JP3592866B2 - Photosensitive material sorting method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photosensitive material sorting method and an apparatus therefor, and more particularly to a photosensitive material sorting method and an apparatus for sorting a processed sheet-like photosensitive material discharged from a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to predetermined sorting conditions simultaneously with discharge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, photographic printing paper discharged from a photosensitive material processing apparatus for printing and developing an image recorded on a photographic film onto photographic paper (sheet-shaped photosensitive material) is sorted by order (by order). Devices are known. On the other hand, photographic paper sizes include L size (width × height = 89 mm × 127 mm), H size (width × height = 89 mm × 158 mm), and P size (width × height = 89 mm × 254 mm). is there.
[0003]
A photosensitive material sorting apparatus that sorts a group of photographic papers in which a plurality of sizes such as the L size, H size, and P size are mixed in one order according to order is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-156556. A plurality of L-shaped brackets are attached to the endless belt at predetermined intervals so that the endless belt is driven so that one order of photographic paper is inserted into a space formed between the L-shaped brackets. It was common to distribute groups by order.
[0004]
In a photosensitive material sorting apparatus that sorts a group of photographic papers by an endless belt to which an L-shaped bracket is attached, the end of one order of photographic paper discharged onto the endless belt is held at a fixed position by the L-shaped bracket. The printing paper group can be collected and sorted in a state where the edges are aligned for each printing paper corresponding to one order.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a conventional photosensitive material sorting apparatus requires a large number of parts for mounting a plurality of L-shaped brackets, and requires a large arrangement space because the L-shaped brackets protrude perpendicular to the endless belt surface. There was a problem.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and when configured as an apparatus, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and arrange it in a narrow space, and furthermore, it is possible to arrange the size within the same group. Provided is a photosensitive material sorting method and apparatus capable of reliably sorting sheet-shaped photosensitive materials into groups without disturbing the stacking state even when sheets of different photosensitive materials are mixed. The purpose is to:
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a photosensitive material sorting method according to claim 1, wherein sheet-like photosensitive materials sequentially discharged from a discharge section of a photosensitive material processing apparatus are the same for each of the same groups classified according to predetermined sorting conditions. It is a photosensitive material sorting method of collecting at a place and sorting the sheet-like photosensitive material, wherein when a sheet-like photosensitive material having a length in the discharge direction longer than that of the already-collected sheet-like photosensitive material is discharged, By moving the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material, It is characterized in that the leading end in the discharge direction of the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material substantially coincides with the leading end in the discharge direction of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a long length in the discharging direction.
[0008]
According to the photosensitive material sorting method of the present invention, the sheet-like photosensitive materials are sequentially discharged from the discharge section of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, and are stacked in the same place in the same group, so that the sheet-like photosensitive materials can be sorted. Is done.
[0009]
Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a length in the discharge direction longer than that of the already-stacked discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material (a sheet-like material of the same group as the already-stacked discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material). Photosensitive material) is discharged, By moving the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material, The leading end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction is substantially aligned with the leading end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction.
[0010]
As a result, even if sheet-shaped photosensitive materials having different sizes (lengths in the discharge direction) are mixed in the same group, each of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials in the same group is placed in the same place and the leading end in the discharge direction is substantially equal. Since the sheets can be stacked in a uniform state, the handling of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials after sorting in groups is improved in group units. In addition, since it is possible to integrate the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of the same group in a state where the edges are aligned without using a member for aligning the edges such as an L-shaped bracket, the photosensitive material sorting method of the present invention can be realized. When the device is configured as a device, the number of parts can be reduced, and the device can be arranged in a narrow space.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the already-stacked sheet-shaped photosensitive material is moved along the discharge direction of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material from the discharge unit. It is preferable that the front end of the material in the discharge direction and the front end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a long length in the discharge direction substantially coincide.
[0012]
FIG. 6 illustrates a photosensitive material sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a sheet-like photosensitive material discharged from a photosensitive material processing apparatus 10 via a discharge roller 87 is wound around rollers 94A and 94B. 6 shows an example in which the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is moved by rotating the endless belt 92 clockwise in FIG. 6 by driving the roller 94B by a motor (not shown).
[0013]
FIG. 6A shows the state in which the second group of sheet-like photosensitive materials is being discharged, and the second group of the second group being discharged is on the left side of the first group of photosensitive materials PL1 whose discharge has been completed. The photosensitive material group PL2 is placed. It is assumed that all the sheet-like photosensitive materials discharged so far are L-size.
[0014]
Here, when the size of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material PP to be discharged next is the P size, the photosensitive material group PL2 for making the leading end of the photosensitive material group PL2 in the discharging direction substantially coincide with the leading end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material PP in the discharging direction. 6B, the endless belt 92 is moved to a position where the leading end position in the discharging direction after the end of the discharging of the sheet-like photosensitive material PP substantially coincides with the leading end in the discharging direction of the photosensitive material group PL2 as shown in FIG. 6B. A configuration in which the photosensitive material group PL2 is moved in advance by carrying and driving, and then the sheet-like photosensitive material PP is discharged and placed on the photosensitive material group PL2 as shown in FIG.
[0015]
However, depending on environmental conditions (for example, temperature and humidity) and the like, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material PP bends downward before reaching the upper surface of the photosensitive material group PL2 as shown in FIG. In some cases, the sheet-shaped photosensitive material PP breaks the peak of the photosensitive material group PL2, and if the sheet-shaped photosensitive material PP is continuously discharged, as shown in FIG. Of the photosensitive material group PL1 of another order may break the peaks of the photosensitive material group PL1 of another order, thereby causing disturbance in the accumulation state.
[0016]
For this reason, it is preferable that the already stacked sheet-like photosensitive material is moved at substantially the same speed as the speed at which the sheet-like photosensitive material is discharged from the discharge section.
[0017]
Accordingly, when the movement of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is started from the time when the leading end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction reaches forward from the rear end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction, The trailing edge of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is no longer located forward of the leading edge of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material being discharged in the discharge direction. The discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is supported by the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material by contacting the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material located below, so that the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material breaks the mountain of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material. Can be avoided.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the movement of the already accumulated sheet-like photosensitive material is performed by moving the sheet-like photosensitive material having a longer length in the ejection direction and the leading end in the ejection direction of the already-stacked sheet-like photosensitive material. It is preferable to start from the time when the values substantially match.
[0019]
As a result, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material hardly move relative to each other in the discharge direction, and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material changes its accumulated state. Disturbance can be eliminated, and the number of sheets of photosensitive material that can be placed in each group can be increased.
[0020]
6. The photosensitive material sorting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the photosensitive material sorting apparatus sorts sheet-like photosensitive materials sequentially discharged from a discharge section of the photosensitive material processing apparatus into groups classified according to predetermined sorting conditions. A mounting member on which the formed sheet-shaped photosensitive material is placed, a sheet length recognizing means for recognizing a length of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction, and the group based on a recognition result of the sheet length recognizing means. The length of the newly discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction is larger than the maximum value of the length of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction in the group already mounted on the mounting member. It is characterized in that it has a judging means for judging whether or not it is larger, and an interval control means for controlling an interval between the placing member and the discharge section based on the judgment result of the judging means.
[0021]
According to the photosensitive material sorting apparatus of the fifth aspect, the sheet-like photosensitive material sequentially discharged from the discharge section of the photosensitive material processing apparatus is sorted for each predetermined group.
[0022]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the length of the newly discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the same group recognized by the sheet length recognizing means in the discharging direction is already discharged and placed on the placing member. The determination unit determines whether or not the length of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the same group in the discharge direction is greater than the maximum value, and based on the result of the determination by the determination unit, the spacing member and the photosensitive material. The distance from the discharge unit of the processing device is controlled. In this case, the interval control means controls the interval between the mounting member and the discharge section of the photosensitive material processing apparatus by controlling the front end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material being discharged in the discharge direction and the same position already mounted on the mounting member. The interval between the mounting member and the discharge unit is controlled so that the leading end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the group in the discharging direction substantially coincides. The interval between each group mounted on the mounting member is minimized. And other controls.
[0023]
Therefore, the interval control means places the leading end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material being discharged in the discharging direction and the leading end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the same group already placed on the placing member in the discharging direction so as to substantially coincide with each other. When controlling the interval between the placement member and the discharge section, even if sheet-shaped photosensitive materials having different sizes are mixed in the same group, each of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials in the same group is substantially discharged in the discharge direction. Since the sheets can be placed in a uniform state, the handling of the sheet-like photosensitive materials after sorting them in groups is improved in units of groups. In addition, since it is possible to place each of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of the same group in a state where the ends are aligned without using a member for aligning the ends such as an L-shaped bracket, the number of parts is reduced. And can be arranged in a narrow space.
[0024]
Further, in the case where the distance between the groups placed on the placing member is controlled to be minimized by the distance control means, the distance between the groups is fixed as compared with the conventional technology in which the distance between the groups is fixed. The placement area of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material on the placement member can be effectively used.
[0025]
In the photosensitive material sorting apparatus according to claim 6, in the photosensitive material sorting apparatus according to claim 5, the interval control means causes the mounting member to move the placement member at substantially the same speed as the discharge speed of the sheet-like photosensitive material from the discharge portion. It is characterized by having a transport mechanism for moving in a direction away from the discharge section.
[0026]
According to the photosensitive material sorting apparatus of the sixth aspect, in the photosensitive material sorting apparatus of the fifth aspect, the placement member discharges the sheet-like photosensitive material at substantially the same speed as the discharging speed of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material being discharged by the interval control means. , Ie, in the same direction as the discharge direction of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material.
[0027]
As a result, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material hardly move relative to each other in the discharge direction, and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material changes its accumulated state. Disturbance can be eliminated, and the number of sheets of photosensitive material that can be placed in each group can be increased.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer processor 10 as a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention according to the present embodiment. The printer processor 10 includes a photo printing unit 12. The photographic printing unit 12 is loaded with a paper magazine 14 containing photographic paper P as a sheet-shaped photosensitive material of the present invention.
[0030]
The cutter 22 is disposed on the transport path of the photographic paper P drawn from the paper magazine 14, and a support base 46 is disposed further downstream. A winding roller 52 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is disposed between the support base 46 and the cutter 22. A nip roller 54 that sandwiches the endless belt 44 between the winding roller 52 and the winding roller 52 is disposed above the winding roller 52.
[0031]
A guide roller 56 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is located downstream of the support base 46 in the photographic paper transport direction. At a position adjacent to the guide roller 56, a pressing roller 58 is disposed such that the lower surface side is substantially the same height as the upper surface side of the winding roller 52, and the outer periphery of the endless belt 44 is pressed by the pressing roller 58. . Further, the endless belt 44 is wound around a tension roller 62 below the guide roller 56, and is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1 by transmitting a driving force of a motor (not shown).
[0032]
An insertion sensor 68 that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the photographic paper being conveyed and sends a detection signal to a controller described below is disposed downstream of the guide roller 56 in the photographic paper conveyance direction.
[0033]
An easel device 64 is provided above the endless belt 44 that moves on the support base 46. When an edged image is printed on the printing paper P, a movable piece (not shown) in the easel device 64 moves. The periphery of the printing paper P is covered.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, a work table 11 is formed above the photoprinting unit 12, and a keyboard 186 (a left side in FIG. 1) for inputting various instructions by an operator is provided on the work table 11. 3 is arranged, and a light source device 96 is arranged on the inner side of the work table 11 (right side in FIG. 1). The light source device 96 is provided with an exposure lamp 25 and a dimming filter unit 24 having a plurality of dimming filters. Further, the light source device 96 is emitted from the exposure lamp 25 and transmitted through the dimming filter unit 24. A diffusion box 28 for diffusing the exposure light and bending the exposure optical axis perpendicularly to the work table 11 by approximately 90 ° is disposed adjacently. The bent exposure light passes over the negative carrier 30 installed on the upper surface of the work table 11.
[0035]
The position through which the exposure light passes on the negative carrier 30 is called an exposure position. The exposure lamp 25 is always turned on while the power of the printer processor 10 is turned on for the purpose of stabilizing the lamp illuminance and the like. If the negative film N is located at the exposure position, the exposure lamp 25 Exposure light emitted from the exposure lamp 25 and transmitted through the light control filter unit 24 is irradiated.
[0036]
Further, a density measuring device 40 for measuring the density of the negative film N is arranged in the photographic printing unit 12, and the correction amount of the exposure condition at the time of printing exposure is calculated based on the measured data. A zoom lens 38 is provided below the density measuring device 40, and a black shutter 41 is provided in an optical path between the zoom lens 38 and the easel device 64.
[0037]
In the above-described configuration, the photographic printing unit 12 cuts the photographic paper P sent from the paper magazine 14 into a predetermined length by the cutter 22 and positions the photographic paper P on the support base 46 on the optical axis S of the exposure light. The image recorded in N is printed. The photographic paper P on which the printing of the image has been completed is conveyed to a processor unit 72 which performs each of the processes of color development, bleach-fixing, washing and drying via a conveyance path 60 constituted by a plurality of pairs of rollers.
[0038]
The processor section 72 is provided with a color developing tank 74, a bleach-fixing tank 76, and a washing tank 78, and each tank stores a developing solution, a bleach-fixing solution, and washing water. The photographic paper P is conveyed in a substantially U-shape in each tank, and is immersed in the processing liquid stored in each tank, whereby each processing of color development, bleach-fix and rinsing is performed on the photographic paper P. The washed photographic paper P is conveyed to the drying unit 80 and is dried by blowing the drying air blown from the chamber 82 onto the photographic paper P.
[0039]
A transport path 84 composed of a plurality of pairs of rollers is disposed downstream of the drying unit 80 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P. The photographic paper discharged from the drying unit 80 after the drying process is completed. P is nipped by these plural pairs of rollers and discharged to the outside of the printer processor 10 at a constant discharging speed. Note that the leading end and the trailing end of the photographic paper P are detected on the downstream side of the photographic paper P in the conveying path 84 in the conveying direction and near the discharge port 86 of the photographic paper P, and a detection signal is sent to a controller described later. An exit sensor 88 is provided.
[0040]
At the destination of the photographic paper P from the printer processor 10, a sorter unit 90 is disposed as a photosensitive material sorting device for sorting the discharged photographic paper P by order. The sorter unit 90 includes an endless belt 92 (see also FIG. 2) as a mounting member, and the endless belt 92 is wound around the transport rollers 94A and 94B. The rotation axis of the conveyance roller 94B is connected to the rotation axis of the motor 95 by a chain belt. By rotating the motor 95, the conveyance roller 94B is rotated, and the endless belt 92 is rotated clockwise by the rotation force of the conveyance roller 94B. Can be done.
[0041]
When setting and managing the exposure conditions, the photographic paper P on which the drying process has been completed in the drying unit 80 is conveyed to a densitometer 85 disposed above the drying unit 80, and the photographic paper P Is measured by a densitometer 85.
[0042]
Next, a controller 182 that controls the entire sorter unit 90 and a configuration around the controller 182 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0043]
The controller 182 includes a CPU 182A, a ROM 182B, a RAM 182C, an input port 182D, and an output port 182E, which are connected to one another via a bus 182F. The above-described insertion sensor 68 and outlet sensor 88 are connected to an input port 182D, and the motor 95 is connected to an output port 182E via a driver 184. A keyboard 186 for the operator to give various instructions is connected to the input port 182D.
[0044]
Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, first, a flow of the entire processing of the printer processor 10 will be described. When the negative film N is set on the negative carrier 30 by the operator, the negative carrier 30 transports the negative film N and positions the image recorded on the negative film N at the exposure position.
[0045]
When the image recorded on the negative film N is positioned at the exposure position, the exposure light from the light source device 96 is applied to the positioned image, and the light transmitted through the image is printed on the support base 46 in advance. By irradiating the paper P, an image is printed and exposed on the photographic paper P. When the printing exposure is completed, the negative film N is conveyed by one frame and the next photographic paper P is positioned on the support base 46, so that the printing process is repeated.
[0046]
The printing paper P subjected to printing exposure passes through the transport path 60 and is sent to the processor section 72, where it is first transported in a substantially U-shape in the color developing tank 74 for development processing, and then the bleach-fixing tank 76, In the washing tank 78, each is conveyed in a substantially U-shape, subjected to a bleach-fixing process, a washing process, and conveyed to a drying unit 80. The printing paper P discharged from the drying unit 80 is nipped by a plurality of pairs of rollers, and discharged to the outside of the printer processor 10 through a discharge port 86 as a discharge unit.
[0047]
Next, the sorting process of the sorter unit 90 by the controller 182 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed in parallel with the processes of the photoprinting unit 12 and the processor unit 72. Also, in the following, the order to be sorted is two orders, and the L-size photographic paper is discharged until all of the first order and halfway through the second order, and then the P-size photographic paper is discharged. An example will be described.
[0048]
First, in step 200, a predetermined value is substituted into a maximum photographic paper length register as an initial setting. The maximum photographic paper length register is a register for storing the maximum value of the length of the discharged photographic paper in the discharge direction in each order. The length in the discharge direction of any of the lengths in the discharge direction, 89 in this embodiment, which is the length in the discharge direction of the L size having the minimum discharge direction length, is substituted.
[0049]
When the initialization is completed, a photographic paper length detection process as a sheet length recognition unit of the present invention for sequentially detecting the length of each photographic paper in the discharge direction is started in parallel with the process shown in FIG. The photographic paper length detection processing measures the transmission time intervals of the leading edge detection signal and the trailing edge detection signal that are respectively transmitted when the insertion sensor 68 detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the printing paper, and performs the measurement. The length of the photographic paper in the discharge direction is calculated from the time and the speed of transport of the photographic paper in the photoprinting unit 12, and the calculation result is sequentially stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 182C in the order of discharge of the photographic paper.
[0050]
When the substitution of the predetermined value into the maximum photographic paper length register is completed and the photographic paper length detection processing is started, in step 202, the discharge of the first photographic paper of the first order discharged from the drying unit 80 is performed. The length in the direction is obtained from a predetermined area of the RAM 182C. In the predetermined area of the RAM 182C, the length of the photographic paper in the discharge direction is stored in the conveyance order by the above-described photographic paper length detection processing, so that the length of the first photographic paper of the first order in the discharge direction is acquired. May obtain the data stored at the start address of the predetermined area of the RAM 182C.
[0051]
In the next step 204, the length of the photographic paper in the discharge direction acquired in step 202 is compared with the value stored in the maximum photographic paper length register, and if the length of the photographic paper in the discharge direction is not larger, the determination is negative. Then, the process proceeds to step 216. In step 216, it is determined whether or not the discharging process of all the photographic papers for each order is completed. If not, the process returns to step 202. Note that the comparison processing in step 204 corresponds to the determination means in the present invention.
[0052]
In the example described here, all the photographic papers of the first order have the L size whose length in the discharge direction is equal to the value stored as an initial setting in the maximum photographic paper length register. When each photographic paper is discharged, the processing of steps 202, 204 and 216 is repeatedly performed, and the photographic paper of the first order is sequentially stacked on the endless belt 92. When the discharge processing of the photographic paper of the first order is completely completed, the determination in step 216 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 218.
[0053]
In step 218, it is determined whether or not the discharging process for all orders has been completed. At this point, since the discharge processing of the photographic paper of the first order has only been completed, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 220.
[0054]
In step 220, the discharged photographic paper is moved in the discharge direction by a predetermined distance by driving the motor 95 for a predetermined time, and then the process returns to step 200. The predetermined distance for moving the discharged photographic paper in step 220 is a distance obtained by adding a desired distance between the photographic paper groups for each order to the predetermined value set in the initial setting in step 200. In the present embodiment, assuming that the distance between the photographic paper groups for each order is 10 mm and the predetermined value set in step 200 is 89 mm, which is the length of the L size in the discharge direction, a value obtained by adding 10 mm to 89 mm, That is, the predetermined distance is 99 mm. Accordingly, the predetermined time for driving the motor 95 in step 220 is a motor driving time for conveying and moving the discharged photographic paper by 99 mm.
[0055]
When the motor 95 is driven for a predetermined time to complete the conveyance of the discharged photographic paper, the process returns to step 200, and thereafter, steps 202, 204, and 216 are performed until the second size P-size photographic paper is discharged. Is repeated.
[0056]
FIG. 5A is a schematic side view showing a state around the sorter unit 90 at the time when the P-size photographic paper in the second order is discharged, and is a photographic paper group which is a photographic paper group of the first order. A group PL1 and a photographic paper group PL2, which is an L-size photographic paper group up to the middle of the second order, are placed on the endless belt 92. Between the photographic paper groups of each order, 10 mm Are open. Also, a state is shown in which the second-order P-size photographic paper PP is being discharged in the direction of arrow 100.
[0057]
When the photographic paper PP of the P size of the second order is discharged, the length in the discharge direction of the photographic paper PP is obtained in step 202, and the length in the discharge direction of the obtained photographic paper PP is determined in the next step 204. Is 254 mm, and the value stored in the maximum photographic paper length register at that time is 89 mm, which is the length in the discharge direction of the L size. Therefore, the length of the photographic paper PP in the discharge direction is larger than the maximum photographic paper length. If the result is affirmative because the value is larger than the value stored in the register, the process proceeds to step 206.
[0058]
In the next step 206, waiting for the leading end of the photographic paper PP to reach the leading end of the photographic paper group PL2 is performed. At this time, the arrival waiting is performed by previously obtaining the distance from the photographic paper detection position by the exit sensor 88 to the discharge port 86 and adding the distance from the discharge port 86 to the leading end of the photographic paper group PL2 to the distance. The time required to convey the printing paper by the distance from the obtained printing paper detection position of the exit sensor 88 to the leading end of the printing paper group PL2 is derived, and the time from when the exit sensor 88 detects the leading end of the printing paper PP is obtained. This can be done by waiting for the passage of. Since the distance from the outlet 86 to the leading end of the printing paper group PL2 is substantially the same as the leading end position of the longest photographic paper in the printing paper group PL2, the value stored in the maximum photographic paper length register is output to the outlet. It can be used as a distance from 86 to the leading end of the printing paper group PL2. FIG. 5B shows a state when the leading end of the printing paper PP reaches the leading end position 104 of the printing paper group PL2.
[0059]
When the leading end of the photographic paper PP reaches the leading end position 104 of the photographic paper group PL2, in step 208, the drive of the motor 95 is started, and the arrow of the discharged photographic paper at substantially the same speed as the discharging speed of the photographic paper PP is started. The movement in the direction 102 is started, and in the next step 210, the end of the discharge of the photographic paper PP is waited, and in the next step 212, the driving of the motor 95 is stopped. At this time, the end of the discharge of the printing paper PP is waited for when the trailing end of the printing paper PP is detected by the exit sensor 88, and the printing paper is conveyed by a distance from the printing paper detection position of the exit sensor 88 to the discharge port 86. It can be realized by waiting for a lapse of time to perform the operation. FIG. 5C shows a state when the discharge of the photographic paper PP is completed. As shown in the figure, the leading end of the printing paper group PL2 and the leading end of the printing paper PP are substantially in a state of being in agreement. Note that the processing of steps 206 to 212 corresponds to the interval control unit of the present invention.
[0060]
In the next step 214, the length of the photographic paper PP in the discharge direction is stored in the maximum photographic paper length register. By the processing of step 214, the maximum value of the discharged photographic paper in the currently discharging order is always stored in the maximum photographic paper length register. Thereafter, step 204 is affirmative only when the photographic paper being discharged is larger than the maximum value of the length of the discharged photographic paper in the discharge direction stored in the maximum photographic paper length register, and each of steps 206 to 212 is performed. After the transport of the discharged photographic paper by the processing, the length of the photographic paper discharged in step 214 in the discharge direction is stored in the maximum photographic paper length register as the maximum photographic paper length.
[0061]
Steps 216 and 218 are affirmed when all the photographic papers of the second order have been discharged, and the sorting process ends.
[0062]
As described above in detail, in the photosensitive material sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the length of the discharged photographic paper in the discharge direction is larger than the maximum value of the length of the discharged photographic paper, When the leading edge of the paper reaches the leading edge of the discharged photographic paper, the discharged photographic paper is conveyed in the discharge direction at substantially the same speed as the discharge speed, thereby disturbing the accumulated state of the discharged photographic paper of the order. Therefore, the photographic paper can be surely sorted for each order.
[0063]
In this embodiment, the case where the maximum value of the length of the discharged photographic paper in the transport direction stored in the maximum photographic paper length register is used as a method of obtaining the leading end position of the discharged photographic paper has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a camera may be provided above the endless belt, and the leading end position of the discharged photographic paper may be obtained by performing image recognition based on an image obtained by the camera. .
[0064]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the insertion sensor used to detect the length of the photographic paper in the discharge direction is described near the exit of the photoprinting unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, any position may be used as long as the length of the printing paper can be detected before the leading end of the printing paper reaches the exit sensor.
[0065]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where sorting is performed for each order has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to the case where sorting is performed for each order source.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the photosensitive material sorting methods of the first and second aspects, even if sheet-shaped photosensitive materials having different sizes (lengths in the discharge direction) are mixed in the same group, the same is applied. Each of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of the group can be accumulated in the same place with the leading ends in the discharge direction being substantially aligned, so that the handling of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials after being sorted for each group in the group unit is improved. It has the effect of being excellent, and realizes the stacking of the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of the same group with the edges aligned without using a member for aligning the edges such as an L-shaped bracket. Therefore, when the present photosensitive material sorting method is configured as an apparatus, the number of parts can be reduced and the photosensitive material sorting method can be arranged in a narrow space.
[0067]
According to the photosensitive material sorting method of the third aspect, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material starts when the leading end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction reaches forward from the trailing end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharging direction. When the transfer of the material is started, the rear end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is no longer located forward of the leading end of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction, and the discharge direction of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is not changed. Even if the leading end hangs down, the leading end contacts the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material located below, and is supported by the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material. This has the effect that it is possible to avoid breaking the peaks of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material.
[0068]
According to the photosensitive material sorting method of the fourth aspect, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material hardly move relative to each other in the discharge direction, so that the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is hardly moved. Has the effect that the accumulated state of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is not disturbed, and the number of sheets of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material that can be placed in each group can be increased.
[0069]
According to the photosensitive material sorting apparatus of the fifth aspect, the interval control means controls the leading end of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material being discharged in the discharging direction and the sheet-shaped photosensitive material already in the same group placed on the placing member. In the case where the interval between the mounting member and the discharge unit is controlled so that the leading end in the discharge direction substantially coincides, even if sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of different sizes are mixed in the same group, the sheet-shaped photosensitive materials of the same group are mixed. Each of the photosensitive materials can be placed in a state where the leading ends in the discharge direction are substantially aligned, so that the handling of the sheet-like photosensitive materials after being sorted into groups becomes easy in a group unit and the sheets of the same group Since it is possible to place each of the photosensitive materials in a state where the ends are aligned without using a member for aligning the ends such as an L-shaped bracket, the number of parts can be reduced. In the case of controlling the distance between the groups placed on the placing member to be minimized by the spacing control means while having the effect that both can be arranged in a narrow space, In addition, as compared with the related art in which the interval between the groups is fixed, there is an effect that the mounting area of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material on the mounting member can be effectively used.
[0070]
According to the photosensitive material sorting apparatus of the sixth aspect, the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material and the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material hardly move relative to each other in the discharge direction, so that the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is not moved. Has the effect that the accumulated state of the discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material is not disturbed, and the number of sheets of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material that can be placed in each group can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer processor according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a controller according to the embodiment of the present invention and a configuration around the controller.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an assortment process of photographic paper according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a state around a sorter section in each step of photographic printing paper sorting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing one embodiment of the invention of claim 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printer processor (photosensitive material processing device)
P photographic paper (sheet-shaped photosensitive material)
86 outlet (discharge part)
90 Sorter (photosensitive material sorting device)
92 Endless belt (mounting member)

Claims (6)

The photosensitive material sorting method of sequentially collecting sheet-like photosensitive materials sequentially discharged from a photosensitive material processing apparatus at the same location in the same group classified according to predetermined sorting conditions, and sorting the sheet-like photosensitive materials. So,
When the sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a length in the discharge direction longer than that of the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material is ejected, the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material is moved to move the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material. A photosensitive material sorting method, wherein a leading end of a photosensitive material in a discharging direction and a leading end of a sheet-shaped photosensitive material having a long length in the discharging direction are substantially matched. By moving the already stacked sheet-shaped photosensitive material along the discharge direction of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material from the discharge unit, the leading end of the already stacked sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction, 2. The photosensitive material sorting method according to claim 1, wherein a front end of the long sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction is substantially matched. 3. The photosensitive material sorting method according to claim 2, wherein the already accumulated sheet-like photosensitive material is moved at substantially the same speed as the speed at which the sheet-like photosensitive material is discharged from the discharge unit. The movement of the already accumulated sheet-shaped photosensitive material is started from a point in time when the leading end of the already-stacked sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the ejection direction substantially coincides with the long length of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the ejection direction. The method for sorting photosensitive materials according to claim 3. A photosensitive material sorting apparatus that sorts sheet-shaped photosensitive materials sequentially discharged from a discharge unit of a photosensitive material processing apparatus into groups classified according to predetermined sorting conditions,
A mounting member on which the sorted sheet-shaped photosensitive material is mounted,
Sheet length recognizing means for recognizing the length of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the discharge direction; and, in the discharge direction of the newly discharged sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the group, based on the recognition result of the sheet length recognizing means. Determining means for determining whether or not the length is greater than a maximum value of the length in the discharge direction of the sheet-shaped photosensitive material in the group already mounted on the mounting member;
An interval control unit that controls an interval between the placement member and the discharge unit based on a determination result of the determination unit;
A photosensitive material sorting apparatus, comprising: 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the interval control unit has a transport mechanism for moving the placing member in a direction away from the discharge unit at substantially the same speed as the discharge speed of the sheet-like photosensitive material from the discharge unit. Photosensitive material sorting equipment.

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