JPH06324463A - Photosensitive material processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the unnecessary supply of replenishing liquids to processing tanks. CONSTITUTION:The results of detection of liquid level sensors disposed in respective processing tanks are taken in and whether there is the processing tank having the liquid level below a reference level or not is decided (steps 150, 152). An alarm is triggered and a massage reporting the fall of the liquid level is displayed on a display if an ordinary operation mode is set (steps 156, 158). As a result, an operator is able to recognize the fall of the liquid level and instructs that the supply of the replenishing liquid is not executed by operating a replenishment selection switch if the operation, such as withdrawal of a rack from the processing tank, is carried out. The decision of a step 162 is denied and the supply of the replenishing liquid to the processing tank is not executed. The replenishing liquid is supplied until the liquid level attains the reference level when the supply of the replenishing liquid is instructed (steps 164 to 168).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus, and more particularly to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for immersing a photosensitive material in a processing solution stored in a processing tank for processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic developing machine, which is a type of a photosensitive material processing apparatus, is provided with a plurality of processing tanks such as a developing tank, a fixing tank, and a washing tank. Etc. are stored. A transport rack provided with transport rollers and guides is arranged in each processing tank.
The photosensitive material sent into the automatic developing machine is sequentially conveyed into each processing tank by a transfer rack, and after being immersed in each processing solution to be processed, the photosensitive material is dried in a drying section arranged on the downstream side of the processing tank. .

By the way, the standard value of the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the processing tank is predetermined, but the water gradually evaporates from the processing liquid over time, and the amount of the processing liquid decreases. As a result, the liquid level decreases and the concentration of the processing liquid increases. When the photosensitive material is processed, the processing liquid adheres to the surface of the photosensitive material and is taken out of the processing tank. In the developing tank and the like, since there is no processing tank in the previous stage, the developing solution is taken out with the processing of the light-sensitive material, the processing solution amount is reduced, and the liquid level is lowered. Further, in the processing tanks such as the fixing tank and the water washing tank, another processing tank is arranged in the preceding stage, so that as the photosensitive material is processed, the processing tank of the preceding stage adheres to the surface of the photosensitive material from the processing tank of the preceding stage. The treatment liquid is brought in, and the liquid surface level fluctuates (decreases or rises).

For this reason, a sensor for detecting the liquid surface level of the processing liquid is provided for each processing tank, and when a decrease in the liquid surface level is detected, water or a liquid obtained by diluting the replenishing stock solution (hereinafter,
These are simply referred to as a replenisher, and the liquid level is controlled so as to be a reference level.

[0005]

However, the automatic developing machine sometimes pulls out the transfer rack from the processing tank in order to perform maintenance such as cleaning of the transfer rollers provided on the transfer rack and cleaning of the inside of the processing tank. When the transport rack is pulled out from the processing tank, the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the processing tank drops, but as described above, the liquid level is detected and controlled so that the liquid level becomes the reference level. In the automatic processor having the function, there is a problem in that the decrease in the liquid surface level is erroneously judged as a decrease in the amount of the processing liquid and the replenishing liquid is wastefully supplied into the processing tank. The same problem occurs when the processing liquid is discharged from the processing tank in order to clean the inside of the processing tank.

The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and an object thereof is to obtain a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of preventing the replenisher from being unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a processing tank for storing a processing solution for processing a photosensitive material, and the photosensitive material is used as a processing solution in the processing tank. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing while immersing and transporting, comprising liquid level detecting means for detecting a liquid level of a processing liquid in the processing tank, supply means for supplying a replenishing liquid to the processing tank, and processing. Selection means for selecting whether or not to supply the replenishing liquid to the tank, and the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means is less than a predetermined level, and the replenishing liquid is supplied by the selecting means. And a control unit that operates the supply unit when it is selected to perform.

Further, in the invention according to claim 1, it is preferable to provide a notifying means for notifying when the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means is less than a predetermined level.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing tank in which a processing liquid for processing a photosensitive material is stored and a rack provided with a transport roller for transporting the photosensitive material is detachably inserted, and the rack is provided. A photosensitive material processing device for processing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in the processing tank while conveying the photosensitive material by a conveying roller, and a liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank, A judgment means for judging whether or not the rack is pulled out from the processing tank, a liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means is less than a predetermined level, and the rack is pulled out of the processing tank by the judging means. And a supply means for supplying a replenisher to the processing tank when the judgment is not made.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selecting means for selecting whether or not to supply the replenishing liquid to the processing bath, and the processing liquid in the processing bath detected by the liquid level detecting means is supplied. When the liquid level is less than the predetermined level and the selecting means selects the supply of the replenisher, the supplying means is operated to supply the replenisher to the processing tank. The replenisher solution referred to here includes water, a solution obtained by diluting the replenishment stock solution with water, and the like.

Therefore, when the amount of the treatment liquid actually decreases due to evaporation of water, carry-out of the treatment liquid, etc., and the supply of the replenisher is selected by the selection means, the supply means is operated to the treatment tank. Is supplied. When the supply of the replenisher is not selected by the selecting means, the treatment from the treatment tank is performed for pulling out the rack from the treatment tank, cleaning the treatment tank, or exchanging the treatment liquid. Since the supply means is not operated even when the liquid is discharged, the replenisher is prevented from being unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank and the replenisher is not wasted.

The invention of claim 1 may further include an operation mode setting means for setting the normal operation mode and the automatic operation mode in which the operation of the selecting means is automated. When the normal operation mode is previously set by the operation mode setting means, the replenishing liquid is supplied by the selecting means when the detected liquid level is less than the predetermined level, as in the first aspect of the invention. When the automatic operation mode is set, the supply means is activated only when is selected, and when the detected liquid level is below the predetermined level, the selection means automatically supplies the replenisher to the processing tank. It can be configured to switch to supply and activate the supply means. With this, when the automatic operation mode is set by the mode setting means, even if the worker does not manually select whether or not to supply the replenishing liquid by the selecting means, each time the liquid level falls below the predetermined level. Since the replenishing solution is supplied, it is possible to operate the photosensitive material processing device in a state where no worker is present around the photosensitive material processing device, that is, in a so-called unmanned state.

In the invention of claim 1, it is preferable to provide an informing means for informing when the liquid level is lower than a predetermined level. With this, the worker can recognize that the liquid level has been detected to be less than the predetermined level by the notification of the notification means, and the rack is pulled out from the processing tank or the processing liquid from the processing tank is detected. Is being discharged, the replenisher is selected to be replenished by the selecting means. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the replenisher from being unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank. Further, when the amount of the processing liquid actually decreases due to evaporation of water, taking out of the processing liquid, etc., the worker selects the supply of the replenishing liquid by the selecting means. As a result, the supply means is operated and the replenisher is supplied to the processing tank.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a judging means for judging whether or not the rack is pulled out from the processing tank, and the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means is less than the predetermined level and the judgment is made. The replenisher is supplied to the processing tank when it is not determined by the means that the rack has been pulled out from the processing tank. Therefore, when the rack is pulled out from the processing tank for cleaning the transport rollers, etc., it is judged that the rack has been pulled out and the replenishing solution is not supplied to the processing tank. Unnecessary supply is prevented. Also, if it is not determined that the rack has been pulled out, if the amount of processing liquid actually decreases due to evaporation of water, carrying out of processing liquid, etc.,
The replenisher is supplied to the processing tank.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an automatic developing apparatus 10 as a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The automatic developing device 10 includes a film 12, which is an example of a photosensitive material, a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water (hereinafter,
These are collectively referred to as a treatment liquid), and are treated by being dipped and then dried.

The automatic developing device 10 includes a developing section 18 having a developing tank 16 in a machine frame 14 and a fixing section 2 having a fixing tank 20.
2. A rinsing unit 26 including the rinsing tank 24, a rinsing unit 30 including a rinsing tank 28, and a drying unit 68 are provided. The developing tank 16 stores the developing solution, the fixing tank 20 stores the fixing solution, and the rinse tank 24 and the washing tank 28.
Rinse water is stored in.

As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid surface sensor 120 for detecting the liquid surface level of the developing liquid is provided in the developing tank 16. The liquid level sensor 120 includes a pair of electrodes arranged at a height position corresponding to the reference level of the developing solution in the developing tank 16. When the liquid level of the developing solution is equal to or higher than the reference level, the pair of electrodes is provided. The developer comes into contact with the electrode of and turns on. Further, in the fixing tank 20 and the rinsing tank 28, liquid level sensors 122 and 124 having the same configuration are arranged at height positions corresponding to the reference levels of the fixing liquid and rinsing water, respectively.

Further, the developing tank 16, the fixing tank 20, and the washing tank 2
In FIG. 8, a plurality of roller pairs 32, 34, 36 (water washing tank 2
In the case of No. 8, transport racks 38, 40, 42 each having a pair of rollers 32, 36) are arranged so as to be immersed in a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water. The roller pair 32, 34 has a horizontal line connecting the axes of the opposing rollers, and the roller pair 36 has a vertical line connecting the axis of the opposing rollers, and holds and conveys the film 12. A substantially U-shaped transport path is formed.

Here, each processing tank (developing tank 16, fixing tank 2)
0, the washing tank 28) is narrowed slightly below the liquid level (the liquid level shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 1) when a predetermined amount of the processing liquid is stored, and the horizontal cut surface is upward. The stepped portion 44 is formed. Correspondingly, the transport racks 38, 40, 42 have a stepped portion 46 having a narrow width at the front end portion (below the central portion in the height direction) immersed in the processing liquid and a downward horizontal cutting surface. Are formed. Therefore, the transport racks 38, 40, 42 are positioned and held by the step portion 46 being supported by the step portion 44 of the processing tank.

The transport racks 38, 40, 42 are provided with elongated holes 38A, 40A, 42A on the upper side, and grips 38B, 40B, 42B are formed respectively. Although the work such as cleaning the roller pairs provided in each transport rack and the inside of each processing tank is performed after each transport rack is pulled out from the processing tank, by gripping the handles 38B, 40B, 42B, Can be easily pulled out.

The film 12 is inserted into the automatic processor 10 through the insertion port 48. In the vicinity of this insertion port 48,
A film sensor 80 is provided that detects the passage of the film 48 and detects the width dimension of the film 12 that is passing. As an example, the film sensor 80 can be configured by arranging a plurality of pairs of a light emitting element and a light receiving element that face each other across the passage of the film 12 along the width direction of the film 12. In this case, in order to prevent the film 12 from being exposed to light, a light-emitting element that emits light outside the film sensitivity range (for example, infrared range) is used as the light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element that is sensitive to the light of the wavelength is used as the light-receiving element. You can use it.

Further, a plurality of driven rollers which are rotated as the film 12 passes are arranged in the vicinity of the insertion port 48 along the width direction of the film 12 and it is detected whether or not each driven roller is rotated. Thus, the passage of the film 12 and the width dimension of the film 12 may be detected.

The transport rack 38 of the developing tank 16 is provided with a roller pair 50 corresponding to the insertion port 48, and holds and conveys the film 12 inserted from the insertion port 48. The film 12 sandwiched by the roller pair 50 is guided by a guide plate (which is integrally formed with the transport rack 38) not shown, and the transport direction is changed by about 90 ° to be a downward transport direction. Is sandwiched between. Further, on the outlet side of the transport rack 38, a roller pair 52 in which a part of the lower roller is immersed in the processing liquid (developing liquid) is arranged. The roller pair 52 has a function of transferring the film 12 to the fixing tank 20 side, in which the line connecting the axes thereof is inclined.

On the other hand, the transport rack 40 of the fixing tank 20
A part of the lower roller is processing liquid (fixing liquid) on the inlet side of
A pair of rollers 54 in a state of being dipped in is disposed so as to receive the film 12 from the developing tank 16 side. The received film 12 is nipped by the pair of rollers 54, and the conveying direction is set downward, and then the pair of rollers 32, 34, 36 conveys the film 12 in a substantially U-shape. On the outlet side of the transport rack 40, a roller pair 56 in which a part of the lower roller is immersed in the processing liquid (fixing liquid) is arranged. The roller pair 56 is also inclined with respect to the line connecting the axes thereof, so that the film 12 is rinsed with the rinse portion 26.
Has the role of handing over to.

The rinsing section 26 includes a pair of rollers 58 provided on the transport rack 40 of the fixing tank 20. In the roller pair 58, the right side of the transport rack 40 in FIG.
It is attached to a portion extended in the direction, and a gap is provided between the fixing portion 20 and the water washing portion 30 by this extension. The upper end of the side wall 20A of the fixing tank 20 and the side wall 28A of the washing tank 28 that form this gap are integrated by a top plate 60. Vertical wall portions 62 that are parallel to each other are provided upright at the front and rear ends of the top plate 60 in the transport direction, and the recessed portion formed by the vertical wall portions 62 and the top plate 60 serves as the rinse tank 24. A rinse liquid is stored in the rinse tank 24,
The film is washed by the lower roller of the roller pair 58 to wash the film surface and squeeze the fixing solution adhering to the surface of the film 12.

The film 12 that has passed through the rinse section 26 is
It is sandwiched by a pair of rollers 64 provided on the inlet side of the transport rack 42 of the washing tank 28, the transport direction is changed downward, and thereafter, it is transported in a substantially U shape by the roller pairs 32 and 36, and a pair of rollers on the outlet side. The conveying direction is changed to the horizontal direction by 66. Here, the transport rack 42 of the washing tank 28
1, the right side of FIG. 1 is extended in the direction of the drying section 68, and a roller pair 70 is arranged in this extension. The film 12 is squeezed by being sandwiched by the pair of rollers 70, and sent out to the drying section 68 in a horizontal state.

As described above, the film 12 has the insertion port 48.
Inserted from the transport racks 38, 40, 42 of the respective processing tanks
And is conveyed while being sequentially immersed in a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water, and is subjected to development, fixing, and washing treatments. Further, the film surface is washed with the rinse liquid while being transferred from the fixing bath 20 to the washing bath 28.

The drying section 68 includes a plurality of opposed roller pairs 72.
Are arranged at equal intervals. A guide plate 74 integrally formed with the chamber 76 is disposed in the gap between the pair of opposed rollers 72, and the film 12 is reliably guided by the guide plate 74 to the pair of opposed rollers 72 on the downstream side. It Inside the chamber 76, dry air generated by heating an air flow generated by a fan (not shown) by a heater (not shown) is supplied. Further, a slit hole 76A is provided on the guide plate 74 mounting surface of the chamber 76 along the film width direction. Therefore, the drying air is blown toward the film 12 through the slit holes 76A, whereby the film 12 is sandwiched between the pair of opposed rollers 72 and dried while being conveyed toward the discharge port 78.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the replenisher supply system for supplying the replenisher to each processing tank of the automatic processor 10 will be described. The automatic developing machine 10 includes a developing replenisher tank 82, a fixing replenisher tank 84, and a washing replenisher tank 86. The developing replenisher tank 82 stores a developing replenisher solution obtained by diluting a developing replenisher stock solution at a predetermined ratio. The fixing replenishing solution tank 84 stores a fixing replenishing solution prepared by diluting the fixing replenishing stock solution at a predetermined ratio. Further, washing water is stored in the washing replenisher tank 86.

One end of a pipe line 88 is connected to the bottom of the developing replenisher tank 82, and the other end of the pipe line 88 extends to above the developing tank 16. A pump 90 composed of a bellows pump or the like is disposed in the middle of the pipe line 88, and when the pump 90 is operated, a development replenisher solution of an amount corresponding to the operating time of the pump 90 is supplied. Is supplied to the developing tank 16 via the pipe line 88. The pump 90 is connected to the control device 92, and its operation is controlled by the control device 92. One end of a conduit 94 is connected to the bottom of the fixing replenisher tank 84, and the other end of the conduit 94 extends to above the fixing tank 20. A pump 96 is provided in the middle of the pipeline 94.
When the pump 96 is operated, the pump 9
An amount of fixing replenisher corresponding to the operation time of 6 is supplied from the fixing replenisher tank 84 to the fixing tank 20 through the pipe line 94.
The pump 96 is also connected to the controller 92, and its operation is controlled by the controller 92.

Further, at the bottom of the washing replenisher tank 86, a pipe line 9 is provided.
8 is connected to one end, and the other end of the pipeline 98 is connected to the washing tank 2
It is extended above 8. A pump 100 is arranged in the middle of the pipe 98, and when the pump 100 operates, an amount of washing water corresponding to the operating time of the pump 100 is
It is supplied from the washing replenisher tank 86 to the washing tank 28 via a pipe 98. A portion of the pipe 98 corresponding to the portion between the washing replenisher tank 86 and the pump 100 is branched into pipes 102 and 104, and an end portion of the pipe 102 extends above the developing tank 16 to the pipe 104. The ends of are extended to above the rinse tank 24. Pumps 106 and 108 are provided in the middle of the pipelines 102 and 104, respectively.
Alternatively, when the pump 108 is operated, washing water of an amount corresponding to the operating time of the pump 106 or the pump 108 is supplied to the developing tank 16 or the rinse tank 24. Pump 106,
108 is also connected to the controller, and its operation is controlled by the controller 92.

The washing water overflowing the rinse tank 24 is supplied to the fixing tank 20 (see FIG. 2).
(See arrow A), when supplying washing water to the fixing tank 20, the pump 108 is operated to supply the washing water overflowing the rinse tank 24 to the fixing tank 20.

Further, the control device 92 is configured to include a microcomputer and the like. The control device 92 includes the film sensor 80 and the liquid level sensors 120, 122, 12 described above.
4 is connected, and the detection result of each sensor is input. Further, the control device 92 has a mode setting switch 112 for setting the normal operation mode or the automatic operation mode as the operation mode of the automatic processor 10, and whether or not to supply the replenisher to the processing tank. An operation unit 110 provided with a number of switches including a replenishment selection switch 114
Are connected. Further, the control device 92 is connected to an alarm 116 for notifying a worker of a decrease in the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank and a display 118 such as a liquid crystal for displaying a message to the worker. .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The film 20 on which an image is recorded by exposure is the automatic developing device 1
It is inserted into the inside of the automatic developing device 10 through the insertion port 48 of 0. In the automatic developing device 10, the inserted film 1
2 is drawn into the developing tank 16 by a pair of rollers 50 provided on the transport rack 38 of the developing section 18.

In the developing tank 16, the film 12 is immersed in a developing solution while being conveyed in a substantially U-shape by the roller pair 32, 34 and 36 of the conveying rack 38 to perform a developing process. The film 12 that has been processed by the developing unit 18 is sent to the fixing tank 20. In the fixing tank 20, the film 12 is transferred in a substantially U shape by the roller pair 32, 34, 36 of the transfer rack 40, and is immersed in the fixing solution to perform the fixing process. The film 12 that has been processed in the fixing tank 20 has a rinse portion 2
Pass 6. When passing through the rinse section 26, the fixing solution adhering to the film 12 is squeezed by being sandwiched by the roller pair 58, and the film surface is washed by the rinse solution drawn up by the lower roller, so that the washing section 30 Leading to.

In the rinsing tank 28 of the rinsing section 30, the film 12 is conveyed while being immersed in rinsing water by the conveying rollers 32 and 36 of the conveying rack 42 to wash the film 12 with water and remove the fixing solution component from the surface of the film. Remove. The film 12 that has been washed with water is washed from the washing unit 30 to the drying unit 6
Before reaching 8, the rollers are squeezed by being squeezed by a pair of rollers 70, and the conveying direction is kept horizontal, and the horizontal state is maintained and sent to the drying section 68.

The film 12 sent to the drying section 68.
Are nipped by a pair of opposed rollers 72, guided by a guide plate 74, and conveyed substantially horizontally. At this time, the front and back surfaces of the film 12 are dried by the drying air blown from the slit holes 76A provided in the chamber 76. The film 12 that has passed through the drying section 68 is discharged to the outside of the automatic processor 10 through the discharge port 78 and is stocked in a receiving box (not shown).

Next, the operation of the controller 92 will be described. The treatment liquid stored in each treatment tank deteriorates according to the area (treatment area) of the treated film 12 (treatment deterioration). Therefore, in the control device 92, the width dimension of the film 12 is detected by the film sensor 80 every time the film 12 is processed, and the length dimension of the film 12 is obtained from the transit time of the film 12, and the product of the width dimension and the length dimension is calculated. Is integrated as the treated area (film area). Then, the replenisher is supplied to each processing tank at a predetermined timing. As a result, the deterioration of the performance due to the deterioration of the processing liquid is compensated.

Further, the controller 92 supplies the replenisher when the amount of the treatment liquid decreases. The processing at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control routine shown in FIG. 3 is executed by the control device 92 at predetermined time intervals. In step 150, the liquid level sensor 120,
Signals output from 122 and 124 are not shown in A
It is converted into digital data by the / D converter and taken in as liquid level data. In step 152, the liquid level sensor 120,
By determining whether or not at least one of 122 and 124 detects a decrease in the liquid level, it is determined whether or not there is a processing tank whose liquid level is lower than the reference level. When the determination in step 152 is negative, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, when the liquid level of the processing liquid falls below the reference level, the processing liquid will not contact the electrodes of the liquid level sensor.
The output of the liquid level sensor changes. This leads to step 15
The determination of 2 is affirmative, and it is determined at step 154 whether the currently set operation mode is the automatic operation mode. In the automatic processor 10, when the power is turned on and the mode selection switch 112 is not operated, the normal operation mode is automatically set. When the normal operation mode is set, the determination at step 154 is denied, the alarm 116 is activated at step 156, and at step 158, the name of the processing tank in which the decrease in the liquid level and the liquid level are decreased. A message notifying that this has been done is displayed on the display 118. Further, in step 160, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been input by operating the replenishment selection switch 114.

The operator recognizes that some abnormality has occurred due to the activation of the alarm 116, and by referring to the message displayed on the display 118, the decrease in the liquid level in the predetermined processing tank is detected. Recognize that. If work such as pulling out the transport rack is not performed on the processing tank in which the liquid level has been detected to be low, the amount of processing liquid may decrease due to evaporation of water from the processing tank or removal of the processing liquid. It can be determined that the liquid level is lowered (for example, the state shown in FIG. 4A). For this reason, the operator needs to select the supplement selection switch 114.
To instruct the replenishment of the replenisher.

As a result, the determination at step 160 is affirmed, and further at step 162, the determination as to whether or not the input instruction is replenishment of the replenisher is also affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 164. In step 164, the pump corresponding to the processing tank in which the decrease in the liquid level is detected is operated. Thus, when the processing tank in which the decrease in the liquid level is detected is the developing tank 16, the pump 90 and the pump 10
6 is operated, and the developing replenisher and water are supplied into the developing tank 16 as replenishers at a predetermined ratio.

When a decrease in the liquid surface level is detected in the fixing tank 20, the pump 96 and the pump 108 are operated, and the fixing replenisher solution in the fixing tank 20 and the water overflowing the rinse tank 24, Is supplied as a replenisher at a predetermined ratio. Furthermore, when a decrease in the liquid level is detected in the washing tank 28, the pump 100 is operated to turn on the washing tank 28.
Rinsing water is supplied as a replenisher. When a decrease in the liquid level is detected in a plurality of processing tanks, the replenisher is supplied to these processing tanks at the same time.

In the next step 166, liquid level data representing the liquid level of the processing tank in which the replenisher is being replenished is fetched.
In step 168, it is determined whether the liquid level has risen to the reference level. If the determination in step 168 is negative, the process returns to step 164, and the processes in steps 164-168 are repeated until the determination in step 168 is positive. When the liquid surface level rises to the reference level, the affirmative determination is made in step 168, the supply of the replenishing liquid is stopped, and this control routine ends.

On the other hand, when the work such as pulling out the carrying rack from the predetermined processing tank is carried out in order to clean the carrying roller and the processing tank, the liquid level is lowered in the predetermined processing tank. Even if detected, it can be determined that the cause is pulling out of the transport rack (see FIG. 4B as an example). Therefore, the operator operates the replenishment selection switch 114 to instruct not to supply the replenisher. As a result, the determination in step 162 is denied, and the processing of this control routine ends without replenishing the processing bath with the processing liquid.

If the operator operates the mode setting switch 112 to set the automatic operation mode as the operation mode, and if a decrease in the liquid level is detected, the determination in step 154 is affirmed. Then, the process proceeds to step 164, and the replenisher is supplied without activating the alarm 116 or displaying a message on the display 118. Therefore, if the automatic operation mode is set even when the operator is away from the periphery of the automatic developing machine 10, the replenishment selection switch 114 is not operated even if the processing liquid amount is decreased and the decrease in the liquid surface level is detected. Does not continue, and no inconvenience occurs when operating the automatic developing machine 10 in an unmanned state.

As described above, since the worker is allowed to select whether or not to supply the replenishing liquid, the replenishing liquid is unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank during the work such as pulling out the transport rack. Can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG.
In the second embodiment, a limit switch 126 forming a part of the judging means is provided near the developing tank 16.

The limit switch 126 is used for the transport rack 3.
When 8 is inserted in the developing tank 16, the detection lever 126A (see FIG. 5 (B)) is pressed by the transport rack 38 and is on, and when the transport rack 38 is pulled out from the developing tank 16, When the pressure is released, the detection lever 126
A rotates to turn off. Although not shown, the limit switch 126 is provided in the fixing tank 20.
In addition, it is also provided near the washing tank 28 corresponding to the transport racks 40 and 42, and is turned off when the transport rack 40 or the transport rack 42 is pulled out.
Each limit switch 126 is connected to each control device 92.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 180, the signals from the liquid level sensors 120, 122 and 124 are converted into digital data and fetched as liquid level data. In step 182, it is determined whether or not there is a processing tank whose liquid surface level is lower than the reference level based on the taken-in liquid surface data. If the determination in step 182 is negative, this control routine ends. If there is a processing tank whose liquid level is lower than the reference level, the process proceeds to step 184, and it is determined whether or not the limit switch 126 arranged in the processing tank in which the decrease in the liquid level is detected is turned off. That is, it is determined whether the transport rack has been pulled out.

When the determination in step 184 is negative, it is determined that the cause of the decrease in the liquid surface level is the withdrawal of the transport rack (see FIG. 5 (B)), and the supply of the replenishing liquid to the processing tank. This control routine ends without performing.
When the determination in step 184 is negative, it is determined that the cause of the decrease in the liquid surface level is the decrease in the amount of the processing liquid, and the supplementary liquid is supplied in steps 186 to 190 in the same manner as described above.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is detected that the transport rack is pulled out from the processing tank, the replenishing solution is not supplied to the processing tank. Are prevented from being supplied to. In addition, since it is not necessary for the operator to operate the replenishment selection switch 114, labor can be saved.

In the second embodiment, the limit switch is used to directly detect that the transfer rack is pulled out from the processing tank. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transfer rack is pulled out. May be indirectly detected and determined. For example, the automatic processor 1
When the transport rack is pulled out at 0, the lid arranged above the processing tank is opened, but a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the lid is provided, and when the lid is opened and the liquid level of the processing liquid decreases. Alternatively, it may be determined that the transport rack has been pulled out. Further, in the above, the liquid level sensors 120, 122, 1 for detecting whether or not the liquid level is lower than the reference level.
However, it is also possible to provide a sensor capable of detecting the liquid level position and determine that the transport rack has been pulled out when the liquid level position sharply drops by an amount corresponding to the volume of the transport rack.

[0055]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a selection means for selecting whether or not to supply the replenisher to the processing tank, and the liquid level is less than the predetermined level. In addition, since the supplying means is activated to supply the replenisher to the processing tank when the supply of the replenisher is selected by the selecting means, the replenisher is supplied to the processing tank unnecessarily. The excellent effect of being able to prevent

Further, in the invention according to claim 1, further provided is an operation mode setting means for setting the normal operation mode and an automatic operation mode in which the operation of the selecting means is automated, and when the normal operation mode is set in advance. Supplies the replenisher to the processing tank only when the supply of the replenisher is selected when the detected liquid level is lower than the predetermined level, and when the automatic operation mode is set in advance, By automatically switching the selecting means to supply the replenisher to the processing tank when the detected liquid level is lower than the predetermined level, it is possible to operate the photosensitive material processing apparatus in an unmanned state. , An excellent effect is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid surface level detecting means detects the liquid surface level of the processing liquid in the processing tank, and when the liquid surface level is less than a predetermined level, the replenishing liquid is supplied to the processing tank. At the same time, since the notification means is used for notification, it is possible to more reliably prevent the replenisher from being unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank.

The invention according to claim 3 is provided with a judging means for judging whether or not the rack is pulled out from the processing tank, the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means is less than a predetermined level, and the processing is performed. Since the replenisher is supplied to the processing tank when it is not judged that the rack is pulled out from the tank, it is possible to prevent the replenisher from being unnecessarily supplied to the processing tank, which is an excellent effect. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic developing machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration around a replenisher supply system and a control device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view showing a state in which the amount of processing liquid is reduced, and FIG. 4B is a state in which a processing rack is pulled out, in the developing tank.

FIG. 5A is a developing tank of the automatic developing machine according to the second embodiment, FIG. 5A is a state in which a processing rack is inserted, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state where the processing rack is pulled out.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 10 automatic developing machine 12 film 16 developing tank 20 fixing tank 28 water washing tank 38, 40, 42 transport rack 82 development replenisher tank 84 fixing replenisher tank 86 water replenisher tank 90, 96, 100, 106 pump 112 Mode setting switch 114 Replenishment selection switch 118 Display 120, 122, 124 Liquid level sensor 126 Limit switch

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising a processing tank for storing a processing solution for processing a photosensitive material, wherein the photosensitive material is processed while being immersed in the processing solution in the processing tank while being conveyed. Liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the processing liquid inside, supply means for supplying the replenishing liquid to the processing tank, and selecting means for selecting whether or not to supply the replenishing liquid to the processing tank And a control means for activating the supply means when the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection means is lower than a predetermined level and the supply of replenisher is selected by the selection means, A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: 2. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an informing unit for informing when the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting unit is lower than a predetermined level. 3. A processing tank in which a processing liquid for processing a photosensitive material is stored and a rack equipped with a transfer roller for transferring the photosensitive material is detachably inserted, and the photosensitive material is transferred by the transfer roller of the rack. What is claimed is: 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus which performs processing while immersing in a processing solution while conveying it in the processing tank, wherein liquid level detecting means for detecting a liquid level of the processing solution in the processing tank, and a rack pulled from the processing tank. When the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection unit is less than a predetermined level, and the determination unit determines that the rack is not pulled out from the processing tank, A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies a replenisher to a processing tank.