JPH1172892A - Method for washing container and processing agent container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure that a container in which processing agent used in a photosensitive material processer is enclosed is made a resource again. SOLUTION: When an outer cover is closed and a switch 85 is turned on, a motor 222 is rotated, an unplugging member 100 is lifted up and the inner cover of the processing agent container 34 is ruptured. Thus, the processing agent in the container is thrown in a replenishing tank 18. Thereafter, a pump 208 is actuated, a three-way solenoid valve 212 is switched, and an solenoid valve 216 is opened so that washing water is sprayed in the container from the spray hole of the member 100 and the inside of the container is washed. Since the processing agent is washed off from the container 34 after use, the container 34 is recycled and made the resource again.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in a photosensitive material processing apparatus such as an automatic developing machine and the like, and a method for cleaning a container in a processing agent charging apparatus for discharging a processing agent from a container loaded in the apparatus, and the processing agent charging apparatus. The present invention relates to a container for enclosing a treatment agent used in the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Automatic developing machines used in laboratories (for example,
Film processors, printer processors, etc.) process films and color paper.

[0003] Film and color paper are developed by color development,
It is processed by being transported through a plurality of processing tanks containing processing solutions such as bleach-fixing, washing and stabilization, and water.

[0004] The component composition and amount of the processing liquid in each tank changes depending on the processing of the film or color paper. Therefore, a system is provided in which each processing tank is replenished with a new solution from a replenishing tank in accordance with a processing amount.

Conventionally, a processing agent for replenishment has been sealed in a container, and a user has opened the lid of the container and put it into the processing apparatus.

[0006] In recent years, there has been proposed a treatment agent feeding device which automatically opens a lid of the container in the processing device and charges a processing agent simply by loading the container into the processing device.

[0007]

The container is formed of a synthetic resin so as not to be affected by the processing agent (drug). In recent years, recycling and recycling (so-called recycling) have been required.
Not suitable for reuse and recycling.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and provides a container cleaning method capable of improving the recycling of a container by washing the container after the treatment agent is charged, and a container contributing to recycling. Is the purpose.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a lid attached to an opening of a container in which a processing agent for processing a photosensitive material is enclosed is opened, and the processing agent is charged into a storage tank. A method of cleaning a container in a photosensitive material processing apparatus, characterized in that a cleaning liquid is sprayed from a nozzle after opening a lid of the container with an opening means and simultaneously with or simultaneously with the injection, thereby cleaning the inside of the container. And

In the container cleaning method according to the first aspect, the inside of the container is washed by opening the lid of the container with the opening means and introducing the treatment agent, or by simultaneously spraying the cleaning liquid from a nozzle. Thereby, the processing agent remaining in the container is washed away with the cleaning liquid.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to the first aspect, the inside of the container is cleaned by spraying a cleaning liquid from a nozzle disposed outside the container.

In the container cleaning method according to the second aspect, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from a nozzle disposed outside the container to clean the inside of the container. Since there is no need to move the nozzle, the structure is simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to the first or second aspect, the nozzle and the opening means are separated from each other.

In the container cleaning method according to the third aspect, the lid of the container is opened by the opening means, and the container is cleaned by the nozzle. Since the opening means and the nozzle are independent, each can have an optimal function.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to third aspects, the cleaning liquid is jetted while moving the nozzle.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning liquid is sprayed while moving the nozzle. This allows
The area where the cleaning liquid is sprayed is widened, and uneven cleaning and the like can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a direct injection nozzle or a cone injection nozzle is used. I have.

In the container cleaning method according to the fifth aspect, when a direct injection nozzle is used, the cleaning liquid is jetted substantially linearly from the nozzle, so that the cleaning liquid can be jetted far from the nozzle. The cleaning liquid can be applied to one location and the cleaning liquid can be applied in a concentrated manner, so that the cleaning power is strong. When a cone-shaped nozzle is used, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the nozzle in a spread manner, so that a wide area can be cleaned at a time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, there is provided a rotating portion having an injection hole for injecting a cleaning liquid, wherein the rotating portion is provided. A nozzle for injecting the cleaning liquid while rotating is used.

In the container cleaning method according to the sixth aspect, since the cleaning liquid is sprayed while rotating the rotating portion, a wide area can be cleaned at a time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the cleaning liquid in the container is discharged by free fall and suction by suction means. Or forcibly blowing in and blowing off a gas.

In the container cleaning method according to the seventh aspect, the cleaning liquid after cleaning the inside of the container is discharged by free fall and discharged, suctioned and discharged by suction means, or gas is forcibly discharged. It is blown, blown off and discharged.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the cleaning liquid is sprayed a plurality of times.

In the container cleaning method according to the eighth aspect, since the cleaning liquid is sprayed a plurality of times, the cleaning property is good. For example, when the cleaning liquid is continuously sprayed upward with the opening of the container facing downward, the cleaning liquid that is sprayed upward and the cleaning liquid that falls on the container may interfere with each other, thereby deteriorating the cleaning performance. On the other hand, when the cleaning liquid is sprayed a plurality of times, after the predetermined amount is sprayed, the spraying is stopped until the cleaning liquid has almost completely dropped. Thereby, the interference between the cleaning liquid ejected upward and the cleaning liquid falling on the container can be suppressed, and the cleaning efficiency is increased.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method of the eighth aspect, the cleaning liquid is jetted intermittently several times.

In the container cleaning method according to the ninth aspect, since the cleaning liquid is intermittently sprayed several times, there is a time until the next injection, and the cleaning liquid in the container is almost discharged during this time, and the jetting is performed. The interference between the cleaning liquid to be dropped and the falling cleaning liquid can be reliably suppressed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
The injection amount changes during the cleaning liquid injection.

In the container cleaning method according to the tenth aspect, for example, after the cleaning liquid is strongly jetted, the jetting is weakened until the cleaning liquid has almost completely dropped. By repeating this operation, interference between the cleaning liquid sprayed upward and the cleaning liquid falling on the container can be suppressed, and the cleaning efficiency increases.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the container is vertically inverted so that the opening is directed downward and the cleaning liquid is supplied. It is characterized by injecting upward.

In the container cleaning method according to the eleventh aspect, the cleaning liquid is jetted upward to the container which is vertically inverted and whose opening is directed downward, to clean the inside of the container. The cleaning liquid injected into the container is freely dropped from the opening and discharged.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the container is erected vertically and the opening is directed upward. The nozzle is directed downward.

In the container cleaning method according to the twelfth aspect, the cleaning liquid is sprayed downward on the container which is vertically inverted and whose opening is directed upward, thereby cleaning the inside of the container. By directing the opening upward, the cleaning liquid can be stored, whereby the cleaning liquid can be spread throughout the container. The cleaning liquid accumulated in the container may be discharged by, for example, inverting the container.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the opening is directed downward by inclining the container. I have.

In the container cleaning method according to the thirteenth aspect, cleaning is performed on the container with the opening directed downward while being inclined. The cleaning liquid injected into the container is freely dropped from the opening and discharged.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the container is inclined and the opening is directed upward. I have.

In the container cleaning method according to the fourteenth aspect, cleaning is performed on the container with the opening directed upward while being inclined. By directing the opening upward, the cleaning liquid can be accumulated to some extent, and thereby the cleaning liquid can be spread throughout the inside of the container. The cleaning liquid accumulated in the container may be discharged by, for example, inverting the container.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the cleaning is performed while rotating the container.

In the container cleaning method according to the present invention, since the cleaning is performed while rotating the container, the cleaning liquid can be applied to a wide area even if a nozzle capable of spraying the cleaning liquid only in a narrow area is used. Unevenness can be prevented.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the presence or absence of the container is detected, and if there is no container, the cleaning liquid is injected. It is characterized by prohibition.

In the container cleaning method according to the sixteenth aspect, the presence or absence of the container is detected, and when there is no container, injection of the cleaning liquid is prohibited. For this reason, the cleaning liquid is not jetted to any place other than the container, and waste of the cleaning liquid can be prevented. The presence or absence of the container is specifically a switch that turns on and off depending on the presence or absence of the container,
It can be detected by a sensor, etc., and if there is no container,
The cleaning liquid pump or the like is not operated, or the flow of the cleaning liquid is prevented by an electromagnetic valve or the like provided in front of the nozzle.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the container cleaning method comprises the step of using a detachment prohibition warning means for issuing a warning prohibiting the detachment of the container. During the washing and after a lapse of a certain time after the washing, the detachment prohibition warning means issues a warning prohibiting the detachment of the container.

In the container cleaning method according to the seventeenth aspect, a warning for prohibiting the detachment of the container is issued by the detachment prohibition warning means from during the cleaning of the container to after a lapse of a predetermined time after the cleaning. Thus, it is possible to prevent the container from being taken out by mistake while the cleaning liquid is being sprayed, and to prevent the cleaning liquid from being sprayed to a portion other than the container. In addition, by issuing a warning until a certain time after washing, the washing liquid attached to the washed container can be dropped (the container can be dried naturally depending on the time). It is possible to prevent dripping of the cleaning liquid.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, a locking means capable of preventing detachment of the container is used to prevent the container from being washed. It is characterized in that the container is prevented from being detached by the lock means until a certain time has elapsed after the washing.

In the container cleaning method according to the eighteenth aspect, the locking means prevents the container from being detached from during the cleaning of the container until a certain time after the cleaning.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the container from being taken out by mistake while the cleaning liquid is being sprayed, and to prevent the cleaning liquid from being sprayed to a portion other than the container. Further, since the container is prevented from being taken out until a certain time after the washing, the washing liquid attached to the washed container can all be dropped (depending on time, the container can be dried naturally). At times, it is possible to prevent the washing liquid from dropping from the container.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid is detected by a dilution level detection sensor, and the dilution level is determined. It is characterized in that the washing is continued until reaches the reference value.

In the container cleaning method according to the nineteenth aspect, the dilution level (the concentration of the chemical component of the processing agent) of the discharged cleaning liquid is detected by the dilution level detection sensor, and the cleaning is continued until the dilution level reaches the reference value. Can be That is, the presence or absence of the processing agent remaining in the container can be determined by the dilution level detection sensor, and the determination of the degree of cleaning can be performed more reliably than visually,
Reliable container cleaning can be performed.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid is detected by a dilution level detection sensor, and the discharged level is detected. When the dilution level of the cleaning liquid does not reach the reference value in the scheduled cleaning action, a cleaning abnormality warning unit warns of a cleaning abnormality.

In the container cleaning method according to the present invention, the dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid is detected by the dilution level detection sensor, and a scheduled cleaning action (for example, a predetermined number of times of spraying, a cleaning liquid spraying amount, etc.). If the value does not reach the reference value, there is some abnormality in the apparatus, and a cleaning abnormality warning unit warns of a cleaning abnormality.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the dilution level detection sensor detects at least one of light transmittance, electrical conductivity, and pH of the cleaning solution. The liquid level of the storage tank is detected by a switch or a sensor that detects and detects the liquid level.

In the container cleaning method according to the present invention, the dilution level detection sensor detects at least one of light transmittance, electrical conductivity of the cleaning liquid, and liquid level of the pH or the storage tank, and detects the detected value. Watch the change. Use a transmission type optical sensor when the transmittance of light changes depending on the degree of cleaning, and use an electric resistance meter when the electric conductivity (electric resistance) changes depending on the degree of cleaning. The pH sensor is used when the pH changes. This makes it possible to detect the dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid. Further, since the cleaning liquid flows into the storage tank, the amount of the cleaning liquid in the storage tank is determined using a switch or a sensor for detecting the liquid level, such as a float switch (magnetic), a thermistor level switch, an ultrasonic sensor, or an air pressure sensor. By detecting (water level), the dilution ratio of the treatment agent can be calculated.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, the operation of opening the lid of the container with the opening means after cleaning is repeated a plurality of times. The method is characterized in that the container is vibrated to drain the cleaning liquid.

In the container cleaning method according to the present invention, after the cleaning, the operation of opening the lid of the container by the opening means is repeated a plurality of times to vibrate the container, thereby draining the liquid.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the method for cleaning a container according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, after the cleaning, the opening means is hooked on a lid and moved to move the container. It is characterized by vibrating, and thereby draining the cleaning liquid.

In the container cleaning method according to the twenty-third aspect, after cleaning, the container is vibrated by moving the opening means by hooking the lid, thereby draining the liquid.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the container cleaning method according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, after the cleaning, the container is vibrated by tapping the container to thereby vibrate the cleaning liquid. It is characterized by draining.

In the container cleaning method according to the twenty-fourth aspect, after cleaning, the container is beaten and vibrated, thereby draining the liquid.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a treatment agent container for enclosing a treatment agent, wherein an opening for discharging the treatment agent, a lid for closing the opening, and a position separated from the opening. And an insertion portion for inserting a nozzle for jetting the cleaning liquid.

In the processing agent container according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the processing agent can flow out by opening the lid. Also,
The nozzle can be inserted into the container from the insertion portion, and the cleaning liquid can be ejected from the inserted nozzle to wash the inside of the container. In this processing agent container, since the opening for discharging the processing agent and the nozzle for jetting the cleaning liquid are independent,
The jetted cleaning liquid can be drained from the opening, thereby performing efficient cleaning. In particular, it is suitable for use in an apparatus in which a nozzle for jetting a cleaning liquid and an opening means for opening a lid are independently provided.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the processing agent container according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the insertion portion is provided on a surface facing the opening.

In the treatment agent container according to the twenty-sixth aspect, since the insertion portion is provided on the surface facing the opening, the lid is opened from one side and the nozzle is inserted from the other side. The cleaning liquid can be efficiently discharged from the opening opposite to the nozzle.

[0062]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer processor 10 as a photosensitive material processing apparatus. The printer processor 10 includes a printer unit 12 and a processor unit 14.

The printer section 12 prints an image of the negative film N set on the negative carrier 16 on a photographic paper P (not shown).
And is conveyed to the processor unit 14.

The processor section 14 is provided with a developing tank, a bleach-fixing tank, a washing tank and a drying section (not shown in FIG. 1), and develops the photographic paper P conveyed from the printer section 12. It has become.

These developing tank, bleach-fix tank and washing tank are
As shown in FIG. 2, a developing replenisher, a bleach-fix replenisher, and a stable replenisher are sent from replenishers 18 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) as a plurality of storage tanks installed in the processor unit 14. And replenished into each tank.

Next, the structure for replenishing the solution will be described with reference to FIG. 2 by taking the developing tank 20 of each processing tank as an example.

The developer in the developing tank 20 is circulated by a pipe 21 and a circulation pump 22. The circulation pump 22
Is controlled by the control device 30.

The pipe 21 is connected to the replenishing tank 18 through a pipe 23.
Is connected to the bottom. In the middle of the pipe 23, a replenishment pump 24 and a three-way valve 2 controlled by the control device 30 are provided.
5 are provided.

One of the pipes 26 is connected to the three-way valve 25, and the other of the pipes 26 is connected to the side wall of the replenishing tank 18. The three-way valve 25 can switch between a state in which the replenisher in the replenisher tank 18 is circulated in the tank and a state in which the replenisher is sent to the developing tank 20.

The replenishing tank 18 is provided with an upper limit detection switch 27 and a lower limit detection switch 28 connected to the control device 30.
It can be determined whether the upper limit or the lower limit of 8 has been reached.

In this embodiment, when the replenisher in the replenisher tank 18 becomes insufficient, the processing agent container 34 shown in FIG. 3 is set in the replenisher 36 (see FIG. 1) provided on the upper front side of the casing 10A. System to pour the replenisher. (Treatment Agent Container) The structure of the treatment agent container 34 will be described with reference to FIG.

An outer lid 37 is screwed into the opening of the processing agent container 34. Between the mouth of the processing agent container 34 and the outer lid 37, a thin inner lid 38 that seals the processing agent container 34 so that the processing agent sealed therein does not leak is sandwiched.

A hole 39 is formed at the center of the outer lid 37 so that the inner lid 38 is exposed. When the central portion of the inner lid 38 is pressed inward with a projection-like object through the hole 39, the inner lid 38 is opened. Lid 3
8 is to be broken. The inner lid 38 is formed of an aluminum foil, a synthetic resin film or the like, and the processing agent container 34 and the outer lid 37 are formed of a recyclable material, for example, a thermoplastic synthetic resin.

The processing agent container 34 of this embodiment has a vertically long shape with a rectangular cross section. The treatment agent of the present embodiment is a concentrated treatment agent, which is used after dilution. (Replenishing Unit) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the replenishing unit 36 is provided on the upper front side of the casing 10A, and the above-described replenishing tank 18 is disposed immediately below.

As shown in FIG. 4, the replenishing section 36 has an outer cover 42 and an inner cover 44 which can be opened and closed.

An arm 46 is integrally attached to the outer cover 42.
The shaft 48 is inserted into a bearing hole (not shown) of the casing 10A and is rotatable.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
A holder 56 for holding the processing agent container 34 in an inverted state is attached to the inside.

The casing 10A is provided with a recess 58 for accommodating the treatment agent container 34. A holding plate 60 is attached to a side wall of the concave portion 58, and a cutout 62 into which the outer lid 37 of the processing agent container 34 is inserted is formed in the holding plate 60. A hole 61 for guiding the processing agent flowing out of the processing agent container 34 to the replenishing tank 18 is formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion 58, and a pipe 63 for guiding the processing agent to the replenishing tank 18 is connected to a lower end of the hole 61. Have been.

As shown in FIG. 5, the casing 10A has a lever 66 swingable about a pin 64.
Is provided.

The lever 66 is moved by a tension spring 68 as shown in FIG.
, And the upper surface at one end is in contact with the tip of the movable iron core 70A of the solenoid 70.

On the lower surface of the lever 66, a concave portion 7 is provided at the other end.
2, an inclined portion 74, a concave portion 76, and an inclined portion 78 are formed.

The lever 66 is normally in a horizontal state as shown in FIG. 5, and when the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are closed, the pin 80 of the outer cover 42 slides on the inclined portion 74, When the pin 82 of the inner cover 44 slides on the inclined portion 78 and the lever 66 rotates counterclockwise, the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are completely closed as shown in FIG. And the pin 82 of the inner cover 44 is engaged with the recess 76.

The solenoid 70 is connected to the control device 30 (see FIG. 2), and the control device 30 is connected to a lock release button 83 for operating the solenoid 70.

When the solenoid 70 is energized, the movable iron core 70A protrudes to rotate the lever 66 counterclockwise. As a result, the pins 80 and 82 are disengaged from the concave portions 72 and 76, and the locks of the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are released.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the casing 1
A switch 85 connected to the control device 30 for detecting opening and closing of the outer cover 42 and a switch 87 for detecting the treatment agent container 34 are attached to 0A.

The opening member 100 is provided in the recess 58. The opening member 100 has a sharp end at the tip and a plurality of triangular pieces 100A formed on the side surface.
The plug opening member 100 is supported so as to be movable only in the vertical direction with respect to the casing 10A. Opening member 100
Has a passage formed therein, and a flexible hose 214 is connected to one of the passages.

The opening member 100 is a spray nozzle. When the washing water is supplied to the passage, the opening member 100 is formed in a substantially conical shape with a spray angle (θ) of 90 degrees (see FIG. 7) from the spray hole 104 at the tip. Cleaning water is injected.

As shown in FIG. 2, a water tank 200 is provided in the processor section 14. The water tank 200 has an upper limit detection switch 202 connected to the control device 30.
And a lower limit detection switch 204, so that the control device 30 can determine whether or not the level of the washing water has reached the upper or lower limit of the water tank 200. These may be sensors that can continuously detect the liquid level.

A pipe 206 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 200.
The pump 208, the pipe 210, the three-way solenoid valve 212, the pipe 213, and the solenoid valve (open / close valve) 216 are connected in order.

The three-way solenoid valve 212 has a pipe 21
An air compressor 219 is connected to the solenoid valve 8 via the solenoid valve 8, and the above-mentioned flexible hose 214 is connected to the solenoid valve 216.

The pump 208, the three-way solenoid valve 212, the solenoid valve 216, and the air compressor 219 are connected to the control device 30.

Here, the pump 208 is a gear pump,
An impeller pump, a bellows pump, a diaphragm pump or the like can be used, and the discharge pressure is preferably 0.5 kg / cm ² or more, and the discharge amount is preferably 0.5 liter / min or more.

Since the discharge amount of the pump 208 per unit time is known, the control device 30
The amount of dilution water sent to the replenishing tank 18 can be grasped based on the open time of 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, a rack 220 is attached to the plug opening member 100, and a pinion gear 224 rotated by a motor 222 controlled by the control device 30 is engaged with the rack 220. Pinion gear 224
By rotating, the plug opening member 100 can be moved in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, a monitor 32 is connected to the control device 30, and various messages are displayed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. For example, when the photographic printing paper P is developed in the developing tank 20, the replenishing pump 24 is operated in accordance with the development, and the developing replenisher once stored in the replenishing tank 18 is sent to the developing tank 20 side. A replenisher of a deteriorated amount used in the processing in the tank 20 is replenished. The same applies to the bleach-fix solution and the stabilizing bath solution.

When the liquid level in the replenishing tank 18 falls below a predetermined level, the lower limit detection switch 28 detects this, and an instruction to supply the replenishing liquid to the replenishing tank 18 is displayed on the monitor 32.

Next, a procedure for replenishing the replenisher with the replenisher tank 18 will be described. (1) First, the lock release button 83 is pressed and the replenishing unit 3 is pressed.
6. Open the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44. (2) Next, the treatment agent container 34 is inverted and the inner cover 4
4 (see FIG. 5). (3) Next, the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are closed.

When the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are completely closed, the pin 80 of the outer cover 42 is engaged with the concave portion 72,
The pins 82 of the inner cover 44 are engaged with the recesses 76, and the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are locked.

When the outer cover 42 is closed and the switch 85 is turned on, the motor 222 rotates to lift the opening member 100 to break the inner lid 38 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the treatment agent in the container is charged into the replenishing tank 18. (4) When a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch 85 was turned on (the time when the processing agent almost flows out of the container and is stored in the control device 30 in advance), the pump 208 is operated and the three-way solenoid valve 212 is actuated. Is switched, the electromagnetic valve 216 is opened, and washing water is injected into the container from the spray hole 104 of the plug opening member 100. The injected washing water falls naturally and is discharged.

When the processing agent container 34 is not detected by the switch 87 (ie, when the processing agent container 34 is not loaded), the control device 30 does not move the opening member 100 upward and does not perform cleaning. Control. At this time, it may be displayed on the monitor 32 that the processing agent container 34 is not loaded.

Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (A) or (B), the electromagnetic valve 216 and the pump 208 are operated intermittently, and the washing water is intermittently injected from the spray holes 104. .

When the washing water is continuously jetted, the washing water that spouts and the falling washing water may interfere with each other, thereby lowering the washing efficiency. However, when the washing water is intermittently jetted, the washing water that spouts and drops. The cleaning water does not interfere, and the cleaning efficiency is improved.

It is preferable that the interval between the injections is 1 second or more, since almost all of the washing water can be discharged out of the container before the next injection.

If the discharge pressure of the pump 208 can be changed, the discharge pressure may be changed. Even in this case, the same effect as that obtained when the cleaning water is intermittently jetted can be obtained. When the discharge pressure of the pump 208 cannot be changed, the pump 208 and the plug opening member 10 are not changed.
A variable pressure valve or the like controlled by the control device 30 between 0 and 0 may be separately provided.

For efficient cleaning, the injection angle (θ) of the cleaning water, the dimensions and the aspect ratio of the treatment agent container 34 are also important.

Here, as shown in FIG.
4 is C, one width is A, the other width is B, the dimension from the lower end of the cleaning liquid sprayed on the inner wall of the container to the bottom of the container is C1, and the lower end of the cleaning liquid injected on the inner wall of the container is C1. When the dimension from the bottom to the lower end of the outer lid 37 is C2, A:
It is preferable that B = 1: 1.5 or less.

It is more preferable that A = B.
It is even more preferable that the processing agent container 34 has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis.

It is preferable that A <C and B <C, and A: C = 1: 2 to 5.

The injection angle (θ) is preferably 40 to 90 °. The inner wall surface within the range of the above-mentioned dimension C2 is a portion which is not directly hit by the washing water but is washed by falling flowing water. Therefore, the dimension C2 is preferably as short as possible, specifically 100 mm or less, preferably 70 mm or less, and more preferably 50 mm or less.

Further, depending on the injection angle (θ) of the washing water,
The optimum range of the total height C of the processing agent container 34 is different. For example,
When A = B = 70 mm, the spray angle (θ) of the washing water is 90
When the injection angle (θ) is 60 degrees, the thickness is preferably 300 mm or less.

The supply of the washing water to the spray hole 104 is as follows.
It is preferable that the discharge is performed at least 3 times with 5 ml or more per discharge, and the discharge pressure of the pump 208 for supplying the washing water is at least 0.5 kg / cm ² and the discharge amount is at least 0.5 liter / min. This is preferable for cleaning the inside. (5) When the cleaning is completed, the air compressor 21
9, the three-way solenoid valve 212 is switched,
Air is sprayed from the spray hole 104 for a certain period of time to discharge and dry water droplets in the container.

It should be noted that, from the start of the supply of the replenisher, washing of the container,
Until the drying is completed, the solenoid 70 is controlled so as not to operate even if the lock release button 83 is pressed.
The inner cover 44 is maintained in the locked state. While the outer cover 42 and the inner cover 44 are locked, a warning is displayed on the monitor 32 to prohibit the detachment of the container.

In the present embodiment, only the inside of the container is washed after the replenisher is supplied.
00 may be moved downward to be separated from the container, and the vicinity of the container opening (mainly, the outer surfaces of the outer lid 37 and the inner lid 38, etc.) may be washed.

The opening member 100 of the present embodiment is a spray nozzle, in which washing water is sprayed in a conical shape. However, a plurality of small holes directed in various directions are provided.
The cleaning water may be sprayed in various directions, or only one hole may be formed at the tip to spray the cleaning water linearly.

During the washing, the opening member 100 may be stopped in the container, or may be moved back and forth in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, the opening member 100 is provided in the container.
Although the inside of the container was washed by inserting cleaning water into the container, washing may be performed by spraying the washing water from outside the container into the container. In this case, it is preferable to inject the cleaning water linearly so that the cleaning water easily enters from the container opening.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a nozzle forming member 232 having a plurality of small holes 230 eccentric in one direction is rotatably provided at the tip of the plug opening member 100. Alternatively, the nozzle forming member 232 may be rotated by the force (pressure) of the washing water injected from the small holes 230, and the washing water may be injected while rotating like a sprinkler. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the opening member 100 is rotatably provided, and a gear 238 rotated by a motor 236 is engaged with a gear 234 formed on the outer periphery of the opening member 100 to rotate the opening member 100. The washing water can be sprayed like a sprinkler.

In this embodiment, the spray holes 104 are used.
Although air is sprayed into the container after washing to drain the container, the container may be moved up and down a plurality of times after washing to oscillate the treatment agent container 34 and thereby drain the container. For example, the inner cover 38 can be hooked and vibrated by the triangular piece 100A provided on the outer periphery of the opening member 100.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the vibrator 24 pressed against the processing agent container 34 by the spring 240
2 may be provided in the replenishing unit 36 and draining may be performed by oscillating the treated agent container 34 with the vibrator 242 after the cleaning. As shown in FIG. 13, the replenishing unit 36 is provided with a solenoid 244 and the solenoid 244 is movable. Iron core 244A
Alternatively, the side surface (or the bottom portion) of the treatment agent container 34 may be hit and vibrated to drain the water.

In this embodiment, the processing agent container 34 is loaded into the replenishing section 36 with the opening directly below, but the processing agent container 34 may be loaded at an angle.

In this embodiment, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the replenishing tank 1.
8 and used for diluting the processing agent. In the case where extra washing water is discharged or the processing agent does not need to be diluted, a waste liquid tank or the like is separately provided, and a switching valve is provided on the way to the replenishing tank 18. And the like, and the washing water after washing, which is not necessary for dilution, may be discharged to a waste liquid tank.

In some cases, the processing agent and washing water may be directly discharged to a mother liquor tank such as the developing tank 20. [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the printer processor 10 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a water quality sensor 246 for detecting the state of the washing water flowing out of the treatment agent container 34 has a hole 6.
1 is provided in the middle.

The water quality sensor 246 is connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 monitors the water quality after a predetermined cleaning action (for example, after cleaning based on the timing chart of FIG. 8), and detects the cleaning water after cleaning. If the concentration of the replenisher (component of the chemical) contained in is not lower than the reference value, there is a possibility of some trouble, and the monitor 32 is warned of a cleaning abnormality.

Here, when the pH of the washing water after washing changes depending on the concentration of the replenisher, a pH sensor can be used as the water quality sensor 246. If the amount of light transmitted through the washing water after washing changes depending on the concentration of the replenisher, a transmitted light type optical sensor can be used as the water quality sensor 246.

When the electrical conductivity of the washing water after washing changes depending on the concentration of the replenisher, the water quality sensor 246 can be composed of a pair of electrodes, a power supply for applying a voltage to the electrodes, an ohmmeter, and the like.

Since the state of the washing water is detected by the water quality sensor 246, it is possible to make a more accurate judgment than the judgment by the naked eye.

Since the cleaning liquid flows into the replenishing tank 18, the dilution rate of the replenishing liquid can be calculated by detecting the liquid level with the upper limit detection switch 27. [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present embodiment has the same configuration as the second embodiment, but differs in the cleaning method. In the present embodiment, the control device 30 determines whether or not the concentration of the replenisher (component of the chemical) contained in the cleaning water after the cleaning has become equal to or less than the reference value. The control is performed so that the washing is continued until (preferably).

A warning may be displayed on the monitor 32 when the water quality of the cleaning water after cleaning does not fall below the reference value even when the cleaning water is jetted in a certain amount or more. [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the processing agent container 34 is loaded with the opening directly above.

The opening member 100 is provided downward, and can be moved in the vertical direction by the rotation of the motor 222 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0134] Beside the opening member 100, the opening member 10 is provided.
A suction pipe 248 that moves in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism (not shown) similar to the drive mechanism that moves the zero in the vertical direction is arranged to be insertable into the container.

A suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction pipe 248. The suction pipe 248 is inserted into the container, and the treatment agent and the washing water in the container are suctioned and the replenishing tank 18 is sucked.
To be discharged.

In the present embodiment, the processing agent container 34 is loaded into the replenishing section 36 with the opening directly upward, but if the opening is facing upward, the processing agent container 34 is It may be inclined. [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, a roller 250 and a roller 252 are arranged in the replenishing section 36 with their axes inclined. The roller 250 is configured to be rotated by a motor 254. In this embodiment, the processing agent container 34 having a circular cross section has the opening portion on the lower side and the roller 250 and the roller 25.
2 mounted on.

In the present embodiment, since the washing can be performed while rotating the treatment agent container 34, the washing water can be evenly distributed over the inner surface of the container, and uneven washing can be prevented.

The treating agent container 34 with the opening facing upward.
May be mounted on the roller 250 and the roller 252. In this case, the processing agent and the cleaning water in the processing agent container 34 may be sucked by inserting the suction pipe 248 as described in the fourth embodiment. good. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the opening member 100 of this embodiment is not provided with the spray hole 104, and the hose 214 has a cleaning nozzle 25 having a sharp tip.
The cleaning nozzle 254 has a spray hole 104 formed therein.

The cleaning nozzle 254 is disposed above the replenishing section 36, and is vertically movable by a drive mechanism (not shown) similar to the drive mechanism for vertically moving the plug opening member 100.

At the center of the bottom of the processing agent container 34 used in the present embodiment, an insertion portion (not shown) for penetrating the cleaning nozzle 254 into the container is provided. This insertion portion is formed to be thinner than other portions so as to be pierced by the cleaning nozzle 254. The insertion section may be one in which the hole is closed with a seal or the like.

In the present embodiment, after the replenishing solution is caused to flow out by the plug opening member 100, the cleaning nozzle 254 is advanced into the container from the insertion portion, and the cleaning solution is jetted into the container.

In the present embodiment, since the cleaning liquid is jetted downward, the jetting cleaning liquid does not interfere with the cleaning liquid after cleaning the inside of the container, so that cleaning can be performed efficiently and continuous jetting is possible.

It is preferable that the insertion portion is formed on the opposite side of the opening through which the replenisher flows out as described above. For example, when the opening is provided on the right (or left) side of the treatment agent container 34, it is preferable to form the insertion portion on the left (or right) side.

[0146]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the processing agent remaining in the container is washed away with the cleaning liquid, the used container can be reused or recycled. Has excellent effects.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the treating agent remaining in the container is washed away with the cleaning liquid, there is an excellent effect that the used container can be reused or recycled. Further, since there is no need to move the nozzle, the structure is simplified.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the plug opening means and the nozzle are made independent, there is an excellent effect that each can have an optimum function.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the region where the cleaning liquid is sprayed is widened and cleaning unevenness can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning liquid can be sprayed to a place far from the nozzle, and the cleaning liquid can be applied to one location, so that a strong cleaning power can be obtained. Has excellent effects.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is an excellent effect that a wide area can be cleaned at a time.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the cleaning liquid after cleaning the inside of the container can be reliably discharged.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, there is an excellent effect that interference between the cleaning liquid to be sprayed and the falling cleaning liquid can be surely suppressed.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, there is an excellent effect that interference between the cleaning liquid to be sprayed and the falling cleaning liquid can be suppressed, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the cleaning liquid sprayed into the container can be freely dropped from the opening and discharged.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an excellent effect that the cleaning liquid can be stored, whereby the cleaning liquid can be spread over the entire inside of the container.

According to the thirteenth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the cleaning liquid sprayed into the container can be freely dropped from the opening and discharged.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning liquid can be stored to a certain extent, thereby providing an excellent effect that the cleaning liquid can be spread throughout the container.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the cleaning is performed while rotating the container, the cleaning liquid can be applied to a wide range even if a nozzle capable of spraying the cleaning liquid only in a narrow range can be used. It has an excellent effect that unevenness can be prevented.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being sprayed onto a part other than the container, and to prevent waste of the cleaning liquid.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being sprayed onto a part other than the container, and to prevent waste of the cleaning liquid. It has an excellent effect of preventing dripping.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being sprayed onto a part other than the container, and to prevent waste of the cleaning liquid. Has an excellent effect that the liquid can be prevented from dropping.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the degree of cleaning can be determined more reliably than by visual inspection, and the container can be surely cleaned.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, since the cleaning abnormality is warned by the cleaning abnormality warning means, it has an excellent effect that it can be known that the predetermined cleaning is not performed.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, there is an excellent effect that the degree of cleaning can be electrically accurately detected by detecting at least one of the light transmittance, electrical conductivity, and pH of the cleaning liquid. . Further, it has an excellent effect that the dilution ratio of the treatment agent can be detected.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the liquid can be drained to prevent dripping of the liquid and that drying can be accelerated.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the liquid can be drained to prevent dripping of the liquid and that drying can be accelerated.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the liquid can be drained to prevent dripping of the liquid and that drying can be accelerated.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, the cleaning liquid ejected from the nozzle inserted from one of the insertion portions can be discharged from the other opening, so that an excellent effect that efficient cleaning can be performed. Having. In particular, it is suitable for use in an apparatus in which a nozzle for jetting a cleaning liquid and an opening means for opening a lid are independently provided.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, since the insertion portion is provided on the surface facing the opening, the cleaning liquid can be efficiently discharged from the opening opposite to the nozzle. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer processor.

FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram of piping around a developing tank, a replenishing tank, and a water tank.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a processing agent container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a replenishing unit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the replenishing unit with an outer cover opened.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the replenishing unit with the outer cover closed.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the replenishing unit in a state where a lid of the processing agent container is opened.

8A is a timing chart showing a driving pattern of a pump and a solenoid valve, and FIG. 8B is a timing chart showing another driving pattern.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the processing agent container as viewed from the bottom surface side.

FIG. 10A is a plan view of an opening member according to another embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the opening member shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the vicinity of an opening member according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a main part of a mechanism for applying vibration to the treatment agent container.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a main part of another mechanism for applying vibration to the treatment agent container.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a replenishing unit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a replenishing unit according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a replenishing unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

P Photographic paper (photosensitive material) 10 Printer processor (photosensitive material processing device) 18 Replenishment tank (storage tank) 30 Control device (control means) 32 Monitor (separation prohibition warning means, cleaning abnormality warning means) 34 Processing agent container (container) 38 inner lid (lid) 42 outer cover (locking means) 44 inner cover (locking means) 66 lever (locking means) 68 tension spring (locking means) 70 solenoid (locking means) 80 pin (locking means) 82 pin (locking means) 87 switch (container detecting means) 100 opening member (cover opening means, nozzle) 104 spray hole (injection hole) 230 small hole (injection hole) 232 nozzle forming member (rotating part) 246 water quality sensor (dilution level detection sensor) 248 Suction pipe (suction means) 254 Cleaning nozzle (nozzle)

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A container cleaning method in a photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein a lid attached to an opening of a container enclosing a processing agent for processing a photosensitive material is opened and the processing agent is charged into a storage tank. After opening the lid of the container with a stopper and charging the processing agent,
Alternatively, a method for cleaning the container, wherein the inside of the container is cleaned by injecting a cleaning liquid from a nozzle at the same time as charging. 2. The cleaning of the inside of the container by spraying a cleaning liquid from a nozzle disposed outside the container.
The method for cleaning a container according to 1. 3. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle and said opening means are separate bodies. 4. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is jetted while moving the nozzle. 5. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein a direct injection nozzle or a cone injection nozzle is used. 6. A nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating unit having an ejection hole for ejecting the cleaning liquid, wherein a nozzle for ejecting the cleaning liquid while rotating the rotating unit is used. Item 2. The container cleaning method according to Item 1. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid in the container is discharged by free fall, suction by suction means, or forcible blowing of gas to blow off. 7. The method for cleaning a container according to any one of 6. 8. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is sprayed a plurality of times. 9. The container cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning liquid is jetted intermittently several times. 10. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the injection amount changes during the cleaning liquid injection. 11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is vertically inverted, the opening is directed downward, and the cleaning liquid is ejected upward. Cleaning method. 12. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the container is vertically erected, the opening is directed upward, and the cleaning liquid is ejected downward. Container cleaning method. 13. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the container is tilted so that the opening is directed downward. 14. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the container is inclined and the opening is directed upward. 15. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning is performed while rotating the container. 16. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of the container is detected, and when there is no container, injection of the cleaning liquid is prohibited. 17. A warning for prohibiting detachment of a container using a detachment prohibition warning unit for issuing a warning for prohibiting detachment of a container, and during the period from the cleaning of the container to a lapse of a predetermined time after the cleaning. The method for cleaning a container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: 18. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container is prevented from being detached from said container by using a lock means capable of preventing the container from being detached from said container for a predetermined time after said container is washed. The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 17. 19. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a dilution level of the discharged washing liquid is detected by a dilution level detection sensor, and washing is continued until the dilution level reaches a reference value. The container washing method according to the above. 20. A dilution level detecting sensor detects a dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid, and when the dilution level of the discharged cleaning liquid does not reach a reference value in a scheduled cleaning action, the cleaning abnormality warning means. The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein an abnormality is warned. 21. The dilution level detection sensor detects at least one of light transmittance, electrical conductivity, and pH of the cleaning liquid, and detects a liquid level of the storage tank by a switch or a sensor for detecting a liquid level. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein
Alternatively, the container cleaning method according to claim 20. 22. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein after cleaning, the container is vibrated by repeating an operation of opening a lid of the container by opening means a plurality of times, thereby draining the cleaning liquid. The container cleaning method according to claim 1. 23. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein after the cleaning, the container is vibrated by moving the opening means by hooking the lid, thereby draining the cleaning liquid. A method for cleaning a container according to the item. 24. The container cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein after the cleaning, the container is vibrated by tapping the container, thereby draining the cleaning liquid. . 25. A processing agent container for enclosing a processing agent, comprising: an opening through which the processing agent flows, a lid that closes the opening, and a cleaning liquid ejected from the opening. A processing agent container comprising: an insertion portion into which a nozzle to be inserted is inserted. 26. The processing agent container according to claim 25, wherein the insertion portion is provided on a surface facing the opening.