JP3273287B2 - Replenisher for solid processing agents for processing silver halide photographic materials - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material.
The present invention relates to a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material in which different solid processing agents stored in a plurality of storage containers are controlled and dropped into respective processing liquid tanks by a predetermined amount to supply them.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter also referred to as a light-sensitive material) is exposed to a developer, a bleaching solution, a fixing solution,
It is processed in a processing step using a processing liquid such as a stabilizing liquid.
This processing is usually performed by an automatic developing machine. In this case, a replenisher replenishment method is generally used, and the processing is controlled so that the activity of each processing solution in the processing tank is kept constant.

In the replenisher replenishment system, the purpose is to dilute the processing solution with the eluate from the light-sensitive material, replenish the amount of evaporation, and replenish the consumed components. I have.

For commercial processing of photosensitive materials,
In order to reduce the cost and manual work, reduce the pollution load, downsize the processing apparatus, and further improve the commercial value, it is required to obtain stable and excellent processing performance with as little processing liquid as possible.

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, according to this method, a predetermined amount of a different solid processing agent is individually controlled and replenished to the processing liquid in each of the plurality of processing tanks by detecting the processing amount of the photosensitive material. There is a problem that a control device for controlling the amount and timing of charging the solid processing agent becomes complicated, the probability of failure increases, and the size of the device also increases. In addition, since the consumption of each of the different solid processing agents contained in a plurality of storage containers is remarkably different, there is a difference in the remaining amount of the solid processing agents in the storage containers. Operation becomes cumbersome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a technology for replenishing a solid processing agent that solves these problems.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, makes it possible to simplify and stabilize the replenishment control and driving means of a solid processing agent, and to supply an inexpensive and compact apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, in which a solid processing agent storage container can be easily replaced, whereby replenishment can be easily and surely achieved and stable photographic processing performance can be obtained. Is what you do.

Another object is to greatly simplify the operation of replacing the solid processing agent storage container.

[0009]

The above object is achieved by the present invention described below.

That is, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the present invention is housed in a plurality of processing solution tanks of a photographic material processing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, in a plurality of storage containers. In the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, in which a predetermined amount of the different solid processing agent is dropped into a corresponding processing solution tank to supply the same, the processing amount of the light-sensitive material processed by the light-sensitive material processing apparatus is reduced. Detecting and driving the transport member connected to one drive source by the control means, unloading the solid processing agent by the transport member from the storage container containing at least two different solid processing agents, and It is characterized by replenishing the liquid tank.

[0011] Further, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the present invention is a replaceable storage container comprising the plurality of storage containers and at least one holding member for holding and fixing the storage containers. Unit, a loading unit for detachably loading the storage container unit, and at least one receiving unit having a rotating shaft connected to one drive source and having a plurality of receiving units for receiving and transporting a predetermined amount of solid processing agent. A rotary conveying member, a housing member rotatably holding and accommodating the rotary conveying member, a housing member having a solid processing agent introduction opening and a plurality of discharge openings, and the plurality of housing members connected to the plurality of discharge openings of the housing member. And a plurality of discharge means communicating with the processing liquid tank.

Further, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to the present invention comprises a plurality of container bodies accommodating at least the different solid processing agents, and a periphery of the solid processing agent discharge opening of the container body. A plurality of storage containers each including a movable lid member that can be opened and closed, a plurality of loading units that removably load the storage containers, and a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent from the storage containers, which is conveyed. A plurality of rotary conveying members having a plurality of receiving portions, a rotatable holding and accommodating rotatable conveying member, a housing member having a solid processing agent introduction opening and a plurality of discharging openings, and a plurality of the housing members. And a plurality of discharge means connected to the discharge opening of the plurality of processing liquid tanks, and each of the rotating shafts of the plurality of rotary transport members is connected via a driving force transmission means connected to one drive source. It is characterized in that for moving the rotation.

[0013]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

An example of the automatic developing machine of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an automatic developing machine) will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 (A)
1 is an overall front side configuration diagram of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus (printer processor) in which a self-developing machine AP and a photographic printing machine B are integrally configured.

In FIG. 1A, a magazine MA containing rolls of photographic paper (color paper), which is an unexposed silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, is provided at the lower left of the photographic printer B.
Is set. Printing paper p drawn from the magazine
Is cut into a predetermined size via the feed roller R1 and the cutter section Ct, and becomes a sheet-like photographic paper p. The sheet-shaped photographic paper p is transported by the belt transport means Be, and the light source and the lens L in the exposure section E expose the original image. The exposed sheet-shaped photographic paper p is further conveyed by a plurality of pairs of feed rollers R2, R3, R4 and introduced into the automatic developing machine AP. In the automatic developing machine AP, the sheet-like photographic paper p is stored in a color developing tank 1 as a processing liquid tank.
A, the bleach-fixing tank 1B, and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, and 1E (substantially three processing tanks 1) are sequentially conveyed by roller conveying means (reference symbol pear).
A bleach-fixing process and a stabilizing process are performed. The sheet-shaped photographic paper p having been subjected to each of the above-described processes is dried in the drying unit 6 and discharged outside the machine.

In the embodiment, the photographic paper p is guided into the self-developing machine AP in a cut state.
It may be guided in the self-developing machine AP in a belt shape.

It is needless to say that the self-developing machine AP according to the present invention may be constituted integrally with the photoprinting machine B or may be constituted by the self-developing machine AP alone. Further, as a description of the present invention, a color developing tank 1A, a bleach-fix tank 1B, a stabilizing tank 1C, 1
D, 1E, but is not limited to the self-developing machine AP having the processing tank 1 of substantially three tanks, but is not limited thereto, and a color developing tank, a bleaching tank, and a fixing tank for processing an exposed negative film. The present invention can be applied to a self-developing machine having a configuration having substantially four or more treatment tanks having a stabilization tank.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the automatic machine AP. The above color developing tank 1A, bleach-fix tank 1B, stabilizing tank 1E
Each processing tank has auxiliary tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D,
2E and a solid processing agent supply device 3 for supplying a solid processing agent
A, 3B and 3E are provided. A replenishing water tank 41 supplies replenishing water to the color developing tank 1A and the stabilizing tank 1E.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an entire printer processor in which the self-developing machine AP, the photographic printer B, and the sorter S according to the present invention are integrally formed. In the figure, the lid 104 of the automatic processing machine AP is opened upward, and the storage containers 33A, 33B, and 33E storing the solid processing agent are mounted and fixed to a supply device 34 described later, and the storage containers 33A and 33B are respectively set. , 33E in each processing tank.

FIG. 3A is a configuration diagram of an automatic developing machine AP for developing a sheet-like photographic paper. In the self-developing machine AP, the sheet-like photographic paper p includes a color developing tank 1A, a bleach-fixing tank 1B, and a stabilizing tank 1B.
C, 1D, 1E each processing solution (CD, BF, SR1
After the treatment in 3), the drying is performed in the drying unit 6. As the liquid level, the bleach-fixing tank 1B is compared with the stabilizing tanks 1C and 1B.
D and 1E increase sequentially. Therefore, the overflow liquid from 1E has a structure (counter current method) in which it flows into 1D, 1C, and 1B by gravity.
3A, 3B, 3E are solid processing agent supply devices, 31 is processing amount information detecting means, 32 is solid processing agent supply control means, 41 is a replenishing water tank, 42 is a water supply pump, 43 is a water pipe, and 49 is a replenishing water supply. Control means.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an automatic developing machine AN for developing a negative film. In the self-developing machine AN, the negative film f is provided with a processing solution tank, a color developing tank 1NA and a bleaching tank 1N.
B, fixing tank 1NC, 1ND, stabilization tank 1NE, 1NF, 1
After being processed by each processing liquid (CD, BF, SR1 to 3) in the NG, it is dried in the drying unit 6. The above color developing tank 1
The NA, the bleaching tank 1NB, the fixing tank 1ND, and the stabilizing tank 1NG are provided with solid processing agent supply devices 3NA, 3NB, 3ND, and 3NG for supplying solid processing agents, respectively. Parts having the same functions as those of the self-developing machine AP are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a color developing tank 1A, an auxiliary tank (dissolution tank) 2A, and a solid processing agent supply device 3A, which are processing tanks in the II section of the automatic processing machine AP of FIG. Since the bleach-fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tank 1E have almost the same structure, the color developing tank 1A will be described below as a representative.

In the drawings, a conveying means for conveying the photosensitive material is omitted for easy understanding of the structure.
Further, in this example, a case where a tablet-type solid processing agent J is used as the solid processing agent will be described, but the present invention is also applicable to a granular solid processing agent.

Processing tank 1 for processing photosensitive material (P, f)
Has an auxiliary tank (dissolution tank) 2 integrally provided outside a partition wall 21 forming the processing tank 1. The processing tank 1 and the auxiliary tank 2 are separated by a partition wall 21 having a communication window 21A formed therein, so that the processing liquid can be circulated.
Filter 22, heater 25, temperature sensor in auxiliary tank 2
26, a liquid level sensor 27 is provided. The inside of the filter 22 communicates with the suction side of a circulation pump 24 (circulation means) through a circulation pipe 23A provided through the lower wall of the auxiliary tank 2. The other end of the circulation pipe 23B communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 24 penetrates the outer wall of the processing tank 1 and communicates with the processing tank 1. With such a configuration, the circulation pump
When 24 operates, the processing liquid is sucked from the auxiliary tank 2,
After being discharged into the processing tank 1, the processing liquid mixes with the processing liquid in the processing tank 1, enters the auxiliary tank 2 again, and repeats circulation. 11 is an overflow, and 12 is a waste liquid tank.

A replenishing water supply means 40 for supplying replenishing water W to the auxiliary tank 2 comprises a replenishing water tank 41, a bellows pump 4
2. It is composed of water supply pipes 43 and 44, and the replenishment water supply control means 49 replenishes an appropriate amount of replenishment water W at appropriate times.

The solid processing agent replenishing device 30 includes a processing amount information detecting unit 31, a solid processing agent supply control unit 32 (see FIG. 3),
It comprises a storage container 33 for accommodating the tablet-type solid processing agent J, a solid processing agent supply device 34, and a driving means 35. The driving means 35 is driven by one driving source M (motor). A lid 104 is swingably hinged to a part of the upper surface of the upper cover 102 of the automatic machine AP, and the lid 104 is opened in the direction of the dashed line a in FIG. The tablet type solid processing agent J is replaced and replenished.

FIG. 5 shows various shapes of the tablet type solid processing agent J to be directly charged into the processing tank of the automatic processing machine. FIG. 5 (A) shows a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section, which is composed of plane portions a and b substantially parallel to the central axis and a cylindrical surface portion d, and has a diameter D having a chamfered corner (c). FIG. 5 (B) is a plan view of the solid processing agent J, and FIG. 5 (C) is a perspective view of the solid processing agent J. FIG.
(D) 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 radius. FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the solid processing agent J having a circular cross-section and having a spherical upper and lower surface. FIG. 5F is a perspective view showing a spherical solid processing agent, and FIG. 5G is a perspective view showing a donut-shaped solid processing agent having a hole near the center.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing device 30 of the automatic developing machine AN for negative film development processing according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the replenishing device 30, and FIG. 8 is a right side view. 9 (A), 9 (B), 10 (A), and 10 (B) are side sectional views of the replenishing device 30, and FIG. 9 (A) is a color developing solid processing agent (J _N1 ) replenishing section. 30 _N1, FIG. 9 (B) is bleaching solid processing agent (J _N2) supplemented section 30 _N2, FIG 10 (A) is a fixing for a solid processing agent (J _N3) supplemented unit 30 _N3, FIG. 10 (B) stable FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of each part of a solid processing agent (J _N4 ) replenishing unit 30 _N4 for use.

FIG. 11A is a partially cutaway perspective view of one container main body of the storage container unit 330, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a movable lid (pull lid) 332. The storage container unit 330
Are 9 different solid processing agents J _N1 , J _N2 , J _N3 , J _N4
Of the four containers (cartridges) 33 each containing
1 _N1 , 331 _N2 , 331 _N3 , 331 _N4 , one holding member 333 for holding and integrally fixing these container bodies,
A movable lid 332 that can slide out of the long groove portion 33 and is drawn out. The container body 331 _N1 , 331 _N2 , 33
_1N3 has different dimensions due to the different dimensions of the solid processing agent to be accommodated, but has substantially the same structure and shape. Therefore, these three types of container bodies will be described collectively below.

The container bodies 331 _N1 , 331 _N2 , 331 _N3 , 331 _N4
Has a hollow rectangular column shape, and discharges each of the contained solid processing agents J _N1 , J _N2 , J _N3 and J _N4 from the lower opening 331F.
Above the opening is the cap member _{334 N1, 334 N2, 334 N3} , 3
34 _Closed by _N4 .

[0031] At the pre-solid processing agent replenishing storage, the movable cover 332 is closed the openings 331F of the container body _{331 N1, 331 N2, 331 N3} , 331 N4, the role of the anti-drop and moisture of the solid processing agent Has made.

Inside the container bodies 331 _{N 1} , 331 _{N 2} , 331 _{N 3} , flat portions a, b on both sides of the solid processing agent J to be contained (FIG. 5).
(See (A)) A plurality of partition walls 331S for guiding and a plurality of partition walls 331T for guiding the cylindrical surface portion d of the solid processing agent J are integrally fixed, and the inside of the container main bodies 331 _{N1 to} 331 _N3 is 3. It is divided into a total of 15 rooms in 5 rows and 5 columns. In each compartment, the outer peripheral surfaces of the solid processing agents J are circumscribed, and the five solid processing agents J shown in FIG. Therefore, a total of 75 (15 × 5) is provided in all the compartments of the container bodies 331 _{N1 to} 331 _N3.
One solid processing agent J can be stored.

The movable lid 332 may be provided individually so as to close each opening 331F for each container body, but at least one large movable lid 332 common to a plurality of container bodies is provided. , With at least one withdrawal,
All the openings 331F may be simultaneously opened simultaneously. In addition, the movable lid 332 can be drawn out in a direction in which the tablet-shaped solid processing agent J having a circular cross section can be moved, so that the sliding resistance of the movable lid 332 caused by the solid processing agent J is reduced. And it is effective in preventing the solid processing agent J from being damaged and prevented by friction and from generating powder.

The first container body 331 _N1 contains a total of 75 solid processing agents J _N1 for color development. The second container body 331 _N2 contains a total of 75 bleaching solid processing agents J _N2.
Individually housed. The third container body 331 _N3 contains a total of 75 solid processing agents J _N3 for fixing. The fourth container body 331 _N4 contains five solid processing agents J _N4 for stabilization.

These solid processing agents J _N1 , J _N2 , J _N3 , J
_N4 has different diameters and thicknesses (see Table 1). One rotation of the rotation conveying member 345 of the solid processing agent supply device 34 described later causes each container body 331 _N1 , 331 _N2 , 33 to rotate.
From 1 _N3 and 331 _N4 , 1 tablet each of solid processing agents J _N1 , J _N2 , J _N3 ,
J _N4 is discharged and each melting tank (auxiliary tank) 2A, 2B,
It is supplied to 2D and 2G.

[0036]

[Table 1]

Table 1 shows one experimental example of the solid processing agent J in the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus according to the present invention. The replenishing amount per tablet was determined by changing the diameter D and the thickness H. In the automatic developing machine AN, a predetermined negative film processing amount is detected by the detecting means 31, and a predetermined amount of the solid processing agents J _{N1 to} J _N4 is supplied to each container tank by the solid processing agent supply control means 32. Also in the automatic developing machine AP, a predetermined amount of the solid processing agents J _{P1 to} J _P3 is similarly supplied. While the solid processing agents J _{N1 to} J _N3 drop and replenish five tablets for each rotation of the rotary transport member 345 described later, the solid processing agent J _N1 drops and replenishes one tablet. Therefore, even if the solid processing agents contained in the respective container bodies 331 _{N1 to} 331 _N4 are different, all the solid processing agents are finally completely eliminated at the same time. Therefore, each container body filled with the new solid processing agent can be replaced simultaneously for each unit.

The holding member 333 of the storage container unit 330
Is removably mounted on a frame-shaped loading section 342 of the housing 341 stop portion of the solid processing agent supply device 34, is positioned on the reference wall surface of the loading section 342, and is locked and fixed by the clamp means 343. . The loading unit 342 includes the movable lid 3.
An oscillating lid 344 that allows the 32 to be pulled out is provided. The oscillating lid 344 is pulled up and removed after removing the movable lid 332, and then stands up to shut off the clit portion of the holding member 333.

In the vicinity of the center of the housing 341, there is formed a cylindrical inner wall portion for holding a rotary conveying member 345 driven and rotated by the driving means 35. One shaft end of the rotary conveyance member is fitted to a bearing of the housing 341, and the other shaft end is fitted to a bearing of the lid 346. Housing 3
The cover 41, the cover body 346, and the rotary conveyance member 345 are integrally attached to the machine frame 105 of the automatic machine body in a detachable manner.

FIG. 12A shows the above-mentioned rotary conveying member (rotor).
345 is a perspective view of FIG. FIG. 12B is a sectional view of a disk portion of each stage constituting the rotor 345. The rotor 345 has a total of 16 disk portions integrated on a coaxial core. A receiving portion (pocket portion) capable of accommodating one solid processing agent J is formed in each of the disk portions of these stages. 12 5 of the disc portion 3451 of the front side shown in the perspective view of (A) is intended to convey accommodating the color developing solid processing agent J _N1, each receptacle Z1
Is shifted by 72 °, so that rotor 345
When rotated, the solid processing agent J _N1 sequentially charged from the opening 331F of the container body 331 _N1 is sequentially loaded into the five receiving portions Z1 and discharged one by one from the outlet opening 341F of the housing 341. The tablets are sequentially supplied to the dissolution tank (auxiliary tank) 2A via the discharge pipe 3471. The rotor 345 is
It is driven and rotated from one motor M1 via gears G1, G2, G3.

Similarly, in FIG. 12A, a five-stage disc portion having a receiving portion Z2 for storing and transporting the bleaching solid processing agent J _N2 is provided on the back side of the disc portion 3451. 3452
Is provided. Further, on the back side, there are provided five stages of disk portions 3453 each having a container portion Z3 for storing and transporting the solid processing agent _JN3 for fixing. The innermost stage is a disk portion 3454 having a receiving portion Z4 for transporting a solid processing agent J _N4 for stabilization.

[0042]

[Table 2]

Table 2 shows other experimental examples of the solid processing agents J _{N1 to} J _N4 and J _{P1 to} J _{P3 in} the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a predetermined amount of replenishment is performed by changing the number and the number of solid processing agents to be supplied for each rotation of the rotor 345, with the diameter and thickness of each solid processing agent being the same.

[0044]

[Table 3]

Table 3 shows the solid processing agents J _{N1 to} J _N4 and J _{P1 to} J N.
Another experimental example of _P3 is shown. This experimental example is a combination in which the diameter, thickness, and number of accommodated solid processing agents are changed.

[0046]

[Table 4]

Table 4 shows still another example of the solid processing agent. This experimental example is another combination in which the diameter, thickness, and number of accommodated solid processing agents are changed.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 of an automatic developing machine AP for processing photographic paper (color paper) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a replenishing section 30 _P1 of a color developing solid processing agent ( _JP1 ), FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a bleach-fixing solid processing agent ( _JP2 ) replenishing section _30P2 , and FIG. It is a side sectional view of processing agent ( _JP3 ) replenishment part _30P3 . The parts having the same functions as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, points different from the above embodiment will be described.

The storage container unit 330 holds three container main bodies (cartridges) 331 _P1 , 331 _P2 , and 331 _P3 that respectively store a plurality of different solid processing agents J _P1 , J _P2 , and J _P3 , and holds these container main bodies. Holding member to fix together
333 and a movable lid 332. The first container main body 331 _P1 contains two solid processing agents J _P1 for color development. The second container body 331 _P2 contains a total of 50 solid processing agents J _P2 for bleaching and fixing in a 5-tier arrangement. The third container body 331 _P3 contains a total of 50 solid processing agents J _P2 for bleaching and fixing in a 5-tier arrangement. The third container body 331 _P3 contains 15 solid processing agents J _P3 for stabilization in a one-stage arrangement.

Table 3 shows the diameters D of the solid processing agents J _{P1 to} J _P3 .
Experimental examples of the thickness H, the number of containers, and the like are shown.

The rotor for transporting the solid processing agents J _{P1 to} J _P3 has two stages. The first rotor 348A is disposed receptacle Z1 for receiving the solid processing agent J _P1 in the container body 331 _P1 are arranged in two rows in the phase difference of 180 °. In the first-stage rotor 348B, receiving portions Z2 for receiving the solid processing agent J _P2 in the container main body 331 _P2 are arranged in five rows, and are arranged at 72 °.
Are arranged at a phase difference of The first rotor 348A is driven and rotated by the first motor M2 via gears G4, G5, G6. The second rotor is coaxial with the first rotor 348A.
Of the rotor 348B are rotatably supported with a difference in rotational speed. The second rotor 348B is driven and rotated at a low speed from a second motor M3, which is another driving source, via gears G7, G8, G9. Note that the second rotor 348B is
The motor M2 may be driven and rotated by a reduction gear train (not shown).

When the first rotor 348A makes one rotation, two solid processing agents J _P1 for color development and two solid processing agents J for bleach fixing are used.
5 tablets of _P2 are dropped, and after 10 rotations, the container body 331 _P1 , 331
Each solid processing agent in the _P2 J _P1 (20 tablets), the remaining amount of J _P2 (50 tablets) becomes zero. On the other hand, it is rotated decelerated simultaneously a second rotor 348B, to drop the solid processing agent J _P3 at a rate of 1.5 tablets during one rotation of the first rotor 348A.

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view showing another embodiment of the driving means 35 of the refilling device of the present invention. This driving means 35
Gear G11 from one motor M4, G12, G13 and the solid processing agent replenishing device 30 _P1 for color development through the first rotor 349A
The rotationally driven, then the gear G14, G15, G16, G17 is driven to rotate the second rotor 349B of the solid processing agent replenishing device 30 _P2 for bleach-fixing through a stable, not shown further via the gear G18, G19 The third rotor of the solid processing agent replenishing device for use is driven and rotated. In this embodiment, the rotors 349A, 349B
··················· Although is not a single-axis configuration, all are simultaneously driven and rotated by the same drive source to accommodate a predetermined number of container bodies 331
_P1 , 331 _P2 ····················································································· Re between the storage containers simultaneously.

The above-mentioned embodiment is a refilling device for a tablet-type solid processing agent, in which a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent in the storage container is supplied by one rotation of the rotor, and the storage container can be replaced collectively. However, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus of the present invention is also applicable to quantitative replenishment of granular solid processing agents.

[0055]

As described above, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to the present invention is designed such that a predetermined amount of a different type of solid processing agent is supplied to each processing solution tank once. Of different types of solid processing agents
The quantity can be set in advance, and the predetermined amount of the different types of solid processing agents can be easily and reliably supplied by one rotation of the conveying member of the solid processing agent supply device. Therefore, the driving means of the replenishing device is simplified, and the replenishment control of the solid processing agent is easy and reliable. Further, a plurality of container bodies accommodating the respective solid processing agents are configured as an integrated unit,
In addition, by setting the total amount of the stored solid processing agent in each container body so that the remaining amount of each solid processing agent after consumption becomes zero at the same time, it is easy to replace and mount the unitized storage container.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view and plan view of a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus (printer processor) according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer processor.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an automatic developing machine.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an automatic developing machine.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, a plan view, and a perspective view showing various shapes of a tablet-type solid processing agent.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the replenishing device.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the replenishing device.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the replenishing device.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the replenishing device.

FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a storage container unit.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rotary conveyance member (rotor) of the supply device and a cross-sectional view of each stage constituting the rotor.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of a solid processing agent replenishing device for an automatic developing machine AP.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing device.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view showing another embodiment of the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Processing tank 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E Auxiliary tank (dissolution tank) 3A, 3B, 3E Solid processing agent supply device 30 Solid processing agent replenishment device 31 Processing amount information Detecting means 32 Solid processing agent supply control means 33 Solid processing agent storage container (cartridge) 330 Storage container unit 331 Container main body 331F Opening 331 _N1 , 331 _N2 , 331 _N3 , 331 _N4 , 331 _P1 , 331 _P2 , 331 _P3
Container main body 332 Movable lid 333 Holding member 34 Solid processing agent supply device (supply device) 341 Housing 341F Exit opening 342 Loading portion 344 Swing lid 345, 348A, 348B, 349A, 349B Rotary transport member (rotor) 346 Lid 3471 , 3472,3473,3474 Discharge pipe 35 Drive means AP, AN Automatic developing machine J Tablet type solid processing agent Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 Receptor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03D 3/06 G03C 5/26 510 G03C 5/26 520 G03D 13/02

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] 1. A predetermined amount of different solid processing agents contained in a plurality of storage containers is dropped into a plurality of processing solution tanks of a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material. In the replenishing device for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, the amount of the light-sensitive material processed by the light-sensitive material processing device is detected, and the control means controls the conveyance member connected to one drive source. A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processing, wherein the solid processing agent is driven out of the storage container accommodating at least two different solid processing agents by the transport member and supplied to the corresponding processing solution tanks. For replenishing solid processing agents. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said transport member is at least one rotary transport member having a rotation axis.
A replenisher for a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material as described above. 3. The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one other drive shaft having a speed changing means for changing a solid processing agent supply timing is provided on the rotating shaft. Solid treatment agent replenishment device. 4. The replenishing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said rotation axis is constituted by one axis. 5. A rotary conveying member having a receiving portion for receiving different solid processing agents in the plurality of storage containers is provided on the rotating shaft, and a plurality of solid processing agents received by rotation of the rotary conveying member are provided. 5. A replenishing device for a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 2, wherein said solid processing agent is charged into said corresponding processing solution tank. 6. A silver halide according to claim 2, further comprising a discharge means for moving different solid processing agents discharged from said rotary conveying member and putting them into said corresponding processing liquid tanks. Replenisher for solid processing agents for processing photographic photosensitive materials. 7. A plurality of storage containers arranged on the rotary transport member are configured as an integral unit, and the unit is replaceable with a loading section of a replenishing device including the rotary transport member. 7. A replenishing device for a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 2 or claim 7. 8. A movable movable lid member for sealing the solid processing agent in the storage container is provided near the bottom of the storage container unit, and the movable lid member is removed after the unit is mounted on the loading section. 8. The replenishing device for a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 2, wherein the solid processing agent in the storage container is discharged to a receiving portion of the rotary conveying member. 9. The replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 2, wherein said solid processing agent is in the form of a tablet. 10. The replenishing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said tablet-type solid processing agents are arranged and stored in said storage container. 11. The solid processing agent according to claim 2, wherein the solid processing agent is a tablet-type solid processing agent having a circular cross section.
10. A replenisher for a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to item 10. 12. A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material according to claim 8, wherein said movable lid member is movable in the rotation direction of said tablet-type solid processing agent having said circular cross section. For replenishing solid processing agents. 13. A predetermined amount of a different solid processing agent contained in a plurality of storage containers is dropped into a plurality of processing solution tanks of a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic photosensitive material. A replaceable storage container unit comprising the plurality of storage containers and at least one holding member for holding and fixing the storage containers; At least one rotary transport member having a loading section for detachably loading the storage container unit and a plurality of receiving sections having a rotary shaft connected to one drive source and receiving and transporting a predetermined amount of solid processing agent; A housing member rotatably holding and accommodating the rotatable conveying member and having a solid processing agent introduction opening and a plurality of discharge openings; and a housing member connected to the plurality of discharge openings of the housing member. And a plurality of discharge means communicating with the plurality of processing solution tanks. 14. A plurality of processing solution tanks of a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, wherein a predetermined amount of a different solid processing agent contained in a plurality of storage containers is dropped into each corresponding processing solution tank. A replenishing apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, wherein a plurality of container bodies accommodating at least the different solid processing agents and a periphery of the solid processing agent discharge opening of the container body are opened and closed. A plurality of storage containers each including a movable lid member to be stopped, a plurality of loading units for removably loading the storage containers, and a plurality of reception units for receiving and transporting a predetermined amount of the solid processing agent from inside the storage containers. A plurality of rotary conveyance members having a portion, a housing member having a solid processing agent introduction opening and a plurality of discharge openings while rotatably holding and housing the rotation conveyance member, and a plurality of the housing members. A plurality of discharge means connected to the discharge opening and communicating with the plurality of processing liquid tanks, and each rotating shaft of the plurality of rotary transport members is driven via a driving force transmitting means connected to one drive source. An apparatus for replenishing a solid processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, which is rotated.