JP3470780B2 - Treatment agent replenishment device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a treating agent replenishing apparatus which can be made compact and workability can be improved, the chemical stability can be dramatically improved, and the replenishment can be easily reduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a light-sensitive material or a photographic material) is
Processing is performed by steps such as development, desilvering, washing and stabilization.
A black-and-white developing solution, a color developing solution, a bleaching solution, a bleach-fixing solution, a fixing solution for desilvering, tap water or ion-exchanged water for washing, and a stabilizing solution for stabilizing are used for development. A liquid having a processing function for performing each of these processing steps is called a processing liquid.

Such processing is usually carried out by an automatic developing machine for photographic light-sensitive materials (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an automatic developing machine).
It is carried out by sequentially transporting the processing baths containing the processing liquids. The term "automatic developing machine for photographic light-sensitive material" as used herein means a developing machine having a developing section, a desilvering section, a washing or stabilizing section, and a drying section, and having a means for automatically conveying the photographic light-sensitive material sequentially. Generally speaking.

In the case of processing with such an automatic processor, a method of replenishing the processing liquid in order to keep the activity of the processing liquid in the processing tank constant is widely adopted. Specifically, the processing operation is performed while supplying the replenishing solution from the replenishing tank into the processing tank at appropriate times. In this case, the replenishing liquid itself stored in the replenishing tank is usually made in another place and is replenished in the replenishing tank as needed, but conventionally, the following manual operation is required. The method is adopted.

That is, a processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a photographic processing agent) is commercially available in the form of powder or liquid, and when used, a certain amount of water in the case of powder is used. It is prepared by manually dissolving it, and when it is in a liquid state, it is concentrated, so that it is diluted with water to a certain amount before use. The replenishment tank may be installed next to the photosensitive material processing device, and it is necessary to secure a considerable space. Further, in a minilab, which has been rapidly increasing in number recently, a replenishment tank is built in an automatic developing machine for photographic light-sensitive materials, but in this case also, it is necessary to secure a space for the replenishment tank.

[0006]

Therefore, for example, a dissolving tank is made to communicate with a processing tank in which a plurality of processing solutions for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material are stored, and a plurality of processing solutions are provided in the dissolving tank according to the processing solutions. By supplying and dissolving the solid processing agent of, the automatic developing machine can be made compact, and further, the dissolution work by hand is eliminated, the processing system becomes stable in photographic performance, and the photographic processing agent is contained. It is possible to provide a low-pollution system that can reduce or eliminate the use of the plastic container that has been conventionally used.

However, the solid processing agent supply section is installed above the melting tank provided for each processing tank,
If the solid processing agent is directly dropped and supplied from the solid processing agent supply section, there is an advantage that the structure of the supply mechanism is simplified. Therefore, the solid processing agent cartridge containing the solid processing agent is set and the solid processing agent is set. The solid processing agent is supplied by the operation of the processing agent supply unit.

As described above, in the case where the solid processing agent is loaded from the solid processing agent cartridge, a slide for opening and closing an opening through which the solid processing agent can be discharged, for example, is set when the solid processing agent cartridge is set from the viewpoint of improving the handling property. The lid comes into contact with the insertion portion of the solid processing agent supply section, and the solid processing agent can be discharged from the solid processing agent cartridge.

By the way, the solid processing agent cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge when the stored solid processing agent is used up. In addition to this, the solid processing agent in the solid processing agent cartridge is replaced when the apparatus is not used. There is a risk that the product may become damp, so the cartridge may be removed and stored separately from the outside air. As described above, when the solid processing agent cartridge is reset by replacement or maintenance, the solid processing agent cartridge is removed, but at this time, the slide lid may not be completely closed.

Therefore, it is necessary to manually close the slide lid of the solid processing agent cartridge, which is troublesome. Also,
When removing the solid processing agent cartridge for maintenance, etc., especially in the vertical installation method in which the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge is set to the lower side, the solid processing agent inside may fall if the slide lid is not completely closed. is there. Furthermore, when the solid processing agent cartridge is of the vertical placement type, the load of the solid processing agent is applied to the back side of the slide lid, so compared to the horizontal placement method where the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge is set to the horizontal side. There is a problem such as poor closing of the slide lid.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the inventions according to claims 1 to 5 can automatically and automatically set the slide lid by setting and resetting the solid processing agent cartridge. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a processing agent replenishing device that can be opened and closed reliably.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and to achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is one in which a plurality of processing solutions for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material are dissolved. In the treatment agent replenishing device for supplying the solid treatment agent, there is a step including a process of setting a solid treatment agent cartridge containing the solid treatment agent, and the solid treatment agent cartridge is at a position for supplying the solid treatment agent. A solid processing agent supply unit configured to be arranged, at an insertion site for setting a slide lid that opens and closes an opening for discharging the solid processing agent of the solid processing agent cartridge,
A portion where the protrusion of the slide lid is pushed by the set to open the slide lid, and a portion which is pushed by the protrusion when the slide lid is set and retracts, and which engages with the protrusion of the slide lid when reset and slides It is characterized by having a closing member that closes the lid and an engaging member that engages with the protrusion of the slide lid to completely close the slide lid at the time of the reset.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is
The closing member is provided on a part of the closing member, and the closing member is provided on the solid processing agent supply unit so as to be rotatable around a support pin as a fulcrum. It is characterized in that it has a convex portion that is pushed by and a concave portion that engages with the protruding portion of the slide lid at the time of the reset.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the engaging member is
It is characterized in that it can be attached to the closing member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is
It is characterized in that it comprises a spring provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is
It is characterized in that it comprises a roller provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion.

[0017]

According to the present invention, when the solid processing agent cartridge is set, the closing member is pushed by the projection portion of the slide lid to be retracted and set, and the solid processing agent cartridge comes into contact with the solid processing agent supply portion. The slide lid is opened by this, and the solid processing agent can be discharged from the opening. On the other hand, when the solid processing agent cartridge is reset for maintenance or replacement, the projection of the slide lid engages with the closing member to close the slide lid, and the engaging member automatically closes the slide lid completely.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the projection contacts the projection of the closing member when the slide lid is set, the closing member pivots around the support pin as a fulcrum to retreat, and smoothly passes to set. to enable. On the other hand, when resetting due to maintenance or replacement of the solid processing agent cartridge, the protrusion of the slide lid is closed by the closing member, and is further engaged with the concave portion of the engaging member provided in a part of the closing member. Since the rotation of the slide lid is restricted, the slide lid is automatically closed completely.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the engaging member can be attached to the closing member, and the engaging member is attached not only when the solid processing agent cartridge is placed horizontally but also when it is used vertically. Only then can the slide lid be closed easily, reliably and completely.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is a spring provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply section, and has a gentle slope when the solid processing agent cartridge is set. Since there is some resistance, the spring can retreat without resistance, and since there is resistance due to the steep slope at reset, the spring retreats after the slide lid of the solid processing agent cartridge is completely closed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is a roller provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame body of the loading section of the solid processing agent supply unit, and the roller is set without resistance when the solid processing agent cartridge is set. It can be ejected, and it has resistance because it supports the support part of the roller at the time of reset, and when the slide lid is completely closed, it can ride on the roller and exit the roller.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of a photosensitive material processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, FIG. 3 is a right side view of the photosensitive material processing apparatus, FIG. 4 is a transfer path diagram of a solid processing agent, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view in which a part of the collective unit is cut away.

The photosensitive material processing apparatus 1 comprises a photographic printing machine A and an automatic paper developing machine B for developing photographic paper, which are integrally formed. The photographic printing machine A includes a printing section 1
0, a display unit 11, and an operation unit 12, and a magazine accommodating unit 13 is arranged in the upper part, and a magazine in which photographic printing paper which is an unexposed silver halide photographic material is stored in a roll is set. In the printing unit 10 of the photographic printing machine A, the image of the original image is exposed on the photographic paper pulled out from the magazine of the magazine accommodating unit 13, and the exposed photographic paper is introduced into the automatic paper developing machine B.

In the automatic paper developing machine B, the processing section 20,
The drying unit 21 and the control unit 22 are provided, and the printing paper is processed by the processing unit 2.
Development processing is performed at 0, drying is performed at the drying unit 21, a photographic print is created, and the photographic print is transported by the transport conveyor C to a tray of an unordered sorting machine (not shown) or is taken out to the collection stand 23. The processing section 20 is provided with a color developing tank 24a, a bleach-fixing tank 24b, and a processing tank 24 of a stabilizing tank 24c composed of three tanks. Processing is performed. As an explanation of the present invention, a color developing tank, a bleach-fixing tank,
This is carried out on a substantially three-tank automatic paper developing machine B having a stabilizing tank, but the present invention is not limited to this. An automatic four-tank automatic developing machine having a color developing tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilizing tank. The present invention can be applied even to a developing machine.

The automatic paper developing machine B is provided with a processing agent replenishing device 30. The processing agent replenishing device 30 supplies the solid processing agent J to the color developing tank 24a, the bleach-fixing tank 24b and the stabilizing tank 24c. It is a device for replenishing to 24. The treatment agent replenishing device 30 includes a solid treatment agent supply unit 40, a solid treatment agent collecting unit 50, a solid treatment agent transporting unit 60, and a dissolution tank 70.

The solid processing agent supply section 40 and the solid processing agent collecting section 50 are housed in a case 25, and the case 25 is attached to the side wall of the drying section 21. The solid processing agent supply section 40 is provided with a loading section 41 and a supply section 42 corresponding to the respective dissolution tanks 70, and a solid processing agent J corresponding to the processing solution in the processing tank 24 is stored in the loading section 41. The treatment agent cartridge 2 is loaded, and the solid treatment agent J is removed from the predetermined solid treatment agent cartridge 2 by the operation of the supply unit 42.
Is supplied. The solid processing agent supply unit 40 is configured in the same manner as the solid processing agent supply unit of the replenishment separate unit described later, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 3, the solid processing agent collecting section 50 is provided with a plurality of collecting units 51 corresponding to the processing tanks 24. Each of the plurality of collecting units 51 is
It is arranged between the supply section 42 of the solid processing agent supply section 40 and the transfer passage 61 of the solid processing agent transfer section 60. The plurality of solid processing agents J supplied from the supply section 42 of the solid processing agent supply section 40 naturally fall into the corresponding collecting units 51, and the plurality of collecting units 51 correspond to the solid processing agent transport section 60. It is supplied to the transport passage 61.

That is, the solid processing agent collecting section 50 has a dropping step in which the plurality of solid processing agents are naturally dropped into the plurality of supply paths for supplying the plurality of solid processing agents J by the plurality of collecting units 51. , The drop path of this drop process consists of multiple paths, the vertical angle of each path is different, and the multiple solid processing agents at the multiple drop end points of the drop process maintain the postures in almost the same posture. A solid processing agent transporting unit 60 that has a path and transports a plurality of solid processing agents at a plurality of falling end points in the dropping step is provided. The solid processing agent transport unit 60 includes a transport passage 61 and a transport unit 62.
And the solid processing agent J supplied to the transfer passage 61.
Is moved by the transport means 62 and is supplied to the guide guide 71 of the dissolving tank 70 which is arranged in communication with the predetermined processing section 24.

The case 25 is provided with operation lamps 43 corresponding to the respective solid processing agent cartridges 2, and lights up when the supply section 42 starts to operate, and lights up until the supply of the solid processing agent J is completed. Notify the worker.

The plurality of collective units 51 provided corresponding to the supply section 42 supplying the plurality of solid processing agents J supplied to the plurality of dissolution tanks 70 provided in the processing tank 24 of the color developing tank 24a are shown in FIG. And as shown in FIG. The gathering unit 51 is composed of a shooter, the upper opening 51a is arranged to face the supply section 42 of the solid processing agent supply section 40, and the lower opening 51b faces the transfer passage 61 of the solid processing agent transfer section 60. Are arranged. The collecting unit 51 has a supply path 51c for supplying the solid processing agent J, and the supply path 51c has a plurality of paths 51d and 51e formed by a guide 52, and the paths 51d and 51e are arranged in the vertical direction. Are different in angle, and the posture of the solid processing agent J at the dropping end position of the dropping process is kept substantially the same.

As described above, the solid processing agent J supplied from the supply section 42 of the solid processing agent supply section 40 is supplied to the gathering unit 51 from the upper opening 51a. As shown in FIG. 6, the width D of the drop path formed by the guide 52
Is formed to be narrower than the diameter of the solid processing agent J indicated by the chain double-dashed line, and the paths 51d and 51e prevent the solid processing agent J from rotating during the fall, and the solid processing agent at the falling end position of the dropping step. The posture of J can be maintained in almost the same posture. Therefore, when the solid processing agent J is supplied in a single row or a plurality of rows, the solid processing agent J does not get caught or clogged, and the solid processing agent J is opened at the lower opening 51.
It can be supplied smoothly by gathering in b.

In this embodiment, the collective unit 51
Although the dropping path of the dropping process is composed of two paths 51d and 51e formed by one guide 52, three or more paths may be formed by a plurality of guides.

A bleach-fixing tank 24b and a stabilizing tank 24c
The collecting unit 51 provided corresponding to the supply section 42 for supplying the solid processing agent J supplied to the dissolution tank 70 included in the processing tank 24 of FIG. Dissolution tank 70 provided in the processing tank 24
The assembly unit 51 provided corresponding to the supply section 42 that supplies the solid processing agent J that is supplied to (1) has a single path without forming a guide. The number of drop paths formed in the collecting unit 51 is set according to the amount of the solid processing agent J supplied in a predetermined time.

Next, an example of a supplementary separate unit to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings. 7 is a front view of the replenishment separate unit, FIG. 8 is a right side view of the replenishment separate unit, FIG. 9 is a view showing a solid processing agent cartridge, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a solid processing agent supply unit, and FIG. 11 is a solid. FIG. 12 is a side view of the processing agent supply section, FIG. 12 is a front view of a part of the solid processing agent supply section,
13 is a plan view showing a mounting state of the holding means, FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the holding means, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a set and reset state of the solid processing agent cartridge, FIG. 16 is a set of the solid processing agent cartridge, It is a schematic diagram showing a reset state.

The replenishment separate unit 100 is installed separately from an automatic processor (not shown). Replenishment separate unit 100
The operation part 101 is provided on the front side of the melting tank 1 inside.
02 is provided corresponding to the processing tank of the automatic processor (not shown), and each melting tank 102 is connected to the processing tank by a circulation hose or a circulation pump (not shown). In this embodiment, four dissolving tanks 102 are arranged corresponding to the color developing tank, the bleaching tank, the fixing tank and the stabilizing tank of the negative film automatic developing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Above the replenishment separate unit 100, a solid processing agent supply unit 103 and a shooter 104 are arranged according to the dissolution tank 102. In the solid processing agent supply section 103,
A loading unit 105 and a supply unit 106 are provided. By opening the door 107, the loading section 105 is loaded with the solid processing agent cartridge 2 containing the solid processing agent J. An operation lamp 108 is provided corresponding to each supply unit 106, and lights up when the supply unit 106 starts operating, and lights up until the supply of the solid processing agent J ends.

FIG. 9 shows a solid processing agent cartridge 2 containing a tablet type solid processing agent J, FIG. 9 (a) is a plan view including a partially cutaway sectional view, and FIG. 9 (b) is a solid processing agent cartridge. 2 is a side view, and FIG. 9C is a front view of the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 with the slide lid 5 removed.

The solid processing agent cartridge 2 is connected to one of the hollow main body 331 of the hollow quadrangular column-shaped container main body 331 for accommodating a plurality of tablet type solid processing agents J and the solid processing agent J. It is composed of an outlet member 2c having an opening that allows discharge, and a slide lid 5 that slides on a rail portion 332A of the outlet member 2c and is vertically movable.

Inside the container body 331, three partition walls 331S are integrally fixed, and inside the container body 331 are four compartments 331A, 331B, 331C, 331.
It is classified into D. The outer circumference of the solid processing agent J having a substantially cylindrical shape is circumscribed in each of the compartments, and each of the outer circumferences is about 1 mm.
It is possible to store 0 pieces in a column. That is, 10 solid processing agents J1A to J10A are provided in the first compartment 331A.
Are the same number of solid processing agents J1B to J in the second compartment 331B.
10B is the same as the third compartment 331C and the fourth compartment.
Of the same number of solid processing agents J1C to J10
C, J1D to J10D are stored respectively.

A projecting strip 331E projects from the bottom of each compartment of the container body 331 to abut on the outer peripheral surface of the solid processing agent J at a point to facilitate the movement of the solid processing agent J, and at the same time, to the solid processing agent J. The powder that has fallen from J is dropped from the top of the protrusion 331E. The powder that has fallen off the solid processing agent J collects in the groove below the protrusion 331E.
There is no problem because it moves over.

Rail portions 332A are formed on both outer side surfaces of the outlet opening of the outlet member 2c, and the slide lid 5
It is slidable by being fitted in the groove portions 5b formed on both side surfaces of the. Further, the protrusions 5a protruding from both ends of the lower portion of the slide lid 5 engage with an opening / closing restriction member 121 described later to automatically open and close the slide lid 5. In addition, a pin 2b is projected on both side surfaces of the outlet member 2c, and a loading portion 105 described later is provided.
Is inserted into and removed from the guide groove 109D.

Rear surface 333A of the solid processing agent cartridge 2
Is pressed by a pressing member 114c of the loading unit 105, which will be described later, and the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is pressure-bonded to the reference surface of the supply unit 106. In addition, the solid processing agent cartridge 2
An identification pin 2e is integrally formed on the back surface 333A of the above, and prevents erroneous loading of another different solid processing agent cartridge 2.

A fixed frame body 109 of the loading section 105 of the solid processing agent supply section 103 and a housing 11 integral with the fixed frame body 109.
0, the driving means 111 is fixed to the side of the unit main body 112. A support shaft 113 projects near the upper ends of the both side plate portions 109A of the fixed frame body 109 in the figure, and is fitted into the holes of the arm portions 114A fixed to both sides of the holding body 114 holding the solid processing agent cartridge 2. The holder 114 is swingable around the support shaft 113. Further, fixing pins 115 and 116 are planted in the side plate portion 109A and the arm portion 114A, respectively.
Since 7 is stretched, the holding body 114 is spring-biased and swings in the clockwise direction as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure, and the bottom of the holding body 114 is in the upper left portion of the fixed frame body 109 in the figure. At the front left position where it abuts the protruding stopper portion 109B, the holding body 114 stops and maintains the state before loading the solid processing agent cartridge 2.

On the upper part of the holding body 114, a holding means 118 for preventing the solid processing agent cartridge 2 from dropping is provided at an insertion site where the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted. The holding means 118 is made of spring steel, and one sheet metal of spring steel is bent into a U shape to form a mounting portion 118a and holding portions 118b on both sides of the mounting portion 118a. Bend from the center part and guide part 11
8c is formed. In addition, a bent portion 118d is formed at the tip of the holding portion 118b by bending inwardly.

The holding means 118 has its mounting portion 118a fastened to the tip of the upper portion of the holding body 114 by screws 119, and the holding portion 118b sandwiches the upper portion of the holding body 114 from both sides. The bent portion 118d formed at the tip of the holding portion 118b protrudes inward from the window portions 120 formed on both sides of the holding body 114, and is caught by the step 2a provided on both side surfaces of the solid processing agent cartridge 2. Then, the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is held. Guide part 118 provided on the front side of the holding means 118
c is a guide when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted from below.

Around the lower ends of both side plate portions 109A of the fixed frame 109, there is a rising portion 109C, in which the support shaft 113 is provided.
A circular arc-shaped guide groove 109D centered at is formed. When the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is loaded in the holding body 114, the holding body 114 is pushed and swung about the support shaft 113, and the lower end of the holding body 114 is pushed in the direction C in the figure, the solid processing agent cartridge 2 The guide pin 2b advances in the guide groove 109D while being pressed by the pressing member 114C of the holding body 114. The deepest part of the guide groove 109D is formed in an l-shaped groove portion 109E that is bent into a 1-shape, and the guide pin 2b of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is pressed by the pressing member 11.
When urged by 4C to enter the l-shaped groove portion 109E, the front surface of the outlet member 2c of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 comes into close contact with the inlet portion 110A formed in the housing 110 of the supply portion 106.

On the front side of the inlet 110A of the housing 110 of the supply section 106, as shown in FIGS.
When the slide lid 5 is set, it is pushed by the protrusion 5a to retract, and when the slide lid 5 is reset, the closing member 500 is engaged with the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 to close the slide lid 5, and the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is reset. An engaging member 600 that engages and completely closes the slide lid 5 is provided.

A supporting member 501 is provided on the housing 110 of the supply unit 106, and a closing member 500 is rotatably provided on the supporting member 501 with a support pin 502 as a fulcrum. A cover 503 that covers the housing 110 is integrally attached to the closing member 500, and the closing member 500 is rotatable from the initial position in FIG. 16A to the retracted direction in the clockwise rotation, and from the initial position in FIG. 16B. The counterclockwise rotation is restricted by the cover 503 contacting the housing 110.

The closing member 500 has a convex portion 500a, which is pushed by the projection 5a when the slide lid 5 is set, and a projection 5a of the slide lid 5 at the time of resetting, on a part of the slide lid 5 side.
Has a concave portion 500b that engages with the concave portion 500b.
It is provided in a part of 00. The tip of the protrusion 500a is formed into a curved surface so that the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 can smoothly pass therethrough.

At the time of setting, the solid processing agent cartridge 2
Is pushed in the direction C in the figure from the initial position (the one-dot chain line in the figure), and when it reaches the intermediate position, the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is guided by the rising portion 109C and the slide lid 5 is closed while being moved to a position where it can slide. It abuts on the convex portion 500a of the member 500. Therefore, the closing member 500 pivots on the supporting pin 501 as a fulcrum and retracts, and the closing member 500 smoothly passes and can be set. When the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 passes through the protrusion 500a of the closing member 500, the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 comes into contact with a predetermined portion of the supply unit 105 of the solid processing agent supply unit 103, and the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is not pushed by the closing member 500. Be blocked. Since the slide lid 5 does not move,
The opening of the outlet member 2c of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is gradually opened. When the pressing of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 reaches a predetermined position and is stopped, the opening is fully opened, and the solid processing agent J in the front row in the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is fed into the supply section 106. In this way, the solid processing agent J can be discharged from the opening by opening the slide lid 5.

On the other hand, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is reset for maintenance or replacement, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is closed by the closing member 50.
The slide lid 5 is closed by engaging the lower side of the convex portion 500a of 0, and the opening of the outlet member 2c of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is gradually closed. Furthermore, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow, the protrusion 5 of the slide lid 5
a engages with the concave portion 500b forming the engaging member 600,
Since the cover 503 contacts the housing 110 and the rotation of the closing member 500 is restricted, the closing member 500 completely closes the slide lid 5. Furthermore, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow, the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is moved to the recess 5
00b and is guided by the protrusion 500a, and finally the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 is moved to the protrusion 500 of the closing member 500.
The slide lid 5 is automatically, surely and completely closed from the position a.

As described above, the slide lid 5 of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 can be reliably and completely closed by the resetting operation, which is convenient for handling. Further, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is removed for maintenance or the like, the internal solid processing agent J is prevented from dropping, especially in the vertical installation method in which the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is set downward. . In particular, the solid processing agent cartridge 2
In the case of the vertical installation method, even if a heavy load of the solid processing agent is applied to the back side of the slide lid 5, the slide lid 5 can be smoothly closed.

The supply section 106 is rotatably arranged on the housing 110 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110, and the solid processing agent J in the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is introduced into the inlet section 110A.
It is composed of a rotatable rotor 122 having a pocket portion 122A for receiving a predetermined amount from the above and moving it to the outlet portion 110B, and a shutter member 123 capable of opening and closing the outlet portion 110B.

A frame-like elastic packing 124 is embedded in the periphery of the opening at the end surface of the inlet 110A of the housing 110, and the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is provided at the inlet 1.
When close to 10A, it blocks the outside air and enhances the moisture-proof effect.

A drive means 111 is provided in the loading section 105, and a timing belt 127 that winds around a timing pulley 126 fixed to the drive shaft of a motor 125 has a rotor 122 via pulleys 128, 129 and a tension pulley 130. The pulley 131 fixed to the rotating shaft of is rotated.

On the same axis as the pulley 129, a notched disk 132 having two notched portions is integrated, and the photo interrupter type optical sensor PS5 is provided with the notched portion 132.
A position detection signal is issued by detecting the passage of A,
One cycle stop control of the rotor 122 is performed.

As described above, the solid processing agent supply section 103 is
It has a step including a process of inserting the solid processing agent cartridge 2 containing the solid processing agent J from the lower side to the upper side, and the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is arranged at a position for supplying the solid processing agent J. The solid processing agent cartridge 2 is installed in the loading section 105 of the solid processing agent supply section 103.
Since the holding means 118 for holding the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is provided at the insertion site where the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted from the lower side to the upper side as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, both sides of the front end portion 2d of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 are brought into contact with the bent portions 118d formed in the holding portion 118b of the holding means 118 to be inserted and pushed out to be inserted. To be done. Further, the front side of the front end portion 2d of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted by being guided by the guide portion 118c, and the identification pin 2e of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted.
Is opposed to the positioning hole 114E of the holder 114, and the insertion is completed.

When the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is inserted, the bending portion 1 formed at the tip of the holding portion 118b.
When 18d is caught on the steps 2a provided on both side surfaces of the solid processing agent cartridge 2, the insertion is completed, and the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is held by the holding means 118.
With the solid processing agent cartridge 2 held in this manner, as described with reference to FIG.
The solid processing agent cartridge 2 is set by pushing in the direction.

In the case of exchanging the solid processing agent cartridge 2, when the holding body 114 is moved in the D direction contrary to the above, it becomes the position shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. At this time, the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is held by the holding means 118 and is prevented from falling. When the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is pulled out in this state,
The bent portion 118d formed at the tip of the holding portion 118b is
The steps 2a provided on both side surfaces of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 spread outwardly so that the catch can be easily removed.

As described above, the solid processing agent cartridge 2 can be held with a simple structure, and the worker can attach and detach it with one hand, for example, and the workability is improved.

The holding means 118 for holding the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is made of spring steel, for example, 1
Solid processing agent cartridge 2 just by bending a piece of spring steel
You can grab and hold it so that it does not fall,
It has a small number of parts, requires no adjustment, is not easily broken, and can operate reliably.

In this embodiment, the holding means 118 is made of spring steel which is a spring member. However, the holding means 118 is not limited to this. For example, PC (polycarbonate) or PVC (vinyl chloride).
Such a resin, a material having a spring property such as another elastic material, or a mechanism having a spring property may be used. If the holding means is resin, molding is easy, and it is light and durable.

As described above, the holding means 118 is made of a spring member, a material having a spring property, or a mechanism having a spring property, and the solid processing agent cartridge 2 can be held so as not to fall down. It does not take up any mounting space, has a small number of parts, requires no adjustment, is hard to break, and can operate reliably.

The treating agent replenishing device of the present invention can be similarly applied to a horizontal type in which the opening of the solid treating agent cartridge is set on the lateral side.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section. In this embodiment, a closing member 500 is rotatably provided on a supporting member 501 with a support pin 502 as a fulcrum, and an engaging member 600 can be attached to the closing member 500. The engaging member 600 has a convex portion 600a and a concave portion 600b.

At the time of setting, the upper portion 50 of the closing member 500 is moved while the slide lid 5 is moved to a position where it can slide.
0d, the closing member 500 rotates around the support pin 502 as a fulcrum to retract, and smoothly passes to enable setting.
Then, the protruding portion 5a of the slide lid 5 passes through the protruding portion 600a of the engaging member 600 and contacts the predetermined portion of the loading portion 105 of the solid processing agent supply portion 103 as shown in FIG. The protrusion 5a is prevented from being pushed in by the closing member 500. Since the slide lid 5 is in the state of not moving, the opening of the outlet member 2c of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is gradually opened.

On the other hand, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is reset for maintenance or replacement, the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 engages with the lower portion 500e of the closing member 500 to close the slide lid 5, and the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is closed. The opening of the outlet member 2c is gradually closed. Further, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is moved in the reset direction, the protrusion 5a of the slide lid 5 engages with the recess 600b forming the engaging member 600, and the closing member 500 causes the cover 503 to contact the housing 110. Since the rotation is restricted, the slide lid 5 is completely closed. Further, when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is moved in the reset direction, the projection 5a of the slide lid 5 is disengaged from the recess 600b and the projection 60 is removed.
0a, the projection 5a of the slide lid 5 is finally removed from the projection 600a of the closing member 600, and the slide lid 5
Automatically closes securely and completely.

As described above, the engaging member 600 can be attached to the closing member 500, and the engaging member 600 is attached not only when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is placed horizontally but also when it is used vertically. Just a simple structure, easy,
The slide lid 5 can be closed securely and completely.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section. In this embodiment, the engagement member 600 is composed of a spring 601 provided at the rising portion 109c of the fixed frame body provided at the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion 103,
Both ends 601a and 601b of the spring 601 are pin 60
It is supported by 2,603. An engaging portion 601c is formed in the center of the spring 601, and the engaging portion 601c is formed by bending so that the set side contact portion 601c1 has a gentle slope and the reset side contact portion 601c2 has a steep slope. Has been done.

As described above, the engaging member 600 has the rising portion 109 of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion 103.
Since the engaging portion 601c has a gentle slope when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is set, the spring 601 can be retracted without resistance, and the engaging portion 601c has a steep slope at the time of resetting. Because there is
After the slide lid 5 of the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is completely closed, the spring 601 retracts, so that the slide lid 5 can be automatically and reliably and completely closed.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section. In this embodiment, the engaging member 600
Is composed of a roller 701 provided at a rising portion 109c of a fixed frame body provided in a loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion 103. The roller 701 is rotatably supported by a support portion 702, and the support portion 702 is It is supported by the rising portion 109c of the fixed frame body via the support pin 703. Support 702
Is restricted from moving toward the reset side by a fixing pin 705, and the spring 704 uses a fixing pin 706 as a fulcrum to rotate the roller 701.
Is biased to face the reset side.

As described above, the engaging member 600 is the rising portion 109 of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion 103.
The roller 701 includes a roller 701 provided in c, and when the solid processing agent cartridge 2 is set, the roller 701 is biased so as to face the reset side. Since the supporting portion 702 of the above is supported by the spring 704, there is resistance, and when the slide lid 5 is completely closed, the slide lid 5 is ridden and the roller 701 is withdrawn, and the slide lid 5 is automatically and surely and completely closed. You can

[0073]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 has a step including a process of setting a solid processing agent cartridge containing a solid processing agent, and supplies the solid processing agent to the solid processing agent cartridge. A solid processing agent supply unit configured to be placed at a position to set a slide processing unit for opening and closing the opening for discharging the solid processing agent of the solid processing agent cartridge. The part that pushes the protrusion to open the slide lid, the protrusion that is pushed by the protrusion when the slide lid is set and retracts, and the closing member that engages the protrusion of the slide lid to close the slide lid when resetting, and the resetting member when resetting. Since the solid processing agent cartridge is set, it has an engaging member that engages with the protrusion of the slide lid and completely closes the slide lid. The protrusion, closure member is retracted pushed, the protrusion of the slide lid to open the contact automatically slide lid to the site of the solid processing agent supply unit, the solid processing agent is able to discharge through the opening.

On the other hand, when the solid processing agent cartridge is reset for maintenance or replacement, the protrusion of the slide lid engages with the closing member to be closed, and the engaging member automatically closes the slide lid completely. Convenient to handle,
Further, when the solid processing agent cartridge is removed for maintenance or the like, the internal solid processing agent J is prevented from dropping, even in the vertical installation method in which the opening of the solid processing agent cartridge is set downward. In particular, even if the solid processing agent cartridge is of a vertical type and the heavy load of the solid processing agent is applied to the back side of the slide lid, the slide lid can be closed smoothly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the engaging member is provided in a part of the closing member, and further, the closing member is provided in the solid processing agent supply portion so as to be rotatable around a support pin as a fulcrum. Since a part of the projection has a projection that is pushed by the projection when the slide lid is set and a recess that engages with the projection of the slide lid when reset, the projection is a projection of the closing member when the slide lid is set. Since the closing member pivots on the support pin as a fulcrum and retracts so that it can pass smoothly and can be set, on the other hand, when resetting for maintenance or replacement of the solid processing agent cartridge, the protrusion of the slide lid The part can be brought into contact with the convex part of the closing member to be closed, and further can be engaged with the concave part of the engaging member to automatically and surely and completely close the slide lid, and the structure is simple.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the engaging member can be attached to the closing member, the engaging member can be attached not only when the solid processing agent cartridge is placed horizontally but also when it is used vertically. By simply doing so, the slide lid can be closed easily, reliably and completely.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the engaging member is a spring provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply section, it is gentle when the solid processing agent cartridge is set. Since the slope is gentle, the spring can be withdrawn without resistance, and there is resistance due to the steep slope at reset.Therefore, the spring will withdraw after the slide lid of the solid processing agent cartridge is completely closed, and the slide lid will automatically and securely And it can be closed completely and its structure is simple.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the engaging member is a roller provided at the rising portion of the fixed frame body of the loading portion of the solid processing agent supply section, resistance is set when the solid processing agent cartridge is set. Without the roller can be exited,
Since it supports the rollers at the time of reset, there is resistance, and when the slide lid is completely closed, it rides on the roller and exits the roller, and the slide lid can be closed automatically, reliably and completely. The structure is simple.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transport path of a solid processing agent.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collective unit.

FIG. 6 is a side view in which a part of the collecting unit is cut away.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a supplementary separate unit.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the supplementary separate unit.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a solid processing agent cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a solid processing agent supply section.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a solid processing agent supply section.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a part of a solid processing agent supply section.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a mounting state of holding means.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of holding means.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a set and reset states of the solid processing agent cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the set and reset states of the solid processing agent cartridge.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply section.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Solid processing agent cartridge 5 slide lid 5a protrusion 103 Solid processing agent supply unit 500 closing member 600 engaging member

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-64246 (JP, A) JP-A-7-134387 (JP, A) Registered utility model 3002541 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated ( Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/00-15/10

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A processing agent replenishing device for supplying a plurality of solid processing agents which dissolve according to a plurality of processing solutions for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, wherein a solid processing agent cartridge containing the solid processing agent is set. And a solid processing agent supply unit configured to arrange the solid processing agent cartridge at a position for supplying the solid processing agent, and discharging the solid processing agent from the solid processing agent cartridge. The slide lid that opens and closes the opening that allows the slide lid to be inserted into the insertion site, and the slide lid that is pushed by the set to open the slide lid, and the slide lid that is pushed and retracted when the slide lid is set. And a closing member that engages with the protrusion of the slide lid to close the slide lid at the time of reset, and engages with the protrusion of the slide lid at the time of reset. Processing agent replenishing device characterized by having a completely closed engagement members ride lid. 2. The engagement member is provided in a part of the closing member, and the closing member is provided in the solid processing agent supply portion so as to be rotatable around a support pin as a fulcrum. 2. The treating agent replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the portion has a convex portion that is pushed by the protrusion when the slide lid is set and a concave portion that engages with the protrusion of the slide lid when the reset is performed. . 3. The processing agent replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is attachable to the closing member. 4. The processing agent replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement member is a spring provided at a rising portion of a fixed frame body of a loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion. 5. The processing agent replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement member is a roller provided at a rising portion of a fixed frame body of a loading portion of the solid processing agent supply portion.