JP2000002990A - Device for replenishing processing liquid for photosensitive material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate calibrating work by an operator and to perform normal replenishment corresponding to the real throughput of photosensitive material over a long term by reading the supply of replenisher to a reservoir tank and the throughput of the photosensitive material, comparing the throughput with regulated throughput corresponding to the supply amount of the replenisher and correting the next replenishing amount of the replenisher in the specified reservoir tank. SOLUTION: A lower limit level sensor 360 and an upper limit level sensor 358 are set in a PIR replenishing tank 347. Three replenishing states, that is, 'liquid exists', 'a little liquid exists' and 'no liquid exists' are considered as the liquid level state of the replenishing tank of the tank 347. Three actions, that is, 'control for state where liquid exists', 'control for state where a little liquid exists' and 'control for state where no liquid exists' are considered as the actions among the states. The replenishing amount is monitored over all the states. Then, 'control for reaching the lower limit of all the replenishing tank', 'control for reaching the lower limit of a developing replenishing tank', 'control for reaching the lower limit of other replenishing tank' and 'processing replenishment/processing correction/ dilution water correction' are executed and the calibration of the replenishment is automatically performed by the device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing method in which a replenisher kit for a plurality of types of replenishers is provided at a time, the replenisher kit being provided with a plurality of replenishers for replenishing replenishers in a plurality of processing tanks. The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing liquid replenishing apparatus used in the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for the purpose of simplifying a replenishing operation of a replenishing agent, a replenishing agent kit in which a plurality of types of replenishing agents are put together is collectively loaded, and each replenishing agent is replenished into a storage tank and replenished. 2. Description of the Related Art A photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a liquid is prepared and replenished into a processing tank is known. However, replenishing means (for example, pumps, pipes, solenoid valves, etc.) for replenishing replenisher from the storage tank to the processing tank
(For example, pump fatigue, slight clogging of piping, etc.), each storage tank does not become empty (below the specified value (lower limit level)) at the same timing, and some storage tanks Even though the storage tank is empty, the replenisher remains in other storage tanks, and the replenishment cannot be performed normally.

In order to realize batch replenishment when such a situation occurs, replenishment means must be calibrated (calibration of replenishment discharge amount of replenisher) so that replenishment timing coincides. User).

On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-38641, when one of the replenishers in a plurality of types of storage tanks becomes empty, the replenishers in the other storage tanks are discharged from the storage tanks. A method has been proposed in which a kit comprising a plurality of types of replenishers is collectively exchanged. However, in this method, the operation of discharging the replenisher that has been emptied together with the other replenisher is repeated, so that errors in the replenishment speed are accumulated, and the concentration control of the process liquid in the processing tank is performed. It is not performed stably and has a drawback of causing a change in processing quality.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-80716 discloses a method for solving this problem, in which the amount of replenisher is divided by a prescribed number of replenishments each time a replenisher is prepared, and the replenishment amount per replenishment is corrected. Is disclosed. Even with this method, there is no correspondence between the prescribed processing amount of the photosensitive material per replenisher and the replenisher preparation amount, and the error may accumulate and increase during long-term operation.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above facts, the present invention eliminates the need for an operator to perform a calibration operation, and allows a normal replenishment of a photosensitive material processing solution that can be properly replenished corresponding to the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material over a long period of time. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive material processing amount detecting means or a photosensitive material processing amount input means for detecting a processing amount of a photosensitive material, and a plurality of processing means for processing the photosensitive material with a processing solution. A plurality of storage tanks for storing a plurality of types of replenishers provided corresponding to the processing tanks, and detecting whether the remaining amount of the replenisher provided in the storage tanks is equal to or greater than a specified value. A replenishing solution amount detecting means, a replenishing means for replenishing the replenishing solution in the storage tank to the processing tank, and a replenishing solution for replenishing the processing tank with a replenishing amount of a replenishing amount corresponding to a predetermined photosensitive material processing amount. Control means for controlling the means, a photosensitive material processing apparatus for collectively replenishing a plurality of types of replenishers to the plurality of storage tanks, wherein the remaining amount of the replenisher in the specific storage tank has reached the specified value Amount of replenisher used to reach the remaining That is, the predetermined processing amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the amount of the replenisher supplied to the storage tank from the last time when the remaining amount has reached the specified value to the current specified value), and 3. A replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material according to claim 2, wherein the replenishing amount of the specific storage tank to the processing tank from the next time onward is compared with the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material. The present invention corrects the replenishment of the processing tank with respect to the specific storage tank described above, and also sets the prescribed processing amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the replenishment amount of the replenisher and the actual processing amount in the other storage tanks at that time. Compensate the replenishment amount to the treatment tank by comparing the amount with each other, and operate so as to temporarily suspend replenishment or perform rapid replenishment so that the amount of each replenisher used at that time becomes the specified amount. Photosensitive material characterized by the following: It is a management solution replenishing device. It is a feature of the light-sensitive material processing solution replenishing apparatus of the present invention that the replenishment amount is corrected based on the comparison between the prescribed processing amount of the light-sensitive material per replenisher and the actual processed amount of the light-sensitive material processed by the replenisher. is there.

Next, the operation of the processing solution replenishing apparatus of the present invention will be further described. In the following description, “replenisher” refers to a preparation agent for preparing a replenisher, and “replenisher” is prepared by mixing the replenisher with dilution water, and is stored in a storage tank for processing the photosensitive material. Refers to the processing liquid supplied to the processing tank from In addition, the term “supply” is used for the operation of supplying a replenisher in a container to a storage tank,
The operation of supplying the replenisher in the storage tank to the processing tank is called “replenishment”. Further, in the general mode, the storage tank is usually a replenishing tank, and therefore, in the following description, the storage tank is represented by the replenishing tank. A plurality of replenishers are collectively supplied to a plurality of replenishers in the photosensitive material processing apparatus. When the photosensitive material is processed in the processing tank of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, the processing liquid deteriorates accordingly. Therefore, when the processing amount of the photosensitive material reaches a predetermined amount, the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank is replenished to the processing tank by the replenishing means in an amount corresponding to the predetermined amount, and the activity of the processing solution is maintained. Note that the replenishing means is specifically composed of a pump, a pipe, and the like, and may include an electromagnetic valve and the like.

Here, for all the processing tanks and the replenishing tanks, the number of replenishments to the processing tanks or the driving time of the replenishing liquid feed pump, the capacity of the replenishing tanks (the amount of replenisher prepared per time), , The level of each replenisher can be reduced to a predetermined specified value (lower limit level) or less at the same time, thereby enabling replenishment of the replenisher all at once. Whether or not the remaining amount of the replenisher in the replenisher is equal to or greater than a specified value can be detected by the replenisher amount detector, and the replenisher replenishment timing can be determined. In the following description of the present invention, the means for detecting whether the remaining amount of the replenisher is equal to or greater than a specified value will be referred to as a lower limit liquid level sensor.

The amount of the replenisher used can be set in advance by associating in advance the amount of the replenisher prepared and replenished at one time with the amount of the photosensitive material that can be processed by the amount of the replenisher. When the amount reached, the replenishment amount is corrected by comparing the specified processing amount of the photosensitive material with the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material by the replenisher, and the predetermined processing amount and the replenishment timing of the photosensitive material are set in advance. And can be matched. Therefore, the photosensitive material corresponding to the preset amount of the photosensitive material can be reliably processed by the processing solution in the processing tank in which the replenisher is replenished and the activity is maintained.

If an error occurs in the replenishing means (for example, fatigue of a pump, clogging of a pipe, or the like), a replenishing amount of a specific replenishing solution may not coincide with a predetermined photosensitive material processing amount. The correction operation of the replenishing apparatus of the present invention in that case will be described separately for a specific replenishing tank (generally, a developing replenishing tank) and another replenishing tank (for example, a bleach-fixing replenishing tank).

First, when the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the lower limit liquid level sensor, it is used until the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the lower limit level sensor from the last time when the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value. The supplied replenishment liquid corresponds to the replenishment amount of the replenisher in one time to the replenishment tank, and the processing amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the replenishment amount is defined. Therefore, when the remaining amount reaches the lower limit liquid level sensor, the actual processing amount from the previous arrival at the lower limit liquid level sensor to the current lower limit liquid level sensor is read, and this processing amount and the replenishment amount of the replenisher (that is, one kit The amount of replenisher in the specific replenisher tank is corrected next time so that the two values match each other. Next, the replenishment and processing amount of another replenishing tank will be described. When the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value, that is, the lower limit liquid level sensor, and when the remaining amount of the other replenisher does not reach the specified value, that is, the lower limit liquid level sensor of the processing tank, Until the remaining amount of the replenisher reaches the specified value, the replenisher is forcibly replenished, and the next replenishment amount of the replenisher is corrected based on the information of the forcibly replenished amount. Specifically, since the amount of the replenisher liquid that was actually replenished to the treatment tank before the forced replenishment is performed from the amount of the replenisher liquid that was forcibly replenished and the prepared amount of the replenisher liquid at that time, this amount, The amount of replenishment of the replenisher for the next time is corrected by comparing the amount of the replenisher with the actual amount of processing of the photosensitive material during the replenishment.

When the remaining amount of another replenisher reaches the specified value before the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value, that is, the lower limit liquid level sensor, the replenishment of the replenisher is stopped. In addition, the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material processed until the replenisher reaches the specified value is compared with the specified processing amount corresponding to the replenishment amount of the replenisher, and the next replenishment amount of the replenisher is determined. to correct. Therefore, in the next processing, correction is performed so that the specified processing amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the amount of the replenisher replenished for the specific replenisher and the other replenishers also matches the actual processing amount. . Such a correction operation is performed each time the replenisher is supplied to the replenisher tank and diluted with water to prepare a replenisher, so that correct replenishment management is maintained.

Claim 3 describes a practical and preferable embodiment of the above-described replenishing means and the replenishing amount correcting means. The addition of the replenisher from the replenisher to the treatment tank is performed by repeatedly driving the pump for supplying the replenisher for a predetermined time and then stopping the pump for a predetermined time. The drive time and the stop time are determined by a predetermined replenishment amount required for processing the photosensitive material. When the replenishment amount is corrected, the correction is performed by adjusting the pump driving interval, that is, the stop time, or adjusting the pump driving time, that is, the liquid feeding time. In addition, both may be performed.

A fourth aspect will be described. Each replenisher tank is provided with a replenisher level detecting means for detecting that the liquid level has reached a specified level. From the time when the amount of the replenisher reaches the level detected by the detecting means by processing the photosensitive material, the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material is read, and the actual processing amount and the level of the maximum liquid amount are read. The replenishment amount of the replenisher up to the level detected by the detection means is compared with a prescribed processing amount corresponding to the replenishment amount, and based on the comparison, the dilution water amount for the replenisher processing agent in the next preparation of the replenisher is corrected. .

This will be described in more detail. Since the replenisher level detecting means is provided above the lower limit liquid level sensor, it will be referred to as an upper liquid level sensor. When the replenisher is charged into the replenisher and subsequently the dilution water is added to prepare the replenisher in the replenisher, the level is above the upper level sensor. From the start of the development process, read the processing amount of the photosensitive material until the liquid level of the replenishment tank drops and reaches the position of the upper liquid level sensor,
This processing amount is compared with a prescribed processing amount until reaching the upper liquid level sensor corresponding to the preparation amount of the replenisher, and the next amount of the dilution water for preparing the replenisher is corrected. Therefore, the amount of the dilution water is corrected each time the replenisher is replenished to the replenishment tank, so that a stable and accurate preparation amount is secured.

Claims 1 and 2 describe an apparatus in which a prescribed processing amount of a photosensitive material and an actual processing amount corresponding to a single replenishment and preparation amount of a replenisher are compared and the replenishment amount is corrected based thereon. . In the third embodiment, as a practical correction method, there is provided a replenishing apparatus which adopts a correction method by adjusting a drive time per one time of a pump for feeding a replenisher to a processing tank or a stop time between driving. Described. On the other hand, claim 4
In addition to the above correction, the amount of dilution water to be added to the replenisher in the preparation of the replenisher is further corrected by the above method.

This makes it possible to match the preset amount of processing of the photosensitive material and the corresponding supply amount thereafter.
It is possible to reliably process only a predetermined amount of the photosensitive material in the processing tank in which the replenisher is replenished and the activity is maintained. In this way, even if an error occurs in the replenishing means during the operation of the developing machine,
Batch replenishment of the replenisher and automatic correction of the replenishment become possible.

If the calibrated value is out of the predetermined range, the replenishment amount of the replenisher with respect to the processing amount of the photosensitive material is significantly insufficient. Alarm is issued, and the operator can be informed of the abnormality of the device.

In addition, without performing the above-mentioned forced replenishment,
In order to achieve the replenishment of the replenisher at a time, the operator needs to calibrate the discharge amount of the replenishing means, which increases the burden on the operator. Hereinafter, the above description will be further specifically supplemented by typical embodiments of the present invention.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, as a specific example of the present invention, a container of a concentrated developer replenisher composition is mounted in a developing base, automatically opened, a replenisher is taken out of the container, and automatic preparation is performed. A development processing system which does not stain hands and has good workability will be described. However, application of the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a putter processor 10 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the printer processor 10.

(Printer Unit) Although the printer unit is not directly related to the configuration of the replenishing device of the present invention, it will be briefly described below because it is a part of the printer processor according to the present invention. The photo printing unit 12 constituting the printer unit of the printer processor 10 has a structure in which a paper magazine 14 in which photographic paper P is stored can be loaded.

On the upper left side of the paper magazine 14 in FIG. 1, a driving roller 16 around which the leading end of the photographic paper P is wound is supported rotatably. The driving roller 16 receives the driving force and rotates. Further, a pair of nip rollers 18 are arranged at positions facing the drive roller 16 with the photographic paper P interposed therebetween. For this reason, the drive roller 16 sandwiches the photographic paper P between the nip rollers 18 and sends the photographic paper P into the photo printing unit 12.

On the other hand, a cutter 22 comprising a pair of upper and lower blades and having these blades moved by a motor 20 is installed in the photoprinting unit 12, and the photographic paper P coming out of the paper magazine 14 is The cutter 22 will cut immediately.

In FIG. 1, the upper surface is in the horizontal direction (FIG.
A support base 46 is formed along the upper, left and right directions). A winding roller 52 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is disposed between the support base 46 and the cutter 22 in a horizontal direction (in FIG. 1, a direction perpendicular to the paper surface). A nip roller 54 for nipping the endless belt 44 between the winding roller 52 and the winding roller 52 is disposed above the winding roller 52.

A guide roller 56 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is located downstream of the support base 46 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P. At a position adjacent to the guide roller 56, a winding roller 52 on the lower surface side and a pressing roller 58 having substantially the same height as the upper surface side are disposed, and the pressing roller 58 presses the outer periphery of the endless belt 44. are doing.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the endless belt 44 in this portion is formed in an S shape. Further, the endless belt 44 is disposed below the guide roller 56 and the tension roller 6.
2 to form an inverted triangular movement trajectory. Then, the guide roller 56 is driven and rotated by the driving force of a motor (not shown) to move the endless belt 44 in FIG.
Above, rotate clockwise.

On the other hand, the endless belt 44 has a large number of small holes (not shown) formed over the entire area thereof, and an upper surface of a support 46 on which a part of the endless belt 44 is placed is provided.
A number of holes (not shown) are formed corresponding to the small holes of the endless belt 44. Further, the inside of the support base 46 is formed in a hollow shape, and a pair of communication ducts 66 (corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the endless belt 44) are formed.
(Only one is shown) is connected to this support base 46. These communication ducts 66 bypass the part of the endless belt 44 that passes below the support base 46 and reach below the endless belt 44, and are connected to a fan box 70 provided with a suction fan 68. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, an easel device 6 is mounted on an endless belt 44 that moves on a support base 46.
A movable piece (not shown) in the easel device 64 covers the periphery of the printing paper P when printing a bordered image on the printing paper P by exposure.

A diffusion box 28 for diffusing light is disposed outside the casing 10A constituting the outer frame of the printer processor 10 and immediately above the easel device 64. A CC filter 24, which is movable and can be changed so as to be able to change the amount of filter inserted into the filter, is composed of three sets of C, M, and Y filters. Therefore, the light beam emitted from the light source 26 positioned adjacent to the CC filter 24 passes through the CC filter 24, is then bent while being diffused by the diffusion box 28, and is sent immediately below. Then, this light beam passes through the negative film N on the negative carrier 30 placed on the upper surface of the casing 10A.

Further, a support plate 34 is supported by a guide rail 32 installed in the photographic printing unit 12 so as to be movable in a horizontal direction (in FIG. 1, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1). A prism 36 and a zoom lens 38 are attached to the support plate 34 so as to be arranged on the optical axis S, respectively.

Accordingly, the light beam that has passed through the negative film N and has become an exposure light beam passes through the prism 36 and then through the zoom lens 38 whose magnification can be changed. An image of the negative film N is formed on the paper P.

A density measuring device 40 for measuring the density of the negative film N, which is composed of, for example, a color filter and an optical sensor such as a CCD, is arranged in the photographic printing unit 12. The bent light beam is sent to the density measuring device 40. The concentration measuring device 40 is connected to a controller (not shown), and the data measured by the concentration measuring device 40 and
An exposure correction value at the time of printing exposure is set based on data input by a key by an operator.

Further, in the optical path between the zoom lens 38 and the easel device 64, there is provided a black shutter 41 for printing and exposing for a predetermined time the light whose color and intensity have been adjusted by the CC filter 24 and which have passed through the negative film N. Is provided.

Since the photographic printing unit 12 has the above-described structure, the printing paper P sent from the paper magazine 14 is cut into a desired length by the cutter 22 and then placed on the endless belt 44. The exposure light beam is conveyed to an image printing position which is a position on the optical axis S. The light beam for exposure from the light source 26 is transmitted to the prism 36 and the zoom lens 38.
When the image reaches the photographic paper P via the like and the black shutter 41 is opened for a predetermined time, the image recorded on the negative film N is printed and exposed on the photographic paper P, and the portion where this image is printed is referred to as an image portion. Become.

At this time, the air in the support base 46 escapes from the inside of the loop of the endless belt 44 to both ends in the width direction through the communication duct 66, is sucked by the suction fan 68 and blows out to the outside. The inside becomes negative pressure. This negative pressure is transmitted to the photographic paper P on the endless belt 44 through the hole of the support base 46 and the small hole of the endless belt 44, and the photographic paper P is sucked into the endless belt 44 as shown by an arrow A. You. For this reason, the printing paper P is not merely put on the endless belt 44 but is sucked toward the endless belt 44, so that the printing paper P
Is surely conveyed by the endless belt 44 and is arranged horizontally on the image printing position.

Further, the printing paper P on which the printing exposure of the image has been completed is sandwiched between the guide roller 56 and the pressing roller 58, and the conveying direction thereof is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, and is sent out in the vertical direction. It is. Thereafter, as shown by a path K representing a transport path of the photographic paper P, the photographic paper P is transferred via a transport path 60 including a plurality of pairs of rollers.
The developer is conveyed to the processor unit 72 which performs each of the processing of development, bleaching, fixing, washing and drying.

The printing exposure process for one frame of the image of the negative film N is completed as described above.
The printing paper P subjected to the printing exposure processing is sequentially conveyed to the processor unit 72 one by one.

(Processor Unit) A developing solution is stored in a developing tank 74 in the processor unit 72.
Is immersed in this developing solution to perform a developing process. The developed photographic paper P is transported to a bleach-fixing tank 76 adjacent to the developing tank 74. Bleaching solution is stored in the bleach-fixing tank 76,
The photographic paper P is immersed in this bleaching solution to perform a bleaching process.

The photographic paper P that has been subjected to the bleach-fixing process is conveyed to a plurality of washing tanks 79 adjacent to the bleach-fix tank 76, each of which stores washing water, and the photographic paper P is immersed in the washing water in the washing tank to be washed. Perform processing.

The washed photographic paper P is conveyed to a drying section 80 located above a washing tank 79. The drying unit 80
The photographic paper P is dried by exposing the photographic paper P to hot air blown in the direction of arrow B from the chamber 82 side disposed below the transport path of the photographic paper P.

A transport path 84 composed of a plurality of pairs of rollers is located downstream of the drying unit 80 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P.
The photographic paper P discharged from the drying unit 80 after the drying process is completed is discharged to the outside of the printer processor 10 while being sandwiched by the plurality of pairs of rollers, and is stacked.

Further, the processor section 72 is provided with a supplement section. In the replenishment section, a processing agent kit (described later)
There is a loading section 300 in which is loaded, and a replenishing tank section in which the replenisher is managed. The loading section 300 mainly performs management of the processing agent kit, automatic opening, automatic cleaning, and drying of the processing agent kit.
The replenishment tank section mainly manages the liquid level of the replenishment tank (described later), the operation of the replenishment pump, and the circulation stirring pump (described later).

The developing tank 74 and the bleach-fixing tank 76 are supplied with a replenisher from a replenishing tank provided in the processor 72. Also, the developing tank 74
Is provided with a photosensitive material throughput sensor 73 for detecting the throughput of the photographic paper P.

(Treatment Agent Kit) In the following description, the “replenisher” may be referred to as a “treatment agent” which is a superordinate concept thereof. Further, the developer composition, the bleaching agent composition and the fixing agent composition are sometimes referred to as a developer, a bleaching agent and a fixing agent, respectively, but have the same meaning. In the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the replenisher in the replenisher decreases and it becomes necessary to prepare the next replenisher, the treatment agent kit 202 shown in FIG.
The system is set in a loading section 300 (see FIG. 2) provided on the upper front side of the container, and the treatment agent composition (in this embodiment, a concentrated aqueous solution) is opened and replenished from each container therein. ing. In the present embodiment, the kit 202 is in the form of a cartridge housed in a cardboard box storage case 204.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing agent kit 202 of the present embodiment comprises a container 203 storing a developing agent, a container 205 storing a bleaching agent, and a fixing agent in a cardboard storage case 204. Are stored.

Since the containers 203, 205 and 207 have the same structure, the structure of the container 203 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 5, the container 203 includes a screw lid 208 protruding from the cardboard storage case 204, and the screw lid 208 is formed with a flange 212. The opening of the container 203 is closed by a resin film seal 210 sandwiched between the container 203 and the screw lid 208. In addition, a hole 209 is formed in the center of the screw lid 208 so that the seal 210 can be pushed and broken by the cleaning nozzle 346.

In this embodiment, the container 203 contains 1300 ml of the developing agent and the container 205 contains 1 bleaching agent.
300 ml, 130 fixing agent in container 207
It is filled with 0 ml.

Further, 3,700 ml of diluting water is added to 1300 ml of the developing agent to form a replenisher (5000 ml as a completed solution) to be replenished to the developing tank 74, and 700 ml of diluting water is added to 1300 ml of the bleaching agent. Is added to the bleach-fix tank 7
6 becomes a bleach replenisher (2000 ml as a completed solution), and a fixing replenisher (2000 ml as a completed solution) is prepared by adding 700 ml of diluting water to 1300 ml of a fixing processing agent and replenishing the bleach-fix tank 76. Become.

(Loading Unit) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the loading unit 300 is covered with a loading unit cover 302 that can be opened and closed. The state in which the loading unit cover 302 is closed is a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 3, and the state in which the loading unit cover 302 is opened is a state shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. A first lock lever 304 having a triangular tip is provided on the inner surface of the loading unit cover 302.

On the other hand, a second lock lever 306 having a triangular tip is provided on the casing 10A side so as to be hooked on the tip of the first lock lever 304.
The second lock lever 306 is disposed substantially horizontally, and is swingable by a predetermined angle. The second lock lever 306 is an electromagnetic lock for the loading unit cover which is a solenoid (S743).
308 are connected to the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock 30.
When a current is applied to the second lock lever 8, the tip of the second lock lever 306 is lifted upward.

When no current is applied to the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock 308 with the loading unit cover 302 closed, the leading end of the first lock lever 304 is hooked on the leading end of the second lock lever 306, and the loading unit cover 306 is closed. 302 cannot be opened from the outside. In addition, when a current is applied to the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock 308 and the tip of the second lock lever 306 is lifted upward,
The tip of the lock lever 304 is no longer caught on the tip of the second lock lever 306, and the loading unit cover 302 can be opened.

Above the first lock lever 304, an L-shaped stopper lever 310 is arranged. The stopper lever 310 is swingable by a predetermined angle, and a roller 312 is attached to a tip of the stopper lever 310.

The roller 312 is urged toward the first lock lever 304 by a spring (not shown). When the loading unit cover 302 is opened, the tip of the first lock lever 304 contacts the roller 312. When the user touches and catches, and further attempts to open the loading unit cover 302, the roller 312 rides over the triangular portion of the first lock lever 304 and the loading unit cover 3.
02 is completely opened.

A cover opening / closing detection switch 31 for detecting the opening / closing of the loading unit cover 302 is provided on the casing 10A.
The cover opening switch 315 is pressed on the outer surface of the casing 10A when the loading unit cover 302 is opened. The loading section 300 is provided with a holder 316 on which the processing agent kit 202 is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
6 is formed with a notch 318 long in the depth direction into which the necks of the containers 203, 205, and 207 are inserted. As shown in FIG. 5, a triangular erroneous loading prevention projection 320 is provided at one lower corner of the loading section 300. At one corner of the storage case 204, a concave portion 204A that engages with the erroneous loading prevention projection 320 is formed.
04 can be inserted only in a regular orientation.

The loading section 300 has a pair of long holes 322 extending vertically, formed on the side surface (see FIG. 5) and the back surface (see FIG. 3), respectively. A pin 324 fixed to the casing 10A is inserted into each of the long holes 322, so that the loading unit 300 can slide only in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the loading section 300 has a long hole 326 extending in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a roller 332 attached to the tip of a ring 330 rotated by an opening drive motor 328 is inserted into the elongated hole 326. Therefore, when the opening drive motor 328 is rotated, the roller 332 rotates eccentrically,
The holder 316 moves up and down.

The casing 10A has a loading section 30
The loading unit upper limit detection switch 334 for stopping 0 at the upper limit position (the loading position of the processing agent kit 202) and the loading unit for stopping the loading unit 300 at the lower limit position (the opening position of the containers 203, 205, and 207). Lower limit detection switch 33
6 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, behind the loading section 300, a kit detection lever 338 which can swing at a predetermined angle is provided.
Are arranged horizontally. The kit detection lever 338 is
4 is urged by the spring 339 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, and when the processing agent kit 202 is pushed into the loading section 300, the processing agent kit 202 is moved to the kit detection lever 338.
When the kit detection lever 338 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A by contacting the tip of the kit, the kit detection switch 340 is actuated by the kit detection lever 338 when the kit detection lever 338 is pushed to the proper position.
Is to enter.

A striker 342 is mounted on the inner surface of the kit detection lever 338, and the striker 3 is mounted on the casing 10A on the inner side of the kit detection lever 338.
A latch 344 that can engage with 42 is mounted. Here, when the processing agent kit 202 is pushed to the normal position, the striker 342 is engaged with the latch 344, and when the processing agent kit 202 is pushed again, the engagement between the striker 342 and the latch 344 is released, and the latch 344 is moved by a predetermined amount. It is designed to protrude.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
6, cleaning nozzles 346, 348, and 350 stand upright at positions corresponding to the openings of the containers 203, 205, and 207. When the containers 203, 205, and 207 are moved downward, the cleaning nozzles 346 is the seal 21 of the container 203.
0, the cleaning nozzle 348 is
The cleaning nozzle 350 pushes through the seal 210 of the container 207 and enters the container to open the container.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the cleaning nozzle 3
Below the lower end 46 is a developing replenisher tank 34 called P1R at the lower end.
7, a funnel 354 whose lower end is inserted into a bleach replenishing tank 349 called P2RA is disposed below the washing nozzle 348, and a lower end is formed of P2RB below the washing nozzle 350. A funnel 356 inserted into a fixing agent replenishing tank 351 is disposed.

(Replenishment System for Replenishment Solution)
The replenishing tank and the bleach replenishing tank are P2RA replenishing tanks, and the fixing agent replenishing tank is a P2RB replenishing tank. Replenishing solutions are replenished from the respective replenishing tanks to processing tanks such as a developing tank and a bleach-fixing tank. Here, the P1R replenishing tank 34 in each replenishing tank and processing tank pair is set.
The structure for replenishing the liquid will be described by taking the developing tank 7 and the developing tank 74 as examples. Since the other sets have the same structure, the figure also shows the P1R replenishing tank 34.
6 showing a set of the developing tank 7 and the developing tank 74 is represented.

The PIR replenishing tank 347 replenishes a predetermined amount of the developing solution used and deteriorated by the developing process of the photographic paper P in the developing tank 74 so that the developing solution can be activated. A development replenisher (developer + cleaning water) is temporarily stored in the PIR replenisher 347.

As shown in FIG. 6, the PIR replenishing tank 347 is provided with an upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358 and a lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360. P
The development replenisher in the IR replenisher 347 is circulated and agitated by a PIR circulating agitating pump (PU745) 362 for agitating the solution. A drain pipe 366 having an opening / closing valve 364 and a developing tank 74 are provided at the bottom of the PIR replenishing tank 347.
A pipe 368 for feeding the liquid to the apparatus or the like is connected. The piping 368 is connected to the PIR refill pump (PU741) 37
0 is connected.

(Washing Water) As shown in FIG. 6, containers 203, 205, 2
07 washing and treatment agent (concentrated suspension)
A PSR replenishment tank 426 is provided for storing cleaning water (diluting water) for diluting the PSR.

The PSR replenishment tank 426 has an upper limit level sensor (FS743) 428 for detecting the upper limit level,
An intermediate level sensor (FS7) for detecting an intermediate level
44) 430 and a lower limit level sensor (FS748) 432 for detecting a lower limit level (specified value).

At the bottom of the PSR replenishing tank 426, the washing tank 7
9, a pipe 434 for feeding the liquid to the cleaning nozzle 9 and a cleaning nozzle 346;
A pipe 436 for sending the liquid to 348 and 350 is connected. The pipe 434 is provided with a PSR replenishing pump (P
U744) 438 is provided, and the tip is a washing tank 79.
Connected to

On the other hand, a pipe 436 is connected to a vessel cleaning pump (PU 740) 440 on the way, and has a pipe 444, a pipe 446, and a pipe 4 via a distributor 442 at its tip.
48 are connected. The pipe 444 has a developer container cleaning valve (S740) 450 connected in the middle, and a distal end connected to the cleaning nozzle 346. The pipe 446 is connected to a bleaching agent container cleaning valve (not shown), and has a leading end connected to the cleaning nozzle 348 of the bleaching agent container. Further, the pipe 448 is connected to a fixing valve cleaning valve (not shown), and a leading end thereof is connected to the cleaning nozzle 350 of the fixing agent container.

The solenoids, switches, motors, sensors, and solenoid valves are connected to the control means 460, and the display means 122 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the control means 460. The display device 122 displays the operation status of the device, notification to an operator, and the like.

(State of replenishment tank) Next, the state of the replenishment tank will be described. The replenishing tank is divided into portions other than the sensor as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 7 depending on the state.

The liquid states A to H (the liquid portions are liquid) schematically show the liquid state of the replenishing tank. A: A state in which replenishment of the processing liquid is continued until the replenishing tank becomes empty (in fact, it is controlled so as not to be in such a state). B: Position immediately before automatic opening in a normal state. C: The limit state in which the processing solution can be replenished without replenishing the processing agent. D: This is a state after the processing agent has been replenished by performing the automatic opening in the B state. E: This is the state after replenishing the processing agent by performing the automatic opening in the C state. F: This is a state after the container is washed in the D state and dilution water (wash water) is introduced. G: This is a state in which the maximum amount of the processing agent and the dilution water have been introduced. H: This is a liquid level position for notifying (prompting) the loading of the processing agent kit with the replenishment of the processing solution into the processing tank.

The liquid amounts a to i in FIG. 7 will be described below. a: Residual liquid amount Remaining amount when replenished until replenisher runs out (can be drained from drain pipe) a + b: Replenished residual amount Residual amount that always remains even after maximum replenishment c: Buffer amount When opening empty treatment agent kit Buffer for replacing treatment agent kit d: Sensor accuracy maintenance amount Lower limit sensor detection stabilization amount e: Daily treatment amount Buffer for enabling treatment agent kit to be loaded every morning before starting work f: Notification timing amount Upper limit Amount for measuring the timing of notification of loading from the sensor e + g: Amount of complete liquid for 1 kit Amount of complete liquid diluted with 1 kit of processing agent h: Overflow amount Buffer for full liquid i: Replenisher tank capacity Minimum required contents of replenisher tank In the present embodiment, the liquid amounts a to i are set to the values shown in Table 1 below for the PIR replenishing tank.

[0075]

[Table 1]

In the present embodiment, the PIR replenishing tank 34
7, P2RA replenishment tank 349 and P2RB replenishment tank 351
Has a cylindrical shape. Here, regarding the PIR replenishment tank 347, the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 3
The position of the upper level sensor (FS740) 358 from the bottom is 4
It is set to 300ml level.

(State of Loading Unit) Next, the state and operation of the loading unit 300 will be described. The operation of the loading unit 300 includes five operations: “loading of the processing agent kit”, “driving of the loading unit”, “water supply of cleaning water”, “maintaining the open state”, and “evacuating the loading unit”.

The operation of the replenishment unit includes a PIR replenishment pump (PU741) 370 and a P2RA replenishment pump (P74).
U742, not shown), P2RB refill pump (PU7
43, not shown), PSR refill pump (PU744)
438, “Replenishment timing adjustment” by container cleaning pump (PU740) 440, “Process replenishment / process correction / dilution water correction”, and PIR circulation stirring pump “PU745” 36
There is a "circulation stirring" according to 2.

[Loading of Treatment Agent Kit (Management of Treatment Agent Kit)] When the treatment agent kit 202 is not loaded or when the treatment agent kit 202 in the loaded state has been used, a new treatment agent kit 202 is loaded into the loading section 300. The loading section cover 302 can be opened to encourage loading.

This process starts under the following conditions. (A) Lower limit level sensor (FS7) of PIR replenishment tank 347
45) When it is detected that there is no liquid in 360. (B) Even after a certain period of time since the loading section 300 is driven (opening operation), the lower limit level sensor (PIR replenishment tank (FS
745) is a case where the sensor 360) of FIG. 6 detects that there is no liquid. (C) When the cover open switch (D744) 315 is pressed while the kit can be loaded (load upper limit position).

The process ends under the following conditions. When kit loading or reloading is detected.

The operation sequence is as follows. Under the following conditions, the loading unit cover 302 is unlocked (the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock (S743) 308 is turned on).

(A) When the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 of the PIR replenishing tank 347 detects "no liquid". (B) Or the holder 316 of the loading section 300 is at the upper limit. (C) The cover open switch (D744) 315 is turned on. Or (d) The processing agent kit 202 has not been detected during the automatic opening operation of the processing agent kit (described later).

The loading unit cover 302 is locked (the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock (S743) 308 is turned off) under the condition (e) below. (E) The kit loading detection is “not detected → detected”, “detected → not detected → detected”, and the cover open / close detection switch (D74
0) 314 is off (loading unit cover 302 is closed).

In this operation, the following is notified. (A) Notification of "processing agent kit loading" (a loading notification is issued when the main power of the printer processor 10 is turned on). (A case of (a) and (d) above) (a) Notification of "loading unit cover closed". (Case (e) above) (c) "Loading unit cover openable" display. (In case of (a) and (b) above)

Driving of Loading Unit (Automatic Opening of Treatment Agent Kit) By driving the loading unit 300, the cleaning nozzles 346, 348, and 3
The processing agent kit 202 (containers 203 and 20)
5, 207) is opened.

This process starts under the following conditions. PIR
When the replenishment tank 347, the P2RA replenishment tank, and the P2RB replenishment tank enter "liquid-less management" (described later) (when the liquid levels of all the replenishment tanks reach the level immediately before the stop of processing).

The process ends under the following conditions. The processing agent is supplied to the replenishing tanks, and the lower limit level sensors of each replenishing tank (in FIG. 6, PI
When it is detected that there is liquid in all of the R replenishment tanks (FS745) 360).

The operation sequence is as follows. In the following conditions (A) to (E), the opening drive motor (M740) 328 operates until the lower limit of the loaded portion is detected, and the processing agent kit 202
(Containers 203, 205, and 207) are opened. The display device 122 is notified that “the loading unit cover is closed” and “the loading unit cover cannot be opened”.

(A) The intermediate level sensor (FS744) 430 in the PSR replenishment tank 426 detects "liquid present". (B) The holder 316 of the loading section 300 is at the upper limit. (C) The treatment agent kit 202 has been loaded. (D) The loading unit cover 302 is closed and locked. (E) The cover open switch (D744) 315 is turned off.

After opening, the opening drive motor (M740) 32
8 pauses for a prescribed time. (A) When the lower limit level sensors of the PIR replenishing tank 347, the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the P2RB replenishing tank 351 both detect that there is a liquid, the sequence ends. (B) If none of the lower limit level sensors of the PIR replenishing tank 347, the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the P2RB replenishing tank 351 indicate “liquid present”, the display device 122 is notified of “loading of the processed kit”. After the operator loads a new treatment agent kit 202, the operation is restarted. (C) Unless one or two of the PIR replenishing tanks 347, 349 and 351 replenishes the lower limit level sensor, liquid is abnormal.

In this operation, the following is notified. (A) Notification of "water input". (Intermediate level sensor (FS74
4) Performed when 430 has not detected “there is liquid”.
The operator replenishes the PSR replenishment tank 426 with wash water. (B) Notification of “loading unit cover cannot be opened”. (This operation sequence is being executed.) (C) Notification of "device error". (In case of (c) above)

[Water supply of cleaning water] (Automatic cleaning of treatment agent kit) [0093] The containers 203, 205, and 20 are supplied by supplying diluted washing water into the containers 203, 205, and 207 of the treatment agent kit 202.
7 Clean the inside.

The processing is started after the opening of the treatment agent kit 202 is completed. The process is terminated when the specified dilution washing water is supplied and the upper limit level sensor of each replenishment tank detects that there is liquid.

The operation sequence is as follows. (1) The container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 is started. (2) The developer container cleaning valve (S740) 450 is opened and closed for a specified time. This is repeated a specified number of times. (3) Finally, a developer container cleaning valve (S740) 450
Is opened and closed for the final specified time (t ₃₁ ). The time t ₃₁ uses numerical values calibrated. (4) The above (2) and (3) are similarly performed for the P2RA replenishing tank (final specified time (t ₃₂ )). At this time, calibrated numerical values are used for t ₃₂ . (5) The above (2) and (3) are similarly performed for the P2RB replenishment tank (final specified time (t ₃₂ )). At this time, calibrated values are used for t ₃₂ . (6) PIR replenishment tank 347, P2RA replenishment tank 349, P
2RB replenishment tank 351 upper level sensor (PIR
The replenishment tank upper level sensor (FS740) is indicated by 35 in FIG.
8. Other upper level sensors FS741 and FS74
2 is not shown), the process ends if both liquids are detected.

The developer container cleaning valve (S740)
450, a bleaching agent container cleaning valve (not shown) (S74
1) The opening time of the fixing processing agent container cleaning valve (S742), not shown, is as shown in Table 2 below, and this is executed with an accuracy of ± 10 msec.

[0097]

[Table 2]

"Maintaining the open state" / "Evacuating the loading section"
(Drying agent kit drying) The containers 203, 205, and 207 are kept open and air-dried.

The operation is started when the cleaning of the containers 203, 205, and 207 is completed. It ends under the following conditions.

(A) When a specified time has elapsed. (B) Lower limit level sensor (FS7) of PIR replenishment tank 347
45) When 360 detects no liquid. (C) When the cover open switch (D744) 315 is pressed. After the cleaning, the holder is temporarily stopped at the lower limit position of the loading unit for a specified time (variable) and air-dried, or in the case of (B) or (C) above, the holder 316 of the loading unit 300 is returned to the upper limit position and the processing is ended. .

The following is notified among them. "Cover openable" display. (In case of (A) or (B) above)

(Refill tank liquid level management) PIR refill tank 3
47, P2RA replenishment tank 349 and P2RB replenishment tank 351
Each liquid level management will be described. PIR refill tank 3
47, the P2RA replenishment tank 349 and the P2RB replenishment tank 351 have three replenishment states of “liquid present”, “liquid low”, and “no liquid”.
There are three operations of “management with liquid”, “management with low liquid”, and “management without liquid”.

Monitor the replenishment amounts a + b and a + b + c over all conditions. I. Let the liquid volume between the lower limit level and the minimum liquid volume be a. II. The volume between the maximum volume and the upper level is defined as b. III. The liquid volume between the upper level and the lower level is assumed to be c. Replenishment amount for one kit (replenishment agent + washing dilution water) = a +
B + ha

"Management with liquid" When the "low liquid" is detected by the lower limit level sensor of each replenishing tank, the liquid level is individually monitored.

The operation sequence is as follows. (A) The process shifts to the “with liquid” management under the following conditions. (1) Immediately after the treatment agent kit 202 is automatically washed. (2) Upper level sensor (FS740) 3 in the developing replenishment tank
58 (FIG. 6) and a bleach replenishment tank upper level sensor (FS741) and a fixing replenishment tank upper level sensor (FS
At 742), "liquid present" is detected. (B) Monitor the replenishment amounts A, B, and C. (C) The process shifts to "liquid low management" under the following conditions.

The lower limit level sensors (P1R: FS745, 360) of the P1R, P2RA and P2RB replenishment tanks detect "low liquid".

"Low liquid management" When the lower limit level sensor of each replenishment tank detects "low liquid", the liquid level is individually monitored.

The operation sequence is as follows. (A) The process shifts to “liquid shortage management” under the following conditions. In the "management with liquid", the lower limit level sensor of each replenisher tank (FS745 of the developer replenisher tank) 360 and the other lower limit level sensors F
(S746 and FS747 are not shown.) The replenishment of the processing liquid is continued until the specified replenishment amount (timing adjustment position in FIG. 7) at which "no liquid" is detected. (B) Monitor the replenishment amount a. (C) Transition to “liquid-less management” under the following conditions. When the specified replenishment amount is performed and the liquid level reaches the lower limit level sensor and replenishment is completed.

"Management without liquid" PIR replenishing tank 347, P2RA replenishing tank 349, P2RB
The liquid level is individually monitored when each lower limit level sensor of the replenishing tank 351 (the sensor of the PIR replenishing tank is 360 in FIG. 4 and other sensors are not shown) detects “no liquid”.

The operation sequence is as follows. (A) The process shifts to “liquidless management” under the following conditions. At the end of "Low liquid management". (B) Monitor the replenishment amount a. (C) Automatic opening of treatment agent kit and automatic washing of treatment agent kit. (D) After the above operation is completed, the flow shifts to “management with liquid”. (E) If the processing replenishment reaches the permissible replenishment amount during the above operation, "complete replenishment is not performed".

In this, the following is notified. Notification of "completely no replenisher". Case (e) above.

(Other Refilling Tank Lower Limit Achievement) Lower limit level sensors (F for P2RA refilling tank 349 and P2RB refilling tank 351)
If either or both of S746 and FS747) detect "low liquid" earlier than the PIR replenisher 347, the replenisher tank whose liquid supply timing is early until the developer replenisher tank becomes "low liquid". Stop refilling.

The sequence is started under the following conditions. After the system starts, P2RA replenishment tank 349 and P2RB replenishment tank 3
51, when the lower limit level sensor (FS746) and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) detect "low liquid".

The process ends under the following conditions. -When the system is shut down by turning off the power. -The lower limit level sensor of the PIR replenishing tank 347 (FS74
5) When 360 detects "no liquid" (to "management of developer replenishment tank lower limit", that is, to "liquid-less management").

The operation sequence is as follows. (A) PI for replenishment tank whose liquid level has reached the lower limit level
The replenishment is stopped until the liquid level in the R replenishment tank 347 reaches the lower limit level. (B) Calculate the amount of paper (photographic paper P) processed since the start of the liquid management. (C) Stop within a range that does not exceed the processing amount of the specified paper (photographic paper P).

(Process Replenishment / Process Correction / Dilution Water Correction) The replenishment amount is automatically calibrated in accordance with the amount of paper (photographic paper P) processed for each processing agent kit to maintain the replenishment accuracy. The operation sequence is as follows. In the processing correction / dilution water correction, the “PIR replenishing tank 347, P2RA replenishing tank 3
49, the replenishment amount is calibrated using the actual processing amount monitored in “Liquid level management of P2RB replenishment tank 351”.

The processing correction corrects the replenishment amount as follows. PIR refill tank 347, P2RA refill tank 349, P2
When the actual replenishment amount A + B + C is performed for the RB replenishment tank 351, the actual processing amount (V _1i ,
V _2i , V _3i ) are read from the throughput sensor 73 (FIG. 1). In addition, the PIR replenishment tank 347 has a replenisher amount of one time a +
If the other refill tank has not yet reached the lower limit sensor when it reaches the lower limit sensor using b + c,
The actual processing equivalent amount of the tank is calculated as the actual processing amount at the time of reaching the liquid level lower limit sensor of the PIR replenishing tank 347 by the rapid replenishing amount (Q _2r milliliters in the bleach replenishing tank n _2r times and Q in the fixing agent replenishing tank). A processing amount corresponding to n _3r times _3r milliliters, where r is a subscript indicating that the lower limit level has not been reached, is added to obtain V _2i or V _3i . For each replenishing tank, the prescribed photosensitive material processing amount (V _1a , V _2a , V _3a ) corresponding to one replenishing solution amount A + B + C is compared with the actual processing amount. The next correction processing amount has the following value.

(1) Correct with the replenishment amount (Q) per time
If the next time replenishment amount (Q_{1 (i + 1)}, Q_{2 (i + 1)}, Q
_{3 (i + 1)}) = Replenishment amount per one time (Q_1i, Q_2i,
Q_3i) × (V_1i/ V_1a, V_2i/ V_2a, V_3i/ V_3a(2) When correcting with the number of refills (n) Next refill number (n)_{1 (i + 1)}, N_{2 (i + 1)}, N_{3 (i + 1)}) = Now
Number of refills per time (n_1i, N_2i, N_3i) × (V_1i
/ V_1a, V_2i/ V_2a, V_3i/ V_3aThis correction is performed every time one kit complete solution is consumed.
Refill amount (Q_1aOr n_1a) And each time the correction value is compared and corrected
If the value exceeds the first 10%, interrupt the sequence
The display device 122 notifies an abnormality. In this implementation
Each of the developer replenishment tank, bleach replenishment tank and fixer replenishment tank
5,000, 2000 and 2000 milliliters
These are the titles, each of which is stipulated (designed) once.
Quantity (Q_1a, Q_2a, Q_3a) And the number of refills for one kit
(N _1a, N_2a, N_3a) Is 50ml x
100 times, 50 ml x 40 times and 50 ml
Torr x 40 times.

The actual processing amount of the photosensitive material may be read by the photosensitive material processing amount reading means 73 shown in FIG. 1, and the amount of the replenisher until the liquid level in the replenishing tank reaches the level of the liquid level lower limit sensor. It may be calculated from the number of replenishments (a + b + c) and the replenishment volume per one time.

When the above PIR replenishment tank reaches the liquid level lower limit sensor, the calculation of the actual processing equivalent amount for the other replenishment tanks that have not yet reached the lower limit sensor is added. The actual processing amount at the time of reaching the surface lower limit sensor is rapidly replenished (n _2r times in the bleach replenisher tank with Q _2r milliliters, and n _3r times in the fixer replenisher tank with Q _3r milliliters, and r has not reached the lower limit level. _V2i or V2 with the added amount of processing
_3i is obtained by the following operation. V _2i = V _1i × (a + b + c) / (a + b + c−Q _2ri ×
_{n 2ri) V 3i = V 1i} × ( a + b + c) / (a + b + c -Q _3ri ×
n _3ri ) Here, the meanings of a, b, and c are as described above.

(Dilution water correction) Dilution water correction is as follows.
To do. Above the maximum fluid level at the completion of preparation of each replenisher
The amount of replenisher until the level of the local sensor is reached (Fig. 7
g-f, and corresponds to the above item b)).
Actual processing amount (V_ui) Is the prescribed treatment corresponding to this replenisher
Quantity (V_ua), The amount of dilution water for the next replenisher preparation
Correct as follows. W_a-W_i= (V_ua-V_ui) W_o Where W_a, W_iIs a treatment agent in the preparation of a replenisher.
Regarding the total amount of dilution water,
Since the amount is a prepared amount and the amount of the treating agent is constant, W_a-W
_iIs the correction amount for the next dilution water. W_oOf the photosensitive material
It is a basic unit of replenishment amount. In this implementation, one kit specification
Processing volume is 111m^TwoAnd therefore W _oIs the development replenishment
5000/111 (= 45) ml for the agent
/ M^TwoIt is. This correction is performed for each replenishment tank.
The actual processing amount of the photosensitive material is read as shown in FIG.
The liquid level reading means 73 may be used,
Of replenisher from the sensor to the level of the upper sensor
(B) Calculated from the number of refills and the replenishment volume per transfer
Is also good.

(Circulation Stirring) The suspension in the PIR replenishing tank 347 is dissolved and stirred. The process is started when the automatic cleaning of the PIR is completed in the processing agent kit automatic cleaning.

The process is completed when the circulating agitation is performed for a specified time. The operation sequence is as follows.

After the PIR cleaning is completed during the processing agent kit automatic cleaning, the PIR circulation stirring pump (PU745) 362 for a certain period of time from when the upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358 of the PIR replenishing tank 347 detects “liquid present”. Drive.

(Operation) Next, an example of the replenishment operation will be described below. First, the PIR replenishing tank 347 contains a developing replenisher.
A bleach replenisher is stored in the P2RA replenisher 349, a fixer replenisher is stored in the P2RB replenisher 351 at a level higher than the upper limit level, and a cleaning water is stored in the PSR replenisher 426 at a level higher than the upper limit level. And

In the developing tank 74 of the processor section 72, the printing paper P
Is processed by a predetermined amount, the PIR replenishment pump (PU74
1) 370 is operated, the PIR replenishment solenoid valve (S840) is opened for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of the development replenisher corresponding to the processing amount of the photographic paper P is supplied from the PIR replenishment tank 347 to the development tank 74. Sent. These treatments are performed in the bleaching tank 7.
6 and the fixing tank 78 at the same time.

When a predetermined amount of processing has been performed, the display device 122 notifies "loading of the processing agent kit".

Next, the procedure for loading the processing agent kit 202 will be described. (1) First, the cover open switch (D744) 315 is pressed. Thereby, the loading unit cover electromagnetic lock (S743) 3
08 is actuated, the tip of the second lock lever 306 is lifted upward, the tip of the first lock lever 304 is no longer caught on the tip of the second lock lever 306, and the loading unit cover 302 can be opened. Unlocked state).

Then, the loading unit cover 302 is pulled forward and opened. When the loading unit cover 302 is opened, the cover open / close detection switch (D740) 314 is turned off (turned off), and the control unit 460 determines that the loading unit cover 302 is open. (2) Next, once the loaded empty treatment agent kit 202 is pushed in, the engagement between the striker 342 and the latch 344 is released, and the treatment agent kit 202 is slightly pushed out.

Thereafter, when the empty treatment agent kit 202 is taken out, the kit detection lever 338 rotates and the kit detection switch (D741) 340 is turned off (turned off), and the control means 460 determines that the treatment agent kit 202 is not loaded. It is determined that it is in the state. (3) Insert a new treatment agent kit 202 into the holder 316.

When the treatment agent kit 202 is inserted to the proper position, the kit detection lever 338 rotates to engage the striker 342 and the latch 344, and the kit detection switch (D741) 340 is turned on (turned on). The control means 460 determines that the processing agent kit 202 has been loaded.

When the loading unit cover 302 is closed,
The cover open / close detection switch (D740) 314 is turned on (turned on), and the control unit 460 determines that the loading unit cover 302 is closed. (4) When the processing proceeds and the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 of the P1R replenishing tank 347 detects that there is no liquid, the timing is adjusted, and the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 (not shown) and the P2RB of the P2RA replenishing tank 349 are adjusted.
The lower limit level sensor (FS74, not shown) of the replenishing tank 351
7) 406 detects "no liquid". Then, the opening drive motor (M740) 328 rotates until the loading unit lower limit detection switch (D743) 336 is turned on (until it is turned on), and the holder 316 is lowered to the lower limit position. This allows
The PIR cleaning nozzle 346 is used to seal the container 210 with the seal 210.
The P2RA cleaning nozzle 348 is connected to the seal 2 of the container 205.
10 is opened by the P2RB cleaning nozzle 350 breaking through the seal 210 of the container 207 and entering the container.

Thus, the developing agent is automatically supplied to the PIR replenishing tank 347, the bleaching agent is automatically supplied to the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the fixing agent is automatically supplied to the P2RB replenishing tank 351.

When the outflow of the processing agent is completed after a lapse of a predetermined time, the container cleaning pump (PU 740) 440 is operated, and the developing agent container cleaning valve (S740) 450 and a bleaching agent container cleaning valve (not shown) (S741). ) And the fixing processing agent container cleaning valve (S742) is activated, and the cleaning nozzle 34 is operated.
6. The cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 348 and the cleaning nozzle 350, and the cleaning nozzle 346 and the cleaning nozzle 348 are disposed inside the container 203 and the container 205, respectively.
0 automatically cleans the inside of the container 207 with a predetermined amount (refer to “dilution water correction”) of cleaning water (diluting water), and flows into each replenishing tank.

When the automatic cleaning is completed, the liquid level of each replenishing tank rises, and the upper level sensor (FS740) 358 of the developing replenishing tank, the upper level sensor (FS741) of the bleaching replenishing tank, and the upper part of the bleaching replenishing tank. Level sensor (F
In S742), “liquid present” is detected, and the above-mentioned “liquid present management” is executed.

The upper level sensor (FS740) 3
When 58 detects "there is a liquid", the P1R circulation stirring pump (PU745) 362 operates to perform circulation stirring of the developing replenisher (developer + cleaning water) in the P1R replenishing tank 347.

When the automatic cleaning is completed, the holder 3
The natural drying of each container is performed for a prescribed time with 16 being the lower limit position.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned "all replenishment tank lower limit management", "development replenishment tank lower limit management", "other replenishment tank lower limit management", "processing replenishment / processing correction / dilution water correction"
Is performed, and the apparatus automatically performs replenishment calibration, so that the operator does not need to perform various calibration operations, and can perform normal replenishment for a long time.

Further, if the correction value at the time of calibration exceeds the allowable range, an abnormality notification is issued, so that the abnormality of the apparatus can be grasped.

When the remaining amount of the developing replenisher in the P1R replenishing tank 347 does not reach the prescribed value (lower limit level) when the paper processing amount reaches a preset value, the amount of the developing replenisher reaches the prescribed value or less. The replenishment of the developing replenisher may be forcibly performed in the above.

When the replenishment is performed with the calibrated value, the replenishment amount may be corrected by the replenishment interval (time).

Incidentally, the discharge amount per unit time of the pump ×
Since the driving time of the pump = the amount of liquid sent by the pump, the control unit 460 (which stores the amount of discharge of the pump per unit time in advance) can indirectly determine the amount of liquid sent from the driving time of the pump.

In the above embodiment, the development replenisher corresponds to the specific replenisher of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the specific replenisher may be other than a bleach replenisher, a fixing replenisher, or the like. May be used.

[0144]

As described above, the replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material according to any one of claims 1 and 2 has the above-mentioned configuration, and thus has an excellent effect that calibration work by an operator is not required. . Further, since the replenishment amount is corrected in comparison with the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material, stable replenishment is performed over a long period of time to stabilize the operation. Further, the method has an excellent effect that the dilution water amount is tested for each preparation of the treatment agent kit by the dilution water amount correction method according to claim 2 and correction is performed as necessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a printer processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the vicinity of a loading unit.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the vicinity of a loading section.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the vicinity of a loading section.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a developing replenisher system of a replenishing unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a liquid state of a replenishing tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

73 Photosensitive material processing amount detection means 122 Display device (alarm means) 202 Processing agent composition kit 204 Processing agent composition storage case 346 PIR cleaning nozzle 347 P1R replenishment tank 348 P2RA cleaning nozzle 349 P2RA replenishment tank 350 P2RB cleaning nozzle 351 P2RB replenishment Tank 358 Upper level sensor 360 Lower limit level sensor (FS745) (replenishing liquid amount detecting means) 370 P1R refill pump (PU741) (refilling means) 384 Lower limit level sensor (FS746) (refilling liquid amount detecting means) 392 P2RA refilling pump (PU742) ) (Replenishment means) 406 Lower limit level sensor (FS747) (replenishment liquid amount detection means) 414 P2RB replenishment pump (PU743) (replenishment means) 460 Control means (control means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive material processing amount detecting means or a photosensitive material processing amount input means for detecting a processing amount of a photosensitive material, and a plurality of types of replenishers provided corresponding to a plurality of processing tanks for processing the photosensitive material with a processing solution. A plurality of storage tanks for storing the liquid, provided in the storage tank, a replenishment liquid amount detecting means for detecting whether or not the remaining amount of the replenishment liquid is equal to or more than a specified value; and a replenishment liquid for the storage tank. Replenishing means for replenishing the processing tank, and control means for controlling the replenishing means so as to replenish the processing tank with a replenishing amount of a replenishing amount corresponding to a predetermined photosensitive material processing amount. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for collectively replenishing a plurality of storage tanks with a replenisher, wherein the replenishment of the replenisher to the storage tank and the processing of the photosensitive material are performed after the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value. Until the remaining amount of replenisher reaches the specified value again. Reading the processing amount of the photosensitive material during the period, and comparing the processing amount with the specified processing amount corresponding to the replenishing amount of the replenisher to correct the next replenishing amount of the replenisher in the specific storage tank. A photosensitive material processing solution replenishing apparatus. 2. A photosensitive material processing amount detecting means or a photosensitive material processing amount input means for detecting a processing amount of a photosensitive material, and a plurality of types of replenishers provided corresponding to a plurality of processing tanks for processing the photosensitive material with a processing solution. A plurality of storage tanks for storing the liquid, provided in the storage tank, a replenishment liquid amount detecting means for detecting whether or not the remaining amount of the replenishment liquid is equal to or more than a specified value; and a replenishment liquid for the storage tank. Replenishing means for replenishing the processing tank, and control means for controlling the replenishing means so as to replenish the processing tank with a replenishing amount of a replenishing amount corresponding to a predetermined photosensitive material processing amount. A photosensitive material processing apparatus for collectively replenishing a plurality of storage tanks with a replenisher, wherein the replenishment of the replenisher to the storage tank and the processing of the photosensitive material are performed after the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value. Until the remaining amount of replenisher reaches the specified value again. Read the processing amount of the photosensitive material during the period, compare this processing amount with the specified processing amount corresponding to the replenishment amount of the replenisher, correct the next replenishment amount of the replenisher in the specific storage tank, and specify When the remaining amount of the replenisher reaches the specified value and the remaining amount of the other replenisher has not reached the specified value, the remaining amount of the replenisher is forcibly changed until the remaining amount of the replenisher reaches the specified value. The next time the replenishment amount of the replenisher is corrected based on the information of the replenished and forcibly replenished amount, the remaining amount of the other replenisher before the remaining amount of the specific replenisher reaches the specified value. When the value reached the specified value, the replenishment of the replenisher was stopped, and the amount of replenisher and the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material processed until the replenisher reached the specified value were determined. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the next replenishment amount of the replenisher is corrected by comparing with a prescribed processing amount. Placing a photosensitive material processing solution replenishing apparatus. 3. The replenishing means for replenishing the replenisher in the storage tank to the processing tank is means for driving a replenisher supply pump to the processing tank for a predetermined amount of photosensitive material to be processed for a predetermined time. 3. The photosensitive device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit that controls the driving time is a unit that adjusts a drive interval or a drive time per one time of the replenisher supply pump with respect to a predetermined processing amount of the photosensitive material. 4. Material processing liquid replenishing device. 4. A replenisher level detecting means for detecting that the liquid level has reached a prescribed level in each of the storage tanks. Reading the actual processing amount of the photosensitive material until the remaining amount of the replenisher reaches the specified level detected by the detecting means, and the detecting means detects from the actual processing amount and the level of the maximum liquid amount. Comparing the replenishment amount of the replenisher up to the prescribed level with a prescribed processing amount, and correcting the dilution water amount for the replenisher preparation agent in the next preparation of the replenisher based on the comparison. 3. The replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material according to claim 1, wherein