tank.

According to the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the third aspect, the first loading member and the second loading member can be attached to and detached from the holding means.
Can be developed in a single processing tank, and there is no need to separately provide a sending means and a processing tank, so that the cost can be reduced and the apparatus can be installed in a small space. In addition,
Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first or second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the first film in the first film storage container loaded in the first loading member is provided. Cutting means for cutting the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film after winding the first film into the first loading member, and the first or second loading member disposed on the first or second loading member. The one end in the longitudinal direction of the film
Or a delivery means for delivering the first or second film while being locked to the second loading member, and a film insertion port formed therein, and an inner wall longer than the width of the first film is formed, A first processing tank for developing the first film sent out by the sending means, a film insertion port is formed, and an inner wall longer than the width of the second film is formed. A second processing tank for developing the obtained second film, and a film insertion port of the first processing tank in which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film wound around the first loading member is connected. Moving means for moving the insertion port of the second film storage container loaded in the second loading member so as to face the film insertion port of the second processing tank. It is characterized by having a.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
For example, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film wound around the first loading member by the moving means is moved so as to face the film insertion port of the first processing tank. After this movement, the first film is fed out by the first feeding means in a state where one end in the longitudinal direction of the first film wound in the first loading member is locked. In the initial position, when the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film wound on the first loading member faces the film insertion port of the first processing tank, the first means is moved by the moving means. There is no need to move the loading member.

Further, the insertion port of the second film container loaded into the second loading member by the moving means is made to face the film insertion port of the second processing tank. In a state where one end in the longitudinal direction of the second film wound around the second spool shaft in the second film container is locked, the second means is fed by the sending means.
Is sent out.

According to the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, the photosensitive material is inserted into each processing tank corresponding to the film width of the first film or the film width of the second film.
Alternatively, both end portions in the width direction of the second film are more reliably guided by both side portions in the width direction of the inner wall surface of each processing tank.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the third or fourth aspect, a processing liquid supply means for circulating, replacing, and discharging the processing liquid in the processing tank is provided. And

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
The processing liquid supply means circulates and replaces the processing liquid (for example, a color developing solution, a fixing bleaching solution, and a rinsing solution) in the processing tank (for example,
(Eg, replacement of a color developing solution with a fixing bleaching solution, replacement of a bleach-fixing solution with a rinsing solution) and discharge.

According to the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of processes such as color development, fixing bleaching, and washing with water are performed in a single processing tank by using a processing solution supply means. Since no treatment tank is required, the machine becomes smaller and
Can be installed in small spaces.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The front side is indicated by an arrow FR, the right side is indicated by an arrow RL, and the upper side is indicated by an arrow UP. (Processor) A 135-size first film 96 housed in a patrone 94 as a first film housing container shown in FIG. 1 and locked on a first spool shaft 94A (see FIG. 3), and FIG. Developing process of the second film FI housed in an APS cartridge (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cartridge”) 14 as a second film housing container and locked to a second spool shaft 16 shown in FIG. Processor 100 as photosensitive material processing apparatus
Has a box-shaped casing 102 for shielding the inside from light, as shown in FIG.

An upper portion of the casing 102 is provided with a loading portion 106 for loading the patrone 94, and an L-shaped cover 104 for covering the loading portion 106 is rotatably arranged.

As shown in FIG. 3, a loading member 108 on which the patrone 94 is placed is disposed in the loading section 106, and the loading member 108 is moved with respect to a support member 110 disposed in the loading section 106. It is slidable left and right.

The support member 110 and the mounting member 10
8 is the intermediate spool shaft 204 side (right side) to be described later when the drawing of the film 96 from the cartridge 94 is completed.
A coil spring 112 for returning the mounting member 108 slid to the initial position shown in FIG.

The mounting member 108 includes the mounting member 108.
The entrance 94 of the patrone 94 shown in FIG.
A cylindrical stopper 114 is provided on the cartridge 9 on the B side (right side).
The two films 96 are arranged in a direction (front-back direction) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the film 96 pulled out from the film 4. As shown in FIG. 7, these stoppers 114 are arranged such that their axes are aligned on the same line in the vertical direction, and abut against the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 94.

A cylindrical guide shaft 116 has a pair of stoppers 1 at a position facing the entrance 94B of the patrone 94.
It is mounted facing the same direction as 14. The guide shaft 116 guides the film 96, and the film 96 is fed out while being in contact with the upper peripheral surface of the guide shaft 116.

A partition plate 118 is disposed between the mounting member 108 and the intermediate cartridge 120 on which the intermediate spool shaft 204 is disposed. The partition plate 118 has a notch 118A formed on the upper peripheral surface of the guide shaft 116. Is formed at a site corresponding to As shown in FIG.
8A is formed continuously from the front end surface of the partition plate 118 so that the film 96 can be inserted from the front end surface of the partition plate 118. Notch 118A
Is slightly longer than the film thickness. Also, the film 96 is notched 1 on the front end face of the notch 118A.
A tapered guide surface for facilitating insertion into 18A may be formed.

On the partition plate 118, the mounting member 108
The switch 122 is arranged at a position corresponding to. The switch 122 comes into contact with the mounting member 108 when the mounting member 108 slides toward the intermediate spool shaft 204. Therefore, the control device 202 (microcomputer) shown in FIG. 2 connected to the switch 122 determines that the drawing of the film 96 from the cartridge 94 has been completed.

As shown by a broken line in FIG. 3, a pair of cutters 124A and 124B as cutting means are arranged in the partition plate 118 at a portion facing the notch 118A. The upper cutter 124A is capable of moving up and down,
The lower cutter 124B is fixed at the position shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the winding of the film 96 around the intermediate spool shaft 204 is completed, the cartridge 94 moves by the tension of the film 96 at the rear end 96B. The member 108 slides toward the intermediate spool shaft 204. Therefore, the switch 1 pressed by the mounting member 108
22 is turned on, and the control device 202 determines that the film 96 has been wound. The upper cutter 124A is lowered by the control signal from the control device 202, and the film 96 is cut at the rear end 96B (see FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate cartridge 120 of the loading section 106 has a mounting seat 140 and the mounting seat 140.
A first loading member 142 or a second loading member 152 shown in FIG. As a means for locking the mounting seat 140 and the loading member 142 or 152, for example, a fastening means such as a bolt (not shown), a patch lock, or a magnet fixing means may be applied.

As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of guide plates 64 and 66 are disposed on the mounting seat 140 so as to face each other at a position corresponding to the notch 118A of the partition plate 118 with a predetermined gap 65 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 5, the tip 66A of the guide plate 66 is connected to a film insertion port 31 of a processing tank 300 described later.
8, and the leading end 66A can be inserted into the film insertion opening 318.

As shown in FIG. 3, rollers 125A and 125B for feeding the film 96 to the intermediate spool shaft 204 or the opposite side thereof are disposed on the left side of the intermediate spool shaft 204 in the mounting seat 140 and the loading member 142, respectively. ing. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the roller 125A is rotatably supported by the loading member 142,
25B is disposed in the mounting seat 140. FIG.
As shown in (1), the roller 125 is inserted into a hole 140A formed in the mounting seat 140 and is connected to a motor 123 that rotates in the forward and reverse directions. This motor 1
Reference numeral 23 denotes a stepping motor, and the controller 202 counts the number of pulses of the motor 123 to determine the feeding amount of the film 96.

The motor 123 is moved up and down by elevating means (not shown) (for example, a rack and pinion and a motor connected to the pinion). That is, the motor 123 rises when a switch 76 or 77 described later is pressed, and falls when the switch 122 is turned on.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the intermediate spool shaft 204 is inserted into a hole 142B formed in the loading member 142, and is detachably connected to the motor shaft 121A of the motor 121. . That is, on the rear side of the intermediate spool shaft 204, a magnet 204C as a connecting means having the same diameter as the intermediate spool shaft 204 is provided.

A magnet 121B as a connecting means corresponding to the magnet 204C of the intermediate spool shaft 204 is attached to the tip of the motor shaft 121A. N poles and S poles are magnetized in the magnets 204C and 121B so that adjacent sections in the circumferential direction have different polarities. Then, the N pole of the magnet 204C and the magnet 1
21B, and the magnet 2
04C and 121B are coaxially positioned and fixed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the magnet 121B is inserted into a hole 140B formed in the mounting seat 140, and also fixes the intermediate spool shaft 204 coaxially by magnetism. The motor 121 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, and rotates in synchronization with the motor 123 of the roller 125B.

In the present invention, as the connecting means for connecting the intermediate spool shaft 204 and the motor 121A, in addition to magnetic means using magnetism, for example, fastening means such as bolts or means such as pins may be used. good.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate spool shaft 204 has a slit 20 extending linearly through its axis and connecting two points on the outer peripheral surface and having a slightly longer thickness than the film 96.
4A are formed. A film 96 is inserted through the slit 204A, and the inserted film 9
Locking means for positioning and locking the slit 6 in the slit 204A is provided.

For example, as the locking means, a ball (not shown) for positioning the film 96 is disposed substantially at the center of the intermediate spool shaft 204 in the width direction, and a part of the ball is always outwardly moved by a coil spring (not shown). That is, it is urged toward the film 96 side. By this locking means, the film 96 is locked to the slit 204A. Further, the locking means may be configured as a leaf spring or the like.

Then, as shown in FIG.
Is positioned on the intermediate spool shaft 204 by the urging force of a ball (not shown). When the intermediate spool shaft 204 rotates in this state, the film 96 is wound on the intermediate spool shaft 204 as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a drawer (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-22) for drawing out the leading end 96A of the film 96 in advance.
29), the tip 96A is pulled out by
It is attached to the intermediate spool shaft 204. In the present invention, a drawer for drawing out the leading end 96A may be provided in the intermediate cartridge 120.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a substantially circular hole 142A is formed around the intermediate spool shaft 204, and the left side of this hole 204C is formed obliquely so as to be continuous with the gap 65. I have. As shown in FIG. 8, the hole 142A is an escape for winding and holding the film 96. As shown in FIG. 3, a tapered guide surface 204B is formed at a position corresponding to the slit 204A at the front end (tip) of the intermediate spool shaft 204. The guide surface 204B is provided with the film 96 in the slit 204B.
Is to be easily inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate cartridge 120 is connected to the motor shaft 70A of the motor 70. When the motor 70 rotates, the intermediate cartridge 120 is turned counterclockwise as shown in FIG. (90 ° in the direction of arrow CCW). The motor 70 is
The control device 202 is a stepping motor.
The rotation amount of the intermediate cartridge 120 is determined by counting the number of pulses of 23.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the mounting seat 140 is provided with the second APS cartridge 14 as the second film container, as described above.
Is detachably disposed. This loading member 1
52 is a concave portion 1 into which the APS cartridge 14 is inserted.
The concave portion 154 is formed in the same shape as the outer shape of the cartridge 14.

Here, the configuration of the cartridge 14 will be described. The cartridge 14 has a protruding portion 22 that protrudes in the tangential direction. This protrusion 22
A slit-shaped insertion opening 28 is formed at the tip of the. The insertion opening 28 is normally closed by a door 30, so that the inside of the cartridge 14 is in a light-shielding state. The cartridge 14 has a film F
A spool shaft 16 having a fixed end of I is disposed,
The spool shaft 16 is rotatably supported at both axial ends.

A door shaft 32 is rotatably supported by the protrusion 22. The door shaft 32 rotates integrally with a door (not shown), and the door rotates together with the door shaft 32 to open and close the insertion port 28. At both ends of the door shaft 32, key holes 34 for engaging a means for rotating the door shaft 32 (a door driver 158 described later) are formed.

A label (not shown) is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 14. This label includes a cartridge I for identifying the cartridge 14.
A bar code including various information such as D (identification number), film type, and number of shots (number of frames) is printed in two rows.

The cartridge 14 has a key hole 62 formed in the end face of the spool shaft 16. When the key hole 62 is engaged with the key hole 62, a rotational force can be transmitted to the spool shaft 16. ing.

As described above, the configuration (external shape and the like) of the cartridge 14 is different from the configuration of the cartridge 94 (see FIG. 1) of the 135-size film 96 described above. Therefore, the configuration of the loading member 152 is different from the configuration of the loading member 140.

The film F shown in FIG. 17 and FIG.
In I, a perforation (not shown) that clearly indicates the position of the image frame is formed at one end in the width direction at a predetermined interval, and this perforation is used for positioning the image frame when performing image exposure and printing work. It is supposed to be.

A bar code (not shown) corresponding to the bar code of the cartridge is formed on the film FI. This barcode indicates the frame number of the image frame,
It represents a manufacturer, a film type, and the like, and is formed in advance as a latent image at the stage of manufacturing the film FI, and is visualized by developing.

As shown in FIG. 16, the concave portion 154 of the loading member 152 is
8) is formed so as to face the distal end 66A side of the loading member 152. In addition, the loading member 152 has
A slit 156 for allowing the film 96 in the cartridge 14 to enter and exit is provided at a position facing the insertion port 28 of the cartridge 14 housed in the cartridge 54. On the loading member 152 side of the slit 156, a film F
A roller 162 that sends I to the tip end 66A of the loading member 152 or the opposite side thereof is rotatably disposed facing the roller 152B.

As shown in FIG. 17, the loading member 152 is connected to a door driver 158 for opening and closing the door 30 of the cartridge 14 and a rotation of the spool shaft 16 at a position facing the key hole 34 formed in the door shaft 32. A spool driver 160 is provided as a means. The spool driver 160 is provided with a magnet 164 corresponding to the magnet 121B, and the magnet 164 and the magnet 121B on the motor 121 side are coaxially positioned and fixed by magnetism.

The door driver 158 is disposed on the rear side in FIGS. 16 and 17, but is originally provided only on the front side. Further, the door driver 158 is connected to a motor (not shown).

Although not shown, the spool driver 160 is also provided on the front side, and chucks the cartridge 14 by chucking means (not shown). Normally, the door driver 158 and a spool driver (not shown) are retracted from the cartridge 14 by a predetermined distance.

When the switch 77 shown in FIG. 1 is turned on,
The door driver 158 and a spool driver (not shown) move to the cartridge 14 by a predetermined size. Therefore, the door driver 158 engages with the key hole 34 of the door shaft 32 and the spool driver engages with the key hole 62 of the spool shaft 16. The door driver 158 and the spool driver 160 have a key formed on a side surface of the shaft to engage with a key hole.

In the first embodiment, the intermediate spool shaft 204 need not be provided in the intermediate cartridge 120. For example, when the intermediate spool shaft 204 is removed from the magnet 121B, the film 96 is inserted into the hole 142A.
May be wound up. In this case, due to the curl of the film 96, the film 96
It is caught and locked by 42A. That is, the film 96 wound in the hole 142A is held with the rear end 96B held between the rollers 125A and 125B.

On the guide plates 64 and 66 of the intermediate cartridge 120, the light emitting element 72 and the light receiving element 74 are provided on the partition plate 118 side (left end side) corresponding to the film 96. When the light emitted from the light emitting element 72 is supplied to the light receiving element 74, the control device 202
The position of the rear end 96B (see FIG. 8) is determined.

As shown in FIG. 1, push-button switches 76 and 77 are provided on the front panel 102A of the casing 102.
Is arranged, and the switch 76 is a 135-size first switch.
The switch 77 performs a series of development and drying processes on the second film FI for APS.

When the switch 76 is pressed, the motors 121 and 123 rotate to wind the film 96 sandwiched between the intermediate spool shafts 204 on the intermediate spool shaft 204, and the wound film 96 will be described later. Developing process and drying process.

When the switch 77 is pressed, the motor 70 rotates, and thereafter, the motors 121 and 123 rotate to draw out the film FI from the cartridge 14 and perform a developing process and a drying process described later.

The casing 10 shown by the imaginary line in FIG.
2, an intermediate cartridge transport device 1 shown in FIG.
26, a developing unit 128 shown in FIG. 2, and a drying unit 130 shown in FIG.

(Intermediate Cartridge Transporting Apparatus) The configuration of the intermediate cartridge transporting apparatus 126 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate cartridge transport device 126 raises and lowers the intermediate cartridge 120. The intermediate cartridge transport device 126 moves the front end 96A of the film 96 shown in FIG. 11 to face a film insertion port 318 of a processing tank 300 described later. In this state, the intermediate cartridge 120 is moved up and down.

As shown in FIG. 10, the intermediate cartridge 1
Reference numeral 20 is connected to an intermediate cartridge transport device 126 which can be moved up and down via a bracket 80 having an L-shaped cross section. That is, the circular mounting plate 7 is provided at the end of the motor shaft 70A of the motor 70 for rotating the intermediate cartridge 120.
The intermediate cartridge 120 is fixed to the mounting plate 70B by a plurality of (three in this embodiment) bolts 82.

Further, the motor 70 is provided with a rectangular base 70C, and the base 70C is fixed to the side piece 80B of the bracket 80 by a plurality of (four in this embodiment) bolts 84. As shown in FIG. 5, a hole 80C having a diameter larger than that of the mounting plate 70B is formed in the side piece 80B, and the mounting plate 70B passing through the hole 80C is mounted on the mounting seat 140 of the intermediate cartridge 120. Have been.

The intermediate cartridge transport device 126 is composed of a cylinder 126A and a rod 126B connected to the cylinder 126A and moving vertically. The tip of the rod 126B is fixed to the lower piece 80A of the bracket 80 by a nut 86.

A motor 90 is connected to the cylinder 126A, and the rod 126B is raised and lowered by rotating a rack (not shown) connected to the motor 90. Further, the lower piece 80A of the bracket 80 includes
The tip of the guide rod member 127 is fixed by a nut 88. Note that the rod 126B of the present embodiment is
It may be operated by air, hydraulic pressure, screw or the like. (Development processing unit) As shown in FIG.
Is a sword-shaped treatment tank 3 made of synthetic resin or the like.
00. The processing tank 300 is disposed in a vertical direction (up and down direction), and as shown in FIG. 5, a film insertion port 318 having an open upper end is formed.

That is, in this embodiment, the film insertion port 318 that allows the film 96 to enter and exit is formed only on one side (upper side) of the processing tank 300 in the longitudinal direction. The length of the processing tank 300 is longer than the processing length of the film 96 sent out of the patrone 94.

As shown in FIG. 12, the film 96 is sent out from the cartridge 94 by rollers 125A and 125B, and the leading end 96A is attached to the film insertion port 3 of the processing tank 300.
18 is inserted. In this state, the distal end 66A of the guide plate 66 is inserted into the film insertion opening 318.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inner wall surfaces 302 of the processing tank 300 are opposed to each other, and are in the width direction (the front-back direction in FIG. 9).
It is curved so that the interval between both sides (the portion facing the both ends in the width direction of the film 96) is small, and the interval in the center portion in the width direction (the portion facing the image frame of the film 96) is wide.

For this reason, when the film 96 is inserted from the film insertion port 318, both ends in the width direction of the film 96 are guided by both widthwise sides of the inner wall surface 302 of the processing tank 300, and the widthwise central portion of the film 96, that is, The contact between the image frame and the inner wall surface 302 of the processing tank 300 is prevented.
The film width of the 135-size film 96 is AP
Since the width of the film FI is larger than that of the film FI of S, the width direction of the inner wall surface 302 of the present embodiment corresponds to the film width of the 135-size film 96 having a large film width.

The configuration of the processing tank 300 is not limited to a straight sheath, but may be, for example, a U-shape (in this case,
The film insertion ports 318 may be formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 300). Alternatively, the film 96 may be formed into a cylindrical shape in which the film 96 is wound around an embossed film made of synthetic resin or the like and accommodated in the tank. . (Sealing device) As shown in FIG.
A sealing device 320 is provided at a position corresponding to.
As shown in FIG. 5, the sealing device 320 includes a block 322 that is in close contact with the film insertion port 318. In addition,
A thick packing 324 made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to a portion of the block 322 which is in close contact with the film insertion opening 318.

As shown in FIG. 9, the block 322 is connected to the movable iron core 326A of the solenoid 326. As shown in FIG. 13, when the solenoid 326 is energized, the movable iron 326A connects the block 322 to the movable iron core 326A. The inside of the tank is closed by pressing against the film insertion port 318. (Circulation path of treatment liquid) As shown in FIG.
A pipe-shaped connecting part 330 communicating with the inside of the tank is provided near the upper part of the pipe.
6 is connected to the stock tank 332. The stock tank 332 contains one type of processing liquid such as a color processing liquid, a bleach-fix liquid, and a rinsing liquid. Although not shown, the number of the stock tanks corresponding to each processing liquid is arranged.

An electromagnetic valve 338 is connected between the processing tank 300 and the stock tank 332 in the pipe 336, and the processing liquid in the processing tank 300 is returned to the original stock tank 332 by the electromagnetic valve 338. .

At the lower end of the processing tank 300, a pipe-shaped connecting portion 334 communicating with the inside of the tank is provided. One end of the connecting portion 334 is connected to a connecting portion 342 of the stock tank 332 via a pipe 344. It is connected.

A forward and reverse rotatable pump 346 and a solenoid valve 348 are connected between the processing tank 300 of the pipe 344 and the stock tank 332. The pump 346 and the electromagnetic valve 348 allow the processing liquid to be processed by the processing tank 300. Supplied within. Note that the solenoid valves 338 and 348 and the pump 346
Is connected to the control device 202 and is controlled based on a control signal from the control device 202. Here, the processing liquid supply means of the present invention includes the pipes 336 and 344, the solenoid valves 338 and 348, the pump 346, and the like. (Extrusion Unit) As shown in FIG. 10, the extrusion unit 210 is located below the intermediate cartridge 120 and the guide rod member 1.
27 and the processing tank 300. The extruding portion 210 connects a long box-shaped guide member 212 having an open upper portion, a pair of support shafts (not shown) arranged at both ends of the guide member 212, and a right-end support shaft. , A belt (not shown) rotated by the motor 214, a slider 216 fixed on the belt and moving on the guide member 212 in the left-right direction, and a guide shaft supported by the slider 216. 218 and this guide shaft 2
It is composed of a cylindrical roller 220 fixed to the tip of the 18.

As shown in FIG. 9, at the initial position of the roller 220 (the position shown in FIG. 9), the roller 220 is arranged so as to face the sealing device 320. Then, the roller 220 moves from the initial position shown by the solid line to the pushing position shown by the imaginary line.

The material of the roller 220 may be a metal such as aluminum, a synthetic resin such as POM, a rubber such as CR, or other materials, and it is assumed that the surface is smooth and the film 96 is not damaged. Although the roller 220 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, the center of the roller 220 may be concave in an arc shape so as not to come into contact with an image portion of the film 96. (Drying Unit) As shown in FIG. 2, the developed film 9 is provided below the loading unit 106 and on the left side of the processing tank 300.
A drying unit 130 for drying 6 is provided. The drying unit 130 includes a duct 500 having a substantially U-shaped cross section. An opening 502 is formed in one side wall of the duct 500. The opening 502 is a space into which the film 96 enters.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the duct 500
A plurality of slit-shaped air outlets 508 are formed at predetermined intervals along the front-rear direction at the portion of the opening 502. A dryer 506 including a fan and a heater is connected to the left side of the duct 500. In the present embodiment, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be arranged in the duct 500.

In the present embodiment, the air in the duct 500 is heated by the dryer 506 and the air
The warm air is blown toward the film 96 from above. Therefore, the film 96 is dried.

In this embodiment, the controller 202 preliminarily stores the types of the films FI and 96 (for example, film type such as manufacturer, color, black and white, negative, reversal, etc.) and the corresponding drying conditions (this embodiment). In the embodiment, the drying temperature is stored, and the cartridge 14 and the cartridge 9 are stored.
The drying conditions may be set according to the film type read from the barcode No. 4.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The film 96 is moved by the roller 220 to the duct 50.
Rollers, guides, and the like (not shown) that facilitate the movement of the film 96 may be provided in a portion that comes into contact with the film 96 in a state where the film 96 is pressed into the opening 502.

Further, the film 96 is moved to the intermediate spool shaft 2
When rewinding to 04, image frames of the film 96 may be read by a reading unit (not shown) and printed. That is, the reading unit is a film 9
Controller 2 as image data obtained by reading the image frame No. 6
02 is output. The image data supplied to the control device 202 is output to a printer device (not shown) and is subjected to print processing by the printer device.

In this case, since the print processing is performed by a separate printer device based on the image data read by the reading unit, the subsequent exposure processing and printing on the rewound film 96 or the developed film 96 are performed. Processing and the like become unnecessary. (Operation) Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, a case where a 135-size film 96 is developed will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the user (including the customer and the worker who has deposited the film 96 from the customer) opens the cover 104 and changes the magnet 204C of the intermediate spool shaft 204 shown in FIG. And the loading member 142 shown in FIG. 4 is inserted into the mounting seat 140 and mounted. In addition, the leading end 96A of the undeveloped film 96 is drawn by a drawer (not shown) (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-2229).
9 Pull out from inside.

As shown in FIG.
6A is inserted into the notch 118A, the gap 65, the hole 142A, and the slit 204A of the intermediate spool shaft 204 for positioning, and the cartridge 94 is mounted on the mounting member 108 (see the imaginary line in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). The user closes the cover 104 shown in FIG. 1 after loading the film 96 into the loading section 106.

Switch 7 on front panel 102A shown in FIG.
When the switch 6 is turned on, the motors 121 and 123 shown in FIG. 4 rotate, and the film 96 held between the slits 204A of the intermediate spool shaft 204 is wound around the intermediate spool shaft 204 (see FIG. 6). When the placing member 108 presses the switch 122 to be turned on, the control device 202 shown in FIG. 2 determines that the film 96 has been wound. According to the control signal from the control device 202, as shown in FIG.
The upper cutter 124A is lowered, and the rear end 9 of the film 96 is moved.
Cut 6B.

Further, the light emitted from the light emitting element 72 is supplied to the light receiving element 74, and the film 96 is wound around the intermediate spool shaft 204 until the control device 202 detects the rear end 96B of the film 96 (see FIG. 8). .

Thereafter, the motor 70 shown in FIGS.
Is rotated, and as shown in FIG.
0 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow CCW). Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the tip 66A of the guide plate 66 faces the film insertion port 318 of the processing tank 300. In this state, the rod 126B of the intermediate cartridge transport device 126 is moved downward to
Is lowered.

As shown in FIG. 12, the intermediate cartridge 1
Reference numeral 20 denotes a processing tank 300 having a tip 66A of the guide plate 66.
The motors 121 and 123 are rotated in a state where the film 96 is inserted into the film insertion port 318, and the film 96 is removed from the processing tank 3.
Insert into 00.

The insertion amount of the film 96 is determined by counting the number of pulses of the motors 121 and 123 by the control device 202. That is, the film 96 is not separated from the intermediate spool shaft 204 and has a predetermined length (the length in a range where the final image frame is formed).
6 is inserted into the processing tank 300.

Thereafter, the intermediate cartridge 120 is raised to the position shown in FIG. 13 by the intermediate cartridge transport device 126, and the tip 66A of the guide plate 66 is separated from the film insertion port 318 of the processing tank 300.

As shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate cartridge 1
20 and the block 322 of the sealing device 320
(Packing 324) is brought into close contact with the film insertion opening 318, and the developing process is performed in a sealed state in a tank holding the rear end of the film 96. The operation timing of the sealing device 320 and the intermediate cartridge transport device 126 is detected by a sensor (not shown) or the like, and is controlled by the control device 202.

Next, the development processing of the film 96 with the processing liquid will be described. When the processing tank 300 is sealed, FIG.
The pump 346 and the solenoid valves 338 and 348 are operated in a predetermined order by the control device 202 to fill the processing tank 300 in the order of the color developing solution, the bleaching solution, the fixing solution, the washing solution, and the stabilizing solution. Is performed.

Here, when processing the film 96 with one processing liquid, the pump 346 is operated to circulate the processing liquid in one direction between the stock tank 332 and the processing tank 300, but the pump 412 is appropriately stopped. Then, the pump 346 is operated to circulate the processing liquid in the processing tank 300 in the reverse direction. Thereby, the long film 96 can be stably processed in the longitudinal direction.

When the processing is completed with one processing liquid, the processing tank 300 and the pipes 336 and
4 is returned to the original stock tank 332,
The processing tank 300 and the pipes 336 and 344 are once emptied. At this time, the processing liquid / air can be replaced in the processing tank 300 by opening and closing the block 322 as appropriate. A dedicated solenoid valve is provided so that the inside of the processing tank 300 can communicate with the outside air, and when supplying and discharging the processing liquid to the processing tank 300,
The air in the processing tank 300 may be discharged and sucked by the electromagnetic valve.

Then, the electromagnetic valve 338 is switched, and the pump 346 is operated to send the next processing liquid into the processing tank 300.

When the film 96 is sequentially processed by the color developing solution, the bleaching solution, the fixing solution, the washing solution and the stabilizing solution in this manner, the block 322 of the sealing device 320 is separated from the film insertion port 318.

Before the processing of the film 96 with the processing liquid is completed, the control device 202 may supply electricity to the dryer 506 so that the temperature inside the duct 500 may be set to a temperature preset in the control device 202.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Accordingly, the intermediate cartridge 120 is rotated clockwise (in FIG. 14, the direction of arrow CW) from the state shown in FIG. 13 to the state shown in FIG. The intermediate cartridge 120
Is determined by the control device 202 counting the number of pulses of the motor 70.

When the motor 214 of the pushing section 210 is rotated to slide the slider 216 to the left,
0 moves to the left, and the film 9 contacts the roller 220.
6 are sequentially drawn from the processing tank 300 and sent into the opening 502 of the duct 500. As shown in FIG. 15, the roller 220 stops at the innermost position of the opening 502 of the duct 500.

The film 96 sent into the opening 502 of the duct 500 is blown with warm air from a dryer 506, and is dried at a drying time and a drying temperature set according to the type of the film 96, for example.

In the present embodiment, the dryer 506 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an infrared heater such as a far-infrared heater may be installed so as to emit infrared rays toward the film 96. Also, the drying capacity can be made different by changing the amount of air blown by a fan (not shown) of the dryer 506.

By the rotation of the motors 121 and 123, the film 96 is drawn out of the processing tank 300, and the film 96 discharged from the processing tank 300 is moved at a constant speed (= duct 5).
00 through the opening 502 of the duct 500 at a time corresponding to the transport distance of the film 96 in the opening 502 of the second sheet / drying time set in accordance with the type of the film 96).
It is wound up by 04.

When the film 96 is dried while being conveyed, the first half is dried at a higher temperature, and the second half is dried at a lower temperature than the first half. Thus, drying can be performed in a short time with the same energy.

As described above, the drying ability between the side closer to the intermediate cartridge 120 and the side farther from the intermediate cartridge 120 is differentiated, and the drying conditions during stoppage and the drying conditions during transport are set as described above. Drying of the film 96 can be performed in a short time.

After the film 96 is completely wound around the intermediate spool shaft 204, the intermediate cartridge 120 is rotated clockwise by the motor 70 from the state shown in FIG. 15 to the state (initial position) shown in FIG. In addition, after the above series of operations is completed, an end buzzer sounds,
The display unit may display "end of development processing" or the like.

Then, the user operates the cover 1 shown in FIG.
Open 04. Further, the leading end 96A of the film 96 is removed from the slit 204A of the intermediate spool shaft 204,
The film 96 is taken out of the intermediate cartridge 120.
The cartridge 94 is also removed from the placing member 108.

Next, a case where the APS film FI is developed will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the door driver 158 is connected to a motor (not shown), and the magnet 164 of the spool driver 160 is connected to the motor 12.
One magnet 121B is magnetically connected. Further, as shown in FIG.
And APS cartridge 1
4 is inserted into the concave portion 154 of the loading member 152.

Then, the cover 104 shown in FIG.
When the switch 77 is operated, the motor 70 rotates. The subsequent operation is the same as the case where the 135-size film 96 is subjected to the development processing, and the description is omitted.

When all processes such as the developing process and the drying process of the film FI are completed, the spool driver 160 shown in FIG. 17 pushes the cartridge 14 forward to a position where the cartridge 14 can be picked out from the concave portion 154 of the loading member 152. The ejection means of the cartridge 14 may be provided with a solenoid or the like.

In the present embodiment, a 135-size film 96 is wound around the intermediate spool shaft 204 of the loading member 142 from the patrone 94 and held in the loading member 142, and in this state, is loaded from the loading member 142 into the processing tank 300. The film FI can be developed by inserting the APS cartridge 14 into the loading member 152 while the cartridge FI for the APS is inserted.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the mounting seat 140
A loading member 142 for loading a 135-size film 96 and an APS cartridge 14 (film F
Since the loading member 152 for loading I) is replaceable, the roller 125B, the motor 121, and the like can be shared, and the photosensitive material processing apparatus can be reduced in size.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the pipe 336,
344, electromagnetic valves 338, 348, a pump 346, etc., so that a plurality of processes such as color development, fixing bleaching, and washing are performed in a single processing tank 300. Since a processing tank is not required, the size of the machine can be reduced, and the apparatus can be installed in a small space.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention can be used for processing various films, that is, photosensitive materials, but is particularly preferably used for processing photosensitive materials for photography. Specifically, it is a process for a color negative film, a color reversal film, and a black and white film. Further, in the present invention, not only two types of films but also a plurality of types of three or more types (for example, a 120-size film,
(A film of a size) or the like may be loaded and developed.

Although the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention can be used for processing various photosensitive materials, it is particularly preferable to use it for processing photographic photosensitive materials. In particular,
Processing of color negative film, color reversal film, black and white film.

Various processing solutions are used in the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention. The color developing tank solution and the color developing replenisher used for developing the color negative film are alkaline aqueous solutions containing an aromatic primary amine color developing agent as a main component. Aminophenol compounds are also useful as the color developing agent, but p-phenylenediamine compounds are preferably used. Representative examples thereof are 3-methyl-4-amino-N, N-diethylaniline and 3-methylaniline. -4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-
Methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-
β-methoxyethylaniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-
Methyl-N- (3-hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino
-3-Methyl-N-ethyl-N- (3-hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N- (2-hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-ethyl-N -Ethyl-N-
(3-hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-propyl-N- (3-hydroxypropyl) aniline,
4-amino-3-propyl-N-methyl-N- (3-hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-methyl-N- (4-
Hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-
Ethyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-3
-Methyl-N-propyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-ethyl-N-ethyl-N- (3-hydroxy-2
-Methylpropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N, N
-Bis (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-
Methyl-N, N-bis (5-hydroxypentyl) aniline,
4-amino-3-methyl-N- (5-hydroxypentyl) -N- (4-
Hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methoxy-N
-Ethyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline, 4-amino-
3-ethoxy-N, N-bis (5-hydroxypentyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-propyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline, and their sulfates, hydrochlorides or p-toluenesulfonates And the like. Among these, in particular, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N- (3-
Hydroxypropyl) aniline, 4-amino-3-methyl-N
-Ethyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl) aniline and their hydrochlorides, p-toluenesulfonates or sulfates are preferred. These compounds can be used in combination of two or more depending on the purpose.

The amount of the aromatic primary amine developing agent to be used is preferably from 0.0002 mol to 0.2 mol, more preferably from 0.001 mol to 1 mol per liter of the color developer.
0.1 mol.

Color developing solutions (color developing solutions) include pH buffers such as alkali metal carbonates, borates or phosphate 5-sulfosalicylates, chloride salts, bromide salts, iodide salts, and the like. It generally contains a development inhibitor or an antifoggant such as a benzimidazole, a benzothiazole or a mercapto compound. If necessary, besides hydroxylamine and diethylhydroxylamine, the compound represented by the general formula (I) of JP-A-3-144446 can be used.
Various preservatives such as hydroxylamines, sulfites, hydrazines such as N, N-biscarboxymethylhydrazine, phenylsemicarbazides, triethanolamine, and catecholsulfonic acids, and organics such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol represented by Solvents, development accelerators such as benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, quaternary ammonium salts, amines, dye-forming couplers, competitive couplers, auxiliary developing agents such as 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidone, viscosity-imparting agents, aminopolycarboxylic acids acid,
Aminopolyphosphonic acid, alkylphosphonic acid, various chelating agents represented by phosphonocarboxylic acid, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, 1- Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, nitrilo-N, N, N-trimethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-N, N, N, N-tetramethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-di (o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and the like And various compounding materials typified by salts thereof.

Among the above, as the preservative, unsubstituted hydroxylamine and substituted hydroxylamine are most preferable, and among them, diethylhydroxylamine, monomethylhydroxylamine or alkyl substituted with a water-soluble group such as sulfo group, carboxy group, hydroxyl group and the like. Those having a group as a substituent are preferred. The most preferred example is
N, N-bis (2-sulfoethyl) hydroxylamine and its alkali metal salts.

As the chelating agent, a compound having biodegradability is preferable. An example of this is disclosed in JP-A-63-1.
No. 46998, No. 63-199295, No. 63-26
Nos. 7750 and 63-267751, JP-A-2-22
Nos. 9146 and 3-186841, German Patent No. 3,7
Chelating agents described in JP 39,610, EP 468,325 and the like can be mentioned.

The processing temperature of the color developer is 20 to 55 ° C.
Preferably it is 30-55 degreeC. Processing time is 30 seconds to 4
Minutes, preferably 45 seconds to 3 minutes 20 seconds. Most preferably, it is in the range of 60 seconds to 120 seconds.

In this processing method, the photosensitive material is desilvered after color development. In the desilvering step, it is desirable that both photosensitive materials be processed with a common tank solution and a common replenisher. However, the replenishment amount can be set differently for each photosensitive material. Hereinafter, the desilvering step will be described in detail.

The desilvering step generally includes a bleaching step, a bleach-fixing step, and a fixing step, and includes various steps. Specific steps are shown below, but are not limited thereto.

(Step 1) Bleaching and Fixing (Step 2) Bleaching and Bleaching and Fixing (Step 3) Bleaching and Bleaching and Fixing (Step 4) Fixing and Bleaching and Fixing (Step 5) Bleaching and Fixing If necessary, the solution may be divided into two or more baths, or may be replenished by a cascade method.

As the bleaching agent used in the processing solution having the bleaching ability, aminopolycarboxylate iron (III) complex, persulfate, bromate, hydrogen peroxide, erythrocyte and the like are used. A polycarboxylic acid (III) complex can be most preferably used.

The ferric complex used in this treatment method is as follows:
It may be added and dissolved as a pre-complexed iron complex salt, or a complex-forming compound and a ferric salt (eg, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, ferric bromide, iron nitrate (III ) And iron (III) ammonium sulfate) to form a complex salt in a solution having bleaching ability.

The amount of the complex-forming compound may be slightly larger than the amount required for complex formation with ferric ion, and when it is added in excess, it is usually in the range of 0.01 to 10%. preferable.

The compound forming a ferric complex salt in the solution having bleaching ability is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (E
DTA), 1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid (1,3-
PDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 1,2-cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, methyliminodiacetic acid, N- (2-acetamido) iminodiacetic acid,
Nitrilotriacetic acid, N- (2-carboxyethyl) iminodiacetic acid, N- (2-carboxymethyl) iminodipropionic acid, β-alanine diacetate, α-methyl-nitrilotriacetic acid, 1,4-diaminobutanetetraacetic acid , Glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid, N- (2-carboxyphenyl)
Iminodiacetic acid, ethylenediamine-N- (2-carboxyphenyl) -N, N ′, N′-triacetic acid, ethylenediamine-N, N′-disuccinic acid, 1,3-diaminopropane-N, N′-disuccinic acid, Ethylenediamine-N,
N′-Dimalonic acid, 1,3-diaminopropane-N,
Examples include N′-dimalonic acid, but are not particularly limited thereto.

The concentration of the ferric complex salt in the processing solution having the bleaching ability is suitably in the range of 0.005 to 1.0 mol / l, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.50 mol / l. , More preferably 0.02 to 0.3
The range is 0 mol / liter.

The concentration of the ferric complex salt in the replenisher of the processing solution having the bleaching ability is preferably from 0.005 to 2%.
Mol / l, more preferably 0.01 to 1.0 mol / l.

Various compounds can be used as a bleaching accelerator in a bath having bleaching ability or a prebath thereof. For example, a compound having a mercapto group or a disulfide bond described in U.S. Pat. And JP-B-45-8506, JP-A-52-20832, and 53-3
No. 2735, U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,561, and the like, thiourea compounds and halides such as iodine and bromine ions are preferred because of their excellent bleaching ability.

Other baths having a bleaching ability include bromide (eg, potassium bromide, sodium bromide, ammonium bromide), chloride (eg, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride), or iodide (eg, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride). For example,
Rehalogenating agents such as ammonium iodide). Borax, sodium metaborate, acetic acid,
At least one inorganic acid or organic acid having a pH buffering capacity such as sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, citric acid, sodium citrate, tartaric acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, etc. And their alkali metal or ammonium salts, or
Corrosion inhibitors such as ammonium nitrate and guanidine can be added.

The bath having bleaching ability may contain other various types of fluorescent whitening agents, antifoaming agents, surfactants, and organic solvents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and methanol.

The fixing agent component in the bleach-fixing solution or the fixing solution is as follows:
The use of thiosulfates is preferred. Examples of the thiosulfate include sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and ammonium thiosulfate. Other known fixing agents, thiocyanates such as sodium thiocyanate and ammonium thiocyanate; ethylenebisthioglycolic acid,
Thioether compounds such as 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol, mesoionic compounds, and water-soluble silver halide dissolving agents such as thioureas can also be used. In the present invention, the use of thiosulfates, particularly ammonium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate and sodium thiosulfate is preferred. The total amount of the fixing agent per liter is preferably 0.3 to 3 mol, more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mol.

It is desirable that the bleach-fixing solution or the fixing solution contains a sulfite (or bisulfite or metabisulfite) as a preservative.
Liter, more preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mol / liter.

The bleach-fixing solution and the fixing solution may be any of the above-mentioned sulfites (eg, sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium sulfite) and bisulfites (eg, ammonium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite) as a preservative. In addition to containing a sulfite ion releasing compound such as metabisulfite (for example, potassium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, ammonium metabisulfite),
Aldehydes (benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc.), ketones (acetone, etc.), ascorbic acids, hydroxylamines, benzenesulfinic acids, alkylsulfinic acids, etc. can be added as necessary. Particularly, use of benzenesulfinic acid, p-methylbenzenesulfinic acid, p-aminobenzenesulfinic acid and the like is also preferable. The preferable addition amount is 0.005 mol to 0.1 mol.
It is about 3 mol / liter.

Further, a buffer, a fluorescent brightener, a chelating agent, an antifoaming agent, a fungicide, and the like may be added to the bleaching solution, the bleach-fixing solution, and the fixing solution as needed.

In the bleaching solution, the bleach-fixing solution and the fixing solution, the preferred pH range is from 4 to 8, more preferably from 4.5 to 6.
5 is preferred.

The replenishing amount to the bleaching solution, bleach-fixing solution and fixing solution is 50 to 2000 ml per 1 m ² of the light-sensitive material. Further, washing water as a post-bath or overflow solution of a stabilizing bath may be replenished as necessary.

The processing temperature of the bleaching solution, bleach-fixing solution and fixing solution is from 20 to 50 ° C., preferably from 30 to 45 ° C.
The processing time of each step is 10 seconds to 3 minutes, preferably 20 seconds to
2 minutes.

It is particularly preferred that a processing solution having a bleaching ability is subjected to aeration during processing in order to maintain photographic performance extremely stably. Any means known in the art can be used for aeration, and air can be blown into a processing solution having bleaching ability, or air can be absorbed using an ejector.

Aeration may be performed directly in the processing tank. However, since the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a small tank capacity, it is preferable to perform aeration in a processing liquid storage tank.

At the time of blowing air, it is preferable to discharge air into the liquid through an air diffuser having fine pores. Such a diffuser is widely used for an aeration tank in activated sludge treatment. Regarding aeration, Z-121 issued by Eastman Kodak Company,
USING PROCESS C-41 3rd Edition (1982
Year), and the items described on pages BL-1 and BL-2 can be used. In the processing using the processing solution having the bleaching ability of the present invention, it is preferable that stirring is strengthened, and the processing is carried out as described in JP-A-3-33847, page 8, upper right column, line 6 to lower left. The contents described in the column and the second line can be used as they are.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, when aeration is performed, it is preferable to use a circulation system, a processing liquid storage tank, or the like.

The photosensitive material generally undergoes a washing and / or stabilizing step after the desilvering process. In the washing and / or stabilizing step, it is necessary to adjust the concentration of the residual thiosulfuric acid of the processed photographic material to 30 to 1500 micromol / m ² .

Specifically, it is desirable that the concentration of the thiosulfate in the final bath is adjusted to be about 0.001 to 0.04 mol / liter. That is, the above-mentioned concentration may be added to the final bath, or when a thiosulfate is used as a fixing component, the amount of replenishment in the subsequent washing and stabilization steps is reduced, so that the final bath has the above-mentioned concentration. It is also a desirable embodiment to prepare such a solution.

The specific amount of replenishment varies depending on the concentration of thiosulfate in the fixing step, the number of baths in the washing step and the stabilization step, etc.
Generally, the amount is about 100 to 1000 ml, preferably about 130 to 700 ml, per m ^{2 of} the photosensitive material.

In the washing water amount in the washing step,
The relationship between the number of washing tanks and the amount of water in the multi-stage
urnal of the Society of Motion Picture and Televis
ionEngineers Vol. 64, pp. 248-253 (May 1955)
Can be obtained by the method described in (1). According to the multi-stage countercurrent method described in the above-mentioned document, the amount of washing water can be greatly reduced.However, due to an increase in the residence time of water in the tank, bacteria are propagated, and the generated suspended matter adheres to the photosensitive material. Problem arises.

As a solution to such a problem in the processing of a color light-sensitive material, the method of reducing calcium ions and magnesium ions described in JP-A-62-288838 can be used very effectively. Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 8,542, isothiazolone compounds, thiabendazoles, chlorine-based disinfectants such as chlorinated sodium isocyanurate, and other benzotriazoles, etc. "Sterilization, Sterilization, and Antifungal Technology of Microorganisms" edited by the Sanitary Technology Association (1982), Industrial Technology Society, "Encyclopedia of Antifungal Agents" (ed. 1986)
Can be used.

In the processing of the photosensitive material, the pH of the final bath is as follows:
It can be set to any value, preferably 3.5-8,
More preferably, it is 4-7. The pH is preferably set so as to reflect the film pH of the processed photosensitive material,
Various buffers may be used for that purpose. Specific examples include acetic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, and phthalic acid.

The temperature and time of the rinsing water can be variously set depending on the characteristics of the photographic material, the application, and the like.
For 20 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably at 25 to 40 ° C. for 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Further, the light-sensitive material of the present invention can be processed directly with a stabilizing solution instead of the above-mentioned water washing. In such a stabilization treatment, JP-A-57-8543 and
All known methods described in JP-A-14834 and JP-A-60-220345 can be used.

The stabilizing solution contains a compound for stabilizing the dye image, for example, benzaldehydes such as formalin and m-hydroxybenzaldehyde, formaldehyde bisulfite adduct, hexamethylenetetramine and its derivatives, hexahydrotriazine and its derivatives, N-methylol compounds such as dimethylol urea and N-methylol pyrazole, organic acids and pH buffers are included. The preferable addition amount of these compounds is from 0.001 to 0.02 mol per liter of the stabilizing solution. The lower the concentration of free formaldehyde in the stabilizing solution, the less the formaldehyde gas is scattered. From these viewpoints, examples of the dye image stabilizer include N-methylolazoles described in JP-A-4-270344, such as m-hydroxybenzaldehyde, hexamethylenetetramine and N-methylolpyrazole, and N, N'-bis (1 4,3,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl) piperazine and the like.
Azolylmethylamines described in 13753 are preferred. In particular, azoles such as 1,2,4-triazole and 1,4-bis (1,2,4) described in JP-A-4-359249 (corresponding to EP-A-519190A2).
A combination of azolylmethylamine and its derivative such as (-triazol-1-ylmethyl) piperazine is preferable because of high image stability and low formaldehyde vapor pressure. Further, if necessary, ammonium compounds such as ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfite, metal compounds such as Bi and Al, a fluorescent brightener, a hardener, and US Pat.
No. 86,583, or a preservative which can be contained in the above-mentioned fixing solution or bleach-fixing solution, for example, a sulfinic acid compound described in JP-A 1-231051 is also preferable. .

The washing water and / or the stabilizing solution may contain various surfactants in order to prevent water droplet unevenness during drying of the processed photosensitive material. Among them, it is preferable to use a nonionic surfactant, and particularly preferable is an alkylphenol ethylene oxide adduct. Octyl, nonyl, dodecyl, and dinonylphenol are particularly preferred as the alkylphenol, and the number of moles of ethylene oxide added is particularly preferably 8 to 14. It is also preferable to use a silicon surfactant having a high defoaming effect.

It is preferable that the washing water and / or the stabilizing solution contain various chelating agents. Preferred chelating agents include aminopolycarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, N, N, N '.
-Trimethylene phosphonic acid, diethylene triamine-
Organic phosphonic acids such as N, N, N ', N'-tetramethylenephosphonic acid or EP 345,172A
The hydrolyzate of the maleic anhydride polymer described in No. 1 can be used. (Second Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG.
As an embodiment, as described above, since the film width of the 135-size film 96 is different from the film width of the APS film FI, the processing tanks 300A and 300B corresponding to the film 96 and the FI film width, respectively.
Are examples in which a pair is provided. This embodiment is an example corresponding to claim 4 of the present invention. The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The inner wall 302 of the processing tank 300A shown in FIG.
9 (see FIG. 9), the inner width dimension corresponds to the film width of the film 96. Processing tank 300 shown in FIG.
The inner wall 302 of B (see FIG. 9) has an inner width dimension corresponding to the film width of the film FI. Further, in the present embodiment, since the processing tanks 300A and 300B are provided respectively, the extruding parts 210 are also provided respectively. Note that the processing tanks 300A and 300B are formed to be slightly longer than the processing lengths of the film 94 and the FI, respectively.

Furthermore, a pair of processing tanks 300A, 300B
, A pipe 174 is connected to a pipe 344 via an electromagnetic valve 176 (a three-port two-position switching valve). Note that FIG.
(In the present embodiment, a three-port two-position switching valve) is connected to the processing tank 300 via a pipe 178.
B is connected.

On the other hand, also in this embodiment, the mounting seat 14
Since 0 is a single value, a moving means described below is provided to make the mounting seat 140 face the film insertion port 318 of each processing tank 300A or 300B.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the loading member 1
42 and the loading member 152 are fixed to the slider 168 via the intermediate cartridge transport device 126 shown in FIG. The slider 168 is connected via a support member 170 to a gear (not shown) which forms a part of the moving means. This gear is connected to a motor 172, and when the motor 172 is driven, the gear rotates and the slider 168 moves in the left-right direction. The moving means of the present invention may employ a mechanism such as a wire, a sprocket, a belt, air, and a hydraulic pressure.

In this embodiment, the first loading member 14
2 and the second loading member 152
Of the film FI loaded in the corresponding processing tanks 3
The film is subjected to development processing while being opposed to the film insertion ports 318 of 00A and 300B. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG.

According to the present embodiment, the film 94 and the F
Processing tanks 300A and 300B corresponding to film width of I
Therefore, both ends in the width direction of the film 96 and the FI are guided more reliably by both side portions in the width direction of the inner wall surfaces 302 of the processing tanks 300A and 300B.

Although the second embodiment is an example in which the intermediate cartridge 120 is moved by the moving means, in claim 4 of the present invention, the processing tanks 300A and 300B may be moved so as to correspond to the intermediate cartridge 120. good. In this embodiment, the number of the processing tanks is two. However, the number of the processing tanks may be three or more so that the development processing of a plurality of films can be performed simultaneously.

In each of the above embodiments, the processor 1
In this case, a printer may be provided within the printer. In this case, a method may be adopted in which a film image is read by a CCD or the like to obtain a print by a color printer of an ink jet type, a thermal type, or the like. The method of obtaining prints is not limited to the above.

[0178]

As described above, since the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention has the above-described structure, it can be installed even in a small space, and the film in the first film container and the film in the second film container can be used. Can be processed by a common mechanism.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a processor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a main part in the processor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the first loading member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the loading member shown in FIG. 3 is removed from a mounting seat.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part in the processor.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the film is wound around an intermediate spool shaft shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a main part of the loading member shown in FIG. 3;

8 is a front view showing a state where the rear end of the film wound around the intermediate spool shaft shown in FIG. 7 is cut off.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a main part in the processor shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a main part in the processor shown in FIG. 2;

11 is a view showing a state in which the intermediate cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is rotated.

12 is a view showing a state where the intermediate cartridge shown in FIG. 11 is lowered.

13 is a view showing a state in which the intermediate cartridge shown in FIG. 12 is slightly raised and the processing tank is sealed.

14 is a view showing a state in which the intermediate cartridge shown in FIG. 13 is slightly rotated and the film is slightly pulled out of the processing tank by a roller.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state where the film shown in FIG. 14 is pulled out of a processing tank by a roller and dried.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state where a second loading member is attached to the attachment shown in FIG. 3;

17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the loading member shown in FIG. 16 has been removed from a mounting seat.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a cartridge is loaded into the loading member shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a main part in a processor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a view showing a state in which the intermediate cartridge shown in FIG. 19 has been moved by the moving means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 14 Cartridge (second film storage container) 16 Spool shaft (second spool shaft) 28 Insertion port 94 Patrone (first film storage container) 94A Spool shaft (first spool shaft) 96 Film (first film) 97A motor (delivery means) 100 processor (photosensitive material processing apparatus) 123 motor (delivery means) 125A roller (delivery means) 125B roller (delivery means) 121 motor (rotation drive means) 121A motor shaft (rotation drive means) 121B magnet (Connecting means) 124A cutter (cutting means) 124B cutter (cutting means) 140 mounting seat (holding means) 142 loading member (first loading member) 152 loading member (second loading member) 160 spool driver (connection means) 162A roller (second sending means) 162B roller (Second sending means) 164 Motor (second sending means) 168 Slider (moving means) 170 Support member (moving means) 172 Motor (moving means) 204 Intermediate spool shaft 204C Magnet (connecting means) 300 Processing tank 300A Tank (first processing tank) 300B Processing tank (second processing tank) 318 Film insertion port 338 Solenoid valve (processing liquid supply means) 340 Pipe (processing liquid supply means) 344 Pipe (processing liquid supply means) 346 Pump ( Processing liquid supply means) FI film (second film)

Claims (5)

[Claims] An elongate first film wound around a first spool shaft;
A first film container containing the first film of the type to be developed and returned in a state where the film is separated is loaded, and the first film is wound from the first film container. A first loading member for holding, and an insertion opening for taking in and out a second long film wound around a second spool shaft are formed, and the second film is inserted into the second spool shaft. A second loading member for loading a second film storage container storing the second film of the type that is to be returned in a wound state; a connecting means for connecting to the second spool shaft; and the connecting means. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a rotation driving unit that detachably connects and rotates the first and second units; and a holding unit that detachably holds the first or second loading member. 2. An intermediate spool shaft disposed on the first loading member and holding one longitudinal end of the first film and winding the first film from the first film container, 2. A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate spool shaft or said connecting means is detachably connected by said rotation driving means and rotated. 3. After winding the first film in the first film container loaded in the first loading member into the first loading member, the length of the first film is adjusted. Cutting means for cutting the other end in the direction, a state in which one end in the longitudinal direction of the first or second film disposed on the first or second loading member is locked to the first or second loading member. Sending means for sending out the first or second film, and a film insertion opening formed therein, and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film wound on the first loading member or the second loading member. The first and second films sent out from the film insertion port by the sending means are inserted in a state where the insertion port of the second film storage container loaded in the storage tank faces the film insertion port of the processing tank. And develop Photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a, a treatment tank of a single shared to. 4. After winding the first film in the first film container loaded in the first loading member into the first loading member, the longitudinal length of the first film is set. Cutting means for cutting the other end in the direction, a state in which one end in the longitudinal direction of the first or second film disposed on the first or second loading member is locked to the first or second loading member. Sending means for sending out the first or second film, and a film insertion opening formed therein, and having an inner width dimension corresponding to the width of the first film, the first means being sent out by the sending means. A first processing tank for developing the film, and a second film formed with a film insertion port and having an inner width corresponding to the width of the second film, and sent out by the sending means. Developing the first And moving one of the first loading member and the first processing tank so that the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first film faces the film insertion port of the first processing tank. Moving means for moving one of the second loading member and the second processing tank so that the insertion port of the second film storage container faces the film insertion port of the second processing tank. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising processing liquid supply means for circulating, replacing, and discharging the processing liquid in the processing tank.