JP3492813B2 - Replenisher replenishment method for photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a replenishing method for replenishing a replenishing liquid to a replenishing liquid tank at the start of work,
For example, it can be adopted in a printer processor or the like in which a photo printer and a processor are combined.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printer processor is called a minilab and is installed in a DPE store or the like. This printer processor has a printer unit that prints and exposes an image recorded on photographic film (for example, a negative film) onto photographic paper, and a processor unit that develops the photographic paper that has been subjected to the print-exposure process. By simply setting the photographic printing paper in the printer processor, the printer paper and the processor can be automatically conveyed and processed. In the printer section of this printer processor, the image of the negative film is printed on the photographic paper at a predetermined enlargement ratio, and the photographic paper on which the image has been printed is sequentially conveyed to the processor section and developed to produce a photographic print. Can be finished.

In addition, the processor section in the
A plurality of treatment liquid tanks for performing respective treatments such as bleach-fixing and washing with water are installed, and replenishment liquid tanks for storing replenishment liquids are connected to the treatment liquid tanks via replenishment pumps.

Since the photographic paper is processed by being conveyed to the processing solution in each processing solution tank in each process such as development, bleach-fixing and washing with water, the processing solution in each processing solution tank is processed by the film. It deteriorates (so-called process deterioration). For this reason,
Each processing solution tank is replenished with a new replenishing solution from the replenishing solution tank according to the amount of processing, so that the processing capacity in the processing solution tank is recovered and the processing is stabilized.

By the way, although the replenishment liquid is replenished automatically from the replenishment liquid tank to the processing liquid tank, in reality, a pump for sending the replenishment liquid from the replenishment pump to the replenishment liquid tank or a replenishment liquid tank is provided. There is an inherent difference in the sensor etc. for detecting the amount of replenisher, which is the difference in the inspection quality of each individual product with respect to the design quality of the product. Enlarge. That is, although there is no problem in replenishing once, there is a case where the permissible concentration range in the processing liquid tank deviates due to accumulated errors.

In order to solve this, it has been proposed to compare and correct the replenishment amounts obtained by the liquid amount detection means and the replenishment amount calculation means (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-100546). In this case, since there is no correction in real time or in accordance with this, depending on the correction interval,
For example, there is a possibility that the concentration of the processing liquid tank may decrease due to the delay of replenishment.

Further, it has been proposed that, when the replenishing liquid in any of the tanks is exhausted, the other remaining replenishing liquids are discarded and a new replenishing liquid is added to all the tanks at the same time (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. HEI 3). However, the accuracy of the replenishment amount of the replenisher is not increased.

Furthermore, using a fixed quantity tank, the actual discharge amount of the pump is calculated from the time until the detection of the absence of liquid, the pump drive time is adjusted (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-130317), and the supplementary stock solution is diluted. In the system of replenishing by replenishing, when the liquid level of one of the tanks falls below a predetermined level,
Replenishing and correcting the pump drive time per unit time based on this time difference (error amount)
However, it is expected that the concentration of the treatment liquid tank will temporarily fall outside the permissible range, and no countermeasure is specified for them.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above facts, the present invention accurately and collectively replenishes the replenishment liquids of all other replenishment liquid tanks in synchronization with the replenishment liquids of one replenishment liquid tank. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obtain a replenisher replenishing method for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus, which can improve work efficiency.

In addition to the above-mentioned object, a replenisher replenishing method for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus capable of maintaining the concentration in a processing solution tank within a predetermined range by recognizing the replenisher replenishing amount in real time. With the goal.

[0011]

The invention described in claim 1 is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for developing a photosensitive material by successively immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks respectively storing different processing solutions. A method of replenishing a replenisher for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenisher for replenishing the replenishing capacity of a treatment solution from a tank in which the replenisher is stored in each of the plurality of tanks in advance. A predetermined low level is set, and when one of the tanks reaches the predetermined low level by replenishing the processing tank, the concentrated replenisher solution is added to the tank.
After collectively replenished by supplying dilution water to the tank, by increasing or decreasing the supply amount of the dilution water, it is characterized by holding a predetermined predetermined liquid level position within each tank.

The invention described in claim 2 is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are stored, respectively. A method for replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, which replenishes the replenishing solution from a tank storing a replenishing solution for recovery to each of the processing solution tanks, wherein a predetermined low level is set in advance in each of a plurality of tanks. However, when any one of the tanks reaches the predetermined low level by replenishing the processing tank, the supply amount of the replenisher liquid other than the tank that has reached the low level is increased from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount from the previous replenishment amount. It is characterized by supplying.

The invention described in claim 3 is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are stored, respectively. A method for replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, which replenishes the replenishing solution from a tank storing a replenishing solution for recovery to each of the processing solution tanks, wherein a predetermined low level is set in advance in each of a plurality of tanks. However, if a reference tank is determined in advance, and one of the tanks reaches the predetermined low level by supplementing the processing tank, and the tank that has reached the predetermined low level is the reference tank, ,
If the supply amount of the replenisher liquid other than the reference tank is supplied from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount more than the previous replenishment amount, and the tank reaching the predetermined low level is other than the reference tank,
The supply amount of the replenisher liquid other than the reference tank is supplied from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount less than the previous replenishment amount.

The invention described in claim 4 is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are stored, respectively. A method for replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenishing solution from a tank storing a replenishing solution for recovery to each of the processing solution tanks. The liquid level of the replenisher liquid is detected at the position, the amount of the replenisher liquid used according to the process is calculated based on the liquid level that moves between these two positions, and based on the calculation result, The feature is that the amount of replenishment is corrected.

The invention described in claim 5 is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are stored, respectively. A method for replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenishing solution for recovery by activating pumps to the respective processing solution tanks. It has a liquid level displacement detection sensor that detects the displacement of the installed liquid level,
The operating time of the pump is controlled based on the detection result of the liquid level displacement detection sensor.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, a ratio of inner horizontal cross-sectional areas S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ ... S _n [cm ² ] of the plurality of tanks. And the amount of replenisher liquid q ₁ , q ₂ , per unit photosensitive material amount in each tank
It is characterized in that the ratio of q ₃ ... q _n [cm ³ ] is made equal.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the maximum capacity of the tank is Q [cm ³ ] and the allowable error rate in each tank is a [%].
When the minimum unit (resolution) that can be measured by the liquid level displacement detection sensor is K [cm] and the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank in which each replenisher is stored is S [cm ² ], S ≦ (Q × It is characterized in that the values of S, Q, a, and K are selected so that the relationship of a) / (200 × K) ... (1) is maintained.

[0018]

According to the first aspect of the invention, after the concentrated solution of the replenishing solution is replenished all at once, the diluting water is supplied, and the amount of the diluting water supplied is increased or decreased to be predetermined in each tank. Since the liquid is held at a predetermined liquid surface position, it is possible to stably supply the replenisher.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a predetermined low level is set in advance for each of the plurality of tanks, and when any one of the tanks reaches the predetermined low level by refilling the processing tank. The supply amount of the replenisher liquid to the tanks other than the low level tank is supplied from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount larger than the previous replenishment amount. That is, by gradually correcting the supply amount of the new replenisher into each tank, both the stability of the processing tank and the prevention of replenisher waste can be achieved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a predetermined low level is set in advance for each of the plurality of tanks, a reference tank is determined in advance, and any one of the tanks is replenished to the processing tank with the predetermined level. When the tank that has reached the predetermined low level is the reference tank when the low level is reached, the supply amount of the replenisher liquid other than the reference tank is changed from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount from the previous replenishment amount. If a large amount is supplied and the tank that has reached the predetermined low level is other than the reference tank, the supply amount of the replenisher liquid to the other than the reference tank is supplied from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount less than the previous replenishment amount.

That is, by providing the reference tank for the sixth aspect, both increase and decrease control can be individually performed for each tank.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the liquid level in the tank is detected at two predetermined positions, and the amount of the replenisher used according to the process is calculated based on the liquid level moving between these two positions. To do. If the distance between the two positions for detection and the cross-sectional area of the tank are known, it is easy to calculate the amount of replenisher.

When a replenishing liquid is supplied to each processing tank according to processing, if a difference occurs, the moving speed of the detection liquid surface changes. In order to eliminate this change, the replenishment amount of the replenisher according to the process is corrected for each tank. By repeating this, the decrease amount of the replenisher from each tank can be made constant, and the same amount of replenisher can be replenished to each tank at the same timing.

According to the invention described in claim 5, when replenishing the replenishment liquid for recovering the treatment capacity of the treatment liquid, the replenishment liquid is pumped up from the tank by the driving force of the pump and supplied to the treatment liquid tank. There is. In this case, if a replenishment amount for one time is determined and this is converted into the operating time of the pump and controlled,
An error may occur between the actually supplied amount and the calculated value due to the change in the capacity of the pump itself or the clogging of the guideway, etc. Therefore, place the liquid level displacement detection sensor in at least one tank. Then, the pump is controlled based on the amount of change detected by the liquid level displacement detection sensor. That is, the replenishment amount can be recognized by the product of the change amount and the inner cross-sectional area of the tank.

For example, a predicted pump operation time of one time in the tank in which the liquid level displacement detection sensor is arranged is set, and the time required for actually supplying the replenisher liquid from the tank to the processing liquid tank is measured, Based on these errors, the operating time of the pump in the other tank is corrected. Of course, the liquid level displacement detection sensors may be arranged in all the tanks to control the operation of the pump independently.

As described above, the operation of the pump is controlled in real time based on the amount of change in the replenisher solution in the tank. It is possible to prevent quality deterioration. Further, the replenishing liquid in the tank may be added at a substantially fixed time, and the work efficiency can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the ratio of the inner horizontal sectional areas of the plurality of tanks and the replenishing liquid amount per unit photosensitive material amount in each tank are made equal. In other words, the tank shape is such that the liquid level is constant even if the replenishment amount of the replenisher is different in each tank.

According to this, when any one of the tanks has a trouble and more than the replenishment occurs, the height of the replenishment liquid level is different from that of the other tanks, and therefore it is easy to find an abnormality from the outside. Become.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the value obtained by multiplying the capacity Q [cm ³ ] of the processing liquid tank by the concentration tolerance of the processing liquid is the inner horizontal sectional area S of the replenishing liquid storage tank. [C
m ² ] is equal to or larger than twice the value obtained by multiplying the liquid surface displacement detection sensor resolution K [cm].

With this configuration, when the operation time of the pump is controlled by the detection value of the liquid surface displacement detection sensor,
The treatment liquid concentration in the treatment liquid tank can be maintained within the range of the allowable error rate.

Here, when the above conditions are ignored, the replenisher solution is temporarily replenished in excess of the allowable error rate range, or the amount of replenisher solution exceeds the allowable error rate range. Shortages can occur. If the excess and the shortage are unbalanced, it also affects the amount of decrease in the replenisher in the tank, and it is expected that the timing of charging the replenisher into the tank is deviated.

On the other hand, by setting the above conditions, it is possible to use a relatively low-priced component and to achieve high accuracy (acceptance) without using a high-quality and high-cost liquid level displacement detection sensor that causes excessive quality. It is possible to control the replenishing amount of the replenisher within the range).

The above conditions can be expressed as follows. Q × a / 100 ≧ 2 × K × S ... (1 ′) Transferring each variable, S ≦ (Q × a) / (200 × K) ... (1) where Q [cm ³ ]: Maximum capacity of treatment liquid tank a [%]: Permissible error rate of treatment liquid S [cm ² ]: Inner horizontal cross-sectional area K [cm] of each replenisher liquid storage tank: Measured by liquid level displacement detection sensor It is the minimum unit (resolution) that can be obtained.

Further, in general, 10> a> 2 ... (2) 1> K> 0.001 (3) 100000> Q> 500 (4) Is applicable.

[0035]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer section 302 of the printer processor 300 has a paper magazine 304 mounted below it. The printing paper 306 is pulled out from the paper magazine 304, wound around the driving roller 308 and conveyed in a substantially horizontal state, and the printing optical axis corresponds at the position of the guide base 310.

The photographic paper mounting surface of the guide base 310 is a part of the conveying path of the endless belt 312, and the photographic paper 306 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the endless belt 312 and the guide base 310. . In addition, a plurality of holes are formed in the endless belt 312 and the guide base 310, and the photographic printing paper 306 is attracted to the endless belt 312 by the suction fan 314.

Above the guide base 310, the light source section 31 is provided.
6 and the optical system 318 are arranged, the light emitted from the light source 320 passes through the CC filter 322, is then bent while being diffused by the diffusion box 324, and is sent directly below to the negative film 328 on the negative carrier 326. It is transparent.

Further, the light source unit 316 and the optical system 318 are provided with a density measuring device 330 for measuring the density of the negative film 328, which is composed of, for example, a color filter and an optical sensor such as a CCD, and the half mirror 331 is used. The light beam bent in the horizontal direction is sent to the density measuring device 330. The concentration measuring device 330 is connected to a controller (not shown), and the concentration measuring device 33
The exposure correction value of the printing exposure character is set based on the data measured by 0 and the data key-input by the operator.

Further, the photographic printing paper 306 which has undergone the printing exposure of the image is sandwiched by the guide rollers 332, and the conveying direction thereof is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction and is sent out in the vertical direction. After that, the photographic printing paper 306 is developed, bleached and fixed, along the conveyance path constituted by a plurality of pairs of rollers.
It is conveyed to the processor unit 334 which performs each process of washing and drying.

Above the processor section 334, the drying section 33 is provided.
6, the printing paper 306 discharged from the processor unit 334 is dried by the drying unit 336 and discharged.

Each processing tank has a plurality of replenisher tanks 112 (112A, 112A) installed in the processor section 334.
(B, 112C, 112D) respectively, a developing replenisher, a bleach-fixing replenisher, a washing replenisher and a stable replenisher are sent,
The liquid in each tank is replenished. That is, the replenisher tank 112A is for replenishing the developing replenisher for the developing tank, and the replenisher tank 112B is for replenishing the bleach-fixing replenisher for the bleach-fixing tank.
The replenisher tank 112C is for replenishing the wash replenisher for the washing tank, and the replenisher tank 112D is for replenishing the stable replenisher for the stabilizing tank.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the structure for replenishing the liquid will be described by taking the developing tank 74 in each processing liquid tank as an example.

The developing tank 74 has a discharge port 113A and a pipe 114 formed in the lower portion (lower surface) of the replenisher tank 112A.
Connected through. Then, by replenishing a predetermined amount of the developing solution used and deteriorated by the developing process of the printing paper P (see FIG. 1) in the developing tank 74, the developing solution is activated so that the developing solution can be activated. Replenisher tank 112
A developing replenishing solution, which is a replenishing processing solution, is temporarily stored in A. Further, a replenishing pump 116, which is a replenishing means for sending the development replenishing liquid from the replenishing liquid tank 112A side to the developing tank 74 side, is arranged between the discharge port 113A and one end side of the pipe 114. The rotation shaft of the AC motor 116 is rotated by an AC motor (not shown). The pump 116 is also provided with a rotary encoder 200 (which is attached to the rotary shaft of the pump 116 and measures the number of rotations and the rotation angle) for detecting the liquid delivery amount. And this rotary encoder 2
00 is connected to the control device 120, and the control device 12
0 calculates the amount of the developer replenisher solution sent to the developing tank 74 side by detecting from the number of solution sending times measured by the rotary encoder 200.

In the replenishing liquid tank 112A, a guide rod 214 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided upright along the longitudinal direction (arrow UD direction) of the replenishing liquid tank 112A. The guide rod 214 is composed of a round bar and a vertically long carbon-based electrode plate that wraps the round bar, and a power source and a measuring instrument are connected to the carbon-based electrode plate. And, on this guide rod 214,
The float switch 215 is fitted along the axis of the guide rod 214 so as to be vertically movable. That is, the float switch 215 is formed so as to float with respect to the developing replenisher, and therefore, when the developing replenisher is stored in the replenisher tank 112A, it is located on the developing replenisher surface. A contact piece (not shown) is fitted on the float switch 215, and is connected to the guide rod 214 via this contact piece. Further, the replenisher level is detected by the change in resistance depending on the position of the float switch 215 with respect to the carbon-based electrode plate of the guide rod 214.

Further, a valve is provided above the replenishment tank 112A.
A dilution water tank 225 is connected via . When the photographic paper P is developed in the developing tank 74, the rotating shaft of the replenishing pump 116 rotates in accordance with the development processing, and the developing replenishing solution temporarily stored in the replenishing solution tank 112A is transferred to the developing tank 74 side. The developer replenisher is supplied to replenish the developer replenisher in the amount used for processing in the developer tank 74.

When the developing replenisher in the replenisher tank 112A is replenished to the developing tank 74 side and runs short, for example, a replenisher for supplying a developing replenisher containing about 2.5 liters of the developer replenisher is supplied. This is performed by pouring the developing replenisher from a bottle (not shown) into the supply port 113B formed in the upper portion of the replenisher tank 112A.

In this way, after the concentrated replenisher solution (replenisher solution in which the replenisher solution in the replenisher bottle is concentrated) is replenished all at once, the amount of the diluting water is detected by the float switch 215 to adjust the diluting water input amount. To do. At this time, the diluting water is supplied until the float switch 215 reaches a predetermined position so that the replenishing liquid does not overflow from the replenishing liquid tank 112A.

Further, in the replenisher tank 112A, a heater 227, a pump 228 which is a sales expansion device, and a filter 229 are provided.
Are connected. The pump 228 is connected to the control device 120 and is activated by a control signal from the control device 120. The heater 227 keeps the temperature of the replenisher in the replenisher tank 112 at an appropriate temperature, and the filter 229 filters dust and the like in the replenisher.

Next, based on FIG. 4, each replenisher tank 1 including a developing tank 74, a bleach-fixing tank 76, a washing tank and a stabilizing tank 77.
Control for 12A to 112D will be described. Figure 4
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a replenishing device of this embodiment.

Replenisher tanks 112A to 112 of the developing tank 74, the bleach-fixing tank 76, the washing tank and the stabilizing tank 77, respectively.
D float switch Switch 215 (SW in FIG. 4)
1 to SW4) and pumps P1 to P4 are connected to the controller 120, respectively. And switch S
When any of W1 to SW4 reaches the lower limit position, the detection signal is supplied to the control device 120. In addition, the control device 1
A control signal from 20 is supplied to the pumps P1 to P4 to activate the pumps P1 to P4. The switches SW1 to S
When W4 is turned on and there is no replenisher in the replenisher tanks 112A to 112D, or that the pumps P1 to P4 are activated, a control signal from the controller 120 is supplied to the monitor 122 and displayed. To be done.

The operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, the replenisher tank 112A of the developing tank 74
If the float switch 215 of FIG. 1 comes into contact with the terminal on the bottom surface of the replenisher tank 112A, the float switch 215
Is turned on, and the control device 120 causes the replenisher tank 112A to
It is detected that the processing liquid of is exhausted. Then, the control signal from the control device 120 is supplied to the monitor 122, and "replenishment liquid supply required" is displayed (warning). In this case, replenisher tanks 112B to 112D other than the replenisher tank 112A in which the float switch 215 is turned on.
The replenisher is stored in (see FIG. 1).

Next, the user seeing the display (warning) on the monitor collectively replenishes the replenishing liquid tanks 112 with the concentrated replenishing liquid. After that, a control signal from the control device 120 is output to the valve 221 of the dilution water tank 225 to open the valve 221 and the dilution water is supplied to the replenishment tank 112. At this time, since the amount of the concentrated replenisher solution to be replenished in the replenisher tank 112 is set in advance from the beginning, the amount of dilution water (set amount) is also known in advance. The control unit of the control device stores the set input amount of the dilution water, and when the control device 120 determines that the set input amount is reached while detecting the input amount of the dilution water by the float switch 215, The control signal is supplied to the valve 221 and the valve 22
1 is closed. In addition, the control device 120 adjusts the input amount of the diluting water by the float switch 215 so that the replenishing liquid does not overflow from the replenishing liquid tank 112. Further, when the pump 228 is activated, the pump 228 is agitated and the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid tank 112 is made uniform.

In this embodiment, the replenisher kit can be purchased as a set, and can be purchased separately .
The over-the erroneous purchase can be prevented. Second Embodiment FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an example in which sensors are provided above and below the replenisher tank 112, and the replenisher is replenished based on the determination of the amount of replenisher by this sensor.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 24 is provided in the replenishing liquid tank 112A at approximately the center or the lower part.
0 and 241 are arranged respectively. This sensor 24
A light emitting element and a light receiving element are respectively arranged at 0 and 241, and the light emission from this light emitting element is turned on / off by being supplied to the light receiving element. In other words, the amount of light supplied to the light receiving element differs depending on whether the replenisher is stored in the replenisher tank 112A up to the positions of the sensors 240 and 241 or not. 120 arithmetic means are configured to perform arithmetic operations.

Since the distance (length) between the sensors 240 and 241 and the cross-sectional area of the replenisher tank 112A are known from the beginning, the amount of liquid (volume) between the sensors 240 and 241 can be determined. In addition, the liquid level of the replenisher is 2
It is detected how many sheets of printing paper are processed before reaching 41 or how many times the pump 116 is replenished. Then, the replenishment amount per time is calculated, and when the replenishment amount is larger than the proper value, the replenishment amount is reduced from the next time, and when it is smaller than the proper value, the replenishment amount is increased from the next time. While repeating this all the time,
The above-mentioned batch replenishment is performed to perform replenishment with high accuracy close to an appropriate value.

When the amount of replenishing liquid in the reference replenishing liquid tank 112A reaches the position of the sensor 241, the amount of liquid in the other replenishing liquid tanks 112B to 112D (see FIG. 1) is the same as that of the sensors 240 and 241. In the case of being located between
From the next time onward, replenish the same replenishment amount. In other words, if the sensors 240 and 241 have a replenisher level between them,
It detects that neither overflow nor shortage of replenisher is present.

When the replenishment amount is smaller than that of the other replenishment liquid tanks 112, that is, when the replenishment liquid tank 112 has a higher liquid level than the sensor 240, the replenishment liquid tank 1
The replenishment amount of 12 replenishers is reduced from the next time. Then, by repeating this, the liquid level of the replenisher is set between the sensors 240 and 241 and the replenishment is collectively performed.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and their detailed description will be omitted. Instead of the sensor of this example, an electric wire may be arranged in the replenishing liquid tank 112, and the liquid amount may be detected depending on the presence or absence of conduction.

In the present embodiment, the control device 120 makes a judgment based on the detection signals of the sensors 240 and 241 so as not to cause an overflow or the like, and the monitor 122 displays that fact. Alternatively, it is not necessary to activate the valve to flow into each processing tank. Other functions and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment. [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment of the present invention, one replenisher tank is determined as a reference replenisher tank, and the replenisher quantity of this reference replenisher tank and other replenisher tanks is detected to detect the replenisher tank. It is a method of increasing or decreasing the difference amount of.

First, the daily replenishment amount of each processing tank is calculated,
Assuming that the processing tank has a large replenishment amount, for example, the developing tank 74, the replenishment amount per day is 4.2 liters. As a premise, the amount of replenishment to each treatment tank is 35 ml / time,
The maximum and minimum replenishment amounts are 40 ml / dose and 30 ml / dose, respectively. In addition, the number of replenishments per day is 120.

Then, the developing tank 7 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
When the replenishment liquid tank of No. 4 is the reference replenishment liquid tank 112A, and the replenishment liquid detection timings of the replenishment liquids of the other replenishment liquid tanks 112B to 112D (see FIG. 1) are different from the reference replenishment liquid tank 112A, From the next replenishment, the replenisher of a predetermined amount is increased or decreased to replenish.

First, the replenishing amount of the reference replenishing liquid tank 112A is adjusted in advance by adjusting the pump and the sensor so as to be a predetermined amount as accurately as possible.

Next, the other replenisher tanks 112B, 112
The replenishment amount of C and 112D is measured, and it is determined as accurately as possible so that this is also a predetermined amount by adjustment.

Even in this case, an error occurs, and the reference replenisher tank 112A is different from the other replenisher tanks 112A.
B, 112C, and 112D run out of liquid timing.

Table 1 shows that the actual replenishing amount of the replenishing liquid tank 112B is 10% of the actual replenishing amount of the standard replenishing liquid tank 112A.
This is the case when the liquid run-out timing is delayed a little.

[0066]

[Table 1] According to this table, the standard replenisher tank 112A on the 10th day
The timing when the replenishing liquid in the replenishing tank 112B runs out is matched with. Therefore, set the value of replenishment from the first day to 10
The appropriate replenishment volume is 38.5 ml , which is added up to the first day and divided in 10 days . That is, if this 38.5 ml is applied to the replenishment tank 112B from the next time, the liquid run-out timing matches the reference replenishment tank 112A.

As another replenishment method, the amount of fluctuation may be reduced gradually after the 11th day to adjust the amount. For example, let's assume that day 11 is 39 ml, and 12
Day 38 to 38 ml, day 13 and later 38.5
May be in milliliters. Further, if it is difficult to adjust the volume to 0.5 ml, 39 ml and 38 ml may be repeated every 1 day or every 2 days from the 11th day. When the replenishment liquid replenishment timings of the reference replenishment liquid tank 112A and the other replenishment liquid tanks 112B to 112D deviate again, a new set value is similarly determined.

In the present embodiment, the control device 120 judges that the overflow or the like will not occur, and the monitor 122
In that case, it is not necessary to activate the pump or valve to flow the remaining replenisher into the respective processing tanks. Other functions and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment. [Fourth Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the printer unit 302 of the printer processor 300 has a paper magazine 304 mounted below it. The printing paper 306 is pulled out from the paper magazine 304, wound around the driving roller 308 and conveyed in a substantially horizontal state, and the printing optical axis corresponds at the position of the guide base 310.

The photographic paper mounting surface of the guide base 310 is a part of the conveying path of the endless belt 312, and the photographic paper 306 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the endless belt 312 and the guide base 310. . In addition, a plurality of holes are formed in the endless belt 312 and the guide base 310, and the photographic printing paper 306 is attracted to the endless belt 312 by the suction fan 314.

Above the guide base 310, the light source section 31 is provided.
6 and the optical system 318 are arranged, the light emitted from the light source 320 passes through the CC filter 322, is then bent while being diffused by the diffusion box 324, and is sent directly below to the negative film 328 on the negative carrier 326. It is transparent.

In the light source section 316 and the optical system 318, a density measuring device 330 for measuring the density of the negative film 328, which is composed of, for example, a color filter and an optical sensor such as a CCD, is arranged. The light beam bent in the horizontal direction is sent to the density measuring device 330. The concentration measuring device 330 is connected to a controller (not shown), and the concentration measuring device 33
The exposure correction value of the printing exposure character is set based on the data measured by 0 and the data key-input by the operator.

Further, the photographic printing paper 306 which has undergone the printing exposure of the image is sandwiched by the guide rollers 332, and the conveying direction thereof is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction and is sent out in the vertical direction. After that, the photographic printing paper 306 is developed, bleached and fixed, along the conveyance path constituted by a plurality of pairs of rollers.
It is conveyed to the processor unit 334 which performs each process of washing and drying.

Above the processor section 334, the drying section 33 is provided.
6, the printing paper 306 discharged from the processor unit 334 is dried by the drying unit 336 and discharged.

The processing liquid is stored in each processing tank, and a plurality of replenishing liquid tanks 1 installed in the processor unit 334 are provided.
12 (112A, 112B, 112C, 112D) supplies a developing replenisher, a bleach-fixing replenisher, a washing replenisher and a stable replenisher, respectively, and replenishes the liquid in each tank.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the structure for replenishing the liquid will be described by taking the developing tank 74 in each processing liquid tank as an example.

The developing tank 74 has a discharge port 113A and a pipe 114 formed in the lower portion (lower surface) of the replenisher tank 112A.
Connected through. Outlet 113A and pipe 11
4, a replenishing pump 116, which is a replenishing means for sending the developing replenishing liquid from the replenishing liquid tank 112A side to the developing tank 74 side, is arranged.
Is operated by a motor (not shown).

A laser length measuring device 150 as a liquid level displacement detecting sensor is attached to the upper portion of the replenishing liquid tank 112A. The laser length measuring device 150 is attached only to the replenisher tank 112A corresponding to the developing tank 74. In this laser length measuring device 150, it is possible to measure the distance between the laser length measuring device 150 and the liquid surface by irradiating the laser beam toward the liquid surface from itself and receiving the laser beam reflected by the liquid surface. You can do it. In addition to the laser length measuring device 150, an ultrasonic length measuring device, a pressure gauge, an infrared length measuring device or the like can be applied as the liquid surface displacement detecting sensor. Further, even a so-called mechanical measuring device (float switch or the like) can be applied if it has a desired accuracy (resolution).

Here, when a predetermined amount of the photographic paper P is developed in the developing tank 74 (for example, one sheet is converted into four sheets),
In response to this, the replenishing pump 116 is operated to send the replenishing liquid stored in the replenishing liquid tank 112A to the developing tank 74. At this time, the laser length measuring device 150 can obtain the displacement amount of the liquid surface, and the controller 120
The amount of replenishment can be recognized by the product of the inner cross-sectional area of the replenisher tank 112A. Therefore, if the pump 116 is stopped when the predetermined displacement amount is reached, a predetermined amount of replenisher liquid can be supplied.

Replenisher tanks 112A, 112B, 11
When the replenishment liquid in 2C and 112D is insufficient due to replenishment, new replenishment liquid is put into this tank.

Here, if the replenishment liquid is replenished with high precision in accordance with the processing amount, it is possible to recognize the timing at which a new replenishing liquid is introduced into the tank from the processing amount of the printing paper P. In this embodiment, the laser length measuring device 150 detects the actual replenishment amount of the replenisher (not the operating time of the pump), so that the charging timing does not shift.

Next, based on FIG. 9, each replenisher tank 1
The structures of 12A, 112B, 112C and 112D will be described.

The replenishment amounts of the replenishment liquids from the replenishment liquid tanks 112A to 112D corresponding to the respective treatment liquid tanks are different from each other, and each pump supplies the respective replenishment liquid amounts in almost the same operating time. It is selected so that it can be supplied to the tank.

The replenishment amount is q₁, Q₂, Q₃,
q_FourThe same amount of liquid level displacement in one replenishment
In order to be₁, S₂, S₃,
S_FourShould be changed. For example, as shown in FIG.
The amount of replenishment is set to 10: 6.5: 3.5: 20
Assuming that there is a case, as shown in FIG.
Cross-sectional area S of tank₁, S₂, S₃, S_FourRespectively q
₁/ X, q₂/ X, q ₃/ X, q_Four/ X
(X is constant). In addition, the maximum capacity Q of each tank,
The relationship with the inner cross-sectional area S is preferably Q / S = 2 to 20.
In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each tank is S₁= 15
0 cm², S₂= 97.5 cm², S₃= 52.5 cm², S
_Four= 300 cm²It is said that.

At this time, x is a displacement amount. With the above structure, each tank can supply a different replenisher amount to each processing liquid tank with the same displacement amount.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 400, it is determined whether or not it is the replenishment time, that is, whether or not the predetermined processing amount has been reached. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402 to perform replenishment of the replenisher, and laser measurement is performed. Length 1
50 is reset, and the process proceeds to step 404. In step 404, the replenisher replenishing pump 116 is operated to replenish the replenisher solution to the tanks 112A, 112B, 112.
It is sent from C and 112D to the processing liquid tank.

At this time, each of the tanks 112A, 112B,
Regarding the liquid level displacement amounts of 112C and 112D, the replenishment amounts required by the respective processing tanks are different, but the tanks 112A, 112B and 11 are different depending on the ratio of the replenishment liquid amount per unit photosensitive material amount.
Since the inner cross-sectional areas of 2C and 112D are set, the displacement amount of the liquid surface in each tank is equal.

In step 406, the laser length measuring device 1
The distance to the liquid surface is measured by 50. In this embodiment, the laser length measuring device 150 is provided in the tank 112A corresponding to the developing tank 74, and the liquid level displacement amount (displacement amount after the reset) in this tank 112A can be obtained.

In step 408, it is judged whether or not the liquid level displacement amount is a predetermined displacement amount set in advance so as to correspond to the required replenishment amount, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 406 to measure. Repeat distance and comparison. If an affirmative determination is made in step 408, it is determined that the required supplement amount has been reached, and the process proceeds to step 410 and the pump 116
Stop the operation of.

In the next step 412, the displacement amount is added, and then in step 414, it is judged whether or not the accumulated displacement amount exceeds a predetermined amount. That is, this predetermined amount corresponds to the lower level in the tank 112A, and the affirmative determination here is that the tanks 112A, 112B, 112
This means that the replenisher in C and 112D is running low. Therefore, when an affirmative determination is made in step 414, the process proceeds to step 416 to instruct (display, alarm, etc.) the addition of the replenisher to all tanks, and the process proceeds to step 418. On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in step 414, it is not necessary to add the replenishing solution, so the process proceeds from step 414 to step 418.

In step 418, the laser length measuring device 150
Is set as an operating state, the liquid level in the tank 116 is measured, and in step 420, it is determined whether or not the liquid level has reached the injection upper limit level in the tank 112A. That is, the tank 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D is supplied with the replenishing liquid at the upper limit level or above, so that the laser length measuring device 150 detects the upper limit level for supplying the replenishing liquid. You can recognize what you have done. Here, the replenisher is also simultaneously charged into the tanks 112B _, 111C _, 112D other than the tank 112A. If the ratio of the unit amount of the replenisher is matched with the ratio of the inner cross-sectional area of each tank, the same period is obtained. The addition of the replenisher can be completed at the same time.

In step 420, when the completion of the replenishing liquid (reaching the supply upper limit level) is recognized, the process proceeds to step 422 to cancel the instruction to supply the replenishing liquid, and then the cumulative displacement amount is reset in step 424 ( 0) and this routine ends.

According to this embodiment, since the shape (inner cross-sectional area) of each tank is formed according to the ratio of the replenishing liquid amount per unit photosensitive material amount, the displacement of the liquid surface at the time of replenishing replenishing liquid from each tank. Even if the laser length measuring device 150 is attached to a tank other than the tank 112A corresponding to the developing tank 74, the control content does not change at all and the degree of freedom in design can be provided. Also, the laser length measuring device 15 is regularly used.
By replacing 0, the operating state of the pump corresponding to each tank can be inspected. This inspection method is
For example, the liquid level was constant in all tanks .
Therefore, it is possible to determine that the liquid levels are stable if they are the same by comparing the differences in the liquid levels . Further, if the liquid level is deviated in any of the tanks, it can be determined that the pump or the pipe needs to be inspected.

In this embodiment, the laser length measuring device 150 is used.
Although it is provided in the tank 112A corresponding to the developing tank 74, it may be provided in another tank 112B (or 112C, 112D). Further, the laser length measuring device 150 may be attached to all the tanks.

Further, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 9, the tanks 112B and 112 other than the laser measuring device 150 are attached.
The low level sensor 152 may be attached to C and 112D. In this case, the replenishment amount from each tank to the processing liquid tank may be changed due to the flow discharge resistance due to the pump discharge capacity and the contamination of the pipe, which may change with time. The error in the case of change can be recognized quickly. That is, when the replenishment is performed with high accuracy, the liquid level should be detected by each low level sensor 152 at substantially the same time, and when the time difference deviates from the permissible range, the pump, piping, etc. All you have to do is promote maintenance work. As a result, the replenishment system can be improved before the finish of the printing paper P is affected.

The inner cross-sectional area of the tank does not have to be constant, and may be a stepped tank in which the cross-sectional area changes in several steps (see FIG. 12 (A). Depending on the storage location, it may not be possible to have a constant inner cross-sectional area.In such a case, if the tank has a stepwise inner cross-section and the amount of displacement of the liquid level for one refill is constant, The unit replenishment amount q may be changed (see FIG. 12B) [Fifth Embodiment] The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

In the fifth embodiment, the device configuration is the same as that of the fourth embodiment .
Since the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment, the description of the configuration is omitted. The feature of the fifth embodiment relates to the change in concentration in the processing liquid tank when the processing liquid tank is replenished with the replenishing liquid.

As shown by the solid line in FIG . 11 , the replenisher should be supplied so that the ideal replenisher's replenisher rate is directly proportional to the throughput. However, in the case of a structure in which the unit amount of the photosensitive material is determined and replenished stepwise, the replenisher is replenished stepwise as shown by the dotted line in FIG. In this case, at a certain predetermined replenishment time, the concentration will change in the treatment liquid tank before and after replenishment. If the change in concentration deviates from a predetermined range, the finish will be affected, which is not preferable.

The permissible concentration range a% is set to about 2% to 10%. For example, assuming that it is within the range defined by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. It should just fit. On the contrary, if the area reaches the shaded area in FIG. 11, it is not suitable for the processing of the photosensitive material.

In the fifth embodiment, instead of detecting the concentration in the processing liquid tank, the laser length measuring device is based on the minimum unit capable of measuring the displacement amount of the liquid level in the tank and the inner sectional area of the tank. The amount supplied during one measurement interval at 150 is made smaller than the allowable range width (arrow A shown in FIG. 11). Therefore, the replenisher is not excessively supplied.

The above conditions can be expressed by the following equations. Q × a / 100> 2 × K × S ... (1 ′) where Q [cm ³ ]: Maximum capacity of treatment liquid tank a [%]: Permissible concentration error rate S [cm ² ] of treatment liquid : Inner horizontal cross-sectional area K [cm] of each replenisher storage tank: Minimum unit (resolution) that can be measured by the liquid level displacement detection sensor.

That is, the left side represents the allowable error amount in the processing liquid tank. Further, K × S on the right side represents the minimum capacity that can be measured by the laser length measuring device 150. On the right side,
The doubling is made in consideration of the measurement error of the laser length measuring device 150, the tolerance of the inner cross-sectional area, and the like. Like this one
If the batch measurement does not exceed the allowable error amount, it is possible to control the concentration change in the processing liquid tank within an allowable range.

It is to be noted that, by shifting each variable and setting S ≦ (Q × a) / (200 × K) ... (1), the calculation at the time of design can be facilitated.

Further, in general, 10> a> 2 ... (2) 1> K> 0.001 (3) 100000> Q> 500 (4) Is applicable.

As can be seen from the above equation (2), when the laser length measuring device 150 having a low resolution is used, the value of K becomes large, so that it is necessary to make the inner cross-sectional area small.
Further, when the laser length measuring device 150 having a high resolution is used, the value of K becomes small, so that the inner cross-sectional area can be increased and the tank can be made short. In any case, by determining the above conditions at the design stage, it is possible to keep the concentration change in the processing liquid tank after mounting within the allowable range.

As described above, the laser length measuring device 150 does not unnecessarily select an object having a high resolution, and the required minimum length of the laser length measuring device 15 is adjusted in accordance with the limitation of the shape of the tank.
0 can be selected, and a replenisher replenishing device having a relatively low cost and high accuracy can be configured. Further, the measurement of the liquid surface level is not necessarily limited to the laser length measuring device, but may be another length measuring device such as an ultrasonic length measuring device.

Although the display device is used as a monitor in each of the above-described embodiments, an alarm may be sounded for display.

[0107]

As described above, the replenisher replenishing method for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention replenishes the replenisher in all other replenisher tanks in synchronism with the time when the replenisher in one replenisher tank is charged. It has an excellent effect that the work efficiency can be improved by performing the batch collectively with high accuracy and that the concentration in the processing liquid tank can be maintained within a predetermined range by recognizing the replenishing amount of the replenishing liquid in real time. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer processor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a printer processor according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a replenishing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a replenishing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a replenishing device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer processor according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a printer processor according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a replenishment system in a developing tank according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an entire replenishment system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a replenishing device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a processing amount-replenishment amount characteristic diagram according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a side sectional view showing a modified example of the shape of the tank, and FIG. 12B is a characteristic diagram showing the degree of change in the unit replenishing liquid amount according to the shape of the tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Printer Processor 74 developing tank 112A-D Replenisher tank 116 Refill pump 120 control device 122 monitor (display device) 200 rotary encoder 215 Float switch (sensor) 240, 241 sensors 220 waste liquid tank 225 dilution water tank 228 pump

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP 1-100546 (JP, A) JP 1-163668 (JP, A) JP 4-37756 (JP, A) JP 4-243259 (JP , A) JP-A-6-110164 (JP, A) JP-A-6-110178 (JP, A) JP-A-6-130623 (JP, A) Actual development Sho 54-41242 (JP, U) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/06

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A replenisher for recovering the processing capacity of a processing solution, which is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a photosensitive material is sequentially immersed in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are stored to perform development processing. A method of replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenishing solution from a stored tank to each of the processing solution tanks, wherein a predetermined low level is set in advance in each of a plurality of tanks, When the predetermined low level is reached by replenishing the treatment tank, the concentrated replenisher solution is replenished into the tank all at once, and then diluted water is added.
A replenisher replenishing method for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus, characterized in that the replenisher is supplied to a tank, and the supply amount of this diluting water is increased / decreased to be maintained at a predetermined liquid level position in each tank. 2. A replenisher for recovering the processing capacity of a processing solution, which is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks respectively storing different processing solutions. A method of replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenishing solution from a stored tank to each of the processing solution tanks, wherein a predetermined low level is set in advance in each of a plurality of tanks, When the predetermined low level is reached by replenishment to the processing tank, the supply amount of the replenisher liquid other than the tank that has reached the low level is supplied from the next replenishment by a predetermined amount larger than the previous replenishment amount. Replenisher replenishing method for photosensitive material processing apparatus. 3. A replenisher for recovering the processing capacity of a processing solution, which is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by successively immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks respectively storing different processing solutions. A method for replenishing a replenishing solution for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, which replenishes the replenishing solution from a stored tank to each of the processing solution tanks, wherein a predetermined low level is set in advance in each of a plurality of tanks, and a reference tank is determined in advance. If any of the tanks reaches the predetermined low level by replenishing the processing tank, and the tank reaching the predetermined low level is the reference tank, replenishment other than the reference tank is performed. a liquid supply amount supplied more predetermined amount than the previous replenishing amount from the next replenishment, when the tank reaches a predetermined low level is other than the reference tank, following a replenisher supply amount other than the reference tank A predetermined amount less supply, photosensitive material processing apparatus for replenisher replenishing wherein the than the previous replenishing amount from the refill. 4. A replenisher for recovering the processing ability of a processing solution, which is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a photosensitive material is sequentially immersed in a plurality of processing solution tanks in which different processing solutions are respectively stored to perform development processing. A method of replenishing a replenisher for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenisher from a stored tank to each of the replenisher tanks, wherein the replenisher level is set at two predetermined positions in each of a plurality of tanks. Is detected, the amount of replenisher used for each process is calculated based on the liquid level that moves between these two positions, and the amount of replenishment to each processing tank is corrected once based on the calculation result. A method for replenishing a replenisher for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: 5. A replenisher for recovering the processing capacity of a processing solution used for a photosensitive material processing apparatus for sequentially developing a photosensitive material by immersing the photosensitive material in a plurality of processing solution tanks respectively storing different processing solutions. A method for replenishing a replenishing liquid for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising replenishing the replenishing liquid by operating a pump from the stored tank to each of the processing liquid tanks, wherein displacement of a liquid surface installed in at least one tank A replenishment system replenishment method for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a liquid level displacement detection sensor for detecting the liquid level; and controlling an operating time of the pump based on a detection result of the liquid level displacement detection sensor. 6. An inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the plurality of tanks
S₁, S₂, S₃... S_n[cm²] Of each tank
Replenisher volume q per unit of photosensitive material₁, Q ₂, Q
₃... q_n[cm³] Is equal to
A method of replenishing a replenisher for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 5.
Law. 7. The maximum capacity of the tank is Q [cm ³ ], the allowable error rate in each tank is a [%], and the minimum unit (resolution) measurable by the liquid level displacement detection sensor is K [cm], When the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank in which each replenisher is stored is S [cm ² ], S ≦ (Q × a) / (200 × K) ... (1) 7. The replenisher replenishing method for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the values of S, Q, a and K are selected.