JP2001051351A - Photo processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: Detecting a setting failure of a unit 11b with respect to a main body frame 3a with a simple configuration. Avoid costly equipment. SOLUTION: When the unit 11b reaches a reference position or a position deeper in the B direction than the reference position by pushing the unit 11b in the B direction, a positioning part 14 provided in the unit 11b is provided in the main body frame 3a. The unit 11b is fixed to the main body frame 3a by being fixed by the positioning block 15.
On the other hand, if the unit 11b is released before reaching the reference position, only the urging force in the A direction by the plunger unit 13 acts on the unit 11b, and as a result, the unit 11b moves in the A direction. Will jump out. The user can recognize the setting failure of the unit 11b on the main body frame 3a by recognizing the protrusion of the unit 11b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus which prints an image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film, and more particularly to a photographic processing apparatus which can slide in and out of an apparatus body. The present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus provided with a unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photographic processing apparatus generally has an exposure section, a development section and a drying section. In the exposure section, the negative film is irradiated with light to expose a photographic paper as a photosensitive material. The photographic paper exposed in the exposure unit is transported to a developing unit by a transport system including rollers, belts, and the like, where it is developed with a developer. Thereafter, the photographic paper to which the developer has been adhered is conveyed to a drying unit, dried by blowing hot air, and then discharged outside the machine.

In a conventional photographic processing apparatus, the above-mentioned transport system is composed of a plurality of units, and each unit is configured to be able to slide in and out of the apparatus main body. This is to cope with paper jams in the transport system that are likely to occur when using sheet-shaped photographic paper. That is, by configuring the transport system as described above, when a paper jam occurs, a predetermined unit can be pulled out and the jammed photographic paper can be easily removed. Since each unit can be slid in and out, anyone can easily remove the photographic paper.

After the above-mentioned unit is pulled out and the desired work is completed, the above-mentioned series of printing processes can be continuously performed by pushing the drawn-out unit into the original position.

At this time, if the setting of the unit to the original position is not accurate, a trouble such as a paper jam may recur. Therefore, conventionally, for example, an optical sensor detects whether the unit is defective or not, and if the unit is defective, informs the user of the defect and takes measures to prevent the above-described trouble in advance. Have been.

[0006] The above optical sensor comprises, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element face each other at a predetermined distance and are arranged on the main unit side. On the other hand, when the unit is set correctly, a light-shielding plate for shielding light from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element is arranged on the unit side. However, when the light receiving element is receiving the light, that is, when the apparatus is operated without blocking the light, the unit emits a warning sound by a buzzer or displays a warning on a monitor screen, thereby enabling the unit to operate. The user can be notified of the setting failure.

In addition, while a magnet is provided on the unit side, a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetism and generating a current corresponding to the magnetic force is provided on the apparatus main body side, and according to the amount of change in the current from the magnetic sensor, By sounding a warning sound or displaying a warning in the same manner as described above, it is also possible to notify the user of the unit setting failure.

[0008]

However, in the above-described configuration in which the optical sensor and the magnetic sensor are provided, in any case, an electrical control for generating a warning sound or displaying a warning is required. As a result, not only is the sensor expensive, but the design of the alert system itself is expensive,
Finally, there arises a problem that the cost of the apparatus itself is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to detect a unit setting defect with a simple configuration, thereby avoiding an increase in the cost of the apparatus. To provide a photographic processing apparatus capable of performing such operations.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus including a unit which can slide in and out of a main body of the apparatus. Unit urging means for urging the unit in the pull-out direction, and pushing the unit in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction corresponds to a position where the unit is properly set in the apparatus main body. A unit fixing means for fixing the unit at the reference position only when the unit reaches a reference position or a position deeper in the reverse direction than the reference position is provided.

According to the above configuration, when the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body by sliding in the direction opposite to the pull-out direction and reaches the reference position, the unit is fixed at the reference position by the unit fixing means. Even if the unit is pushed deeper than the reference position, the unit is pushed back to the reference position by the urging in the pull-out direction by the unit urging means, and is fixed there by the unit fixing means. As a result, the unit is set at an appropriate position with respect to the apparatus main body.

As described above, the unit pushed into the apparatus main body is fixed at the reference position only when the unit is pushed deeper including the reference position and when the unit reaches the reference position. Before the operation, the unit is not fixed to the apparatus main body.

Therefore, for example, before the unit reaches the reference position, the user assumes that the pushing of the unit has been completed, and releases the hand from the unit to stop pushing the unit. As a result, only the urging force is acting, so that the unit jumps out in the pulling-out direction. By recognizing that the unit has popped out, the user can recognize that the unit has been set improperly on the apparatus main body.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the user can recognize the unit setting failure without using an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. There is no need for dynamic control, and high costs do not need to be invested in device design. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the detection of the unit setting failure can be realized with a mechanically simple configuration in which the unit is protruded, and the cost increase of the apparatus can be reliably avoided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus comprising:
The unit fixing means includes a positioning member provided on the unit side, and a locking portion provided on the apparatus main body side and locking the positioning member at the reference position.

According to the above configuration, since the positioning member is locked by the locking portion at the reference position, the unit provided with the positioning member can be moved relative to the apparatus body provided with the locking portion. It can be securely fixed at the reference position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus, comprising:
The unit biasing means biases the unit with a force that can always keep the positioning member and the locking portion in close contact with each other when the unit is fixed.

According to the above arrangement, when the unit is fixed, the unit urging means urges the unit with an urging force such that the positioning member and the locking portion are always in close contact with each other. The unit does not rattle (vibrate) in the sliding direction due to close contact with the stop.
Thereby, the unit can be securely fixed at the reference position, and the positioning accuracy of the unit with respect to the apparatus main body can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the positioning member is locked by the locking portion when the unit is pulled out. Is slidably provided so as to be released.

According to the above configuration, when the unit is pulled out, if the positioning member is slid to release the locking by the locking portion, the fixed state of the unit to the apparatus main body is released. At this time, since only the urging force in the pull-out direction by the unit urging means acts on the unit, the unit jumps out in the pull-out direction. Therefore, the user can easily pull out the unit by using the momentum of the unit as long as the user releases the lock by the locking portion of the positioning member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the photographic processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the unit fixing means is arranged such that the positioning member is located at the reference position. As the unit is pushed into the apparatus body until it reaches, the positioning member is pressed and slid in a direction different from the sliding direction of the unit, and the pressing is released when the positioning member reaches the reference position. A pressing portion, further comprising an urging member for urging the positioning member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the pressing portion presses the positioning member, wherein the locking portion is released from being pressed by the pressing portion. It is characterized in that the positioning member is locked.

According to the above arrangement, when the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body, the positioning member is pressed by the pressing portion in a direction different from the sliding direction of the unit until the positioning member reaches the reference position. Slided. When the positioning member reaches the reference position, the pressing by the pressing portion is released. At this time,
Since the positioning member is urged by the urging member in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, the positioning member slides in the opposite direction with the release of the pressing and is locked by the locking portion. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the positioning member can be automatically locked by the locking portion according to the degree of pushing of the unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the unit is provided in a transport system for transporting the photosensitive material. It is characterized by having.

The transport system in the photographic processing apparatus is composed of, for example, a plurality of transport rollers and a transport belt. Such a transport system is composed of, for example, a plurality of units, and each unit can be slidably inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body.For example, paper jams in the transport system and replacement of worn transport rollers and transport belts, Maintenance such as in-machine cleaning can be easily performed.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The following is a description based on FIGS. 1 to 8.

The photographic processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a paper magazine 2, a printing unit 3, a developing unit 4 and a drying unit 5 are integrally provided, and under a centralized control by a computer 6, a series of printing images on photographic paper as a photosensitive material. Perform processing.

The paper magazine 2 has a predetermined size (width).
Of the photographic paper in a roll shape, for example, two photographic papers are provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body in accordance with the size of the photographic paper. The photographic paper of a desired size to be printed may be appropriately selected by an operator input to the computer 6, or may be automatically switched according to the size of an image to be printed on the photographic paper. There may be.

A cutter (not shown) is provided on the photographic paper transport path from the paper magazine 2 to the printing unit 3 so that the photographic paper can be cut and supplied to the printing unit 3 as needed. . That is, the photographic processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform exposure not only on roll-shaped photographic paper but also on sheet-shaped photographic paper.

The printing section 3 has an exposure section for exposing photographic paper supplied from the paper magazine 2 and a transport system. In the exposure section, in the case of the analog system, a negative film as a photographic film is conveyed to a position where the photographic paper can be exposed, and the photographic paper is exposed through the negative film. Thus, the image recorded on the negative film is printed on the photographic paper. On the other hand, in the case of the digital method, LC
Light modulation elements such as D (liquid crystal display), PLZT exposure head, and DMD (digital micromirror device) are arranged at positions where the photographic paper can be exposed. Then, for example, each pixel of the light modulation element is modulated in accordance with image data transmitted from the computer 6, and the image is printed on the photographic paper by exposing the photographic paper through each of the modulated pixels. The photographic paper exposed in the exposure unit is
The developer is transported to the developing unit 4 via the transport system.

The developing section 4 has respective processing tanks for accommodating respective processing solutions of a color developing solution, a bleach-fixing solution and a stabilizing solution, and transfers the printing paper, which has been printed in the printing section 3, to various processing tanks. Immersion is performed in order, and development processing is performed. The drying unit 5 dries the photographic paper processed in the developing unit 4 by blowing hot air, for example, and discharges the photographic paper out of the machine.

Next, the transport system of the printing unit 3 will be described. The transport system includes, for example, a plurality of units 11a and 11b as shown in FIG. Note that the number of units is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Then, each unit 11a, 11
In b, a plurality of transport rollers and a transport belt (not shown) that sandwich the photographic paper exposed by the exposure unit and transport the photographic paper to the developing unit 4 are provided.

Each of the units 11a and 11b is
Each unit 11a / 11b can be pulled out of the device,
It is configured to be slidable so that the drawn-out unit can be pushed into the original position inside the apparatus. In the present embodiment, for example, the units 11a and 11b can be slid in the width direction of the photographic paper being conveyed (the direction of the arrow in the figure). The sliding direction of the units 11a and 11b can also be referred to as a direction perpendicular to the photographic paper transport path.

By making each unit 11a, 11b slidable, anyone can easily make each unit 11a, 1b.
1b can be pulled out and pushed. Thus, for example, the units 11a and 11b are pulled out of the apparatus main body, and paper jams caused by paper jams in the transport system, replacement of worn transport rollers or transport belts, and removal of paper dust generated by cutting the roll-shaped photographic paper with the cutter are removed. Work, etc.
Anyone can easily maintain the equipment.
The above-mentioned paper jam is a trouble that is likely to occur particularly when a so-called scanning exposure method is adopted, in which a photographic paper is exposed in a digital manner while a photographic paper is being conveyed.

Here, the slide mechanism employed in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the unit 11b as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slide mechanism is
Two slide rails 12 and a plunger unit 13
, A positioning section 14 and a positioning block 15.

For the sake of convenience in the following description, the directions are defined as follows. The direction in which the unit 11b is slid, which is the direction in which the unit 11b is pulled out from the apparatus main body, is defined as direction A, and the direction opposite to the direction A, that is,
The direction in which b is pushed into the apparatus main body is defined as direction B. A direction perpendicular to the sliding direction in a horizontal plane is defined as one direction C, and a direction opposite to the C direction is defined as a D direction.

The slide rails 12 are arranged on one side surface of the body frame 3a, which is the outer frame of the printing section 3, so as to run in the sliding direction (AB direction) of the unit 11b. The unit 11b is attached to the slide rail 12 so as to slide along the slide rail 12. Note that, in FIG. 1, only the side surface of the unit 11b is extracted and drawn for easy understanding of the configuration of the slide mechanism.

The plunger unit 13 (urging means) urges the unit 11b in the pulling-out direction (A direction), and has a plunger shaft 21 having an axis in the AB direction as shown in FIGS. are doing. The tip 21a of the plunger shaft 21 on the A direction side is
It is possible to abut the side surface of the unit 11b opposite to 1a.

The plunger shaft 21 includes a DU bush 22 provided in this order from the B side, a coil-shaped compression spring 23 that expands and contracts in the AB direction, an E-ring 24,
The U bush 25 is provided so as to pass therethrough.
Of the above members, only the E-ring 24 is fixed to the plunger shaft 21 in a state where it is slightly inserted. The compression spring 23 is provided between the DU bush 22 and the E-ring 24 in a compressed state from a normal state. Accordingly, the B-side end of the compression spring 23 comes into contact with the DU bush 22 and the A-side end comes into contact with the E-ring 24 by the restoring force of the compression spring 23. As a result, a biasing force in the direction B by the compression spring 23 acts on the DU bush 22, while the compression spring 2
The biasing force in the direction A by 3 acts.

The DU bush 22 is provided with a support 26 which will be described later.
b through the hole for shaft penetration provided in the compression spring 2
3 from inside, that is, A
It is provided so as to close from the side, and is always urged in the B direction by the compression spring 23. Also, DU bush 25
Is provided so as to close a shaft through hole provided in a connecting portion 26a described later from the outside, that is, from the A side, and is screwed to the connecting portion 26a by a screw 27. The E-ring 24 urged in the direction A by the compression spring 23 moves to the B-
It comes into contact with the DU bush 25 projecting in the direction. This suppresses unnecessary projection of the plunger shaft 21 fixed to the E-ring 24 in the direction A.

Each member constituting the plunger unit 13 is held by a plunger unit holding portion 26. The plunger unit holding portion 26 has a connecting portion 26a through which the plunger shaft 21 is penetrated and is connected to the unit main body 3a by a screw 28, and is screwed to the connecting portion 26a by a screw 29, so that the connecting portion 2
The support portion 26b has a U-shaped cross section for supporting 6a.

With such a configuration, when the unit 11b is pushed in the direction B, the side surface of the unit 11b facing the end 21a of the plunger shaft 21 comes into contact with the end 21a, and the plunger shaft 21 is pressed in the direction B. Then, the E-ring 24 moves in the B direction as the plunger shaft 21 moves in the B direction, so that the compression spring 23 is pressed. At this time, B of the compression spring 23
Since the side end becomes a fixed end by contact with the DU bush 22, an urging force in the direction A according to the compression amount of the compression spring 23 is further applied to the E-ring 24. Then, the urging force in the A direction is applied to the plunger shaft 21 via the E-ring 24.
When the plunger shaft 21 moves in the direction A, the unit 11b in contact with the plunger shaft 21 is pushed back in the direction A.

When the E-ring 24 comes into contact with the DU bush 25 by the movement of the plunger shaft 21 in the direction A, the movement of the plunger shaft 21 in the direction A ends.
Unnecessary protrusion of the plunger shaft 21 in the direction A is suppressed.

The plunger unit 13 only needs to have a structure in which an urging force for pushing back in the direction A acts on the unit 11b pushed in the direction B. For example, a spring, a leaf spring, an elastic rubber, etc. It is sufficiently possible to constitute the plunger unit 13 with only one elastic member.

For example, the plunger unit 13 is formed by fixing the B-side end of the compression spring 23 to the inner wall of the support portion 26b and fixing the A-side end to the B-side end of the plunger shaft 21. It is also possible. FIG.
In the configuration of FIG. 5 and FIG. 5, when the plunger shaft 21 is pressed in the B direction, the B-side end of the plunger shaft 21 projects in the B direction from the support portion 26b. In addition, it is necessary to provide a gap in consideration of the amount of protrusion, but in the above configuration, the plunger shaft 21 does not protrude in the direction B. As a result, there is no need to provide the above gap,
The main body frame 3a and, consequently, the device itself can be reduced in size.

Positioning section 14 and positioning block 1
5 is a unit fixing means for fixing the unit 11b to the apparatus body at the reference position only when the unit 11b reaches a reference position or a position deeper in the B direction than the reference position by pushing the unit 11b in the B direction. Is composed. The above-mentioned reference position is the unit 1
1b corresponds to the position when the setting is properly performed on the main body frame 3a. First, the positioning unit 14
Will be described.

The positioning section 14 is provided integrally with the unit 11b, and has a positioning shaft 31 (positioning member) having an axis in the CD direction as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). . This positioning shaft 31
A knob 32 is attached to the C-side end of. The positioning shaft 31 is firstly moved from the knob 32 side.
The ring 33, the spring 34 (biasing member), the second ring 35, and the third ring 36 are fitted.

The first ring 33 and the third ring 36
In both cases, the unit 11 is supported via the support member 37 (see FIG. 1).
b. The positioning shaft 31 is slidable in the CD direction while being supported by the first ring 33 and the third ring 36. Further, the second ring 35 is fixed to the positioning shaft 31 between the first ring 33 and the third ring 36, and is movable integrally with the positioning shaft 31 in the CD direction. One end of the spring 34 is fixed to the first ring 33, while the other end is fixed to the second ring 35. Thus, the spring 34 can urge the positioning shaft 31 in the D direction via the second ring 35.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 6A, the spring 34 presses the second ring 35 in the direction D,
The ring 35 and the third ring 36 are in contact with each other. From this state, the knob 32 is pulled in the C direction (or the positioning shaft 31 is pressed in the C direction).
Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the second ring 35 moves in the C direction together with the positioning shaft 31. At this time, a spring 34 is provided between the first ring 33 and the second ring 35.
Is released, the tension of the knob 32 in the C direction (or the pressing of the positioning shaft 31 in the C direction) is released, and the urging force of the spring 34 in the D direction causes the second ring 35 to move in the D direction. To return to the state of FIG.

The positioning block 15 includes a unit 11b
Is for preventing the positioning portion 14 from moving in the direction A from the reference position when it is pushed into the reference position or deeper in the direction B than the reference position, and is provided on the main body frame 3a.

The positioning block 15 has a shaft pressing portion 41 and a concave portion 42 as shown in FIG. The shaft pressing portion 41 (pressing portion) has a slope pressing portion 41a inclined so that the positioning shaft 31 of the positioning portion 14 can be gradually pressed in the C direction as the unit 11b is pressed in the B direction, and a maximum force. And a flat pressing portion 41b which is maintained by the above. The shaft pressing portion 41 releases the pressing when the positioning shaft 31 reaches the reference position.

The recess 42 is provided corresponding to the reference position. In order to release the pressing of the positioning shaft 31 in the direction C when the unit 11b reaches at least the reference position by pushing the unit 11b in the direction B, the recess 42 is provided with a step in the CD direction from the flat pressing portion 41b. It has a shape depressed in the D direction so as to be attached. As a result, a side wall 42b (locking portion) for locking the positioning shaft 31 at the reference position is formed in the concave portion 42.

As shown in FIG. 8, the opening 42a of the recess 42 is formed in a shape in which the diameter of the positioning shaft 31 has a certain gap G. For example, when the diameter of the positioning shaft 31 is 6 mm, the maximum diameter of the opening is about 6.5 mm. Thus, the opening 4
By providing the gap G (maximum 0.5 mm in the above example) in the 2a, the positioning shaft 31
2, and even when the positioning shaft 31 is pushed a little deeper than the reference position in the direction B, the positioning shaft 31 surely enters the concave portion 42. The values of the diameters and the gap G described above are merely examples, and are not limited to these values.

Next, the operation of taking the unit 11b constituted by the above-mentioned slide mechanism into and out of the main body frame 3a will be described.

In the initial state in which the unit 11b is set on the main body frame 3a, the positioning shaft 31 of the positioning section 14 is fitted in the recess 42 of the positioning block 15 with a slight gap. Also, the unit 11b
Is the plunger shaft 21 of the plunger unit 13
And is urged in the direction A by the compression spring 23. That is, the unit 11b is connected to the body frame 3a.
During the setting, the urging force in the direction A is constantly applied to the unit 11b by the plunger unit 13. Thus, the positioning shaft 31 is locked by the side wall 42b of the concave portion 42.

The unit 11b is moved from the main body frame 3a to A
When the user pulls the knob 32 of the positioning shaft 31 in the direction C, the user pulls the knob 32 of the positioning shaft 31 in the C direction.
1 may be pulled out from the concave portion 42 to release the locking of the positioning shaft 31 by the side wall 42b. This allows
The fixed state of the positioning section 14 at the positioning block 15 is released, and the unit 11b is pushed out in the direction A by the urging force acting on the unit 11b. Thereafter, if the user manually slides the pushed-out unit 11b to a desired position, it is possible to perform a desired operation (for example, maintenance such as a paper jam in the transport system and cleaning in the apparatus).

When the unit 11b is returned to the main body frame 3a after the desired work is completed,
b is pushed in the B direction. At this time, the unit 11b
Before the setting to the main body frame 3a is completed, the plunger unit 21 comes into contact with the plunger shaft 21 of the plunger unit 13. Since the plunger shaft 21 is constantly urged in the direction A by the compression spring 23, it is necessary to push the unit 11b against this urging force.

On the other hand, when the unit 11b is pushed in the direction B, the positioning shaft 31 of the positioning section 14 attached to the unit 11b comes into contact with the slope pressing section 41a of the shaft pressing section 41 of the positioning block 15. Then, as the unit 11b is pushed in the B direction,
The positioning shaft 31 is gradually pressed in the C direction by the slope pressing portion 41a, and the maximum pressing is maintained by the flat pressing portion 41b.

For example, at this point, the user
Assuming that the setting of the unit 1b to the main body frame 3a is completed, the pressing of the unit 11b in the direction B is released, that is, when the unit 11b is released, the positioning shaft 31 is not yet fitted in the concave portion 42. Due to the urging force of the plunger unit 13 in the A direction, the unit 11b jumps out in the A direction. By this operation, the user can recognize that the unit 11b has a setting failure.

When the unit 11b reaches at least the reference position by further pushing the unit 11b in the direction B, the pressing of the positioning shaft 31 in the direction C by the shaft pressing part 41 is released, and the spring 3
4 is pushed back in the D direction by the urging force in the D direction, and fits into the recess 42. Even in this state, the plunger unit 1
When the user releases the unit 11b, the positioning shaft 31 is blocked by the side wall 42b of the concave portion 42 because the urging force of the unit 11b in the direction A is exerted by the unit 3. As a result, the unit 11b is not pushed back in the direction A from the reference position, and the unit 11b is set at an appropriate position with respect to the main body frame 3a.

On the other hand, even when the unit 11b is pushed deeper in the direction B than the reference position, the unit 11b
Is pushed back to the reference position by receiving the urging force in the direction A by the plunger unit 13. Also, unit 1
As long as 1b passes through the reference position in the B direction, the pressing of the positioning shaft 31 in the C direction by the shaft pressing portion 41 is released, and the positioning shaft 31 is pushed back in the D direction by the urging force of the spring 34 in the D direction. ing. Therefore,
Also in this case, the positioning shaft 31 is locked on the side wall 42b by the urging force of the plunger unit 13, and the unit 11b is set at an appropriate position on the main body frame 3a.

Therefore, the user can recognize that the setting of the unit 11b on the main body frame 3a is completed only by recognizing that the unit 11b is not pushed back in the direction A. At this time, the positioning shaft 3
1 is fitted into the concave portion 42a, and the mechanical collision noise of each member (for example, the second ring 3 in the positioning portion 14).
And the collision sound between the fifth ring and the third ring 36 or the collision sound between the tip of the positioning shaft 31 and the bottom of the concave portion 42) to recognize whether or not the unit 11b has been pushed to the reference position. Can be.

As described above, according to the present invention, the unit 11b
In the case of the set failure, the simple configuration in which the plunger unit 13 pushes the unit 11b back in the direction A detects the set failure. In this way, it is possible to mechanically recognize the setting failure without using an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, so that there is no need for electrical control to generate a warning sound or display a warning as in the past, and to design the device. There is no need to invest high costs. Also,
In the present invention, the plunger unit 13 and the positioning
4. It is necessary to provide mechanical parts such as the positioning block 15, but compared to electronic parts such as sensors,
It can be realized at a sufficiently low cost. Therefore, according to the present invention, the unit 1 has the simple configuration described above.
1b can be detected, and as a result, an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be reliably avoided. Further, since there is no need to use a sensor, there is no electrical trouble due to malfunction of the sensor.

Further, when the unit 11b is fixed to the main body frame 3a, the plunger unit 13 urges the unit 11b in the direction A by such a force as to always keep the positioning shaft 31 and the side wall 42b in close contact with each other. Since the preload is applied to 11b, rattling (vibration) in the sliding direction of unit 11b can be prevented. Further, since the unit 11b is always securely fixed at the reference position, the positioning accuracy of the unit 11b is improved.

Further, since the positioning block 15 is constituted by the shaft pressing portion 41 and the concave portion 42 and the positioning shaft 31 is urged in the direction D, the positioning is performed according to the degree of pushing the unit 11b in the direction B. The shaft 31 can be automatically locked by the side wall 42b.

In the above description, the configuration capable of detecting a setting failure of the unit 11b has been described by taking the unit 11b as an example. However, the same sliding mechanism as described above can be employed for the unit 11a.

In the above, an example in which the above-described slide mechanism is applied to the transport system has been described. However, the slide mechanism can be applied to, for example, the developing unit 4 in addition to the transport system. The developing unit 4
A tank is provided for storing a replenishing processing solution for replenishing various processing solutions. Therefore, it is possible to apply the slide mechanism of the present invention by unitizing one or a plurality of tanks. In addition to the above, the slide mechanism of the present invention can be applied to the photographic processing apparatus 1 that pulls out and pushes in a unit for performing maintenance or the like. It is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the plunger unit 13 is provided on the body frame 3a side, but may be provided on the unit 11b side.
In this case, for example, the tip 21 of the plunger shaft 21
The plunger unit 13 may be attached to the unit 11b so that a faces in the direction B.

Further, for example, the unit 11b may be provided with a concave portion having a U-shaped cross section so that the plunger unit 13 provided on the main body frame 3a is accommodated when the setting of the unit 11b is completed. In this embodiment,
Although it is necessary to design the body frame 3a slightly larger in consideration of the gap between the body frame 3a and the unit 11b corresponding to the size of the plunger unit 13, such a gap is taken into account in the configuration in which the recess is provided. Since it is not necessary to do so, it is possible to reduce the size of the main body frame 3a and thus the apparatus itself.

In this embodiment, the positioning section 14 is arranged on the unit 11b side, while the positioning block 15
Are arranged on the body frame 3a side, but they may be mounted on opposite sides of each other. In this case, only the CD direction is opposite to that of the present embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the concave portion 42 is provided in the positioning block 15 has been described. However, any configuration may be used as long as the positioning shaft 31 can be securely locked at the reference position. For example, a configuration may be provided in which a complete through-hole is provided or a step portion is simply provided at the reference position in the CD direction.

In this embodiment, the main body frame 3a
In, the plunger unit 13 is fixed to the side surface on which the slide rail 12 is provided (see FIG. 4), but may be fixed to a different surface. Instead of urging the unit 11b with the plunger unit 13, for example, a plate projecting from the unit 11b may be provided and the plate may be urged by the plunger unit 13.

The following configuration can be adopted instead of the positioning section 14 and the positioning block 15 in the present embodiment. That is, the roller that rolls on the slide rail 12 is provided on the unit 11b side, and a recess is provided so that the roller fits lightly into a portion of the slide rail 12 corresponding to the reference position. In this case, the unit fixing means of the present invention is constituted by the above-mentioned rollers and depressions. Even with this configuration, the unit 11
If b is not set properly, the unit 11b is pushed back in the direction A by the plunger unit 13. On the other hand, when the unit 11b is properly set up, the unit 11b is pushed back in the direction A so that the roller fits into the recess. Therefore, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

In this configuration, the above-mentioned rollers correspond to the positioning portions 14, and the above-mentioned hollows correspond to the positioning blocks 1.
5, the positioning section 14 and the positioning block 15 are further simplified. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the cost of the device.

In this configuration, since the unit 11b slightly vibrates when the roller fits into the depression, this configuration is effective when such vibration hardly affects the unit 11b.

[0076]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing apparatus comprising:
As described above, the unit urging means for urging the unit in the pull-out direction and the unit being pushed in the direction opposite to the pull-out direction allow the unit to be properly set in the apparatus main body. A unit fixing means for fixing the unit at the reference position only when the reference position corresponding to the position or a position deeper in the opposite direction than the reference position is reached.

Therefore, the unit pushed into the apparatus main body is fixed at the reference position only when the unit is pushed deeper including the reference position and the unit reaches the reference position. Previously, the unit was not fixed to the device body. Therefore, for example, before the unit reaches the reference position, the user assumes that the pressing of the unit is completed, and releases the hand from the unit to stop the pressing. As a result, the unit will fly out in the pull-out direction. By recognizing that the unit has popped out, the user can recognize that the unit has been set improperly on the apparatus main body.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the user can recognize the unit setting failure without using an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. There is no need for dynamic control, and high costs do not need to be invested in device design. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the detection of the unit setting failure can be realized by a mechanically simple configuration in which the unit is protruded, so that an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be reliably avoided.

As described above, in the photographic processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the unit fixing means includes a positioning member provided on the unit side and a positioning member provided on the apparatus main body side. And a locking portion for locking the positioning member at the reference position.

Therefore, the unit provided with the positioning member is securely fixed at the reference position with respect to the apparatus main body provided with the locking portion, so that the effect of the first aspect is reliably obtained. This has the effect that it can be performed.

In the photographic processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, as described above, in the configuration of the second aspect, the unit urging means always keeps the positioning member and the locking portion fixed when the unit is fixed. In this configuration, the unit is urged with a force capable of bringing the unit into close contact.

Therefore, the positioning member can always be locked to the locking portion when the unit is fixed by the urging force of the unit urging means. As a result, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the unit from rattling (vibrating) in the sliding direction and to securely fix the unit at the reference position. There is an effect that positioning accuracy with respect to the main body can be improved.

As described above, in the photographic processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second or third aspect, when the unit is pulled out, the locking by the locking portion is released. Is provided so as to be slidable.

Therefore, when the unit is pulled out, if the positioning member is slid to release the locking by the locking portion, the fixed state of the unit to the apparatus main body is released. As a result, the unit jumps out in the pull-out direction by the urging force of the unit urging means. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 2 or 3, the user can easily pull out the unit by using the momentum of the unit as long as the user releases the lock by the locking portion of the positioning member. This has the effect.

In the photographic processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, in the configuration of any of the second to fourth aspects, the unit fixing means keeps the unit until the positioning member reaches the reference position. As the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body, the pressing unit presses the positioning member in a direction different from the sliding direction of the unit and slides the same, while releasing the pressing when the positioning member reaches the reference position, An urging member for urging the positioning member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the pressing portion presses the positioning member, wherein the locking portion engages the positioning member released from being pressed by the pressing portion. It is a configuration to stop.

Therefore, when the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body, the positioning member is pressed and slid by the pressing portion in a direction different from the sliding direction of the unit until the positioning member reaches the reference position. When the positioning member reaches the reference position, the pressing by the pressing portion is released, and the positioning member slides in a direction opposite to the pressing direction by the urging force of the urging member, and is locked by the locking portion. Is done. Therefore, in addition to the effect of any one of the second to fourth aspects, there is an effect that the positioning member can be automatically locked by the locking portion according to the degree of pushing of the unit.

A photographic processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is configured as described above, wherein the unit is provided in a transport system for transporting the photosensitive material in any one of the first to fifth aspects. is there.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of any one of the first to fifth aspects, for example, it is possible to easily perform maintenance such as paper jams in the transport system, replacement of worn transport rollers or transport belts, and cleaning inside the apparatus. This has the effect that it can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a slide mechanism in a transport system of a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the photo processing apparatus and a computer connected to the photo processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the photographic processing apparatus showing that the photographic processing apparatus includes a plurality of units.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plunger unit provided in the slide mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the plunger unit.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views showing a schematic configuration of a positioning section provided in the slide mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a positioning block provided in the slide mechanism.

FIG. 8 is fitted in a concave portion of the positioning block;
It is sectional drawing which shows the positioning shaft of the said positioning part.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing apparatus 3a Main body frame 11a unit 11b unit 13 Plunger unit (unit urging means) 14 Positioning part (unit fixing means) 15 Positioning block (unit fixing means) 31 Positioning shaft (positioning member) 34 Spring (urging member) 41 Shaft pressing portion (pressing portion) 41a Slope pressing portion (pressing portion) 41b Flat pressing portion (pressing portion) 42b Side wall (locking portion)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A photographic processing apparatus provided with a unit which can be slidably inserted into and removed from an apparatus main body, wherein: a unit urging means for urging the unit in a pulling-out direction; The reference position corresponding to the position when the unit is properly set with respect to the apparatus main body, or
A photographic processing apparatus comprising: a unit fixing means for fixing the unit at the reference position only when the unit reaches a position deeper in the reverse direction than the reference position. 2. The unit fixing means includes a positioning member provided on the unit side, and a locking portion provided on the apparatus main body side and locking the positioning member at the reference position. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The unit urging means urges the unit with a force that can always bring the positioning member and the locking portion into close contact with each other when the unit is fixed. 3. The photographic processing apparatus according to 2. 4. The positioning member according to claim 2, wherein the positioning member is slidably provided so that the locking by the locking portion is released when the unit is pulled out.
Or a photographic processing apparatus according to 3. 5. The unit fixing means presses and slides the positioning member in a direction different from the sliding direction of the unit as the unit is pushed into the apparatus main body until the positioning member reaches the reference position. On the other hand, a pressing portion that releases the pressing when the positioning member reaches the reference position, and a biasing member that biases the positioning member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pressing portion presses the positioning member. 5. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a locking unit that locks the positioning member released from being pressed by the pressing unit. 6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said unit is provided in a transport system for transporting a photosensitive material.
The photographic processing device according to any one of the above.