JPS63103246A - Automatic developing machine for photography - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To quickly uniformize a processing liquid without using a liquid circulating pump by providing a shearing member, which causes the sharing action upon the processing liquid, in a processing tank. CONSTITUTION:A shearing member 3 consists of one or plural rotating members 5 on which holes or slits 4 are formed and is arranged in a tank 1. The processing tank 1 is filled up with the liquid, and the shearing member 3 is driven simultaneously with the start of driving of carrying rolls 2, and the shearing action is caused by rotating members 5. With respect to this action, rotating members 5 are forcibly rotated or moved in the processing liquid, and thereby, the processing liquid is jetted out of holes or slits 4, and the liquid receives the shearing force and the jetted-out liquid itself assumes the turbulent state. Thus, the liquid is sufficiently sheared to obtain the processing liquid of uniform liquid composition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an automatic photographic processor for processing photographic light-sensitive materials. For more details, please see the photo Kawaguchi n, which shows that it is possible to equalize the liquid composition without using a liquid circulation pump in the processing tank.
1 Regarding the developing machine.

[Prior Art] In a color photo development laboratory, a negative photosensitive material such as color negative film is developed to create a negative image, this negative image is printed on color paper, and a positive image based on the negative image is made into a positive photo on color paper. Printed on photosensitive material.

In the processing of color photographs, there are automatic developing machines for negative photosensitive materials, automatic developing machines for positive photosensitive materials,
Various types of automatic developing machines for negative and positive processing are known, and full-color copying machines such as the Konica Color Seven are also known.

In order to process photographic materials while replenishing replenishment processing liquid (hereinafter simply referred to as replenishment liquid) using an automatic processor,
Usually, start treatment liquid (hereinafter simply referred to as start liquid)
Two types of processing liquids are used: a replenisher and a replenisher.

An automatic developing machine uses conveyor rack rollers, endless belts, etc. to feed the processing tank filled with start liquid as described above.
A photographic film or photographic paper containing a latent image is automatically developed. At this time, the processing tank is replenished with replenisher, and the replenishment method includes a method in which a fixed amount of replenisher is intermittently supplied to cause the processing solution in the processing tank to overflow, or a method in which a fixed amount of replenisher is There are methods of continuously supplying.

Automatic photographic processors automatically perform processes such as color development, bleach-fixing (or bleaching and fixing), and stabilization (water-washing stabilization processing) when the photographic light-sensitive material to be processed is for color. It is common to have two or more processing tanks, and in this case, the processing liquid filled in each processing tank needs to be subject to fairly strict temperature control, and this temperature Strict management is also required when replenishing the replenisher, and even a slight change in the temperature of the replenisher will have a significant impact on photographic performance, significantly reducing the commercial value of the print.

Conventionally, temperature control of this type of automatic processor has been performed by an electric heater in a heating section and a continuous operation of a cooling section using cooling water.

However, in recent years, some areas in Japan have been experiencing droughts where water supply is restricted once every few years, and these areas are running out of drinking water and washing water, making it difficult to cool automatic processors. A situation is emerging in which it is not permissible to use water.

Furthermore, in addition to droughts, water is extremely valuable in desert regions overseas, and there are regions where it is extremely difficult to use water to cool the processing solution of automatic processors. In such regions, the emergence of an automatic processor that uses as little water as possible for cooling and the like is eagerly awaited.

Generally, a desired amount of work space is required around each of these automatic processors, in which operations such as preparing a replenishment cock, correcting evaporation, replacing the processing solution, and dissolving the replenisher are performed. Having water pipes under the feet of these workers is dangerous and undesirable in terms of the work environment. Furthermore, whenever an automatic processor is newly installed or relocated, piping work for cooling water is required, which requires time and expense.

Therefore, the present applicant filed Utility Application Nos. 59-42750 to 427
I first proposed the 22nd grade design shown in No. 53. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the photographic paper 102 in the magazine 103 attached to the attachment section 0 enters the main body 104 from the main body entrance section 105, and passes through the developer tank 106, bleach-fix tank 107, and first washing tank. After being automatically developed through the alternative stabilizing tank 108 and the second washing alternative stabilizing tank 109, it is dried in the drying section 110 and taken out from the main body outlet II+, or after being cut or otherwise processed in the upper part of the main body 104. After the process, it becomes a product print 1 or a color copy.

Developer tank 106. The bleach-fixing tank 107, the first washing alternative stabilizing tank 108, and the second washing alternative stabilizing tank +09 are sequentially arranged in parallel as shown in the figure, and each tank is provided with a roller for conveying exposed photographic material such as photographic paper. , the photosensitive material 102 is configured to be subjected to predetermined processing while being immersed in a liquid. It has a replenisher supply tank 112, 113, 114 that automatically replenishes the processing solution for processing the photosensitive material,
In addition, a water supply tank 115 (optional) that stores water for diluting or dissolving the treatment agent is included in the kit, and a waste liquid tank (not shown, various types 106 to 109) that stores the waste liquid after treatment is included. and replenisher supply tanks 112 to 144
) and/or reserve tank 116.11
7 (optional) is removably housed.

In addition, 118.119.120 is a refill kit, 12]
does not show the opening/closing lid that also serves as a shelf on which the kits 118, 119, and 120 are placed. In addition, a liquid circulation pump having a filter for stirring and cleaning the processing liquid is provided for each of the various types 106 to 109. If such a device is used, it is a waterless type without a washing tank and has a built-in waste liquid tank, so the device can be operated without the need for utility supply means such as water pipes or waste liquid discharge piping. Because it can be operated and does not require such piping,
Piping construction costs can be kept low, the entire device can be made compact, and it is suitable not only for so-called demonstrations, such as when water supply cannot be secured, but also as a full-color copy machine in general offices.

The processing solution in an automatic developing machine such as the above-mentioned apparatus is provided with a processing solution circulation system for the purpose of uniform processing solution temperature, removal of suspended matter in the processing solution by a filter, and stirring. The liquid circulation pump in this circulation system is always in operation as long as the main switch of the automatic processor is turned on, even when photographic material is not being processed. The reality is that it is moving. Therefore, the liquid circulation pump has heat, and the processing liquid of the automatic developing machine is heated up by the heating of the liquid circulation pump. Furthermore, since the entire surface of a typical small automatic developing machine is covered with a panel for the purpose of blocking light and making up, the heat from the liquid circulation pump gets trapped inside the panel.
The liquid is heated up indirectly, and the temperature of the processing liquid tends to rise roughly by 1. Therefore, a large amount of cooling water is required to stop this temperature rise, but for the reasons mentioned above, it is not preferable to use a large amount of water.

Therefore, the present applicant filed Japanese Patent Application No. 59-69157 and Japanese Patent Application No. 59-69157.
We have proposed a technology that makes it possible to omit cooling water and cooling piping by using the device shown in No. 9-71837. That is, according to these techniques, an automatic processor is provided with an outside air inlet, a fan, etc., so that warm air inside the apparatus is exhausted by the fan, etc., and cooled outside air is introduced through the outside air inlet. This makes it possible to cool the tank or processing liquid.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Although such an apparatus allows the processing liquid to be cooled without using cooling water, it has been found that this apparatus also has other problems. That is, in order to forcibly exhaust the warm air inside the device, it is necessary to use a large fan in the device, which not only increases the size of the device but also increases the manufacturing cost. Further, if the fan is made smaller, a large number of fans are required, which similarly increases manufacturing costs and increases the size of the device. Furthermore, the fan runs almost all day long to exhaust the air warmed by the pump.
The power consumption by the fan is not small, and the power consumption of the entire device is enormous.

Therefore, if the liquid circulation pump that is the heating source can be eliminated, the fans used can be smaller and fewer in number.
Although the above problem is solved, since the liquid circulation pump stirs the liquid in order to make the underarm uniform, a stirring means is required in place of the liquid circulation pump.

Conventionally, as a technique for stirring the processing liquid without using a liquid circulation pump, there are methods disclosed in Jitsugaku No. 56-137148 and No. 5
A technique such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6-139150 is known. Of these, the former method involves changing the gap between the film surface and the fixing plate by swinging the film on a fixing plate installed in the processing tank as a conveyance roller with an eccentric shaft rotates. It stirs the processing liquid, and on the other hand,
In the latter method, a stirring member provided on a conveyance roller stirs the liquid by driving the conveyance roller. Therefore, since both of them are configured to simply stir the processing liquid, for example, if a poorly soluble compound such as benzyl alcohol is present in the processing liquid, the compound is completely dissolved and the processing liquid is Since stirring for a considerable period of time is required to achieve uniformity, not only is time wasted, but the processing capacity of the photographic material is also affected.

The present invention was made in view of the various problems mentioned above.
Automatic photo development that enables quick uniformization of processing liquid without using a liquid circulation pump in the processing tank, miniaturizes the equipment, reduces manufacturing costs, and saves resources and energy. The technical challenge is to provide the necessary equipment.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The automatic photographic processing machine of the present invention which solves the above-mentioned technical problem replenishes a replenishment processing solution to a start processing solution filled in a processing tank as needed, and processes the photographic exposure. An automatic photographic processor for automatically developing materials is characterized in that at least one processing tank of the automatic processor is provided with a shearing member that performs a shearing action on a processing solution.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a processing tank showing one embodiment of the present invention;
The figure is a perspective view showing an example of a member having shearing force according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example, FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing other examples of the rotating member, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an automatic photographic processor to which the present invention is most suitable.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a processing tank, in which a photographic photosensitive material 1 is passed through the tank by a transport means such as a transport roller 2, and one of the development processing steps is performed. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shearing member that performs a shearing action, and is configured to move as the conveying roller 2 is driven. The shearing member 3 includes one or more rotary members 5 in which holes or slits 4 are formed, and one or more rotary members 5 are disposed in the tank l. For example, as shown in FIG.
A shearing member 3 may be provided on the shaft 2A of the shearing member 3 and driven directly by the shaft 2A, and as shown in FIG.

An endless belt 6 is provided between the two conveyance rollers 2, 2', and the shearing member 3 is drivably fixed by a shaft 8 to one end or a conveyance rack (not shown) that supports the conveyance rollers 2, 2'. and has a roller 9 at the other end that contacts the belt 6. By providing one or more rollers 9 and bringing the roller 9 into contact with the belt 6, the shearing member 3
It may also be configured to drive. Further, any other means may be used as long as it moves the shearing member 3 using the power of the conveying roller 2. Furthermore, the shearing member 3
The driving is not based on the driving force of the conveyance roller 2, but may be driven manually, by using a small motor, or by using a motor for other driving force together.

The structure of the shearing member 3 is not limited to the above, but for example, when it has a conveyor belt (such as an endless belt) for conveying the photographic light-sensitive material, the rotary member 5 may be provided on the belt. (See Figure 6).

The shearing member 3 is driven at the driving speed of the conveying roller 2 when the photographic material is not waiting for processing, for example, when a new start solution is prepared in the processing tank I, when idling before processing, when replenishing solution is supplied, etc. The shearing member 3 may be driven faster. By doing so, the shearing action can be effectively performed, the processing liquid can be uniformized quickly, and the eye ring time can be shortened.

The means for changing the driving speed of the conveyance roller 2 may be performed by a motor 10 or by a gear mechanism (continuously or stepwise variable speed gear) 11 that transmits the power of the motor 10 to the conveyance roller 2. etc. can be adopted.

The shearing member 3 may be driven either before or during processing of the photographic material, but preferably,
It is preferable to provide a clutch mechanism or the like between the conveying roller 2 and the shearing member 3 to stop the driving of the shearing member 3 during processing of the photographic material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, an endless belt 12 is installed along the conveying roller 2, and a member 5 having holes or slits 4 is fixed to the endless belt 12. By rotating the endless belt 12, the member 5 can be moved. However, during processing of the photosensitive material, it is preferable to stop the endless belt 12 by switching a clutch or the like.

Note that 13 in the figure is a conveyor belt for the photosensitive material.

The structure of the rotating member 5 that constitutes the shearing member 3 includes, in addition to the above,
It may be partially or entirely formed as a net-like body, or may be formed by combining holes and slits as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the size, shape, etc. of the rotating member 5 may be Not limited. Further, the size and shape of the hole or slit 4 are not particularly limited and may be arbitrary.
As shown in the figure and FIG. 5, the rotating member 5 scrapes or collects particles of a poorly soluble compound such as benzyl alcohol, and allows the particles to pass through the holes or slits 4 without escaping. It is preferable that the particles be formed and forced to pass through the same-hole slits 1 to 4, and a shearing force will be applied during this passage, thereby composing the soluble compound into smaller particles.

On the other hand, the shape of the hole 4 is a small circle capable of shearing the particles of the soluble compound into smaller particles (for example, a diameter of 1,001 to 51 mm is preferable, but a diameter of 0.1 to 0.2 mm is best). It is preferable that the same rotating member 5" has a small circular hole 4 with the same or different diameter.
Even if J: is arranged. The arrangement of the holes 4 is not limited to an even arrangement. The same applies to pickpockets 91-4.

[Action of the Invention] The action of the present invention having the above configuration is as follows. That is, the required amount of the processing liquid prepared as the starting liquid was not filled in the processing tank 1. In this case, the star 1 to liquids may have been prepared in the processing tank L, or may have been prepared in the replenisher supply tank or dissolution tank (not shown) and then transferred to the processing tank. good. Once the processing tank 1 is filled with the liquid, a drive switch (not shown) for the transport roller 2 is turned on. When the conveyance roller 2 starts to drive, the shearing member 3 is driven accordingly, and the rotating member 5 provided on the member 3 performs a shearing action. This action occurs when the rotating member 5 rotates or moves vigorously in the processing liquid, and the processing liquid is ejected from the holes or slits 4. As a result, the liquid receives a shearing force, and the ejected liquid mouth body causes turbulent liquid. exhibit a condition. In this way, sufficient liquid shearing is performed and a processing liquid with a uniform liquid composition is obtained. After that, the photographic material may be processed.

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration and operation, it can solve the above-mentioned technical problems. That is, since stirring of the processing tank is carried out without using a liquid circulation pump, the apparatus can be made smaller, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and resources and energy can be saved. Also, by eliminating the liquid circulation pump, the generation of heat within the device can be significantly reduced.
Cooling devices such as fans can be made smaller and fewer in number than in the past, and the device can be made more compact. In addition, since the liquid in the processing tank is homogenized by the shearing section 4, which has a shearing section, the processing liquid can be sufficiently homogenized in a short time even if the liquid contains a soluble compound. .

In addition, regarding the application of the present invention, regarding the automatic processor, its type (dedicated type or fJl type, etc.), the configuration of the processing tank,
There is no element that limits the scope of the present invention in terms of processing capacity, composition of photographic processing solution, etc., and it is applicable to a wide range of automatic processors that process photographs. An example explanation is 1, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-1483.
4, 58-:14448, 57-13214 and 58-18 [i:11,! I″1′ Gansho 58-
No. 238578, No. 58-2:18579, No. 5! l
-119840, 59-120658, 60-
No. 280207, No. 61-27236, etc., the description thereof will only be pointed out, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

The present invention is preferably applied to all development processing tanks (I!ll, photographic processing 4f'j) such as color development tank, U white fixing tank, washing allowance stabilization tank, etc., but it is preferable to apply it to at least 1 tank. 4. It is preferable to apply it to a color developing tank (CD tank).

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a processing tank showing one embodiment of the present invention;
The figure is a perspective view showing an example of a member having shearing force according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example, FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing other examples of the rotating member, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an example of an automatic photographic processor to which the present invention is most suitable.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an automatic photographic processing machine that automatically develops a photographic light-sensitive material by replenishing a replenishment processing solution to a start processing solution filled in a processing tank as necessary, at least one of the automatic processing machines An automatic photographic developing machine characterized in that a shearing member for shearing a processing liquid is provided in a processing tank. (2) The automatic developing device for photographs according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic developing machine is a waterless type that does not have a washing tank, and is also a pipeless type that does not have water pipes for washing. Machine.