JPH07146539A - Device for mixing fresh replenishing solutions - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent deterioration of the replenishing solutions with the lapse of a time in the device for mixing the fresh replenishing solutions. CONSTITUTION:The device 10 for mixing the fresh replenishing solutions has a mixing tank 68 in which plural kinds of replenishing solutions are supplied and mixed to prepare the replenishing solutions of the processing solution for the photosensitive material processing apparatus 141-14n, and the tank 68 has about an absolutely minimum volume sufficient to immediately supply the solution to at least one of the apparatuses and the fresh replenishing solution is supplied when an amount of the replenishing solution stored in the tank 68 becomes less than a prescribed amount.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a replenishing stock solution mixing device for preparing a replenishing solution to be replenished in a processing solution in a processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution by mixing a replenishing stock solution. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photosensitive material on which an image has been exposed is subjected to processing such as development, fixing and washing with a photosensitive material processing device such as an automatic developing device, and then dried. The processing capacity of so-called processing solutions such as a developing solution and a fixing solution used for processing the photosensitive material gradually deteriorates depending on the processing amount of the photosensitive material and the passage of time. For this reason, in the automatic developing device, in order to finish the photosensitive material with a constant quality, the processing solutions such as the developing solution and the fixing solution are replenished with respective replenishing solutions from the processing solution replenishing apparatus according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material and the passage of time. .

In such a replenishing stock solution mixing device of an automatic developing apparatus, for example, when a plurality of sealed cartridges each containing a replenishing stock solution for development are loaded in a cartridge receiver, the cartridge receiver receives the cartridge through the cartridge receiver. The respective replenishing stock solutions are once supplied to the mixing tank, and a plurality of the replenishing stock solutions are mixed in the mixing tank to prepare and store the replenishing solution. Similar preparations can be carried out if necessary for other replenishing stock solutions, for example, replenishing stock solutions for fixing. The stored replenisher is supplied as a replenisher from the mixing tank to the developing tank and / or the fixing tank depending on the processing amount of the photosensitive material or the passage of time. For example, a replenisher for a developing solution is prepared by mixing three types of replenishing stock solutions A, B and C for developing processing and diluting water. It is desirable that the replenishing stock solution is prepared and replenished as soon as possible before being supplied to the processing tank of the automatic developing apparatus.

Where large-scale development processing is required, a plurality of automatic developing devices for processing a large amount of photosensitive material are operated in parallel. Therefore, it is time-consuming to replace the cartridge containing a plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment for each automatic developing device with a new cartridge every time the empty cartridge is emptied. There is also a situation in which it is necessary to temporarily stop. Therefore, when developing on such a large scale, one replenishing stock solution mixing device collectively replenishes a plurality of automatic developing devices instead of loading the cartridges into individual automatic developing devices. Replenisher is prepared by mixing the stock solution for replenishment, and each automatic developing device takes in the replenisher from the replenisher solution mixing device in the required amount at the required time and replenishes the replenisher with the processing solution. It is possible to do it.

[0005]

However, in the conventional replenishing stock solution mixing apparatus, a plurality of developing stock solution for replenishment are accommodated in separate cartridges each having a predetermined ratio, and all of them are collected at once. Because of the mixing and preparation of the replenisher, it takes a considerable amount of time for the plurality of automatic developing devices to use up the entire amount of the replenisher prepared. For this reason, the replenisher gradually deteriorates due to oxidation or the like, and the replenisher having a lowered processing performance is used in each automatic developing device.

Further, the mixing tank for storing the replenisher or the reservoir for storing the prepared replenisher is a considerable space at least capable of accommodating the total amount of the developing replenishing stock solutions A to C contained in the cartridge. So you need
In addition to the increase in size of the apparatus, there is a problem of oxidation of the replenisher due to the large area in contact with air.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of the replenisher solution with time by preparing a necessary amount of the replenisher solution as soon as possible by mixing the replenisher stock solution in plural times. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stock solution mixing device for replenishment.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions are supplied, and these are mixed in a mixing tank to prepare a replenishing solution for a processing solution of a photosensitive material processing apparatus. A stock solution mixing apparatus for use, wherein the mixing tank has a substantially minimum necessary capacity capable of immediately supplying the replenishing solution to one or more photosensitive material processing apparatuses, and the amount of the replenishing solution stored in the mixing tank is not more than a predetermined amount. The stock solution for replenishment will be supplied when it becomes low.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions are separately stored, and at least one replenishing solution of a replenishing solution in a required amount when necessary. A mixing tank that has the minimum necessary capacity to supply the replenishing stock solution and prepares a replenishing solution that is then stored and can be supplied to the photosensitive material processing device, and the replenishment inside the mixing tank. Detecting means for measuring the amount of liquid, a control device for issuing a signal based on the detection means detecting a decrease in the amount of replenishing liquid to the lower limit amount, and a predetermined replenishing stock solution from the cartridge loading portion based on the signal. And a liquid feeding means for filling the mixing tank by supplying only the amount of the liquid to the mixing tank.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions are separately stored, and a replenishing solution of a required amount when necessary to at least one photosensitive material processing apparatus. A mixing tank that has a minimum necessary volume for supplying the replenishing stock solution and prepares the replenishing solution, and the replenishing solution is supplied from the mixing tank and stored, and the stored replenishing solution is stored. Replenishing tank having almost the same capacity as the mixing tank for supplying the replenishing liquid to the photosensitive material processing device, detecting means for measuring the amount of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing tank, and the detecting means detecting the decrease of the replenishing liquid amount to the lower limit amount. Based on the above, a control device that outputs a signal, and a liquid feed means that supplies a predetermined amount of replenishing stock solution from the cartridge loading section to the mixing tank based on the signal and fills the solution are configured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the liquid feeding means according to the second and third aspects comprises a stock tank for separately storing a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions fed from the cartridge, Based on the signal, the replenishing stock solution stored in the stock tank is sent to the mixing tank.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the invention according to the fourth aspect informs that the liquid level detecting means for measuring the liquid level of each replenishing stock solution in the stock tank and the cartridge should be replaced. And a liquid level detection unit, when the liquid level detection unit detects that the liquid level of any of the replenishing stock solutions in the stock tank has become equal to or lower than a predetermined liquid level,
The control device is configured to activate the notification means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment are separated and stored, and at least one photosensitive material processing apparatus is replenished with a required amount when necessary. A mixing tank that has the minimum necessary volume for supplying the liquid and that mixes the supplied replenishing stock solution to prepare the replenishing solution, and a mixing tank or a replenishing tank to which the replenishing solution is supplied from the mixing tank. A detection unit that measures the amount of the replenisher, and a controller that outputs a first signal based on the detection of the lower limit of the replenisher by the detection unit and a second signal based on the detection of the upper limit of the replenisher. And a liquid feed means for starting the supply of the supplementary stock solution from the cartridge loading section to the mixing tank based on the first signal and stopping the supply of the supplementary stock solution based on the second signal.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the volume of the mixing tank is set to the minimum required volume capable of supplying the amount required when one or more photosensitive material processing apparatuses require replenishment of the replenisher. Alternatively, by setting the amount to be slightly larger than that, it is possible to provide a replenishing stock solution mixing device in a small space without stopping the operation of the photosensitive material processing apparatus for supplying the replenishing solution for compensating the deterioration of the processing solution. it can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid level detecting means measures the liquid level in the mixing tank, and the replenishing liquid stored in the mixing tank is supplied to the photosensitive material processing device in a timely manner. If a decrease in the liquid level is detected from the possible amount, the control device controls the liquid feeding means and the liquid amount of each of the plurality of types of undiluted replenishing liquid from the cartridge (corresponding to the volume of the mixing tank in total). (Volume) can be sent to the mixing tank. Then, the replenisher in the mixing tank is taken in by the photosensitive material processing device as needed. When the replenishment liquid is taken in by the photosensitive material processing device and a drop in the liquid level corresponding to the amount of the liquid for one time is detected, the same process is repeated and the replenishment liquid is prepared little by little.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned mixing tank, a replenishing tank and a liquid level detecting means are provided in the replenishing tank, so that the liquid level detecting means has a liquid level of the replenishing tank. When it is detected that the liquid level has dropped below the predetermined level,
The control device controls the liquid feeding means to feed the liquid amount of each of the plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment from the cartridge to the mixing tank, and transfer the whole amount of the replenishing liquid in the mixing tank to the replenishing tank. As a result, a predetermined liquid level is maintained in the replenishing tank, and the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank can be always taken in by the photosensitive material processing apparatus.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing the stock tank for separating and storing the plural kinds of replenishing stock solutions fed from the cartridge,
Even when the cartridge is empty, a plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment stored in the stock tank are sent to the mixing tank. As a result, the liquid transfer to the mixing tank is not interrupted until the cartridge is replaced.

According to the invention of claim 5, the tank liquid level detecting means for measuring the liquid level of each of the plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions provided in the stock tank, and the notifying means are provided. The operator can be informed that the cartridge should be replaced when the liquid level of each of the plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment in the stock tank falls below a predetermined liquid level.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the detecting means detects the lower limit amount of the replenishing liquid, so that the liquid feeding means starts the supply of the replenishing stock solution from the cartridge loading section to the mixing tank, and the detection is performed. When the means detects the upper limit amount of the replenishing solution, the solution sending means stops the supply of the replenishing stock solution. As a result, the necessary minimum upper limit for maintaining the amount of the replenisher stored in the mixing tank to the photosensitive material processing device in a timely manner is maintained. When the lower limit amount of the replenisher is detected by taking in the replenisher by the photosensitive material processing apparatus, the same process is repeated, and the replenisher is prepared little by little.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a replenishing stock solution mixing device 10 according to the present invention. The replenishing stock solution mixing device 10 includes a plurality of automatic developing devices 14 ₁ for simultaneously processing a large amount of the photosensitive material 12.
~ 14 _n are connected. These automatic developing devices 14
Nos. _{1 to} 14 _n are, for example, those in which a photosensitive material 12 such as an image-exposed film is conveyed while being dipped in a developing solution, a fixing solution, and washing water in that order, and then dried. A developing tank 16 for storing, a fixing tank 18 for storing a fixing solution, a washing tank 20 for storing washing water, and a drying section 22 for drying the photosensitive material 12 conveyed in the arrow direction are provided. Each of the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n includes a replenishing stock solution mixing device 10 and a developing solution in a developing tank 16 for replenishing processing according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material 12 and replenishing with time to compensate for deterioration with time. The replenisher is replenished to the fixer in the fixing tank 18. Therefore, the replenisher stock solution mixing device 10 between the developing tank 16 and the fixing tank 18 each of the automatic developing apparatus 14 ₁ to 14 _n, and piping 24 and 26, a replenishing pump 28 and 30 in these pipes , Are placed.

Next, the replenishing stock solution mixing apparatus 10 according to the present invention for preparing the replenishing solution to be replenished with the developing solution and the fixing solution by mixing the respective replenishing stock solutions will be described in detail with reference to FIG. . Here, arrangement to replenish the replenisher to the n-number of the automatic developing apparatus 14 ₁ to 14 _n is Yes shown, also, in order to simplify the description, is shown only the configuration with respect to the developing solution. For example, the replenishing stock solution mixing device 10 may be provided with a substantially similar structure to replenish the replenishing solution to another processing solution such as a fixing solution, but the description thereof is omitted here.

In the replenishing stock solution mixing device 10, a replenishing stock solution A, a replenishing stock solution B, and a replenishing stock solution C (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "replenishing stock solution").
The above three liquids are sealed in an integrated cartridge 50 whose inside is divided into three by a partition wall so that the quality of the product as a medicine does not change during storage. The cartridge 50, in order to replenish the replenisher to the automatic developing apparatus 14 ₁ to 14 _n, are loaded into the cartridge loading section 52 provided in the machine frame of the replenisher stock solution mixing device 10 (not shown). A perforating blade (not shown) for opening the stock solution for replenishment of each of the cartridges 50 is provided in each of the cartridge receiving ports 54A to 54C of the cartridge loading section 52, and each of the ejection ports of the cartridge 50 when the cartridge 50 is loaded. Cartridge 50 because it will break the seal
The stock solution for replenishment is designed to flow out from the inside.

One end of each of the pipes 56A to 56C is open at each of the receiving ports 54A to 54C. The other ends of these pipes 56A to 56C are respectively connected to the stock tank 58.
It opens in A to 58C. In each of the stock tanks 58A to 58C, the height of the highest liquid level of the stock solution for replenishment stored is set not to be higher than the receiving ports 54A to 54C, and the stock solution for replenishment flowing out from the cartridge 50 is received. It does not overflow from 54A to 54C.

Each of the stock tanks 58A to 58C is opened by inserting one end of a pipe 66A to 66C provided with a replenishment pump 64A to 64C at an intermediate portion thereof and opening the other end of the pipe 66A to 66C. It opens above the tank 68.

Above the mixing tank 68, one end of a pipe 72 in which a water supply pump 70 is arranged in the middle is opened, and the other end of the pipe 72 is opened into a water supply tank 74 for storing water. ing. The water supply pump 70 is controlled by the control device 62 to supply a predetermined amount of dilution water to the mixing tank 68. The water supply tank 74 has a water supply pipe 76 and, for example, a float valve 78 in order to maintain a constant water level.
And are placed. Further, in order to ensure the mixing of the replenishing stock solution in the mixing tank 68, for example, a stirring device 80 equipped with a motor for rotating a stirring fan is installed in the mixing tank 68.

Further, a replenishing tank 82 is arranged below the mixing tank 68, and one end of a pipe 84 having a valve 86 arranged at an intermediate portion opens at the bottom of the mixing tank 68, and the other end of the pipe 84 is a replenishing tank. It opens in 82. A liquid level sensor 88 connected to the control device 62 for detecting a predetermined minimum liquid level is arranged in the refill tank 82. This is achieved by maintaining a minimum liquid level in the refill tank 82.
This is a configuration for replenishing the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n with the replenisher without interruption.

In the replenishing tank 82, a plurality of automatic developing devices 1 are provided.
Piping is made to suck the replenisher in the replenisher tank 82 from 4 _{1 to} 14 _n, and the replenisher in the replenisher tank 82 is stored in the replenisher tank 82 by a suction device of an automatic developing device, if necessary. Will be supplied and replenished.

The capacities of the mixing tank 68 and the replenishing tank 82 are determined by the number of the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n to be connected and the expected amount of the photosensitive material to be processed within a predetermined time. This capacity is at least 14
_{1 to} 14 _n must be able to support the required amount of replenisher liquid at one time. On the other hand, since it is desirable to prepare the replenisher immediately before replenishment, it is wasteful to increase the volume too much. Therefore, the replenishing stock solution contained in the cartridge 50 is mixed in a plurality of times via the stock tanks 58A to 58C.

Replenishment pumps 64A to 64C arranged in the middle of the pipes 66A to 66C, a water supply pump 70 arranged in the middle of the pipe 72, a liquid level sensor 88 arranged in the replenishment tank 82, and the middle of the pipe 84. 86 disposed in the tank, liquid level sensor 6 disposed in the stock tanks 58A to 58C
Each of 0A to 60C and a pump (not shown) that may be arranged in the pipes 56A to 56C is connected to and controlled by the control device 62 via a signal line.

The operation of this embodiment will be described in detail below.
In FIG. 1, the film 12 on which an image has been recorded by exposure is inserted into the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _{n from} the insertion ports (not shown) of the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n , and the developing tank 16 is inserted. The fixing tank 18 and the water washing tank 20 are sequentially conveyed to undergo development, fixing, and water washing. The film 12 that has been washed with water is dried in a drying unit 22 arranged next to the washing tank 20.

[0032] Here, in order to compensate the fatigue caused by treatment of developer or fixer time degradation and film 12, the automatic developing apparatus 14 _1, to 14 _n developing tank 16 or the fixing tank 18, replenishment stock according to the invention Replenishment is performed by supplying a replenisher for the developing solution or a replenisher for the fixing solution from the mixing device 10, respectively.

Cartridge 50 containing stock solution for replenishment
Is loaded in the cartridge receiving ports 54A to 54C,
The punching blades provided in the receiving ports 54A to 54C open the cartridge 50, and the replenishing stock solutions (development replenishing stock solutions A to C) in the cartridge 50 flow out to the respective receiving ports 54A to 54C. Receptacles 54A to 54
The stock solutions for replenishment that have flowed out into C are pipes 56A to 5A, respectively.
It flows through 6C and is stored in stock tanks 58A to 58C.

Since the mounting positions of the cartridge loading section 52 and the stock tanks 58A to 58C are properly set, the set water level of the liquid level in the stock tanks 58A to 58C is almost the same as the water level of the receiving ports 54A to 54C. Kept at the same height.

Further, when the liquid level of the replenishing stock solutions A to C becomes lower than a predetermined liquid level which requires replacement of the cartridge, for example, stock tanks 58A to 58.
When any one of the liquid level sensors 60A to 60C of C detects that the liquid level becomes lower than a predetermined level, an alarm device 90 such as voice or lamp display indicates that the cartridge 50 should be replaced. Call. An example of the processing at this time is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, the liquid level sensor 60 in the stock tanks 58A to 58C is shown.
The process of the interrupt processing routine 200 is executed by an interrupt caused by detecting that A to 60C has become equal to or lower than a predetermined liquid level. In step 202, the control device 62 sends a notification signal to the alarm device 90. By receiving the notification signal, the alarm device 90 emits an alarm sound or light to notify the user that the cartridge 50 should be replaced.

Here, the operation and processing for mixing the replenishing stock solution and the dilution water in the mixing tank 68 will be described. After supplying the replenishing solution to the replenishing tank 82, until the next supply of the replenishing undiluted solution starts, the mixing tank 68 is in an almost empty state from the idea that the replenishing undiluted solution is supplied immediately before replenishing the replenishing solution. Is desirable. The supply of the stock solution for replenishment to the mixing tank 68 is performed by setting the remaining amount of the replenisher solution in the refill tank 82 at a preset amount,
For example, the liquid level sensor 88 in the replenishing tank 82 is supplied when the amount becomes smaller than the amount that can supply at least the minimum amount of the replenishing liquid to the automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n as needed.
Is detected and notified to the control device 62 to start. By this notification, the control device 62 executes the processing of the interrupt processing routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 from the main routine (not shown). Then, in step 102, the control device 62 operates the replenishment pumps 64A to 64C and the water supply pump 70 to supply the replenishing stock solution and the diluting water at a predetermined ratio for one of the plurality of times described above. Mixing tank 68
To supply. In step 104, it is judged whether the supply of all the pumps is completed, that is, whether the predetermined time for completing the supply of all the pumps has elapsed, and if not completed, wait until completion. When the supply is completed, in step 106, the stirring device 80 is operated to start stirring. In step 108, it is determined whether the stirring is continued for a predetermined time, and if not, the stirring is continued. After stirring for a predetermined time, in step 110, the valve 86 is operated so that the total amount of the prepared replenisher solution in the mixing tank 68 is replenished tank 82.
And the valve 86 is closed, the process is terminated. At this point, the maximum amount of replenisher liquid is stored in the replenisher tank 82.

The liquid level sensor indicates that the replenisher solution in the replenisher tank 82 has dropped below the predetermined liquid level level as a result of the replenisher solution being taken in by the respective automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n from the replenisher tank 82. If detected by 88, the operations and processes described above are repeated.

In this way, the liquid level sensor 88 is replaced by the replenishment tank 82.
Based on detecting a predetermined minimum liquid level in
The control device 62 controls the replenishment pumps 64A to 64C, the water supply pump 70, the valve 86, and the stirring device 80 to keep the liquid level in the replenishment tank 82 at a predetermined liquid level or higher. it can. Then, the required amount of replenisher can be taken from the replenishing tank 82 without interruption of the respective automatic developing devices 14 _{1 to} 14 _n .

When the liquid level sensors 60A to 60C detect that the stock solutions for replenishment in the stock tanks 58A to 58C have become lower than a predetermined liquid level, the control device 62 causes the pipes 56A to 56C. A supply device (not shown) such as a pump is arranged in the middle of each of the above, and these are operated to cause a predetermined amount of the stock solution for replenishment to flow into the stock tanks 58A to 58C. You may keep it.

The stock solution mixing device 10 for replenishment according to the present invention comprises:
As shown in FIG. 3, the stock tanks 58A to 58C and the replenishment tank 82 may be omitted and the structure may be simpler. In FIG. 3, one end of the pipes 66A to 66C in which the replenishment pumps 64A to 64C for supplying the replenishing stock solution are arranged, and the pipe 72 in which the water supply pump 70 for supplying the diluting water from the water supply tank is arranged. One end of
Respectively open at the top of the mixing tank 68. Mixing tank 6
A liquid level sensor 88 is arranged in the inside 8. Mixing tank 68
Pipe so that each of the automatic developing apparatus 14 ₁ to 14 _n capture replenisher in mixing tank 68 as required have been made within. Figure 2 shows the functions of each pump and liquid level sensor.
Is the same as that of the embodiment.

Normally, in the automatic developing apparatus, the replenisher is added to the processing tank at a constant time interval, for example, by accumulating the film processing amount for a predetermined time and collectively processing replenishment amounts corresponding to the accumulated film processing amount. Therefore, the automatic developing device has a replenishing tank 8
The timing of loading from 2 is also intermittent. Replenishment tank 82
Is designed to supply the replenisher to a plurality of automatic developing devices, the capacity of the mixing tank 68 and the replenishing tank 82 can be reduced by devising such as shifting the fetching timing so that these timings do not coincide. It is also possible to do so. Further, increasing the capacity of the replenishment pumps 64A to 64C in order to shorten the supply time of the replenishing stock solution to the mixing tank 68 is also effective when supplying the replenishing solution to a large number of automatic developing devices.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mixing tank 68 is used.
An upper limit is set for the liquid surface level based on the amount of the replenishing liquid to be stored in, and a liquid level sensor 88 that can detect not only the lower limit of the liquid level of the replenishing liquid but also the upper limit thereof is adopted. If the control device 62 controls the supply of the raw stock solution to the mixing tank 68 to stop each pump at the same time by detecting the upper limit of the liquid level by the liquid level sensor 88, the same function as in the other embodiments can be obtained. . In this case, the capacities of the replenishment pumps 64A to 64C and the water supply pump 70 need to be constantly maintained.

As described above, according to the present invention, the total amount of the replenishing stock solutions A to C is once poured into a large mixing reservoir from the cartridge containing the three replenishing stock solutions A to C at a predetermined ratio. No need to leave it. Therefore, the mixing tank 6
8 and / or the capacity of the replenishment tank 82 can be a minimum capacity determined by the number of connected automatic processors and the frequency with which they are used. That is, the space in the device occupied by the conventional mixing storage tank can be reduced. Further, since the mixing tank 68 and / or the replenishing tank 82 can be downsized, the area in contact with air is further reduced, and the problem of oxidative deterioration is improved.

Further, since the stock solution for replenishment is supplied from each of the cartridge 50 or stock tanks 58A to 58C and mixed immediately before it is used for processing such as development, deterioration of the replenisher solution after preparation with time. Problems will be improved.

In this embodiment, a cartridge 50 containing stock solutions for supplementation divided into three solutions, stock tanks 58A to 58C for storing the stock solutions for supplementation, and a mixing tank 68 for mixing the stock solutions for supplementation are provided. The replenishing stock solution mixing device 10 having the above has been described.
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a replenishment stock solution mixing device provided with a replenishment stock solution cartridge which is separately stored in a liquid.

Further, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to store the respective replenishing stock solutions in one cartridge at a predetermined ratio. Each replenishment stock solution can be contained in a separate container, and the containers can be individually replaced before they are emptied.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of replenishing stock solutions are supplied to the photosensitive material processing apparatus because the replenishing solution is prepared in small amounts when supplying the plurality of photosensitive material processing apparatuses. It is possible to prepare a replenisher by mixing it immediately before, and the replenisher prepared is replenished to the automatic developing device within a relatively short time, so care should be taken regarding deterioration of the replenisher after preparation. There is no need. Further, the miniaturization of the mixing tank enables the miniaturization of the entire apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a connection relationship between a replenishing stock solution mixing device and an automatic developing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a replenishing stock solution mixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a replenishment stock solution mixing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart of processing for holding a predetermined amount of replenisher at a predetermined rate.

FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of processing for notifying a user of cartridge replacement.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 replenisher stock solution mixing device 14 ₁ to 14 _n automatic developing apparatus 50 cartridge 52 cartridge loading section 54A~54C receptacle 58A~58C stock tank 62 controller 64A~64C replenishing pump 66A~66C pipe 68 mixing tank 70 the water supply pump 72, 84 Piping 74 Water tank 80 Stirrer 82 Replenisher 88 Liquid level sensor 90 Alarm device

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A replenishment stock solution mixing device, which is supplied with a plurality of types of replenishment stock solutions, and mixes these in a mixing tank to prepare a replenishment solution for a processing solution of a photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein the mixing tank comprises: The replenishing solution is supplied to one or more light-sensitive material processing devices when the replenishing solution can be immediately supplied to the apparatus, and the replenishing solution stored in the mixing tank is less than a predetermined amount. A stock solution mixing device for replenishment characterized by the above. 2. A cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions are separately stored, and a minimum necessary amount capable of supplying a replenishing solution of a required amount to at least one photosensitive material processing apparatus when needed. Of the replenishing solution to be supplied to the photosensitive material processing apparatus after mixing the supplied replenishing stock solution to prepare the replenishing solution and measuring the amount of the replenishing solution in the mixing vessel. Detecting means, a control device which outputs a signal based on the detection means detecting a decrease in the amount of the replenishing liquid to the lower limit amount, and a replenishing stock solution from the cartridge loading section based on the signal to a predetermined liquid. A replenishment undiluted solution mixing device comprising: a liquid feeding unit that supplies the mixing tank in an amount to fill the mixing tank. 3. A cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions are separately stored, and a minimum necessary amount capable of supplying a required amount of replenisher solution to at least one photosensitive material processing apparatus when needed. A mixing tank for preparing a replenisher solution by mixing the supplied replenishing stock solution, and the replenisher solution is supplied from the mixing tank and stored therein, and the stored replenisher solution is stored in the photosensitive material processing apparatus. A replenishing tank having almost the same capacity as the mixing tank for supplying the replenishing liquid to the replenishing tank, detecting means for measuring the amount of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing tank, and the detecting means detecting the decrease of the replenishing liquid amount to the lower limit amount. A replenishment means for supplying a predetermined amount of replenishing stock solution to the mixing tank from the cartridge loading section based on the signal to supply the replenishing stock solution to the mixing tank according to the signal. Stock solution mixing device. 4. The replenishing means comprises a stock tank for separating and storing a plurality of types of replenishing stock solutions fed from the cartridge, and based on the signal, the replenishing stock solution stored in the stock tank. The replenishment stock solution mixing device according to claim 2 or 3, which sends the stock solution to the mixing tank. 5. A liquid level detecting means for measuring the liquid level of each replenishing stock solution in the stock tank, and an informing means for informing that the cartridge should be replaced, wherein the liquid level detecting means is 5. The replenisher for replenishment according to claim 4, wherein when the liquid level of any one of the replenishing stock solutions in the stock tank is detected to be equal to or lower than a predetermined liquid level, the control device activates the notification means. Stock solution mixing device. 6. A cartridge loading section for loading a cartridge in which a plurality of types of stock solutions for replenishment are separately stored, and a minimum necessary amount capable of supplying a required amount of the replenisher solution to at least one photosensitive material processing apparatus when needed. A mixing tank having a limited capacity for preparing a replenisher solution by mixing supplied replenishing stock solutions, and an amount of the replenisher solution in the replenisher tank in the replenisher tank or in the replenisher tank to which the replenisher solution is supplied. A detection unit for measuring; a control device for outputting a first signal based on the detection of the lower limit amount of the replenisher by the detection unit; and a second signal based on the detection of the upper limit amount of the replenisher. A feed means for starting the supply of the stock solution for replenishment from the cartridge loading section to the mixing tank based on one signal and stopping the supply of the stock solution for replenishment based on the second signal; Stock solution mixing device.