JPH06295031A - Continuous package for solid processing agent and device for supplying solid processing agent - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the reliability of transportation of the continuous package for solid processing agents of the device for supplying the solid processing agents which transports the continuous package formed by hermetically sealing a unit replenishing amt. of the solid processing agents into the divided packaging parts sealed at the circumference of sheets and continuing plural pieces of the divided packaging parts and replenishes the processing tanks of an automatic developing machine with the solid processing agents. CONSTITUTION:This continuous package H for the solid processing agents is formed by housing and packaging the unit replenishing amt. each of the solid processing agents T for processing photographic sensitive materials in the divided packaging parts HB1, HB2..., which are discretely hermetically sealed by sealing the circumferences of two sheets of sheet- like packaging materials S1, S2, and continuing plural pieces of the divided packaging parts HB1, HB2.... The continuous package for the solid processing agents is provided with mark members HM1, HM2 for detecting the positions of the divided packaging parts HB1, HB2... in a part of the external packages of the sheet-like packaging materials S1, S2. This device for supplying the solid processing agents is equipped with a detecting means 151 for detecting the mark members HM1, HM2... for detection, means for transporting the continuous package and control means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is applied to an automatic developing machine for continuously processing a light-sensitive material such as a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and a solid photographic processing agent is added to replenish processing liquid components of the automatic developing machine. The present invention relates to a continuous package for a solid processing agent used in an automatic developing machine by melting and a solid processing agent supply device using the continuous package.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials are
Processing is performed by steps such as development, desilvering, washing and stabilization.
Processing is usually carried out by an automatic processor, in which case a replenisher replenishing system is generally widely used and is controlled so as to keep the activity of the processing solution in the processing tank constant. In the case of the replenisher replenishment method, the purpose is to dilute the eluate from the sensitive material, correct the evaporation amount, and replenish the consumption component.
A large amount of overflow liquid is usually discharged.

On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in regulations regarding the dumping of photographic waste liquids into the ocean and regulations regarding the disposal of plastic materials. A new system that eliminates photographic waste liquids and does not use bottles for liquefaction processing agents Development is required. In addition, safety regulations for packaging materials have been strengthened to ensure the safety of transportation of liquid hazardous materials, which has led to an increase in cost. In addition, the development of exposure control technology for printing has progressed in the minilab store, which has been increasing rapidly in recent years, and a system that allows anyone to print has been introduced. However, the work of dissolving the replenisher and the management of the treatment liquid are still difficult, and very serious mistakes such as mistakenly dissolving and replenishing the treatment agent are likely to occur. There have been many complaints about this conventional replenishment system.

Therefore, in the photographic industry, there is a strong demand for the development of a solid chemical replenishment system that produces almost no photographic waste liquid, does not use a processing agent bottle, and does not require any dissolution work.

As a method for responding to this demand, WO92 / 20013
In the official gazette, almost all processing components are converted into solid processing agents,
A method of directly charging the treatment tank is disclosed. However, in this method, since the solid processing agent is directly charged into the processing tank, the processing agent adheres to the photosensitive material to be processed, causing an accident, or absorbing the evaporated water from the processing tank or the water in the atmosphere, The solid processing agents stick to each other and the solid processing agent is not reliably added to the processing tank, or the solid processing agent is adhered to the packaging material and the loading accuracy and the weighing accuracy are significantly reduced. , The problem that only incorrect replenishment can be done, for example, in the case of a color development processing agent, a redox reaction occurs due to the difference in the redox potential of the chemical, and the solid processing agent discolors
It has also been found that there is a problem regarding storage, which has a serious influence on photographic performance, such as blocking of solid processing agents with each other over time regardless of the packaging state and not being added at the time of replenishment, or partly dissolved and air-oxidized to form tar.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-237045, a method of setting powdery processing agents in a processing machine for each part, and weighing them into a processing tank while weighing each necessary amount, and a processing machine of this powder chemical A method for preventing moisture is disclosed.

However, in this method, after the powdery chemical is set in the hopper of the charging device, the density changes due to its own weight and each part is not designed in a predesigned amount and the replenishment of the replenisher is not constant. It turned out that performance changed. Even if the evaporation water from the upper part of the processing tank is prevented to some extent, the problem of sticking of the powdery processing agent at the inlet due to moisture absorption is inevitable, and the set powdery processing agent is left in the atmosphere. Therefore, the powdery treatment agent is blocked and adhered to the packaging material, so that it cannot be accurately weighed.

As described above, the biggest drawback is that the amount of preparative change changes with the passage of time.

Further, WO91 / 7332 discloses a method in which a powder, granule or liquid processing agent is put into a pressure through package (PTP) packaging material and directly put into an automatic developing machine. However, this method merely discloses a replenishment method in which a solid processing agent and a chemical which cannot be solidified are directly charged into a processing tank in order to promote low-concentration replenishment. The solid treatment agent easily adheres to the packaging material due to moisture absorption over time when packaged in separate packaging, and the solid component is likely to remain in the packaging material during replenishment. There is no suggestion of solving the problem regarding the optimum amount of the solid processing agent to be placed.

Further, since PTP itself opens the packaging material by pressure, powder is likely to scatter and adheres to the wall of the processing tank to cause tar and the like, and the scattered powder jumps into other processing tanks. It was also found that it could cause contamination. It was also found that when opened by pressure, a piece of packaging material was thrown in together with the solid processing agent to induce clogging of the filter.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is, firstly, to provide a continuous package for a solid processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, which has an accurate replenishment amount.

Secondly, solid processing for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials has been made possible by eliminating liquid chemicals that pose dangers in transportation and handling, and by making it possible to use solid chemicals without complicated operations for users. It is to provide a continuous package for agents.

Third, a continuous packaging body for solid processing agents for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, which has completed a fully automatic solid processing agent replenishing system by eliminating the user's own manual mixing and dissolving work of the concentration kit with water. To provide.

Fourth, eliminating many built-in refill tanks,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous package for a solid processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material used in a compact automatic processor.

Fifth, to provide a continuous package for a solid processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, which eliminates the need for storing a liquid replenisher, improves processing stability and reduces the amount of chemical waste liquid. is there.

A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a continuous package for a solid processing agent for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, which achieves a low pollution system by reducing the plastic packaging material without using a plastic bottle for liquids.

[0017]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have proposed that the solid processing agent is added per unit replenishment supply amount.
Continuous packaging for solid photographic processing agents, which is pre-divided and weighed in the range of 0.5 to 50 g, individually packaged in a package that seals the periphery of two sheet-like packaging materials, and a plurality of the package is formed continuously. I thought about my body. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing various specific examples of a conventional four-way seal package. In the sealed packaging shown in FIG. 2 (A), several solid processing agents T _A ,
Contains T _B and T _C.

In FIG. 2B, solid processing agents T _A , T _B and T _C of different types and sizes are individually packaged. FIG. 2 (C) shows the granules or powder T _D sealed and packaged. Figure 2
(D) contains one solid processing agent T _A of the same kind size. In FIG. 2 (E), the same chemical T _A having the same size is contained as a plurality of small tablets.

The continuous package H having the four-sided seal, the three-sided seal or the multi-sided seal is stored and held in a storage container.

At the time of replenishing the solid processing agent, the containing box containing the continuous package H is connected to a replenishing device, and the continuous package H is sequentially drawn out from one outlet of the containing box, and the cutting line K
1 and K2 are cut and opened, and the solid processing agent T contained therein is charged and replenished into the processing solution tank through the charging port of the automatic processor.

When the continuous package H is conveyed and automatically inserted into the input port of the automatic developing machine, the unsealing position of the continuous package H and the input port of the automatic developing machine due to the conveyance failure of the continuous package H. When the position deviation occurs with the solid processing agent, the solid processing agent is not supplied to the charging port and replenishment is not performed, and the photographic processing performance is lowered, or the solid processing agent scatters to the periphery and the normal replenishment amount is not supplied, Problems such as surrounding stains and contamination may occur.

The present invention achieves the above-mentioned further improvement, and by supplying and stopping the continuous package normally, the solid processing agent of a predetermined amount can be reliably supplied into the processing tank of the automatic processor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid processing agent replenishing device for an automatic processor, which enables the remaining amount of the solid processing agent in a continuous package to be displayed.

In the continuous package for a solid processing agent of the present invention which achieves the above object, the solid processing agent for processing a photographic light-sensitive material is sealed around two sheet-shaped packaging materials for each unit replenishing amount. A continuous package for a solid processing agent, which is housed and packaged in an individually sealed packaging portion, and is formed by continuously forming a plurality of packaging portions, wherein the packaging material is provided in a part of the exterior of the sheet-shaped packaging material. It is characterized in that a position detecting mark portion of the packaging portion is provided.

Further, the solid processing agent supply device of the present invention is
The solid processing agent for processing the photographic light-sensitive material is housed and packaged in the individually sealed sachets by sealing the peripheries of two sheet-like packaging materials for each unit replenishment supply amount, and a plurality of the sachets are provided. A solid processing agent supply device for opening a continuous packaging body for a solid processing agent, which is continuously formed, according to the throughput of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and directly charging the solid processing agent into the processing tank. A solid processing agent carrying means for carrying a continuous package,
Detecting means for detecting the position detecting mark portion of the solid processing agent continuous package transported by the solid processing agent transporting means, and controlling the transport stop position of the solid processing agent continuous packaging by the detecting means. It is characterized by comprising control means.

Regarding the direct addition of the solid processing agent to the processing tank, the present inventors determined the optimum amount of the solid processing agent replenished at one time so as not to change the photographic performance of each processing solution. This optimum replenishment amount is the size of the processing tank of the automatic processor.
That is, it was thought that it depended on the volume of the treatment liquid, but by making good use of the characteristic of the solid chemical that is difficult to dissolve, the concentration did not rise sharply even if added at once, and the replenishment water was adjusted to suit the dissolution. It has the advantage that it can be injected and very stable photographic performance can be created.

The packaging material is affected by temperature and humidity with the passage of time, and not only the coefficient of friction in the package with the surface of the solid processing agent changes, but also wrinkles are generated in the packaging material and the powders, granules and tablets which are the solid processing agent are caught. It will not easily fall into the processing tank.

The amount of the processing agent charged at one time is 0.5 to 50 g, and in the case of the fixing processing agent, it is preferably 10 to 30 g. The solid processing agent in this range is directly packed into a part of the processing tank of a general small-sized developing machine only by packaging it with the packaging material after each unit replenishment, and it is stable when processed while slowly dissolving. You can always maintain the photo status.

The continuous package for a solid processing agent of the present invention is always charged in a predesigned amount without being affected by moisture evaporated from the upper part of the processing tank as well as storing the solid processing agent with time.

Further, by continuously packaging the individual packages, if the preferred solid processing agent replenishing device of the present invention is used, once set, the solid processing agent is automatically replenished with high precision and the waste packaging materials are also stored in one place. It becomes possible to do. Further, the present invention provides a continuous package and a supply device capable of minimizing the damage even when the packaging material is broken during transportation and transportation by being packaged.

The present invention will be specifically described below.

In the present invention, the term "per unit amount of replenishing and supplying solid processing agent" refers to the total weight of the solid processing agent added when a certain amount of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is processed. , If the unit replenishment / supply added to the processing tank of the solid treatment agent is too large, dissolution failure of the solid treatment agent is likely to occur. As a result, the input accuracy and the durability of the supply means become problems.

The packaging material of the present invention has a coefficient of friction in the package with the surface of the solid processing agent of 1.5 or less, preferably 1.0 or less, and further has a moisture permeability of 50 g / m ² · 24 hr (40 ° C./90% RH). ) The effect becomes more remarkable when it is below.

That is, when the moisture permeability is high, the amount of water passing through the packaging material is large, so that the solid processing agent exhibiting deliquescent partly deliquesces, causing an unfavorable reaction with other photographic components, and further, packaging. This is because it also affects the internal friction coefficient.
A packaging material having a moisture permeability of 20 g / m ² · 24 hr (40 ° C · 90% RH) or less is preferably used.

As the packaging material, a synthetic resin material is preferably used, and specific examples thereof include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, nylon, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, vinylon, polyethylene terephthalate and the like. A single film or two or more kinds of films may be laminated, or aluminum foil or the like may be used between the films.

The film thickness of the packaging material is 1 to 500 μm from the viewpoints of usability, discardability of the packaging material, friction and moisture permeability.
It is more preferably 10 to 150 μm.

As a method of packaging the solid processing agent, there are four-sided seal, three-sided seal, stick (pillow package, gusset package), PTP (blister package), cartridge, and the like.

When the peel-open method is used as the unsealing and charging means, a sealant agent can be laminated to impart the peel-open suitability.

As a method of supplying the solid processing agent to the processing tank, there is a method of opening the package and taking it out. When opening the package, a method of separating the adhesive surface (peel open), and making a cut in a part of the seal package A method of opening by pulling, a method of cutting by an external force of a cutter, a method of forcibly pushing out the solid processing agent, and the like are preferably used.

The solid processing agent in the present invention means tablets, granules and powders. Tablets and granules are preferred for the storage stability of the solid processing agent and the accuracy of one-time loading, in view of the residual rate in the packaging material.

The powder agent in the present invention means an aggregate of fine crystal grains.

The term "granules" as used in the present invention means granules obtained by adding a granulation step to powders and having a particle size of 50 to 5000 µm.
It is preferably from 500 to 1500 μm. If it is small, it tends to remain in the packaging material at the time of loading and is easily scattered, and if it is large, fine powder particles are likely to be formed during transportation.

The tablet referred to in the present invention refers to a powder or granule obtained by compression-molding a certain shape.

An example of the continuous package for a solid processing agent of the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the continuous package H,
1B is a plan view, FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view, and FIG.
Shows a partially enlarged sectional view.

The illustrated continuous wrapping body H is composed of two sheet-like wrapping materials S1 and S2, and the peripheries of the packaging portions H _B1 , H _B2 and H _B3 capable of containing the solid processing agent T are heat-sealed. The four-way seal portions H _A1 and H _A2 are formed by processing or the like, and are in a sealed state. The non-seal portion H _C1 is formed in the middle of the seal portions H _A1 and H _A2 between the adjacent packaging portions H _B1 and H _B2 . Similarly, the sealing portions H _A2 , H between the packaging portions H _B2 , H _B3
A non-sealed portion H _C2 is formed in the middle of _A3 .

The two sheet-shaped packaging materials S1 and S2 of the non-sealed portion H _C1 have flexibility as they are and can be easily bent. The four-sided seal portions H _A1 of the sheet-like packaging materials S1 and S2 are cured after being bonded by heat sealing or the like,
Less likely to bend than the non-sealed portion.

The continuous wrapping body H is composed of packaging parts H _B1 , H _B2 ,
H _B3 ... ・ And seal parts H _A1 , H _A2 , H _A3 ...
, And the non-sealed portions H _C1 , H _C2, ..., It is possible to easily fold the non-sealed portions H _C1 , H _C2 ,.

The individual packaging parts H _B1 , H _{B2 of} the continuous package H,
In the middle of H _B3 ..., Position detection mark parts (detected parts) H _M1 , H _M2 , H _M3 ...
.. are formed at equal intervals. The mark portions H _M1 and H _M2
.. is detected by the detection means 151 including an optical sensor or the like fixed to the replenishing device, the conveyance of the continuous package H is read, the conveyance is controlled by the control means, and the predetermined packaging section is automatically operated. When the solid processing agent that has been opened and enclosed is dropped right above the charging section of the developing machine, the solid processing agent drops and is carried out to the charging section.

Further, the control means sequentially reads the mark portions H _M1 , H _M2, ..., Counts and integrates them,
Counting the packing parts H _B1 , H _B2 ...
The remaining number of unfilled packaging parts is displayed on the display part to notify the next replacement time of the continuous package H.

Further, when the next position detecting mark portion H _M2 ... Is not detected by the detecting means 151 even after a lapse of a certain time, an alarm is displayed for the abnormality of the transport system of the continuous package H.

[0050]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of an automatic developing machine (hereinafter referred to simply as an automatic processor) to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 3
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printer processor in which an automatic developing machine 100 and a photo printing machine 200 are integrally configured.

In FIG. 3, in the lower left part of the photographic printing machine 200, printing paper P which is an unexposed silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is used.
The magazine 201 that stores the rolls is set. The photographic printing paper P pulled out from the magazine 201 is fed by the feed roller 2
The sheet is cut into a predetermined size through 02 and the cutter unit 203 to form a sheet of photographic printing paper. The sheet-shaped printing paper is conveyed by the belt conveying means 204, and the light source 206 and the lens 207 expose the image of the original image O in the exposing section 205. The exposed sheet-shaped printing paper is further conveyed by a plurality of pairs of feed rollers 208 and 209 and introduced into the automatic developing machine 100. In the automatic developing machine 100, the sheet-shaped printing paper is a color developing tank 110A, a bleach-fixing tank 110B, a stabilizing tank 110C, 1 which are processing tanks.
10D and 110E (substantially three tanks) are sequentially conveyed by roller conveying means (reference symbol None), and color development processing, bleach-fixing processing and stabilization processing are performed respectively. Above the color developing tank 110A, the solid developing agent replenishing device 1
20A, a solid bleach-fix processing agent replenishing device 120B is provided above the bleach-fixing tank 110B, and a solid stabilizing processing agent replenishing device 120E is provided above the stabilizing tank 110E. The sheet-shaped printing paper that has been subjected to each of the above processes is dried in the drying unit 130 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. Further, in the embodiment, the light-sensitive material is introduced into the automatic developing machine 100 in a cut state, but it may be introduced into the automatic developing machine 100 in a strip shape. In that case, automatic machine 100 and photo printing machine 200
If an accumulator for temporarily retaining the light-sensitive material is provided between and, 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 200 or may be a single automatic developing machine. Further, it goes without saying that the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processed by the automatic developing machine 100 according to the present invention is not limited to exposed photographic paper, and may be exposed negative film or the like. Further, as an explanation of the present invention, a color developing tank 110
A, a bleach-fixing tank 110B, and stabilizing tanks 110C, 110D, 110E are used for a developing machine having substantially three tanks, but not limited to this, a color developing tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank,
The present invention can be applied even to an automatic developing machine having a substantially 4-tank structure having a stabilizing tank.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the color developing tank 110A which is a processing tank in the I-I section of the automatic developing machine 100 of FIG.
The bleach-fixing tank 110B and the stabilizing tanks 110C, 110D, and 110E have the same structure as the color developing tank 110A. Therefore, when the processing tank 110 is described below, the color developing tank 110 is used.
A, bleach-fixing tank 110B, stabilizing tanks 110C, 110D, and 110E are all 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 J is used as the solid processing agent will be described.

The processing bath 110 is a processing liquid bath 111 for processing a photosensitive material, a constant temperature bath 112 integrally provided outside the partition wall forming the processing liquid bath 111, and above the constant temperature bath 112. Solid processing agent input unit 113 for supplying the solid processing agent (tablet) T
Have and.

The treatment liquid tank 111 and the constant temperature bath 112 are partitioned by a partition wall 114 having a communication window formed therein so that the treatment liquid can flow. Since the enclosure 115 for receiving the treatment agent is provided in the constant temperature bath 112, the treatment liquid bath 1 remains solid.
Never move to 11. It should be noted that the enclosure 115 is in the form of a mesh or a filter through which the treatment liquid can pass but the solid treatment agent cannot pass until it is completely dissolved.

The cylindrical filter 116 is provided below the constant temperature bath 112 so as to be replaceable, and has a function of removing insoluble matters such as paper waste in the treatment liquid. The inside of the filter 116 communicates with the suction side of the circulation pump 118 (circulation means) through a circulation pipe 117 that penetrates the lower wall of the constant temperature bath 112.

The circulation system is composed of a circulation pipe 117 forming a liquid circulation passage, a circulation pump 118, a processing liquid tank 111, a constant temperature tank 112 and the like. The other end of the circulation pipe 117 communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 118 penetrates the lower wall of the treatment liquid tank 111 and communicates with the treatment liquid tank 111. With such a configuration, when the circulation pump 118 is operated, the processing liquid is sucked from the constant temperature tank 112 and discharged to the processing liquid tank 111, the processing liquid mixes with the processing liquid in the processing liquid tank 111, and the constant temperature tank 112 is again provided. The cycle of entering is repeated. The flow rate of the circulation flow 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. 5, and may be the opposite direction.

The waste liquid pipe 119 is used to overflow the processing liquid in the processing liquid tank 111, keeps the liquid surface level constant, and is a component which is attached to the photosensitive material from another processing liquid tank 111 and brought in. Also, it helps prevent the components leaching from the light-sensitive material from accumulating and increasing.

The rod-shaped heater 1121 is arranged so as to penetrate the upper wall of the constant temperature bath 112 and be immersed in the processing liquid in the constant temperature bath 112. The heater 1121 heats the processing liquid in the constant temperature bath 112 and the processing liquid bath 111. In other words, the processing liquid in the processing liquid bath 111 is brought into a temperature range suitable for the processing (for example, 20 to 55 ° C.). It is a temperature adjusting means for holding.

The processing amount information detecting means 140 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 140 includes 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 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 140 is an infrared sensor, a micro switch,
Any material such as an ultrasonic sensor that can detect the width and the transportation time of the photosensitive material may be used. Further, the detected information may be a value that is proportional to the processing amount of the processed, processed, or being processed photosensitive material, such as the concentration of the processing liquid stored in the processing tank or the change in the concentration. It may be.

In FIG. 4, the solid processing agent feeding section 113 is used.
Above the above, a solid processing agent supply device 120 is provided. 121
122 is a container for housing the continuous package H for solid processing agents;
Is a first carrying means for carrying the continuous package H, and 123 is a second carrying means. 150 is the processing amount information detecting means 140
Is a control means for controlling the supply of the processing amount of the processing agent in response to the signal from.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining in detail the concrete structure of the solid processing agent supply device (seal wrapping material opening / closing device) 120, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view in which the viewing angle is further changed.
It is also a block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which the continuous package H is folded and stored in the storage container 121. The continuous package H is thus neatly folded and compactly stored and stored. When the solid processing agent T is supplied to the replenishing device of the automatic processor described later, one end of the continuous package H is clamped. If it is pulled out from the opening 32A in the direction of the arrow, the continuous package H is easily bent at the non-sealed portions H _C1 , H _C2, ...

In FIG. 5, the accommodating container 121 for accommodating the continuous package H for the solid processing agent contains the continuous package H for the solid processing agent in a state where the strip portion is meandering. The leading end of the continuous wrapping body H is sent out by the roller 122a, the first conveying means 122 including the roller 122b and the driving means, or is opened and guided by opening the lid 124, and the roller 123a and the roller 123b.
And a second transport means 123 including a driving means,
By closing the lid 124, the first transport means 122 and the second transport means 123 are engaged. Before being engaged with the second conveying means 123, the cutting means (cutter) 125 separates the upper and lower seal portions and guides them in the direction of arrow A to eliminate them.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the packaging portion H _B having the upper and lower openings separated by separating the upper and lower sealing portions has a mutual relationship between the first conveying means 122 and the second conveying means 123. Is controlled to bring the remaining girder-shaped seal portions closer to each other, the swelling of the packaging portion H _B is emphasized and the solid processing agent T is released from being sandwiched as shown in the figure. Falls. In FIG. 5, the guide 126 guides the progress of the belt-shaped continuous package H for solid processing agents and regulates the position where the processing agent falls due to the bulge, whereby the input port 127 is not huge. Good.

In this embodiment, the cutting means (cutter) 125
Applies a disc-shaped rotary cutter, but is not limited to this. For safety, it is preferable to replace the cutter blade as a set with the cutter tip 125A.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rollers 122b,
The roller 123b is a notched roller by removing a part of each cylinder, and since the axial distance of each roller pair is fixed, rotation of the roller pair causes the notched portion to be the roller 122a or the roller 123a. When the two rollers face each other, the nipping force between both rollers disappears and the nip pressure decreases,
The sandwiched strip-shaped continuous package H for solid processing agents can be freely moved in the plane direction, and can return to the center when, for example, meandering is started.

The detecting means 151 in FIG. 6 is fixed to the replenishing device and detects the detected portion H _M of each package recorded at the side end of the conveyed solid processing agent continuous package H. A signal is sent to the processing amount supply control means 150 to control the motor M to drive and stop the first carrying means 122 and the second carrying means 123.

Further, the detection means 151 can detect the detected part H _M by counting the number of the packaging parts H _B of the continuous package H and displaying the remaining number of the packaging parts H _B. Therefore, the remaining number can be confirmed and the next continuous package H can be prepared in advance, and the work can be systematically performed even when busy.

Further, when the next detected portion H _M is not detected by the detecting means 151 even after a lapse of a certain period of time, trouble is promptly dealt with by displaying a conveyance abnormality of the continuous package H, and solid processing is performed. The problem of impairing the photographic processing performance due to non-supply of the agent can be solved in advance.

Next, a situation in which the feeding speed of the second feeding means 123 is smaller than that of the first feeding means 122 and the swelling is given to the belt-shaped continuous processing agent packaging body H by the difference of the feeding speeds will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8A, the same gears G1 and G2 of the first conveying means 122 and the second conveying means 123 are fixed to the shafts of the rollers A and B, respectively, and are driven simultaneously by the common gear G0. Although the number of rotations of the shaft is the same, the second conveying means 123B has a smaller diameter than the roller A of the first conveying means 122 and therefore has a lower peripheral speed and a slower feeding speed.

The timing chart of FIG. 8B shows that the first and second conveying means are simultaneously driven.

Next, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the second conveying means 123 is driven simultaneously with the first conveying means 122 and then temporarily reversed. In this embodiment, the first transport means
Although the feeding speeds of the second conveying means 123 are the same as those of the second conveying means 123, the belt-shaped continuous package H for solid processing agents is returned by the rotation of the second conveying means 123 which is reversed after the stop, the slack, the solid processing agent. The portion that sandwiched T swells, and the solid processing agent T is released.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, the first transport means 122 and the second transport means 122
An embodiment in which the operation phase of the transport means 123 is different is shown. Since the first driving means 122 is first driven by the movable driving means 128 and then the second conveying means 123 is driven,
The leading non-sealing portion H _C1 of the packing portion H _B of the strip-shaped continuous processing agent packaging body H _B having the seal portions on both sides separated by the first conveying means is transferred to the second conveying means 123. Although it arrives, the second conveying means 123 is not driven yet and is stopped, so that slack occurs in the continuous package H for solid processing agent, and the solid processing agent T is released by inflating the packaging part.

FIG. 11 shows a control flowchart of the supply operation regarding the dropping of the solid processing agent. That is, the remaining amount of the processing agent is checked by the processing information signal, and if there is no remaining amount, a signal indicating no remaining amount is output. If there is a remaining amount, the supply operation is started and the motor is driven. Then, the completion of the supply operation for one time is checked, and if the supply operation is completed, the supply operation is stopped, but if not completed, the motor M is driven again and the supply operation is repeated.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the continuous package for a solid processing agent according to the present invention.
12C shows a four-sided seal package, FIG. 12B shows a multi-sided seal package, and FIG. 12D shows a three-way seal package.

[0077] Figure 12 continuous packaging body shown in (A) is trapezoidal seal part _{H A1, H A2, H A3} ···· by packing unit H _B1,
H _B2 , H _B3 ... Are formed, and wedge-shaped non-sealing parts H _C1 , H _C2 ... Are provided between adjacent seal parts, and these non-sealing parts H _C1 , H _C2 ... The position detecting mark portions (detected portions) H _M1 , H _M2 ...

The continuous package H shown in FIG. 12 (B) has hexagonal seal portions H _A1 , H _A2 ..., And a non-sealed portion H _C1. ... is provided,
A mark portion H _M is provided in the middle of the adjacent packaging portions H _B1 , H _B2, ....

The continuous package H shown in FIG. 12 (C) has rhombus-shaped seal portions H _A1 , H _A2 , H _A3, ... Forming a narrow width slanted shape between adjacent seal portions. Mark portions H _M are provided on the non-sealing portions H _C1 , H _C2, ...

12A to 12C are seals.
Part H_A1, H_A2... indicates the direction in which the continuous package H is conveyed.
Two sheet-shaped packages because they have a non-orthogonal inclination angle
Sealing part H of equipment_A1, H_A2... Peeling off and packing
Part H_B1, H_B2... When opening ..., gradually open from one end
Easy and smooth with little peeling force because it is peeled off
It has the advantage that it can be opened. Seals of various shapes like this
Part H_A1, H_A2, H_A3... in a continuous package H having
Even if there is a non-sealing part H between adjacent sealing parts _C1, H_C2
············
It can be folded and stored compactly in the storage container 121.
You can

FIG. 12D shows a case where one sheet of packaging material is folded in two and three-way sealed to form the packaging parts H _B1 and H _B2 . Also in this continuous package H, the mark portions H _M are provided in the non-sealed portions H _C1 , H _C2, ... Between the adjacent sealed portions.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the position detecting mark portion H _M in the continuous package H.

FIG. 13A shows a mark portion H _M provided in the widthwise center of the seal portion H _A between the respective packaging portions H _B.

In FIG. 13B, the mark portion H _M is replaced with the seal portion H _A.
Is formed in a long shape over the entire width of.

In FIG. 13C, the mark portion H _M is formed on the outer surface at the center of the packaging portion H _B.

In FIG. 13D, the continuous mark H has the start mark H _MS and the end mark H _ME formed at the end thereof. After the start mark H _MS is detected by the detecting means 151, the respective packaging parts H _B are conveyed to the loading part by, for example, timer control or intermittent driving, and are exchanged and displayed by detecting the passage of the end mark H _ME .

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the mark portion of the continuous package H. In this embodiment, instead of the opaque mark portion H _M , a semicircular cutout is formed at each position corresponding to each packaging portion H _B of the continuous package H, for example, in the lower portion between the packaging portions. The notch portion (detected portion) H _N is provided, and the notch portion H _N is detected by the detecting means 151.

FIG. 15 (A) is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply device for an automatic processor according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 (B) is a sectional view of the main part, and FIG. 15 (C) is a plan view of the continuous package H.

The solid processing agent supply device 120 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above conveys the continuous package H with the plane portion thereof substantially vertical, but in the supply device shown in FIG. The continuous package H is carried while being held substantially horizontally, and the solid processing agent T is provided by the package releasing means of the "U-shaped" half punch punch system.
Release and drop.

When the photosensitive material P is processed, it is detected by the processing amount information detecting means 140, and when a certain amount is reached, a signal is sent by the processing amount supply controlling means 150 to rotate the conveying roller pair 303, The continuous package H containing the solid processing agent T is moved to a predetermined position and stopped. The method for moving the continuous package H is the notch portion H _N provided in advance in the package H.
The above-described method such as the method of detecting the solid pattern or the print pattern or the mark portion H _M may be used, but the essential point is to detect the required number of solid processing agents T with high accuracy. Next, punch male mold 30 as shown in Fig. 15 (B).
1 is driven downward, and the continuous female package 302 is formed by the punch female die 302.
Cut three sides of the packing portion H _B, if further transporting the continuous package H to the left in the figure by the conveying roller pair 303, is rubbed by a continuous packaging H ladder-out roller pair 304B and the gate plate 305 moves the Then, the solid processing agent T contained therein is charged into the processing tank 307 of the automatic processor through the charging port 306 shown in FIG. Figure 15 shows the cut end cut with the punch male die 301.
As shown in (C), it has a U-shape like the shape of the punch male die 301.

In the case of such a system, the solid processing agent T may be powder, granules or tablets, but preferably the punch female mold 30.
2. Tablets with good adhesion of chemicals are good. Solid processing agent T
Does not adhere to the package H so much that stains are less likely to occur,
It is safe for users to handle. Used packaging H
Can be disposed of in a waste box 308 and disposed of together. For this waste box 308, it is preferable to reuse the used packaging container 121.

The storage and transport of the continuous package H containing the solid processing agent T has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the package H _B may be used after it has been opened. Even when the continuous package H is collected and stored in the collection container or the storage container 121, the non-seal portion H
_{It is} possible to fold a continuous wrapping body that can be easily bent with _C1 , H _C2, ... And to compactly store it in the container.

[0093]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION Since the continuous package for a solid processing agent according to the present invention is constructed as described above, the detected section is provided corresponding to the packaging section containing the solid processing agent, and the detected section is By the automatic detection by the detection means, the packaging part of the continuous package is accurately stopped at the position corresponding to the loading part of the automatic developing machine. Will never occur. Further, since the opening of the charging part can be minimized, the evaporation of the processing liquid is small.

Further, by automatically detecting the detected portion, it becomes possible to detect the conveyance failure of the continuous package and the remaining amount, thereby improving the reliability and the maintainability of the solid processing agent supply device of the automatic processor. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, a plan view, a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a four-way seal continuous package according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing various specific examples of a conventional four-sided seal packaging body.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a printer processor in which an automatic developing machine to which the continuous package of the present invention is applied and a photo printing machine are integrally configured.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a processing tank of the automatic processor and a solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the solid processing agent supply device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a continuous package is folded and stored in a storage container.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of an embodiment in which the feeding speed by the conveying means of the supply device is different.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which reverse rotation is performed by the transporting means of the supply device.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which the phase is changed by the conveying means of the supply device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of control of the supply device.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing various other examples of the continuous package for a solid processing agent according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing still another various examples of the continuous package according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a continuous package provided with a notch portion according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the solid processing agent supply device according to the present invention, a cross-sectional view of a main part thereof and a plan view of a continuous package.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Automatic developing machine (automatic developing machine) 110 Processing tank 111 Processing liquid tank 112 Constant temperature tank 113 Solid processing agent input section 120 Solid processing agent supply device 121 Storage container 122 First transfer means 123 Second transfer means 125 Cutting means ( Cutter) 126 Guide 140 Throughput information detection means 150 Throughput supply control means 151 Detection means 160 Remaining amount signal display means 200 Photographic printing machine H Continuous packaging H _A , H _A1 , H _A2 , H _A3 Seal part H _B , H _B1 , H _B2 , H _B3 Packing part H _C , H _C1 , H _C2 Non-sealing part S1, S2 Sheet-like packaging material H _M Detected part (mark for position detection) H _N Detected part (notch part) P Photographic paper (photosensitive material) T, T _A , T _B , T _C Solid processing agent T _D Granules, granules

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A solid processing agent for processing a photographic light-sensitive material is housed and packaged in a separately sealed packaging unit by sealing the peripheries of two sheet-shaped packaging materials for each unit replenishment amount. A continuous package for a solid processing agent, which is formed by continuously forming a plurality of packaging parts, wherein a part of the exterior of the sheet-like packaging material is provided with a position detection mark part of the packaging part. A continuous package for a solid processing agent. 2. A solid processing agent for processing a photographic light-sensitive material is housed and packaged in a separately-sealed packaging unit which seals the periphery of two sheet-shaped packaging materials for each unit replenishment / supply amount,
A solid processing agent supply device for opening a continuous package for a solid processing agent, which is formed by continuously forming a plurality of said packaging parts, according to the processing amount of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, and directly charging it into a processing tank, A solid processing agent carrying means for carrying the solid processing agent continuous package, a detection means for detecting a position detecting mark portion of the solid processing agent continuous package carried by the solid processing agent carrying means, and A solid processing agent supply device, comprising: a control means for controlling a transport stop position of the continuous solid processing agent package by a detection means. 3. The solid processing agent supply device according to claim 2, wherein the detection means is an optical sensor. 4. The solid processing agent supply device according to claim 2, wherein the position detecting mark portion is provided at a position corresponding to each packaging portion of the continuous package. 5. The control means makes it possible to detect and display the remaining amount by reading and counting the mark portion corresponding to each packaging of the conveyed continuous packaging body. Solid processing agent supply device.