JPH10268493A - Feed water alarm device for automatic developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an alarm for frequent feed water from being issued. SOLUTION: This feed water alarm device only stores the lowering of the liquid level of a feed water tank detected by a liquid level sensor 76 when the liquid levels of respective processing solution tanks such as feed water tank and a developing tank, etc., reach respective specified levels in the case of the startup of an automatic developing device. Display for feed water is performed in a condition that the lowering of the liquid level of the feed water tank is stored when the lowering of the liquid levels of developing tank, etc., are detected by a liquid level sensor 78, etc., and when the start of the sheet film processing is detected by an insertion detection sensor, so that frequency for issuing the alarm for the feed water is restrained when the display is performed based on the detection result of the sensor 78. That is, the on/off frequency of a faucet is restrained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing tank to which water is supplied from a water supply tank, and a process to supply a replenisher prepared by diluting a stock solution of the replenisher with water supplied from the water supply tank. The present invention relates to an automatic developing device provided with a liquid tank, and relates to a water supply alarm device of the automatic developing device for urging water to be supplied to a water supply tank provided in the automatic developing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic developing apparatus for processing a photographic photosensitive material such as an exposed photographic film is provided with processing liquid tanks such as a developing tank, a fixing tank and a washing tank. In this case, the treatment is performed by sequentially immersing in a treatment liquid in a washing tank. In such an automatic developing apparatus, the processing liquid in each processing liquid tank deteriorates according to the processing amount of the film, deteriorates with time due to contact with air, and furthermore, the processing liquid level decreases due to evaporation. In order to compensate for these, a replenisher is replenished at a predetermined timing.

Generally, tap water is supplied to a washing tank, and a developing replenisher or a fixing replenisher is supplied to a developing tank and a fixing tank at a predetermined ratio by water supplied from a water supply tank. Diluted and replenished.

By the way, a water supply tank to which tap water is directly supplied is provided, and water overflowing from the water supply tank is used for supplying water to a washing tank, and water in the water supply tank is sucked out by a dilution water pump to replenish development. There is an automatic developing device used for diluting a stock solution and a fixing replenisher stock solution.

On the other hand, in the automatic developing apparatus, measures have been taken to suppress the deterioration of each processing solution in the processing solution tank and the evaporation of water in the processing solution. From the viewpoint, not only the consumption of the developing replenisher and the fixing replenisher are minimized, but also the use of water is required to be reduced.

The replenisher changes over time because it has substantially the same components as the processing liquid. Therefore, the replenisher is desirably prepared in a sealed container and diluted with water immediately before being supplied to the processing liquid tank, or supplied to the processing liquid tank together with dilution water. In an automatic developing device for performing such dilution, it is necessary to be able to supply dilution water in a timely manner, but there is a limit to the capacity of a water supply tank for making the automatic developing device compact.

In order to reduce the supply amount of water (water supply amount) to the water supply tank as much as possible, a water supply valve that opens and closes an electromagnetic valve in response to a liquid level signal of the water supply tank is provided at a tap water tap. Water supply may be performed, but it may be required to reduce the number of parts and to manually open and close the faucet as appropriate to reduce the product cost as much as possible.

In such an automatic developing apparatus which needs to open and close the faucet manually, a level sensor is provided in each of the processing liquid tanks such as a water supply tank, a developing tank, a fixing tank and a washing tank.
To detect the liquid level of the processing liquid in each processing liquid tank and the water level in the water supply tank, and to replenish the water supplied from the water supply tank to the washing tank and the replenisher to the developing tank and the fixing tank. When it is determined that the water in the water supply tank is insufficient based on the liquid level of the water supply tank when the dilution water is required, an alarm is issued to prompt the supply of water to the water supply tank. I have. Note that detecting the liquid level means detecting the presence of the processing liquid or water at a predetermined level.

For example, an alarm is issued at the start of a day of operation of the apparatus (when the power is turned on) and when a decrease in the liquid level in the water supply tank is detected, and the tap water tap is manually opened each time. Therefore, tap water can be supplied to the water supply tank.

[0010]

However, in an automatic developing apparatus which needs to open and close the faucet manually, replenishment or water supply is performed until the liquid level of each processing liquid tank and water supply tank is detected once based on an alarm. After that, the tap water tap may be kept closed, so even if the processing is not performed, the developing tank,
Each time the replenisher is replenished to the fixing tank, the water for dilution in the water tank is reduced and an alarm is issued to encourage water supply.Each time, the worker manually opens the water tap. It is necessary to supply water.

Particularly, in an automatic developing apparatus in which the replenisher is reduced and the replenisher is replenished at the start of operation, after the water supply to the water supply tank is completed and the water tap is closed,
When the replenisher is replenished, the water in the water tank is reduced because water is used as a diluting water in a certain relationship with this, and an alarm may be issued to prompt water supply to the water tank. , Resulting in complicated work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and in particular, a water supply alarm device of an automatic developing apparatus capable of efficiently supplying water while suppressing the generation of an alarm prompting water supply during operation of the apparatus. The purpose is to propose.

[0013]

The invention according to claim 1 is
In a processing solution in a processing solution tank in which a replenisher diluted by water supplied from a water supply tank is replenished, the processing solution is provided in an automatic developing device that passes a photographic light-sensitive material for processing, and supplies water to the water supply tank. A water supply alarm device provided with a notifying means for prompting, wherein a first liquid level sensor for detecting a liquid level in the water supply tank and a processing liquid in the processing liquid tank provided in the processing liquid tank are provided. A second liquid level sensor for detecting a liquid level, and a predetermined liquid level within a predetermined time period in which one of the first and second liquid level sensors is set when the automatic developing device starts to be started. The notifying means is activated when the level is not detected, and after each of the first and second level sensors once detects a predetermined level, the first and second level sensors are activated. When the liquid level is no longer detected Characterized in that it comprises a and alarm control means for actuating the alarm means.

According to the present invention, when the automatic developing device is started (when the power of the automatic developing device is turned on), sufficient water is not supplied to the water supply tank within a predetermined time, and the first and second water supply tanks are not supplied. When any one of the liquid level sensors detects a decrease in the liquid level, the water supply warning means prompts the user to supply water.

Further, once the water supply is completed, water supply is urged based on the detection result of the second liquid level sensor (detection of a decrease in the liquid level). For example, when the second liquid level sensor detects a decrease in the liquid level, an alarm is issued if the first liquid level sensor detects the decrease in the liquid level. Further, when the first liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the liquid level must be maintained within a predetermined time in consideration of the time when the replenisher is replenished. Raise an alarm.

The detection result of the first liquid level sensor does not directly affect the processing of the photosensitive material directly, but the second liquid level sensor has an effect on the finish of the photosensitive material and the processing performance of the automatic developing device. Sometimes. From here on, based on the detection result of the second liquid level sensor (not detecting the presence of the liquid of a predetermined level), the detection result of the first liquid level sensor is checked if necessary, and then a water supply warning is issued. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the frequency of issuing an alarm prompting water supply.
This can eliminate complications caused by frequent alarms prompting water supply.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic developing apparatus for processing by passing a photographic material through a processing solution in a processing solution tank in which a replenisher diluted with water supplied from a water supply tank is replenished. A water supply alarm device provided with a notifying means for prompting water supply to the water supply tank, a liquid level sensor for detecting a liquid level of water in the water supply tank,
A photosensitive material detecting means for detecting insertion of the photographic photosensitive material into the automatic developing device; and a liquid level sensor detecting a liquid level when the photosensitive material detecting means detects the insertion of the photographic photosensitive material. And alarm control means for activating the notifying means when not present.

According to the present invention, the notifying means is operated based on the detection results of the photosensitive material detecting means and the liquid level sensor (first liquid level sensor). That is, when the liquid level sensor of the water supply tank does not detect a predetermined liquid level (lowering of the liquid level), and when the photosensitive material detecting means detects the insertion of the photographic photosensitive material, an alarm prompting the water supply is provided. Emits.

This can prevent the replenishment of the replenisher or the like in response to the processing of the photosensitive material from being delayed due to a shortage of water in the water supply tank, and a smooth water supply operation can be suppressed. Processing of photosensitive materials becomes possible.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an automatic developing apparatus 10 applied to the present embodiment. The automatic developing apparatus 10 includes a processing solution processing section 16 for immersing a sheet film 12 as a photosensitive material in a processing solution by immersing the sheet film 12 in a processing solution.
And a drying unit 18 for drying the sheet film 12 treated with the treatment liquid.

The processing liquid processing section 16 includes a processing tank 20. The processing tank 20 is partitioned by a partition plate 20A, and a developing tank 22 for storing a developing solution, a fixing tank 24 for storing a fixing solution, and a water washing. A washing tank 26 for storing water is formed.

In each of the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26, a processing rack 2 having a conveying path for the sheet film 12 formed by a plurality of conveying roller pairs and guides.
8, 30, 32 are provided. An insertion rack 36 is provided between the insertion port 34 formed in the frame 14 and the development tank 22 on the upstream side (left side in FIG. 1) of the development tank 22, and is disposed in the washing tank 26. The processing rack 32 is provided with a squeeze section 38 including a roller pair for squeezing out moisture adhering to the surface of the sheet film 12 when the sheet film 12 is transported toward the drying section 18 on the downstream side. .

When the sheet film 12 is inserted from the insertion slot 34, the automatic developing device 10
2 is drawn into the processing solution processing section 16 by the insertion rack 36, and is guided and transported in a substantially U-shape in the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24 and the washing tank 26 by the processing racks 28, 30 and 32 in this order. As a result, the sheet film 12 is immersed in the developing solution, the fixing solution and the washing water in this order to be treated with the processing solution. The developing solution and the fixing solution are heated by heating means such as a heater (not shown), and are maintained in a temperature range in which the sheet film 12 can be optimally processed.

The sheet film 12 having been subjected to the water washing process
Is conveyed by the squeezing unit 38 of the processing rack 32 and sent to the drying unit 18 while being squeezed.

In the drying section 18, a transport path for guiding and transporting the sheet film 12 upward by a roller group 40 in which a plurality of rollers are arranged in a staggered manner is formed. In the drying unit 18, a drying air generated by a drying air generating unit (not shown) is blown onto the surface of the sheet film 12 conveyed by the roller group 40, and the drying process of the sheet film 12 is performed by heat applied by the drying air. The dried sheet film 12 is discharged toward a discharge tray 44 provided above the processing liquid processing section 16 by a turn section 42 provided at the top.

In the automatic developing apparatus 10, the developing tank 22 and the developing tank 22 are controlled according to the processing amount of the sheet film 12 and the evaporation amount.
Each of the fixing tanks 24 is replenished.
The replenisher is replenished to the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24 by diluting the developing replenisher and the fixing replenisher at a predetermined ratio with water by a developing replenisher and a replenisher. It is done as follows.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the replenishing mechanism 46 provided in the automatic developing apparatus 10.

The processing tank 20 of the processing liquid processing unit 16 includes:
A water supply tank 48 is provided adjacent to the washing tank 26, and water is directly supplied to the water supply tank 48 from a tap water tap 50 outside the automatic developing device 10. That is, tap water is supplied to the water supply tank 48 by opening the tap 50, and supply of tap water is stopped by closing the tap 50.

In the water supply tank 48, a notch 52 is formed on the wall surface on the side of the washing tank 26, and when excess water in the water supply tank 48 overflows from the notch 52 (overflow), the water enters the washing tank 26. It is flowing. The water that overflows from the water supply tank 48 replenishes the washing tank 26 with washing water. Note that each of the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 is provided with a discharging unit that overflows and discharges the surplus processing liquid.

On the other hand, at the bottom of the water supply tank 48, a pipe 5
4 is open at one end. This pipe 54 is branched into pipes 54A and 54B in which dilution water pumps 56 and 58 are provided. The pipe 54A is drawn out and opened above the developing tank 22, and the pipe 54B is drawn out and opened above the fixing tank 24. As a result, the dilution water pumps 56 and 58 are driven, and the water supply tank 4
The water in 8 is supplied to each of the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24.

In the automatic developing apparatus 10, replenisher stock tanks 60 and 6 for storing a replenisher for development and a replenisher for fixing are provided.
2 are provided. One end of a pipe 64 is inserted and opened in the replenisher stock tank 60 in which the developing replenisher is stored. A replenishing stock solution pump 66 is provided at an intermediate portion of the pipe 64, and the other end is drawn out to the upper part of the developing tank 22 and opened. One end of a pipe 68 is inserted and opened in the replenisher stock tank 62 in which the fixing replenisher is stored. A replenishing stock solution pump 70 is provided in the middle of the pipe 68, and the other end is drawn out to the upper part of the fixing tank 24 and opened.

To replenish the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24 with the replenisher, the replenisher and the replenisher are supplied by the operation of the replenisher pumps 66 and 70, and the dilution water pumps 56 and 58 are also operated. This is accomplished by supplying water for diluting the stock solution for development replenishment and the stock solution for fixing replenishment at a predetermined ratio. In this embodiment, the replenisher and the diluting water are directly supplied to the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24. However, a mixing tank is provided, and the replenisher and the diluting water are mixed in advance and the replenisher is diluted. Can be replenished by any method, such as preparing and supplying.

On the other hand, the automatic developing apparatus 10 is provided with a controller 72 having a microcomputer (not shown). The controller 72 controls the automatic developing device 1
0 is controlled.

The controller 72 is connected to the above-mentioned dilution water pumps 56 and 58 and replenisher stock pumps 66 and 70, and a replenishment controller 74 provided in the controller 72.
The replenishing mechanism 46 is constituted by the function of.

The replenishment control section 74 operates the replenisher stock pumps 66 and 70 and the dilution water pumps 56 and 58 at a predetermined timing to replenish the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24 with the replenisher. In the automatic developing device 10, processing replenishment according to the processing amount of the sheet film 12 and evaporation replenishment according to the evaporation amount are performed. In addition, the replenishment control unit,
When the lowering of the liquid level in the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24 is detected,
The replenisher is replenished so as to have a predetermined liquid level.

On the other hand, the water supply tank 48 is provided with a liquid level sensor 76 as a first liquid level sensor.
Each of the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 has a liquid level sensor 78, 80 as a second liquid level sensor.
82 are provided.

As each of the liquid level sensors 76 to 82, a sensor having a general configuration such as one having a pair of electrodes can be used. Each of the liquid level sensors 76 to 82 is turned on when the liquid level reaches a predetermined level set in advance and the pair of electrodes is immersed in the processing liquid.

The liquid level sensors 76 to 82 are connected to the controller 72.
From the detection result, it is possible to detect whether or not each of the water supply tank 48, the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 has a predetermined amount of processing liquid or water.

The replenishment control unit 74 provided in the controller 72 controls the developing tank 22 by the liquid level sensors 78 and 80.
When a decrease in the liquid level of the fixing tank 26 is detected, the replenisher is replenished so that the liquid level becomes a predetermined level.

In the vicinity of the insertion port 34 of the automatic developing apparatus 10, an insertion sensor 84 is provided as photosensitive material detecting means for detecting the sheet film 12 passing through the insertion port 34. 72.

The controller 72 calculates the processing amount of the sheet film 12 in the automatic developing device 10 from the detection result of the insertion sensor 84, and for example, every time the sheet film 12 is processed by a predetermined amount, the processing replenishment is performed by the replenishing mechanism 46. I am trying to be.

On the other hand, the controller 72
A mechanism of a water supply control unit 88 that constitutes a water supply alarm device 86 using 6 to 82 is provided. The controller 7
A notification means 9 for notifying by a display, a buzzer, or the like when the water supply control section 88 determines that water supply is necessary.
0 is connected. The notification means 90 displays, for example, "water supply" on an operation panel (not shown) of the automatic developing apparatus 10.

In the water supply control unit 88, the liquid level sensor 76
When the liquid level of the water supply tank 48 is detected by
This detection result is stored as a water supply memory. At the same time, the water supply control unit 88 determines whether or not the liquid level has decreased in each of the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 by using the liquid level sensors 78 to 82. Is detected, and if the decrease in the liquid level of the water supply tank 48 is stored, the notification means 90 notifies the user with a display requesting water supply (the above-mentioned "water supply" display) or the like.
Water supply to the water supply tank 48 is encouraged.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
In the automatic developing device 10, the sheet film 1 is inserted into the insertion port 34.
2 is inserted, the insertion rack 36, the processing racks 28-
32 and the rollers of the roller group 40 are driven to rotate. As a result, the sheet film 12 is drawn into the automatic developing apparatus 10, and the processing liquid processing unit 16 performs processing liquid processing such as development, fixing, and washing with water. The sheet film 12 that has been subjected to the treatment liquid treatment is sent to the drying unit 18 where the sheet film 12 is subjected to the drying treatment, and then sequentially discharged onto the discharge tray 44 and laminated.

In the automatic developing device 10, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the developing solution in the developing tank 22, the fixing solution in the fixing tank 24, the inside of the drying section 18 and the like are set to a predetermined temperature. Perform startup processing. At this time, the automatic developing device 10 replenishes the developing solution, the fixing solution, the washing water, and the like so that the sheet film 12 can be appropriately processed. In the automatic developing apparatus 10, the replenishing mechanism 46 replenishes the replenisher using the developing replenisher and the fixing replenisher stored in the replenisher tanks 60 and 62 and the water in the water supply tank 48 during operation. .

In the automatic developing apparatus 10, the water stored in the water supply tank 48 is supplied to the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24.
And the overflowing water from the water supply tank 48 is supplied to the washing tank 26 as washing water. On the other hand, in the automatic developing apparatus 10, the water tap 50 is used.
Is manually opened and closed to supply the water to the water supply tank 48. At this time, the faucet 50 is usually closed for saving water, and when water supply becomes necessary, the faucet 5 is closed.
It is necessary to request the work of opening 0.

The water supply warning device 86 provided in the automatic developing device 10 displays water supply and the like when water supply is required, and urges water supply work (opening / closing operation of the faucet 50).

Here, the operation of the water supply alarm device 86 provided in the automatic developing apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the timing chart shown in FIG. I do. FIG.
Here, among the liquid level sensors 78 to 82, the liquid level sensor 78 provided in the developing tank 22 is shown, and illustration of the liquid level sensors 80 and 82 of the fixing tank 24 and the washing tank 26 is omitted.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the determination of the amount of water in the water supply tank 48 by the water supply warning device 86 (water supply control section 88). This flowchart is executed when a power switch (not shown) is turned on to start the operation of the automatic developing apparatus 10, and is executed at a predetermined timing until the operation is completed and the power switch is turned off. That is,
The water supply control unit 88 checks whether a predetermined amount of water is in the water supply tank 48.

The first step 10 in this flowchart
At 0, the detection result of the liquid level sensor 76 is read. In the next step 102, it is checked whether the liquid level sensor 76 is on or off.

In step 102, for example, when the liquid level in the water supply tank 48 reaches a predetermined level, the liquid level sensor 7
When 6 is ON, it is determined that a predetermined amount of water is in the water supply tank 48 (affirmative determination). When the liquid level sensor 76 is off, it is determined that the liquid level in the water supply tank 48 has fallen and water is insufficient (negative determination).

If the water in the water supply tank 48 is insufficient, the process proceeds to step 104, where a water supply memory M indicating that the water in the water supply tank 48 is insufficient is set (M = 1). ).

On the other hand, when a predetermined amount of water is in the water supply tank 48, the routine proceeds to step 106, where it is determined whether or not the water supply memory M is set. (Yes in step 106), the process proceeds to step 108, and the water supply memory M is reset (M = 0).

That is, when the liquid level sensor 76 is on, the water supply memory M is in a reset state,
When the liquid level sensor 76 is turned off, the water supply memory M is set. Thereby, always from the water supply memory M,
It can be determined whether or not the water in the water supply tank 48 is insufficient.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the water supply warning. In this flowchart, it is determined whether or not the power switch of the automatic developing apparatus 10 is turned on in the first step 110, and if the power switch of the automatic developing apparatus 10 is turned on (Yes in step 110), step 112 is performed. Then, execution is started. Note that the processing may be executed from step 112 when the power switch of the automatic developing apparatus 10 is turned on without providing step 110. When the power switch is turned off (negative determination in step 110), the process proceeds to step 111 to reset a flag F described later (F = 0).

In step 112, it is confirmed whether or not the flag F is set. This flag F is reset when the power switch of the automatic developing apparatus 10 is turned on (F
= 0), a negative determination is made at step 112 first, and then the routine proceeds to step 114.

At step 114, the state of the water supply memory M (whether or not it is set) is confirmed. Normally, the automatic developing device 10 is provided with
The water inside decreases. Therefore, the liquid level in the water supply tank 48 at the time of startup is lower than the detection level of the liquid level sensor 76, and the liquid level sensor 76 is turned off as shown in FIG. Thus, the water supply memory M is set. Therefore, in step 114 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0059] In step 116, the timer T ₁ for displaying the "water supply" at the time of start-up of the automatic developing apparatus 10 to be reset / start. When the automatic developing device 10 is started up, water supply is also performed. The water supply warning device 86 displays a prompt for water supply only when water supply is not performed at the time of startup.

[0060] At step 118, whether the water supply memory M is reset, i.e., the liquid level of the water tank 48 has to verify whether it has reached a predetermined level, in step 120, measured by the timer T ₁ It is checked whether the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time t ₁ (for example, time t ₁ = 2 min).

Here, even if a predetermined time has passed, the water supply memory M
Is not cleared (negative determination in step 118, affirmative determination in step 120, see broken line A in FIG. 6), the flow proceeds to step 122, and "water supply" is displayed.
A notification that prompts for water supply is performed (see broken line C in FIG. 6).

Thereafter, when water is supplied to the water supply tank 48 and the water supply memory M is cleared (Yes at step 124), the routine proceeds to step 126, where the display of the water supply request is stopped (turned off). ). If water is not supplied to the water supply tank 48 even after a certain time has elapsed, a buzzer or the like may be sounded to notify that water is not being supplied.

In this way, when water is supplied to the water supply tank 48 and the liquid level in the water supply tank 48 reaches a predetermined level, a negative determination is made in step 114 and a negative determination is made in step 1.
Move to 28. In step 128, the detection results of the liquid level sensors 78, 80, and 82 are read, and then in step 1
At 30, it is determined whether or not the liquid levels in the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 have reached a predetermined level.

The replenishing mechanism 46 includes the developing tank 22 and the fixing tank 24.
The replenisher is replenished so that an appropriate amount of the processing solution is stored. At this time, when the water in the water supply tank 48 is insufficient, the replenisher is not replenished. Further, since the water in the water supply tank 48 is reduced by the replenishment of the replenisher, if a negative determination is made in step 130, the process proceeds to step 132 and the timer T
Reset / start ₂

Thereafter, at step 134, the liquid level sensor 7
Reads the detection result of 8-82, and checks whether it has reached a predetermined level, in step 138, checks whether the time measured by the timer T ₂ has reached a predetermined time t ₂ (e.g. t ₂ = 2min) I do.

Here, even if a predetermined time has passed, the developing tank 2
2. If the liquid level of any of the fixing tank 24 and the washing tank 26 does not reach a predetermined level (negative determination in step 136, affirmative determination in step 138), step 140
Then, the water supply memory M is confirmed. This water supply memory M
Is set, it is determined that replenishment has not been performed because the water in the water supply tank 48 is insufficient, and the routine proceeds to step 122, where a display prompting for water supply is made.

When the water supply memory M is not set (NO at step 140, see broken line B in FIG. 6).
Then, the process proceeds to step 142. At this time, the developing tank 2
When the liquid level in the fixing tank 24 or the fixing tank 24 is stopped, an error in the replenishment mechanism 46 is considered. Therefore, a replenishment error or the like may be displayed. In order to replenish the washing water to the washing tank 26 via the tank 48, the process may proceed to, for example, step 122, and a display prompting for water supply may be made.

As described above, when the liquid levels of the water supply tank 48, the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 reach the predetermined levels, an affirmative determination is made in step 130 and the process proceeds to step 144. In this step 144, a flag F indicating that processing at the time of starting up by storing a predetermined amount of water or processing liquid in the water supply tank 48, the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 is set (F =
1).

Since the affirmative determination is made in step 112 by setting the flag F, step 1
The routine proceeds to 46, where normal processing (water supply notification processing after the end of startup) different from that at the time of startup is started.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a normal water supply notification process.
After reading the detection results of .about.82, it is checked in step 152 whether the liquid level in the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24 and the washing tank 26 has reached a predetermined level. If a decrease in the liquid level is detected in any of the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 (any of the liquid level sensors 78 to 82 is turned off), a negative determination is made in step 152. Move to step 154,
Check the water supply memory M.

Here, if the water supply memory M is set (Yes in step 154), the process proceeds to step 156 to display a message prompting the user to supply water. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the faucet 50 is opened and the water supply is performed based on the display prompting the water supply and the water supply memory M is cleared (the affirmative determination in step 158), the water supply display is stopped and this flowchart is executed. Is temporarily terminated.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed at step 154 that the water supply memory M has not been set, then at step 160
Migrate to, to a timer T ₃ reset / start is.
Then, in step 162, the detection results of the liquid level sensors 78 to 82 are read, and it is confirmed whether or not the insufficient liquid level has reached a predetermined level (step 164). In step 166, to confirm elapsed time is measured by the timer T ₃ is whether reaches the predetermined time t _3.

Here, the replenishment mechanism 46 within a predetermined time t ₃ .
When the replenisher is replenished and the insufficient liquid level reaches a predetermined level, an affirmative determination is made in step 164, and this flowchart is ended once.

On the other hand, a predetermined time t ₃ (for example, t _3
3 = 20 sec), when the liquid level has not reached the predetermined level (No at Step 164, Step 1
In the affirmative determination at 66), the process proceeds to step 168 to perform processing such as displaying a replenishment error indicating that the replenisher has not been replenished. At this time, when the liquid level in the washing tank 26 is low, a display for prompting the water supply to the water supply tank 48 may be displayed.

On the other hand, when the liquid levels in the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26 have reached the predetermined levels, an affirmative determination is made in step 152 and the routine proceeds to step 170. In this step 170, it is confirmed whether or not the insertion detection sensor 84 has detected the sheet film 12 inserted into the insertion opening 34 of the automatic developing device 10. Insertion detection sensor 8
When 4 detects the sheet film 12 (YES in step 170), the process proceeds to step 172 to check whether or not the water supply memory M is set.

That is, in the automatic developing apparatus 10, when the insertion detection sensor 84 inserts the sheet film 12, the processing of the sheet film 12 is started, and when the insertion of the sheet film 12 is not detected for a predetermined time, the sheet film 12 is not detected. Then, the mode shifts to a standby mode in which the driving of the transport rollers is stopped.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, when the insertion of the sheet film 12 is detected from the standby mode (Yes at step 170), and the processing of the sheet film 12 is started, the liquid level of the water supply tank 48 is reduced. If the value has decreased (Yes in step 172), a display prompting for water supply is made (step 156).

This prevents the processing of the sheet film 12 from being continued in a state where the replenisher may not be properly replenished to the developing tank 22, the fixing tank 24, and the washing tank 26. I have to.

As described above, in the present embodiment, only whether or not the liquid level of the water supply tank 48 is lowered is stored in the water supply memory M, and the direct control based on the lowering of the liquid level of the water supply tank 48 is performed. We do not display any water supply requests. As a result, a display that prompts frequent water supply is displayed by a change in the liquid level of the water supply tank 48, so that the frequency of opening and closing the faucet 50 is increased, and the faucet 5 is prevented from being displayed.
It is possible to prevent 0 from being left open and losing the water saving effect.

Further, since the request for prompting the water supply to the water supply tank 48 is made to affect the processing of the sheet film 12 and the quality of the finish such as a shortage of the processing liquid, the demand for the water supply to the water supply tank 48 is reduced. There is no possibility that the processing performance of the automatic developing device 10 will be reduced due to no water supply.

The embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the configuration of the present invention. The automatic developing device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a sheet film, and can be applied to an automatic developing device that processes various photosensitive materials such as long films, photographic paper, and photosensitive lithographic printing plates. .

Although the present invention is applied to a configuration in which water is supplied directly from the water tap 50 to the water supply tank 48, the display of the water supply request to the notifying means 90 is replaced with a display between the water tap 50 and the water supply tank 48. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the water supply valve provided in the above is controlled. By using such a control of the water supply valve, in addition to the water saving effect, deterioration of the water supply valve due to frequent opening and closing can be suppressed, and durability can be improved.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, an alarm for urging water supply is not issued every time the liquid level in the water supply tank is lowered, so that an alarm for urging water supply frequently is issued. An excellent effect of being released from the above is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic developing apparatus applied to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a replenisher replenishing mechanism and a water supply mechanism of the automatic developing device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determining the amount of water in a water supply tank.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a water supply warning executed when the automatic developing device is started.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a water supply warning after startup.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart schematically showing a detection result of a liquid level sensor and a display of water supply.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic developing apparatus 12 Sheet film (photosensitive material) 22 Developing tank (processing liquid tank) 24 Fixing tank (processing liquid tank) 26 Rinse tank (processing liquid tank) 46 Replenishment mechanism 48 Water supply tank 50 Faucet 72 Controller 76 Liquid level sensor ( First liquid level sensor) 78, 80, 82 Liquid level sensor (second liquid level sensor) 84 Insertion sensor (photosensitive material detecting means) 86 Water supply alarm device 88 Water supply control section (alarm control means) 90 Notification means (alarm) means)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A processing solution in a processing solution tank to which a replenishing solution diluted by water supplied from a water supply tank is replenished,
A water supply alarm device provided in an automatic developing device for processing by passing a photographic light-sensitive material, wherein the water supply alarm device includes an informing means for urging water to be supplied to the water supply tank, wherein a liquid level in the water supply tank is detected. A second liquid level sensor provided in the processing liquid tank for detecting a liquid level of the processing liquid in the processing liquid tank; and the first and second liquid level sensors when the automatic developing device starts to be started. Second
When one of the liquid level sensors does not detect a predetermined liquid level within a predetermined time set for each, the notification means is activated, and each of the first and second liquid level sensors is After detecting the predetermined liquid level, the alarm control means activates the notifying means when both the first and second liquid level sensors no longer detect the liquid level. Water supply alarm for automatic developing equipment. 2. A processing solution in a processing solution tank to which a replenishing solution diluted by water supplied from a water supply tank is replenished,
A water supply alarm device provided in an automatic developing device for processing by passing a photographic light-sensitive material, wherein the water supply alarm device includes an informing means for urging water to be supplied to the water supply tank, and detects a liquid level of water in the water supply tank. A liquid level sensor that detects the insertion of the photographic photosensitive material into the automatic developing device; and a liquid level sensor that detects the insertion of the photographic photosensitive material when the photosensitive material detection means detects the insertion of the photographic photosensitive material. A warning control means for activating the notifying means when the surface level is not detected; and a water supply warning device for an automatic developing device.