JP3353173B2 - Photosensitive material processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus,
In particular, it relates to an automatic developing machine for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials (hereinafter also referred to as an automatic developing machine). More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in a processing agent replenishment mechanism of an automatic developing machine, which relates to an automatic developing machine which can reduce the size of an automatic developing machine and eliminate a dissolving operation, greatly improve workability, and obtain stable photographic performance. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter also referred to as a light-sensitive material) is subjected to processing such as development, desilvering, washing, and stabilization after exposure. This processing is usually carried out by an automatic developing machine. In this case, a replenisher replenishing method is generally used, and the processing is controlled so that the activity of the processing solution in the processing tank is kept constant.

In the replenisher replenishment system, the purpose is to dilute the eluate from the photosensitive material, replenish the amount of evaporation, and replenish the consumed components. As a result of replenishing the liquid, a large amount of overflow liquid is usually discharged.

In order to commercialize the processing of the photosensitive material, it is necessary to use as little processing solution as possible in order to reduce the cost and manual work, reduce the pollution load, make the processing apparatus compact, and improve the commercial value. It is required to obtain stable and excellent processing performance.

As a method for responding to this demand, WO92 / 20013
In the official gazette, almost all processing agent components are converted into solid processing agents,
A method of directly charging a treatment tank is disclosed.

However, in this method, there is a serious drawback in the moisture-proofing measures of the solid processing agent, and the powder generated from the solid processing agent is scattered around and mixed into another processing tank, leading to deterioration of photographic performance. There is also a risk. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a technology that solves these problems.

In the processing of light-sensitive materials, quality control of processing agents is extremely strictly required. Since the processing is usually performed at around 40 ° C., the inside of the processing apparatus is very humid. In such an environment, if care is not given to the preservation method, the solid processing agent becomes a good hygroscopic agent, and deteriorates before being replenished into the processing tank, or a stable supply due to moisture absorption. Failure to do so will occur. For this reason, moisture prevention of the solid processing agent in the processing tank for the photosensitive material is a very important point.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, to obtain a moisture-proof solid processing agent, to prevent powder from being scattered, and to obtain a compact, workable and stable photographic performance. An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

[0009]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention includes a processing tank for storing a processing solution for processing the exposed photosensitive material, and a tablet-type solid processing agent installed above the processing tank and stored in a storage container. A solid processing agent replenishing device that drops the solid processing agent into the processing tank, wherein the solid processing agent replenishing device contains the plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents, and A storage container having a discharge opening that allows the container to be discharged, and while holding the storage container obliquely, the tablet-type solid processing agent stored in the container main body, using the inclination due to the oblique holding of the storage container And a storage container loading means that is movable toward the discharge opening side.

The solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention accommodates a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents having a circular cross section in an aligned manner so that each circumferential surface is circumscribed. And a storage container including a slide lid member capable of opening and closing a discharge opening capable of discharging the tablet-type solid processing agent, and holding the storage container detachably, and lowering the discharge opening downward. A storage container loading means for allowing the tablet-type solid processing agent stored in the container body to slide down to the discharge opening side; and a tablet-type solid processing discharged from the discharge opening portion of the storage container. A housing member having an inlet portion for receiving the agent, and an outlet portion for discharging the processing agent and charging the processing agent into the processing tank; and a rotatable arrangement on the inner periphery of the housing member, and the processing agent from the inlet portion. Accept a certain amount It is characterized in that it has a supply means consisting of a processing agent receiving member is moved to the outlet portion.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a container body for containing the solid processing agent, and a slide lid member capable of opening and closing the discharge opening of the container body. A storage container and, while holding the storage container in a detachable manner, by moving the discharge opening downward, the tablet-type solid processing agent contained in the container body can slide down to the discharge opening side. Storage means for locking the storage container, and release means for engaging the swing of the handle member to release the locking of the storage container by the locking means. It is characterized by the following.

Further, a solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has an inlet for receiving a tablet-type solid processing agent discharged from a discharge opening of a storage container, and discharges the processing agent. A housing member having an outlet to be charged into the processing tank, and rotatably disposed on the inner periphery of the housing member, receiving a predetermined amount of the tablet-type solid processing agent from the inlet and moving the tablet-type solid processing agent to the outlet. A solid processing agent replenishing device comprising a conveying member, wherein the housing member has a two-part structure including a fixed frame and a lid member that is openably and closably locked to the fixed frame, and in a lid open state. ,
The treatment agent receiving member contained therein can be exposed or taken out.

Further, a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention accommodates a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents and enables the solid processing agents to be discharged. A storage container provided with an identification portion of the above, and the storage container is held so as to be swingable, from a first position before loading the storage container to a second position at the time of replenishing the solid processing agent, and A storage container loading means provided with an identification receiving portion corresponding to the solid processing agent type identification portion, and the storage container loading means is locked at a first position to prevent erroneous loading of the storage container, And a lock means for releasing the lock when the identification portion and the identification receiving portion match with each other so that the identification portion and the identification receiving portion can swing to the second position.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a discharge opening for discharging the tablet-type solid processing agent, and a lid member for opening and closing the discharge opening. And a storage container for accommodating a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents arranged and arranged so that their circumferences in a circular cross section circumscribe each other, and a storage container for detachably holding the storage container And a loading means.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a discharge opening for discharging the tablet-type solid processing agent and a lid member for opening and closing the discharge opening. And a storage container for accommodating a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents arranged and arranged so that their circumferences in a circular cross section circumscribe each other, and a storage container for detachably holding the storage container It is characterized by comprising charging means and supply means for supplying the tablet-type solid processing agent discharged from the discharge opening of the storage container to the processing tank.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a discharge opening for discharging the tablet type solid processing agent, and a lid member for opening and closing the discharge opening. And a storage container for accommodating a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents arranged and arranged so that their circumferences in a circular cross section circumscribe each other, and a storage container for detachably holding the storage container Loading means, an inlet for receiving the tablet-type solid processing agent discharged from the discharge opening of the storage container (in contact with the discharge opening of the storage container), and the processing tank discharging the processing agent. And a supply means having a processing agent receiving member for moving the processing agent from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

Still further, the solid processing agent replenishing device used in the photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a discharge opening for discharging the tablet type solid processing agent, and a lid member for opening and closing the discharge opening. And a storage container that stores a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents, and the storage container can be moved from a first position before loading the storage container to a second position at the time of replenishing the solid processing agent. When the identification unit provided in the storage container matches the identification receiving unit corresponding to the identification unit provided in the storage container loading unit, the storage container is It is possible to move from the first position to the second position.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing device used in the light-sensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention has a discharge opening for discharging the tablet-type solid processing agent, and a lid member for opening and closing the discharge opening. And a storage container that stores a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents, and the storage container can be moved from a first position before loading the storage container to a second position at the time of replenishing the solid processing agent. The storage container is locked at the first position, and the identification portion provided on the storage container corresponds to the identification portion provided on the storage container loading device. And a lock means for releasing the lock and moving the storage container from the first position to the second position when it matches the receiving portion.

The term "solid processing agent" as used in the present invention means a tablet having a circular cross section obtained by compressing powder or granules into a predetermined shape.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention;

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

In FIG. 1, a magazine M containing rolls of photographic paper, which is an unexposed silver halide photographic material, is set in the lower left portion of the photographic printer B. The photographic paper pulled out of the magazine is cut into a predetermined size via the feed roller R1 and the cutter section C, and becomes a sheet-like photographic paper. This sheet-like photographic paper is transferred to a belt conveying means B.
e, and the image of the original image O is exposed by the light source and the lens L in the exposure section E. The exposed sheet-shaped photographic paper is further subjected to a plurality of pairs of feed rollers R2, R3,
It is transported by R4 and is introduced into the automatic machine A. In the automatic developing machine A, the sheet-shaped photographic paper is processed by a color developing tank 1A, a bleach-fixing tank 1B, and a stabilizing tank 1C, 1D, 1E which are processing tanks.
The inside thereof (substantially three processing tanks 1) is sequentially conveyed by roller conveying means (reference symbol pear), and subjected to color development processing, bleach-fixing processing, and stabilization processing, respectively. The sheet-shaped photographic paper subjected to each of the above processes is dried in the drying unit 5 and discharged outside the machine.

The dashed line in the figure indicates the transport route of the silver halide photographic material. In the embodiment, the photosensitive material is guided into the automatic processing machine A in a cut state. However, the photosensitive material may be guided into the automatic processing machine A in a continuous band. In this case, if an accumulator for temporarily storing the photosensitive material is provided between the automatic developing machine A and the photographic printing machine B, the processing efficiency is increased. Further, it goes without saying that the automatic processing machine A according to the present invention may be configured integrally with the photoprinting machine B or may be the automatic processing apparatus A alone. Also,
The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processed by the self-developing machine A according to the present invention is not limited to an exposed photographic paper, but may be an exposed negative film or the like. Further, as a description of the present invention, a color developing tank 1A,
The processing is carried out on an automatic developing machine A having a processing tank 1 of substantially three tanks having a bleach-fixing tank 1B and stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E, but is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to an automatic developing machine having a substantially four-tank configuration having a tank and a stabilizing tank. The processing tanks of the color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, and the stabilizing tank 1E are provided with solid processing agent supply devices 3A, 3B, 3E for supplying a solid processing agent, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an entire photosensitive material processing apparatus in which an automatic developing machine A, a photographic printing machine B and a sorter C according to the present invention are integrally combined. In the figure, the lid A1 of the automatic developing machine A is opened upward, and the storage container 33 containing the solid processing agent is inserted into the solid processing agent supply devices 3A, 3B, 3E from the upper left to the lower right in the figure to fix. .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the processing agent supply section and the processing agent supply means of the color developing tank 1A which is a processing tank in the II section of the automatic processing machine A of FIG. The bleach-fixing tank 1B,
The stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, and 1E have the same configuration as the color developing tank 1A. Therefore, when the processing tank 1 is described below, the color developing tank 1A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, the stabilizing tank 1C,
1D and 1E are both referred to. It should be noted that, in the figure, a conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material is omitted for easy understanding of the configuration. In this example, a case where a tablet is used as a solid processing agent will be described.

The processing tank 1 for processing the photosensitive material includes a solid processing agent charging section 20 for supplying a solid processing agent (tablet) J integrally provided outside a partition wall forming the processing tank 1 and a constant temperature bath 2. Having. The processing bath 1 and the constant temperature bath 2 are connected to a communication window 21.
Are formed, and the processing liquid can be circulated. Since the enclosure 25 for receiving the solid processing agent J is provided in the solid processing agent charging section 20 provided above the constant temperature bath 2, the solid processing agent J does not move to the processing tank 1 in a solid state. It is to be noted that the enclosure 25 is formed in a mesh or filter shape that allows the processing liquid to pass therethrough, but does not allow the solid processing agent J to pass until it is completely dissolved.

The cylindrical filter 22 is provided exchangeably below the constant temperature bath 2 and has a function of removing insoluble matter in the processing liquid, for example, paper waste. Inside this filter 22,
It communicates with the suction side of a circulation pump 24 (circulation means) through a circulation pipe 23 provided through the lower wall of the thermostat 2.

The circulating system is constituted by a circulating pipe 23, a circulating pump 24, a processing tank 1 and the like which form a circulating passage for the liquid. The other end of the circulation pipe 23 communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 24 passes through the lower wall of the processing tank 1 and communicates with the processing tank 1. With such a configuration, when the circulating pump 24 operates, the processing liquid is sucked from the constant temperature bath 2,
After being discharged into the processing tank 1, the processing liquid mixes with the processing liquid in the processing tank 1, and repeats the circulation of entering the constant temperature tank 2 again. The flow rate of the circulating flow is preferably 0.1 (rotation = circulation amount / tank capacity) or more per tank capacity per minute, more preferably 0.5 to 2.0 rotations. Further, the direction of circulation of the processing liquid is not limited to the direction shown in FIG. 3, but may be the opposite direction.

The waste liquid pipe 11 is for overflowing the processing liquid in the processing tank 1 and keeps the liquid level at a constant level. Ingredients leaching from the material are stored,
Help prevent increase.

The rod-shaped heater 26 is provided so as to penetrate the upper wall of the thermostat 2 and to be immersed in the processing liquid in the thermostat 2. The heater 26 heats the processing liquid in the constant temperature bath 2 and the processing bath 1, in other words, keeps the processing liquid in the processing bath 1 in a temperature range suitable for processing (for example, 20 to 55 ° C.). It is a temperature adjusting means.

The processing amount information detecting means 31 is provided at the entrance of the automatic developing machine A and is used for detecting the processing amount of the photosensitive material to be processed. The processing amount information detecting means 31 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 set in advance, the processing area of the photosensitive material can be calculated from the width information and the time information. It should be noted that the processing amount information detecting means 31 may be an infrared sensor, a micro switch, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other device capable of detecting the width and the transport time of the photosensitive material. In the case of a printer processor such as the one shown in FIG. 1 in which the processing area of the photosensitive material can be indirectly detected, the amount of the photosensitive material subjected to printing or the number of processed photosensitive materials having a predetermined area is determined. What is detected may be used. Further, the detection timing is before the processing in this example, but may be after the processing or during the immersion in the processing liquid (in such a case,
The position at which the processing amount information detecting means 31 is provided can be appropriately changed to a position that can be detected after processing or a position that can be detected during processing). Furthermore, as information to be detected, in the above description, the processing area of the photosensitive material has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing amount of the photosensitive material to be processed, processed, or being processed is not limited thereto. Any value may be used as long as it is a proportional value, and may be a concentration or a change in concentration of the processing liquid stored in the processing tank. Further, the processing amount information detecting means 31
Need not be provided for each of the processing tanks 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, but is preferably provided for one automatic processing machine A. Numeral 32 denotes a processing amount supply control means for receiving a signal from the processing amount information detecting means 31 and controlling the processing amount supply of the processing agent.

The solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 according to the present invention is set above a processing tank of a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing the exposed photosensitive material, and includes a storage container 33, storage container loading means 34,
It has a supply means 35 and a drive means 36, and is sealed by the inside of the upper cover 301. The upper cover 301 is swingably connected to a main body 101 accommodating the processing bath 1 and the constant temperature bath 2 by a support shaft 302 at the back of the main body, and the upper cover 301 is lifted in the direction of the dashed-dotted line A in the drawing. By opening the front and top surfaces of the operator side, the solid processing agent replenishing device 30 can be inspected and the filter 22 can be replaced.

A skylight 303 is swingably connected to a part of the upper surface of the upper cover 301. The skylight 303 is opened in the direction of the dashed line B in FIG. Make a replacement.

FIG. 4 shows various shapes of the tablet type solid processing agent J. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a flat solid processing agent J having a circular cross section (a rounded chamfer (r) at a corner) and having a cylindrical shape, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a drum-shaped solid processing agent J having a circular cross section, upper and lower surfaces each being flat, and a circumferential surface having a convex round shape (R). Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a solid processing agent J having a circular cross-section and having a spherical upper and lower surface, and Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a donut-shaped solid processing agent J having a hollow hole.

FIG. 5 shows a storage container (cartridge) 33 for storing the tablet-type solid processing agent J. FIG. 5 (A) is a plan view including a partially cutaway sectional view, and FIG. 5 (B) is the storage container. 33 is a side view of FIG. 33, and FIG.

The storage container 33 contains a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents J and has a hollow rectangular column-shaped container main body 331 having a discharge opening through which the solid processing agent can be discharged. Cap member 333 for closing the other opening of
And a slide lid 334 that can slide up and down by sliding on the rail 331R of the container body 331.

Inside the container body 331, three sets of partition walls 331S are integrally fixed, and the inside of the container body 331 is divided into four compartments 331A, 331B, 331C and 331D. In each of the compartments, each outer circumference of the solid processing agent J having a substantially columnar shape is circumscribed, and about 10 of them can be accommodated in a column. That is, the first branch 331A
Have ten solid processing agents J1A to J10A in the second compartment 331.
B has the same number of solid processing agents J1B,
C and J1D are stored respectively. As described above, in the present invention, since the solid processing agents are accommodated such that the circumference of the circular cross section of each solid processing agent is circumscribed, the contact surface between the solid processing agents is reduced as much as possible, and it is assumed that the processing agents have absorbed moisture. Also, sticking between the solid processing agents is minimized. In addition, the presence of the partition wall 331S can prevent the treatment agent from sticking between different rows. In the embodiment, the storage container shows a row of rectangular parallelepiped.However, as long as the solid processing agent can be stored, so that the circumference in the circular cross section of each solid processing agent is circumscribed, the shape of the container is not limited. It does not matter. For example, the rows in which the treatment agents are arranged do not need to be linear, but may be on a curve or spiral. However, it is preferable that the container is a rectangular parallelepiped from the viewpoint of ease of preparation and handling. The partition wall 331S does not have to be continuous from the top surface to the bottom surface inside the container, and the partition wall 331S may have a partition having a length that allows the solid processing agent J to circumscribe each outer circumference and be accommodated in tandem. .

However, in view of the strength of the container and the prevention of distortion at the time of assembling during the manufacturing process, and the good manufacturing efficiency, the partition wall 331 is required.
S should be continuous from the top surface to the bottom surface.

A projection 331E projects from the bottom of each compartment of the container body 331 to abut the outer peripheral surface of the solid processing agent J at a point, thereby facilitating movement of the solid processing agent J and solid processing. The powder dropped from the agent J is dropped from the top of the protrusion 331E. The powder dropped from the solid processing agent J accumulates in the groove below the protrusion 331E. Therefore, even if the powder is fixed in this groove, the solid processing agent J moves on the protrusion 331E, and there is no problem. There may be two or more protrusions 331E, or grooves may be formed opposite to the protrusions.

Rail portions 332A are formed on both outer side surfaces of the discharge opening, and are fitted into grooves 334A formed on both side surfaces of the slide lid 334 so as to be slidable.
Also, protrusions 334B projecting from both lower ends of the slide lid 334 are provided.
Engages with the opening / closing restricting member 355 described later to automatically close the slide lid 334. The opening / closing restricting member 355 is
It also has a function of preventing 34 from dropping off from rail section 332A. The lid member that can open and close the discharge opening may not be limited to the slide lid. The lid member may have any shape as long as it can open and close the discharge opening and close the discharge opening, as long as the inside of the storage container can be made moisture-proof. In the embodiment, another mechanism in which the processing agent is replenished from the storage container to the processing tank in accordance with the case where the slide lid is used is described as an example. Not limited to
The design can be changed according to the shape of the lid member.

Guide pins 332 protrude from both sides of the container body 331, and the container loading means 3 described later is used.
4 is inserted into and removed from the guide groove 341D.

A back surface 333A of the cap member 333 is provided with a pressing member 343C having a spring property of a storage container loading means 34 described later.
Then, the storage container 33 is pressed against the reference surface of the supply means 35. Alternatively, the storage container 33 is pressed against the reference surface by the leaf spring 345 pressing the guide pin 332 of the storage container 33. A plurality of identification projections 333B are integrally formed on the back surface 333A of the cap member 333,
This prevents erroneous loading of other storage containers 33 that should not be loaded, such as containing different processing agents.

Further, the inside of the back surface 333A of the cap member 333 is provided for the purpose of protecting the contained solid processing agent J from destruction against swinging and impact during transportation or storage of the storage container 33. A cushion piece 333C having a buffering effect may be formed. When it is formed with the cushion piece 333C, it is preferable to form it integrally.

It is desirable that the cushion piece (impact relieving member) 333C has a portion in contact with the solid processing agent in an R shape so as to ease the contact with the solid processing agent. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for cleaning powder generated from the solid processing agent.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the cushion piece 333C.

FIG. 23 is an overall perspective view of the storage container.

The shock absorbing member 333C may have a shape as shown in FIG. 20A. However, the manufacturing size of the solid processing agent J varies, the dimensional change due to the absorption of the solid processing agent J, and the storage container.
Considering the molding variation of 33, dimensional change due to environmental temperature of storage container 33 (expansion under high temperature, shrinkage under low temperature), assembly variation of storage container 33, etc., it is necessary that the area that can be relaxed is wide. Is desirable. Considering that this backlash is absorbed as much as possible in transport,
B shape is desirable.

FIG. 20B shows that it is desirable to forcibly remove the impact relaxation member 333C in order to simplify the mold structure of the injection molding.

In this case, the width L is desirably 2 to 6 mm, the thickness W is 0.5 to 2.0 mm, and the angle θ with the bottom surface of the cap is desirably 30 degrees or more so that the mold can be easily released.

Further, it is preferable to make R on the contact surface with the solid processing agent J so that there is no corner.

The solid processing agent receiving section of the processing machine has a high temperature,
It tends to be in a high-humidity state. Therefore, even under such high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, it is necessary to remove a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent from the storage container.

On the other hand, since the solid processing agent has a water absorbing property, in the state shown in FIG. The solid processing agent gradually absorbs moisture from the vicinity of the container through the discharge opening of the storage container. In this case, the amount of water absorbed within a certain predetermined time is not uniform among the 33 tablets of solid processing agent stored in one row, and the solid processing agent J near the opening of the storage container 33 near the receiving unit of the processing machine has priority. Absorb moisture. That is, the first closest to the opening
Tablet (J1), then the second tablet (J2) adjacent to it
Has a large water absorption. The solid processing agent J3 at the back of the container
If J10 is set such that the cross-sectional area of the solid processing agent J is close to the cross-sectional area of the substantial space of the absorption container 33 within a range where the solid processing agent J can be discharged because the amount of moisture absorption is small, the gap is reduced. Less and moisture absorption can be minimized. Therefore, in the vicinity of the discharge opening of the storage container 33, it is preferable that the space for storing the solid processing agent is formed larger than the storage space other than the vicinity.

In the case of a storage container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the dimension for regulating the solid processing agent storage area in the storage container for storing the solid processing agent is substantially the same as the solid processing agent discharge direction of the storage container. The cross-sectional longitudinal dimension and / or the cross-sectional short dimension of the storage container inner wall in a direction perpendicular to the direction are formed larger in the vicinity of the solid processing agent discharge opening of the storage container than the cross-sectional size of the storage container on the upstream side in the solid processing agent discharge direction. It is preferred that

FIG. 21 is a plan sectional view of the container body 331.

22 and 21, a first compartment 331A formed between the partition wall 331S1 and the inner wall of the container body 331.
In regard to the dimensions for regulating the solid processing agent storage area in the storage container, the cross-sectional short dimension X1 of two tablets (J1A, J2A) of the solid processing agent inward from the discharge opening 331F is the third or later (J3A). ＪJ10A) larger than the cross-sectional short dimension X2 (X1> X2). X1 was set by experimentally obtaining the amount of swelling of each photosensitive material processing tablet J within a predetermined time. The longitudinal dimension Y is set in the same manner. The size of the inner wall in the vicinity of the discharge opening 331F may be increased by enlarging the outer wall 331U of the container body 331 shown in FIG. 21 or by forming partition walls 331S1 to 331S3 which form a substantial space in the container.
This may be performed by changing the thickness of the projections 331K, 331M, 331N of 31S3 near the discharge opening. Further, a portion having the inner wall dimension X1 of the container body 331 may be tapered to facilitate removal of the core portion such as injection molding. In general, when performing injection molding, a punching taper for releasing the mold is required. By using this taper, the solid processing agent storage container (the inner portion of the outer wall 331U and the partition wall 331S1) near the discharge opening is used. ~ 331S3)
Of the container body 331 can be made larger than the dimension X2 of the back side portion of the container body 331. In this case, by providing a punch taper, the productivity of the container can be improved, and a highly accurate storage container can be efficiently and efficiently produced. The above-mentioned method for regulating the solid processing agent storage area refers to the dimensions inside the storage container that substantially determines the storage space for the solid processing agent of the solid processing agent, and in FIG. 22, J such as 331N, 331E, and 331K is used. The dimensions are such that the portion where the agent slides is removed from the inner surface of the storage container. FIG. 23 is an overall perspective view of a storage container 33 having a shock-absorbing member and applying the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22.

The storage container 33 is made of a resin material or a cardboard material subjected to a moisture-proof treatment. As the resin material, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, ABS resin, and the like are preferable. The storage container 33 is
It is manufactured by injection molding using the above resin material.
A part of the partition wall 331S in the container main body 331 has a notch, so that the mold core is less likely to fall down during molding and a highly accurate and stable molded product is obtained. Container body
The wall thickness of 331 is in the range of 50 to 3000 μm, in view of the moisture resistance and the difficulty of breaking the stored solid processing agent,
Preferably, the range is 200 to 2000 μm. Container body 33
1. The opening / closing lid 334 and the cap member 333 have a water permeability of preferably 30 ml / m ² · atm / 24 hrs (25 ° C.) or less as a container.
More preferably, a material having a temperature of 10 ml / m ² · atm / 24 hrs (25 ° C.) or less is used in terms of moisture proof.

Since the plurality of identification projections (pins for preventing misloading, hereinafter abbreviated as pins) 333B are arranged vertically displaced from the center line, the storage container 33 is reversely loaded into the container holding member 343. Making it impossible to do so. Further, the number and the arrangement position of the plurality of pins 333B are made different depending on the type of the solid processing agent J, and the five pins 333B shown in FIG.
B, at least two predetermined pins 333B
Erroneous loading is prevented by identifying the type.

By attaching a taper or R to the tip of the identification projection 333B, the identification projection 333B can be easily inserted into the fitting hole of the loading device, and the fitting after fitting can be performed without any looseness. Accuracy of position can be regulated. Further, when a plurality of the identification protrusions 333B are provided, the position regulation becomes more precise than one identification protrusion.

Further, of the plurality of identification projections 333B,
Specific identification protrusion 333B used for distinction between domestic use and overseas use
By leaving S hollow, it becomes a measure to prevent overseas pirate goods from being distributed in Japan. For example, one of the plurality of identification projections 333B is used for discriminating between domestic use and overseas use, the foreign product has the projection 333B, the domestic product is not provided, and the solid processing agent replenishing device 30 of the photosensitive material processing apparatus is loaded. The means 34 also has a fitting hole arrangement corresponding to this. If an overseas storage container is brought into Japan and used, the specific identification projection 333BS used to distinguish between domestic and overseas storage must be cut. This particular identification protrusion 333BS
Has a hollow structure, this cut causes a hole to penetrate the back surface 333A of the fixed lid 333, the outside air enters and the moisture proof property in the storage container 33 is impaired, and the water-absorbing solid processing agent deteriorates. And cannot be used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overseas distribution of overseas products.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a reverse insertion preventing projection 331T is formed on the upper surface of the storage container 33.
Label showing the direction of insertion of storage container on top of
By attaching 1104, erroneous loading operation of the storage container 33 can be prevented.

FIG. 7 shows the storage container 33 and the storage container loading means 34.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view illustrating the operation of the supply means 35 and the drive means 36.

The fixing frame 341 of the storage container loading means 34, the housing member 351 and the driving means 36 which are integral with the fixing frame 341
Is fixed to the upper part of the main body 101.

A support shaft 342 protrudes near the right end in the drawing of both side plate portions 341A of the fixed frame body 341.
Is fitted into a hole near the lower end of the arm part 343A fixed to both sides of the container holding member 343 holding the container holder 343, and the container holding member 343 can swing about the support shaft 342. A fixing pin is implanted in each of the side plate portions 341A and the arm portions 343A, and a tension spring 344 is stretched. Therefore, the container holding member 343 is provided with a spring as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. The container holding member is urged and swings clockwise,
The container holding member 3 is located at a position where the bottom of the container 343 is in contact with the stopper 341B protruding from the upper right portion of the fixed frame 341 in the figure.
43 is stopped, and the state before the storage container 33 is loaded (the first position) is maintained.

The fixed frame body 341 has a rising portion 341C near the left end of both side plate portions 341A, and an arc-shaped guide groove 341D centering on the support shaft 342 is formed in the rising portion 341C. The container 33 is inserted into the container holding member 343 of the container loading means 34.
When the container holding member 343 is swung about the support shaft 342 and the left end of the container holding member 343 is pushed down in the direction C in the drawing, the guide pin 332 of the storage container 33 is moved to a storage container described later. It advances in the guide groove 341D while being pressed by the pressing member 343C of the loading means 34. The lowermost portion of the guide groove 341D is formed in an L-shaped groove portion 341E bent into an L-shape, and the pin 332B is urged by the pressing member 343C so that the L-shaped groove is formed.
When entering the groove 341E, the outlet member 332 of the storage container 33
Is in close contact with the inlet 351A of the supply means 35 (second
Position of). When the storage container 33 is loaded into the container holding member 343, the surface of the container holding member 343 abuts against the back surface 333A of the cap member 333 of the storage container.
An identification receiving portion is provided which fits with the identification portion 333B provided on 333A. Therefore, in the present invention, when the wrong storage container is loaded, the storage container 33 moves from the position (first position) of the container holding member 343 before the storage container is loaded to the container holding member at the time of replenishing the processing agent. It cannot be moved to the position 343 (second position), in other words, the identification unit 333B
The storage container 33 is configured to move from the first position to the second position only when is matched with the identification receiving portion. As means for preventing the storage container 33 from moving from the first position to the second position, for example, when the storage container 33 is erroneously loaded, the storage container 33 is caught on the upper cover 301 of the processing apparatus and set in the processing tank. It is possible to avoid such a case, or to take the following measures.

The supply means 35 is rotatably arranged on the housing member 351 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing member 351. The supply means 35 receives a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent J in the storage container 33 from the inlet 351A and outputs the solid processing agent J from the outlet 351B. A rotatable solid processing agent transporting member (rotor) 352 having a pocket 352A for moving the outlet 351B, and a shutter member 353 for opening and closing the outlet 351B.

A frame-shaped elastic packing 358 is buried in the periphery of the opening at the end surface of the entrance 351A of the housing member 351. When the discharge opening of the storage container 33 is closely contacted with the entrance 351A, the outside air is shut off. The moisture-proof effect is increased.

FIG. 8 is a side view for explaining the opening and closing operation of the slide lid 334 of the storage container 33.

An opening / closing regulating member for regulating the opening / closing of the slide lid is provided above the entrance of the housing member 351 of the supply means 35.
355 are fixed. That is, the storage container loading means 34
When the storage container 33 attached to the slide cover 334 is pushed down from the initial position (shown by a dashed line in the drawing) in the direction C and reaches the intermediate position (shown by a dashed line in the drawing), the protrusion 334B of the slide lid 334 is opened and closed by the opening / closing regulating member 355 (355B) The descent is prevented. Storage container 33
Is further lowered, the opening of the outlet member 332 of the storage container 33 is gradually opened because the slide lid 334 does not move downward. When the lowering of the storage container 33 reaches a predetermined position and is stopped, the opening is fully opened and the frontmost solid processing agent J in the storage container 33 is fed into the supply means 35. The illustrated solid line shows this fully opened state.

Next, when the solid processing agent J in the storage container 33 is sequentially consumed and becomes zero, the operation of replacing the storage container 33 is performed by generating a remaining amount detection signal. That is, when the storage container 33 is retracted rearward, the storage container 33 and the container holding member 343 rotate clockwise, and the left end rises. In the first half of this ascent process, the opening / closing restricting member 355A stops the slide lid 334 and raises only the main body portion of the storage container 33 including the container main body 331 and the cap member 333. It becomes a closed state. Further, in the latter half of the process in which the storage container 33 is lifted, with this opening closed,
It is returned to the initial state, which is the top dead center. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the powder of the treatment agent in the container from scattering. Further, when the processing agent remains, the container is taken out with the opening closed even when the container is removed for the purpose of maintenance, so that the processing agent does not drop.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the processing agent transport member (rotor) 352 provided in the supply means 35. The roller 352 has four rotor parts 352A, 352B, 352C, and 352D integrated on a coaxial core. Each of the rotor portions is provided with one pocket 352AP, 352BP..., And one solid processing agent (J1A, J1B.
・) Can be accommodated. And above each pocket 35
Because 2AP, 352BP ... each phase is shifted,
When the rotor 352 makes one rotation, the solid treatment agent J1A is first loaded into the first pocket 352AP from the discharge opening of the storage container 33, and then the second, third, and fourth pockets (352) are loaded.
AP, 352BP...), And sequentially discharged from the outlet 351B in the same manner.

Each of the rotor sections (352A, 352B, 352C, 3
52D) is provided with four through-holes, and the optical paths of the transmissive optical sensors PS1 and PS2 composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element pass through these through-holes.
Since the pockets are out of phase, the presence or absence of the solid processing agent J in each pocket is detected.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the supply means 35. The outer diameter of the rotor 352 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing member 351 and forms a gap g. When the inner and outer diameters are equal, the rotor 352 cannot rotate when the powder of the solid processing agent J enters and is fixed in the fitting gap. Therefore, the minute gap g is provided.

The rotor 352 has two outer diameters.
The two sliding members 356 are attached via the elastic member 357, and the protrusions around the sliding member 356 contact the inner surface of the housing member 351 so that the housing member 351 and the rotor 352 are separated from each other. Keeps hermetically sealed.

An elastic packing 358 is embedded in the entrance 351A of the housing member 351 so that
Close to the discharge opening of the outlet member 332, and has a moisture-proof effect against the outside air (steam caused by the processing liquid in the processing tank).

On the other hand, the outlet 351B of the housing member 351
Can be opened and closed by a shutter member 353. An elastic packing 359 is also adhered to the inner surface of the shutter member 353 to maintain the moisture-proof effect of the outlet 351B against the outside air.

The shutter member 353 reciprocates along a part of the outer periphery of the housing member 351 in conjunction with the rotational driving of the rotor 352, and starts rotating when the rotor 352 starts rotating.
51B is opened, and after the two solid processing agents J are dropped into the processing tank 1 by the half rotation of the rotor 352, the outlet 351B is closed.

11 and 12 are cross-sectional views showing the process of dropping the solid processing agent J by the supply means 35. FIG. 11A shows a standby state at the initial position. In this state, the entrance 351A and the exit 351B of the housing member 351 are shielded by the treatment agent receiving member 352 and the sliding member 356, and the outside air enters. Preventing. FIG. 11B shows a state in which the rotor 352 rotates forward and one solid processing agent J1A at the end of the row A in the storage container 33 is stored in the pocket 352AP in the row A of the rotor 352. FIG. 11C shows that the rotor 352 further rotates forward and
The state where the solid processing agent J1B is stored in the second pocket 352BP of the row is shown.

FIG. 12D shows that the rotor 352 further rotates forward and the pocket 352AP is
This shows a state where the first solid processing agent J1A, which matches 351B and is included in the pocket 352AP, is dropped. FIG. 12 (E)
Indicates a state where the second solid processing agent J1B is continuously dropped by the forward rotation of the rotor 352, and the two solid processing agents are dropped. Thereafter, the rotor 352 rotates in the reverse direction, returns to the initial position, and stops (see FIG. 12F). In this stopped state, the rotor 352 enters a standby state in which the solid processing agent J does not exist. At the same time, the shutter member 353 also rotates counterclockwise, so that the outlet 351B is closed by the shutter member 353, and the one cycle operation is completed when two solid processing agents J have been introduced. In the next cycle, the third pocket in row C
The solid processing agents J1C and J1D are sequentially loaded and dropped into the fourth pockets 352DP in the rows 352CP and D, and the opening 351 is opened.
B is closed again by the shutter member 353. Thus, two solid processing agents are sequentially dropped by the half rotation of the rotor 352, and after the dropping is completed, the outlet portion 351B is closed by the shutter member 353.
Is returned to the closed state.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the driving means of the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

Below the storage container loading means 34, a driving means 36 according to the present invention is provided. A timing belt 363, which winds a timing pulley 362 fixed to a drive shaft of a motor 361, rotates a pulley 367 fixed to the rotation shaft of the rotor 352 via pulleys 364, 365 and a tension pulley 366.

A cam 368 is fixed coaxially with the pulley 365. On the other hand, on the bottom surface of the container holding member 343,
The claw portion 341C is fixed and engages with the cam 368.

That is, by the driving rotation of the motor 361,
When the pulley 365 and the cam 368 rotate, the convex portion of the cam 368 pushes up the claw portion 341C, the concave portion separates from the claw portion 341C, and the rotation of the cam 368 causes the claw portion 341C and the container holding member 343 integral therewith to rotate. Apply repeated impacts. Thus, the solid processing agent J in the storage container 33 is urged to advance toward the discharge port while rolling along the inclined surface of the package 331, and does not stop halfway.

A notch disk 369 having two notches is integrated coaxially with the pulley 365, and a photo-interrupter type optical sensor PS5 detects the passage of the notch. To generate a position detection signal,
One-cycle stop control of the rotor 352 is performed.

In the above description, four solid processing agents J are
Since the solid treatment agent J is dropped one by one, a chute 27 through which one solid processing agent J can pass is provided below the supply means 35, so that the solid treatment agent J can be easily dropped even in a narrow space above the constant temperature bath 2. The exchange work to take out 22 upward is also easy. The purpose of dropping the solid processing agents J1A and J1B out of phase is that two solid processing agents J1
Are engaged with each other so that they do not get caught on the way.
This is because the solid processing agent J is separately detected by the sensors PS1 and PS2 to confirm replenishment. Note that the number of solid processing agents dropped by one cycle of the rotor is not limited to the above two, and four solid processing agents may be dropped per rotation of the rotor.

In the above embodiment, the storage container is held obliquely, and each processing agent rolls or slides by gravity toward the discharge opening. However, in the present invention, the storage container is not necessarily used. It need not be held at an angle. The point of the present invention is that the solid processing agent is stored in the storage container so that the circumference of each solid processing agent in the circular cross section is circumscribed. When the processing agent is supplied to the processing tank, a supply means provided in close contact with the storage container and having a processing agent receiving member for moving the processing agent from the inlet to the outlet is used.

Therefore, the shape of the storage container and the supply means, the method of moving and installing the treatment agent, and the like can be freely selected without impairing the points of the present invention. For example, the storage container of FIG. 5 is kept horizontal, and an elastic member is provided inside the processing container, for example, on the cap member 333 side, and the processing is performed toward the discharge opening using this or with the aid of a new member. The treatment agent may be moved or the treatment agent may be discharged from the discharge opening. Further, the storage container may be maintained vertical, and the treatment agent may be moved toward the discharge opening side by natural fall or with the aid of a member.

Further, in the embodiment, the discharge opening is also provided so as to face the cap member 333 side, but it is not necessarily required to be provided at the position of the embodiment. For example, FIG.
In the storage container of (B), a discharge opening may be provided below J1A, and the supply means may be in close contact with the discharge opening to drop the processing agent. Also, in FIG.
Only the partition wall may be removed from the portion that partitions 1A, J1B, J1C, and J1D, and a discharge opening may be provided on the side surface on the J1A side and / or J1D side, and the supply means may be closely contacted here. In this case, the guide pins 332 may be provided not in the illustrated position but in a shifted manner. In consideration of the fact that moisture enters from the discharge opening side, in the case of adopting a mode in which the discharge opening is provided on the side surface on the J1A side and / or the J1D side in FIG. For example, it is preferable to form two rows and not to remove the partition wall from the viewpoint of moisture prevention. In any case, the movement of the processing agent toward the discharge opening side and the discharge of the processing agent from the discharge opening may be performed by utilizing weight or with the aid of another member. Absent. It is advantageous to use the weight to move the treatment agent or to discharge the treatment agent from the discharge opening in that the mechanism is simplified and the number of members provided in the storage container is reduced, so that moisture proofing is easily performed. is there.

The supply means of the present invention not only controls the addition of the processing agent from the storage container to the processing tank, but also controls the moisture-proof effect of the unused processing agent between the storage container and the processing tank. Raising it has also contributed. In particular, it is preferable from the viewpoint of moisture prevention that the inlet and outlet of the treatment agent are separated by using a receiving member. Therefore, although the embodiment is a preferred embodiment, the supply means is provided between the storage container and the processing tank within a range that does not impair the effect of increasing the moisture-proofing effect of the unused processing agent. It is not limited to.

For example, in FIGS. 11 and 12, the entrance and the exit are in the same plane, but in another plane, for example, the exit is perpendicular to the plane of the housing member 351 where the entrance is provided. It may be provided on any surface. In the embodiment,
The processing agent moves in the same plane from the discharge from the storage container to the supply to the processing tank through the outlet of the supply means, but the processing agent always moves in the same plane and is supplied to the processing tank. Need not be. It may be moved from the discharge opening in a direction intersecting with the direction discharged to the inlet, and supplied to the processing tank. That is, a supply unit having a swing shaft provided in the longitudinal direction of the storage container may be used. In this case, the number of storage containers may be one or two, instead of four as in the embodiment. In addition, FIG.
In the case of (A) in which the discharge opening is provided on the side surface on the J1A side and / or J1D side, a swing shaft may be provided in the width direction of the storage container.

Further, in the description so far, a form utilizing a rotary motion was used to move the treatment agent from the inlet to the outlet. However, as long as the moisture proofing is not impaired, the processing from the inlet to the outlet is performed. The movement of the treatment agent does not necessarily have to be performed by rotational movement.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing another embodiment of the solid processing agent storage container 33 according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a state where the storage container 33 is mounted on the storage container loading means. . Note that, in the reference numerals used in the drawings, parts having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, points different from the above embodiment will be described.

[0092] A pair of shaft support members 335 are integrally fixed to both sides of the upper surface of the container holding member 343. A handle 337 is swingably supported on a shaft 336 which is mounted on the shaft support member 335. The cross section of the handle member 337 is almost U
It is shaped like a letter, and can be easily swung and rotated by putting a finger on the recess. When the storage container 33 is placed at a predetermined position on the container holding member 343 of the storage container loading means 34 and the upper surface of the handle member 337 is pressed down, the lower end 337A of the handle member 337 presses the upper surface of the container body 331. Then, when the storage container 33 and the container holding member 343 swing down about the support shaft 342 and reach the bottom dead center, they are locked by locking means described later. During this swinging down process, the guide pin 332B implanted on the side of the storage container 33 descends along the guide groove 341D formed in the fixed frame 341 of the storage container loading means 34, and the bottom of the container dies. When reaching the vicinity of the point, it is urged by the elasticity of the leaf spring 345 and pushed into the L-shaped groove portion 341E bent into an L shape,
After being moved to the left in the figure, the storage container 33 is held in a locked state.

One end of the handle member 337 has a lever portion 338.
Are integrated in a shape protruding downward. On the other hand, on both side walls of the solid frame body 341, slide plates 346 are supported so as to be able to move linearly. A first pin 347 is implanted near the left end of the slide plate 346 in the figure. Guide pin 3
When the 32 enters the L-shaped groove portion 341E, the first pin 347 is pressed by the guide pin 332 and driven to the left in the drawing, and the slide plate 346 is also stopped at the left end.

Near the right end of the slide plate 346 in the figure,
A second pin 348 is implanted. When the solid processing agent J in the storage container 33 is consumed and needs to be replaced, or during maintenance, the grip member 337 is gripped and swung counterclockwise about the shaft 336. Due to this swing, the lever 338 also swings counterclockwise as a unit, and its tip presses the second pin 348 to move it to the right in the drawing. With this movement, the slide plate 346 also slides to the right, and the first pin 347 moves the guide pin 332 to the right against the bias of the leaf spring 345, and the first pin 347 moves at the lower end of the arc-shaped guide groove 341D. The lock is released and the urging force of the tension spring 344
Turning to ascending, the ascending is performed along the guide groove 341D, and the container holding member 343 and the storage container 33 return to the original positions indicated by the dashed line in FIG. In this state, the storage container 33 can be attached and detached.

FIG. 16 is an exploded sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus. The housing member 351 includes a lower fixed frame 351C.
And an upper lid member 351D that is opened and closed with respect to the fixed frame body 351C. That is, the two divided surfaces 351E and 351F are formed at about 180 ° of the inner peripheral surface of the housing member 351 and the two divided surfaces 351E and 351F are formed.
Are locked by a tightening screw S and come into close contact with each other to be integrated.
When the fastening screw S is removed and the upper lid member 351D is removed, the internal rotor 352, the sliding member 356, and the like are exposed, and the internal inspection and maintenance can be easily performed.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the solid processing agent supply means 35 taken along the line AA in FIG. 7, and FIG. 18 is a solid processing agent transport member (rotor).
It is a perspective view of 352 and a drive part.

Four pockets (352AP, 352BP ...)
The rotor 352 having... Is sandwiched between two sliding members 356 and integrally formed. At both end surfaces of the rotor 352, parallel grooves 352E and 352F are formed. The parallel grooves 352E and 352F are formed in parallel.

On the other hand, the fixed frame 351C of the housing member 351
Bearings 371 and 372 are fixedly mounted on the both side surfaces on the same axis. On the other hand, a rotating shaft 373 of a pulley 367 wound around the timing belt 363 and driven to rotate is fitted into the bearing 371 and is rotatable. One end of the rotating shaft 373 has a parallel side surface 373B.
A flat plate portion 373A having a flat plate shape is formed. A flat plate-shaped face plate portion 374A having parallel side surfaces 374B is also formed at one end of the rotating shaft 374 fitted to the other bearing 372. A gear 375 for swinging and rotating the shutter member 353 is fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 374, and a driving force is transmitted from the face plate 373A to the face plate 374A via the rotor 352.

One face plate portion 373A is fitted in the parallel groove portion 352F of the rotor 352. The other face plate portion 374A is a rotor 352.
In the parallel groove 352E. The parallel groove 352
E and 352F and the parallel side surfaces 374B and 373B of the face plate portion are not formed in the same shape on the left and right, but are formed in different shapes and dimensions, thereby preventing reverse insertion of the rotor 352 and maintaining a normal fitting posture. Good. With the rotor 352 removed, cleaning and inspection of the rotor 352, the housing member 351 and the like are performed.

When the rotor 352 is mounted on the drive shaft of the supply means 35, after the cover member 351D is opened, as shown in FIG. 18, the parallel side surfaces 373B and 374B of each face plate are held in parallel. Then, the rotor 352 is gripped and lowered as shown by the dashed line in the figure, and the parallel grooves 352E and 352F of the rotor 352 are held.
Are slidably mounted on the parallel side surfaces 374B and 373B of the face plate portion, respectively, and accommodated in predetermined positions in the solid frame 351C. Thereafter, if the lid member 351D is closed, the replenishment of the solid processing agent can be started.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the storage container locking mechanism of the storage container loading means 34.

The back surface 3 of the cap member 333 of the storage container 33
33A includes a plurality of identification projections (incorrect loading prevention pins) 333B.
Is provided. On the other hand, a plurality of erroneous loading prevention holes 343D are formed in the abutting surface 343E of the container holding member 343, and the storage container 33 containing the solid processing agent J compatible with the processing liquid in the processing tank 1 is provided. The erroneous loading prevention pin 333B fits into the erroneous loading prevention hole 343D only when the device is mounted on the loading device 34 to enable mounting. A notch 343F is formed below the abutment surface 343E of the container holding member 343 so that a claw 349A at the tip of a lock claw 349 described later can be protruded and retracted.

At one end of the fixed frame body 341, a support shaft 341G is penetrated and installed, and a lock claw 349 is swingably supported by the support shaft 341G. The lock claw 349 has a claw 349A bent at one end and a balance arm 349B formed at the other end. When no external force is applied to the lock claw 349, the claw 349A rises due to the weight of the balance arm 349B, enters the notch 343F, and projects inside the container holding member 343. Is stationary. That is, when the solid processing agent J is empty in the storage container 33 and the storage container 33 does not slide down to the abutting surface 343E by its own weight, or when the storage container 33 is not loaded so as to contact the abutting surface 343E. (See FIG. 19A), the claw 3 of the lock claw 349
49A is hooked on the bottom wall near the notch hole 343F of the fixed frame 341 and the container holding member 343 centering on the support shaft 342.
Oscillating rotation is impossible. Accordingly, the operation of replenishing the solid processing agent in the storage container 33 cannot be performed.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view illustrating prevention of incorrect loading of the storage container 33. When the storage container 33 is loaded upside down or the storage container 33 storing different solid processing agents J is loaded in the storage container holding member 343, the erroneous loading prevention pin 333B and the erroneous loading prevention hole 343D match. Without pin 33
3B abuts against the abutting surface 343E, and the lock claw 349 cannot swing and rotate while the container holding member 343 is locked.

FIG. 19C shows a state in which the regular storage container 33 is loaded. In this state, the pin 333B is engaged with the loading prevention hole 343D, and the rear surface 333A of the storage container 33 is brought into contact with the abutting surface 34D.
The rear surface 343E is brought into contact with 3E of the lock claw 349.
Press 49A to swing clockwise. This makes the claw part
The lock between the 349A and the bottom wall near the notch hole 343F is released, and the container holding member 343 can swing upward about the support shaft 342.

As described above, the setting operation of the storage container 33 cannot be performed by the erroneous operation or the halfway loading, and the solid processing agent can be normally replenished.

[0107]

As described above, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus of the present invention is installed in a low space above an automatic developing machine and can be dropped into a narrow space on a thermostat. It has the effect of improving the workability of the containerization and replacement of the storage container, and particularly has the excellent effect that a predetermined amount of the tablet-type solid processing agent can be reliably fed to the processing tank to obtain stable photographic performance. is there.

Further, the tablet-type solid processing agent held in the storage container does not absorb moisture due to the processing liquid vapor or the like at the time of replenishment, and is completely kept in a moisture-proof state, which is effective for stabilizing quality.

Further, the solid processing agent supply means of the present invention can be easily opened by forming the housing member into a two-part structure, and the rotor 352 does not have a rotating shaft.
Since the rotor 352 is detachable by providing coupling means on the rotor 352 and the drive shaft side, the tablet-type solid processing agent J clogged in the rotor 352 and the housing member 351 is provided.
Chips and powders can be easily cleaned and inspected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photosensitive material processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the automatic developing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing various shapes of a tablet-type solid processing agent.

FIG. 5 is a plan view and a side view of a storage container that stores the solid processing agent.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage container.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a storage container loading unit and a supply unit.

FIG. 8 is a side view for explaining a sliding lid opening and closing operation of the storage container.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a processing agent receiving member (rotor) of a supply unit.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a supply unit.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a process of dropping a solid processing agent by a supply unit.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a process of dropping a solid processing agent by a supply unit.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the storage container loading means according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the storage container loading means.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the storage container is mounted on storage container loading means.

FIG. 16 is an exploded sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing device.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a solid processing agent supply unit.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a solid processing agent conveying member and a driving unit.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing a storage container locking mechanism of the storage container loading means.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the shock absorbing member of the rear lid.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view near the discharge opening of the container body.

FIG. 22 is a front view as seen from a discharge opening of the container body.

FIG. 23 is an overall perspective view of a storage container.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Treatment tank 2, 2A, 2B, 2E Constant temperature tank (circulation tank) 20 Solid processing agent charging section 30 Solid processing agent replenishing device 31 Processing amount information detecting means 32 Processing amount supply control means 33 Storage container 331 Container main body 332 Guide pin 333 Cap member 333B Identification protrusion (pin to prevent incorrect loading) 334 Slide lid 335 Shaft support member 336 Shaft 337 Handle member 338 Lever portion 34 Storage container loading means 341 Fixed frame body 341D Guide groove 341E L-shaped groove portion 342 Support shaft 343 Container holding member 345 Leaf spring 346 Slide plate 347 First pin 348 Second pin 349 Lock claw 35 Supply means 351 Housing member 351A Inlet 351B Outlet 351C Solid frame 351D Cover 352E, 352F Parallel groove 352 Treatment agent transport member (rotor) 353 Shutter member 358,359 Elastic packing (packing member) 355 Opening / closing regulating member 356 Sliding member 357 Elastic member 36 Driving means 361 Motor 368 Cam 369 Notched disk 371,372 Bearing 373,374 Rotating shaft 373A, 374A Face plate 373B, 374B Parallel side J Tablet type solid processing agent (tablet)

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/06 G03C 5/26 510 G03C 5/26 520

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A processing tank for storing a processing liquid for processing an exposed photosensitive material, and a solid disposed above the processing tank and dropping an appropriate amount of a tablet-type solid processing agent to replenish the processing tank. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a processing agent replenishing device, wherein the solid processing agent replenishing device accommodates a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents having a circular cross-section, aligned and arranged so that each circumferential surface is circumscribed, And a storage container comprising a slide lid member capable of opening and closing a discharge opening for discharging the tablet-type solid processing agent, and a storage container for detachably holding the storage container and positioning the discharge opening downward. Storage container loading means for allowing the tablet-type solid processing agent contained in the container body to slide down to the discharge opening side; and a tablet-type solid processing agent discharged from the discharge opening of the storage container. To receive the inlet A housing member having an outlet portion for discharging the processing agent and charging the processing agent into the processing bath, and rotatably disposed on an inner periphery of the housing member, receiving a predetermined amount of the processing agent from an inlet portion, and A supply means comprising a processing agent receiving member to be moved to an outlet portion. 2. A processing tank for storing a processing liquid for processing the exposed photosensitive material, and a tablet-type solid processing agent installed above the processing tank and stored in a storage container is dropped. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a solid processing agent replenishing device for replenishing a processing tank, wherein the solid processing agent replenishing device enables opening and closing of a container main body containing the solid processing agent and a discharge opening of the container main body. a container comprising a slide cover member, the receiving container was loading and unloading can hold, said discharge opening is moved downwardly, the tablet type solid processing agent accommodated in the container main body, said discharge opening handle to release the locking means engaged to the container so as to allow sliding on the part side, the locked state of the container by the locking means of the receiving container
A photosensitive material processing apparatus, comprising: a storage container loading means provided with a member . 3. A processing tank for storing a processing solution for processing the exposed photosensitive material, and an appropriate amount of a tablet-type solid processing agent placed above the processing tank and stored in a storage container. A photosensitive material processing apparatus having a solid processing agent replenishing device for replenishing the processing tank, wherein the solid processing agent replenishing device accommodates a plurality of tablet-type solid processing agents and enables the solid processing agents to be discharged. A storage container provided with a solid processing agent type identification unit, and the storage container is swingably held, and can be swung from a first position before loading the storage container to a second position when replenishing the solid processing agent. Storage container loading means provided with an identification receiving portion corresponding to the solid processing agent type identification portion; and locking the storage container loading means at the first position to prevent erroneous loading of the storage container. , A regular storage container is loaded and the identification unit When a separate receiver is met, the photosensitive material processing apparatus characterized by having a locking means to enable the swing to release the locking to the second position.