JP2002311553A - Processing liquid replenishing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rationally constitute a processing liquid replenishing devices S which is equipped with replenishing means SP for sending the processing liquid taken out of a cartridge C to a processing tank where the processing of photosensitive materials is carried out and which permits plunging of multiple suction pipes 34 into the cartridge C. SOLUTION: The cartridge C is constituted by using a flexible material and forming a sealing space 41. The cartridge is so constituted that the processing liquid is taken out of the sealing space 41 through the suction pipes 34 by piercing the plural suction pipes 34 into the sealing space 41 by accompanying the movement of one arm 33 to the cartridge C side. The piercing periods of at least the two groups 34a and 34b of the suction pipes 34 into the sealing space 41 are set to vary from each other in the moving stroke of the arm 33 to cartridge C side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a processing liquid replenishing apparatus having a replenishing means for feeding a processing liquid taken out of a cartridge to a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-2999 as a processing liquid replenishing apparatus constructed as described above. In this prior art, an arm for opening and closing an upper part of a replenishing container and a flexible sheet are provided. The suction tube is pierced into the refill container by lowering the open arm member to the closed state by inserting the suction tube fixedly below the arm and inserting the suction tube into the replenishment container. Is configured. A replenishing system is provided for sending the processing solution in the replenishing container from the suction pipe to a developing tank for developing the photosensitive material. By driving a supply pump provided in the replenishing system, the replenishing system is supplied to the corresponding processing tank. The processing solution is configured to be replenished.

[0003]

In this conventional apparatus, since one type of processing liquid is stored, a plurality of such apparatuses are required corresponding to a plurality of processing tanks. Therefore, a plurality of replenishing containers are juxtaposed, a plurality of suction tubes are juxtaposed below the same arm, and all the suction tubes are moved to the respective refill containers by lowering the arm from an open state to a closed state. It is rational if it is configured to stab at once.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to rationally construct a processing liquid replenishing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently piercing a plurality of suction tubes into a replenishing container.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing solution replenishing apparatus for feeding a processing solution taken out of a cartridge to a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material. A treatment liquid replenishing apparatus comprising: a cartridge formed of a flexible material to form an enclosed space; and a plurality of suction tubes associated with movement of one arm toward the cartridge. And inserting the processing liquid from the enclosed space through the suction tube by inserting the treatment liquid through the suction tube. At least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes are moved during the movement of the arm toward the cartridge. Are set so that the timings of insertion into the enclosed space are different from each other.

According to this configuration, a cartridge having an enclosing space formed of a flexible material is set, the arm is moved to the cartridge side, and a plurality of suction units fixed below the arm are set. When the processing liquid in the sealed space is taken out through the plurality of suction tubes by inserting the tubes into the sealed space, at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes are inserted into the sealed space during the movement process of the arm toward the cartridge. Since the insertion timings are set to be different from each other, a plurality of suction pipes can be inserted into the enclosed space separately at a plurality of different timings, and the insertion force at each time can be simultaneously applied to all the suction pipes. And the force required to move the arm can be reduced. Therefore, a manpower for moving the arm or a driving force by a motor or the like can be made relatively small, and a processing liquid replenishing apparatus capable of efficiently and easily piercing all the suction tubes into the cartridge is rationally configured. can do.

[Structure 2] In the processing solution replenishing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the structure of the processing solution replenishing apparatus according to the above-described Structure 1, the cartridge is provided with the plurality of types of processing solutions. A plurality of enclosed spaces that are stored in a separated state are formed, and the plurality of suction tubes are stabbed in the corresponding respective enclosed spaces, and the plurality of suction tubes are inserted from the plurality of enclosed spaces through the plurality of suction tubes. A plurality of storage units capable of storing a plurality of types of processing liquids taken out in a separated state, and
Filling means for setting each storage section to a volume capable of storing the total amount of the plurality of types of processing liquid stored in the cartridge in a separated state, and for sending the total amount of processing liquid stored in the cartridge to the corresponding storage section. It is characterized by having.

According to this configuration, the total amount of the plurality of types of processing liquids stored separately in the plurality of enclosed spaces formed in the cartridge is stored in the plurality of storage portions in the separated state by the filling means. Then, the processing liquid in the storage section is sent to the processing tank by a replenishing pump or the like. Then, at the point in time when all the storage units are empty, the filling means is driven,
Each of the plurality of types of processing liquids sealed in the plurality of sealing spaces formed in the cartridge can be substantially simultaneously filled in the respective storage portions, and the plurality of sealing spaces of the cartridge become almost simultaneously empty. Therefore, the cartridge can have an integrated structure having a plurality of sealed spaces in which a plurality of types of processing liquids are sealed, and a plurality of suction tubes corresponding to the respective sealed spaces are fixed to one arm. The insertion or extraction of all the suction tubes into the enclosed space can be performed by moving one arm.

[Structure 3] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the processing solution replenishing apparatus of the above structure 1 or 2, at least two groups of the plurality of suction pipes are provided. And the relative distances between the respective piercing ends and the punctured portions of the enclosed space into which the suction tubes are pierced are set to be different from each other, so that at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes can be inserted into the enclosed space. Are set so that their puncturing times are different from each other.

According to this configuration, the relative distances between the piercing ends of the suction pipes of the respective groups and the punctured portions of the cartridge enclosing space are different from each other. The piercing end is pierced into the pierced portion of the enclosed space at different piercing times during the movement of the arm to the cartridge side. With a relatively small force required to pierce the suction tube into the enclosed space, a processing liquid replenishing device capable of easily piercing all the suction tubes into the cartridge can be realized.

[Structure 4] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the processing solution replenishing apparatus of the third aspect, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to the present invention has at least two groups of the plurality of suction pipes. The projecting lengths from the arm toward the cartridge may be set to be different from each other, and at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes may be set to be inserted at different times into the enclosing space.

According to the above construction, if the projecting lengths of the at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes from the arm are set to be different from each other, the piercing ends of the suction tubes of the respective groups and the cartridges are set. Since the relative distances to the pierced part of the enclosed space are different from each other, the suction tubes of each group can be pierced into the pierced part of the enclosed space at different puncturing times, and the force for moving the arm Can be reduced.

[Structure 5] In the processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the structure of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the above-described Structure 3, the cartridge may be configured to store the plurality of types of processing liquid. A plurality of enclosed spaces that are stored in a separated state are formed, and the plurality of suction tubes are inserted into the corresponding ones of the enclosed spaces, and the suction tubes in at least two groups of the plurality of enclosed spaces. The heights of pierced portions into which the plurality of suction pipes are inserted are set to be different from each other, and the insertion timings of at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes into the sealed space are set to be different from each other. And

According to the above configuration, the height of the pierced portion on the arm side in at least two groups of the plurality of enclosed spaces formed in the cartridge is set to be different from each other. Since the relative distance between the piercing end of the suction tube and the pierced portion of the cartridge enclosing space is different from each other, the suction tube can be pierced into the enclosing space of each group at different puncturing times, and the arm The force for moving can be reduced.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit A for processing image information and various types of information, and a printing unit B for performing development processing after exposing image information to silver halide photographic paper (hereinafter, referred to as photographic paper) and sending out the same. And a photo processor. The operation unit A includes a scanner 2 for converting a frame image of the photographic film 1 into a digital signal at a position above the desk-shaped object, a display 3 for displaying various information (an example of a notification unit), and a console for inputting information. 4 and a mouse 5, and a processing device 6 below which processes image information scanned by the scanner 2 and accesses information to the print unit B. The processing device 6 is configured using a general-purpose computer, and can process image information using commercially available image processing software.

The print section B is provided with one of two rolls of photographic paper 11 (an example of a photosensitive material) housed in two photographic paper magazines M mounted on an upper position of the housing 10. After being sent to the inside of the body and cut to a print size, image information is exposed in an exposure unit Ex, and the exposed photographic paper 11 is sent to a plurality of processing tanks T in a development processing unit De for development processing. Is subjected to a drying process in the drying section Dr, and
0 and the sorter 1 from the horizontal conveyor 12
3 to be sorted and collected in order units.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exposing unit Ex includes a cutter 14 for cutting the printing paper 11 from the printing paper magazine M into a print size, and a number of pressure rollers for transporting the cut printing paper 11. And an exposure head 16 for exposing image information to the photographic paper 11 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 15. The exposure head 16 transfers R (red) along the width direction (main scanning direction) of the photographic paper 11 at a timing synchronized with the transport speed while transporting the photographic paper 11 at a set speed (transportation in the sub-transport direction). The exposure head 1 is configured to perform linear exposure with light rays of three primary colors of G (green) and B (blue).
As 6, a laser beam system, a fluorescent beam system, a liquid crystal shutter system, a DMD system, a FOCRT, or the like can be used.

The developing section De has one processing tank 17 for performing color development processing, one processing tank 18 for performing bleach-fixing processing, and one for performing stabilizing processing (or chemical rinsing processing).
A drying unit D comprising a plurality of processing tanks 19 and a transport unit 20 having a number of pressure rollers for transporting the photographic paper 11 to the processing tanks T (T is a generic name of the respective processing tanks).
r includes a transport mechanism 21 having a blower (not shown) for sending hot air and a number of pressure rollers for transporting the printing paper 11.

The above configuration is basically the same as that of the conventional photo processor. In the photo processor of the present embodiment, the processing solution replenishing device S for replenishing the processing tank T provided in the printing section B with the processing solution is provided. It has characteristics.

The structure of the processing tank T is as follows. FIG.
As shown in the figure, each processing tank T has a sub tank T on its side.
a, and the upper part of the processing tank T and the sub-tank Ta communicate with each other at the upper position so that the processing liquid can flow.
Further, a circulation pipe 24 for circulating the processing liquid is formed between the bottom of the processing tank T and the bottom of the sub tank Ta, and the circulation pipe 24 is provided with a circulation pump P1 and a filter 25. A discharge pipe 26 having a discharge pipe 26A for discharging the processing liquid in the processing tank by the driving force of the discharge pump P2 and an outflow pipe 26B for discharging the processing liquid overflowing from the processing tank T is formed in the processing tank T. The discharge line 26 is provided with a flow rate sensor 27.
A waste liquid tank 2 for collecting the discharged processing liquid
8 is provided. The processing tank T is provided with a liquid level sensor 29 for detecting the liquid level and managing the liquid level.
The sub tank Ta is provided with a liquid temperature sensor for temperature management and an electric heater (not shown).

In this development processing system, each time the integrated area of the photographic paper 11 subjected to the development processing in the processing tank T reaches a preset value, the processing liquid is supplied to the sub-tank Ta of each of the six processing tanks T. The processing solution concentrated from the replenishing device S and the water for dilution are configured to be replenished at a preset ratio by a required amount. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus S is provided with a processing tank T inside a door 10A which can be opened and closed with respect to the side surface of the housing 10 of the printing unit B.
, And can be pulled out sideways by opening the door 10A.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus S includes a set portion for setting a processing liquid cartridge C in a state of being housed in a resin-made tray 31 at an end portion on the drawer side. The arm 33 is provided with an arm 33 which can be manually operated between an open position "open" and a closed position "closed" with respect to the upper position of the set portion. Is provided. Also, four stock tanks ST as storage units are arranged at positions adjacent to the set unit, and one end communicates with each suction pipe 34, and a filling tube 35 made of a flexible material is used.
Are connected to the corresponding four stock tanks ST. An air pump AP (an example of a filling pump) for applying a negative pressure to the upper positions of these stock tanks ST via a pressure reducing tube 36 is provided, and water is stored at side positions of these set portions and the stock tank ST. A water tank 37 is provided.

Four replenishing pumps SP for delivering the processing liquid to the end of the main body frame 32 opposite to the set part and three replenishing pumps SP for delivering the water for dilution from the water tank.
Are arranged in parallel, an extraction tube 38 and a strainer 39 are provided so as to send four treatment liquids from the four stock tanks ST to the replenishment pump SP, and water from the water tank 37 is supplied by three. There is an extraction tube 38 to be sent to the two refill pumps SP. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, four replenishing tubes 40 for sending the processing liquids from the four replenishing pumps SP to the corresponding sub-tanks Ta, and water for dilution from the three replenishing pumps SP being supplied to the corresponding sub-tanks T
The control unit CU is provided with three replenishing tubes 40 for sending the replenishing pump SP to the position a.

As described above, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus S is provided with the setting part, the stock tank ST, and the replenishing pump S from the end on the side of the door 10A of the casing 10 of the printing part B toward the inner end.
By arranging P in this order, the processing liquid from the cartridge C set in the set section is sent substantially linearly to the stock tank ST, and the processing liquid from the stock tank ST is sent to the replenishing pump SP for a short distance. In addition, by arranging the water tank 37 at the side of the set portion and the stock tank ST, water for dilution from the water tank is linearly fed to the replenishing pump SP. It is configured so that it can be sent.

The replenishing means is constituted by the replenishing pump SP and the replenishing tube 40, and the suction tube 34 and the filling tube 3
5, a pressure reducing tube 36, and an air pump AP constitute a filling means.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge C is made of a cardboard box by arranging four packages 41 in which a resin sheet is formed into a bag shape as a flexible material in a lateral direction as a plurality of enclosed spaces. 42. Concentrated processing liquid is sealed in each package 41, and a hole 42A is formed on the lower surface of the box 42 to be engaged with the engaging projection 31A formed on the bottom surface of the tray 31,
It is configured to prevent insertion of the suction tube 34 into the tray 31 in an incorrect posture, and an opening 42B that allows the suction tube 34 to pass therethrough is formed on the upper surface of the box 42. Further, each package 41 has the same volume, and one package 41 has a processing solution for color development, one package 41 has a processing solution for stabilization, and one package 41 has a processing solution for bleaching. A fixing solution is sealed in one package 41. Incidentally, the cartridge C may be constituted by a single package in which a plurality of resin packages for enclosing a plurality of processing liquids are formed by dividing the enclosed space by heat welding.

The processing liquid replenishing apparatus S is configured to extract the processing liquid from the four stock tanks ST by the four replenishing pumps SP in equal amounts and replenish them to the sub-tank Ta of the processing tank T. By doing replenishment,
Ideally, the four stock tanks ST are emptied at the same timing, but in the present embodiment, the processing solution for color development is slightly (2 to 5%) smaller than the other processing solutions. The processing solution for color development is set to be consumed at a slightly earlier timing than the other processing solutions.

As described above, in order to consume the processing solution for color development at a timing slightly earlier than the other processing solutions, it is necessary to use the processing solution for color development among the processing solutions sealed in the four stock tanks ST. It is not necessary to set the processing liquid to a slightly smaller amount than the other processing liquids. For example, the processing liquid sealed in the four stock tanks ST is made equal, and the discharge of the replenishing pump SP for sending the processing liquid for color development is performed. The amount is slightly larger than the discharge amount of the other refill pumps SP (2 to 5
%). In addition, such a refill pump SP
In order to increase the discharge amount, the modification only needs to be performed to change the software set in the control unit CU, and the realization is relatively easy.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the flow of the processing solution. As shown in FIG. 7, the entire amount of the processing solution for color development sealed in the package is filled into the stock tank ST from the suction pipe 34. The processing tank 1 which is sent to the replenishing pump SP via the extraction tube 38 and the strainer 39 and from which the color development processing is performed via the replenishing tube 40.
7 is sent to the sub tank Ta. Similarly, the processing solution for stabilization is entirely stored in the stock tank S.
After being stored in the T, the bleaching solution and the fixing solution are sent to the sub-tank Ta of the processing tank 19 for performing the stabilizing process, and the bleaching solution and the fixing solution are stored in the corresponding stock tank ST. The solution is sent to the sub-tank Ta of one processing tank 18 for performing the fixing process, and the processing solution for bleaching and the processing solution for fixing are mixed in the sub-tank Ta. Further, three replenishing pumps SP for feeding water for dilution via an extraction tube 38 from a water tank 37 are provided, and a process for performing color development processing on the water for dilution from these three replenishing pumps SP is provided. The tank 17, one processing tank 18 for performing the bleach-fixing processing, and a processing tank 19 for performing the stabilization processing are configured to be sent to the respective sub-tanks Ta via a replenishing tube 40.

The arm 33 is supported by the main body frame 32 so as to be swingable around an opening / closing support shaft 44, so that the arm 33 closes above the set portion, and retracts above the set portion. It is configured to be freely switchable to the open position "open", and a coil spring 45 for urging the arm 33 in the opening direction is provided between the arm 33 and the main body frame 32 to reduce the operating force at the time of the opening operation. It is. At the base end position of the arm 33, after the operation of the arm in the closing direction from the open position “open” is started, the operation in the opening position is prevented until the arm reaches the closed position “closed”. After the operation in the opening direction from the posture “closed” is started, the ratchet mechanism RA is provided to prevent the operation in the closing posture until the opening “open” is reached. A lock mechanism L is provided for holding the lock 33 in the closed position. These ratchet mechanism RA and lock mechanism L
Will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of suction pipes 34 are provided at the tip of a highly corrosion-resistant metal pipe made of stainless steel or the like, which is formed in an arc shape around the axis of the opening / closing support shaft 44. A suction hole 34A is formed, and a sharp conical conical member 34B is fixed to the distal end of the suction hole 34A. A transparent and flexible material is provided between the base end of the suction pipe 34 and the stock tank ST. The filling tube 35 is provided.

The air pump AP is provided with a casing 46.
, A diaphragm (not shown), a rod 47 for operating the diaphragm, and a rod 4
7 and an electric motor 49 for driving the eccentric crank portion 48,
A negative pressure is generated by vibration of the diaphragm, and a negative pressure generated by the air pump AP is applied to each of the stock tanks T via the flexible pressure reducing tube 36.

At the bottom of each of the stock tanks ST, there is provided a float type remaining amount sensor SE for detecting that the level of the processing liquid has dropped to near the bottom, and at the top of each of the stock tanks ST. Float type limit sensor S for detecting that the liquid level is higher than a set level
L is provided. Each of the remaining amount sensor SE and the limit sensor SL has a float f that moves up and down according to the level of the processing liquid by buoyancy.
A reed switch sensitive to the magnetism of the magnet provided on the float f, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element to determine the position of the float f from reflected light or transmitted light from the float f so as to detect that the float f has dropped to near the lower limit. And a non-contact type sensing means combining the above.

The upper limit sensor SL is provided with a package 41 relative to ST in the stock tank based on a state in which the remaining level sensor SE detects that the liquid level is at the lowest level.
The detection level is set so as to detect this state when the liquid level reaches a level higher than the liquid level when the entire amount of the processing liquid is filled. A reed switch sensitive to the magnetism of a magnet provided on the float f, and a non-contact type sensing means combining a light emitting element and a light receiving element to determine the position of the float f based on reflected light or transmitted light from the float f It has.

An outlet 51 for taking out the processing liquid from a position lower than the detection level of the remaining amount sensor SE at the bottom of each stock tank ST is formed in the stock tank ST.
The extraction tube 38 is connected to the outlet 51. Further, a discharge port 52 for discharging the processing liquid from the bottom of each stock tank ST is formed, and a transparent and flexible discharge tube 53 is connected to the discharge port 52, and this discharge tube is formed. A discharge nozzle 55 integrated with an openable and closable cock 54 is provided at the discharge-side end of 53.
Each of the discharge nozzles 55 is disposed below the portion where the tray 31 is disposed at the front end side of the processing liquid replenishing device S, and the filling of the processing liquid into the stock tank ST is forcibly stopped as described later. When it is necessary to discharge the processing liquid from the stock tank ST, such as when the replenishment of the processing liquid from the stock tank ST to the processing tank T is forcibly stopped, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus S needs to be discharged from the front end. By pulling out the discharge nozzle and opening the cock 54, all the processing liquid in the stock tank ST can be discharged from the nozzle 55.

The water tank 37 is formed to have a larger capacity than the stock tank ST by molding a resin, and forms an inlet 57 having a lid 56 which can swing and open and close with respect to the drawer side end of the apparatus. At the bottom of the water tank 37, there is provided a remaining amount sensor SE for detecting that the remaining amount of water has dropped to near the bottom surface, and an outlet 58 for taking out water from a position lower than the detection level of SE by the remaining amount sensor. Is formed.
The water tank 37 can store and use tap water.

The refill pump SP has a valve unit 61 having a suction port 59 and a discharge port 60, and a bellows 62 made of a flexible material that can be switched between a compressed state and an expanded state.
An eccentric crank section 63 connected to the lower end of the bellows 62 to perform compression and expansion operations, and an electric motor 64 for driving the eccentric crank 63 are configured as a constant displacement type. Then, the extraction tube 38 from the strainer 39 is connected to the suction port 59 of the replenishing pump SP for processing liquid, and the suction tube 59 of the water tank 37 is connected to the suction port 59 of the replenishing pump SP for water. The extraction tube 38 for sending water is connected, and the replenishing tube 40 is connected to the discharge ports 60 of these seven replenishing pumps SP.

As the electric motor 64 of the replenishing pump SP, a motor such as a synchronous motor or a stepping motor capable of controlling the amount of rotation based on a drive signal is used. Can set the drive amount of the electric motor 64 so that a required amount of processing liquid or water can be delivered.

The ratchet mechanism RA is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a gear-shaped member 66 in which a large number of teeth bodies 66A are located in an arc-shaped region centered on the axis of the opening / closing support shaft 44 and attached to the side surface of the arm 33, and a main body frame 32, and the swing shaft 67 is supported so as to be able to approach and separate from the gear member 66 through the elongated hole 68H, and the gear shaft 66 Upper and lower engaging and disengaging pieces 68 which engage and disengage with the tooth body 66A
A, 68A are integrally formed with the swing regulating member 68, and the swing regulating member 68 is urged in both swing directions with the neutral posture (N) interposed therebetween. A pair of upper and lower plate-shaped operation pieces 70, 70 provided at both ends of a region where the teeth 66A of the gear-shaped member 66 are formed; Switch pin 7 as an operated piece formed on member 68
1 is provided.

With this configuration, when the arm 33 is operated from the closed position “closed” to the open position “open”,
As shown in FIG. 10, the lower engaging member 68 </ b> A is allowed to swing in the opening direction with the urging force of the toggle spring 69 in contact with the tooth body 66 </ b> A of the gear-shaped member 66, and the arm 33 is inverted. When the operation is to be performed in the closing direction, the engaging and disengaging piece 68A is
To prevent swinging in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the arm 33 reaches near the end of the open position “open” by this swing operation, the switch pin 71 comes into contact with the cam surface 70A of the upper operation piece 70. After displacing the swing regulating member 68 in the direction away from the gear-shaped member 66 (the elongated hole 68H allows this movement), as shown in FIG. It is fitted into the recess 70 </ b> B formed in 70 </ b> A and reaches a state where it is integrally moved by the biasing force of the toggle spring 69. Then, even when the operation in this direction is continued and the arm 33 is operated in the opposite direction at the timing when the swing regulating member 68 reaches the neutral position, the switch pin 71 is fitted into the recess 70B as described above. Since the switch pin 71 moves integrally with the concave portion 70B, the swing regulating member 68 is not left in a neutral posture.
The ratchet mechanism RA does not lose its function because the respective engaging and disengaging pieces 68A are separated from the teeth 66A of the gear-shaped member 66.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lock mechanism L has a hook-shaped engaging portion 7 which engages with the front end of the main body frame 32.
An engaging member 73 having 3A is slidably supported in the longitudinal direction of the arm 33, and the engaging member 73 is urged by a coil spring 74 in the engaging direction. Further, a concave portion 76 into which the operation shaft 75 provided in the engagement member 73 is engaged.
A regulating member 76 formed with A is swingably supported around a guide shaft 77, and a helical spring 78 is provided for urging the regulating member 76 toward a side engaged with the operation shaft 75. An electromagnetic solenoid 79 is provided for operating the swinging end in a direction to separate the swinging end from the operation shaft 75. Arm 3
A concave portion (not shown) is formed at the swinging end of the actuator 3. The operating shaft 75 is exposed at the position of the concave portion 33 </ b> A, and the electromagnetic solenoid 79 is driven to release the restriction by the restriction member 76. By operating the operating shaft 75 toward the front end of the arm 33, the engagement of the engaging member 73 with the body frame 32 can be released. In particular, when the electromagnetic solenoid 79 breaks down, or when power cannot be supplied, the lock state of the lock mechanism L can be released.
3H is formed, and by inserting a rod-shaped member such as a pencil through the opening 33H, the regulation member 76 is forcibly rocked so that the regulation can be released. A release switch 81 having a built-in LED (light emitting diode) 80 is provided at the tip of the arm 33, and a proximity type close sensor 82 for detecting that the arm 33 is in a closed position is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), a shaft 84 in a lateral posture is
A swinging piece 85 is swingably provided around the swinging piece 85, a regulating pin 86 is provided at one end of the swinging piece 85, and a pressing portion 85 </ b> A is formed at the other end, and the swinging piece 85 is regulated. It has a regulating mechanism provided with a spring 87 biasing toward the posture.
When the tray 31 is pulled out in a state where the arm 33 is set in the open position, the restricting piece 85 swings around the shaft 84 by the urging force of the spring 87 to reach the restricting position. 86 reaches a state where it engages with the engagement concave portion at the rear end of the arm 33, and the operation of the arm 33 in the closing direction is prevented. When the tray 31 is properly set at the set position in the posture in which the arm 33 is opened, the rear end of the tray 31 is pressed against the pressing portion 85A of the rocking piece 85, and the rocking piece 85 is pressed. Is switched from the restricting posture to the restriction releasing posture, the restricting pin 86 is moved from the engagement concave portion at the rear end of the arm 33.
Is released to allow the operation of the arm 33 in the closing posture direction.

With such a structure of the arm 33, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus S can be mounted on the arm 3 with the tray 31 containing the cartridge C properly set in the setting section.
When the arm 3 is operated in the closing posture "close" direction, the ratchet mechanism RA allows the arm 33 to operate in the closing posture "close" direction while preventing the arm 33 from operating in the opening direction. When the arm 33 reaches the closed posture “closed”, the four suction pipes 34 are inserted into the corresponding packages 41, and at the same time, the lock mechanism L keeps the arm 33 closed. Thus, the arm 33
In the closed position "closed", the swinging end of the arm 33 reaches the position covering the end of the tray 31 to prevent the tray 31 from being pulled out. When the four remaining amount sensors SE detect that the processing liquid in the stock tank ST is empty when the closing posture “closed” is reached, the four air pumps AP are driven. Four stock tanks ST
When the arm 33 is moved to the closed position "closed" when all of the processing liquid enclosed in the package 41 is fed and filled, a signal from the remaining sensor SE indicates that the processing liquid remains in the stock tank ST. Is not filled in the stock tank ST.

As shown in FIG. 13, the four suction pipes 34 are composed of two suction pipe groups 34a and 34b having different projecting lengths from the arm 33 toward the cartridge C, and the arm 33 is in the open state. Are set so that the suction timing of the plurality of suction pipe groups 34a and 34b into the package 41 is different from each other in the movement process of moving from the to the closing posture "closed". Thus, the plurality of suction tube groups 34a, 3
By making the relative distances between the suction tube 34b of the package 41 and the piercing portion into which the suction tube 34 is pierced different from each other, the plurality of suction tube groups 34a and 34b are separately pierced into the sealing space at different times, respectively. The force required for moving the arm 33 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the suction tubes 34 are simultaneously pierced.

As described above, the plurality of suction tube groups 34
In order to make the relative distances between the a and b and the piercing portion of the package 41 into which the suction tube 34 is inserted different from each other, as shown in FIG. Also in the device S, the raising member 50 is provided only below the package 41 corresponding to the suction tube group 34b,
It is also possible to set the heights of the punctured portions of the package 41 group corresponding to the suction tube groups 34a and 34b to be different from each other. In the present embodiment, the suction pipe groups 34a and 34a that are inserted into the package 41 at different times from each other.
One of 4b is constituted by two suction pipes 34 at the center and the other is constituted by two suction pipes 34 at both ends. However, any other grouping may be performed. Also,
The configuration may be such that the timings of inserting all the suction tubes 34 into the package 41 are different.

The photographic paper 1 to be processed in the processing tank T in a state where the processing liquid is filled in the stock tank ST.
Each time it is determined that the integrated area of 1 has reached the set value, a control for replenishing the processing tank T with the processing liquid is performed. In this control, the replenishing pump SP is driven as needed to replenish the set amount of the processing liquid to the sub-tank Ta of the corresponding processing tank T, and to dilute the water in the water tank to the corresponding processing tank T.
To the sub-tank Ta. Thereafter, when the remaining amount sensor SE detects that the four stock tanks ST are empty, the four air pumps A are used as described above.
P is driven to feed and fill all of the processing liquid sealed in the package 41 into the four stock tanks ST.

When all of the processing liquid enclosed in the flexible resin package 41 is sent to the stock tank ST and filling is performed, the package 41 is crushed by the atmospheric pressure, and the package 41 is not exhausted. All of the processing liquid enclosed in 41 is to be sucked, and when this suction is completed, the LED 80 of the release switch 81 is turned on to enable the lock mechanism L to be manually released. By releasing the lock mechanism L while the LED 80 is on, the arm 33 can be operated to the open position "open". These controls are performed by the control unit CU, and the control operations will be described below.

The control unit CU includes a microprocessor, an input / output interface, a ROM for storing a program for executing control, and a RAM for storing work data. As shown in FIG. Release switch 81, close sensor 8 for unit CU
2. An input system for inputting signals from four remaining sensors SE for processing liquid, one remaining sensor SE for water, and four limit sensors SL, and an electromagnetic solenoid 79 and four air pumps AP An output system for each of the four replenishment pumps SP for the processing solution and the three replenishment pumps SP for the water,
Storage unit M such as a nonvolatile memory represented by an EEPROM
e is provided with an information access system for e.
The control unit CU has a signal system for outputting information to the operation unit A and a signal system for inputting processing information from the print control device BC provided in the printing unit B.

In the processing solution replenishing apparatus S, it is ideal that the respective processing solutions are completely consumed at the same time. However, due to an error in the amount of the replenishing pump sent out and an error in the amount of the processing solution in the package 41, the ideal. Is difficult to achieve. For this reason, as described above, each package 41
Although the processing liquids in the above are set to almost the same amount, the replenishment of the color developing processing liquid can be strictly controlled by setting the amount of the color developing processing liquid slightly smaller than the other processing liquids. The control operation corresponding to this configuration is also described below.

When the power of the photo processor is turned on, the posture of the arm 33 is determined based on the signal from the close sensor 82 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
When the arm 33 is in the closed posture “closed”, the storage unit M
e, the history stored in the cartridge e is checked, and if it is determined that the processing liquid in the cartridge C has been sucked, the LE
D80 is turned on, and a message indicating that the cartridge C is in a replaceable state is displayed on the display 3 of the operating unit A (# 01 to # 05 steps). Next, a lock control process (#) for controlling the lock state of the lock mechanism L set as a subroutine.
10 steps) and a filling / replenishing process (# 2) for controlling to send the processing solution in the cartridge C to the stock tank ST and to send the processing solution in the stock tank ST to the processing tank T.
0), and the lock control process (# 10 step) and the filling / replenishment process (# 20 step) are repeated until reset (# 06 step).

Further, it is unlikely that the arm 33 is in the non-closed state when the processing liquid replenishing device S is housed inside the housing 10 of the printing unit B when the power is turned on.
When the arm 33 is in the non-closed position, or when the processing liquid in the cartridge C has not yet been sucked by checking the history, control to jump to the lock control processing (# 10 step) is performed.

In other words, in this process, if the processing liquid in the cartridge C has already been sucked in when the power of the photo processor is turned on, the display 3
In addition, by displaying that the cartridge C is in a replaceable state, the operator can recognize that the processing liquid does not remain in the cartridge C. When the power is turned on, this message is displayed on the display 3. If not displayed, the operator can also determine that the processing liquid remains in the cartridge C. When the cartridge C needs to be replaced (when the processing liquid has already been sucked), the LED 80 is in a lighting state. Therefore, even if the LED 80 is lit, it is ensured that the processing liquid does not remain in the cartridge C. It is something that can be judged. In particular, when the LED 80 is off, the lock of the lock mechanism L cannot be released by operating the release switch 81, so that the inconvenience of erroneously replacing the cartridge C in which the processing liquid remains can be avoided. Has become something.

The lock processing (step # 10) is performed in the manner shown in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the posture of the arm 33 is determined based on the signal from the
When 3 is in the closed posture "closed", it is determined whether the LED 80 is already lit, and the LED 80 is not lit yet (it cannot be determined whether it is on or off).
When the processing liquid in the cartridge C is suctioned, the processing for turning on the LED 80 is performed (steps # 11 to # 15). next,
When the LED 80 is in the lighting state, and after the process of turning on the LED 80, when the release switch 81 is turned ON, the electromagnetic solenoid 79 is driven to release the locked state of the lock mechanism L, and the LED 80 is turned on. The light is turned off (# 16 to # 18 steps). In addition, like this, LED8
The process of checking the history when 0 has not yet been lit
This process is necessary to switch the LED 80 from the unlit state to the lit state when the processing liquid in the cartridge C is sucked by the filling routine described later.

In this lock control process, the arm 33
In the non-closed position, when the processing liquid in the cartridge C is not sucked (when the processing liquid remains), or when the release switch 81 is not turned on, the processing shifts to the next processing. It has become.

In other words, in this process, the presence or absence of the processing liquid in the cartridge C can be determined via the LED 80 when the arm 33 is in the closed position. Since the lock of the lock mechanism L cannot be released even if the release switch 81 is turned ON, the inconvenience of erroneously replacing the cartridge C in which the processing liquid remains can be avoided.

The filling / replenishing process (# 20 step) can be represented as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in this process, the remaining amounts of the processing liquids in the four stock tanks ST are checked based on the signals from the four remaining amount sensors SE corresponding to the processing liquids (step # 21), and all of them are detected by the remaining amount sensors SE. When it is detected that the processing liquid has been consumed (nothing at all) (# 2
2) and a filling routine (# 100 step) is executed. If it is detected that the processing solution for color development has been consumed (step # 23), a forced replenishment routine (step # 200) is executed, and any of the processing solutions other than the processing solution for color development is executed. When it is detected that all the processing liquids have been consumed (step 24), a priority replenishment routine (step # 300) is executed, and when no processing liquid has been consumed, the normal replenishment routine (# 40).
0 step).

The above-mentioned filling routine (# 100 step)
Forced replenishment routine (# 200 step), priority replenishment routine (# 300 step), normal replenishment routine (# 40)
0 step) is set in the form of a subroutine. The details of these processes will be described later. However, the filling routine (# 100 step) is executed when all the stock tanks ST are empty. The processing liquid is automatically filled into the stock tank ST. The forced replenishment routine (# 200 step) is performed when the stock tank ST of the processing liquid for color development becomes empty (another state). This is a process in which all of the processing liquid remaining in the stock tank ST is forcibly replenished to the processing tank T to empty the stock tank ST. The priority replenishment routine (# 300 step) is a processing solution stock tank ST for color development.
Even if the stock tank ST other than the empty state reaches the empty state, the processing liquid other than the processing liquid of the empty stock tank ST is
This is a process of replenishing the processing tank T based on request information from the processing tank T side. The normal replenishment routine (# 400 step) performs these processings in a state where the processing liquid remains in each of the four stock tanks ST. In this process, the liquid is replenished to the processing tank T based on request information from the processing tank T.

In the filling routine (# 100 step), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the arm 33 is in the closed position based on the signal from the close sensor 82. , LED80
Is in the lighting state, a message requesting the setting of the cartridge C is displayed on the display 3 of the operating unit A (steps # 101 to # 103). If the LED 80 is not lit (lights out state), The four air pumps AP are simultaneously driven to start the control for sending the processing solutions in the four packages 41 of the cartridge C to the stock tack ST, and the timers (configured by software) are operated (# 104, #). 105 steps).

Next, during the operation of filling the processing liquid from the package 41 into the stock tank ST, none of the four upper limit sensors SL detects the liquid level, and after the set time is set, the four upper limit sensors SL do not detect the liquid level. When all the remaining amount sensors SE detect the liquid level, and in this detection state, when a preset filling time elapses from the start of filling and the time is up, all four air pumps AP are stopped and the cartridge is stopped. The fact that the processing liquid of C has been sucked is stored as a history (# 106 to # 1).
11 steps). As described above, when the processing liquid is filled from the cartridge C into the stock tank, reaching the state in which any one of the four upper limit sensors SL detects the liquid level is caused by the failure of the remaining amount sensor SE and the refill pump. Since this is a severe failure such as simultaneous occurrence of an SP failure, when this situation occurs, error information including information specifying the filling system in which the error has occurred is displayed on the display 3 of the operating unit A. If the liquid level is not detected by any one of the four remaining amount sensors SE within the set time after the filling is stopped and the operation for filling the processing liquid from the package 41 into the stock tank ST is started similarly, The error information including information for identifying the charging system in which the error has occurred is a severe fault, such as the processing liquid being not filled or the remaining amount sensor SE having a fault. The OPERATE section A
Is displayed on the display 3 and the filling is stopped (# 11
2, # 113 steps).

The above-mentioned set time is set to a time sufficient for detecting the liquid level with the remaining amount sensor SE from the start of the filling of the processing liquid, and the filling time for the time-up is set to the package 4.
1 is set to a time sufficient to fill the entire amount of the processing liquid in the stock tank ST.

That is, in this processing, the entire amount of the processing liquid in the package 41 of the cartridge C is automatically filled in the stock tank ST. The configuration is such that the presence or absence of a failure in the pump AP, the remaining amount sensor SE, or the like can be determined and reported.

In the forced replenishment routine (step # 200), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, when the replenishment pump SP corresponding to the stock tank ST in which the processing liquid remains is driven based on the signal from the remaining amount sensor SE. At the same time, the sub tank Ta of the processing tank T corresponding to this processing liquid
The replenishing pump SP for supplying water for dilution is driven to start replenishment of the processing solution remaining in the stock tank ST (step # 201). After the driving of the replenishing pump SP is started in this way, A process of integrating the discharge amounts of the respective replenishing pumps SP from the drive amount of the electric motor 64 is performed, and in a state where the integrated value does not reach an abnormal value, the detection result of the remaining amount sensor SE of the corresponding stock tank ST. When the empty pump is reached, the process of stopping the replenishment pump SP is performed (steps # 202-205).

When the integrated value of the processing liquid discharged from the replenishing pump SP reaches an abnormal value set in advance after the replenishment by the replenishing pump SP is started, the charging system in which the error has occurred is reset. The error information including the information to be specified is displayed on the display 3 of the operation unit A, and the filling is stopped (# 206, # 207 steps).

In other words, in this processing, when the processing solution for color development is consumed, the other processing solution is supplied to the processing tank T.
By performing the process of forcibly replenishing the processing tank T, all the stock tanks ST are emptied, and the disadvantage that the processing solution for color development is not supplied to the processing tank T can be avoided. The processing liquid can be filled from the cartridge C. In particular, since the amount of the color developing solution is slightly reduced as compared with other processing solutions as described above, it is appropriate to consume the color developing solution at the earliest. Although the state is in a state, when the other processing liquid is forcibly replenished, if the ejection amount due to the replenishment is large, there is some abnormality, and the error information is recognized by the operator. .

In the priority replenishment routine (step # 300), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, the replenishment pump SP is driven based on the information requesting the replenishment of the processing liquid (from the processing tank side) from the print controller BC. If there is a predetermined amount of a color developing processing solution and a processing solution remaining in addition to this processing solution, the processing solution is replenished, and at the same time as the replenishment, the predetermined amount is set. (Steps # 301 and 302). After the driving of the refill pump SP is started in this manner, the driving amount of the replenishing pump SP is calculated based on the driving amount of the electric motor 64 based on the driving amount of the electric motor 64.
The integrated amount of the processing liquid sent from the replenishing pump SP for each replenishing operation is measured, and when the integrated value does not reach an abnormal value, the integrated amount is calculated when all the stock tanks ST are empty. The value is cleared (#
303-306 steps).

When the information for requesting the replenishment of the processing liquid is inputted, the processing liquid is replenished by the replenishing pump SP, and at this time, the integrated value of the discharge amount of each replenishing pump SP is an abnormal value. Is reached, error information including information specifying the filling system in which the error has occurred is displayed on the display 3 of the operating unit A, and the replenishment is stopped (step # 307).

In other words, in this process, if one of the other processing solutions is consumed in a state where the processing solution for color development remains, the consumption of the processing solution is determined based on the information requesting the replenishment of the processing solution. The processing liquid containing the processing liquid for color development is replenished without replenishing the exhausted processing liquid. If the processing solution for color development is consumed earlier than the other processing solutions, the process of the above-described forced replenishment routine (step # 200) is shifted to the next.

In the normal replenishment routine (step # 400), as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 22, the replenishment pumps SP are driven and all replenishment pumps SP are driven based on information requesting replenishment of the processing liquid from the print control device BC. To perform replenishment of the set amount of the processing liquid and replenishment of a predetermined amount of water simultaneously with the replenishment (#
401, 402 steps).

That is, this processing is an appropriate processing form when the processing liquid remains in all the stock tanks ST. This processing is continued until the processing liquid in any one of the stock tanks ST is completely consumed. Done.

As described above, in the present invention, since the total amount of the four types of processing solutions in the cartridge C is simultaneously filled in the stock tank ST, it is not only time-consuming as compared with the case where the processing solutions are filled one by one, After the filling, the cartridge C can be newly set in the setting section. When the processing tank T is replenished with the processing liquid based on a request from the processing tank T, the stock tank is used. The four treatment liquids stored in ST will be used,
Moreover, when the processing liquid in the stock tank ST is exhausted and becomes empty, the processing liquid in the package 41 of the cartridge C is automatically filled in the stock tank ST. This eliminates the need to perform an operation such as promptly replacing the replenishing container when the liquid has been consumed. In particular, in the present invention, the processing solutions in the four stock tanks ST are almost completely consumed, and
Since the stock tank ST is almost empty at the same time, the process of filling the processing liquid in the package 41 of the cartridge C into the stock tank ST is facilitated, and the filling is performed in this manner. Later, since all of the processing liquid in the package 41 is transferred to the stock tank ST, no chemical remains in the package 41, and the cartridge C can be easily disposed of.

In the present invention, of the processing solutions sealed in the four packages 41, the processing solution for color development is made slightly smaller than the other processing solutions, or the processing solution is replenished from the stock tank ST to the processing tank T. When the processing solution for color development extracted by the replenishing pump SP is slightly larger than the other processing solutions, the processing solution for color development among the four stock tanks ST becomes the empty state first. By setting so as to reach the maximum value, the process of properly replenishing the processing solution for color development into the processing tank T can be performed with the highest priority, thereby enabling a good developing process. Also, the stock tank ST for storing the processing solution for color development is configured to reach the empty state as soon as possible, but there is an error in the amount of the processing solution sealed in the package 41 and the replenishing pump S
It is conceivable that the stock tank ST other than for color development reaches the empty state first due to an error in the ejection amount of P. In such a case, it is necessary to perform processing without replenishing the processing liquid. Thus, the management of the processing liquid in the processing tank T for color development can be strictly controlled.

Further, according to this configuration, the setting section for setting the cartridge C, the plurality of stock tacks ST for storing a plurality of types of processing liquid sent from the cartridge C, and the processing liquid from the stock tank ST correspond to each other. Processing tank T
And a plurality of refill pumps SP to be sent in this order,
A water tank 37 is disposed at a side position between the set portion and the stock tank ST, and a replenishing pump SP for sending out water from the water tank 37 is disposed at a position parallel to the replenishing pump SP for the processing liquid. The replenishing device SG as a whole is compact, and the processing liquid is sent from the cartridge C to the stock tank ST at a short linear distance,
The processing liquid in the stock tank ST and the water from the water tank can be replenished to the corresponding processing tank T via the adjacent replenishing pump SP.

Further, according to the present configuration, when the processing liquid of the package 41 is filled in the stock tank ST, a structure is employed in which the inside of the pump is not passed by using a negative pressure by utilizing a negative pressure. In order to avoid inconveniences such as crystallization of the liquid component, deteriorating the performance of the pump and damaging the pump, the processing liquid is forcibly discharged from the stock tank ST when an error occurs. In this case, since the processing liquid can be discharged from the front end side of the processing liquid replenishing device S, the discharging operation is easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo processor provided with a processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the photo processor shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a supply path from a processing liquid replenishing device to a processing tank.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a processing liquid replenishing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of a processing solution in a processing solution replenishing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a suction tube.

FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the ratchet mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view showing a state in which the arm is in an open posture.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a lock mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a regulating mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the timing of inserting a suction tube into a package.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the timing of inserting a suction tube into a package.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the control unit when the power of the photo processor is turned on.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of lock processing;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of filling / replenishing processing.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a filling routine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a forced replenishment routine;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a priority replenishment routine;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a normal replenishment routine;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 photosensitive material 33 arm 34 suction tube 34a, 34b suction tube group 35 filling tube 37 water tank 41 package (enclosed space) C cartridge S processing solution replenishing device T processing tank AP air pump (filling pump) CU control means SE remaining amount sensor ST Reservoir AP Refill pump SP Refill pump

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H098 AA02 BA15 BA16 DA06 DA10 EA03 2H112 AA11 AA14 BB18 EA12 EA13

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A processing liquid replenishing apparatus comprising a replenishing means for feeding a processing liquid taken out of a cartridge to a processing tank for processing a photosensitive material, wherein the cartridge is formed by using a flexible material to form a sealed space. A plurality of suction pipes are pierced into the enclosed space along with the movement of one arm toward the cartridge so that the processing liquid is taken out of the enclosed space via the suction pipe. A processing liquid replenishing apparatus, wherein at least two groups of the plurality of suction pipes are inserted into the enclosing space at different times during the movement of the arm toward the cartridge. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to form a plurality of enclosed spaces for storing the plurality of types of processing liquids in a separated state, and the plurality of suction tubes are inserted into the corresponding enclosed spaces. It is provided with a plurality of storage portions capable of storing a plurality of types of processing liquids taken out from the plurality of enclosed spaces through the plurality of suction pipes in a separated state, and each of the storage portions is stored in a cartridge. 2. The charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a filling unit that sets the total amount of the plurality of types of processing liquids to a volume that can be stored in a separated state, and sends the total amount of the processing liquid stored in the cartridge to a corresponding storage unit. Processing solution replenisher. 3. A relative distance between each piercing end of at least two groups of the plurality of suction pipes and a punctured part of the sealed space into which the suction pipe is pierced is set to be different from each other; 3. The processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes are set so as to be inserted into the enclosed space at different times. 4. 4. At least two groups of said plurality of suction tubes are set so that projecting lengths from said arms toward said cartridge are different from each other, and said at least two groups of said plurality of suction tubes are inserted into said enclosed space. 4. The processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the piercing times are set to be different from each other. 5. The cartridge, wherein a plurality of sealed spaces for storing the plurality of types of processing liquids in a separated state are formed, and the plurality of suction pipes are inserted into the corresponding respective sealed spaces. The heights of the punctured portions into which the suction tubes are pierced in at least two groups of the plurality of enclosure spaces are set to be different from each other, and the heights of at least two groups of the plurality of suction tubes are set to the enclosure spaces. 4. The processing solution replenishing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the piercing times of the processing liquids are set to be different from each other.