JP4650285B2 - Film processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a film guide for scanning a developed photographic film to read a frame image, and a film guide that is disposed adjacent to the film scanner to form a conveyance path for inserting the photographic film into the film scanner. The present invention relates to a film processing apparatus including a mechanism and a film discharge mechanism for discharging a photographic film that has been scanned from a film guide mechanism via the transport path.

  A system in which a film processor for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a film scanner for acquiring a frame image of the developed photographic film as digital image data are combined and integrated is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. A photographic material processing apparatus is known. When the development process and the drying process of the photographic film are completed in the film processor, the photographic film is discharged from the film processor and sent to the transport unit. In this transport unit, the photographic film is separated from the film reader, and only the developed photographic film after cutting is continuously fed to the film scanner, and scanning of each frame image is performed. When the scanning of the frame image is completed in the film scanner, the photographic film is discharged from the film scanner, conveyed along a predetermined discharge path, and sent to the film stocker. In this way, a series of processes from the development process of undeveloped photographic film to the scanning of frame images can be automatically performed.

  On the other hand, the film scanner requires not only the automatic processing mode as described above but also a manual processing mode for manually scanning photographic film. For example, when there is a request for making a reprint, it is not necessary to develop the photographic film, so it is necessary to insert the photographic film into the film scanner by manual operation. The photographic film inserted by manual operation must be ejected from the film scanner when scanning is completed.

JP 11-234476 A

  In the above case, when the photographic film is discharged using the same discharge path in the automatic processing mode and the manual processing mode, the following problem occurs. In other words, a transport roller is provided as a transport mechanism for transporting the photographic film in the discharge path. However, in the automatic processing mode, a long photographic film is handled, so that it is possible to increase the spacing between the transport rollers. It is. On the other hand, in the manual processing mode, for example, a piece film cut in units of 6 frames is often handled. Since the piece film has a short length, the piece film cannot be conveyed if the arrangement interval of the conveying rollers is large. In order to be able to transport the piece film as well, it is only necessary to shorten the arrangement interval of the transport rollers, but the number of transport rollers increases, which causes an increase in cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a film processing apparatus capable of appropriately discharging a scanned photographic film in each of an automatic processing mode and a manual processing mode.

In order to solve the above problems, a film processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
A film scanner for scanning developed photographic film and reading frame images;
A film guide mechanism which is arranged adjacent to the film scanner and forms a transport path for inserting a photographic film into the film scanner;
A film processing apparatus provided with a film discharge mechanism that is disposed adjacent to the film guide mechanism and discharges the photographic film that has been scanned from the film guide mechanism via the transport path,
The film guide mechanism includes a first guide portion located below the film surface of the photographic film and a second guide portion located above the film surface, and the second guide portion is closed. It can be set to an automatic processing mode in which the transport path is formed or a manual processing mode in which the second guide part is opened to expose the transport surface of the first guide part,
The film discharge mechanism is
A first discharge path for discharging photographic film in the automatic processing mode;
A second discharge path located above the first discharge path for discharging the photographic film in the manual processing mode;
The film guide mechanism rotates between the transport path and the film discharge mechanism with respect to the transport path to connect the transport path to either the first discharge path or the second discharge path. It has a switching guide,
The switching guide is always urged toward the second discharge path by the urging means,
When the second guide portion is closed and the film guide mechanism is set to the automatic processing mode, the film guide mechanism is connected to the first discharge path against the urging force, the second guide portion is opened, and the film guide mechanism is moved to the manual operation mode. When the processing mode is set, the automatic switching is performed so as to connect to the second discharge path by the urging force .

  The operation and effect of the film processing apparatus having this configuration will be described. A film guide mechanism is provided adjacent to a film scanner that scans a photographic film and reads a frame image. In order to perform scanning, a photographic film is inserted into the film scanner by the film guide mechanism in both the automatic processing mode and the manual processing mode. When scanning is completed, the photographic film is discharged from the film guide mechanism to the film discharge mechanism. The film discharge mechanism includes a first discharge path for the automatic processing mode and a second discharge path for the manual processing mode. Thereby, the discharge route suitable for each mode can be configured. In addition, since the transport path provided in the film guide mechanism is used in any mode, a switching guide is provided, and according to the setting of the processing mode, any discharge path and the transport path of the film guide mechanism Need to be concatenated.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, when the film guide mechanism is set to the manual processing mode, the switching guide is automatically switched to the second discharge path side, and when the film guide mechanism is set to the automatic processing mode, the switching guide is automatically switched to the first discharge path. Switch to the side. Therefore, the operator does not need an operation for switching the switching guide according to the mode, and the operation can be simplified and reliable path switching can be realized. As a result, it is possible to provide a film processing apparatus capable of appropriately discharging a scanned photographic film in each of the automatic processing mode and the manual processing mode.

  The film guide mechanism is composed of a first guide portion and a second guide portion, and a conveyance surface (conveyance path) is formed by closing the second guide portion, and a conveyance surface is formed by opening the second guide portion. Is exposed and manual insertion of photographic film can be performed. Then, in conjunction with the opening operation of the second guide portion, the switching guide moves and is connected to the second discharge path. Thereby, the preparation for performing the manual processing mode is prepared by the operation of simply opening the second guide portion.

  According to this configuration, the switching guide is always urged toward the second discharge path by the urging means (for example, a spring). When the second guide portion is closed, the switching guide is connected to the first discharge path against this urging force. However, by opening the second guide portion, the urging force automatically The switching guide can be moved to the second discharge path side for connection.

  In the present invention, when a photographic film is inserted into the film scanner in the automatic processing mode, a loop box for forming a loop of the photographic film is provided, and the first discharge path and the second discharge path are formed in the loop box. Is preferred.

  When scanning is performed by sending photographic film to a film scanner in the automatic processing mode, it is necessary to accurately convey the photographic film at a constant speed. Therefore, in order to perform scanning stably, a loop of a photographic film is formed so that an excessive load does not act during scanning. By providing a loop box in order to provide a space for forming such a loop, and forming the first and second discharge paths in this loop box, the discharge path can be configured while suppressing the number of parts, This can contribute to cost reduction.

  In the present invention, the first discharge path is preferably formed inside the loop box and connected to the film stocker, and the second discharge path is preferably formed outside the loop box.

  By providing the first discharge path inside the loop box, a driving mechanism for transporting and driving the photographic film can be easily arranged. Further, by providing the second discharge path outside the loop box, the scanned photographic film is discharged to the outside, so that the operator can take out the processed photographic film immediately. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a transport mechanism in the second discharge path.

In the present invention, a first guide mechanism on the side close to the film scanner constituting the film guide mechanism, and a second guide mechanism on the side far from the film scanner,
Film for receiving a photographic film at a receiving position below the film guide mechanism in the automatic processing mode, and transferring the photographic film to the film scanner side via the first guide mechanism at a transfer position adjacent to the first guide mechanism. A delivery unit;
Drive means for driving the film delivery unit from the delivery position to the delivery position;
When the film delivery unit is located at the delivery position, the second guide mechanism is rotated upward around a predetermined axis provided on the side opposite to the first guide mechanism, thereby retracting the first guide mechanism. And handed over photographic film,
It is preferable that the predetermined axis of the second guide mechanism also serves as a rotation axis of the switching guide.

  The film guide mechanism includes a first guide mechanism and a second guide mechanism in order from the closest to the film scanner. In the automatic processing mode, the film transfer unit moves to the receiving position and the transfer position, and transfers the photographic film to the first guide mechanism. Accordingly, the photographic film is supplied from the film delivery unit to the film scanner via the first guide mechanism. In conjunction with the movement of the film delivery unit to the delivery position, the second guide mechanism is retracted, the transport path of the first guide mechanism and the film delivery unit are connected, and the photographic film is delivered.

  When the delivery of the photographic film by the film delivery unit is completed, the film delivery unit moves again from the delivery position to the receiving position, and the second guide mechanism returns to the original position. Therefore, the photographic film that has been scanned by the film scanner is discharged to the discharge path via the first guide mechanism and the second guide mechanism. Here, when the second guide mechanism is retracted, the second guide mechanism is rotated around a predetermined axis. Furthermore, by configuring the switching guide to rotate about the same axis, the switching guide can be pivotally supported with a simple configuration.

  A preferred embodiment of a film processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a print processing system 1 having a film processing apparatus FA including a film processor FP and a film scanner FS, and a print creation apparatus PA. Note that the print processing system 1 may include other devices (for example, an orderer accepting terminal, a recording medium writing / reading device, and a PC terminal capable of accepting the Internet).

<Overall system configuration>
In FIG. 1, a film processing apparatus FA acquires a film processor FP for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a frame image of the developed photographic film developed by the film processor FP as digital image data by photoelectric conversion. And a film scanner FS are arranged in the vertical position. The film processing apparatus FA includes a transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the discharge section of the film processor FP to the supply section of the film scanner FS.

  The film processing apparatus FA is connected to the print creating apparatus PA via a communication line. The print creation device PA has a communication function, an order management / control function, an image processing function, and a print creation function, and includes a display means such as a computer and a display, and an interface such as a keyboard and a mouse. With this configuration, the image data acquired by the film processing apparatus FA is transmitted to the print creation apparatus PA via the communication line, and the print creation apparatus PA prints an image on a print medium such as photographic paper. The order management / control is configured so that image data can be managed in units of orders and the order of print creation can be set.

  The print creation apparatus PA is not limited to the one using silver salt type photographic paper, and an ink jet type or sublimation type print creation apparatus may be used.

  In the present invention, a photographic film before being developed by the film processor FP (frame image in a latent image state) is particularly called an undeveloped photographic film, and a photographic film after being developed by the film processor FP (frame image). In particular) is sometimes referred to as a developed photographic film.

<Film processor>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film processor FP includes a film insertion unit 11 disposed at the front of the processor body, and includes a development processing unit 12 and a drying processing unit 13 inside the processor body. A discharge unit 14 is disposed, and a transport mechanism 15 is formed from the film insertion unit 11 to the discharge unit 14. A liquid crystal display 16a for displaying various information and a control panel 16 having a plurality of operation buttons 16b are provided at a front position of the processor main body, and a control unit 17 for controlling the entire film processor FP is provided inside the processor main body. A film stocker 18 for receiving the developed photographic film fed from the discharge unit 14 is formed on the upper surface of the processor body.

  The film insertion section 11 is provided with a lid 11a that can be opened and closed. An unrolled photographic film accommodated in a film cartridge Ca (or cartridge) is set and transferred to the transport mechanism 15 (film drive mechanism). 11e) and a cutting unit 11b for cutting the rear end of the photographic film.

  In addition, in order to obtain information on the length of the photographic film, a loading sensor 11c (corresponding to a film position detection sensor) that detects passage of the front and rear ends of the photographic film conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 15 is provided. The loading sensor 11c can be composed of, for example, a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, light projecting type), a reflection type sensor, a laser sensor, other proximity sensors, an image sensor, etc., but a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, Projection type) is preferable. The loading sensor 11c can detect the film leading edge position (or the film leader leading edge position) and the film trailing edge position. Based on the detected leading edge position and trailing edge position information, the length information of the photographic film can be calculated (described later).

  In the case of APS film development processing, a film leader L is attached to the leading end of the photographic film drawn out from the cartridge Ca, the lid 11a is opened, and the cartridge Ca is set in the film insertion portion 11 so that the film leader L precedes. To do. A state in which the photographic film F and the film reader L are connected is shown in FIG. The film leader L is a sheet-like member having the same degree of flexibility as a resin film, and has a larger width dimension than the photographic film F. A large number of perforations La are formed in the film leader L, and the photographic film F is conveyed through the film processor FP by a sprocket that meshes with the perforations La. By providing such perforation La, it is possible to reliably guide the photographic film without slipping in the film processor FP.

  The perforation La is preferably formed at one end (see FIG. 3) in the width direction of the film leader L as shown, but may be formed at both ends. As shown in FIG. 3A, the photographic film F and the film leader L can be connected by inserting the engaging protrusions formed on the film leader L into the holes formed on the photographic film F. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the leading end of the photographic film F and the film leader L may be connected by an adhesive tape T. The shape and size of the film leader L to be used are determined in advance. Further, since the film leader L and the photographic film F are connected using a jig, the connecting position (attaching position) of the photographic film F with respect to the film leader L is also determined in advance.

  After the photographic film F with the film reader L is set and the lid 11a is closed, film transport (loading) is started under the control of the control unit 17 by operating a predetermined operation button 16b of the control panel 16, After the development processing in the development processing unit 12 and the drying processing in the drying processing unit 13, the photographic film is discharged from the discharge unit 14 with the film reader L at the head. In this case, when the cartridge detecting means 11d detects the cartridge Ca and then closes the lid 11a, loading is started and conveyance of the photographic film F is started.

  The control unit 17 controls each element of the film processor FP so as to start loading. When the film driving mechanism 11e conveys the film reader L and the photographic film F to the developing processing unit 12 while sandwiching the film reader L and the photographic film F with the pressure roller, and the loading sensor 11c detects the leading edge of the film leader L and the photographic film that has been conveyed, The transport mechanism 15 of the processing unit 12 and the drying processing unit 13 is driven, and the film reader L and the photographic film are sandwiched between pressure rollers and transported to the development processing unit side. Here, the film drive mechanism 11e and the transport mechanism 15 operate by separate driving. Note that “loading” in the film processor FP means an operation in which a photographic film is drawn from the film cartridge Ca by the film driving mechanism 11 e and conveyed to the development processing unit 12.

  The development processing unit 12 includes a color development tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilization tank. Inside the development processing unit 12, the transport mechanism 15 includes a film reader L and a perforation La of the film reader L to transport the photographic film. A plurality of sprocket mechanisms to be engaged and a pressure roller mechanism 15a are provided. Further, the drying processing unit 13 includes a blower 13a for drying the photographic film conveyed from the development processing unit 12. Similarly, the drying processing unit 13 is also provided with the sprocket mechanism and the pressure roller mechanism. The transport mechanism 15 includes a sprocket mechanism, a pressure roller mechanism 15a, and a drive system that drives these synchronously with an electric motor (not shown).

  The discharge unit 14 is provided with a discharge roller 15b for discharging the developed photographic film from the film processor FP. The photographic film discharged by the discharge roller 15b is delivered to the transport unit FC and transported to the film scanner FS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film scanner FS has a film carrier 21 arranged at the lower part of the scanner body, a light source unit 22 below the film carrier 21, and a zoom lens 23 and a photoelectric sensor above the film carrier 21. A conversion unit 24 is arranged. A scanner control unit 25 (control unit) is arranged inside the scanner body. The film scanner FS is fixed to the film processor FP, and is disposed at the upper position of the discharge block of the discharge unit 14.

  The film carrier 21 is configured to form a developed photographic film supply part 21a in the same direction as the front part of the film processor FP, and to perform scanning while conveying the film from the supply part 21a to the rear side. Note that before the photographic film is sent to the film carrier 21, a process of separating the film reader L from the photographic film is performed in the transport unit FC. Further, the film carrier 21 includes a transport motor (not shown) that drives the transport roller 21b.

  The light source unit 22 has light emitting diodes (not shown) of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The zoom lens 23 adjusts the focal length to provide information on the frames of the photographic film. Is imaged on the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 24 at the set magnification. The photoelectric conversion unit 24 includes three line sensors (not shown) made of photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD corresponding to the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

<Configuration of transport unit>
Next, the configuration of the transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the film processor FP to the film scanner FS will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge roller 15b is provided in the discharge unit 14 of the film processor FP.

  The transport unit FC includes a transport block B fixed to a frame, and a chucker C attached so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis. A film guide 30 is provided at the upstream end portion of the lower block portion of the transport block B, and is rotatably supported around the axis 30a. The film guide 30 is provided with a guide portion corresponding to the width dimension of the photographic film to be conveyed, and any one of the first position shown in FIG. Switch to position. When set in the first position, the photographic film can be guided in the direction of the film scanner FS. When set to the second position, the photographic film is discharged to the film stocker 18.

  A roller transport mechanism 32 including an upstream transport roller pair 32a and a downstream transport roller pair 32b is provided along the transport path. Each of the conveying roller pairs 32a and 32b includes a driving roller and a pressure roller, and is synchronously driven by the first driving motor M1. A first film sensor 33 and a reader sensor 34 are provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the downstream conveying roller pair 32b. These sensors are optical sensors composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When a photographic film or a film reader passes the sensor position, detection is performed by switching from a light transmitting state to a light shielding state. The first film sensor 33 and the reader sensor 34 are arranged at the same position when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 4, but are arranged at different positions in the width direction, and the photographic film and the film reader are separately provided. Can be detected.

  A film width regulating guide 3 is provided between the pair of upstream and downstream transport rollers 32 a and 32 b of the roller transport mechanism 32. This film width regulation guide 3 has a function of guiding (regulating) the width direction of the photographic film, preventing the meandering when conveying the photographic film, and separating the photographic film and the film reader in the width direction. It is regulated so as not to move.

  A cutter 35 for separating the photographic film and the film reader is provided further downstream of the pair of downstream conveying rollers 32b, and is driven by a cut motor 36. The cut film leader is collected by the leader stocker 19. A second film sensor 37 is provided immediately downstream of the cutter 35, and detects the tip of the film reader or the tip of the photographic film. The second film sensor 37 can also be composed of the same optical sensor as the first film sensor 33.

  Chucker C (corresponding to a film delivery unit) sandwiches the leading end portion of the photographic film from which the film reader has been separated by a pair of sandwiching rollers 40 and conveys it to the supply unit 21a of the film scanner FS. The chucker C is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis 41 by a chucker driving motor (corresponding to a driving means for driving the chucker C from the receiving position to the delivery position). The chucker C can rotate between a receiving position for receiving a photographic film as shown in FIG. 4 and a transferring position where the photographic film can be transferred to the film scanner FS, and further, a loop is formed in the loop box 50. It is possible to make an intermediate stop at the loop forming position.

  A space on the right side of the transport unit FC is a loop box 50, in which a space for forming a loop of the photographic film is formed. A first guide mechanism 60 and a second guide mechanism 61 are provided above the transport unit FC, and transport paths 60a and 61a for transporting the photographic film are formed. When the chucker C rotates to the delivery position, the second guide mechanism 61 moves so as to retract from the path, and the photographic film is delivered to the transport path 60 a of the first guide mechanism 60.

  A first discharge path 51 and a second discharge path 52 are provided above the loop box 50. The photographic film whose frame image has been read by the film scanner FS is conveyed in the reverse direction through the first guide mechanism 60 and the second guide mechanism 61, and is guided to the first discharge path 51. The end of the first discharge path 51 is connected to the film stocker 18, and the photographic film that has been scanned is collected by the film stocker 18. The first discharge path 51 is provided with a transport roller 54 for transporting the photographic film, which is driven by a third drive motor M3 (see FIG. 5). The third drive motor M3 and the transport roller 54 are connected by an appropriate speed reduction mechanism or belt mechanism. The third drive motor M3 also has a function of driving the chucking roller pair 40 of the chucker C as will be described later.

  The photographic film developed by the film processor FP is automatically sent to the film scanner FS via the transport unit FC. However, the photographic film can be manually supplied to the film scanner FS. In this case, the second guide mechanism 61 is opened, and the photographic film is manually supplied from the supply unit 21a via the first guide mechanism 60. For example, when the photographic film is not developed due to the request for reprinting, the photographic film is manually supplied to the film scanner FS. The manually inserted photographic film is configured to be discharged from the second discharge path 52.

  In the film scanner FS, a conveyance roller 21b is arranged along the conveyance path, and an opening 21c for reading is provided in the middle thereof. The reading optical axis SL is set at the position of the opening 21c. The supply unit 21a is provided with a loading sensor 26, which detects that the leading edge of the photographic film has been conveyed. Based on this detection, the drive motor for rotating each conveyance roller 21b is driven. In addition to the loading sensor 26, a ready sensor 27 is provided, and the start of image scanning of the photographic film is controlled based on the detection timing of the ready sensor 27.

<Control block configuration>
Next, the control function of the film processing apparatus FA will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. First, main functions of the control unit 17 of the film processor FP will be described. The film end detection unit 17a detects the front end position and the rear end position of the photographic film (film reader) based on the detection signal from the loading sensor 11c. The film length calculation unit 17b calculates the length of the photographic film based on the information on the front end position and the rear end position detected by the film end detection unit 17a. What is actually detected by the loading sensor 11c is the tip of the film reader, but since the size of the film reader is known in advance, the length of the photographic film can be calculated by subtracting that amount. The communication control unit 17c has a function of performing communication with the transport unit FC and the film scanner FS.

  The film position calculation unit 17d calculates the timing at which the developed photographic film is sent into the transport unit FC based on the tip position information of the photographic film. Specifically, it is detected that the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15e. The counting unit 17e counts a predetermined time set in advance from the time when the tip is detected by the loading sensor 11c. When the predetermined time has been counted, the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. Instead of counting time, the conveyance amount by the conveyance mechanism 15 may be counted.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs overall drive control including conveyance / stop of the photographic film conveyed in the conveyance unit FC. In addition, communication is performed with the control unit 17 of the film processor FS and the scanner control unit 25 of the film scanner FS. The position information and length information of the photographic film can be received by communication from the control unit 17.

  The carry amount calculating unit 71 calculates the carry amount of the photographic film. In order to control conveyance / stop of the photographic film in the conveyance unit FC, it is necessary to monitor the conveyance amount of the photographic film. The conveyance amount can be calculated based on the number of drive pulses supplied to drive each motor (pulse motor) and a signal from an encoder that rotates in conjunction with the conveyance roller. . Alternatively, the conveyance amount may be calculated by counting time with a timer. Further, the carry amount calculation unit 71 has functions of a first film length count unit 71a and a second film length count unit 71b, and has a function of counting the length of the photographic film to be conveyed.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs drive control on the guide switching solenoid 31, the first drive motor M1, the second drive motor M2, the third drive motor M3, the chucker motor CM, and the cut motor 36. The first drive motor M1 drives the roller transport mechanism 32, and the second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 drive the pinching roller pair 40 of the chucker C. The chucker C itself is not mounted with a drive source. When the chucker C is in the receiving position, the second drive motor M2 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are mechanically connected, and the chucker C is in the transfer position. The third drive motor M3 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are configured to be mechanically connectable. The second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 are fixed with respect to the frame of the transport unit FC.

  As described above, the first and second film sensors 33 and 37 detect the leading and trailing edges of a photographic film (film reader). The home limit switch 35a detects whether or not the cutter 35 is at the home position. The home limit switch 35a mechanically detects the cutter 35, but other types of sensors such as an optical sensor may be used.

  The home sensor 38 is a sensor for detecting that the chucker C is at the receiving position (home position). The guide detection sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the first guide mechanism 60 is closed. When the first guide mechanism 60 is closed, the photographic film can be transferred to the film scanner FS by the chucker C. Each of the above sensor signals is transmitted to the conveyance control unit 70, and drive control of the solenoid and the motor is performed based on the detection results.

<Configuration of film guide mechanism>
Next, the configuration of the film guide mechanism and the film discharge mechanism for guiding the photographic film to the film scanner FS will be described in detail. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the configuration of the film guide mechanism and the discharge path, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main part, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state in which the guide is opened, and FIG. It is a principal part perspective view which shows a state.

  When scanning a photographic film and reading a frame image, two modes, an automatic processing mode and a manual processing mode, are prepared. The automatic processing mode corresponds to so-called simultaneous printing, and is a mode in which photographic film development processing and frame image scanning are performed automatically and continuously. The manual processing mode corresponds to so-called reprint printing and is a mode in which only scanning of photographic film is performed. In this case, the photographic film is inserted into the film scanner FS by manual operation by the operator.

  In the automatic processing mode, since the long photographic film is not cut, when the photographic film is conveyed by the conveying roller, the arrangement interval of the conveying rollers can be increased. On the other hand, in the manual processing mode, for example, a piece film having a short length cut in units of 6 frames is often handled. Therefore, when the film is transported by the transport roller, it is necessary to shorten the arrangement interval.

  In consideration of such points, the photographic film is discharged to the first discharge path 51 in the automatic processing mode, and the photographic film is discharged along the second discharge path 52 in the manual processing mode. The photographic film discharged to the first discharge path 51 is transported by a transport roller 54 installed on the path and sent to the film stocker 18. The arrangement interval of the conveyance rollers 54 can be increased in consideration of the fact that the photographic film is long, and the number of arrangement of the conveyance rollers 54 can be reduced. The first discharge path 51 is formed along the inner periphery of the loop box 50, and is formed at a position that is difficult to see from the appearance.

  On the other hand, the second discharge path 52 is formed in the outer portion of the loop box 50 and is not connected to the drive system. The second discharge path 52 is formed as a recess capable of guiding the photographic film. The operator can take out the photographic film discharged to the second discharge path 52 by hand as it is.

  The configuration of the loop box 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the loop box 50 is composed of a pair of box cases 53a and 53b, and these box cases 53a and 53b have a distance corresponding to the width dimension of the photographic film. Only spaced apart. FIG. 6 shows only one box case 53a, and a groove for forming the first discharge path 51 is formed in the box case 53a. A similar groove is formed in the other box case 53b. Further, in order to form the second discharge path 52, a stepped portion is formed on the top of one box case 53a, and a similar stepped portion is formed on the other box case 53b. The pair of left and right step portions can guide the width direction of the photographic film.

  The first guide mechanism 60 and the second guide mechanism 61 are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, and the film scanner FS and the first guide mechanism 60 are adjacent to each other. The conveyance paths 60a and 61a of each guide mechanism are located on the same horizontal plane, and the inlet 51a of the first discharge path 51 is also the same horizontal plane. The second discharge path 52 is located immediately above the first discharge path 51, and the inlet portion 52a of the second discharge path 52 is inclined obliquely so as to be connected to the transport path 61a of the second guide mechanism 61. It is configured.

  Both the first guide mechanism 60 and the second guide mechanism 61 are configured to be openable and closable, and when the manual processing mode is performed, the upper portion of the second guide mechanism 61 is opened. Further, when the automatic processing mode is performed, the entire second guide mechanism 61 is configured to rotate and retract out of the path. That is, when the photographic film is delivered by the chucker C to the film scanner FS, the pair of clamping rollers 40 comes to the position 40 ′ in FIG. 6 and delivers the photographic film from the chucker C to the first guide mechanism 60. At this time, the entire second guide mechanism 61 is flipped up by the chucker C. When the chucker C returns to the original position, the second guide mechanism 61 also returns to the original position.

  The first guide mechanism 60 includes a lower guide body 600 and an upper guide body 601, and the second guide mechanism 61 also includes a lower guide body 610 (corresponding to the first guide portion) and an upper guide body 611 (corresponding to the second guide portion). And a conveyance surface is formed between the upper and lower guide bodies. The protrusion 611a of the upper guide body 611 of the second guide mechanism 61 covers the protrusion 601a formed on the upper guide body 601 of the first guide mechanism 60, and the first guide mechanism 60 is opened when the entire first guide mechanism 60 is opened. The entire two-guide mechanism 61 is also configured to open in conjunction. Alternatively, only the upper guide bodies 601a and 611a may be opened to expose the conveyance surface. The guide mechanism may be opened for troubleshooting or maintenance purposes. When performing the manual processing mode, the upper guide body 611 of the second guide mechanism 61 is opened.

  Next, the discharge path switching mechanism will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second guide mechanism 61 is provided with a switching guide 63 and is configured to be rotatable around an axis 64. The transfer path 61 a of the second guide mechanism 61 is switched to either the first discharge path 51 or the second discharge path 52 by the switching guide 63. The switching guide 63 is always urged toward the second discharge path 52 (counterclockwise in FIG. 6) by the torsion coil spring 65, but when the upper guide body 611 of the second guide mechanism 61 is closed. The switching guide 63 is connected to the first discharge path 51. A transfer surface 63a is formed in the switching guide 63. In the state shown in FIG. 6 (automatic processing mode), the transfer surface 63a is set in a horizontal state and is the same as the transfer path 61a and the first discharge path 51. Located at height.

  The axis 64 of the switching guide 63 also serves as a rotation axis when the entire second guide mechanism 61 rotates in the automatic processing mode, thereby simplifying the configuration of the guide mechanism.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the upper guide body 611 of the second guide mechanism 61 is opened. The upper guide body 611 can rotate around a rotation shaft 612 provided in parallel with the transport direction. As a mechanism (locking mechanism) for holding the upper guide body 611 in a closed state, an appropriate mechanism can be adopted. When the upper guide body 611 is opened, the switching guide 63 becomes rotatable by the urging force of the coil spring 65, and rotates by a predetermined angle as shown in FIGS. The switching guide 63 rotates to a position where the contact portion 610a provided on the lower guide body 610 and the contact portion 63b of the switching guide 63 contact each other. At this time, the conveyance path 61a of the second guide mechanism 61, the conveyance surface 63a of the switching guide 3, and the inlet 52a of the second discharge path 52 are connected.

<Operation procedure in manual processing mode>
Next, the scanning procedure in the manual processing mode will be described. The processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the film processing apparatus FA is set to the manual processing mode (S100). Next, the upper guide body 611 of the second guide mechanism 61 is opened (S101). In conjunction with this opening operation, the switching guide 63 rotates to switch the path to the second discharge path 52 (S102). A photographic film to be scanned is inserted into the first guide mechanism 60 (S103). When the photographic film is inserted into the film scanner FS, a frame image reading process is performed (S104). When the scanning is completed, the photographic film is discharged from the film scanner FS and discharged to the second discharge path 52 via the first guide mechanism 60, the second guide mechanism 61 (lower guide body 610), and the switching guide 63 ( S105). The same procedure can be repeated when scanning the next photographic film.

<Processing procedure in automatic processing mode>
Next, the operation of the film processing apparatus FA in the automatic processing mode will be briefly described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the film processing apparatus FA. 11 to 13 are operation diagrams showing operations in the transport unit.

  When the photographic film is developed in the film processor FP (S200), the photographic film F is discharged by the discharge roller 15b of the film processor FS (S201) and sent into the transport unit FC. As shown in FIG. 5, the film guide 30 is set at a position where the film leader L can be guided, and the photographic film is guided to the transport block B with the film leader L at the head by driving the discharge roller 15b. (S202).

  In the transport block B, the film leader L and the photographic film F are driven by the roller transport mechanism 32 to transport the film leader L and the photographic film F to a predetermined position and stop the photographic film (S203). In order to separate the film leader L from the photographic film F, the cutter 35 is operated to separate the film leader L (S204). The separated film leader L is discharged by the sandwiching roller pair 40 and collected by the leader stocker 19.

  Subsequently, only the photographic film F is conveyed, and is conveyed to a position where the leading end portion of the photographic film F is nipped by the nipping roller pair 40 of the chucker C (S205). Next, the chucker 40 is rotated around the axis 41 with the photographic film F being sandwiched (S206). The chucker C first stops at an intermediate position as shown in FIG. 12 (see also the position of the pair of clamping rollers indicated by 40 ″ in FIG. 6), and forms a loop of the photographic film F in the loop box 50 (S207, S208). When a sufficient amount of loop is formed, the chucker C is rotated again to the state shown in Fig. 13, and the photographic film F is transferred to the transport path 60a of the first guide unit 60 (S209). As the chucker C rotates to the delivery position, the second guide mechanism 61 is pushed up by the chucker C and retreats from the conveyance path (S210) .The delivered photographic film F is conveyed to the film scanner FS. Then, the frame image is read (S211, S212).

  When the delivery of the photographic film is completed, the chucker C returns from the delivery position to the receipt position (S213). In conjunction with this return operation, the second guide mechanism 61 is also returned to its original position, and the posture for discharging the photographic film is prepared (S214). When scanning of the photographic film is completed in the film scanner FS, the photographic film is discharged from the film scanner FS (S215). The photographic film passes through the transport paths 60 a and 61 a of the first guide mechanism 60 and the second guide mechanism 61, the transport surface 63 a of the switching guide 63, and the first discharge path 51 in the loop box 50 to the film stocker 18. It is sent.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, the switching guide 63 is automatically switched and connected to the second discharge path 52 by opening the second guide mechanism 61 (upper guide body 61). Can do. Therefore, in the automatic processing mode and the manual processing mode, it is possible to automatically switch to an appropriate discharge route for each mode, and the operator's operation becomes easy.

<Another embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the film guide mechanism is composed of the first guide mechanism 60 and the second guide mechanism 61, but the first guide mechanism is not necessarily required. Further, a third guide mechanism may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the upper guide body 611 is opened manually by the operator, but this may be performed electrically. For example, the upper guide body 611 may be opened by providing an appropriate switch and pressing it.

  In this embodiment, the switching guide 63 is rotated by the urging force of the coil spring, but an elastic body such as a leaf spring or rubber may be used as the urging means. Further, the switching guide 63 may be driven using an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. For example, the opening guide 611 may be detected by a sensor, and the switching guide 63 may be switched based on this.

The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the whole print processing system which has a film processing apparatus. Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of a film processing apparatus The figure which shows the state which connected the photographic film and the film leader Sectional view showing the configuration of the transport unit Block diagram showing control functions of film processing equipment Cross-sectional view of the main part showing the configuration of the film guide mechanism and discharge path Perspective view of main part showing configuration of film guide mechanism and discharge path Cross section of the main part showing the guide open The principal part perspective view which shows the state which opened the guide Flow chart showing operation procedure in manual processing mode Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Flowchart explaining operation of film processing apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print processing system 30 Film guide 32 Roller conveyance mechanism 50 Loop box 51 1st discharge path 52 2nd discharge path 53a Box case 53b Box case 54 Conveyance roller 60 1st guide mechanism 60a Conveyance path 61 2nd guide mechanism 61a Conveyance path 63 Switching guide 63a Conveying surface 64 Axle core 65 Coil spring 600, 610 Lower guide body 601, 611 Upper guide body B Conveying block F Photo film FP Film processor FA Film processing device FC Conveyance unit FS Film scanner C Chucker L Film reader

Claims (4)

A film scanner for scanning developed photographic film and reading frame images;
A film guide mechanism which is arranged adjacent to the film scanner and forms a transport path for inserting a photographic film into the film scanner;
A film processing apparatus comprising a film discharge mechanism that is disposed adjacent to the film guide mechanism and discharges the photographic film that has been scanned from the film guide mechanism via the transport path,
The film guide mechanism includes a first guide portion located below the film surface of the photographic film and a second guide portion located above the film surface, and the second guide portion is closed. It can be set to an automatic processing mode in which the transport path is formed or a manual processing mode in which the second guide portion is opened to expose the transport surface of the first guide portion,
The film discharge mechanism is
A first discharge path for discharging photographic film in the automatic processing mode;
A second discharge path located above the first discharge path for discharging the photographic film in the manual processing mode;
The film guide mechanism rotates between the transport path and the film discharge mechanism with respect to the transport path to connect the transport path to either the first discharge path or the second discharge path. It has a switching guide,
The switching guide is always urged toward the second discharge path by the urging means,
When the second guide portion is closed and the film guide mechanism is set to the automatic processing mode, the film guide mechanism is connected to the first discharge path against the urging force, the second guide portion is opened, and the film guide mechanism is moved to the manual operation mode. A film processing apparatus , wherein when the processing mode is set , the film processing apparatus is automatically switched to be connected to the second discharge path by an urging force . When the photographic film is inserted into the film scanner in the automatic processing mode, a loop box for forming a loop of the photographic film is provided, and the first discharge path and the second discharge path are formed in the loop box. The film processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The film processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the first discharge path is formed inside the loop box and connected to the film stocker, and the second discharge path is formed outside the loop box. A first guide mechanism close to the film scanner constituting the film guide mechanism, and a second guide mechanism far from the film scanner;
Film for receiving a photographic film at a receiving position below the film guide mechanism in the automatic processing mode, and transferring the photographic film to the film scanner side via the first guide mechanism at a transfer position adjacent to the first guide mechanism. A delivery unit;
Drive means for driving the film delivery unit from the delivery position to the delivery position;
When the film delivery unit is located at the delivery position, the second guide mechanism is rotated upward around a predetermined axis provided on the side opposite to the first guide mechanism, thereby retracting the first guide mechanism. And handed over photographic film,
Film processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined axis of the second guide mechanism also serves as a switching guide of the rotation axis.

Images