JP2838606B2 - Photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

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 processing an exposed silver halide photographic material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material after exposure (hereinafter, simply referred to as a light-sensitive material or a light-sensitive material) is
Processing according to the type is performed. For example, for a color light-sensitive material, development, bleaching, fixing (or bleach-fixing), washing, and stabilization are sequentially performed.

In such processing, a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as an automatic developing machine is usually used, and a developing solution, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution (or a bleach-fixing solution) respectively placed in a plurality of processing tanks provided in the apparatus. ), By sequentially immersing the photosensitive material in washing water and a stabilizing solution.

[0004] In recent years, the development of small-scale processing systems using small developing machines called minilabs has been advanced, and film development and printing have been carried out not only in developing laboratories equipped with large developing machines but also in photo shops. ing.

[0005] In such a small-scale processing system, there are problems that processing can be performed easily and quickly, that high processing efficiency is obtained and excellent photographic properties are obtained, and that the size of the apparatus is reduced. In addition, from the viewpoint of environmental protection and the like, it has been an issue to further reduce the replenishment amount and the drainage amount of the processing solution.

In recent years, the types and processing modes of photosensitive materials have been diversified, and in order to cope with this, for example, in one photosensitive material processing apparatus, a processing solution of a processing solution is selected according to the types and characteristics of the photosensitive materials. Changes in types and components have been made. For example, when processing a high-sensitivity film, the processing is performed by replacing the developing solution in the developing tank with a special developing solution obtained by adding a predetermined additive to the developing solution used when processing a normal film.

[0007] Such a plurality of processing solutions having different components include:
Each has processing conditions suitable for the processing solution. For example, a developing solution for normal film processing is developed at 38 ° C. for about 6 minutes, and a developing solution for high-sensitivity film processing is 43
The development is preferably carried out at about 4 ° C. for about 4 minutes. If the conditions are not satisfied, good photographic properties cannot be obtained. Further, the difference in the formulation of the developer may affect the processing conditions in subsequent processing, for example, bleaching, fixing, and washing, and the processing conditions in drying (drying conditions).

However, in the conventional photosensitive material processing apparatus, even if the above-mentioned processing conditions (all or a part of the processing conditions that need to be changed) cannot be changed or can be changed, the processing conditions must be changed manually. Had to change the processing conditions.

In the former case, even though an optimum processing solution is selected according to the type and characteristics of the photosensitive material, its performance cannot be fully exhibited, and good photographic properties cannot be obtained.

In the latter case, a great deal of labor and time are required, and the setting of the processing condition may be erroneous. In particular, when there are a plurality of conditions to be changed, the operation of setting the processing conditions becomes complicated, and such a disadvantage becomes conspicuous.

[0011]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

An object of the present invention is to automatically set processing conditions in accordance with a change in a processing solution, thereby reducing the operation time and labor and obtaining good photographic properties. Is to provide.

[0013]

This and other objects are attained by the present invention which is defined below as (1).

(1) A plurality of processing tanks arranged in a processing line and an exposed silver halide photographic material are transported,
Transport means for immersing the processing liquid in the processing tank, processing liquid supply means for circulating and / or replenishing each processing liquid, temperature adjusting means for heating each processing liquid to a predetermined temperature,
A drying means for drying the wet silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, wherein the type of processing solution used in at least one of the processing tanks can be changed, According to the processing liquid information carried by the liquid unit, at least one of the transfer speed of the transfer unit and the jump of the processing tank and the operating conditions of the processing liquid supply unit, the temperature control unit and the drying unit are changed, A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising means for setting processing conditions according to a processing solution to be used.

[0015]

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 has a processing line for processing a photosensitive material S. On this processing line, a plurality of processing tanks, that is, a developing tank 2 and a bleach The tank 3, the fixing tank 4, and the washing tank 5 are provided side by side. In order to facilitate understanding, in FIG. 1, each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 is a single tank, but these may be arranged in two or more tanks.
A stabilizing tank (not shown) may be provided next to another tank, for example, the washing tank 5.

In the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4 and the washing tank 5, a developing solution 20, a bleaching solution 30, a fixing solution 40 and a washing water 50 are respectively filled to predetermined levels. .

A drying means 6 for drying the wet photosensitive material S is provided next to the washing tank 5.

In the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4, the washing tank 5, and the casing 61 of the drying means 6, a plurality of transport rollers 71 for transporting the photosensitive material S along a predetermined path are provided.
Is arranged.

A crossover roller 72 for transporting the photosensitive material S to the next step is provided between each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 and between the washing tank 5 and the drying means 6.

Each crossover roller 72, in particular, three pairs of crossover rollers 72 installed between the washing tank 5 and the drying means 6, transports the photosensitive material S, and also attaches the photosensitive material S to the surface of the photosensitive material S. It also plays a role as a squeeze roller for squeezing out the attached processing liquid. As a result, the carry-in of the processing solution into the next processing tank is suppressed, the deterioration of the bleaching solution 30, the fixing solution 40 and the washing water 50 is prevented, the drying efficiency is improved, and the drying time can be shortened.

A guide 73 for guiding the photosensitive material S to the next roller is provided at the side of the crossover roller 72, and a guide for reversing the photosensitive material S is provided at the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2-5. 74 are provided. This guide 73
And 74 are made of a member having a curved surface curved in an arc shape, for example.

A path selecting mechanism 75 capable of changing the conveying path of the photosensitive material S is provided above the bleaching tank 3. The path selection mechanism 75 includes a pair of rollers 76 provided between the crossover rollers 72 and a distribution guide provided on a side of the crossover roller 72 provided at a boundary between the developing tank 2 and the bleaching tank 3. 77.

The distribution guide 77 rotates about a fulcrum 78 and rotates to a state shown by a solid line or a state shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1 to select a conveyance route of the photosensitive material S. It is.

Transport roller 71, crossover roller 7
The roller 2 and the roller 76 are driven to rotate by a drive system (not shown) including a drive source such as a motor and a unit for transmitting the drive force. Each roller 71, 7
Preferably, the number of revolutions 2, 76 can be changed.

The conveying means 7 for the photosensitive material S is driven by the conveying roller 71, the crossover roller 72, the guides 73 and 74, the path selecting mechanism 75 and the driving system as described above.
Is configured.

The conveying roller 71, the crossover roller 72, the guides 73 and 74, and the path selecting mechanism 75
Is preferably loaded in a state of being assembled in a rack for each processing tank.

In the vicinity of the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, a temperature for heating the developer 20, the bleaching solution 30, the fixing solution 40 and the washing water 50 to a predetermined temperature (for example, about 20 to 50 ° C.). A heater 8 is provided as adjusting means. Examples of the heater 8 include a sheathed heater, a ceramic heater, a heat pipe, a hot water heater, and Japanese Patent Application No. 02-2237.
No. 68, a sheet heating element or the like can be used.

In this case, it is preferable that the temperature control means performs temperature control so as to keep the temperature of the processing liquid in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 at a preset temperature (temperature range) during the processing. It is preferable to provide a temperature sensor (not shown) in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, and control the ON / OFF of the heater 8 based on the temperature of the processing liquid detected by the temperature sensor.

The position of the heater 8 is not limited to the inside of the processing tanks 2 to 5 as shown in the figure. For example, the heater 8 may be installed in a sub-tank communicating with the processing tank, or in the middle of a processing liquid circulation path described later. Is also good. When installing the heater in the circulation path of the processing liquid,
As described in Japanese Patent Application No. 02-223768, a configuration may be adopted in which the circulation paths of the respective processing liquids are heated collectively.

Below the processing tanks 2 to 5, a processing liquid supply means 9 for circulating, stirring and replenishing the developing solution 20, the bleaching solution 30, the fixing solution 40 and the washing water 50 is provided.

The processing liquid supply means 9 includes a circulation pipe 91 having both ends connected to the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, a pump 92 provided in the middle of each circulation pipe 91, and a circulation pipe 91. Supply pipe 93 connected downstream of the pump 92 of the supply pipe 91, a pump 94 installed in the middle of each supply pipe 93, and the vicinity of the processing liquid level of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5. And a processing liquid unit 96 loaded in the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1.

The processing liquid unit 96 is formed by integrating four containers 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d corresponding to the respective processing tanks 2 to 5, and the respective containers 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d.
In d, a developing solution 20, a bleaching solution 30, a fixing solution 40 and a washing water 50 are put, respectively.

The processing liquid unit 96 is connected to the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1
As shown in the figure, the distal end of each liquid supply conduit 93 is inserted into the processing liquid in the corresponding container 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d.

With each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 being empty, each pump 9
4, the processing liquids 20-5 in the containers 9a-9d
0 is supplied to the corresponding processing tanks 2 to 5 through a part of the liquid supply pipe 93 and the circulation pipe 91. As a result, the processing baths 2 to 5 are filled with the processing liquid.

In processing the photosensitive material S, each processing solution 2
Preferably, 0 to 50 cycles and replenishments are performed.

When each pump 92 is operated, each processing tank 2
The processing liquids 20 to 50 in 5 are sucked from one end of the circulation pipe 91, passed through the circulation pipe 91, and discharged from the other ends into the processing tanks 2 to 5. Thereby, each processing tank 2-5
Since the processing liquids 20 to 50 are stirred, the processing efficiency is improved and good photographic properties are obtained.

It is preferable that such a circulation of the processing liquid is mainly performed during the processing of the photosensitive material S, but it may also be performed while the processing is suspended (waiting).

The replenishment of each of the processing solutions 20 to 50 is performed by using the photosensitive material S
Is performed in accordance with the processing amount. For example, each pump 94 is operated in synchronization with the processing of the photosensitive material S, and the containers 9a to 9d
The processing liquids 20 to 50 therein are supplied to the corresponding processing tanks 2 to 5 through a part of the liquid supply pipe 93 and the circulation pipe 91. In this case, the replenishment amounts of the processing liquids 20 to 50 are adjusted by setting the operation time of the corresponding pump 94.

The processing liquid unit 96 is not limited to a type in which the completed processing liquid is divided and stored for each type.
For example, a concentrated solution of the treatment liquid or a part agent constituting the treatment liquid and water may be separately stored. In this case, for example, a concentrated developing solution and water for diluting the same, or a plurality of parts constituting the developing solution and water for diluting them are supplied to the developing tank 2 at a predetermined ratio. These are mixed and supplied by a mixer (not shown) such as a static mixer, or
Alternatively, each is supplied separately.

In the present invention, instead of the processing liquid unit 96 in which the containers are integrated, a plurality of containers which are separated and independent from each other may be used.

When new processing liquids 20 to 50 are replenished in the processing tanks 2 to 5 in this way, the exhausted and deteriorated processing liquids 20 to 50 in the processing tanks 2 to 5 are discharged to the respective drain pipes 95. Is discharged from

The drying means 6 has a casing 61 and a hot air fan 62 containing a blower fan and a heater. The hot air 63 generated from the hot air fan 62 is supplied into the casing 61 and the drying temperature is set to, for example, 35 to 100 ° C.
Degree.

The hot air fan 62 preferably has a variable fan speed and a heating value of a heater, and is capable of adjusting the blowing amount and the drying temperature.

Note that a plurality of hot air fans 62 may be provided. In this case, there are a method of installing one or more pairs of hot air fans on the emulsion surface side and the back surface side of the photosensitive material S, a method of installing a plurality of warm air fans along the conveying direction of the photosensitive material S, and the like.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1, when the conveying means 7 is operated in a state where the distribution guide 77 is shown by a solid line in FIG. 1, the photosensitive material S is rotated by the respective conveying rollers 71 and the crossover rollers 72. The inside of the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4 and the washing tank 5 are sequentially conveyed in a U-shaped path, and are immersed in the respective processing liquids 20 to 50 to develop, bleach, fix and wash. Done.

Further, when the distribution guide 77 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
The photosensitive material S that has passed through the roller
After passing through the space, it is jumped over the bleaching tank 3 and introduced into the fixing tank 4.

After the washing process, the photosensitive material S from which the washing water has been removed from the surface through the three pairs of crossover rollers 72 is
After being introduced into the casing 61,
While being conveyed along the character-shaped path, drying is performed by contacting the hot air 63 supplied from the hot air fan 62.

Now, such a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 is
The type or component of the processing liquid used in at least one of the processing tanks 2 to 5 can be changed (selected).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the change of the processing liquid is performed by replacing the processing liquid with a processing liquid unit 96 having a different type or component in at least one of the containers 9a to 9d. It is performed by

The processing liquid unit 96 has a mark (identifier) 96M such as a bar code carrying processing liquid information such as the type, composition and concentration of the processing liquid contained in each of the containers 9a to 9d. Is preferably added. The processing liquid information carried by the mark 96M is read by the processing liquid determination means 17 described later, and the condition of the processing liquid in each container of the processing liquid unit 96 to be loaded is identified.

When a plurality of containers which are separated and independent from each other are used instead of the processing liquid unit 96, the process is performed by replacing at least one of the containers.

When replacing the processing liquid, the previous processing liquid is discharged out of the processing tank, the processing tank is emptied, and the processing liquid is supplied from a new processing liquid unit 96 or a new container into the processing tank. Supply.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional side views partially showing the structure of a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which the processing liquid changing method is different from the above. FIG. 4 is a photosensitive material processing method different from the above. It is a top view which shows the structure of a material processing apparatus partially. Note that, in these drawings, the case where the components of the developing solution are changed is typically shown, but the same configuration may be used when changing the other processing solutions.

In the configuration shown in FIG.
Is a container 9 containing different liquids 21 and 22, respectively.
e and 9f, and the liquid supply pipeline 93 branches into two branches,
The distal ends of the branch pipes 97 and 98 are inserted into the liquid in the containers 9e and 9f, respectively. Also, the branch pipe 97
And 98, solenoid valves 970 and 9 respectively
80 are installed.

For example, the liquids 21 and 22 are respectively a developer for normal processing and a developer for rapid processing (for example,
Developer containing the following additives), one of the solenoid valves 970 and 980 is opened,
With the other closed, the pump 94 is operated to supply one of the liquids 21 and 22 to the developing tank 2.

Further, for example, when the liquids 21 and 22 are a liquid containing a developer and an additive (for example, an additive for a rapid processing such as an increased amount of a developing agent and an antifoggant (halogen)). , The solenoid valve 970 is opened, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 980 is selected, and the pump 94 is operated. Thus, whether or not the liquid 21 is mixed with the liquid 21 is selected, and the developer supplied to the developing tank 2 is a developer containing an additive or a developer containing no additive. When a valve whose opening can be adjusted is used as the solenoid valve 980, the additive content in the developer can be continuously changed and supplied by adjusting the opening of the solenoid valve 980. it can.

The containers 9e and 9f may be exchangeable, such as the above-mentioned processing liquid units or separate and independent containers, or may be fixedly installed in the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, reserve tanks 10 and 11 are provided above and below the developing tank 2, respectively. A conduit 12 whose lower end extends into the developing tank 2 is connected to the bottom of the reserve tank 10, and an electromagnetic valve 120 is provided in the middle of the conduit 12. The reserve tank 11 is provided at the bottom of the reserve tank 11.
0 is connected to the pipe 13 and
Is installed in the middle of the process.

A drain pipe 15 for discharging the developer in the developing tank 2 and having a lower end extended into the reserve tank 11 is connected to the circulation pipe 91 downstream of the pump 92.
An electromagnetic valve 150 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 15.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, the solenoid valves 120 and 150 are both closed, the developer 20 is put in the developing tank 2, and the composition of the developing tank 20 is different from that of the developing tank 20. A developer 20 'is contained.

When replacing the developing solution in the developing tank 2 with the developing solution 20 ′ from this state, first, the electromagnetic valve 150 is opened, and the developing solution 20 in the developing tank 2 is reserved through the drain pipe 15. Transfer to tank 11. When the developing tank 2 is empty, the solenoid valve 150 is closed.

Next, the solenoid valve 120 is opened, and the developing solution 20 ′ in the reserve tank 10 is charged into the developing tank 2 through the pipe 12. When the reserve tank 10 is empty, the solenoid valve 120 is closed. Thereby, the developing solution in the developing tank 2
Replaces with developer 20 '.

In preparation for the next replacement of the developing solution, the pump 1
4 is operated to pump up the developer 20 in the reserve tank 11 to the reserve tank 10 via the pipe 13.

When the above operation is performed again, the developing solution in the developing tank 2 is replaced with the developing solution 20 again.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 having such a configuration, the developing solutions 20 and 20 'can be replaced many times without discarding, which is preferable.

The structure of the developing tank 2 is described in, for example, JP-A-63-131138 and JP-A-63-259662.
JP, JP-A-63-148944, JP-A-64
-26855, JP-A-02-110342, JP-A-125255, and 02-13054
No. 8 and the like, having a slit-shaped (narrow shape) continuous processing path (hereinafter referred to as a slit processing tank), or, for example, JP-A-02-205846.
JP-A Nos. 02-205847 and 02-267.
No. 549, Japanese Patent Application No. 02-155667, and a structure in which a plurality of processing chambers are connected by a narrow passage (hereinafter, referred to as a multi-chamber processing tank) may be employed.
In the case of such a configuration, the amount of the developer in the developing tank 2 is smaller than that of the configuration shown in the drawing, so that a smaller capacity of the reserve tanks 10 and 11 can be used. This has the advantage that the time required for replacing the developing solution is shortened as well as the development time.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, two developing tanks 2 and 2 'are provided side by side in a direction orthogonal to the processing line PL, and these developing tanks 2 and 2' are provided with developing compositions having different compositions. Liquids 20 and 20 'are contained.

Wheels (not shown) are provided at the bottoms of the developing tanks 2 and 2 ', and are movable on rails 16 in a direction orthogonal to the processing line PL.

In the state shown in FIG. 4, the developing tank 2 is located on the processing line PL, so that the photosensitive material S is developed with the developing solution 20.

When changing to the developing solution 20 ', the entire developing tank is replaced. That is, the developing tanks 2 and 2 ′ are moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, the developing tank 2 is removed from the processing line PL as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, and the developing tank 2 ′ is placed on the processing line PL. Position.

The exchange of the processing tank can be used for purposes other than the change of the processing solution.

For example, each of the developing tanks 2 and 2 ′ may have a different volume (the amount of the stored developer) so that the normal processing and the low replenishing processing can be switched.

Further, as processing tanks which can be exchanged by moving in a direction orthogonal to the processing line PL, for example, three processing tanks having a configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a slit processing tank and a multi-chamber processing tank are arranged in parallel. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which these are replaced and used as appropriate. As described above, by selecting and using processing tanks having different structures, more suitable processing conditions can be obtained, and the range of the processing target in one photosensitive material processing apparatus can be expanded.

Each of the above-mentioned processing tanks can contain a processing liquid having the same composition or a different composition. In the latter case, the structure (or volume) of the processing tank and the processing liquid are simultaneously changed.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 operates the at least one of the conveying means 7, the processing liquid supply means 9, the temperature control means 8 and the drying means 6 in accordance with the type or composition of the processing liquid to be used. And set processing conditions according to the processing solution to be used.

The control for setting the processing conditions will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 includes a processing liquid determination unit 17 and a control unit 18 including, for example, a microcomputer, and these are electrically connected by a line 17a.

The control means 18 is electrically connected to the transport means 7, the processing liquid supply means 9, the temperature control means 8 and the drying means 6 by lines 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, respectively. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the processing liquid unit 96 is replaced and the processing liquid is changed, the processing liquid discriminating means 17 is provided with a mark 9 attached to the processing liquid unit 96.
6M is for reading information on the processing liquid carried by the photosensitive material processing apparatus, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.
When selecting one of the developing solutions 20 and 20 'held in the printer, an external input means such as a changeover switch for selecting the developing solution or a keyboard.

The signal from the processing liquid discriminating means 17 is input to the control means 18 via the line 17a, and the type or component of the processing liquid is identified.

The control means 18 has a memory in which the types or components of the processing liquids and the processing conditions corresponding thereto are tabulated and stored. Alternatively, the optimum processing conditions are selected and determined based on the components.

The processing conditions are achieved by changing the operating conditions of at least one of the conveying means 7, the processing liquid supply means 9, the temperature adjusting means 8 and the drying means 6. Therefore, the control means 18 outputs a signal for changing to an appropriate operating condition to the means for changing the operating condition via the corresponding lines 18a to 18d and executes the signal.

Hereinafter, examples of changing the operating conditions of the transporting means 7, the processing liquid supplying means 9, the temperature adjusting means 8 and the drying means 6 will be described for each means.

<Conveying Means> [1] Conveying Speed of Photosensitive Material S By changing the conveying speed of the photosensitive material S, the processing time in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 and the drying time in the drying means 6 can be adjusted. .

For example, when a processing solution for rapid processing is selected, the processing time and the drying time can be shortened as compared with the processing using a normal processing solution.

[2] Skipping of Processing Tank By turning the distribution guide 77 of the path selection mechanism 75 to the state shown by the solid line or the state shown by the dotted line in FIG.
Whether or not the photosensitive material S is immersed in the bleaching solution 30 can be selected.

For example, when a color photographic material and its processing solution are selected, it is immersed in the bleaching solution 30, and when a black and white photographic material and its processing solution are selected, it is not immersed in the bleaching solution 30.

Further, a plurality of developing tanks can be arranged in parallel, and the increase / decrease sensation processing can be performed depending on whether or not at least one of the developing tanks is to be jumped or the number of jumping tanks.

<Treatment Liquid Supplying Means> [1] Circulating Amount of Processing Liquid By adjusting the discharge amount of the pump 92 corresponding to each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, the circulation amount of each of the processing liquids 20 to 50 is adjusted. Can be.

For example, when a developer for rapid processing is selected, the circulation amount of the developer 20 is increased as compared with the processing with a normal developer for the purpose of preventing uneven development.

When the processing liquid is supplied in the form of, for example, a concentrated developer and dilution water, a plurality of parts, a developer and its additives, the circulation amount is increased to promote stirring. .

Further, the circulation of the processing solution in the processing tank in which the photosensitive material S has jumped is stopped (circulation amount = 0).

Note that the circulation amount of each of the processing liquids 20 to 50 does not need to be always constant. For example, a difference may be provided between the processing solution and the suspension time.

[2] Circulation Timing of Processing Liquids By controlling ON / OFF of the pumps 92 corresponding to the respective processing tanks 2 to 5, it is possible to set the timing of circulating / stopping the processing liquids 20 to 50. it can.

[3] Replenishment amount of processing solution Discharge amount of pump 93 corresponding to each of processing tanks 2 to 5 and / or
Alternatively, by adjusting the operation time, each processing solution 20 to
The replenishment amount of 50 can be adjusted.

For example, when a processing solution for rapid processing of color paper is selected, the replenishment amount of each of the processing solutions 20 to 50, in particular, the developing solution 20, is increased as compared with the processing using a normal processing solution.

The replenishment of the processing solution in the processing tank in which the photosensitive material S has jumped is stopped (replenishment amount = 0).

[4] Replenishment Timing of Processing Solutions By controlling ON / OFF of the pumps 93 corresponding to the respective processing tanks 2 to 5, it is possible to set the timing of replenishing and stopping replenishment of the respective processing solutions 20 to 50. it can.

<Temperature Control Means> [1] Liquid Temperature of Processing Liquid By adjusting the heat value of the heater 8 installed in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, etc., the processing liquid 20 in the processing tanks 2 to 5 is adjusted. ~ 5
The liquid temperature of 0 can be adjusted.

For example, when a processing solution for rapid processing is selected, the temperature of the processing solution is increased as compared with the processing using a normal processing solution.

The temperature of each of the processing liquids 20 to 50 can be adjusted both during preheating and during processing.

<Drying Means> [1] Drying Temperature By adjusting the amount of heat generated by the heater incorporated in the warm air fan 62 and the amount of air blown by the blower fan, the casing 61 is dried.
The drying temperature inside can be adjusted.

When a plurality of warm air fans 62 are installed, the conditions can be adjusted for each warm air fan. For example, in order to perform quick drying,
A configuration in which drying is performed at a relatively high temperature in the first half of the drying (before the drying point) and at a relatively low temperature in the second half of the drying is also possible.

In the present invention, one or any two or more of the operating conditions of the transporting means 7, the processing liquid supplying means 9, the temperature adjusting means 8 and the drying means 6 can be changed.

[0106]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described.

Example 1 In one photosensitive material processing apparatus, the processing solution was changed, and the exposed color reversal film was subjected to standard processing and rapid processing.

<Photosensitive material> Fujichrome 100 Professional D manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

<Photosensitive Material Processing Apparatus> A modified machine of the automatic developing machine AP-5 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (configuration shown in FIG. 1). On the processing line, 10 processing tanks (No.
0) side by side.

Standard treatment: Each treatment tank (No. 1 to 10)
, Black and white development, water washing, reversal, reversal color development, adjustment,
Bleaching, fixing, water washing, water washing and stability were used in this order.

Rapid processing: Up to the sixth processing tank (No. 1)
To 6), black and white development, washing with water, reversal, reversal color development,
Bleaching and bleach-fixing were used in this order, and the seventh processing tank (No.
7) is not used (jumping), and the treatment tank (No.
8 to 10) were used in the order of water washing, water washing and stability.

<Treatment liquid formulation> Standard treatment: Processing liquid CR-56 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
p.

Rapid processing: Processing solution CN-1 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. was used as a bleaching solution and a bleach-fixing solution, respectively.
Same as standard processing except that 6QNQ ₂ and CN-16QNQ ₃ were used.

<Method of changing processing liquid> The processing liquid is changed by replacing the processing liquid unit.

In such a configuration, the processing conditions for the standard processing and the rapid processing are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, respectively.

[0116]

[Table 1]

[0117]

[Table 2]

As shown in Tables 1 and 2, in the case of the rapid processing, the processing time is reduced by about 40% as compared with the standard processing. Even if the processing time was shortened in this way, no deterioration in photographic properties was observed because the processing was performed under optimal processing conditions.

(Example 2) In one photosensitive material processing apparatus, the processing solution was changed, and the exposed color negative film was subjected to standard processing and rapid processing.

<Photosensitive material> The same as Sample N1 in Example 5 of JP-A-63-70857.

<Photosensitive Material Processing Apparatus> A modified color negative developing machine FP350 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co. (structure shown in FIG. 1). Six processing tanks (Nos. 1 to 6) are arranged side by side on the processing line.

In both the standard processing and the rapid processing, each processing tank (No.
1) to 6) were used in the order of color development, bleaching, bleach-fixing, washing with water, washing with water and stabilization.

<Processing Solution Formulation> Standard Processing: The following color-developing solutions, bleaching solutions, bleach-fixing solutions and stabilizers were used as shown in Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Tap water was used for washing water.

Rapid processing: The mother liquor and the replenisher of the color developing solution shown in Table 3 were added with additives shown in Table 7 below. The other treatment liquids were the same as in the standard treatment.

[0125]

[Table 3]

[0126]

[Table 4]

[0127]

[Table 5]

[0128]

[Table 6]

[0129]

[Table 7]

<Method of changing processing solution> The additives shown in Table 7 were added to processing tank No. 1 and the color developing solution stock tank.

In such a configuration, the processing conditions for the standard processing and the rapid processing are shown in Tables 8 and 9, respectively.

[0132]

[Table 8]

[0133]

[Table 9]

As shown in Tables 8 and 9, in the case of the rapid processing, the processing time is reduced by about 23% as compared with the standard processing. Even if the processing time was shortened in this way, no deterioration in photographic properties was observed because the processing was performed under optimal processing conditions.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, the type of the photosensitive material S to be processed is not particularly limited, and may be either color or black and white. For example, a color negative film, a color reversal film, a color positive film, a color photographic paper, a color reversal photographic paper, a black-and-white negative film, a black-and-white reversal film, an X-ray photographic material, a black-and-white photographic paper, a black-and-white reversal photographic paper, a microfilm, etc. ,
The size is not particularly limited.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention includes, 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 photo print making coin machine, and a color paper for plate inspection. The present invention can be applied to various photosensitive material processing apparatuses such as a processing machine.

As described above, the configuration examples of the present invention have been exemplified and described, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0138]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to set appropriate processing conditions according to the change of the processing solution, so that good photographic properties can be obtained, and furthermore, this processing can be performed. Since the setting of the conditions is performed automatically, the operation time and labor are greatly reduced, and there is no possibility of setting incorrect processing conditions.

[Brief description of the 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 side view showing another example of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

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

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view showing another example of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control method of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive material processing apparatus 2, 2 'developing tank 20, 20' developing solution 3 Bleaching tank 30 Bleaching liquid 4 Fixing tank 40 Fixing liquid 5 Rinse tank 50 Rinse water 6 Drying unit 61 Casing 62 Hot air fan 63 Hot air 7 Transporting unit 71 conveying roller 72 crossover roller 73, 74 guide 75 path selection mechanism 76 roller 77 distribution guide 78 fulcrum 8 heater 9 processing liquid supply means 91 circulation line 92 pump 93 liquid supply line 94 pump 95 drainage tube 96 Treatment liquid unit 96M Mark 97, 98 Branch pipe 970, 980 Solenoid valve 9a to 9f Container 10, 11 Reserve tank 12, 13 Pipe line 14 Pump 15 Drain pipe 120, 150 Solenoid valve 16 Rail 17 Treatment liquid discriminating means 17a Line 18 Control means 18a-18d line PL processing line S photosensitive material

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of processing tanks arranged in a processing line, a conveying means for conveying an exposed silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and immersing it in a processing liquid contained in the processing tank; A processing solution supply unit for circulating and / or replenishing the processing solution, a temperature control unit for heating each processing solution to a predetermined temperature, and a drying unit for drying the wet silver halide photographic material. A photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of changing a type of a processing liquid used in at least one processing tank among the processing tanks. A photosensitive device comprising: means for changing at least one of jumping and operating conditions of the processing liquid supply means, the temperature control means, and the drying means, and setting processing conditions in accordance with the processing liquid to be used. Material processing apparatus.