JP2004117118A - Liquid level detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid level detector, which can reduce the influence of foam, and which can detect the level of liquid more accurately. <P>SOLUTION: The detector includes sensors 72 and 73 for detecting the upper liquid surface level L1 of a diluted processed liquid accommodated, in a replenishment tank 80 and an enclosing body 74 having an opening part 74a. The enclosing body 74 prevents the advance of the scum by enclosing the surroundings of each sensor and permits the advance of the diluted processed liquid at the opening part 74a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid level detecting apparatus, for example, a liquid level detecting apparatus suitable for detecting a liquid level of a developing solution, a fixing solution or a stabilizing solution contained in a replenishing tank in a photosensitive material processing apparatus. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a photosensitive material processing apparatus or the like, liquids required for processing, for example, a developing solution, a fixing solution, a stabilizing solution, and the like are prepared as concentrated solutions, and these are mixed with a diluting solution such as water as necessary, Used diluted. Therefore, a liquid mixing apparatus for obtaining such a diluting liquid is generally provided in a photosensitive material processing apparatus or the like.
[0003]
As an example of the liquid mixing device, a replenishment tank, a supply pipe for supplying a concentrated solution and a diluting solution to the replenishment tank, a stirrer, and a sensor for detecting a liquid level of the processing solution in the replenishment tank, The one provided with is proposed. In such an apparatus, the replenishment tank is first supplied with the diluting liquid, then with the concentrated liquid, and finally with the diluting liquid again, and the liquid is stirred and mixed.
[0004]
On the other hand, bubbles are generated when the concentrated liquid or the diluting liquid is mixed. The above-described sensor for detecting the liquid level may sometimes detect this bubble as the liquid level, and may not accurately detect the liquid level of the diluent.
[0005]
For this reason, for example, Patent Literature 1 proposes that bubbles are cut off from the sensor by surrounding the sensor with a cylindrical body.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-99693 A (FIG. 9)
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even with the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, bubbles may enter the cylinder, and there is still a problem in the accuracy of detecting the liquid level.
[0007]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid level detecting device capable of reducing the influence of bubbles and more accurately detecting the liquid level of a liquid.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid level detecting apparatus for detecting a liquid level of a liquid contained in a container, wherein the liquid level of the liquid is detected. A sensor for detecting, and an enclosure surrounding the sensor, wherein the enclosure allows the liquid to enter the enclosure and prevents the liquid bubbles from entering. It is characterized by having an opening.
[0009]
Also, a liquid level detecting device for detecting a liquid level of a liquid contained in a container, comprising a sensor for detecting a liquid level of the liquid, and an open lower end, wherein a periphery of the sensor is provided. An enclosing cylinder, and a net is provided at the lower end of the cylinder to allow the liquid to enter the cylinder and prevent the liquid bubbles from entering.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a case where a preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied to a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as apparatus 1) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the case where the present invention is applied to the apparatus 1 but is also applicable to an apparatus for processing a film as a photosensitive material. Further, the present invention can be applied to various devices for detecting a liquid level.
[0011]
First, FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire structure of the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 with a cover and the like provided detachably provided on a housing 2 serving as a base.
[0012]
In FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 is largely composed of a printer (exposure printing) section 3, a processor (development processing) section 5, and a dryer (drying) section 6 when viewed from the front. The device 1 is configured to be vertically long on the left and right and flat on the front and back, so that the occupied area is minimized, while the main parts are easily accessible from the front, and are considered daily. At the time of various operations to be performed, care has been taken to make it easy to use for each part.
[0013]
The photographic paper P exposed by the printer unit 3 is processed by the developing unit 11, the fixing unit 12, and the stabilizing unit, which are processing tanks of the processor unit 5 disposed downstream of the printer unit 3 via the transport unit 8. 13, the direction is changed by a reversing roll (not shown) in the direction of the arrow and conveyed by the rack unit 14. Then, it is sent to the drying unit 15 of the dryer section 6 via the stabilizing treatment tank 13 and dried. After being introduced into the direction changing device 16, it is sorted for each size, and the large-size tray 18 or It is configured to be sent to a belt conveyor 17 of a normal size and finally discharged to the outside of the apparatus 1.
[0014]
On the other hand, a replenishment tank 24 for the developer, a replenishment tank 25 for the fixer, and a replenishment tank 26 for the stabilizer for replenishment of the processing liquid are provided on the lower side, and these tanks are stored in containers in advance. In order to introduce the various concentrated processing solutions thus obtained, the developing solution container 20, the fixing solution container 21, and the two stabilizing solution containers 22, 23 whose openings are closed by a sealing member, each opening faces downward. And set as shown.
[0015]
A power supply unit (not shown) is provided in the housing 2 occupying a space below the drying unit 15, and a control for performing various controls related to the above-described processing tanks is provided on the power supply unit. A unit 9 is provided and configured to control the entire apparatus.
[0016]
Next, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a piping system for supplying respective processing liquids to the developing processing tank 11, the fixing processing tank 12, and the stabilizing processing tank 13 of the tank in FIG. In the figure, a liquid supply device including a pump and an electromagnetic valve is connected between a replenishment tank 24 for a developer, a replenishment tank 25 for a fixer, and a replenishment tank 26 for a stabilizer for replenishment of a processing liquid. Thus, each processing liquid can be supplied to each of the tanks.
[0017]
First, the waste liquid tank 28a of the development processing tank 11 receives waste liquid from the top and bottom of the development processing tank via the waste liquid intermediate tank 28b and the electromagnetic valve 10b. Further, in the waste liquid tank 29a of the fixing processing tank 12 and the stabilizing processing tank 13, the waste liquid from the top and bottom of the fixing processing tank is discharged via a waste liquid intermediate tank and a solenoid valve 10b (not shown). The liquid is discharged from the upper part of the stabilization tank via a waste liquid intermediate tank and a solenoid valve (not shown).
[0018]
Each processing tank is provided with a cooling device 70 for maintaining each processing solution at a desired temperature. Further, an intermediate tank 130 for reusing a part of the water from the above-mentioned stabilization processing tank is disposed between the intermediate processing tank 130 and the replenishing tank 25 for fixing solution.
[0019]
Water serving as a diluting liquid supplied by a faucet or manually is stored in a water tank 27, and is supplied to each tank by a liquid supply device including a pump 10a and a solenoid valve 10b. Have been. Further, the containers 20, 21, 22, and 23 which individually store the concentrated solution of the developing solution, the fixing solution and the stabilizing solution shown in FIG. 1 are housed in one box, and this box is used as an exchange unit. The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 is configured to be detachable from the front side.
[0020]
When these containers are set from the front, the opening device (not shown) is moved upward to pierce the seals that close the openings of the containers 20, 21, 22, and 23, and are connected to the opening device. The concentrated liquid is supplied from the first tube 7 into each of the replenishing tanks 24, 25, 26. The containers 20, 21, 22, and 23 that individually store the concentrated solutions of the developing solution, the fixing solution, and the stabilizing solution are stored in a line in a cardboard box, and the openings of the containers are projected downward. Each of the boxes can be attached to and detached from the apparatus 1. Here, the containers may be individually exchanged.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the container placed on the placing member 32 is set in the apparatus 1 and the opening of the stopper is pierced.
[0022]
In this figure, the components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In order to replace the box 43 from the front of the apparatus 1, the components can be opened and closed on the front of the photosensitive material processing apparatus 1. Is supported by a pair of shaft support portions 31 (only the near side is shown) fixed to the housing 2. The stopper 20a of the container 20 is set on the mounting member 32 so as to face downward. The mounting member 32 is provided with a mounting surface on which the bottom surface of the box 43 is mounted. On this mounting surface, a second surface is inserted into about half of the annular groove 20b formed in the plug 20a of each container. One shape part 32a is formed by the number of containers.
[0023]
Further, after the mounting member 32 is rotated in the direction of arrow D to a closed state from a position (not shown) in which the mounting member 32 is inclined forward, the remaining half of the annular groove portion 20b formed in the plug portion 20a is removed. Engaging members 33 each having the second shape portion 33a to be inserted by the number of containers are provided movably in the arrow H direction. In order to be able to move in this manner, the engaging member 33 has a shaft 37 fixed at one end, and the roller 36 driven following the eccentric cam roller 39 of the geared motor 38 is moved to the shaft 37. And the roller 36 and the eccentric cam roller 39 are always in contact with each other by a spring (not shown). With the above configuration, the engagement member 33 is driven in the direction of the arrow H in accordance with the driving of the gear motor 38, the sensor 40 detects the rotational position of the sensor desk fixed to the motor shaft, and moves the engagement member 33 to the engagement position. And a standby position.
[0024]
According to the above configuration, after the box body 43 is set on the mounting member 32 and then manually rotated in the direction of arrow D, the engaging member 33 is driven by energization of the geared motor 38, so that the annular groove 20b is Each of the containers 20, 21, 22, and 23 is immobilized on the placing member 32 by the locking of the locking member 33. In this way, each container is prevented from moving upward when performing the piercing operation.
[0025]
On the other hand, a sealing member 35 made of an aluminum sheet coated with a resin is adhered to the opening surface of the stopper portion 20a of the container so that the sealed state can be maintained with each container set downward as shown in the figure. I have.
[0026]
A piercing member 44 is provided so as to surround the plug 20a provided with the sealing member 35. The perforating member 44 is driven upward in the direction of the arrow A to perforate a circular shape while leaving a part of the seal member 35, and allows the concentrated liquid in the container to flow downward. The concentrated liquid that has flowed downward is configured to flow into each of the tanks 24, 25, and 26 via the lower first tube 7. As described above, in order to pierce the seal member 35, the piercing member 45 having the cutting edge formed at the tip is fixed to the piercing member 44. Further, a flow path 60 communicating with the first tube 7 is further formed around the perforated body 45, and the concentrated liquid leaked from around the perforated body 45 is collected, and the concentrated liquid leaks from the first tube 7. We can supply them.
[0027]
A member that supports the shaft 55 is fixed on the housing 2. The eccentric cam roller 52 fixed to the shaft 55 is driven to rotate by a motor 58, and An elevating shaft body 50 provided at the lower end with a driven roller 51 driven by the cam roller 52 is provided so as to be able to move up and down by a bush (not shown). By fixing the above-mentioned perforating member 44 at the upper end of the elevating shaft body 50, The motor 58 is configured to drive the punching member 44 up and down.
[0028]
As described above, the punching member 44 is driven up and down between the standby position shown in FIG. 3 and the punching position (not shown), and after moving to the punching position, the position is detected by the sensor (not shown) and stopped. Is configured.
[0029]
Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the arrangement relationship between each container and the replenishment tank, and connecting the pipes shown in FIG. .
[0030]
In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description is omitted. The containers 20, 21, 22, 23 in which the openings are sealed with a sealing member after filling with the concentrated solution of volume V are shown. As shown in the figure, the respective stoppers are held in a stationary state facing downward. From this state, by piercing the seal member as described above, the concentrated liquid is refilled into the lower replenishing tank 80 through the first tube 7 and the first supply pipe 83.
[0031]
The supply timing of the concentrated liquid is programmed to be executed when the remaining amount of the processing liquid has reached the lower limit as a result of detection by a lower limit sensor described later provided in the replenishment tank 80. Then, following the replenishment of the concentrated liquid, the water of the diluting liquid is supplied to fill the replenishment tanks 24, 25, and 26 to the upper liquid level, thereby filling the replenishing tanks 24, 25, and 26 with the full state. Is detected by an upper limit sensor described later, and the supply of water is stopped.
[0032]
The first tube 7 is partially formed with a bent portion 7a that is elastically deformed so as to be bent in association with the above-mentioned elevating operation, as shown in the drawing. So that it does not flow into the replenishing tank 80. The first supply pipe 83 is connected to the first tube 7. The first supply pipe 83 is fixed to a cover member 90 that is provided detachably with respect to the opening of the replenishment tank 80.
[0033]
On the other hand, a pipe 84 for feeding water from the water tank 27 storing the water for dilution via the pump 10a and the solenoid valve 10b has a second inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 84. Are connected via a joint portion of the lid member 90. A third supply pipe 86 is provided on the upstream side of the pipe 84 provided with the pump 10a in order to supply the diluted processing liquid to each of the processing tanks 11, 12, and 13 of the apparatus 1 by the pump 10a. It is connected. Further, the replenishment tank 80 is provided with a stirring member 81 shown by a broken line so as to be rotated and driven by the power from the motor 66, and the stirring member 81 uniformly mixes the diluting liquid and the concentrated liquid. Is configured to promote.
[0034]
Next, FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of the replenishing tank 80. The same reference numerals are given to the components already described and the description is omitted. As shown in the figure, the bottom portion 80a of the replenishing tank 80 is separated from other portions so that the liquid in the replenishing tank 80 naturally accumulates. A deeply recessed liquid reservoir 80b is formed as shown. The reason for providing such a liquid reservoir 80b is to detect the remaining amount in the replenishment tank 80 more accurately by making the liquid remaining in the replenishment tank 80 accumulate in at least this part.
[0035]
An opening 86a of a third supply pipe 86 is located in the liquid reservoir 80b for supplying the diluted processing liquid to each of the processing tanks 11, 12, and 13 with the pump 10a. Further, the liquid reservoir 80b is provided with a sensor 71 provided with a reed switch that is turned on / off by the action of a permanent magnet built in a float 71a that moves up and down by buoyancy at the lower liquid level L2.
[0036]
Further, in order to detect the upper liquid level L1 in the full state as described above, two sensors 72 and 73 are provided in which the vertical positional relationship is slightly shifted as shown in FIG. One acts as a liquid overflow sensor and one acts as a liquid overflow sensor. In addition, by detecting with these sensors, even if one of the sensors has a failure, the other sensor can surely detect the upper liquid level L1 to prevent an accident such as overflow. Prevention is ensured. The above-mentioned sensors 71, 72 and 73 are connected to the control unit 9 to turn on / off a solenoid valve and a pump for supplying the concentrated solution and the diluting solution at a predetermined timing. I have.
[0037]
Further, on the inner wall of the replenishing tank 80, an inclined surface 80c formed continuously from the liquid reservoir 80b is formed as shown in the figure, and water sent from the second supply pipe 85 is sent along the inclined surface 80c. It is made to be able to come out and to face the liquid reservoir 80b.
[0038]
On the other hand, the lid 90 is provided detachably with respect to the opening 80 d of the replenishing tank 80, and the above-mentioned sensors and the supply pipe are fixed in the lid 90. Further, the stirring member 81 is also rotatably supported by the lid 190. By fixing the components to the lids 90 and 190 in this way, the replenishment tank 80 is taken out of the apparatus 1 after the lids are removed, and the tank can be cleaned.
[0039]
In the sensors 72 and 73 fixed to the lid 90 in this manner, the enclosures 74 that surround the electrode portions of the sensors to be described later with individual lengths according to different levels to be detected are fixed. Have been. Although the enclosing body 74 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical shape with an open lower part, the shape is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that various shapes can be selected.
[0040]
In order to fix the enclosure 74 to the sensors 72 and 73, the enclosure 74 is integrally formed with a mounting portion 74b provided with an air hole (not shown). The mounting portion 74b is fixed as described above. Further, an opening 74a is individually formed at the lower end of the enclosure 74 in accordance with the detection level of the sensor.
[0041]
As described above, by configuring the individual lengths in accordance with the level of the sensor that detects the enclosure 74, it is possible to prevent bubbles generated in the diluent from entering the interior of the enclosure 74, The liquid level is not prevented from being accurately detected due to the influence of bubbles.
[0042]
That is, among the processing liquids, the stabilizing liquid (stabilizer) has a characteristic that foaming is particularly remarkable. For this reason, when a concentrated liquid is supplied into the replenishing tank 80, water as a diluting liquid is supplied, and mixing is performed by stirring with the stirring member 81, air is entrained and foaming is frequently generated at the upper liquid level L1. Resulting in. Due to this bubbling, accurate detection of the upper liquid level L1 cannot be performed.
[0043]
Therefore, the bubbles are eliminated in the process of gradually increasing the liquid level by introducing the diluent from the opening 74a of the enclosure 74, thereby enabling accurate detection of the upper liquid level L1 and the like. .
[0044]
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in which main parts of the sensors 72 and 73 are cut away. In this drawing, the above-mentioned float type sensor can be used as each of the sensors 72 and 73, but as shown in the figure, a conductive fluororesin is used as a pair of electrode portions 75 and 76 having a height difference of height S. By using the used fluororesin electrode type liquid level sensor, more reliable detection becomes possible. According to this fluororesin electrode type liquid level sensor, when the upper liquid level L1b rises to the position shown in the figure, the conductive action of the liquid brings the electrode portions 75 and 76 into a conductive state. The signals can be transmitted to the control unit 9 via the lines 77 and 78.
[0045]
An air hole 74b is formed in the mounting portion 74b of the enclosure 74 so that the air inside when the diluting liquid is introduced into the enclosure 74 is released to the outside, so that the upper liquid level is reduced. The level L1b can be raised in a short time.
[0046]
On the other hand, a mesh member 79 is provided at an opening below the enclosing body 74 to allow the processing liquid to enter the inside of the enclosing body 74 and to prevent the invasion of bubbles generated from the processing liquid. In the present embodiment, a net having a mesh size of a hole diameter d1 (opening 79a) smaller than the outer diameter dimension d2 of the bubble B is used as the net member 79. By using such a net, it is possible to prevent the bubbles from entering the enclosure 74 and, for example, when the bubbles B pass through the opening 79a of the net member 79, the bubbles can be destroyed and disappear. Become.
[0047]
In addition, in order to allow the processing liquid to enter the enclosure 74 and prevent the bubbles from entering, instead of a net, for example, a hole is directly formed over a part or the entirety of the enclosure 74. Thus, an opening into which the processing liquid enters may be formed, or the entire enclosure 74 may be made of a net-like material.
[0048]
With the above configuration, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 5, various processing liquids stored in advance in the replenishment tank 80 are supplied to the processing tank via the third supply pipe 86, so that various processing liquids are supplied. When the remaining amount becomes zero or nearly zero, the float 71a of the sensor 71 moves to the lower liquid level L2 and detects that there is no remaining amount.
[0049]
By this detection, the perforation mechanism is activated and the concentrated liquid is supplied from the discharge port of the first supply pipe 83, so that the liquid level rises to a liquid level above the liquid reservoir 80b. Before and after this, the pump 10a and the electromagnetic valve 10b are activated, and water is replenished from the water tank 27 via the pipe 84, whereby water is replenished vigorously via the second supply pipe 85. As a result, the mixture of the concentrated liquid and water is promoted and rises to the upper liquid level L1. At this time, a large amount of bubbles B are generated in the upper liquid level L1a.
[0050]
However, the bubble B does not enter the inside of the enclosure 74, and it is possible to prevent the sensor from erroneously detecting the bubble B as the liquid level. Subsequently, the upper liquid level L1b is detected by the sensor 72, and the replenishment of water is stopped. Subsequently, by rotating and stirring the stirring member 81, the uniformity of the processing liquid promotes the mixing.
[0051]
By operating as described above, the bubbles generated by entraining air when the dilution treatment liquid is obtained by promoting the mixing by stirring are extinguished with time, and the detection of the upper liquid level L1 is performed. No need to do. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required to obtain the diluted treatment liquid. Further, the influence of the bubbles B can be reduced, the liquid level of the liquid can be detected more accurately, and a diluent having a predetermined mixing ratio can be obtained.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid level detecting device capable of reducing the influence of bubbles and more accurately detecting the liquid level of a liquid.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main part of an overall configuration of a photosensitive material processing apparatus 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a piping diagram for supplying respective processing liquids to a developing processing tank 11, a fixing processing tank 12, and a stabilizing processing tank 13 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the punching mechanism after the box body 43 is set.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram in which the piping shown in FIG. 2 is performed together with the arrangement relationship between the container and the replenishment tank, and the inside of the replenishment tank is cut away so as to be visible.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of the replenishing tank 80.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in which main parts of the sensors 72 and 73 are cut away.
1 Photosensitive material processing unit 27 Water tank (diluent tank)
35 seal member 44 piercing member 45 piercing body 71, 72, 73 sensor 74 enclosure 74a opening 75, 76 electrode part 79 mesh member 80 refill tank (container)
80a Bottom surface 80b Liquid reservoir 80c Inclined surface 81 Stirring member 85 Second supply pipe 86 Third supply pipe 83 First supply pipe 90 Cover 190 Cover Ln Liquid level

Claims (2)

A liquid level detection device for detecting a liquid level of a liquid contained in a container,
A sensor for detecting a liquid level of the liquid,
And an enclosure surrounding the sensor.
A liquid level detection device, wherein the enclosure has an opening that allows the liquid to enter the enclosure and prevents the liquid bubbles from entering. A liquid level detection device for detecting a liquid level of a liquid contained in a container,
A sensor for detecting a liquid level of the liquid,
A cylindrical body having an open lower end and surrounding the sensor;
A liquid level detecting device, wherein a net is provided at a lower end portion of the cylinder so as to allow the liquid to enter the cylinder and to prevent the liquid bubbles from entering.

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