JP2001166445A - Photosensitive material processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photosensitive material processing device which can maintain the performance of the mother liquor of a processing tank even if operation is resumed after the occurrence of certain trouble. SOLUTION: A sub-controller 458 of a replenishing device 301 prohibits the operation of a R1R replenishing pump which delivers the replenishing liquid of a R1R replenishing tank 347 to a developing tank 74 during the inflow of the processing liquid and diluting liquid into the R1R replenishing tank 347. As a result, the delivery of the uncompleted replenishing liquid to a developing tank 74 and the deviation of the processing liquid of the processing tank 74 from optimum values may be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a plurality of replenishing tanks for storing a replenishing solution to be replenished in a plurality of processing tanks, diluting a concentrated replenisher and storing the diluted replenisher in the replenishing tank as a replenishing solution. The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus that sends a replenisher in a replenisher tank to a processing tank as the processing liquid deteriorates.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a photosensitive material processing apparatus (for example, a printer processor, a film processor, etc.) used in a laboratory, a color paper or a film is developed.

[0003] Color paper and film are developed by color development,
It is processed by being sequentially transported through a plurality of processing tanks containing processing solutions for bleaching, fixing, washing and the like.

[0004] The component composition of the processing liquid in each tank changes depending on the processing of color paper or film. For this reason, a system is provided in which each processing tank is replenished with a replenisher from a replenishing tank in accordance with a processing amount.

Conventionally, a processing agent for replenishment is sealed in a container, and a user opens the container and puts it into the apparatus.

[0006] However, the operation of opening the lid of the container, the operation of lifting the container, and the like have been burdens on the user.

Further, the container is formed of a synthetic resin or the like. However, since the container to which the treatment agent is attached cannot be recycled, it takes time to clean the used container in order to recycle.

In order to solve these problems, the concentrated processing agent is sealed in a container to reduce the weight. When the container is loaded into the apparatus, the container is automatically opened and the processing agent is diluted. After that, various new systems for cleaning containers have been proposed.

[0009]

However, an unfinished replenisher in the middle of dilution of the concentrated processing agent is replenished to the processing tank, or during a dilution operation, a power failure, unexpected power-off, or equipment failure occurs. If the dilution operation or replenishment operation stops halfway due to the occurrence of an error, etc., and then the operation is restarted, an error or the like occurs in the dilution operation or replenishment operation.
May not be maintained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of preventing the performance of a processing solution in a processing tank from deviating from an optimum range.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution;
Photosensitive material delivery means for delivering the photosensitive material loaded in the photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, photosensitive material transport means for transporting the photosensitive material in a processing solution, and a processing agent for processing the photosensitive material are enclosed. Container holding and opening means for holding the container and opening the lid of the container, provided in correspondence with the processing tank, receiving the processing agent that has flowed out by opening the lid of the container, and supplying replenisher. A replenishing tank for storing, a replenishing solution sending means for sending a replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank,
A washing unit for washing the container with the diluent stored in the diluent tank, a diluting unit for directly sending out the diluent after washing the container and the diluent stored in the diluent tank to the replenishment tank, At least the photosensitive material delivery means,
A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: the replenishing solution sending means; a control means for controlling the cleaning means and the diluting means; wherein the control means is configured to allow the processing agent and the diluting solution to flow into the replenishing tank. Is characterized in that the operation of the replenisher sending means is prohibited.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first aspect,
The photosensitive material loaded in the photosensitive material loading section is delivered to the processing tank by photosensitive material delivery means.

The photosensitive material sent to the processing tank is transported in the processing solution by photosensitive material transport means.

The photosensitive material is subjected to a predetermined processing by a processing solution.

When the photosensitive material is processed, the processing solution in the processing tank is deteriorated. Therefore, the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank is replenished to the processing tank by the replenishing solution sending means.

The container in which the processing agent for producing the replenisher is sealed can be held by the container holding and opening means.

The container held by the container holding and opening means can be opened by the container holding and opening means.

The treatment agent that has flowed out of the container after being opened is introduced into the replenishing tank and stored therein.

After the container is opened, the diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent out by the washing means to be washed.

The diluent used for washing is sent out to a replenishing tank by a diluting means.

The diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent directly to the replenishing tank by the diluting means.

The treating agent in the replenishing tank is diluted by the diluent used for cleaning and the diluent sent directly by the diluting means.

Here, the control means controls the cleaning means and the diluting means, and dilutes the processing agent to an appropriate value.

Further, the control means controls the photosensitive material conveying means and the replenishing solution sending means so that the replenishing solution corresponding to the processing amount of the photosensitive material can be sent to the processing tank in an appropriate amount.

Further, the control means inhibits the operation of the replenishing solution sending means while the processing agent and the diluent are flowing into the replenishing tank.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the performance of the mother liquor in the processing tank from deteriorating due to the incomplete replenisher being sent to the processing tank.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control means determines that the replenisher cannot be properly diluted with the diluent, a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is characterized in that the operation of the replenisher sending-out means is prohibited until the time is satisfied.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect,
If the control means determines that the diluent cannot properly dilute the replenisher, the control means prohibits the operation of the replenisher delivery means until certain conditions are met.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the replenisher diluted to an appropriate concentration from being sent to the processing tank and the performance of the mother liquor from being reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the control means controls the processing of the processing tank even while the operation of the replenishing solution delivery means is prohibited. While the liquid has a predetermined processing performance, the operation of the photosensitive material delivery means is continued.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the third aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the third aspect,
The control means continues the operation of the photosensitive material sending means while the processing liquid in the processing tank has a predetermined processing performance even while the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is prohibited.

Thus, a certain amount of photosensitive material can be developed while the operation of the replenisher sending means is prohibited.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the third aspect, the control means determines whether the processing liquid in the processing tank deviates from a predetermined processing performance.
A warning is issued by a warning means.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 4 will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
The control unit issues a warning using the warning unit when the processing liquid in the processing tank deviates from the predetermined processing performance.

This allows the operator to know that the processing solution has deviated from the predetermined processing solution performance, and to prevent the photosensitive material from being processed with the processing solution having deviated from the predetermined processing solution performance. Becomes

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the control means determines whether the processing solution in the processing tank deviates from a predetermined processing performance.
The transmission of the new photosensitive material by the photosensitive material delivery means is stopped.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
The control means stops the delivery of new photosensitive material by the photosensitive material delivery means when the processing solution in the processing tank deviates from the predetermined processing performance.

Thus, even if the warning is not noticed, it is possible to reliably prevent the photosensitive material from being processed with the processing solution deviating from the predetermined processing performance.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control means controls the amount of the replenisher supplied by the replenisher supply means. When the operation of the replenishing solution sending means during operation is temporarily stopped and then restarted, the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is restarted so as to send out the remaining replenishing solution.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect,
The control means stores the amount of the replenisher delivered by the replenisher delivery means, and when the operation of the active replenisher delivery means is temporarily stopped and then resumed, the replenisher is delivered so as to deliver the remaining replenisher. The operation of the sending means is restarted.

Therefore, even when the operation of the replenisher sending means is once prohibited and then restarted, the performance of the processing solution in the processing tank can be maintained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operation of the photosensitive material sending means is restarted when the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is restarted or completed. Features.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect,
When the operation of the replenisher sending means is restarted or completed, the operation of the photosensitive material sending means is restarted.

For this reason, the photosensitive material newly delivered is
It is properly processed with the replenisher solution.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing liquid, a photosensitive material sending means for sending the photosensitive material loaded in a photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, A photosensitive material conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material at,
Container holding and opening means for holding a container enclosing a processing agent for processing the photosensitive material and opening the lid of the container, provided in correspondence with the processing tank, and the lid of the container is opened. A replenishing tank for receiving the flowing out processing agent and storing the replenishing solution, a replenishing solution sending means for sending the replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank, and washing the container with the diluent stored in the diluent tank. A diluting unit that includes a washing unit and that directly sends the diluent after washing the container and the diluent stored in the diluent tank to the replenishment tank; and a diluent that detects an amount of the diluent in the diluent tank. Amount detection means, at least the photosensitive material delivery means, the replenisher delivery means,
Control means for controlling the washing means and the dilution means,
A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising:
The container holding and opening means is opened only when it is determined that the replenisher corresponding to one or more containers is stored in the diluent tank in an amount necessary to dilute the replenisher. And

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect,
The photosensitive material loaded in the photosensitive material loading section is delivered to the processing tank by photosensitive material delivery means.

The photosensitive material sent to the processing tank is transported in the processing solution by photosensitive material transporting means. The photosensitive material is subjected to predetermined processing by a processing liquid.

When the processing of the photosensitive material is performed, the processing solution in the processing tank is deteriorated. Therefore, the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank is replenished to the processing tank by the replenishing solution sending means.

The container in which the processing agent for preparing the replenisher is sealed can be held by the container holding and opening means.
The container held by the container holding and opening means can be opened by the container holding and opening means. The treatment agent that has flowed out of the container after being opened flows into the replenishing tank and is stored.

After the container is opened, the diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent out by the washing means to be washed.

The diluent used for washing is sent out to the replenishing tank by the diluting means.

The diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent directly to the replenishing tank by the diluting means.

The treating agent in the replenishing tank is diluted by the diluent used for cleaning and the diluent sent directly by the diluting means.

Here, the control means controls the cleaning means and the diluting means to dilute the processing agent to an appropriate value.

Further, the control means determines whether or not the diluent necessary for diluting the replenisher corresponding to one or more containers is stored in the diluent tank only when it is determined that the diluent is retained. An opening operation is performed.

When the diluent in the diluent tank is insufficient, there is an option to terminate only the opening of the container and to continue the diluting operation when the diluting water is replenished. Not only is it difficult to wash, but the treatment agent before dilution may deteriorate in an extremely short time, which is not preferable.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution, a photosensitive material sending means for sending the photosensitive material loaded in a photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, A photosensitive material conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material at,
A replenishing tank provided corresponding to the processing tank for storing a replenishing solution, a container holding and opening means for holding a container enclosing a processing agent for processing a photosensitive material and opening a lid of the container, A replenishing tank that stores the processing agent that has flowed out when the lid of the container is opened, a replenishing solution sending unit that sends a replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank, and the diluent stored in the diluent tank. A diluting unit that directly sends the diluent after washing the container and the diluent stored in the diluent tank to the replenishment tank, and detects an amount of diluent in the diluent tank. Means for detecting the amount of diluent,
A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising at least a control unit for controlling the photosensitive material delivery unit, the replenisher delivery unit, the cleaning unit, and the dilution unit, wherein the control unit performs the dilution by the dilution unit. It is characterized in that the remaining amount of the delivery amount in the step of sending the diluent from the liquid tank is stored in the storage unit based on the detection result of the diluent amount detection unit.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect,
The photosensitive material loaded in the photosensitive material loading section is delivered to the processing tank by photosensitive material delivery means.

The photosensitive material sent to the processing tank is transported in the processing solution by the photosensitive material transporting means.

The photosensitive material is subjected to a predetermined processing with a processing liquid.

When the processing of the photosensitive material is performed, the processing solution in the processing tank is deteriorated. Therefore, the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank is replenished to the processing tank by the replenishing solution sending means.

The container in which the processing agent for preparing the replenisher is sealed can be held by the container holding and opening means.

The container held by the container holding and opening means can be opened by the container holding and opening means. The treatment agent that has flowed out of the container after being opened flows into the replenishing tank and is stored.

After the container is opened, the diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent out by the washing means to be washed.

The diluent used for washing is sent out to the replenishing tank by the diluting means.

The diluent stored in the diluent tank is sent directly to the replenishing tank by the diluting means.

The treating agent in the replenishing tank is diluted by the diluent used for cleaning and the diluent sent directly by the diluting means.

Here, the control means controls the cleaning means and the diluting means to dilute the processing agent to an appropriate value.

Further, the control means stores the remaining amount of the delivery amount in the step of sending the diluent from the diluent tank by the diluting means in the storage means based on the detection result of the diluent amount detecting means.

For this reason, even if the supply of the diluent is temporarily stopped due to some trouble, the remaining amount of liquid supply at that time can be known. The liquid can be reliably applied.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the control means determines a liquid supply amount by controlling an operation time of the cleaning means, and at least the dilution is performed. By storing the operation flag of the cleaning means and the remaining operation time counter of the cleaning means, even if a power failure or power cutoff occurs during the operation of the dilution means, the transmission of the diluent after the return of the power state is performed. It is characterized in that the liquid process can be continued.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the control means determines the amount of liquid to be sent by controlling the operation time of the diluting means.

The control means stores at least an operation flag of the dilution means and also stores a remaining operation time counter of the dilution means.

Therefore, even if a power failure or power cut-off occurs during the operation of the diluting means, after the power supply state is restored, the control means sets the operation flag of the diluting means at the time of power-off (immediately before) and the remaining operating time of the diluting means The remaining liquid can be sent appropriately from the value of the counter.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the photographic material processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, a plurality of storage means with priorities are provided, and when a power failure or power cut occurs, the power supply is restored. It is later determined whether or not the storage content of the highest priority storage means is invalid. If it is determined that the storage content is not invalid, the stored content is employed. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the storage content of the storage means is unauthorized, and a storage determined to be not unauthorized is adopted.

Next, the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect will be described.

In the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, when there is a power outage or a power off, the control means includes:
After returning from the power supply state, it is determined whether or not the storage content of each storage unit is invalid, and the storage content determined to be not invalid is adopted.

Therefore, control can be performed based on correct storage contents.

Further, since storage is performed by a plurality of storage means, even if a failure occurs in any of the storage means and the stored contents cannot be read, control can be performed based on the stored contents of the other storage means. it can.

[0090]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer processor 10 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer processor 10. 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 vicinity of the leading end of the printing paper P is rotatably supported, is driven by a motor 19 in the photographic printing unit 12. The driving roller 16 receives the force and rotates.

Further, a pair of nip rollers 18 is disposed at a position facing the driving roller 16 with the photographic paper P interposed therebetween.

Therefore, the drive roller 16 sandwiches the photographic paper P with the nip rollers 18 and sends the photographic paper P into the photographic 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, on the downstream side in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, which is on the right side with respect to the cutter 22, the upper surface is horizontal (see FIG. 1).
A support base 46 is formed along the upper, left and right directions).

Between the support base 46 and the cutter 22,
A winding roller 52 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is arranged in a horizontal direction (in FIG. 1, a direction orthogonal to the paper surface).

A nip roller 54 for holding 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 the position adjacent to the guide roller 56,
A pressing roller 58 whose lower surface is substantially the same height as the upper surface of the winding roller 52 is disposed, and the pressing roller 58 presses the outer periphery of the endless belt 44.

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
6 is wound around the tension roller 62 at the lower side 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), and rotates the endless belt 44 clockwise in FIG.

On the other hand, a large number of small holes (not shown) are formed in the endless belt 44 over the entire area thereof, and the 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 (only one of them is shown in the figure) formed corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the endless belt 44 are supported by the support base 46. It is connected to the table 46.

These communication ducts 66 bypass the part of the endless belt 44 passing 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. Have been.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, an easel device 6 is mounted on an endless belt 44 which 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 composed of three sets of C, M, and Y filters that are movable so that the amount of filter inserted into the filter can be changed is arranged.

Therefore, the light beam emitted from the light source 26 located adjacent to the CC filter 24
After passing through 4, the sheet is bent while being diffused by the diffusion box 28, and is sent immediately below.

The light 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 further passes through the zoom lens 38 whose magnification can be changed, and is located below the easel device 64. An image of the negative film N is formed on the paper P.

A density measuring device 40 composed of, for example, a color filter and an optical sensor such as a CCD for measuring the density of the negative film N is disposed in the photographic printing unit 12. The bent light beam is sent to the density measuring device 40.

The density measuring device 40 is connected to a main controller 42 for controlling the whole of the printer processor 10. Based on the data measured by the density measuring device 40 and the data input by a key operator,
An exposure correction value at the time of printing exposure is set.

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 the light transmitted through the negative film N whose color and intensity have been adjusted by the CC filter 24 for a predetermined time. 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 exposure light from the light source 26 reaches the photographic paper P via the prism 36 and the zoom lens 38 and the like, and the black shutter 41 is opened for a predetermined time, so that the image recorded on the negative film N is printed. The portion where the image is printed on the paper P and printed is the image portion.

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 and is sucked by the suction fan 68 and blown out to the outside. The inside becomes negative pressure.

This negative pressure is transmitted to the printing 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 printing paper P is transferred to the endless belt 4 as indicated by an arrow A.
Aspirated to 4.

For this reason, the photographic paper P is not only placed on the endless belt 44 but also sucked toward the endless belt 44, so that the photographic paper P is transported by the endless belt 44 without fail and the image printing position. It will be placed horizontally on top.

Further, the printing paper P on which the image printing exposure 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, a path K representing the transport path of the photographic paper P
As shown by, the photographic paper P is developed, bleached, fixed, and conveyed through a conveyance path 60 constituted by a plurality of pairs of rollers.
It is conveyed to the processor unit 72 which performs each process of washing and drying.

Thus, the printing exposure processing for one frame of the image of the negative film N is completed.

By repeating this, the printing paper P subjected to the printing exposure processing is sequentially conveyed to the processor section 72 one by one.

A developing solution is stored in a developing tank 74 in the processor section 72. The photographic printing paper P is immersed in the developing solution to perform a developing process. At the entrance of the developing tank 74, a sensor 73 for detecting a processing amount of the photographic paper P is provided.

The developed photographic paper P is conveyed to a bleaching tank 76 adjacent to the developing tank 74.

A bleaching tank 76 stores bleaching solution.
The photographic paper P is immersed in this bleaching solution to perform a bleaching process.

The photographic paper P which has been bleached is conveyed to a fixing tank 78 adjacent to the bleaching tank 76.

The fixing solution is stored in the fixing tank 78.
The photographic printing paper P is immersed in the fixing solution to perform a fixing process.

The photographic paper P on which the fixing process has been performed is conveyed to a plurality of washing tanks 79 which are adjacent to the fixing tank 78 and in which the washing water is stored, and the photographic paper P is immersed in the washing water in the washing tank to perform the washing processing. I do.

The photographic paper P having been subjected to the water-washing treatment is conveyed to the drying unit 80 located above the water-washing tank 79.

The drying section 80 dries the photographic paper P by exposing the photographic paper P to hot air blown in the direction of arrow B from the chamber 82 side arranged below the transport path of the photographic paper P.

On the downstream side of the drying unit 80 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, a transport path 84 composed of a plurality of pairs of rollers
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. (Replenishing Device) The processor 72 is provided with a replenishing device 301.

The replenishing device 301 is provided with a processing agent kit 202.
(See FIG. 2).

The above-described developing tank 74, bleaching tank 76, and fixing tank 7
8 is a system in which a replenishing solution is replenished from a replenishing device 301. (Treatment Agent Kit) In this embodiment, when the replenisher in the replenishment tank runs short, the treatment agent kit 202 shown in FIG. 3 is set in the loading section 300 (see FIG. 2) provided on the upper front side of the casing 10A. Then, a processing agent (in this embodiment, a concentrated suspension) is poured.

As shown in FIG. 3, a processing agent kit 202 according to the present embodiment includes a container 203 storing a developing agent and a container 205 storing a bleaching agent in a cardboard box 204.
And a container 207 in which a fixing agent is stored.

Since the containers 203, 205, and 207 have the same structure, the structure of the container 203 will be described below as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 5, the container 203 has a screw lid 208 projecting from the cardboard box 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.

A hole 209 is formed at the center of the screw lid 208 so that the seal 210 can be pushed by the cleaning nozzle 346.

In this embodiment, the container 203 contains 1300 ml of the developing agent, and the container 207 contains 1 bleaching agent.
300 ml, 130 fixing agents in container 209
It is filled with 0 ml.

Further, 3700 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 into the developing tank 74, and 700 ml of the diluting water is added to 1300 ml of the bleaching agent. Milliliter is added and bleach tank 76
The replenisher (2000 ml as a completed solution) is added, and 700 ml of diluting water is added to 1300 ml of the fixing processing agent to become a replenisher (2000 ml as a completed solution) to be replenished to the fixing tank 78. (Loading Unit) As shown in FIG. 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 the state shown by the solid line in FIG.
Is the state shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG.

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 that is 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 preventing projection 320 is provided at one lower corner of the holder 316. At one corner of the cardboard box 204, a concave portion 204A that engages with the erroneous loading prevention projection 320 is formed, so that the cardboard box 204 can be inserted only in a normal direction.

The holder 316 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. The pins 324 fixed to the casing 10A are inserted into these long holes 322, and the holder 316 can be slid only in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, a long hole 326 extending in the horizontal direction is formed on the side surface of the holder 316. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a link 330 rotated by an opening drive motor (M740) 328 is provided in the long hole 326.
The roller 332 attached to the tip of is inserted.

Therefore, the opening drive motor (M740)
When the 328 is rotated, the roller 332 rotates eccentrically, and the holder 316 moves up and down.

The holder 3 is provided on the casing 10A.
A loading section upper limit detection switch (D742) 3 for stopping 16 at the upper limit position (processing agent kit 202 loading position)
34 and the holder 316 to the lower limit position (containers 203, 20).
A loading section lower limit detection switch (D743) 336 for stopping at the 5,207 opening position is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, behind the loading section 300, a kit detection lever 338 that can swing by a predetermined angle is provided.
Are arranged horizontally.

The kit detecting lever 338 is connected to the spring 3
When the processing agent kit 202 is pushed into the loading section 300, the processing agent kit 202 comes into contact with the tip of the kit detection lever 338, and the kit detection lever 338 is pressed by the arrow A in FIG. When it is pushed in the opposite direction to the normal position and is pushed to the proper position, the kit detection switch (D741)
Is to enter.

A striker 342 is mounted on the inner surface of the kit detection lever 338. The striker 342 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 proper 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 3 is released.
44 projects a predetermined amount.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
6, cleaning nozzles 346, 348, and 350 are provided 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 to 8, a funnel 352 having a lower end inserted into a P1R replenishing tank 347 is disposed below the cleaning nozzle 346, and a P2RA replenishing lower end is disposed below the cleaning nozzle 348. Funnel 354 inserted in tank 349
A funnel 356 having a lower end inserted into the P2RB replenishing tank 351 is disposed below the washing nozzle 350.

[0156] As shown in FIG.
4 and the upper end of the funnel 356 are set so as to be located above the container opening when the cap is opened (when the holder 316 is located at the lower limit) (the state indicated by the two-dot chain line). .

Therefore, for some reason, the funnel 3
In the case where the funnel 52, the funnel 354, and the funnel 356 are clogged, when the water level of the processing agent reaches the opening of the container, the outflow of the processing agent from the container is automatically stopped (a so-called bird drinking mechanism). , Treatment agent is funnel 352, funnel 354
And the funnel 356 is prevented from overflowing.

A first lock lever 304 having a triangular portion 304A at the tip is horizontally provided on the inner surface of the loading portion cover 302.

On the other hand, on the casing 10A side, there is provided a second lock lever 306 provided with a triangular portion 304A of the first lock lever 304 to be hooked.

The second lock lever 306 is disposed substantially horizontally, and can swing about the opposite side of the triangular portion 306A as a fulcrum.

When the holder 316 is located at the uppermost position, the protrusion 308 provided on the upper part of the holder 316 is provided.
Lifts the second lock lever 306 from below, and the triangular portion 306A of the second lock lever 306 is separated upward from the triangular portion 304A of the first lock lever 304, so that the loading portion cover 302 can be opened and closed.

On the other hand, when the holder 316 is slightly lowered from the uppermost position, the second lock lever 306 also swings downward as shown by a two-dot chain line, and the triangular portion 306A of the second lock lever 306 is moved to the first lock lever. 304 triangle part 3
04A and the loading unit cover 302 cannot be opened or closed.

A cover opening / closing detection switch (D) for detecting the opening / closing of the loading portion cover 302 is provided on the casing 10A.
740) 314 are attached. (Replenisher Replenishment System) First, a structure for replenishing the developer tank 74 with a replenisher will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the P1R replenishing tank 347
The P1R replenishing tank 347 is used to replenish the developing solution used and deteriorated by the developing process of the photographic paper P in the developing tank 74 by a predetermined amount so that the developing solution can be activated. The developer replenisher (developer + diluting water) is temporarily stored therein.

An upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358 and a lower limit level sensor (FS7
45) 360 are provided.

At the bottom of the P1R replenishing tank 347, a drain pipe 366 having an opening / closing valve 364 and a pipe 368 for feeding the liquid to the developing tank 74 and the like are connected.

A P1R replenishing pump (PU741: bellows pump) 370 is connected to the pipe 368 on the way.

Next, a structure for replenishing the bleaching tank 76 with a replenisher will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the P2RA replenishing tank 349
In the P2RA replenishing tank 349, the bleaching liquid used in the processing of the photographic paper P in the bleaching tank 76 is replenished by a predetermined amount to activate the bleaching liquid. The bleach replenisher (bleaching agent + dilution water) is temporarily stored.

The P2RA replenishment tank 349 has an upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382 and a lower limit level sensor (FS74).
746) 384 are provided.

At the bottom of the P2RA replenishing tank 349, a drain pipe 388 provided with an opening / closing valve 386 and a pipe 390 for feeding liquid to the bleaching tank 76 and the like are connected.

A P2RA replenishment pump (PU742: bellows pump) 392 is connected to the pipe 390 on the way.

Next, the structure for replenishing the fixing tank 78 with the replenisher will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the P2RB replenishing tank 351
In the P2RB replenishing tank 351, a predetermined amount of replenishing fixing liquid used and degraded by the processing of the photographic paper P in the fixing tank 78 is replenished so that the fixing liquid can be activated. Fixing replenisher (fixing agent + dilution water) is temporarily stored.

The P2RB replenishing tank 351 has an upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404 and a lower limit level sensor (FS
747) 406 are provided.

At the bottom of the P2RB replenishing tank 351, a drain pipe 410 having an opening / closing valve 408 and a pipe 412 for feeding the liquid to the fixing tank 78 and the like are connected.

A P2RB replenishment pump (PU743: bellows pump 7) 414 is connected to the pipe 412 on the way.

As shown in FIG. 6, a PSR replenishing tank 426 for storing dilution water for diluting the treating agent (concentrated suspension) is provided in the casing 10A. This dilution water is also used for washing the photographic paper P after the fixing process and for washing the containers 203, 205, and 207.

The PSR replenishing 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 and a cleaning nozzle 346,
A pipe 436 for sending liquid to 348 and 350 is connected.

A PSR replenishment pump (PU 744: bellows pump) 438 is provided in the middle of the pipe 434, and the tip is connected to the washing tank 79.

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 44 at the tip via a distributor 442.
8 and a pipe 449 are connected.

The container cleaning pump (PU
740) and 440 are vane pumps having a high discharge pressure.

A pipe 444 is connected to a developing agent container cleaning valve (S740) 450 in the middle, and the cleaning nozzle 3
46.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pipe 446 is connected to the bleaching agent container washing valve (S741) 452 on the way.
The tip is connected to the cleaning nozzle 348.

As shown in FIG. 8, a fixing agent cleaning valve (S742) 454 is connected in the middle of the pipe 448,
The tip is connected to the cleaning nozzle 350.

Further, as shown in FIG.
It is connected to the P1R replenishing tank 347, and the P1R
The R replenishment tank stirring valve 447 is connected.

The processing agent kit 202 is opened, and
As shown in FIG. 11, the replenishing apparatus 301 of the present embodiment for diluting the concentrated processing agent to prepare a replenisher has a sub-controller 4 that controls the process from opening to preparation of the replenisher.
58 are provided.

[0189] The sub-controller 458 includes the replenishing device 3
01 are connected to the above-mentioned switches, motors, sensors, washing valves (solenoid valves), etc.
2 is also connected.

The main controller 42 has a CPU 460,
The sub controller 458 includes a ROM 462, a RAM 464, and the like.
Etc. are provided.

The ROM 462 and the ROM 468 store programs for performing various controls. Also, R
The AM 464 and the RAM 470 are adapted to rewrite and store the current status of each operation part as needed. Therefore, even if a power failure, power cut, or the like occurs, the RAM 464, R
The system is capable of reading the contents of AM 470 and continuing the processing.

It should be noted that the main controller 42
And an input device (keyboard) 472 for performing various inputs are connected.

The main controller 42 replenishes the sub-controller 458 with a replenisher to the processing tank when the transport area of the photographic paper P by the sensor 73 provided at the entrance of the developing tank 74 reaches a predetermined amount. Instructions. Then, the sub-controller 458 replenishes the processing tank with a replenisher based on an instruction from the main controller 42. (State of replenishment tank) Next, the state of the replenishment tank will be described. The replenishing tank is divided into parts other than the sensor as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 9 depending on the state.

The liquid states A to E (the liquid portions in the mesh portions) schematically show the liquid state of the replenishing tank.

A: A state in which the replenishment of the processing liquid is continued until the replenishing tank is emptied (it is controlled so as not to be in such a state).

B: This is the position immediately before the automatic opening in the normal state.

C: This is a state after the processing agent has been replenished by automatic opening in the B state.

D: This is the state after the container was washed in the C state and the dilution water was introduced.

E: This is the state in which the maximum amount of the treating agent and the dilution water have been introduced.

The liquid amounts a to i in FIG. 9 will be described below.

A: Residual liquid amount Residual amount when replenished until replenisher runs out (can be discharged from drain pipe) a + b + c: Replenished residual amount Residual amount, opening timing d: Sensor accuracy maintenance amount Lower limit sensor detection stabilized amount e: Completed liquid volume of 1 kit Completed liquid volume obtained by diluting the processing agent of 1 kit h: Overflow volume Buffer volume when liquid is full i: Replenisher tank capacity Minimum required internal capacity of replenisher tank (state of loading section) The state and operation of the loading unit 300 will be described.

The operation of the loading section 300 includes three operations: “loading of the processing agent kit”, “automatic opening of the processing agent kit”, and “automatic cleaning of the processing agent kit”.

The operation mode of the replenishing device 301 includes P
1R refill pump (PU741) 370, P2RA refill pump (PU742) 392, P2RB refill pump (PU
743) 414, PSR refill pump (PU744) 43
8. There are “replenishment timing adjustment” and “treatment replenishment / treatment correction / dilution water correction” by the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 and the like. “Loading of processing agent kit (management of processing agent kit)” When the processing agent kit 202 is not loaded or when the processing agent kit 202 in the loaded state has been used, the loading of the new processing agent kit 202 to the loading unit 300 is prompted. .

This process starts under the following conditions. (A) Upper limit level sensor (FS7) of P1R replenishment tank 347
40) A case where the replenishment of a prescribed amount of the processing is performed after detecting that there is no liquid in 358. (B) The lower limit level sensor (lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360, lower limit level sensor (FS74) of all replenishment tanks even after a certain period of time after driving the loading section 300 (opening operation).
6) 384 and lower limit level sensor (FS747) 40
6) When detecting that there is no liquid.

In this operation, the following is notified.

[0206] "Please load processing agent kit." In the present embodiment, the loading notification is sent to the printer processor 1.
When the main power of 0 is turned on.

The process ends under the following conditions.

When kit loading or reloading is detected. “Automatic opening of treatment agent kit (holder drive)” By driving the holder 316, the cleaning nozzles 346, 348,
The processing agent kit 202 (containers 203 and 20)
5,207) is opened.

This process starts when all of the following conditions are satisfied. (A) When the P1R replenishing tank 347, the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the P2RB replenishing tank 351 enter “liquid-free management” (described later) (B) The holder 316 is at the upper limit. Have been.

If the processing agent kit 202 is not loaded, a warning message "Please load the processing agent kit." (D) The loading unit cover 302 is closed.

When the loading section cover 302 is open,
A warning message "Close the loading unit cover." (E) The amount of dilution water for dilution is sufficient.

The intermediate level sensor (FS744) 430 of the PSR replenishing tank 426 detects "liquid present". When the intermediate level sensor (FS744) 430 detects “there is liquid”, the PSR replenishment tank 426 stores the amount of diluting water for diluting the concentrated processing agent in the processing agent kit 202.
One or more are stored.

Here, the intermediate level sensor (FS744)
If 430 has not detected “there is liquid”, a warning message “Please replenish water.” Is given.
The operator replenishes the PSR replenishing tank 426 with the washing dilution water.

The following conditions are the conditions for completing the opening.

Within 40 seconds after the cap was opened, the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360, FS746 384, and FS747 406 detected the presence of liquid in each replenisher tank. Case.

The operation sequence of the processing agent kit automatic opening is as follows. (A) Under the above conditions (A) to (E), the opening drive motor (M740) 328 is driven until the lower limit of the holder is detected. Thereby, the treatment agent kit 202 (containers 203, 205, 20)
The opening of 7) is performed. (B) The display device 122 is notified that “the loading unit cover is closed” and “the loading unit cover cannot be opened”. After the opening, the opening drive motor (M740) 328 temporarily stops for a specified time (t ₁ ). (C) Within 40 seconds of opening, P1R replenishing tank 347, P2R
The lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 and the lower limit level sensor (FS) of the A replenishment tank 349 and the P2RB replenishment tank 351
746) 384, lower limit level sensor (FS747) 40
When both 6 detect that there is a liquid, the sequence of opening is completed. (D) Lower limit level sensors (FS74) of the P1R replenishment tank 347, P2RA replenishment tank 349, and P2RB replenishment tank 351
5) 360, lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384,
If both of the lower limit level sensors (FS747) 406 do not indicate "there is a liquid", it is conceivable that an empty processing agent kit 202 is loaded, and a warning message "This processing agent kit is empty" is displayed on the display device 122. Please load a new treatment agent kit. " After loading the new treatment agent kit 202, the operator instructs a restart. (E) If one or two of the P1R replenishment tank 347, P2RA replenishment tank 349, and P2RB replenishment tank 351 have no lower limit level sensor, it is abnormal. An error message “device abnormality” is notified to the display device 122. (F) If the loading unit lower limit detection switch (D743) 336 for detecting the lower limit of the holder 316 is not turned on within a predetermined time after the operation instruction of the opening drive motor (M740) 328, the opening drive motor ( M740) The error message “The processing agent kit and the opening drive motor are abnormal.” Because it is considered that the holder 316 or the processing agent kit 202 is stuck somehow.
Notify. “Automatic Cleaning of Treatment Agent Kit” The inside of the containers 203, 205, and 207 is washed by feeding dilution water into the containers 203, 205, and 207 of the treatment agent kit 202.

This process starts after the opening of the treatment agent kit 202 is completed.

This process ends when the specified dilution water is supplied and the upper limit level sensor of each replenisher tank detects that there is liquid.

The operation sequence is as follows. (1) Start of the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440. (2) The developing agent container cleaning valve (S740) 450 is opened and closed after a lapse of a predetermined time. As a result, dilution water is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 346, and the inside of the container 203 storing the developing agent is washed, so that the internal processing agent is washed away. (3) The P1R replenishment tank stirring valve 447 is opened and closed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then container cleaning pump (PU740)
Stop 440.

As a result, the dilution water is supplied to the P1R replenishing tank 347.
The replenisher in the P1R replenisher tank 347 is stirred so that the concentration is uniform.

In the P1R replenishing tank 347, the treatment agent is diluted with the dilution water used for cleaning the container and the directly injected dilution water. (4) The opening drive motor (M740) 328 is rotated reversely by a predetermined amount (predetermined time), and the holder 316 is raised by a predetermined amount so that the cleaning nozzle 346 is positioned below the screw lid 208 of the container 203. At the position where the predetermined amount has risen (the position below the upper limit), the second lock lever 306 is not pushed up, and the triangular portion 30 of the second lock lever 306 is not pushed up.
6A is engaged with the triangular portion 304A of the first lock lever 304, and the loading portion cover 302 cannot be opened or closed.

Then, the container cleaning pump (PU740) 4
After the operation of 40, the developer container cleaning valve (S740) 45
Then, the developer cleaning container (S740) 450 is closed after 0.5 seconds, and the operation of the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 is stopped.

Thus, after the inside of the container is washed from the inside, the processing agent attached to the vicinity of the screw cap 208 (near the opening) is washed away from the outside. (5) After opening cleaning, the opening drive motor (M740) 328
Is rotated forward, the holder 316 is lowered to the lower limit, the cleaning nozzle 346 is inserted into the container 203, the seal 210 is opened, and the dilution water that has entered the container is drained.

Note that the opening drive motor (M740) 328
When the loading unit lower limit detection switch (D743) 336 for detecting the lower limit of the holder 316 has not been turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed after the control to start the rotation of the motor 340 in the normal direction, the opening drive motor (M740) 328 Since it is determined that the motor is abnormal, a warning message “The opening drive motor is abnormal” is notified. (6) After draining (after 30 seconds has elapsed in the present embodiment), the holder 316 is raised to the upper limit.

When the holder 316 rises to the upper limit, the second lock lever 306 is pushed upward, and the triangular portion 306A is moved to the triangular portion 3 of the first lock lever 304.
Since it is separated upward from 04A, the loading unit cover 302 can be opened and closed.

Here, when the holder 316 rises to the upper limit and the loaded portion upper limit detection switch (D742) 334 is turned on, a notification that "the cover can be opened" is notified.

After washing the container 203, the containers 205 and 207 are washed in the same manner. However, in the P2RA replenishing tank 349, since the dilution is performed only with the diluted water that has washed the container 205, the diluted water is directly blown into the tank and is not stirred.

Further, the P2RB replenishing tank 351 is also provided in the container 207.
Is diluted only with the diluted water washed, so that the diluted water is directly blown into the tank and is not stirred. (7) P1R replenishment tank 347, P2RA replenishment tank 349, P
2RB replenishment tank 351 upper limit level sensor (upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358, upper limit level sensor (FS7
41) 382, upper limit level sensor (FS742) 40
If both 4) detect the presence of the liquid, the dilution and washing are completed.

Here, the upper limit level sensor (FS740)
358, the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382, the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404 does not detect the presence of the liquid, the processing agent kit 202 is empty, the developer container washing valve (S740) 450, the bleaching agent Container cleaning valve (S741) 452, fixing treatment agent container cleaning valve (S74)
2) It is possible that 454 is abnormal. In such a case, an error message "processing agent kit and cleaning valve are abnormal" is notified.

In the above-mentioned washing of the container, when the following equation (1) is satisfied, the washing operation from the inside of the container is controlled so as not to be continued.

T> M / S (1) T: Time (seconds) from the start of opening until the lower limit sensor of the replenisher tank detects the liquid level M: Volume of processing agent from liquid level detection (Milliliter) S: Discharge rate of dilution water for container washing (milliliter / second) That is, when the time until the treatment agent reaches the lower limit sensor after opening the cap is measured, and T> M / S is satisfied. The liquid volume per unit time of the diluting water spouted from the cleaning nozzle is greater than the liquid volume per unit time reaching the replenishing tank. The pipe line from the funnel located below the cleaning nozzle to the replenishing tank is clogged. There is a possibility that problems such as the above have occurred, and the dilution water may overflow from the funnel.

For this reason, the sub-controller 458 measures the above T time, and when T> M / S, does not perform the washing operation so that the dilution water does not overflow from the funnel. In this case, an error message is notified.

If the replenishment operation is performed from opening to completion of dilution, there is a concern that a thick replenisher not diluted is replenished to the treatment tank. It is controlled not to perform, and if the replenishment operation is temporarily stopped, after the dilution is completed,
The shortage is controlled to be replenished to the processing tank.

Also, a certain amount of print (for example, about 380 sheets in L size) can be permitted within a range in which the print quality can be guaranteed, so as not to hinder the printing operation even when replenishment is not performed. During this time, sending out of a new photographic paper P from the paper magazine 14 is permitted, and the printing operation is continued.

When the processing performance of the processing liquid drops below a predetermined value while the replenishment operation is stopped (that is, in this embodiment, 380 sheets of L size are printed after the replenishment is completed). In this case, the feeding of a new photographic paper P from the paper magazine 14 is stopped so that a print for which image quality cannot be guaranteed cannot be performed.

Even if the processing performance of the processing solution is reduced to a predetermined value or less as described above and the feeding of new photographic paper P from the paper magazine 14 is stopped, the replenishing solution is replenished to the processing tank. At the time of resumption (or the time of resumption and completion of the replenishment operation), sending out of the photographic paper P from the paper magazine 14 is permitted. [Refill tank level control] P1R refill tank 347, P2R
The liquid level state of the A replenishment tank 349 and the P2RB replenishment tank 351 includes three replenishment states of “with liquid”, “no liquid”, and “no liquid”. , "Liquid-less management" and "liquid-less management".

Replenishment amounts A + B and A over all conditions
Monitor + B + C. I. A is the liquid amount between the lower limit level and the minimum liquid amount. II. B is the liquid volume between the maximum liquid volume and the upper limit level. III. Let C be the liquid volume between the upper and lower levels.

One kit replenishing amount (replenishing treatment agent + washing dilution water) = A + B + C “Liquid management” When the lower limit level sensor of each replenishing tank detects “Liquid”, 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.

Immediately after the automatic cleaning of the treating agent kit 202.

Replenishment tank upper limit level sensor (FS740)
358, the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382 and the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404 detect "liquid present". (B) Monitor the replenishment amounts A, B and C. (C) The process shifts to "liquid low management" under the following conditions.

Replenishment tank lower limit level sensor (FS745)
360, the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384, and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 detect "no liquid". "Low liquid management" When the lower limit level sensor of each replenishment tank detects "no liquid", the liquid level is individually monitored.

While the lower level sensor detects "no liquid", the prescribed replenishing amount is replenished to prompt the loading of the processing agent kit.

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 (FS745) 360, the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384, and the lower limit level sensor (FS74)
7) The replenishment of the processing liquid is continued until the specified replenishment amount at which the 406 detects “no liquid”. (B) Monitor the replenishment amount A. (C) The process shifts to “liquidless management” under the following conditions.

When replenishment has been completed up to the specified replenishment amount. "Management without liquid" P1R replenishment tank 347, P2RA replenishment tank 349, P2RB
Lower limit level sensor (FS745) 36 of replenishment tank 351
0, the liquid level is individually monitored when the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 detect "no liquid".

When the allowable replenishing amount is replenished from the replenishing tank after replenishing the prescribed replenishing amount in the “management of liquid shortage”, “completely no replenishing solution” is notified.

The operation sequence is as follows. (A) The process shifts to “liquidless management” under the following conditions.

At the end of "liquid shortage 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 process replenishment reaches the permissible replenishment amount during the above operation, "replenisher completely out" and "not completely replenisher" is notified. [Adjustment of replenishment timing] In the case of this prescription, P of processing agent
Since the processing agent kit capacity is matched to the replenishment ratio of the 1R replenishing tank 347, the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the P2RB replenishing tank 351, the developing tank 74 and the other tank (bleaching tank) can be used for the specified paper (printing paper P) processing amount. 76, the fixing tank 78) is replenished at the same time, and replenishment is performed so that consumption at the same time is completed.

P1R replenishing tank 347, P2RA replenishing tank 34
9. Since the P2RB replenishing tank 351 performs the same control, the P1R replenishing tank 347 will be representatively described below. (1) Replenishment up to the upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358.

The P1R replenishment pump (PU7) until the upper level sensor (FS740) 358 no longer detects the liquid level
41) The number of operations (time) of 370 is counted, and the liquid amount up to the upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358 is measured.

Using the measured values, the amount of washing dilution water used for washing, dilution, and stirring can be calibrated to an appropriate value. (2) Replenishment between upper and lower sensors.

The P1R replenishment pump (PU7) necessary for replenishing the processing tank with the replenisher from the upper level sensor (FS740) 358 to the lower level sensor (FS745) 360.
41) Count the number of operations (time) of 370 and measure the liquid volume.

Since the liquid volume between the upper and lower level sensors is always constant (the dimension between the upper and lower level sensors is constant), the discharge amount of the P1R replenishment pump (PU741) 370 can be automatically calibrated using this value (replenishment). Discharge volume automatic calibration). (3) Replenishment below the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360.

In order to ensure the detection of the liquid level, the replenishment is terminated when a predetermined amount is replenished from the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 (the replenisher slightly remains in the tank).

Here, the supplements (P1R, P
2RA, P2RB) always needs to be used up with a prescribed print amount, so the timing is adjusted based on the point in time when replenishment of the replenisher in the P1R replenisher tank 347 is completed.

If the replenishment of the P1R replenishment tank 347 has not been completed at the time when the replenishment of the P1R replenishment tank 347 has been completed, all of the remaining replenisher is replenished to the processing tank. Replenishment ends when a certain amount is replenished from the lower limit sensor.)

When the P2RA replenishment tank 349 or the P2RB replenishment tank 351 has already been replenished, the replenishment is stopped and waits until the replenishment of the P1R replenishment tank 347 is completed.

When all the replenishers have been replenished, the next “opening” can be performed.

The feedback calculation for calibrating the replenishment pump discharge amount and the dilution water amount is performed in the order shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the amount of dilution water to be used is used to dilute the treatment agent kit 202 immediately after the apparatus is installed and for the second time, or to dilute the treatment agent kit 202 immediately after returning from the error state and for the second time after the restoration. Is not performed (since the system cannot determine how much liquid is in the replenishment tank), and the amount of delivery is calibrated after the third time. [Installation Mode] Here, at the time of installation, a preparation operation different from that during normal operation is required. For this reason, a “processor installation mode” is provided.

[0262] The serviceman who installs the apparatus opens "menu" in the serviceman mode, and then opens "processor installation mode" and "installation work" in this order.

Opening “Installation work” opens “Power frequency setting”, “Air bleeding of dilution water piping system”, “Opening, container cleaning, treatment agent dilution, lid cleaning”, “Replenishment piping system air”. A menu such as “no” is notified to the display device 122 in order. (1) First, “power frequency setting” is notified first,
The serviceman sets the power frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) with the input device (keyboard) 472 in the “power frequency setting” menu (because an AC motor is used as the motor for driving the pump). When the middle device is relocated to an area with a different power supply frequency, by switching the power supply frequency, use can be resumed without the need to calibrate the discharge amount of the refill pump. That is, the sub-controller 458 changes the operation time of the pump according to the change of the power supply frequency. (2) Next, a menu of “air bleeding of the dilution water piping system” appears and instructs execution of the process. With this, PS
Container cleaning pump (P
U740) Removal of air bubbles in 440 is performed.

First, the developer container cleaning valve (S740)
When 450 is opened, the container cleaning pump (PU 740) 440 operates for a predetermined time to release air.

The container cleaning pump (PU740) 44
In the case of 0, the discharge pressure is high (about 2 kg / cm ^{2 in} this embodiment), but if air bubbles are contained in the pump, the discharge amount will be reduced by a fraction.

For this reason, it is necessary to bleed air in order to satisfy the accuracy required for the apparatus (within 2% in repetition).

When the dilution water is drained from the PSR replenishing tank 426 not only at the time of installation but also for storage and relocation, or when the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 sucks air due to some trouble, Container cleaning pump (PU
740) The air bubbles in 440 are removed.

By instructing execution of “PSR replenishing tank pump air release”, the above operation is automatically started and ended. (3) Next, a menu of “opening, cleaning the container, diluting the processing agent, cleaning the lid” appears, and instructs execution of the processing. Thereby, the operations of opening the cap, cleaning the container, diluting the treatment agent, and cleaning the lid are performed.

However, the start condition is a case where all of the following conditions are satisfied.

The treatment agent kit 202 has been loaded.

The PSR replenishment tank 426 has sufficient dilution water.

P1R replenishing tank 347, P2RA replenishing tank 34
9. Each liquid amount in the P2RB replenishment tank 351 is equal to the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 and the lower limit level sensor (FS74).
6) 384, lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 or less.

When opening the plug, the treatment agent kit 20
If No. 2 is not loaded, a warning message “Please load the treatment agent kit.” Is notified. If the loading section cover 302 is open, a warning message “Please close the loading section door.” Is notified and P
If the SR replenishment tank 426 does not have enough diluting water, a warning message "Please replenish replenishing water."
Is notified. These warning messages are also notified during normal operation.

As the dilution water amount, a system default value stored in advance is used, and if a past feedback value is stored, it is discarded. (4) Next, a menu of “air bleeding of the replenishment piping system” appears and instructs execution of the process. Thereby, P1R
P1R replenishment pump (P
U741) 370, P2RA replenishment pump (PU742) 392 and P2RA for supplying replenisher in P2RA replenishment tank 349.
The P2RB replenishing pump (PU743) 414 for supplying the replenishing solution in the 2RB replenishing tank 351 operates for a predetermined time (two minutes in the present embodiment), and the air in the replenishing piping system is automatically released. [Replenishment Operation] Next, an example of the replenishment operation will be described below.

First, the P1R replenishing tank 347 contains the developing replenisher, the P2RA replenishing tank 349 contains the bleaching replenisher, and the P2RB
It is assumed that the fixing replenisher is stored in the replenisher tank 351 at a level higher than the upper limit level, and the dilution water is stored in the PSR replenisher tank 426 at a level higher than the upper limit level.

In the developing tank 74 of the processor section 72, the printing paper P
Is processed by a predetermined amount, the P1R replenishment pump (PU74
1) The 370 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of the developing replenisher corresponding to the processing amount of the photographic paper P is sent to the developing tank 74 from the P1R replenishing tank 347. These processes are performed simultaneously in the bleaching tank 76 and the fixing tank 78.

When a certain amount of processing has progressed, the display device 122 notifies the user that “processing agent kit has been loaded”.

Next, the procedure for loading the treatment agent kit 202 will be described. (1) First, 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),
The sub-controller 458 determines that the loading unit cover 302 is open. (2) Next, the loaded empty treatment agent kit 202
Is pressed once, striker 342 and latch 344 are pressed.
Is disengaged, and the processing agent kit 202 is slightly pushed out.

Thereafter, when the empty treatment agent kit 202 is taken out, the kit detection lever 338 is rotated and the kit detection switch (D741) 340 is turned off (turned off), and the sub-controller 458 determines that the treatment agent kit 202 is not loaded. It is determined to be in the state. (3) Insert the 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 sub-controller 458 determines that the processing agent kit 202 has been loaded.

When the loading section cover 302 is closed,
The cover open / close detection switch (D740) 314 is turned on (turned on), and the sub controller 458
It is determined that 2 has been closed. (4) The development print processing proceeds, and the P1R replenishment tank 347
When the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 detects that there is no liquid, the timing is adjusted and the P2RA replenishing tank 3
49 lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 and P2
Lower limit level sensor (FS747) 4 of RB replenishment tank 351
06 detects "no liquid".

Then, the loading unit lower limit detection switch (D74
3) Unloading drive motor (M740) 328 rotates until 336 enters (until it is turned on), and holder 316 descends to the lower limit position.

As a result, the cleaning nozzle 346 is
The third seal 210, the cleaning nozzle 348 pushes the seal 210 of the container 205, and the cleaning nozzle 350 pushes through the seal 210 of the container 207 to enter the container to open the container.

Thus, the developing agent is automatically replenished to the P1R replenishing tank 347, the bleaching agent is automatically replenished to the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the fixing processing agent is automatically replenished to the P2RB replenishing tank 351.

When the outflow of the processing agent is completed after a predetermined period of time, the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 is operated, and the developer container cleaning valve (S740) 450 and the bleaching agent container cleaning valve (S741) 452 are operated. The fixing valve cleaning valve (S742) 454 is operated, and the cleaning nozzle 3
46, the cleaning liquid is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 348 and the cleaning nozzle 350, and the cleaning nozzle 346
The cleaning nozzle 348 moves the inside of the container 205 to the cleaning nozzle 3.
50 automatically cleans the inside of the container 207 with a predetermined amount (refer to “dilution water correction”) of diluting water, and flows into each replenishing tank.

The dilution water used for cleaning the container flows into the P1R replenishing tank 347 and the PSR replenishing tank 4
Dilution water is directly blown from 26 to agitate the replenisher.

Thereafter, each container is washed from the outside of the screw cap 208, and the dilution water used for cleaning the screw cap 208 flows into each replenishing tank.

When the automatic cleaning is completed, the liquid level of each replenishing tank rises, and the upper limit level sensor (FS740) 35
8. "Liquid presence" is detected by the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382 and the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404, and the "liquid presence management" described above is executed.

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.

Here, even when the power supply is suddenly cut off during the operation of the apparatus, the amount of dilution water used for cleaning the next container, the amount of dilution water used for cleaning the screw cap, and the amount of replenishment are used. Data for calculating the amount of dilution water directly blown into the tank is stored in the RAM 470 of the sub-controller 458. The contents stored in the RAM 470 are not erased when the power is turned off.

The RAM 47 of the sub controller 458
The data stored in 0 includes, for example, ON / OFF of each level sensor, ON / OFF of a switch, and operation or non-operation of a motor at that time, and the remaining time until the operation is completed during operation of the motor. It is always calculated and stored as data (while storing the operation flag,
It stores a motor operation time remaining time counter. ).

For this reason, for example, even when the power is unexpectedly cut off such as a power failure during the dilution of the processing agent, the dilution processing can be continued after the power supply is restored.

Further, in this apparatus, the state of the apparatus is stored in a plurality of memories of the apparatus, and when it is determined that the value of the highest priority memory is invalid, the value of the memory having the lower priority is confirmed. If it is determined that this is not illegal, the system returns to the state according to the contents.

Specifically, the R of the sub-controller 458
The data stored in AM 470 is transferred to main controller 42 and stored in RAM 464.

After a sudden power-off such as a power failure, the main controller 42
4 and the contents of the RAM 470 of the sub-controller 458. If the contents do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM 470 of the sub-controller 458 are correct, and the power is restored based on the contents of the RAM 470 of the sub-controller 458. Perform later processing. (Error) In this apparatus, when it is determined that the automatic recovery of the replenishing device 301 is impossible, an error notification is made as an error, the replenishing operation of the replenishing device 301 is forcibly stopped, and the replenishing operation is performed until it is determined that the error 23322 has occurred. Is not restored, and the destruction of the mother liquor in each processing tank is prevented.

The error that cannot be automatically recovered is, for example, when it is determined that a hardware failure such as a motor or a sensor has occurred, or when the state stored in the system differs from the actual state due to a compound error. Is determined to deviate from the appropriate value by about ± 20% or more.

When the main controller 42 determines that self-recovery is impossible, the replenishment operation is prohibited until certain conditions are met. That is, the main controller 42 does not restore the replenishment operation until it determines that the error has been released. This is to prevent the destruction of the processing liquid (mother liquor) in the processing tank (because the concentration of the replenisher cannot be guaranteed at the time when an error occurs in which the automatic reinstatement cannot be performed by the replenisher). If it is determined that the automatic recovery is not possible, the replenishing operation of the replenishing device 301 is prohibited as described above, but a certain amount (for example, 380 sheets of L size) is allowed as long as the print image quality can be guaranteed. I do.

Note that the error here is, for example, as described in the following (1) to (6). (1) When it is determined that the opening drive motor (M740) 328 is abnormal. As an example, after an operation instruction of the opening drive motor (M740) 328 at the time of opening, the loading unit lower limit detection switch (D74) is provided within a predetermined time (for example, 13 seconds).
3) When 336 does not detect the holder 316. In this case, it notifies that "the treatment agent kit and the opening drive motor are abnormal." (2) One or two of the lower limit level sensor (FS745) 360 of the P1R replenishment tank 347, the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 of the P2RA replenishment tank 349, and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 of the P2RB replenishment tank 351. When one does not detect "there is liquid". In this case, there is a possibility that opening of any container failed,
Notify the error message "Failed to open treatment agent kit."

[0299] When all are "no liquid",
It is determined that an empty treatment agent kit 202 has been loaded, and as described above, a notification that "the treatment agent kit and the cleaning valve are abnormal." (3) When the washing in the container and the direct ejection of the diluent into the P1R replenishing tank 347 are completed, the upper limit level sensor (FS74) is used.
0) 358, when any or all of the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382 and the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404 detect "no liquid". in this case,
Container washing pump (PU 740) 440, developer container washing valve (S740) 450, bleaching agent container washing valve (S
741) 452 and a cleaning agent container cleaning valve (S742)
Since any failure of 454 is considered, "processing agent kit, container cleaning pump, cleaning valve xx is abnormal" is notified (the xx in the display is the corresponding number). (4) After cleaning the container, after the operation of the opening drive motor (M740) 328 is operated to raise the holder 316, the loading portion upper limit detection switch (D742) 334 sets the holder 316 within a predetermined time (for example, 13 seconds). If not detected. In this case, an error message "the treatment agent kit and the opening drive motor are abnormal" is notified. (5) In each of the upper limit level sensor (FS740) 358, the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382, and the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404, the amount of liquid from above the upper limit level sensor is twice or more the specified amount. That is, a P1R replenishing pump (PU741) 370, P2RA for supplying a replenishing solution in the P1R replenishing tank 347 after the completion of dilution.
A P2RA replenishment pump (PU742) 392 for delivering a replenisher in the replenishment tank 349 and a P2RB replenishment pump (PU743) 414 for delivering a replenisher in the P2RB replenishment tank 351.
The operation time until one of the upper limit level sensors detects "no liquid" exceeds twice the predetermined time specified in advance.

In this case, the P1R replenishment pump (PU74
1) 370, P2RA refill pump (PU742) 392
And an abnormality of the P2RB replenishment pump (PU743) 414 (a decrease in the discharge amount).

Also, in this case, or the developer processing container cleaning valve (S740) 450, the bleaching processing agent container cleaning valve (S74)
1) 452 and fixing treatment agent container cleaning valve (S742) 45
It is conceivable that any one of the devices 4 remains open.
At the time of dilution, while the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 is operating, the developer processing container cleaning valve (S740) 450, the bleaching processing container cleaning valve (S741) 452, and the fixing processing agent cleaning valve (S742) 454 in this order. Since the switching is performed and the containers are sequentially washed, for example, if a failure occurs in which the developer container washing valve (S740) 450 remains open,
The container 203 is cleaned until the fixing processing agent container cleaning valve (S742) 454 closes and the container cleaning pump (PU740) 440 stops, and the excess dilution water is removed from the P1R replenishing tank 34.
The problem that flows into the device 7 occurs. Further, since the two container cleaning valves are simultaneously opened halfway, an error occurs in the discharge amount from the cleaning nozzle (half the normal amount), and the P2RA
There arises a problem that the concentrations of the replenisher in the replenisher 349 and the replenisher in the P2RB replenisher 351 become poor.

[0302] Therefore, in the above case, the error message "The refill pump xx or the washing valve xx is abnormal."
(The XX in the display is the corresponding number). (6) In each of the P1R replenishing tank 347, the P2RA replenishing tank 349, and the P2RB replenishing tank 351, the amount of liquid between the upper limit level sensor and the lower limit level sensor exceeds a prescribed ± 20%. That is, the operation time of the refill pump from the time when the upper level sensor detects "no liquid" to the time when the lower level sensor detects "no liquid" is counted, and the counted operation time is compared with the specified operation time. If the counted operation time exceeds ± 20% of the specified operation time,
Since the P1R refill pump (PU741) 370, P2RA refill pump (PU742) 392 and P2RB refill pump (PU743) 414 may be abnormal, the error message "Refill pump XX is abnormal."
(The XX in the display is the corresponding number).

The condition for restoration is, for example, the following cases (1) to (3). (1) Lower limit level sensor (FS) of P1R replenishment tank 347
745) 360, the loading unit cover 302 was opened and closed while the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 of the P2RA replenishment tank 349 and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 of the P2RB replenishment tank 351 detected "no liquid". Case. This is because it is determined that the replenisher at the time of occurrence of the error that cannot be automatically recovered has been completely removed from the replenishment tank, and the opening, container cleaning, treatment agent dilution, and lid cleaning, that is, a new Resume preparation of replenisher. Then, the replenisher can be replenished to each processing tank. (2) Lower limit level sensor (FS) of P1R replenishment tank 347
745) 360, the lower limit level sensor (FS746) 384 of the P2RA replenishment tank 349 and the lower limit level sensor (FS747) 406 of the P2RB replenishment tank 351 detect "no liquid", and in the serviceman mode, "open, It was instructed to do "Container cleaning, treatment agent dilution, lid cleaning". In this case, the operation is the same as that at the time of new installation. Then, the replenisher can be replenished to each processing tank. (3) Upper limit level sensor (FS) of P1R replenishment tank 347
740) 358, the upper limit level sensor (FS741) 382 of the P2RA replenishment tank 349, and the upper limit level sensor (FS742) 404 of the P2RB replenishment tank 351 detect “there is liquid”, and the loading unit cover 302 is opened and closed. Case. This allows the replenisher to be replenished to each processing tank by judging that the replenisher has been supplied manually.

[0304]

As described above, the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has an excellent effect that the performance of a processing solution in a processing tank can be prevented from deviating from an optimum range. Have.

[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 unit.

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

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a bleach replenisher system of the replenisher.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a fixing replenisher system of a replenishing unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a liquid state of a replenishing tank.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of feedback calculation.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main controller and a sub-controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer processor (photosensitive material processing apparatus) 12 Photographic printing part (photosensitive material loading part) 16 Drive roller (photosensitive material sending means) 18 Nip roller (photosensitive material sending means) 19 Motor (photosensitive material sending means) 42 Main controller (control means) ) 74 Developing tank (processing tank) 76 Bleaching tank (processing tank) 78 Fixing tank (processing tank) 79 Rinse tank (processing tank) 122 Display device (alarm means) 300 Loading unit (container holding and opening means) 301 Replenishing device 346 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) 347 P1R replenishment tank (replenishment tank) 348 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) 349 P2RA replenishment tank (replenishment tank) 350 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) 351 P2RB replenishment tank (replenishment tank) 352 Funnel (dilution means) 354 Funnel (diluting means) 356 Funnel (diluting means) 370 P1R replenishing pump (replenishing solution sending means) 392 P2RA replenishing pump (replenishing solution sending means) 414 P2RB replenishing pump (replenishing solution sending means) 426 PSR replenishing tank (diluent tank) 428 Upper limit level sensor (diluent amount detecting means) 430 Intermediate level sensor (diluent amount detecting means) 432 Lower limit level sensor (diluent amount detecting means) 436 Pipe (cleaning means) 440 Container cleaning pump (cleaning means) 442 Distributor (cleaning means) 444 Pipe (cleaning means) 446 Pipe (cleaning means) 447 P1R refill tank stirring Valve (dilution means) 448 Piping (washing means) 450 Developing agent container washing valve (washing means) 452 Bleaching agent container washing valve (washing means) 454 Fixing agent container washing valve (washing means) 458 Sub-controller (control means) 464 RAM (storage means) 470 RAM (storage means) P photographic paper (photosensitive material)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Isozaki 798, Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa F-Term (in reference) 2F098 BA15 BA18 BA20 BA31 EA05

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution, a photosensitive material sending means for sending the photosensitive material loaded in a photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, and a transfer of the photosensitive material in the processing solution. Photosensitive material conveying means, container holding and opening means for holding a container enclosing a processing agent for processing the photosensitive material and opening a lid of the container, and provided corresponding to the processing tank; A replenishing tank for receiving the processing agent that has flown out when the lid is opened and storing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution sending means for sending the replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank, and a diluting solution stored in the diluting solution tank A washing unit for washing the container with, a diluting unit for directly sending the diluent after washing the container and the diluent stored in the diluent tank to the replenishment tank, at least, the photosensitive material sending unit, Feeding the replenisher And a control means for controlling the cleaning means and the diluting means, wherein the control means controls the replenishment while the processing agent and the diluent are flowing into the replenishing tank. An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, wherein operation of a liquid delivery means is prohibited. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the operation of the replenisher sending unit until a predetermined condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the replenisher cannot be properly diluted with the diluent. Item 2. A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to Item 1. 3. The control means controls the light-sensitive material sending means while the processing liquid in the processing tank has a predetermined processing performance even while the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is prohibited. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation is continued. 4. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit issues a warning by a warning unit when the processing liquid in the processing tank deviates from a predetermined processing performance. . 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops sending a new photosensitive material by the photosensitive material sending unit when the processing solution in the processing tank deviates from a predetermined processing performance. 5. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to item 4. 6. The control means stores the amount of replenishing solution sent by the replenishing solution sending means, and when the operation of the replenishing solution sending means during operation is once suspended and then resumed, the remaining replenishing solution is replenished. 6. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is restarted so as to send out the solution. 7. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the operation of the photosensitive material sending means is restarted when the operation of the replenishing solution sending means is restarted or completed. 8. A processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution, a photosensitive material sending means for sending the photosensitive material loaded in a photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, and a transfer of the photosensitive material in the processing solution. Photosensitive material conveying means, container holding and opening means for holding a container enclosing a processing agent for processing the photosensitive material and opening a lid of the container, and provided corresponding to the processing tank; A replenishing tank for receiving the processing agent that has flown out when the lid is opened and storing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution sending means for sending the replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank, and a diluting solution stored in the diluting solution tank Washing means for washing the container with the diluent after washing the container and a diluent stored in the diluent tank and directly sending the diluent to the replenishing tank; and a diluent in the diluent tank. Diluent volume for detecting volume A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: a discharge means; and a control means for controlling the photosensitive material delivery means, the replenisher delivery means, the cleaning means, and the dilution means. The container holding and opening means is opened only when it is determined that the replenisher necessary for diluting one or more containers is stored in the liquid tank. Photosensitive material processing equipment. 9. A processing tank for processing a photosensitive material with a processing liquid, a photosensitive material sending means for sending the photosensitive material loaded in a photosensitive material loading section to the processing tank, and a transfer of the photosensitive material in the processing liquid. Photosensitive material conveying means, container holding and opening means for holding a container enclosing a processing agent for processing the photosensitive material and opening a lid of the container, and provided corresponding to the processing tank; A replenishing tank for receiving the processing agent that has flown out when the lid is opened and storing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution sending means for sending the replenishing solution from the replenishing tank to the processing tank, and a diluting solution stored in the diluting solution tank Washing means for washing the container with the diluent after washing the container and a diluent stored in the diluent tank and directly sending the diluent to the replenishing tank; and a diluent in the diluent tank. Diluent volume for detecting volume A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprising: a discharge means; and a control means for controlling the photosensitive material delivery means, the replenisher delivery means, the cleaning means, and the dilution means. A photosensitive material processing device, wherein the storage means stores the remaining amount of the delivery amount in the step of sending the diluent from the diluent tank by means based on the detection result of the diluent amount detection means. 10. The control means determines a liquid supply amount by controlling an operation time of the dilution means, stores at least an operation flag of the dilution means, and sets an operation time remaining time counter of the dilution means. By remembering,
The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein even if a power failure or power cut occurs during the operation of the diluting unit, the process of feeding the diluent can be continued after the power is restored. 11. A storage device having a plurality of prioritized storage means, and in the event of a power failure or power-off, it is determined whether or not the storage contents of the highest-priority storage means are incorrect after the return of the power supply state. If it is determined that the content is not illegal, the stored content is adopted. If it is determined that the content is invalid, it is sequentially determined whether or not the storage content of the storage unit having the lower priority is invalid. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the storage content determined is adopted.