JPH04120534A - Photographic processing agent container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce labor and time spent in preparation works of each type of processing solution, eliminating residue of the photographic processing agent, and facilitating disposal by connecting a tube body with a suctioning nozzle and suctioning and extracting the photographic processing agent inside the container main body. CONSTITUTION:After sealing of the tube body 64 of the photographic processing agent container 61 filled with the photographic processing agent such as parting agent is released, the suctioning nozzle 76 of the suctioning means is connected to the tube body 64 and the photographic processing agent inside the container 61 is suctioned and extracted. Each type of extracted parting agent is made to be replenishing liquid of a specified concentration fro each type of the processing agent, for example, diluted by diluting liquid and mixed. Then when all of the parting agent inside the container 61 is extracted, since the container main body 61 is shrunken, there is no residual parting agent in the container 61. The container 61 emptied thus, is left as it is or folded. Thus, the labor and the time spent in preparation works of each processing agent is reduced, there is no waste of the photographic processing agent, and the disposal of the container 61 is facilitated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a container for storing a photographic processing agent for processing a silver halide photographic material (hereinafter simply referred to as a "photosensitive material" or "sensitive material"). Regarding.

<Prior Art> Wet processing of photosensitive materials is carried out by immersing the photosensitive material in a processing solution, such as a developer, filled in a processing tank. In such a case, it is necessary to replenish a new processing replenisher (hereinafter referred to as replenisher) in order to keep the activity of the processing solution in the processing tank constant.

Therefore, processing work is performed while supplying a small amount of replenishing liquid from a replenishing tank into the processing tank at appropriate times.

In this case, the replenisher itself stored in the replenishment tank is usually produced in a separate location and refilled into the replenishment tank as needed. A manual method is used.

This manual production method will be explained below using a developer as an example.

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, three types of parts materials P, A, P, B, and PlC for photographic processing are placed in bottle-like containers Xa, Xb, and Xc, respectively, and a tank T1 for mixing and stirring. and prepare. In addition, this tank T1
For this, add an amount of diluent (
Dilution water) Wl is added in advance.

Next, each part agent P and A necessary for one developer replenisher preparation are prepared.
, P, B, p, and c, and put them individually into drug beakers Ya, Yb, and Yc from each container Xa to and Yc, and mix and stir the parts according to the mixing order.For example, first put parts P and A into tank T, mix thoroughly, and then add parts P and B. Then, the parts agent P1C is added and mixed and stirred to prepare a developer replenisher P1 having a predetermined compounding ratio.

Such a manufacturing method is the same for replenishment fixing (bleaching/fixing) liquid P2, cleaning liquid Ps, and the like.

Then, the replenishment processing liquid P1.
P* and Ps are manually added to the respective replenishment tanks (
It is now supplied to the sub-tank).

However, all of these operations, including replenishment work, are performed manually and are complicated, especially when the workers are unskilled or when replenishment is performed frequently. It takes time to prepare the replenisher, and the composition of the replenisher may be incorrect due to incorrect mixing ratios of parts or forgetting to mix certain parts. . Furthermore, there is also the problem that parts agents scatter during work and adhere to the human body (particularly hands), clothing, or peripheral equipment, causing stains or illness.

In addition, since there are differences in the amount consumed per time for each part agent,
If drug containers (bottles) with the same capacity are used, there will be a difference in the replacement cycle of the drug containers, making management complicated.

In order to avoid these problems, it is possible to prepare a large amount of replenisher fluid in advance, store it in a reserve tank, etc., and replenish it as needed. This is undesirable because it causes problems such as evaporation, alteration, and deterioration (oxidation, etc.) of the replenisher, leading to a decrease in the photographic properties of the light-sensitive material, and an increase in the size of the apparatus due to the installation of a large-capacity reserve tank.

Furthermore, containers Xa, Xb, and Xc are hard and difficult to crush into a flat shape, so when disposing of empty containers, a large amount of space is required, and disposal itself is difficult. It was an environmental problem.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it reduces the labor and time spent on preparing various processing solutions, and also reduces the amount of photographic processing agents left behind. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for storing a photographic processing agent that can be easily disposed of.

<Means for Solving the Problems> Such objects are achieved by the following inventions (1) to (7).

(1) A container body having flexibility such that the volume of the internal space becomes substantially zero when contracted; and a tube body fixed to the mouth of the container body and having one end extending to the inside of the container body. , a photographic processing device having a container support portion formed on a portion of the tube body exposed outside the container body and supporting a container for storing a photographic processing agent, and a sealing means for sealing a flow path of the tube body. In the container for storing the agent, after the flow path of the tube body is unsealed, the tube body is airtightly connected to a suction nozzle of a suction means, and the photographic processing inside the container body is performed by the operation of the suction means. A container for storing a photographic processing agent, characterized in that it is used to suck up and take out the agent.

(2) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to (1) above, wherein the container body has gas barrier properties.

(3) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the container body is composed of a laminate of a resin sheet and a metal foil.

(4) A side hole is formed near the mouth of the tube body in the container body (1) or 3) above.
A container for storing a photographic processing agent according to any one of the above.

(5) The photographic processing agent storage container according to any one of (1) to 4) above, wherein the sealing means has a breakable membrane that seals the flow path of the tube body.

(6) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to any one of (1) to 5) above, wherein the inner space is filled with a parts agent constituting a processing solution for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material.

(7) The photographic processing agent storage container according to any one of (1) to 6), wherein the suction nozzle has a tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip.

<Function> In the present invention, after the tube body of a photographic processing agent storage container (hereinafter simply referred to as a container) filled with a photographic processing agent such as a parts agent is unsealed, a suction means is attached to the tube body. Connect the suction nozzle to suction and remove the photographic processing agent from the container.

In this way, each part agent taken out is diluted and mixed with, for example, a diluent for each type of processing liquid, and is made into a replenisher liquid of a predetermined concentration.

When the entire amount of part agent in the container is removed, the container body contracts and the volume of its internal space becomes substantially zero.
Therefore, no parts agent remains in the container and there is no waste.

The container thus emptied can be easily disposed of as is or by folding it.

<Example> Hereinafter, a container for storing a photographic processing agent of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred example shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a photographic processing agent storage container C according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the photographic processing agent storage container 60 has a container body 61. As shown in FIG. This container body 61 is made by sealing the ends of multiple flexible sheet materials (four sheets in the illustrated example) by fusing or gluing, and expands and contracts to expand the internal space. Volume changes.

When the container body 61 is contracted, the container body 61 becomes a flat sheet, and the volume of the internal space becomes substantially zero. As a result, almost the entire amount of the photographic processing agent is removed without any residue, and there is no waste.

Examples of sheet materials constituting the container body 61 include polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, acrylic resin, polyvinylidene chloride, ionomer resin, styrene resin, fluororesin, polyamide, Polyphenylene oxide, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, cellulose acetate, silicone,
Examples include resin sheets such as polyurethane, amine resins, polyester resins, and epoxy resins, relatively soft gold such as lead and aluminum, or laminated layers of any of these materials.

The container body 61 preferably has gas barrier properties, and specifically, the oxygen permeation rate is 50 mA/m.
"-atm-dayf30'c) or less, especially 20 m
It is preferable that the temperature is less than j/m"atm.day (30"C).

This prevents oxygen, etc. from the atmosphere from penetrating the container body 61 and mixing into the photographic processing agent while the photographic processing agent is being stored in the container 6o, causing alteration and deterioration (particularly oxidation) of the photographic processing agent. It is prevented and remains in good condition for a long period of time.

An example of the container body 61 that can easily obtain such gas barrier properties is one in which a laminate of a resin sheet and metal foil is used as the sheet material constituting the container body 61.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a resin sheet 61a, a resin sheet 61b, a metal foil 61c, and a resin sheet 61d are laminated in this order. In this case, the resin sheet 61a is made of polypropylene,
The resin sheet 61b may be made of polyamide, the metal m61c may be made of aluminum foil, and the resin sheet 61d may be made of polyester.

In addition, since such a sheet material has the gold a foil 61c, the container body 6e also has light blocking properties, which is more preferable for preventing alteration and deterioration of the photographic processing agent.

Further, the outer surface of the container body 61 may be labeled with information such as the type of contents and the amount filled.

The tube body 6 is attached to the opening 62 of the container body 61.
4 is fixed. In the illustrated configuration, the container body 61
At the seal portion 63 at the upper end of the tube body 64, the tube body 64 is inserted between the sheet materials and fixed by sealing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end of the tube body 64 in the figure is exposed outside the container body 61, and the lower end of the tube body 64 in the figure is extended to a predetermined position inside the container body 61.

Furthermore, a plurality of side holes 65 are formed near the mouth portion 62 of the tube body 64 within the container body 61.

As described above, by extending the lower end of the tube body 64 to the inside of the container body 61 and further providing the side hole 65 near the mouth portion 62, the photographic processing agent in the container body 61 is
Depending on the state of the tube body 64, it is sucked through the lower end opening and/or the side hole 65. Therefore, regardless of the condition of the container 6o, the photographic processing agent in the container will not remain (
Can be inhaled.

In the part of the tube body 64 exposed outside the container body 61,
A container support portion 66 that supports the container 60 is formed.

In the illustrated example, the container support portion 66 is a flange-like rib formed in three stages along the longitudinal direction of the tube body 64.

For example, a temple-shaped bracket 80 that fits into the container support section 66 is installed at a location where the container 60 is held in the processing liquid preparation device 1 described later. Supports the container 60.

Note that this container support portion 66 is preferably formed integrally with the tube body 64.

Further, a male thread 67 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 64 in the upper part of the container support part 66 in the drawing.

The constituent materials of the tube body 64 include resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyphenylene oxide, polyamide, polyester, and phenol resin, ceramics such as alumina, and various metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and Hastelloy. etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, a cap 68 is attached to the upper end of the tube body 64 as a sealing means for sealing the flow path of the tube body 64. A female thread 69 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cap 68 and is threaded into the male thread 67. By screwing these threads together and attaching the cap 68, the air-tightness or liquid-tightness of the container 60 is improved. maintained.

When taking out the photographic processing agent in the container 60, first remove the cap 68 from the tube body 64, and then move the suction nozzle 76 of the suction means, which will be described later, in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. , is inserted into the upper end lower 0 of the tube body 64 and brought into close contact with the tube body 64, and suction is performed through a plurality of holes 77 formed on the side of the tip of the suction nozzle 76.

FIG. 3 shows another example of the structure of the sealing means.

As shown in the figure, the sealing means has a cap 71 formed with a female thread 72 that engages with a male thread 67, and the opening lower 3 is formed at the top of this cap 71.

Furthermore, a membrane 74 is attached from the inside of the cap 71 so as to seal the lower 3 during this period. This film 74 is
It is capable of maintaining the airtightness or liquidtightness of the container 60, and is also capable of being pierced by, for example, a protrusion or a cutting edge.
It is possible to break.

Examples of the constituent material of this film 74 include resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and polyamide, metals such as aluminum and lead, or laminates thereof.

When taking out the photographic processing agent in the container 6o, the suction nozzle 76 is relatively moved in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG.
The membrane 74 is broken at the tip of the suction nozzle 76, and the membrane 74 is inserted into the upper end opening of the tube body 64 and brought into close contact with the tube body 64, and then suction is carried out through the hole 77 formed on the side of the tip of the suction nozzle 76.

The tip of the suction nozzle 76 has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip, and when it moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the tapered portion 78 touches the upper end of the tube body 64.
Or, when it is inserted into the tube body 64 through the opening lower 3 and reaches the set position, it engages with the entire circumference of the upper end lower 0 or the opening lower 3 and is airtightly connected. However, in order to further improve airtightness, a sealing member made of an elastic material such as various rubbers or soft resins is installed around the entire edge of the upper end lower 0 or the open lower lower 3 and on the outer peripheral surface of the tapered part 78 of the suction nozzle 76. (not shown) may be installed.

The taper angle (angle with respect to the axis of the suction nozzle 76) of the tapered portion 78 is not particularly limited, but is approximately 10 to 45 degrees,
In particular, it is preferably about 20 to 30 degrees.

Further, since the hole 77 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip of the tapered portion 78, there is an advantage that poor suction does not occur (and there is no residual liquid).

The diameters of the lower end portion 0 and the open lower portion 3 of the tube body 64 are not particularly limited, but in relation to the suction nozzle 76 to be inserted, the diameters are approximately 5 to 15+nm, particularly 7 to 12vrrn.
It is preferable to set it as approximately.

Note that the shape of the suction nozzle is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and may be a coupler that airtightly fits (for example, screws) into the upper end of the tube body 64 or any other arbitrary structure.

Next, a processing liquid preparation system using the container of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the construction of a processing liquid preparation apparatus for preparing a developing solution P3, a fixing solution (bleaching/fixing solution) P2, and a cleaning solution Ps simultaneously or sequentially. The processing liquid preparation apparatus 1 shown in the figure has three processing liquid preparation systems for each type of processing liquid.

First, there is a production system 10 of developer P1, and this system 1
0 contains containers 11, 12 and 13 of the invention, suction means 14, static mixer 15 and replenisher tank 1.
6 is provided.

The containers 11 to 13 supported by the container support portion 66 on the bracket 80 have the same configuration as the container 60 described above, and each contains, for example, three types of parts that are components of the developer P. Agents P, A, PI B, P
, C are filled separately. These parts agent P,
A, P, B, P, and C are configured, for example, as water-soluble paste drugs or concentrate drugs.

The present invention may include two or more containers filled with the same type of photographic processing, or one container may be filled with developer P or its concentrate.

It is preferable if the photographic processing agent stored in each of the containers 11 to 13 is a parts agent because deterioration and generation of precipitates are less likely to occur during storage (and the storage stability is excellent).

In addition, each part agent is provided in an independent container 11 to 13.
Unlike the case where the developer P1 or its concentrate is filled in the container described above, component replenishment, which will be described later, becomes possible. Therefore, more appropriate and delicate composition (concentration) management of the processing liquid can be easily performed, and it is possible to respond to higher performance and higher technology of processing equipment.

In addition, the containers 11 to 13 containing parts agents are used for preparing all types of parts agents (i.e., parts agents P, A, P, B, P, and C) necessary to complete the developer, and for preparing them. It is also possible to prepare a negative part (for example, only parts materials P and A).

The former is a case of normal replenishment, especially replenishment to cope with processing deterioration, and the latter is a case of replenishing a specific component (e.g. preservative) in the replenishment solution, for example, in order to cope with deterioration over time. (component supplementation).

The suction means 14 includes three vibrators 17a, 17b and 1
7c, pumps 18a, 18b, and 18c installed in the middle of these vibrators 17a to 17c, respectively, and suction nozzles 76 each attached to one end of each of the vibrators 17a to 17c. In addition, each vibe 17
The other end of a to 17c is a static mixer 1, which will be described later.
5 drug inlets 155, 156 and 157.

In addition, although the pumps 18a to 18c are bellows pumps in the illustrated example, they are not limited to this, and for example, roller pumps may also be used.

When the pumps 18a to 18c are operated with the suction nozzle 76 connected to the tube body 62 of each container 11 to 13,
Parts agents P, A, P, B and P in each container 11-13
, C are sucked from the suction nozzle 76, and the vibrations 17a~
It is supplied to the static mixer 15 via 17c.

When the containers 11 to 13 are empty, remove the containers 11 to 13 and fill them with new containers 11 to 13 filled with parts agent.
exchange to. In this case, since the empty containers 11 to 13 have a flat shape, they can be disposed of as they are or folded, which is convenient and has the advantage of taking up less space when discarded.

In the present invention, the parts agents P and A-P in each container 11 to 13 are
, C are sucked out by the pumps 18a to 18c, so when changing the replenishment components such as during off-season replenishment, there is an advantage that the replenishment amount can be controlled independently. Compared to the system that pushes out and takes out the part agent that has been put in the container (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-73956), it is said that it can be used for replenishment of various purposes and functions, such as replenishment of individual components and replenishment of water to prevent evaporation. There are advantages.

Parts agents P, A, P filled in each container 11 to 13,
It is preferable that the amounts of B and PIC correspond to the blending ratio (mixing ratio) of those parts.

For example, parts materials P, A, P, B, P, and C are 1:2:3.
When blending in the ratio of , containers 11, 12 and 13
The volumes of parts P, A, P, B are set to be approximately equal.
It is possible to set the filling ratio of PLC and PIC at a ratio of 1:2+3, respectively, or the volumes of the containers 11, 12 and 13 can be set at a ratio of 1:2:3.

As a result, the contents of each container 11 to 13 are emptied at the same time, so that the replacement cycle of each container coincides, and the effort required for replacement is reduced.

In addition, when replenishing ingredients, either set only the container containing the parts agent to be replenished (for example, container 11), or
Alternatively, it is carried out by operating only the necessary pumps (for example, pump 18).

As shown in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, the static mixer 15 has an elongated cylindrical outer circumferential wall 152 in which a discharge port 151 with a reduced diameter is formed at the lower end, and inside thereof, each It has a structure in which a plurality of twist stirring plates 153 twisted at 90 degrees are arranged in multiple stages with their end surfaces perpendicular to each other.

In this case, the shape, size, and number of twisting stirring plates 153 are appropriately determined in consideration of the mixing and stirring performance for each part agent P, A, P, B, P, and C.

Drug inlets 155, 156, and 157 are formed in the outer circumferential wall 152 at predetermined positions in the longitudinal direction of the outer circumferential wall, and vibrators 17a to 17c are connected to each of these drug inlets 155 to 157, respectively. ing.

Note that each drug injection port 155 of the static mixer 15
Vibrators 17a to 17C for ~157 (containers 11 to 1
The connection order of 3) can be set at a suitable position based on, for example, the type of parts agent in each container 11 to 13, the amount of outflow, or the properties of each part agent.

Further, the upper end opening 154 of the static mixer 15 is connected to a vibrator 49a for injecting a diluent, which will be described later.

In this manner, the static mixer 15 can receive predetermined parts agents and dilution water from predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction of its internal flow path. Thereby, each parts agent and dilution water can be mixed in the optimal mixing order.

The replenisher of the developer P obtained by mixing each parts agent and diluent using the static mixer 15 flows out from the discharge port 151 of the static mixer 15 and is stored in the replenisher tank 16 located directly below. be done.

The vibrators 17a, 17b, 17c, and 49a are preferably made of a flexible and chemical-resistant material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyamide.

In the present invention, a mixing and stirring means other than a static mixer, for example, a movable type having a vibrator or the like may be used.

Next, make the fixer (bleach/fixer) P2! #1 line 20, but this line 2o includes the present invention 0 containers 21 and 2.
2. A suction means 24 and a static mixer 25 similar to those in the developer preparation system 1 are provided.

In the containers 21 and 22, for example, two types of per-agents P, A and P, which are constituent components of the fixer P2, are contained.
2B is filled.

The suction means 24 includes two vibrators 27a and Q27b,
Pumps 28a and 28b installed in the middle of these vibrators 27a and 27b, and each vibrator 27a
, 27b, and a suction nozzle 76 installed at one end of each. Further, the other end of each vibrator 27a, 27b is connected to two drug injection ports of the static mixer 25, respectively.

Next, there is a production system 3o of the cleaning liquid Ps.
0 contains the container 31 of the present invention, the production lines 10 and 2
Suction means 34 and static mixer 35 similar to those in 0 are provided.

The container 31 is filled with, for example, one type of parts agent PsA, which is an additive component to the cleaning liquid Ps.

The suction means 34 includes one vibrator 37a and this vibrator 3.
Pump 38a installed in the middle of 7a and vibrator 37a
A suction nozzle 76 is attached to one end of the suction nozzle. Further, the other end of the vibrator 37a is connected to a drug injection port of the static mixer 35.

As shown in Figure 5, each treatment liquid preparation system 10.20
．． 30 is combined with a common diluent supply device 40, and a predetermined amount of each part agent fed from each production system 10, 20, 30 is fed by the diluent W supplied from this diluent supply device 40. It is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

This diluent supply device 40 is configured as a device having a diluent storage tank 41 as a main part. This diluted liquid storage tank 41 has an ion exchange filter 42 attached to its upper space, and is supplied from an external tap water supply facility (not shown) connected via a valve means 43 such as a solenoid valve, for example. The tank 41 is configured to convert tap water into pure water by passing through a filter 42 and store it in the tank 41.

Further, sensors 44a and 44b for detecting the amount of liquid in the tank 41 are installed at two locations inside the diluted liquid storage tank 41, and the valve means 43 is activated based on the signals from the sensors 44a and 44b. The opening/closing control is configured to maintain the amount of pure water (diluent) W stored in the storage tank 41 within a predetermined amount (regular amount).

The lower part of the diluent storage tank 41 is connected to one end of three diluent feeding vibes 49a, 49b, and 49c that communicate with the inside of the tank 41.
The other end of 9c is a static mixer 15.2.
5.35 is connected to the upper end opening 154.

In the middle of these vibes 49a to 49c, each system 10.2
Three independent pumps 46, 47, 48 are installed every 0.3o.

When the pumps 46, 47, and 48 are operated, the diluent W sucked from the diluent storage tank 41 is transferred to the vibrators 49a to 49.
49c, it is supplied to the static mixers 15, 25, and 35 of each production system 1O 120, 30 at a desired flow rate, respectively.

In addition, instead of the pumps 46 to 48, one roller pump (
(not shown) to each static mixer 1.
It is also possible to send liquid on 5.25.35. in this case,
The vibrators 49a, 49b, and 49c are each filled with a diluent W.
By connecting pump tubes with an inner diameter corresponding to the supply amount of
．． At 35, a desired flow rate of diluent is supplied.

Now, the three production systems 10, 20, 30 and the dilute crude solution supply device 40 are controlled by the automatic control section 50 as follows, and the control method will be explained using the replenishing developer P1 as an example. .

This automatic control section 50 has appropriate calculation functions, storage functions, alarm functions, and the like.

The storage function stores basic data such as (1) to (2) below.

■ Mixing ratio and concentration after dilution of the six-part agents P, A, P, B, P, and C when preparing the intended replenishment developer P1 ■ - When preparing the one-fill developer P1 The required amount of each part agent and the required amount of diluent W ◎ Capacity of each container 11 to 13 ■ Output and operating time of pumps 18a to 18c required to suck the required amount of part agent from each container 11 to 13■ The output and operating time of the pump 46 necessary to supply the necessary amount of diluent W to the static mixer 15 ■ The opening and closing of the valve means 43 necessary to maintain the diluted liquid W in the diluted liquid storage tank 41 at the usual liquid level Conditions ■ Preparation sequence of replenishment developer P1 ■ When replenishing the components, when the automatic control unit 50 is activated to prepare the replenishment developer P1, the preparation sequence starts to proceed, and first, Liquid level detection sensor 44a, 44b
is checked to determine whether the diluent W in the diluent storage tank 41 is within the commonly used liquid amount range.

At this time, if it is determined that the diluent W is insufficient, a command signal is output from the automatic control unit 50 to the valve means 43, and the valve means 43 enters the closed state, allowing tap water to flow in and ion 2 The water is purified by the exchange filter 42 and the shortage is filled with y4.

- At 5, suction of the parts agent from each container 11 to 13 is started. That is, the automatic control unit 50 controls the rotation and knob 18a.
A command signal is applied to actuate each pump 18c.
a to 18c each operate for a predetermined period of time to fill each container 1.
Each part agent P, A, P, B, PI from 1 to 13
C is attracted. The sucked parts agent is vibrator 1
It is sent into the static mixer 15 via 7a to 17c.

The total discharge amount of each of the pumps 18a to 18c is determined according to the amount of each part agent necessary for producing the developer P at one time, which is stored in the automatic control unit 50 in advance or at any time. The control is performed, for example, by controlling the operating time of each pump 18ax18c using a built-in timer.

Further, the supply of the diluent W is started almost at the same time as the suction of each parts agent. That is, a command signal to operate the pump 46 is output from the automatic control unit 50, and the pump 46 is operated to cause the necessary amount of diluent W to flow into the static mixer 15 via the vibrator 49a.

As a result, the parts agents P, A, P, B, PLC and the diluent No. 2 are well mixed and stirred in the static mixer 15 to become the developer P1, which is discharged from the discharge port 151 of the static mixer 15. , Replenisher preparation tank 1
6, and a target amount of developer P1 is produced.

Note that the supply amount of the diluent W is determined according to the amount of the diluent W necessary for one production of the developer P1, which is stored in advance or at any time in the automatic control unit 50, and the control is This is carried out, for example, by controlling the operating time of the pump 46 using a built-in timer.

Control regarding the preparation of the developer P is as follows:
2 and the cleaning liquid Ps are similarly carried out. That is, the automatic control unit 5° stores the same basic data as described above regarding the fixing liquid P2 and the cleaning liquid Ps, and by controlling based on these, the fixing liquid P2 and the cleaning liquid Ps in the desired amounts are produced. Ru.

In this case, the order in which the three types of processing solutions P + , Pg , and Ps are produced depends on the order of production in the production sequence that determines the operating order of production systems 10, 20, and 30 related to each treatment solution. Alternatively, fabrication in any order can be selected.

In this way, since the diluent supply device 40 is common to each treatment liquid production system 10, 20, and 30,
It has the following advantages:

1) By sharing the diluent supply device, especially the diluent storage tank 41, the device can be downsized.

2) Control necessary for supplying the diluent W (for example, maintaining the amount of liquid in the diluent storage tank 41) becomes easier. In particular, when the above-mentioned roller pump is used, not only the liquid feeding means is simplified, but also the control associated with liquid feeding including setting of the supply amount becomes easy.

3) For example, maintenance such as replacing the ion exchange filter 42 is performed in a unified manner, which reduces work effort.

In addition, in the processing liquid preparation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5, the prepared developer P1, fixer P2 and cleaning;
The developer solution PI, the fixer solution P2, and the cleaning solution Ps are stored in the replenisher tanks 16, 26, and 36, respectively, and the produced developer solution PI, fixer solution P2, and cleaning solution Ps are transferred to the developer tank, fixer tank, and cleaning tank ( Alternatively, it may be directly poured into a sub-tank connected to communicate with these tanks.

Specific examples of parts contained in the container of the present invention include the following.

Color paper [parts for preparing developer] Part A: mixture of potassium carbonate and potassium hydroxide chelating agent Part B Hydroxylamine sulfate solution Part C 4-amino-N-ethyl-N-(β-methanesulfonamidoethyl) m- Mixture of toluidine sulfate benzyl alcohol diethylene glycol [parts for making bleaching/fixing solution] Part A mixture of ammonium dithiosulfate and sodium bisulfite Part B Ferric ammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Aqueous ammonia [parts for making cleaning solution] Part A: 2 Sodium incyanurate chloride solution color negative film [parts for developer preparation] Part A: Mixture of sodium sulfite, potassium bromide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate Part B: Potassium hydroxide sulfate, hydroxylamine, diethylene triamine, pentaacetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1° diphosphone Mixture of acids: Agent C: 4-[N-ethyl-N-(β-hydroxyethyl)aminoco-2-methylaniline [parts for making bleaching solution] Agent A: Mixture of ammonium nitrate and ammonia water Agent B: Ethylenediamine tetra Mixture of ferric acetate ammonium dihydrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium, ammonium bromide [Parts agent for preparing fixer A: mixture of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium, sodium bisulfite, aqueous ammonia, Part B: ammonium thiosulfate [for cleaning solution preparation] Parts Agent] Part A: Sodium Isocyanurate Dichloride Solution r Parts Agent for Preparing a Stable Solution Part A: Mixture of Formalin Monoethylene Glycol Polyethylene Oquinide Note that the above parts agents are just examples, and are limited to these. It's not a thing.

As explained above, the processing liquid preparation device 1 sucks and takes out the required amount of parts agent based on the required blending ratio from the container of the present invention, and also supplies a diluent to dilute the parts agent to a predetermined concentration. By mixing and stirring each parts agent and diluent in a mixing and stirring means provided for each processing solution to be produced, 1. A processing replenisher diluted to a predetermined concentration can be produced; These can be done under automatic control.

Therefore, even an unskilled person can accurately prepare various processing replenishing solutions with simple operations.

Moreover, since the preparation of the replenisher is performed automatically and there is little dependence on manual labor, there is no possibility that the parts agent will adhere to hands, clothes, or peripheral equipment and stain them, which is favorable from a sanitary and environmental standpoint.

It is also possible to combine the processing liquid preparation device 1 with a photosensitive material processing device such as the one described below, and in this case, at the same time as processing liquid preparation, the replenishment of various processing liquids to the processing tank can be done automatically. This contributes to the independence (self-sufficiency) of the photosensitive material processing equipment.

In the present invention, the types of photosensitive materials to be processed are not particularly limited, and include, for example, color negative film, color reversal film, color photographic paper, color positive film, color reversal photographic paper, photographic material for plate making, and X-ray photographic photosensitive material. Examples include various photosensitive materials such as black and white negative film, black and white photographic paper, and microphotosensitive materials.

Examples of photosensitive material processing equipment include wet copying machines, automatic developing machines, printer processors, video printer processors, photo print making coin machines,
Examples include color paper processing machines for plate inspection.

Although the illustrated embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be modified in various ways without changing the gist thereof.

<Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor and time spent on preparing various processing liquids, and it is particularly suitable for automation, which reduces labor and time and improves replenishment accuracy. Benefits such as improvement in quality of life, hygiene, and environment are brought about.

Furthermore, there is almost no photographic processing agent left in the container, so there is no waste of photographic processing agent.

Furthermore, the container can be easily disposed of, and the volume of the container can be reduced upon disposal, which is advantageous in terms of waste disposal.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a container for storing a photographic processing agent according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view showing the structure near the top of the photographic processing agent storage container shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view showing another example of the structure of the sealing means. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the structure of the sheet material forming the container body. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a processing liquid preparation apparatus using the photographic processing agent storage container of the present invention. 6 and 7 are a longitudinal sectional view and an enlarged perspective view, respectively, showing the structure of a static mixer in the processing liquid preparation apparatus shown in FIG. S. FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a procedure for producing a replenisher by a conventional method. Explanation of symbols 1...Processing liquid preparation device 10.20.30...Production system 11.12, Process 3.21.22.31...Photographic processing agent storage container 14.24.34... Suction means 15.25.35... Static mixer 151.
...Discharge port 152...Outer peripheral wall 153...Twisted stirring plate 154...Top opening 155.156.157...Drug injection port 16.26.
36... Replenishment tank 17a, 17b, 17c, 27a, 27b, 37a...
・Vibes 18a, 18b, 18c, 28a, 28b138a...
- Pump 40... Diluent supply device 41... Diluent storage tank 42... Ion exchange filter 43... Valve means 44a, 44 b... Sensors 46, 47, 48... Liquid sending pump 49a, 49b, 49 c-vibrator 50... automatic control unit 60... photographic processing agent storage container 61... container body 61a, 61b, 61 d... resin sheet 61c.
...Metal foil 62...Mouth part 63...Seal part 64...Tube body 65...Side hole 66...Container support part 67...Male thread 68.71...Cap 69.72 ... Female thread 70 ... Upper opening A3 ... Opening A4 ... Membrane 76 ... Suction nozzle 77 ... Hole 78 ... Taper part 80 ... Bracket Pl ... Developer P2... Fixer Ps... Cleaning liquid P, A, P, B, P, C, P, A, PsA... Parts agent W, W,... Diluent (dilution water) T1... Tanks X a, X b, X c - Containers Ya, Yb, Yc --- Pharmaceutical beaker Patent applicant Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney
Masaru Ishii Patent Attorney 1)
Tatsuya FIG, 1 FIG, 2 FIG, 3 FIG, 4 FIG, 6

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) A container body having flexibility such that the volume of the internal space becomes substantially zero when contracted; and a tube body fixed to the mouth of the container body and having one end extending to the inside of the container body. , a photographic processing device having a container support portion formed on a portion of the tube body exposed outside the container body and supporting a container for storing a photographic processing agent, and a sealing means for sealing a flow path of the tube body. In the container for storing the agent, after the flow path of the tube body is unsealed, the tube body is airtightly connected to a suction nozzle of a suction means, and the photographic processing inside the container body is performed by the operation of the suction means. A container for storing a photographic processing agent, characterized in that it is used to suck up and take out the agent. (2) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the container body has gas barrier properties. (3) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container body is composed of a laminate of a resin sheet and a metal foil. (4) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a side hole is formed near the mouth of the tube body in the container body. (5) The photographic processing agent storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing means has a breakable membrane that seals the flow path of the tube body. (6) The container for storing a photographic processing agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner space is filled with a parts agent constituting a processing liquid for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material. (7) The photographic processing agent storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction nozzle has a tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip.