JP2942674B2 - Replenisher supply device for photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a replenishing solution supplying apparatus for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for supplying a replenishing solution to a processing tank of a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as a film processor or a printer processor. And a replenisher supplying device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When developing a photosensitive material such as a film or photographic paper after exposing the same, the photosensitive material is passed through a series of processing tanks in which processing solutions are stored. Developing process.

The processing liquid in each of these processing tanks adheres to the photosensitive material and is discharged as the developing operation proceeds, or the performance of the processing liquid deteriorates due to oxidation by air or fatigue due to processing of the photosensitive material. It is necessary to supply a replenisher having the same composition or a composition activated from the processing solution to each processing tank.

Generally, this replenisher is prepared by adding water to a concentrate,
A configuration is used in which a separately prepared and prepared replenisher is stored in a replenishment tank and supplied from the replenishment tank to a processing tank using a pump or the like. However, storing the replenisher prepared beforehand in the replenishment tank is complicated, and the replenisher may be prepared in a wrong preparation method. Replace the cartridge with the cartridge containing the replenisher,
A cartridge type supply device for supplying a replenisher from the cartridge to a processing tank by a pump or the like has been proposed (see JP-A-64-55562).

However, in this cartridge type supply device, when a used cartridge is removed, a new cartridge is installed, and a suction pipe is inserted into the cartridge, the replenisher remaining in the suction pipe is not scattered on the floor. However, there is a problem that a special structure is required to achieve the above-mentioned condition, and a pump sucking structure results in poor suction by the pump.

Further, in a supply apparatus configured so as not to cause inadvertent liquid leakage when the cartridge is replaced, it is complicated to take out the replenisher from the cartridge or requires a special operation. (The actual opening 53-108
No. 335).

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, an alarm is sounded by detecting whether or not a used cartridge is empty in order to replace a used cartridge with a cartridge in which a replenisher is stored. However, if the cartridge being used becomes empty during the operation, an alarm sounds during the operation, and it is necessary to replace the cartridge immediately, and the operation is interrupted due to the replacement of the cartridge. there were.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and even when the replenisher in the replenisher is insufficient during operation, the replenisher is automatically refilled without replacing the cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a replenisher supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, which can supply a liquid and can continue the operation without replacing a cartridge.

Further, when the cartridge is empty,
The purpose is to automatically detect and suggest to the operator to replace the cartridge at a timing when the operation is not interrupted.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, there is provided a cartridge storing a replenishing solution and a mounting device for storing the replenishing solution to be supplied to a processing tank and mounting the cartridge. A replenisher stock tank having a portion, a first sensor for detecting the level of replenisher in the replenisher stock tank, a second sensor for detecting that the cartridge is empty, A control for causing the entire amount of the replenisher stored in the cartridge to flow from the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to the replenisher stock tank when the liquid level equal to or less than a predetermined value is detected by the sensor of (1). and means, after being controlled by the pre-Symbol controlling unit is at a predetermined timing when the cartridge is detected to be emptied by the second sensor A change instruction means for instructing to exchange cartridges, which is constituted contains.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge storing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution stock tank having a mounting portion for storing the replenishing solution to be supplied to the processing tank and mounting the cartridge, and A sensor for detecting a liquid level of the replenisher in the stock tank, and a cartridge stored in the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion when the sensor detects a liquid level of a predetermined value or less. and control means for controlling the total amount of replenisher is such that flow, after being controlled by the control unit, replacing the cartridge at a predetermined timing when the liquid level exceeds a predetermined value by the sensor is detected And an exchange instructing means for giving an instruction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, a fusible portion is provided in the cartridge, and the fusible portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is melted by the control means. Then, the replenisher is controlled to flow from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication means for communicating the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion with the replenisher stock tank, and a valve provided on the communication means. The control means controls the valve so as to open so that the replenisher flows into the replenisher stock tank through the communicating means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a portion capable of being pierced is provided in the cartridge, and the control means can pierce the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion. To control the replenisher to flow from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, there is further provided a pipe through which the replenisher flows from the cartridge toward the bottom of the replenisher stock tank.

[0016] The invention of claim 7 is based on claims 1-6.
In the above invention, a means such as a floating liquid surface shutter is provided in the replenisher liquid stock tank to float on the replenisher and reduce the contact area between the replenisher and air.

[0017]

The cartridge according to the first aspect of the invention stores a replenishing solution, and the replenishing solution stock tank has a mounting portion for storing the replenishing solution to be supplied to the processing tank and mounting the cartridge. This cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion of the replenisher stock tank. The replenisher stock tank is provided with a first sensor for detecting a replenisher solution level in the replenisher stock tank, and the control means detects a liquid level below a predetermined value by the first sensor. When the cartridge has been stored in the cartridge from the cartridge attached to the
Is controlled so that the entire amount of the replenisher is supplied . The replacement instructing means gives an instruction to replace the cartridge at a predetermined timing when the second sensor is operated and the cartridge is detected to be empty after being controlled as described above by the control means. .

In a further preferred method, the cartridge remains empty or the control means if the first sensor continuously detects a liquid level below a predetermined value even after the control means has been activated. It is preferable to immediately instruct the replacement of the cartridge because the malfunction of the cartridge is considered. This prevents the stock tank from being emptied. Whether or not the cartridge is empty should be detected by detecting the weight of the cartridge and the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank after the replenisher has flowed from the cartridge into the replenisher stock tank. Can be.

The timing of issuing an instruction to replace the cartridge by the operation of the second sensor may be a buzzer sound or a display at the end of the operation, at the start of the operation, or when the device has been stopped for a certain period of time or more. A method of instructing by display is preferable.

When the first and second sensors are installed in the stock tank, it is preferable to use an electrode to sense the liquid level by energization or to use a float switch. Alternatively, as a second sensor, a weighing scale may be provided on the upper portion of the stock tank, the cartridge may be set on the upper portion, and a change in weight may be read.

The sensor according to the second aspect of the present invention detects the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank.
When the sensor detects a liquid level equal to or lower than a predetermined value, control is performed so that the entire amount of the replenisher stored in the cartridge flows from the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to the replenisher stock tank. The replacement instructing means, after being controlled as described above by the control means, preferably gives an instruction to replace the cartridge immediately when the sensor detects a liquid level equal to or lower than a predetermined value. by this,
When the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank does not rise in spite of controlling the replenisher to flow from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank, that is , when the cartridge is empty and replenishment in the replenisher stock tank is performed. When the amount of the liquid is insufficient, an instruction to immediately replace the cartridge is issued, thereby preventing the replenisher from being supplied to the processing tank. When the sensor detects a liquid level exceeding a predetermined value, the replacement instruction means indicates that the replenisher has flowed from the cartridge into the replenisher stock tank and the cartridge has been emptied. Give instructions to replace. Thus, after the replenisher has flowed from the cartridge into the replenisher stock tank, an instruction to replace the cartridge is given at a time when there is no problem in the operation.

As described above, when the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank falls below a predetermined value,
Cartridge from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank
If the entire amount of replenisher stored in the replenisher is allowed to flow into the replenisher stock tank during the operation, there is no need to immediately replace the cartridge as in the past, even if the replenisher is insufficient. it can.

The cartridge according to the third aspect of the present invention is provided with a fusible portion, and the control means melts the fusible portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion and replenishes the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge. Control so that the liquid flows in.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided communication means for communicating the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion with the replenisher stock tank, and the communication means is provided with a valve. Then, the control means opens the valve and causes the replenisher to flow into the replenisher stock tank through the communication means.

The cartridge according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is provided with a pierceable portion, and the control means pierces the pierceable portion of the cartridge to supply the replenisher from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank. Let it flow in.

In each of the above-mentioned inventions, a pipe for flowing the replenisher from the cartridge toward the bottom of the replenisher stock tank can be provided. By providing the pipe, the replenisher is supplied through the pipe, so that it is possible to prevent droplets from adhering to the side wall of the replenisher stock tank and depositing when the replenisher flows.

If a floating means is provided in the replenisher stock tank so as to float on the surface of the replenisher and reduce the contact area between the replenisher and air, deterioration of the replenisher due to oxidation is minimized. be able to.

Specific examples of the floating means include a floating ball and a floating plate. The opening ratio (opening area cm ² / liquid volume cm ³ ) in the replenisher tank is 0.05 or less, preferably 0. The most preferable aspect is 02 or less.

Material of cartridge used in the present invention
Is made of any material such as paper, plastic, metal, etc.
Especially, the oxygen permeability coefficient is 50ml
/ (M^Two ・ Atm ・ day) The following plastic materials are preferred.
Good.

Incidentally, the oxygen permeability coefficient is “O ₂ permeation of plastic container, Modern
Packing "(O ₂ permeation of p
plastic container, Modern P
acking; J. Calyan, 1968)
It can be measured by the method described in February, pages 143 to 145.

Specific preferred plastic materials include vinylidene chloride (PVDC) and nylon (N
Y), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (P
P), polyester (PES), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL), polyacrylonitrile (PAN),
Examples thereof include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In the present invention, PVDC, NY, PE, EVA, EVAL and PE are used for the purpose of reducing oxygen permeability.
The use of T is preferred.

These materials may be used singly and may be used after shaping, or a method in which a film is formed and a plurality of kinds are bonded and used (so-called composite film) may be used. Further, as the shape of the container, various shapes such as a bottle type, a cubic type, and a pillow type can be used, but the present invention provides a cubic type which is flexible, easy to handle, and can be reduced in volume after use. Structures similar to are particularly preferred.

When used as a composite film, the following structures are particularly preferred, but the invention is not limited thereto.

PE / EVAL / PE PE / aluminum foil / PE NY / PE / NY NY / PE / EVAL PE / NY / PE / EVAL / PE PE / NY / PE / PE / PE / NY / PE ・ PE / SiO ₂ film / PE ・ PE / PVDC / PE ・ PE / NY / aluminum foil / PE ・ PE / PP / aluminum foil / PE ・ NY / PE / PVDC / NY ・ NY / EVAL / PE / EVAL / NY ・ NY / PE / EVAL / NY ・ NY / PE / PVDC / NY / EVAL / PE ・ PP / EVAL / PE ・ PP / EVAL / PP ・ NY / EVAL / PE ・ NY / Aluminum foil / PE ・ Paper / Aluminum foil / PE ・ Paper / PE / Aluminum foil / PE ・ PE / PVDC / NY / PE ・ NY / PE / Aluminum foil / PE ・ PET EVAL / PE · PET / aluminum foil / PE · PET / aluminum foil / PET / PE above thickness of the composite film is about 5 to 1500 microns, preferably about 10 to 1000 microns.

The completed container has a content of 100 to 20 liters, preferably 500 to 200 liters.
It is about 10 liters.

The container (cartridge) may have an outer box made of cardboard or plastic, or may be formed integrally with the outer box.

The cartridge of the present invention can be filled with various processing liquids. For example, a color developer, a black-and-white developer, a bleaching solution, an adjusting solution, a reversing solution, a fixing solution, a bleach-fixing solution, a stabilizing solution and the like can be mentioned. It is preferred to use a solution, a fixer and a bleach-fixer.

The present invention can be applied to various processing solutions. The color developer is preferably an alkaline aqueous solution mainly containing an aromatic primary amine-based color developing agent. Aminophenol compounds are also useful as the color developing agent, but p-phenylenediamine compounds are preferably used. Typical examples thereof include 3-methyl-4-amino-N, N-diethylaniline and 4-methyldiamine. Amino-N-ethyl-N -Β-hydroxyethylaniline,
3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline,
3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methoxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-δ-hydroxybutylaniline and their sulfates, hydrochlorides or p- Toluenesulfonate is mentioned. These compounds can be used in combination of two or more depending on the purpose.

The color developer may be an alkali metal carbonate,
It generally contains a pH buffering agent such as a borate or a phosphate, a development inhibitor such as a bromide salt, an iodide salt, a benzimidazole, a benzothiazole or a mercapto compound, or an antifoggant. is there. If necessary, hydroxylamine, N, N-di (sulfoethyl) hydroxylamine, diethylhydroxylamine, sulfites, hydrazines, phenyl semicarbazide compounds, triethanolamine, such as and catecholsulfonic Ges Le Hong acids, Organic solvents such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, development accelerators such as benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, quaternary ammonium salts and amines, dye-forming couplers, competitive couplers,
Fogging agent such as sodium boron hydride, 1
An auxiliary developing agent such as -phenyl-3-pyrazolidone,
Viscosity imparting agents, aminopolycarboxylic acids, aminopolyphosphonic acids, alkylphosphonic acids, various chelating agents represented by phosphonocarboxylic acids, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid , Hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, carboxyethyliminodiacetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, nitrilo-N, N, N-trimethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-N, N, N ', N'- Representative examples include tetramethylene phosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-di (o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and salts thereof.

The pH of these color developers is generally 9 to 12. The replenishment amount of these developing solutions depends on the color photographic light-sensitive material to be processed, but is generally 1 liter or less per square meter of the photographic material, and can be reduced to 300 ml or less by reducing the bromide ion concentration in the replenishing solution. You can also. Preferably 30 ml or more
150 ml / m ² . When the replenishment rate is reduced, it is preferable to prevent evaporation of the liquid and air oxidation by reducing the contact area of the processing tank with the air. Further, the amount of replenishment can be reduced by using means for suppressing the accumulation of bromide ions in the developer.

The photographic emulsion layer after color development is usually bleached. The bleaching process may be performed simultaneously with the fixing process (bleach-fixing process) or may be performed individually. In order to further speed up the processing, a processing method of performing bleach-fixing after bleaching may be used. Further, processing in two successive bleach-fixing baths, fixing before bleach-fixing, or bleaching after bleach-fixing can be arbitrarily performed according to the purpose. Examples of the bleaching agent include iron (III), cobalt (I
II), compounds of polyvalent metals such as chromium (VI) and copper (II), peracids, quinones, nitro compounds and the like are used. Typical bleaching agents include ferricyanide: dichromate: iron (I
II) or an organic complex of cobalt (III), such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, methyliminodiacetic acid,
Aminopolycarboxylic acids such as 3-diaminopropanetetraacetic acid, glycol ether diaminetetraacetic acid, carboxyethyl iminodiacetic acid or complex salts such as citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid: persulfate: bromate: permanganate:
Nitrobenzenes and the like can be used. Of these, aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate iron (III) complex acid and persulfate are preferred from the viewpoint of rapid treatment and prevention of environmental pollution. Further, the iron (III) complex salt of aminopolycarboxylic acid is particularly useful in a bleaching solution and a bleach-fixing solution. The pH of the bleaching solution or bleach-fixing solution using these aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts is usually from 4.5 to 8, but the processing can be carried out at a lower pH to speed up the processing. .

In the bleaching solution, the bleach-fixing solution and the prebath thereof, a bleaching accelerator can be used if necessary.
Specific examples of useful bleach accelerators are described in the following specification: U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,858, West German Patent 1,290,812, JP-A-53-95630, Research. Disclosure No. No. 17129 (19
A compound having a mercapto group or a disulfide bond as described in US Pat. No. 3,706, J.
No. 561; thiourea derivatives described in JP-A-58-162.
Iodide salts described in No. 35; West German Patent 2,748,43
Polyoxyethylene compounds described in No. 0;
Polyamine compounds described in -8836; bromide ions and the like can be used. Of these, compounds having a mercapto group or a disulfide group are preferred from the viewpoint of a large accelerating effect. Particularly, compounds described in U.S. Patent No. 3,893,858, West German Patent No. 1,290,812, and JP-A-53-95630 are described. Compounds are preferred. Further, U.S. Pat.
The compounds described in No. 834 are also preferred. These bleaching accelerators may be added to the light-sensitive material. These bleaching accelerators are particularly effective when bleach-fixing a color photographic material for photography.

Examples of the fixing agent include thiosulfates, thiocyanates, thioether compounds, thioureas, and a large amount of iodide salts. Of these, thiosulfates are generally used. Is the most widely used. As the preservative of the bleach-fix solution, sulfites, bisulfites, benzenesulfonic acids or carbonyl bisulfite adducts are preferable.

After the desilvering treatment, a washing and / or stabilizing step is generally performed. The amount of rinsing water in the rinsing process depends on the characteristics of the photosensitive material (for example, depending on the material used such as a coupler), the use, the rinsing water temperature, the number of rinsing tanks (number of stages), countercurrent,
It can be set in a wide range according to a replenishment method such as a forward flow and other various conditions. Of these, the relationship between the number of washing tanks and the amount of water in the multi-stage countercurrent method is described in the Journal of the Society
on Picture and Television Engineers Vol. 64, P2
48-253 (May, 1955).

According to the multi-stage countercurrent system described in the above-mentioned document,
Although the amount of washing water can be greatly reduced, the increase in the residence time of the water in the tank causes a problem that bacteria proliferate and generated floating substances adhere to the photosensitive material. In the processing of the color light-sensitive material of the present invention, as a solution to such a problem, the method of reducing calcium ions and magnesium ions described in JP-A-62-288838 can be used very effectively. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 8542, isothiazolone compounds and thiabendazoles, chlorinated bactericides such as chlorinated sodium isocyanurate, and other benzotriazoles. Sterilization of the
Sterilization and antifungal techniques ", and the germicides described in" Encyclopedia of Antifungal and Antifungal Agents "edited by the Japan Society of Antifungal and Fungicides.

The pH of the washing water in the processing of the light-sensitive material of the present invention is 4-9, preferably 5-8. Washing water temperature and washing time can also be variously set depending on the characteristics of the photosensitive material, the application, and the like.
Preferably, a range of 25-40 ° C. for 30 seconds-5 minutes is selected. Further, the light-sensitive material of the present invention can be processed directly with a stabilizing solution instead of the above-mentioned water washing. In such a stabilization treatment, any of the known methods described in JP-A-57-8543, JP-A-58-14834, and JP-A-60-220345 can be used.

Various chelating agents and fungicides can be added to this stabilizing bath. The overflow solution resulting from the washing and / or replenishment of the stabilizing solution can be reused in another step such as a desilvering step.

[0049]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a film developing apparatus (film processor) 10 of a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the film developing apparatus 10, a negative film F is drawn from a cartridge 13 stored in a film supply unit 12, and is sequentially sent to a color developing tank 14, a bleaching tank 16, a bleach-fixing tank 18, rinsing tanks 22, 23, and a stabilizing tank 24. After being inserted and subjected to a series of development processes, the toner is dried in the drying unit 26. Each of these processing tanks stores the prepared processing liquid.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a printing and printing apparatus (printer processor) 30 to which the present invention is applied. In the printing paper printing and developing device 30, the printing paper P wound in a roll shape is drawn out to the printing unit 32, and the image of the negative film F is printed by printing light from the light source 34.
After being sequentially sent to a color developing tank 38, a bleach-fixing tank 42, and rinsing tanks 44, 45, and 46 via a paper reservoir section 36, a series of developing processes are performed. Is cut off.

Each of these processing tanks stores a processing solution prepared in advance, such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution, a bleach-fixing solution, and a stabilizing solution.

1 and 2, reference numeral 66 denotes a replenisher cartridge and 56 denotes a replenisher stock tank. Reference numeral 108 denotes a water stock tank having a UV germicidal lamp 111 therein. 1
Reference numeral 09 denotes a waste liquid stock tank, and reference numeral 110 denotes a pump for sending waste liquid. 107 denotes a concentrated stable liquid cartridge.

In each of these processing tanks, a transport rack for appropriately transporting the negative film F or the photographic paper P is provided together with a driving device for driving them.

FIG. 5 shows these film developing devices 10 and
A replenisher supply unit 54 for supplying a replenisher to the printing and printing apparatus 30 is shown. This replenisher supply device 5
Reference numeral 4 denotes a replenishing solution supply device for the color developing tank 14, which is provided for each of the processing tanks of the film developing apparatus 10 and the photographic paper baking developing apparatus 30, respectively. I do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the replenisher supply device 54 includes a replenisher stock tank 56 which is placed on the machine base 10A on the side of the film developing device 10 and stores the replenisher to be supplied to the processing tank. Have. In addition, the code | symbol with a parenthesis added together with the code | symbol which shows a replenisher stock tank has shown the code | symbol of the processing tank to which replenisher is supplied from each replenisher stock tank. The replenisher stock tank 56 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open upper end, and a bottomed box-shaped mounting portion 76 with an upper opening is attached to the opening of the replenisher stock tank 56. The downflow pipe 80 is arranged so that one end passes through the bottom of the mounting portion 76 and the other end is located near the bottom surface of the replenisher stock tank 56. A heater 74 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed at an end of the downflow pipe 80 on the mounting portion 76 side. The heater 74 includes a ring-shaped heat generating portion 94 having a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the downflow pipe 80. The ring-shaped heat generating portion 94 has an electrode 94A to which a holding portion 96 made of an insulator is attached. Are formed. The electrode 94A is connected to a control circuit 88 including a microcomputer and the like.

A cartridge 66 containing a replenisher 70 and having a lid 72 made of polyethylene is inserted through the opening of the mounting section 76. It is mounted so that it is pressed against. A spacer 78 is interposed between the cartridge 66 and the mounting section 76.

A first liquid level sensor 84 for detecting the liquid level of the replenisher stored in the replenisher stock tank 56 is attached to the inner wall on the bottom side of the replenisher stock tank 56. A second liquid level sensor 86 similar to the first liquid level sensor 84 is mounted on the inner wall of the mounting portion side of the replenisher liquid stock tank 56. The first liquid level sensor 84 is connected to the replenisher liquid stock tank 56.
The second liquid level sensor is provided at a position corresponding to the liquid level when the amount of the replenisher in the tank is insufficient, that is, when the replenisher needs to flow down into the replenisher stock tank 56. Reference numeral 86 denotes a replenisher stock tank 5 for storing the entire amount of the replenisher stored in the cartridge 66.
6 is mounted at a position slightly below the liquid level when supplied. The first liquid level sensor 84, the second
The liquid level sensor 86 is connected to the control circuit 88. An alarm 90 for instructing replacement of the cartridge 66 is connected to the control circuit 88.

Further, a floating lid 82 is accommodated in the replenisher stock tank 56 so as to float on the level of the replenisher stored in the replenisher stock tank. Since the floating lid 82 almost eliminates the contact area between the replenisher and the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56, the deterioration of the replenisher due to the air can be almost eliminated. One end of a supply pipe 92 provided with a pump penetrates the bottom of the replenisher stock tank 56, and the other end of the supply pipe 92 is connected to the color developing tank 1.
4 is inserted into the opening side of the replenishing tank 14A provided in the tank 4. Further, a circulation pipe 94 provided with a pump is provided so as to penetrate and communicate with the bottom surface of the replenishing tank 14A and the bottom surface of the color developing tank 14. These pumps have a control circuit 8
8 is connected. The color developing tank 14 is provided in the replenishing tank 14A.
Heater 14B for keeping the temperature of the processing liquid in the chamber constant
Is provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described while describing the control routine of the control circuit 88. In an initial state, the replenisher is stored in the replenisher stock tank 56 in a substantially full state, and a cartridge 66 in which the replenisher 70 is stored is mounted in the mounting part 76. Insert the cartridge 66 into the mounting section
The lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is pressed against the ring-shaped heat generating portion 94 of the heater 74 with a predetermined pressing force by being attached to the cartridge 6. The replenishment amount of the replenisher supplied to the color developing tank 14 is determined according to the processing area of the photographic paper or the negative film, and the replenisher is supplied from the replenisher stock tank 56 at a predetermined timing according to the processing area. It is supplied into the color developing tank 14 via a pipe 92 and a replenishing tank 14A. When the amount of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56 is reduced and becomes insufficient, the liquid level of the replenisher is detected by the first liquid level sensor 84, and the first liquid level sensor is detected in step 100 of FIG. If it is determined by 84 that the replenisher liquid level has been detected, the replenisher liquid flows into the replenisher stock tank 56 at the timing. In step 102, the first replenisher liquid level is detected by the first liquid level sensor 84. The flag G is set in order to memorize the detection of, and the heater 74 is energized, and the routine proceeds to step 103. In step 103, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time corresponding to the time during which the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is melted and the replenisher in the cartridge 66 flows into the replenisher stock tank 56 has elapsed. When the heater 74 is energized, the temperature of the heat generating portion 94 becomes high. After a predetermined time has passed, the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is melted and a hole is formed in a ring shape. Thereby, the replenisher 70 in the cartridge 66 flows down into the replenisher stock tank 56 through the downflow pipe 80. At this time, the replenisher flowing down from the cartridge 66 collides with the bottom surface of the replenisher stock tank 56, while the floating lid 82 floats on the surface of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56. As a result, droplets do not scatter from the surface of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56.
6 is prevented from adhering and depositing on the inner wall.
In step 100, the first liquid level sensor 8
When the liquid level of the replenisher is not detected in step 4, the process proceeds to step 104.

When the entire amount of the replenisher in the cartridge 66 flows down into the replenisher stock tank 56, the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56 rises. Is detected.
If it is determined in step 104 that the liquid level has been detected by the second liquid level sensor 86, the interior of the cartridge 66 becomes empty. Therefore, by setting the flag F in step 105, the second liquid level sensor The fact that the liquid level has been detected by 86, that is, that the cartridge 66 is empty is stored.
In the next step 106, it is determined whether or not it is appropriate to sound the alarm. At the time of the sounding of the alarm, it is determined in step 107 whether or not the flag F is set. It is determined whether or not there is
If the inside of the cartridge 6 is empty, an alarm is sounded in step 108, an instruction is given to replace the empty cartridge 66 with the cartridge 66 filled with the replenisher, and the flag F is reset. The alarm timing may be a time when the work being continued is not hindered, for example, when the work of one day is completed, or when the power of the processing apparatus is turned on to start the work and the warm-up state is set. It is appropriate that the work is stopped during the operation, a time when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the liquid level is detected by the second liquid level sensor 86, or the like.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 104 that the liquid level has not been detected by the second liquid level sensor 86, it is determined in step 109 whether or not the flag G is set, and the flag G is set. In other words, if the liquid level in the replenisher stock tank 56 does not rise despite the fact that the heater has been energized in step 102 and the predetermined time has elapsed in step 103, the empty cartridge is replaced. Since this is not the case, an alarm is sounded immediately in step 110. As described above, when the cartridge is empty and the amount of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank is insufficient, an instruction to immediately replace the cartridge is issued. Therefore, the replenisher is supplied to the processing tank due to the lack of the replenisher. It is prevented from disappearing.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, portions corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the replenisher supply device 54 of the first embodiment is modified as shown in FIG.
The sharp portion 11 having a blade edge
0 is formed. A valve 98 is provided in the middle of the downflow pipe 80. Downstream pipe 8 of mounting section 76
An O-ring 112 for sealing is provided in a through-hole through which 0 passes. A passage sensor 114 for detecting the passage of the replenisher is attached to the inner wall of the downflow pipe 80 on the downstream side of the valve 98. The valve 98 and the passage sensor 114 are connected to the control circuit 88. In addition, a large number of floats 116 float on the liquid surface of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56 in a state of being in contact with each other. The floating 116 has the same function as the floating lid 82 of the first embodiment, and the floating lid of the first embodiment may be used instead of the floating 116.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 66 is mounted on the mounting section 76 with the valve 98 closed. At this time, the sharp portion 110 of the downflow pipe 80 penetrates through the lid 72 of the cartridge 66. As a result, the replenisher 70 in the cartridge 66 flows down from the sharp portion 110 of the downflow pipe 80 penetrating the lid 72 to the upstream side of the valve 98. In this state, when the liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56 is detected by the first liquid level sensor 84, the valve 98 is opened by a signal from the control circuit in the same manner as in step 102 of FIG. In the same manner as described in the first embodiment, the replenisher 70 in the cartridge 66 flows down through the downflow pipe 80 and the replenisher stock tank 5
6. At this time, the replenisher flowing down the downflow pipe 80 is detected by the passage sensor 114. The passage sensor 114 corresponds to the second sensor of the first embodiment. When the passage sensor 114 does not detect the replenishment flow even though the valve 98 is open,
Since the entire amount of the replenisher in the cartridge 66 has flowed into the replenisher stock tank 56, an alarm is sounded to replace an empty cartridge in the same manner as in steps 104 to 108 in FIG.

On the other hand, the liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56 is detected by the first liquid level sensor 84, and the passage sensor 114 detects the flow of the replenisher despite the valve 98 being opened. If not, since the cartridge is empty, an alarm is sounded immediately as in step 110. In this embodiment, Step 10
As the third predetermined time, a time from when a signal is supplied from the control circuit to when the valve is opened can be adopted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment includes a liquid level sensor for detecting a liquid level, and this liquid level sensor is attached to a light emitting element 87 for irradiating infrared rays, a floating lid 82, A reflection plate 89 that reflects the irradiated infrared light and a light receiving element 85 that receives the infrared light reflected from the reflection plate 89 and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of received light are provided. These light receiving element 85 and light emitting element 87 are connected to a control circuit 88. According to this liquid level sensor, when infrared light is emitted from the light emitting element 87, the reflection plate 89
Is received by the light receiving element 85 (the light receiving amount increases as the reflection plate 89 is closer to the light receiving element 85), and the liquid level is detected from the signal output from the light receiving element 85. be able to.

The control routine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the same portions as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In step 121, it is determined whether or not the liquid level L is equal to or lower than a reference liquid level L1 (corresponding to the mounting position of the first liquid level sensor 84) based on the output of the liquid level sensor.
As in the embodiment, the heater is energized in step 102.
In step 123, it is determined whether the liquid level L has exceeded a level higher than the reference liquid level L1 by a predetermined level α, and if L> L1 + α, the routine proceeds to step 105, where L
When ≦ L1 + α, the process proceeds to step 109 .

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a replenishing solution for the cartridge 66 is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment by providing a perforating mechanism for perforating the lid of the cartridge 66 instead of the heater 74 of the first embodiment. It is made to flow down to 56. Therefore, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the punching mechanism for punching a hole in the lid of the cartridge will be described.

The parallel link mechanism 120 extends through the side wall of the downflow pipe 80 so that one end projects into the downflow pipe 80.
Is provided. A cylindrical drilling blade 124 having a sharpened tip at the cartridge 66 side and having a blade formed therein is attached to the inside of the downflow pipe 80 of the parallel link mechanism 120. In the vicinity of the end of the parallel link mechanism 120 opposite to the piercing blade 124, an operating part of an actuator 122 having an electromagnetic solenoid is attached. According to this embodiment, when the actuator 122 is driven, the perforation blade 124 is moved in the direction of the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 by the parallel link mechanism 120, and a hole is formed in the lid 72 by this movement. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the hole is formed in the lid 72 by moving the perforation blade 124 at the same timing as when the power is supplied to the heater in the first embodiment.
The replenisher in 6 flows down into the replenisher stock tank 56.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the fourth embodiment, in which a lever 126 is used instead of the parallel link mechanism 120 of the fourth embodiment. The boring blade 124 of the present embodiment
Has a base end inserted into the downflow pipe 80, and a support portion 128 for movably supporting the drilling blade 124 along the downflow pipe is attached to the base end of the drilling blade 124. .

In the above description, an example has been described in which the replenisher in the cartridge flows down into the stock tank by forming a hole in the lid of the cartridge by melting, cutting, or the like. Provide a lid that matches,
The replenisher may flow down by releasing the screwing of the lid by rotation of a motor or the like.

In the above description, the emptying of the cartridge is detected by the passage sensor or the second sensor. However, a switch that is turned on when the weight of the cartridge becomes a predetermined value or less is provided between the cartridge and the mounting portion. The switch may be used to detect that the cartridge is empty by using this switch. Further, in the above description, the cartridge replacement is notified by sounding an alarm, but the cartridge replacement may be notified by displaying a character or the like on a display unit, lighting a lamp, or the like.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank falls below a predetermined level , the entire amount of the replenisher stored in the cartridge is automatically flowed from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank, causing trouble in operation. Since the cartridge replacement instruction is issued at a predetermined timing, even if the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank runs short during the work, it is not necessary to immediately replace the cartridge as in the conventional case, and the work can be continued. This has the effect of improving workability.

Further, by providing the communicating means for communicating the cartridge and the replenisher stock tank, the replenisher is supplied through the communicating means, so that when the replenisher flows in, the droplets are formed on the side wall of the replenisher stock tank. The effect that adhesion and precipitation can be prevented can be obtained.

Further, if a floating means is provided in the replenisher stock tank to float on the surface of the replenisher and reduce the contact area between the replenisher and air, deterioration of the replenisher due to oxidation is minimized. The effect is obtained that the life of the replenisher can be extended.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a film developing device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a photographic paper printing and developing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a replenisher supply device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing details of the heater of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control routine by the control circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a replenisher stock tank portion of a replenisher supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a replenisher stock tank portion of a replenisher supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control routine by the control circuit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a hole drilling mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 54 supply device 56 replenisher stock tank 66 cartridge 70 replenisher 72 lid 74 heater 80 down pipe 82 floating lid 84 first liquid level sensor 86 second liquid level sensor 88 control circuit 90 alarm

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03D 3/06

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] A replenishing solution storage tank for storing a replenishing solution to be supplied to a processing tank and a mounting portion for mounting the cartridge; and a replenishing solution in the replenishing solution stock tank. A first sensor for detecting a liquid level of the liquid, a second sensor for detecting that the cartridge is empty, and the mounting when the first sensor detects a liquid level of a predetermined value or less. from the loaded cartridge parts stored in the cartridge into the replenisher stock tank
And control means for controlling the total amount of replenisher is such that flow, after being controlled by said control means, said at a predetermined timing when the cartridge is detected to be emptied by the second sensor A replacement instructing means for instructing replacement of the cartridge; 2. A replenisher stock tank having a replenisher storing cartridge, a replenisher for storing the replenisher to be supplied to a processing tank, and a mounting part for mounting the cartridge, and a replenisher in the replenisher stock tank. A sensor for detecting a liquid level of the liquid, and when the liquid level below a predetermined value is detected by the sensor, the liquid is stored in the cartridge from the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to the replenisher liquid stock tank. > control means for controlling so as to flow into the total amount of replenisher, after being controlled by the pre-Symbol controller, replacing the cartridge at a predetermined timing when the liquid level exceeds a predetermined value is detected by the sensor A replenishing solution supply device for a photosensitive material processing device, comprising: a replacement instruction means for giving an instruction. 3. A fusible portion is provided in the cartridge, and the control means melts the fusible portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion and replenishes the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge. 3. The replenishing solution supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replenishing solution is controlled so that the solution flows therein. 4. A communicating means for communicating a cartridge mounted on the mounting portion with the replenisher stock tank,
And a valve provided in said communication means, wherein said control means controls said valve so as to open said valve so that replenisher flows into said replenisher stock tank through said communication means. Replenisher supply unit for photosensitive material processing unit. 5. The cartridge is provided with a pierceable portion, and the control means pierces a pierceable portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to remove the replenisher stock from the cartridge. 3. The replenisher supply device according to claim 1, wherein the replenisher is controlled to flow into the tank. 6. The replenishing solution supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe through which replenishing solution flows from the cartridge toward the bottom surface of the replenishing solution stock tank. 7. The photosensitive material processing according to claim 1, further comprising means for reducing a contact area between the replenisher and air by floating on the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank. Replenisher supply device for the device.