JPH0527402A - Photosensitive material processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the evaporation, change in properties and deterioration of a processing liquid with simple constitution and to decrease the amts. of the processing liquid to be replenished and discharged. CONSTITUTION:This photosensitive material processing device 1A has plural processing tanks 2 to 6, a transporting means for transporting the photosensitive material S in a prescribed route, passages 11 for inter-tank movement communicating the adjacent processing tanks with each other, a passage 16 for carrying in of the photosensitive material S from a developing tank 2 a passage 19 for carrying out of the photosensitive material S from a stabilizing tank 6, blades 12, 17, 20 installed to shield the respective passages 11, 16, 19, a fluid layer 14 which floats on the processing liquid surface of the respective processing tanks 2 to 6 and covers there surfaces, and a replenishing device 21 which replenishes the processing liquid in such a manner that the specified liquid levels of the respective processing liquids are obtd. The fluid layer 14 is constituted of the liquid, such as, for example, liquid paraffin, having the sp. gr. lower than the sp. gr. of the processing liquids.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light-sensitive material processing apparatus for wet-processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter, simply referred to as light-sensitive material).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Wet processing of light-sensitive materials is carried out by processing solutions (for example, developing solution, bleaching solution, etc.) stored in two or more processing tanks.
It is carried out by successively transporting and immersing the light-sensitive material in a fixing solution, washing water, etc.).

Conventionally, in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for performing such processing, since the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in each processing tank is open, it is caused by evaporation of the processing liquid, temperature drop, and contact with air. Problems such as alteration / deterioration of the treatment liquid occurred.

As a solution to this problem, the surface of the processing liquid is covered with a fluid layer such as paraffin, and the fluid is used to allow the photosensitive material to be carried in and out of the processing liquid. There is disclosed a photosensitive material processing apparatus provided with an opening forming means for forming an opening in a layer (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 01-3.
10351).

However, in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus, the opening forming means is composed of, for example, a drive source, a movable plate, a link mechanism connecting these, and the like, and these are activated each time the light-sensitive material passes, so that the structure is formed. However, there is a problem that the device is complicated and the device becomes large. Further, a failure may occur due to the components in the treatment liquid being deposited on the movable part or the movable part being corroded.

In recent years, from the viewpoints of downsizing of the apparatus, environmental problems, etc., it has been a subject to further reduce the replenishment amount and the drainage amount of the processing liquid. No measures have been taken to reduce the liquid replenishment amount and drainage amount.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent evaporation, deterioration and deterioration of a processing liquid with a simple structure, and to reduce the amount of the processing liquid to be replenished and the amount of the discharged liquid. An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive material processing device capable of processing.

[0008]

The above object is achieved by the present invention described in (1) below.

(1) A light-sensitive material processing apparatus for wet-processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, comprising a plurality of processing tanks containing a processing solution and the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material conveyed through a predetermined route. Transporting means, a passage between tanks for communicating adjacent processing tanks, a passage for carrying in the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, a passage for carrying out the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and a movement between the tanks. Blades, which are installed so as to shield these passages in each of the passage for carrying in, the passage for carrying in and the passage for carrying out, and a fluid layer which floats on the liquid surface of the processing liquid in each of the processing tanks and covers the liquid surface, A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a replenishing device that replenishes the processing liquid so that the liquid level of each processing liquid becomes constant.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view showing a structural example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. As shown in these drawings, the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1A has a casing (not shown), and inside the casing, a developing tank 2, a bleaching tank 3, a fixing tank 4, a washing tank 5 and The stabilizing tanks 6 are arranged side by side in this order from the left side in FIG.

Each of these processing tanks 2 to 6 contains a developing solution, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution, washing water, and a stabilizing solution up to a predetermined level. Each of these processing liquids is, for example, 20 to 50 by a heating means such as a heater (not shown).
The temperature is controlled to about ℃.

In the processing tanks 2 to 6, there are arranged carrying rollers 7 for carrying a photosensitive material S such as a negative film through a predetermined path in each tank. Further, an arc-shaped inversion guide 8 for directing the descending photosensitive material S upward is installed near the bottoms of the processing tanks 2 to 6. The transport roller 7, the reversing guide 8 and the like constitute a transport unit for the photosensitive material S.

On the tank wall 9 between the developing tank 2 and the bleaching tank 3,
A housing 10 is installed so as to penetrate the tank wall 9, and an inter-tank moving passage 11 that connects the developing tank 2 and the bleaching tank 3 and through which the photosensitive material S passes is formed in the housing 10. In addition, the same housing 10 is installed on each tank wall 9 between the bleaching tank 3 and the fixing tank 4, the fixing tank 4 and the washing tank 5, and the washing tank 5 and the stabilizing tank 6, and a passage for moving between tanks is provided. 11 is formed.

The tip of the upper portion of the housing 10 is curved, and plays a role of a guide so that the photosensitive material S passing through the inter-tank moving passage 11 is conveyed downward in the next processing tank.

A pair of blades 12 that substantially shield the inter-tank movement passage 11 are installed in each inter-tank movement passage 11.

The blade 12 is preferably made of a thin elastic material whose thickness gradually decreases toward the tip, and by installing the tip portions in close contact with each other, the treatment liquid in the passage 11 for moving between tanks can be treated. It substantially blocks distribution (seal effect). Further, when the photosensitive material S passes between the blades 12, the photosensitive material S pushes and spreads the tips of the blades 12 in close contact with each other, and slides on the tips. At this time, the processing liquid adhering to both surfaces of the photosensitive material S is wiped off (squeeze effect), and it is prevented from being brought into the next processing tank. Due to the sealing effect and the squeeze effect, deterioration of the processing liquid due to contamination can be prevented, good photographic properties can be obtained, and the replenishment amount and drainage amount of the processing liquid can be reduced. As the constituent material of the blade 12, for example, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, urethane rubber, polysulfide rubber, Various rubbers such as acrylic rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber, silicone resin, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene (especially medium or low density PE),
Examples include various soft resins such as polypropylene, fluororesins, ionomer resins, thermolans, sunplanes, milastomers, and elastomers such as Hytrel.

Of these, materials having excellent durability are preferable, and in this respect, urethane rubber, fluororesin, natural rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polypropylene or the above various elastomers are preferable.

The contact surface pressure between the tips of the blades 12 is
It is adjusted to the extent that the above-mentioned sealing effect and squeeze effect are effectively exerted, and is approximately 10 to 500 g / cm ² , particularly 30
It is preferably about 150 g / cm ² .

Although a pair of blades are shown in the illustrated example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the base of one blade is fixed to one inner wall of the housing 10, and the tip of the blade is attached to the housing. The other inner wall of 10 may be contacted. In this case, it is preferable that a portion of the inner wall of the housing which is brought into contact with the blade tip end portion projects into the passage 11.

On the liquid surface 13 of the processing liquid in each of the processing tanks 2 to 6, a fluid layer 14 that covers the entire liquid surface 13 floats. As a result, it is possible to prevent the processing liquid from evaporating and being deteriorated or deteriorated.

The fluid constituting the fluid layer 14 has a specific gravity smaller than that of the processing liquid (preferably a specific gravity of less than 1.0), is not compatible with or miscible with the processing liquid, and reacts with the processing liquid to form a photosensitive material. It does not adversely affect the processability. Also,
This fluid (liquid or semi-solid) has a relatively high viscosity, for example, about 5 to 500 cps at a temperature of 20 to 50 ° C.,
Particularly, it is preferably about 30 to 200 cps.

Specific examples of such a fluid include liquid paraffin, liquid crystals, various synthetic oils such as silicone oil, various natural oils such as flaxseed oil and tung oil, tricresylyl phosphate, dibutylphenol and the like. Of these, liquid paraffin and silicone oil are particularly preferable.

The thickness of the fluid layer 14 may be such that evaporation, alteration and deterioration of the treatment liquid can be sufficiently prevented, and it depends on the type (composition) of the fluid used and the area covered by the fluid. Is, for example, liquid paraffin, the thickness is 0.
It is preferably about 1 to 30 mm, particularly about 1 to 15 mm.

In the present invention, each processing tank 2 to 6 is
The thickness of the fluid layer 14 and the type of fluid may be changed to suit the processing liquid.

Further, unlike the illustration, the fluid forming the fluid layer 14 may be configured to be able to flow through the respective processing tanks 2 to 6.

A loading passage 16 for loading the photosensitive material S into the developing solution is provided in the developing tank 2 which is the first processing tank.
A housing 15 in which is formed is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 15 penetrates the fluid layer 14, its lower end is submerged in the developer, and its upper end is located above the fluid layer 14 in the air. As a result, the loading passage 16
The fluid of the fluid layer 14 does not enter the inside.

A blade 17 similar to the blade 11 that substantially shields the carry-in passage 16 is installed in the carry-in passage 16 with its tip end facing downward.

The stabilizing bath 6, which is the last processing bath, has a passage 1 for carrying out the photosensitive material S from the stabilizing solution therein.
A housing 18 in which 9 is formed is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 18 penetrates the fluid layer 14, its lower end is immersed in the stabilizing liquid, and its upper end is located above the fluid layer 14 in the air. As a result, the unloading passage 1
The fluid of the fluid layer 14 does not enter into the inside 9.

A blade 20 similar to the blade 11 that substantially shields the unloading passage 19 is installed in the unloading passage 19 with its tip end facing upward.

As described above, according to the present invention, the means for loading and unloading the photosensitive material S does not have a drive source or mechanically movable portion, so that the structure does not become complicated and the apparatus becomes large in size, and it fails. Nor.

The photosensitive material S is rotated by the rotation of the conveying roller 7.
Is first introduced into the developer through the carrying-in passage 16 and between the blades 17, and is inverted upward by the reversing guide 8 and then passed through the inter-tank moving passage 11 and bleached between the blades 11. It is introduced into the solution, and thereafter similarly dipped in the fixing solution, the washing water, and the stabilizing solution in sequence, and passes through the carry-out passage 19,
It is carried out of the stabilizing tank 6 through the space between the blades 20 and then dried. In this way, the photosensitive material S is conveyed by a predetermined path and sequentially dipped in each processing solution for processing, but during that time, it does not pass through the atmosphere and does not come into contact with the fluid in the fluid layer 14.

A replenishing device 21 for replenishing a new processing liquid (replenishing liquid) is installed in each of the processing tanks 2 to 6. The replenishing device 21 installed in the bleaching tank 3 will be described representatively. As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishing device 21 has a tip penetrating the bottom of the bleaching tank 3 to bleach the replenishing solution of the bleaching solution. It is composed of a liquid supply pipe 22 for supplying into the bath 3, a pump 23 installed in the middle of the liquid supply pipe 22, and a drain pipe 24 having a base end penetrating a side wall of the bleaching bath 3. ing.

The base end of the liquid supply pipe 22 is connected to a stock tank (not shown) for storing the processing liquid.

The base end 25 of the drainage pipe 24 is installed at a position lower than the liquid level 13 of the bleaching liquid in the bleaching tank 3 by a predetermined distance, and the tip end 26 of the drainage pipe 24 has a height substantially equal to the liquid level 13. Will be installed.

In such a replenishing device 21, when the pump 23 is operated to supply the bleaching liquid replenishing liquid into the bleaching tank 3 through the liquid supply pipe 22, the amount of the bleaching liquid in the bleaching tank 3 is increased, The liquid surface 13 shows a rising tendency. The fatigued bleaching solution corresponding to this increased amount is discharged to the outside of the bleaching tank 3 through the drainage pipe 24 by overflow. Therefore, the liquid level of the bleaching liquid in the bleaching tank 3 is maintained at a height almost equal to the tip 26 of the drainage pipe 24.

The replenishing device 21 similar to the above is also installed in the processing tanks 2, 4, 5 and 6 other than the bleaching tank 3.

The preferable values of the supply amount (replenishment amount) of each processing solution are shown in Table 1 below.

[0039]

[Table 1]

In the present invention, as described above, the evaporation, alteration and deterioration of the treatment liquid are suppressed, so that as shown in Table 1,
The replenishment amount of each processing liquid is as small as 50 to 90% of the conventional amount, and as a result, the drainage amount is also small.

It is preferable that the replenishment of the processing solution be performed in synchronization with the processing of the photosensitive material S.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view showing another structural example of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention. The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1B shown in the figure is the same as the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1A except that the structure of the processing liquid replenishing device is different. Therefore,
Description of the same items as those of the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1A will be omitted.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1B, a replenishing device 29 for replenishing a new processing liquid (replenishing liquid) is installed in each of the processing tanks 2 to 6. A typical description of the replenishing device 21 installed in the developing tank 2 is as follows.
An airtight replenisher tank 30 located above the developer level 13 and a supply path 31 connected to the bottom of the replenisher tank 30 for guiding the replenisher tank 30 to the developer tank 2. A downward replenishment port 32 provided at the lower end of the supply path 31, a first valve 33 provided at the replenishment port 32 and made of a float floating in the fluid layer 14, and the first valve 3
3, and a second valve 34 provided on the upstream side of the supply path 31 to open and close separately.

The box-shaped replenisher tank 30 is airtight and communicates with the outside only through the supply passage 31. The replenishment tank 30 is filled with the replenisher R of the developer. The concentration of the replenisher R is preferably adjusted to about 1.0 to 2.0 times the concentration of the developer D in the developing tank 2.

The replenisher tank 30 and the supply passage 31 preferably have sufficient rigidity. For example, metal such as stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,
It is made of hard plastic such as polycarbonate.

3 and 4 respectively show the replenishing device 2
9 is an enlarged sectional side view showing the vicinity of the supply passage 31 in FIG. 9, FIG. 3 is a state in which valves 33 and 34 are closed, and FIG.
The state where 3, 34 are open is shown. As shown in these drawings, a replenishment port 32 having a horizontal opening surface is provided at the lower end of the supply path 31 so as to face the liquid surface 140 of the fluid layer 14. The height of the liquid surface 140 is set so that the height of the liquid surface 13 is appropriate.

The replenishing port 32 has a plate-shaped first valve 33.
Is rotatably attached. The first valve 33 is provided at the end of the valve body 330, which is a float, and the replenishment port 32, and a hinge (fulcrum) 33 that supports the valve body 330 in an openable and closable manner.
1 and 1. The valve body 330 is configured to have a smaller specific gravity than the fluid in the fluid layer 14.

When the valve body 330 is solid, its constituent material is, for example, polyethylene (specific gravity d = 0.9).
1), modified polyolefin (specific gravity d = 0.90), ethylene vinyl ascerate (specific gravity d = 0.93) and the like. Further, the valve body 330 may have a hollow structure,
In this case, any resin can be used.

In the supply passage 31, a second valve 34 is provided on the replenisher tank 30 side with respect to the first valve 33. The second valve 34 includes a narrow width portion 341 in which the horizontal area of the supply passage 31 gradually decreases, and a spherical (or columnar) valve body 3.
And 42.

The valve body 342 has a smaller specific gravity than the replenisher R, and its outer diameter is the minimum inner diameter (or width) of the narrow portion 341.
The valve body 342 is larger, and thus the valve body 342 is urged upward by its buoyancy to block the opening 343 of the narrow portion 341.

The valve element 342 may be solid or hollow, and the constituent material thereof may be the same as that of the valve element 330 of the first valve 33.

Further, drain pipes 35 communicating with the treatment baths 2 to 6 are connected to the bottoms of the treatment baths 2 to 6, and electromagnetic valves are provided in the middle of the drain pipes 35. The valve 36 like this is installed. This valve 36
Normally, it is in a closed state, but when replenishing the processing liquid, it is opened for a predetermined time, whereby each processing tank 2
The processing liquids in 6 to 6 are discharged due to the head.

Instead of the valve 36, a pump for discharging the processing liquid may be installed.

Next, the operation of the replenishing device 29 in the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1B will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the replenishment port 32 has the fluid layer 1
4 is in contact with the liquid surface 140, the air does not enter the replenisher tank 30, so that the replenisher R is not supplied.

When processing the photosensitive material S, the valve 36 is used.
Is opened for a predetermined time, and the amount of the developing solution as shown in Table 1 is discharged to the outside of the developing tank 2 through the drain pipe 35. This allows
As the developer in the developing tank 2 decreases, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid surfaces 13 and 140 descend, the liquid surface 140 separates from the replenishment port 32, and the valve body 330 descends following the liquid surface 140. Then, the first valve 33 opens.

Therefore, the replenishing liquid R flows out from the replenishing port 32, and at the same time, air enters from the replenishing port 32, and the supply passage 31
The inside is floated and accumulated in the replenishment tank 30. At this time, with the outflow of the replenishment liquid R from the replenishment port 32, the replenishment liquid R flows down from the upper replenishment liquid tank 30 in the supply path 31,
The valve body 342 of the second valve 34 is pushed down, and the second valve 34
Opens. The outflow amount of the replenishing liquid R, that is, the supply amount to the developing tank is substantially equal to the drainage amount from the drainage pipe 35.

By supplying such a replenisher R, the liquid level 1
3 and 140 rise again, and the liquid level 140
Then, the valve body 330 rises due to its buoyancy, the first valve 33 closes, and at the same time, the valve body 3
Due to the floating of 42, the opening 343 of the narrow portion 341 is blocked, the second valve 34 is also closed, and the supply of the replenisher R is stopped.

With such a structure, the replenisher R is immediately supplied even when the liquid level 13 is lowered, in particular, even when the liquid level 13 is extremely lowered, so that the liquid level 13 of the developing solution D is brought to an appropriate level. It is possible to keep it constant. In this way, since the liquid surface level of the developing solution D is constant, it is possible to prevent variations in processability without changing the processing time.

Note that the replenisher R is not supplied only when the liquid is drained from the drain pipe 35, but is caused by other factors, for example, by taking out the developer by the photosensitive material S, the liquid surfaces 13 and 140. When is lowered, it is supplied to recover it. The developer may not be drained from the drain pipe 35 depending on the carry-out amount of the photosensitive material S and the like.

Regarding the processing tanks 3 to 6 other than the developing tank 2,
The configuration and operation of the replenishing device 29 are the same as described above.

In the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, the kind of the light-sensitive material S to be processed is not particularly limited and may be color or black and white. For example, color negative film, color reversal film, color positive film, color photographic paper, color reversal photographic paper, black and white negative film, black and white reversal film, X-ray photographic light sensitive material, black and white photographic paper, black and white reversal photographic paper, microfilm and the like. ,
The size is also not particularly limited.

The light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention is, for example, a large automatic developing machine, a small automatic developing machine (minilab), a wet copying machine, a printer processor, a video printer processor, a photographic print making coin machine, and a plate inspection machine. It can be applied to various photosensitive material processing devices such as color paper processing machines.

Although the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated structural examples, the present invention is not limited to these. In particular, the configuration and arrangement of the processing tank are appropriately determined according to the type of photosensitive material to be processed, and for example, in the processing of color photographic paper, a developing tank is usually used.
The bleach-fixing tank and the washing tank are arranged side by side.
Further, it is possible to add processing tanks for various purposes such as providing a preliminary water washing tank or an adjusting tank between adjacent processing tanks, for example, between the developing tank 2 and the bleaching tank 3.

[0065]

As described above, according to the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, since the liquid surface of the processing liquid is covered with the fluid layer that floats on the processing liquid, the evaporation, deterioration and deterioration of the processing liquid are prevented. Therefore, the replenishment amount and the drainage amount of the processing liquid can be reduced.

Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a driving source or a mechanically movable portion as means for loading and unloading the photosensitive material, the structure is not complicated, the apparatus is not enlarged, and there is no failure.

Furthermore, since the liquid level of the processing liquid is kept constant, variations in processability due to fluctuations in the liquid level are prevented, and good photographic properties and stable photographic properties can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view showing a configuration example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view showing another configuration example of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view showing a configuration example of a replenishing device.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view showing a configuration example of a replenishing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A, 1B Photosensitive material processing device 2 Developing tank 3 Bleaching tank 4 Fixing tank 5 Rinsing tank 6 Stabilizing tank 7 Conveying roller 8 Reversing guide 9 Tank wall 10 Housing 11 Tank moving passage 12 Blade 13 Liquid level 14 Fluid layer 15 Housing 16 Carrying In Passage 17 Blade 18 Enclosure 19 Carrying Out Passage 20 Blade 21 Replenishing Device 22 Liquid Supply Pipe 23 Pump 24 Drainage Pipe 25 Base End 26 Tip 29 Replenishing Device 30 Replenishing Liquid Tank 31 Supply Channel 32 Replenishing Port 33 First Valve 330 valve body 331 hinge 34 second valve 341 narrow portion 342 valve body 343 opening 35 drainage pipe 36 valve D developer R replenisher S photosensitive material

Claims (1)

Claim: What is claimed is: 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for wet-processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, comprising: a plurality of processing tanks containing a processing solution; and the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. Conveying means for conveying along a predetermined path, inter-tank moving passages for communicating adjacent processing tanks, a passage for carrying in the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and a passage for carrying out the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. , A passage for moving between the tanks,
Blades installed so as to shield these passages in the carry-in passage and the carry-out passage, respectively, a fluid layer that floats on the liquid surface of the treatment liquid in each treatment tank and covers the liquid surface, and each treatment. And a replenishing device for replenishing the processing liquid so that the liquid surface level becomes constant.