JP2722423B2 - Management method in photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a management method in a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material after exposure (hereinafter referred to as a "light-sensitive material") is subjected to processing according to its type. For example, for a color light-sensitive material, development, bleaching, fixing (or bleach-fixing), washing, and stabilization are sequentially performed.

In such processing, a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as an automatic developing machine is usually used, and a developing solution, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution (or a bleach-fixing solution) respectively placed in a plurality of processing tanks provided in the apparatus. ), By sequentially immersing the photosensitive material in washing water and a stabilizing solution.

[0004] In recent years, the development of small-scale processing systems using small developing machines called minilabs has been advanced, and film development and printing have been carried out not only in developing laboratories equipped with large developing machines but also in photo shops. ing.

In such a small-scale processing system, processing can be performed easily and quickly, the amount of replenishment and drainage of processing liquid can be further reduced, and processing efficiency can be increased.
It is necessary to obtain excellent photographic properties and to reduce the size of the apparatus.

[0006] On the other hand, there is a demand from the consumer side to immediately view the photograph taken, and a rapid processing of the exposed photosensitive material is required. For this reason, in a developing shop having a small developing machine such as a mini lab, development and printing are completed within a few hours after receiving the request, so as to meet the demands of consumers.

However, in such a minilab, unless a plurality of photosensitive materials are continuously processed by constantly operating a processing apparatus, it is impossible to meet the demands of consumers and to obtain profits. For this reason, if the processing apparatus suddenly breaks down during processing, there is a drawback that it is not possible to respond to the request of the customer who requested development. Further, in some cases, there is a problem peculiar to the photosensitive material processing apparatus such that the photosensitive material during the development processing must be exposed in order to repair the failed part.

[0008] Further, for example, in a processing device such as a photographing and developing device for photographing an ID photograph, which performs development processing by inserting money,
Since there is no operator, it is difficult to detect an abnormality of the apparatus at an early stage.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a management method which solves the above-mentioned problems by predicting an abnormality of the processing apparatus, and immediately repairs the abnormality when an abnormality occurs to enable continuous operation of the processing apparatus. It is in.

[0010]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention described below. (1) In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing solution replenishing system for replenishing a processing solution, the replenishment flow rate of the processing solution per unit time is monitored by a flow meter, and the replenishment flow rate of the processing solution per unit time is monitored. A management method in a light-sensitive material processing apparatus for notifying or notifying an abnormality of the replenishment system when the standard replenishment flow rate is reduced to 3 to 10%.

(2) The photosensitive material processing apparatus further has a circulation system for circulating the processing solution in the processing tank, monitors the circulation amount of the circulation system, and based on the change in the circulation amount, an abnormality of the circulation system. (1) The management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the above (1), wherein

(3) The photosensitive material processing apparatus further includes an exposure unit, monitors a lamp voltage or a wavelength change of an exposure lamp in the exposure unit, and gives a notice of abnormality of the exposure lamp based on the lamp voltage or the wavelength change. Or to notify (1)
Or the management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus of (2).

(4) The above-mentioned (1) to (3), wherein the abnormality is notified or notified to a maintenance manager for each photosensitive material processing apparatus, and the maintenance manager performs maintenance management for each photosensitive material processing apparatus. A) the management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 shown in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail, and a method of the present invention for managing the processing apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 has a processing line for processing a photosensitive material S. On this processing line, a plurality of processing tanks, that is, a developing tank 2 and a bleach The tank 3, the fixing tank 4, and the washing tank 5 are provided side by side.

In the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4 and the washing tank 5, a developing solution 20, a bleaching solution 30, a fixing solution 40 and a washing water 50 are respectively filled to predetermined levels. .

A drying unit 6 for drying the wet photosensitive material S is provided adjacent to the washing tank 5.

In the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4 and the washing tank 5, and in the casing 61 of the drying means 6, a plurality of conveying rollers 71 for conveying the photosensitive material S along a predetermined path are provided.
Is arranged. Further, a temperature sensor 64 is provided in the casing 61, and the time from when the hot air fan 62 is started until the drying temperature is reached (heat-up time) is monitored by the temperature sensor 64.

A crossover roller 72 for transporting the photosensitive material S to the next step is provided at the boundary between the processing tanks 2 to 5 and between the washing tank 5 and the drying means 6, respectively.

Each crossover roller 72, in particular, three pairs of crossover rollers 72 installed between the washing tank 5 and the drying means 6, transports the photosensitive material S, and also attaches the photosensitive material S to the surface of the photosensitive material S. It also plays a role as a squeeze roller for squeezing out the attached processing liquid. As a result, the carry-in of the processing solution into the next processing tank is suppressed, the deterioration of the bleaching solution 30, the fixing solution 40 and the washing water 50 is prevented, the drying efficiency is improved, and the drying time can be shortened.

A guide 73 for guiding the photosensitive material S to the next roller is provided at the side of the crossover roller 72, and a guide for reversing the photosensitive material S is provided at the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2-5. 74 are provided. This guide 73
And 74 are made of a member having a curved surface curved in an arc shape, for example.

Transport roller 71, crossover roller 7
The roller 2 and the roller 76 are driven to rotate by a drive system (not shown) including a drive source such as a motor and a unit for transmitting the drive force. Each roller 71, 7
Preferably, the number of revolutions 2, 76 can be changed.

The conveying roller 71, the crossover roller 72, the guides 73 and 74, and the driving system as described above constitute the conveying means 7 for the photosensitive material S.

It is preferable that the transport roller 71, the crossover roller 72, and the guides 73 and 74 are loaded in a state of being assembled in a rack for each processing tank.

In the vicinity of the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, a temperature for heating the developer 20, the bleaching solution 30, the fixing solution 40 and the washing water 50 to a predetermined temperature (for example, about 20 to 50 ° C.). A heater 8 is provided as adjusting means. Examples of the heater 8 include a sheathed heater, a ceramic heater, a heat pipe, a hot water heater, and Japanese Patent Application No. 02-2237.
No. 68, a sheet heating element or the like can be used.

In this case, it is preferable that the temperature control means performs temperature control so as to maintain the temperature of the processing liquid in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 at a preset temperature (temperature range) during processing. It is preferable to provide a temperature sensor (not shown) in each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, and control the ON / OFF of the heater 8 based on the temperature of the processing liquid detected by the temperature sensor.

The position of the heater 8 is not limited to the inside of the processing tanks 2 to 5 as shown in the drawing. For example, the heater 8 may be installed in a sub-tank communicating with the processing tank, or in the middle of a processing liquid circulation path described later. Is also good. When installing the heater in the circulation path of the processing liquid,
As described in Japanese Patent Application No. 02-223768, a configuration may be adopted in which the circulation paths of the respective processing liquids are heated collectively.

Below the processing tanks 2 to 5, a processing liquid supply means 9 for circulating, stirring and replenishing the developer 20, the bleaching liquid 30, the fixing liquid 40 and the washing water 50 is provided.

The processing liquid supply means 9 includes a circulation pipe 91 having both ends connected to the bottom of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5, a pump 92 provided in the middle of each circulation pipe 91, and a circulation pipe 91. Supply line 93 connected downstream of the pump 92 of the supply line 91, a pump 94 installed in the middle of each supply line 93, and the processing liquid level of each of the processing tanks 2 to 5. It comprises a drain pipe 95 installed in the vicinity and a processing liquid unit 96 loaded in the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1. In addition, the circulation line 9
1, a filter 99 is provided, and a flow meter 97 is provided downstream of the filter 99. On the other hand, a flow meter 98 for monitoring a liquid supply amount is provided in each liquid supply pipe 93.

The processing liquid unit 96 is formed by integrating four containers 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d corresponding to the respective processing tanks 2 to 5, and each of the containers 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d.
In d, a developing solution 20, a bleaching solution 30, a fixing solution 40 and a washing water 50 are put, respectively.

The processing liquid unit 96 is connected to the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1
As shown in the figure, the distal end of each liquid supply conduit 93 is inserted into the processing liquid in the corresponding container 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d.

When each of the processing tanks 2 to 5 is empty, each pump 9
4, the processing liquids 20-5 in the containers 9a-9d
0 is supplied to the corresponding processing tanks 2 to 5 through a part of the liquid supply pipe 93 and the circulation pipe 91. As a result, the processing baths 2 to 5 are filled with the processing liquid.

In processing the photosensitive material S, each processing solution 2
Preferably, 0 to 50 cycles and replenishments are performed.

When each pump 92 is operated, each processing tank 2
The processing liquids 20 to 50 in 5 are sucked from one end of the circulation pipe 91, passed through the circulation pipe 91, and discharged from the other ends into the processing tanks 2 to 5. Thereby, each processing tank 2-5
Since the processing liquids 20 to 50 are stirred, the processing efficiency is improved and good photographic properties are obtained. At this time, impurities mixed into the processing liquid are removed by the filter 99, and the circulation amount is monitored by the flow meter 97.

It is preferable that such circulation of the processing liquid is mainly performed during the processing of the photosensitive material S, but it may also be performed while the processing is stopped (standby).

The replenishment of each of the processing solutions 20 to 50 is performed by using the photosensitive material S
Is performed in accordance with the processing amount. For example, each pump 94 is operated in synchronization with the processing of the photosensitive material S, and the containers 9a to 9d
The processing liquids 20 to 50 therein are supplied to the corresponding processing tanks 2 to 5 through a part of the liquid supply pipe 93 and the circulation pipe 91. In this case, the replenishment amounts of the processing liquids 20 to 50 are adjusted by setting the operation time of the corresponding pump 94 and monitored by the flow meter 98.

The processing liquid unit 96 is not limited to a type in which the completed processing liquid is divided and stored for each type, and
For example, a concentrated solution of the treatment liquid or a part agent constituting the treatment liquid and water may be separately stored. In this case, for example, a concentrated developing solution and water for diluting the same, or a plurality of parts constituting the developing solution and water for diluting them are supplied to the developing tank 2 at a predetermined ratio. These are mixed and supplied by a mixer (not shown) such as a static mixer, or
Alternatively, each is supplied separately.

Further, in the present invention, instead of the processing liquid unit 96 in which each container is integrated, a plurality of containers which are separated and independent from each other may be used.

When the new processing liquids 20 to 50 are replenished to the processing tanks 2 to 5 in this way, the exhausted and deteriorated processing liquids 20 to 50 in the processing tanks 2 to 5 are discharged to the respective drain pipes 95. Is discharged from

The drying means 6 has a casing 61 and a hot air fan 62 containing a blower fan and a heater. The hot air 63 generated from the hot air fan 62 is supplied into the casing 61 and the drying temperature is set to, for example, 35 to 100 ° C.
Degree.

It is preferable that the hot air fan 62 be capable of changing the rotation speed of the blower fan and the calorific value of the heater so that the blower amount and the drying temperature can be adjusted.

Note that a plurality of hot air fans 62 may be provided. In this case, there are a method of installing one or more pairs of hot air fans on the emulsion surface side and the back surface side of the photosensitive material S, a method of installing a plurality of warm air fans along the conveying direction of the photosensitive material S, and the like.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1, when the conveying means 7 is operated, the photosensitive material S is supplied to the developing tank 2, the bleaching tank 3, the fixing tank 4, and the washing tank by the rotating conveying rollers 71 and the crossover rollers 72. U within 5
Are sequentially conveyed along a character-like path, during which each of the processing liquids 20 to 5
And then subjected to processing of development, bleaching, fixing and washing with water.

After the washing process, the photosensitive material S from which the washing water has been removed from the surface through the three pairs of crossover rollers 72 is
After being introduced into the casing 61,
While being conveyed along the character-shaped path, drying is performed by contacting the hot air 63 supplied from the hot air fan 62.

The dried film S is sent out from a carry-out section composed of a pair of rollers. Then, the film S is further sent to the exposure unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a film S which has been subjected to the color development processing is exposed to an exposure unit 1 through a reservoir 11.
Transported to 0. Hereinafter, the exposure unit 10 will be described.

Above the carrier 101 for transporting the film S, a mirror box 102 and a lamp house 103 having a halogen lamp are arranged. A light control filter 104 is disposed between the mirror box 102 and the lamp house 103. The dimming filter 104 is
As is well known, it is composed of three color filters of Y (yellow), M (magenta) and C (cyan) filters.

Below the carrier 101, a lens 10
5. A black shutter 106 and a color paper S are arranged in this order, and a light beam emitted to the lamp house 103 and transmitted through the dimming filter 104, the mirror box 102 and the film S forms an image on the color paper P by the lens 105. It is configured as follows. Note that reference numeral 1
Reference numerals 09a and 09b denote rollers for transporting the film S.

On the opposite side of the lamp house 103 with respect to the carrier 101, an optical sensor 107 is provided. The optical sensor 107 sets the wavelength range in which
In the case of one or two or more sensors, the light intensity is detected in each wavelength range. In the case of a light intensity sensor in one wavelength range where the wavelength range of the sensor is not divided, the light intensity is detected between the sensor and the lamp. Set up a filter,
The amount of light is detected for each of the split wavelengths.

The lamp light amount of the exposure unit 10 described above is
Since it tends to decrease over time, the light amount sensor 107
Thus, the light amount of the lamp is constantly detected, and when the light amount falls below a certain value, the lamp voltage is corrected (increased) to maintain the light amount value constant.

A method of managing the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the amount of circulation in the circulation system and the amount of replenishment in the replenishment system are detected by flow meters 97 and 98, respectively. Each of the flow meters 97 and 98 is connected to a control means composed of, for example, a microcomputer.

Each of the flow meters 97 and 98 transmits a signal for one pulse per one rotation of the rotor, and counts the number of pulses by the control means. The temperature sensor 6 in the drying means 6
4 is also connected to the control means, and maintains the hot air at a predetermined temperature based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 64;
At startup, the heat-up time is calculated.

Further, the lamp voltage of the exposure unit 10 is detected by a voltmeter, and the detected value is input to the control means.

In addition, the control unit is appropriately input with a time for controlling the temperature of the processing liquid, a driving time of the transport unit, and an exposure time in the exposure unit 10. These times are the ON / OFF of the temperature sensor, the drive system, and the ON / OFF of the lamp circuit.
And the like.

The control means is further connected to a notifying means, and based on a detection value of each part, an abnormality occurs in each part as will be described later, or when the possibility of the abnormality becomes high, the control means is notified. The operator or the device is notified directly to the maintenance manager via the notification means.

As the notifying means, there are a means for displaying on a display or the like for visual recognition, and a means for making an auditory recognition by a buzzer or voice. In the case of a means for visually displaying, a portion requiring maintenance, specific contents of maintenance, instructions, and the like may be displayed. Further, a maintenance notice or an alarm mark may be printed on the printed photographic paper.

As another example of the notification means, a detection value, which will be described later, is sequentially transferred to the maintenance manager of the processing device by the communication means, and the maintenance manager needs to perform maintenance based on the transferred information. May be determined, or only the maintenance notice or alarm may be forwarded to the maintenance manager.

As the communication means, there are a means for transmitting a signal wirelessly through a space satellite or the like, and a method for transmitting a signal by wire through a telephone line or the like. In addition, a storage medium for storing data, which will be described later, detected by a sensor or the like is provided for each device, the storage medium is collected, the data recorded by the maintenance manager is read, and the storage medium is read. The maintenance time may be determined based on the data. Examples of the recording medium include an IC card, a floppy disk, and a magneto-optical disk.

By providing such communication means, a plurality of photosensitive material processing apparatuses can be managed collectively, and maintenance and management become much easier than in the past. There is an advantage that even a processing device without an operator, such as a photographing and developing device for an identification photograph for performing processing, can know the maintenance time at an early stage.

The management method of each unit will be described below. [I] Management of replenishment system Since a decrease in the replenishment amount due to a trouble in the replenishment system greatly affects the photographic properties of the photosensitive material to be processed, it is preferable to predict the abnormality in the replenishment system at an early stage.

An abnormality in the replenishment system composed of the containers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the supply line 93, the pump 94, and the flow meter 98 is detected by the flow meter 98 with the passage of time. Can be detected.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a flow rate detection method.
As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
1) Measure the time t at which the pulse is emitted. If an abnormality occurs in the replenishment system and the flow rate of the replenisher drops, the time t becomes longer. If it takes too much time to replenish the processing solution, the photosensitive material passes through the processing tank while the replacement of the processing solution is insufficient, and sufficient processing cannot be performed.

Specifically, the replenishment amount is 3 to 1 of the standard replenishment amount.
When reduced to 0%, since it can impact the processing capability of the processing solution, and the maintenance notice at _{t a ≦ t ≦ t b,} t
Set to issue an alarm when _b ≦ t. Note that t _b ≦ t
After that, the processing device may be automatically stopped after processing a predetermined number of sheets or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Such a configuration is preferable in order to prevent an increase in apparatus abnormality and processing failure.

Assuming that an appropriate time for replenishing the standard replenishment amount is a standard time t ₀ (FIG. 3), t _a is about 1.5 to 3 times the standard time t ₀ , and t _b is a standard time t 0. ₀ to 2 to 5
It is preferably about twice.

When such a notice or an alarm is issued, an abnormal part is inspected, and repair or replacement of parts is performed. In the case of a replenishment system, the replenishment pump is repaired or replaced, or the replenishment line is repaired as necessary.

[II] Management of circulatory system If the circulating amount changes due to an abnormality in the circulatory system, an abnormality occurs in photographic properties and temperature control performance. For this reason, it is preferable to be able to predict an abnormality in the circulatory system.

An abnormality in the circulation system constituted by the circulation line 91, the pump 94, the filter 99, and the flow meter 97 can be detected by detecting the flow over time in the flow meter 97. it can.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the flow rate detection method.
As shown in (2), when the filter 99 becomes clogged during long-term use, the flow rate of the circulation system decreases. The decrease in the circulating flow rate is detected by a flow meter, and when the flow rate reaches a predetermined value or less, a maintenance notice is issued, and an alarm is issued when the flow rate drops to a predetermined value. After the alarm is issued, the processing device may be automatically stopped after processing a predetermined number of sheets or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Such a configuration is preferable for preventing an increase in apparatus abnormality and an increase in processing failure.

The standard circulation amount is, for example, preferably about 16 to 34% of the volume of the processing tank circulated in one minute, and about 25 to 50% of the volume of the processing tank ( even circulation amount varies between) in the figure f _u ~f _l, affect the photographic properties and the temperature control performance is small. Usually, the amount of circulation increases with time, very rarely and usually decreases. Therefore, the amount of about 25% of the treatment tank volume circulation rate within 1 minute and the maintenance notice when it becomes less than (between figure f _L ~f _LL), a further 16% of the processing tank volume below 1 minute If it becomes ( _fLL or less in the figure), an alarm can be set to be issued.

When such a notice or an alarm is issued, an abnormal part is inspected, and repair or replacement of parts is performed. In the case of the above-mentioned circulating system, cleaning and replacement of the filter, repair or replacement of the circulating pump, repair of leakage in the circulating path, and the like are performed as necessary.

[III] Management of Exposure Unit In the exposure unit 10 mainly composed of a lamp, a filter, a shutter, and the like, the lamp light amount decreases with time, and as described above, the lamp voltage is sequentially increased in the increasing direction. The light amount is kept constant by correction. When the lamp light amount is maintained by increasing the lamp voltage in this way,
The wavelength of the light emitted by the lamp becomes longer. Therefore, when the lamp wavelength reaches a predetermined value or more, a maintenance notice is issued, and when the wavelength becomes longer than the predetermined value, an alarm is issued. In addition, it is also possible to set so that a notice and an alarm are issued when the value of the lamp voltage to be corrected reaches a predetermined value. In general, a tungsten lamp of about 300 W is used in a printer. In this case, if the calculation ratio of the light amount at a low wavelength and the light amount at a high wavelength exceeds a predetermined value from the time of initial detection or setting, a maintenance notice is issued. In addition, if the distance greatly exceeds the threshold, an alarm may be issued. The detection light amount sensor at this time may have one detection wavelength region or may have two or more detection wavelength regions. In the case of judging from the lamp voltage value, a maintenance notice is given when the corrected lamp voltage reaches about 10% or more of the rated value, and an alarm is issued when it reaches about 15% or more of the rated value. Should be issued. These can be combined with the method based on the light amount detection and the method based on the voltage detection. In this case, a maintenance notice or an alarm can be issued more accurately. Further, even if one of the methods is out of order, a maintenance notice or an alarm can be issued, so that the reliability is improved.

Further, when the filter in the exposure section 10 is of a turret type, the heat deterioration due to the heat of the lamp is particularly severe, but the lamp lighting time is integrated. It can also be set to give an advance notice of replacement maintenance and to issue an alarm. For example, in the case of a tungsten lamp, maintenance notice is given in about 10,000 to 50,000 hours, and
An alarm may be issued in about 100,000 hours.

[IV] Management of Other Parts Constituting Each part constituting each part deteriorates with time and needs to be replaced. Such a component can also be set to issue a maintenance notice or an alarm based on the usage time or the time since the component was attached to the device. The usage time and the driving time can be obtained by integrating the ON / OFF operation intervals of the power supply of the apparatus.

I) The maintenance time of gears, rollers, bearings, etc. of the conveying means can be predicted based on the driving time. In particular, for components installed in the processing tank and driven in the processing liquid, it is possible to more accurately predict the maintenance time if the temperature adjustment time and temperature of the processing liquid are also treated as elements of the prediction calculation. Incidentally, the deterioration of each component in the transporting means may be based on the length and the number of processed photosensitive materials, and the maintenance timing and the like may be predicted.

Ii) With respect to the warm air fan 62, the time from when the warm air fan 62 starts to when it reaches the drying temperature (heat up time) is detected by the temperature sensor 64, and the heat up time of the warm air fan 62 is detected. If it takes more than a predetermined time, a maintenance notice may be given and an alarm may be issued.

Iii) In addition, electric equipment such as a motor and other parts can be similarly set to issue a maintenance notice or an alarm based on the driving time.
In addition, for a solenoid used for a valve or the like, an electromagnetic clutch used for turning on / off the transmission of a drive system, and the like, the timing for issuing a maintenance notice or an alarm is set based on the number of photosensitive material processed and the number of times of driving.

As described above, there are many abnormalities which cannot be easily dealt with by a user such as a minilab shop. Therefore, the system is configured to directly notify the maintenance manager via the communication means, and the maintenance manager is notified based on the notification. It is advisable to take a direct approach to maintenance.

The management method described above can be applied not only to the above-described photosensitive material processing apparatus but also to any processing apparatus such as a printer processor.

[0080]

As described above, according to the management method of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an unexpected failure of the processing apparatus and maintain a stable continuous operation of the processing apparatus.

Accordingly, troubles such as the photosensitive material being processed being exposed to light due to a failure of the apparatus during processing are reduced.

Further, even in a developing apparatus having no money input type operator, there is an advantage that not only the occurrence of a trouble can be prevented but also the occurrence of the trouble can be known at an early stage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall side sectional view showing an example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus for performing a method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit.

FIG. 3 is a time chart showing a pattern of a pulse signal from a flow meter.

FIG. 4 is also a time chart showing a pattern of a pulse signal from a flow meter.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a state of a circulation flow rate with time.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive material processing apparatus 2, 2 'developing tank 20, 20' developing solution 3 Bleaching tank 30 Bleaching liquid 4 Fixing tank 40 Fixing liquid 5 Rinse tank 50 Rinse water 6 Drying unit 61 Casing 62 Hot air fan 63 Hot air 7 Transporting unit 71 Conveyance Roller 72 Crossover Roller 73, 74 Guide 8 Heater 9 Processing Liquid Supply Means 91 Circulation Pipeline 92 Pump 93 Liquid Supply Pipeline 94 Pump 95 Drainage Pipe 96 Processing Liquid Unit 97 Flowmeter 98 Flowmeter 99 Filter 9a 9d Container 10 Exposure unit 101 Carrier 102 Mirror box 103 Lamp house 104 Dimming filter 105 Lens 106 Black shutter 107 Optical sensor 109a-b Roller 11 Reservoir

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-253264 (JP, A) JP-A-2-266377 (JP, A) JP-A-61-1117543 (JP, A) JP-A-63-104054 (JP) JP-A-58-95737 (JP, A) JP-A-4-61344 (JP, A) JP-A-57-40946 (JP, U)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] In a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing solution replenishment system for replenishing a processing solution, a replenishment flow rate of a processing solution per unit time is monitored by a flow meter,
When the replenishment flow rate of the processing solution per unit time is reduced to 3 to 10% of the standard replenishment flow rate, a management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus for notifying or notifying abnormality of the replenishment system. 2. The photosensitive material processing apparatus further has a circulation system for circulating a processing solution in a processing tank, monitors a circulation amount of the circulation system, and detects an abnormality of the circulation system based on a change in the circulation amount. 2. The management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notice or notification is given. 3. The photosensitive material processing apparatus further includes an exposure unit, monitors a lamp voltage or a wavelength change of an exposure lamp of the exposure unit, and notifies or informs an abnormality of the exposure lamp based on the lamp voltage or the wavelength change. 3. The management method in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein
2. The maintenance manager is notified or notified, and the maintenance manager performs maintenance of each of the photosensitive material processing apparatuses.
3. The management method in any one of the photosensitive material processing apparatuses according to any one of (1) to (3).