JPS6161098B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an instant processing film unit including a processing composition reservoir device, a photosensitive element, and a cover sheet.

Modern instant processing film units have come in a wide variety of forms, two examples of which are as follows. One, often referred to as a 4x5 unit due to the print dimensions produced by current commercial products, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,053,160, dated September 11, 1962. This first type may also be referred to as a post-aligned release film unit, this term referring to the initial and final positions of each element. A second type is shown in US Pat. No. 4,042,395, dated Aug. 16, 1977. This second type is often referred to as a prealigned integral film unit, but this term also refers to the initial and final positions of each element.

Both of the above types include photosensitive elements,
A second element or sheet includes a pot containing the treatment composition. A photosensitive element has one or more layers of photosensitive material for recording a latent image that can be processed to produce a visible image.
The second sheet facilitates distribution of the processing composition onto the photosensitive element to initiate such processing. The second sheet can also act as a support for the final visible image, e.g.
In some integral film units, such as those described in US Pat. No. 4,042,395, the final image remains with the photosensitive element. In operation, the film unit is passed through a processing device, such as a pair of pressure rollers, which splits the pod and distributes the composition in a layer of appropriate thickness onto the photosensitive element and second sheet. The distributed composition then penetrates the layer and processes the latent image to produce a visible image.

In a so-called 4.times.5 or post-alignment release film unit, a second sheet is separated from the photosensitive element to expose the element and then brought into alignment with the element for processing.
Eventually it will be separated from the elements and you will see the final print. The term "post-alignment" refers to properties that require alignment after exposure, and the term "peel" refers to the removal of the second sheet from the photosensitive element to view the final print.

In the second type, a pre-aligned integral film unit, the photosensitive element and the second sheet are aligned before exposure, preferably at the time of manufacture, and are substantially aligned during, after exposure and during processing. remain in the same relative relationship. The second sheet is usually transparent through which the photosensitive element can be exposed and the element and sheet remain permanently attached to each other in the final print.

A further relevant feature of film units of the type described above concerns their daylight handling. The 4x5 units can be handled individually in daylight either before or after exposure. This is because the photosensitive element and second sheet are placed within an opaque enclosure that surrounds the unit until it is loaded into a suitable exposure device. Once loaded, the enclosure is removed to allow exposure of the photosensitive element. After exposure, the enclosure is returned to its original position to align the second sheet over the element and again provide a light-tight environment. The envelope is removed after processing and the second sheet is peeled off as described above to reveal the final print.

The present integral film unit is not designed for individual daylight handling prior to exposure.
These are supplied in light-tight packs for loading into corresponding equipment. However, after exposure, the film unit is typically ejected from the camera immediately and processing is completed in daylight. This has been made possible by providing an opaque layer on one side of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive element and by adding an opacifying agent to the processing composition. When the opaque composition is distributed in the photosensitive layer, it cooperates with the opaque layer to shield the photosensitive layer from light. The final image then diffuses through the opaque layer (either the original opaque layer or the distributed composition) where it becomes observable.

Although the previously known film unit described above works apparently satisfactorily for its intended purpose,
None of the instant film units afford the desired convenience of being able to be handled individually before and after exposure in daylight. The 4×5 type described above requires rather complex handling of the opaque enclosure. Furthermore, even after removal of the envelope, the final print must be peeled from the photosensitive element. Film units are complex in construction, difficult to manufacture, produce considerable waste in use, and require relatively complex utilization equipment that is difficult to automate. Integral film units do not have this problem, but individual
It is not suitable for handling daylight before exposure because it takes multiple shots.

According to the present invention, individual, i.e., one-shot, pre-exposure,
Also provided is an instant processing film unit suitable for daylight handling after exposure. This film unit is relatively simple in its specific construction, easy to use, and has minimal waste compared to conventional films of this type. Although adapted for use in currently available equipment, the film unit can be used in either simplified or more fully automated equipment.

A reservoir device, a photosensitive element, a cover sheet for supplying a treatment composition according to the invention,
A film unit comprising an opaque layer, in which the photosensitive element has a layer sensitive to chemical radiation for recording a latent image processable by the composition on the side facing the cover sheet, and the opaque layer extends from the cover sheet. on the side of the distal radiation-sensitive layer, the cover sheet facilitates distribution of the composition between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet to cooperate with the photosensitive element to initiate processing of the latent image. A film unit is provided which is slidable between a first position overlapping the sensitive layer and a second position in which the sensitive layer is available for photographic exposure. It is characterized by a dark slide placed between the cover sheet and the cover sheet.

The invention will now be explained by way of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, particularly in FIGS. 1 to 6, the first aspect of the present invention is shown.
In this embodiment, a photographic film unit 8 is shown including an imaging unit 10, a dark slide 12, and a reader device 14.

The imaging unit includes first and second sheets assembled along a lateral edge 16 as in the preregistered integral film unit described herein. One of the sheets has a plurality of photosensitive layers 20 and an opaque layer 2
2. A photosensitive element 18 comprising an image receiving layer carried on a dimensionally stable transparent support 26. These and additional respective layers of the photosensitive element are known in the prior art and will not be described in detail. The radiation-sensitive layer is suitable for recording a latent image that can be processed to produce a visible image. Opaque layer 22 shields the radiation-sensitive layer from chemical radiation incident on one side 28 of the imaging unit, and the image-receiving layer receives the final image, which diffuses through the opaque layer into the image-receiving layer during processing. .

The other sheet is a transparent cover sheet 30, which serves a variety of functions including restraint to facilitate distribution of the treatment composition during processing. As will become clear in the discussion below, the cover sheet also confines the dark slide to the proper location.

Pot 32 (Figure 21) and trap (Figure 4)
A reservoir device including a reservoir device is disposed in each of the leading and trailing end areas of the imaging unit. A pot is provided for dispensing a processing composition to be distributed between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet. The trap collects excess composition from between the element and the sheet.

When the final print is formed on image-receiving layer 24, it must have precisely defined edges. To this end, an opaque mask 36 extends along the end areas and lateral edges of the image unit to create an image frame, which delimits the periphery of the final image area.
Preferably, the mask is of the inner type, attached to the photosensitive element, facing the cover sheet.
Masks can also be used to cover pots and traps. This may be done, for example, by cutting a piece 38 and placing it on the pot and folding another piece 40 around the trap and cover sheet. In such a case, the leading end and trailing end of the image unit help prevent the light from entering between the sheets. The mask spaces the photosensitive element and cover sheet during distribution of the processing composition at a precise, known thickness to set the desired thickness of the distributed composition.

Mask 36 is provided with opaque side rails 42 of known thickness at the top of the mask (as shown in FIG. 3).
A space is provided between the dark slide 12 and the cover sheet 30 to accommodate the dark slide 12. The mask and side rail combination also prevents light from entering between the sheets at the lateral edges of the imaging unit.

The reader apparatus includes a flexible but somewhat rigid leader 44 attached to the leading end of the photosensitive element 18 for handling the film unit in a cooperating apparatus as described below. It's becoming convenient. Shims 46, 48 in the form of saddle stops are provided on the lateral edges of the leader for similar purposes.

In Figures 8, 11 and 16, the saddle stop 46,
48 are provided on both edges of the leader, where stops 46 and 48 straddle the dark slide. The stop is applied to the pressure applying member 7 when the film unit is properly positioned in the camera back adapter 60 with respect to the rest of the film unit.
It is positioned between 0 and 71.

The saddle stops 46, 48 are made of a relatively hard plastic and are concave in the area where they engage and support the pressure applying member. It is believed that the concave shape increases the force that must be applied to the film unit to pull the stop from under the influence of the pressure applying member, and that it is desirable for the stop to be relatively incompressible. In more compressible materials, this concavity can be lessened or even eliminated. provided that the force required to deflect the stop under the influence of the pressure applying member is greater than the frictional force required to dislodge the dark slide 12 from between the photosensitive element 18 and the cover sheet 30. That is the condition. As shown in FIG. 11, the saddle stops 46 and 48 are thicker than the dark slide 12 even at their concave bottom portions.

Within the area of the mask 36, the photosensitive layer 20 is overlapped only by the transparent cover sheet 30. When the cover sheet is then exposed to light, the light passes through the cover sheet and exposes the photosensitive layer to form a latent image. This, of course, makes it impossible to handle the film unit in the light without using suitable light shielding means. However, according to the present invention, an internal dark slide 12 is disposed between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet to cooperate with the opaque layer opposite the radiation-sensitive layer to surround the photosensitive layer and prevent premature exposure. The photosensitive layer is shielded so that there is no dust. A single film unit can then be handled in daylight without fogging. The dark slide 12 extends beyond the leader 44 from the trailing end of the imaging unit as shown in FIG. 1, and has a length such that if there is a dark slide, it is natural to grip the dark slide rather than the leader. . The dark slide can be thought of as extending from the imaging unit through a passageway formed between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet as shown in FIG. The dark slide covers the entire image frame and extends outwardly from the image frame to overlap the mask around the entire periphery of the final image area. Furthermore, the thickness of the dark slide is localized to and is arranged to occupy the space between the mask and the cover sheet. The thickness must not be so thick that interference with other elements causes undesirable friction, nor so thin that light can reach and fog the photosensitive element. Such conditions may be satisfied if the dark slide and side rails are of substantially the same thickness.

An additional light-tight seal 49 is provided at the leading end of the imaging unit where the dark slide emerges between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet.

2, 6 and 7, the light-tight seal 49 includes a flexible strip 50 of opaque material having a body portion 51 and a flap portion 52 (FIG. 7) and having a predetermined width and length. It has a certain value. The strip 50 is affixed to the photosensitive element 18, or indeed to a mask on the element;
The strip is interposed with or folded into the darkslide so that when the slide is pulled, the strip is stretched and released from the darkslide. The length of the strip and the point at which it is attached to the photosensitive element is such that when the strip is extended, it lies flat against the element without extending beyond the leading end of the element. Also, the width is selected to match the width of the photosensitive element and provide appropriate light shielding.

The strip 50 and the dark slide 12 are maintained folded together by constriction pressure from the photosensitive element 18 and the cover sheet 30, or the strip 50 is
It is also possible to attach seals to the lateral edges of the element 18 and the sheet 30.

Notches 55, 56 (FIG. 6) may be provided in the flap portion of the strip to facilitate proper folding of the strip and darkslide as the darkslide is pulled from the film unit. The notches also interact with the side rails to improve light blocking in the corners.

8-13, the operation of the film unit is illustrated with known equipment. The device includes a camera back adapter 60 of the type available on the market, which has a body portion 62 and a processing portion 64. The body portion defines a recess for receiving an individual film unit and an exposure opening 63 for exposing the film unit in the recess.
The processing section 64 includes a passage 72 passing between a pair of pressure applying members 70 and 71 (FIG. 9) and a light blocking device 74. The latch 76, shown partially in FIGS. 9 and 10, is shown in the open loading position (FIG. 9), in which the pressure applying members 70, 71 are spaced apart from each other, and in the open loading position (FIG. 9), in which the pressure applying members are biased together before the start of processing. It can be moved to and from the closed processing position (Figure 10).

In operation, referring first to FIG. 9, the latch 76 is moved to the open position and the film unit is inserted through the passageway 72 between the pressure applying members 70, 71 and into the recess behind the exposure opening 68. . Although not shown, there is a means for supporting the film unit in a substantially flat position suitable for exposure.
When latch 76 is closed to release the pressure applying member,
They fall onto saddle stops 46, 48 to hold the film unit in the proper operating position. Stops 46, 48 also act as lifters to support pressure applying members 70, 71, thereby facilitating removal of the dark slide. The darkslide is now removed by grasping its leading end and pulling it completely out of the film unit and apparatus (FIG. 12). This leaves the photosensitive element and its photosensitive layer uncovered for exposure. After the film unit is exposed, the leader 44 exposed by the removal of the dark slide is pulled to begin processing and the film unit is removed from the apparatus (FIG. 13). This means that the processing composition is transferred from pot 32 to photosensitive element 1.
8 and the cover sheet 30. If the composition includes an opacifying agent, as is customary in integral film units, the distribution of the composition creates another opaque layer, which cooperates with the opaque layer 22 in question. This shields the photosensitive layer 20 from further exposure and allows processing in daylight. During processing, an imagewise distribution of dye diffuses through the first opaque layer 22 into the image receiving layer 24 where the transferred image becomes visible on the surface 28 of the imaging unit. If desired, the reader can be removed from the imaging unit that will ultimately become the final print.

A second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, includes a dark slide 112 adapted to be repositioned between the photosensitive element 118 and the cover sheet 130 after exposure of the photosensitive element 118. . In most respects this second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the dark slide is notched or shaped to define an ear 133 at the trailing end; The difference is that the side rail 142 defines an abutment 143 at the leading end. The ears 133 of the slide 112 and the abutments 143 of the rails are connected after the dark slide has passed the image frame defined by the mask 136 and when it is reinserted between the element and the cover sheet after exposure of the photosensitive element. They cooperate to inhibit movement of the dark slide before it is removed beyond the position aligned with the position shown in FIG.

The dark slide 112 is then positioned between the photosensitive element 118 and the cover sheet 130 in a first position and through the frame 151 to shield the photosensitive element from exposure through the image frame 151 defined by the mask 136. The photosensitive element 118 can be moved to and from an uncovered second position for exposure.

In a second embodiment, the thickness of the material for the dark slide is increased to increase the stiffness of the dark slide, and the side rails 142 are increased in thickness to accommodate the thicker slide. It is also desirable to increase the thickness of. In such cases, a mask can be used to set the thickness of the distributed layer of processing composition so that the increased thickness of the side rails does not adversely affect processing of the film unit.

17 to 19 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Parts that structurally or functionally correspond to features of the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, with the addition of the suffix "a". Part 1 below
The parts that are different from the embodiment will be explained below. Please refer to the description of the first embodiment as necessary for understanding the third embodiment.

In a third embodiment, a dark slide 12a is placed at the leading end of the imaging unit 10a (19th
Fig.) Additional light shielding devices are provided to prevent light from entering the film unit under certain circumstances, for example when the photosensitive element and cover sheet are forced apart. . A pair of opaque flaps 160, 162 are attached to the darkslide and overlap the leading edge of the imaging unit 10a when the darkslide 12a is in place.
The lower flap 162 fits between the photosensitive element 18a and the leader 44a and the upper flap 1
Together with 60, a hood is formed inside the imaging unit that completely covers the opening through which the dark slide 12a passes. The outer edges of flaps 160, 162 are sealed together as shown in FIG.

The manner in which the third embodiment is used is substantially the same as the first embodiment. When the darkslide 12a is withdrawn, the flaps 160, 162 are attached to the darkslide, move with it, and are discarded with it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing general features including the image unit, dark slide, and reader. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are respectively similar to FIG. Figure 5 shows the photosensitive element with its particular layers; The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 6 is the first
Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of the light-shielding seal at the leading end between the dark slide and the imaging unit, and Figure 8 is an exploded view of the film unit shown in Figure 1. 9 to 13 are partial perspective views and elevational views showing the method of operation of the film unit of FIG. 1 in the apparatus of FIG. 8, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the known apparatus. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second embodiment with the cover sheet removed and the dark slide pulled out; FIG. 16 shows the film unit of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. 17 is a partial view of the device shown in the operating position with the stop lifter supporting the pressure-applying member; FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows a third embodiment of the invention; 18 is a partial perspective view of the film unit shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19--19 in FIG. 17. In the drawing, 8: film unit, 10:
Image unit, 12: Dark slide, 14: Reader (device), 18: Photosensitive element, 2
0: radiation sensitive layer, 22: opaque layer, 30: cover sheet, 36: mask, 42: side rail,
44: Leader, 46, 48: Sim, 49, 16
0,162: Light shielding sticker, 50: Strip, 7
0,71: Pressure applying member.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A reservoir device for supplying a processing composition, a photosensitive element, and a cover sheet, the photosensitive element and the cover sheet being connected to each other along their lateral edges, and the photosensitive element and the cover sheet being connected to each other along their lateral edges; On the side of the photosensitive element facing the cover sheet there is a photosensitive layer for recording a latent image processable by the composition, and on the side of the photosensitive layer remote from the cover sheet there is an opaque layer, the cover sheet being In an instant processing film unit adapted to cooperate with the photosensitive element to facilitate distribution of a processing composition between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet to initiate processing of the latent image. A dark slide is provided between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet for sliding between a first position overlapping the photosensitive layer and a second position making the photosensitive layer usable for photographic exposure. An instant processing film unit characterized by: 2. In the instant processing film unit of item 1 above, a passage is provided between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet, and in the first position, the dark slide passes through the passage and a portion of the dark slide is disposed. The photosensitive element connected to the cover sheet can be touched from the outside, and a light-shielding seal is provided to prevent light from reaching the photosensitive element through the passage. Instant processing film unit. 3. In the instant processing film unit of item 2 above, the light shielding seal comprises a strip of flexible opaque sheet material, a first means for connecting the strip of opaque sheet material to a dark slide, and an opaque sheet. a second means for connecting the strip of material to the photosensitive element;
An instant processing film unit characterized in that at least one of the first and second means is releasable by movement of the dark slide from the first position to the second position. 4. In the instant processing film unit of paragraph 3 above, the strip of flexible opaque sheet material is folded over itself between the connection with the dark slide and the connection with the photosensitive element. An instant processing film unit characterized by: 5. In the instant processing film unit of paragraph 4 above, the means for connecting the strip of opaque material to the dark slide includes a double fold in the dark slide, and a portion of the strip of opaque material An instant processing film unit characterized by being stored in a folding section. 6. The instant processing film unit according to item 2, wherein a light-shielding seal is carried on a dark slide and surrounds the photosensitive element and the cover sheet at the opening of the passage. 7. In the instant processing film unit of paragraph 6 above, the light-tight seal includes first and second opaque flaps disposed on opposite sides of the dark slide, the flaps extending beyond the edge of the dark slide. Instant processing film units characterized by being sealed together beyond the edge of the darkslide. 8. The instant processing film unit of paragraphs 1 to 7 for use in an apparatus for exposing and processing a film unit, the apparatus comprising: and a pair of pressure-applying members for passing the film unit to initiate processing of the film unit, wherein the film unit is configured such that the photosensitive element or the cover sheet presses the film unit into the apparatus. a dark slide overlapping the leader and extending from between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet, a shim being provided on the leader, the shim extending between the film unit and the cover sheet; The shim is formed and arranged to be located between the pressure applying members when the is in the exposing position, thereby pulling the pressure applying members apart to facilitate removal of the dark slide, and also to protect the photosensitive element during removal of the dark slide. An instant processing film unit characterized by its ability to resist shear. 9. The instant processing film unit according to any one of items 1 to 8 above, wherein the reservoir device contains an opaque processing composition. 10 In the instant processing film unit of paragraphs 1 to 9 above, the exposure of the photographic coating layer, including the light-sensitive layer, is carried out on one side of the film unit and the viewing of the image is on the other side of the unit. An instant processing film unit characterized in that the instant processing is carried out at. 11. In the instant processing film unit of paragraphs 1 through 10 above, an opaque mask defining an image frame between the photosensitive element and the cover sheet is secured to both the photosensitive element and the cover sheet. . An instant processing film unit characterized in that said dark slide in said first position extends outwardly beyond the image frame in all directions of the mask. 12 In the film unit of item 11 above,
An instant processing film unit characterized in that side rails are arranged between the mask and the cover sheet, and the dark slide is arranged between the side rails. 13 In the film unit of item 12 above,
An instant processing film unit characterized in that the rail and the dark slide have substantially the same thickness.