JP2896451B2 - 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 an apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material, in which the processing ability of the processing liquid is restored by energizing the processing liquid in a developing apparatus for a silver halide light-sensitive material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a silver halide photographic copying machine and an automatic developing machine, wet processing is performed on an exposed photosensitive material. In this process, usually, the exposed photosensitive materials are sequentially immersed in a developer, a bleaching solution and a fixing solution (or a bleaching and fixing solution) stored in each processing tank, and then the processing solutions adhered to the photosensitive material are removed. Cleaning is performed to remove.

In this cleaning, it is required that the amount of a cleaning liquid (cleaning water or the like) used for obtaining a certain cleaning effect be reduced as much as possible. It is known that the number of cleaning tanks should be increased in order to save the amount of cleaning liquid used. Therefore, conventionally, a plurality of (about 2 to 9) cleaning tanks are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. However, a method has been adopted in which the photosensitive material is sequentially passed through each washing tank to perform washing.

However, in this method, since several washing tanks are arranged in parallel, there is a drawback that the apparatus becomes large, an installation space is required, and the time required for washing becomes long. In order to solve such a drawback, a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing liquid filled in the processing chamber (for example, JP-A 1-267648, 2
-205846, 2-130548, 2-20558
47 publications), it was possible to reduce the size of the apparatus, reduce the amount of cleaning liquid used, and shorten the cleaning time.

[0005]

However, in such a miniaturized multi-chamber rinsing process, the sensitizing dye or dye is eluted from the photographic material, and the sensitizing dye or dye is slightly but gradually narrowed into the rinsing tank through a narrow passage. Go accumulate. In particular, when the replenishment of the pretreatment liquid is less than that of the water washing, and when the overflow discharge is small, and when the washing water is less replenished due to the overflow in the low replenishment processing, the coloring matter, the dye, and the pretreatment agent components are reduced. The overflow of the strong washing water is discharged. That is, the sensitizing dyes and dyes in the photosensitive material that should be washed out during development and fixing are eluted into the washing water, the concentration of the dyes and dyes in the washing water is increased, and the pre-processing component is also concentrated. Things are carried over and a heavy load is imposed on the washing process. For this reason, image deterioration is likely to occur, and in order to prevent such adverse effects, the amount of the replenisher must be increased so that the performance of the wash water does not decrease. At the same time, the amount of waste liquid increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a washing tank is not loaded even when a low replenishment process is performed using a multi-chamber processing apparatus.

[0007]

The above object of the present invention is attained by the following (1) to (7). (1) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus which has a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and sequentially processes a photosensitive material in a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, at least one processing chamber is provided. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising a partition, a cathode and an anode which are energized in contact with each processing solution on both sides of the partition, and a halogen capturing means above the anode. (2) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, at least one processing chamber is provided. Partitioning by a diaphragm, a cathode and an anode which are energized in contact with each processing solution on both sides of the diaphragm are provided, and the anode is provided at a portion where the photosensitive material is carried into the processing chamber. Characteristic photosensitive material processing equipment. (3) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, a processing chamber at a lowermost chamber Are separated into upper and lower parts by a diaphragm, and an entrance and an exit of the photosensitive material are provided in an upper part of the diaphragm, and the photosensitive material passes from the entrance of the upper part to the exit, and is processed above the diaphragm. A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: a cathode in contact with the solution; and an anode below the diaphragm, in contact with the processing solution, and means for supplying current to both electrodes. (4) The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to (3), wherein a gas passage is provided at an end of the diaphragm. (5) An anode and a cathode which are energized in a photosensitive material processing apparatus which has a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and sequentially processes the photosensitive material in a processing solution filled in the processing chamber. A current supply tank having a discharge port below the cathode is connected to the lowermost processing chamber, and the processing liquid in the processing chamber is circulated so as to move from the anode side to the cathode side. A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising a liquid feeding means. (6) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, the processing tank may include a plurality of processing tanks. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein a valve that opens and closes due to a change in liquid pressure is provided on a partition wall partitioned into a processing chamber. (7) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, a lowermost processing chamber Has an inclined bottom surface with a discharge port at the lower end,
An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, comprising: an anode, a diaphragm, and a cathode provided in the processing chamber in this order from the bottom side, and a means for energizing both electrodes.

[0008]

According to the photosensitive material processing apparatus having such a configuration,
By providing an anode and a cathode with a diaphragm interposed in the processing chamber and energizing, it is possible to decompose and remove sensitizing dyes and dyes eluted from the photosensitive material brought in from the pre-bath and reduce the load on the washing tank. This is particularly noticeable when a multi-chamber processing apparatus is used for low replenishment processing.

That is, the replenishing amount of the washing water can be reduced and the amount of waste liquid can be reduced, and the obtained image can be improved. The lowermost chamber of a multi-chamber processing apparatus is preferably used as a processing chamber in which an anode and a cathode are provided with a diaphragm interposed, and the lowermost chamber of a multi-chamber processing apparatus. Oxidation reaction occurs at the anode by energization, and bromine ions brought in from a pre-bath (fixing or bleach-fixing solution) And chlorine ions become halogen gas, and part of oxygen gas generation and acid generation by water electrolysis,
The gas and the acidic solution work synergistically to remarkably decolor the sensitizing dye during the color washing, and furthermore, at the anode, an oxidation reaction decomposes the dye, dye and hypo which are accumulating due to the washing, and precipitates silver sulfide. Produces things. In other words, the present invention enables the washing water to be regenerated in the washing step with low replenishment, so that unnecessary substances can be sufficiently washed even with a small amount of washing water, and contamination of the photosensitive material can be prevented. In addition, the recovery of silver was facilitated by turning unnecessary substances to be washed into usable substances by applying electricity, and further forming silver as a precipitate of silver sulfide. At the cathode, a reduction reaction occurs by energization, and generation of alkali and partial reduction precipitation of silver ions occur. The generation of alkali and the reducing atmosphere inactivate and neutralize the halogen gas and oxygen gas generated at the anode.

When an anode and a cathode are provided with a diaphragm interposed therebetween, it is preferable that the anode is provided in the processing solution on the side of the pre-bath of the liquid in contact with the diaphragm which contains a large amount of components. This promotes the generation of halogen in the pre-bath component, the decomposition of thiosulfate ions, and the generation of oxygen. Thereafter, by performing neutralization on the anode side, washing water can be efficiently regenerated. When the lowermost processing chamber is vertically divided by a diaphragm, and a cathode is provided above the diaphragm and an anode is provided below the diaphragm, the lower anode efficiently generates acid, halogen gas, and oxygen. The decomposition of the pigment, the dye, and the former component is promoted by the synergistic action of these, and the decomposed sediment component precipitates downward. On the other hand, the generated halogen gas rises and is neutralized and inactivated at the upper cathode. Therefore, since the photosensitive material is conveyed above the diaphragm, the photosensitive material is treated with regenerated water having a relatively small amount of dyes, dyes and thiosulfate ions, so that efficient water washing is performed. In this case, silver ions are reduced and deposited at the cathode at a considerable portion. Further, when the lowermost processing chamber is vertically divided by a diaphragm, it is preferable to provide a gas passage at the end of the diaphragm, so that the solution can move through the gas passage and circulate the liquid, and the water can be washed efficiently. Can be played.

In addition, an energizing tank having an anode and a cathode to be energized and having a discharge port formed below the cathode is connected to a lowermost processing chamber, and a processing liquid in the processing chamber is supplied from the anode side to the processing chamber. When a liquid supply means for circulating so as to move toward the cathode is provided, a separate energizing tank separate from the processing chamber allows precipitates or suspended matter to be easily removed from the washing water, and further energized. This can prevent adverse effects on the photosensitive material due to fluctuations in the pH of the solution. Also, the anode is preferably granular carbon,
Since the anode is granular, the surface area increases and an oxidation reaction can be performed efficiently, and the discharge port provided below the cathode facilitates removal of precipitates.

Further, when a valve that opens and closes due to a change in liquid pressure is provided in a habit of dividing the processing tank into a plurality of processing chambers, overflow of the final chamber can be prevented. Further, when the lowermost processing chamber has an inclined bottom surface having a discharge port at the lower end, and an anode, a diaphragm, and a cathode are sequentially provided from the bottom surface side in the processing chamber, a precipitate is formed at the lower end of the inclined bottom surface. They can be collected and easily removed from the outlet provided at the lower end.

Further, the present invention will be described in detail. In the present invention, examples of the diaphragm used to divide an energization chamber (an energization tank) for energization include a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, and other permeable membranes. Of these, an anion exchange membrane is preferably used, and the anion exchange membrane may selectively transmit anions.
Any of these may be used, and commercially available ones can be used as they are. Examples of such an anion exchange membrane include Salemion AWV / AMR (manufactured by Asahi Glass),
Aciplex A201, A172 (made by Asahi Kasei), N
eosepta AM-1-3 (manufactured by Tokuyama Soda), Ion
ac MA-3148 (Ionac Chemical
s), Nepton AR103PZL (Ionic
s) can also be used.

As the permeable membrane, a Yummicron diaphragm used in a storage battery (manufactured by Yuasa Battery); Torao Higaki, "Fine Electronics and Highly Functional Materials" (CMC, 198)
3 years), pp. 125-132; porous polymer plates (for example, xanthone porous film or fiber cloth), porous polyester fiber cloth (for example, Toray's well key); urethane, polyethene, polypropylene, etc. A permeable membrane, such as a foam material wall, is used.

In the present invention, the above-mentioned anion-exchange membrane is a general term for a membrane that selectively allows anions to pass therethrough.
It also includes a porous ceramic film having a thickness of μm. As an electrode used for conducting electricity, one of the cathodes may be any electric conductor or semiconductor that can withstand long-term use, such as stainless steel, aluminum, silver, nickel, copper, zinc, and brass. And metal materials such as titanium, and stainless steel is particularly preferable. The anode may be made of an insoluble material and an electric conductor, specifically, carbon (graphite), lead dioxide, platinum,
Examples thereof include gold and titanium steel. In some cases, stainless steel may be used. The shape of both electrodes is preferably a plate-like shape, a mesh-like plate-like shape, or a plate-like shape with projections, which can be easily installed in the tank. The size may be appropriately selected according to the tank capacity. Furthermore, by forming the plate-shaped electrode extremely thin and having flexibility, the electrode can be easily wound, and the operation of immersing in a liquid or taking out into the air becomes easy. Further, with such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the immersion depth of the electrode in the liquid to adjust the substantial electrode area.

The silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material used in the present invention generally undergoes a washing and / or stabilizing step after desilvering. The amount of rinsing water in the rinsing process depends on the characteristics of the photosensitive material (for example, depending on the material used such as a coupler), the use, the rinsing water temperature, the number of rinsing tanks (number of stages), countercurrent,
It can be set in a wide range according to a replenishment method such as a forward flow and other various conditions. In this case, efficient water washing can be achieved by using a multi-chamber treatment tank and using a treatment tank provided with an energizing mechanism as described in the above-described configuration of the present invention.

The treatment tank of the present invention is preferably used in a washing step and a stabilization step, but may be used in other treatment steps depending on the case. For example, in the desilvering step, more specifically, in the bleach-fixing step, it can be used in the same manner as in water washing. The light-sensitive material used in the present invention includes a black-and-white light-sensitive material in addition to a color light-sensitive material. For example, besides color paper, color reversal paper, color negative film for photography, color reversal film, negative or positive film for movie, direct positive color photosensitive material, X-ray film, photosensitive material for printing, microfilm, black and white film for photography And the like.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, “upstream” and “downstream” mean directions in the photosensitive material transport direction, respectively. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing tank of a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washing tank 2 includes a plurality of processing chambers 6a to 6e vertically defined by a partition wall 3 and a partition wall 4, and the photosensitive material S is transported through a passage 8 formed in the partition wall 4. The photosensitive material S in the washing tank 2 is first conveyed downward by the conveying rollers 10, and is washed in each of the processing chambers 6 a to 6 e while being inverted at the bottom and then conveyed upward. A pair of cantilevered elastic blades 12 are provided in the passage 8.
The photosensitive material S is provided in contact with the free end, and passes between the pair of blades 12. Also,
Instead of a pair of blades 12, a single blade configuration in which a single cantilevered blade 12 is resiliently biased on the passage surface of, for example, high-molecular-weight polyethylene can also be used.

The lowermost chamber 6c is partitioned by a diaphragm 14,
A passage 8 through which the photosensitive material S can pass is formed in a part of the diaphragm 14, and the same elastic blade 12 as described above, which can substantially block the passage 8 in a liquid-tight manner, is provided. A replenishing port 16 for washing water is provided in the processing chamber 6e at the most downstream of the washing tank 2, and an overflow port 18 is provided in the processing chamber 6a at the most upstream. Blade 12 provided with photosensitive material S on partition 4
When passing through the space, the rinsing water can slightly move to another room from both ends in the width direction of the photosensitive material S. For example, in the case of replenishing ²⁰ to 100 ml of washing water per 1 m ² of photosensitive material (although the replenishing amount of washing water varies depending on the form of photosensitive material, for example, the presence or absence of perforation and the difference in width of photosensitive material), the washing water sufficiently moves to another room. it can. On the other hand, if the replenishment of water is larger than this, it is not possible to favorably move between the processing chambers, and the liquid overflows in the most downstream processing chamber 6e. In this case, the auxiliary overflow structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overflow structure provided on the partition 4. The overflow configuration differs between the left and right sides of the partition wall 3, that is, the side where the photosensitive material S is transported downward and the side where it is transported upward.
First, the overflow configuration on the right side of the partition wall 3 will be described. An overflow hole 20 is formed in the partition wall 4, and a pin 24 fixing a lower part of the hole 20 to a bottom plate 22 that can be opened and closed passes through the hole 20. A stopper 26 is fixed to the upper part of the pin 24, and a compression spring 28 is mounted between the stopper 26 and the upper surface of the partition wall 4. And
The bottom plate 22 is normally biased to the lower surface of the partition wall 4 by the action of the compression spring 28 so as to close the hole 20.
When the washing water is replenished from the replenishing port 16, the water pressure above the partition wall 4 rises, and the stopper 26 is pushed downward against the elastic force of the spring 28. Then, the bottom plate 22 that has been biased by the partition wall 4 and closes the hole 20 is separated from the partition wall 4 and the hole 20 is opened, and the washing water above the partition wall 4 passes through the hole 20 as shown by the arrow, and the partition wall 4 passes through the hole 20. 4 flows below. afterwards,
When the water pressure above the partition 4 decreases due to the overflow, the bottom plate 22 is again biased by the partition 4 and closes the hole 20. Therefore, only when the water pressure above the partition wall 4 is increased by the replenishment, the flush water appropriately overflows.

Next, the overflow configuration on the left side of the partition wall 3 will be described. The partition 4 has an overflow hole 2
A pin 32 fixed to a cover plate 30 capable of opening and closing the hole 20 is inserted through the hole 20. Then, the pins 32 are moved so that the cover plate 30 is always biased toward the partition wall 4 in the washing water.
Has a weight 34. When the water pressure below the partition wall 4 increases, the weight 34 is pushed upward, and the lid plate 30 that has been biased by the partition wall 4 and closes the upper portion of the hole 20 separates from the partition wall 4 and the upper portion of the hole 20 is opened. Then, as shown by the arrow, the washing water flows upward from below the partition wall 4. When a part of the washing water flows upward from below the partition wall 4 and the water pressure below the partition wall 4 decreases, the cover plate 30 is again biased to the upper surface of the partition wall 4 and closes the hole 20. Therefore, only when the water pressure below the partition wall 4 is increased by the replenishment, the washing water appropriately overflows.

When the washing water is replenished to the lowermost processing chamber 6e, the washing water in the processing chamber overflows sequentially to the upstream side, and excess washing water overflows from the overflow port 18 of the uppermost processing chamber 6a. Is discharged by. Therefore, the washing tank 2 is in a cascade state in which the cleanliness of the processing chamber on the downstream side is higher. As shown in FIG. 1, an anode 36 is provided on the upstream side and a cathode 38 is provided on the downstream side via the diaphragm 14, and the electrodes 36 and 38 are energized. Further, a gas locking means 40 is provided above the anode 36. The gas locking means 40 has an umbrella shape and locks the gas generated by the energization process in water.

By locking the gas, the contact area between the processing liquid and the gas is increased, and water can be efficiently regenerated. In the present invention, sensitizing dyes, dyes, hypo, etc., which are adhered to the photosensitive material and brought from the pre-bath and washed out in the washing water, are decomposed at the anode by energization. For example, in hypo, thiosulfate ions are oxidized and become sulfate ions that do not adversely affect the photosensitive material.In addition, sensitizing dyes and dyes are broken down into unsaturated molecules, which are chromophores, to become small molecules and decolorized. In other words, electrons are taken away at the anode and oxidized and decomposed. Further, silver ions eluted from the light-sensitive material are formed by decomposition of thiosulfate ions.
Silver ions that react with ^2- and precipitate as silver sulfide, and when the photosensitive material passes through the diaphragm, silver ions that overflow from the anode side and move to the cathode side receive electrons on the cathode surface by energization and precipitate as silver. . Furthermore, since the halogen gas and oxygen gas locked by the gas locking means overflow from the cathode chamber and flow in, they are neutralized and redissolved, or react with sensitizing dyes, dyes, and thiosulfate ions. Dissolve.

As described above, the washing water can be regenerated by the energization treatment, and can be sufficiently washed with a small amount of replenishment without increasing the amount of washing water, and a good image can be obtained. If the thiosulfate ion is not sufficiently washed in the washing step, the image deteriorates during storage, and this is an important problem that must be solved by washing with low replenishment, but the present invention can solve it.

That is, in the process of energization, basically, the halogen eluted from the photographic material is activated by energization to render the sensitizing dye and dye eluted from the photographic material harmless, and at the same time, brought in from the pre-bath. Thus, thiosulfate ions and silver ions are made harmless and the water is regenerated, and as a result, the photosensitive material can be sufficiently washed with a small amount of water. This method is particularly effective in processing systems in which replenishment in the development and desilvering steps is small, that is, a system which often reduces the washing effect,
For example, the effect is particularly exhibited in a system having a large number of oxidation-reduction reactants and a system through which electricity can easily pass.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the lowermost chamber of the washing tank 2. In addition, the conveyance means, such as a conveyance roller, is not illustrated. In the lowermost processing chamber 6c, the bottom plate 42 is inclined,
The bottom of the bottom plate 42 is provided with a valve 44 for discharging the precipitate. An anode 46, an anion exchange membrane 48, and a cathode 50 are provided in this order in parallel with the bottom plate 44.
The same gas locking means 52 as described above is provided above and below the anion exchange membrane 48. In addition, the anion exchange membrane 4
8 is also provided with gas locking means 52.

The processing chamber 6c is generally vertically divided by an anion exchange membrane 48, and a gap 54 is formed at an end of the anion exchange membrane 48. The gap 54 at the lower end of the anion exchange membrane 48 is mainly for the passage of the dye in the upper washing water, and the dye or the like to be oxidatively decomposed at the anode 46 naturally gathers near the anode 46 from above. I have. In addition, since the cathode is located above the anion exchange membrane 48, the cathode is alkaline, and since the atmosphere is in a reducing atmosphere, the bromine gas and chlorine gas are neutralized and dissolved.

Further, since sulfurous ions are present above the anode 46 and are alkaline, the bromine gas and the chlorine gas are not ionized again in the liquid, and are reliably locked by the gas locking means 52. In addition, since the photosensitive material is transported above the diaphragm, that is, on the cathode side, anions (sensitizing dyes, dyes, hypo)
Move through the diaphragm to the anode side, so that unnecessary substances such as sensitizing dyes can be efficiently washed with water. That is, regeneration of washing water can be performed efficiently.

Unlike FIG. 1, in FIG. 3, since both ends of the anion exchange membrane are open and inclined, the gas generated at the anode is trapped by the locking means 52 and the reaction is carried out sufficiently. The leaked gas rises, moves to the cathode and is neutralized, and at the same time, circulates the liquid in the processing chamber 6c. By this circulation, the prebath components brought in by the photosensitive material can be efficiently moved to the anode side. This circulation also promotes washing out of the photosensitive material in the processing chamber 6c. Further, the precipitate oxidatively decomposed at the anode by this circulation does not fall down and at the same time does not rise to the cathode side where the photosensitive material is processed, so that the photosensitive material is not scratched.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing another modification of the lowermost chamber. In addition, the conveyance means, such as a conveyance roller, is not illustrated. The lowermost processing chamber 6c of the washing tank 2 is connected to a separately placed energizing tank, and the washing water is circulated and regenerated by the pump 62 between the lowermost processing chamber 6c and the energizing tank 60. I have. An anode 64 made of particulate carbon and a cathode 66 made of stainless steel are provided inside the energization tank 60. A valve 68 is provided below the cathode 66 for collecting and discharging the precipitate generated by the reduction reaction by the cathode 66. A filter 70 is provided above the cathode 66, and the washing water returns to the processing chamber 6c from above the cathode 66 through the filter 70. The washing water in the processing chamber 6c is sent to the power supply chamber 60 by the pump 62,
When it comes into contact with 4, it is oxidized to decompose pigments, dyes and hypo, and the liquid becomes acidic, which also promotes decomposition.
When the hypo is decomposed, silver ions precipitate as silver sulfide. In addition, sulfur is also produced by the decomposition of hypo and precipitates are generated.
The washing water in which the pigments, dyes and hypos are decomposed is further supplied to the cathode 66.
Then, at the cathode 66, water is regenerated by neutralizing and dissolving the halogen gas and the oxygen gas by the generation of alkali and the reducing atmosphere. Also in this case, it is preferable that a part of the anion exchange membrane 67 be open. The sediment accumulated under the cathode 66 is discharged from the energization tank 60 by appropriately opening the valve 68. The regenerated washing water passes through the filter 70 to remove pigments and fine sulfides, and is returned to the processing chamber 6c, where it is used again as washing water.

As described above, the provision of a current supply tank separate from the processing chamber makes it possible to easily remove precipitates or suspended matter generated by the current supply from the washing water, and furthermore, to increase the pH of the liquid by the current supply.
Can be prevented from adversely affecting the photosensitive material. Also,
The anode is preferably granular carbon, and the granular surface of the anode increases the surface area to allow efficient oxidation reaction. The discharge port provided below the cathode facilitates removal of precipitates. This makes it possible to regenerate the washing water and reduce the amount of washing.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another modified example of the lowermost chamber of the washing tank 2. In addition, the conveyance means, such as a conveyance roller, is not illustrated. An anode 72 and a cathode 7 are provided in the lowermost processing chamber 6c.
Four pairs are provided, one pair being provided on the side where the photosensitive material S is carried in, and the other pair being provided on the side where the photosensitive material S is carried out. The bottom surface 76 of the processing chamber 6c is inclined toward the center, and a valve 78 for discharging the precipitate is provided at the lowest part. Oxidation by the pair of anodes 72 decomposes pigments, dyes and hypo in the washing water, and reduces and deposits silver ions on the cathode 74. In this case, since there is no partition wall between the anode and the cathode, the above-mentioned fractionated reaction cannot be clearly described, but as a result, the precipitate falls and the pigments and dyes are decolorized to regenerate water. In this case, it is necessary to increase the current density during energization, and it is necessary that the current density be 2 A / dm ² , more preferably 10 A / dm ² or more. This is because, since there is no partition, it is necessary to cause an intense electrode reaction before the anodic reaction and the cathodic reaction are neutralized. Therefore, if a partition is provided between two pairs of electrodes, the current density can be further reduced, and the power supply can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. Explaining the parts different from the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the lowermost processing chamber 6c is connected to a separately provided energizing tank 82 in which only the anode 80 is installed, and the processing chamber 6a on the upstream side of the lowermost processing chamber 6c. (In this embodiment, the most upstream processing chamber) is a cathode 8
4 is connected to a separately provided current supply tank 86 in which only the electrodes 4 and 4 are provided, so that the electrodes 80 and 84 are energized. Each processing room 6
The washing water in a and 6c is sent to each of the current supply tanks 82 and 86 by a pump or an overflow, and is regenerated.
a, 6c.

The washing water in the uppermost processing chamber 6a is the most dirty, and contains a large amount of pigments, dyes, hypo and silver ions. Of these, silver ions are first precipitated by a reduction reaction with the cathode 84 (sulphide precipitation does not occur much),
Regenerate as low silver wash water. In the oxidation reaction by the anode 80, the coloring water, dye and hypo in the washing water are decomposed to make the washing water colorless and regenerated. In this way, by performing a separate regeneration process by changing the regeneration action for each processing chamber,
The washing water can be efficiently regenerated, and silver can be easily recovered.

By doing so, silver is removed from the washing water in the processing chamber 6a, becomes alkaline, the gelatin film in the photosensitive material slightly swells easily, the amount of silver remaining in the photosensitive material is remarkably reduced, and the dye and the like are also reduced. Significantly reduced.
As a result, the washing effect increases. In the processing chamber 6c, sensitizing dyes, dyes, and hypo are decomposed by the acid, halogen gas, and oxygen gas generated at the anode, and water is regenerated and precipitates fall. Further, the photosensitive material S is efficiently washed with water by the agitation of the rising gas flow and the regeneration of water.

The configuration shown in FIG. 6 can be used in a treatment bath other than water washing. For example, it can be used in a bleach-fixing process. In this case, in the processing chamber 6a, silver ions are reduced and removed immediately after bleach-fixing, so that fixing is hastened. On the other hand, in the processing chamber 6c, bleaching is promoted because the color developing solution and the like brought from the pre-bath are oxidatively decomposed. By these two actions, bleaching and fixing are accelerated as a whole, and the amount of replenisher for bleaching and fixing can be reduced.

Further, when the anode and the cathode are exchanged in FIG. 6, another processing bath can be used. For example, it can be used in a bleach-fixing step. In this case, a drain hole is provided in the chamber 6c, and a replenishing hole 18 is provided.
The bleaching component can be replenished from the replenishing hole 16 with the fixing component. In this case, since the bleach-fixing process is functionally separated, the bleach-fixing process can be performed with a smaller replenisher amount. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a modified example of a blade 12 provided on a partition wall 4 or an anion exchange membrane 14 that partitions each of the processing chambers 6a to 6e. The blade 12 is provided on the partition wall 4 and the like as a unit having a pair of blocks 90 and 92. The blade 12 is made of elastic rubber and is cantilevered on one block 90 by a screw 94. The free end of the blade 12 is biased toward the other block 92 by its own elastic force, so that the photosensitive material S can pass between the blade 12 and the block 92. Blade 12, block 90,
The side of 92 is a block 90 via a sealing member 96,
A side plate 100 fixed to the screw 92 by screws 98 is provided to form a unit.

Since the blade 12 has elasticity, the blade 12 is biased toward the block 92 by its own elastic force, so that the passage of the photosensitive material can be shut off in a liquid-tight manner. Further, the free end of the blade 12 is provided with magnetism, and the iron plate 1 is placed near the surface of the block 92.
Since the blade 02 is embedded, the free end of the blade 12 can be in close contact with the block 92 by the elastic force and the magnetic force of the blade 12. Therefore, according to this configuration,
The sealing property of the passage when the photosensitive material S does not pass through is remarkably improved, and it is possible to fill and process different processing liquids above and below the partition 4. The blade 12 also has a squeezing function by contacting the photosensitive material S in addition to a passage sealing function. However, the squeezing function is also improved, so that the processing can be performed quickly.

A squeeze partition member having such a mechanism is made of a wide photosensitive material (for example, 50.8 cm × 61 cm:
It is especially excellent when processing paper. Although each of the above embodiments is a combination of the multi-chamber treatment and the energization treatment, it is preferable to provide a dye adsorption filter, an ultraviolet light source for preventing bacteria, an ozone generator, and the like, in addition to the above components.

When these are used in combination, the replenishment of water can be further reduced by sufficiently decomposing and removing the pigments and dyes.

[0041]

【Example】

Example 1 (photosensitive material): photosensitive material of Example 2 of JP-A-2-250052 (color photographic paper) (processing agent and process): the same as in Example 2 above, except that the washing part shown in FIG. 1 was used. 1m ² per 80ml
And supplied with electricity under the following conditions.

(Electrification conditions) Anode: graphite electrode 15 cm × 60 cm Cathode: stainless steel SUS316 15 cm × 60 cm Applied voltage 6 V, current 4.5 A to 1 m ^{2 of} photosensitive material
(Current density 0.5 A / dm ² ) for 30 minutes.

As a result of performing the rinsing step using the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a print having good rinsing properties was obtained almost in the same manner as in the processing 2A of Example 2 of JP-A-2-250052. That is, the processed white part has little red density,
Further, after the treated sample was left in an atmosphere at a temperature of 60 ° C. and a humidity of 70% for 3 days, no color increase of the white portion occurred. In other words, the low-replenishment washing process of the present invention enables efficient washing with a small amount of replenisher for washing, and a good image can be obtained. Example 2 In Example 1, the water washing part was replaced by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 instead of FIG.

As a result of using the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 3, as in Example 1, a print with good redness in the white portion and good washability without increasing the color of the white portion after standing was obtained.

[0045]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a load is not applied to a washing tank even when low replenishment processing is performed. Also, the obtained image is good.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing tank of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an overflow configuration.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a modification of the lowermost processing chamber.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another modification of the lowermost processing chamber.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of another modification of the lowermost processing chamber.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modified example of the washing tank.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the blade unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Washing tank 4 Partition wall 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e Processing chamber 8 Passage 10 Transport roller 12 Blade 14, 48, 67 Anion exchange membrane 16 Refill port 18 Overflow port 20 Overflow hole 22 Bottom plate 24, 32 Pin 26 Stopper 28 Compression spring 30 Cover plate 34 Weight 36, 46, 64, 72, 80 Anode 38, 50, 66, 74, 84 Cathode 40, 52 Gas locking means 42, 76 Bottom plate 44, 68, 78 Valve 54 Gap 60, 82, 86 Current tank 62 Pump 70 Filter 90, 92 Block 94, 98 Screw 96 Seal member 100 Side plate 102 Iron plate

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03D 3/00 G03D 13/00

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, wherein at least one processing is performed. The chamber is partitioned by a diaphragm, and a cathode and an anode which are energized in contact with each processing solution on both sides of the diaphragm are installed,
A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising a halogen capturing means above the anode. 2. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers, wherein the processing is performed by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber. The chamber is partitioned by a diaphragm having a passage for the photosensitive material, and a cathode and an anode are provided, which are energized in contact with the respective processing solutions on both sides of the diaphragm, and the anode is provided on the side for carrying the photosensitive material into the processing chamber. A photosensitive material processing apparatus. 3. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, wherein: The processing chamber is vertically divided by a diaphragm, and a loading port and a loading port for the photosensitive material are provided in an upper portion of the processing chamber. The photosensitive material is passed from the loading port to the loading port above the partition, and A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a cathode disposed above and in contact with a processing liquid; and an anode disposed below the diaphragm and in contact with the processing liquid, and a means for energizing both electrodes. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a gas passage is provided at an end of the diaphragm. 5. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber. And a cathode, and an energization tank having a discharge port formed below the cathode is connected to a lowermost processing chamber so that a processing solution in the processing chamber moves from the anode side to the cathode side. A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising a liquid sending means for circulating. 6. A photosensitive material processing apparatus which has a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and performs processing by sequentially transporting photosensitive material into a processing liquid filled in the processing chamber, wherein the processing tank is A photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein a valve that opens and closes due to fluctuations in liquid pressure is provided in a partition that is divided into a plurality of processing chambers. 7. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing tank partitioned into a plurality of processing chambers and processing the photosensitive material by sequentially transporting the photosensitive material into a processing solution filled in the processing chamber, The processing chamber has an inclined bottom surface having a discharge port at a lower end, and an anode, a diaphragm, and the like in order from the bottom surface side in the processing chamber.
An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, comprising a cathode, and means for energizing both electrodes.