JP3050705B2 - Waste liquid recovery device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a waste liquid collecting apparatus for collecting waste liquid generated by processing in a processing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photographic light-sensitive material having an exposed image is immersed in a processing solution such as a developing solution, a fixing solution, or washing water stored in a processing tank in a photographic processing apparatus. These processing liquids deteriorate in accordance with the processing amount of the light-sensitive material, and also deteriorate with time to lower the performance. For this reason, in a photographic processing apparatus such as a film processor for developing a film or a printer processor for printing and developing an image on photographic paper, the processing solution of the photosensitive material is adjusted according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material so that each processing solution maintains a constant performance. A predetermined replenisher is automatically supplied into each processing tank.

With this replenishment, the processing liquid overflows from each processing tank. The above-described photographic processing apparatus is provided with a waste liquid tank, and the processing liquid overflowing from the processing tank is guided as waste liquid into the waste liquid tank via pipes, nozzles, and the like, and accumulated in the waste liquid tank. On the other hand, when operating a photographic processing apparatus such as a film processor and a printer processor, a collection tank for collecting waste liquid from the photographic processing apparatus is generally provided outside the room where these photographic processing apparatuses are installed. It is arranged. When the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank of each photographic processing device becomes full, the operator pulls out the waste liquid tank from the processing device and transfers the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank.

[0004]

However, in the above, when the waste liquid tank is pulled out from the photographic processing apparatus, the waste liquid drips from a nozzle or the like, and stains the inside of the photographic processing apparatus or the floor of the room in which the photographic processing apparatus is installed. Waste liquid sometimes adhered to the hands of workers or got into eyes. Further, when the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank is transferred to the collection tank, it is necessary to interrupt the processing in the photographic processing apparatus, and there is a problem that the working efficiency is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and has as its object to provide a waste liquid collecting apparatus which can prevent the inside of a photographic processing apparatus and a floor from being stained with waste liquid.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a waste liquid recovery apparatus attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material by using a processing liquid, wherein the waste liquid recovery apparatus comprises: A first detecting means for detecting a liquid level of a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid generated by processing in the photographic processing device, a collecting tank provided separately from the photographic processing device, and a waste liquid tank stored in the waste liquid tank. Transfer means for transferring waste liquid to the collection tank; second detection means for detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tank; and liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the first detection means. The transfer means is operated so as not to exceed a predetermined level, and when the liquid level in the recovery tank detected by the second detection means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level, an alarm is generated. And a control means for stopping said transfer means emits a beam, and is characterized in that at least the control means is detachably attached to said photographic processing apparatus into a unit. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank is subjected to photographic processing so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing apparatus detected by the first detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level. Transfer to a collection tank provided separately from the equipment. As a result, the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing apparatus is automatically transferred to the collection tank, so that there is no need for an operator to pull out the waste liquid tank from the photographic processing apparatus or the like. If it gets on your hands, gets into your eyes,
It is possible to prevent the inside of the photographic processing apparatus and the floor and the like from being contaminated with the waste liquid. Further, when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level, an alarm is issued and the transfer means is stopped, so that the operator can easily recognize the replacement time of the collection tank. It is possible to prevent the waste liquid from overflowing from the collection tank. In addition, since at least the control means is unitized and detachable from the photographic processing apparatus, the present invention can be easily applied to existing photographic processing apparatuses such as a film processor and a printer processor. It becomes easy to commercialize a waste liquid recovery device including the same as an option of the photographic processing device. When the transfer means is constituted by, for example, a pump and a pipe, it is preferable to unitize the transfer means including the pump and the like. Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the waste liquid tank for the purpose of reducing the number of times of transferring the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the recovery tank, and the like, so that the capacity of the waste liquid tank can be reduced. It is also possible to reduce the size of the photographic processing device itself.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste liquid recovery apparatus attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing solution, wherein the waste liquid recovery apparatus is disposed inside the photographic processing apparatus. First detecting means for detecting a liquid level of a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid generated by the liquid processing apparatus; and a collection tank provided separately from the photographic processing apparatus.
Transfer means for transferring the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank; second detection means for detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tank; and waste liquid detected by the first detection means When the liquid level in the tank is close to the predetermined level, the transfer means is operated and stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means is equal to or higher than the predetermined level. And control means for issuing an alarm when the condition is reached to stop the transfer means. Claim 2
According to the invention described in (1), the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank is separated from the photographic processing device so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing device detected by the first detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level. Transfer to the provided collection tank.
In order to prevent the liquid level in the waste liquid tank from exceeding a predetermined level, the transfer means is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing apparatus is automatically transferred to the collection tank, so that there is no need for an operator to pull out the waste liquid tank from the photographic processing apparatus or the like. It is possible to prevent the liquid from adhering to the hands of the operator, getting into the eyes, and contaminating the inside of the photographic processing apparatus and the floor with the waste liquid. Further, when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level, an alarm is issued and the transfer means is stopped, so that the operator can easily recognize the replacement time of the collection tank. It is possible to prevent the waste liquid from overflowing from the collection tank. Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the waste liquid tank for the purpose of reducing the number of operations for transferring the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank, and the like, so that the capacity of the waste liquid tank can be reduced. It is also possible to reduce the size of the photographic processing device itself.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste liquid recovery apparatus attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing solution, wherein the waste liquid recovery apparatus is disposed inside a plurality of photographic processing apparatuses. First detecting means for detecting a liquid level of a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid generated by processing, a collecting tank provided separately from the plurality of photographic processing devices, and a waste liquid tank of each of the plurality of photographic processing devices. Transfer means for transferring the stored waste liquid to the collection tank; second detection means for detecting a liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tank; and a photographic processing device which is detected by the first detection means. When the liquid level in the waste tank of any one of the photographic processing apparatuses among the liquid levels in the waste liquid tank reaches a predetermined level, the transfer means is operated and the second detection means is operated. Thus the liquid level in the collection tank to be detected is characterized by and a control means for stopping said transfer means issues an alarm when a predetermined level or higher. According to the invention described in claim 3,
The transfer means is controlled so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the first detection means of any of the plurality of photographic processing apparatuses does not exceed a predetermined level, and the liquid level is stored in the waste liquid tank. The waste liquid is transferred to a collection tank provided separately from the photoprocessing device. Thus, the liquid level in the waste liquid tank of each photographic processing apparatus does not exceed a predetermined level. In addition, since the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing device is automatically transferred to the collection tank, there is no need for an operator to pull out the waste liquid tank from the photographic processing device or the like. It can be prevented from adhering to the hands of the user, getting into the eyes, and soiling the inside of the photographic processing apparatus and the floor with waste liquid. Also, the second
An alarm is issued when the liquid level in the recovery tank detected by the detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and the transfer means is stopped, so that the operator can easily recognize the replacement time of the recovery tank. Also, the waste liquid is prevented from overflowing from the recovery tank. Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the waste liquid tank for the purpose of reducing the number of operations for transferring the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank, and the like, so that the capacity of the waste liquid tank can be reduced. It is also possible to reduce the size of the photographic processing device itself.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste liquid recovery apparatus attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing solution, wherein the waste liquid recovery apparatus is disposed inside the photographic processing apparatus. First detecting means for detecting the liquid level of a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid generated by the first detecting means, and detecting a state in which the liquid level of the waste liquid tank is almost full at a liquid level higher than the first detecting means. Full detecting means, a collecting tank provided separately from the photographic processing apparatus, a transferring means for transferring the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collecting tank, and detecting a liquid level of the waste liquid in the collecting tank. Second detecting means for performing
The transfer means is operated so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level, and the liquid level in the recovery tank detected by the second detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. Control means for generating an alarm and stopping the transfer means when the
It is characterized by having. According to the present invention, the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank is removed from the photographic processing apparatus so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank of the photographic processing apparatus detected by the first detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level. To a separate collection tank. by this,
Since the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank of the photo processing device is automatically transferred to the collection tank, there is no need for an operator to pull out the waste liquid tank from the photo processing device or the like, and the waste liquid is removed by the operator. It can be prevented from adhering to hands, getting into eyes, and soiling the inside of the photographic processing apparatus and the floor with waste liquid. Further, when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level, an alarm is issued and the transfer means is stopped, so that the operator can easily recognize the replacement time of the collection tank. It is possible to prevent the waste liquid from overflowing from the collection tank. Further, even if the liquid level of the recovery tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the processing in the photographic processing apparatus is continued for a predetermined period until the waste liquid tank is detected to be full by the waste liquid tank full detecting means. It can be carried out. Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the waste liquid tank for the purpose of reducing the number of operations for transferring the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank, and the like, so that the capacity of the waste liquid tank can be reduced. It is also possible to reduce the size of the photographic processing device itself.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

The present invention is effectively used in a photographic processing apparatus, particularly a photographic processing apparatus called a minilab.
Here, the minilab is preferably a photographic processing apparatus in which the total amount of waste liquid per day is 20 liters or less. Also,
Mini labs have small processing tanks, for example, 3
A photographic processing apparatus having a developing tank of 0 liter or less, especially 2
This is a photographic processing apparatus having a developing tank of 0 liter or less.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a film processor 11 and a printer processor 11 to which a waste liquid collecting apparatus 10 according to the present invention is attached. First, a schematic configuration of these photographic processing apparatuses will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the film processor 1
1, the negative film F drawn from the cartridge 13 in the film supply unit 12 is supplied to the color developing tank 14 and the bleaching tank 1.
6. Bleaching / fixing tank 18, rinsing tanks 22, 23, stabilizing tank 24
Sent sequentially to. In these processing tanks, processing liquids such as a developer, a bleaching liquid, a fixing liquid, washing water, and a stabilizing liquid are stored, and a transport rack (not shown) is provided. The film F is guided to the transport rack. , And is immersed in each processing solution to perform a series of development processing. The photographic paper P on which the developing process has been performed is stored in the film storage box 20 after being dried in the drying unit 26.

Further, a replenisher supplying device (not shown) is attached to the film processor 11. This replenisher supply device automatically supplies a predetermined replenisher into each processing tank according to the processing amount of the film F and the like so that the processing liquid in each processing tank maintains a constant performance. With the supply of the replenisher, the processing liquid overflows from each processing tank. Below the processing tank, a first waste liquid tank 27 and a second waste liquid tank 28 are provided. The capacity of the waste liquid tanks 27 and 28 is, for example, about 1 to 6 liters.

As described above, the color developing tank 14 and the stabilizing tank 24
The developing solution and the stable solution overflowing from are guided to the first waste liquid tank 27 through a pipe, a nozzle, and the like, and are accumulated as waste liquid. The bleaching tank 16 and the bleach-fixing tank 1
8. The bleaching solution, fixing solution, and washing water overflowing from the rinsing tanks 22 and 23 are guided to a second waste liquid tank 28 via pipes, nozzles, etc., and are accumulated as waste liquid. In FIG. 2, the numbers of the waste liquid tanks for storing the processing liquid overflowing from each processing tank are shown in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 4, waste liquid tanks 27 and 28
Are provided with detachable caps 54 and 56, respectively.
8, 60 are integrally attached. The fullness detection sensors 58 and 60 are connected to a control circuit (not shown) of the film processor 11 and are turned on when the liquid level of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tanks 27 and 28 becomes almost full. When the full detection sensor 58 or 60 is turned on,
The control circuit issues an alarm instructing replacement of the first waste tank 27 or the second waste tank 28. The fullness detection by this fullness detection sensor is also provided in a conventional film processor.

On the other hand, the middle portions of flexible pipes 62 and 64 are inserted into and fixed to the caps 54 and 56. The pipes 62 and 64 constitute a part of the transfer means of the present invention, and a nozzle 66 is attached to an end. The tip of the nozzle 66 extends to near the bottom of the waste liquid tanks 27 and 28. Liquid level sensors 68 and 70 as first detecting means are integrally attached to the caps 54 and 56. The liquid level sensors 68 and 70 extend below the fullness detection sensors 58 and 60, and when the liquid levels in the waste liquid tanks 27 and 28 rise,
They are turned on before the fullness detection sensors 58, 60.

As shown in FIG. 1, the other ends of the pipes 62 and 64 are guided to the outside of the machine through an opening provided in the bottom plate of the film processor 11 together with the signal lines of the liquid level sensors 68 and 70, and are connected to the printer processor. It extends to a control unit 72 attached to the outer plate 30. As shown in FIG. 5, between the film processor 11 and the control unit 72 of the printer processor 30, the signal lines 74 of the liquid level sensors 68 and 70 are wound around the outer circumferences of the pipes 62 and 64. A spiral corrugated tube 76 made of plastic is wound around the outer periphery as a reinforcing material.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the printer processor 30, the printing paper P wound in a roll is
2, the image of the negative film F is printed by the printing light from the light source 34, and passes through the paper reservoir 36 to the color developing tank 38, the bleach-fixing tank 42, the rinsing tank 44,
45 and 46 are sequentially sent. Each of these processing tanks stores a developer, a bleach-fixing solution, and washing water prepared in advance, and a transport rack (not shown) is provided. The photographic paper P is guided by the transport rack. It is transported in each processing tank, immersed in each processing liquid, and a series of development processing is performed. The photographic paper P on which a series of development processing has been performed is a drying unit 4
After drying at 8, the cutter 52 cuts each image frame.

Further, a replenisher supply device (not shown) is also attached to the printer processor 30. Each replenisher supply device (not shown) is provided in accordance with the processing amount of the photographic paper P so that the processing liquid in each processing tank maintains a constant performance. A predetermined replenisher is automatically supplied into the tank. A first waste liquid tank 50 and a second waste liquid tank 51 are provided below the processing tank, and the developer overflowing from the color developing tank 38 is transferred to the first waste liquid tank 50 via a pipe, a nozzle, or the like. Guided and accumulated as waste liquid,
The bleach-fixing solution and the rinsing water overflowing from the bleach-fixing tank 42 and the rinsing tanks 44, 45, and 46 are guided to a second waste liquid tank 51 via pipes, nozzles, and the like, and are accumulated as waste liquid. In FIG. 3, the numbers of the waste liquid tanks for storing the processing liquid overflowing from each processing tank are shown in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 4, the waste liquid tanks 50, 51
Also, caps 78 and 80 are respectively attached thereto, and full detection sensors 82 and 84 are integrally attached to the caps 78 and 80, respectively. The fullness detection sensors 82 and 84 are connected to the control circuit of the printer processor 30 and are turned on when the liquid level of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tanks 50 and 51 becomes almost full. Full detection sensor 82
When the switch 84 is turned on, the control circuit issues an alarm instructing replacement of the first waste tank 50 or the second waste tank 51, similarly to the control circuit of the film processor 11. The fullness detection by this fullness detection sensor is also provided in a conventional printer processor.

The pipes 8 are provided on the caps 78 and 80.
The middle portions of the pipes 6 and 88 are inserted and fixed, and nozzles 90 are attached to the ends of the pipes 86 and 88.
The tip of the nozzle 90 extends to near the bottom of the waste liquid tanks 50 and 51. Liquid level sensors 92 and 94 as first detecting means are integrally attached to the caps 78 and 80. Liquid level sensors 92, 9
4 extends below the fullness detection sensors 82 and 84, and when the liquid level in the waste liquid tanks 50 and 51 rises,
They are turned on before the fullness detection sensors 82 and 84.

As shown in FIG. 1, the other ends of the pipes 86 and 88 are also guided to the outside of the machine through an opening provided in the bottom plate of the printer processor 30 together with the signal lines of the liquid level sensors 92 and 94. It extends to 72.
Corrugated tubes 76 are wound around the outer circumferences of the pipes 86 and 88 and the signal lines as in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the exterior of the control unit 72 is covered with a metal casing 72A, and a pair of hooks 72B are attached to the casing 72A. The hook 72B is attached to the casing of the printer processor 30 by being inserted into the slit hole 31 provided in the casing of the printer processor 30 and hooked. Therefore, the control unit 72 is detachable from the printer processor 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bellows pumps 96, 98, 10
0, 102, motors 104, 106, an alarm 108, and a control circuit 110 are accommodated. The first waste liquid tank 27 of the film processor 11 is provided on the suction side of the pump 96.
The end of a pipe 62 extending from the first waste tank 50 of the printer processor 30 is connected to the suction side of the pump 98.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pumps 96 and 98 are respectively connected to a motor 104. When the motor 104 is driven, the driving force of the motor 104 is transmitted and the pumps 96 and 98 operate together. Pipes 11 are provided on the discharge sides of the pumps 96 and 98, respectively.
2, 114 are connected. As shown in FIG. 4, the end of the pipe 112 and the end of the pipe 114 are connected to the pipe 1
It is connected to 16 ends.

An end of a pipe 64 extending from the second waste tank 28 of the film processor 11 is connected to a suction side of the pump 100, and a second end of the printer processor 30 is connected to a suction side of the pump 102. 2 waste liquid tank 5
The end of a pipe 88 provided from 1 is connected.
The pumps 100, 102 are each connected to a motor 106 so that the motor 106 is driven and operates. The pumps 96, 98, 100, 102
Is about 200 to 400 ml / min as an example.

The ends of pipes 118 and 120 are connected to the discharge sides of the pumps 100 and 102, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, an end of the pipe 118 and an end of the pipe 120 are connected to an end of the pipe 122. Control circuit 1
The signal lines of the liquid level sensors 68, 70, 92, and 94 are connected to 10, and the motors 104 and 106 and the alarm 108 are also connected. Further, signal lines of liquid level sensors 132 and 134 (described later) are connected to the control circuit 110. These liquid level sensors 132 and 134
Is connected to the collection tank 1 together with the pipes 116 and 122.
24 and 126 are extended. This pipe 116,
A corrugated tube 76 is also wound around the outer periphery of the signal line 122 and the signal line.

On the other hand, outside the room where the film processor 11 and the printer processor 30 are installed (for example, outside)
Are provided with recovery tanks 124 and 126. The recovery tanks 124 and 126 have a larger capacity (for example, about 10 to 80 liters, preferably 20
~ 50 liters). Collection tank 12
4 and 126 have removable caps 128 and 13 respectively.
The pipes 116 and 122 extending from the control unit 72 are inserted into and fixed to the caps 128 and 130 as shown in FIG.
Liquid level sensors 132 and 134 as second detecting means are integrally attached to the caps 128 and 130, respectively. The liquid level sensors 132 and 134 are turned on when the liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tanks 50 and 51 rises to a level near full.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 200, it is determined whether or not the liquid level sensor 68 or 92 detects the liquid level. If the determination in step 200 is negative, it is determined in step 202 whether the liquid level sensor 70 or the liquid level sensor 94 has detected the liquid level. If the determination in step 202 is also negative, the process returns to step 200 and returns to step 200 or step 202.
The above-mentioned determination is repeated until the determination of is positive.

In the film processor 11, a replenisher is supplied to each processing tank according to the processing amount of the film F. Due to this supply, the processing solution overflows from each processing tank, and the developing solution and the stabilizing tank 2 which overflow from the color developing tank 14.
The stabilizing solution overflowing from 4 is guided to a waste liquid tank 27, and the bleaching solution overflowing from the bleaching tank 16, the bleach-fixing solution overflowing from the bleach-fixing tank 18, and the washing water overflowing from the rinsing tanks 22 and 23 are guided to a waste liquid tank 28. Is done. Therefore, film processor 1
The liquid level of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tanks 27 and 28 gradually rises with the development processing of the film F in 1.

The printer processor 30 supplies a replenisher to each of the processing tanks in accordance with the processing amount of the photographic paper P. With this supply, the developer overflowing from the color developing tank 38 is guided to the waste liquid tank 50 to be bleach-fixed. The bleach-fixing solution and the washing water overflowing from the tank 42 and the rinsing tanks 44, 45 and 46 are guided to the waste liquid tank 51. Therefore, the liquid level of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tanks 50 and 51 also gradually increases with the development processing of the printing paper P in the printer processor 30.

Here, the first waste tank 27 of the film processor 11 or the first
When the liquid level of the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 50 rises to the position where the liquid level sensors 68 and 92 are provided, the determination in step 200 described above is affirmed.
04 drives the pumps 96 and 98. Thereby, the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank 27 is transferred to the collection tank 124 via the nozzle 66, the pipe 62, the pump 96, the pipe 112, and the pipe 116, and the waste liquid in the first waste liquid tank 50 is 90, a pipe 86, a pump 98, a pipe 114, and a pipe 116 are transferred to a collection tank 124.

Each photographic processing device and the control unit 72
And the control unit 72 and the collection tanks 124 and 12
Since the corrugated tube 76 is wound around the outer circumference of the pipe and the signal line between the pipe 6 and the signal line 6, the signal line is disconnected due to disturbance or the passage of waste liquid passing through the pipe is prevented by the pipe being pressed. Inconveniences such as being performed are prevented.

In the next step 206, the pumps 96, 9
Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the driving of No. 8. If the determination in step 206 is negative, it is determined in step 208 whether or not the liquid level sensor 132 has detected the liquid level. If the determination in step 208 is also negative, the process returns to step 204, and step 204 is performed until the determination in step 206 or step 208 is affirmed.
Step 208 is repeated. When a predetermined time elapses after the driving of the pumps 96 and 98 is started, step 206 is executed.
Is affirmed, and the routine returns to step 200.

As described above, when the liquid level is detected by the liquid level sensor 68 or 92, the pumps 96 and 98 are driven to transfer the waste liquid, so that the liquid level is usually provided by the liquid level sensors 68 and 92. It does not cross the site. Therefore, normally, the full state detection sensors 58 and 82 do not detect the full state, and the alarm provided in the film processor 11 and the printer processor 30 does not operate. There is no interruption due to the fullness of one waste tank 27 or 50. In addition, since the worker does not need to transfer the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank, the worker pulls out the waste liquid tank from the photographic processing apparatus, thereby polluting the inside of the photographic processing apparatus and the floor with the waste liquid. Is prevented.

Since the recovery tank 124 has a very large capacity as compared with the first waste liquid tanks 27 and 50, it does not become full after the above-described waste liquid transfer processing is performed several times. It becomes full by leaving it for a long time,
The liquid level is detected by the liquid level sensor 132, and the determination in step 208 described above is affirmed. In this case, an alarm is issued in step 210 to instruct the collection tank 124 to be replaced. Thereby, the operator can recognize the replacement time of the collection tank 124.

After the liquid level is detected by the liquid level sensor 132, the determination in step 208 is always affirmative.
The transfer of the waste liquid to 4 substantially stops. However, since the full sensors 58 and 82 do not detect the liquid level, no alarm is issued on the photographic processing apparatus side, and the processing in the photographic processing apparatus is performed for a predetermined period until the waste tanks 27 and 50 are full (for example, (About half a day).

Therefore, for example, when the worker finishes the work of the day, turns on the power of the photographic processing apparatus to start the work, is in a warm-up state, or when the work is stopped during the work. The replacement of the collection tank 124 can be performed at a time when there is no problem in the ongoing operation. The replacement of the recovery tank 124 is performed only by replacing the cap 128 with a new recovery tank 124 because the pipe 116 through which the waste liquid passes and the liquid level sensor 132 for detecting the liquid level are integrally attached to the cap 128. Replacement of recovery tank and liquid level sensor 13
2 is completed. Therefore, the recovery tank can be easily replaced.

By the way, even if the collection tank 124 is full and an alarm is issued, the collection tank 1 may be lost for some reason.
If the replacement of 24 has not been performed, the waste liquid tank 27,
50 is also full, and the liquid level is detected by the full detection sensors 58 and 82, and an alarm of each photographic processing device is issued. In this case, it is necessary for the worker to pull out the waste liquid tanks 27 and 50 from the photographic processing apparatus and transfer the waste liquid to the collection tank 124.
The liquid level sensor and the pipe are connected to the cap 54 or 78.
The replacement of the waste tank and the arrangement of each sensor and pipe are completed only by replacing the caps 54 and 78 with a new waste tank. Therefore, the waste liquid tank can be easily replaced.

On the other hand, when the liquid level of the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank 28 of the film processor 11 or the second waste liquid tank 51 of the printer processor 30 rises to the position where the liquid level sensors 68 and 92 are provided. Is processed in the same manner as described above. That is, the determination in step 202 is affirmative by detecting the liquid level, and in step 212, the pumps 100, 10
2 is driven. Thereby, the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank 28 is transferred to the collection tank 126 via the nozzle 66, the pipe 64, the pump 100, the pipe 118, and the pipe 122, and the waste liquid in the second waste liquid tank 51 is 90, the pipe 88, the pump 102, the pipe 120, and the pipe 122 are transferred to the collection tank 126.

In this transfer process, it is determined in step 214 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the driving of the pumps 100 and 102 is started, or the recovery tank 126 is full by the liquid level sensor 134. Is continued until is detected. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step 124 is affirmed, and the transfer processing ends. When the inside of the collection tank 124 becomes full, step 21 is executed.
6 is affirmative, and an alarm is issued in step 218.

The recovery tank 126 includes a bleaching tank 16, a bleach-fixing tank 18, and a rinsing tank 2 of the film processor 11.
2, 23, the bleach-fixing tank 42 of the printer processor 30,
Since the waste liquid overflowing from the rinsing tanks 44, 45, and 46 is stored, the stored waste liquid contains many silver particles eluted from the photosensitive material. For this reason, silver can be easily collected from the waste liquid stored in the collection tank 126.

As described above, in this embodiment, the collection tank 12
Until the tanks 4 and 126 are full, the waste liquid tanks 27 and 2
The liquid level of the waste liquid in 8, 50, 51 does not exceed the level corresponding to the location of the liquid level sensors 68, 70, 92, 94, and the work of transferring the waste liquid from the waste liquid tank to the collection tank is performed. No need. Accordingly, the number of interruptions of the work due to the full state of the waste liquid tanks 27, 28, 50 and 51 and the generation of an alarm is reduced.

In this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 6 is used.
8, 70 or the pumps 96, 98 or the pumps 100, 1 when the liquid level sensors 92, 94 detect the liquid level.
02 was driven for a predetermined time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a sensor for detecting that the waste liquid tank is empty or a liquid level close to empty is provided. Alternatively, the pump may be driven until it is detected that the liquid level is almost empty.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the present invention is applied to a film processor and a printer processor.
The present invention can be applied to any photographic processing apparatus that processes a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing liquid.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the waste liquid stored in the waste tank is controlled so that the liquid level in the waste tank of the photographic processing apparatus detected by the first detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level. Is transferred to a collection tank provided separately from the photographic processing apparatus, and when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means becomes a predetermined level or more, an alarm is issued and the transfer means is stopped. As a result, an excellent effect that the inside of the photographic processing apparatus, the floor, and the like can be prevented from being contaminated with the waste liquid can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a waste liquid collecting apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a film processor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a connection relationship between components of the waste liquid collecting apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a hose and wiring between each device are covered.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment and detachment of the control unit.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a pump and a motor.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Waste liquid recovery apparatus 11 Film processor 27 Waste liquid tank 28 Waste liquid tank 30 Printer processor 50 Waste liquid tank 51 Waste liquid tank 68 Liquid level sensor 70 Liquid level sensor 92 Liquid level sensor 94 Liquid level sensor 96 Bellows pump 98 Bellows pump 100 Bellows Pump 102 Bellows pump 110 Control circuit 132 Liquid level sensor 134 Liquid level sensor

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-333516 (JP, A) JP-A-62-118348 (JP, A) JP-A-4-22484 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model Application Sho-63-120253 (JP) , U) Jiko 3-50512 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/00-17/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A waste liquid collecting device attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic photosensitive material using a processing liquid, wherein the waste liquid is disposed inside the photographic processing apparatus and stores a waste liquid generated by processing in the photographic processing apparatus. First detecting means for detecting a liquid level in a tank; a collecting tank provided separately from the photographic processing apparatus; transferring means for transferring waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collecting tank; Second detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid in the tank, and operating the transfer means so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the first detecting means does not exceed a predetermined level. Control means for issuing an alarm and stopping the transfer means when the liquid level in the collection tank detected by the second detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined level; The provided, waste recovery device, characterized in that at least the control means is detachably attached to said photographic processing apparatus into a unit. 2. A waste liquid collecting device attached to a photographic processing device for processing a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing liquid, wherein the waste liquid is disposed inside the photographic processing device and stores a waste liquid generated by processing in the photographic processing device. First detecting means for detecting a liquid level in a tank; a collecting tank provided separately from the photographic processing apparatus; transferring means for transferring waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collecting tank; Second detecting means for detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid in the tank, and operating the transfer means when the liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the first detecting means is close to a predetermined level. After a lapse of time, the second
And a control means for issuing an alarm when the liquid level in the recovery tank detected by the detection means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level and stopping the transfer means. 3. A waste liquid collecting device attached to a photographic processing device for processing a photographic light-sensitive material using a processing liquid, wherein the waste liquid collecting device is disposed inside a plurality of photographic processing devices and stores waste liquid generated by processing in the photographic processing device. First detecting means for detecting a liquid level of a waste liquid tank; a collecting tank provided separately from the plurality of photographic processing devices; and collecting the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank of each of the plurality of photographic processing devices. Transfer means for transferring the liquid to a tank; second detection means for detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tank; liquid level in the waste liquid tank of each photographic processing apparatus detected by the first detection means When the liquid level of the waste liquid tank of any one of the photographic processing apparatuses reaches a predetermined level, the transfer means is operated and the time detected by the second detection means is adjusted. Waste liquid recovery device the liquid surface level in the tank and having a control means for stopping said transfer means issues an alarm when a predetermined level or higher. 4. A waste liquid recovery device attached to a photographic processing apparatus for processing a photographic photosensitive material using a processing liquid, wherein the waste liquid is disposed inside the photographic processing apparatus and stores a waste liquid generated by processing in the photographic processing apparatus. First detection means for detecting the liquid level of the tank; full detection means for detecting a state in which the liquid level of the waste liquid tank is nearly full at a liquid level higher than the first detection means; A collection tank provided separately from the photographic processing device, a transfer unit for transferring the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank to the collection tank, and a second detection unit for detecting a liquid level of the waste liquid in the collection tank. Operating the transfer means so that the liquid level in the waste liquid tank detected by the first detection means does not exceed a predetermined level, and by the second detection means Waste liquid recovery apparatus the liquid level in the collection tank to be issued, characterized in that it and a control means for stopping said transfer means issues an alarm when a predetermined level or higher.