JP2002049139A - Solution supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a solution supply device for efficiently supplying a processing liquid. SOLUTION: The solution supply device 1 includes a gas-liquid separation tank 60 to which the processing liquid stock solution 10 is supplied from a package 20 in which the processing liquid stock solution 10 is sealed, It has a liquid feed pump for sending out to 50, 40, and an overpressure release valve 100 for changing the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. By providing the overpressure release valve 100, it can be used for a small liquid feed pump 40. The size of the entire device can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solution supply apparatus, and is used, for example, as a processing liquid solution supply apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material using an automatic developing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a development process after image exposure of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, processing solutions such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution and a fixing solution are used. Generally, an automatic developing machine is used for these development processes, and the processing solutions are replenished as necessary in order to keep the activity and composition of each processing solution constant. Each processing solution is
Since each of them is supplied in the form of a concentrated liquid composed of a plurality of parts, it is necessary to adjust the concentration by diluting with water to a predetermined concentration at the time of use. However, since this dilution needs to be performed accurately, it is extremely troublesome to adjust so as not to cause dissolution mistakes and contamination (mistake of mixing other processing solutions), and it is also very time-consuming to adjust. There is a problem that human body, clothes, peripheral devices and the like are liable to be contaminated by the splash of the liquid.

In order to solve these problems, a suction nozzle is connected to a processing solution supply container to directly feed a processing solution undiluted solution.
A number of methods have been proposed for replenishing without adjusting the processing solution by supplying the processing tank with a predetermined amount of water from a separately provided diluting water stock tank while supplying it into the processing tank of the automatic processor. I have.

In particular, a flexible container disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-2995 is used to prevent the contact between the stock solution and air when the stock solution in the container is reduced, and to reduce the distance between the container and the liquid feed pump. The replenishment method using a device equipped with an out-of-liquid sensing device that senses that the liquid in the container has run out by sensing the expansion of the gas has the advantage that the processing solution stock solution has good stability and the container can be easily replaced. This is an excellent method.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned system, when air exceeding the assumed allowable amount is mixed into the flow path, the liquid shortage detecting device malfunctions. For this reason, when enclosing the processing solution undiluted solution in a container to make a product,
It was necessary to strictly control the amount of air mixed into the container. In addition, even if the amount of air in the container is strictly controlled, if the sealed liquid generates gas with the passage of time, it is highly likely that gas exceeding an allowable amount is mixed into the flow path, so that the liquid is used. I couldn't do that.

[0006] Further, with the diversification of output services such as the recent demand for silver halide print output from digital media, unlike in the past, even in photo shops, D
There is a tendency that the number of cases of providing the PE service is increasing. Therefore, the demand for automatic developing machines is that they are as small as possible to reduce the installation area, that they are easy to operate so that they can be used by people without specialized knowledge, and that even if operators do not constantly monitor them. There is an increasing demand for labor saving which does not hinder the operation of the automatic developing machine.

[0007] The replenishing apparatus of the above-mentioned type is an excellent type in terms of simplicity of operation, but the structure of the portion for sensing liquid supply / out of liquid is complicated, and it is difficult to reduce the size of this portion. This is disadvantageous for mounting in a miniaturized automatic developing machine. In addition, since the refilling device of the above-described type has a structure in which the size of the container must be increased in proportion to the capacity of the container to be connected, there is a demand to reduce the frequency of container replacement by connecting a large-capacity container. However, since the processing cannot be continued unless the container is immediately replaced when the liquid in the container runs out, the operator must be constantly near the automatic developing machine.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and a large amount of gas is mixed into a flow path in a solution supply system which is excellent in stability of a stock solution of a processing solution and in which a container can be easily replaced. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved solution supply device that does not malfunction even if the solution supply device is made smaller, and furthermore to provide a solution supply device that achieves both miniaturization of the solution supply unit and labor saving of an operator.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a solution supply device comprising: a stock tank to which the solution is supplied from a container in which the solution is sealed; and a liquid sending device for sending the solution in the stock tank to a solution supply destination. It is characterized by comprising a pump and pressure varying means for varying the internal pressure in the stock tank.

According to such a configuration of the present invention, the provision of the pressure variable means makes it possible to use a small-sized liquid feed pump without hindering the supply of the liquid, so that the entire apparatus can be downsized. . When a solution is supplied from a container to a solution supply destination via a stock tank using a liquid supply pump, the supply of the solution from the stock tank to the solution supply destination by the liquid supply pump with the container empty is performed. Continues, the inside of the stock tank is excessively depressurized, and at a certain point, the suction force of the liquid feed pump and the internal pressure in the stock tank are in a state of equilibrium, so that the solution in the stock tank cannot be sucked. However, in the present invention, since the pressure variable means which operates before such a suction disabled state is provided, an excessively depressurized state in the stock tank can be eliminated, and the pressure from the stock tank by the liquid feed pump can be reduced. The solution can be continuously supplied to the solution supply destination. That is, even if the force of the liquid feed pump is not increased, by providing the pressure variable means, the operation of the liquid feed pump is not hindered,
This enables continuous supply of the solution.

The pressure variable means is a valve mounted on the stock tank and opened so that outside air can enter the stock tank when the internal pressure in the stock tank falls below a predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. As described above, a valve that is opened so that outside air can enter the stock tank when the internal pressure in the stock tank becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value can be used as the pressure variable unit. According to such a configuration, an excessively depressurized state in the stock tank can be eliminated by opening the valve. Further, a simple orifice may be used instead of the valve. This makes it possible to eliminate the excessively reduced pressure in the stock tank with a very simple structure and extremely low cost.

The pressure variable means is a variable volume chamber provided in a part of the stock tank and configured to change the internal pressure by changing an internal volume. Thus, a variable volume chamber can be provided as the pressure variable means. According to such a configuration, the variable volume chamber is set such that the internal volume is increased in a normal state and the internal volume is reduced when the stock tank is in an excessively depressurized state. By reducing the internal volume of the storage tank, an excessively depressurized state in the stock tank can be eliminated.

Further, the variable volume chamber is characterized in that the internal volume is reduced when the internal pressure in the stock tank falls below a predetermined value. According to such a configuration,
By reducing the internal volume of the variable volume chamber, an excessively reduced pressure in the stock tank can be eliminated.

Further, a gas discharge mechanism provided in a flow path of the solution from the container to the liquid sending pump for discharging gas in the flow path is further provided. According to such a configuration, even if air equal to or larger than the assumed allowable amount is mixed into the flow path, the liquid shortage detection mechanism does not malfunction. For this reason, it is not necessary to strictly control the amount of gas mixed when the solution is sealed in a container to produce a product, and a solution that generates gas over time can be used. In other words, the gas sucked and mixed into the flow path is quickly separated from the solution in the stock tank and stored in the upper portion of the stock tank. Because it is discharged outside,
Even if more gas than expected is mixed into the flow path, it can be discharged out of the flow path each time.

[0015] Further, the gas discharge mechanism includes a discharge pipe connected to the stock tank, and a discharge pipe connected to the discharge pipe.
An air pump for discharging gas from the stock tank through the discharge pipe, and a flow rate adjusting mechanism of the air pump are provided. As described above, the exhaust pipe and the air pump can be used as the gas exhaust mechanism.

Further, the flow rate adjusting mechanism is characterized in that the delivery pipe is formed by connecting a plurality of pipes having different diameters. According to such a configuration, the gas discharge flow rate can be adjusted to a desired value by partially varying the thickness and length of the pipe. For example, when a pump having a flow rate larger than a desired discharge flow rate is used, the discharge flow rate is so strong that the solution may flow back into the air pump. The flow rate loss of the gas can be adjusted by causing a flow rate loss.

Further, a sensor for detecting a predetermined liquid level of the solution is provided in the stock tank, and the air pump controls the operation of the air pump in conjunction with the sensor for detecting the liquid level. It is characterized by being performed. According to such a configuration, the air pump operates in conjunction with the sensor that senses the liquid level, and the air pump is stopped after a certain time elapses using a time relay or the like, so that the air in the stock tank is stopped. Gas can be efficiently discharged, and one sensor for controlling the air pump can be used, which is advantageous for miniaturization.

The sensor for detecting a predetermined liquid level of the solution may include a first sensor and a second sensor provided above the first sensor for detecting a predetermined liquid level of the solution. And a sensor, wherein the air pump is
The sensor may operate in conjunction with the first sensor and stop in conjunction with the second sensor. As described above, by providing two sensors, it is possible to more precisely control the discharge of the gas mixed into the stock tank, and to prevent chattering which is likely to occur when only one sensor is provided, thereby shortening the life of the sensor. This is advantageous.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the stock tank further comprises a sensor for detecting a liquid shortage of the solution in the container. According to such a configuration, with the remaining amount of the solution in the stock tank still having a margin, by providing the liquid shortage sensor in the container so as to detect the liquid shortage of the solution in the container, the inside of the container is provided. Even if the liquid runs out, the supply of the solution can be continued by the amount remaining in the stock tank. For this reason, unlike the conventional case, the supply of the solution does not stop unless the container is replaced immediately after the container has been emptied. The need for constant monitoring by the operator near the station is eliminated.

[0020] The apparatus may further comprise a sensor for detecting a liquid shortage of the solution in the stock tank. According to such a configuration,
By installing a stock tank liquid shortage sensor to detect the liquid shortage in the stock tank before the solution in the stock tank completely runs out, stop the liquid feed pump etc. according to this sensor and supply the solution. The entire device can be stopped. Thus, the liquid sending pump does not operate in a state where there is no solution in the stock tank and the container, so that gas does not enter the liquid sending pump, and the supply accuracy of the solution can be maintained.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is used, for example, as a solution supply device for an automatic developing machine for photographic processing chemicals, and can be widely used for supplying a solution.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, a solution supply device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a solution supply device, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a gas discharge tube, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an overpressure release valve, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor. When the solution supply apparatus of the present invention is used as a replenisher of an automatic developing machine for a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, for example, the supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used for each of the processing solutions of color development, bleach-fix, and chemical rinse. Are provided one by one. Further, when the processing liquid is divided into a plurality of part liquids, one supply device is provided for each part liquid. Since the operation of each solution supply device is the same even if the processing liquid is changed, the following description will be made for one set of solution supply devices.

The solution supply device 1 includes a gas-liquid separation tank 60 as a stock tank for temporarily storing the processing liquid stock solution 10 supplied from the package 20 as a container storing the processing solution stock solution 10, and the processing in the package 20. The stock solution 10 is
It mainly comprises a liquid feed pump 40 for supplying a processing tank 50 in an automatic developing machine as a solution supply destination via a gas-liquid separation tank 60. In addition to the undiluted processing solution, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from a diluting water stock tank (not shown) to the processing tank 50 in the automatic developing machine, and adjusted to a desired concentration in the processing tank 50.
Used for development processing. A sub-tank may be provided in front of the processing tank 50, and the processing liquid and the dilution water may be supplied to the sub-tank. After sufficient mixing, the sub-tank may be supplied to the processing tank 50.

The undiluted processing liquid 10 contained in the package 20 is sucked out by the operation of the liquid feed pump 40 installed between the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and the processing tank 50, and the tube 3
0, processing tank 5 through gas-liquid separation tank 60 and tube 30a
0 is supplied. The distal end 30 a of the tube 30 is inserted into the package 20, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60. One end of the tube 30a is connected to the lower part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60, the other end is connected to the processing tank 50, and the liquid feed pump 40 is arranged in the middle.

The package 20 is made of a polymer compound and is designed so that its shape can be changed according to the capacity. For this reason,
When the amount of the processing solution stock solution 10 in the package 20 is reduced, the package 20 is crushed in accordance with its content, so that the processing solution stock solution does not come into contact with the outside air in the package 20. Further, the distal end 30 a of the tube 30 pierces the package 20, and the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 is supplied to the outside of the package 20 via the tube 30. In addition, the distal end 30a of the tube 30 pierces the package 20, and the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 is supplied to the outside of the package 20 via the tube 30, so that the material of the package 20 is selected as described later. Even with such a piercing method, the solution can be kept airtight without leaking out of the pierced portion or entering the outside air, and it is possible to finish supplying all the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 without deterioration. it can. In order to adopt the piercing method, it is preferable that at least one layer of the package 20 used is formed of a polymer compound film having a low tensile strength. As a high molecular weight compound having a low tensile strength, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, undrawn nylon,
Cellulose acetate, polyvinyl acetate, ionomers and the like are mentioned, but since the heat sealability at the time of molding the container is excellent, and the molded container is hardly damaged during transportation, a polyolefin resin is particularly preferable. used. Representative examples of the polyolefin-based resin include PE (polyethylene) and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). The gas barrier properties of the package 20 can be improved by laminating one or both surfaces of these polymer compound films having a low tensile strength with a film having a high tensile strength as described below to form a multilayer film. Examples of the film having a large tensile strength include those made of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin such as Eval, polyethylene terephthalate, stretched nylon, vinylidene chloride, polystyrene, ceramic, aluminum, or the like.

The structure of the multilayer film particularly preferably used in the package 20 used in the present embodiment is shown below from the outside.

(1) Ny (stretched nylon) / LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) (2) Ny / PVDC (vinylidene chloride) / LLDPE (3) Ny / SiOx / LLDPE (4) Ny / EvOH (eval) / LLDPE (5) PET (polyethylene terephthalate) / LLD
PE (6) PET / PVDC / LLDPE (7) PET / EvOH / LLDPE Multilayer film package 20 having these configurations
Even when used in a method in which the tube 30 is pierced and inserted into the package 20, the solution does not leak out from the pierced portion, and airtightness is not lost due to invasion of outside air.

In the present embodiment, one package 20 contains 50 to 5000 ml of the undiluted processing solution depending on the concentration of each processing solution. The tube 30 has an inner diameter of 1 to 8 mm, preferably 3 to 6 m.
m PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Teflon (registered trademark)
And a soft material such as
The portion is formed of, for example, metal so as to be easily pierced, and has a pointed shape.

The package 20 is housed in a tray 32 which can be slidably extracted in the X direction.
The package 20 already set in the tray 32
When the stock solution becomes empty, it is replaced with a new unused package. When the package 20 is replaced, the arm 33 is opened (dotted line), and the tray 32 is moved rightward in the drawing. After the package 20 is replaced, the tray 32 moves leftward with the arm 33 opened, and the arm 33 is closed, so that the distal end portion 30a of the tube 30 penetrating through the inside of the arm 33 pierces the package 20. Is configured. Here, in order to improve the impact resistance, the package 20 may be housed in an outer box made of cardboard or the like, and may be configured to be set on a tray while being housed in the outer box. In order to prevent another processing liquid package from being loaded on the wrong tray, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for preventing the tray or the outer box from being loaded incorrectly.
For example, there is a method in which a convex portion is provided on the bottom surface of the tray and a hole is formed in the outer box so as to fit the convex portion, so that if the positions do not match, the package 20 cannot be loaded on the tray. The arm 33 is provided with a lamp 36 that lights up to notify the user of the replacement of the package. It is desirable to provide the following safety mechanism for the operation of the arm 33. For example,
If the arm 33 returns backward during the process of piercing the tube 30 into the package 20 by closing the arm 33, the package 20 will be pierced twice. In the case of such a double stab, not only the airtightness of the container cannot be maintained but also there is a possibility that the solution may leak. In order to prevent such an accident, a ratchet or the like is used for the arm 33, and after the arm 33 starts the closing operation, the arm 33 is closed.
It is desirable to provide a safety mechanism that does not return. Further, in order to prevent an accident in which the arm 33 is opened during the supply of the solution and the tube 30 comes off from the package 20, once the arm 33 is closed, the solution in the package 20 becomes empty. It is desirable to provide a safety mechanism such as an interlock so that the arm 33 cannot be opened without performing a special operation until the operation is sensed.

The gas-liquid separation tank 60 is made of a pressure-resistant material such as vinyl chloride, acryl, and polycarbonate. The gas-liquid separation tank 60 has, for example, a bottom area of 3 to 30 c.
m ² , having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a height of 6 to 20 cm,
In this embodiment, it has a stepped shape in which two rectangular parallelepipeds are stacked. In the present embodiment, the gas-liquid separation tank 6
0 is a size that can accommodate, for example, a maximum of 1 to 10 packages of the processing solution stock solution in order to reserve the processing solution stock solution in reserve. For this reason, the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 becomes empty, and even if the package 20 is not replaced immediately, the processing solution stock solution previously stored in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 can be used. It is possible to always perform the development processing of a constant quality without interrupting the processing, and it is possible to save the monitoring labor of the operator. The shape and size of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 can be changed according to the structure such as the dead space of the entire apparatus. In the present embodiment, the tank for storing the stock solution for processing liquid and the gas-liquid separation tank are used together. However, they are separately provided, and the preliminary storage tank is provided between the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and the liquid sending pump 40. It may be provided between them.

The gas-liquid separation tank 60 has a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped or cubic portion having a certain thickness as described above, so that the gas mixed in the flow path can be quickly separated from the solution, The separated gas can be stored in the upper part of the tank 60. A gas discharge tube 80 serving as a discharge pipe is provided above the gas-liquid separation tank 60 as a gas discharge mechanism.
The air pump 70 is connected to the gas discharge tube 8 to discharge the separated gas out of the gas-liquid separation tank 60.
0 are arranged. The air pump 70 is arranged at a position higher than the maximum liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60, and the connection position between the gas discharge tube 80 and the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is at least 10 mm from the maximum liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. By disposing it at a higher position, the stock solution of the processing liquid is prevented from flowing into the air pump 70. Here, the maximum liquid level is the liquid level that should always be maintained while the solution is in the package,
That is, it refers to the liquid level managed by the sensor 200. Furthermore,
A check valve 90 for preventing gas from flowing backward is connected to the gas discharge tube 80.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gas discharge tube 8
0 is a tube 80a having an inner diameter of 4 mm and an inner diameter of 0.5 m
It has a shape in which a plurality of tubes having different diameters with 3 to 10 cm of the m tube 80b interposed therebetween are connected. In the present embodiment, by interposing such a small-diameter tube, the gas discharge flow rate can be reduced as compared with a case where only a tube having an inner diameter of 4 mm is used as a gas discharge tube. That is, the gas discharge flow rate can be adjusted to a desired value by partially varying the thickness and length of the tube according to the force of the air pump 70. The discharge flow rate of the gas from the gas-liquid separation tank 60 may be, for example, 10 to 2500 ml / min, and preferably 100 to 1500 ml / min, and in this embodiment, is about 1.0 to 2.5 l / min. Was set as follows. Specifically, by using a commercially available discharge type air pump having a flow rate of 3 l / min and using a tube in which a plurality of tubes having different diameters are connected, the actual discharge flow rate can be reduced to 1.0.
~ 2.5 l / min. As described above, in the case where only a commercially available pump was used, the flow rate was too strong, and the undiluted solution of the treatment liquid sometimes flowed back into the air pump. And the discharge flow rate can be adjusted.
Similarly, for example, a needle valve or a ball valve that positively causes a flow loss can be used as the gas discharge flow control mechanism of the present invention.

An overpressure release valve 100 is provided above the gas-liquid separation tank 60 as a pressure varying means for varying the atmospheric pressure in the stock tank. The overpressure release valve 100 is a valve that operates when the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 reaches a predetermined pressure or less. When the entire processing liquid stock solution 10 in the package 20 is sucked in and the liquid feed pump 40 feeds the processing liquid stock solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to the processing tank 50, the gas in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 Begins to expand. Gas-liquid separation tank 60
When the expansion of the gas in the inside progresses, the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 becomes a negative pressure, and when the processing solution stock solution reaches a certain level, the processing solution stock solution cannot be sucked by the solution sending pump 40. . In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to use a large-sized liquid feed pump having a large discharge force. However, it is not preferable because the entire device becomes large and the arrangement place of the device is limited. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the overpressure release valve 10 that operates when the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 reaches a predetermined pressure or less.
By providing 0, the liquid sending pump 40 having a small force can be used. Specifically, the overpressure release valve 100 is set to operate before the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 balances the suction force of the liquid sending pump 40, and the pressure inside the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is not excessively reduced. The configuration is as follows.

Overpressure release valve 10
0 adjusts the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 by opening and closing a hole 60a provided in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 as shown in FIG. The overpressure release valve 100 has a hole 6 as shown in FIG.
A spindle 102 having a cross-sectional area smaller than 0a;
A packing 101 provided at one end of the support shaft 102, a support member 103 provided at the other end of the support shaft 102, and a spring mounted between the packing 101 and the support member 103 so as to surround the support shaft 102. 104. The overpressure release valve 100 has a hole 60a.
The packing 102 is disposed so as to penetrate the shaft 102 and the packing 101 is located in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. When the overpressure release valve 100 is not in operation,
As shown in (a), the hole 60a is covered with the packing 101, and the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is airtight. During operation, as shown in FIG. 3B, the overpressure release valve 100 is pulled into the gas-liquid separation tank 60, and the spring 104 contracts,
The packing 101 is separated from the gas-liquid separation tank 60. At this time, due to the presence of the spring 104, a space is created between the overpressure release valve 100 and the gas-liquid separation tank 60, and the gas-liquid separation tank 6 is inserted into the gas-liquid separation tank 60 through the hole 60a.
Outside air enters from outside 0, and an excessively reduced pressure state is eliminated. After the pressure reduction is eliminated, the force of the spring 104
The state is returned to the state of (a), and the gas-liquid separation layer 60 becomes airtight again. The extent to which the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is reduced before the overpressure release valve 100 is activated can be adjusted by adjusting the strength of the spring 104. The specific pressure value at which the overpressure release valve 100 should be operated is determined by the shape of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and the discharge force of the liquid feed pump. The spring 104 may be adjusted so that the internal pressure of the tank 60 does not balance.

In the present embodiment, in the gas-liquid separation tank 60,
Four sensors 200 to 203 are arranged. The sensor 200 is a sensor that operates when the amount of the processing liquid in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 exceeds a certain amount, and the sensor 201 is a gas that operates when the gas accumulated in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 exceeds a certain amount. It is a mixing sensor. The sensor 202 is a sensor that senses running out of liquid in the package 20. Sensor 20
Reference numeral 3 denotes a sensor for detecting a liquid shortage in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. As the sensor, a sensor capable of sensing the liquid level can be used, and in this embodiment, a float sensor is used. Each of the float sensors 200 to 203 includes a float 211 and a sensing unit 212 as shown in FIG. This type of float sensor is configured such that when the portion where the float sensor is installed in the separation unit 60 is filled with the solution 10, the float 211 and the sensing unit 2
12 is in contact, and when the gas reaches the float sensor installation part, the float 211 separates from the sensing unit 212,
As a result, a signal is sent to the control unit to operate or stop the air pump 70, stop the liquid feed pump 40, turn on the lamp 36, and the like.

The liquid feed pump 40 has, for example, a flow rate of 15 to
A bellows pump having a flow rate of 200 ml / min, in this embodiment, 30 ml / min can be used. The tube 30a connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 60 via the liquid sending pump 40 has an inner diameter of 1 to 8 mm, preferably 3 to 6 m.
m PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Teflon (registered trademark)
Such a soft material can be used.

Next, the operation of the above-described solution supply device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation state of the apparatus and the like, and is a diagram showing the liquid level of the processing solution stock solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and the lighting state of the lamp in each state. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams illustrating the movement of the sensor according to the liquid level of the processing solution stock solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. Hereinafter, the state of the apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, and will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, a case will be described in which the package 20 is immediately replaced after the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 set on the tray 32 becomes empty. An unused package 20 is set in the solution supply device 1 (S1). At this time, the preliminary processing liquid stock solution is stored in the gas-liquid separation tank 60.
The liquid surface level of the processing solution stock solution is located at the position where the float sensor 202 is disposed. Further, since the liquid sending pump 40 is in a state where it can be operated as required, it is possible to continuously supply the processing liquid in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to the processing tank 50. Therefore, appropriate replenishment can be maintained even if development processing is performed in the automatic developing machine during the package replacement operation. Further, the lamp 36 is turned on, the hole 60 a is closed by the overpressure release valve 100, and the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is airtight.

After the package 20 is set, the air pump 70 starts operating by performing a reset operation such as pressing a reset button (S2, S3). By the suction force of the air pump 70, the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 is sucked into the gas-liquid separation tank 60 (S4), and the float sensor 20
When the processing solution stock solution is filled to the position of 0, a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown), the air pump 70 is stopped, and the suction of the processing solution stock solution is completed. With the completion of the suction of the processing liquid undiluted solution, a series of resetting operations accompanying the package exchange is completed, and the lamp 36 is turned off (S5, S6, S7). After the reset is completed, the liquid feed pump 40 is operated according to the replenishment request for the processing tank 50, and the undiluted processing liquid in the package 20 is sucked out and supplied to the processing tank 50 through the gas-liquid separation tank 60. Accordingly, the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 is reduced in volume, and the package 20 is crushed accordingly.

If a large amount of gas is mixed in the package 20 due to air being mixed in the package 20 or gas being generated from the solution in the package 20 with the lapse of time during storage of the product, the solution With the supply of these gases, these gases are also sucked and mixed into the flow path (S8).
These mixed gases 11 are quickly separated from the solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and stored in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60. As shown in FIG. 6A, as the amount of gas stored in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 increases, the liquid level falls from the float sensor 200, and the liquid level falls to the position where the float sensor 201 is arranged. Then, the float sensor 201 detects a drop in the liquid level, whereby a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) to operate the air pump 70 (S
9).

When the air pump 70 is operated, the gas 11 is discharged out of the processing tank 60, and the liquid level of the processing liquid stock solution 10 rises, as shown in FIG.
When the liquid level reaches the position where 00 is located, the float sensor 200 senses an increase in the liquid level, whereby a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) and the air pump 70 stops (S10). Again, the gas 11 is supplied to the gas-liquid separation tank 60.
When mixed in, the operations of S8 to S10 are repeated.

Further, as the supply of the processing solution stock solution 10 proceeds, the processing solution stock solution 10 in the package 20 becomes empty (S1).
1).

Thereafter, the processing solution stock solution 1 in the package 20
When the operation of the liquid sending pump 40 is continued with 0 being empty, the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 becomes a negative pressure. Then, when the gas in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 expands, the liquid level falls to the position of the float sensor 202, and the float sensor 202 detects the gas, whereby a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown). , The lamp 36 is turned on (S12). The lighting of the lamp 36 informs the operator that it is necessary to replace the package 20 with a new one. Here, the necessity of replacing the package can be known by turning on the lamp, but the need for replacing the package may be notified by sounding a buzzer. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 drops to the float sensor 201 in the series of liquid shortage detecting operations in the package 20, the air pump 70 starts to operate. It only promotes the negative pressure in the separation tank and does not affect the operation for detecting the liquid shortage. When the liquid level drops to the float sensor 202,
The operation of the air pump 70 may be stopped, or the design of the air pump 70 may be stopped after a certain period of time has elapsed after the operation of the air pump 70.
The lamp 36 remains lit until a new package is set.

Here, when the package 20 is replaced with a new one (S13, YES), the process returns to S1 and the above-described operation is repeated. If the package 20 has been replaced with a new one,
Since the outside air enters from 0a, the negative pressure state in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is released.

On the other hand, if the supply of the undiluted processing liquid from the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to the processing tank 50 by the operation of the liquid feed pump 40 continues without replacing the package 20 with a new one (S13, NO), the processing tank The inside of the tank 60 is in an excessively decompressed state, and at a certain point, the suction force of the liquid sending pump 40 and the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 are in a balanced state, and as shown in FIG. It becomes impossible to aspirate the processing solution stock solution 10 therein (S15). At this time, the liquid level is, for example, the float sensor 202 and the float sensor 2
03.

In order to prevent the suction from being impossible,
At the time of design, the spring force of the over-pressure release valve 100 is adjusted so that the over-pressure release valve 100 is operated when the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is reduced to an internal pressure slightly before falling into a suction impossible state. It is. Therefore, when the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 becomes a preset excessively reduced pressure, as shown in FIG.
Operation of the overpressure release valve 100 (S
16), the packing 101 is separated from the gas-liquid separation tank 60, and outside air enters the gas-liquid separation tank 60 from outside the gas-liquid separation tank 60 through the hole 60a. Thereby, the gas-liquid separation tank 6
The excessively depressurized state within 0 is eliminated (S17). Even when a small pump is used as the liquid sending pump 40, the liquid sending pump 40 can supply liquid stably without becoming impossible to send liquid.
After the over-pressure reduction is eliminated, the over-release valve 100 returns to the state shown in FIG. When the pressure inside the gas-liquid separation tank 60 becomes excessively reduced again, the overpressure release valve 100
Is activated, and the excessive decompression is eliminated (S15-
S17).

Thereafter, the supply of the processing liquid stock solution 10 into the processing tank 50 further proceeds, and the liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 becomes
When the position where the float sensor 203 is arranged is reached (S
18) The float sensor 203 detects gas, and a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) by the
0 and the liquid feeding pump 70 is stopped (S19). Then, in order to notify the operator of the liquid shortage in the gas-liquid separation tank to the operator, a buzzer, for example, sounds as a liquid shortage warning in the gas-liquid separation tank (S20). With this warning, the package 20 is replaced with a new one (S21). Unlike the reset operation of S1 to S6 described above, when the liquid level drops to the float sensor 203, the liquid pump 40 is controlled to prevent air from entering the liquid pump 40 and lowering the liquid supply accuracy. The operation has been forcibly stopped. Therefore, the stop of the liquid feed pump 40 is released during the reset operation after the liquid level has dropped to the float sensor 203. More specifically, the air pump 70 starts operating by replacing the package 20 and performing a reset operation (S22) such as pressing a reset button (S23). Air pump 7
With the suction force of 0, the processing solution stock solution in the package 20 is sucked into the gas-liquid separation tank 60 (S24). When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is higher than the position of the float sensor 203, the float 211 of the float sensor 203 comes into contact with the sensing unit 212 by its buoyancy, thereby detecting the liquid level rise. The signal is sent to the control unit, and the stop of the liquid sending pump 40 is released (S25). At this time, the amount of the processing liquid replenished by the stop of the liquid sending pump 40 due to the detection of the liquid shortage in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 (S19) is stored in the arithmetic unit, and the shortage of the liquid sending pump 40 is canceled when the stop of the liquid sending pump 40 is released. It is also possible to design so that the minutes are replenished. When the processing liquid stock solution is filled up to the position of the float sensor 200 by the operation of the air pump 70, a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown), the air pump 70 is stopped, the suction of the processing solution stock solution is completed, and the lamp 36 is turned off ( S26, S2
7). When the capacity of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is designed to be large and the capacity from the float sensor 203 to the float sensor 200 is equal to or more than one package 20, even if the solution of one package 20 minutes is sucked, the float sensor 200 Since it has not reached, the lamp 36 remains lit, indicating that the package 20 can be replaced subsequently.
When the gas-liquid separation tank 60 has a capacity for a plurality of packages, the operation of the air pump 70 is controlled by time, and the operation is automatically stopped after a sufficient time has elapsed to aspirate one package. The remaining volume can be sucked when the operator's hand is reached. Also in this case, the stop of the liquid feed pump has been released in S25 described above, so that the processing liquid is replenished accurately as usual.

When the processing liquid is filled up to the position of the float sensor 200, the reset work accompanying the package exchange is completed. After the reset operation is completed, the process returns to S7, and the operation described above is repeatedly performed. Note that when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is between the float sensor 202 and the float sensor 203 (before S14 to S18), the package 20 can be replaced at any time. In this case,
Since it can be replaced without stopping the liquid feed pump 40,
A reset operation is performed in the flow of S1 to S7.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described first embodiment, an overpressure release valve is used as the pressure variable means. However, as in this embodiment, a part of the gas-liquid separation tank may have a variable volume structure. What is necessary is just to be able to eliminate the excessively depressurized state when the inside of the separation tank 60 is in an excessively depressurized state.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the solution supply device 301. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and the description of the same structures and operations is partially omitted.

The gas-liquid separation tank 460 of the solution supply device 21 in this embodiment has a bellows-structured variable volume chamber 4 near its upper part.
It is 61. Then, utilizing the expansion and contraction of the bellows portion of the variable volume chamber 461, the entire volume of the gas-liquid separation tank 460 is changed, and the internal pressure of the gas-liquid separation tank 460 is made variable.

In the gas-liquid separation tank 460, four sensors 4
00 to 403 are arranged. The sensor 400 is a sensor that operates when the amount of the processing liquid in the gas-liquid separation tank 460 exceeds a certain amount, and the sensor 401 is a gas that operates when the gas accumulated in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 460 exceeds a certain amount. It is a mixing sensor. The sensor 402 is a sensor that senses running out of liquid in the package 20. The sensor 403 is a sensor for detecting a liquid shortage in the gas-liquid separation tank 460. As the sensor, a float sensor is used as in the first embodiment.

Next, the variable volume chamber 46 in the present embodiment.
1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the bellows portion of the variable volume chamber 461 is in an extended state while the processing solution stock solution is being supplied to the processing tank 50. If the supply of the processing solution undiluted solution to the processing tank 50 continues without replacing the package 20 with a new one, the inside of the processing tank 460 will be in an excessively decompressed state. The internal pressure in the separation tank 460 balances, and it becomes impossible to suck the processing liquid stock solution 10 in the gas-liquid separation tank 460.

Before the suction becomes impossible, as shown in FIG. 9B, the bellows portion of the variable volume chamber 461 is contracted, and the volume in the gas-liquid separation tank 460 is reduced. As a result, the excessively depressurized state in the gas-liquid separation tank 460 is eliminated without outside air entering, so that the gas-liquid separation tank 4
The supply of the processing solution stock solution 10 from 60 to the processing tank 50 can be performed continuously.

In the present embodiment, the upper portion of the processing tank 460 is the variable volume chamber 461 having a bellows structure, but the position of the variable volume chamber 461 having a bellows structure is not limited to the upper portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a bellows-structured variable volume chamber 561 may be provided at the center of the processing tank 560, or as shown in FIG. May be provided.

As shown in FIG. 12, an orifice 601 may be used in place of the overpressure release valve as the pressure varying means. This orifice 60
1 is provided on the upper surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 in the same manner as, for example, an overpressure release valve.
The diameter is such that outside air enters the gas-liquid separation tank 60 when the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 falls below a predetermined value. For example, the preferred diameter in the present embodiment is 2.0
0 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more in diameter
0.5 mm. Thereby, the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 can be adjusted with a very simple structure.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the gas-liquid separation tank is a package 2
Although the capacity is set to accommodate the amount of one piece, in the present embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the amount was set to one package. As described above, the size of the gas-liquid separation tank may be changed according to the space in which the device is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 13, the solution supply device 521
Differs from the above-described first embodiment only in that the size of the gas-liquid separation tank is different. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as the first embodiment, and the same structures and operations are partially described. Is omitted.

In the present embodiment, three sensors 500 and 50 are provided in the gas-liquid separation tank 560 of the solution supply device 521.
1, 503 are arranged. The sensor 500 is a sensor that operates when the amount of the processing liquid in the gas-liquid separation tank 560 exceeds a certain amount, and the sensor 501 is a gas that operates when the gas accumulated in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 560 exceeds a certain amount. It is a mixing sensor. The sensors 500 and 501 perform the same operations as the sensors 200 and 201 in the first embodiment, respectively. The sensor 503 is a sensor that detects a liquid shortage in the package 20 and also detects a liquid shortage in the gas-liquid separation tank 560. Each sensor uses a float sensor as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the inside of the package 20 is emptied and the supply of the undiluted processing liquid from the gas-liquid separation tank 560 to the processing tank continues, the inside of the processing tank 560 is excessively depressurized. The suction force of the liquid sending pump 40 and the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 560 balance, and it becomes impossible to suck the processing liquid stock solution 10 in the gas-liquid separation tank 560. At this time, the liquid level of the processing liquid stock solution 10 in the processing tank 560 is located between the sensor 501 and the sensor 503, for example.

In order to prevent the suction from becoming impossible,
At the time of design, the spring force of the overpressure release valve 100 is adjusted so that the overpressure release valve 100 is operated when the internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 560 decreases to an internal pressure slightly before falling into a suction impossible state. is there. Therefore, at the point when the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 560 is in the excessively depressurized state, as in the first embodiment, the overpressure release valve 100 is operated, the outside air enters the gas-liquid separation tank 560, and the excessively depressurized state is set. Will be resolved. For this reason, even when a small pump is used as the liquid sending pump 40, the liquid sending pump 40 does not become unable to send liquid, and stable liquid supply can be performed.

Then, the supply of the processing solution stock solution 10 proceeds, and the level of the processing solution stock solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 560 is detected by the sensor 5.
When the gas reaches the position 03, the sensor 503 senses gas, whereby a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) and the liquid sending pump 70 is stopped. And the gas-liquid separation tank 560
In order to notify the operator of the liquid shortage in the inside and the liquid shortage in the package 20, for example, a buzzer sounds as a liquid shortage warning in the gas-liquid separation tank. This warning causes the package 20 to be replaced with a new one.

As another embodiment of the present invention, a solenoid valve or the like is used for the overpressure release valve of the pressure variable means to detect a liquid level sensor in the gas-liquid separation tank or an internal pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank. In conjunction with the pressure sensor
By opening and closing the solenoid valve, excessive decompression in the gas-liquid separation tank may be eliminated. Further, as a sensor for sensing the liquid level, a photoelectric sensor, a photomicrosensor, or the like may be used in addition to the float sensor.

[0067]

As described above, by providing a pressure variable means such as an overpressure release valve, stable liquid supply accuracy can be obtained even when a small liquid feed pump is used, and the entire apparatus can be made compact. Can be In addition, by providing gas discharge means such as a stock tank and an air pump, the frequency of container replacement is reduced, malfunctions due to gas entrapment are prevented, and by providing a flow adjustment mechanism in the air pump, backflow accidents to the air pump can be prevented. Generation can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a solution supply device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a gas discharge tube.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an overpressure release valve.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation state and the like of the solution supply device, and is a diagram showing a liquid level of a processing liquid stock solution in a gas-liquid separation tank and a lighting state of a lamp in each state.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the movement of a sensor according to the liquid level of the processing solution stock solution in the gas-liquid separation tank.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the movement of a sensor according to the liquid level of a processing solution stock solution in a gas-liquid separation tank.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a solution supply device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the solution supply device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a solution supply device having another structure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a solution supply device having another structure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a solution supply device having still another structure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a solution supply device according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 21, 521: Solution supply device 10: Treatment liquid stock solution 20: Package 40: Liquid feed pump 50: Processing tank 60, 560, 660: Gas-liquid separation tank 70: Air pump 80: Gas discharge tube 100: Overpressure release Valve 200-203, 400-403, 500, 501, 5
03: Sensor 461, 561, 661: Variable volume chamber

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A stock tank to which the solution is supplied from a container in which the solution is sealed, a solution pump for sending the solution in the stock tank to a solution supply destination, and an internal pressure in the stock tank. A solution supply device comprising: a pressure varying unit. 2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the variable pressure means is a valve mounted on the stock tank and opened so that outside air enters the stock tank when an internal pressure in the stock tank becomes a predetermined value or less. The solution supply device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The solution according to claim 1, wherein the variable pressure means is a variable volume chamber provided in a part of the stock tank and changing the internal pressure by changing an internal volume. Feeding device. 4. The solution supply device according to claim 3, wherein the internal volume of the variable volume chamber is reduced when an internal pressure in the stock tank becomes a predetermined value or less. 5. An orifice provided in the stock tank and having a diameter such that outside air enters the stock tank when an internal pressure in the stock tank becomes a predetermined value or less. The solution supply device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gas discharge mechanism provided in a flow path of the solution from the container to the liquid sending pump, for discharging gas in the flow path. The solution supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 13. 7. The air discharge mechanism, wherein: a discharge pipe connected to the stock tank; an air pump connected to the discharge pipe, for discharging gas in the stock tank via the discharge pipe; The solution supply device according to claim 6, further comprising a flow rate adjusting mechanism. 8. The solution supply device according to claim 7, wherein in the flow rate adjusting mechanism, the delivery pipe is formed by connecting a plurality of pipes having different diameters. 9. A sensor for sensing a predetermined liquid level of the solution is provided in the stock tank, and the air pump controls the operation of the air pump in conjunction with the sensor for sensing the liquid level. The solution supply device according to claim 7, wherein the solution supply device is used. 10. A sensor for detecting a predetermined liquid level of the solution, a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting a predetermined liquid level of the solution provided above the first sensor. The solution supply device according to claim 9, comprising a sensor, wherein the air pump operates in conjunction with the first sensor and stops in conjunction with the second sensor. 11. The container according to claim 1, further comprising an out-of-container sensor for detecting an out-of-container solution in the container in the stock tank.
The solution supply device according to claim 1. 12. The solution supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a liquid shortage of the solution in the stock tank. .