Image forming device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming device in which processing solutions are appropriately applied to an image recording material such as a photosensitive material to form an image.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, when copying a color film original or a color printed original onto an image recording material such as a silver halide photographic photosensitive material, the photosensitive material is subjected to various processings such as exposure, developing, bleaching-fixing, washing and drying in that order.

During developing, bleaching-fixing and washing, the photosensitive material is successively immersed in a developing solution, a bleaching solution and washing water, which are processing solutions held in a developing tank, a bleaching-fixing tank, and a washing tank, respectively. In this way, the developing solution, the bleaching solution and the washing water are applied to the photosensitive material.

When a photosensitive material is immersed in and processed in a tank which holds processing solution, the processing solution is applied to the entire front and reverse surfaces of the photosensitive material, and a large amount of processing solution is required. Further, the processing solution becomes exhausted due to the processing, and becomes exhausted due to the processing solution oxidizing by contacting the air. If a large amount of photosensitive materials is processed continuously, an amount of processing solution corresponding to the exhausted amount will have to be replenished. Thus, in a system in which processing is carried out by a photosensitive material being immersed in a processing solution within a processing tank, problems arise in that a large amount of waste solution is generated, and processing to dispose of the processing solution is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device in which respective processings can be carried out by applying small amounts of processing solutions, and in which processing of waste solution is not necessary.

The first aspect of the present invention is an image forming device which, after exposing a silver halide photographic photosensitive material, subjects the silver halide photographic photosensitive material to at least developing and bleaching-fixing processings so as to form an image on the silver halide photographic photosensitive material, the silver halide photographic photosensitive material having, on a support, one or more photographic structural layers, at least one of the photographic structural layers containing at least one color developing agent and at least one dye forming coupler, the image forming device comprising: a processing solution applying device which applies a processing solution for developing onto only a surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided.

The second aspect of the present invention is an image forming device which, after exposing a silver halide photographic photosensitive material, subjects the silver halide photographic photosensitive material to at least developing and bleaching-fixing processings so as to form an image on the silver halide photographic photosensitive material, the silver halide photographic photosensitive material having, on a support, one or more photographic structural layers, at least one of the photographic structural layers containing at least one color developing agent and at least one dye forming coupler, the image forming device comprising: a processing solution applying device which applies a processing solution for bleaching-fixing onto only a surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided.

The third aspect of the present invention is an image forming device which forms an image on a silver halide photographic photosensitive material which has, on a support, one or more photographic structural layers, at least one of the photographic structural layers containing at least one color developing agent and at least one dye forming coupler, the image forming device comprising: a processing solution applying device which applies a processing solution for developing onto only a surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided; a processing solution applying device which applies a processing solution for bleaching-fixing onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided; and a processing solution applying device which applies a processing solution for an after-processing onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided.

In the image forming device of the present invention, it is preferable that the processing solution for developing, which is applied onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided, is an alkaline activating solution.

In accordance with the above-described structure, in any of the developing processing, bleaching-fixing processing and after-processing carried out on the silver halide photographic photosensitive material, the processing solution applying device applies the processing solution used in that step onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided, such that the processing is carried out.

In this way, processing can be carried out by applying the required processing solution onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply processing solution to portions of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which the processing solution is not needed. Thus, it is possible to use less processing solution. Moreover, there is no need to squeeze out the excess processing solution and then dry the photographic photosensitive material. There is no need for the image forming device, which subjects silver halide photographic photosensitive materials to developing processing, to utilize a large amount of processing solution. Thus, maintenance is facilitated, and stable developing processing can be carried out. In addition, the image forming device can be made more compact on the whole.

In the image forming device of the present invention, preferably, an amount of the processing solution, which is applied onto only the surface of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided, is an amount which is used up for the processing.

In accordance with this structure, in addition to the above-described operation and effects, in the image forming device of the present invention, the processing solution applying device applies the minimum required amount of processing solution, and all of the processing solution can be used up. Waste solution which has deteriorated due to repeated use is not generated, and there is no need to process waste solution.

In the image forming device of the present invention, preferably, the processing solution applying device has a plurality of nozzle holes, and the processing solution is sprayed simultaneously from the plurality of nozzle holes to be applied to the silver halide photographic photosensitive material.

In accordance with this structure, as additional operation and effects of the present invention, the processing solution applying device having the plural nozzle holes sprays the processing solution simultaneously from the nozzle holes. The processing solution is applied onto only the surface of the exposed silver halide photographic photosensitive material at which surface the one or more photographic structural layers are provided, such that processing for forming an image on the photosensitive material is carried out.

Further, because the processing solution applying device has a plurality of nozzle holes, the many drops of processing solution are sprayed so as to be applied uniformly onto the photographic photosensitive material.

The processing solution applying device sprays processing solution simultaneously from the nozzle holes. Thus, the processing solution can be applied to a large area by a single spraying, and the time required for application of the processing solution can be reduced.

In the image forming device of the present invention, preferably, the processing solution applying device has a plurality of nozzle holes which are arranged so as to be distributed along an entire transverse direction width of the silver halide photographic photosensitive material, the nozzle holes and the silver halide photographic photosensitive material are moved relative to one another, and the processing solution is sprayed from the plurality of nozzle holes to be applied to the photosensitive material.

In accordance with this structure, in addition to the operation and effects described above, because the processing solution applying device has a plurality of nozzle holes which are arranged so as to be distributed along the entire transverse direction width of the photosensitive material, the processing solution can be applied over the entire transverse direction width of the photosensitive material by a single spraying.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a front view illustrating a schematic structure of an entire image forming device relating to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2

is a schematic plan view illustrating the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3

is a schematic structural perspective view illustrating a flow of processing steps of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4

is an enlarged partial sectional rear view illustrating a partial section of an example of a structure as seen from the rear side of

FIG. 1

, with a portion of a processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention being removed.

FIG. 5

is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a solution spraying device portion of the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6

is a bottom view illustrating a state in which a photosensitive material is being conveyed beneath a solution spraying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7

is a sectional view of the solution spraying device, illustrating a cross-section along line VII—VII in

FIG. 6

of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8

is a sectional view illustrating a section, corresponding to

FIG. 7

, in a state in which water is being sprayed from the solution spraying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9

is a front view illustrating a state of use, wherein a portion of a rotating supporting mechanism, which supports the solution spraying device and is provided in the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention, is removed.

FIG. 10

is a front view corresponding to FIG.

9

and illustrating a solution discharging state, wherein a portion of the rotating supporting mechanism, which supports the solution spraying device and is provided in the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention, is removed.

FIG. 11

is a side view illustrating an example of the schematic structure of a felt pen type device which can be used as the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12

is a sectional view illustrating an example of the schematic structure of a roller beat type device which can be used as the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13

is a sectional view illustrating an example of the schematic structure of a geyser type device which can be used as the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14

is a side view illustrating an example of the schematic structure of a porous roller type device which can be used as the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15

is a side view illustrating an example of a schematic structure of a mist type device which can be used as the processing solution applying device of the image forming device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1

illustrates an overall schematic structure of an image forming device provided with a processing solution applying device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the image forming device illustrated in

FIG. 1

, a paper feed portion

12

is provided within a device main body

10

at the lower right side region thereof as shown in

FIG. 1. A

conveying path

14

that begins at the paper feed section

12

is provided continuously to a discharge opening

16

at the upper portion of the device main body

10

, while curving through the interior of the device main body

10

. Within the device main body

10

, on the conveying path

14

and in order from the paper feed section

12

are provided an exposure section

18

, a developing section

20

, a bleaching-fixing section

22

, a after-processing section

24

, a drying section

26

, and the discharge opening

16

. The exposure section

18

exposes an image onto a photosensitive material, which is an image recording material, which is sent in from the paper feed section

12

. The discharge opening

16

discharges the photosensitive material on which an image has been formed. These respective sections are automatically operated by a control section (not shown).

Further, a tank

28

for developing solution, a tank

30

for bleaching-fixing solution, a tank

32

for washing water, and a waste solution tank

34

are provided in the device main body

10

.

A photosensitive material, which is an image recording material formed in a strip-like form, is wound up in a roll form and is accommodated in the paper feed section

12

of the image forming device. The leading end portion of the photosensitive material which has been pulled out from the outer peripheral end portion of the roll is fed out onto the conveying path.

Feed rollers

36

are disposed along the conveying path

14

. The photosensitive material is nipped between rotating pairs of the feed rollers

36

so as to be fed along the conveying path

14

from the upstream side of the conveying path

14

near the paper feed section

12

to the downstream side of the conveying path near the discharge opening

16

.

The photosensitive material which is fed out onto the conveying path

14

from the paper feed section

12

is, while being conveyed on the conveying path

14

, cut into pieces of predetermined sizes by a cutter

38

disposed near the paper feed section

12

, and the cut photosensitive material is fed to the exposure section

18

.

At the exposure section

18

, color image signals inputted from a scanner (not shown) or the like are subjected to image processing, and the photosensitive material positioned at a predetermined position on the conveying path

14

is exposed by laser light sources of a semiconductor laser unit, such that a latent image is formed on the photosensitive material. The photosensitive material on which the latent image is formed is fed along the conveying path

14

to the developing section

20

.

The developing section

20

includes a processing solution applying device, a conveying device, and a heating temperature adjusting device. The processing solution applying device is, for example, as in the embodiments illustrated in

FIGS. 4-8

, an applying device

310

which applies processing solution for processing a photosensitive material onto only a surface of the photosensitive material at which surface the image forming layers are provided. A solution spraying device

312

is provided at the applying device

310

. As illustrated in

FIG. 4

, a developing solution bottle

332

, which contains developing solution to be fed to the solution spraying device

312

, is provided at the lower left (in

FIG. 4

) of the solution spraying device

312

. A filter

334

which filters the developing solution is provided above the developing solution bottle

332

. A solution feed pipe

342

, along which a pump

336

is disposed, connects the developing solution bottle

332

and the filter

334

.

An auxiliary tank

338

, which holds developing solution fed from the developing solution bottle

332

, is provided at the right side, in

FIG. 4

, of the solution spraying device

312

. A solution feed pipe

344

extends from the filter

334

to the auxiliary tank

338

.

Accordingly, when the pump

336

is activated, developing solution is fed from the developing solution bottle

332

to the filter

334

, and the developing solution which is filtered by passing through the filter

334

is fed to the auxiliary tank

338

where it is held temporarily.

A solution feed pipe

346

, which connects the auxiliary tank

338

and the solution spraying device

312

, is disposed therebetween. Developing solution, which is fed by the pump

336

from the developing solution bottle

332

via the filter

334

, the auxiliary tank

338

and the solution feed pipe

346

, is filled into the solution spraying device

312

.

One end of a circulating pipe

348

is connected to the developing solution bottle

332

. The circulating pipe

348

is connected to the auxiliary tank

338

such that it protrudes and extends into the auxiliary tank

338

. Of the developing solution stored in the auxiliary tank

338

, the developing solution in excess of that which is needed is returned to the developing solution bottle

332

through the circulating pipe

348

. Further, the developing solution bottle

332

is connected to the developing solution tank

28

shown in

FIG. 1

by a solution feed pipe (not shown), so that developing solution within the tank

28

can be replenished as needed to the bottle

332

. The developing solution bottle

332

and the developing solution tank

28

may be combined in a single structure.

As illustrated in

FIG. 4

, a chamber

354

, which is box-shaped and whose interior is hollow, is disposed at the side of the photosensitive material conveying path

14

opposite the side at which the solution spraying device

312

is disposed, at a position which is at the photosensitive material conveying direction downstream side of the solution spraying device

312

. The upper portion of the chamber

354

is covered by a heating plate

356

which serves as a heating temperature adjusting device and is a smooth, flat plate in which a heater or the like (not shown) is included. Plural suction holes

358

, which pass through between the interior and exterior of the chamber

354

, are formed at equal intervals in the heating plate

356

.

A fan (not shown) for sucking air from the interior of the chamber

354

is provided at one end side of the chamber

354

. A duct

362

connects the fan and the chamber

354

.

By operating the fan, the air within the chamber

354

is sucked via the duct

362

, and accordingly, a non-coated surface (the bottom side surface in

FIG. 4

) of the photosensitive material is sucked by the suction holes

358

of the suction plate

356

, and the heating plate

356

heats the photosensitive material on the conveying path

14

and guides the photosensitive material.

Conveying rollers

364

, which are a conveying device, are disposed on the photosensitive material conveying path

14

at the downstream side of the solution spraying device

312

and the heating plate

356

. The conveying rollers

364

squeeze out, from the photosensitive material to which the developing solution has been applied, excess developing solution, and convey the photosensitive material.

Because the bleaching-fixing section

22

has the same structure as that described above, description thereof will be omitted. However, in place of the developing solution bottle

332

, in the bleaching-fixing section

22

, a bleaching-fixing bottle which holds bleaching solution is provided. The bleaching solution bottle is connected by a solution feed pipe (not shown) to the bleaching-fixing fixing solution tank

30

illustrated in

FIG. 1

, such that bleaching solution in the tank

30

can be replenished to the bleaching solution bottle as needed. The bleaching solution bottle and the bleaching-fixing solution tank

30

may be combined into a single structure.

As illustrated in

FIGS. 6 and 7

, a nozzle plate

322

, which is formed by bending a thin, rectangular, elastically-deformable plate, forms a portion of a wall surface of the solution spraying device

312

, and is disposed so as to oppose the conveying path

14

of the photosensitive material.

As is shown in

FIGS. 6 and 7

, plural nozzle holes

324

(respectively having a diameter of, for example, several tens of μm), which spray the developing solution filled in the solution spraying device

312

, are formed in the nozzle plate

322

so as to be aligned at fixed intervals in a straight line along a direction intersecting a conveying direction A of a photosensitive material

40

over the entire transverse direction of the photosensitive material

40

. As a result, the developing solution in the solution spraying device

312

can be discharged toward the photosensitive material

40

from the nozzle holes

324

.

As is shown in

FIGS. 4 and 5

, an exhaust pipe

330

extends from the top portion of the solution spraying device

312

, and communicates the interior and the exterior of the solution spraying device

312

. A valve (not shown) for opening and closing the exhaust pipe

330

is provided at the exhaust pipe

330

. By opening and closing the valve, the interior of the solution spraying device

312

is made to communicate with or is closed of from the outside air.

As can be seen in

FIG. 7

, the end portions of the nozzle plate

322

, which are the end portions of the nozzle plate

322

positioned in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the linearly-aligned plural nozzle holes

324

, are adhesively connected by an adhesive or the like to a pair of lever plates

320

, so that the nozzle plate

322

and the lever plates

320

are thereby connected. The lever plates

320

are fixed to side walls

312

A via thin-width supporting portions

312

B formed at the bottom portions of the side walls

312

A.

Respective portions of a pair of top walls

312

C, which abut against each other and form the top surface of the solution spraying device

312

, project toward the outer sides of the solution spraying device

312

. Plural piezo-electric elements

326

which are actuators are adhered beneath the projecting top walls

312

C. (In the present embodiment, there are three piezo-electric elements

326

beneath each top wall

312

C.) The outer end sides of the lever plates

320

are adhered to the bottom surfaces of the piezo-electric elements

326

, so that the piezo-electric elements

326

and the lever plates

320

are connected.

The lever plate

320

, the side wall

312

A, the supporting portion

312

B and the top wall

312

C are portions of an integrally formed frame

314

. As illustrated in

FIG. 7

, a pair of frames

314

are placed together and are fastened together by screws and bolts (not shown), so that a pair of the lever plates

320

, a pair of the side walls

312

A, a pair of the top walls

312

C and a pair of the supporting portions

312

B are disposed to oppose each other. In this state, the external frame of the solution spraying device

312

is formed.

As can be seen in

FIGS. 5 and 6

, thin sealing plates

328

are adhered to the pair of frames

314

at portions defined by left and right ends of the nozzle plate

322

, which are the end portions of the nozzle plate

322

positioned in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle holes

324

, and by the end portions of the pair of frames

314

.

An elastic adhesive which is, for example, a silicone rubber adhesive, is filled in at the inner sides of the sealing plates

328

in the gaps formed between the sealing plates

328

and the left and right ends of the nozzle plates

322

and in the gaps formed between the sealing plates

328

and the end portions of the pair of frames

314

, so that developing solution does not leak therefrom. Accordingly, the gaps at the supplying tank

312

can be sealed by an elastic adhesive without hindering the movement of the left and right ends of the nozzle plate

322

. Further, the left and right ends of the solution spraying device

312

may be sealed by using only an elastic adhesive and without using the thin sealing plates

328

.

When electricity is supplied from the power source to the piezo-electric elements

326

, as illustrated in

FIG. 8

, the piezo-electric elements

326

extend, and as the lever plates

320

rotate around the supporting portions

312

B, the nozzle plate

322

is displaced while being deformed so that the piezo-electric elements

326

cause the central portion of the nozzle plate

322

to rise up along the arrow B. As the nozzle plate

322

is deformed, the pressure of the developing solution within the solution spraying device

312

increases such that small amounts of the developing solution L are sprayed at once in a line from the nozzle holes

324

.

The solution spraying device

312

of the bleaching-fixing section

22

has the same structure and the same operation as those described above.

The solution spraying device

312

is provided with a solution discharging device which discharges processing solution from the solution spraying device

312

after the spraying operation of the processing solution has been completed. The solution discharging device is formed such as the structure illustrated in, for example,

FIGS. 9 and 10

, such that, while the solution discharging device is not in use (is not carrying out spraying operation), the processing solution does not contact the nozzle hole portions

324

of the solution spraying device

312

so as to prevent the moisture in the processing solution at the nozzle hole portions

324

from evaporating and the components from precipitating and clogging the nozzle holes

324

.

Namely, the solution discharging device of the solution spraying device

312

is structured so as to be rotatable by a rotating supporting mechanism between the state of use shown in FIG.

9

and the solution discharging state shown in FIG.

10

. In order to form the rotating supporting mechanism, a fixed gear portion

366

, which is formed in a fan-shape as one portion of a large-diameter outer-tooth gear, is fixed to a stand of the device main body

10

. One end portion of an arm member

368

is rotatably set at the center of the fixed gear portion

366

so as to be concentric with the fixed gear portion

366

at a shaft pin

370

.

A shaft hole

372

is formed in the other end portion of the arm member

368

. A shaft rod

376

of a driven gear

374

which is a small-diameter outer tooth gear is rotatably set in the shaft hole

372

. The driven gear

374

which is rotatably set at the free end of the arm member

368

in this way is disposed so as to rotate while meshing with the outer teeth of the fixed gear portion

366

. The shaft rod

376

of the driven gear

374

is fixed to respective end portions of the sealing plates

328

at the frames

314

of the solution spraying device

312

such that the driven gear

374

and the solution spraying device

312

rotate integrally.

A cam mechanism serving as a driving operating device for rotating the arm member

368

is provided. In order to form the driven section of the cam mechanism, a driven side

378

, which extends out in an inverse-L shaped cross-section, is formed integrally with a longitudinal direction upper side portion of the arm member

368

.

A circular-plate-shaped plate cam

380

, with a rotating driving shaft

382

fixed to an eccentric position thereof, serves as the driving section of the cam mechanism. The outer periphery of the plate cam

380

slides on the bottom surface of the driven side

378

.

In the state of use illustrated in

FIG. 9

of the solution spraying device

312

which is supported by the rotating supporting mechanism as described above, the arm member

368

is supported such that the solution spraying device

312

abuts the driven side

378

at a predetermined position at which the distance between the arm member

368

and the rotating driving shaft

382

on the outer periphery of the plate cam

380

approaches the minimum, and the driven gear

374

which is rotatably supported at the arm member

368

meshes with the fixed gear portion

366

such that the rotation of the driven gear

374

is stopped. The state of use is held thereby.

Next, when use of the image forming device is finished, when the processing solution is to be removed from the solution spraying device

312

, the solution spraying device

312

is rotated and turned sideways, so as to be set in the solution disposal state. This is accomplished as follows. The plate cam

380

, which is integral with the rotating driving shaft

382

, is rotated 180° by the driving source (not shown) from the state of use illustrated in FIG.

9

. Therefore, the plate cam

380

is rotated while the outer periphery thereof is slid along the driven side

378

, and at a predetermined position at which the distance from the rotating driving shaft

382

at the outer periphery of the plate cam

380

to the arm member

368

becomes large, the plate cam

380

abuts the driven side

378

so that the arm member

368

is supported. By rotating the plate cam

380

, the arm member

368

is rotated. The solution spraying device

312

is rotated 90° integrally with the driven gear

374

meshed with the fixed gear portion

366

, so as to be set in the sideways oriented state illustrated in FIG.

10

.

In the solution disposing state illustrated in

FIG. 10

, the processing solution in the solution spraying device

312

flows backward through the solution feed pipe

346

to be discharged of. At this time, when the solution spraying device

312

is rotated sideways as illustrated in

FIG. 10

, in this state, the pipe opening of the solution feed pipe

346

, which opens to the solution holding chamber inner wall of the solution spraying device

312

, is disposed lower, along the vertical direction, than the position of the nozzle holes

324

of the nozzle plate

322

. Thus, when the solution within the solution spraying device

312

is to be discharged out from the solution feed pipe

346

, the level of the processing solution remaining in the solution spraying device

312

is lower than the position of the nozzle holes

324

, and thus, in the state in which the solution spraying device

312

is turned sideways, the processing solution remaining in the solution holding chamber does not contact the nozzle holes

324

portion. In this way, at the nozzle holes

324

portion, evaporation of moisture from the processing solution and clogging of the nozzle holes

324

due to the components precipitating can be prevented.

Until the image forming device is used again, the solution spraying device

312

is on stand-by in the above-described sideways-turned state. Then, when the image forming device is to be used again, by operating the rotating supporting mechanism in the opposite order of the operations described above, the solution spraying device

312

can be returned from the solution discharging state illustrated in

FIG. 10

to the position for the usage state illustrated in

FIG. 9

, and processing operation is started again.

In addition to the above-described structure, the processing solution applying device may be structured as illustrated, for example, in

FIGS. 11 through 15

. Among these structures, there are those in which the direction of application is opposite to the above-described spray type, i.e., processing solution is applied from the bottom of the photosensitive material. Therefore, in such cases, the conveying device is disposed such that the photosensitive material is conveyed with the surface to be coated thereof facing downward.

The device illustrated in

FIG. 11

is a so-called felt type device in which a felt coating member

42

, which serves as a hard body and which is soaked with processing solution, is slid only on a photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A which is one surface of the photosensitive material

40

so as to apply the processing solution thereto. In this felt type processing solution applying device, control is effected such that developing solution which is a processing solution is fed by a processing solution supplying device (not shown) from the developing solution tank

28

to the felt coating member

42

which is formed from a blade-shaped felt material which is an absorbent elastic body, and such that the amount of developing solution supplied by a supply amount controlling device

44

for the developing solution is an appropriate amount.

The processing solution applying device illustrated in

FIG. 12

is a so-called roller beat type device. A roller

47

, of which at least a portion thereof is immersed in processing solution in a processing solution tank

46

, is made to roll on and contact only the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A which is one surface of the photosensitive material

40

, so as to apply the processing solution thereto.

The processing solution applying device illustrated in

FIG. 13

is what is known as a geyser type device. A viscous processing solution is pushed out from a slit member

48

, and is applied to only the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A which is one surface of the photosensitive material

40

.

The processing solution applying device illustrated in

FIG. 14

is a porous roller type device. In a state in which processing solution is supplied to the interior of a porous roller

50

such that the porous roller

50

becomes soaked therewith, the porous roller

50

is rotated while contacting the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A which is one surface of the photosensitive material, so as to apply the processing solution thereto.

The processing solution applying device illustrated in

FIG. 15

is a mist type device. Processing solution from a misting device

51

is sprayed only onto the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A which is the bottom surface of the photosensitive material

40

, so as to be applied thereto.

In the developing section

20

structured as described above, at the upstream side of the conveying device, processing solution is applied by the processing solution applying device to the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

which is being conveyed. Chemical reactions take place while the photosensitive material

40

to which the processing solution has been applied is conveyed by the conveying device while being heated and maintained at a predetermined temperature by the heating temperature adjusting device. Developing processing is completed, and the photosensitive material

40

is then fed to the bleaching-fixing section

22

.

The bleaching-fixing section

22

includes a processing solution applying device, a conveying device, and a heating temperature adjusting device. In the present embodiment, the bleaching-fixing section

22

is structured similarly to the above-described developing section

20

.

In the bleaching-fixing section

22

, at the upstream side of the conveying device, processing solution is applied by a processing solution applying device to the photosensitive material emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

which is being conveyed by conveying rollers

364

. While the photosensitive material

40

to which processing solution has been applied is conveyed by the conveying device while being heated and maintained at a predetermined temperature by the heating temperature adjusting device, chemical reactions take place and bleaching-fixing processing is completed.

The structures of the developing section

20

and the bleaching-fixing section

22

are not limited to the above-described structures, and various other structures are possible.

The photosensitive material which has been processed at the developing section

20

and then at the bleaching-fixing section

22

which follows thereafter is conveyed to the after-processing section

24

along the conveying path

14

.

As illustrated by the schematic structural view of the entire image forming device in

FIG. 1

, the after-processing section

24

is structured by eight cascades

52

(

52

A,

52

B,

52

C,

52

D,

52

E,

52

F,

52

G,

52

H), which are disposed in a row from a first to an eighth cascade

52

aligned from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveying path

14

. Each of the cascades

52

(

52

A,

52

B,

52

C,

52

D,

52

E,

52

F,

52

G,

52

H) has a processing solution chamber

54

and a squeeze chamber

56

disposed adjacent to and at the downstream side of the processing solution chamber

54

.

One or more processing solution rollers

58

, which correspond to the emulsion surface which is one surface of the photosensitive material, and which serve as a processing solution applying device which is a hard phase, are supported at each of the processing solution chambers

54

. (In the present embodiment, there are two processing rollers

58

for each processing solution chamber

54

.) The processing solution roller

58

is formed by an absorbent, elastic body such as a foamed sponge with continuous pores, a foamed sponge with independent pores, an isotropic or anisotropic sponge, or is formed from a material such as stainless steel. In each of the processing solution chambers

54

, the processing solution rollers

58

are disposed so as to border on the upper side open portion of the processing solution chamber

54

. Water serving as a processing solution is held within each processing solution chamber

54

such that the water level is at an extent so that about one half of the processing solution roller

58

in the radial direction thereof is submerged. The processing solution rollers

58

are structured so as to be driven forward and in reverse by a motor and a rotational force transmitting mechanism (both not shown).

The after-processing section

24

is structured such that the vertical direction positions of the cascades

52

A through

52

H rise successively in a stepwise form from the most upstream side first cascade

52

A to the most downstream side eighth cascade

52

H.

A solution feed device (not shown) is provided between each of the cascades

52

. The solution feed device forms a dam and a solution path so that solution can flow, without backflowing, from the eighth cascade

52

H, which is at the highest position, to the next highest seventh cascade

52

G, and from the seventh cascade

52

G to the sixth cascade

52

F and the like. Further, water stored in the washing water tank

32

is supplied to the processing solution chamber

54

of the eighth cascade

52

H by a solution feed device (not shown) which can control the amount of flow. Moreover, a solution discharging device (not shown) is connected to the processing solution chamber

54

of the first cascade

52

A, so that solution in excess of the predetermined amount housed in this processing solution chamber

54

is discharged to the waste solution tank

34

.

In the after-processing section

24

structured as described above, the fresh water (or rinsing solution) supplied to the eighth cascade

52

H by the supplying device from the washing water tank

32

flows, due to the solution feed devices, from the eighth cascade

52

H via the seventh cascade

52

G, the sixth cascade

52

F, fifth cascade

52

E, fourth cascade

52

D, third cascade

52

C and second cascade

52

B to the first cascade

52

A, and is discharged into the waste solution tank

34

by the solution discharging device.

The squeeze rollers

60

, serving as a squeezing device, are provided in the squeeze chamber

56

at each cascade

52

. The pair of squeeze rollers

60

are disposed parallel to one another and such that they are rotated with the respective outer peripheries thereof contacting one another. By the photosensitive material being nipped between the pair of squeeze rollers

60

and the rollers rotating, the solution adhering to the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material is squeezed out and the photosensitive material is conveyed.

In the after-processing section

24

structured as described above, the photosensitive material, which has been processed in the developing section

20

and the bleaching-fixing section

22

and to which is adhered remaining solutions of the solutions used in processing the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material, is conveyed from the feed rollers

36

of the conveying path

14

into the first cascade

52

A. The photosensitive material enters into the processing solution chamber

54

of the first cascade

52

A, and the emulsion surface which is one surface of the photosensitive material contacts the processing solution rollers

58

. The photosensitive material is conveyed to the squeezing chamber

56

while being wiped such that the concentration of the remaining solutions on the emulsion surface is reduced by substantially half by the washing water adhering to the processing solution rollers

58

. In the squeezing chamber

56

, the washing water adhering to the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material is squeezed out by the squeezing rollers

60

, and the photosensitive material is then fed into the second cascade

52

B. At this time, in the processing solution chamber

54

of the first cascade

52

A, the remaining processing solutions adhering to the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material adhere to the processing solution rollers

58

and become mixed in with the washing water within the processing solution chamber

54

. Therefore, the concentration of the remaining solutions in the washing water is highest in the washing water in the processing solution chamber

54

of the first cascade

52

A. Further, due to the solution feed device, the washing water in the processing solution chamber of the first cascade

52

A does not become mixed in with the washing water in the processing solution chamber of the second cascade

52

B, and due to the squeezing rollers

60

, the washing water of the first cascade

52

A does not adhere to the photosensitive material by squeezing and does not become mixed in with the washing water of the second cascade

52

B.

Thus, the photosensitive material, whose concentration of residual solutions on the emulsion surface thereof were reduced by substantially half in the first cascade

52

A, is fed into the second cascade

52

B. The remaining solutions on the emulsion surface, whose concentration has been cut by substantially half, are wiped by the processing rollers

58

such that the concentrations thereof are reduced to substantially one-quarter. In this way, the concentration of residual solutions in the washing water in the processing chamber

54

of the second cascade

52

B is the second highest overall. From the third through the eighth cascades

52

C through

52

H, i.e., from the upstream side to the downstream side of the path along which the photosensitive material is conveyed within the after-processing section

24

, the concentration of residual solutions in the washing water within the respective processing solution chambers

54

gradually decreases. Near the eighth cascade

52

H, the concentration of residual solutions adhering to the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material has decreased to a level sufficiently below the standard level below which residual solutions affect photosensitive materials, and washing processing, which is an after-processing, of the photosensitive material is completed.

The after-processing section

24

is provided with an evaporation preventing device which covers the processing solution chambers

54

, the processing solution rollers

58

, the squeeze rollers

60

and the like with a housing or the like so as to prevent processing solution from evaporating therefrom into the atmosphere.

The after-processing section

24

is also provided with a washing device which, when the after-processing section

24

is not being used, automatically passes the liquid within the washing liquid tank

32

through the pipe

62

and applies the liquid uniformly to the squeezing rollers

60

so as to wash them. The waste solution after washing falls down into the squeezing chambers

56

and is discharged out to the waste solution tank

34

through a discharging pipe (not shown). Further, it is also possible to provide a washing device (not shown) which automatically washes the processing solution rollers

58

with washing solution. If a large amount of washing solution is supplied to the eighth cascade

52

H from a solution supplying device, the solution will be supplied by the solution feed devices to the other seventh through first cascades. Therefore, the respective processing solution rollers

58

are washed with the washing solution, and dirt can be washed off therefrom. The processing solution used in the after-processing section

24

is not limited to water or a rinsing solution, and a stabilizer or other processing solution may be used, and the after-processing section

24

can be used for other purposes.

As illustrated in

FIG. 1

, the photosensitive material which was subjected to washing processing in the above-described after-processing section

24

is fed along the conveying path

14

to the drying section

26

.

At the drying section

26

, the photosensitive material is conveyed on a belt conveying device

74

using heat rollers

72

, and warm air is blown from a warm air device

76

onto the emulsion surface of the photosensitive material which is warmed for drying, so as to dry the photosensitive material.

The photosensitive material which has been dried in the drying section

26

is fed out, as a completed product, from the discharge opening

16

onto the receiving tray

10

A at the upper portion of the device main body

10

and is stacked on the tray

10

A.

Next, the photosensitive material and the respective processing solutions used in the image forming device of the present embodiment will be described.

The photosensitive material

40

used in the image forming device is a photosensitive material which contains a color developing agent, and the structure thereof is as follows.

Preparation of Photosensitive Material

A gelatin undercoat layer containing sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate which had been subjected to corona discharge processing was provided on a paper support whose both surfaces had been laminated with polyethylene. Various types of emulsions were coated on the undercoat layer, so as to prepare a multi-layer color photographic printing paper (100) having the following structure. The coating solutions were prepared as follows.

First Layer Coating Solution

23 g of a coupler (C-21), 16 g of a reducing agent for coloring (I-32), and 80 g of a solvent (Solv-1) were dissolved in ethyl acetate. This solution was emulsified and dispersed in 400 g of a 16% gelatin aqueous solution containing 10% sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and citric acid, so as to prepare emulsified dispersion A. Further, a silver chlorobromide emulsion A was prepared (cubic; a mixture containing large grain size emulsion A having an average particle size of 0.88 μm and small grain size emulsion A having an average particle size of 0.70 μm in a ratio of 3:7 (silver mol ratio); coefficient of variation of the particle size distribution being 0.08 and 0.10, respectively; the emulsions of both sizes existing locally in an amount of 0.3 mol % of silver bromide on the surface of the particle whose base was silver chloride). The following blue-sensitive sensitizing dyes A, B, C were added to the emulsion A, each in an amount of 1.4×10

−4

mol per mol of silver of large size emulsion A and 1.7×10

−4

mol per mol of silver of small size emulsion A. Chemical ripening of the emulsion was carried out optimally by adding a sulfur sensitizer and a gold sensitizer. The emulsified dispersion A was mixed and dissolved with this silver chloride bromide emulsion A, so as to prepare a first layer coating solution having the following composition. The coated amount of the emulsion is a silver-converted coated amount.

The coating solutions for the second layer through the seventh layer were prepared in the same manner as the first layer coating solution. 1-oxy-3,5-dichloro-s-triazine sodium salt was used as the gelatin hardener for each layer.

Further, Cpd-2, Cpd-3, Cpd-4, and Cpd-5 were added to each layer such that the total amounts thereof were 15.0 mg/m

2

, 60.0 mg/m

2

, 5.0 mg/m

2

, and 10.0 mg/m

2

.

The following spectral sensitizing dyes were used in the silver chlorobromide emulsions of the respective photosensitive emulsion layers.

(Each sensitizing dye was added in the following amounts: 1.4×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion, and 1.7×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion.)

(Sensitizing dye D was added in an amount of 3.0×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion, and 3.6×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion. Sensitizing dye E was added in an amount of 4.0×10

−5

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion, and 7.0×10

−5

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion. Sensitizing dye F was added in an amount of 2.0×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion and 2.8×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion.)

Red Sensitive Emulsion Layer

Each of sensitizing dyes G and H was added in the following amounts (2.5×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion, and 4.0×10

−4

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion).

(Each of sensitizing dyes G and H was added in the following amounts: 5.0×10

−5

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the large grain size emulsion, and 8.0×10

−5

mol per 1 mol of silver halide of the small grain size emulsion.)

Further, per 1 mol of silver halide, 2.6×10

−3

mol of the following compound was included in the red sensitive emulsion layer.

1-(5-methyl-ureidophenyl)-5-mercaptotetrazol was added in amounts, per 1 mol of silver halide, of 3.3×10

−4

mol, 1.0×10

−3

mol, and 5.9×10

−4

mol to the blue sensitive emulsion layer, the green sensitive emulsion layer, and the red sensitive emulsion layer, respectively.

In addition, 1-(5-methyl-ureidophenyl)-5-mercaptotetrazol was added in amounts of 0.2 mg/m

2

, 0.2 mg/m

2

, 0.6 mg/m

2

, 0.1 mg/m

2

to the second, fourth, sixth and seventh layers, respectively.

4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1,3,3a,7-tetrazaindene was added in amounts of 1×10

−4

mol and 2×10

−4

mol, per 1 mol of silver halide, to the blue sensitive emulsion layer and the green sensitive emulsion layer, respectively.

In order to prevent irradiation, the following dyes were added to the emulsion layers (the blue or red sensitive emulsion layers corresponding to each of the dyes shown below). (The amounts in parentheses express the coated amounts.)

Layer Structure

The structures of the respective layers were as follows. The values are coated amounts expressed in (g/m

2

). The silver halide emulsion is expressed in silver-converted coated amounts.

Support

Polyethylene Laminate Sheet

(The following fluorescent whitening agents (I) and (II), white pigment (TiO

2

, 15 wt %), and blue dye (ultramarine blue) were contained in the polyethylene at the first layer side.)

First Layer (Blue Sensitive Emulsion Layer)

silver chloride bromide emulsion A

0.20

gelatin

1.50

yellow dye-forming coupler (C-21)

0.23

reducing agent for coloring (I-32)

0.16

solvent (Solv-1)

0.80

Second Layer (Color Mixing Preventing Layer)

gelatin

1.09

color mixing preventing agent (Cpd-6)

0.11

solvent (Solv-2)

0.19

solvent (Solv-3)

0.07

solvent (Solv-4)

0.25

solvent (Solv-5)

0.09

1,5-diphenyl-3-pyrazolidone

0.03

(particle solids dispersed state)

Third Layer (Green Sensitive Emulsion Layer)

Silver chloride bromide emulsion B was cubic, and was a mixture containing large grain size emulsion B having an average particle size of 0.55 μm and small grain size emulsion B having an average particle size of 0.39 μm in a ratio of 1:3 (silver mol ratio). The coefficients of variation of the particle size distribution were 0.10 and 0.08, respectively. The emulsions of both sizes existed locally in an amount of 0.8 mol % of AgBr on the surface of the particle whose base was silver chloride.

silver chlorobromide emulsion B

0.20

gelatin

1.50

magenta dye-forming coupler (C-56)

0.24

reducing agent for coloring (I-32)

0.16

solvent (Solv-1)

0.80

Fourth Layer (Color Mixing Preventing Layer)

gelatin

0.77

color mixing preventing agent (Cpd-6)

0.08

solvent (Solv-2)

0.14

solvent (Solv-3)

0.05

solvent (Solv-4)

0.14

solvent (Solv-5)

0.06

1,5-diphenyl-3-pyrazolidone

0.02

(particle solids dispersed state)

Fifth Layer (Red-Sensitive Emulsion Layer)

Silver chlorobromide emulsion C was cubic, and was a mixture containing large grain size emulsion C having an average particle size of 0.50 μm and small grain size emulsion C having an average particle size of 0.41 μm in a ratio of 1:4 (silver mol ratio). The coefficients of variation of the particle size distribution were 0.09 and 0.11, respectively. The emulsions of both sizes existed locally in an amount of 0.8 mol % of AgBr on the surface of the particle whose base was silver chloride.

silver chlorobromide emulsion C

0.20

gelatin

0.15

cyan dye-forming coupler (C-43)

0.21

reducing agent for coloring (I-16)

0.20

solvent (Solv-1)

0.80

Sixth Layer (Ultraviolet Light Absorbing Layer)

gelatin

0.64

ultraviolet light absorber (UV-1)

0.39

color image stabilizer (Cpd-7)

0.05

solvent (Solv-6)

0.05

Seventh Layer (Protective Layer)

gelatin

1.01

acrylic-modified copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol (degree modification: 17%)

0.04

liquid paraffin

0.02

wettability improving agent (Cpd-8)

0.3

surfactant (Cpd-1)

0.01

(Cpd-1) Surfactant

a 7:3 mixture (weight ratio) of:

and

(Cpd-2) Preservative

(Cpd-3)

Preservative

(Cpd-4) Preservative

a b c d

R

1

—Me —Me —H —H

R

2

—NHMe —NH

2

—NH

2

NHMe

a mixture of a, b, c, d in a ratio of 1:1:1:1

(Cpd-5) Preservative

(Solv-1) Solvent

(Cpd-7) Color Image Stabilizer

(Cpd-8) Wettability Improving Agent

number average molecular weight: 1,000,000

(Cpd-9) Wettability Improving Agent

(Cpd-10) Wettability Improving Agent

(Cpd-6) Color Mixing Preventing Agent

(1)

(2)

(3)

(1):(2):(3) = 1:1:1 mixture (weight ratio)

(Solv-2) Solvent

(Solv-3) Solvent

(Solv-4) Solvent

(Solv-5) Solvent

(Solv-6) Solvent

C

8

H

17

OCO—(CH

2

)

8

—COOC

8

H

17

(UV-1) Ultraviolet Light Absorbing Agent

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(1):(2):(3):(4):(5) = 1:2:2:3:1 mixture (weight ratio)

Fluorescent Whitening Agent (II)

Fluorescent Whitening Agent (I)

II/I=20/80 (weight ratio)

contained amount: 15 mg/m

2

amount with respect to polyethylene: 0.05 wt %

Developing Solution (Alkaline Activating Solution)

water

600

ml

KOH

14

g

KCl

2.5

g

benzotriazole

0.02

g

hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphoric acid (30%)

4

ml

add water until entire amount of solution is 1000 ml

do not adjust pH

Bleaching-Fixing Solution

water

600

ml

ammonium thiosulfate (700 g/liter)

93

ml

ammonium sulfite

40

g

iron (III) ammonium ethylenediamine tetraacetate

55

g

ethylenediamine tetraacetate

2

g

nitric acid (67%)

30

g

add water until entire amount of solution is 1000 ml

pH (25° C./with acetic acid and ammonia): 5.8

Rinsing Solution

chlorinated sodium isocyanurate

0.02

g

deionized water (conductivity: 5 μS/cm or less)

1000

ml

pH: 6.5

Next, the operation and method of use of the image forming apparatus structured as described above will be explained with reference to

FIGS. 1 and 3

. First, an image original is input by a scanner or the like, image processing is carried out, and preparations for operation at the exposure section

18

are made.

At the exposure section

18

, a desired original image is exposed onto the emulsion surface

40

A, which is one surface of the photosensitive material

40

, and the photosensitive material

40

is fed to the developing section

20

. At the developing section

20

, developing solution is applied onto the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

by the coating device

310

, which is a processing solution applying device, in an amount of 50 ml/m

2

, and developing processing is carried out for 30 seconds at a predetermined temperature (40° C.). After the excess developing solution has been squeezed out by the rollers

364

, the photosensitive material

40

is sent into the bleaching-fixing section

22

. In the bleaching-fixing section

22

, bleaching-fixing solution is applied by the coating device

310

, which is the processing solution applying device, onto the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

. After bleaching-fixing processing is carried out for 45 seconds at a predetermined temperature (35° C.), the excess bleaching-fixing solution is squeezed out by the rollers

364

, and the photosensitive material

40

is fed to the after-processing section

24

.

Next, in the after-processing section

24

, processing solution at 35° C. is applied to the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

by the processing solution rollers

58

at the respective cascades

52

, the residual solutions on the emulsion surface

40

A are wiped off, and then, the residual solutions adhering to the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

are squeezed out by the squeeze rollers

60

. This operation is carried out successively for 90 seconds while the photosensitive material

40

is being conveyed linearly from the first cascade

52

A to the eighth cascade

52

H. The concentration of the residual solutions is quickly reduced to even less than standard, and washing is completed. Thereafter, the photosensitive material

40

is fed to the drying section

26

.

At the drying section

26

, the emulsion surface

40

A, which is the surface at one side of the photosensitive material

40

which has been made wet by the washing solution, is dried at 70 to 80° C. for 60 seconds so that an image is formed, and the photosensitive material

40

is discharged as a finished product from the discharge opening

16

onto a receiving tray

10

A. The operation for controlling the series of image forming processes is thus completed.

The operations of the respective processes described above are carried out only on the emulsion surface

40

A which is one surface of the photosensitive material

40

. Thus, as compared with conventional methods such as immersion in which both the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

and the surface opposite thereto are made wet, the processing solutions are applied to only the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

and it is only necessary to wash one of the surfaces of the photosensitive material

40

. Thus, the amount of processing solutions applied to the photosensitive material

40

is reduced, and deterioration of the processing solutions is suppressed. Further, it suffices to only dry the emulsion surface

40

A of the photosensitive material

40

. Therefore, as compared with drying the entire front surface and the entire reverse surface of the photosensitive material

40

, the amount of time required for drying can be shortened, and thus, the processing time can be greatly shortened.

Further, when the image forming device is not used for a long, fixed period of time, or at predetermined times each day such as when the image forming device begins to be used, the squeeze rollers

60

and the processing solution rollers

58

of the after-processing section

24

are washed automatically by the washing device.

In addition, when the developing solution tank

28

, the bleaching-fixing solution tank

30

, and the washing water tank

32

become empty, the corresponding predetermined solution is always replenished thereto. Further, when the waste solution tank

34

becomes full, the waste solution stored therein is always disposed of.

It is possible to form the route of the above-described processing operations of exposure, development, bleaching-fixing, washing, drying and the like in plural rows in the image forming device.

In the structure of the present embodiment, a conventional immersion method is not used in the image forming device. Thus, there is no need for large processing solution tanks in which the photosensitive material is immersed. The conveying path for immersing the photosensitive material in the processing solutions in the processing solution tanks is pulled back from the space above and outside of the processing solutions in the processing solution tanks to within the processing solutions therebeneath, and there is no need to provide a long, vertical conveying path for pulling the photosensitive material out again to the space above and outside of the processing solutions. As a result, the conveying path of the photosensitive material can be made horizontal and does not extend up and down in the vertical direction. Further, in the structure of the present embodiment, the processing solution is used up and no waste solution remains. Therefore, there is no need for a large waste solution tank. Accordingly, because processing solution tanks for immersion, a large conveying path which extends up and down vertically, and a waste solution tank are all unnecessary, the entire image forming apparatus can be made to have a simpler and more compact structure.

In the present embodiment, washing processing is carried out as the after-processing which follows developing processing and bleaching-fixing processing. The washing processing may be carried out by using water or another rinsing solution. Further, the after-processing may be, other than washing processing, any of various types of processings for stopping the necessary processing developing effect.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described structure, and structures such as those described hereinafter may be employed. As a first example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, and bleaching-fixing solution may be applied by a processing solution applying means other than the solution spraying device

312

such that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out.

As a second example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, and bleaching-fixing solution may be applied by the solution spraying device

312

such that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out.

As a third example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, bleaching-fixing solution may be applied by a processing solution applying means other than the solution spraying device

312

such that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out, and an after-processing may be carried out by applying an after-processing solution by a processing solution applying means other than the solution spraying device

312

.

As a fourth example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, bleaching-fixing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out, and an after-processing may be carried out by applying an after-processing solution by a processing solution applying device other than the solution spraying device

312

.

As a fifth example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, bleaching-fixing solution may be applied by a processing solution applying device other than the solution spraying device

312

so that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out, and an after-processing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

to effect the after-processing.

As a sixth example, developing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

such that developing processing is carried out, bleaching-fixing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

so that bleaching-fixing processing is carried out, and an after-processing solution may be sprayed by the solution spraying device

312

so that an after-processing is carried out.

Known couplers may be used as the dye forming coupler used in the photosensitive material. Examples of such known couplers are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 7-104448, from the 12

th

column, line 20 to the 39

th

column, line 49 and from the 87

th

column, line 40 to the 88

th

column, line 18; in JP-A-7-77775 from the 62

nd

column, line 50 to the 64

th

column, line 11; in JP-A-7-301895 from the 88

th

column, line 21 to the 89

th

column, line 46, and from the 31

st

column, line 34 to the 77

th

column, line 44; JP-A-62-215272 from page 91, upper right column, line 4 to page 121, upper left column, line 6; JP-A-2-33144 from page 3, upper right column, line 14 to page 18, upper left column, last line, and from page 30, upper right column, line 6 to page 35, lower right column, line 11; and in EP 0355,660A2 on page 4, lines 15-27, from page 5, line 30

th

to page 28, the final line, on page 45, lines 29-31, and from page 47, line 23 to page 63, line 50.

Any of known color developing agents which can be incorporated in photosensitive materials can be used as the color developing agent in the present invention. Preferable examples are the hydrazine compounds disclosed in JP-A Nos. 8-234388, 9-152686, 9-152693, and 9-160193.

In the present invention, after development (cross-oxidization of silver development/incorporated reducer) of the photosensitive material, desilverization, washing, and stabilizing processings are carried out in accordance with the processing. After the washing or stabilizing processing, processing for color forming enhancement, such as alkali addition or the like, may be carried out. The developing processing of the present invention will be described hereinafter. In the present invention, color developing processing is carried out by incorporating a color developing agent in the photosensitive material, and by effecting processing by an alkaline processing solution which substantially does not contain any color developing agent. One feature of the present invention is that the alkaline processing solution contains substantially no color developing agent. The alkaline processing solution may contain other components (alkalis, halogens, chelating agents and the like). Further, there are cases in which it is preferable for the alkaline processing solution to not include a reducer, in order to maintain the processing stability. In this case, it is preferable that substantially no auxiliary developing agents, hydroxyamines, sulfites or the like are included. Here, “substantially includes no” is intended to mean preferably 0.5 mmol/liter or less, and more preferably 0.1 mmol/liter or less. In particular, it is preferable that absolutely none is contained. The pH of the processing solution used in the present invention is preferably 9-14, and is particularly preferably 10-13. After development, an intensification processing may be carried out. From an environmental standpoint, the compound that carries out intensification is preferably hydrogen peroxide or a compound which releases hydrogen peroxide. Preferable examples of compounds which release hydrogen peroxide are perboric acid and percarbonic acid. Among these, hydrogen peroxide is especially preferable. The added amounts of these compounds are preferably 0.005 to 1 mol/liter, more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mol/liter, and particularly preferably 0.02 to 0.25 mol/liter.

In order to improve the wettability with respect to the surface of the photosensitive material, the processing solutions of the present invention may contain organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and the like.

Specifics of the compositions of the developing solution (preferably, an activator solution), the desilverization solution (the bleaching/fixing solution), and the washing and stabilizing solutions are disclosed in Research Disclosure, Item 36544 (September 1994), pages 536-541, in JP-A-8-234388, and the like, and various solutions can be used in accordance with these disclosures. Several examples thereof are listed below.

Type of Processing Solution

Page

fogging preventing agent

537

chelating agent

537, right column

buffering agent

537, right column

surfactant

538, left column and

539, left column

bleaching agent

538

bleaching accelerator

538, right column to

539, left column

chelating agent for bleaching

539, left column

rehalogenizing agent

539, left column

fixing agent

539, right column

preservative for fixing agent

539, right column

chelating agent for fixing

540, left column

surfactant for stabilizing

540, left side

scum preventing agent for stabilizing

540, right side

chelating agent for stabilizing

540, right side

antifungal/antibacterial agent

540, right side

color image stabilizer

540, right side

The present invention is not limited to the above-described structures, and any of various structures falling within the scope of the present invention may be employed.

In the above-described processing solution applying device relating to the present invention, processing with solutions can be carried out quickly and by using small amounts of the processing solutions.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
11-037749	Feb 1999	JP
12-008859	Jan 2000	JP

Number	Name	Date	Kind
5960224	Sanada et al.	Sep 1999	A
6001544	Makuta et al.	Dec 1999	A
6159668	Mukata	Dec 2000	A

Image forming device

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