JPH06110173A - Replenisher supply device for photosensitive material processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a replenisher cartridge from being exchanged in the midst of work by instructing the exchange of the cartridge at the time when the work is not hindered. CONSTITUTION:A 1st liquid level sensor 84 detecting the liquid level of replenisher in a stock tank 56 is provided. When the liquid level equal to or under a specified value is detected by the sensor 84, a heater 74 is energized to melt a cover 72. Thus, the replenisher 70 is supplied in the tank 56 from the cartridge 66 through a flowdown pipe 80. Therefore, the replenisher 70 is automatically supplied in the tank 56 even in the case the amount of the replenisher 70 in the tank 56 is insufficient. When the work is not hindered thereafter, the exchange of the cartridge 66 is instructed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a replenisher supplying device for a light-sensitive material processing apparatus, and more particularly to a light-sensitive material processing apparatus for supplying a replenisher to a processing tank of a light-sensitive material processing apparatus such as a film processor or a printer processor. Replenisher supply device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a photosensitive material such as a film or a photographic paper is exposed and then developed, the photosensitive material is passed through a series of processing tanks each containing a processing solution. Is being developed.

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

Generally, this replenisher is prepared by adding water to a concentrate,
A configuration is used in which a replenishing solution prepared separately is stored in a replenishing tank and is supplied from the replenishing tank to a processing tank by using a pump or the like. However, the work of storing the pre-prepared replenisher solution in the replenishment tank is complicated, and the replenisher solution may be prepared by erroneously adjusting the solution preparation method. Replace the cartridge with the cartridge containing the replenisher,
A cartridge-type supply device for supplying a replenisher from this cartridge to a processing tank by a pump or the like has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-55562).

However, in this cartridge type supply device, when a used cartridge is removed, a new cartridge is installed and a suction pipe is inserted into the cartridge, the replenisher liquid remaining in the suction pipe is prevented from being scattered on the floor. Therefore, there is a problem that a special structure is required for the above-mentioned structure or the pump suction structure causes a suction failure due to the pump.

Further, in the case of a supply device having a structure in which careless liquid leakage does not occur when the cartridge is replaced, it is complicated to take out the replenishing liquid from the cartridge, or a special operation is required. (Actual exploitation 53-108
335).

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, in order to replace the used cartridge with the cartridge in which the replenishing liquid is stored, it is detected whether or not the cartridge in use is empty and an alarm is sounded. However, if the cartridge in use becomes empty during work, an alarm sounds during work, and it is necessary to replace the cartridge immediately, and the work is interrupted to replace the cartridge. there were.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even when the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid storage portion runs short during operation, the replenishing liquid storage portion is automatically replenished without replacing the cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a replenisher supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus, which can supply the liquid and continue the work without replacing the cartridge.

Furthermore, when the cartridge is empty,
The purpose is to automatically detect and suggest to the operator to replace the cartridge at a time when the work is not interrupted.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 is a cartridge for storing a replenishing liquid, and a mounting for storing the replenishing liquid for supplying to a processing tank and mounting the cartridge. A replenisher stock tank having a portion, a first sensor for detecting a liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank, a second sensor for detecting that the cartridge is empty, and a second sensor Control means for causing the replenishing liquid to flow into the replenishing liquid stock tank from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion when the liquid level below the predetermined value is detected by the sensor No. 1; Then, when it is detected by the second sensor that the cartridge is empty, an instruction to replace the cartridge is given at a predetermined timing. In which it configured to include an instruction unit, an.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge containing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution stock tank having a mounting portion for storing the replenishing solution to be supplied to the processing tank and mounting the cartridge, and the replenishing solution. A sensor that detects the liquid level of the replenisher in the stock tank, and causes the replenisher to flow into the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion when the liquid level below a predetermined value is detected by the sensor. And a replacement instructing means for instructing to replace the cartridge at a predetermined timing when a liquid level exceeding a predetermined value is detected by the sensor after being controlled by the control means. It is configured to include.

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

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

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the cartridge is provided with a pierceable portion, and the control means allows the pierceable portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion. Is provided to control the replenisher to flow from the cartridge into the replenisher stock tank.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a pipe is further provided for introducing the replenishing liquid from the cartridge toward the bottom surface of the replenishing liquid stock tank.

The invention of claim 7 relates to claims 1 to 6.
In the invention, the replenisher stock tank is further provided with means such as a floating liquid level shutter that floats on the replenisher to reduce the contact area between the replenisher and air.

[0017]

The cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention stores the replenishing liquid, and the replenishing liquid stock tank is provided with a mounting portion for storing the replenishing liquid to be supplied to the processing tank and mounting the cartridge. This cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion of the replenisher stock tank. The replenisher stock tank is provided with a first sensor for detecting the liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank, and the control means detects the liquid level below a predetermined value by the first sensor. At this time, the replenisher is controlled to flow into the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion. The replacement instruction means gives an instruction to replace the cartridge at a predetermined timing when it is detected that the second sensor is activated and the cartridge is empty after being controlled by the control means as described above. .

As a further preferable method, if the liquid level below the predetermined value is continuously detected by the first sensor even after the control means is activated, the cartridge remains empty or the control means is used. Since there is a possibility of malfunction of the cartridge, it is preferable to give an instruction to replace the cartridge immediately. This prevents the stock tank from emptying. Whether or not the cartridge is empty can be detected by detecting the weight of the cartridge and the level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank after the replenisher has flowed from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank. You can

With respect to the operation of the second sensor, the timing for issuing an instruction to replace the cartridge is a buzzer sound or a display when the work is finished or the work is started, or when the drive of the equipment is stopped for a certain time or more. The method of instructing by display is preferable.

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

The sensor according to the invention of claim 2 detects the liquid level of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid stock tank, and the control means is
When the sensor detects a liquid level below a predetermined value, the replenisher is controlled to flow from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion into the replenisher stock tank. After being controlled by the control means as described above, the replacement instruction means preferably gives an instruction to replace the cartridge immediately when the liquid level below a predetermined value is detected by the sensor. As a result, when the liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank does not rise even though the replenisher is controlled to flow from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank,
That is, when the cartridge is empty and the amount of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid stock tank is insufficient, it is instructed to immediately replace the cartridge and the replenishing liquid is prevented from being stopped from being supplied to the processing tank. . When the sensor detects a liquid level exceeding a predetermined value, the replacement instructing means is a case where the replenishing liquid flows from the cartridge into the replenishing liquid stock tank and the cartridge becomes empty. Give instructions to replace. As a result, after the replenishing liquid has flowed into the replenishing liquid stock tank from the cartridge, an instruction to replace the cartridge is issued at a time when there is no hindrance to the work.

As described above, when the liquid level of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid stock tank falls below a predetermined value,
By flowing the replenisher from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank, even if the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank is insufficient during the work, it is not necessary to immediately replace the cartridge as in the conventional case, and the work can be continued. it can.

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

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

The cartridge of the invention of claim 5 is provided with a pierceable portion, and the control means pierces the pierceable portion of the cartridge to supply the replenisher from the cartridge to the replenisher stock tank. Inflow.

Each of the above inventions can be provided with a pipe for introducing the replenisher from the cartridge toward the bottom of the replenisher stock tank. By providing the pipe, since the replenisher is supplied through the pipe, it is possible to prevent the liquid droplets from adhering to and depositing on the side wall of the replenisher stock tank when the replenisher is introduced.

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

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

Material of the cartridge used in the present invention
Uses any material such as paper, plastic, metal
It has an oxygen permeability of 50 ml.
/ (M² ・ Plastic materials below atm ・ day) are preferred
Good

The oxygen permeability coefficient is "O ₂ permeation of plastic container, modern
Packing "(O ₂ permeation of p
plastic container, Modern P
acking; N. J. Calyan, 1968) 1
It can be measured by the method described in February issue, pages 143-145.

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

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

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

When used as a composite film, the structures shown below are particularly preferable, but not limited thereto.

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

The content of the finished container is 100 ml to 20 liter, preferably 500 ml to
It is about 10 liters.

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

Various processing liquids can be filled in the cartridge of the present invention. For example, a color developing solution, a black and white developing solution, a bleaching solution, an adjusting solution, a reversing solution, a fixing solution, a bleach-fixing solution, a stabilizing solution and the like can be mentioned, but especially for a cartridge having a low oxygen permeability coefficient, a color developing solution, a black and white developing solution. It is preferred to use solutions, fixers and bleach-fixers.

The present invention can be applied to various processing liquids. The color developing solution is preferably an alkaline aqueous solution containing an aromatic primary amine type color developing agent as a main component. As the color developing agent, aminophenol compounds are also useful, but p-phenylenediamine compounds are preferably used, and typical examples thereof include 3-methyl-4-amino-N, N-diethylaniline and 4- Amino-N-ethyl-N -Β-hydroxyethylaniline,
3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-hydroxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methanesulfonamidoethylaniline,
3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-β-methoxyethylaniline, 3-methyl-4-amino-N-ethyl-N-δ-hydroxybutylaniline and their sulfates, hydrochlorides or p- Toluene sulfonate may be mentioned. Two or more kinds of these compounds may be used in combination depending on the purpose.

The color developer is an alkali metal carbonate,
It is common to include a pH buffering agent such as borate or phosphate, a bromide salt, an iodide salt, a development inhibitor such as a benzimidazole, a benzothiazole or a mercapto compound, or an antifoggant. is there. In addition, if necessary, various preservatives such as hydroxylamine, N, N-di (sulfoethyl) hydroxylamine, diethylhydroxylamine, sulfite, hydrazines, phenylsemicarbazides, triethanolamine, and catecholdisphonic acid, ethylene. Glycol, organic solvents such as diethylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, quaternary ammonium salts, development accelerators such as amines, dye-forming couplers, competitive couplers, fogging agents such as sodium boron hydride, 1-
Auxiliary developing agents such as phenyl-3-pyrazolidone, tackifiers, aminopolycarboxylic acids, aminopolyphosphonic acids, alkylphosphonic acids, various chelating agents represented by phosphonocarboxylic acids, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, nitrilo-N, N, N-trimethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-N, N, Representative examples include N ′, N′-tetramethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine di (o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and salts thereof.

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

The photographic emulsion layer after color development is usually bleached. The bleaching process may be performed simultaneously with the fixing process (bleach-fixing process), or may be performed individually. Further, in order to speed up the processing, a processing method of bleach-fixing processing after bleaching processing may be used. Further, treatment with two continuous bleach-fixing baths, fixing treatment before the bleach-fixing treatment, or bleaching treatment after the bleach-fixing treatment can be optionally carried out according to the purpose. Examples of bleaching agents include iron (III) and cobalt (II
Compounds of polyvalent metals such as I), chromium (VI), and copper (II), peracids, quinones, nitro compounds and the like are used. A typical bleaching agent is ferricyanide: dichromate: iron (II
Organic complex salts of I) or cobalt (III), such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, methyliminodiacetic acid, 1,3
-Aminopolycarboxylic acids such as diaminopropane tetraacetic acid and glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid, or complex salts such as citric acid, tartaric acid and malic acid: persulfate: bromate: permanganate: nitrobenzene it can. Of these, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid iron (I
II) Aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts such as complex acids and persulfates are preferable from the viewpoint of rapid treatment and prevention of environmental pollution. Further, the aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salt is particularly useful in both the bleaching solution and the bleach-fixing solution.
The pH of the bleaching solution or bleach-fixing solution using these aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts is usually 4.5 to 8,
It is also possible to process at a lower pH for speeding up the process.

If necessary, a bleaching accelerator can be used in the bleaching solution, the bleach-fixing solution and their pre-bath.
Specific examples of useful bleaching accelerators are described in the following specifications: US Pat. No. 3,893,858, West German Patent 1,290,812, JP-A-53-95630, Research. Disclosure No. 17129 (19
(July 1978) and the like, compounds having a mercapto group or a disulfide bond; thiazolidine derivatives described in JP-A No. 50-140129; US Pat.
The thiourea derivative described in Japanese Patent No. 561;
35, iodide salt; West German Patent 2,748,43
Polyoxyethylene compounds described in No. 0; JP-B-45
A polyamine compound described in -8836; bromide ion or the like can be used. Among them, a compound having a mercapto group or a disulfide group is preferable from the viewpoint of a large accelerating effect, and particularly described in US Pat. No. 3,893,858, West German Patent No. 1,290,812, and JP-A-53-95630. Compounds are preferred. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,
The compounds described in No. 834 are also preferable. These bleaching accelerators may be added to the light-sensitive material. These bleaching accelerators are particularly effective when bleach-fixing a color light-sensitive material for photography.

Examples of the fixing agent include thiosulfates, thiocyanates, thioether compounds, thioureas, and a large amount of iodide salts, but the use of thiosulfates is common, especially ammonium thiosulfate. Is the most widely used. As a preservative for the bleach-fixing solution, sulfite, bisulfite, benzenesulfonic acid or carbonyl bisulfite adduct is preferable.

Further, after the desilvering treatment, washing and / or stabilizing steps are generally carried out. The amount of rinsing water in the rinsing step depends on the characteristics of the light-sensitive material (for example, depending on the material used such as couplers), application, and further the rinsing water temperature, the number of rinsing tanks (the number of stages),
It can be set in a wide range depending on a replenishment method such as normal flow and various other conditions. Among these, the relationship between the number of washing tanks and the water volume in the multi-stage countercurrent system is shown in the Journal of the Society of Moti
on Picture and Television Engineers Volume 64, P2
48 to 253 (May 1955 issue).

According to the multi-stage countercurrent system described in the above document,
Although the amount of water to be washed can be significantly reduced, the increase in the residence time of water in the tank causes problems such as bacteria breeding and the resulting suspended matter adhering to the photosensitive material. In the processing of the color light-sensitive material of the present invention, as a solution to such a problem, the method of reducing calcium ion and magnesium ion described in JP-A-62-288838 can be used very effectively. In addition, JP-A-57-
No. 8542, isothiazolone compounds, siabendazoles, chlorinated germicides such as chlorinated sodium isocyanurate, and other benzotriazoles. Sterilization of
The sterilizing agents described in "Sterilization and Antifungal Technology" and "Encyclopedia of Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents" edited by Japan Society for Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents can also be used.

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

Various chelating agents and antifungal agents can also be added to this stabilizing bath. The overflow solution that accompanies the washing with water and / or the supplement of the stabilizing solution can be reused in other steps such as the desilvering step.

[0049]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a film developing apparatus (film processor) 10 of a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In this film developing device 10, the negative film F is drawn out from the cartridge 13 housed in the film supply unit 12, and is sequentially transferred to the color developing tank 14, the bleaching tank 16, the bleach-fixing tank 18, the rinse tanks 22, 23, and the stabilizing tank 24. After being inserted and subjected to a series of development processing, it is dried in the drying section 26. The prepared treatment liquids are stored in the respective treatment tanks.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a printing paper printing and developing device (printer processor) 30 to which the present invention is applied. In the printing paper printing / developing device 30, the printing paper P wound in a roll shape is drawn out to the printing section 32, and the image of the negative film F is printed by the printing light from the light source 34.
After passing through the paper reservoir section 36, the color developing tank 38, the bleach-fixing tank 42, and the rinsing tanks 44, 45, and 46 are sequentially sent to perform a series of development processes, and after being dried by the drying section 48, each image is cut by the cutter 52. To be disconnected.

In each of these processing tanks, pre-prepared processing solutions such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution, a bleach-fixing solution and a stabilizing solution are stored.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, 66 is a replenisher cartridge and 56 is a replenisher stock tank. Reference numeral 108 is a water stock tank having a UV germicidal lamp 111 inside. 1
Reference numeral 09 is a waste liquid stock tank, and 110 is a pump for sending the waste liquid. Reference numeral 107 represents a concentrated stabilizing solution cartridge.

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

FIG. 5 shows these film developing devices 10,
A replenisher supply device 54 for supplying a replenisher to the printing paper printing and developing device 30 is shown. This replenisher supply device 5
4 are provided in accordance with the processing tanks of the film developing device 10 and the printing paper printing and developing device 30, respectively, but in this embodiment, a replenisher supply device for the color developing tank 14 is representatively described. To do.

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

From the opening of the mounting portion 76, the cartridge 66 having the replenisher 70 stored therein and having the lid 72 made of polyethylene is inserted. In this cartridge 66, the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is the heating portion 94 of the heater 74. It is mounted so as to be pressed against. A spacer 78 is interposed between the cartridge 66 and the mounting portion 76.

A first liquid level sensor 84 for detecting the liquid level of the replenishing liquid stored in the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 is attached to the inner wall on the bottom side of the replenishing liquid stock tank 56. A second liquid level sensor 86 similar to the first liquid level sensor 84 is attached to the inner wall of the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 on the mounting portion side. The first liquid level sensor 84 is used for the replenishing liquid stock tank 56.
The second liquid level sensor is mounted at a position corresponding to the liquid level when the amount of the replenishing liquid in the inside is insufficient, that is, the liquid level when the replenishing liquid needs to flow down into the replenishing liquid stock tank 56. Reference numeral 86 indicates the total amount of the replenishing liquid stored in the cartridge 66.
It is mounted at a position slightly lower than the liquid level when it is supplied to No. 6. These first liquid level sensor 84, second
The liquid level sensor 86 is connected to the control circuit 88. An alarm 90 for instructing replacement of the cartridge 66 is connected to the control circuit 88.

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

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described while explaining the control routine of the control circuit 88. In the initial state, the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 is filled with the replenishing liquid in a substantially full state, and the mounting portion 76 is mounted with the cartridge 66 in which the replenishing liquid 70 is stored. Mount the cartridge 66 on the mounting section 7
When the cartridge 72 is attached to the cartridge 6, the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is pressed against the ring-shaped heat generating portion 94 of the heater 74 with a predetermined pressing force. The replenishing amount of the replenishing liquid to be supplied into the color developing tank 14 is determined according to the processing area of the printing paper or the negative film, and the replenishing liquid of the amount corresponding to the processing area is supplied from the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 at a predetermined timing. It is supplied into the color developing tank 14 through the pipe 92 and the replenishing tank 14A. When the amount of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 decreases and becomes insufficient, the liquid level of the replenishing liquid is detected by the first liquid level sensor 84, and the first liquid level sensor is detected in step 100 of FIG. When it is determined that the liquid level of the replenisher is detected by 84, it is the timing for causing the replenisher to flow down into the replenisher stock tank 56. Therefore, in step 102, the first liquid level sensor 84 causes the liquid level of the replenisher to flow. The flag G is set in order to store the fact that is detected, and the heater 74 is energized to proceed to step 103. In step 103, it is determined whether the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is melted and a predetermined time corresponding to the time for the replenishing liquid in the cartridge 66 to flow down into the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 has elapsed. When the heater 74 is energized, the heat generating portion 94 becomes hot, and after a predetermined time elapses, the lid 72 of the cartridge 66 is melted and a hole is formed in a ring shape. As a result, the replenishing liquid 70 in the cartridge 66 flows down into the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 through the downflow pipe 80. At this time, the replenisher flowing down from the cartridge 66 collides with the bottom surface of the replenisher stock tank 56, while the floating lid 82 floats on the surface of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank 56. As a result, liquid droplets do not scatter from the surface of the replenisher solution stock tank 56, and as a result, the replenisher solution stock tank 5
Droplets are prevented from adhering to and depositing on the inner wall of 6.
In step 100, the first liquid level sensor 8
When the liquid level of the replenisher is not detected by 4, the routine proceeds to step 104.

When the total amount of the replenishing liquid in the cartridge 66 flows down into the replenishing liquid stock tank 56, the liquid level in the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 rises, so that the liquid level of the replenishing liquid is increased by the second liquid level sensor 86. To be detected.
When it is determined in step 104 that the second liquid level sensor 86 has detected the liquid level, the inside of the cartridge 66 becomes empty. Therefore, the flag F is set in step 105 to set the second liquid level sensor. It is stored that the liquid level is detected by 86, that is, the inside of the cartridge 66 is empty.
At the next step 106, it is determined whether or not the timing for sounding the alarm is appropriate, and at the alarm sounding timing, at step 107, it is determined whether or not the flag F is set so that the cartridge 66 is empty. Judge whether or not there is a cartridge 6
If the inside of 6 is empty, an alarm is sounded in step 108, an instruction to replace the empty cartridge 66 with the cartridge 66 filled with the replenisher is issued, and the flag F is reset. The alarm timing is a time that does not hinder the work being continued, for example, when the work of the day is completed, when the power of the processing device is turned on to start the work and the warm-up state is set. It is appropriate that the operation is stopped during the operation, a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the second liquid level sensor 86 detected the liquid level, or the like.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 104 that the liquid level is not detected by the second liquid level sensor 86, it is determined in step 109 whether the flag G is set, and the flag G is set. At this time, that is, when the liquid level in the replenishment liquid stock tank 56 does not rise despite the fact that the heater is energized in step 102 and the predetermined time has passed in step 103, the empty cartridge is replaced. If not, an alarm is sounded immediately at step 110. As described above, when the cartridge is empty and the amount of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank is insufficient, the instruction to replace the cartridge is immediately issued. It is prevented from disappearing.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in FIG. 8, portions corresponding to those in FIG.

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

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

On the other hand, although the first liquid level sensor 84 detects the liquid level of the replenishing liquid in the replenishing liquid stock tank 56 and the valve 98 is opened, the passage sensor 114 detects the flow down of the replenishing liquid. If not, the cartridge is empty, and the alarm is activated immediately as in step 110. In this embodiment, step 10
As the predetermined time of 3, it is possible to adopt the time until the signal is supplied from the control circuit and the valve is opened.

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

The control routine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In step 121, it is judged whether or not the liquid level L is equal to or lower than the reference liquid level L1 (corresponding to the mounting position of the first liquid level sensor 84) based on the liquid level sensor output, and if L ≦ L1, the first
As in the example, the heater is energized in step 102.
Further, in step 123, it is judged whether or not the liquid level L exceeds the reference liquid level L1 by a predetermined level α, and when L> L1 + α, the routine proceeds to step 105, where L
When ≦ L1 + α, the routine proceeds to step 110.

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

The parallel link mechanism 120 is formed so as to penetrate the side wall of the downflow pipe 80 and project one end into the downflow pipe 80.
Is provided. Inside the falling pipe 80 of the parallel link mechanism 120, a cylindrical perforating blade 124 having a blade formed by sharpening the tip of the cartridge 66 is attached. Further, a moving portion of an actuator 122 having an electromagnetic solenoid is attached near the end of the parallel link mechanism 120 opposite to the punching blade 124. According to the present embodiment, when the actuator 122 is driven, the parallel link mechanism 120 moves the punching blade 124 toward the lid 72 of the cartridge 66, and this movement causes a hole to be bored in the lid 72. The cartridge 6 is moved in the same manner as in the first embodiment by moving the punching blade 124 at the same timing as when the heater is energized in the first embodiment to form a hole in the lid 72.
The replenisher in 6 flows down into the replenisher stock tank 56.

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

In the above description, an example in which the replenishing liquid in the cartridge is made to flow down into the stock tank by forming holes in the lid of the cartridge by melting, cutting or the like has been described. A lid to fit is provided,
The replenisher may flow down by releasing the screwing of the lid by rotation by a motor or the like.

Further, although the passage sensor and the second sensor detect that the cartridge has become empty in the above, a switch which is turned on when the weight of the cartridge becomes less than a predetermined value is provided between the cartridge and the mounting portion. It may be interposed and this switch may detect that the cartridge is empty. Furthermore, in the above, the replacement of the cartridge is notified by sounding an alarm. However, the replacement of the cartridge may be notified by displaying characters on the display unit or lighting a lamp.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the liquid level of the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank falls below a predetermined level, the replenisher is automatically flowed into the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge, and the cartridge is replaced at a predetermined timing that does not hinder work. Since the instruction is given, even if the replenisher in the replenisher stock tank runs short during the work, it is not necessary to immediately replace the cartridge as in the conventional case, and the work can be continued.
The effect is that workability is improved.

Further, since the replenishing liquid is supplied through the communicating means by providing the communicating means for communicating the cartridge and the replenishing liquid stock tank, the liquid droplets are deposited on the side wall of the replenishing liquid stock tank when the replenishing liquid flows in. It is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to prevent the adhesion and the precipitation.

Further, by providing a floating means in the replenisher stock tank, which floats above the replenisher surface to reduce the contact area between the replenisher and air, deterioration of the replenisher due to oxidation is minimized. The effect that the life of the replenisher can be extended can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of FIG.

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

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of FIG.

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

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing details of the heater shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 54 Supply Device 56 Replenisher Stock Tank 66 Cartridge 70 Replenisher 72 Lid 74 Heater 80 Downflow Pipe 82 Float 84 First Liquid Level Sensor 86 Second Liquid Level Sensor 88 Control Circuit 90 Alarm

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 5, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0040

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

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

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0042

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The photographic emulsion layer after color development is usually bleached. The bleaching process may be performed simultaneously with the fixing process (bleach-fixing process), or may be performed individually. Further, in order to speed up the processing, a processing method of bleach-fixing processing after bleaching processing may be used. Further, treatment with two continuous bleach-fixing baths, fixing treatment before the bleach-fixing treatment, or bleaching treatment after the bleach-fixing treatment can be optionally carried out according to the purpose. Examples of bleaching agents include iron (III), cobalt (I
II), compounds of polyvalent metals such as chromium (VI) and copper (II), peracids, quinones, nitro compounds and the like are used. A typical bleaching agent is ferricyanide: dichromate: iron (I
II) or cobalt (III) complex salts such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, methyliminodiacetic acid, 1,
Aminopolycarboxylic acids such as 3-diaminopropane tetraacetic acid, glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid and carboxyethyliminodiacetic acid, or complex salts such as citric acid, tartaric acid and malic acid: persulfate: bromate: permanganate:
Nitrobenzenes and the like can be used. Among these, aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid iron (III) complex acid and persulfates are preferable from the viewpoint of rapid treatment and prevention of environmental pollution. Further, the aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salt is particularly useful in both the bleaching solution and the bleach-fixing solution. The pH of a bleaching solution or a bleach-fixing solution using these aminopolycarboxylic acid iron (III) complex salts is usually 4.5 to 8, but a lower pH can be used for speeding up the processing. .

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A cartridge storing a replenishing solution, a replenishing solution stock tank having a mounting portion for storing the replenishing solution to be supplied to a processing tank and mounting the cartridge, and replenishment in the replenishing solution stock tank. A first sensor for detecting a liquid level of liquid, a second sensor for detecting that the cartridge has become empty, and the mounting when the liquid level below a predetermined value is detected by the first sensor. Control means for controlling the replenisher solution to flow into the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge mounted on the section, and after being controlled by the control means, the second sensor detects that the cartridge is empty And a replacement instruction means for instructing to replace the cartridge at a predetermined timing when the replenisher is supplied. 2. A cartridge storing a replenishing liquid, a replenishing liquid stock tank having a mounting portion for storing the replenishing liquid to be supplied to a processing tank and mounting the cartridge, and replenishment in the replenishing liquid stock tank. A sensor for detecting the liquid level of the liquid, and a control for controlling the replenishing liquid to flow from the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to the replenishing liquid stock tank when the liquid level below a predetermined value is detected by the sensor. And a replacement instruction means for instructing replacement of the cartridge at a predetermined timing when a liquid level exceeding a predetermined value is detected by the sensor after being controlled by the control means. Device replenisher supply device. 3. The cartridge is provided with a meltable portion, and the control means melts the meltable portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to replenish the replenisher stock tank from the cartridge. 3. The replenisher supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply of the solution is controlled. 4. A communication means for communicating the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion with the replenisher stock tank,
The valve provided in the communicating means is provided, and the control means controls the valve to open so that the replenishing liquid flows into the replenishing liquid stock tank through the communicating means. Replenisher supply device for photosensitive material processing equipment. 5. The cartridge is provided with a pierceable portion, and the control means pierces a pierceable portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting portion to remove the replenisher stock from the cartridge. 3. The replenisher supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replenisher is controlled to flow into the tank. 6. The replenisher supply device for a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe for introducing replenisher from the cartridge toward a bottom surface of the replenisher stock tank. 7. The photosensitive material processing according to claim 1, further comprising means for floating in the replenisher and reducing the contact area between the replenisher and air in the replenisher stock tank. Device replenisher supply device.