GB2159070A - Photosensitive member processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A photosensitive member processing apparatus wherein a web (W) coated with a processing agent (D) for photosensitive material is wound together with an exposed photosensitive member (F) so that the processing agent coated surface of the former is brought into contact with the latter. After a lapse of a time, which is dependant on the type of material being processed, the web and member are separated and rewound. The type of material is detected by a sensor which is preferably optical and senses information markings on the film cassette. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Photosensitive Member Processing Apparatus The present invention relates to a photosensitive member processing apparatus, for example, an automatic developing apparatus, in which a photosensitive member is brought into contact with a processing agent to conduct processing such as development in a short time.

Usual photosensitive materials require a series of processing steps including development, fixing, water-rinsing, drying, etc., thus resulting in an elaborated processing apparatus and a substantial processing time. From this reason, as disclosed in United States Patent No. 4370045, there have been developed so-called instant photosensitive materials and processing agents with which development process can be conducted without the need of steps such as water-rinsing and drying.

As well known, because the processing agents for photosensitive materials generally have a very strong reducing power and require to be handled carefully, the foregoing type of instant developer is normally enclosed in a bag which is first opened at the time of development causing the developer to be squeezed to uniformly contact with the surface of photosensitive material, thereby conducting development process. However, this type of development process is not easy in practicing to, particlarly, a long-dimensioned photosensitive material.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive member processing apparatus adapted to conduct processing such as automatic development which can offer a non-irregular, uniform image, particularly, with respect to a longdimensioned photosensitive material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive member processing apparatus in that, by winding a processing agent coated member (e.g., tape) coated with a processing agent such as a developer adapted to process photosensitive members and a photosensitive member (e.g., long-dimensioned film) having been exposed in an overlapped relation with the processing agent coated surface of the former brought into contact with the latter and by rewinding the processing agent coated member and the photosensitive member to an original state after the lapse of a predetermined time, a photosensitive member having been processed with the processing agent (e.g., developed photosensitive film) is obtained and that sensor means is provided which detects information about processing times different depending on various types of photosensitive members to be processed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide, in an automatic developing apparatus wherein a processing agent coated tape coated with a processing agent is overlapped on a photosensitive member for development process, a photosensitive member processing apparatus featured in that optical sensor means is provided which detects information about processing times different depending on various types of photosensitive members to be processed.

Furthermore, the photosensitive member processing apparatus includes control means for controlling start-up, stop and turn-over in the direction of drive effected by drive means for driving the processing agent coated member and the photosensitive member, which control means may comprise; an operation start-up circuit for issuing a signal to drive the drive means to thereby wind the processing agent coated member and the photosensitive member in an overlapped relation; a timer circuit for driving the drive means in response to the time when the processing agent is coated on the processing agent coated member; a winding end detection circuit for stopping drive of the drive means at the end of the winding and for issuing a signal to turn over the driving direction of the drive means; a rewinding circuit for receiving a signal from the winding end detection circuit to issue a rewinding start-up signal and for driving the drive means in the direction opposite to that during the winding; and a rewinding end detection circuit for instructing to stop the drive means at the end of the rewinding.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a photosensitive member processing apparatus in a cover open state; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus in a cover closed state; Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an essential part of a drive section of the apparatus; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a Patrone (cartridge) with marked indications; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an essential part when a roll film is taken up over a winding shaft from the Patrone; Fig. 6 is a view showing the state when a processing agent coated tape is disengaged from a hook immediately before the end of rewinding;; Fig. 7 is a view showing the leading end position of the processing agent coated tape at the end of rewinding; Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an electric circuitry for drive control; Fig. 9 is a practical electric circuit diagram of Fig.

8; and Fig. 10 is an electric circuit diagram of an optical sensor.

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a processing apparatus according to one preferred embodiment in a cover open state. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus in a cover closed state, and Fig. 3 is a view showing the schematic structure of a drive system of the apparatus. In these figures, designated at 11 is a body and at 12 is a cover, both of which are formed of a material non-transparent to lights. The cover 12 opened and closed relative to the body 11 is opened and closed by means of a hinge 13 as a pivot shaft, and it is held in a closed state by means of a locking metal fitting 14. Since the joint part between the body 11 and the cover 12 comprises a combination of recess and projection or grooves fitting with each other, the interior becomes a black box state when the cover is closed so that development process is carried out within the black box.

To carry out development process, it is first required to load a photosensitive member, a processing agent coated tape Wand a processing agent (e.g., developer) in a cover open state as shown in Fig. 1.

The photosensitive member is formed of a roll film Faftertaking photographs thereon, which is accommodated in a Patrone P with the leading end of the roll film F being exposed. The photosensitive member may be formed of roll photographic paper.

The Patrone P is mounted to engage with a shaft 21 provided on the body 11.

A jellied developer D is enclosed in a flexible bag 101 having an openable part which will be ruptured when depressed. The processing agent coated tape W is also a tapered portion, at the leading end, similar two but somewhat longer than the roll film F and wound round a shaft 31. Both the developer D and the processing agent coated tape W are housed as a unit in a casing 32. An openable cover 33 capable of transversely sliding to be opened and closed is provided to cover the casing 32.

At this time, the leading ends of both the processing agent coated tape W and the roll film F are lead out and attached to a winding shaft 511 provided on the body 11. In this embodiment, there are a pair of hooks 512,513 on the circumference of the winding shaft 511, and the leading ends of the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F are separately latched to the hooks 512 and 513, respectively. As shown in Fig. 3, when a motor M is rotated in the direction indicated by a broken line I, a gear G mounted over a shaft of the motor M penetrating a gear G10 and other gears G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, to which is transmitted a rotational force of the motor Mare rotated as indicated by respective arrows in the figure.To the gear GlO is attached the winding shaft 511 to take up both the processing agent coated tape W and the roll film F, and the aforesaid direction of rotation of the gear corresponds to the case where the winding shaft 511 is taking up the processing agent coated tape W and the roll film F. There will now be described the case of winding back the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F. When winding back the processing agent coated tape W, etc., the motor M is rotated in the direction opposite to the broken arrow I so that the gears G1-G5 are also rotated in the direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 3.When the gear G4 is reversed in the direction of rotation, a lever L attached to the gear G4 in contact therewith in a pivotable manner is turned about the center C of the gear G4 in the direction indicated by a broken arrow J, whereby the gear G5 transmits a rotational force to the gear G6 during rewinding while it transmitted a rotational force to the gear G10 during winding. Accordingly, the winding shaft 511 mounted to the gear G10 now receives no rotational force transmitted from the motor M and hence becomes free. When a rotational force of the gear G5 is transmitted to the gear G6. The gears GGGg are rotated in the directions of respective arrows shown in Fig. 3.To the gear G7 is attached the shaft 21 engaged with the Patrone P including the roll film F therein, and to the gear G9 attached the shaft 31 round which is wound the processing agent coated tape W. Rotation of the gears G6--G9 in the directions of respective arrows causes the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film Fto bewound back over the shaft 31 and into the Patrone P, respectively. Encoders El and E2 provided in the outer circumferences of the gears G8 and G10 detect the number of rotations of the Patrone P and the shaft 31, respectively, for proper control. It is to be noted that, although two encoders are provided in Fig. 3, the apparatus may be constituted by providing a single encoder.

The cover 12 includes therein levers 61, 62 respectively mounted over shafts 611, 621 as pivotal shafts provided to the cover 12, these levers 61,62 being connected to a lever 63 at shafts 612,622 to constitute a linkage and normally in a state pulled leftwards by means of a spring 631 having its one end locked to the lever 63. At one end of the lever 63 is provided a roller 632 coming into abutment with a lever 71 provided on the body in a cover closed state.

The lever 61 has at one end thereof a roller 613 coming into contact with a contact portion 72 provided on the body 11 in a cover closed state. At one end of the lever 62 is attached a roller 623 for pushing the aforesaid developer D. The levers 62, 63 may be provided on one side of the casing 32 rather than in the cover 12. In either case, they can serve to push the developer D in response to the closing operation of the cover 12.

The cover 12 also includes therein a lever 641 which has at its end a roller 64. The roller 64 is so arranged as to abut against a roller 74 provided on the body 11 in a cover closed state with the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape W being held therebetween.

Two levers 71,73 provided on the body 11 are pivotable about a common shaft 711. The lever 73 is urged by means of a spring 732 in the counterclockwise direction, while the levers 71, 73 are both urged by means of a spring 712 in the same direction so that they are overlapped with each other. The lever 73 has at one end thereof a projection 731, which comes into engagement with the openable cover 33 of the casing 32 when the casing 32 is loaded in place in a cover open state.

There are various types of roll films F, for example, which are color or monocolor, or which have different lengths depending on the number of frames capable of taking photographs. The developer D should be naturally different in its composition depending on whether the roll film is color or monocolor, and a development time should be selected differently depending on types of the roll film F in many cases. Also depending on the length of the roll film F, an amount of the developer required is accordingly varied. From these reasons, the roll film F and the casing 32 accommodating therein the developer D require to be loaded into the body 11 as a pair.Taking into account that fact that a development time must be varied in accordance with the tape of roll film F as previously mentioned, by providing indications in the form of notches, projections or marks different in their reflectances on either the Patrone Pforthe roll film Forth casing 32, which denote the type of the used film such as whether it is color or monocolor, or how long it is, and by disposing on the body 11 a member adapted to detect those indications, it becomes possible to automatically set a development time and/or the number of film frames in accordance with the type of the roll film Fwhen the roll film F or the casing 32 is just loaded in place.

In the embodied arrangement of Fig. 1, the casing 32 includes on the outer wall surface thereof projections or marks different in reflectance S1', S2' and S3' which indicate the type of the roll film F, and microswitches to detect those projections or optical detection means in combination of light emitting elements for emitting lights to those marks and light receiving elements for optically detecting the reflected lights therefrom, are provided on the inner wall surface of the body 11 opposite to those projections or marks when the casing 32 is loaded in place, thereby constituting sensors to set a development time. In other words, sensors S1, S2 and S3 detect information such as whether the roll film Fto be developed is color or monocolor, or how long it is, and then determine a development time based on such information.

Because the casing 32 accommodating therein the developer D and the roll film F are loaded into the body as a pair, information about the type of the roll film F (e.g., length) can be also detected with the same effect as the above in such a manner that the information is indicated on the Patrone P including the rolled film F wound therein and then detected on the body 11 side. In Fig. 4the Patrone P is provided with conductive thin films M', N and 0 as indications denoting the type of the roll film F, while detection parts Q, V and U formed of an elastic conductive material are disposed on a member 90 provided on the body 11 for surrounding the Patrone P as shown in Fig. 5, thereby constituting three pairs of sensors to detect the information and then automatically set a development time.It is also possible to provide projections on the Patrone P in place of the foregoing conductive indications and dispose microswitches on the surrounding member 90 for the Patrone P, in order to detect the information. As an alternative, the information can be further detected by providing marks different in light reflectance on the Patrone P instead of the foregoing indications and by disposing light detection means composed of light emitting elements and light receiving elements on the surrounding member 90 forthe Patrone P.

When the Patrone P and the casing 32 are loaded into the body in a cover open state as shown in Fig.

1 and the cover is closed after attaching the leading ends of both the processing agent coated tape W and the roll film F on the winding shaft 511, the apparatus comes into the state as shown in Fig. 2.

More specifically, the roller 613 provided on the cover 12 contacts with the contact part 72 provided on the body 11, so that the lever 61 is turned in the clockwise direction. The lever 63 linked at the shaft 612 to the lever 61 is moved rightwards and the roller 632 abuts against the lever 71 causing the lever 73 to turn in the clockwise direction against the action of the springs 712, 732, whereby the openable cover 33 is moved leftwards by the projection 731 to be opened.

Also, the rightward movement of the lever 63 causes the lever 62 to turn in the clockwise direction, so that the roller 623 pushes the developer D. With this, the openable part of the bag 101 is ruptured and the developer D enclosed in the bag is pushed downwards to adhere onto the processing agent coated tape W locating on a pressure plate 75 provided on the body 11 side.

In addition, upon closing of the cover, the roller 64 is brought into pressure contact with the roller 74 provided on the body 11 side and, at this time, the roll film F and the tape W having been coated with the processing agent are held between both the rollers in an overlapped relation.

When the body 11 is closed by the cover 12, the switch is turned on to issue a winding start-up signal, so that winding begins after the lapse of a predetermined time to start develop process of the roll film F. A predetermined time from closing of the cover 12 to start-up of winding is required from the reason that winding must be started to carry out development after the developer D has been pushed out of the bag 101 and has sufficiently adhered onto the processing agent coated tape W.

Hereinafter, there will be described the case where development has been completed and then the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape Ware both wound back. As previously noted, the roll film F is attached to the hook 512 and the processing agent coated tape W is attached to the hook 513. Fig. 6 is a view showing the state immediately before the completion of rewinding of both the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape W. The hook 512 to which is attached the roll film F is bent at the tip thereof, so that the roll film F can not be removed without manual operation. On the other hand, the hook 513 to which is attached the processing agent coated tape W is formed of a simple protrusion so that, when wound back to the state as shown in Fig. 6, the processing agent coated tape W is naturally disengaged from the hook 513.

Then, as shown in Fig. 7, the processing agent coated tape W disengaged from the hook 513 continues to be wound back and rewinding is completed. Finally, after opening the cover 12, the roll film F is removed from the hook 512 with manual operation.

The above arrangement is intended to prevent such a possibility that, when the roll film F is overlapped over the processing agent coated tape W at the time of removing the roll film F, the developer D of strong reducing power may adhere to the hand.

Next, an electric circuitry for drive control will be described in case of using the aforesaid motor M as drive means adapted to take up and wind back the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F after taking photographs.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the electric circuitry.

A power source circuit 1 is first described. In this embodiment, the power source for driving the motor M can be supplied from either a domestic outlet or a battery B. When a change-over switch SW1 is connected to terminal a, DC voltage resulted from rectifying AC100V from the domestic outlet is applied to an output switch SW3, while when it is connected to a terminal b, voltage from the battery B is applied to the output switch SW3. Closing of the aforesaid cover 12 turns on a switch SW2 and, with the switch SW3 being connected to its terminal a, for example, the source voltage is applied to respective circuit sections of the control circuitry.

A battery check circuit 3 in the power source circuit 1 functions to check the battery voltage and then indicate the checked result in case of employing the battery B as a power source.

With the switch SW3 being connected to the terminal a side, a reset circuit 2 is operated to initially reset each bistable multivibrator (hereinafter referred to as FF) and each monostable multivibrator (hereinafter referred to as MM) both employed in the control circuitry, so that Q outputs andEoutputs of these FF and MM assume "L" and "H", respectively. This means that the motor M is ready for driving.

When an operation start-up switch SW4 for driving the motor M is turned on, a signal is issued from an operation start-up signal circuit 4to a timer circuit 5 which in turn issues a drive signal to a motor control circuit 7 after the lapse of a time period t4 from input of the above signal. The motor M begins to rotate with that drive signal, thereby starting develolpment of the roll film F. When winding of both the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape W has been completed, a winding end detection circuit 10 detects it in response to an output from a motor rotation detecting circuit 9, thereby stopping drive of the motor M and issuing a signal to a motor rotational direction indicating circuit 82.Upon receipt of the signal, the motor rotational direction indicating circuit 82 issues to the motor control circuit 7 a signal for reversing the rotational direction of the motor M with respect to that during winding, and also causes the motor control circuit 7 to issue to a timer circuit 87 a signal for stopping rotation of the motor M for a time period t3. After the lapse of the time period t3, the motor M is now rotated backward to start to rewind the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape W. At the completion of rewinding, a rewinding end detection circuit 8 detects it in response to an output from the motor rotation detecting circuit 9, thereby issuing a signal to the motor control circuit 7 so as to stop rotation of the motor M.But, this signal is issued after the lapse of a time period t2 subsequent to output from the motor rotation detecting circuit 9.

The time period t2 is a time period required for disengaging the processing agent coated tape W from the hook 513 to separate it out of the roll film F.

After the lapse of the time period t2, an operation end signal circuit 84 is operated to reset the motor rotational direction indicating circuit 82 as well as to issue an end signal to an operation end buzzer circuit 85, thereby actuating a buzzer 86. A delay circuit 81 connected to the operation end signal circuit 84 causes the motor M to be braked for a time period t5, so that the leading end of the processing agent coated tape W is stopped outside of the casing 32 (corresponding to the position of the processing agent coated tape Was shown in Fig. 5) to prevent the developer D from leaking out of the lower portion of the casing 32 into the body side.

A stop signal for the motor M issued to the motor control circuit 7 is delayed through a delay circuit 83 by a time period t6 relative to the time when the operation end signal circuit 84 has been operated.

By selecting the time period t6 delayed through the delay circuit 83 longer than the time period t5 delayed through the delay circuit 81, the motor M is rotated in the winding direction to some degree corresponding to the time difference t6-t5, thus making it easier to remove the roll film Ffrom the hook 512 by the hand.

Next, practical electric circuits will be described in case of using the aforesaid motor M as drive means adapted to take up and wind back the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F.

Fig. 9 shows one example of the practical electric circuits constituting the circuitry of Fig. 8.

A power source circuit 1 is first described. A switch SW1 is used in case of receiving electric power from an external power source and, when a jack is inserted in place, a battery B housed in the body is turned off. With a switch SW being turned on, voltage is applied from the power source to one terminal of a switch SW3 and this means that the power source circuit 1 is ready for starting the operation. In this connection, numeral 89 in a battery check circuit 3 designates a constant voltage source comprising a zener diode, comparator, etc., which lights up a light emitting diode LED3 when the voltage of the battery B is lowered, to thereby inform the operator of the fact.

Closing of the cover 12 turns on the switch SW3 and the voltage is applied to a lead line I and then a reset circuit 2 to initially reset MM's and FF's constituting the respective circuits, so that Q out puts andnoutputs of each MM and FF assume "L" and "H", respectively. It is to be noted that the switch SW3 may be of any desirous type of control switch other than a door switch as embodied in this embodiment which is turned on upon closing of the cover 12. Now, when an operation start-up switch SW4 is turned on, an input of an inverter INV1 connected to the operation start-up switch SW4 assumes "L" and an input of FF1 of an operation start-up signal circuit 4 changes from "L" to "H".

Because "H" is applied to an input D of FF1, an output Q thereof tu rns from "L"to "H" and this output is applied to an input terminal A of MM4 of a timer circuit 5. A resistor R10 and a capacitor C7 connected to terminals T1, T2 of MM4 constitute an integration circuit, so that an outputnof MM4 turns from "H" to "L" for a timer period t4 determined by the time constant corresponding to the product of R4 and C7 after an input of "H" has been applied to the input terminal A, and then returns to "H" again after the lapse of the time period t4. ThisUoutput is connected to one input terminal of an AND 5 and, therefore, an input to this input terminal changes in the order of"H", "L" and "H".The other input terminal of the AND 5 is connected to output terminal of MM3 of a timer circuit 87, which is initially resetto output "H". Accordingly, an output of the AND 5 assumes "L" only when theBoutput of MM4 is at "L", and assumes "H" in other state.

An output terminal of the AND 5 is connected to one input terminal of an AND 3 and an output terminal of an AND 4 is connected to the other input terminal of the AND 3. One input terminal of the AND 4 is connected to the Q output of FF1, which assumes "H" upon turning-on of the operation start-up switch SW4 to be applied to that one input terminal.

The other input terminal of the AND 4 is connected to output of FF3 of an operation end signal circuit 84 through resistors R8, R7, and it receives an input of "H" in an initially reset state. Accordingly, the output of the AND 4 assumes "H" which is applied to the other input terminal of the AND 3. An output of the AND 3 assumes "H" only when the output of the AND 5 is at "H" and the output of the AND 4 is at "H". Thus, when the Q output of FF1 is at "H" and thelSoutput of MM4 turns to "H" after the lapse of the time period t4, the output of the AND 3 assumes "H".The time period t4 from turning-on of the operation start-up switch SW4 to the time when the output of the AND 3 assumes "H", gives a time lag required for the developer D to be pushed out of the bag 101 to sufficiently adhere onto the processing agent coated tape W. An output terminal of the AND 3 is connected to one input terminals of both AND 1 and AND 2. The other input terminal of the AND 1 is connected to aBof FF2, while the other input terminal of the AND 2 is connected to aU output of FF2 through resistors. Accordingly, when the output of the AND 3 turns to "H", an output of the AND 1 assumes "H" but an output of the AND 2 remains at "L" because its one input terminal is connected to the 0 output of FF2.A motor control circuit 7 [formed of M54543 L (manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Co.) in this embodiment] is so arranged that the motor M is rotated in the winding direction with inputs 4 and 6 receiving inputs of "H" and "L", respectively, it is rotated in the rewinding direction with the inputs 4 and 6 receiving inputs of "L" and "H", respectively, and it is braked with both the inputs 4 and 6 receiving inputs of "H". Thus, when the output of the AND 1 assumes "H" and the ouptut of the AND 2 assumes "L", the motor M starts to take up the roll film F and the processing agent coated tape W.

When winding operation continuously proceeds and winding of the processing agent coated tape W and the roll film F is then completed, a tension of the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F brakes rotation of the motor M so that the motor M is stopped.

In this embodiment, rotation of the motor M is detected by a motor rotation detecting circuit 9 in such a manner that an encoder is attached to the rotating part of the motor M to locate between a light emitting element LED1 and a light receiving element PH1, and intervals of light pulses incident upon the light receiving element PH1 are measured.

Any other method, for example, which detects rotation of the motor using a magnetic sensor, can be employed instead. As an alternative, an overload detection mechanism provided over the Patrone shaft 21 may be used for the same purpose.

A capacitor C2 and a resistor R4 are connected to terminals T1 and T2 of MM2 of a winding end detection circuit 10, the capacitor C2 and the resistor R4 constituting an integration circuit.

An input terminal B of MM2 is connected to the Q output of FF1 and, since the output of FF1 issues an output of "H" when the motor M is rotating, MM2 is remained in an operative state only when the motor M is rotating.

An input terminal A of MM2 is connected to the light receiving element PH1 which receives light pulses through the encoder during rotation of the motor M, but receives no light pulse when rotation of the motor M is stopped.

An output 0 of MM2 continues to maintain a level of "H" when the interval of pulses applied to the input terminal of MM2 is shorter than the time constant determined by values of the capacitor C2 and the resistor R4 constituting the aforesaid integration circuit, but it turns to "L" when the interval of pulses applied to the inputerterminal A becomes longer than the above time constant. MM2 makes such a decision that winding of the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F has been completed, when the interval of pulses applied to the input terminal A has become longer than the above time constant, thereby causing the outputs Q andBof MM2 to assume "L" and "H", respectively.Even iftheoutputQofMM2 has turned to "L", one input terminal of an AND 7 continues to receive an input of "H", though for a short time, because a capacitor C3 is connected to the Q output of MM2 through a resistor R5 and one input terminal of the AND 7 is connected to the capacitor C3 through a resistor R6. The other input terminal of the AND 7 receives an input of "H" from an outputs of MM2, so the AND 7 issues a pulse output of "H" only during the time one input terminal of the AND 7 is remained at "H".

When an output pulse of the AND 7 is applied to an input CP of FF2, outputs 0 andEof FF2 assume "H" and "L", respectively. This FF2 is a flip-flop which is provided for reversing the rotational direction of the motor M.

Because an outputterminalBof FF2 is connected to an input terminal B of MM3, MM3 starts to operate upon a change of the outputEof FF2 from "H" to "L" and inverts its outputnto "L" for a predetermined time corresponding to the time constant which is determined by values of a capacitor C6 and resistors connected to terminals T2 and T1 of MM3. This MM3 is provided for the purpose of adjusting the time period t3 from the time when the motor M has completely taken up the processing agent coated film Wand the roll film F until the time when it starts to wind back them, and the time period t3 can be adjusted by varying values of those capacitor C6 and resistors connected to T1 and T2.

As previously mentioned, a development time of the roll film F requires to varied depending on the type of roll film F. Therefore, the resistors R9, R21 and R22 connected to the terminal T2 of MM3 are appropriately selected by detecting information about the roll film F using the sensors S1, S2 and S3 when the casing 32 or the roll film F is loaded into the body, and then by changing over switches SW8, SW9 and SW10 based on the outputs from those sensors, to thereby vary the resistance value.

Fig. 10 shows one embodiment of the optical sensor S1.S2 or S3. Decision on whether the switch SW8, SW9 or SW10 is to be turned on or off is made in such a manner that the indication S1', S2' or S3' is irradiated with an infrared ray from a light emitting diode LED, a phototransistor PH in pair with the light emitting diode LED and positioned to receive the reflected ray therefrom converts an amount of the received infrared ray to an electric amount, and a comparator COMP compares the resulting voltage with the preset voltage.

Although this embodiment was described by referring to the case of employing the reflected light, the same effect can be also obtained by employing the transmitted light. Of course, the light to be detected is not limited to an infrared ray.

When the casing 32 or the roll film F is loaded into the body 11, a development time suitable of the loaded roll film F is set based on adjustment of the time period t3 by selecting one of the aforesaid resistors R9, R21 and R22. The switches SW8, SW9 and SW10 actuated by the optical sensors S1, S2 and S3 for determining a development time can be also utilized to light up display lamps for indicating to the exterior the information about length of the roll film F such as how many number of frames it includes: 12,24 or 36, for example. As an alternative, a development time may be adjusted by varying the number of rotations of the motor M depending on the type of the roll film F.

When the outputBof MM3 turns to "L", one input of the AND 5 connected to the outputUassumes "L" and hence the output of the AND 5 also assumes "L". With the output of the AND 5 turning to "L", the outputs of AND 3 and AND 1 also assume "L" so that the input terminal 4 of the motor control circuit 7 receives an input of "L", whereby no current passes through the motor M and the motor M loses its torque. Then, after the lapse of the time period t3 which is determined by values of the capacitor C6 and one of the resistors R9, R21, R22 connected to the terminals Ti, T2 of MM3, the outputUof MM3 issues again an output of "H".

At the time when the outputlSof MM3 issues again an output of "H", the output 0 of FF2 provided for reversing the rotational direction of the motor M has turned to "H" and this "H" output is applied to one input of the AND 2, whereby the output of the AND 2 assumes "H". At this time, since the outputs of FF2 connected to one input of the AND 1 has turned to "L", the output of the AND 1 assumes "L".

Accordingly, the inputs 4 and 6 of the motor control circuit 7 receive inputs of "L" and "H", respectively, so that the motor M starts to rotate in the rewinding direction to thereby wind back the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F.

When rewinding of the processing agent coated tape Wand the roll film F has been completed, a tension of the roll films F stops rotation of the motor M and a rewinding end detection circuit 8 detects the fact, in a similar manner as described in connection with winding operation. When the rewinding end detection circuit 8 now receives no pulse, an output of an AND 8 generates a pulse after the lapse of the time period t2 in the same principles as explained in connection with the winding end detection circuit 10. This time period t2 gives a time lag required for disengaging the processing agent coated tape W from the hook 513 and separating it from the roll film F.When the output of the AND 8 generates a pulse afterthe lapse of the time period t2, the pulse is applied to FF3 of the operation end signal circuit 84 so that the outputs Q andBof FF3 are inverted to assume "H" and "L", respectively.

When the 0 output of FF3 turns to "H", "H" is applied to a terminal CL of the motor rotational direction indicating circuit connected to the 0 output of FF3 through an OR 1, and FF2 is reset to the initial state so that the outputs 0 andUthereof assume "L" and "H", respectively. However, one input of the AND 2 connected to the output 0 of FF2 through resistors R20 and R11 receives an input of "H" for only the time period t2 by the action of a capacitor C5. With the output of the AND 1 assuming "H" upon reset of FF2 into an initial state, when the output of the AND 2 turns to "H" after the lapse of the time period t2, inputs of "H" and "H" are applied to the inputs 4 and 6 of the motor control circuit as previously stated, so that the motor M is braked.This is carried out for the purpose of stopping the leading end of the processing agent coated tape W at the position as shown in Fig. 5. If the motor M is not braked, the processing agent coated tape W is entirely wound up by the inertia of the motor, thus resulting in such a possibility that the developer D may leak from the lower part to the body 11 side. Thus, such a possibility is prevented by stopping the processing agent coated tape W at the position as shown in Fig. 5.

When the output 0 of FF3 turns to "H", "H" is applied to an operation end buzzer circuit 15 connected thereto, whereby a buzzer 86 is actuated to inform the operator of that development has been ended.

Even if the outputs of FF3 are inverted with the output from the AND 8 and hence itsnoutput is turned to "L", one input of the AND 4 connected to a resistor R8 is maintained at an input level of "H" for only the time period t6 by the action of a capacitor C9 connected to thenoutput of FF3 through a resistor R7. At this time, FF2 is reset into an initial state, so if the output of the AND 4 is maintained at "H" for the time period t6, the motor M is rotated in the winding direction for such time period t6 only.

This is intended from the reason as follows. At the completion of rewinding, the hook 512 to which is attached the roll film F locates in a position hard to be accessed by virtue of a tension of the roll film F.

Therefore, the motor M is rotated in the winding direction of the time period t6 only to move the hooks 512 to a location within an accessible area, thus making it possible to remove the roll film F from the hook 512 with ease.

Development of the roll film F is completed with the last-described operation, and the entire operation will be completed by opening the cover 12 and then taking out the roll film F.

Incidentally, during winding and rewinding of the roll film F, etc., a light emitting diode LED2 in an operation indicating circuit 6 is intermittently lit up with pulses from the motor rotation detecting circuit 9 to inform the operator of the fact that the apparatus is now under development.

Furthermore, although in the foregoing embodiment there has been described the means for automatically carrying out winding, rewinding, etc. of the roll film F, it is also possible to modify into such a n a an arrangement that the respective steps from loading of the casing 32 and the roll film F into the body 11 until the completion of rewinding of the roll film F are informed to the operator with corresponding indication lamps step by step, and the operator manually actuates the proper switches accordingly.

In addition, although the foregoing embodiment was described by referring to the case of using a plurality of sensor means, the present invention of course includes the case of using a single sensor means in the scope thereof.

Effect of the Invention As fully described hereinabove, the photosensitive member processing apparatus of the present invention is very useful particularly in processing a long-dimensioned photosensitive member and simple in its operation. Since the apparatus includes sensor means for detecting information about a processing time to be made different depending on various types of photosensitive members to be processed, the processing time, etc. can be automatically set in accordance with the type of photosensitive member used, thus making it possible to always process the photosensitive member with good result without causing erroneous operation.

Claims (5)

1. A photosensitive member processing apparatus characterized in that a processing agent coated member coated with a processing agent adapted to process photosensitive members and a photosensitive member having been exposed are wound in an overlapped relation with the processing agent coated surface of the former brought into contact with the latter, and the processing agent coated member and the photosensitive member are rewound to an original state after the lapse of a time different depending on various types of photosensitive members to be processed.

2. In a photosensitive member processing apparatus in that, by winding a processing agent coated member coated with a processing agent adapted to process photosensitive members and a photosensitive member having been exposed in an overlapped relation with the processing agent coated surface of the former brought into contact with the latter and by rewinding the processing agent coated member and the photosensitive member to an original state afterthe lapse of a predetermined time, a photosensitive member having been processed with the processing agent is obtained, the improvement characterized in that sensor means is provided which detects information about processing times different depending on various type of photosensitive members to be processed.

3. In an automatic developing apparatus wherein a processing agent coated tape coated with a processing agent is overlapped on a photosensitive member for development process, the improvement characterized in that optical sensor means is provided which detects information about processing times different depending on various types of photosensitive members to be processed.

4. The photosensitive member processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling start-up, stop and turn-over in the direction of drive effected by drive means for driving a processing agent coated member and a photosensitive member, said control means comprising: an operation start-up circuit for issuing a signal to drive the drive means to thereby wind the processing agent coated member and photosensitive in an overlapped relation; a timer circuit for driving the drive means in response to the time when the processing agent is coated on the processing agent coated member; a winding end detection circuit for stopping drive of the drive means at the end of the winding and for issuing a signal to turn over the driving direction of the drive means; a rewinding circuit for receiving a signal from the winding end detection circuit to issue a rewinding start-up signal and for driving the drive means in the direction opposite to that during the winding; and a rewinding end detection circuit for instructing to stop the drive means at the end of the rewinding.

5. The photosensitive member processing apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.