JPH04324860A - Treatment liquid supply structure for photosensitive material treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent fouling due to splashing by weakening the outflow force of a supplemental stock solution from a cartridge tank to a filling tank without reducing the flow rate of the supplemental stock solution outflowing from the cartridge tank. CONSTITUTION:A filling tank 136 contains the first shielding plate 200. The first shielding plate 200 is provided with a rectangular plane base plate 204. Ribs 208A, 208B, arranged zigzag at both ends of the base plate 204, moderates the flow of supplemental stock solution from a cartridge 100, and a circularly standing fin 214 increases the outflow speed of the supplemental stock solution from the cartridge 100. That means, the speed of the supplemental stock solution is faster when outflowing from the cartridge 100 to the filling tank 136 and slower after outflowing. On the first shielding plate 200, the second shielding plate 202 is placed to serve for a cover which receives drops splashing due to outflow force of the supplemental stock solution from the cartridge 100.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Field of Application] The present invention is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which photosensitive materials are sequentially conveyed and processed into a processing tank to which a processing liquid filled in a cartridge tank is supplied.
The present invention relates to a processing liquid supply structure of a photosensitive material processing apparatus that supplies processing liquid to the processing tank.

0002

[Prior Art] For example, in a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as an automatic processor that processes photosensitive materials such as X-ray film, a mother liquor is stored in a developing tank, a fixing tank, etc. when the photosensitive material is processed for the first time. is made by mixing and diluting the mother liquor stock solution filled in the cartridge tank and supplying it to each tank. Further, the replenisher that is replenished into the developing tank, the fixing tank, etc. after the processing of the photosensitive material is started is created by mixing and diluting the replenisher stock solution filled in the cartridge tank. The processing liquids stored in the cartridge tank include a stock solution of the mother liquor, a replenishment stock solution, and the like. The cartridge tank is adapted to be loaded into a filling tank of a liquid receiving tray.

By the way, some replenishment stock solution cartridge tanks are internally partitioned so that a plurality of types of replenishment stock solutions can be filled separately, and the openings of each tank are closed with plugs. On the other hand, some liquid receiving trays are partitioned into a plurality of filling tanks by forming partition walls. Each filling tank is provided with a protrusion, and when the cartridge tank is placed upside down and the stopper is aligned with the protrusion and loaded, the protrusion will pierce the stopper and the replenishment solution in the cartridge tank will flow out into the filling tank. (chicken feeder structure). The filling tank is communicated with each stock tank via piping. Therefore, the liquid levels of the replenishment stock solution in the filling tank of the liquid receiving pan and the replenishment stock solution in the stock tank are always matched by atmospheric pressure. Therefore, as the replenishment stock solution is supplied from the stock tank to the processing tank, the replenishment stock solution is gradually sent from the filling tank to the stock tank via the piping.

0004

However, in the conventional structure described above, immediately after the stopper of the cartridge tank is pierced by the protrusion, the replenishment stock solution in the cartridge tank flows out with force. For this reason, the replenishment stock solution may splash up at the bottom of the filling tank and leak from the filling tank. Due to this leakage, different processing solutions may mix (so-called contamination), and if droplets of replenishment stock solution adhere to the solution tray or cartridge tank and are exposed to the air, they will remain as white deposits and cause stains. .

[0005] For this reason, it is conceivable to reduce the opening area of the mouth of the cartridge tank to slow the flow of the replenishment stock solution, but if the opening area is made small, it becomes difficult for the replenishment stock solution to flow, which is not preferable.

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention reduces the force of the processing liquid flowing from the cartridge tank to the filling tank, without reducing the flow rate of the processing liquid flowing out from the cartridge tank, and reduces the dirt caused by splashing etc. The purpose is to obtain a processing liquid supply structure for a photosensitive material processing apparatus that can prevent the above problems.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The invention as set forth in claim 1 provides a liquid receiving tray in which a cartridge tank filled with a processing liquid to be supplied to a processing tank is loaded, and a portion of the liquid receiving tray near the center of the bottom of the filling tank. a perforation provided in the filling tank to open an inlet of a cartridge tank in which a processing liquid is stored; and a flow path restriction provided around the perforation in the filling tank to restrict a flow path of the processing liquid flowing out from the cartridge tank. It has a member.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 includes: a liquid receiving tray into which a cartridge tank filled with a processing liquid to be supplied to the processing tank is loaded; It has a perforated part that opens an inlet of a stored cartridge tank, and a three-dimensional mesh member having a three-dimensional mesh structure that is laid at the bottom around the perforated part in the filling tank and restricts the flow path of the processing liquid. are doing.

[0009]

[Function] According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, the flow of the processing liquid flowing from the cartridge tank to the filling tank of the liquid receiving tray is relaxed by the flow path restricting member, and the flow of the processing liquid is A spiral rotational force is applied, and it is possible to prevent stains on the wall surface of the liquid receiving tray, the cartridge, etc. caused by splashing of the processing liquid. Further, the processing liquid does not leak out from the liquid receiving tray and mix with other processing liquids.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a three-dimensional mesh member is provided at the bottom of the stock tank. Since this three-dimensional mesh member has a plurality of continuous pores, the processing liquid flowing from the cartridge tank to the filling tank of the liquid receiving tray permeates into the plurality of pores. Here, since the force of the flow of the processing liquid is buffered, it is possible to prevent the wall surface of the liquid receiving tray, the cartridge, etc. from becoming dirty due to the splashing of the processing liquid.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An automatic developing apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic developing device 10 includes a processing liquid processing section 11 and a drying section 20 in a machine frame 12.
is provided. The processing liquid processing section 11 includes a developing tank 14 partitioned by a partition wall 13 along the transport direction of the film F.
, a fixing tank 16 and a washing tank 18.

Film F insertion slot 1 of automatic developing device 10
An insertion rack 17 for drawing the film F into the automatic developing device 10 is arranged near the film processing device 5 .

Further, an insertion detection sensor 80 is provided near the insertion opening 15 to detect the film F being inserted. Furthermore, an insertion table into which the film F is manually inserted or an auto feeder into which the film F is automatically inserted by means of a conveying means can be attached to the insertion opening 15 of the automatic developing device 10.

In the developing tank 14, a developer is stored, and a transport rack 24 is provided with a transport roller 22 that is driven by a motor (not shown) and transports the film F.
is placed immersed in a developer. A fixer is contained in the fixing tank 16, and a conveying roller 2 is driven by a motor (not shown) to convey the film F.
A transport rack 28 having a number 6 is disposed immersed in the fixing liquid. Further, the washing tank 18 contains washing water, and a transport rack 3 having transport rollers 30 for transporting the film F by being driven by a motor (not shown).
2 is placed immersed in washing water.

Further, heat exchangers 19 are arranged below the developer tank 14 and below the fixer tank 16, respectively, and the developer in the developer tank 14 and the fixer in the fixer tank 16 are transferred to the heat exchangers. 19, where heat exchange is performed, and then sent back to the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16. Thereby, the liquid temperatures of the developer in the developer tank 14 and the fixer in the fixer tank 16 are maintained within predetermined ranges.

Between the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16 and between the fixing tank 1
6 and the washing tank 18, a crossover rack 34 is disposed above them. This cross-over rack 34 includes nipping conveyance rollers 3 for conveying the film F from an upstream tank to a downstream tank in the transport direction of the film F.
6 and a guide 38 for guiding the film F.

Therefore, the automatic developing device 10 is inserted through the insertion port 15.
The film F fed therein is inserted into the developer tank 14 by an insertion rack 17, and is transported through the developer by a transport roller 22 and subjected to development processing. The developed film F is sent to the fixing tank 16 by the crossover rack 34, where it is transported through a fixing solution by the transport roller 26 and is subjected to the fixing process. The fixed film F is placed in the crossover rack 3.
4, it is sent to the washing tank 18, where it is transported through washing water by transport rollers 30 and subjected to washing processing. In this way, the film F is treated with the treatment liquid.

It should be noted that a drain pipe (not shown) is provided at the bottom of each of the developing tank 14, the fixing tank 16, and the washing tank 18, and a drain valve 21 is attached to each of these drain pipes. Therefore, if necessary, these drain valves 21
By opening the developer tank 14, fixer tank 16, and washing tank 18, the developer, fixer, and washing water can be discharged.

[0020] Furthermore, between the washing tank 18 and the drying section 20,
A squeeze rack 40 is provided. The squeeze rack 40 includes a transport roller 42 that conveys the film F sent out from the washing tank 18 and to which washing water has adhered while squeezing it to the drying section 20, and a guide 43 that guides the film F.

The drying section 20 includes a transport roller 44 for transporting the film F, a drying fan 45 for supplying drying air, and a chamber 46 containing a heater for heating the drying air.
Then, the heated drying air is sent to the film F and the conveying roller 44.
A spray pipe 47 that sprays water is provided. Further, the film F is conveyed obliquely upward at a drying turn portion 48 downstream of the conveyance roller 44 on the conveyance path.

The automatic developing device 10 includes a drying turn section 48.
A receiving box 49 for accommodating the film F sent out from the automatic developing device 10 is provided in a state of protruding from the outer wall of the automatic developing device 10.

Therefore, the film F squeezed by the squeeze rack 40 is dried by the drying air blown from the spray pipe 47 while being transported by the transporting roller 44 heated by the drying air heated in the drying section 20. Ru. Thereafter, the film F is conveyed while being turned in the drying turn section 48, and is sent to a receiving box 49 and stored therein.

Next, a structure for replenishing the developing tank 14 and the fixing tank 16 with the developing replenisher and the fixing replenisher will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the developer replenisher is previously filled into a cartridge tank (hereinafter simply referred to as a cartridge) 100 and sealed. The inside of this cartridge 100 is divided into three chambers by a partition wall, the first chamber 102 is filled with developer replenishment solution A, the second chamber 104 is filled with developer replenishment solution B,
The third chamber 106 is filled with developer replenishment stock solution C. The cartridge 100 includes a first chamber 102 and a second chamber 104.
Inlet ports 108, 110, and 112 are provided corresponding to the third chamber 106. These inlets 108, 11
0 and 112 extend in the same direction. Each opening end of the injection ports 108, 110, and 112 is covered with a packing 114 as a lid, and the packing 114 is pressed by a cap 116 screwed onto each of the injection ports 108, 110, and 112 to close the injection ports. 108, 110 and 1
Each of the 12 openings is closed.

Note that the injection port 108 of the cartridge 100
, 110 and 112 and the opposite side thereof, handles 118 for handling the cartridge 100 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the fixing replenishment stock solution is also filled in the cartridge 120 in advance and sealed. The cartridge 120 is provided with a cylindrical injection port 122 . The opening end of this injection port 122 is covered with a packing 124.
4 is pressed by a cap 126 screwed onto the injection port 122 to close the opening of the injection port 122.

This cartridge 120 also has an inlet 12.
A handle 128 for handling the cartridge 120 is provided on the second side and the opposite side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic developing device 10 houses these cartridges 100 and 120, and also supplies the developer replenishment stock solution and the fixing replenishment stock solution in the cartridges 100 and 120 to a stock tank 50, which will be described later. A liquid supply section 130 is provided for this purpose.

Regarding this liquid supply section 130, FIGS.
This will be explained with reference to 0. The liquid supply section 130 is provided on the widthwise side of the film F being transported, that is, on the side of the automatic developing device 10 . In this embodiment, it is the front side of the page of FIG. The liquid supply section 130 includes an outer plate 132 that constitutes a part of the side outer wall of the automatic developing device 10 and a cartridge receiver 134 that is fixed to the inner surface of the outer plate 132 of the automatic developing device 10. There is. The cartridge receptacle 134 has a box shape with an upper opening, and is sized to accommodate the cartridges 100 and 120. The cartridge receiver 134 also has an inlet 1.
Liquid receiving tray 1 corresponding to 08, 110, 112 and 122
35 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid receiving tray 13
5 is fixed to a mounting bracket 138 fixed to the side wall of the cartridge receiver 134 with screws 140 via its flange portion 136A. Three filling tanks 136 are provided in the liquid receiving tray 135 corresponding to the cartridge 100. A protrusion 142 serving as a perforation is provided approximately at the center of the bottom 136B of the filling tank 136. As shown in FIGS. 6(A), 6(B), and 7, this protruding portion 142 is constructed by erecting four substantially L-shaped plates 142A in plan view. . Further, the protrusion 142 is arranged so as to form a substantially cross-shaped groove when viewed from above. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the plate material 142A gradually widens from the middle part in the height direction to the lower end, and the upper end surfaces are cut linearly so that they are in the same plane. Note that the protrusion 142 is located at the bottom 136.
It may be fixed or placed on B.

[0032] This filling tank 136 accommodates a first shielding plate 200 and a second shielding plate 202 as shielding members.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the first shielding plate 200 includes a rectangular flat base plate 204, a through hole 206 is provided in the center thereof, and a protrusion 142
It is used for penetrating. Note that the four corners of the base plate 204 are cut in an arc shape to prevent interference with the corners of the inner wall of the filling tank 136 and to facilitate insertion into the filling tank 136.

Ribs 208 of the same shape are erected from both sides of the base plate 204 in opposite directions. Two rows of ribs 208 are provided, corresponding to each of the four corners of the base plate 204. The ribs 208A forming the outer ring (see dashed lines L in FIGS. 6 and 9) are arranged in a discontinuous arc shape as a whole, and gaps 210 are provided at two locations. On the other hand, the ribs 208B forming the inner ring (see dashed line M in FIGS. 6 and 9) are arranged in a discontinuous arc shape as a whole, and gaps 212 are provided at three locations. The arc centers of the ribs 208A and 208B of the outer ring and the inner ring coincide, but the gaps 210 and 212 are arranged so that the ribs 208A and 208B are not on the same radial line.
208B are arranged in a so-called staggered pattern.

A rectangular protrusion 209 that slightly protrudes toward the center is formed in a portion of the periphery forming the through hole 206 of the base plate 204 other than the circular arc shape at the four corners, and the tip of this protrusion 209 An arc-shaped fin 214 centered near one corner of the protrusion 209 is erected with the other corner of the protrusion 209 as one end. The height of the fin 214 is gradually reduced toward the protruding tip (the other corner). Therefore, the upper end surface of the fin 214 is formed as a slope. This fin 214 has the role of imparting rotation to the flow of replenishment stock solution flowing out of the cartridge 100 (or 120).

By applying rotation to the flow of the replenishment stock solution, the replenishment stock solution flows out in a spiral shape, so that air can smoothly flow into the cartridge without blocking the injection ports 108, 110, 112 of the cartridge 100 with the replenishment stock solution. Since the liquid is sucked into the cartridge 100, atmospheric pressure is always applied to the liquid level of the replenishment stock solution in the cartridge 100. Therefore, the flow rate of the replenishment stock solution from the cartridge 100 can be increased.

On the other hand, the ribs 208A and 208B restrict the flow path of the replenishment stock solution flowing out from the cartridge 100, so
The flow of the replenishment stock solution flowing out from 8, 110, and 112 becomes gradual.

That is, the replenishment stock solution flows out from the cartridge 100 into the filling tank 136 at a high speed, and after flowing out, the speed becomes slow. However, fin 21
4 allows the flow from the cartridge 100 to rotate and flow out, so as a result, the ribs 208 do not restrict the flow rate of the replenishment stock solution, and the flow rate is almost the same as in the case without the ribs 208. are doing.

Furthermore, a second shielding plate 202 is placed on the first shielding plate 200. The second shielding plate 202 includes a base plate 216 having the same shape as the base plate 204 of the first shielding plate 200. At the center of each of the four sides of this base plate 216, there is a base plate 216 in the direction of the first shielding plate 200. A leg portion 218 is formed that protrudes toward the base. The protruding tip of the leg 218 is supported by the first shielding plate 200, so that the second
The base plate 216 of the shielding plate 202 of the first shielding plate 20
It is held parallel to the base plate 204 of No. 0. These base plates 204, 216 are connected to the cartridge 1 for replenishment stock solution.
It has the role of an eaves to catch the droplets splashing up from the 00.

Further, on the side of the protrusion 142 on the bottom 136B of the filling tank 136, there is a pipe joint whose inner circumferential portion is a flow path 136C and extends downward through the bottom wall of the cartridge receiver 134. A connecting pipe 136D is provided. One end of a flexible pipe 144 is fitted onto the connecting pipe 136D, and the other end communicates with a stock tank 50, which will be described later. Therefore, when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the cartridge receiver 134, the packing 114 of the inlet 108 corresponding to the first chamber 102 is pushed up into the cartridge 100 by the protrusion 142, and the developer replenishment solution A flows into the flow of the connecting pipe 136D. It is supplied to a stock tank 50, which will be described later, through a passage 136C and a pipe 144.

As described above, this protrusion 142 is connected to the injection ports 108, 110, 1 of the cartridges 100 and 120.
Since it is provided corresponding to each of 12 and 122,
Cartridge 100 inserted into cartridge receiver 134
The developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C and the fixing replenishment stock solution 120 are each supplied to a stock tank 50, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 10, there is a liquid receiving tray 146 into which the cartridge 120 on the fixing replenishment liquid side is loaded.
The connecting pipe 146D also has the same structure as the liquid receiving tray 135 except that the filling tank 136 and the protrusion 142 are single. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the structure of this liquid receiving tray 146, and the explanation of the structure will be omitted.

[0043] The liquid supply section 130 configured as described above has the following features:
It is swingably supported at the lower end of the outer plate 132. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of legs 148 are provided to protrude downward from the lower end of the outer plate 132. As shown in FIG. 12, each of these leg portions 148 is made of a bent plate material having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and on opposing walls thereof, extending upward from the lower end at mutually opposing portions. A U-shaped groove 148A is formed.

On the other hand, on the main body side of the automatic developing device 10,
A receiving part 150 is fixed to the bottom plate 10A and accommodates the lower part of the leg part 148. The receiving portion 150 has a substantially U-shaped cross section that is open upward, and through holes 150A are formed in opposing walls thereof at mutually opposing portions. Therefore, the shaft member 152 is inserted into the through holes 150A, and the E ring 15 is inserted near the outside of these through holes 150A.
E-rings 154 are attached to these grooves, and U-shaped grooves 14 of the leg portions 148 are provided.
By installing the liquid supply part 130 so that the shaft member 152 enters into the position 8A, the liquid supply part 130 is placed in a swingable state. Note that a long bolt is inserted into the through hole 150A,
A nut may be screwed onto the tip of the elongated bolt, and the liquid supply portion 130 may be provided so that the elongated bolt enters the U-shaped groove 148A of the leg portion 148.

The automatic developing device 10 engages with a locking protrusion (not shown) provided on the inside of the outer plate 132 of the liquid supply section 130 when the liquid supply section 130 is closed. A locking member 158 that maintains the liquid part 130 in this state
is provided. This locking member 158 is disengaged from the locking protrusion by being rotated by a predetermined angle. Further, the cartridge receiver 134 of the liquid supply section 130 and the inside of the automatic developing device 10 are connected by a gas damper (not shown). This gas damper is in a closed state of the liquid supply section 130,
That is, the swinging of the cartridges 100, 120 from the stored state to the open state, that is, the state where the cartridges 100, 120 can be taken out and taken out, is performed smoothly, and the swinging of the liquid supply section 130 is limited to a predetermined angle. It is supposed to be done.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the liquid supply section 130 is swung by 15 degrees from the closed state, the oscillation is stopped by the gas damper. . This swing angle limit is set in consideration of the undulation of the residual liquid in the filling tank 136 when the liquid supply section 130 is opened and closed, and the present invention is not limited to this swing angle.

Further, below the liquid supply section 130 of the automatic developing device 10, as shown in FIG. can be installed.

Furthermore, the automatic developing device 10 has a liquid supply section 130 on the opposite side to the side where the above-mentioned liquid supply section 130 is arranged.
A removable cover (not shown) is attached to cover the portion corresponding to and the portion covered by the cover 156. Inside this cover 156, an automatic developing device 1 is provided.
A receiving portion (not shown), which is the same as the receiving portion 150 described above, is provided on the bottom plate 10A of No. 0. Therefore, the liquid supply section 130 can be replaced from the above-mentioned side of the automatic developing device 10 to the below-mentioned side by removing the gas damper (not shown).

A stock tank 50 is installed on the bottom plate 10A of the automatic developing device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the stock tank 50 is divided into four tanks by partition walls. Of these, the first tank 50A, the second tank 50B, and the third tank 50C are for the developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C, respectively, and the fourth tank 50D is for the fixing replenishment stock solution. A liquid level sensor 52 is provided in each of these tanks 50A to 50D, and these liquid level sensors 52 cause the first tank 50A of the stock tank 50
, second tank 50B, third tank 50C, and fourth tank 50D
The liquid level of each tank is detected and the cartridge 100, 1
The remaining amount of each replenishment stock solution in the cartridge 100 is detected and
, 120 can be replaced.

In the above embodiment, the stock tank 50 is
Although four tanks are provided by partitioning with partition walls, separate stock tanks may be provided for each of the developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C and the fixing replenishment stock solution.

Inside the automatic developing device 10, a water supply tank 5 to which tap water is supplied is located behind the squeeze rack 40 in FIG.
4 are arranged. This water supply tank 54 is also provided with a liquid level sensor 56 . The liquid level sensor 56 detects the liquid level in the water supply tank 54, so that it is possible to determine when to supply tap water.

[0052] Also, in the automatic developing device 10, there is a developing tank 1.
4. A first mixing tank 5 for preparing the replenisher supplied to 4.
A second mixing tank 60 for preparing a replenisher to be supplied to the fixing tank 8 and the fixing tank 16 is disposed.

As shown in FIG. 2, developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C in the first tank 50A, second tank 50B, and third tank 50C of the stock tank 50 and the water supply tank 54 water is supplied to the first mixing tank 58. That is, the first tank 50A, the second tank 50B, and the third tank
In the tank 50C, there are pipes 62A, 62B and 62, respectively.
One end of C is connected, and the pipes 62A, 62B and 6
The other end of 2C is communicated with the first mixing tank 58. Bellows pumps 64A, 64B and 64C are disposed in intermediate portions of these pipes 62A, 62B and 62C, respectively. Further, one end of the pipe 66A is connected to the water supply tank 54, and the other end of the pipe 66A is connected to the first mixing tank 58.
is connected to. A bellows pump 68A is disposed in the middle of the conduit 66A. Therefore, when the bellows pumps 64A, 64B, and 64C and the bellows pump 68A are operated, the developer replenishment solutions A, B, and C in the first tank 50A, the second tank 50B, and the third tank 50C and the water supply tank 54
are supplied to the first mixing tank 58 through pipes 62A, 62B, 62C, and 66A, respectively, and the developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C are mixed and diluted with tap water, and the developing solution is This is used as a replenishment liquid to be supplied to the tank 14.

Further, the fixing replenishment stock solution in the fourth tank 50D and the tap water in the water supply tank 54 are supplied to the second mixing tank 60. That is, in the fourth tank 50D, the pipe line 62
One end of the pipe line 62D is communicated with the other end of the pipe line 62D, and the other end of the pipe line 62D is communicated with the second mixing tank 60. A bellows pump 64D is arranged in the middle of the conduit 62D. One end of the pipe line 66B is communicated with the water supply tank 54, and the pipe line 6
The other end of 6B is communicated with the second mixing tank 60. A bellows pump 68B is disposed in the middle of the conduit 66B. Therefore, when the bellows pumps 64D and 68B are operated, the fixing replenishment stock solution in the fourth tank 50D and the tap water in the water supply tank 54 are supplied to the second mixing tank 60 through the pipes 62D and 66B to replenish the fixing solution. The stock solution is diluted with tap water and used as a replenisher to be supplied to the fixing tank 16.

Note that both ends of a conduit 71 for circulating the developer are communicated with the developer tank 14, and a circulation pump 72 is provided in the middle of the conduit 71.

[0056] Here, one end of a conduit 70 is communicated with the first mixing tank 58, and the other end is communicated with the conduit 71 upstream of the circulation pump 72. Therefore, by the operation of the circulation pump 72, the replenisher mixed in the first mixing tank 58 is supplied to the developer tank 14 while being mixed with the developer circulating in the pipe 71 via the pipe 70. Then, the developer is refilled.

Both ends of a pipe line 75 for circulating the fixer fluid are communicated with the fixing tank 16, and a circulation pump 76 is provided in the middle of the pipe line 75.

One end of a pipe line 74 is connected to the second mixing tank 60, and the other end is connected to a circulation pump 76 of a pipe line 75.
It is connected to the upstream side. Therefore, the circulation pump 76
As a result of the operation, the replenisher mixed in the second mixing tank 60 is supplied to the fixing tank 16 while being mixed with the fixing fluid circulated in the pipe 75 via the pipe 74 and added to the fixing fluid. Replenishment will take place.

The water tank 54 and the washing tank 18 are communicated with each other by a pipe (not shown), and the water tank 54 and the washing tank 18 are arranged so that the water levels in the water tank 54 and the washing tank 18 are at the same level. . Water is replenished into the water tank 54 from a water faucet in accordance with the detected value of the area of the film F by the insertion detection sensor 80 provided near the film F insertion opening 15 of the automatic developing device 10. This is done by opening and closing a solenoid valve 92 disposed in the middle of the conduit 90.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic developing device 10 includes a cleaning pump 78 for cleaning the aforementioned crossover rack 34. This cleaning pump 78
Each crossover rack 34 is cleaned by spraying tap water from a water tank 54 through a spray pipe (not shown) disposed on the upper end surface of the partition wall 13. The cleaning water for the crossover rack 34 is mixed with an antibacterial agent in order to prevent the cleaning water outlet of a spray pipe (not shown) from being clogged with algae. Further, the crossover rack 34 is cleaned, for example, at the end of one day's operation of the automatic developing device 10.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below. First, the processing of the film F in the automatic developing device 10 will be described.

The film F inserted into the automatic developing device 10 through the insertion port 15 is processed with a developer, a fixer, and washing water in the developing tank 14, fixing tank 16, and washing tank 18, and then placed in the squeeze rack 40. Sent and squeezed. The squeezed film F is transferred to the drying air heated in the drying section 20 and the conveying roller 4 heated by the heated drying air.
4, and is dried by the receiving box 4 through the drying turn part 48.
It is accommodated in 9. In this way, the films F that are sequentially inserted into the automatic developing device 10 are developed and stored in the receiving box 49 one after another.

Next, replenishment of the replenisher will be described. Depending on the processing amount of the film F, that is, the area of the film F detected by the insertion detection sensor 80, and the level of the developing solution detected by a level sensor (not shown) provided in the developing tank 14, and depending on the information. The developer tank 14 is replenished with developer replenisher. This replenishment is done using bellows pump 6.
4A, 64B, 64C and 68A, the replenishment stock solution and water are supplied to the first mixing tank 58, and the pipe 70
These liquids are mixed and supplied to the circulation pipe 71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unevenness of the developer from occurring in the developer tank 14 when replenishing the developer replenisher.

Depending on the processing amount of the film F, that is, the area of the film F detected by the insertion detection sensor 80, and the level sensor (not shown) provided in the fixing tank 16 detects the level of the fixing liquid. The fixing tank 16 is replenished with the fixing replenisher according to the information. This replenishment is
The replenishment liquid and water are supplied to the second mixing tank 60 by the operation of the bellows pumps 64D and 68B, and these liquids are further mixed and supplied to the circulation conduit 75 through the conduit 74. Therefore, in the fixing tank 16, unevenness of the fixing solution is prevented from occurring when replenishing the fixing replenisher.

By supplying the developer replenishment stock solutions A, B, and C and the fixing replenishment stock solution to the first mixing tank 58 and the second mixing tank 60, these solutions in the stock tanks 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are kept in predetermined amounts. When the liquid level falls below, it is detected by the liquid level sensor 52 and the cartridge 100, 1
20 will be exchanged.

[0066] These cartridges 100, 120 are replaced as follows. By rotating the locking member 158 located above the liquid supply section 130, the locking member 158 is disengaged from the locking protrusion (not shown), and the liquid supply section 130 becomes in a swingable state. It is swung from the closed state to the open state by the gas damper. The speed of this rocking is controlled by a gas damper and is performed smoothly. The swinging of the liquid supply section 130 is stopped by the gas damper when it advances 15 degrees from the closed state, and the cartridge 100 is stopped by the gas damper.
120 can be put in and taken out. In this state, the used cartridges 100 and 120 and the new cartridge 100
, 120 are replaced, and then the outer plate 132 of the liquid supply section 130 is pressed and the liquid supply section 130 is swung in the opposite direction to that described above to engage the locking member 158 with a locking protrusion (not shown). All you have to do is match it. In this way, cartridges 100, 120 can be replaced quickly.

By the way, when replacing the cartridges 100, 120, the cartridges 100, 120 are turned upside down so that the injection ports 108, 110, 112, 122 face downward and correspond to the projections 142 of the filling tank 136. In this state, when the cartridges 100, 120 are pushed in, the gaskets 114, 124 attached to the inlets 108, 110, 112, 122 come off, and the cartridges 100, 120
The replenishment solution inside will flow out. At this time, the replenishment stock solution is guided by the fins 214 provided on the first shielding plate 200, and a spiral rotational force is applied to the replenishment stock solution, so that
Since air is smoothly sucked into the cartridges 100, 120, the replenishment stock solution is smoothly discharged.

On the other hand, the replenishment stock solution after flowing out from the cartridges 100 and 120 passes through the ribs 2 of the first shielding plate 200.
08 restricts the flow path. Restricted replenishment stock solutions are
Since it flows out slowly through the gaps 210, 212, the flow rate decreases. For this reason, the cartridges 100, 120
The replenishment stock solution that flows out vigorously from the filling tank 136 and even the liquid receiving tray 1 does not ripple or bubble.
35, the cartridges 100, 120, etc., will not be contaminated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shielding plate 200
and the base plates 204 and 216 of the second shielding plate 202,
Since it has the role of an eaves, the replenishment stock solution does not splash up on the bottom 136B of the filling tank 136 and contaminate the wall surface of the liquid receiving tray 135, the cartridges 100, 120, etc., and also prevents it from jumping out from the filling tank 136. It disappears.

Next, the mounting position of the liquid supply section 130 is changed, for example, as follows. Remove the cover 156, rotate the locking member 158 to disengage it from the locking protrusion (not shown), swing the liquid supply section 130 to the open position, and pull out the cartridges 100, 120 from the cartridge receiver 134. . In this state, by pulling up the liquid supply section 130, the engagement between the shaft member 152 and the leg section 148 is released, and the gas damper is removed from the automatic developing device 10.

On the other hand, the cover (not shown) on the side opposite to the side to which the liquid supply section 130 was attached is removed. The liquid supply section 130 is attached to the opposite side via the shaft member 152 and the gas damper, and the cartridges 100 and 120 are inserted into the cartridge receiver 134. Thereafter, the liquid supply section 130 is closed and a cover 156 is attached under the liquid supply section 130. Then, the cover (not shown) that was attached to the opposite side is attached to the side to which the liquid supply section 130 was attached. In this way, the mounting position of the liquid supply section 130 is changed.

In this embodiment, the first and second shielding members 200 and 202 are provided inside the filling tank 136, but as shown in FIG. A buffer member 221 as a three-dimensional mesh member may be provided. This buffer member 221 can reduce the force of the replenishment stock solution flowing out from the cartridges 100, 120 due to its continuous pores, and can prevent the wall surface of the liquid receiving tray and the cartridge from becoming dirty due to splashing and the like.

[0073]

Effects of the Invention As explained above, the processing liquid supply structure of the photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the replenishment stock solution from the cartridge to the filling tank without reducing the flow rate of the replenishment stock solution flowing out from the cartridge. It has the excellent effect of weakening the force and preventing stains on the wall surface of the liquid receiving tray, the cartridge, etc. caused by splashing of the processing liquid.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing essential parts of an automatic developing device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram of replenishment of replenisher.

3A is a perspective view of a cartridge for developer replenishment stock solution, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a cartridge for fixing replenishment stock solution.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the liquid supply section.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the filling tank.

6A is a sectional view taken along the line VA-VA in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line VB-VB in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a liquid receiving tray on the developer replenishment stock solution side.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a liquid receiving tray on the developer replenishment stock solution side.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of first and second shielding members.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a liquid receiving tray for fixing replenishment stock solution.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a state in which the liquid supply section is oscillated.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the swinging section of the liquid supply section.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view when a buffer member is provided in the filling tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Automatic developing device 50 Stock tank 100 Cartridge 120 Cartridge 135 Liquid receiving tray (for developer replenishment stock solution) 136
Filling tank 146 Liquid receiving tray (for fixing replenishment stock solution) 200
First shielding plate 202 Second shielding plate 204 Base plate 208 Rib 214 Fin 216 Base plate

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A liquid receiving tray into which a cartridge tank filled with processing liquid to be supplied to the processing tank is loaded, and a cartridge tank provided near the center of the bottom of the filling tank of the liquid receiving tray and storing the processing liquid. A processing liquid supply for a photosensitive material processing apparatus having a perforated part that opens an inlet, and a flow path restriction member that is provided around the perforated part in the filling tank and restricts a flow path of the processing liquid flowing out from the cartridge tank. structure. 2. A liquid receiving tray into which a cartridge tank filled with the processing liquid to be supplied to the processing tank is loaded, and a cartridge tank provided near the center of the bottom of the filling tank of the liquid receiving tray and storing the processing liquid. Processing liquid for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a perforated part that opens an inlet; and a three-dimensional mesh member having a three-dimensional mesh structure, which is laid at the bottom around the perforated part in the filling tank and restricts a flow path of the processing liquid. Supply structure.