JPH11305405A - Photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of controlling the temperature of a processing solution requiring temperature control with a simple configuration. SOLUTION: (1) A first processing tank for storing a large volume of a first processing liquid, a second processing tank for storing a small volume of a second processing liquid, and a first processing for circulating the first processing liquid. Liquid circulation system,
A second processing liquid circulating system for circulating the second processing liquid, wherein heat exchange between the first processing liquid and the second processing liquid can be performed in a part of the processing liquid circulating system. So that the first
A processing liquid circulating system and the second processing liquid circulating system are associated with each other;
A photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus, wherein a temperature control means is provided only in the first processing liquid circulation system. (2) A configuration in which one of the plurality of processing liquids is temperature-controlled, and the temperature of at least one other processing liquid is measured through heat exchange with the temperature-controlled processing liquid. A photographic material processing apparatus characterized by the following.

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, and more particularly, to controlling the temperature of a processing solution for a developing solution requiring strict temperature control, and controlling at least one of the other processing solutions. The present invention relates to a photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus in which the temperature of one processing solution is raised and / or maintained by heat exchange with the developing solution.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a frame image recorded on, for example, a 35 mm-size negative film or the like is exposed on a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter simply referred to as a light-sensitive material or photographic paper) via a projection lens. A developing tank for storing a developing solution for color developing the photographic paper, a fixing tank for storing a fixing solution for bleach-fixing the photographic paper after the developing process, and the printing after the fixing process After performing development processing through a stabilization processing tank containing a stabilizing solution for stabilizing paper, moisture is removed in a drying processing chamber, and discharged to an appropriate sorter provided outside the apparatus, and collected. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a photographic material processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a photographic material processing apparatus) configured to perform the processing.

[0003] Further, the image on the negative film is subjected to digital conversion processing, and based on the digital image data, a photosensitive material as described above is exposed, or a compact disc (CD) on which digital image data is recorded. ), PC card used for digital electronic camera, magneto-optical recording medium (MO), Zip, digital video disk (DVD)
There is also known a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of reading out image data from a device or the like, exposing the photosensitive material, and performing the same processing on the photosensitive material to obtain a desired image.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus as described above has a dedicated processing liquid circulation system (including a circulation pipe and a pump) for circulating the processing liquid.

[0005] A dedicated temperature control means (including a heating source and a control means) provided in the circulating system path is adapted to maintain each of the processing liquids within a temperature range which meets specifications. I have.

The replenishment of the processing solution, which decreases with the processing in each of the above-mentioned processing steps, is measured by an appropriate method such as a processing area, and the replenishment is performed at an appropriate time.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus, the photosensitive material is moved in the processing solution contained in each of the processing tanks in a state of being immersed in a jab, and the next processing is performed via a transfer roller provided between the tanks. After being sent to the tank and finally dried in the drying processing chamber, it is accumulated in a sorter provided outside the apparatus.

On the other hand, the size of the photosensitive material processing apparatus is spurred to be reduced in size to satisfy the demands of the market, and the processing speed is further improved in terms of processing chemicals. In conjunction with this, the speed of processing has been swiftly increased to this day.

[0009]

However, in the known photosensitive material processing apparatus as described above, a dedicated circulation system (circulation path) is provided for all the processing liquids to be used, and each circulation system has a temperature adjusting means ( (Temperature control means), the configuration is somewhat complicated, and as a result, the cost is increased.

Further, since the temperature control means is considered to be an indispensable factor in quality control of a printed image, for example, it is difficult to handle the apparatus when trying to reduce the size of the apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of controlling the temperature of a processing solution requiring temperature control with a simple structure.

[0012]

The above objects of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitutions.

(1) First for storing a large volume of first processing liquid
A processing tank, a second processing tank that stores a small volume of the second processing liquid, and a first processing liquid circulation system that circulates the first processing liquid.
A second processing liquid circulating system for circulating the second processing liquid, wherein heat exchange between the first processing liquid and the second processing liquid can be performed in a part of the processing liquid circulating system. So that the first
A processing liquid circulating system and the second processing liquid circulating system are associated with each other;
A photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus, wherein a temperature control means is provided only in the first processing liquid circulation system.

(2) The photographic material processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the first processing liquid is a color developing processing liquid and the second processing liquid is a stabilizing processing liquid.

(3) The photographic material processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the heat exchange is performed in a temperature control area partitioned and provided in a part of the first processing liquid circulation system.

(4) A first processing tank for storing a first processing liquid, a second processing tank for storing a second processing liquid, a third processing tank for storing a third processing liquid, and the first and second processing tanks. 2, dedicated first, second, and third processing liquid circulating systems for circulating the third processing liquid, and temperature control means provided in the first processing liquid circulating system,
The first, second and third processing liquids so as to enable heat exchange between the first processing liquid, the second processing liquid and the third processing liquid in a part of the processing liquid circulation system. An apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material, wherein a third processing liquid circulation system is provided in association therewith.

(5) The heat exchange is performed between the first treatment liquid circulation system and the second treatment liquid circulation system, and between the first treatment liquid circulation system and the third treatment liquid circulation system.
The apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material according to the above (4), wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the processing with a processing liquid circulation system.

(6) The first processing liquid is a color developing processing liquid,
The photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the second processing liquid is a stabilizing processing liquid, and the third processing liquid is a bleach-fixing processing liquid.

(7) The second processing tank is a tank for performing a stabilizing process using a stabilizing processing solution, and the tank includes a multi-stage processing unit configured to supply the stabilizing processing solution to the photosensitive material by rotating rollers. The photographic material processing apparatus according to (1) or (4), which is provided.

(8) The photographic material processing apparatus according to (7), wherein the processing unit is provided so as to be detachable from a processing rack.

(9) One of the plurality of processing solutions is temperature-controlled, and the temperature of at least one other processing solution is measured through heat exchange with the temperature-controlled processing solution. A photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus characterized in that it is configured as described above.

(10) The photographic material processing apparatus according to (9), wherein the processing solution whose temperature is adjusted is a developing solution.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a photosensitive material processing apparatus for printing (exposing) digital image data on a photosensitive material (photographic paper) and developing the printed photographic paper.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes the whole photosensitive material processing apparatus.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 includes an exposure processing apparatus 2 for performing exposure according to digital image information on a photographic paper P, and a developing processing apparatus 3 for developing the exposed photographic paper. There are two main types.

The exposure processing apparatus 2 controls the entire processing apparatus and, at the same time, generates a digital image data for recording on the photosensitive material P based on the data sent from the host computer 200. An exposure unit 205 including an exposure unit for exposing; a film scanner 210, a flatbed scanner 215, a PC card reader 220, a CD drive 225, and a monitor 230 as means for inputting digital image data to be recorded to the host computer. Etc. are provided.

As the exposure means, an LED element can be used.

The monitor 230 is for displaying digital image data for output, a reproduced image of a hard copy, image processing status, and the like, and performs display according to command information input from a touch panel or a keyboard (not shown). It is configured in.

Reference numeral 250 denotes a magazine table provided in the exposure processing apparatus 2, and reference numeral 255 denotes a magazine mounted on the magazine table, which contains a long printing paper Y.

Reference numeral 260 denotes a roller provided for drawing out the long printing paper by a predetermined length, a cutter for cutting the printing paper, or a roller for feeding the cut printing paper toward the exposure unit. This is a photographic paper sending unit.

The operation of the exposure processing apparatus 2 having the above-described configuration will be outlined below.

The image information to be recorded is stored as digital data in the storage section of the host computer 200 via input means such as a film scanner 210.

If necessary, color tone adjustment and editing work are performed on the monitor 230 to complete the advance preparation.

Subsequently, when a print signal is given, the host computer 200 sends the photographic paper sending length information to the photographic paper sending section 260, pulls out the photographic paper by the length based on the information, and cuts the photographic paper into a predetermined length. And the exposure unit 20
The photographic paper is transported toward 5.

Further, the photographic paper is exposed through an appropriate exposure means provided in the exposure unit 205 by an image recording signal for exposure based on digital image data to be stored.

The exposure operation is carried out while transporting and moving the photographic paper.
Eventually, the transport unit 270 is introduced into the developing device 3.
To reach.

On the other hand, the developing device 3 has the following configuration.

That is, a color developing section (color developing tank) 300 for color developing the photographic paper Y, a bleach fixing section (bleach fixing tank) 305 for bleach-fixing the photographic paper Y after color development. A stabilizing unit (stabilizing tank) 310 for stabilizing the photographic paper Y after bleach-fixing, and a drying unit (drying chamber) 350 for drying the photographic paper Y after stabilizing are provided. ing.

X is a sorter provided at one upper end side of the apparatus for stacking the photographic paper Y after the drying process.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main components of these processing units.

The color development processing section 300 and the bleach-fix processing section 305 are composed of tanks (tanks) for storing respective processing liquids, and include processing racks 301 and 306 integrally formed with a large number of rollers R. Each is detachably built in.

Each of the tanks has a configuration in which a plurality of sets of a combination of a large-diameter roller and a small roller sandwiching the roller are arranged, and by this configuration, the photographic paper is received in the upper left portion. After lowering and making a U-turn, it is transported to the next step (processing section) via a transfer roller (no symbol) provided in the upper right part.

The entrance E of the photographic printing paper in the stabilization processing section 310 is located at substantially the same height as the uppermost position of the bleach-fix processing section 305, and there is a processing section above it.

The stabilization processing section 310 has a plurality of processing units 320 provided linearly.

The processing unit 320 has a tray-shaped support member 325 and a pair of rollers 335 supported by the support member and rotatable while being pressed against each other.
Are configured as main elements.

Each of the processing units 320 is detachable from a side wall forming a rack of the stabilizing section 310.

FIG. 3 shows the detailed structure of the processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the processing unit 320 divided into a roller portion and a support member.

In other words, in the box-shaped space 329 formed on both sides of the support member 325 in FIG.
A processing unit can be configured by fitting a structure 336 including a bearing support member integrally having a bearing 35, a bearing, and a coil spring wound around the bearings of the rollers from the paper surface side.

The support member 325 has a concave portion (liquid storage portion) 326 capable of storing a small amount of a stabilizing solution (processing solution).
And a slit 327 that allows the passage of photographic paper in a raised portion at the center between the liquid reservoirs.

Reference numeral 328 denotes a small hole which communicates with a pipe provided on one side (left side) of the support member 325. The small hole through which the overflow of the stabilizing treatment liquid from the concave portion 326 flows through a pipe (not shown). Has a function of supplying to the processing unit 320.

In the processing unit immediately below, the small holes 328 are provided on the right side of the support member.

That is, the overflow liquid is sequentially led to the lower processing unit via small holes and pipes provided alternately in the adjacent processing units 320, such as left, right, and left.

Numeral 330 denotes walls which are parallel to each other for forming a space portion 329, a bearing fitted to the roller shaft 337, a coil spring for pressure contact, and a bearing disposed around the bearing. Structure 336 including support member
The roller shaft 3 is large enough to fit
37 is inserted and a U-shaped cutout hole is provided to allow rotation.

In the drawing, the portion where the lead-out line 330 is formed corresponds to a U-shaped cutout hole for one roller.

In the state where the two have been integrated, the claw portion 331 provided on the support member 325 mechanically engages with a part of the bearing support member on the roller portion side.
It becomes a form that can be prevented from falling off.

Roller 335 in the above processing unit
Is a mode in which a part of the outer periphery is immersed in the processing liquid stored in the concave portion when the processing preparation is completed, which is incorporated in the apparatus main body.

Then, by rotating, the processing liquid is sequentially supplied to the printing paper, and immediately after the supply, the operation of squeezing the processing liquid on the printing paper in cooperation with another pair of rollers holding the printing paper is repeated. And transports the photographic paper.

N shown on the roller side is a helical gear provided on the apparatus side.

Reference numeral 340 denotes a helical gear provided on one roller shaft 337 and meshing with the gear N.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a spur gear provided on the shaft 337 of each of the rollers 335. The two rollers can rotate while being pressed against each other via these drive systems.

Returning to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the processing units 320 having the above-described configuration and arranged in a straight line are two upper and lower parts when viewed from the supply of the stabilizing processing liquid. Can be classified.

A processing liquid is supplied or replenished from the processing liquid tank T1 storing the stabilizing processing liquid to the processing unit 320 located at the uppermost position, via the line L1 by the pump P1. Then, after the stabilizing treatment liquid corresponding to the overflow and the spontaneous fall is collected in the processing unit at the bottom of the section (fourth processing unit from the top in the figure), it is returned to the processing liquid tank T1. Has become.

A processing liquid is supplied or replenished from the processing liquid tank T1 via the line L2 to the processing unit 320 located at the uppermost stage in the lower section. Collect in the drainage tank T3.

A part of the waste water is reused as the dilution water in the bleach-fix processing section, and a part is collected in a waste liquid tank.

T2 is a dilution water tank for storing dilution water.

In the embodiment, the volume of the color developing solution in the tank is 6 liters, that of the bleach-fixing solution is 4 liters, and that of the stabilizing solution is the processing unit 12.
It was about 0.4 liters per unit, and was controlled so that replenishment was performed simply according to the treatment area. Temperature management will be described later.

The stabilizing section does not have the same tank as the tank for storing the color developing solution, but can be replaced with a tank having the same structure as the processing unit. From what can be said to be a tank divided into units,
In this specification, the term "stabilization tank" may be used.

From the above, the configuration of the stabilization processing section is not limited to the above configuration.

Numeral 350 denotes a drying processing section (chamber) which is separated from the stabilizing processing section 310 by a partition wall 351 at the crossover section W.
And the space occupied in the height direction is substantially the same as that of the stabilization processing section.

Reference numeral 360 denotes a unit including a squeeze roller provided in the vicinity of the entrance above the drying processing area (in the drying processing chamber) (only one pair of rollers is shown in the drawing).
The heater is provided at a lower portion of the drying processing chamber, and is provided at a position where warm air based on the operation of the blower fan 399 is received from below.

The drying section is provided with a number of roller pairs (without reference symbols) for conveying the photographic paper Y while making a U-turn.

In the figure, the blower fan 399 is set to U
Although shown immediately below the turn section, the degree of freedom in design is wide, for example, an appropriate enclosure can be provided, or a ventilation path can be provided to force a part of the warm air to the squeeze roller.

In the embodiment, the drying section is maintained at a temperature of about 80 ° C. to about 90 ° C. and a humidity of about 20% to about 50%.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a unitized squeeze roller and the structure for attaching the squeeze roller to a fixed part in the drying processing area.

In the figure, the unit 360 has a substantially box shape. The upper end 363 of the side plate 361 that constitutes the unit projects, and a hook 365 that fits with the support pin 355 provided on the fixing portion 353 of the drying section is formed on the projecting portion. A similar hook is formed on the back side plate.

Reference numeral 366 denotes a handle which is attached to the upper plate of the unit, and which is used when the unit is attached or detached for cleaning or jam processing (processing for removing jammed photographic paper). It is provided.

Reference numerals 367, 368, and 369 denote roller pairs (hereinafter, also referred to as squeeze rollers) R1, R2, and R3 provided so as to be able to rotate while being pressed against each other, and support members S1, S2, and S3 for supporting the roller pairs. And a roller unit comprising:

The roller unit forms a gentle transport path from the intake port 500 to the discharge port 501 so that the photographic paper can be transported smoothly.

G is a guide member extending from the intake port 500 to the discharge port 501 through the space between the roller units. At the positions of the intake port and the discharge port, G is provided so as to protrude from the outer plate of the unit 360. is there.

Guide member G at outlet 501
The end of the first roller pair 3 of the drying unit in a state where the unit 360 is attached to the support pin 355.
57.

Reference numeral 371 denotes a stopper pin provided at a part of the lower end of the unit. When the hook is completely suspended on the support pin 355, it abuts against the regulating member 359 on the drying processing section side and stops. If necessary, it is possible to provide a lock member for preventing backlash of the unit.

The mounting of the unit may be a configuration other than the configuration in which the unit is suspended. For example, a guide groove may be provided on the drying processing unit side, and a unit fitting the guide groove may be provided on the unit side. A configuration can be adopted in which the unit is stopped at a predetermined position through relative sliding.

Further, the support pin on the drying processing section side is a threaded pin, and is rotated 90 ° from the state of FIG. 4, and a hole for fitting the pin is provided on the unit side. Thereafter, a configuration in which the nut portion is fixed by using the screw portion may be used.

The roller pairs 367 to 369 receive power from a drive gear provided on the apparatus side, and engage (engage) and engage with the drive gear when mounting and dismounting. It can be released.

The power transmission system will not be described in detail because it can be appropriately configured and its structure or configuration does not directly relate to the present invention.

The squeeze roller has an outer diameter of about 10 mm.
About 5mm on the circumference of the roller with shaft made of aluminum
The thickness of the porous material is provided.

As the porous material, Rubicel (made by Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd., Rubicell is a registered trademark), Wetlon (made by Kanebo Co., Ltd., Wetron is a registered trademark of the company) made of polyurethane resin, or polypropylene nonwoven fabric Alternatively, a non-woven fabric of another resin material can be used.
Further, although the water absorption is slightly reduced, a rubber material such as polyurethane can be used.

In the unit configuration, the upper squeeze roller has a surface with a higher depletion rate to reduce the nip pressure between the two rollers, and the lower roller has a surface with a lower depletion rate to have a lower depletion rate. When the nip pressure is increased, good water removal can be achieved.

The developing apparatus 3 having the above configuration
Then, when the photographic paper P exposed by the exposure processing apparatus 2 is introduced, the development processing apparatus sequentially performs the processes of color development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization in the above-described order, and then performs drying. After water contained in the photographic paper is squeezed by a squeeze roller provided in the processing unit (room), the paper is subjected to a full-scale drying treatment and discharged to a sorter outside the machine.

The squeeze roller is exposed to the heat or hot air in the drying chamber. Due to the surface heat and the hygroscopicity of the material, the squeeze roller absorbs, in particular, the water on the surface of the photographic paper and simultaneously absorbs the water absorbed by the hot air. discharge.

Therefore, even if the treatment is performed continuously, the water is hardly saturated as compared with the conventional squeeze roller, and a good squeeze function can be maintained.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a circulation system (synonymous with a circulation path) of each processing solution including heat exchange in the photosensitive material processing apparatus having the above-described configuration.

Accordingly, the structural parts of the device have been omitted for convenience.

In the figure, the same reference numerals and symbols are given to the same components or members having the same functions as the means or members already described, but the piping is shown in FIG. 2 for convenience of explanation. Is a different symbol.

In the figure, B is a valve, FM is a fan motor,
FS is a float switch, H is a heater, M is a motor, M
P indicates a circulation pump, P indicates a pump, S indicates a sensor, and SV indicates a solenoid valve.

A line (system) 500 including the dilution water tank T10, the pump P1, and the solenoid valve SV1 is a system for a color developing solution, and is divided into two parts at the solenoid valve SV1.

One is a system for replenishing or supplying the diluted developing solution to the color developing tank 300, and the other is a system for shower cleaning the transfer roller 400.

The color developing solution (hereinafter simply referred to as a developing solution) stored in the color developing tank is sent to a temperature adjusting (temperature adjusting) tank 700 by a circulation pump MP1 via a system 501, and a system 502 is provided. Through the bottom to the color developing tank again.

That is, the developer is constantly circulated by the circulation system formed by the systems 501 and 502, and at the same time, the developer is passed through the temperature control tank provided in a part of the circulation system.
A predetermined temperature range is maintained.

In other words, the temperature control tank 700 has a temperature control means including a heat source heater H1 and a sensor S1.
It is kept within the range of 2.0 ± 0.5 ° C.

The temperature control tank 700 is also a heat exchange area described later.

The dilution water tank T10 is also a tank for dissolving a solid developer, and includes valves B1 and B2.
And a stock tank T20 for a stabilizing treatment liquid (hereinafter simply referred to as a stabilizing liquid) via a valve B1 and a pump P2.

A system 510 including a drainage tank T30, a pump P3, and a solenoid valve SV2 for storing the overflow of the stabilizing solution from the stabilizing process tank 310 is used for a bleach-fixing solution (hereinafter, simply referred to as a fixing solution). The system is divided into two parts at the solenoid valve as before.

One is a system for replenishing the bleach-fixing processing tank 305, and the other is a system for shower-washing the transfer roller 401.

The fixing solution stored in the bleach-fix processing tank is sent to the temperature adjustment (temperature control) tank 700 by the circulation pump MP2 via the system 511, and is again transferred to the bleach-fix processing tank 305 via the system 512. It is designed to be returned from the bottom.

When the circulating fixing solution passes through a certain area of the temperature control tank, it exchanges heat with the developing solution and heats (heats up) to a predetermined temperature (for example, 38.0 to 42 ° C.). And / or maintained at a temperature.

The volume of the processing solution in the tank was about 6 liters of the developing solution,
The amount of the fixing solution is about 4 liters, and the heater for controlling the temperature of the developing solution uses 240 V and 500 W.

The volumes of the two processing solutions may be the same, and can be said to be larger than those of the stabilizing solution described later.

The heat source is not particularly limited to the above numerical values, and may be set in consideration of various requirements such as the circulation speed of the processing solution, the circulation flow rate, and thermal change.

Each processing tank for the two processing liquids has systems 503 and 513 connected to the waste liquid tank T40.

[0112] Stock tank T20, pumps P4, P5
The two systems 520, 530 including
20 is a system for supplying the stabilizing liquid to the upper and lower processing units in the upper and lower sections. As described above, the overflow (fall) of the upper section returns to the stock tank T20 via the system 521. The overflow (fall) portion of the lower section is connected to the drainage tank T30 via the system 531.

The overflow of the stock tank T20 is discharged to the waste liquid tank T40, and the overflow of the tank T20 is disposed outside (provided outside the apparatus).
It is connected to 00.

On the other hand, the stock tank T20 forming one circulation system with the systems 520 and 521, on the other hand, uses a circulation pump MP3 to supply the stabilizing liquid to the temperature control tank 7.
And a circulation system 551 for returning the stabilizing solution to the stock tank again.

When the circulating stabilizing liquid passes through a certain area of the temperature control tank, the circulating stabilizing liquid exchanges heat with the developing liquid or with the fixing liquid which has exchanged heat with the developing liquid. (For example, 30 to 42 ° C.) and / or the temperature is maintained.

The capacity of the stabilizing solution in the processing tank was about 0.4 liters for 12 processing units.
The total volume is about 2 liters when the volume stored in the container 20 is added, which is smaller than the volumes of the developing solution and the fixing solution.

The tanks T10, T20, T30, T
40 and the processing tanks 300 and 305 have a float switch FS for controlling the capacity.

The host computer 200 activates the circulating pump MP and the heater H, etc., which constitute the circulating system, to start the circulation of the processing liquid and the heating when the power of the developing apparatus is turned on. Also do.

The heat exchange of the processing liquid is performed as follows.

That is, the temperature control tank 700 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a heating source such as a sheath heater is disposed in the inside thereof in an electrically insulated state. (Referred to as the inner diameter of the cylindrical tank) forms a predetermined space in the temperature control tank.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the temperature control tank 700 is laid sideways, and systems (pipes) 501 and 502 connected to the color developing tank 300 are connected to the left and right circular side walls of the tank so as not to leak liquid. .

As a result, the systems 501 and 502 are in communication (a path is formed) via the space in the tank.

On the other hand, a system 51 connected to the bleach-fixing tank 305
1, 512, and systems 550 and 551 connected to the stabilizing solution stock tank are constituted by one pipe, and the pipe penetrates the space of the temperature control tank.

The space between the left and right side walls of the temperature control tank 700 and the pipe is sealed.

With the above configuration, the space in the temperature control tank is substantially filled with the developer. On the other hand, a part of each dedicated pipe constituting the circulating system for the fixing solution and the stabilizing solution is in a state of being immersed in the developing solution and existing in the space.

In such a state, when the respective processing solutions are circulated and the heater H1 is energized, the developing solution is first heated, and the fixing solution and the fixing solution are eventually supplied by the developing solution via the pipe. The stabilizing solution is heated and rises over time.

The temperature of the developing solution is strictly controlled by using the sensor S1, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the preparation for the developing process is completed. Alternatively, in relation to the other processing solutions, the preparation for the developing process is completed after a lapse of a predetermined time after the developer reaches a predetermined temperature.

The above relationship can be set based on various experimental results.

In the above-described embodiment, the place of the heat exchange need not be the place where the temperature control tank exists. In some cases, a temperature control unit may be provided in the circulating system of the fixing solution.

In the former case, for example, there is a merit that the space can be effectively used, and in the latter case, there is a merit that the time until the completion of the preparation can be shortened and the structure can be simplified.

Further, heat exchange may be performed between the fixing solution heated by heat exchange with the developing solution and the stabilizing solution, and the degree of freedom is wide.

The processing solution volume in the embodiment is a maximum of six.
The present invention can be applied to a device having a capacity larger or smaller than this.

[0133]

The present invention focuses on a developing solution which requires strict temperature (liquid temperature) control, and uses the processing solution to cause heat exchange with another processing solution to heat the solution. Therefore, the configuration could be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of a main part of a processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the processing unit divided into a roller unit and a support member.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a unitized squeeze roller and a mounting structure for a fixing unit in a drying processing unit area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circulation system of a processing liquid.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photosensitive material processing apparatus 2 exposure processing apparatus 3 development processing apparatus 200 host computer 205 exposure unit 210 film scanner 220 PC card reader 230 monitor 255 magazine 270 transport unit 300 color development processing unit 305 bleach-fix processing unit 310 stabilization processing unit 320 processing Unit 325 Supporting member 335 Roller pair 350 Drying processing unit (drying processing chamber) 360 Unit 400, 401 Transition roller 700 Temperature control tank B Valve FM Fan motor FS Float switch H Heater M Motor MP Circulating pump P Pump S Sensor SV Solenoid valve R1 , R2, R3 squeeze roller

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A first processing tank for storing a large volume of a first processing liquid, a second processing tank for storing a small volume of a second processing liquid, and a first processing liquid circulation for circulating the first processing liquid. And a second processing liquid circulating system for circulating the second processing liquid. A heat exchange between the first processing liquid and the second processing liquid in a part of the processing liquid circulating system. Wherein the first processing liquid circulating system and the second processing liquid circulating system are associated with each other, and a temperature control means is provided only in the first processing liquid circulating system. Photosensitive material processing equipment. 2. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing liquid is a color developing processing liquid, and the second processing liquid is a stabilizing processing liquid. 3. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchange is performed in a temperature control area partitioned and provided in a part of the first processing liquid circulation system. 4. A first processing tank for storing a first processing liquid, a second processing tank for storing a second processing liquid, a third processing tank for storing a third processing liquid, and the first and second processing tanks. A first, a second, and a third processing liquid circulating system dedicated to circulating the third processing liquid; and a temperature control unit provided in the first processing liquid circulating system. The first, second, and third processing liquid circulation systems are associated with each other so as to allow heat exchange between the first processing liquid, the second processing liquid, and the third processing liquid in a part of the system. A photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus, which is provided. 5. The heat exchange is performed between the first treatment liquid circulation system and the second treatment liquid circulation system and between the first treatment liquid circulation system and the third treatment liquid circulation system. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The photograph according to claim 4, wherein the first processing liquid is a color developing processing liquid, the second processing liquid is a stabilizing processing liquid, and the third processing liquid is a bleach-fix processing liquid. Photosensitive material processing equipment. 7. The second processing tank is a tank for performing stabilization processing with a stabilizing processing liquid, and the tank is provided with multiple processing units configured to supply the stabilizing processing liquid to the photosensitive material by rotating rollers. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: 8. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said processing unit is detachably mounted on a processing rack. 9. A method for controlling the temperature of one of the plurality of processing liquids and measuring the temperature rise of at least one other processing liquid through heat exchange with the temperature-controlled processing liquid. A photographic photosensitive material processing apparatus characterized in that: 10. The photographic material processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processing liquid whose temperature is adjusted is a developing processing liquid.