Patent Publication Number: US-6338581-B1

Title: Image forming device

Description:
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.