JP3576648B2 - Processing agent supply device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a processing agent supply device that supplies a processing agent to a replenishment tank or the like at the start of work or the like, and can be employed in, for example, a printer processor or the like in which a photographic printer and a processor are combined.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an automatic developing machine (for example, a film processor, a printer processor, or the like) used in a laboratory, processing of a film or color paper is performed.
[0003]
Films and color papers are processed by being conveyed through a plurality of processing tanks containing processing solutions and water for color development, bleach-fixing, washing and stabilization.
[0004]
The component composition and amount of the treatment liquid in each tank changes depending on the treatment of the film or color paper. Therefore, a system is provided in which each processing tank is replenished with a new solution from a replenishing tank in accordance with a processing amount. Generally, the replenishment of the replenishment tank is performed manually.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional general method of replenishing the processing solution, first, the lid of the container (bottle) containing the processing solution is removed by hand, and then the container is tilted obliquely while being held by hand, and then flows out from the mouth of the container. The processing solution to be added was charged into the processing solution inlet of the replenishment tank.
[0006]
Therefore, there are the following problems.
(1) Since it is necessary to hold the container until the treatment liquid is completely charged, an operator is burdened.
(2) It takes time and effort to remove the lid of the container by hand, and at this time, the processing liquid may adhere to the hands and the like and become dirty.
[0007]
The present invention, in consideration of the above facts, solves the above-described problems, and provides a processing agent supply device that has high operability when replenishing the processing agent, high reliability when opening the container, and high replenishment accuracy. Is the purpose.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 accommodates a plurality of containers in which a closing member for closing the through hole is sandwiched and mounted between an opening through which the processing agent stored inside flows out and a lid having a through hole communicating between the inside and the outside. A treating agent supply device for holding a filled cardboard box and supplying a treating agent to a storage section , wherein the cardboard box is loaded with the container opening facing upward, and the loaded cardboard box is inverted. A loading portion for directing the mouth of the container downward, a neck portion support portion provided in the loading portion and supporting a neck portion of the container of the cardboard box loaded in the loading portion, and a loading portion in the loading portion. Opening means for opening the closing member of the container of the cardboard box that has been inverted and then injecting the treatment agent in the container into the storage section.
[0009]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 1 will be described below.
To supply the processing agent, first, a cardboard box containing a plurality of containers in which the processing agent is stored is loaded into the loading section with the opening of the container facing upward, and the loaded cardboard box is inverted and the container is turned over. Turn the mouth downward . By loading the cardboard box into the loading section, there is no need to keep the container. The neck of the container is supported by the neck support. Next, the closing member of the container is opened by the opening means. Thereby, the treatment agent in the container flows out to the storage section. Since the opening means opens the closing member of the container, hands and the like are not stained with the treatment agent.
[0010]
The treating agent may be any liquid as long as it is a liquid, a chemical, water, oil, etc., or a dispersion of fine particles (powder, etc.) therein, and may be a tablet or capsule other than a liquid. Or a solid such as powder.
[0011]
Further, the storage unit, specifically, for example, a color developing, provided in an automatic developing machine for photosensitive material, bleach-fixing, a processing tank such as washing water and stabilizing bath or a processing tank containing water, and It refers to a replenishing tank (replenishing tank) for storing a liquid to be replenished in the processing tank, but is not limited thereto as long as it stores a processing agent.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent supply device according to the first aspect, the diameter of the through hole decreases toward the inside of the container.
[0013]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 2 will be described below.
Since the diameter decreases as the through hole goes inward of the container, the inner wall surface of the through hole becomes an inclined surface. For this reason, even if the position of the container is slightly shifted, the opening means is guided along the inclined inner wall surface of the through hole, and the closing member can be reliably opened. In addition, the inclination angle of the inclined surface may be partially changed or may be constant.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent supply device according to the second aspect, the through hole is formed in a conical shape.
[0015]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 3 will be described below.
Since the through-hole is formed in a conical shape, the inner wall surface of the through-hole becomes an inclined surface inclined at a certain angle, and it becomes easy to guide the opening means.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent supply device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the container is supported such that a through-hole faces obliquely downward, and the opening means includes: It is characterized in that it penetrates a position decentered downward by a predetermined amount from the center position of the through hole.
[0017]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 4 will be described below.
Since the opening means penetrates a position decentered downward by a predetermined amount from the center position of the through hole directed obliquely downward , the opening means can always open the closing member from a fixed direction , and All of the internal processing agent can be discharged without leaving the processing agent in the gap between the inner portion and the inner wall of the container.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent supply device according to the fourth aspect, the predetermined amount is in a range of 1 to 20 mm.
[0019]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 5 will be described below.
By setting the amount of eccentricity in the range of 1 to 20 mm, the closing member can be reliably opened from a certain direction. If the amount of eccentricity is less than 1 mm, the closing member cannot be opened from a certain direction. If the amount of eccentricity exceeds 20 mm, the size of the closing member and the through hole increases, and it becomes difficult to ensure airtightness when the processing agent is a liquid, and the lid becomes too large.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent supply device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the loading section is divided into two or more.
[0021]
The operation of the processing agent supply device according to claim 6 will be described below.
By dividing the loading portion into two or more portions, the dimensions of the loading portion of the container can be changed, and it is possible to handle containers of different sizes.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a printer processor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the printer processor 10. The photoprinting unit 12 constituting the printer unit of the printer processor 10 has a structure in which a paper magazine 14 in which photographic paper P is stored can be loaded.
[0023]
On the upper left side of the paper magazine 14 in FIG. 1, a driving roller 16 around which the vicinity of the leading end of the photographic paper P is rotatably supported, and a driving force of a motor (not shown) in the photoprinting unit 12 is provided. The driving roller 16 receives and rotates. Further, a pair of nip rollers 18 are disposed at positions facing the drive roller 16 with the photographic paper P interposed therebetween. For this reason, the drive roller 16 sandwiches the photographic paper P between the nip rollers 18 and sends the photographic paper P into the photographic printing unit 12.
[0024]
On the other hand, a cutter 22 including a pair of upper and lower blades and having the blades moved by a motor 20 is installed in the photoprinting unit 12, and the photographic paper P coming out of the paper magazine 14 is used by the cutter 22. You will be disconnected immediately.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, on the downstream side in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, which is on the right side with respect to the cutter 22, a support base 46 having an upper surface formed along a horizontal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) is arranged. . A winding roller 52 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is disposed between the support base 46 and the cutter 22 in a horizontal direction (in FIG. 1, a direction perpendicular to the paper surface). A nip roller 54 that sandwiches the endless belt 44 between the winding roller 52 and the winding roller 52 is disposed above the winding roller 52.
[0026]
A guide roller 56 around which the endless belt 44 is wound is located downstream of the support base 46 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P. At a position adjacent to the guide roller 56, a pressing roller 58 is disposed such that the lower surface is substantially the same height as the upper surface of the winding roller 52, and the pressing roller 58 presses the outer periphery of the endless belt 44. ing.
[0027]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the endless belt 44 in this portion has an S-shape. Further, the endless belt 44 is wound around the tension roller 62 below the guide roller 56 to form an inverted triangular movement trajectory. The guide roller 56 is driven and rotated by a driving force of a motor (not shown), and rotates the endless belt 44 clockwise in FIG.
[0028]
On the other hand, the endless belt 44 has a large number of small holes (not shown) formed over the entire area thereof, and an endless belt 44 is provided on the upper surface of a support 46 on which a part of the endless belt 44 is placed. A number of holes (not shown) are formed corresponding to the small holes. Further, the inside of the support base 46 is formed in a hollow shape, and a pair of communication ducts 66 (only one is shown in the figure) formed corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the endless belt 44 are provided on the support base 46. It is connected. These communication ducts 66 bypass the part of the endless belt 44 that passes below the support base 46 and reach below the endless belt 44, and are connected to a fan box 70 provided with a suction fan 68. .
[0029]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, an easel device 64 is provided above the endless belt 44 that moves on the support base 46, and this easel device is used when printing a bordered image on photographic paper P by printing. A movable piece (not shown) in the apparatus 64 covers the periphery of the printing paper P.
[0030]
A diffusion box 28 for diffusing light is arranged outside the casing 10A constituting the outer frame of the printer processor 10 and immediately above the easel device 64. A CC filter 24 composed of three sets of filters C, M, and Y that is movable so that the filter amount can be changed is arranged. Therefore, the light beam emitted from the light source 26 located adjacent to the CC filter 24 passes through the CC filter 24, is then bent while being diffused by the diffusion box 28, and is sent immediately below. Then, this light beam passes through the negative film N on the negative carrier 30 placed on the upper surface of the casing 10A.
[0031]
Further, a support plate 34 is supported by a guide rail 32 installed in the photoprinting unit 12 so as to be movable in a horizontal direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 1), and the optical axis S A prism 36 and a zoom lens 38 are mounted on the support plate 34 so as to be respectively disposed thereon.
[0032]
Therefore, the light beam that has passed through the negative film N and has become an exposure light beam passes through the prism 36, and further passes through the zoom lens 38 whose magnification can be changed, on the photographic paper P located below the easel device 64. Next, an image of the negative film N is formed.
[0033]
A density measuring device 40 for measuring the density of the negative film N, which is composed of, for example, a color filter and an optical sensor such as a CCD, is disposed in the photographic printing unit 12, and is bent in the horizontal direction by the prism 36. The light beam is sent to the density measuring device 40. The density measuring device 40 is connected to a controller (not shown), and an exposure correction value at the time of printing exposure is set based on data measured by the density measuring device 40 and data input by a key operator. .
[0034]
Further, in the optical path between the zoom lens 38 and the easel device 64, there is provided a black shutter 41 for printing and exposing for a predetermined time the light whose color and intensity are adjusted by the CC filter 24 and transmitted through the negative film N. I have.
[0035]
Since the photographic printing unit 12 has the above-described structure, the photographic paper P sent from the paper magazine 14 is cut into a desired length by the cutter 22 and then placed on the endless belt 44 to expose the exposure light beam. The sheet is conveyed to an image printing position which is a position on the optical axis S. Then, the exposure light from the light source 26 reaches the photographic paper P via the prism 36 and the zoom lens 38 and the like, and the black shutter 41 is opened for a predetermined time so that the image recorded on the negative film N is printed on the photographic paper P. The portion where this image is printed becomes an image portion.
[0036]
At this time, the air in the support base 46 escapes from the loop of the endless belt 44 to both ends in the width direction through the communication duct 66 and is sucked by the suction fan 68 and blown out. Pressure. This negative pressure is transmitted to the photographic paper P on the endless belt 44 through the hole of the support base 46 and the small hole of the endless belt 44, and the photographic paper P is sucked into the endless belt 44 as shown by an arrow A. You. For this reason, the printing paper P is not merely placed on the endless belt 44, but is also sucked toward the endless belt 44, so that the printing paper P is reliably transported by the endless belt 44, and is horizontally moved on the image printing position. Will be placed in a state.
[0037]
Further, the printing paper P on which the printing exposure of the image has been completed is sandwiched between the guide roller 56 and the pressing roller 58, and the transport direction thereof is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction and is sent out in the vertical direction. Thereafter, as shown by a path K representing a transport path of the photographic paper P, the photographic paper P is subjected to each processing of development, bleach-fix, washing, and drying via a transport path 60 including a plurality of pairs of rollers. To the processor unit 72 that performs
[0038]
Thus, the printing exposure processing for one frame of the image of the negative film N is completed. By repeating this, the printing paper P subjected to the printing exposure processing is sequentially conveyed to the processor unit 72 one by one.
[0039]
A developing solution is stored in a developing tank 74 in the processor section 72, and the photographic printing paper P is immersed in the developing solution to perform a developing process. The developed photographic paper P is transported to a bleach-fixing tank 76 adjacent to the developing tank 74. The bleach-fix bath 76 stores a bleach-fix solution. The photographic printing paper P is immersed in the bleach-fix solution to perform bleaching and fixing. The photographic paper P subjected to the fixing process is conveyed to a rinsing section 78 including a plurality of rinsing tanks each of which is adjacent to the bleach-fixing tank 76 and in which rinsing water is stored, and immerses the photographic paper P in the rinsing water in the rinsing tank. Perform a water washing process.
[0040]
The photographic paper P subjected to the water-washing process is conveyed to the drying unit 80 located above the water-washing unit 78. The drying section 80 dries the photographic paper P by exposing the photographic paper P to hot air blown in the direction of arrow B from the chamber 82 side arranged below the transport path of the photographic paper P.
[0041]
A transport path 84 composed of a plurality of pairs of rollers is provided downstream of the drying unit 80 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, and the photographic paper P discharged from the drying unit 80 after the drying process is completed. Are discharged to the outside of the printer processor 10 while being sandwiched by these pairs of rollers, and are stacked.
[0042]
The developing tank 74, the bleach-fixing tank 76, and the washing tank are respectively provided with a developing replenisher, a bleach-fixing replenisher, and a washing agent as replenishers from a replenishing tank 112 as a plurality of storage units provided in the processor unit 72. Replenishing water and a stable replenisher are sent to replenish the liquid in each tank.
[0043]
Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a structure for replenishing a liquid will be described by taking a developing tank 74 in each processing tank as an example.
[0044]
The developing tank 74 is connected via a pipe 114 to an outlet 112A formed near the lower part of the replenishing tank 112. The replenishing tank 112 is replenished with a predetermined amount of the developing solution used and degraded by the developing process of the photographic paper P in the developing tank 74 so that the developing solution can be activated. A development replenisher, which is a replenisher, is temporarily stored. A replenishing pump 116 is provided between the outlet 112A and one end of the pipe 114. The replenishing pump 116 is a replenishing means for supplying a developing replenisher from the replenishing tank 112 to the developing tank 74. Is configured to rotate its rotation shaft by an AC motor (not shown).
[0045]
A float switch 118 capable of detecting whether or not an amount of the developing replenisher exceeding a predetermined first predetermined amount remains in the replenishing tank 112 at a middle position in the vertical direction of the replenishing tank 112. The float switch 118 serving as a sensor can detect the level of the developing replenisher in the replenishing tank 112.
[0046]
On the other hand, the refill pump 116 and the float switch 118 are connected to the control device 120, respectively. For this reason, the control device 120 can grasp the amount of the developing replenisher sent to the developing tank 74 based on the rotation amount of the rotating shaft of the replenishing pump 116 which can be detected from the rotating operation time of the AC motor, Furthermore, the remaining amount of the developing replenisher can be grasped from the liquid level detection signal from the float switch 118.
[0047]
Further, the control device 120 is connected to a monitor 122 (also shown in FIG. 2) serving as a display device, and can display a message on the supply of the replenishing liquid to the replenishing tank 112 on the monitor 122.
[0048]
In this embodiment, when the replenisher in the replenisher tank 112 runs short, the replenisher kit 202 shown in FIG. 4 is set in the replenisher 200 (see FIG. 2) provided on the upper front side of the casing 10A and the replenisher is supplied. Is to be poured.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 4, a replenishing agent kit 202 of the present embodiment includes a cardboard box 204, a bottle 203 as a container storing a developing replenisher, a bottle 205 as a container storing a bleach-fixing replenisher, and a stable A bottle 207 as a container storing the bath replenisher is accommodated.
[0050]
The bottles 203, 205, and 207 are formed of a synthetic resin having excellent chemical resistance.
[0051]
Since the capacities of the bottles 203, 205, and 207 are different from each other, the structure of the bottle 203 will be described below.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 6, the bottle 203 has a small-diameter cylindrical neck portion 208, and a pair of flanges 212 are formed on the neck portion 208. The necks 208 of each of the bottles 203, 205, and 207 protrude from a hole 210 formed in the cardboard box 204 as shown in FIG.
[0053]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a cap 214 as a lid is attached to the neck portion 208.
[0054]
On the outer peripheral portion of the neck portion 208, a male screw 216 is formed on the distal end side of the flange 212, and the female screw 218 of the cap 214 is screwed to the male screw 216.
[0055]
In the center of the cap 214, a conical through hole 220 whose diameter decreases from the outside to the inside is formed coaxially. The inner diameter of the minimum diameter portion of the through hole 220 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the mouth of the neck portion 208.
[0056]
Between the tip of the neck portion 208 and the bottom portion 214A inside the cap 214, the vicinity of the outer periphery of the circular closing member 222 is sandwiched, thereby closing the mouth of the neck portion 208.
[0057]
The closing member 222 is formed of a sheet made of a flexible material (synthetic resin, rubber, or the like) having excellent chemical resistance. In the present embodiment, a sheet obtained by punching a foamed vinyl sheet into a circular shape is used.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishing unit 200 is provided at a corner on the upper front side of the casing 10 </ b> A and includes an openable / closable lid 224.
[0059]
The state in which the open / close lid 224 is closed is a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 8, and the state in which the open / close lid 224 is opened is a state shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 8, a concave portion 228 having a circular section perpendicular to the axis into which the cap 214 is inserted is formed in the upper portion of the casing 10A. The inner diameter of the recess 228 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cap 214. The axial direction of the concave portion 228 is inclined within a range of 1 ° to 45 ° with respect to the vertical direction.
[0061]
At the bottom of the recess 228, a hole 230 is formed at the lower end, and one end of a hose 232 is connected to the hole 230. The other end of the hose 232 is inserted into the refill tank 112 as shown in FIG.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7, an opening protrusion 234 as an opening means stands at a right angle at a position eccentric downward from the center by a predetermined amount at the bottom of the concave portion 228. The opening protrusion 234 of the present embodiment has a cross shape perpendicular to the axis and a tapered tip.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 5, a holder 236 as a loading section for loading the replenisher kit 202 is provided inside the opening / closing lid 224. The holder 236 has a neck support 238 and a bottom support 240.
[0064]
The neck portion support portion 238 is supported by a linear guide 242 attached to the inner surface 224A of the opening / closing lid 224, and is slidable along the inner surface 224A of the opening / closing lid 224.
[0065]
The neck portion support portion 238 is formed in an L-shape, and U-shaped notches 245 and 247 are formed at the distal end side of the support portion 238A arranged at right angles to the inner surface 224A of the opening / closing lid 224 as shown in FIG. , 249 are formed. The neck portion 208 between the flange 212 and the flange 212 of the bottle 203 is inserted into the notch 245, the neck portion 208 between the flange 212 and the flange 212 of the bottle 205 is inserted into the notch 247, and the notch 249 is inserted into the notch 247 A neck portion 208 between the flanges 212 of the bottle 207 is inserted.
[0066]
The holes 210 formed in the cardboard box 204 partially differ from the holder 236 side end surface when the cardboard box 204 is properly loaded into the holder 236, and the cutouts 245 and 245 correspond to the positions. The depths of 247 and 249 are also different.
[0067]
Therefore, when the cardboard box 204 is to be loaded into the holder 236 with the cardboard box 204 facing in the opposite direction, the neck 208 and the bottoms of the cutouts 245, 247, and 249 do not all match, so that the loading direction is wrong. . The intervals between the holes 210 may be made unequal, and the intervals between the notches 245, 247, and 249 may be made unequal. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cardboard box 204 from being erroneously mounted. Can be.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 9, a nut 246 is attached to the neck portion support portion 238 on a side portion 238B arranged in parallel with the inner surface 224A of the opening / closing lid 224. On the other hand, a geared motor 248 is attached to the inner surface 224A of the opening / closing lid 224.
[0069]
A screw 250 that is screwed to the nut 246 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 248 with a gear. When the screw 250 is rotated, the neck support 238 to which the nut 246 is attached slides. . The geared motor 248 is connected to the control device 120 (not shown in FIG. 9), and is operated by pressing a button (not shown).
[0070]
On the other hand, the bottom support part 240 is elastically supported by a plurality of springs 252 attached to the inner surface 224B of the opening / closing lid 224.
[0071]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, a reflection-type optical sensor 254 is attached to the support portion 238A of the neck portion support portion 238 near the bottom of the cutouts 245, 247, 249, and near the tip of the side portion 238B. , One reflection type optical sensor 256 is attached.
[0072]
The optical sensor 254 and the optical sensor 256 are connected to the control device 120 (not shown in FIGS. 4 and 9), and the optical sensor 254 removes the neck portion 208 inserted into the notches 245, 247, and 249. Upon detection, the optical sensor 256 is mounted on the bottom support portion 240 and detects the cardboard box 204 that abuts against the side portion 238B. By detecting the neck portion 208 by the optical sensor 254 and detecting the cardboard box 204 by the optical sensor 256, it can be determined that the replenisher kit 202 has been correctly loaded into the holder 236.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 9, a hole 258 is formed in the side portion 238B, and a long hole is formed in the bottom support portion 240 so that the light emitted from the optical sensor 256 and the reflected light reflected back therethrough pass. A hole 260 is formed.
[0074]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
For example, when the photographic printing paper P is developed in the developing tank 74, the replenishing pump 116 is operated in accordance with the development, and the developing replenisher once stored in the replenishing tank 112 is sent to the developing tank 74 to be developed. The depleted amount of the developing replenisher used for processing in the tank 74 is replenished. The same applies to the bleach-fix solution and the stabilizing bath solution.
[0075]
When the liquid level in the replenishing tank 112 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the float switch 118 detects this, and an instruction to supply the replenishing liquid to the replenishing tank 112 is displayed on the monitor 122.
[0076]
Next, a procedure for replenishing the replenisher with the replenisher tank 112 will be described.
(1) First, the open / close lid 224 of the replenishing unit 200 is opened (see FIG. 4).
(2) Next, the orientation of the replenishment kit 202 is confirmed, the replenishment kit 202 is placed on the bottom support portion 240 of the holder 236, and the neck portion 208 between the flanges 212 is cut out 245, 247, 249. And press the replenisher kit 202 all the way into the holder 236.
[0077]
Here, since the bottom support portion 240 is supported by the spring 252, the cardboard box 204 can be reliably held even if the height of the cardboard box 204 slightly changes. When the replenisher kit 202 is mounted, the replenisher can be moved not only in the height direction (arrow X direction) but also in the rotational direction (arrow θ direction) of the cardboard box 204 as shown in FIG. Operability when mounting the kit 202 is good.
[0078]
If the mounting direction of the replenisher kit 202 is reversed, all the neck portions 208 cannot be inserted to the depths of the cutouts 245, 247, and 249, so that an incorrect mounting direction is found.
[0079]
When the replenisher kit 202 is correctly loaded in the holder 236, the optical sensor 256 detects the cardboard box 204, the optical sensor 254 detects the neck portion 208, and the controller 120 sends the replenisher kit 202 to the holder 236. Judge that it was loaded correctly.
(3) Close the opening / closing lid 224 (see FIG. 8).
(4) Press a push button (not shown) for starting replenishment.
[0080]
Accordingly, the geared motor 248 rotates, the replenishing agent kit 202 moves toward the opening protrusion 234, and the tip of the opening protrusion 234 presses the closing member 222. Further, since the opening protrusion 234 penetrates below the center of the closing member 222, the closing member 222 sandwiched has its lower part removed and is opened inside the bottle 203 as shown in FIG. 10.
[0081]
As a result, the replenishing solution in the bottle 203 is replenished to the replenishing tank 112 storing the color developing solution via the hole 230 and the hose 232, and the bleach-fix replenishing solution in the bottle 205 is bleached and fixed via the hole 230 and the hose 232. The replenisher tank 112 storing the replenisher is replenished, and the stabilizing bath replenisher in the bottle 207 is replenished to the replenisher tank 112 storing the stabilizing bath replenisher via the hole 230 and the hose 232.
[0082]
If the controller 120 determines that the replenisher kit 202 is not properly loaded in the holder 236, the geared motor 248 does not rotate even if the push button for starting replenishment is pressed, and the closing member 222 is opened. Never.
(6) When the predetermined time has elapsed and all the replenisher has been discharged, the geared motor 248 rotates reversely, and the neck support 238 moves away from the opening projection 234 to return to the original position.
(7) When the replenishment is completed, the completion of the replenishment is notified by a buzzer or a lamp (not shown).
(8) The opening / closing lid 224 is opened, the replenishing agent kit 202 is removed, and the opening / closing lid 224 is closed.
[0083]
Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) The portion for mounting the replenisher kit 202 is divided into a neck portion support portion 238 and a bottom portion support portion 240, and the bottom portion support portion 240 is supported by the spring 252. Even if the height of the cardboard box 204 slightly changes, the cardboard box 204 can be securely held. Further, when the replenishing agent kit 202 is mounted, the cardboard box 204 can be moved not only in the height direction (arrow X direction) but also in the rotating direction (arrow θ direction). Operability is good.
(2) Since the lid cannot be opened unless the replenisher kit 202 is correctly loaded, erroneous replenishment of the replenisher can be prevented.
(3) Since the replenisher does not splash outside when the liquid is supplied, the replenisher does not adhere to the operator or the like.
(4) It is not necessary to keep holding the bottles 203, 205, 207 by hand at the time of introducing the liquid, so there is no burden on the operator.
(5) After setting the replenisher kit 202 and closing the opening / closing lid 224, the replenisher is automatically replenished, so that the operator does not need to be clear and the operator can perform other tasks until the replenishment is completed. You can concentrate and use your time effectively.
(6) Since the support portion 238A is inserted between the flanges 212, the bottles 203, 205, and 207 are stabilized (not pushed up or wobble) when the opening protrusion 234 pushes the closing member 222 open. Therefore, the closing member 222 can be reliably opened.
(7) Since the opening protrusion 234 always opens the lower side of the closing member 222 inward of the bottle, it is possible to discharge all the replenishing solution inside without leaving the replenishing solution in the gap between the inner part of the closing member 222 and the inner wall of the bottle. Can be. Therefore, there is no waste of the replenisher and the replenishment accuracy is good.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the opening protrusion 234 pushes the upper side of the closing member 222 to open the closing member 222 inward of the bottle, the replenisher 298 remains in the gap between the inner portion of the closing member 222 and the inner wall of the bottle. As a result, the replenisher is wasted and the replenishment accuracy is reduced.
[0085]
Although not shown, there is also a method of sealing the opening of the bottle with a resin film and making a hole in the resin film to discharge the replenisher. However, a larger amount of replenisher is used than when the upper side of the closing member 222 is opened. Is left in the gap between the inner part of the resin film and the inner wall of the bottle, and the replenisher is wasted.
[0086]
Here, the maximum diameter of the opening protrusion 234, the contact range of the tip of the opening protrusion 234, the effective opening diameter (the maximum diameter of the through hole 220), the amount of eccentricity for making the opening direction constant, and the method for making the opening direction constant. The relationship of the margin of the eccentric amount is as shown in FIG. 12. If the tip of the opening projection 234 is pressed into the contact area of the tip of the opening projection, the closing member 222 can always be opened from the same direction.
[0087]
The minimum diameter portion and the maximum diameter portion of the through hole 220 are not necessarily coaxial, and the minimum diameter portion of the through hole 220 may be displaced downward as shown in FIG. As a result, the tip of the opening projection 234 can be reliably guided into the contact area of the opening projection tip shown in FIG.
(8) Since the through hole 220 of the cap 214 is formed in a conical shape, even if the positions of the bottles 203, 205, and 207 are slightly shifted, the opening protrusion 234 is guided along the inclined inner wall of the through hole 220 and is surely provided. The closing member 222 can be opened. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the through-hole 220 is formed in a conical shape, the inner wall surface of the through-hole 220 becomes an inclined surface inclined at a certain angle, and it is easy to guide the opening protrusion 234.
[0088]
As described above, highly reliable replenishment becomes possible.
Although the opening protrusion 234 of the above embodiment is a straight bar having a cross-sectional shape in cross section and a tapered tip, the shape of the opening protrusion 234 is limited to this as long as the closing member 222 can be pushed open. Not something.
[0089]
Further, although the opening protrusion 234 of the embodiment is fixed to the bottom of the concave portion 228, the opening protrusion 234 is not necessarily fixed, and the opening protrusion 234 is closed by moving the opening protrusion 234 with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The member 222 may be pushed open. In this case, it is not necessary to move the replenisher kit 202.
[0090]
Further, the opening protrusion 234 of the above embodiment is fixed at a position eccentric downward by a predetermined amount from the center of the bottom of the concave portion 228, but the position of the tip of the opening protrusion 234 may be eccentric downward from the center of the closing member 222. Good.
[0091]
Further, in the cap 214 of the above embodiment, the shape of the through hole 220 is conical, but the inner wall surface of the through hole 220 may have a partially different inclination angle.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 has the above configuration, so that it is not necessary to open the closing member by hand, and it is not necessary to continue holding the container after the container is loaded into the loading portion, so that the operator is not required to hold the container. It has an excellent effect that the burden is reduced and the treating agent does not adhere to hands and the like.
[0093]
The invention according to claim 2 has the above-described configuration, and thus has an excellent effect that the closing member can be reliably opened even if the position of the container is slightly shifted. Furthermore, since the through hole has a large diameter at the opening and a small diameter in the vicinity of the closing member, the effective diameter of the lid is reduced, and a reduction in airtightness when the processing agent is a liquid is prevented. Can be.
[0094]
The third aspect of the present invention has the above-described configuration, and thus has an excellent effect that the opening means can be easily guided.
[0095]
Since the invention described in claim 4 is configured as described above, the opening means has an excellent effect that the closing member can always be opened from a fixed direction. In particular, if the opening means opens the lower side than the center position of the closing member, it is possible to discharge all the processing agent stored inside, and to leave the processing agent in the gap between the closing member and the container. There is an effect that the treatment agent can be effectively used.
[0096]
Since the invention according to claim 5 is configured as described above, it has an excellent effect that the closing member can be reliably opened from a certain direction.
[0097]
The invention according to claim 6 has the above-described configuration, and thus has an excellent effect of being able to accommodate containers of different sizes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a printer processor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a developing tank and a replenishing tank.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a refill kit and an opening / closing lid.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing lid showing a state where a refill kit is loaded in a holder.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the vicinity of a neck portion of the container.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the opening protrusion and the cap, in the vicinity of the opening protrusion.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing lid in which a refill kit is loaded in a holder and closed.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing lid showing a mechanism for moving the neck portion support portion.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of an opening protrusion showing a state where a lid is opened.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the cap of the container showing the replenisher stored in the lid and the inside of the container.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing conditions for keeping the opening direction of the closing member constant.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a cap of a container according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
112 Refill tank (storage section)
203 bottles (containers)
205 bottles (containers)
207 bottle (container)
214 cap (lid)
220 through hole 222 closing member 234 opening protrusion (opening means)
236 holder (loading section)
254 Optical sensor (detection means)
256 optical sensor (detection means)

Claims (6)

A storage section for holding a cardboard box containing a plurality of containers holding and mounting a closing member for closing the through-hole between an opening through which the processing agent stored therein flows out and a lid having a through-hole communicating the inside and the outside. A treatment agent supply device for supplying a treatment agent to
A loading unit that loads the cardboard box with the mouth of the container facing upward, inverts the loaded cardboard box, and turns the mouth of the container downward,
A neck portion support portion that is provided in the loading portion and supports a neck portion of the container of the cardboard box loaded in the loading portion;
Opening means for opening the closing member of the container of the cardboard box that has been loaded into the loading unit and inverted, and throws the processing agent in the container into the storage unit,
A processing agent supply device comprising: The processing agent supply device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the through-hole decreases toward the inside of the container. The processing agent supply device according to claim 2, wherein the through-hole is formed in a conical shape. The said opening means is characterized in that the container is supported so that the through hole faces obliquely downward, and penetrates a position eccentric downward by a predetermined amount from the center position of the through hole. The treatment agent supply device according to claim 1. The processing agent supply device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount is within a range of 1 mm to 20 mm. The processing agent supply device according to claim 1, wherein the loading unit is divided into two or more.

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