JPH06258809A - Automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic sensitive material - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the automatic developing machine improvable in compactness and operability and easy in reduction of a replenishing amount and stabilizable in photographic performance. CONSTITUTION:The automatic developing machine of the silver halide photographic sensitive material comprises a processing bath l filled with a processing solution for the photosensitive material and a means 9 for feeding a solid processing agent 13 into the processing solution in the automatic developing machine by using free drop by virtue of gravity for a part or all of feed driving force. The distance from the end of the outlet of the agent 13 to the surface of the processing solution is controlled to 2-10cm.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as "developing machine"). More specifically, the automatic developing machine is made compact and the melting work is eliminated. Greatly improved workability,
Moreover, the present invention relates to an automatic processor capable of supplying chemicals safely and surely and stably.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Silver halide color photographic light-sensitive materials (hereinafter sometimes referred to as light-sensitive materials or photographic materials) are
After the exposure, it is processed by steps such as development, desilvering, washing and stabilization. The black-and-white silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is developed and fixed after exposure. Black-and-white developer, color developer, bleaching solution for desilvering process, bleach-fixing solution, fixing solution for fixing process, tap water or ion-exchanged water for washing, stabilizing solution for anhydrous washing, and dye stabilization Stabilizers are used for each treatment.

A liquid having a processing function for performing each of these processing steps is called a processing liquid. Each processing solution is usually 20 ~
The temperature is adjusted to 40 ° C., and the light-sensitive material is dipped in these processing solutions and processed.

Such processing is usually carried out by sequentially conveying the inside of a processing tank containing the above processing liquid by an automatic developing machine (hereinafter referred to as an automatic processor) or the like.

When referred to as an automatic developing machine, it has a developing section, a fixing section, a desilvering section, a washing or stabilizing section, and a drying section, and each processing tank section automatically conveys the photographic light-sensitive material. It generally refers to a developing machine having means.

In the case of processing with such an automatic developing machine, a method of replenishing the processing agent is generally widely used in order to keep the activity of the processing solution in the processing tank constant.

As a method for replenishing the treating agent, a method of preparing a replenishing solution in which the treating agent is dissolved is widely used.

[0008] Specifically, the replenishing solution prepared in advance is supplied from the replenishing tank to the processing tank at appropriate time to perform the processing operation.

In this case, the replenishing liquid itself stored in the replenishing tank is generally prepared and prepared in another place, but in a minilab or the like, the replenishing tank is installed in a constant amount in a replenishing tank installed close to the developing machine. It is usually adjusted all at once, but in its production, dissolution by hand or dissolution and mixing by a mixer has been performed.

That is, a processing agent for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a photographic processing agent) is commercially available in the form of powder or liquid.
In the case of a powder, it is prepared by manually dissolving it in a fixed amount of water, and in the case of a liquid, it is concentrated so that a fixed amount of water is added and the mixture is simply stirred and diluted before use.

The replenishment tank may be installed next to the automatic machine, and it is necessary to secure a considerable space. In addition, even in the minilab, which has been increasing rapidly in recent years, a replenishment tank is built into the machine itself, but at least 5L-10
It is necessary for each of the L liquids, and it is necessary to secure such a space for the replenishment tank.

Replenishing processing agents are divided into several parts in order to obtain good and stable performance during photographic processing. The color developing solution for color is divided into 3 to 4 parts, and the replenisher for the bleach-fixing solution for color is divided into a ferric salt of organic acid which is an oxidizing agent and a thiosulfuric acid part which is a reducing agent. When the replenisher is prepared, the concentrated part of the ferric organic acid salt and the concentrated part containing thiosulfate are mixed and a certain amount of water is added for use.

The concentrated parts are put in a container such as a plastic container, and these are put together in an outer bag (for example, a cardboard box) and sold as a unit.

The replenishing treatment agent in which the above-mentioned part agent is made into a kit is used after dissolving, diluting, mixing and finishing to a fixed amount, but the replenishing treatment agent has the following drawbacks.

First, most of the conventional kits are concentrated and concentrated aqueous solutions for improving workability, and most of them are extremely dangerous aqueous solutions with a pH of 2.0 or less or 12.0 or more. Many of them are very dangerous and are often strong oxidizers or reducing agents, and they have extremely dangerous corrosiveness when transported by ship or aircraft. Further, since it is an aqueous solution, its solubility is limited, and its weight and volume are larger than those of a solid. As mentioned above, since the concentrate is a dangerous substance, it is necessary that the container does not break even if dropped from a certain height and the liquid does not spill. Is a problem.

Secondly, each part agent is placed in a container,
Depending on the replenishment processing agent, the number of part agents is several, and the number of containers is considerably large when it becomes one unit, which requires a lot of space for storage and transportation. For example, the color developing replenisher for CPK-2-20QA, which is a processing solution for color paper, is 10
The preservative-containing kit is divided into Part A, the color-developing agent-containing kit is divided into Part B, and the alkaline agent is divided into Part C with 1 as 1 unit, and each of A, B and C is contained in a 500 ml poly container. Similarly, the bleach-fixing solution has 8 l as a unit, and the parting agent is divided into 3 bottles, and the stabilizing solution has 10 l as a unit, and the parting agent is divided into 2 bottles. Each of these replenishers will be stored and transported in outer boxes of various sizes, but a stabilizing solution with a small outer box measures about 17 cm x 14 cm.
It is a relatively large bleach-fixing agent with a size of 16.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 30.5 cm
It becomes × 22.5cm, and it can be stacked only with the same kind of replenisher on storage, transportation or in a store, and eventually it requires a lot of space.

The third drawback is the disposal of empty containers. In recent years, there has been a strong demand for environmental conservation and resource saving mainly in Europe and the United States, and the disposal of plastic containers has become a problem especially in the photographic field. Although the plastic container for photography is cheap and convenient for storage and transportation and has excellent chemical resistance, the plastic container has little biodegradability,
When accumulated and incinerated, a large amount of carbon dioxide gas is generated, which is one of the causes of global warming and acid rain. Also, as a user's problem, a large number of plastic containers are piled up in a narrow work space. However, it has been pointed out that it cannot be crushed due to its strength, and the space is narrowed.

Fourth, the chemical is very unstable.

The life of the replenisher is usually 2 weeks even with the floating lid. However, recently, the replenishment amount of each processing solution has been lowered, and 10 L of the replenishing solution is often used for more than one month in a minilab that receives an average of 30 color films per day.

In such a case, the replenishing solution in the replenishing tank is much more exposed to air than the treating solution in the processing tank and is deteriorated. is happening. Therefore, 5L refill tank
The device is designed to be small and the storage unit of the replenishment kit is set to 5 L. In this case, there is a drawback that a packaging material is further required.

In addition, taking the color developing replenisher for color paper as an example, when a color developing replenisher for color paper is prepared, a certain amount of water is put into a replenishing tank, and then a preservative-containing concentration kit A is prepared. Then, the color developing agent-containing concentration kit B is added and stirred, and then the alkali agent-containing concentration kit C is added and stirred, and finally water is added to complete a certain amount. At that time, some problems are likely to occur. For example, if the stirring is insufficient or if the first water is forgotten to be added, crystals of the color developing agent tend to precipitate, which accumulates in the bellows pump and is not replenished, resulting in unstable photographic performance. Or the bellows pump may be damaged. Further, the concentration kit may not be used immediately after the production, but may be used one year after the production, and in some cases, the color developing agent or preservative may be oxidized and the performance may become unstable.

It is known that the color developing replenisher prepared from the concentration kit or the powder also has some problems in the replenishing tank. For example, if the replenisher is not used for a long period of time, crystals may adhere to the wall of the refill tank,
In addition, the replenisher may be easily oxidized and tar may be generated. In addition, depending on the storage conditions, there is a problem that components that easily crystallize in the replenisher, such as color developing agents, will precipitate at low temperatures.Therefore, depending on the manufacturer, the storage conditions of the replenisher may be specified and managed by the user. It is the actual situation that I am instructing.

As described above, the method for preparing a replenishing solution using a commonly used concentration kit or the method for preparing a replenishing solution using a dusting agent is exemplified by a color developing solution for color paper. There are the above-mentioned problems, and there are similar problems with bleach-fixing solutions, bleaching solutions and fixing solutions. For example, the bleach-fixing solution has a characteristic that storage stability is extremely poor. Because the bleach-fixing process is a process immediately after a color developing solution having a high pH, and since this alkaline color-fixing solution is usually brought in by the paper to be processed, the acidity is high and the pH is extremely low for the purpose of neutralization. Is customary. At a low pH, it is said that a bleach-fix solution composed of thiosulfate and an oxidizer has a markedly poor storability and a replenisher is prepared to make low replenishment impossible. In addition to this, the same applies to the fixing solution and the stabilizing solution.

Another problem is that the replenisher is only thickened while the replenisher is being made lower and faster, and the recent replenisher is usually concentrated to the solubility limit.

[0025] This means that the retentive solution is not only storable but also has many practical problems such as crystal precipitation.

On the other hand, in addition to the method of preparing a replenisher using the concentration kit or powder as described above, a method of directly replenishing the concentration kit is known.

In this method, in order to improve the inefficiency of the dissolving work, the concentration kit is directly replenished in the treatment tank by using a supplying means such as a bellows pump, and a certain amount of replenishing water is independently supplied. is there. Certainly, this method does not require a liquid preparation operation as compared with the method of adjusting the replenisher solution from the above-mentioned concentration kit or powder. Alternatively, since a replenisher is not prepared, the problem of storability is eliminated.

However, the above method also has many problems. That is, in order to supply the concentration kit, a tank for the concentration kit and a pump as a supply means are newly required, which is a problem that the automatic developing machine becomes large. For example, taking CPK-2-20 which is a processing solution for color paper as an example, there are 3 parts of a color development replenisher replenisher concentration kit, a bleach-fix replenisher replenisher concentration kit 3 parts, and a stable replenisher concentration The kit is in 2 parts, and when it is supplied, there are 8 tanks for the concentration kit and 8 pumps.
I need a stand. In the case of the conventional replenishment system, it is sufficient to have a tank and a pump for each replenisher, so that three replenishers are sufficient. Looking only at the case of supplying the concentration kit like this, more tanks and pumps are required than the conventional method,
Furthermore, a pump for adjusted water is also required. Further, the accuracy of the bellows pump is not so high, and it is difficult to simultaneously discharge a plurality of liquids with high accuracy, and there is a drawback that the components are crumpled.

Furthermore, since the concentration kit is a concentrated liquid, crystals are likely to precipitate near the outlet of the replenishing nozzle, which makes maintenance difficult. Further, there is a problem that the bellows pump does not have such a high supply accuracy, and when replenishing the concentrated liquid, the replenishment accuracy is likely to be significantly different, resulting in a large variation in photographic performance. As another problem, the conventional replenishment method and the amount of the waste poly container do not change even if the waste poly container is provided with the concentration kit.

Several methods have been proposed to eliminate the plastic container and improve the chemical stability of the replenisher by methods other than the above.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-11032 discloses a technique of encapsulating a developing component in microcapsules, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 51-51.
-61837 discloses a photographic tablet containing a disintegrant. Furthermore, JP-A Nos. 2-109042 and 2-109043,
3-39735 and 3-39739 disclose a method of using a granulated photographic processing agent having a certain average particle diameter.

The photographic tablet containing the disintegrant described in JP-A No. 51-61837 is merely a tablet that can be easily dissolved in water, and the solid processing agent is directly added to the processing tank of the present invention. The idea of dissolution cannot be recalled at all.

Further, JP-A-2-09042 describes a granulated photographic processing agent having a certain average particle size.

However, the above-mentioned publication proposes an automatic developing machine in which the work of dissolving the replenisher is eliminated to simplify the workability and obtain stable photographic performance, or the replenishing tank is eliminated to provide a compact automatic processor. is not.

On the other hand, as a method for eliminating the need for a prior dissolution operation, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-11344 discloses extruding a paste-like part agent from each unit container in an amount corresponding to the mixing ratio of the part agent, Although a technology for accurately adjusting and supplying the part agent by diluting it to a predetermined concentration is disclosed, this method surely reduces the dissolution work or almost eliminates the dissolution work, but it is a paste form. Since the part agent contains a solvent, it lacks stability, and it is difficult to extrude a certain amount for a long period of time. If the part agent is not used frequently, the nozzle tends to be clogged, and it is difficult to keep the photographic performance constant. Further, a container for containing the paste is required, and in this case, a flexible and hard-to-break material is required, and a composite material that is generally difficult to reuse is used, which is not environmentally friendly. In particular, it is known that pasty chemicals are often formed into a paste by an organic solvent and have poor storage stability.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-85732 discloses an automatic processor having means for charging a tablet-type antibacterial agent into a stabilizing solution. Since there is no particular problem, it is not necessary to control the feeding, and this does not remind the treating agent replenishment control means.
This is not mandatory because the purpose is to preserve the liquid itself.

WO 91-07698 and WO 91-07699 disclose a method in which CD-3 or CD-4 is added as a solid and other components are added as an activator in a liquid form. Is related to regeneration, and is an invention relating to low replenishment, which is as close as possible to no overflow, and after removing bromide ions and chloride ions from the developer by an ion exchange resin, the alkali agent activator and solid or small amount of the insufficient component are removed. It is a method for adding a concentrated color developing agent and adding components without increasing the volume.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-213454 describes that a powdery processing agent is directly put into an auxiliary tank of an automatic developing machine. However, as a result of the study by the present inventor, it was found that the distance between the charging / discharging outlet and the processing liquid is very important for achieving the purpose. In the case of liquid chemicals, in most cases, the replenisher is added to the liquid due to its liquid nature, but in the case of solids, direct contact is impossible.
Further, the scattering of liquid does not cause a problem so much, but in the case of a solid chemical, powdery powder causes a problem of scattering when free falling and the contamination that must be avoided most. Furthermore, even if a certain amount is measured, it is not actually charged, or it absorbs moisture and is blocked in the middle, that is, the charging port is blocked. In particular, since the treatment agent component has a material having a hygroscopic property, it is effective to use means for providing a dehumidifying space, but these means are, for example, dehumidifying with a dehumidifier or blowing dry air. Although lowering the humidity is effective as a measure against humidity, on the contrary, static electricity is more likely to be generated, which increases the degree of scattering of powdered chemicals. Further, it goes without saying that the blowing of the dry air easily causes dust, regardless of the size of the air flow. Further, even in the case of granules or tablets, it is inevitable that powder rises up, and the larger the size thereof, the more easily the processing solution itself is splashed.

The first problem caused by the scattering of the powdery chemicals is that contamination of other processing tanks occurs.
In particular, in the case of processing a color developing solution for a negative film, it is necessary to avoid mixing of other processing agents because very precise processing property is required. For example, Konica Big Mini Lab BM
-101 (manufactured by Konica Co., Ltd.) contains a bleaching agent component equivalent to about 0.1 g in the color developing solution for a negative film, resulting in process fluctuations and a product having no commercial value. As described above, it is very strict to put the solid processing agent into the automatic processor, and in order to change it from the conventional liquid type to the type in which the solid processing agent is charged, it is necessary to prevent scattering and moisture-proof. It goes without saying that more attention is required.

The second problem is that the scattering of the treatment agent causes a risk of dust pollution in the store. The photographic processing agent contains an alkaline agent, a skin irritating substance, and a skin sensitizing substance, and attention has been paid so as not to come into contact with the skin even as a dilute solution of the liquid. In other words, to avoid the risk of contact with such treating agents,
It is like taking the form of a solid processing agent.
However, without the precautions of dosing, solids, which are substantially thicker than liquids, can be much more dangerous. That is, it is the effect on the human body due to the generation of dust. The effects of dust on the human body differ depending on the target substance, but are generally said to cause skin and mucous membrane disorders, allergies, and respiratory disorders. Since these are simply fine particles, adsorption to skin tissue,
In most cases, absorption is promoted and causes various symptoms, but some photoprocessing agents are irritating even by themselves, so their effects are immeasurable. For example, when a phosphite or an alkaline agent, which is common as a photographic processing agent, is inhaled into the respiratory system, ocular conjunctivitis, coughing, sneezing, etc. occur, causing voicing of the voice and sometimes respiratory distress. In addition, some color developing agents have skin sensitizing properties and may cause allergic symptoms in some people.

Usually, an automatic processor requires a considerable number of exhaust fans to prevent dew condensation. If dust is generated in the automatic processing machine, the generated dust is almost 100% and is scattered in the store. Even now, there are complaints that the inside of the store is filled with the odor generated by the evaporation of the treatment liquid, so it is unacceptable in the highly competitive minilab industry to cause further environmental degradation due to dust.

The third problem is the accuracy of replenishment. Of course, even if a specified amount of water is added, if it does not actually enter the treatment tank, replenishment will be inaccurate.However, unlike the conventional replenisher solution method, in the case of a solid treatment agent, a supplementary water supply means is required separately. Therefore, in the worst case, there is a case where only the water is replenished and the actual essential replenishment component is not added. In this case, if there is no solid processing agent injection detection means, continuous processing can be performed without alarm.
Gradually deterioration of the treatment liquid will occur, resulting in a failure. In order to prevent this, a means for detecting whether or not the replenishment is surely added is necessary, and whether or not the powdery processing agent is surely added is only possible by actually analyzing the processing liquid.
That is, it requires an extremely complicated detection means and an expensive sensor, which is substantially difficult.

As described above, unlike automatic injection such as cleaning,
Regarding the solid processing agent, which requires extremely accurate handling, various constraints were required for loading.

[0044]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic processor having means for supplying a solid chemical,
By supplying solid chemicals to a predetermined processing tank safely and surely, the working environment is made clean, and the practical application of an automatic developing machine which eliminates the processing fluctuation due to contamination and input failure is achieved.

[0045]

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, in the means for supplying the solid processing agent for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials to the processing liquid in the automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, a part or all of them utilize automatic dropping, and It is achieved by an automatic processor for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, characterized in that the distance from the end of the supply port of the processing agent to the time of being added to the processing solution is 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less.

[0046]

The inventors of the present invention have conducted enormous experiments on the introduction of the solid processing agent directly into the processing tank of the automatic developing machine, and did not change the photographic performance of each processing solution, so that the optimum dust generation did not occur. I asked about the input means. That is,
When the solid processing agent is set in the charging means and when it is charged into the processing solution, a part or all of the processing agent is allowed to fall by gravity, and the processing agent is released into the air. It has been found that the above problem can be solved by setting the distance until throwing in to 2 cm to 20 cm. When using a conventional liquid type replenisher, the height of the replenisher supply port was not required because it was always discharged into the liquid, but in the case of solid chemicals, this supply port and liquid level It was surprising that the distance was found to be the most important item to secure the reliability and safety of the input.

Although various types of feeders are conceivable, most of them are finally charged by gravity.

This is because the solid processing agent has hygroscopicity, and it is because the solid processing agent is necessarily separated from the surface of the liquid to be charged, so that the problem is inevitable. That is, this is because the distance between the solid processing agent inlet and the liquid surface cannot be zero. It can easily be inferred that if this distance is too short, there are many problems of low feasibility in view of hygroscopicity and safety of charging. As described above, when handling the solid processing agent, if the loading height is too high, reliable loading cannot be performed, and problems such as liquid contamination and safety may occur, and the level and loading outlet may be too low. Even if they come into contact with each other, the solid processing agent absorbs moisture, causing a charging failure. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have made diligent studies, and as a result of charging various solid processing agents with various charging devices, the distance from the charging port outlet to the processing liquid surface is 2 cm or more and 20 cm or more.
By the following, it was found that even in the case of the solid processing agent, the charging operation can be performed reliably.

The present invention will be described in detail below.

The solid processing agent referred to in the present invention includes the above-mentioned powder processing agents, solid processing agents such as tablets, pills and granules, which are optionally subjected to moisture-proof treatment. Pastes and slurries are not included in the solid processing composition of the present invention, except those in the form of a semi-liquid, which is inferior in storage stability, and which is regulated with a risk of transportation.

The powder in the present invention refers to an aggregate of fine grain crystals. The granules referred to in the present invention are those obtained by adding a granulation step to powder, and refer to granules having a particle size of 50 to 5000 μm. The tablet in the present invention refers to a powder or granules compression-molded into a certain shape.

Of the above solid processing agents, tablets are
It is preferably used because of high replenishment accuracy and easy handling.

To solidify the photographic processing agent, a concentrated liquid or fine powder or granular photographic processing agent and a water-soluble binder are kneaded and molded, or a water-soluble binder is preliminarily formed on the surface of the photographic processing agent. Any means such as forming a coating layer by spraying can be adopted (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-135887, No. 2-203165,
2-203166, 2-203167, 2-203168, 2-304
See No. 09).

A preferable tablet manufacturing method is a method in which a powdery solid processing agent is granulated and then a tableting step is performed to form the tablet. There is an advantage that the solubility and the storability are improved and the photographic performance becomes stable as compared with the solid processing agent formed by the tableting step by simply mixing the solid processing agent components.

As the granulation method for tablet formation, known methods such as rolling granulation, extrusion granulation, compression granulation, crushing granulation, stirring granulation, fluidized bed granulation and spray drying granulation are used. Can be done.
For tablet formation, the average particle size of the obtained granules is 100-800 μm in that when the granules are mixed and compressed under pressure, the components become nonuniform, so-called segregation does not easily occur. It is preferable to use one, more preferably 200 to 750 μm
Is. Furthermore, the particle size distribution is ± 10 for 60% or more of the granulated particles.
Those within a deviation of 0 to 150 μm are preferred. When compressing the obtained granulated product under pressure, a known compressor such as a hydraulic press, a single-shot tableting machine, a rotary tableting machine, or a preketching machine can be used. The solid processing agent obtained by compression under pressure can have any shape, but from the viewpoint of productivity and handleability, or from the problem of dust when used on the user side, a cylindrical type, a so-called tablet is used. preferable.

More preferably, at the time of granulation, the above-mentioned effect becomes more remarkable by separately granulating each component, for example, an alkali agent, a reducing agent, a bleaching agent, a preservative and the like.

A method for producing a tablet treating agent is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
51-61837, 54-155038, 52-88025, British patent 1
It can be produced by a general method described in the specification such as 213808, and further, the granule treating agent is, for example, JP-A-2-09042,
It can be produced by a general method described in the specifications such as 2-109043, 3-39735 and 3-39739. Further, the powder processing agent is, for example, JP-A-54-133332, British Patent 725892.
No. 729862, and German Patent No. 3738361, and the like.

The bulk density of the above solid processing agent is a tablet in view of its solubility and the effect of the object of the present invention.
In terms of the strength of 1.0g / cm ³ ~2.5g / cm ³ is preferably 1.0 g / cm ³ greater than the resulting solid, from the viewpoint of solubility of the solid product obtained as 2.5 g / cm ³ less than preferable. When the solid processing agent is granules or powder, the bulk density is preferably 0.40 to 0.95 g / cm ³ .

The solid processing agents used in the present invention are used in photographic processing agents such as color developing agents, black and white developing agents, bleaching agents, fixing agents, bleach-fixing agents and stabilizers. The color developing agent has a large stabilizing effect.

The black and white developing agents, color developing agents, bleaching agents, bleach-fixing agents and stabilizers can be excluded from the regulation of liquid dangerous substances.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is most preferable that all the processing agents are solid processing agents, but it is preferable to solidify at least the color developing agent. That is, since the color developer component contains a large number of components which cause a chemical reaction with each other and also contains a harmful component, the effect of the present invention is most remarkably exhibited. More preferably, in addition to the color developing agent, the bleach-fixing agent, or the bleaching agent and the fixing agent are made into a solid processing agent. Conventionally, these are liquid packaging kits, which pose a problem of transportation risk.

It is within the scope of the present invention to solidify only one part of a certain treating agent in the solid treating agent used in the present invention, but preferably all components of the treating agent are solidified. is there.

It is preferable to add all the processing agents to be replenished to the respective processing tanks as solid processing agents according to the processing amount information.
When replenishment water is required, it is replenished based on the throughput information or other replenishment water control information. In this case, the liquid to be replenished in the processing tank can be only replenishing water. That is, when there are two or more types of processing tanks that need to be replenished, only one tank is required to store the replenishing liquid by sharing the replenishing water, and the automatic developing machine can be made compact. In particular, it is a preferable method to place one replenishing water tank on the outside in order to make the automatic developing machine compact.

In the present invention, when the color developing agent is solidified, all of the alkaline agent, the color developing agent and the reducing agent are treated as a solid processing agent, and in the case of a tablet, at least 3 agents or less, most preferably 1 agent is used. It is a preferred embodiment of the solid processing agent used.

The distance between the inlet of the inlet and the liquid surface to be charged, which is an essential constituent of the present invention, must be 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less, and preferably 3 cm or more and 10 cm or less. The distance referred to here is the distance from the point where the solid processing agent leaves the directionally moving part such as a guide to the time when it is released into the air and dropped into the processing liquid surface by free fall, and the solid processing agent is fixed. It does not show all distances from the position. Therefore, in view of the apparatus, when the charging part is separated from the processing liquid part to be charged, it is free to move the solid processing agent by a guide or the like and drop it by gravity within the distance of the present invention.

The term “free fall” as used in the present invention means that the solid processing agent moves from the upper side to the lower side due to the gravity applied to its own weight, and all the movements from the tip of the charging port to the charging into the processing liquid. It does not include external forces such as motors. However, a part of the charging may be performed by an external force, for example, movement by an external force such as extrusion or repellency may be accompanied in the initial stage of charging.

The tip of the discharge port in the present invention indicates the point at which the charging operation is started, but when it is moved by a guide or the like thereafter, it indicates its outlet.

In the present invention, as the supply means for supplying the solid processing agent to the processing tank, for example, when the solid processing agent is a tablet, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. 63-137783 and 63-97522,
Although there is a known method such as Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-85732, any method may be used as long as it has at least the function of supplying tablets to the processing tank. Further, when the solid processing agent is a granule or powder, it is used in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. 62-81964, 63-84151 and JP-A-1-
No. 292375, the gravity drop method described and No. 63-105159,
The method using screws or screws described in JP-A-63-195345 and the like is a known method, but is not limited thereto.

However, a preferable method is, as a supply means for supplying the solid processing agent to the processing tank, for example, a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent which is previously weighed and divided and packaged is opened according to the processing amount of the light-sensitive material, and the package is opened. A method of taking it out is possible. Specifically, the solid processing agent is sandwiched and housed in a package composed of at least two packaging materials by a predetermined amount, preferably one replenishment amount, and the package is separated in two directions or the package A part of it is opened so that it can be taken out. The solid processing agent that can be taken out can be easily supplied to the processing tank having the filtering means by spontaneous fall. A predetermined amount of the solid processing agent is housed in a package that is divided and hermetically sealed so that the air permeability between the solid processing agent and the adjacent solid processing agent is blocked. Therefore, moisture resistance is guaranteed unless the package is opened.

As an embodiment, it is conceivable that a package composed of at least two packaging materials sandwiching the solid processing agent is adhered or adhered to each other at their contact surfaces so that the periphery of the solid processing agent can be separated. . By pulling each packaging material sandwiching the solid processing agent in different directions, the closely contacted or adhered contact surfaces are separated, and the solid processing agent can be taken out.

As another embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one of the packages made of at least two packaging materials can be opened by an external force so as to sandwich the solid processing agent. The term "opening" as used herein means a cut or break that leaves a part of the packaging material. As the unsealing method, the solid processing agent is forcibly pushed out by applying a compressive force from the packaging body on the non-opening side to the packaging body which can be opened through the solid processing agent, or on the packaging body on the openable side. It is considered that the solid processing agent can be taken out by making a cut with a sharp member.

It is preferable that the treating agent supply means used in the present invention has means for detecting in advance that the set treating agent is exhausted or exhausted. In a replenishment method using a liquid replenisher, a liquid level sensor or the like detects that the liquid level of the replenisher is low, and informs that with an alarm symbol to teach the timing of replenisher preparation.
In the present invention as well, it is preferable from the viewpoint of operability to have a detecting means for notifying the timing of setting the next solid processing agent. As a detection means, a method using an infrared sensor or a capacitance sensor, a method of measuring the weight,
Alternatively, in the case of tablets or individually packaged solid processing agents, a method of detecting the quantity, a method of counting the number of times of injection, a mechanism for turning on or off the switch of the processing agent itself, and further in the case of granules or powders, It does not matter if it detects the flow rate at the time of charging.

Among them, the method using the capacitance sensor is as follows.
Since it is non-contact and can be detected from the outside of an opaque PVC plate or the like, it is preferable. However, since the amount of energization differs depending on the treating agent, it is necessary to adjust the ON / OFF sensitivity for each treating agent.

It is preferable that the solid processing agent charging means of the present invention has a means for bringing a portion in contact with the solid processing agent into a dry state. To reliably add the solid processing agent to the processing solution,
The inlet / outlet is often close to the processing liquid. Therefore,
It is desirable to have a moisture-proof means that is not affected by moisture such as steam. For example, it is possible to create a flow path that always allows dry air to flow with an intake fan, to simply provide a shutter so that it is not exposed to steam as much as possible, or to keep it warm and dry with an infrared heater etc. The present invention is not limited to these. Further, in the method using dry air or the like, it is possible to use a device such that powder or granules do not scatter, for example, a device such as a shutter if necessary.

The solid processing agent of the present invention may be put in a processing tank, but preferably, it is communicated with a processing section for processing a light-sensitive material, and a processing solution flows between the processing section and the processing section. It is preferable that the structure is such that the dissolved components move to the processing section because there is a certain amount of processing liquid circulation between the processing section and the processing section. The solid processing agent is preferably added to the temperature-controlled processing liquid.

The opening area of the portion to be charged is ^{2 to} 100 cm ²
And at least larger than the solid processing agent to be added, and more preferably ² to 50 cm ² . The opening part is a hole provided for actually using the solid processing agent, and it does not have to be always open because it only needs to be larger than the size of the solid processing agent to be charged. It may be opened and closed as necessary. By enlarging this opening portion, it becomes easier to add the solid processing agent, but the larger it is, the more the air contact area of the processing liquid increases, and the air oxidation reaction required thereby proceeds, which is not preferable. Further, if it is made small, it is possible to suppress them, but there is a case where the diameter of the solid processing agent to be added is limited or clogged, which makes it difficult to add, and therefore the above range is preferable. It is more preferable that the opening is surrounded by a guide so that the solid processing agent does not easily scatter.

Generally, since the temperature of an automatic developing machine is controlled, the temperature of the processing solution is controlled by an electric heater. A heat exchange section is provided in an auxiliary tank connected to the processing tank as a processing section, and a heater is installed to replenish the tank. Is equipped with a pump that feeds the liquid from the processing tank in a constant circulation amount and keeps the temperature constant.

Usually, a filter is arranged for the purpose of removing the crystalline foreign matter that is mixed in the processing liquid or is generated by crystallization, and plays a role of removing the foreign matter.

The most preferable method is to put the solid processing agent in a temperature-controlled place, such as this auxiliary tank, which is in communication with the processing section. This is because the insoluble component in the charged processing agent is blocked from the processing section by the filter section, and the solid content can be prevented from flowing into the processing section and adhering to the photosensitive material.

Further, when the treatment agent input portion is provided in the treatment tank together with the treatment portion, it is preferable to devise a shield or the like so that the insoluble portion does not come into direct contact with the film or the like.

As for the material of the filter and the filtering device, all materials used in general automatic developing machines can be used in the present invention, and the special structure and material do not influence the effect of the present invention.

The present invention eliminates the need for a tank or the like for storing the replenisher by adding the solid processing agent to the processing tank, which makes the automatic developing machine compact and, when it has a circulation means, dissolves the solid processing agent. The property is also very good.

[0083]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) An example of an automatic processor (hereinafter, simply referred to as an automatic processor) to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer processor in which an automatic developing machine A and a photo printing machine B are integrally configured.

In FIG. 1, in the lower left part of the photo printing machine B,
A magazine M in which photographic paper which is an unexposed silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is housed in a roll is set. The photographic printing paper pulled out from the magazine is cut into a predetermined size via the feed roller R and the cutter section C to become a sheet-shaped printing paper. This sheet-shaped photographic printing paper is carried by the belt carrying means B, and the image of the original picture O is exposed by the light source and the lens L in the exposure section E. The exposed sheet-shaped printing paper is further conveyed by a plurality of pairs of feed rollers R and introduced into the automatic developing machine A. In the automatic developing machine A, the sheet-shaped photographic paper is a color developing tank 1A and a bleach-fixing tank 1 which are processing tanks.
B, stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D and 1E (substantially 3 tanks)
Are sequentially conveyed by roller conveying means (reference symbol None), and color development processing, bleach-fixing processing, and stabilization processing are performed respectively. The sheet-shaped printing paper that has been subjected to each of the above processes is dried in the drying unit 35 and discharged to the outside of the machine.

The alternate long and short dash line in the figure indicates the transport path of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. In the embodiment, the light-sensitive material is introduced into the automatic developing machine A in a cut state, but it may be introduced into the automatic developing machine in the form of a strip. In that case, if an accumulator for temporarily retaining the photosensitive material is provided between the automatic developing machine A and the photoprinting machine B, the processing efficiency is improved. Further, it goes without saying that the automatic developing machine according to the present invention may be configured integrally with the photo printing machine B or may be a single automatic developing machine. The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processed by the automatic developing machine according to the present invention is not limited to the exposed photographic paper, and it goes without saying that it may be an exposed negative film or the like. Further, the description of the present invention will be made on a developing machine of substantially three tanks including a color developing tank, a bleach-fixing tank, and a stabilizing tank, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the color developing tank, the bleaching tank, and the fixing tank can be used. The present invention can be applied to an automatic developing machine having substantially four tanks including a tank and a stabilizing tank.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the color developing tank 1A which is a processing tank in the I-I section of the automatic processor A of FIG. The bleach-fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, and 1E have the same configuration as the color developing tank 1A. Therefore, when the processing tank 1 is described below, the color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, and the stable tank are stable. All of the tanks 1C, 1D and 1E will be referred to. It should be noted that, in the figure, a transporting means for transporting the photosensitive material and the like are omitted for easy understanding of the configuration. Further, in this example, the case where the tablet 13 is used as the solid processing agent will be described.

The processing tank 1 is a processing section 2 for processing a photosensitive material.
And a solid processing agent input section 11 for supplying a solid processing agent (tablet) 13 integrally provided on the outside of the partition wall forming the processing section. The processing section 2 and the solid processing agent feeding section 11 are partitioned by a partition wall 12 having a communication window formed therein, so that the processing solution can flow. Further, since the charging section 11 is provided with the section 14 for receiving the processing agent, it does not move to the processing section 2 in a solid state.

The cylindrical filter 3 is a solid processing agent charging section.
It is provided below 11 so as to be replaceable, and has a function of removing insoluble matter such as paper waste in the processing liquid. In the filter 3, a circulation pump 5 (circulation means) is provided through a circulation pipe 4 provided through the lower wall of the solid processing agent feeding portion 11.
It communicates with the suction side of.

The circulation system is composed of the circulation pipe 4 forming the liquid circulation passage, the circulation pump 5, the processing tank 1 and the like. The other end of the circulation pipe 4 communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 5 penetrates the lower wall of the processing unit 2 and communicates with the processing unit 2. With such a configuration, when the circulation pump 5 is operated, the treatment liquid is sucked from the solid treatment agent input unit 11 and discharged to the treatment unit 2 so that the treatment liquid mixes with the treatment liquid in the treatment unit 2 and the solid treatment agent is again supplied. The circulation that enters the input unit 11 is repeated. The flow rate of this circulating flow is 1
The flow rate is preferably 0.1 (rotation = circulation amount / tank volume) or more with respect to the tank volume per minute, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 rotations. Further, the circulation direction of the processing liquid is not limited to the direction shown in FIG. 2 and may be the opposite direction.

The drainage pipe 6 is for overflowing the processing liquid in the processing section 2, and keeps the liquid surface level constant, as well as components brought in by adhering to the photosensitive material from another processing tank, The components leaching from the photosensitive material are stored,
Helps prevent the increase.

The rod-shaped heater 7 is arranged so as to penetrate the upper wall of the solid processing agent feeding part 11 and be immersed in the processing liquid in the solid processing agent feeding part 11. This heater 7 is used in the processing tank 1
It heats the processing liquid inside, in other words, processing tank 1
Temperature range suitable for processing the processing liquid inside (eg 20-55 ℃)
It is a temperature adjusting means that is held at.

The processing amount information detecting means 8 is provided at the entrance of the developing machine and is used for detecting the processing amount of the photosensitive material to be processed. The processing amount information detecting means 8 has a plurality of detecting members arranged in the left-right direction and functions as an element for detecting the width of the photosensitive material and for counting the detected time. Since the conveying speed of the photosensitive material is mechanically preset, the processing area of the photosensitive material can be calculated from the width information and the time information. The processing amount information detecting means may be any one capable of detecting the width and the transport time of the photosensitive material such as an infrared sensor, a micro switch and an ultrasonic sensor. Further, in the case of a device capable of indirectly detecting the processed area of the photosensitive material, for example, in the case of a printer processor as shown in FIG. 1, the amount of the photosensitive material that has been printed, or
Alternatively, the number of processed light-sensitive materials having a predetermined area may be detected. Further, the detection timing is before the treatment in this example, but may be after the treatment or during the immersion in the treatment liquid (in such a case, the position where the treatment amount information detecting means 8 is provided). Can be appropriately changed to a position that can be detected after processing or a position that can be detected during processing). Further, as the detected information, the processing area of the photosensitive material is described in the above description,
The value is not limited to this, and may be any value that is proportional to the processing amount of the photosensitive material to be processed, processed, or being processed, and may be the concentration of the processing liquid contained in the processing tank or the change in the concentration. It may be. Further, it is not necessary to provide the processing amount information detecting means 8 for each of the processing tanks 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, but it is preferable to provide one for each automatic developing machine.

The processing agent supply means 17 for charging the solid processing agent stored in the cartridge 15 as the storage means into the processing tank is
It has a cartridge 15 which is disposed above the filtering part (section) 14 and which contains tablets 13 which are solid processing agents, and an extruding member 10 which extrudes one or more tablets 13. The processing agent supply means 17 is a processing agent supply control means 9 described later.
The tablet 13 that has been on standby is extruded by the extruding member 10 in synchronism with the supply signal that is controlled by the processing agent supply control means 9, and the tablet 13 is filtered by the solid processing agent injection section 11 (section). Supply to 14. The treating agent supplying means 17 was set so that the distance from the tablet 13 being extruded to the free fall into the treating solution was 4 cm. Further, the opening area for charging the solid processing agent charging section 11 was set to 10 cm ² .
In the present invention, the solid processing agent 13 is added to the solid processing agent feeding section.
It is supplied to the filtration section (section) 14 in 11, but may be supplied to any place as long as it is in the processing tank 1, that is,
In the present invention, it suffices that the solid processing agent can be dissolved using the processing liquid, and components corresponding to the processing amount information of the photosensitive material must be surely added, and the processing characteristics of the processing liquid in the processing tank 1 must be kept constant. However, it is more preferable that the solid processing agent is supplied into the circulation path of the processing liquid. In addition, this treatment agent supply means 17 is used for moisture in the treatment tank of the automatic processing machine and outside air,
The scattered air of the treatment liquid sucks dry air from the intake fan 18 so as not to come into contact with the solid treatment agent before being supplied to the treatment tank, and passes through the treatment agent supply means to exhaust the air exhausted from the exhaust fan 19. Make a flow. As these fans, those for preventing dew condensation that are used in ordinary automatic processors can be diverted.

The filtering means (section) 14 is a solid processing agent charging section.
An insoluble component by the tablet 13 which is dipped in the treatment liquid in 11 and supplied by the treatment agent supplying means 17, for example, an insoluble component mixed in the tablet 13, and a tablet formed by disintegrating the tablet 13.
A lump of 13 that removes not only the tablet 13 but also something other than the solid processing agent that damages the resulting image or causes insufficient processing at the area where it adheres to the photosensitive material Is. The filtering means (section) 14 is made of resin. It is not essential that the filtering means (section) 14 is provided in the solid processing agent feeding section 11, and the tablets 13 supplied by the processing agent supplying means 17 may be the conveying path of the photosensitive material shown in FIG. 1 or the processing section. It may be added to the treatment liquid in No. 2.

The processing agent supply control means 9 is a processing agent supply means.
When the processing amount information (processing area in this embodiment) of the photosensitive material detected by the processing amount information detecting means 8 reaches a predetermined constant value, the processing agent supplying signal is sent to the processing agent supplying means 17. Is to be emitted. The treatment agent supply control unit 9 may control the treatment agent supply unit 17 so as to supply the required amount of treatment agent to the solid treatment agent input unit 11 according to the treatment amount information.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The processed amount information of the exposed photosensitive material is detected by the processed amount information detecting means 8 at the entrance of the automatic developing machine A. The processing agent supply control means 9 supplies a processing signal to the processing agent supply means 17 when the accumulated area of the photosensitive material to be processed reaches a predetermined area in accordance with the processing amount information detected by the processing amount information detecting means 8. Emit. Upon receiving the supply signal, the processing agent supply means 17 pushes out the tablets 13 with the extrusion member 10 and supplies the tablets 13 to the filtering means (section) 14 in the solid processing agent input part 11.
The supplied tablets 13 are dissolved by the processing liquid in the solid processing agent feeding section 11, but the solid processing agent feeding section is circulated by the circulation means.
Dissolution is promoted by the processing liquid circulating 11 → circulation pump 5 → processing unit 2 → communication window → solid processing agent charging unit 11. On the other hand, the detected light-sensitive material is sequentially conveyed by the roller conveying means in the color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E (see the automatic processor A in FIG. 1). The color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, and 1E, which are processing tanks, respectively, may be provided with the processing agent supply means 17, and may be supplied simultaneously. Further, the timings supplied by the respective supply means may be different from each other, and the predetermined area for controlling the processing agent supply means by the processing agent supply control means 9 has a predetermined area.
A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E may be the same, but it goes without saying that they may be different from each other.

Not only in this example but also in the example described below,
In the bleach-fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E,
Since it has the same structure as the color developing tank 1A, the processing tank 1 will be described below.
In the following description, the color developing tank 1A and the bleach-fixing tank 1
B, stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, and 1E are all referred to, and those having the same functions as those in FIG.
For the sake of clarity of the structure, a conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material is omitted. Although the filtering means is described as a preferable example in the present example, the effects of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved without the filtering means in the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, the replenishing tank which has been conventionally required is not required, and it is not necessary to secure a space for the replenishing tank. Therefore, the automatic developing machine is compact, and the solid processing agent is used in the processing tank. As it is supplied, there is no need for liquid preparation work, there is no liquid scattering or dust at the time of introduction, it is easy to handle, and the accuracy of replenishment to the processing liquid is increased and the processing components that are replenished do not deteriorate and are reliably stable. It has an excellent effect of having the processing characteristics described above.

Next, as another example of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device 50, and is a cross-sectional view of the processing agent input section to which the supplementary water supply means is added and the processing agent supply means.

Although the automatic developing machine including various processing tanks has been described above, the processing tanks include a developing tank for containing a developing solution, a bleaching tank for containing a fixing solution, and a bleach-fixing solution. A bleach-fixing tank, a fixing tank for containing a fixing solution, and a stabilizing tank for containing a stabilizing solution, and at least the accommodating means and / or fixing means, the supplying means, and the control means are respectively described above. An automatic developing machine for a color negative film provided for each processing tank and a developing tank for containing a developing solution as a processing tank, and a fixing tank for containing a fixing solution, and at least the storage means and / or The effect of the present invention was also confirmed in the automatic developing machine for black-and-white silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, in which the fixing means, the supplying means and the control means are provided for each of the processing tanks.

Example 2 Konica QA Paper Type A
After imagewise exposing 5 (made by Konica Corp.), Konica Big Mini Lab BM-101 (made by Konica Corp.) was modified to the solid processing agent feeding system shown in FIG. 2 and its mounting position was changed. The height from the charging outlet to the liquid surface was changed so as to be the value described in Table 1. The opening area of the portion to be charged was 10 cm ² . The flow path was formed so that the dry air from the intake fan was supplied to the solid processing agent charging device of each tank and was exhausted by the exhaust fan at the rear of the processing tank. Further, modification was performed so that the treatment process shown in Table 1 was performed, and continuous treatment was performed.

[0102]

[Table 1]

Stable was a countercurrent system from 3 to 1, and the overflow liquid of stable-1 was entirely introduced into the bleach-fixing tank. The carryover per 1 m ^{2 of} the light-sensitive material was 50 ml / m ² in all tanks.

Evaporation correction is carried out during color development, bleach-fixing, and stability 9.0 ml / hr, 7.2 ml / hr, 14.1 ml / hr every 1 hour during temperature control, and when temperature control is not performed. , 3.8m each
L / hour, 3.1 ml / hour, and 6.1 ml / hour were integrated, and the temperature control was started at the same time.

The tank liquid at the start is Konica Color Q
A paper color development starter 82P-1B, (Konica Color QA paper bleach-fix starter 82P-2B manufactured by Konica Corporation)
(Same as above), Konica Color QA Paper stable starter 82
It was created using P-3B (same as above).

A treated tablet for color paper was prepared according to the following operations (A to G).

1) Tablet for color development replenishment for color paper (A) Developing agent CD-3 [4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N- [β-
(Methanesulfonamide) ethyl] aniline sulfate] 1200
Mill g in a commercial Van Dam mill to an average particle size of 10 μm. This fine powder was granulated in a commercial stirred granulator at room temperature for about 7 minutes by adding 50 ml of water, and then the granulated product was dried in a fluidized bed dryer at 40 ° C. for 2 hours. The water content of the granulated product is almost completely removed. In this way, 150 g of polyethylene glycol 6000 was added to the adjusted granules at 25 ° C and 40
Mix evenly for 10 minutes using a mixer in a room conditioned to below% RH. Next, N-lauroylalanine sodium 4g
Was added and mixed for 3 minutes, and the resulting mixture was compressed into tablets with a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressed Collect 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd., so that the filling amount per tablet was 3.2 g, and 400 Individual tablets A for color development replenishment for color paper were prepared.

Operation (B) Disulfoethylhydroxylamine disodium salt 120 g
Is pulverized and granulated in the same manner as in the operation (A). The amount of water added is 6.
After granulating to 0 ml, the granulated product is dried at 50 ° C. for 30 minutes to almost completely remove water from the granulated product. In this way, N-lauroylalanine sodium 4 was added to the prepared granules,
Mix for 3 minutes using a mixer in a room where the temperature is controlled to 40 ° C and 40% RH or less. Next, the mixture thus obtained was compressed into tablets using a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressed Collect 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd., so that the filling amount per tablet was 1.0 g.
0 tablets B for color development replenishment for color paper were prepared.

Operation (C) 30.0 g of Tinopearl SFP (manufactured by Ciba Geigy), 3.7 g of sodium sulfite, 0.3 g of potassium bromide, 25 g of diethylenetriamine-5-acetic acid, sodium p-toluenesulfonate 280
After crushing g, 20 g of potassium hydroxide and 10.6 g of mannitol in the same manner as in (A), they are uniformly mixed with a commercially available mixer. Then, in the same manner as in (A), the amount of water added is adjusted to 20 ml and granulation is performed. After the granulation, the granulated product is dried at 60 ° C for 30 minutes to almost completely remove the water content of the granulated product. In this way, 4 g of sodium N-lauroylalanine was added to the prepared granules, and 2
Use a mixer in a room where the temperature is controlled to 5 ° C and 40% RH or less 3
Mix for minutes. Next, the resulting mixture was compressed into tablets using a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressed Collect 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd., so that the filling amount per tablet was 1.0 g.
100 tablets of color development supplement C for color paper were prepared.

Operation (D) 350 g of potassium carbonate is pulverized and granulated in the same manner as in the operation (A). The amount of water added is 20 ml, and after granulation, the granules are dried for 30 minutes to remove water almost completely. In this way, polyethylene glycol 6000 was added to the adjusted granules.
Mix 15 g uniformly in a room controlled at 25 ° C. and 40% RH or less for 10 minutes using a mixer. Next, 4 g of sodium N-lauroylalanine was added and mixed for 3 minutes, and then the obtained mixture was manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Tough Pressed Collect 152.
Using a tablet machine modified from 7HU, the filling amount per tablet is 3.
Tablet compression was performed with 0 g to prepare 110 tablet D agents for color development replenishment for color paper.

2) Bleach-fixing replenishing tablet for color paper Operation (E) Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid ferric ammonium monohydrate
1250g, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 25g, maleic acid 250g,
Pine Flow (Matsuya Chemical Co., Ltd.) 46 g is pulverized, mixed and granulated in the same manner as in the operation (C). The amount of water added was 80 ml, and after granulation,
The granules are dried at 60 ° C. for 2 hours to almost completely remove water. Thus, 15 g of N-lauroyl sarcosine sodium is added to the prepared granulated product, and mixed for 3 minutes by using a mixer in a room whose humidity is controlled to 25 ° C. and 40% RH or less. Next, the resulting mixture was compressed into tablets with a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressto Correct 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. with a filling amount of 8.6 g per tablet, and bleach-fixing replenishment for 170 color papers. Tablet A for tablets was prepared.

Operation (F) 1640 g of ammonium thiosulfate, 750 g of sodium sulfite,
40 g of potassium bromide and 50 g of p-toluenesulfinic acid are pulverized, mixed and granulated in the same manner as in the operation (C). The amount of water sprayed is 10
After granulating to 0 ml, the granulated product is dried at 60 ° C. for 120 minutes to almost completely remove water from the granulated product. In this way, 20 g of sodium N-lauroylsarcosine was added to the adjusted granules,
Use a mixer in a room where the temperature is controlled to 5 ° C and 40% RH or less 3
Mix for minutes. Next, the resulting mixture was compressed into tablets with a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressto Correct 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. with a filling amount of 13.4 g per tablet, and bleach-fixing replenishment for 180 color papers. Tablet B formulation was prepared.

3) Tablet for stable replenishment for color paper (G) Sodium carbonate monohydrate 10 g, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-
Disodium diphosphonate 200g, Chinopearl SFP150
g, sodium sulfite 300g, zinc sulfate heptahydrate 20g, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium 150g, ammonium sulfate
200 g, 10 g of o-phenylphenol and 25 g of pine flow are pulverized, mixed and granulated in the same manner as in the operation (C). How much water is added
After granulating to 60 ml, the granulated product is dried at 70 ° C. for 60 minutes to almost completely remove the water content of the granulated product. In this way, 10 g of sodium N-lauroylsarcosine was added to the adjusted granules,
Use a mixer in a room where the temperature is controlled to 5 ° C and 40% RH or less 3
Mix for minutes. Next, the obtained mixture was compressed into tablets using a tableting machine modified from Tough Pressed Collect 1527HU manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. so that the filling amount per tablet was 3.1 g.
We made 360 stable refill tablets for color paper.

As for the above-mentioned tablets for color development replenishment, one tablet for each of A, B, C and D agents, a total of four tablets, is added each time 1 m ² of color paper is treated, and replenished. 44.6 ml of water are added at the same time. Regarding tablets for replenishing bleach-fixing, one tablet of agent A and two tablets of agent B were added every time 0.75 m ² of color paper was processed for a total of 3 tablets,
4.18 ml of make-up water is added at the same time.

Further, for tablets for stable replenishment, 1 for each
Each tablet is treated so as to be added every 1 m ² of color paper, and 97.6 ml of replenishing water is added at the same time.

The processing was carried out with 5 m ^{2 of} color paper per day until the overflow amount became twice as much as the tank liquid, and the Fe concentration in the color developing tank at that time was measured.
The wedge-exposed sample was developed and the minimum yellow reflection density was measured. Furthermore, whether or not there was a malfunction of the closing system was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0117]

[Table 2]

As is clear from the results shown in Table 2, when the distance from the liquid surface is less than 2 cm, the solid processing agent is apt to become moist due to vaporization of the processing solution, resulting in an abnormal charging operation. It can be seen that contamination due to liquid splash etc. occurs and the finished product has no commercial value. Therefore, the distance from the inlet / outlet to the liquid surface must be 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less, and preferably 3 cm or more and 10 cm or less.

(Example 3) The same operation as in Example 2 was carried out by changing the charging means to a screw system as shown in FIG.

Since the solid processing agent to be charged is in powder form,
Except for the granulation process and the tableting process in each processing agent preparation step,
The mixture was used. The screw depth of the screw was adjusted so that the amount of one injection was the same as in the case of the tablet of Example 2. Since the solid processing agent is a powder, the fan was made to flow through a different route during addition and was not blown off during addition.
As an evaluation item, the concentration of sulfurous acid in the air coming out from the exhaust fan immediately after the introduction was measured by a 5 Lb of acid acid gas detection tube manufactured by Gastec. The measurement was performed 5 times and the average value was calculated. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0121]

[Table 3]

As is clear from Table 3, the distance from the charging outlet to the liquid surface must be 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or more and 10 cm or less. Further, in the case of powder, the generation of dust is larger than that of tablets, which is detected as the sulfurous acid concentration by the exhaust fan of the automatic developing machine. Sulfurous acid concentration is 4ppm
Up to 10ppm, it is odorous, but if it exceeds 10ppm, it causes irritation to the throat and nose and coughs.

It is clear from Table 3 that this has been achieved according to the invention. Further, here, only the sulfurous acid concentration is presented, but other components are similarly scattered and, together with them, affect the human body, so that the effect of the present invention becomes more apparent.

(Example 4) In the experiment No. of Example 3, the same experiment was carried out by changing the opening area of the charging portion for adding the solid processing agent to the processing liquid as shown in Table 4. . Further, the size of the outlet of the charging section was changed according to the size of the charging opening area. The results are shown in Table 4. or,
As an evaluation item, the time required for one charging is described.

[0125]

[Table 4]

As is clear from Table 4, the opening area of the charging portion is preferably ² cm ^{2 to} 100 cm ² , and more preferably 5 to 5 cm ^2.
It can be seen that it is 0 cm ² . If it is smaller than 1 cm ² , it takes time to put it in, and there is a risk that the lower part of the inlet will become moist. Also, if it is larger than 100 cm ² , the processing agent to be added to other processing tanks may be mixed. There is a
Further, it is not preferable in terms of fatigue and oxidative deterioration of the treatment liquid.

(Example 5) Examples of the embodiments of the present invention are shown below, but the invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the powdery processing agent supply device, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the package. The supply device 50 is composed of a hopper or package 51 for storing the powdery treatment agent 54, a measuring hole 53 for measuring the powdery treatment agent, and a rotary drum 52 for quantitatively charging the powdery treatment agent. The rotary drum 52 has a moisture-proof function by shifting the positions of the measuring hole 53 and the discharging portion 56. The package 51 was unsealed and placed on top of the feeder ,. At that time, fine powder flew and the workability was poor. A certain amount of powdered chemical is measured in the measuring hole 53, and when the drum 52 is rotated by the command of the processing amount detecting means of the photosensitive material and is in communication with the discharge part 56, it stops and passes through the discharge part 56, and a fixed amount of powdery chemicals. Is supplied to the constant temperature section (filter tank) 59 of the automatic processor. After the supply is completed, the drum 52 rotates and the measuring hole 53 and the supply section
When 57 communicates with each other, the drum 52 is stopped and the measurement of the powdery chemical is started. When the supply device 50 is set in the automatic processor, the distance h between the processing liquid 58 and the outlet of the discharge part 56 is set within the range of the present invention.

Also in the following drawings, this h is attached so as to be within the scope of the present invention. Also, S represents the area of the opening, and it is preferable to set it to ² to 100 cm ² .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another supply device for the powdery treatment agent.

In the supply device 70, the powdery processing agent 73 is put in the hopper 71, and the piston 75 moves horizontally (to the right) according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material, and a fixed amount of the powdery processing agent enters the measuring hole 72 and the piston 75
Moves in the opposite horizontal direction (to the left), and the discharging unit 74 supplies the quantitative powdered material to a constant temperature tank (filter tank) 79.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing still another supply device 80 for the powdery treatment agent.

The supply device 80 has a function of entering (loading) the package 81 into the powdery treatment agent 85, and automatically opening it by the roller 83, and discharging the powdery chemical by controlling the rotation speed of the screw 82. This is a device supplied by the unit 84. Since the supply device 80 has a function of automatically opening the package, fine powder does not fly at the time of opening and mounting, which is preferable.

FIG. 6 shows a PTP (Pressure Through) according to the present invention.
Package) Regarding the supply device 90 of the packaged solid processing agent 13, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the processing agent supply device, (B) is a perspective view of packaging breaking means, (C) is a perspective view of packaging breaking means,
FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view showing a loaded state of the solid processing agent packaged in PTP.

The solid processing agent 13 packaged in PTP is stored in the processing agent storage container 91 and may be stored individually in the storage container, or may be a cartridge type in which the solid processing agent 13 is stored in advance. Is also good. Known materials can be used for the PTP packaging, and the solid processing agent 13 is preferably packaged in the form of tablets.

The solid processing agent 13 packaged in PTP is supplied from below the storage container, and when a certain amount of the photosensitive material is processed, the information of the processing amount detection means 92 is sent to the processing agent supply control means 93 and the motor M causes PTP. The packaged solid processing agent 13 is extruded onto a wedge-shaped fixing plate 94 and crushed to peel off the lower part of the PTP package (mainly using aluminum), and the solid processing agent 13 is charged into the processing tank 96 through the charging port 95. It It became empty after being charged
The PTP package is further pushed out and discarded through the disposal port 97. As a crushing means, there is a method of using a roller other than using a wedge, and it can be arbitrarily selected.

FIG. 7 (A) shows a parts feeder type feeder 100 for tablets (preliminarily divided and weighed) packaged in a package according to the present invention.
Is an example of the above.

[0138] Packaged tablet chemical packaging materials (Fig. 7)
(B) and (C) were opened and put in the hopper 101. At that time, fine powder was not generated, and there was no caking, and the handling was good. Control means 102 based on the signal from the remaining amount detection means 109
Thereby, the agitator 106 is rotated and the tablets 105 are aligned in the tablet alignment unit 110. The processing agent supply control means 103 operates according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material, and the rotary table 107 conveys the tablets and discharges them.
Supply from 108 to the input section. The rotary table 107 makes one rotation, the rotary table 107 makes one rotation, and stops at the instruction of the rotary table control means (the tablet can be supplied several times by one instruction). The tablets enter the holes in the turntable 107.

[0139] The packaging material cost is low and the handling is good,
There is an advantage that it can be charged with high accuracy, and in particular, the tablet aligning section 110 allows for very efficient because there is no empty supply by the rotary table 107. Environmentally friendly due to the reduction of plastic containers. Further, since there is no fine powder, the inside of the supply device 100 does not become dirty and maintenance-free.

FIG. 8A shows a parts feeder system supply device 120 for a packaged tablet (preliminarily divided and weighed) according to the present invention.
Is an example of the above.

The packaging material of the tablet chemical 121 (FIG. 8 (B) or (C)) packaged in a package was opened and put in the hopper 133. At that time, fine powder was not generated, and there was no caking, and the handling was good. The movable member 124 is rotated by the signal of the remaining amount detecting means 125, and the tablet chemical 121 is moved to the tablet aligning unit 129.
Align to. The movable member 124 stops after a certain amount of alignment. At this time, the sweeper 123 is a tablet in the pocket of the movable member 124.
It is very effective for entering 122 and aligning with the aligning portion 125.

Processing agent supply means according to the processing amount of the photosensitive material
126 works and the first shutter 131 rotates and the tablet chemical 12
1 falls down. Next, the first shutter 131 rotates in the reverse direction and one tablet is sandwiched between the shutters 131 and 132. Shutter 13
2 rotates and the tablet chemical passes through the discharge part 128 and the input part 135
Supply to. Next, shutter 132 rotates in the reverse direction and shutter 1
31 is closed.

The packaging material is inexpensive, easy to handle, can be put with high precision, and in particular, because of the tablet alignment portion 129, there is no need for empty supply. Environmentally friendly due to the reduction of plastic containers.
Further, since there is no fine powder, the inside of the supply device 120 is not contaminated and maintenance-free.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the solid processing agent supply device 140 of the present invention. The solid processing agent 144 contained in the package 143 is peeled off from the package 143 to remove the solid processing agent from the treatment tank 145. It is what is thrown into.

The tip of a package 143, in which a solid processing agent 144 is wrapped in a four-sided seal, is set on a winding shaft 142, which is a fixing means, via a roller 141, and when the photosensitive material is processed, it is processed by a processing amount information detecting means. By detecting, when a certain amount is reached, a signal is sent by the processing agent supply control means, and the motor of the winding shaft 142, which is also the processing agent supply means, is moved,
The package 143 containing the solid processing agent 144 is moved by a certain length, and a required number of solid processing agents are charged. The charging device sets the distance that the solid processing agent 144 is freely falling within the range of the present invention. The method of moving the package 143 is a method of detecting a notch previously provided in the package 143,
Any method such as detection of a print pattern or detection of a treatment agent of the package 143 may be used, but the essential point is to accurately detect the required number of solid treatment agents 144 and move the rollers 141 and the winding shaft 142. The roller 141 is installed for the purpose of fixing and positioning the package, is peeled off by the two winding shafts, and the solid processing agent 144 is charged into the charging port 146 of the processing tank 145.

In the case of such a system, the solid processing agent 144 may be granules, pills, tablets, or powders, but tablets are preferred because they do not adhere to the seal so much that they can be dispensed with high accuracy and stains do not easily occur. There is. After the winding is completed, it may be taken directly from the winding shaft, or may be rewound and the package may be discarded together with the cartridge.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a supply device 150 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a plan view, (B) is a perspective view, and (C) is a plan view of a winding shaft 156.

The treating agent 151 is packaged in a package 152 that is sealed on all sides.

The processing agent 151 sealed on all sides is peeled off via the tube 153, and the processing agent 151 is fed through the feeding port 154 into the feeding portion 155.
Be thrown into. Here, the cylinder 153 and the winding shaft 156 act as a treatment agent supply means. The package 152 is a winding shaft 156.
The control of the winding is controlled by the processing agent supply means which receives a signal from the photosensitive material processing amount detecting means. Knob when winding
157 is opened, the tip of the package 152 is set through the tube on the winding shaft 156 which is a fixing means of the processing agent storage packaging material, and the knob 157 is twisted to be fixed by the clamper 158 and wound. .

FIG. 11 shows an example of the supply device 160 when the solid processing agent 161 is wrapped in a stick.
(A) is a side sectional view and (B) is a front sectional view.

The solid processing agent 161 packed in a stick is put in a container 162 which is a container. Sticking solid processing agent 161 in container 162 is bridge prevention roller 163.
Also, it is sent to the turret 164 by a roller that also serves as a supply to the turret. The stick packaging solid processing agent 161 sent to the turret 164 has both ends fixed by a clamper 165, and is then sent to a cutter by a rotary motion, and the center of the stick packaging is cut (or cut) by a cutter 166 and further rotated. Is sent to the two-fold plate 167, the stick packaging solid processing agent 161 is bent, and the solid processing agent 161 filled in the stick packaging is charged into the chute 168 from the cut portion by the rotary cutter 166. Scrap drop bar 169 by further rotation after charging
To the clamper 165 by the cam 170 for opening and closing the clamp.
Is released. The scrap 171 in the scrap packaging is discarded in the collection chute 172.

FIG. 12A is a sectional view showing one embodiment of the feeding device 180 of the present invention. 12 (B) and 12 (C) are perspective views of the tablet chemicals packaged in a package.

The processing section 181 and the charging section 185 in the constant temperature tank 182 forming a part of the processing tank are in communication with each other, and the circulating pump 183 forcibly circulates the liquid from the lower part of the processing tank, and the filter section 1
It is discharged to 82 and enters the processing unit 181 through the tablet charging unit 185.

When the photosensitive material is processed, the processing amount detecting means 19
The processing amount is detected by 2 and when it reaches a certain processing amount, the motor M2 is driven through the processing amount supply control so that the tablets weighed in advance are supplied to the charging unit 185 in the thermostat 182. There is.

The tablets are directly loaded into the container 187, and after the loading, the alignment means 188 is driven by the motor M1 in response to the signal from the alignment amount control means 186, the tablets are aligned, and the tablets are supplied to the alignment section 189. The tablets supplied to the arranging unit 189 receive a signal from the processing amount supply control unit 190, and when the motor M2 is driven, the tablets are carried to the upper part of the loading unit by the rotational movement of the supplying unit and are loaded into the loading unit 185. At that time, the processing agent supply means 191
It is a preferred embodiment that the tablet is substantially shielded from the thermostat 182 from the viewpoint of moisture resistance of the tablet.

[0156] Further, the tablets when put in the container 187 are shown in Fig. 12.
The container contained in the container shown in (B) and (C) is broken and placed in the container 187. The container shown in FIGS. 12 (B) and 12 (C) can be made of a known material such as paper or high molecular weight resin aluminum, but it is preferable to use a material having good moisture resistance and low oxygen permeability. .

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an example of a solid processing agent supply device 200 individually packaged in a blister.

The individual package 202 containing the solid processing agent is stored in the storage section 203.
To load.

Depending on the processing amount of the light-sensitive material, the disk 201 is 180 °
The needle 205 rotates, and then the needle 205 penetrates the individual wrapping 202, passes through the discharging section 204 in the individual wrapping 202, and supplies the feeding section. Empty individual packaging 202
Is discarded from the waste port.

The solid processing agent may be either powder or granules, but granules are preferred because the powder adheres to the container.

It is easy to handle, and the feeder 200 is free from fine powder stains and maintenance-free.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an example of the supply device 210 of the present invention.

Depending on the throughput of the light-sensitive material, the tablet chemical 21
7 is directly supplied from the storage unit 211 to the input unit 215 inside the processing tank. The charging section 215 has a solid processing agent filter 216 so that the undissolved processing agent does not directly adhere to the photosensitive material. The material of this filter 216 is not particularly limited. Although the mesh is not particularly limited, it is preferably 10 to 100 μm from the viewpoint of liquid flow and filter effect.

The effect is almost the same as when the solid processing agent 217 is supplied to the constant temperature bath 212 forming a part of the processing bath. However, the compactness is inferior because there is a separate input part 215 in the processing tank.

Further, FIGS. 15 (A), (B), FIG. 16 (A),
Another embodiment of (B) and FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 will be described.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a "U-shaped" type half punch punch type package opening means.

When the photosensitive material is processed, it is detected by the processing amount information detecting means, and when it reaches a certain amount, a signal is sent by the processing agent supply control means to rotate the conveying roller pair 303A and the solid processing agent 301. Fig. 15 (A) shows the package 302 containing
Move to a position like and stop. The method of moving the package 302 may be any method such as detecting a notch previously provided in the package 302, detecting a print pattern or an eye mark, detecting the treatment agent 301 in the package 302, but it is necessary. It suffices to accurately detect the number of solid processing agents 301. Next in Figure 15
As shown in (B), the punch male die 304 is driven downward, the packaging body 302 is cut by the punch female die 305, and the packaging body 302 is conveyed to the left side in the drawing by the conveying roller pair 303A. The solid processing agent 301 that is squeezed and moved by the pair of ironing rollers 303B and the gate plate 303C is shown in FIG.
Through the inlet 306 shown in (A), the processing tank 307 of the automatic processor
Be thrown into. Figure 1 shows the cut end cut by the punch male die 301.
As shown in FIG. 6 (B), the punch 304 has a U-shape like the shape of the punch 304.

In the case of such a system, the solid processing agent 301 may be any of powder, granules and tablets, but it is preferable to use the punch male type tablet which is hard to be adhering to chemicals. Further, the tablets 301 do not adhere to the package 302 so much that the tablets 301 do not easily become dirty and are safe for the user to handle. The used packages 302 can be put together in a waste box 308 and discarded. As the waste box 308, it is preferable to reuse the used package storage box 309.

17 and 18 show the cut-off means of the package 302.

When the photosensitive material is processed, it is detected by the processing amount information detecting means, and when a certain amount is reached, a signal is sent by the processing agent supply control means and the carrying roller 303D is rotated to cause the solid processing agent 301 to rotate. The package 302 containing the solid processing agent 30
1 moves to the position above the processing tank filter unit 310 and stops. At this time, the tip of the package 302 is squeezed by a pair of ironing rollers 303.
It is in B.

The method for moving the package 302 is to detect a notch provided in the package 302 in advance, detect a print pattern,
What kind of method may be used, such as processing detection of the package 302? The point is to detect the required number of solid processing agents 301 accurately. Next, the ceramic cutter 311 cuts the package 302. When the cutting is completed, the squeezing roller 303B and the conveying roller 303A rotate, and the solid processing agent 301 is squeezed by the squeezing roller 303B, passes through the discharge port, and is introduced into the processing tank filter section 310 of the automatic processor. The cut waste package 302 is conveyed by the transport roller 3
It is discharged from 03A and enters the waste box 308. This waste box 308 is preferably a reuse of the used package storage box 309.

In the case of such a system, the solid processing agent 301 may be any of powder, granules, and tablets, but it is preferable that the tablet does not adhere to the ceramic cutter 311. Further, the tablets have an advantage that they do not adhere to the package 302 so much that stains are less likely to occur.

The used packages 302 can be put together in a waste box 308 and discarded.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a two-division cutting means for the continuous package 402.

When the photosensitive material is processed, it is detected by the processing amount information detecting means, and when a certain amount is reached, a signal is sent by the processing agent supplying means and the conveying roller pair 403A, 403B is rotated and at the same time made of ceramic or stainless steel. Round blade made of
411 rotates, the lower part of the continuous package 402 is cut in two, and the solid processing agent 401 is charged. This continuous package 402 that divides in two
Is spread on both sides by suction on the suction guide 404, and the solid processing agent 401 inside is easily dropped.
The empty package 402 without the solid processing agent 401 is the next solid processing agent 40.
When 1 is input, it is moved by the transport roller 403 and discarded in the package storage box 408.

In addition to the above-mentioned method, this halving is performed by the continuous package 40.
You may attach a notch etc. to 2 and tear it while winding it with a roller.

In the case of such a system, the solid processing agent 401 may be any of powder, granules and tablets, but it is preferable to use tablets in which the chemical is not attached to the punch male mold. Further, the tablet does not adhere to the seal of the package 402 so much that the stain is less likely to occur.

The used package 402 can be put together in the package storage box 408 and discarded.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the case where the same supply device 70 of FIG. 4 described above is supplied from a remote place. When there is an example in which the supply device 70 cannot be placed near the place where it should be put in due to the structure of the automatic developing machine, it is also possible to move and supply by using the guide 78 connected to the discharge part 74 as shown in FIG. . In that case, the distance from the processing liquid surface in the present invention is the distance h from the guide 78. The guide 78 may be a hard material such as metal or PVC pipe, or a flexible material such as a plastic hose. Also,
The length may be any number as long as the charging can be surely performed.

FIG. 21 shows an example of movement to a place to be charged from below to above by using a charging system similar to the feeder of the automatic developing machine shown in FIG. The push claw 22 is operated by the cam 21 to push out the solid processing agent 13, and the air pump 23 or the like moves the inside of the guide pipe 24 by the air pressure upward as shown by the arrow. The solid processing agent injection part 11
Be thrown into. The air flow only needs to occur at the time of injection, and the air pressure is adjusted so that the injection can proceed smoothly. Although only one processing tank is shown here, other processing tanks can be similarly provided and can be controlled by one pump 23. Since this method uses dry air at the time of charging, it has an advantage that the charging port of the solid processing agent charging unit 11 is in a dry state. 24
A is an air vent filter.

FIG. 22 shows an example of supplying the powdery processing agent 85 onto the processing tank 89 by using the guide 86 using the supply device 80 shown in FIG. A shutter 88 is provided in the middle of the guide 86 so that the vapor of the treatment liquid 58 does not reach the portion in contact with the powder above. The shutter 88 is normally kept closed and is opened based on the operation information to be input.

FIG. 23 shows an example of means for detecting the input amount of the solid processing agent 501. When leaving the hopper 502 and throwing in,
A predetermined amount has been input by passing through a portion equipped with a light amount sensor 503 on both sides, continuously detecting the light amount change in an analog manner, amplifying it with an amplifier unit 504, and displaying it on a digital panel meter 505. Is to detect.

FIG. 24 shows an example in which a capacitance sensor 601 is attached to the feeding portion of the feeding device 80 shown in FIG. 5 and means for detecting that the solid processing agent 85 is about to run out. Normally, when the solid processing agent 85 runs out in a certain energized state and reaches the detection portion of the sensor 601, the energization amount changes, and the detector 602 detects it.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another supply device 60 for the powdery processing agent.

The supply device 60 is divided into a plurality of powder chemical storage parts 63, and is devised so as to be stored separately for each part as in the conventional concentration kit. Further, there is a dehumidifying device 65 for improving the preservability of the powdery chemical in the storage portion.

According to the processing information of the photosensitive material, the rotating body 67 quantitatively transfers the powdery processing agent received on the table 66 to the discharging section 68 for each component and supplies it. Then, through the guide 62, the processing tank
Added to 61 parts. At this time, the processing liquid 58 is released from the guide 62.
The effect of the present invention was exhibited for the first time by setting the distance to within the range of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows an example in which the supply means shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a guide 59A at the inlet of the processing tank. This is preferable because accurate feeding can be performed. As described above, the guide 59A may be provided on the input side or the receiving side.

FIG. 27 shows the supply means of FIG. 5 guided to the inlet side.
59B is provided, and a guide 59A is also provided on the receiving side,
In this example, the guides 59A and 59B are arranged so that the air taken in by the fan FAN hits them. Since the air is supplied by the fan FAN, the inlet is always in a dry state, which is preferable. However, since the solid processing agent is unnecessarily scattered at the time of charging, it is not preferable. Therefore, it is preferable to stop the fan FAN or to shift the air flow path separately. As the fan FAN, a dew condensation preventing fan FAN that is usually used in a developing machine may be used. The air flow may be from any location as long as the air is dry.

In FIG. 28, the supply device of FIG. 5 is arranged with an inclination, and the powder processing agent after being discharged from the discharge part 84 is driven by a motor.
This is a device for conveying the powder processing agent to the upper part by a screw 1100 rotated by 1102. In this way, it is possible to install the supply device at the lower part by the processing tank. Also in this case, the height h in the figure is set so as to be a distance within the range of the present invention.

[0190]

As described above, the automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials of the present invention has a shortage due to a photographic material which is prepared by directly adding and dissolving a solid processing agent which has been weighed in advance into a processing tank. The photographic performance can be made uniform by eluting or supplementing the components, and by supplementing the required amount of supplementary water separately as needed.

The user does not need to make a replenisher solution for a certain period of time, which is conventionally required, and the solid solution is simply set in advance and the processing solution is automatically added according to the processing amount of the photographic material. The performance of is maintained constant.

Further, it is possible to prevent dust generation and contamination to other processing tanks, which are problems in the solid processing agent feeding means, and to perform work comfortably and stably in a clean environment. It will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor in which an automatic developing machine and a photo printing machine are integrally configured.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a processing agent input unit and a processing agent supply unit of an automatic processor.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a powdery processing agent supply device and a perspective view of a package.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another powdery treatment agent supply device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the powdery treatment agent supply device.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view and a perspective view of a PTP packaging treatment agent supply device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a solid processing agent supply device and a perspective view of a packaged solid processing agent package.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply device and a perspective view of a package.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view and a plan view of a solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view and a front sectional view of the supply device.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a supply device and a perspective view of a package.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a solid processing agent supply device individually packaged in a blister.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a solid processing agent is directly added to a processing tank.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a feeding device having a half punch punch type package opening means.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the supply device and a plan view of a package.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a cut-off means for a package.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cut-off means.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a two-division cutting means of a continuous package.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the powdery treatment agent supply device.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the powdery treatment agent feeding device.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the detection means of the powdery processing agent feeding device.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the detection means of the powdery processing agent feeding device.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing another supply device of the powdery processing agent.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the powdery treatment agent supply device.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the powdery treatment agent supply device.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the powdery processing agent supply device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Processing tank 1A-1E Processing tank 2 Processing part 3 Filter 4 Circulation pipe 5 Circulation pump 6 Drainage pipe 8 Processing amount information detection means 9 Processing agent supply control means 10 Extrusion member 11 Solid processing agent input part 13,105,121, 144, 151, 161, 301 Solid processing agents (tablet chemicals, tablets) 14 Filtration part (classification) 18 Intake fan 19 Exhaust fan 23 Air pump 24 Guide pipe 78 Guide 50, 70, 80, 200 Powder processing agent supply device 51 , 81 Package 54, 85 Powder processing agent 58 Processing liquid 71 Hopper 90, 100, 120, 140, 150, 160, 180, 210 Solid processing agent supply device 154 Input port 143, 152, 302, 402 Package 503 Light intensity sensor 601 Capacitance sensor S Opening area h Distance between discharge part and processing liquid surface

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An automatic processor for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, comprising a processing tank filled with a processing solution for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, wherein a solid processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is used in the automatic processor. The means for supplying the treatment liquid to the treatment liquid, part or all of the supply means utilizing free fall, and the solid processing agent from the end of the discharge port until being fed into the processing liquid. An automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, characterized in that the distance is 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less. 2. The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the end of the discharge of the solid processing agent to the time when the solid processing agent is introduced into the processing liquid is 3 cm or more and 10 cm or less. Automatic developing machine. 3. The automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials according to claim 1, wherein said supply means has a moisture-proof means for a part or all of the space in contact with the solid processing agent. . 4. The halogen according to claim 1, wherein in the supplying means, an area of an opening portion for supplying the solid processing agent provided in the automatic developing machine has an area of ² to 100 cm ^2. Automatic processor for silver halide photographic materials. 5. The automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials according to claim 1, wherein said supply means has a detecting means for detecting whether or not the processing agent is exhausted.