JP2000003001A - Device for replenishing solid processing agent for processing photosensitive material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for replenishing a solid processing agent for processing photosensitive material capable of realizing the sure replenishment of a solid processing agent and obtaining stable photographic processing performance by preventing a faulty feeding at the time of throwing the solid processing agent discharged from the replenishing device to a corresponding processing tank and preventing the faulty replenishment of the soild processing agent at the time of attaching the solid processing agent storage container to a replenishing device main body. SOLUTION: Plural kinds of solid processing agents J, JN and JP can pass through the entrance part of a guide member 39, and the exit part of the member 39 on the downstream side in a soild processing agent passing direction is formed to be narrower than the entrance part. When plural kinds of solid processing agents J, JN and JP stored in the storage container 40 are introduced and discharged from plural discharge aperture parts 332 by a carrying member 333 in the replenishing device main body 31, at least the solid processing agent discharged from both ends of the aperture parts 332 is discharged with a time lag so that it may not be continuously discharged in the member 39 from the aperture parts 332 in rows adjacent to each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, in which a predetermined amount of a different type of solid processing agent contained in a storage container is dropped into a corresponding processing tank. The present invention relates to a solid processing agent replenishing device for processing a photosensitive material which is replenished by replenishment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter also referred to as a light-sensitive material) is exposed to a developer, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution,
It is processed in a processing step using a processing liquid such as a stabilizing liquid.
This processing is usually performed by an automatic developing machine. In this case, a replenisher replenishment method is generally used, and the processing is controlled so that the activity of each processing solution in the processing tank is kept constant.

In the replenisher replenishment method, the purpose is to dilute the processing solution with the eluate from the light-sensitive material, replenish the amount of evaporation, and replenish the consumed components. I have.

For commercial processing of photosensitive materials,
In order to reduce cost and manual labor, reduce pollution load, make processing equipment compact, and further enhance commercial value, it is required to obtain stable and excellent processing performance with as little processing liquid as possible.

As a method for responding to this demand, WO92 /
JP 200113 discloses a method in which almost all the processing agent components are converted into a solid processing agent and directly charged into a processing tank.

However, in this method, the processing amount of the photosensitive material is detected, and a predetermined amount of a different solid processing agent is individually controlled and replenished to the processing liquid in each of the plurality of processing tanks. There is a problem that a control device for controlling the amount and timing of charging the solid processing agent becomes complicated, the probability of failure increases, and the size of the device also increases. In addition, since the consumption of each of the different solid processing agents contained in a plurality of storage containers is significantly different, there is a difference in the remaining amount of the solid processing agent in the storage containers. Operation becomes cumbersome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a technology for replenishing a solid processing agent that solves these problems.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A unitized processing agent charging means for charging a plurality of different types of solid processing agents includes:
A solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material, in which a storage container containing a plurality of different types of solid processing agents is loaded, and the processing agent is supplied from the processing agent input unit to the processing tank to dissolve and replenish the processing solution. In, when high-humidity gas generated from each processing tank enters the inside of the replenishing device through the processing agent discharge port of the replenishing device, and mixes and penetrates into different solid processing agents, contamination (contamination) occurs. When the solid processing agent is replenished into the processing tank, the photographic quality is reduced.

According to the present invention, the solid processing agent is moisture-proof, the solid processing agent discharged from the solid processing agent replenishing device is prevented from being transported poorly when the solid processing agent is dropped into a corresponding processing tank, and the solid processing agent storage container is transferred to the replenishing device main body. An object of the present invention is to provide a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, in which solid processing agent replenishment is achieved by preventing solid processing agent replenishment failure at the time of mounting, and stable photo processing performance is obtained. .

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material according to the present invention, in which a plurality of types of solid processing agents stored in a storage container are sequentially placed in a main body of the replenishing apparatus. Introduced, sequentially transported by the transporting means in the replenishing device main body, sequentially discharging the plurality of types of solid processing agents from a plurality of discharge openings at the lower part of the replenishing device main body, and responding along the charging path in the guide member. A solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material, wherein the solid processing agent is replenished by being charged into a processing tank, wherein a plurality of types of solid processing agents can pass through an inlet of the guide member; The outlet on the downstream side in the direction of passage of the solid processing agent is formed narrower than the inlet portion, and the transporting means introduces a plurality of types of solid processing agents stored in the storage container from the plurality of discharge openings. When discharging, at least The solid processing agent discharged from both ends of the discharge opening is discharged at a time difference so as not to be continuously discharged into the guide member from the adjacent discharge opening ( Claim 1).

Further, in the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material according to the present invention, a storage container storing the solid processing agent is detachably mounted on a mounting portion of the replenishing apparatus, and the solid processing agent is opened through the opening of the storage container. Solid processing for photosensitive material processing in which the agent is discharged, fed into the receiving opening of the mounting section, transported, discharged from the discharging opening at the lower part of the replenishing device, and charged into the processing tank to replenish the processing liquid. In the agent supply device, the entrance of the receiving opening of the mounting portion is formed to be larger than the opening of the storage container, and the inner wall surface of the receiving opening of the mounting portion is closer to the mounting portion than the entrance. The solid processing agent is formed on an inclined surface having a narrow inside so that the solid processing agent can pass therethrough (claim 3).

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

An example of the automatic developing machine of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an automatic developing machine) will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 (a)
1 is an overall front view of a self-developing machine AP for developing color photographic paper (silver halide photographic material), and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the self-developing machine AP.

The sheet-shaped color photographic paper p exposed by the photoprinting machine B is introduced into the automatic developing machine AP.

In the self-developing machine AP, the color photographic paper p is supplied to a color developing tank 1A, a bleach-fixing tank 1B, and stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E.
The paper is sequentially conveyed by roller conveying means (without reference symbols), and is subjected to a color developing process, a bleach-fixing process, and a stabilizing process, respectively. Color photographic paper p subjected to each of the above processes
Is dried in the drying unit 6 and discharged outside the machine.

In this embodiment, the color photographic paper p is guided into the automatic processing machine AP in a cut state. However, the color photographic paper p is guided into the automatic processing machine AP in a strip shape. Is also good. Further, the self-developing machine AP according to the present invention may be configured integrally with the photoprinting machine B or may be a single self-developing machine AP. Further, as a description of the present invention, a color developing tank 1A,
The process is carried out on an automatic developing machine AP having a processing tank 1 of substantially three tanks having a bleach-fixing tank 1B and stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an exposed negative film is processed. The present invention can be applied to an automatic developing machine having substantially four or more processing tanks having a color developing tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilizing tank.

The processing tanks of the color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fix tank 1B, and the stabilizing tanks 1C to 1E have auxiliary tanks 2A, 2B,
2C, 2D, and 2E are provided continuously. The auxiliary tank 2
A, 2B, and 2E are supplied with a solid processing agent from a solid processing agent supply device (hereinafter, referred to as a supply device) 30. 40
Is a solid processing agent storage container (hereinafter, referred to as a storage container) that is detachably mounted on the replenishing device 30. Reference numeral 51 denotes a replenishing water tank that supplies replenishing water to the color developing tank 1A and the stabilizing tank 1E.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a self-developing machine AP for color photographic paper development processing. In the automatic developing machine AP, the color photographic paper p includes a color developing tank 1A, a bleach-fixing tank 1B, and a stabilizing tank 1B.
C, 1D, 1E each processing solution (CD, B, F, SR1
After the treatment in 3), the drying is performed in the drying unit 6. As the liquid level, the bleach-fixing tank 1B is compared with the stabilizing tanks 1C and 1B.
D and 1E increase sequentially. Therefore, the overflow liquid from 1E has a structure (counter current method) in which it flows into 1D, 1C, and 1B by gravity.
51 is a replenishing water tank, 52A and 52B are water supply pumps, 5
3 is a water supply pipe, and 54 is a replenishment water supply control means. Reference numeral 56 denotes a processing amount information detecting means for detecting the processing amount of the color photographic paper p, and reference numeral 57 denotes a solid processing agent supply control means for appropriately replenishing a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent based on the processing amount information. 30P
Is a replenishing device for replenishing the solid processing agent to the automatic developing machine AP.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the construction of an automatic developing machine AN for developing a negative film. In the automatic developing machine AN, a negative film (photosensitive material) f is processed by a color developing tank 1N as a processing tank.
A, bleach tank 1NB, fixing tank 1NC, 1ND, stabilization tank 1N
E, 1NF, each processing solution in 1NG (CD, B, F, SR
After being subjected to the processes 1 to 3), it is dried in the drying unit 6.
The above color developing tank 1NA, bleaching tank 1NB, fixing tank 1ND,
Each processing tank of the stabilization tank 1NG is provided with a replenishing device 30 for supplying a solid processing agent. 30N is an automatic machine AN
Is a replenishing device for replenishing the solid processing agent. Parts having the same functions as those of the self-developing machine AP are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a color developing tank 1A, an auxiliary tank (dissolving tank) 2A, and a solid processing agent replenishing device, which are processing tanks in the ZZ section of the automatic processing machine AP of FIG. Since the bleach-fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tank 1E have almost the same structure, the color developing tank 1A will be described below as a representative. In the figure,
In order to make the configuration easy to understand, transport means for transporting the photosensitive material are omitted.

The color developing tank 1A for processing the photosensitive material (p or f) is provided with an auxiliary tank (dissolving tank) 2A integrally provided outside the partition wall 21 forming the color developing tank 1A.
Having. The color development processing tank 1A and the auxiliary tank 2A are separated by a partition wall 21 having a communication window 21A formed therein, so that the processing liquid can be circulated. In the auxiliary tank 2A, a filter 22, a heater 25, a temperature sensor 2
6. A liquid level sensor 27 is provided. The inside of the filter 22 communicates with the suction side of a circulation pump 24 (circulation means) via a circulation pipe 23A provided through the lower wall of the auxiliary tank 2A. The other end of the circulation pipe 23 </ b> B communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 24 penetrates the outer wall of the color developing tank 1 and communicates with the color developing tank 1. With such a configuration, when the circulation pump 24 operates, the processing liquid is sucked from the auxiliary tank 2A, and the color development processing tank 1A
The processing liquid mixes with the processing liquid in the color developing processing tank 1A, enters the auxiliary tank 2A again, and repeats the circulation. 11 is an overflow pipe, and 12 is a waste liquid tank.

The replenishing water supply means 50 for supplying replenishing water W to the auxiliary tank 2A comprises a replenishing water tank 51, a water supply pump 52, and water pipes 53A and 53B. (See Reference) to supply an appropriate amount of replenishing water W at appropriate times.

The solid processing agent replenishing device comprises a storage container 40 for accommodating a tablet type solid processing agent J, a replenishing device 30, a processing amount information detecting means 56, and a solid processing agent supply controlling means 57 (see FIG. 2). Have been. The supply device 30 is driven by a motor M. A lid 104 is swingably hinged to a part of the upper surface of the upper cover 102 of the automatic machine AP, and the lid 104 is opened in the direction of dashed line a in FIG. The solid processing agent J is replaced and replenished.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage container 40, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the opening (414) of the storage container 40 is opened, FIG. 6 (a) is a side view of the storage container 40, and FIG. FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line AA of the storage container 40 storing the solid processing agent, and FIG. 6C is a view BB of the storage container 40 storing the solid processing agent.
It is a sectional enlarged view. FIG. 7 shows a solid processing agent (JN) to be supplied to each processing tank of the automatic developing machine AN for developing a negative color film.
1 to JN4), a front sectional view of a storage container 40N that stores the storage container 40N.
FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a storage container 40P that stores solid processing agents (JP1 to JP3) to be supplied to the processing tank of the automatic developing machine AP for color photographic paper development processing.

The storage container 40N shown in FIG. 7 contains a plurality of types of solid processing agents JN1, JN2, JN3, which have been solidified into tablets for each processing of a color negative film, that is, for each of color development, bleaching, fixing, and stabilization processing. This is a storage container for storing JN4. The storage container 40P shown in FIG. 8 contains solid processing agents JP1, JP2, and JP3 solidified into tablets for each processing of color photographic paper, that is, each processing of color development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization.
Is a storage container for storing.

The storage container 40N stores the solid processing agents JN1 to JN4 in an amount capable of processing 100 color negative films (the solid processing agent JN1 for color development is 10 tablets, and the bleaching agent is used for bleaching). 10 tablets of solid processing agent JN3, 40 tablets of solid processing agent JN3 for fixing, and 1 tablet of solid processing agent JN4 for stabilization). The storage container 40P contains 20 tablets of the solid processing agent JP1 for color development.
40 tablets of solid processing agent JP2 for bleach-fixing and 4 tablets of solid processing agent JP3 for stabilization are stored.

Each of the storage container 40N and the storage container 40P has a container body 41, a lid member 42, a cap member 43,
It is composed of seal members 44A and 44B and a label 45.

The container body 41 has a front end side (a side on which the lid member 42 is provided; the left side in FIG. 6B) and a rear end side (a side on which the cap member 43 is provided, and FIG.
The right side in (b) is an open hollow cylindrical container. The lid member 42 is a slide lid that can open and close the front end side of the container body 41. The cap member 43 is a cap member 43 that closes an opening on the rear end side of the container body 41. These container body 41 and lid member 4
In the present embodiment, in consideration of the components of the solid processing agents J1 to J4, the cap member 43 and the cap member 43 are resin-molded with, for example, high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Since the container main body 41 is a thin-walled and deep-walled material, a container having a high fluidity is preferable.

Inside the container body 41, seven partition walls 411 are integrally provided, and these partition walls 41 are provided.
1 and the inner wall of the container body 41, the inside of the container body 41 has eight storage chambers (separate rooms) 412A, 412B, 412C,
412D, 412E, 412F, 412G, and 412H.

The front ends of the eight storage chambers 412 (A to H) form eight open openings 413. A flat flange portion 414 is provided around these openings 413 (on the tip side of the container body 41). A protrusion (bead portion) 415 protruding from the flange front surface 414A is integrally formed on the front end side of the flange portion 414 so as to surround eight openings 413. Film-shaped sealing members 44A and 44B are removably attached to the protruding surface of the protruding portion 415, and the opening 4
13 can be opened and closed. The seal members 44A and 44B are wound around the movable lid member 42, and both ends thereof are fixed to the front side and the back side of the flange 414, respectively.

By sliding the cover member 42, the seal members 44A and 44B are peeled off from the projection surface of the projection 415, and the opening 413 is opened. The number of the seal members 44A and 44B may be two, as shown in FIG.
One sheet may be integrated. Seal members 44A, 44
B is made of a laminated material of aluminum foil and a film-like resin (polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyethylene, or the like) or a laminated material of a plurality of types of resin films, and has moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility. It is a thin film material that has strength and is resistant to tearing.

Although the rear end side of the storage chambers 412 (A to H) is open, the open portion is covered by the cap member 43.

Each storage chamber 41 of the storage container 40N shown in FIG.
2 (A to H) can store the solid processing agents J in a tandem state. Of these eight storage chambers 412 (A to H), the solid processing agent JN1
Is stored in the third row of storage chambers 412C.
N2 is stored, and storage chambers 412D and 412 in the fourth to seventh rows are stored.
The solid processing agent JN3 is stored in E, 412F, and 412G, and the solid processing agent JN4 is stored in the eighth row of storage chambers 412H.

The storage chamber 412B is a storage chamber that does not store the solid processing agent (hereinafter, also referred to as an empty room).
This is because if the components of the solid processing agent JN2 for fixing are mixed with the components of the solid processing agent JN2 for development, the developing performance is greatly adversely affected.
A is provided between the container A and the storage room 412C.
This is to prevent the powder containing the component of the solid processing agent JN2 generated when storing or discharging N2 from entering (so-called contamination).

The storage container 40P for storing the solid processing agents (JP1 to JP3) to be supplied to the processing tank of the automatic developing machine AP for color photographic paper development processing has the same shape as the storage container 40N. As shown in FIG. 8, the storage chambers 412A and 412A for storing the solid processing agent JP1 for color development are stored in the storage container 40P.
An empty chamber 412C was provided between the leftmost row of storage chambers 412D, 412E, 412F, and 412G for storing the solid processing agent JP2 for bleach-fixing.

Each of these storage chambers 412 (A to H) is provided with an opening 413 at the front end side of the container body 41, through which the solid processing agent JN can be stored or discharged. A flat flange portion 414 is provided around these openings 413 (on the tip side of the container body 41) so as to surround the openings 413. Both end portions 414A and 414B of the flange portion 414 are configured to engage with the engaging portions 421A and 421B of the lid member 42.

The lid member 42 is a member that covers the opening 413 and can be opened and closed by sliding with respect to the opening 413. The surface of the container body 41 facing the opening 413 of the container body 41 is provided with a cover member 42.
The first locking portion 422 locked by the upper surface of the flange portion 414 on the upper end of the lid member 42 and the lid member 42 do not easily rise in order to stop at a position covering the opening portion 413 without excessively lowering. Flange 414 so that it does not open
Locking portion 4 locked by the lower end surface (no symbol) of
27 (see FIG. 6). The lid member 4
The operation members 424 provided on both side surfaces of the cover member 42
When the is slid upward, the locking state of the second locking portion 423 to the lower end surface of the flange portion 414 is released, and the operation for further sliding the lid member 42 is performed.

The cap member 43 covers the rear end side of the opened and closed container body 41, that is, the storage chamber 412 (A
To H) are members that cover the rear end side. Cap member 43
Is fitted and sealed to the rear end of the container body 41, and is prevented from coming off by the locking claw 431. 432 is a cap member 4
3 is an identification portion for preventing erroneous vertical mounting when mounting 3 on the container body 41.

Next, assembly of the storage container 40 and storage of the solid processing agent JN will be described. First, the fitting grooves 431 (A to C) on the inner surface of the cap member 43 correspond to the partition walls 411 (A to D) of the container body 41 and the container body 41, respectively.
The cap member 43 is attached to the rear end side of the container main body 41 so as to fit the outer wall of the container main body 41 to cover the rear end side of the opened container main body 41. At this time, the cap member 43
The seal member 35 is wound over the container body 41 and the solid processing agent JN from the rear end side of the container body 41.
Completely prevents dust from leaking out. Next, the solid processing agent JN1 for color development is stored in the storage chamber 412A.
10 tablets, a solid processing agent JN2 for bleaching
, 10 rows, 4 rows of solid processing agent JN3 for fixing
Forty tablets (12 tablets in each compartment) in 12D and one tablet in the storage chamber 412E for the solid processing agent JN4 for stabilization are stored in a column from the opening 413, respectively.

Then, the engaging portions 421A, 4 of the lid member 42
21B is the side end 4 of the flange 414 of the container body 41.
The cover member 42 covers the opening 413 by sliding the cover member 42 from above the container main body 41 while engaging and guiding the cover member 14A and 414B. When the lid member 42 is slid, the operation is performed by operating the operation members 429 provided on both side surfaces of the lid member 42.

A label 45 indicating the manufacturer name and the type of the solid processing agent J to be stored is adhered to the storage container (the upper surface side of the outer wall of the container body 41) in which the solid processing agent JN is stored. The label 45 has a container body 41, a lid member 42, and a cap member 43 in consideration of recycling of the storage container 40.
The same material as above. That is, by using the same material for the container body 41 and the label 45, which are the members to which the label 45 is adhered, it is possible to recycle the waste without being discarded as industrial waste. It can be used without peeling, and the efficiency of recycling work can be improved.

On the upper surface side of the container body 41, the replenishing device 30
When mounting the storage container 40 to the upper and lower sides of the storage container 40,
An identification section 416 for preventing erroneous operation in the mounting direction is integrally formed.

On both sides of the outer wall of the container body 41, projecting members 418, 419 for mounting and locking the storage container 40 to the replenishing device 30 are integrally provided. The two protruding members 418 closer to the lid member 42 are connected to a replenishing device 30 described later.
And is positioned and fixed in a cam groove provided in a mounting portion below the mounting portion. The two protruding members 419 closer to the cap member 43 are fitted into a cam groove provided in a mounting portion above the replenishing device 30 described later, and are positioned and fixed. In addition, the left and right protrusion members 419 have different outer diameters to prevent the storage container 40 from being erroneously attached to the supply device 30.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an operation of mounting the storage container 40 on the replenishing device 30, and FIG. 10 is a front view showing a replenishing state in which the storage container 40 is mounted on the replenishing device 30.

The replenishing device 30 includes an upper support 310 for supporting the cap member 43 of the storage container 40 and a storage container 40.
A mounting portion 320 that supports the lid member 42 side and receives a plurality of solid processing agents in the storage container 40, and a processing agent input means 330 that inputs the received solid processing agents into a plurality of processing tanks.

The upper support 310 includes a support 311, a support member 312, and a pressing member 313. The column 311 is fixed upright to the substrate 300. The support member 312 is the support 3
11 is fixed to the upper part. Inside the support member 312, a groove 312A that allows the projection member 419 of the storage container 40 to be introduced, and a concave portion 312B at the end of the groove 312A are formed. The pressing member 313 presses the cap member 43 on the upper part of the storage container 40 when the storage container 40 is mounted on the upper support 310.

The upper body 321 of the mounting portion 320 has a receiving opening 32 for receiving a plurality of solid processing agents in the storage container 40.
2 are drilled. The receiving opening 322 is partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 323 to form a plurality of open compartments. These plurality of open sub-chambers correspond to the storage chambers 412 (A to H) of the container main body 41, respectively.

Further, inside the both side walls of the upper body 321,
A groove cam portion 324 is provided. When the storage container 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 320 in the groove cam portion 324,
The protrusion 418 of the storage container 40 is inserted and fitted, and the lid member 4 is inserted.
Move 2 to make it openable. Further, when the storage container 40 is loaded and unloaded from the mounting portion 320, the opening 413 of the storage container 40 is closed by the lid member 42.

The operation process for mounting the storage container 40 on the mounting section 320 will be described below.

(1) The storage container 40 is gripped so that the lid member 42 is on the lower side, and the protrusion 419 is
9 is inserted obliquely upward from the obliquely downward direction along the guide groove 312A (the direction of FIG. 9). The guide grooves 312A provided at the two right and left locations are formed so as to have different groove widths, and the outer diameters of the two right and left projections 419 are set so as to match the guide groove parts 312A. The container 40 cannot be inserted in the reverse direction (prevention of misloading).

(2) After the protrusion 419 is fitted into the holding recess 312B, and the storage container 40 is swung about the holding recess 312B (in the direction of FIG. 9), the operating members at both ends of the lid member 42 When the container 429 abuts on the locking member and the movement is hindered and stopped, and the storage container 40 is further moved, only the container main body 41 moves, and the opening 413 is gradually opened.

(3) When the flange portion 414 of the container main body 41 comes into contact with the stopper, the protrusion 418 near the lid member 42 of the storage container 40 is fitted into the groove cam portion 324 and the concave portion 3
25, and stops while being pressed by the leaf spring 326. At this time, the opening 413 is fully opened, and the solid processing agent in the container body 41 falls into the receiving opening 322 of the mounting section 320.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 320 and the processing agent introducing means 330 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a reference numeral 0 and a processing agent introduction unit 330 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

The entrance of the receiving opening 322 of the mounting section 320 is formed larger than the opening 413 of the storage container 40.
In addition, the inner wall surface of the receiving opening 322 is formed on an inclined surface where the inside of the mounting portion 320 is narrower than the entrance, and allows the solid processing agent J to pass therethrough.

The entrance of the receiving opening 322 is connected to the storage container 40.
Is formed larger than the opening 413 of the solid processing agent J in the storage container 40 even if the opening 413 of the storage container 40 is slightly shifted to the entrance of the mounting portion 320.
Is not sandwiched between the entrance of the receiving opening 322 of the mounting section 320 and the opening 413 of the storage container 40, and does not cause a conveyance failure. In addition, by forming the inner wall surface of the receiving opening portion 322 on an inclined surface where the inside of the mounting portion 320 is narrower than the inlet portion, and by making it the minimum opening through which the solid processing agent J can pass,
The solid processing agent J is reliably injected into the pocket portion of the lower drum member (conveying member) 333.

The processing agent supply means 33 below the mounting part 320
Reference numeral 0 denotes a lower main body 331, a drum member 333, a driving unit, and the like. A shutter 340 is swingably supported below the lower body 331.

A discharge opening 332 for dropping and replenishing the solid processing agent J is formed below the lower body 331.
The discharge opening 332 is partitioned into eight openings 332A to 332H by a plurality of partition walls 331A, and separates and discharges a plurality of types of solid processing agents JN1 to JN4.

The discharge opening 332 is closed by shutter means 340 except during replenishment. Shutter member 3
41 is swung along the cylindrical surface on the lower surface of the lower main body 331. A pressing member 342, an elastic packing member (elastic member) 343, and a biasing member (spring member) 344 are accommodated in a concave portion inside the shutter member 341. Pressing member 34
The elastic packing member 343 attached to the upper surface of the second body 2 is urged by the urging member 344 to press and close the discharge opening 332 below the lower main body 331. Shutter member 341
Has an opening 34 having a plurality of partition walls.
5 is provided to allow the solid processing agent J to pass and drop. The opening 345 is provided with a partition wall for aligning and dropping eight rows of solid processing agents.

The elastic packing member 343 is made of a chemical resistant material,
For example, it is molded from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) or the like, and has a rubber hardness of 30 to 35 °.

The pressing member 342 is also formed of a chemical-resistant material, for example, polyphenylene oxide (PPO). The elastic packing member 343 and the pressing member 342 formed of a chemical-resistant material perform a stable open / close operation for a long period of time against a high-humidity gas generated from a lower processing tank.

The shutter member 341 is integrated with the swing plate 346 (see FIG. 10). The swing plate 346 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 334 that drives and rotates a drum member 333 described later, and the other end is connected to a crank 347. The crank 347 is an eccentric disk 3 rotated by a drive source.
The oscillating plate 346 and the shutter member 341 are oscillated by being connected to the eccentric member 48 and eccentrically moved. This shutter member 341
Swings, the discharge opening 332 is opened and closed.

A gear G8 is formed on the outer circumference of the eccentric disk 348. The gear G8 is rotated by a drive transmission gear train including a gear G5 and intermediate gears G6 and G7 from a motor M2 as a drive source.

The shutter member 341 uses the eccentric oscillating mechanism to open the discharge opening 332 only when the solid processing agent is supplied, and keeps the discharge opening 332 closed when not supplying the solid processing agent. When the discharge opening 332 is closed by the shutter member 341 other than during replenishment, the processing liquid vapor rising from the processing tank below the replenishing device 30 is prevented from entering the replenishing device main body, and the moisture-proof effect is reduced. Enhance.

Rotation shafts 334 are rotatably supported on both side surfaces of the lower main body 331 via bearings 336, respectively. A gear 335 is fixed to one shaft end of the rotating shaft 334. The gear 335 is rotated by a drive transmission gear train including gears G1, G2, and G3 from a motor M1 as a drive source.

A notched disk-shaped convex coupling portion 334K protrudes inside each rotating shaft 334. The convex coupling portion 334K is fitted to a concave coupling portion 333K formed on both end surfaces of the drum member 333 to transmit the driving rotation to the drum member 333.

The drum member 333 is composed of a plurality of (eight as shown) cylindrical portions. These cylindrical portions are positioned and integrated by a central boss and a radial pin.

FIG. 13A is a side view of the drum member 333, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the drum member 333.
FIG. 14 shows AA, BB, CC,
It is each sectional view of DD, EE, FF, GG, and HH.

The drum member 333 includes the storage container 40
Eight rows of cylindrical members are provided with angular phase shifts corresponding to the rows of compartments. Each cylindrical member has one solid processing agent J
Treatment agent receiving portion (pocket portion) 333 capable of receiving pressure
A, 333B, 333C, 333D, 333E, 333
F, 333G, and 333H are formed so as to be shifted in angular phase in the rotation direction.

The solid processing agent JN for color development is provided in the pocket 333A of the first row among the eight rows of cylindrical members of the drum member 333 mounted in the replenishing device 30N of the automatic developing machine AN.
1 is input. The second row of pockets 333B are empty,
The solid processing agent JN2 for bleaching is introduced into the third row of pockets 333C. Fourth to seventh rows of pockets 333
D, 333E, 333F, and 333G are charged with a solid processing agent JN3 for fixing. Eighth row of pockets 333
H is charged with a solid processing agent JN4 for stabilization.

Among the eight rows of cylindrical members of the drum member 333 mounted in the replenishing device 30P of the self-developing machine AP, the first and second rows of pockets 333A and 333B have solid processing for color development. The agent JP1 is supplied. The third row of pockets 333C are empty, and the fourth to seventh rows of pockets 333 are provided.
D, 333E, 333F, and 333G are charged with a solid processing agent JP2 for bleach-fixing. 8th row pocket 3
33H is charged with a solid processing agent JP3 for stabilization.

Among these solid processing agents, the solid processing agents JN1 and JN2, which must prevent contamination in particular, are separated via an empty space, but the front end of the partition wall for partitioning each pocket. , Upper body 321, lower body 331
There is a risk that the powder of the solid processing agent may enter through the gap with the inner wall and mix.

Similarly, the solid processing agents JP1 and JPN2, for which contamination must be particularly prevented, are
Although separated via 3C, there is a risk that the powder of the solid processing agent may enter and mix through the gap between the tip of the partition wall that partitions each pocket and the inner walls of the upper body 321 and the lower body 331. .

FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectional views of the replenishing device 30 showing a process in which the solid processing agent J is dropped from the pocket 333A of the drum member 333. That is, FIG. 15 shows a state where the solid processing agent J in the storage container 40 is charged into the pocket 333A of the drum member 333. FIG. 16 shows a state where the solid processing agent J is dropped into the processing tank from the pocket 333A of the drum member 333.

The eccentric disk 348 shown in FIG. 10 is rotated by the driving means in response to the replenishment start signal of the solid processing agent J, and the crank 347 causes the swinging plate 346 to swing about the rotation shaft 334. The shutter member 341 integrated with the swing plate 346 is swung, and the swing of the shutter member 341 stops when the opening 345 of the shutter member 341 matches the discharge opening 332 at the lower portion of the lower main body 331.

After the swinging movement of the shutter member 341 is completed, the drum member 333 is rotated by another driving means in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and the solid processing agent J is received in the drum 333 and is conveyed by rotation. And fall through the opening 345 of the shutter member 341 to be supplied to the lower processing tank.

The process of replenishing the solid processing agent by rotating the drum member 333 will be described below.

(1) When the storage container 40 is mounted on the mounting portion of the replenishing device 30 and the cover member 42 is automatically opened to open the opening 413, the container body 4
The leading solid processing agents JN1 to JN4 in 1 abut against the outer peripheral surface of the stopped drum member 333 and are kept in the initial stopped state.

(2) When the rotation of the drum member 333 is started, first, the solid processing agent JN1 is supplied to the first row of pockets 333A from the opening 413 in the container body 41, and then to the third row of pockets 333C. The processing agent JN2 is further arranged in each of the pocket portions 333D to 333G in the fourth to seventh rows.
The solid processing agent JN3 is further added to the pockets 333 in the eighth row.
H, the solid processing agents JN4 are sequentially charged.

(3) Subsequently, the rotation of the drum member 333 causes the pocket portions 333A, 333B, 333C,
When 33D to 333G and 333H reach a position corresponding to the discharge opening 332 below the lower main body 331, the four types of solid processing agents JNI and JNI stored in the pockets, respectively.
JN2, JN3, and JN4 sequentially fall, pass through the lower discharge opening 332 and the opening 345 of the shutter member 341, and are supplied into the lower processing tank.

(4) In this way, the drum member 333
Of the solid processing agent JN1 (1
Tablets), bleaching solid processing agent JN2 (1 tablet), fixing solid processing agent JN3 (4 tablets), stabilizing solid processing agent JN4 (1 tablet)
Is replenished.

FIG. 17 (a) shows that a plurality of types of solid processing agents JN1 to JN4 in the storage container 40N are supplied to the lower replenishing device 30.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport path for supplying a processing tank from a lower discharge opening 332 via N to a corresponding processing tank. Hereinafter, the order of adding the solid processing agents JN1 to JN4 will be described.

The first row of storage chambers 41 of the storage container 40 N
The solid processing agent JN1 in 2A is
No. 3 is fed into the pocket 333A, is conveyed, and is supplied from the lower discharge opening 332 to the corresponding processing tank 1NA.

The storage chamber 41 in the third row of the storage container 40 N
The solid processing agent JN2 in 2C is supplied to the rotating drum member 33.
No. 3 is fed into the pocket portion 333C, is conveyed, and is supplied from the lower discharge opening 332 to the corresponding processing tank 1NB.

The storage chamber 41 in the fourth row of the storage container 40 N
The solid processing agent JN3 in the 2D is rotated by the rotating drum member 33.
3 is fed into the pocket portion 333D, is conveyed, is discharged from the lower discharge opening 332, and corresponds to the processing tank 1ND.
Will be replenished.

The storage room 41 in the sixth row of the storage container 40 N
The solid processing agent JN3 in 2F is supplied to the processing tank 1ND below from the pocket 333F.

The fifth row storage chamber 41 of the storage container 40 N
The solid processing agent JN3 in 2E is supplied to the processing tank 1ND below from the pocket 333E.

The seventh row of storage chambers 41 of the storage container 40N
The solid processing agent JN3 in 2G is supplied to the processing tank 1ND below from the pocket 333G.

The storage chamber 41 in the eighth row of the storage container 40N
The solid processing agent JN4 in 2H is supplied to the rotating drum member 33.
3 is fed into the pocket portion 333H, is conveyed, is discharged from the lower discharge opening 332, and corresponds to the processing tank 1NG.
Will be replenished.

The storage chambers 41 in the fourth to seventh rows of the storage container 40N
The solid processing agents JN3 stored in the 2D to 2G are sequentially charged and transported to the corresponding pocket portions 333D to 333G of the drum member 333, sequentially discharged from the lower discharge opening 332, and are sequentially discharged from the common guide member 39. Through the input path of
It is supplied to the lower processing tank 1ND.

The upper entrance portion of the guide member 39 is connected to the four rows of discharge openings 332 so as to face each other, has a chute plate for dividing the four rows, and the lower portion becomes a narrowed and gradually narrowed passage portion. The lower part is an outlet through which the solid processing agent JN3 can pass in a line. This narrow outlet forms a minimum cross-sectional area so that gas evaporating from the lower processing tank 1ND does not rise and adversely affect the upper replenishing device 30N and the solid processing agent JN3 in the storage container 40N. It is desirable to do. Desirably, the size of the outlet portion is formed to the minimum size that allows one solid processing agent JN3 to pass through.

Since the outlet of the guide member 39 is narrowed, it is possible to sequentially discharge the solid processing agents JN3 one by one from a plurality of rows and sequentially supply them to the processing tank 1ND through one supply pipe. The solid processing agent JN3 can be supplied from a narrow upper space of the auxiliary tank 2A of the processing tank 1A as shown in FIG.

When a plurality of solid processing agents JN3 are supplied almost simultaneously to the narrow outlet of the guide member 39, they interfere near the narrow outlet to cause clogging, resulting in defective supply. To prevent this, set a time difference as described above,
The solid processing agent JN3 has been dropped. Further, the drum member 3
In the case where the solid processing agents JN1 to JN4 are supplied in one rotation of 33, the solid processing agents in rows adjacent to each other were not continuously supplied.

As described above, the large-capacity storage container 40N capable of accommodating a large number of solid processing agents can be mounted on the replenishing device 30N, and a plurality of rows of solid processing agents can be aligned and sequentially supplied to the processing tank. It is.

FIG. 17 (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the order of application of the solid processing agents JN1 to JN4. Solid processing agent JN3
Was introduced in the order of the fourth, sixth, fifth, and seventh rows to prevent the solid processing agents in adjacent rows from interfering with each other. The fourth and fifth rows are adjacent to each other, but are located at the center of the guide member 39.
It passes through the chute plate and reaches the passage without any trouble.

FIG. 17 (c) is an explanatory view showing another preferred embodiment of the order of adding the solid processing agents JN1 to JN4. The solid processing agent JN3 was placed in the fifth row, the seventh row,
The introduction of the fourth and sixth rows in the order eliminates interference between the solid processing agents in adjacent rows. In this charging order, the solid processing agents in the adjacent rows are not continuously dropped, so that the interference of the solid processing agents JN3 in the four rows does not occur.

FIG. 17D is a schematic diagram showing a transport path for replenishing the solid processing agents JP1 to JP3 in the storage container 40P from the lower discharge opening to the corresponding processing tank via the lower replenishing device 30P. is there.

FIG. 17 (e) is an explanatory view showing the order of charging solid processing agents JP1 to JP3. Solid processing agent JP2
Is the same as the above-described order of adding the solid processing agent JN3.

FIG. 17 (f) is an explanatory view showing another preferred embodiment of the order of adding the solid processing agents JP1 to JP3. The solid processing agent JP1 is charged into the first and second rows, and the solid processing agent JP2 is charged in the fifth, seventh, fourth, and sixth rows in this order, so that the adjacent rows are arranged. The interference between the solid processing agents has been eliminated.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the shutter means 340. FIG.
FIG. 18B shows a state in which the discharge opening 332 of the lower main body 331 is closed, and FIG.
1 shows a state in which the discharge opening 332 is opened.

On the outer sides of both side surfaces of the lower body 331, a small-diameter cam surface 361 having a small radius of curvature, a large-diameter cam surface 362 having a large radius of curvature, a small-diameter cam surface 361 and a large-diameter cam surface 362.
And a plate cam 360 formed by a gentle curved inclined cam surface 363 connecting the two. The pressing member 3 is provided in a recess formed on the inner surface side of the shutter member 341.
42 is urged by a spring member 344 and is movably supported. An elastic packing member (elastic member) 343 is attached to the surface of the pressing member 342. Pressing member 342
A cam follower 37 is rotatably supported at a central portion on the upper surface side.

In a state before the shutter member 341 starts swinging, as shown in FIG.
Roller-like cam followers 37 rotatably held at both ends of the plate cam 360 engage with the small-diameter cam surface 361 of the plate cam 360,
The elastic packing member 343 attached to the surface of the pressing member 342 urged by the spring member 344 closes the discharge opening 332 of the lower main body 331 to be in a fully closed state.

When the shutter member 341 starts swinging, the cam follower 37 held by the pressing member 342 is
From the small diameter cam surface 361 of the plate cam 360, the inclined cam surface 36
3 and is gently pushed up and moved to ride on the large-diameter cam surface 362. When moving onto the large-diameter cam surface 362, the pressing member 3 integrated with the cam follower 37
42 and the elastic packing member 343 are retracted from the center of the plate cam 360 outward in the normal direction against the bias of the spring member 344.

When the shutter member 341 reaches the position shown in FIG. 18B, it stops, and the discharge opening 332 of the lower main body 331 is fully opened. During the movement operation from the fully closed state to the fully opened state of the shutter member 341, the elastic packing member 343 is separated from the outer wall surface of the lower main body 331, so that the shutter member 341 smoothly moves without receiving sliding contact resistance. Rocks.

The above-described embodiment is a replenishing apparatus for a tablet-type solid processing agent, in which a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent in the storage container is supplied by one rotation of the drum member 333, and the storage container is replaced collectively. Although it has been made possible, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus of the present invention is also applicable to quantitative replenishment of a plurality of small particulate solid processing agents and granular solid processing agents.

[0104]

As described above, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material according to the present invention has the following excellent effects.

(1) By narrowing down the path through which a large number of processing agents are charged, space can be saved and the arrangement of processing tanks can be freely set. Further, the high-humidity gas generated from the processing tank passes through the guide member having the minimum required diameter, so that the gas does not enter the replenishing device. (Claim 1).

(2) When a plurality of solid processing agents stored in the storage container are introduced and discharged from the plurality of discharge openings,
By causing the solid processing agent discharged from at least both ends of the discharge opening to be discharged at a time difference so as not to be continuously discharged into the guide member from the adjacent discharge opening, the guide member There is no possibility that a plurality of solid processing agents interfere with each other and cause conveyance failure (claim 1).

(3) The entrance of the receiving opening of the mounting portion is formed larger than the opening of the storage container, and the inner wall surface of the receiving opening of the mounting portion is directed from the entrance to the inside of the mounting portion. The solid processing agent is formed on the inclined surface that becomes narrower and can pass through the solid processing agent, thereby preventing solid processing agent supply failure when the solid processing agent storage container is attached to the replenishing device main body, and ensuring solid processing agent supply. Is achieved (claim 3).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view and a plan view of an automatic developing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an automatic developing machine.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic developing machine and a solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage container.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where an opening of the storage container is opened.

FIG. 6 is a side view, AA sectional view, and BB sectional enlarged view of the storage container.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of a solid processing agent container for developing a negative color film.

FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a solid processing agent storage container for color photographic paper developing processing.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an operation of attaching the storage container to the supply device.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a replenishing state in which the storage container is mounted on the replenishing device.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting section and a processing agent introduction section in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mounting section and a processing agent introduction section in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the drum member and a perspective view of the drum member.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of each drum member.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the replenishing device in a state where the solid processing agent in the storage container is charged into the pocket of the drum member.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the replenishing device in a state where a solid processing agent is dropped into a processing tank from a pocket portion of a drum member.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a supply path of a solid processing agent, an explanatory diagram showing an order of adding solid processing agents, and an explanatory diagram showing another example of an order of adding solid processing agents.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing driving of the shutter means in a state where the discharge opening is closed and a state where the discharge opening is opened.

[Description of Signs] 1 Processing tank 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E Auxiliary tank (dissolution tank) 30, 30N, 30P Solid processing agent replenishing device (replenishing device) 31 Replenishing device main body 320 Mounting part 321 Upper main body 322 Receiving opening 330 Processing agent introduction means 331 Lower body 332 Drain opening 333 Drum member (conveying member) 333A to 333H Solid processing agent receiving portion (pocket portion) 340 Shutter means 341 Shutter member 342 Pressing member 343 Elastic packing member 344 Energizing Member (spring member) 345 Opening 360 Plate cam 361 Small diameter cam surface 362 Large diameter cam surface 363 Inclined cam surface 37 Cam follower 39 Guide member 40, 40N, 40P Solid processing agent storage container (storage container) 41 Container body 412 (A to H) Storage room (separate room) 413 Opening part 42 Lid member 43 Cap members 44A, 44B seal member AP, AN automatic processor J, JN, JN1~JN4, JP1~JP3 solid processing agent

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of solid processing agents stored in a storage container are sequentially introduced into a replenishing device main body, respectively, and sequentially conveyed by conveying means in the replenishing device main body. A solid processing agent replenishing device for photosensitive material processing, which sequentially discharges from a plurality of discharge openings at the lower part of the replenishing device main body and replenishes the processing solution by replenishing the processing solution along the charging path in the guide member. The inlet of the guide member allows a plurality of types of solid processing agents to pass therethrough, and the outlet of the guide member on the downstream side in the solid processing agent passage direction is formed narrower than the inlet, and The means, when introducing a plurality of types of solid processing agents stored in the storage container and discharging from the plurality of discharge openings, at least solid processing agents discharged from both ends of the discharge opening, Said discharge of adjacent rows A solid processing agent replenishing device for processing a photosensitive material, wherein the discharge is performed at a time difference so as not to be continuously discharged from the opening into the guide member. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outlet of the guide member is formed so that at least one solid processing agent can pass therethrough. 3. A storage container storing a solid processing agent is detachably mounted on a mounting portion of a replenishing device, the solid processing agent is discharged from an opening of the storage container, and is charged into a receiving opening of the mounting portion. In the solid processing agent replenishing device for processing photosensitive material, which discharges from the lower discharge opening of the replenishing device, and is charged into the processing tank to replenish the processing solution, the entrance of the receiving opening of the mounting portion The part is formed larger than the opening of the storage container, and the inner wall surface of the receiving opening of the mounting part is formed on an inclined surface where the inside of the mounting part is narrower than the entrance part, and the solid processing agent A solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material.