JPH02216149A - Device for processing photographic sensitive material - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate liquid prepn. and to eliminate the need for an automatic liquid prepn. device by circulating a liquid mixture by a circulation pump until the prescribed time elapses after a specified volume of water is supplied to a processing tank, then a specified volume of a processing stock liquid is supplied. CONSTITUTION:The water is supplied from a pipeline 30 into an empty developing tank 18 by opening a solenoid valve 36. A level sensor 56 sends a signal to a control section 42 when the water arrives at the bottom end of the sensor 56. The valve 36 is then closed to stop the water supply. While the water in the tank 18 is circulated by operating the circulation pump 26, a developing stock soln. housing bottle is loaded into a bottle holder 64 and the developing stock soln. in the bottle is supplied into the tank 18. A level sensor 58 sends a signal to the device 42 when the liquid mixture composed of the water and the stock soln. arrives at the bottom end of the sensor 58. The device 42 starts measuring the operation time of the pump 26 in accordance with this signal and the circulation and mixing are continued until the prescribed time elapses.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a photographic material processing apparatus for processing (for example, developing and fixing) exposed photographic material.

[Prior art] - A developing solution for a photographic light-sensitive material processing device consists of a developing agent with a development accelerator, a preservative, an anti-fogging agent, etc. Those with a constant agent, hardening agent, etc. added are used.

Processing solutions (e.g., developing solutions, fixing solutions) used in photographic material processing equipment are commercially available in bottles containing concentrated processing solutions containing chemicals, and users of photographic material processing equipment This concentrated processing stock solution is dissolved in water to prepare a working solution, that is, a processing solution. In this case, the ASB contained in a bottle is usually used for the developer.

Three stock solutions C are used, and two stock solutions A and B housed in bottles are used as the fixer solution.

Here, an automatic liquid preparation apparatus is provided separately from the photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus, and the processing liquid prepared by the automatic liquid preparation apparatus is transferred to a processing tank.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when the processing liquid is prepared by the automatic liquid preparation device as described above, the processing liquid is transferred to the processing tank of the photographic material processing device after the processing liquid is prepared by the automatic liquid preparation device. There is a problem in that the work must be transferred to the inside, which takes time and effort.

Further, when an automatic liquid preparation device is used, there is a problem in that it requires installation space and also leads to an increase in cost.

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention eliminates the hassle of preparing the processing liquid, allows the circulation pump of the photosensitive material processing device to both prepare and circulate the processing liquid, and does not require the provision of an automatic liquid preparation device. The object of the present invention is to obtain a photographic material processing apparatus that can reduce costs and does not require installation space for an automatic liquid preparation apparatus.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, in a photographic material processing apparatus equipped with a circulation pump that circulates a processing liquid in a processing tank for processing exposed photographic material, a water supply means for supplying water, a first detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the treatment tank, a treatment stock solution supply means for supplying the treatment stock solution into the treatment tank, and a treatment tank. a second detection means for detecting that the total amount of the water supplied into the tank and the treated stock solution supplied has reached a predetermined liquid volume; and a water supply means which is operated to supply water into the treatment tank. Detection by the second detection means based on the detection result detected by the second detection means by activating the circulation pump after stopping the operation of the water supply means when detected by the first detection means. and control means for stopping the operation of the circulation pump after a predetermined period of time.

Further, in a photographic material processing apparatus equipped with a circulation pump that circulates a processing solution in a processing tank for processing exposed photographic material, a water supply means for supplying water into the processing tank;
a first detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the processing tank; a processing stock solution supply means for supplying the processing stock solution into the processing tank; a third detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined amount of the treatment stock solution has been supplied after the first detection means has detected that a predetermined amount of the treatment stock solution has been supplied into the treatment tank; a second detecting means for detecting that the liquid level has reached the level of the amount of liquid; When the third detection means detects a mixture of water and the treated stock solution after stopping the circulation pump, the second detection means operates the circulation pump based on the detection result detected by the second detection means. and control means for stopping the operation of the circulation pump after a predetermined period of time from the time of detection by the detection means.

[Operation] In the present invention having the above configuration, the water supply means is operated by the control means, and water is supplied into the processing tank.

The first detection means detects that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the processing tank, and this detection result is transmitted to the control means. Based on this result, the control means stops the water supply means.

In this state, for example, an operator loads a processing stock solution storage bottle into the processing tank, a processing stock solution supplying means supplies the processing stock solution into the processing tank, and a circulation pump circulates and mixes the water and the processing stock solution.

In this state, the second detection means detects that the total amount of water and processing stock solution supplied into the processing tank has reached a predetermined liquid amount, and this detection result is transmitted to the control means. Based on this detection result, the control means stops the operation of the circulation pump after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the detection by the second detection means.

As a result, the processing stock solution and water are mixed and prepared in the processing tank of the photographic material processing apparatus.

In this way, in the present invention, the liquid preparation work can be carried out in the processing tank of the photographic material processing apparatus, so there is no need to move the processing liquid into the processing tank after preparing the liquid with an automatic liquid preparation apparatus, as in the past. Liquid work becomes easier.In addition, the circulation pump of the photographic material processing equipment can serve as both preparation and circulation of the processing liquid, and there is no need to install an automatic liquid preparation device separately from the photographic material processing equipment, reducing costs. It can be folded down and does not require installation space for an automatic liquid preparation device.

In addition, since the operator does not come into contact with the processing liquid, safety and
Improves work efficiency.

Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a photographic material processing apparatus which also serves as a liquid preparation device, which is a first embodiment of the present invention. An insertion slot 14 and an insertion table 16 are provided at the upper front part of the photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus 10.
is installed. The photographic material 12 is inserted into the interior through the insertion opening 14. Inside the photosensitive material processing apparatus 10, a developing tank 18, a fixing tank t120, and a washing tank 22 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order. After the photographic light-sensitive material 12 is inserted through the insertion port 14, it is placed in a developing tank 18 and a fixing tank 20.
, and are sequentially sent to a washing tank 22 for processing.

One end of a conduit 24 is communicated with the bottom of the developer tank 18 . The other end of the pipe line 24 is connected to the side of the developer tank 18, and a circulation pump 26 is disposed in the middle. As a result, the water and the developer stock solution contained in the developer tank 18 are circulated, and the developer is circulated.

In addition, a branch pipe 3 branched from the pipe 28 is provided in the developer tank 18.
0 is open. The pipe line 28 is connected to a water supply device (not shown), and water is supplied thereto. For example, tap water may be used as the water supply device, and the pipe line 28 may be connected directly to the faucet.

The line 28 is further branched into branch lines 32 and 34, with the branch line 32 opening into the fixing tank 20 and the branch line 34 opening into the washing tank 22. This allows water to be supplied into the fixing tank 20 and the washing tank 22.

There are solenoid valves (V, ~V
, ) 36, 38, and 40 are respectively disposed, and when opened, water is supplied into each treatment tank through branch pipes 30, 32, and 34.

The solenoid valves 36, 38, 40 are connected to an output port 46 of a control device 42 provided in the photographic material processing apparatus 10.

The control device 42 has a human power port 44, an output port 46,
It is composed of a ROM 48, a RAM 50, and a CPU 52, which are connected by a data bus 54. This control bag W42 controls the timing of opening and closing of the electromagnetic valves 36, 38, and 40 in accordance with the detection results of the first detection means. Further, the control device 42 controls the operation timing of the circulation pump 26 according to the detection results of the first and second detection means.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
and a level sensor 58 which is a second detection means, and these are connected to the control device 4 via a sensor unit 60.
It is connected to two human-powered boats 44. Also, the developer tank 18
A common sensor 62 of level sensors 56 and 58 is arranged inside, and the human-powered boat 4 is connected to the human-powered boat 4 via the sensor unit 60.
Connected to 4. These level sensors 56.58
is adapted to detect the liquid level of water supplied into the developer tank 18 and the liquid level of a mixed solution of water and developer stock solution. Also,
Level sensor 58, level sensor 56, common sensor 62
The sensors are arranged in the developer tank 18 in order such that the lower end thereof becomes lower, and the liquid level detection signal of each sensor is sent to the control device 42.

Further, a bottle holder 64 serving as a processing stock solution supplying means for supplying processing stock solution into the processing tank is placed on the upper part of the developing tank 18 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the bottle holder 64 is box-shaped and open at the top, and the opening end is bent outward over the entire circumference to form a bent part 66. placed on the edge of the developer tank 18
A bottle holder 64 is held at the top of the bottle.

The inside of the bottle holder 64 is partitioned into three parts by a partition plate 65, and includes a developing solution storage bottle 7 containing a developing solution.
A developing stock solution storage bottle loading section 72 into which a bottle 0 is inserted is formed.

A pipeline 74 is attached to the center of the bottom of the developing stock solution storage bottle loading section 72 by a flange 76 passing through the bottom. The upper end of this conduit 74 is cut at an acute angle as shown in FIG.
It is designed to break through the sealing material (for example, aluminum foil) that closes the opening. As a result, the developer solution in the developer solution storage bottle 70 is supplied into the developer tank.

As shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the developer stock bottle 70 is closed with a lid 71 made of a sealant, and a cap 78 is fitted into the opening end so as to cover the lid 71 of the sealant. ing. A through hole is formed in the center of the cap 78, and the lid 71 of the sealing material is exposed to the outside. The pipe line 74 is inserted through this through hole and breaks through the lid 7I of the sealing material.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

The printing photosensitive material 12 is inserted into the photographic photosensitive material processing apparatus 10 through the insertion port 14, and transferred to the developing tank 1 in a transport rank (not shown).
8, it is sequentially conveyed into the fixing tank 20 and the washing tank 22 and processed, and after being dried in a drying section (not shown), it is sent out to the outside of the photographic material processing apparatus IO.

A first embodiment of preparing a developer contained in the developer tank 18 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.

The level sensors 56 and 53 and the common sensor 62 are inserted and arranged in the empty developer tank 18 containing no developer. Further, a bottle holder 64 is placed in the F portion of the developing tank 1)3. Next, the photographic material processing apparatus 10 is selected to be in the liquid preparation mode.

The photographic material processing apparatus 1O is started by pressing a start button (not shown). Initialization is performed in step 100. In this initialization, the solenoid valves 36, 38, and 40 are closed, and the circulation pump 26 is stopped. Further, the level sensors 56 and 58 and the common sensor 62 are in a detectable state.

In step 102, the solenoid valve 36 is opened, and water is supplied from the pipe line 30 into the developer tank 18. In step 104, it is determined whether the supplied water has reached a predetermined amount. When the water surface touches the lower end of the level sensor 56, the common sensor 6
2 and sends a signal to the control device 42 via the sensor unit 60.

As a result, the fact that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the developer tank 18 is transmitted to the control device 42 . If the water has not reached a predetermined amount, the solenoid valve 36 is left open and the water flows into the developer tank 18.
supplied within. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the developer tank 18, the solenoid valve 36 is closed in step 106, and the developer tank 18 is closed.
The water supply to 8 will stop.

After the water supply has stopped, in step 108 the circulation pump 2
6 operates to circulate water in the developer tank 18. During this circulation, the bottle holder 6 in which the developer stock bottle 70 is placed in advance on the upper part of the developer tank 18 by an operator.
4 (step 110). As a result, the developer solution stored in the developer solution storage bottle 70 is transferred to the developer tank 1.
8. The circulation pump 26 is in operation even during the supply of the developer stock solution.

In step 112, it is determined whether or not the lower end of the level sensor 58 has touched the surface of the mixture of developer stock solution and water. When the liquid level of the mixed solution of the developer solution and water does not touch the lower end of the level sensor 58, the circulation pump 26 continues to be operated.

When the developer stock solution is supplied into the developer tank 18 and the surface of the mixed solution of the developer stock solution and water touches the lower end of the level sensor 58, the level sensor 58 and the common sensor 62 are electrically connected, and the sensor unit 60 is connected. A signal is sent to the control device 42 via.

Based on this signal, the control device 42 starts measuring the operating time of the circulation pump 26. In step 114, it is determined whether or not time t has elapsed, and if it has not elapsed, the circulation pump 26 continues to be operated.

When the time has elapsed, the operation of the circulation pump 26 is stopped in step 116. In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, a level sensor 57 as a third detection means is provided in the developer tank 18 of the first embodiment.

The lower end of the level sensor 57 is located between the lower end of the level sensor 56 and the lower end of the level sensor 58.
is connected to the human-powered boat 44 of the control device 42 via the sensor unit 60.

The level sensor 57 is designed to detect the liquid level of the mixed solution of water and developer solution supplied into the developer tank.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

A second embodiment of preparing the developer contained in the developer tank 18 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6. In FIG. 2, parts common to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

The level sensors 56, 57, 58 and the common sensor 62 are arranged in the empty developing area tflB which does not contain any developing solution. Next, the photographic material processing apparatus 10 is selected to be in the liquid preparation mode. The photographic material processing apparatus 1 is started by pressing a start button (not shown). Initialization is performed in step 200. In this initialization, the solenoid valve 36.38.40
is in a closed state, and the circulation pump 26 is stopped.

In addition, level sensors 56, 57, 58, common sensor 62
is in a detectable state.

In step 202, the solenoid valve 36 is opened, and water is supplied from the pipe line 30 into the developer tank 18. In step 204, it is determined whether the supplied water has reached a predetermined amount. When the water surface touches the lower end of the level sensor 56, it is electrically connected to the common sensor 62 and connected to the control device 42 via the sensor unit 60.
send a signal to.

As a result, the fact that a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the developer tank 18 is transmitted to the control device 42 . If the water has not reached a predetermined amount, the solenoid valve 36 is left open and the water flows into the developer tank 18.
supplied within. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the developer tank 18, the solenoid valve 36 is opened in step 206, and the developer tank 18 is opened.
The water supply to 8 will stop.

Next, in step 208, the developer stock bottle 70 is loaded into the bottle holder 64, which has been previously placed on the upper part of the developer tank 18, by an operator.

As a result, the developer solution contained in the developer solution storage bottle 70 is supplied into the developer tank 18 . In step 210, when the liquid level of the mixed solution of water and developer touches the lower end of the level sensor 57, the sensor unit 6 is electrically connected to the common sensor 62.
0 to the control device 42. As a result, the fact that the developer stock solution has started to be supplied into the developer tank 18 is transmitted to the control device 42 . In step 212, a signal from the control device 42 is transmitted to the circulation pump 26, the operation of the circulation pump 26 is started, and the developer stock solution and water are circulated and mixed. In step 214, when the liquid level of the mixed solution of the developer stock solution and water touches the lower end of the level sensor 58, the level sensor 5
8 and the common sensor 62 are electrically connected, and the sensor unit 60
A signal is sent to the control device 42 via. Based on this signal, the control device 42 starts measuring the time during which the circulation pump 26 is operating. In step 216, it is determined whether or not time t has elapsed, and if it has not elapsed, the circulation pump 26
continues to be activated. When the time has elapsed, the operation of the circulation pump 26 is stopped in step 218.

By performing each of the above steps, the undiluted developer solution and water are mixed and a developer solution is prepared. Note that the operating time t of the circulation pump for circulating and mixing the developer solution and water is determined in advance through experiments and the like.

Further, the amount of developer stock solution and the amount of water supplied into the developer tank 18 are set in advance to be a predetermined ratio, and the amount of water is set by the vertical position of the lower end of the level sensor 56. The amount of the developer stock solution is set by the volume of the developer stock bottle, and the vertical position of the lower end of the level sensor 58 is adjusted accordingly.

Further, the vertical position of the lower end of the level sensor 57 is adjusted as appropriate so that the operation of the circulation pump is started when the undiluted developer solution starts to be supplied to the developer tank 18. Note that the level sensors 56, 57, 58 and the common sensor 62 are made of metal rods, for example.

In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the case where a developer is prepared as a processing liquid has been described, but the present invention can be applied not only to a developer but also to the preparation of other processing liquids such as a fixer. is possible.

In this way, in the present invention, since the circulation pump of the photographic material processing device can serve as both preparation and circulation of the processing solution, there is no need for an automatic solution preparation device, and the task of transferring the prepared processing solution into the processing tank is eliminated. Since there is no need for troublesome piping, etc., liquid preparation work becomes easier.

In addition, since the operator does not come into direct contact with the processing liquid, the operator does not get dirty, improving safety and work efficiency.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention having the above-described structure, the solution can be prepared according to the processing settings of the photographic material processing device, so there is no need for an automatic solution preparation device, and the prepared processing solution can be transferred to the processing tank. There is no need for transfer work or troublesome piping, making liquid preparation work easier, and there is no need to install an automatic liquid preparation device separate from the photosensitive material processing equipment, reducing costs. You get a immersive effect that doesn't require much space.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a photographic material processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a photographic material processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. 3 is a perspective view showing a developing solution storage bottle and a bottle holder, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the developing solution storage bottle loaded into the bottle holder, and FIG. 5 is a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a liquid preparation mode to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. 10... Photographic material processing device, 12 ・ 18 ・ 20 ・ 26 ・ 28 ・ 30. 36. 42 ・56. 62 ・ 64 ・ 70 ・ Photographic light-sensitive material, developing tank, fixing tank, circulation pump, pipeline 1. 34... Branch pipe 1. 40...Solenoid valve, control device 1. 58...Level sensor, common sensor, bottle holder developing solution storage bottle.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a photographic material processing apparatus equipped with a circulation pump that circulates a processing solution in a processing tank for processing exposed photographic material, a water supply means for supplying water into the processing tank; and a processing tank. a first detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the processing tank; a processing stock solution supplying means for supplying the processing stock solution into the processing tank; a second detection means for detecting that the total amount of liquid including the stock solution has reached a predetermined amount; and a water supply means is operated to supply water into the treatment tank, and when the first detection means detects After stopping the operation of the water supply means, the circulation pump is operated, and the operation of the circulation pump is stopped after a predetermined time from the time of detection by the second detection means based on the detection result detected by the second detection means. 1. A photographic material processing apparatus, comprising: a control means for controlling; (2) In a photographic material processing apparatus equipped with a circulation pump that circulates a processing solution in a processing tank for processing exposed photographic material, a water supply means for supplying water into the processing tank; and a processing tank. a first detection means for detecting whether a predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the processing tank; a processing stock solution supply means for supplying the processing stock solution into the processing tank; a third detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined amount of treatment stock solution has been supplied after the first detection means has detected the amount of the processing stock solution; a second detection means for detecting that the amount of water has reached the processing tank; and a second detection means for operating the water supply means to supply water into the treatment tank, and stopping the operation of the water supply means when detected by the first detection means. When the mixture of water and the treated stock solution is detected by the third detection means after the detection, the circulation pump is operated, and the second detection is performed based on the detection result detected by the second detection means. 1. A photographic material processing apparatus comprising: control means for stopping the operation of the circulation pump after a predetermined period of time from the detection of the means.