JPH0324545A - Small-sized automatic developing machine for photographic sensitive material - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the size and weight of the above machine and to obtain stable photographic processing performance regardless of 50Hz and 60Hz areas by forming the transporting route of at least one tank of processing stage as a variable route and maintaining the specified processing time. CONSTITUTION:The processing tank which can contain a rack coinciding with the reference processing time at 60Hz is prepd. Two kinds of the racks for 50Hz and 60Hz are prepd. and are exchanged at the time when a power source frequency changes. Namely, the length of the rack itself is constituted variable by pins 81 and fitting holes 81A thereof and is divided to the upper rack and the lower rack. Both the racks are brought near to each other and are used short at the time of using the 50Hz power source. Both are extended to the length larger than at the time of using the same at 50Hz and are used at the time of using the 60Hz power source. The small-sized portable developing machine is carried freely to respective frequency areas and the mobile and stable development processing of high quality is executed without impairing the light and compact characteristics of the above-mentioned developing machine even if there is a change in the power source frequency according to the areas.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an automatic developing machine used for processing silver halide photographic materials such as color films, and more specifically,
For example, it can be used for so-called news reporting purposes, such as carrying it with you to the photo shooting site, processing the photo film taken there, and quickly transmitting the film image to the headquarters of the newspaper company. relates to a small and simple automatic developing machine that is ideal for home hobby use.More specifically, in order to achieve a reduction in size and weight, the member that fixes the top end of the transport rack is used as a processing tank lid. The present invention relates to a small developing machine having a means for shared use.

[Conventional technology]

In the case of press photography, which values speed, if the shooting location is relatively close to the newspaper company's headquarters or bureau, the undeveloped film itself is rushed from the location to the headquarters for processing.

However, when the shooting site is a remote location, it is common practice to develop the photographed film and then electronically transmit the image.

To develop such photographic film for press, you can use a nearby processing service facility such as a so-called mini lab, but such facilities may not necessarily be able to accept urgent processing. Furthermore, since it cannot be used at night, development is generally done manually, such as by so-called hand development or plate development.

In a small number of cases, commercially available automatic developing machines are used for press use, and small manual developing type developing machines for hobby use are used.

Conventionally, in so-called cine-type automatic continuous film processing machines, processing liquid is stored and prepared in a plurality of processing tanks that are arranged in series, and each of these processing tanks has a separate device for transporting the film. A transport rack is provided, and the film is transported through each processing tank according to the rotation of a group of transport rollers installed on the transport rack, and is sequentially soaked in each processing tank.Finally, the film is transferred to a drying unit. The structure is such that it is dried and discharged outside.

Many automatic processors use a power source with a fixed voltage and frequency. One of the reasons for this is that most conventional automatic processors are of a fixed type and are rarely used by moving between the 50 Hz area and the 60 Hz area. Before shipping an automatic processor, manufacturers of automatic processors investigate the voltage and frequency at the installation location, determine the transformer to provide the appropriate voltage, and ensure that the transport speed of the photosensitive material is at the specified speed. In addition, conveyance systems such as gears, sprockets, and rotating equipment were defined. However, 50H
In a small and simple automatic developing machine that moves without distinction between the Z zone and the 60 Hz zone, it is troublesome for the operator to take out tools and replace the parts and components each time.

In addition, a DC motor, for example, is used as the rotating device so that the conveying speed of the photosensitive material is constant regardless of whether the frequency is 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Using a speed control motor that uses a frequency converter. Methods such as using a variable speed clutch are also considered, but these methods have various problems in common with respect to the requirements of small size, simplicity, low cost, and light weight.

That is, when using a DC motor, an AC/DC converter (rectifier) is required. A player for home use. Video cameras also use a DC motor with a rectifier, but the output is very small; therefore, a small rectifier is sufficient, but in automatic developing machines, the output is several amperes, and the rectifier is large and heavy. It gets heavy. Furthermore, since the frequency converter itself is llllFL comprised of a rectifier and a frequency conversion means, the device becomes larger and heavier. The speed control motor is a very convenient rotating device because it can be used with alternating current, but not only does it require a resistor, but if it deviates from the standard frequency, the rotation speed becomes unstable, and the photo development process The problem is that the conveying speed of the photosensitive material (9 & processing time), which is the most important factor, is unstable. Although a variable speed clutch is a simple method, it still requires a considerable amount of installation space and is usually made of metal and is heavy, which is a problem when installing it in a small automatic developing machine.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Conventional photo-processing machines on the market are relatively large, so they require a special truck, van, or other vehicle to transport them to the filming location, and still require many manual operations and take a long time to process. For this reason, it has not become widespread. Moreover, since most of the small developing machines for hobby use are operated manually, they are hardly used because they are no different from manual development such as so-called plate development, and processing requires skill.

For this reason, among the press, there are two main requirements: ■ It must be small and lightweight and convenient to carry, and preferably it can be carried by a person without the need for a small passenger car; ■ It must be easy to transport the film and process liquid. Handling/processing temperature m
u・Processes such as drying are automatically controlled and do not require skilled technology for operation; ■ Processing performance is good and stable; ■ Processing time is fast; ■ Malfunctions are rare and maintenance is low. Light, ■ 50Hz area. The emergence of a compact automatic developing machine for press use that satisfies the requirements of being able to be used in the 60Hz area with simple operation without distinction has been eagerly awaited.

The present invention was completed as part of research into a compact automatic processor suitable for press or hobby use that satisfies the above-mentioned requirements, and is particularly relevant to the requirements for compactness and weight reduction, as well as for the 50Hz and 60Hz regions. The objective is to obtain stable photographic processing performance.

The main purpose of the present invention is to clarify a small automatic developing machine for press or hobby use that solves the above-mentioned problems.Other objects and benefits of the present invention are as follows: It will be clear from

[Means to solve the problem]

This object is solved by the following means.

A small automatic developing machine for photographic light-sensitive materials, characterized in that the conveyance path of at least 1 tank of processing steps is variable and the processing time is constant, in an automatic developing machine in which the speed of conveying a photosensitive material changes in accordance with the power frequency. .

〔Example〕

The automatic processing machine according to the present invention is characterized by a reduction in the number of parts and simplification of the upper structure of the processing tank, resulting in reduction in size and weight and marked improvement in operability and workability such as maintenance. That is what we are doing. As a result, the capacity of each processing tank is preferably 3Q or less, more preferably 212 or less each, and the time from the start of color development to the end of drying is preferably within 10 minutes, more preferably within 8 minutes. It is possible to provide an automatic developing machine that can perform quick processing with simple operation.

A more detailed feature of the present invention is that a layout is adopted in which a 7-ilm set section, a cutter/7-ilm take-in section, an electrical equipment operation section, etc. are arranged above the processing tank (processing section), and a board on which these components are attached is placed above the processing tank. The lid is configured so that its lower surface can be used to close off the upper surface of the processing tank, to fix the transport rack, to guide the film across, and so on.

Next, the present invention having the above characteristics will be explained as a specific automatic developing machine.

1 to 13 show an automatic processor to which the present invention is applied. Although not shown, the outer frame of this device is provided with a shoulder strap or handle for transportation. There is.

In the figure, the reference numeral 10 designates a main body frame that houses a processing tank, etc., which will be described later, and 7 frames, a part of which is a side wall of the processing tank, and the upper part of this main body 7 frame 10 is a processing tank lid. , the film set section, the cutter/film take-in section, and the board (bottom plate) of the electrical operation section, and are maintained in a light-shielding state, and the lid body 11. It is maintained in a light-shielded state by l2.

The main body frame 10 and the lid bodies 11 and 12 are made of a composite resin material or a light metal material in order to reduce the weight.

In the illustrated automatic processing machine, in order to further reduce the weight, the main body frame 10 itself serves as the processing tank frame, so the main body frame 10 is made of a chemical-resistant, opaque, light-shielding material. It is made of a certain synthetic resin material.

The lid 11 is for sealing a film setting section A which will be described later, and the lid 12 is for sealing a film intake section B.

Note that the lids It and 12 can be configured into a single lid.

The base of the lid 11 is attached to the substrate on which the film set part A is arranged by a hinge mechanism, and can be opened upward at a certain angle via this hinge mechanism, and can be opened in the closed state. tightening means for the maintenance of
3 is fixed to the upper end of the main body frame 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the 7-ilm 30 to be processed is set in the 7-ilm theft section A located on the top of the board (medium M) 20 while still being stored in the battlow tray 3l. .

Normally, a small amount of the leading end of the photographed film 30 remains outside the film drawer opening of the cartridge 3l, so the film leader 32 is attached to the leading end and then the film is loaded into the film setting section A.

At this point, push the film leader 32 slightly so that its tip engages with a take-in roller of a film take-in section B, which will be described later.

After the film 30 has been set and the lid 11 is closed to shield the interior from light, a start switch (not shown) is pressed, and the film leader 32 is first taken into the film take-in section B of the 7-film transport system.

When a certain amount of the film 30 is taken in and the end of the film 30 is detected, the cutter 40 is activated to cut the film 3.
0 is cut near the end, and the film 30 is transferred to cartridge 3.
1 and transported to a processing tank.

The canter 40 consists of an upper movable blade and a lower fixed blade,
The movable blade, which rotates around the base end, is operated by the driving force of a motor or solenoid.
Other types or shapes of cutters may be used.

The film 30 taken into the transport system from the film take-in section B is pulled by a film leader 32 that engages with a binion or the like of the transport system, is developed while being transported through the processing section C according to a predetermined transport route, and is transferred to the main body. frame 10
It is introduced into a drying section D located outside of the drying section D and is automatically dried.

Note that, instead of providing a drying section D for drying the film 30 discharged from the processing section C, the installation position of the drying section D is simply an exit, and a member for receiving the undried film 30 is prepared. The present invention also includes a mode in which the film 30 is dried by, for example, so-called hanger drying or manually dried with a dryer or the like.

A substrate (processing tank lid) 20 on which the film setting section A and the film loading section B are arranged is placed on the upper part of the main body frame 10, and its base is fixed to the main body 7 frame 10 via a hinge mechanism. As described above, since the main body frame 10 itself forms a processing tank, when the substrate 20 is opened via the hinge mechanism, the upper part of the processing section C is released. Note that the structure may be such that the entire board 20 can be removed from the main body frame 10 without providing a hinge mechanism.

As shown in Fig. 2, the main body frame 1O, which is the basic frame for forming the processing section C, is formed into a divided bottomed tank made of an opaque light-shielding synthetic resin material. Ru. In the drawing, the gaps formed on both sides of each tank are a part where the drive gear of the film conveyance system, etc. are arranged, and a part where the temperature control heater, liquid level sensor, temperature sensor, etc. are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 2, a transport rack 50 is inserted into each processing tank from above, and is engaged with the cut arrow part prepared at the bottom of each tank, and at the same time, the lower part is fixed. By engaging the positioning pin at the top of the transport rack with the notch provided at the top of each processing tank, the transport rack is correctly installed in the processing tank.

The size of the transport rack 50 corresponds to the depth of the processing tank. In other words, the length of the conveyance path is defined according to the length of the processing time, and the length of the conveyance path is determined by the length of the conveyance rack 50.
It is defined by the size of the tank or the depth of the treatment tank.

As shown in FIG.
．． 51 , a drive system for driving this conveyance roller group 52 , and a support member 51 .
The stirrer 51 has a stirring means consisting of a stirring member 53 disposed in an intermediate region of the stirring member 51 and a drive system 54 for driving the stirring member 53.

The stirring member 53 has a base plate 53A and a blade member 53B that engage with long holes 55 provided in the support members 51 and 51, and a rotatable shaft at one point on the end of the base plate 53A, and a rotatable shaft on the other end. The link 54A is rotatably fixed to the side surface of the support member 5l and rotatably fixed to the end surface of a crank disk 54B driven by a drive gear 54C.

The drive system 54 of the stirring means is connected to the support member 51 of the transport rack 50.
．． The support member 51 is disposed on the outer surface of one of the support members 5l, and is linked to a drive transmission means disposed on the outer surface of the other support member 5l.

As shown by arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3, the film 30 enters the transport rack 50 through the entrance roller, is guided by a group of transport rollers, is ejected from the exit roller, and is transferred to the next transport rack. be done. Film 30 has transport rank 50
Both ends thereof are engaged with conveyance rollers, and the emulsion is conveyed with the emulsion surfaces facing each other, and the stirring member 53 is located in the space in the middle.

In the case of a conveyance method in which a leader 32 is attached to the leading end of the film 30 and the film 30 is conveyed by being pulled by the leading leader 32, the side edges of the film 30 are engaged with conveyance rollers. It is not necessary. However, in such a transport mode, the film 30 is
If the emulsion sag occurs, there is a risk that the emulsion surface will come into contact with the blade members 53B of the stirring member 53 and damage the emulsion surface, so it is desirable to provide a guide plate or the like to regulate the preferred conveyance path. In this way, if the transport path of the film 30 is kept constant, the vertical movement of the stirring member 53 is regulated by the long holes 55 provided in the supporting members 51 and 51, so that the end face of the wing member 53B and the film 30 are It is safe even if the distance is close. In order to further enhance the stirring effect of the processing liquid, it is preferable to keep the distance between them as close as possible, and it depends on the size of the processing tank and the speed of the up and down reciprocation, but it is about 50III! It is preferable that it is below.

Regarding the number of films set, in the above explanation, one film was processed in a single row as shown in Fig. 2, but in the second
As shown in Figure B, two lines can be arranged to enable simultaneous processing of two lines at a time. In this way, it is possible to create multiple columns and simultaneously process one column in each column. In this case, the base body 20B, film leader 32B, and cutter 40B have slightly larger dimensions than in the case of a single row.

Next, the automatic processor of the present invention operates at 50Hz. We will explain the mechanism that can be used in the 60Hz area without changing the photographic performance.

As mentioned earlier, when using an automatic developing machine in a 50Hz or 60Hz area, when the conveyance power is obtained from an AC motor, the rotation speed changes, which changes the conveyance speed of the photosensitive material and changes the processing time. That's right. Therefore, the present invention has discovered that even if the frequency changes and the conveying speed changes, there is no change in the photographic processing performance as long as the processing time does not change. That is, it is sufficient if the immersion processing time of the photosensitive material in each processing step does not change in response to the transport speed of the photosensitive material.

For this purpose, the following methods can be broadly classified.

■ Change the depth of the processing liquid in the processing tank.

a. In the case of batch processing without continuous replenishment of the processing tank, the immersion at the time of initial filling of the processing liquid is changed in accordance with the frequency.

stomach. When the processing liquid is continuously replenished according to the processing amount,
The height of the overflow of the processing liquid is changed according to the frequency.

■ Include the length of the transport rack installed in the processing tank.

a. Two types of transport racks are available: 50Hz and 60Hz.

stomach. The transport rack is designed to be extendable so that it can be made longer or shorter depending on the frequency.

■ A rack is installed across the processing tank in the automatic processor to allow the photosensitive material to bypass the processing tank depending on the frequency.
It is also used regularly.

Hereinafter, specific means will be explained using figures. These means have the following additional functions added to the means described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2B, and 3.

In a so-called batch processing automatic developing machine that processes a certain amount of photosensitive material by putting a certain amount of processing liquid into a processing tank, the processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. By making a difference in the amount of processing liquid used when operating at 50 Hz and when operating at 60 Hz, the depth at which the photosensitive material is immersed changes, and therefore there is no difference in processing time even if the conveyance speed changes. FIG. 4B shows marks when a user actually pours processing liquid into the processing tank. The mark is not limited to this particular shape, but the material used is cut out in a 50.60 mm shape so that the mark will be legible even when it is colored because it disappears with the processing solution or is attached with a color developing solution. Preferably, it is written in numbers only.

However, it is preferable that the cut-out characters be thin to prevent excessive dirt from sticking if they get caught.

In case of continuous replenishment method or batch method,
When the liquid penetrated to the overflow port, a means was used to change the over 7 low position in order to change the amount of processing liquid as shown in FIG. When using with a 60Hz power source, a stopper 6l is attached to the overflow port at the position shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when using with a 50Hzt source, remove the plug 6L and use the liquid immersion shallowly.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the flexible tube 7l is connected to an over-7 roller 73 via a siphon breaker 72. The depth of the treatment tank is siphon breaker 72
By simply fixing the siphon breaker with a stopper, the depth of the processing tank can be easily determined without touching the processing liquid.

Further, FIG. 7 shows another liquid immersion adjustment means. A tube 74 having an opening 78 is inserted into the processing tank 76 and the opening 78 is used as an overflow port. It is preferable to use packing 77 to fix the pipe 74 and the processing tank 76 to prevent liquid leakage.

By changing the position of the opening 78 of the tube 74, the position of the liquid level 79 is changed. Then, by changing the length from the bottom to the opening 78, the depth of the trapped liquid changes, and it can be adjusted for 50Hz.
Two types are prepared for 60Hz use.

In addition, the pipe 74 for 50 Hz is located on the upper outer periphery of the pipe 74, and the pipe 74 is immersed in liquid for 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
It is convenient to attach a sticker for 60Hz so that you can identify it at a glance.

Examples of automatic processors having means for changing the length of racks installed in the processing tank are shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9.
It is shown in Figure B and Figure 9C. Prepare a processing tank that can hold racks that match the standard processing time at 60Hz, and
Prepare two types of racks, one for 0Hz and one for 60Hz, and replace them when the power frequency changes.

For 50Hz on the top of the rack. If you attach a sticker for 60Hz, you won't have to worry about which frequency this rack is for.

As shown in Fig. 9A, the length of the rack 5l itself is varied by the pin 8l and its fitting hole 81A, and it is divided into an upper rack 51A and a lower rack 51B, and when using a 50Hz power supply, the racks are brought closer together and shortened. When using a 60Hz power supply, extend both of them more than when using a 50Hz power supply.

As shown in Figures 9B and 9C, the conveyor league that guides the film when the rack is extended can be smoothly conveyed.
; Indicated the rack.

That is, FIG. 9B shows a rack that can transport the photosensitive material without getting caught even if the photosensitive material or the leader 32 for transporting the photosensitive material should become loose. That is, a trumpet-shaped guide 8 is provided to prevent the leader from getting caught when the rack is extended.
4 to facilitate smooth delivery from the guide groove 82.
When the leader 32 is conveyed in the direction 7, it is possible to prevent the leader 32 from getting caught even when the rack is extended as in the case of using 60 Hz, and the conveyance is carried out smoothly.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, the gutter 86 for conveying the photosensitive material is provided on the upper rack 51A side and the lower rack 51B side which are upstream side, and the gutter 86 is provided on the lower rack 51B side and the upper rack 51 side which are downstream side.
A guide groove 85 into which the gutter fits is provided on the A side. When the rack 5l is extended and used, the leader 32 is always guided by the gutter 86 and the guide groove 85 and transported safely and smoothly.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show that a rack is provided across the processing tank in an automatic developing machine to set the immersion length for 50 Hz processing and the immersion length for 60 Hz processing. As shown in Figure 11, during 60Hz processing, compared to 50Hz processing, 1
20% extension 1, 1 for te, 1 for te, when using 60Hz, use 3 racks: 101, 102, 103,
When using 50Hz, two racks 101 and 102 are used, and 103 takes up 20% of the time.

The rack shown in Fig. 10 is used for the rack 103, and transport is carried out in the direction 93, but when using 50Hz, the point 92 is switched and the transport is carried out in the direction 9l, and the speed is 60}1z.
During use, the points 92 are switched and conveyance is performed in the direction 94. In addition to the point type 92 for switching the conveyance direction, a "plate" may be provided in the rack side plate and conveyance may be performed in the direction 94. When this plate is removed, a groove may be cut in the direction of 9l so that the photosensitive material is conveyed by its elasticity.

Note that it is preferable that the crossing route 91 be as short as possible in order to shorten the processing time of the photosensitive material.

Also, instead of the rack at the lot position, a skipping rack is used for processing, and a normal 103 immersion rack is used for 60Hz,
A skip rack may be used for 50 Hz processing. Furthermore, when using a blowout rack, it is preferable to place the BLOCK material in the position shown at 93 and exclude the processing liquid, since this reduces the amount of processing liquid used.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, even if the power frequency changes depending on the region, it is possible to freely bring the developing machine to each frequency region without compromising the light weight, compactness, or ease of handling of the small portable developing machine. It is agile and stable; it makes it possible to achieve high-quality development processing.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic developing machine to which the present invention is applied, FIGS. 2 and 2B are exploded perspective views, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transport rack, and FIGS. 4A, 5, and 6. Figure, Figure 7. Figure 8A. Figure 8B, Figure lO. Figures 11A and 11B
The figure shows a 60Hz, 50H system built into the developing machine of the present invention.
The sectional view of each embodiment of the Z dual-purpose treatment tank, FIG.
Perspective view of the embodiment, FIG. 9A. 9B and 9C show a 60Hz. It is a perspective view of each Example of a 50Hz dual-purpose rack. In the figure, each symbol indicates the following. 10... Frame body frame 11.12... Lid body l
3...Tightening means 20...Base 2l...
Rack holding plate 22... Crossover guide 23... Exhaust passage 30... 7 Illum 31... Patrone 32... Leader 40... Cutter 50... Transport rack 51A... Upper rack 52... ...Transport roller group 53A...Substrate 54...Agitation member drive system 54B...Crank disk 55...Elongated hole 7L...Tube 73...Overflow port 76...Processing tank 8L ... Bin 82.85 ... Guide groove

Claims (1)

[Claims] A small automatic developing machine for photographic light-sensitive materials, characterized in that the conveyance path of at least one tank of processing steps is variable and the processing time is constant, in an automatic developing machine in which the speed of conveying the photosensitive material changes in accordance with the power frequency. .