JPH08122997A - Photosensitive material processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prolong the replacing interval of a mother liquor and to improve the maintainability by suppressing a processing soln. from being concentrated and prolonging the usable time of the processing soln. in a treating tank. CONSTITUTION: A tank 104 in which a replenishing developer as a mixture of the developer concentrate and water in a specified ratio is stored and a tank 106 in which the water to be fed by the amt. of water vaporized in a developing tank 14 is stored are provided for the developing tank 14. The developer is brought out by the processed film is development, and the developer is decreased due to vaporization. Accordingly, a predetermined amt. of replenishment is supplied each time that a specified amt. of film is processed, and the electric continuity between electrodes 116C is judged. Namely, the amt. of water to be brought out by the film can be estimated, and decrease exceeding a preestimated amt. is judged to be due to vaporization, and water is supplied to that extent to suppress an increase in concn. of the developer.

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 for sequentially carrying out development processing, fixing processing and washing processing with a processing solution such as a developing solution, a fixing solution and washing water while conveying an image-exposed photosensitive material. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photosensitive material having an image printed thereon is conveyed in such a manner as to pass through a processing solution such as a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water in a photosensitive material processing apparatus so that the developing processing and the fixing processing are sequentially performed. Then, it is washed with water and then sent to the drying section for drying treatment.

Since the processing liquid in each processing tank is taken out of the processing tank after being blown out from the processing tank when the photosensitive material is ejected from the processing solution, the processing liquid decreases in accordance with the processing amount (processing area).
Therefore, by replenishing a predetermined amount of replenisher (a replenisher for recovering the function of the processing solution) according to the processing amount (for example, the number of processed sheets) of the photosensitive material, I try to hold the amount.

[0004]

However, the reduction of the processing solution is not only the reduction of the processing components (stock solution components) and the water in the processing liquid in the same ratio as in the case of taking out the photosensitive material, but also It may be caused by evaporation of only the water component of the treatment liquid. Even if the water component is reduced by evaporation, the replenisher solution (a solution in which the undiluted solution of the treatment solution and water are mixed in a predetermined ratio) has been replenished in the past. There is a tendency that the concentration of the treatment liquid in which the proportion of the treatment components therein increases is increased. When the concentration of the processing solution becomes high, there is a problem that the concentration of the processing solution in the processing tank exceeds the proper range and becomes unusable, for example, the sensitivity of the developing solution becomes high and the fixing solution is not easily removed. Replacing the mother liquor (replacement of all treatment liquid in the treatment tank) with shortened liquid life
The interval must be shortened, resulting in an increase in the amount of processing liquid used and intricate maintenance work.

Further, the evaporation of the water component may occur during the suspension of the operation from the end of the processing to the start of the next processing, but in the conventional photosensitive material processing apparatus, even if the temperature is adjusted when the operation is restarted, there is a fear of the rice being cooked. Only the liquid level of the processing liquid in the empty processing tank is determined, and when it does not reach this level, the replenisher is replenished. Such replenishment of the replenisher has helped to increase the concentration of the treatment liquid.

As a related technique, it is known to supply water to a treatment tank in order to compensate for the evaporation amount of water in the treatment liquid. For example, in JP-A-59-121047 and JP-A-60-156063, it is disclosed in JP-A-1-281446 that the conductivity or AC impedance value of a treatment liquid is measured and water is replenished. Describes that water is replenished based on the information from the liquid level sensor.

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention suppresses the increase in concentration of the treatment liquid and extends the usable time of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank, thereby lengthening the mother liquor exchange interval,
An object is to obtain a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of improving maintainability.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a processing liquid in a processing tank while transporting an exposed photosensitive material, for replenishing the processing tank. Of the replenisher, a replenisher supplying means for supplying the replenisher from the replenisher tank to a predetermined treatment tank, a water tank for storing water to be replenished to the treatment tank, and a water tank Water supply means for supplying water to the treatment tank, and two treatment liquids disposed in the treatment tank and disposed in the treatment tank.
The liquid level detection sensor capable of detecting one of the two liquid levels and that the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank at the start of operation has not reached the upper level position of the above two liquid levels. First control means for driving a water supply means to supply a constant amount of water when the detection sensor detects, and after the water is supplied by the first control means, the liquid level of the treatment liquid is lower. Second control means for driving the replenisher solution supply means to drive the replenisher solution when the liquid level detection sensor detects that the level position has not been reached.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a processing liquid in a processing tank while transporting an exposed photosensitive material, the replenishing liquid storing a replenishing liquid to be replenished in the processing tank. A tank, a replenisher supply means for supplying a replenisher from the replenisher tank to a predetermined treatment tank, a water tank for storing water to be replenished in the treatment tank, and water for supplying water from the water tank to the treatment tank A supply unit, a liquid level detection sensor disposed in the processing tank and capable of detecting the liquid level position of the processing liquid in the processing tank, and a replenisher tank is driven to be constant every time a predetermined amount of photosensitive material is processed. Third control means for supplying an amount of replenishing liquid into the processing tank, and water supply means when it is detected that the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank does not reach a predetermined liquid level level during processing. And a fourth control means for controlling and supplying water.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the liquid level detection sensor detects that the liquid level of the processing liquid has not reached the upper level detection liquid level at the start of operation, the first control means is provided. The water supply means is driven to supply a constant amount of water. As a result, it is possible to supply water corresponding to the evaporation during the suspension of operation. The amount of water supplied (fixed amount) is empirically determined and varies depending on the environmental conditions such as the temperature, humidity and season in which the device is installed. Therefore, it may be changed according to this environmental condition. Good.

After supplying water by the first control means,
When the liquid level detection sensor detects that the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing device has not reached the lower level position, it is considered that the processing liquid in the processing tank has flowed out for some reason. However, if the temperature adjusting heater or the like is operated as it is, there is a possibility that the rice will be cooked in the air. Therefore, in the second control means, the replenisher is supplied by driving the replenisher. With this, it is possible to set an appropriate amount of the processing liquid in the processing tank,
Moreover, it is possible to suppress an increase in concentration due to over-replenishment of the replenisher.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the third control means drives the replenisher supply means to supply a predetermined amount of replenisher to the processing tank each time a predetermined amount of the photosensitive material is processed. This is because the amount of processing liquid taken out by the photosensitive material according to the processing of the photosensitive material is predicted in advance, and, for example, if a fixed amount of replenisher is replenished when the number of processed sheets reaches a predetermined number, Will be kept almost constant. However, since evaporation of water from the processing liquid in the processing tank can always occur during processing and non-processing (as a matter of course,
Although the evaporation of water is more active during the operation of the heater, etc.), the fourth control means ensures that the liquid level of the processing liquid does not reach the lower liquid level level during processing. When the surface detection sensor detects, the water supply means is controlled to supply water. This compensates for water vapor during processing, and
The liquid level position of the processing liquid in the processing tank can be maintained.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an automatic developing apparatus 10 as an embodiment of the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention. The automatic developing device 10 includes a film 20 which is an example of a photosensitive material.
Are sequentially conveyed while being immersed in a developing solution, a fixing solution and washing water, and then dried.

The automatic developing device 10 is provided with a processing liquid processing section 11 and a drying section 50 in a machine frame 12. The processing liquid processing unit 11 includes a developing tank 14 for storing a developing solution, a fixing tank 16 for storing a fixing solution, and a washing tank 18 for storing washing water, and is provided in the vicinity of the insertion port 15 provided in the machine frame 12. , An insertion rack 17 for drawing the film 20 into the machine frame 12, and an insertion detection sensor 8 for detecting the film 20 to be inserted.
0 is set. The insertion detection sensor 80 includes the control unit 6
4 is connected.

The developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 1 of the processing liquid processing section 11
6, in the washing tank 18, a plurality of transport rollers 22, 26,
Transport racks 24, 28, 32 each having 30
It is disposed by being immersed in a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water.
Further, between the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16 and between the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 18, a crossover rack 34 having a conveying roller 36 and a guide 38 is arranged above them.

The film 20 inserted from the insertion opening 15
Are drawn in by the insertion rack 17, and the developing solution, fixing solution, and
It is conveyed while being successively immersed in washing water to undergo development, fixing, and washing treatment.

A squeeze roller 4 for conveying the film 20 while squeezing it is provided between the washing tank 18 and the drying section 50.
2, a squeeze rack 40 having a guide 43 for guiding the film 20 and the drying unit 50 is provided. The film 20 delivered from the water washing tank 18 is guided to the drying section 50 while the surface water content is squeezed out by the squeeze roller 42.

Below the drying section 50, a drying turn section 48 is provided.
Is provided, and the film 20 inserted from the upstream side of the drying section 50 is dried while being conveyed downward by a plurality of rollers 44 arranged in a staggered manner, and then obliquely upward in the drying turn section 48. After being turned toward, it is stocked in the receiving box 52. In addition, as shown in FIG.
A part of the plurality of rollers 44 (four rollers shown by hatching in the upper part) may be the heat roller 60.

FIG. 2 shows a piping system for replenishing liquid or the like for holding an appropriate amount of the developing liquid in the developing tank 14.
Since the other processing tanks have the same structure, the developing tank 14 will be described below as an example, and the description of the structure of the other processing tank (fixing tank 16) will be omitted.

An overflow tank 100 is provided adjacent to the developing tank 14, and when the developing solution in the developing tank 14 exceeds the height of the partition wall 102, the overflow tank 10 is provided.
It is supposed to flow to zero. This limits the maximum amount of developer in the developing tank 14.

An automatic developing device 10 corresponding to the developing tank 14.
A replenishing solution tank 104 in which a developing replenishing solution in which a stock solution of developing solution and water are mixed at a predetermined ratio is stored, and a developing tank 1.
And a water tank 106 in which water is stored for replenishing the evaporation of water in the water tank 4.

One end of a suction pipe 108 is arranged in the replenisher tank 104 and the water tank 106, and the other end opening of the suction pipe 108 is arranged so as to face the liquid surface above the developing tank 14. . Pumps 110 and 112 are arranged in the middle of the suction pipe 108, respectively.

The pumps 110 and 112 are the controller 1
The replenisher tank 104 is driven in response to a signal from
Alternatively, the replenisher or water in the water tank 106 can be supplied to the developing tank 14.

The developing solution in the developing tank 14 decreases to a state in which the liquid level is lower than the partition wall 102 depending on whether the film 20 is taken out of the developing solution or by evaporation of water. When the reduced amount of the liquid is replenished to the replenisher, only the water component is lost from the developer in the developing tank 14, so-called evaporation is not taken into consideration. It will gradually become higher. Therefore,
In this embodiment, the liquid surface sensor 11 is provided near the liquid surface of the developing tank 14.
6 is provided.

As the liquid level sensor 116, three electrodes are arranged so as to correspond to the liquid level, and an intermediate-length electrode located in the center of FIG. 2 is the common electrode 116A.
Used as. In addition, the longest electrode is used as the electrode 116B for detecting the amount of decrease in the developing solution for detecting the amount of decrease in the liquid level due to carry-out in accordance with the development processing,
The shortest electrode is used as the electrode 116C for detecting the decrease in the developing solution due to evaporation.

Therefore, the liquid level sensor 116 can detect two different liquid level levels, and the respective signal lines 118 and 120 are connected to the controller 114.

The controller 114 takes in a signal from the liquid level sensor 116 at the start of operation after the suspension of operation,
First, it is determined whether or not there is conduction between the electrode 116A and the electrode 116C (see arrow A in FIG. 2), and when there is no conduction (when the liquid level has not reached the electrode 116C), only the pump 112 is used. It is controlled to drive for a certain period of time (water supply). This fixed time is empirically set in advance based on the amount of liquid that will evaporate during the suspension of operation, and may be always fixed or may be changed depending on the season, temperature, and humidity.

Further, when the electrode 116A and the electrode 116B (see the arrow B in FIG. 2) are not electrically connected (when the liquid level does not reach the electrode 116A) even if a fixed amount of water is supplied, at least the above Electrode 116A-Electrode 116C
The pump 104 is driven so that the fluid is mixed at a predetermined ratio until the spaces are conducted, and the replenisher is replenished.
The replenishment of the replenisher is continued until it overflows. For example, the pump 104 may be driven until a predetermined time elapses after the conduction between the electrodes 116A and 116C.

After the replenishment of water or the replenishing solution is completed, the temperature of the developing solution is adjusted so that the developing processing becomes possible and the developing processing is executed.

On the other hand, during the development processing, it is considered that the development solution is taken out by the film 20 depending on the processing and the development solution is reduced due to evaporation. Therefore, every time the film 20 is processed by a predetermined amount (predetermined number), the conduction state between the electrodes 116A and 116C is determined while replenishing a predetermined amount of replenishing liquid. That is, film 2
The carry-out amount due to 0 can be predicted in advance, and it can be judged that the amount of decrease exceeding this predicted amount is due to evaporation, and that amount is supplemented only with water to suppress the increase in the concentration of the developer. .

The operation of this embodiment will be described below. The film 20 on which an image is recorded by exposure is inserted into the automatic developing device 10 through the insertion port 15 of the automatic developing device 10 and processed. In the automatic developing device 10, the film 20 inserted from the insertion port 15 is drawn by the insertion rack 17 and sent to the developing tank 14 of the processing liquid processing section 11.

In the developing tank 14, while being conveyed in a substantially U shape by the conveying roller 22 of the rack 24, it is immersed in a developing solution to perform a developing process. The film 20 which has been processed in the developing tank 14 is guided and conveyed by the guide 38 of the crossover rack 34 and the conveying roller 36, and is sent to the fixing tank 16. In the fixing tank 16, the transport roller 2 of the rack 28
The film 20 is conveyed while being guided in a substantially U-shape by 6 and immersed in a fixing solution to perform a fixing process. The film 20 that has been processed in the fixing tank 16 is guided and conveyed by the crossover rack 34 and sent to the washing tank 18. In the water washing tank 18, the film 20 is conveyed while being immersed in the washing water by the conveyance roller 30 of the rack 32 to wash the film 20 with water and remove the fixer component from the surface of the film.

The film 20 that has been washed with water is guided from the washing tank 18 to the squeeze roller 42 of the squeeze rack 40 and the guide 43, and sent from the treatment liquid treatment section 11 to the drying section 50. At this time, the water adhering to the surface of the film 20 is removed by the squeeze roller 42.

In the drying section 50, while the film 20 is being conveyed by the conveying rollers 44, the drying air generated in the drying air generating section 45 is blown to heat and dry the film 20. When the film 20 is conveyed while being heated and reaches the drying turn section 48, the film 20 is obliquely turned upward, discharged, and stocked in a receiving box 49.

Here, the processing liquid in the processing tank is reduced by taking out the film 20 or the like according to the processing. Also,
The water evaporates during the treatment and during the suspension of operation, resulting in a reduction of the treatment liquid. In the present embodiment, the reduction of the treatment liquid itself and the reduction of the evaporated water content are separated and the respective appropriate amounts are replenished. Hereinafter, the replenishment liquid and water replenishment control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step 200, it is judged whether or not the operation is started, and if the judgment is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 202, where it is judged whether or not there is evaporation of water. This is the electrode 116A and the electrode 116 of the sensor 116.
When there is no electrical connection with C, it is determined that evaporation has occurred during the suspension of operation, and the routine proceeds to step 204, where the pump 112 of the water tank 106 is driven. When it is determined in the next step 206 that the predetermined time has passed, the routine proceeds to step 208, and the driving of the pump 112 of the water tank 106 is stopped. That is, a predetermined amount (constant amount) of water is supplied from the water tank 106 to the developing tank 14 in steps 204, 206 and 208. This amount is an amount that is empirically set in advance from the environment in which the operation is stopped. The amount may be changed according to the season, temperature, humidity, etc. After the supply of a fixed amount of water is completed by step 208, the process proceeds from step 208 to step 210.

Normally, the supply of this water causes the liquid level in the developing tank 14 to be an amount capable of electrically connecting the electrodes 116A and 116B of the sensor 116, but due to leakage of the developing tank 14 or the like, This level may not be reached.
In such a state, if the heater is driven and the temperature is adjusted, it will cause simmering. Therefore, in step 210, it is determined whether the developing solution is at an allowable level or not by the electrodes 116A and 1A.
Judgment is made based on the conduction state of 16B.

When a negative determination is made in step 210, that is, when the electrodes 116A-116B are not electrically connected, it is determined that the liquid level of the developing solution is low, and the process proceeds to step 212 to drive the pump 110 of the replenishment tank 104. Next step 21
In No. 4, it is determined whether or not the electrodes 116A-116C are electrically connected, and if an affirmative determination is made, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after shifting to step 216. Here, when an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 218, and the refill tank 1
The drive of the pump 110 of 04 is stopped.

That is, since the replenisher is replenished to the maximum liquid level that can be measured by the sensor 116 and further replenished to the extent that overflow does or does not occur, the developer in the developing tank 14 becomes so-called full tank. can do.

After the replenishment of the predetermined replenisher is completed, step 2
If an affirmative decision is made in 10, the routine proceeds to step 220, where temperature adjustment control is executed. At this time, in the developing tank 14,
Since the developer is full, there are no problems such as empty cooking.

At step 220, the temperature adjustment control is completed,
When the developing solution reaches a predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step 222, the standby OK is notified, and the process proceeds to step 224.

In step 224, it is judged whether or not water is evaporated by the temperature adjustment control (non-conduction between the electrodes 116A-116C), and in the case of negative judgment, the routine proceeds to step 226, where the film sensor 80 causes the film 20 to pass. Judge whether or not to insert. If a negative determination is made in step 226, steps 224 and 226 are repeated.

Here, if an affirmative decision is made in step 226, it is decided that the processing of the film 20 has been started, the process proceeds to step 228 and n is incremented, and then in step 230 a predetermined number N and the number of processed n are set. Are compared to determine whether the number of processed sheets n has reached the predetermined number N. Here, when a negative determination is made, it is determined that replenishment of the replenisher is not necessary, the process proceeds to step 232, and it is determined whether or not the process is completed. When a negative determination is made in step 232, it is determined that the processing is continued, and step 224 is performed.
, And repeat the above process.

If an affirmative decision is made in step 232, it is decided that the operation has stopped, and step 20
It shifts to 0 and waits for the next restart of operation.

When it is determined in step 230 that the number of processed sheets n has reached the predetermined number N, it is determined that the supplementary liquid needs to be supplemented, and the process proceeds to step 234 to drive the pump 110 of the supplementary tank 104. To do. The replenishing amount of the replenishing liquid is a predetermined amount, which is determined in step 236 as to whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when an affirmative determination is made,
The process proceeds to step 238 and the number of processed sheets n is reset (0)
Then, the process proceeds to step 240 and the refill tank 104
The driving of the pump 110 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 224.

Here, if there is no evaporation of water at all, the level of the developing solution should not be lowered by replenishing a predetermined amount of the replenishing solution in steps 234, 236, 238 and 240, but in reality, Evaporation can occur during this process.

In step 224, this is changed to the electrode 116A.
Judgment is made according to the conduction state between −116C and electrodes 116A-11.
If there is no continuity between 6C, it is determined that there is a water condition, and the process proceeds to step 242.

In step 242, the pump 112 of the water tank 106 is driven, and after the electrodes 116A-C are electrically connected (affirmative determination in step 244), the driving of the pump 112 is stopped (step 246) and the process returns to step 224.

As a result, when water evaporates during the replenishment of a predetermined amount of replenisher, the amount of water is replenished with water, so that an increase in the concentration of the developer can be suppressed and the mother liquor can be replaced. The frequency (interval for exchanging the entire developing solution in the developing tank 14) can be reduced, and the life can be extended.

As described above, since the sensor 116 detects two different liquid levels and controls the replenishment liquid or water replenishment from the replenishment tank 104 or the water tank 106 according to the detected state, replenishment by evaporation is performed. Is not supplemented by a replenishing solution, and the evaporated portion can be replenished with water, so that an increase in the concentration of the developing solution can be suppressed.

[0051]

As described above, the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention suppresses an increase in the concentration of the processing liquid and prolongs the usable time of the processing liquid in the processing tank, thereby exchanging the mother liquid replacement interval. It has an excellent effect that it can be taken longer and the maintainability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic developing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a developing tank, an overflow tank, a replenisher and a water piping system.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart showing a replenishment liquid / water replenishment control procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Automatic Developing Device 14 Developing Tank 104 Replenisher Tank 106 Water Tank 110, 112 Pump 114 Controller 116 Sensor

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshinori Shigeno 1250 Takematsu, Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Kikai Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a processing liquid in a processing tank while conveying an exposed photosensitive material, comprising: a replenishing liquid tank for storing a replenishing liquid for replenishing the processing tank; A replenisher supplying means for supplying a replenisher from a solution tank to a predetermined treatment tank; a water tank for storing water to be replenished to the treatment tank; a water supplying means for supplying water from the water tank to the treatment tank; A liquid level detection sensor, which is arranged in the processing tank and can detect two liquid level levels of the processing liquid in the processing tank, and the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank at the start of the operation is the above two liquid level levels. Among the above, the first control means for driving the water supply means to supply a constant amount of water when the liquid level detection sensor detects that the upper level position has not been reached, and the first control means After supplying water, the level of the processing liquid is at the lower level. Photosensitive material processing apparatus having a, a second control means for supplying replenishing solution to drive the replenisher supply means when detecting that the liquid level sensor that does not reach the. 2. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a processing liquid in a processing tank while transporting an exposed photosensitive material, the replenishing liquid tank storing a replenishing liquid for replenishing the processing tank, and the replenishing liquid tank. Replenisher supplying means for supplying replenisher to a predetermined treatment tank, a water tank for storing water to be replenished to the treatment tank, a water supply means for supplying water from the water tank to the treatment tank, and the treatment tank A liquid level detection sensor that is located inside the processing tank and that can detect the liquid level position of the processing liquid in the processing tank, and drives the replenishing liquid tank every time a predetermined amount of photosensitive material is processed to drive a fixed amount of replenishing liquid to the processing tank. Third control means for supplying water into the inside of the treatment tank, and water is supplied by controlling the water supply means when it is detected that the liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing tank does not reach a predetermined liquid level level position during processing. And a fourth control means for controlling the photosensitive material processing apparatus.