Automatic processing apparatus

An automatic processing apparatus is provided to sequentially dip photosensitive material into a plurality of processing solution tanks storing processing solution while conveying the photosensitive material to process the photosensitive material. Rollers are respectively provided between two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks so as to convey the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution tank of the two adjacent tanks. A replenishing solution supply apparatus is provided to supply replenishing solution into the plurality of processing solution tanks, respectively. A diluting water supply apparatus is provided in the vicinity of rollers to respectively supply the plurality of processing solution tanks with diluting water for diluting the replenishing solution to a predetermined concentration. The rollers can be washed by the diluting water to be supplied to each of the plurality of processing solution tanks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an automatic processing apparatus which 
processes photosensitive material for processing by sequentially conveying 
and dipping the material into a plurality of processing solution tanks 
accommodating processing solutions. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
An automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material is 
provided with a developing tank, a fixing tank, a washing tank and the 
like. Processing solutions in the respective processing tanks are 
typically degraded according to the amount of processing of photosensitive 
material. In order to compensate for the degradation, replenishing stocks 
of the processing solution and diluting water are respectively supplied to 
the processing tanks through discrete conduits. The respective tanks 
include processing racks which hold a plurality of rollers for guiding the 
photosensitive material into the tanks. Further, over the tanks there are 
crossover racks which hold a roller for guiding the photosensitive 
material from one tank to the next tank. Rollers for conveying the 
photosensitive material, and a guide plate are attached to the processing 
racks and the crossover racks. Hence, the photosensitive material inserted 
into the automatic processing apparatus is conveyed and guided by the 
rollers of the processing rack into the respective tanks such as a 
developing tank in a substantially U-shaped form. Subsequently, the 
photosensitive material is delivered to the next tank by the rollers of 
the crossover rack. The rollers of the crossover rack are provided to 
squeeze off any processing solution which remains on the photosensitive 
material before the material is introduced into the next tank so as to 
prevent the processing solution from being brought into the next tank. In 
this case, the processing solution drawn by the photosensitive material 
may continue to adhere to rollers disposed in a vicinity of a liquid level 
of the processing solution, and rollers disposed over the liquid level. In 
particular, the processing solution may continue to adhere to the rollers 
disposed in the crossover rack and those disposed in a vicinity of 
partition walls which partition one processing tank from another. As a 
result, after the processing solution dries, deposits of contaminants may 
form on the roller. These deposits cause several problems. For example, 
they adversely effect the finish of the photosensitive material, or the 
driving of the processing apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to wash 
the rollers disposed in the vicinity of the liquid level, and those 
disposed over the liquid level. 
Hence, the rollers are washed by disposing one of a pair of squeezing 
rollers in the crossover rack so as to be immersed into a rinse tank, or 
by spraying washing water onto the squeezing rollers by an amount 
corresponding to an evaporated amount of processing solution. In the 
latter case, the water corresponding to the evaporated amount is not 
directly fed into the processing tank. Instead, the rollers convey after 
being sprayed with water. Accordingly, the rollers are washed by clean 
water thereby removing the contaminates and the deposits. Thereafter, the 
water is guided into the processing tank which replenishes water, and can 
serve as a supply of water corresponding to the evaporation. 
However, while the amount of water corresponding to evaporation is affected 
by environmental conditions, the amount of influence is generally not so 
much. In addition, the amount of water is often not sufficient to remove 
the contaminates on the rollers. Further, if a supply of the diluting 
water is adjusted according to evaporation, the washing water for the 
rollers is guided into the processing tank by the amount corresponding to 
that evaporated even when the evaporation is large. Consequently, the 
concentration of the processing solution is diluted, and the water after 
washing must be directly recovered as waste fluid. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the facts set forth hereinbefore, it is an object of the present 
invention to provide an automatic processing apparatus that ensures the 
washing of rollers without the need of special water supply means. 
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material 
by sequentially conveying and immersing the photosensitive material into a 
plurality of processing solution tanks which store processing solution. 
The automatic processing apparatus includes a roller unit provided between 
two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks for 
conveying the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution 
tank of the two adjacent tanks, replenishing solution supply means for 
supplying replenishing solution into an upstream processing solution tank 
of two adjacent tanks on the upstream side of the plurality of processing 
solution tanks, and diluting water supply means provided in the vicinity 
of the roller unit, for supplying diluting water into the upstream 
processing solution tank for being mixed with the replenishing solution so 
as to dilute the replenishing solution to a predetermined concentration. 
The roller unit is washed by the diluting water to be supplied to the 
upstream processing solution tank. 
According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material 
by sequentially conveying and immersing the photosensitive material into a 
plurality of processing solution tanks which stores processing solution. 
The automatic processing apparatus includes a roller unit provided between 
two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, for 
conveying the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution 
tank of the two adjacent tanks, replenishing solution supply means for 
supplying replenishing solution into an upstream processing solution tank 
of two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, and 
diluting water supply means provided in the vicinity of the roller unit, 
having a spray pipe for ejecting diluting water, which is mixed with the 
replenishing solution to dilute the replenishing solution to a 
predetermined concentration, toward the roller unit so as to wash the 
roller unit, and supplying the upstream processing solution tank receiving 
a supply of the replenishing solution with the diluting water through the 
roller unit. 
According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material 
by sequentially conveying and immersing the photosensitive material into a 
plurality of processing solution tanks which store processing solution. 
The automatic processing apparatus includes a roller unit provided between 
two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks for 
conveying the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution 
tank of the two adjacent tanks, replenishing solution supply means having 
a replenishing solution supply pipe for guiding and supplying replenishing 
solution into an upstream processing solution tank of two adjacent tanks 
of the plurality of processing solution tanks, and a trough into which the 
roller unit is partially immersed, for storing diluting water by receiving 
from diluting water supply means a supply of diluting water which is mixed 
with the replenishing solution to dilute the replenishing solution to a 
predetermined concentration. The diluting water stored in the trough is 
drawn from the trough by the rotation of the roller unit so as to wash the 
roller unit, and the diluting water after washing is guided into the 
upstream processing solution tank receiving a supply of the replenishing 
solution. 
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material 
by sequentially conveying and immersing the photosensitive material into a 
plurality of processing solution tanks which store processing solution. 
The automatic processing apparatus includes a roller unit provided between 
two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, for 
conveying the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution 
tank of the two adjacent tanks, replenishing solution supply means for 
supplying replenishing solution into an upstream processing solution tank 
of two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, 
diluting water supply means provided in the vicinity of the roller unit, 
having a spray pipe for ejecting diluting water, which is mixed with the 
replenishing solution to dilute the replenishing solution to a 
predetermined concentration, toward the roller unit so as to wash the 
roller unit, and supplying the upstream processing solution tank receiving 
a supply of the replenishing solution with the diluting water through the 
roller unit, and a trough into which the roller unit is partially 
immersed, for storing the diluting water by receiving the diluting water 
ejected by a diluting water ejecting spray pipe through the roller unit. 
Excessive diluting water is overflowed from the trough into the upstream 
processing solution tank. 
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an automatic processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material 
by sequentially conveying and immersing the photosensitive material into a 
plurality of processing solution tanks which store processing solution. 
The automatic processing apparatus includes a roller unit provided between 
two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, for 
conveying the photosensitive material to a downstream processing solution 
tank of the two adjacent tanks, replenishing solution supply means for 
supplying replenishing solution into an upstream processing solution tank 
of two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing solution tanks, 
diluting water supply means provided in the vicinity of roller unit, 
having a spray pipe for ejecting diluting water which is mixed with the 
replenishing solution to dilute the replenishing solution to a 
predetermined concentration, toward the roller unit so as to wash the 
roller unit, and supplying the upstream processing solution tank receiving 
a supply of the replenishing solution with the diluting water through the 
roller unit, and a squeezing member disposed so as to contact a part of 
the roller unit, for squeezing off the diluting water adhering to the 
roller unit. 
In an automatic processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the 
present invention, replenishing solution is supplied by an amount 
calculated based upon an area of the photosensitive material to be 
processed through replenishing solution supply means or the replenishing 
solution supply pipe during or immediately after processing of the 
photosensitive material. 
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when producing 
appropriate replenisher by mixing the diluting water with the replenishing 
solution to dilute the replenishing solution, the diluting water which is 
not yet mixed with the replenisher is supplied to the roller unit for 
conveying the photosensitive material to the downstream processing 
solution tank between two adjacent tanks of the plurality of processing 
solution tanks, so as to wash the roller. As a result, no crystal or no 
contaminates adhere to the roller unit due to the processing solution, 
thereby avoiding damage to the photosensitive material. The diluting water 
is guided into the upstream processing tank after washing the roller so 
that the diluting water can be mixed with the replenishing solution so as 
to produce the replenisher in the upstream processing tank. 
That is, it is possible to reduce an amount of water used for only washing 
the roller by using the diluting water as the washing water for the roller 
unit. Further, the diluting water supply means also serves as water supply 
means for washing the roller unit so that a special water supply means for 
washing the roller unit is not required, resulting in the simplification 
of the automatic processing apparatus. 
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the spray pipe 
ejects the diluting water in the direction of the roller unit by an amount 
corresponding to the replenishing solution supplied according to an 
processing amount during or immediately after processing of the 
photosensitive material. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the washing 
effect of the roller unit, and reliably remove the contaminates by a small 
discharge quantity (i.e., an amount required for replenishment) of the 
diluting water. 
Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the roller 
unit is partially immersed into the diluting water stored in the trough so 
that the roller unit can be continuously kept in a wet state, thereby 
preventing the roller unit from becoming dried. The prevention of drying 
prevents deposits or contaminates of constituents contained in the 
processing solution adhering to the roller unit from caking. 
At a time of replenishment, clean diluting water is supplied to the trough 
by an amount corresponding to the replenishing solution supplied according 
to the processing amount during or immediately after the processing of the 
photosensitive material. Consequently, the diluting water overflows from 
the trough, and is guided into the upstream processing solution tank so as 
to be mixed with the replenishing solution. 
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the spray pipe 
ejects the diluting water to wash the roller unit, and the ejected 
diluting water was once stored in the trough. The roller unit is partially 
immersed into the diluting water in the trough so that the roller unit is 
continuously kept in a wet state, and drying of the roller unit can be 
avoided. 
Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the 
squeezing member is disposed so as to contact a part of the roller unit. 
Hence, the processing solution drawn from the upstream processing solution 
tank can be wiped off at a contact point between the roller unit and the 
squeezing member. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of 
processing solution adhering to the roller. As a result, the processing 
solution is not drawn by the photosensitive material into the downstream 
tank, and contamination in the downstream tank can be avoided. 
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the replenishing 
solution is supplied to the upstream processing tank according to an 
amount calculated based upon an area of the photosensitive material to be 
processed during or immediately after the processing. As a result, there 
is no variation in sensitivity of the processing solution. 
As set forth hereinbefore, in the automatic processing apparatus of the 
present invention, there is an excellent effect in that the roller unit 
can be reliably washed without special water supply means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic processor 10 according to the first 
embodiment. The automatic processor 10 is provided with a processing 
section 11 and a drying section 20 in a machine casing 12. The processing 
section 11 includes a developing tank 14, a fixing tank 16, and a washing 
tank 18 which are partitioned by partition walls 13 along the conveying 
direction of photosensitive material (hereafter referred to as film F). 
In the automatic processor 10, an insertion detecting sensor 80 for 
detecting an insertion or absence thereof of film F is provided in a 
vicinity of an insertion opening 15. This detection of the insertion of 
the film F enables determination of the processing amount. For example, if 
a size of the film F to be used is constant, it is possible to recognize a 
processing area by only detecting the number of the film F. Further, if 
the sensor 80 can detect a width and a length of the film F, it is also 
possible to measure the area for each film F. 
Developer is stored in the developing tank 14. Within the developing tank 
14, a conveying rack 24 is provided having conveying rollers 22 which are 
driven by unillustrated driving means for conveying the film F. The 
conveying rack 24 is disposed so as to be immersed into the developer. 
Fixer is stored in the fixing tank 16. In the fixing tank 16, a conveying 
rack 28 is provided having conveying rollers 26 which are driven by 
unillustrated driving means for conveying the film F. The conveying rack 
28 is disposed so as to be immersed into the fixer. Washing water is 
stored in the washing tank 18. Further, in the washing tank 18, a 
conveying rack 32 is provided having conveying rollers 30 which are driven 
by unillustrated driving means for conveying the film F, and the conveying 
rack 32 is disposed so as to be immersed into the washing water. 
An exhaust fan 98 is disposed below the developing tank 14. The exhaust fan 
98 ejects gas, steam or the like generated in the processing section 11 to 
the outside of the automatic processor 10. 
Crossover racks 34 are respectively disposed above respective partition 
walls 13 provided between the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16, 
and between the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 18. The crossover 
racks 34 are provided with pairs of conveying rollers 36 for conveying the 
film F from the processing tank on the upstream side in the conveying 
direction of the film F to the processing tank on the downstream side, and 
a guide plate 38 for guiding the film F. 
Accordingly, the film F is inserted into the automatic processor 10 through 
the insertion opening 15, and is conveyed by the conveying rollers 22 in 
the developing tank 14 through the developer so as to be developed. The 
developed film F is ejected by the crossover rack 34 from the developing 
tank 14 and is fed to the fixing tank 16, where the film F is conveyed by 
the conveying rollers 26 through the fixer so as to be fixed. Thereafter, 
the fixed film F is fed to the washing tank 18 by the crossover rack 34 
provided between the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 18, where the 
film F is conveyed by the conveying rollers 30 through the washing water 
so as to be washed. 
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, rinse tanks 39 are respectively provided on the 
upstream side in a film conveying direction of the partition Wall 13 
provided between the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16, and the 
partition wall 13 Provided between the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 
18. Washing water is stored in the rinse tank 39, and the roller of the 
pair of conveying rollers 36 on the lower side of the conveying route is 
immersed into the washing water in the rinse tank 39. A side surface of 
the rinse tank 39 on the upstream side in the film conveying direction is 
defined as an inclined surface 39A, and is disposed corresponding to the 
conveying route of the film F. That is, the inclined surface 39A serves as 
a guide surface for guiding the conveyed film F. 
The washing water is ejected from discharge openings 50A (see FIG. 4) of 
spray pipes 50 disposed in vicinities of upper ends of the partition walls 
13. The plurality of discharge openings 50A are aligned with each other, 
and are provided in peripheral surfaces of the spray pipes 50 in a 
longitudinal direction thereof. The discharge openings 50A are provided 
toward peripheral surfaces of the pair of conveying rollers 36 on the 
upstream side in the film conveying direction. Hence, the washing water 
ejected from the spray pipe 50 is sprayed onto the pair of conveying 
rollers 36 which are washed by the ejection. 
Constituents of the processing solution are drawn from the previous process 
tank by adhering to the conveyed film F, and adhere to the pair of 
conveying rollers 36. Therefore, though the developer further adheres to 
the pair of conveying rollers 36, the washing water washes the 
constituents of the processing solution adhering to the film F so as to 
dilute the constituents of the developer. Further, the washing water keeps 
the pair of conveying rollers 36 continuously wet. The washing water 
prevents the crystals of the constituents contained in the developer and 
the fixer from adhering to or being deposited on the surface of the pair 
of conveying rollers 36 by washing off the constituents of the processing 
solution adhering to the pair of conveying rollers 36. In addition, it is 
desirable that the washing water be sprayed from the spray pipe 50 when 
the film F is being conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 36, in order 
to avoid uneven development. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the spray pipes 50 are connected to discharge openings 
of bellows pumps (abbreviated BP) 52 for supplying diluting solution for 
stocking diluting solution of each processing solution. Suction openings 
of the bellows pumps 52 communicate with a bottom of a diluting water 
storage tank 54. Tap water is supplied through a water pipe 56 into the 
storage tank 54, and a predetermined amount of water is stored in the 
storage tank 54. A solenoid valve (abbreviated SV) 58 is interposed at an 
intermediate portion of the water pipe 56, and is opened and closed by an 
unillustrated control unit depending upon a signal output from a level 
sensor 60 which is disposed in the storage tank 54. Thus, the 
predetermined amount of water is continuously stored in the storage tank 
54. The stock solutions of the developer and the fixer are respectively 
stored in stock tanks 62 which serve as replenishing solution supply 
means, and are supplied by actuation of the bellows pumps 66 to the 
developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16 through piping 64, respectively. 
The washing water discharged from the spray pipe 50 drops through the pair 
of conveying rollers 36 into the rinse tank 39 where the washing water is 
stored. The washing water stored in the rinse tank 39 overflows according 
to the discharge quantity from the spray pipe 50, and overflows into the 
processing tank on the upstream side, that is, into the developing tank 14 
between the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16, or into the fixing 
tank 16 between the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 18. This 
overflowing washing water drops into the developing tank 14 or the fixing 
tank 16, and is used as the diluting water for the replenishing solutions 
which are replenished into these tanks. Further, the level sensor 60 is 
preferably disposed in order to maintain a liquid level in the rinse tank 
39. When the level is lowered less than a predetermined value, the washing 
water is supplied to the rinse tank 39 independent of the replenishment of 
the replenishing solution so as to raise the level at a position 
immediately before overflowing. It is thereby possible to reliably wash 
the rollers and dilute. The washing water may be directly supplied to the 
rinse tank 39 without the spray pipe 50. 
The overflowing washing water flows into a vicinity of the place in the 
processing tank, to which the replenishing solution is supplied, so that 
the temperature and concentration of the processing solution in the 
processing tank can be uniform. Preferably, the fresh processing solution, 
which is made by replenishing the stock solution and the diluting water, 
does not directly flow into an overflow tank by separating the point from 
an overflowing section of the processing tank as far as possible. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the replenisher is stocked in a stock tank 62 of a 
stock solution replenishing apparatus 57. One end of piping 64 is 
connected to a bottom portion of the stock tank 62. The other end of the 
piping 64 is positioned at an upper opening of the developing tank 14 or 
the fixing tank 16. A predetermined amount of replenishing solution is 
supplied to the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16 by the drive of 
bellows pumps 66 which are interposed at intermediate portions of the 
piping 64. On the other hand, the spray pipes 50 eject the diluting water 
according to a supply amount of the replenisher. Accordingly, the 
replenishing solution and the diluting water are mixed together in the 
developing tank 14 or the fixing tank 16, and the resultant solution is 
used as the replenisher. 
The replenishing solution and the diluting water thereof may be supplied 
each time the photosensitive material is inserted, or each time when 
performing a predetermined amount of the processing. However, the 
replenishing solution and the diluting water are preferably supplied as 
frequently as possible, for example, during or immediately after the 
processing of the photosensitive material. 
Unillustrated discharge pipes are provided for the respective bottoms of 
the developing tank 14, the fixing tank 16, and the washing tank 18, and 
discharge valves 21 are attached to the discharge pipes, respectively. It 
is possible to discharge the developer, the fixer and the washing water in 
the developing tank 14, the fixing tank 16 and the washing tank 18 by 
opening the discharge valves 21 as desired. 
A squeeze rack 40 is disposed between the washing tank 18 and the drying 
section 20. The squeeze rack 40 is provided with conveying rollers 42 for 
conveying the film F which is conveyed from the washing tank 18 with the 
adhered washing water while squeezing the film F, and a guide 43 for 
guiding the film F. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of conveying rollers 44 are provided along 
a vertical direction in a drying room 20A of the drying section 20 so as 
to form the conveying route for the film F. Further, infrared heaters 88 
for heating the conveying rollers 44 are provided on the opposite side of 
the conveying route with respect to the conveying rollers 44. 
The conveying rollers 44 are disposed so as to closely contact the film F 
along the transverse direction of the film F. The driving force of an 
unillustrated driving means is transmitted to the conveying rollers 44 so 
that the conveying rollers 44 are rotated to convey the film F while 
holding the film F. 
Shielding plates 86 are positioned between adjacent conveying rollers 44 so 
as to shield heat radiated directly from the infrared heater 88 toward the 
film F. 
On the other hand, surface temperature sensors 84, 85 for detecting the 
surface temperature of each conveying roller 44 are provided in a vicinity 
of the farthest upstream conveying roller 44, and in a vicinity of the 
farthest downstream conveying roller 44. Depending upon information 
detected by the surface temperature sensors 84, 85, the control unit 
controls the operation of the infrared heaters 88 so as to set the surface 
temperature of the conveying roller 44 to a temperature most suitable for 
drying of the film F. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a drying fan 45 and a chamber 46 are attached under the 
drying section 20. The drying fan 45 sucks in air external to the 
automatic processor 10 so as to feed the air as drying wind to the chamber 
46. The chamber 46 is provided with an unillustrated built-in heater so 
that the heater heats the drying wind fed through the drying fan 45 to 
supply the heated drying wind into the drying room 20A. 
A conveying roller 48 and a guide 48A are disposed at a lower portion of 
the drying room 20A. The film F is conveyed by the conveying rollers 44 
downward in a vertical direction, and is conveyed diagonally upward by the 
conveying roller 48 and tile guide 48A so as to be ejected out of the 
drying section 20. The automatic processor 10 is also provided with a 
receiving box 49 extending from an outer wall of the automatic processor 
10. The film F ejected out of the drying section 20 is accommodated in the 
receiving box 49. 
A description will now be given of the operation of the embodiment. 
The film F inserted into the automatic processor 10 is fed to the 
developing tank 14, and is conveyed therethrough so as to be processed. 
The processed film F is fed into the fixing tank 16, and is conveyed 
therethrough so as to be fixed. The fixed film F is then fed to the 
washing tank 18, and conveyed therethrough so as to be washed. 
The washed film F is conveyed to the squeeze rack 40, and conveyed 
therethrough with the film F being squeezed by the conveying rollers 42. 
The film F which was squeezed in the squeeze rack 40 is fed into the drying 
room 20A of the drying section 20. In the drying room 20A, the film F is 
conveyed by the conveying rollers 44. The conveying rollers 44 are heated 
by the infrared heater 88, with the conveying rollers 44 sandwiching the 
film F therebetween. Consequently, the heat of the conveying rollers 44 
can be transmitted to the film F so that the film F is heated and dried. 
The film F is also dried by the drying wind blown from the drying fan 45. 
Moisture evaporated from a surface of the film F is ejected from a 
vicinity of the conveying route. As a result, the film F can be 
efficiently dried. 
In the drying section 20, the film F is held between the conveying rollers 
44. The heat is transmitted to the film F by contacting the conveying 
rollers 44. Thus, heat can be efficiently transmitted to an emulsion layer 
of the film F. It is thereby possible to rapidly dry the film F. Further, 
since the shielding plate 86 prevents the direct radiation heat of the 
infrared heater 88 onto the film F, the film F is not burned even if 
jamming occurs during conveying the film F by the conveying rollers 44. 
The infrared heaters 88 heat the conveying rollers 44. Hence, the surface 
temperature of the conveying rollers 44 may be detected by, for example, 
the surface temperature sensors 84, 85. The infrared heaters 88 may be 
actuated according to result of the detection. As a result, it is possible 
to efficiently actuate the infrared heaters 88. Further, in the drying 
section 20 of the automatic processor 10, the conveying rollers 44 are 
heated, and the film F is efficiently dried by the conveying rollers 44. 
Consequently, it is possible to reduce the number of the infrared heaters 
88 as compared with a method of drying by directly radiating the heat of 
the infrared heater to the photosensitive material. Further, the saving of 
energy and cost can be effected. 
An amount of the developer is decreased according to the processing amount 
of the film F. However, the liquid level of the developer is detected by 
an unillustrated level sensor provided in the developing tank 14. 
Developing replenisher is replenished into the developing tank 14 
according to the information detected. 
Similarly, an amount of the fixer is also decreased according to the 
processing amount of the film F. However, the liquid level of the fixer is 
detected by an unillustrated level sensor provided in the fixing tank 16. 
Fixing replenisher is replenished into the fixing tank 16 according to the 
information detected. 
The pair of conveying rollers 36 are repeatedly kept in a wet state due to 
the processing solution (i.e., the developer or the fixer) which adheres 
to the film F, and in a dried condition when the automatic processor 10 
stops. Consequently, constituents or contaminates in the processing 
solution are deposited on the pair of conveying rollers 36 when dried. The 
film may be damaged due to the constituents or the contaminates during 
conveyance. In order to avoid this, the pair of conveying rollers 36 are 
washed by the washing water so as to avoid the deposition of the 
contaminates or the like thereon. 
Replenishment of the washing water is performed according to a replenishing 
period of the replenisher. That is, in the developing tank 14 or the 
fixing tank 16, bellows pumps 66 are actuated to supply the replenishing 
solution in the stock tank 62 to the developing tank 14 or the fixing tank 
16 by a desired amount during the replenishing period. On the other hand, 
the bellows pumps 52 are actuated to feed diluting water from the storage 
tank 54 to the spray pipe 50 according to an amount of the supplied 
replenishing solution. 
At this time, the discharge openings 50A of the spray pipe 50 are provided 
toward the pair of conveying rollers 36 disposed in the previous process 
so that the diluting water can be sprayed onto the pair of conveying 
rollers 36. That is, the diluting water is used as the washing water for 
washing the pair of conveying rollers 36. 
The constituents of the processing solution adhere to the conveyed film F, 
and are drawn from the previous process (i.e., the process on the upstream 
side) so as to adhere to the pail of conveying rollers 36. The diluting 
water (i.e., the washing water) sprayed on the pair of conveying rollers 
36 washes the processing solution off the pair of conveying rollers 36 
while the film F is not being conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 
36. The diluting water used for washing drops into the processing tank in 
the previous process, or is stored in the rinse tank 39 under the pair of 
conveying rollers 36. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the 
degradation of the processing solution in the next process, and reduce the 
replenishing amount of the replenisher in order to avoid the contamination 
of the processing solution drawn in the previous process into the 
processing tank in the next process. 
Most of the diluting water (the washing water) Sprayed onto the pair of 
conveying rollers 36 is guided to and stored in the rinse tank 39. Since 
the pair of conveying rollers 36 are partially immersed into the diluting 
water stored in the rinse tank 39, the pair of conveying rollers 36 are 
kept in a continuously wet state. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid 
adhesion or deposition of crystal having developer constituents and fixer 
constituents on the surfaces of the pair of conveying rollers 36 so as to 
enhance maintenance-free properties. 
The diluting water in the rinse tank 39 overflows according to a discharged 
amount from the spray pipe 50, and drops into the developing tank 14 or 
the fixing tank 16. The dropping diluting water appropriately dilutes the 
developer or the fixer in the developing tank 14 or the fixing tank 16 
into which the replenishing solution is supplied. Thus, predetermined 
replenisher can be supplied to the developing tank 14 or the fixing tank 
16. 
As set forth hereinbefore, in this embodiment, the diluting water for the 
replenishing solution, which is used to produce the replenisher, is not 
directly fed to the processing tanks. The diluting water is sprayed onto 
the pair of conveying rollers 36 by the spray pipes 50, and is supplied to 
the processing tanks after once being stored in the rinse tank 39. As a 
result, the diluting water for the replenishing solution can serve as both 
diluting water and washing water. Special piping for the washing water is 
not required, resulting in a simplified structure. Further, it is possible 
to reduce the consumption of water since the washing water is not disposed 
of in vain. 
Though the diluting water (the washing water) ejected from the spray pipe 
50 is once stored in the rinse tank 39 in this embodiment, the diluting 
water (the washing water) may drop directly into the developing tank 14 or 
the fixing tank 16 through the pair of conveying rollers 36. 
Alternatively, the spray pipe 50 may be omitted. The diluting water (the 
washing water) may be directly supplied from the storage tank 54 to the 
rinse tank 39, or the diluting water may be drawn by rotation of the pair 
of conveying rollers 36 so as to wash the pair of conveying rollers 36. 
In this case, the pair of conveying rollers 36 may be disposed above the 
partition wall 13, and the rinse tank 39 may be disposed above the 
partition wall 13 at a position such that the roller of the pail of 
conveying rollers 36 on the lower side of the conveying route is immersed 
into the diluting water (the washing water) as shown in FIG. 5. A notch 
portion 39B for overflow is provided in a side wall of the rinse tank 39 
on the upstream side in the film conveying direction. The diluting water 
(the washing water) overflows into a tank on the upstream side, and is 
used as the diluting water for the processing solution. Alternatively, the 
pair of conveying rollers 36 may have a structure such that two pairs of 
conveying rollers 36 can be provided together. 
A description will now be given of the operation of the second embodiment 
of the present invention. In the second embodiment, components identical 
with those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference 
numerals, and the descriptions thereof are omitted. 
As shown in FIG. 6, spray pipe 50 is disposed in a vicinity of the 
peripheral surfaces of the pair of conveying rollers 36 disposed in a 
fixing tank 16 on an electing side of a film F, so as to eject the 
diluting water (washing water) toward the pair of conveying rollers 36. 
However, a rinse tank is not provided as shown in the first embodiment, 
and the diluting water (the washing water) sprayed onto the pair of 
conveying rollers 36 drops directly into the fixing tank 16. 
Squeezing rollers 68 having a small diameter are respectively disposed in a 
vicinity of the pairs of conveying rollers 36 in a state where the 
squeezing roller 68 and the conveying rollers 36 are in surface-to-surface 
contact. The squeezing roller 68 is rotated as the pair of conveying 
rollers 36 is rotated, and wipes off the processing solution adhering to 
the pair of conveying rollers 36. Thus, the squeezing roller 68 serves to 
wipe the processing solution drawn from the processing tank on the 
upstream side by adhering to the film F off the film F by the pair of 
conveying rollers 36, and serves to return the processing solution to the 
processing tank on the upstream side. 
For example, when the film F is ejected from the fixing tank 16, a large 
amount of fixer adheres to the film F. Although the fixer can to some 
extent be wiped off by holding the film F between the pair of conveying 
rollers 36, the remaining fixer is again applied to the film F, and is 
carried to the washing tank. Further, the fixer is left adhered to the 
pair of conveying rollers 36 when the conveyance of the film F is 
terminated, that is, after a rear end of the film F has passed. A period 
for spraying the diluting water (the washing water) from the spray pipe 50 
corresponds to the replenishing period of the replenisher. Accordingly, if 
a large amount of fixer adheres to the pair of conveying rollers 36, the 
fixer adhering to the pair of conveying rollers 36 may be removed to the 
next tank (i.e., the washing tank) by the film F. The squeezing roller 68 
can wipe off the fixer adhering to the pair of conveying rollers 36. As a 
result, it is possible to reduce the amount of removed fixer. 
In the second embodiment, though the squeezing roller 68 is employed as a 
squeezing member, it must be noted that distal ends of blades having 
flexibility or elastic properties may be disposed so as to contact the 
pair of conveying rollers 36, respectively. 
Further, though the invention has been described by way of the fixing tank 
16 as an example in the second embodiment, it must be noted that the 
invention may be applied to the developing tank 14 as well. 
In addition, though the invention has been described with reference to a 
case where there is no rinse tank in the embodiment, the rinse tank may be 
employed instead of the spray pipe 50 so as to supply the diluting water 
from the rinse tank.