DE4334436A1 - Device for developing photographic material - has developing unit with solution tanks and outlet port loosely connected to inlet port of drying unit which blows air onto material - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) includes a developing unit (18) which dips the material (20) into a development solution and also has a drying unit (46) which blows air onto the material. The developing unit is held in a housing (12) which has an outlet opening (14) on the flow side for the material. There is a two part housing for the drying unit, divided along the flow path and has a supply opening for the material in one end. A connecting unit loosely connects the outlet opening in the developing unit to the supply opening in the drying unit. USE/ADVANTAGE - For developing photographic film, paper etc. The ability of maintaining the rollers of the drying unit is improved and the possibility of damaging the rollers during maintenance is reduced.

Description

The invention relates to a device for developing photosensitive material, the device being provided with: a development unit to develop a photosensitive material such as a photo film, photo Paper or the like, the photosensitive material during the development process through development solutions which are in development solution tanks; and a dryer unit for drying the photosensitive Materials after this through the development unit is passed through, with drying by blowing Drying air is done on the photosensitive material.

In the device for developing photosensitive This material becomes a development, a fixation and a flushing process within one Undergone development unit and then in one Dryer unit dried. The development and The dryer unit is enclosed in a housing.

With a larger development volume, however, stick Contamination on the rollers during the development process firmly in the dryer unit. These firmly adhering substances are dried by the drying air and it can Residues of the adhering substances as deposits on the Form rollers. Such deposits have a strong one Affect the drying process, resulting in an uneven Development can lead. For this reason, the rollers in periodically cleaned, which means that the Rollers must be removed from the dryer unit.

The process of dismantling and reassembling the rollers was developed in a conventional device for developing Photosensitive material with the following steps carried out: First the housing was dismantled; then the dryer unit was disassembled (the part in which the support body and rollers integral in one construction  are united), whereby the dryer unit from the Main device body has been released to allow that the rollers can be cleaned; and after cleaning Reassemble the dryer unit and then reassemble Fit in the housing. As a result, were for cleaning Remove and reassemble the rollers (the housing and the dryer unit).

In addition, there was a risk that the rollers during the Removal and reassembly by inattentive Contacting, for example, the housing or the Gears for driving the rollers could be damaged. In addition, the dryer unit with rollers for conveying of the photosensitive material and with support bodies for rotatable bearings of the rollers at both ends. A Entry channel for introducing drying air extends across the support body parallel to the rollers. Elongated slots are along the longitudinal direction of the Insertion channel formed. Drying air is used by the Slits on both sides of the photosensitive material blown.

The insertion channel is at one end with one Connected dryer air space, which in the dryer unit is arranged. This dryer air space is filled with drying air supplied by an air duct, which starts from a Drying air source device, which in the Development unit is arranged in the dryer air space leads.

In the device for developing Photosensitive material requires temperature the drying air to keep a good one To ensure drying process. In a typical The procedure for regulating the temperature of the drying air is the Temperature of the drying air from a thermostat or one other device is detected to the heater on or off and so drying air with  to deliver a constant temperature.

However, according to an operating or response range of the Thermostat due to the heat generated after the Switching off the heating device is still present, or due to a delay in the temperature rise after the Turning on the heater, an error in the actual temperature of the drying air of about 10 ° C occur between the upper and lower limit. For this This is because the photosensitive material does not become complete dried when the temperature in the area of the lower Limit lies. Conversely, the surface of the Photosensitive material dried excessively when the Temperature is in the range of the upper limit, which too Drying marks or excessive shine.

They also require different photosensitive Materials different drying conditions, so it for achieving an optimal drying process is required, the air flow of the drying air every time then re-adjust when the material is changed, what by adjusting the opening width of the slot in the Entry channel happens. However, this requires mechanical Adjust airflow depending on the type of photosensitive material a lot of work and time. this leads to that in practice such an attitude is not is made.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for Developing photosensitive material to create where the possibility of maintenance of the rollers in a dryer unit is improved and possible damage to the rollers or of similar during assembly or disassembly at the Maintenance can be prevented.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for Developing photosensitive material to create which increases or decreases the flow of air  Drying air, which is fed to the dryer unit, in Dependence on a change in the set temperature of the Drying air takes place, creating an optimal amount of air flow on a photosensitive material according to the special Type of photosensitive material can be blown.

According to a first aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved solved by a device for developing photosensitive material, the device being provided with: a development unit for developing photosensitive material by immersing this material during the conveyance of the same in development Solutions that are in development tanks; one Dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material by blowing drying air on this after it is through the development unit has passed through; one Development unit housing to cover the Development unit, and an output opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive Considered materials; a dryer unit housing for Cover the dryer unit, this housing in two Parts along the path of the photosensitive material is divisible and a feed opening on the upstream Side related to the conveying direction of the photosensitive Material; and a connection device for releasable connection or for releasing the development unit Housing to or from the dryer unit housing, while the dispensing opening formed in the development unit housing to match that formed in the dryer unit housing Feed opening is arranged.

According to the device for developing the photosensitive Materials is a development unit and a dryer unit encased in separate housings (the development unit Housing and the dryer unit housing), the Development unit housing and the dryer unit housing are interconnected by a connecting device and can be easily separated if the  Dryer unit needs to be serviced. It is accordingly possible to remove only the dryer unit and to one to bring another place to disassemble and to clean. Regardless of an assembly or parking space Device for developing photosensitive material can therefore carry out maintenance work on a spacious Be carried out at work, resulting in an improvement in Handling leads. In addition, there will be a clash of dismantled parts and other parts or obstacles that prevents maintenance from starting in a tight workplace. The Disassembly and reassembly of the unit can therefore be done a safe and spacious workplace so that the possibility is eliminated that for example the rollers and other elements inside the Dryer unit can be damaged.

The above tasks are performed according to another Aspect of the invention through an apparatus for developing Photosensitive material dissolved, the device is provided with: a development unit for developing the photosensitive material by immersing this material in development solutions, which can be found in development tanks located while the photosensitive material continues is promoted; a dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material after this through the Development unit is passed through, drying by blowing drying air onto the material; one Dryer air space for storing drying air, which from is supplied to a drying air source device which is in turn arranged in the dryer unit; Inlet ducts through which the drying air starts from the dryer air space is inserted, the insertion channels have an opening part through which the drying air is blown onto the photosensitive material; and Opening area setting devices, which in the Opening part are arranged to the air blowing area for the Drying air depending on the temperature of the  To increase or decrease drying air.

According to the inventive device for developing Photosensitive material is taken from the drying air Drying air source device in a dryer air space led, which is arranged in the dryer unit. The so delivered drying air will change according to the Drying air flow setting device regulated and in the Dryer air space added to subsequently in the Insertion channel to be inserted. The insertion channel is with an opening area through which the Blown drying air onto the photosensitive material to dry the photosensitive material.

In the opening area there is an air blowing area Adjustment device provided, which serves the Opening area for the drying air according to the Increase or decrease drying air temperature, which was inserted into the insertion channel. By means of this Arrangement can be the airflow from the opening area blown out drying air can be adjusted so that a optimal drying treatment according to the respective type of the photosensitive material used can.

The above tasks are performed according to one more further aspect of the invention by a device for Developing photosensitive material solved, this Device is provided with a development unit for Develop a photosensitive material by immersion of this material in development solutions, which can be found in Development solution tanks are located, dipping happens while the material continues to be conveyed; one Dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material, after it passes through the development unit is drying by blowing air onto the material happens; a drying air inlet duct for introducing Drying air into the dryer unit, the drying air  is supplied by a drying air source device, which is arranged in the development unit; and one Air flow adjustment device, which on the inner wall of the Drying air inlet duct is designed to the Air flow cross-sectional area in the drying air Inlet duct according to the temperature of the Drying air source device supplied drying air enlarge or reduce.

According to this inventive device for developing photosensitive material is the air flow Adjustment device for adjusting a flow Cross-sectional area on the inner wall of the drying air Arranged inlet channel, which the dryer unit with the Drying air source device connects. Dependent on of the temperature of the drying air, which of the Drying air source device is supplied, the Air flow cross section in the drying air inlet duct enlarged or reduced so that the air flow of the Drying air which is fed to the dryer unit, corresponding to the change in a predetermined temperature is enlarged or reduced. This is the result possible the drying conditions in the dryer unit to keep constant.

As has already been explained above, in the case of the invention Device for developing photosensitive material Ease of maintenance for servicing the rollers in the Dryer unit has been improved and it becomes effective possible damage to the rollers and other elements which prevents otherwise when dismantling and renewed Assembling the items to be serviced could occur.

Furthermore, in the invention constructed as above Device for developing photosensitive material Airflow, which depends on the dryer unit a change in a predetermined temperature of the Drying air is supplied, enlarged or reduced  become. In addition, it is possible to use an appropriate amount of Drying air according to the type of used inflate photosensitive material. As a result creates uniform images, in which none in Irregularities caused by the drying process.

The invention is more preferred in the following Exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing explained. The drawing shows:

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for developing photosensitive material;

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing an apparatus for developing photosensitive material according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a section taken along in Figure 2 with 3 - section line designated. 3;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a dryer unit housing;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus for developing photosensitive material according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a section along a section line labeled 6 - 6 in FIG. 5; FIG.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an insertion channel; and

FIG. 8 shows a section along a section line designated 8 - 8 in FIG. 7.

Figs. 1 to 3 show an automatic developing apparatus 10 in the form suitable for developing a photosensitive material developing apparatus according to a first embodiment. The automatic developing device 10 is constituted by a main body of the developing unit 18 and a dryer unit 46 extending from the upper part of the developing unit 18 .

The developing unit 18 has a housing 12 which is provided with a feed opening 14 through which sheet-shaped X-ray photo films 20 (hereinafter referred to as film 20 ) are drawn as a photosensitive material into the automatic developing device 10 . Starting from the feed opening 14 , a feed table 16 extends on which the photo film 20 is placed in order to be able to be drawn into the housing 12 through the feed opening 14 . As an alternative, the film 20 can be introduced through the feed opening 14 by means of an automatic feed device or the like, not shown. The development unit 18 is also provided with refill tanks 19 which are attached to the development unit. As shown in Fig. 2, the developing unit 18 of the automatic developing device 10 is provided inside the housing 12 with a developing tank 22 for receiving a developer, a fixing tank 24 for receiving a fixer, and a washing tank 26 for receiving washing water. All tanks are relatively flat and have essentially the same depth. These tanks, which are suitable for development, are made of synthetic resin and are made in one piece in the form of a box-shaped structure, the upper part of which is open.

On the upstream side of the development tank 22 , a pair of feed rollers 28 are arranged, which are rotatably supported by means of frame side plates, not shown. The feed rollers 28 are rotated by a driving force due to a driving device, not shown, so that the film 20 is drawn into the housing 12 by the feed rollers 14 .

Conveyor roller pairs 30 and 32 are arranged on the upstream and downstream sections of the development tank, fixing tanks and rinsing tanks 26 , respectively. Each of these pairs of conveyor rollers 30 and 32 is rotatably supported by means of the frame side plates, not shown. Each pair of rollers clamps the film 20 and conveys it due to the rotational driving force, which is supplied by a drive device, not shown.

A guide plate 34 , which is bulged downward in its central region, is arranged in the development tank 22 , the fixing tank 24 , and the washing tank 26 , respectively. This shape enables the film 20 to be fed into the respective processing tank when the film 20 is fed to this processing tank by the pair of conveying rollers 30 and enables the film to be fed up again thereafter by means of the pair of conveying rollers 32 . In addition, plates 100 , 102 and 104 are arranged above the development tank 22 or the fixing tank 24 or the washing tank 26 . Each of the plates 100 , 102 and 104 has a sliding cover part 36 or 38 or 40 which extends between the pair of conveyor rollers 30 and 32 , respectively. These slide cover parts 36 , 38 and 40 are bent such that they extend around the upper peripheral surface of the aforementioned pair of rollers 30 and 32 and extend over a larger length section on both the upstream and the downstream side of the development tank 22 and of the fixing tank 24 or the washing tank 26 so as to form a guide part 42 . The bottom surfaces of the slide lid parts 36 , 38 and 40 are immersed in the respective liquids required for development, which are located in the respective processing tanks, so that the processing liquids are not unnecessarily impaired in their quality due to contact with the air.

With this arrangement, the film 20 drawn into the housing by the feed rollers 28 is fed into the developing tank 22 by means of the guide member 42 and pinched and conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 30 . The film 20 thus conveyed is further fed into the developing tank 22 by means of the slide lid part 36 and the guide plate 34 . In this way, the film 20 is immersed in the developer and then pulled out of the developing tank by the pair of conveying rollers 32 . Thereafter, the film 20 is guided along the guide part 42 to the fixing tank 24 , where it is clamped and conveyed by means of the conveyor roller pair 30 . The film 20 thus conveyed is fed into the fixing tank 24 by means of the slide lid part 38 and the guide plate 34 so as to be immersed in the fixer.

The film 20 is pulled out of the fixing tank 24 by means of the pair of conveyor rollers 32 and guided to the washing tank 26 by means of the guide part 42 . The film 20 is then introduced into the rinse tank 26 between the slide lid part 40 and the guide plate 34 by means of the pair of conveyor rollers 30 . After immersion in the rinse water, the film 20 is pulled out of the rinse tank 26 by means of a pair of conveyor rollers 32 .

The automatic developing device 10 thus performs a liquid developing process with the developing, fixing and rinsing steps while the film 20 is being conveyed. After the processing operation using the liquids has ended, the film 20 is discharged through an outlet opening 44 , which is arranged in the housing 12 above the washing tank 26 , and continues to move into the dryer unit 46 .

A recess part 48 serves as part of a connecting device and is arranged in the housing 12 around the dispensing opening 44 in such a way that the recess part can receive part of the dryer unit 46 . The dryer unit 46 is accommodated in a housing 50 , which represents a body separate from the housing 12 of the aforementioned development device.

A feed opening 52 for receiving the film 20 is provided in a lower portion of the case 50 . The housing 50 has a projection fitting part 54 around the feed opening 52 , which serves as part of the above-mentioned connecting device.

The attachment and fastening of the projection fitting part 54 in the recess part 48 establishes a connection between the discharge opening 44 and the feed opening 52 . That is, the dryer unit 46 can be easily attached to the developing unit 18 .

A plurality of conveyor rollers 56 are provided in the interior of the dryer unit 46 and are arranged in a zigzag fashion along the conveying path of the film. Each of the conveying rollers 56 is arranged such that a part of the peripheral surface thereof protrudes outward toward the side opposite to the conveying path. A pair of upstream auxiliary rollers 58 are arranged near the feed opening 52 inside the dryer unit 46 . According to this arrangement, the film 20 is guided out of the washing tank 26 by means of the pair of conveyor rollers 32 and guided along a guide 60 . After the film 20 has been fed through the discharge opening 44 and the feed opening 52 , the film 20 is clamped between the pair of upstream auxiliary rollers 58 and fed to the conveyor rollers 56 , which are arranged in a zigzag shape.

The film 20 is conveyed by the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 which exert a pressure in the thickness direction of the film 20 thereon. When the film 20 reaches a pair of discharge auxiliary rollers 62 arranged in the upper part of the dryer unit 46 , the pair of discharge auxiliary rollers 62 clamps the film 20 to be discharged through a discharge opening 66 .

Between the conveyor rollers 56 , drying air blowing slots 68 are arranged in a zigzag shape, each of which has a drying air blowing opening 68 A, which is directed towards the conveying path. The drying air is introduced into the drying air blow slots 68 from a dryer air space 70 which is disposed at one end of the conveying rollers as viewed in the axial direction. Accordingly, the film 20 passing along the conveying path inside the dryer unit 46 is blown with drying air.

The housing 50 , in which the dryer unit 46 is accommodated, is divided into two bowl-shaped or tray-shaped sections by the conveying path of the film 20 and is accordingly composed of a pair of cover elements 50 A and 50 B as shown in FIG. 4.

The cover elements 50 A and 50 B fit together with their opening sides and are secured to one another by means of screws 198 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of cover members 50 A and 50 B are substantially symmetrical to each other and a pair of support plates 72 A and 72 B, which extend from top to bottom in parallel, are integral with each of the cover members 50 A and 50 B. These support plates 72 A and 72 B are arranged so that they match the positions of both axial ends of the conveyor rollers 56 . The support plates 72 A and 72 B support the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 and the output auxiliary roller 62 by means of bearings 74 , the conveying path being a limit.

A gear 76 is attached to an axial end of one of the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , and a corresponding gear is attached to one of the output auxiliary rollers 62 and to each of the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 . These gears 76 are housed in spaces which are formed between the aforementioned support plate 42 A and the cover member 50 A. The gearwheels 46 are in engagement with one another and the lowermost gearwheel 76 , or the gearwheel 76 which is arranged on the upstream auxiliary roller 58 , is in engagement with a drive gearwheel 79 . The drive gear 79 is disposed near the feed opening 52 in the protrusion fitting 54 , and extends partially across the plane of the protrusion fitting 54 toward the recess part 48 to drive a gear 80 on the developing unit 18 side to comb when the protrusion fitting part 54 of the dryer unit 46 is attached to the recess part 48 of the developing unit 18 .

The driving force of a motor 84 is transmitted by means of a gear mechanism 82 , which consists of a plurality of gear wheels to drive the drive gear 80 , and thus to rotate the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 and the output auxiliary rollers 62 .

A space is formed between the cover elements 50 A and 50 B and a further support plate 72 B. A transparent partition plate 69 is disposed at the opening of the space (or the boundary between the cover members 50 A and 50 B in the space), in order to form respective dryer air spaces 70 in both cover members 50 A and 50 B.

Through holes 86 are formed in a part of the support plate 72 B to connect the dryer air space 70 to the drying air blow slots 68 . In addition, a through hole 88 is disposed in the lower portion of the dryer air space 70 .

A fan 90 is arranged on the side of the developing unit 18 to match the through hole 88 . A drying air inlet duct 92 , in which heating elements 94 are arranged, is arranged between the outlet opening of the fan 90 and the recess part 48 . The open end of the drying air inlet duct 92 is arranged in the recess part 48 such that it faces the through hole 88 when the protrusion fitting part 54 is attached to the recess part 48 . In this case, by providing magnet fastening devices, magnets or the like between the projection fitting part 54 and the recess part 48, it is possible to make the mating fit more stable.

With this arrangement, by operating the fan 90 and the heating elements 94 when the dryer unit 46 is attached to the developing unit 18 , it is possible to blow drying air into each of the dryer air spaces 70 .

At this time, a plate adjuster 89 is arranged in the vicinity of each of the through holes, as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the plate adjusters 89 is provided with a pair of slots 89 A into which screws 91 are inserted. The screws 91 are screwed into the cover elements 50 A and 50 B, so that the plate adjusting device 89 is combined with the cover elements 50 A and 50 B so that it can be moved. Each of the plate adjusters 89 is slidable from side to side to change the opening area of the through hole 88 . Specifically, it is possible to change the opening area of the through hole 88 to a predetermined position by loosening the screws 91 and moving the plate adjuster 89 , and then tightening the screws 91 .

By adjusting the opening area of the through hole 88 by means of each of the plate adjusting devices 89 , the air flow of the drying air into the respective dryer rooms 70 can be controlled independently of one another, which are formed in the cover elements 50 A and 50 B, respectively.

The film 20 is discharged from the dryer unit 46 onto a table 64 on the lid of the housing 12 of the developing unit 18 . In the automatic developing device 10 according to this embodiment, films 20 developed by the various processing liquids are dried and discharged through the discharge opening 66 , and a plurality of films are successively stacked on the table 64 .

The following is the operation of the first embodiment described.

When an image-exposed film 20 is inserted through the feed opening 14 of the automatic developing device 10 , the film is pinched between feed rollers 28 and drawn into the inside of the case 12 . Inside the automatic developing device 10 , the film 20 is conveyed into the developing tank 22 by means of a guide part 42 . Then, while the film 20 is guided and conveyed by the slide lid member 36 and a guide plate 34 and by the pair of conveying rollers 30 and 32 , the film is immersed in the developer which is in the developing tank 22 so as to be developed. After this processing, the film 20 is fed into the fixing tank 24 along the guide member 42 between the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24 . In the fixing tank 24 , the film 20 is immersed in the fixing device in the same manner as above, and thus fixed.

The film 20 processed in the fixer is conveyed into a washing tank 26 along the guide member 42 by means of the conveyor roller pair 30 and 32 to be soaked in the washing water contained in the washing tank 26 .

After the rinsing is completed, the film 20 is clamped between the two upstream auxiliary rollers 58 and conveyed along the guide into the dryer unit 46 arranged above it. Inside the dryer unit 46 , the film is conveyed further by conveyor rollers 56 arranged in a zigzag shape, while it is heated and dried by means of a drying air which flows out through the drying air blowing openings 68 A of the drying air blowing slots 68 . Next, the film 20 is conveyed to the discharge port 66 by the discharge auxiliary rollers 62 , where the film is fed out onto the table 64 which is placed on the lid of the developing unit 18 . In this way, the films 20 are developed one after the other and stacked on the table 64 .

After the drying air has been once introduced by the fan 90 in the dryer air space 70, it is blown by the drying air blowing slots 68 A. According to this exemplary embodiment, a separate dryer air space 70 is formed in each of the cover elements 50 A and 50 B. In addition, because each of the through holes 88 is provided with a plate adjuster 89 , it is possible to adjust the drying air volume flow separately for each of the dryer air spaces 70 .

Accordingly, the dryer operation can be changed depending on the kind of film 20 to be developed. Specifically, in some cases drying air can be blown evenly on both sides of the film and in other cases drying air can be blown on only one side. Accordingly, the drying efficiency can be improved.

Because the undried film 20 comes into contact with the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 and the discharge auxiliary rollers 62 in the dryer unit 46 , dirt and contaminants contained in the processing liquids may adhere to the rollers. Subsequent blowing with the drying air can deposit these substances and thus cause irregularities in the surface of the rollers. Such irregularities damage the film 20 or cause the developed film to become uneven. For this reason, the rollers inside the dryer unit 46 must be cleaned at regular intervals.

The following describes how the dryer unit 46 can be removed and reassembled for cleaning.

First, the protrusion fitting part 54 of the dryer unit 46 is removed from the recess part 48 . This can be accomplished in a simple manner because the housing 12 of the development unit 18 and the housing 50 of the dryer unit 46 are molded separately.

Because the drive transmission gear 79 protrudes for driving the upstream auxiliary rollers 58, the conveying rollers 56 and the output of auxiliary rolls 62 in the interior of the dryer unit 46 about the dryer unit 46, to be located so the drive gear 80 engaged, the drive can The gear gear simultaneously disengages from the drive gear 80 when the protrusion fitting part 54 is removed from the recess part 48 .

Because the drying air inlet duct 92 is formed so as to extend up to the recess part 48 for the passage of drying air, so that the drying air inlet duct constitutes a construction which is separate from the dryer air spaces 70 and which in turn is formed integrally in the interior of the housing 50 of the dryer unit 46 , it is possible to remove the dryer unit 46 from the development unit 18 without problems.

Because the separate dryer unit 46 can be transported alone to any desired location, it is possible to clean the rollers in a spacious work area. Further, because the conveying rollers 56 and the like are not exposed while being transported, there is no possibility that they collide with an obstacle. There is therefore no possibility that the elements of the unit will be damaged during transportation.

The housing 50 of the dryer unit 46 is separated in two parts by the conveyor path and can be dismantled into a pair of cover elements 50 A and 50 B by loosening the screws 198 . At this time, the integrated upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , the output auxiliary rollers 62 and the zigzag conveyor rollers 56 are separated from each other simultaneously by separating the cover members 50 A and 50 B, because these rollers are separated from each other by the conveying path and separately in the axial direction by the respective ones Support plates 72 A and 72 B of the cover elements 50 A and 50 B are mounted. That is, separating the rollers along the conveyor path allows the operator to reach and clean these rollers individually, which is possible with a few exceptions (for example, when a roller is so dirty that a replacement roller is required). The rollers remain supported by the support plates 72 A and 72 B after the cover elements 50 A and 50 B have been separated from one another. In addition, the provision of two independent dryer air spaces 70 makes cleaning the interior of the channels easier. Accordingly, dust and dirt which have accumulated inside the channels over time can be easily removed, so that it is ensured that clean drying air is blown onto the film 20 .

After the rollers, etc. have been cleaned, the end faces of the cover elements 50 A and 50 B are fitted together and fastened to one another by means of screws 198 . This process ends the assembly of the dryer unit. At this time, the relative positions of the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , conveyor rollers 56 and output auxiliary rollers 62 to each other are determined only by the assembly. No positioning is required. Because, to be more precise, there is no need for a separate re-assembly into the housing (unlike in the prior art), and the separate mounting of the support plates for storing the rollers and the drying air blower slots is not necessary, no positioning is necessary either otherwise, ie if such an assembly was required, would have to be carried out. Accordingly, better manageability for maintenance improves market success.

According to this embodiment, because the housing 12 of the developing unit 18 and the housing 50 of the drying unit 46 are separate constructions, separating the developing unit 18 from the drying unit 46 is easy.

In addition, the housing 50 of the dryer unit 46 can be separated into two parts (cover elements 50 A and 50 B) along the conveying path of the film 20 . The support plates 72 A and 72 B for supporting the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 , the conveyor rollers 56 and the output auxiliary rollers 62 are formed in one piece in the respective cover elements 50 A and 50 B, respectively.

Accordingly, the disassembly of the dryer unit 46 can be accomplished only by separating the housing 50 , which improves the ease of maintenance. During reassembly, the cover elements 50 A and 50 B are only fastened to one another by means of screws 198 after they have been brought into a specific position relative to one another, the positions of the rollers being adjusted to one another at the same time, which leads to a significant improvement in ease of installation.

In addition, because the dryer unit 46 is separated into two parts along the conveying path described above, even if a film 20 has not been conveyed normally and a so-called jam occurs, the jammed film 20 can be easily removed.

Although the conveying rollers 56 have been described as arranged in a zigzag shape according to this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pairs of rollers which face one another can be used. Although the support plates 72 A and 72 B are formed in one piece on the housing 50 according to this exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to provide them as separate, preassembled parts. In addition, the type of fastening of the cover elements 50 A and 50 B to one another is not restricted to screws 198 . Any fastening device such as hooks or snap claws can be used.

Next, an automatic developing device 200 according to a second embodiment, which is for developing photosensitive material, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. In the following description, parts that are identical to the parts according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In the automatic developing device 200 , insertion channels 96 are arranged between the conveyor rollers 56 running parallel to them and extend between the support plates 72 A and 72 B (cf. FIG. 6). The respective insertion channel 96 is a tube, one end of which is closed and the other end of which is open (opening part 98 ).

An air blow slot 108 is arranged in the insertion duct 96 in the longitudinal direction thereof on the conveying path side. The air blow slot 108 is formed by wall constructions 110 , which extend from the insertion channel 96 , the air blow slot formed by the roll constructions being wider, the closer the relevant blow slot location is to the opening part 98 , or the narrower is, the further away the point in question is from the opening part 98 (cf. FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 6, the opening parts 98 of the insertion duct 96 are supplied with drying air from the air space 70 which is located at one end of the conveying rollers 56 in the axial direction. The drying air thus fed through the opening part 98 is blown uniformly onto the film 20 , which moves along the conveying path inside the dryer unit 46 .

As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, an opening area setting plate 112 is provided as a surface setting device, the construction of which is bent into a V-shape. Both ends of the opening area adjusting plate 112 are fixed to the front ends of the wall structures 110 on the side opposite to the opening part 98 . The opening area adjusting plate 112 is made of a bimetallic alloy which returns to its original position and has excellent rigidity and strength, such as a Ni-Ti alloy, so that the opening angle of the V-shape changes depending on the temperature change of the drying air . This change in angle allows the spacing in the wall constructions 110 made of elastic polycarbonate to be increased or decreased in order to be able to regulate the air volume flow of the drying air blown in the direction of the film.

In addition, heating elements 94 and a thermostat 97 are arranged inside the drying air introduction duct 92 as shown in FIG. 6. In the interior of the drying air introduction duct 92 , an air flow adjusting plate 114 is arranged, which is fixed at one end to the inner wall of the drying air inlet duct 92 and the other end is bent so that a part of the air duct cross-sectional area of the drying air inlet duct 92 is cordoned off. This air flow adjusting plate 114 is made of a bimetallic alloy composed of a Ni-Ti alloy, which has excellent rigidity and strength so that the bending angle can change depending on temperature changes of the air flow and thus the air passage area in the drying air inlet duct 92 can be enlarged or reduced.

The following is the operation of the second embodiment described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the film 20 is inserted through the feed opening 14 of the automatic developing device 200 . After completion of the solution immersion process, ie immersion in the developing tank 22 , the fixing tank 24 and the rinsing tank 26 , the film 20 is clamped and conveyed between the upstream auxiliary rollers 58 and guided along the guide 60 to the dryer unit arranged above it 46 to be directed.

In the dryer unit 46 , the film 20 is conveyed by the conveyor rollers 56 which are arranged in a zigzag arrangement, while the film is heated and dried by drying air which is blown through the air-blowing slot 108 of the insertion channel 96 . Next, the film is fed to a discharge opening 66 by the discharge auxiliary rollers 62 . The film 20 is discharged from the discharge opening 66 and fed to the table 64 which is on top of the developing unit 18 . In this way, a plurality of films 20 can be developed in series and stacked on the table 64 .

The drying air is temporarily directed to the dryer air space 70 by the fan 90 through the drying air inlet duct 92 and thereafter to the inlet duct 96 . The temperature of the drying air is kept constant by activating or deactivating the heating elements 94 by means of a thermostat 97 .

However, because due to the operating behavior, ie the inertia of the thermostat 7, there is still alternating heat after switching off the heating element 94 or because there is a delay in the temperature rise after switching on the heating element, the current temperature of the drying air can be an error of approximately 10 ° C. between the upper and lower limit. At this time, the bending angle of the air flow adjusting plate 114 changes in accordance with the temperature of the drying air so that the air passage cross-sectional area of the drying air inlet duct 92 is increased when the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, or the air passage cross-sectional area of the Drying air inlet duct 92 is reduced when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature. In this way, the air flow of the drying air is adjusted as it is supplied to the dryer unit 46 . The drying conditions are kept constant.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the drying air is changed according to the type of film 20 used (for example, the drying air temperature is set at 55 ° C for a 90-second developing film or the drying air temperature is set at 40 ° C for a 45 -Second development film), the air flow of the drying air blown onto the film 20 is blown through the air blowing slot of the insertion duct 96 and can be adjusted according to the dryer temperature by means of the distance between the wall structures 110 and the change in the opening angle by means of the opening area setting plate 112 , which is bent into a V-shape. As a result, it is possible to optimally dry the film so that it does not dry unevenly.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, an automatic developing device 200 has been described which is provided with both an air flow adjustment plate 114 and an opening area adjustment plate 112 . However, optimal conditions for drying in the dryer unit 46 can also be achieved by using only one of the aforementioned devices 112 and 114 .

However, if the wall structure 110 itself forms the air blowing slot 108 , which is made of thermosensitive bimetal, it is possible to control the drying air / air flow even more precisely.

Furthermore, by modifying the shape of the opening area adjustment plate 112 , which is attached to the insertion channel 96 and is directed toward the front and rear of the film 20 , it is possible to control the air flow of the blown onto the front and rear of the film 20 Air easy to adjust.

Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for developing photosensitive material, comprising:
a developing unit for developing photosensitive material by immersing this material while it is being conveyed into developing solutions which are in developing tanks;
a dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material by blowing drying air thereon after it has passed through the developing unit;
a developing unit case for covering the developing unit, and a discharge opening on the downstream side viewed in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
a dryer unit case for covering the dryer unit, this case being separable into two parts along the conveyance path of the photosensitive material and having a feed opening on the upstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the photosensitive material; and
a connecting device for detachably connecting or releasing the development unit housing to or from the dryer unit housing, while the dispensing opening formed in the development unit housing is arranged to match the feed opening formed in the dryer unit housing. 2. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 1, characterized in that the Connecting device has a recess part, which is arranged around the dispensing opening, and has a protrusion fitting which is around the Feed opening is formed around. 3. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 2, characterized in that the device is further provided with:
a drying air inlet duct for introducing drying air from a drying air source device arranged in the developing unit, the drying air inlet duct being formed in the recess part and in the protrusion fitting part. 4. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 1, characterized in that the Dryer unit housing, which in two parts along the Conveying path of the photosensitive material is divisible, represents a box-shaped construction. 5. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 4, characterized in that the box-shaped construction is provided with:
a roller receiving part for receiving the rollers which apply a conveying force to the photosensitive material;
Drying air blow slots, from which drying air is blown onto the photosensitive material; and a dryer air space, which is connected to the drying air blow slots and stores drying air to be blown in, which is to be guided through an opening part to the drying air blow slots. 6. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 5, characterized in that further a drying air inlet channel is provided, which with the dryer air space for introducing drying air is connected, the drying air from a Drying air source device is supplied, which is arranged in the development unit, and in the Dryer air space is led. 7. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting device is provided with:
a recess part formed around the discharge opening; and a protrusion fitting formed around the feed opening, the discharge opening and the feed opening being connected to each other by attaching and fixing the protrusion fitting to the recess part, the dryer unit being attached to the developing unit when the two are separable Parts of the dryer unit are connected. 8. Apparatus for developing photosensitive material according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the two parts which can be divided along the conveying path of the photosensitive material has a box construction, this box construction being provided with:
a roller receiving part for receiving the rollers to apply a conveying force to the photosensitive material;
Drying air blow slots, from which drying air is blown onto the photosensitive material;
a dryer air space which is connected to the drying air blower slots and stores drying air which is to be supplied to the drying air blower slots through an opening part, and
a drying air inlet duct, which is connected to the drying air space for introducing drying air, this drying air being supplied by a drying air source device arranged in the development unit and being led into the drying air space. 9. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 8, characterized in that a further Adjustment device is provided which is slidable in the opening parts in the dryer unit housing is arranged to independently control the air volume flow Set drying air, which of the  Drying air inlet duct led into the dryer air space becomes. 10. A device for developing photosensitive material, the device being provided with:
a developing unit for developing the photosensitive material by immersing this material in developing solutions which are in developing tanks while the photosensitive material is being conveyed;
a dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material after it has passed through the developing unit, the drying being carried out by blowing drying air onto the material;
a dryer air space for storing drying air, which is supplied by a drying air source device, which in turn is arranged in the dryer unit;
Insertion ducts through which the drying air is introduced starting from the dryer air space, the insertion ducts having an opening part through which the drying air is blown onto the photosensitive material; and
Opening area setting devices which are arranged in the opening part in order to increase or decrease the air blowing area for the drying air depending on the temperature of the drying air. 11. A device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 10, characterized in that the device is further provided:
a developing unit housing for covering the developing unit, the developing unit housing having a discharge opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
a dryer unit case for covering the developing unit, the dryer unit case having a feed opening on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
Connecting devices for releasably attaching or detaching the development unit to or from the dryer unit, the discharge opening in the development unit housing being able to be arranged to match the feed opening in the dryer unit. 12. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 10, characterized in that the Opening part shaped as a slit-shaped construction is which is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the extends photosensitive material, the Airflow range setting device to the opposite flanges is attached in the slot and the shape of the adjusting device depends on of the temperature of the drying air, which changes in the insertion channel is inserted so as to adjust the width of the To enlarge or reduce the slot. 13. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 12, characterized in that the Air blowing area adjuster is a V-shaped Opening area adjustment plate made of a bimetal Alloy is and its V-shaped angle corresponding to that Change in drying air temperature can change, whereby the air blowing area setting means toward of the photosensitive material directed airflow Drying air. 14. A device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 13, characterized in that the device is further provided with:
a developing unit housing for covering the developing unit, the developing unit housing having a discharge opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
a dryer unit case for covering the developing unit, the dryer unit case having a feed opening on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
Connecting devices for releasably attaching or detaching the development unit to or from the dryer unit, the discharge opening in the development unit housing being able to be arranged to match the feed opening in the dryer unit. 15. Device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 10, characterized in that the Opening part is provided with a slot, which is perpendicular to a conveying direction of the photosensitive Material extends, the slot in the Air blowing area for blowing the drying air onto the photosensitive material according to a Temperature change of those led into the insertion channel Drying air can be widened or narrowed. 16. A device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 15, characterized in that the device is further provided with:
a developing unit housing for covering the developing unit, the developing unit housing having a discharge opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
a dryer unit case for covering the developing unit, the dryer unit case having a feed opening on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
Connecting devices for releasably attaching or detaching the development unit to or from the dryer unit, the discharge opening in the development unit housing being able to be arranged to match the feed opening in the dryer unit. 17. A device for developing photosensitive material, the device being provided with:
a developing unit for developing a photosensitive material by immersing this material in developing solutions which are in developing solution tanks, the immersing taking place while the material is being conveyed;
a dryer unit for drying the photosensitive material after it has passed through the developing unit, the drying being done by blowing air on the material;
a drying air inlet duct for introducing drying air into the dryer unit, the drying air being supplied from a drying air source device arranged in the developing unit; and
an air flow adjuster formed on the inner wall of the drying air inlet duct to increase or decrease the air flow cross-sectional area in the drying air inlet duct in accordance with the temperature of the drying air supplied from the drying air source device. 18. A device for developing photosensitive material according to claim 17, characterized in that the device is further provided with:
a developing unit housing for covering the developing unit, the developing unit housing having a discharge opening on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
a dryer unit case for covering the developing unit, the dryer unit case having a feed opening on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material;
Connecting devices for releasably attaching or detaching the development unit to or from the dryer unit, the discharge opening in the development unit housing being able to be arranged to match the feed opening in the dryer unit. 19. Device for developing photosensitive material  according to claim 18, characterized in that the Air flow adjustment device for adjusting the Air flow cross section made of a bimetal alloy is made and the shape of one at a bend angle has angled adjusting plate, this Bending angle changes with temperature change Drying air changes, causing the air flow Cross-sectional area in the drying air inlet duct is enlarged or reduced.