JP2002311555A - Processing liquid replenishing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a processing liquid replenishing system which enables an operator to exchange a replenishing container with a degree of freedom in time and informs the operator of a request for exchanging the replenishing container to urge the exchange of the replenishing container at the timing to exchange the replenishing container. SOLUTION: This processing liquid replenishing system has the replenishing container (50) which is capable of changing the capacity to house the processing liquid replenished in the processing tank where photosensitive materials are subjected to development processing, a replenishing flow passage (60) for connecting the replenishing container and the processing tank and a replenishing pump (61) disposed in this replenishing flow passage. A hermetic storage container (40) which is capable of storing the processing liquid is disposed between the replenishing container (50) and the replenishing pump (61). The system is provided with reporting means (88) for reporting the request for the exchange of the replenishing container when the timing to exchange the replenishing container (50) comes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a processing solution replenishing system for replenishing a processing bath for developing a photosensitive material with a processing solution, the system containing a processing solution and sending out the stored processing solution. The present invention relates to an apparatus provided with a replenishing container having a reduced capacity, a replenishing flow path connecting the replenishing container and the processing tank, and a replenishing pump provided in the replenishing flow path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a processing liquid replenishing system as described above, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-2955, a replenishing container is constituted by a bag-like container made of a flexible sheet material, and a processing tank is formed by a replenishing pump. The volume of this bag-shaped container is reduced by the amount of the processing solution sent out through the replenishment flow channel, and the catheter portion provided at the tip of the replenishment flow channel is pierced into the bag-shaped container, thereby forming the bag-shaped container and the replenishment flow channel. Are connected in a state sealed from the outside air. Further, the running out of liquid in the bag-shaped container is detected by the state of the processing liquid and the air in the air reservoir device interposed in the replenishment flow path. When the detection of the liquid shortage is notified, the operator can replace the bag-like container with a new bag-like container and pierce the catheter portion again, so that the next replenishment is possible.

[0003]

That is, in the conventional processing solution replenishment system, it is necessary that the time when the replenishment container becomes empty and the time when the replenishment container is replaced have temporal continuity. Otherwise, the replenishment container must be replaced with a new one while the processing solution remains, or the replenishment container remains empty, that is, even if a replenishment request is issued, replenishment cannot be performed unless the replenishment request is replaced. Therefore, the developing process is continued. The former is economically and environmentally unfavorable, and the latter must be avoided as far as possible in terms of development quality. As a result, the operator always needs to be aware of the notification of the liquid shortage. In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the necessity of having a temporal continuity between the time when the replenishment container becomes empty and the time when the replenishment container is replaced, and perform the replacement of the replenishment container with a degree of freedom in time. While being able to
It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing solution replenishment system that issues a replenishment container replacement request message that prompts an operator to replace a replenishment container at a timing at which the replenishment container should be replaced.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a processing tank for developing a photosensitive material is stored with a processing liquid to be replenished, and the volume of the processing liquid is reduced by the amount of the stored processing liquid sent out. In a processing liquid replenishment system according to the present invention, a type including a container, a replenishment flow path connecting the replenishment container and the processing tank, and a replenishment pump provided in the replenishment flow path, A storage container is interposed in the replenishment flow path between the replenishment pump and an air pump that suctions and transfers the entire processing liquid in the replenishment container to the storage container by setting the pressure in the storage container to a negative pressure is provided. And a notifying means for notifying a refill container replacement request.

In this configuration, the processing liquid stored in the replenishing container is suctioned and transferred from the replenishing container to the storing container by making the pressure in the storing container negative by using an air pump. When all of the processing liquid stored in the storage container moves to the storage container, the empty refill container can be replaced with a new refill container at any time. That is, the replacement of the replenishment container may be performed during a relatively long time interval from the time when all of the processing liquid stored in the replenishment container is transferred to the storage container to the time when the liquid space of the storage container becomes empty. It will be good. Then, when the replacement of the replenishing container becomes possible, the notifying means prompts the operator to replace the replenishing container, for example, gives a notification such as lamp lighting, speaker sound, display display, and the like. Therefore, unlike the conventional system, the time when the replenishment container becomes empty and the time when the replenishment container is replaced need not be the same, and the notification for prompting the replacement of the replenishment container as long as the replenishment container replacement timing occurs. Is performed, the operator can replace the replenishment container with a degree of freedom in time and with little possibility of accidentally overlooking the replacement time.

[0006] Replacement of the replenishing container is possible and necessary when the replenishing container is not installed in the processing solution replenishing system or when the replenishing container is empty even if it is installed. In the present invention, the replenishment container replacement request notification is performed when an empty replenishment container is connected to the replenishment channel or when the replenishment container is not connected to the replenishment channel.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the amount of the processing liquid stored in the storage container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a notification of a refill container replacement request is issued even after a new refill container is connected to the refill channel. When the amount of the processing liquid stored in the storage container exceeds a predetermined amount, the notification of the refill container replacement request is stopped after a new refill container is connected to the refill channel. When the replenishment container is replaced while the amount of the processing solution stocked in the storage container is less than the predetermined amount, suction transfer from the replenishment container to the storage container is performed immediately, so the next replacement of the replenishment container is required. Is started, notification of a refill container replacement request by the notification means is performed. However, when the replenishment container is replaced while the amount of the processing liquid stocked in the storage container exceeds the predetermined amount, suction transfer from the replenishment container to the storage container is performed until the processing liquid amount of the storage container becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount. Since there is no need to perform this, in this case, the notification of the refill container replacement request by the notification means is stopped. As a result, in a processing solution replenishment system of a type in which a storage container for temporarily storing the processing solution is provided between the replenishing container and the processing tank, the replenishing container replacement request can be reliably made only during the optimal time when the replacement of the replenishing container is performed. Notification will be performed.

In the above-described processing solution replenishment system, the amount of the stored processing solution becomes less than a predetermined amount when the replenishing container loaded in the system is empty, that is, while the replenishing container replacement request is notified. In this case, the possibility that the replenishment pump cannot replenish the processing solution from the storage container to the processing tank becomes tight, so the storage processing solution is not more than the predetermined amount during the continuation of the replenishment container replacement request notification. It is preferable that the notifying unit performs a warning notification when the event is detected.

Since the replenishing container during which the processing liquid is being sucked from the replenishing container to the storage container must not be replaced, the replenishing container must be replaced during the transfer of the processing liquid from the replenishing container to the storage container. The configuration in which the request notification is stopped avoids trouble caused by the carelessness of the operator.

In order to simplify the structure for detecting replacement of the refill container, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the refill container is pierced by the insertion of the catheter connected to the tip of the refill channel into the refill container. The replacement of the replenishing container is detected by detecting the stab oscillation by utilizing a structure in which the replenishing passage and the replenishing channel are airtightly connected. The replacement of the replenishing container is detected by swinging the catheter portion from the insertion position to the opening position and then to the insertion position again. Since the swinging of the catheter section can be detected only by a simple switch configuration, this replacement container replacement detecting circuit can be realized at low cost. Other features and advantages according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an operation station 10 for acquiring image information, processing the acquired image information and processing an operation input by an operator, and a silver halide photographic paper (hereinafter referred to as photographic paper) 2. 1 shows the appearance of a photo processor including a print station 20 for performing an exposure process and a development process. This photo processor is called a digital minilab, and the operation station 10 is placed on an operation desk.
It comprises a scanner 11 for converting a frame image of the photographic film 1 into a digital signal, a display 12 for displaying various information, a keyboard 13 for inputting various information, a mouse 14, and a computer 6 placed under the operation desk. ing. The computer 6 processes image data scanned by the scanner 2 and prints data from the print station 2.
The controller plays a role as a controller of the processor, such as control and management of various printing processes at 0.

The print station 20 has two photographic paper magazines 22 mounted on an upper part of a housing 21 thereof.
The rolled photographic paper 2 stored in the housing 21 is supplied to the inside of the housing 21, cut into a print size, and then conveyed to the exposure unit 20A for exposure. The exposed photographic paper 2 is sent to the development processing unit 20B. After performing a development process, the drying unit 20C
After the drying process is performed, the sheet is sent to the upper surface of the housing 21 and sent to the sorter 24 from the horizontal feed conveyor 23 to be sorted and accumulated in order units.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure section 20A includes a cutter 25 for cutting the printing paper 2 from the printing paper magazine 22 into a print size, and a number of pressure rollers for transporting the cut printing paper 2. Is provided, and an exposure head 27 that exposes the photographic paper 2 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 26 based on image information is disposed in the middle of the conveyance mechanism 26. The exposure head 27 is used for the photographic paper 2 transported at the set transport speed.
R (red), G (green), B (blue) along the width direction (main scanning direction) of the printing paper 2 at a timing synchronized with the transport speed.
Is configured to perform linear exposure with light rays of the three primary colors,
As the exposure head 27, a laser beam system, a fluorescent beam system, a liquid crystal shutter system, a DMD system, or a FOCR system
The most suitable method from the T method or the like is adopted according to the exposure specification.

The developing section 20B is provided with a processing tank unit 30 provided with a plurality of processing tanks 31 for separately storing a developing solution adapted to a developing process. These processing tanks 31 include one processing tank 31a for performing color development processing, one processing tank 31b for performing bleach-fixing processing, and four processing tanks 31c for performing stabilization processing (or chemical rinsing processing). In the case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish and describe, it is simply referred to as the processing tank 31 in common. A transport unit 28 having a number of pressure rollers for transporting the photographic paper 2 to the processing tank 31 is provided. The drying unit 20C is provided with a transport mechanism 29 having a blower (not shown) for sending hot air and a number of pressure rollers for transporting the printing paper 2.

The above configuration is basically the same as the conventional photo processor. The photo processor of the present invention is characterized by a processing solution replenishment system 4 for replenishing the processing tank 31 of the print station 20 with the processing solution. It has become something.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the processing tanks 31 of the processing tank unit 30 is provided with a sub-tank Ta at a side portion thereof, and the processing tank 31 and the sub-tank 32 communicate with each other at an upper position so that the processing liquid can flow. In addition, a circulation line 33 is provided between the bottom of the processing tank 31 and the bottom of the sub-tank 32. With this configuration, the processing liquid flows through the sub-tank 32, the processing tank 31, and the circulation line 33. It is circulating. For this reason, a circulation pump 34 and a filter 35 are provided in the circulation pipeline 33.

Further, a discharge pipe 37a for discharging the processing liquid in the processing tank 31 through a discharge pump 36 is provided in the processing tank 31.
And an outlet pipe 37b for discharging the processing solution overflowing from the processing tank 31. A flow sensor 27 is interposed in the discharge pipe 37, and a waste liquid tank 38 is provided at the discharge end of the discharge pipe 37 to collect the discharged processing liquid. The processing tank 31 is provided with a liquid level sensor 29 for detecting the liquid level of the processing liquid in order to manage the liquid level of the processing liquid.

With respect to the replenishment of the processing liquid into the processing tank 31, each time the area of the developed photographic paper 2 reaches a preset value, each sub tank 32 of the processing tank unit 30 is
The basic replenishment control is constructed such that the concentrated processing solution is replenished from the processing solution replenishment system 4 and only a predetermined amount of water is replenished from the water replenishment system 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processing liquid replenishment system 4 includes a main frame 100 in which components are integrally assembled, and a door provided on a side surface of a housing 21 of a print station 20 so as to be freely opened and closed. 2
The processing liquid replenishment system 4 is disposed on the slider table 4a so that the entire processing liquid replenishment system 4 can be pulled out to the side by opening the door 21a inside 1a.

As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the processing liquid replenishment system 4 stores the processing liquid for each processing liquid and reduces the volume by the amount of the stored processing liquid sent out. A package 50 made of a polymer compound as a replenishing container, a replenishing flow channel 60 connecting the package 50 and the processing tank 31 (more precisely, the sub-tank 32), and a replenishing pump 61 interposed in the replenishing flow channel 60; A replenishment line composed of the storage container 40 interposed in the replenishment flow channel 60 between the package 50 and the replenishment pump 61 is constructed. Each storage container 40 can temporarily store the entire amount of the processing liquid stored in the corresponding package 50. Since each replenishment line has substantially the same configuration, description will be made here assuming that one replenishment line represents all the replenishment lines for the sake of simplicity.

The replenishment flow channel 60 connects the storage container 40 to the processing tank 3.
1 and a second flow path 60B that hermetically connects the package 50 to the storage container 40. At the tip of the second flow path 60B, a catheter portion 64 is provided for airtight connection with the package 50 by piercing the package 50. A strainer 63 is provided in a region where the first flow path 60A is connected to the storage container 40.

Since the entire amount of the processing liquid contained in the package 50 is once transferred to the storage container 40 inside the storage container 40, the liquid space 40a filled with the processing liquid and the gas formed above the liquid space 40a are formed. It can be divided into spaces 40b. The first flow channel 60A of the replenishment flow channel 60 is the storage container 4
0, so that it is always in communication with the liquid space 40a, and the second flow path 60B of the replenishment flow path 60
Is connected to the ceiling of the storage container 40, and thus is always in communication with the gas space 40b.

Further, an air pump 90 is provided on the ceiling of the storage container 40. This air pump 90
When the air pump 90 is driven, the pressure state of the gas space 40b becomes negative pressure because the suction side flow path 90a is open to the gas space 40b of the storage container 40 and the exhaust side flow path 90b is open to the atmosphere. It becomes. During the operation, when the processing liquid in the storage container 40 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined level, when the air pump 90 is driven in a state where the catheter portion 64 is pierced into the new package 50, the gas space 40b becomes negative pressure, and Second channel 60B of road 60
The processing liquid in the package 50 is completely stored through the storage container 40
Flows into.

The supply of the processing liquid from the storage container 40 to the processing tank 31 is performed by driving a replenishing pump 61. Since the gas space 40b is under negative pressure when the processing liquid is sucked and transferred from the package 50 to the storage container 40, if the gas space 40b is a completely airtight space, the replenishment pump 61
Although the processing liquid cannot be sent to the processing tank 31 by the
Inflow of air when removed from
Air leaks in the air circulation line of the air conditioner, or air leaks in places where various sensors attached to the storage container 40 are attached, so that the processing by the refill pump 61 can be performed without applying a large load to the refill pump 61. Liquid feeding is realized. Of course, when the airtightness of the gas space 40b is high, an on-off valve is provided on the ceiling of the storage container 40, and the gas space 40b that has been made negative pressure is forcibly returned to the atmospheric pressure by opening the on-off valve. May be adopted.

The water replenishment system 5 includes a large water tank 5
a, a replenishment flow path 5c for connecting the water supply tank 5a and the processing tank 31 (more precisely, the sub tank 32), and water is supplied to the processing tank 31 from the water supply tank 5a while being interposed in the replenishment flow path 5c. And a replenishing pump 5b. Since the processing liquid replenished by the processing liquid replenishment system 4 is a concentrated type, the water replenishment by the water replenishment system 5 is performed in synchronization with the replenishment of the processing liquid in order to dilute the processing liquid with an appropriate concentration.

As the electric motor of the replenishing pumps 61 and 5b, a motor capable of controlling the rotation amount based on a drive signal, such as a synchronous motor or a stepping motor, is used. When putting out,
By setting the drive amount of the electric motor, a required amount of processing liquid or water can be sent out.

In this processing solution replenishment system 4, four types of packages 5 each containing a different concentrated processing solution.
0 is used. That is, the first package 50a containing a processing solution for color development, the second package 50b containing a processing solution for stabilization, the third package 50c containing a processing solution for bleaching, and a processing solution for fixing are filled. Although the fourth package 50d is used, here, the package 50 is used as a generic term when these types are not particularly required to be distinguished.

As is apparent from FIG. 4, the first to fourth packages 50a to 50d are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction and are housed in a cardboard box 51 to form a package unit. This package unit, that is, box 5
1 is placed in a resin tray 52 and placed on a replenishing container plate 101 as shown in FIG. This refill container dish 1
Reference numeral 01 is attached to the main body frame 100 so as to be located in the leading end side region of the slider table 4a in the pull-out direction. A hole 51a is formed on the lower surface of the box body 51, into which an engaging projection 52a formed on the bottom surface of the tray 52 is engaged.
It is devised so that insertion into the tray 52 in an incorrect posture can be prevented. An opening 51b is formed on the upper surface of the box body 51 to allow the passage of each catheter section 64 when the catheter section 64 connected to the replenishment flow channel 60 of each processing solution is stabbed into the corresponding package 50. I have. still,
First to fourth packages 50a to 50 used here
In the case of Od, each package can be constituted by a single package 50 in which an enclosed space is divided and formed by heat welding.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the processing solution replenishing system 4 includes a package 5 stored in a tray 52.
In order to perform the insertion operation of the catheter portion 64 with respect to the axis 0, an arm mechanism 70 having an arm 72 that can be freely rocked in an open position “open” and a closed position “closed” around a rocking axis 71 is provided. A catheter section 64 is attached to a distal end region of the arm 71. When the arm 72 swings to the open position “open”, the catheter portion 64 moves away from above the package 50 and the tray 5
2. As a result, the package 50 can be taken out. When the arm 72 swings to the closed posture “closed”, the first to fourth packages 50 a to 50 d pierce the tips of the four catheter portions 64, and the airtight connection between the refill channel 60 and the package 50 is completed.

The arm 72 is located at the base end of the arm 72.
After starting the operation in the closing direction from the open position “open”, the operation in the opening position is prevented until the closing position “closed” is reached, and the operation in the opening direction from the closed position “closed” After the start, a ratchet mechanism 73 is provided to prevent the operation in the direction of the closed posture until the opening “open” is reached. Further, a lock mechanism 80 for holding the arm 72 in the closed position is provided at the tip of the arm 72.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock mechanism 80 includes a hook-shaped hook 8 which engages with a notched engaged portion 102 provided at the front end of the main body frame 100.
An engaging member 81 having 1a is slidably supported in the longitudinal direction of the arm 72, and the engaging member 81 is urged by a coil spring 82 in the engaging direction. Also, this engaging member 8
A support member 84 having a concave portion 84a into which the operation shaft 83 provided in 1 is formed is swingably supported around a guide shaft 85,
A helical spring 86 is provided for urging the restricting member 84 toward the side where the restricting member 84 is engaged with the operating shaft 83, and an electromagnetic solenoid 87 for operating the swinging end of the restricting member 84 in a direction to separate from the operating shaft 83 is provided. ing.

As can be clearly understood from FIG.
A concave portion 72a is formed at the swinging end of the operating shaft 83 such that the operation shaft 83 is exposed in the region of the concave portion 72a. The engagement of the engagement member 81 with the engaged portion 102 can be released by pulling the arm 83 toward the distal end of the arm 72. Further, the arm 72 at a position adjacent to the regulating member 84 is released so that the locked state of the lock mechanism 80 can be released when the electromagnetic solenoid 87 fails or when power cannot be supplied.
An opening 72b is formed in the opening 72b, and by inserting a rod-shaped member such as a pencil through the opening 72b, the regulating member 84 is forcibly swung to release the regulation.
A release switch 89 having a built-in LED (light emitting diode) 88 functioning as a lamp as a notifying unit for notifying the replacement of the replenishing container is provided on the end face on the distal end side of the arm 72. That is, the lighting of the LED 88 prompts the operator to replace the package 50. This LED
The lighting control of the solenoid 88 and the drive control of the electromagnetic solenoid 87 are linked with each other, and the driving of the electromagnetic solenoid 87 triggered by the release switch 89 only while the LED 88 is lit or blinking, that is, the arm swing regulation by the regulating member 84 Can be released.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a shaft 74 in a lateral posture is
A swinging piece 75 is provided so as to swing freely around the swinging piece.
A restricting pin 76 is provided at one end of 5, and a pressing portion 77 is formed at the other end, and a spring 78 urges the rocking piece 75 toward the restricting posture. When the tray 52 is pulled out in a state where the arm 72 is swung to the open position by the action of the restricting piece 75 configured as described above, the spring 78
The restricting piece 75 swings around the shaft 74 by the urging force of the arm 72 to reach the restricting posture, and the restricting pin 76 reaches a state of engaging with the engaging concave portion 72c provided at the rear end of the arm 72.
Operation in the closing direction. When the tray 52 is properly placed at the set position with the arm 72 open, the rear end projection 52b of the tray 52 is
As a result of switching the swinging piece 75 from the restricting posture to the restriction releasing posture, the restricting pin 76 is detached from the engaging concave portion 72c at the rear end of the arm 72 and the arm 7 is moved.
2 allows the operation in the closing posture direction. Further, between the arm 72 and the main body frame 100, a proximity-type arm close detection sensor 79 for detecting that the arm 72 is in the closed posture is arranged. The arm closing detection sensor 79 detects the swinging of the catheter section 64 attached to the arm 72 into the package 50.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, which schematically shows a replenishment line for each processing solution, the processing solution for color development sealed in the first package 50a passes through the second channel 60B from the catheter section 64. After being transferred to the storage container 40 via the first flow path 60A, the replenishment pump 61 replenishes the sub tank 32 of the processing tank 31a for performing color development processing.
Similarly, the processing solution for stabilization is sent to the sub-tank 32 of the processing tank 31c for performing the stabilization process, and the processing solution for bleaching,
The processing solution for fixing is one processing tank 31 for performing bleach-fixing processing.
b is sent to the sub-tank 32,
2 mixed. Further, a processing tank 31a for performing color development processing and one processing tank 31 for performing bleach-fixing processing are supplied from the water tank 5a through the flow path 5c by the replenishing pump 5b.
b, a processing tank 31c for performing stabilization processing, and each sub-tank 32
Is refilled with water.

As shown in FIG. 5, a float type residual quantity sensor 41 for detecting that the residual quantity of the processing liquid has dropped to near the bottom is provided at the bottom of the storage container 40 for each processing liquid. A float type limit sensor 42 for detecting that the processing liquid has increased above a set amount is provided above the storage container 40.
Is provided. The remaining amount sensor 41 and the limit sensor 42 include a float that moves up and down along the surface of the processing liquid due to buoyancy, and the remaining amount sensor 41 detects the magnet provided on the float so as to detect that the float has dropped to near the lower limit. It is provided with a reed switch that is sensitive to magnetism and a non-contact type sensing device that combines a light emitting element and a light receiving element to determine the position of the float based on the reflected light from the float. The upper limit sensor 42 is the remaining amount sensor 4
The liquid level reached a level higher than the liquid level when the entire amount of the processing liquid in the package 50 was transferred to the storage container 40 with reference to the state where the liquid level was detected to be the lowest level in 1 At this time, the detection level is set to detect this state, and the limit sensor 42 is also
Similar to the above, there is a reed switch sensitive to the magnetism of the magnet provided on the float, and a non-contact type sensing device that combines a light emitting element and a light receiving element so as to determine the position of the float with reflected light from the float. .

At the bottom of the storage container 40, an outlet 43 for taking out the processing liquid from a position lower than the detection level of the remaining amount sensor 41.
Are formed in the outlet 43 and the first flow path 6
0A is connected. A discharge port 44 for discharging the processing liquid is formed at the bottom of the storage container 40.

In the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 4 configured as described above, the arm 72 is closed and the posture is “closed” with the tray 52 containing the box body 51 containing the new package 50 placed on the replenishing container plate 101. When swinging in the direction of
The ratchet mechanism 73 prevents the arm 72 from swinging in the opening direction and allows the arm 72 to swing in the closing posture “closed”. The swinging operation in one direction causes the arm 72 to be brought into the closing posture “closed”. If reached, the four catheter sections 6
4 are inserted into the corresponding packages 50, and at the same time, the locking mechanism 80 keeps the arm 72 closed. As described above, when the arm 72 has reached the closed posture “closed”, the distal end of the arm 72 reaches a position covering the distal end region of the tray 52 and prevents the tray 52 from being pulled out. or,
When the four remaining amount sensors 41 detect that the processing liquid in the storage container 40 is empty when the closed posture “closed” is reached, the four air pumps 90 are driven. All the processing liquid enclosed in the package 50 is transferred to each storage container 40. However, arm 72
Is operated in the closed position “closed”, the processing liquid is transferred to the storage container 40 when it is determined based on a signal from the remaining sensor 41 that the processing liquid remains in the storage container 40 by a predetermined amount or more. Absent.

As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 15 which also controls the processing solution replenishment system 4 as one of many control functions stores a microprocessor, an input / output interface, and a program for executing control. And a RAM for storing work data. The controller 15 receives signals from an arm close detection sensor 79, a release switch 89, and four remaining amount sensors 41 and a limit sensor 42 for processing liquid. , An input system for processing liquid replenishment control, an electromagnetic solenoid 87, an LED 88 as a notification means, and four air pumps 90 and replenishing pumps 6 provided in four processing liquid replenishment lines.
A drive control output system is provided for one and three refill pumps 5b for water. Of course, this controller 1
Reference numeral 5 also has a function of controlling various processes performed by the operation station 10 and a function of controlling various processes performed by the print station 20.

FIG. 11 shows a main routine of an operation process performed in the processing liquid replenishment system 4 focusing on the notification of the above-mentioned package 50 replacement request. When the main routine starts, that is, when the processing liquid replenishment system 4 operates, first, initial settings are performed (# 10). In the initial setting, each control flag is set. As typical settings, “0” is set to a pack loading flag indicating that the package 50 is placed on the replenishing container plate 101, Is set to "0" in an empty confirmation flag indicating that the package 50 placed in the empty space is confirmed to be empty. Further, the previous value is set from the nonvolatile memory to the spare pack request flag for requesting the replacement of the next package 50. At this time, if the set value of the spare pack request flag is “0”, the value of the pack loading flag is rewritten to “1” and the value of the storage completion flag is set to “0”. The reason for this latter setting is that the storage completion flag is a flag in which “1” is substituted when all the processing liquid has been transferred from the package 50 to the storage container 40, and the preliminary pack request flag is set in the refill container plate 101. This is because the value becomes “0” when the used package 50 is not suctioned yet and is provided as a spare.

Next, after confirming that the arm mechanism 70 has been swung to the "open" position and then swung to the "closed" position again, the tray 52 containing the package 50 in the replenishing container plate 101 is placed. Then, a package exchange routine is performed, which is regarded as being placed (# 20). As shown in FIG. 12, in this package replacement routine, the value of the open flag set by detecting that the arm 72 of the arm mechanism 70 has swung from the closed position to the open direction by the arm close detection sensor 79 is checked. Is performed (# 21). If the value of the open flag is not "1", that is, if the arm 72 has not been opened and rocked, the routine returns. When the value of the open flag is “1”, the arm close detection sensor 79 detects that the arm 72 of the arm mechanism 70 has rocked from the closed position to the open direction and then has been rocked again to the closed position. Wait until "1" is substituted (# 22). Since the closed flag is set to “1”, it is determined that the package 50 is loaded in the replenishing container plate 101, “1” is set to the pack loading completion flag, “0” is set to the empty confirmation flag, and the open flag is set. And "0" are substituted for the close flag (# 23).

Next, the value of the storage completion flag is checked (# 24). If the value is "1"(# 24 YES branch), the processing liquid sucked from the previous package 50 still remains in the storage container 40 sufficiently. , "0" is substituted for the spare pack flag (# 25), and the process returns to the main routine. Setting the spare pack flag to “0” means that the LED 88 is turned off. If the value of the storage completion flag is "0" (NO in # 24), the process immediately returns to the main routine.

The completion of the loading of the package 50 means that the arm mechanism 70 is swung to the closed position "closed" while the tray 52 containing the package 50 is placed at a predetermined position. Means that the four catheter sections 64 attached to the lower surface are air-tightly connected to the corresponding package 50, which means that preparation for transferring the processing liquid from the package 50 to the storage container 40 is completed.

When returning to the main routine, the replenishment routine shown in FIG. 13 is performed following the package exchange routine (# 30). The replenishment of the processing solution into the processing tank 31 performed in the replenishment routine is started when a replenishment request is issued. This replenishment request is generated in the controller 15 each time it is determined that the integrated area (print paper width X photographic paper transport length) of the photographic paper 2 processed in the processing tank 31 has reached the set value.

Naturally, if no replenishment request has been issued (#
(31 branch), return immediately, and return to the main routine. If a replenishment request has been issued (YES in # 31), the replenishment pump 61 for the treatment liquid and the replenishment pump 5b for water are operated (# 32). When the processing solution replenishment pump 61 and the water replenishment pump 5b deliver the processing solution or water by a preset amount (# 33), the processing solution replenishment pump 61 and the water replenishment pump 5b are stopped. (# 3
4) Return to the main routine.

Returning to the main routine, the processing liquid level in the storage container 40 is checked (# 40). The processing liquid level is checked based on the detection value of the remaining amount sensor 41. If the level of the liquid space 40a of the storage container 40 is equal to or higher than the threshold value (# 40 YES branch), the processing liquid is newly transferred to the storage container 40. There is no need to return to the package exchange routine. When the remaining amount sensor 41 detects that the level of the liquid space 40a of the storage container 40 has fallen below the threshold value (NO branch of # 40), the processing liquid must be transferred to the storage container 40. Is checked (# 42), and if the value is "0", the package 50 filled with the processing liquid is placed in the replenishing container plate 101.
Then, the process proceeds to the storage routine. If the value is “1”, it means that the package 50 filled with the processing liquid is not placed on the replenishing container plate 101. Therefore, "1" is set to the alarm flag, and then the process proceeds to the storage routine. When the alarm flag is set to “1”, the LED lamp 88 flashes as a warning notification, urging the user to load a new package 50 into the refill container plate 101 immediately.

When the routine proceeds to the storage routine shown in FIG. 14, first, "0" is set in the storage completion flag (# 5).
1) The value of the pack loading completion flag is checked (# 5)
2) If the value is “0”, the new package 50
It is determined that the package 50 has not been loaded, the storage operation is not performed, and the process returns to the main routine. If the value is “1”, it is determined whether the loaded package 50 is already empty. Is checked with an empty flag (# 53). If it is confirmed that the package 50 is empty, the process returns without performing the storage operation, and returns to the main routine. If it is not confirmed that the package 50 is empty, the empty check of the package 50 is performed (# 54). .

In this package empty check, the air pump 90 is operated for a predetermined time. Air pump 9
By the operation of 0, the gas space 40b of the storage container 40 becomes a negative pressure.
The processing liquid flows into the storage container 40 through the second flow path 60B of the replenishment flow path 60. Accordingly, the package 50 is crushed by the action of the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, after a predetermined period of time, which is a period of time sufficient for the level of the liquid space 40a to exceed the threshold value due to the flow of the processing liquid, the remaining amount sensor 4
By checking whether the level of the liquid space 40a exceeds the threshold value by 1 or not, the empty check of the package can be performed. . If within this time, that is, if the remaining amount sensor remains “OFF”, the loaded package 50 is determined to be empty (# 55 YES branch), and “0” is set in the pack loading completion flag and "1" is set in the empty confirmation flag (# 56), and the routine returns and returns to the main routine. If the loaded package 50 is not empty (NO in # 55), the process proceeds to the storing operation (# 5).
7).

In the storage operation, the air pump 90 is operated for a time sufficient for the entire amount of the processing liquid stored in the package 50 to flow into the storage container 40 (# 5).
7). When the air pump 90 stops, the processing liquid in the package 50 has been completely transferred to the tide vessel 40, and the package 50 is in a completely crushed form. The emptied package 50 can be replaced with a new package 50 at any time between this point and the time when the level of the processing solution in the lid tub flow container 40 falls below the threshold.

Therefore, when the storing operation is completed, "1" is set in the storing completion flag, and "0" is set in the pack loading completion flag in preparation for the next package exchange control (# 58). Further, by setting the alarm flag to "0", if the LED 88 blinks as an alarm notification, this is stopped, and by setting the spare request flag to "1", the LED 88 is set as the package replacement request notification.
Is lit to urge the operator to replace the package. Of course, this package replacement may be performed until the processing liquid level of the storage container 40 that is full becomes lower than the threshold value, that is, before the LED 88 blinks.

In the above-described embodiment, the LED 88 is turned on while the loaded package 50 is empty,
Further, in this state, the LED 88 was blinked when the processing liquid level of the storage container 40 was also below the threshold value,
In any case, the LED 88 may be merely turned on. An important point of the present invention is that a refill container replacement request notification that prompts the operator to replace the package when it is time to replace the package 50, here an LED
88 is turned on. As a method of notifying a refill container replacement request, besides displaying a lamp such as an LED 88,
It is also possible to employ voice notification by a speaker, message display on the monitor 12, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a photo processor employing a processing solution replenishment system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of a print station of the photo processor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing liquid replenishment system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a box housing four packages and a tray further housing the box;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a processing liquid replenishment system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing all replenishment lines of the processing liquid replenishment system.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a lock mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a processing solution replenishment system.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating an arm closing regulating action of the arm mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a relationship between a controlled element and a controller of the processing liquid replenishment system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the processing liquid replenishment system;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a package exchange routine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a replenishment routine;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a storage routine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 processing liquid replenishment system 5 water replenishment system 31 processing tank (31) 40 storage container 40a liquid space 40b gas space 50 package (replenishment container) 60 replenishment flow channel 60A first flow channel 60B second flow channel 61 replenishment pump 64 catheter part 79 Arm close detection sensor 88 LED (notification means) 89 Release switch 90 Air pump

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2H098 DA10 DA21 EA17

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A processing solution replenishing system for replenishing a processing tank for developing a photosensitive material with a processing solution, wherein the processing solution is stored and its volume is reduced by the amount of the stored processing solution sent out. An exchange-type replenishing container, a replenishing flow path that connects the replenishing container and the processing tank, and a replenishing pump provided in the replenishing flow path. A storage container is interposed in the replenishment flow path, and an air pump is provided for suctioning and transferring the entire processing liquid in the replenishment container to the storage container by setting the inside of the storage container to a negative pressure. A processing liquid replenishment system, comprising: a notifying unit for notifying a replacement request. 2. The refill container replacement request notification is performed when an empty refill container is connected to the refill channel or when a refill container is not connected to the refill channel. The processing solution replenishment system according to the above. 3. A refill container replacement request notification is made even after a new refill container is connected to a refill channel when the amount of processing liquid stored in the storage container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. 3. The processing solution replenishment according to claim 2, wherein the replenishment container replacement request notification is stopped after a new replenishment container is connected to the replenishment flow path when the amount of the stored processing solution exceeds a predetermined amount. system. 4. A warning notification is issued by the notification means when it is detected that the amount of the stored processing liquid is equal to or less than a predetermined amount during the continuation of the notification of the replenishment container replacement request. 3. The processing solution replenishment system according to 2. 5. The processing solution replenishment according to claim 1, wherein the replenishment container replacement request notification is stopped during the transfer of the processing solution from the replenishing container to the storage container. system. 6. A connection between the replenishing container and the replenishment flow path is performed by stabbing and swinging a refill container of a catheter portion connected to a tip of the replenishment flow path. The processing liquid replenishment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection is performed by detecting swinging.