Solid processing agent supplying device for silver halide photographic material

A silver halide photographic material processing apparatus is provided with a solid processing agent replenishing unit which includes a supplying device for supplying a solid processing agent to the tank; and a constructing member for forming a guide passage in the tank in such an arrangement that the guide passage receives the solid processing agent from the supplying device, guides the solid processing agent to an upper portion above a filter, and feed the solid processing agent from the upper portion into the processing solution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a solid processing agent supplying device 
for a silver halide photographic material, to a unit to modify an 
installed automatic processing apparatus using a liquid processing agent 
so as to use a solid processing agent, and to an automatic processing 
apparatus on which the supplying device and the unit are mounted. More 
concretely, the present invention relates to a solid processing agent 
supplying device for silver halide photographic material with which the 
conventional automatic processing apparatus not being provided with a 
solid processing agent supplying device is modified so as to allow the 
solid processing agent supplying device to be mounted thereon with the 
smallest modification, to a unit to modify the installed automatic 
processing apparatus using the liquid processing agent so as to use a 
solid processing agent, and to an automatic processing apparatus on which 
the supplying device and the unit are mounted. 
After exposure, a silver halide photographic material is subjected to 
processing with processing solutions, such as a developing solution (or a 
color developing solution as required), a bleaching solution, a fixing 
solution, a bleach fixing solution and a stabilizing solution. The 
processes are usually conducted in an automatic processing apparatus. In 
this case, a method of replenishing a replenishing solution is ordinarily 
adopted so that each processing solution in its respective processing tank 
is controlled so as to keep its chemical activity. 
In the case of the method of replenishing the replenishing solution, the 
objective is to dilute the accumulation of the dissolving-out materials 
from the photographic material in the,processing solution, to compensate 
for an evaporation and to replenish consumed components. Due to the 
solubility of the photographic components in the replenishing solution, 
usually, a large amount of overflow solution is discharged. 
In order to conduct the processing of photographic material on a commercial 
basis, it is required to reduce cost and labor work, to reduce pollution, 
to make the processing apparatus as compact as possible. Also, in order to 
enhance the commercial value, it may be required as far as possible to 
obtain a stable and superior processing capability with a small amount of 
the processing solution. 
As a method to respond to these demands, Japanese Patent Application Open 
to Public Inspection No. 5-119454 discloses a method of making almost all 
of the processing agent components in the form of solid processing agents 
and of supplying these directly into the processing tank. 
The above method is a very effective method in attaining the above 
objective. However, the method is not applicable to a 
solution-replenishing type automatic processing apparatus a great number 
of which are in commercial use. In order to obtain the above benefits, it 
is often necessary to purchase a new automatic processing apparatus for 
solid processing agents. 
To counter the above problems, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-304298 
discloses a construction in which a solid processing agent is dissolved in 
a dissolving tank provided separately from an automatic processing 
apparatus. However, it has been found that the construction has various 
drawbacks. For example, since the dissolving tank is provided separately 
from the automatic processing apparatus, a additional floor space for the 
dissolving tank is needed in the vicinity of the automatic processing 
apparatus. Accordingly, such required space raises problems for the 
so-called "Mini-Labo" with limited floor space. Further, since it is 
necessary to circulate the processing solution through pipes between the 
dissolving tank and the automatic processing apparatus, an additional 
great amount of processing solution is needed. Further, since the 
dissolving tank containing a great amount of processing solution is 
distant from the automatic processing tank which is warmed up with heat 
sources such as a pump, a heater and a dryer, the temperature of the 
dissolving tank is lowered during a pause in processing in winter time. 
Accordingly, it has been found that a trouble that photographic chemicals 
may deposit on the pipe line and the dissolving tank may take place 
easily. Still further, in order to circulate the tank solution in the 
dissolving tank, equipment including at least a circulating pump, a filter 
and a pipe is needed. As a result, it has been found that there is a 
defect that a great amount of cost is required for the equipment. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A first objective of the present invention is to make it possible to adopt 
a new type solid processing agent replenishing apparatus onto a 
conventional processing solution type automatic processing apparatus 
without major modifications. 
A second objective is to make it possible to replenish solid processing 
agent without requiring an additional installing space and without 
increasing the amount of processing solution in the processing tank. 
A third objective is to provide a solid processing agent supplying 
apparatus for a silver halide photographic material, a unit to modify an 
installed automatic processing apparatus using a liquid processing agent 
so as to use a solid processing agent, and an automatic processing 
apparatus on which the supplying device and the unit are mounted, wherein 
the cost of equipment to make it possible to replenish a solid processing 
agent is slight and problems such as deposition of chemicals does not take 
place. 
A fourth objective is to make it possible with a modification of the 
present invention to easily introduce a new type automatic processing 
apparatus with which stable replenishment and photographic processing 
capability are obtained by a simple operation and waste solution is 
greatly reduced. 
A fifth objective is to make it possible to mount or dismount a filter 
means provided in a processing tank and a member forming a solid 
processing agent dropping passage (or a constructing member for forming a 
guide passage in the tank). 
A sixth objective is to make it possible to additionally mount a solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus on an installed conventional 
automatic processing apparatus in an original installed location with 
minor modifications. 
In a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus for replenishing a solid 
processing agent to a processing solution section of an automatic 
processing apparatus for a silver halide photographic material, the above 
objects are attained by the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 
characterized by comprising at least (1) a solid processing agent 
accommodation container for accommodating the solid processing agent;(2) a 
supplying device for supplying the solid processing agent in the solid 
processing agent accommodation container; and (3) a passage-constructing 
member for supplying the solid processing agent supplied from the 
supplying device through an upper portion of the filter-replacing section 
in a processing solution tank of the automatic processing apparatus. 
Further, the above objective is attained by a unit to modify a replenishing 
solution type automatic processing apparatus into an automatic processing 
apparatus capable of being replenished with a solid processing agent, the 
unit is characterized by comprising at least (1) a solid processing agent 
accommodation container for accommodating the solid processing agent; (2) 
a supplying device for supplying the solid processing agent in the solid 
processing agent accommodation container; and (3) a passage-constructing 
member for supplying the solid processing agent supplied from the 
supplying device through an upper portion of the filter-replacing section 
in a processing solution tank of the automatic processing apparatus. 
Further, in an automatic processing apparatus which is modified from a 
replenishing solution type automatic processing apparatus into a silver 
halide photographic material equipped with a solid processing agent 
replenishing apparatus for replenishing a solid processing agent to a 
processing solution section, the above objective are attained by the solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus characterized by comprising at 
least (1) a solid processing agent accommodation container for an 
automatic processing apparatus for accommodating the solid processing 
agent; (2) a supplying device for supplying the solid processing agent in 
the solid processing agent accommodation container; and (3) a 
passage-constructing member for supplying the solid processing agent 
supplied from the supplying device through an upper portion of the 
filter-replacing section in a processing solution tank of the automatic 
processing apparatus. 
Further, in an automatic processing apparatus equipped with a solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus for replenishing a solid 
processing agent to a processing solution section of an automatic 
processing apparatus for a silver halide photographic material, the above 
objective are attained by a filter-fixing member for use in the automatic 
processing apparatus characterized in that a guiding means forming a 
passage to drop a solid processing agent discharged from the solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus to a processing solution section 
is integrally provided on an upper portion of a fixing shaft which holds 
and fixes a filter member provided detachably the processing solution 
section. 
Further, in an automatic processing apparatus equipped with a solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus for replenishing a solid 
processing agent to a processing solution section of an automatic 
processing apparatus for a silver halide photographic material, the above 
objective are attained by a filter-fixing member for use in the automatic 
processing apparatus characterized in that a fixing shaft which holds and 
fixes a filter member provided detachably in the processing solution 
section is separable from the passage to drop a solid processing agent 
discharged from the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus to a 
processing solution section and is able to secure the filter member in the 
processing tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Next, one example of the present invention will be explained on the basis 
of the attached drawing. However, the present invention is not limited to 
this example. 
One example of an automatic processing apparatus of the present invention 
is explained on the basis of the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1(A) is an 
entire structural view of a silver halide photographic material processing 
apparatus (a printer processor) on its front side in which the automatic 
processing apparatus AP for developing printing paper and a photographic 
printer B are integrally constructed into one unit. 
In FIG. 1(A), to the lower left portion of the photographic printer B, a 
magazine Ma in which printing paper (color paper) which is an unexposed 
silver halide photographic material is stored in the form of a roll is 
set. The printing paper p drawn out from the magazine Ma is cut into 
predetermined sizes with a feeding roller R1 and a cutter section Ct, 
thereby obtaining a sheet-formed printing paper p. The sheet-formed 
printing paper is conveyed by a belt type conveying means Be, and is 
exposed with an original image by a light source and a lens L in an 
exposure section E. The thus exposed sheet-formed printing paper p is 
further conveyed by plural pairs of feeding rollers R2, R3, R4 and is 
introduced into the automatic processing apparatus AP. In the automatic 
processing apparatus, the sheet-formed printing paper p is conveyed 
sequentially into processing tanks such as a color developing tank 1A, a 
bleach fixing tank 1B, a stabilizing tank 1C, 1D, 1E by a roller type 
conveying means (no reference number) so that the sheet-formed printing 
paper is subjected to a color developing process, a bleach fixing process 
and a stabilizing process. The processing tank is actually a processing 
tank composed of three tanks. After the sheet-formed printing paper is 
subjected to each process, the sheet-formed printing paper is dried in a 
drying section 6, and then discharged outside the apparatus. 
In this example, the printing paper p is introduced into the automatic 
processing apparatus AP in the form of a cut sheet. However, the printing 
paper p may be introduced in the form of a web. 
Further, the automatic processing apparatus AP may be integrated with the 
photographic printer B into one unit. However, needless to explain, the 
automatic processing apparatus AP may also be constructed independently in 
a single body. 
Still further, the automatic processing apparatus AP comprising the 
substantial three tank construction of the color developing tank 1A, the 
bleach fixing tank 1B, and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E is explained 
as one example of the present invention. The present invention is not 
limited to this example. For example, the present invention may be applied 
to an automatic processing apparatus actually comprising four or more 
tanks, such As a color developing tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank 
and a stabilizing tank which are used for processing exposed negative 
film. 
FIG. 1(B) is a plan view showing construction of the automatic processing 
apparatus AP. Auxiliary tanks (a dissolving tank, a constant temperature 
tank) 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E communicate with the respective tank of the color 
developing tank 1A, the bleach fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tank 1E. 
A solid processing agent supply apparatus 30 including solid processing 
agent supply devices 3A, 3B and 3E for supplying a solid agent is mounted 
on an upper portion of the casing of the automatic processing apparatus 
AP. Reference No. 41A is a water supply tank from which water is supplied 
to the color developing tank 1A. The water supply tank was originally used 
as a color developing process supply tank. Reference No. 41B is a water 
supply tank from which water is supplied to the bleach fixing tank 1B and 
the stabilizing tank 1E. The water supply tank 41B was originally used as 
a stabilizing process supply tank. 
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing general construction of the printer 
processor of the present invention in which the automatic processing 
apparatus AP, a photographic printer B and a soater S are integrated in 
the form of one body. In FIG. 2, a cover 301 of the solid agent supply 
apparatus is opened upward, each of accommodating containers 33A, 33B, 33E 
storing a belowmentioned solid agent J are set respectively at a 
predetermined position on a belowmentioned supplying apparatus 34, and the 
solid agent J in the accommodating containers 33A, 33B, 33E is supplied 
into each dissolving tank (auxiliary tank) 2A, 2B, 2E. 
FIG. 3(A) is a schematic view showing an outline of the construction of the 
automatic processing apparatus AP for developing a sheet-formed printing 
paper p. In the automatic processing apparatus AP, the sheet-formed 
printing paper is processed with each processing solution (CD, BF, SR1, 
SR2 and SR3) in the corresponding tank of the color developing tank 1A, 
the bleach fixing tank 1B and the stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E, thereafter 
the sheet-formed printing paper is dried in the drying section 6. The 
solution level in each stabilizing tanks 1C, 1D, 1E is higher in such the 
order than the solution level in the bleach fixing tank 1B. Accordingly, 
the solution levels are arranged to form the construction according to 
so-called counter-current method in which overflow solution from the tank 
1E flows by its gravity into 1D, 1C, and into 1B in the order. Reference 
Nos. 3A, 3B, 3E are solid processing agent supply devices, 31 is a 
throughput amount detection means, 32 is a solid processing agent supply 
control means, 41A, 41B are water supply tanks, 42 is a feed water pump, 
43 is a feed water pipe, 49 is a water supply control means. 
FIG. 3(B) is a view showing an outline of the construction of an automatic 
processing apparatus AN for developing a negative film. In the automatic 
processing apparatus AN, the negative film is processed with each 
processing solution (CD, BF, SR1, SR2 and SR3) in the corresponding tank 
of the color developing tank 1NA, the bleaching tank 1NB, the fixing tank 
1NC, 1ND and the stabilizing tanks 1NE, 1NF, 1NG, thereafter the negative 
film is dried in the drying section 6. Each of the color developing tank 
1NA, the bleaching tank 1NB, the fixing tank 1ND and the stabilizing tanks 
1NG is provided with one of solid processing agent supply devices 3NA, 
3NB, 3ND, 3NG for supplying a solid agent. Incidentally, each portion 
which has the same function of the corresponding portion in the automatic 
processing apparatus AP is provided with the same reference No. of the 
corresponding portion in FIG. 3(A). 
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the color developing tank 1A, the 
auxiliary tank (dissolving tank) 2A and the solid processing agent supply 
device 3A which is located along I--I section of the automatic processing 
apparatus AP as indicated in FIG. 1. The bleach fixing tank 1B and the 
stabilizing tank 1E have substantially the same construction as the color 
developing tank 1A, hereinafter, an explanation is made for the color 
developing tank 1A as one example representing all other tanks. 
In FIG. 4, to make the construction clear, a conveying means for conveying 
photographic material is omitted. Further, in this embodiment, an 
explanation is made for the use of a tablet type solid processing agent J 
as the solid processing agent. However, a granular solid processing agent 
is also applicable for this embodiment. 
The processing tank 1 in which photographic material P is processed 
comprises an auxiliary tank 2 (dissolving tank) which is integrally 
provided outside partition wall 21 forming the processing tank 1. The 
processing tank 1 and the auxiliary tank 2 are separated from each other 
by the partition wall 21 in which a communication hole is formed. The 
processing solution flows through the communication hole between the 
processing tank 1 and the auxiliary tank 2. A filter means 22, a heater 
25, a temperature sensor 26, and a level sensor 27 are provided in the 
auxiliary tank 2. The inside of the filter means 22 is communicated with 
the suction end of a circulating pump 24 through a circulating pipe 23a 
provided so as to pass through a lower portion of the wall of the 
auxiliary tank 2. One end of a circulating pipe 23B is communicated with 
the delivery side of the circulating pump 24, the circulating pipe passes 
through an external wall of the processing tank 1 and the other end of the 
circulating pipe 23B is communicated with the processing tank 1. With this 
structure, when the circulating pump 24 is operated, the processing 
solution is sucked from the auxiliary tank 2 and discharged into the 
processing tank 1 so that the discharged processing solution is mixed with 
already the processing solution in the processing tank 1, the mixed 
processing solution flows back to the auxiliary tank 2, and circulation is 
repeated in such a manner. Reference No. 11 is an overflow pipe, and 12 is 
a waste solution tank. 
In the present invention, as a solid processing agent, a tablet type, 
granular, powdered, or pill-shaped agent may be used. In particular, the 
tablet type agent is preferably used. 
In the present invention, it is preferable to arrange the filter section 
beneath the surface of the processing solution. This is because, if a part 
of the filter protrudes from the surface of the processing solution, the 
filter section may suck air, thereby causing a trouble that the processing 
solution may be oxidized. 
A water supply means 40 for supplying replenishment water W is composed of 
a replenishment water tank 41, a bellows pump 42, and feed water pipes 43, 
44. An appropriate amount of the replenishment water is supplied at proper 
times by a water supply control means 49 (see FIG. 3). 
The solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 is composed of a 
throughput amount information detecting means 31, a solid processing agent 
supply controlling means 32 (see FIG. 3), an accommodation container for 
storing a tablet type solid processing agent J, an accommodation container 
mounting means 34, a supplying means 35 and a driving means 36. The 
driving means 36 comprises a single driving source M (a motor). A cover 
301, explained below, is pivotably hinged on a part of the upper surface 
of the upper cover 102 of the automatic processing apparatus AP. The 
mounting or the replacement of the accommodation container is conducted by 
opening the cover 301, whereby the tablet type solid processing agent is 
supplied from the accommodation container. 
FIG. 5 shows various configurations of the tablet type solid processing 
agent J which is directly supplied into a processing tank of the automatic 
processing apparatus. FIG. 5(A) is a sectional view of a flat cylindrical 
tablet type solid processing agent J consisting of a cylinder surface 
portion d ahd flat surface portions a, b which are parallel to each other 
in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the cylinder surface 
portion, wherein the flat cylindrical tablet has chamfered corners and has 
a diameter of D and the thickness H. FIG. 5(B) is a plan view of the solid 
processing agent J. FIG. 5(C) is a perspective view of the solid 
processing agent J, and FIG. 5(D) is a sectional view of the barrel-shaped 
solid processing agent J, wherein the overall configuration is a disc, the 
upper and lower surfaces are flat, and the circumferential surface is a 
convex radius of curvature R. FIG. 5(E) is a sectional view of the "go" 
stone-shaped solid processing agent J, wherein the configuration is flat, 
and the upper and lower surfaces are formed spherical. FIG. 5(F) is a 
sectional view of a spherical solid processing agent J, and FIG. 5(G) is a 
perspective view of the a doughnut-shaped solid processing agent J having 
a hole at its center. 
FIGS. 6 and 7 are views showing the accommodating container (cartridge) 33 
for accommodating the tablet type solid processing agent J. FIG. 6(A) is a 
plan view of the accommodating container 33 on the condition that it is 
charged with the solid processing agent J. FIG. 6(B) is a side view of the 
accommodating container 33. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the 
accommodating container 33 with its open/close cover 332 opened. 
The accommodating container 33 includes: a square hollow container main 
body 331 for storing a plurality of the solid processing agents J, the 
container main body 331 having on its front side a discharge opening 331F 
through which the solid processing agent j can be discharged; a open/close 
cover 332 capable of opening or closing the discharging opening 331F 
wherein the open/close cover 332 moves upward or downward by sliding on 
rail sections 331R provided on both sides of a flange section on edges of 
the discharging opening 331F of the container main body 331; and a fixed 
cover 333 for closing the opening 331G on the rear side of the container 
main body 331. 
Three sets of partition walls 331S are integrally formed inside the 
container 331 so that the inside of the container 331 is divided into four 
chambers and compartments 331A, 331B, 331C, 331D are constructed. In each 
compartment, each outer circumference of the solid processing agents is 
externally contacted and approximately 10 tablets of solid processing 
agents J are accommodated under the serially-aligned condition. 
Accordingly, 10 tablets of solid processing agents J1A to J10A are 
accommodated in the first compartment 331A, and 10 tablets of solid 
processing agent J1B to J10B are accommodated in the second compartment 
331B. In the same manner, the solid processing agents J1C to J10C and J1D 
to J10D are respectively accommodated in the compartments. 
FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an accommodation container mounting 
means 34 and a solid processing agent replenishing apparatus composed of 
supply means 35 and drive means 36. 
A fixed frame 341 of the accommodation container mounting means 34, a 
housing member 351 integrated with the fixed frame 341 and drive means 36 
are fixed on an upper portion of a base plate 103. 
Support shafts 342 protrude from both side plates 341A of the fixed frame 
341 on the right end shown in the drawing. The support shafts 342 are 
engaged in holes disposed at the lower end of an arm 343A fixed on both 
sides of a container holding member 343 for holding the accommodating 
container 35, so that the container holding member 343 can be oscillated 
around the support shaft 342. The side plate 341A and arm 343A are 
respectively provided with a fixing pin, and a tension spring 344 is 
attached to the fixing pin. Therefore, as illustrated by the one-dot-dash 
line in the drawing, the container holding member 343 is rotated clockwise 
being pushed by the spring, and the bottom portion of the container 
holding member 343 comes into contact with a stopper portion 341B 
protruding to a right upper portion of the fixed frame 341. Then the 
movement of the container holding member 343 is stopped, and the container 
holding member 343 is maintained in a condition before the accommodating 
container 33 is mounted, that is, the container holding member 343 is 
maintained at the first position. 
At a position close to the left end of the side plate 341A of the fixed 
frame 341, there is provided a rising portion 341C, in which a circular 
guide groove 341D is formed, wherein the circular guide groove 341D is 
provided around the support shaft 342. The accommodating container 33 is 
charged to the container holding member 343 of the accommodating container 
charging means 34, and the accommodating container holding member 343 is 
oscillated around the support shaft 342, so that the left end portion of 
the container holding member 343 is pushed downward in the direction C 
shown in the drawing. Then the guide pin 332 of the accommodating 
container 33 advances in the guide groove 341D while the guide pin 332 is 
being pushed downward by a pushing member 343C of the accommodating 
container charging means 34. An L-shaped groove portion 341E is formed in 
the lowermost portion of the guide groove 341D. When the pin 332B enters 
this L-shaped groove 341E being pushed by the pushing member 343C, the 
front of the accommodating container 33 closely comes into contact with an 
entrance portion 351A of the supply means 35 (the second position). When 
the accommodating container 33 is charged to the container holding member 
343, a surface of the container holding member 343 comes into contact with 
a back surface 333A of the cap member 333 of the accommodating container 
33. On the surface of the container holding member 343, there is provided 
a discrimination receiving section which engages with the discriminating 
section 333B disposed on the back surface 333A of the cap member 333. 
Consequently, according to the present invention, in the case where a 
wrong accommodating container is charged, the accommodating container 33 
is not moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the 
first position is a position of the container holding member 343 before 
the accommodating container is charged, and the second position is the a 
position of the container holding member 343 at the time of supplying the 
processing agent. In other words, only when the discriminating section 
coincides with the discriminating receiving section, the accommodating 
container 33 is moved from the first to the second position. 
The supply means 35 is disposed in the housing member 351 in such a manner 
that the supply means 35 can be rotated on an inner circumferential 
surface of the housing member 351. The supply means 35 includes a 
rotatable solid processing agent conveying member (rotor) 352, and a 
shutter section 353 for opening and closing the outlet portion 351B, 
wherein the solid processing agent conveying member (rotor) 352 has a 
pocket portion 352A by which a predetermined amount of solid processing 
agent J is received from the inlet portion 351A and moved to the outlet 
portion 351B. 
A frame-shaped resilient packing 358 is embedded in the periphery of the 
opening on the end surface of the inlet portion 351A of the housing member 
351. When the discharge opening of the accommodating container 33 is 
closely contacted with the inlet portion 351A, the atmosphere can be shut 
off by the frame-shaped resilient packing 358, so that moisture-proofing 
effect can be provided. 
At an upper position of the inlet portion of the housing member 351 of the 
supply means 35, there is provided an opening and closing regulating 
member 355 for regulating the opening and closing operation of the sliding 
cover. When the accommodating container 33 provided in the accommodating 
container charging means 34 is pushed downward from the initial position 
(shown by a one-dotted chain line) in the direction of arrow C in the 
drawing, the accommodating container 33 reaches the intermediate position 
(shown by a one-dotted chain line). Then the descending motion of a 
protrusion 334B of the sliding cover 334 is stopped by the opening and 
closing regulating member 355(355B). When the accommodating container 33 
is further oscillated, the opening of the outlet opening member 332 of the 
accommodating container 33 is gradually opened since the sliding cover 334 
can not further go downward. When the downward motion of the accommodating 
container 33 is stopped at a predetermined position, the opening is 
completely opened, and the solid processing agent tablet J in the first 
row in the accommodating container 33 is sent to the supply means 35. This 
complete opening condition is shown by a solid line in the drawing. 
When all solid processing agent tablets J in the accommodating container 33 
have been successively consumed, a remainder detection signal is 
generated, and the accommodating container 33 is replaced in accordance 
with the signal. When the accommodating container 33 is withdrawn 
backward, the accommodating container 33 and container holding member 343 
are rotated clockwise, so that the left end portion is raised. In this 
ascending process, the opening and closing regulating member 355A stops 
the motion of the sliding cover 334, and only the main body composed of 
the container main body 331 and the cap member 333 is raised, so that the 
opening portion is closed by the sliding cover 334. Further, in the latter 
half process in which the accommodating container 33 is raised, the 
apparatus is returned to the initial condition, which is an upper dead 
point, while the opening portion is in a closed condition. Therefore, 
powder of the processing agent in the container can be prevented from 
being scattered. Even when the container is removed for maintenance while 
the processing agent remains in the container, the processing agent can 
not be dispersed since the opening portion is in a closed condition. 
FIG. 9(A) is a plane view of a silver halide photographic material equipped 
with the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30, FIG. 9(B) is a 
front view which is partially cut out, and FIG. 9(C) is a side view which 
is partially cut out. In these figures, a section applied with slanted 
lines is the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 which is 
additionally mounted on the conventional automatic processing apparatus 
AP. 
FIG. 10(A) is a plane view of the conventional dissolving tank on which the 
solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 of the present invention 
is additionally mounted, and FIG. 10(B) is its sectional view. 
As shown in FIG. 10, since a filter means 22, a heater 25, a temperature 
sensor 26, a level sensor (a float switch) 27, a thermostat 26A, a 
processing solution replenishing pipe 28, a cooling pipe 29A, 29B are 
arranged in high arrangement density so that there are no room to supply 
the solid processing agent J discharged from the newly installed solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus 30. 
FIG. 11(A) is a sectional view showing a guiding means 37 (a guide passage 
construction member) for connecting the conventional auxiliary tank 2 (a 
dissolving tank) and the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 
of the present invention to be additionally mounted. FIG. 11(B) is a 
partial sectional view of a connecting cylinder 372 of the above guiding 
means 37. FIG. 11(C) is a partial sectional view of another example of the 
connecting cylinder 372. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a dropping 
cylinder 371 of the guiding means 37, the connecting cylinder 372 and the 
filter means 22. FIG. 13 indicates the connecting cylinder, FIG. 13(A) is 
a front view, FIG. 13(B) is a A--A sectional view, FIG. 13(C) is a plane 
view, FIG. 13(D) is a bottom view, and FIG. 13(E) is a plan view showing a 
portion of the cover 20A which locates in the vicinity of the opening 
section. 
The guiding means is composed of the dropping cylinder 371 and the 
connecting cylinder 372. A flange section 371F on the upper portion of the 
dropping cylinder 371 is attached in close proximity to the upper cover 
102 and is determined its position by two pieces of pins 371P. The open 
section of the flange section 371F of the dropping cylinder 371 forms a 
through hole with each opening section of the upper cover 102 and the base 
plate and faces the outlet section 351B of the supplying means 35 of the 
solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30. Accordingly, when a 
shutter member 353 is opened, above opening sections receive the solid 
processing agent J from the outlet section 351B. 
A lower end section of the dropping cylinder 371 is fitted in the upper 
section of the connecting cylinder 372. The lower end section of the 
dropping cylinder 371 is detachable and rotatable freely relative to the 
upper section of the connecting cylinder 372. A bayonet claw section 372A 
protrudes on two positions on the outer wall of the middle portion of the 
connecting cylinder 372 and comes in engagement with a bayonet mount 
section 20B provided in close proximity to the opening section of the 
cover 20A of the dissolving tank 2. When the dropping cylinder is inserted 
in the opening section of the cover 20A and is rotated by approximately 90 
degrees, the bayonet claw section 372A is fixed to the bayonet mount 
section 20B. The reference No. 372B is a flange section fixed on an upper 
portion of the bayonet claw section 372A. When the bayonet claw section 
372A is fixed to the bayonet mount section 20B, an air gap section of the 
bayonet mount section 20B is sheltered. 
A slanted surface 372B is formed in the vicinity of the bottom portion of 
the connecting cylinder 372 so that the solid processing agent J dropped 
from the dropping cylinder 371 is changed its direction and discharged 
toward the opening section 372 provided on the side wall of the connecting 
cylinder 372. The slanted wall is provided with a through hole 372D so 
that the processing solution is circulated very well. In addition to the 
through hole 372 illustrated in FIG. 11(C), additional through holes 372 
may be provided as far as the strength of the construction permits. Two 
slanted surfaces 372E whose center section is shaped in the form of convex 
are formed on the bottom section of the connecting cylinder as shown in 
FIG. 11(C). The dropped solid processing agent is discharged either the 
right side or the left side of the convex-shaped center section. It may be 
preferable that an entire portion or a part of the slanted surface 372B 
having the through hole 372D is immersed under the surface of the 
processing solution. It may be more preferable that the lower portion of 
the slanted surface 372B positioned lower from the point located one-third 
of the entire length of the slanted surface from its top edge is immersed 
in the processing solution. With this structure, the foaming on the 
surface of the processing solution caused by the powder generated on the 
slanted surface 372 may be avoided. 
A protruding section 372F protrudes on the center of the bottom section of 
the connecting cylinder 372 and is fitted with an upper hole 221A of a 
metal core member 221 of a filter means 22. The connecting cylinder 372 
and the metal core member 221 may be integrated into one body by the 
technique of gluing, thermal melting, coaking, or compulsive fitting. It 
may be more preferable to form the both members in a single unit by a 
integral structure formation process. By forming it in the single body 
with the above technique, it becomes possible to hold the connecting 
cylinder 372 without touching the processing solution and to easily 
dismount it. The hollow cylinder-shaped filter means 22 is provided on the 
outer periphery of the metal core member 221 and spaced with a distance 
from the metal core member 221. A filter pressing member 222 is inserted 
in the vicinity of the bottom section of the metal core member 221 and 
supports the filter means 22. The bottom section of the metal core member 
221 is fitted with a hole on the bottom section of the tank body 20 of the 
dissolving tank 2 and is connected with the circulating pipe 23A. The 
processing solution in the dissolving tank 2 dissolves the dropped solid 
processing agent J, passes through the filter means 22, passes over the 
lower holes 221B through the clearance in the metal core member 221, is 
discharged into the circulating pipe 23A, and is fed to the processing 
tank 1 by the circulating pump 24. 
In FIG. 10(B), on the outside further the periphery of the filter means 22 
is provided a partition plate 223 on which a plurality of holes are 
perforated, and the partition plate 223 is fixed to an internal wall of 
the dissolving tank. The partition plate 223 works in such a manner that 
the solid processing agent discharged from the side of the connecting 
cylinder 372 is prevented from contacting with the filter means 22. 
FIG. 14(A) is a perspective view showing the partition plate 223, and FIG. 
14(B) is a perspective view showing the condition that the partition plate 
223 is fixed on a portion which corresponds to the lower portion of the 
connecting cylinder 372 and to the upper portion of the filer 22. 
Bent sections 223A, 223B are provided on the upper and lower portions of 
the partition plate 223 and are provided with through holes 223C, 223D 
respectively. The upper bent section 223A with the through hole 223C is 
held between the filter means 22 and the flange section 221C located upper 
the metal core member 221, and on the other hand, the lower bent section 
223B with the through hole 223D is held between the filter means 22 and 
the filter pressing member 222. 
A side plate 223E of the partition plate 223 is curved substantially in the 
form of the character "U". The side plate 223E is inserted into protruding 
sections 20A, 20B in the dissolving tank 20 and fixed by its elasticity to 
the protruding sections 20A, 20B. The outer diameter of the curved surface 
of the side plate 223E is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting 
cylinder 372 and is formed so as to have a gap between it and the outer 
periphery of the filter means 22. Further, a plurality of holes 223F are 
perforated on the side plate 223E of the partition plate 223. A solid 
processing agent J and replenishing water W are dropped in the dissolving 
tank respectively, and are dissolved in the processing solution. The solid 
processing agent J and replenishing water W mixed with the processing 
solution pass through the plurality of holes 223f of the side plate 223E 
and the filter means 22, and then are supplied to the processing tank 1. 
In the case that the solid processing agent supplying apparatus of the 
present invention is additionally mounted on a conventional automatic 
processing apparatus AP, a conventional processing solution supplying 
apparatus is no longer needed. However, a processing solution replenishing 
tank and a processing solution supplying pipe may be used as the 
replenishing water tanks 41A, 41B and the replenishing water supplying 
pipe shown in FIG. 4. 
FIG. 15(A) is a sectional view showing the solid processing agent 
replenishing apparatus, the guiding means 37 composed of a 
passage-constructing member for guiding a solid processing agent dropped 
from the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus, and the filter 
means 22. FIG. 15(B) is a A--A sectional view of the filter means 22. FIG. 
15(C) is a B--B sectional view of the filter means. FIG. 16(A) is a 
perspective view of the solid processing agent supplying section showing 
an integral construction of the guiding means 37 of the present invention 
and the filter means 22. FIGS. 16(B) through 16(D) are perspective views 
showing the disassembled solid processing agent supplying sections 
respectively. FIG. 16(B) is a perspective view of a supplying member in 
which the dropping cylinder 371, the connecting cylinder 372, and the 
metal core member (fixing shaft) are integrated in a single unit. FIG. 
16(C) is a perspective view of the filter means 220. FIG. 16(D) is a 
perspective view of the filter-pressing member 222. Incidentally, 
Incidentally, in FIGS. 15 and 16, each portion which has the same function 
of the corresponding portion in FIG. 11 and 12 in which the above 
embodiment is explained is provided with the same reference No. of the 
above embodiment. Hereinafter, the explanation is made for the different 
portions from the above embodiment. 
In these drawings, the connecting cylinder 372 and the metal core member 
221 (fixing shaft) are subjected to the integral structure formation 
process or the gluing fixing so that the integrated solid processing agent 
supplying member is formed. The position of the integral solid processing 
agent supplying member is determined and fixed in such a manner that the 
hollow shaft end portion 221D on the lower end of the metal core member 
221 is inserted in a hole on a bottom portion of the dissolving tank and 
then the bayonet claw section 372A provided on the connecting cylinder 372 
is engaged with the bayonet mount section 20B provided on the cover 20A of 
the dissolving tank. Further, the dropping cylinder 371 is rotatably 
supported on the upper portion of the connecting cylinder 372. 
Incidentally, the dropping cylinder 371 may be rotatably integrated with 
the connecting cylinder 372, or the both cylinder may be integrally fixed 
with each other. Alternately, the dropping cylinder 371 may be detachably 
mounted on the connecting cylinder 372 whose position is fixed. 
A plurality of small openings 221E are provided on the upper portion of the 
hollow shaft end portion 221D of the metal core member 221. A solid 
processing agent J dropped from the solid processing agent replenishing 
apparatus 30 passes through each cylinder of the dropping cylinder 371 and 
the connecting cylinder 372, collides with the slanted surface 372B, 
slides downwardly on the slanted surface 372B, and is discharged through 
the opening portion 372C to the outside of the cylinder. Then the solid 
processing agent J submerges in the processing solution in the dissolving 
tank 2 and is dissolved in the processing solution. The processing 
solution proceeds from the upper portion of the partition plate 223 into 
the separated region, passes through porous filter member 220, further 
proceeds from the plurality of small openings 221F of the metal core 
member 221 to the inside of the metal core member 221, lowers in the 
inside of the metal core member 221, is discharged through the hollow 
shaft end portion 221D to the circulating pump 23A, and is fed to the 
processing tank 1 by the circulating pump 24. 
When the filter member 220 is replaced with another one or the cleaning and 
the inspection are conducted for the inside of the solid processing 
agent-passing passage and the dissolving tank 2, such the maintenance 
works can be easily conducted by lifting the above integrated solid 
processing supplying member upwardly. 
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the automatic processing apparatus AP 
showing the condition that the accommodation container storing the solid 
processing agent J is mounted on or dismounted from the apparatus AP. 
When the upper cover 102 is lifted up in the direction "a" as shown in FIG. 
15, the upper side and the front side which corresponds to the operator 
side and to the left side in FIG. 15 are opened for an operator. In such 
the opened condition, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 
is exposed for an operator so that the solid processing agent 
accommodation container 33 is mounted or replaced with a new one, whereby 
the solid processing agents J are replenished to the apparatus AP. 
Further, in such the opened condition, an inspection for the solid 
processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 can be conducted. 
FIG. 18 a sectional view of the automatic processing apparatus AP showing 
the condition that the upper cover 102 on which the accommodation 
container storing the solid processing agent J is mounted is opened. 
When the upper cover is lifted around a hinge 102 working as a pivot shaft 
for opening or closing in the direction "b" shown with one doted lines in 
FIG. 15, the upper side and the front side which corresponds to the 
operator side and to the left side in FIG. 16 are opened for an operator. 
In such the opened condition, the filter means 22 can be replaced, and an 
inspection and a maintenance work can be conducted for the processing tank 
1 and the dissolving tank 2. 
In the above embodiment, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 
30 is mounted on the automatic processing apparatus Ap for a photographic 
printing paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this 
embodiment. For example, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 
30 and the guiding means of the present invention can be additionally 
easily mounted on the automatic processing apparatus AN for the exposed 
photographic negative film. 
Further, in the above embodiment, the tablet type solid processing agent J 
is replenished. However, the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 
30 and the guiding means of the present invention can be applied to an 
apparatus in which a granular solid processing agent is supplied by a 
predetermined amount for each time. 
Still further, to additionally provide a shutter for shielding a moisture 
of the processing solution and a means for preventing solution-splushing 
onto the dropping cylinder 371 or the connecting cylinder 371 is easily 
conducted by an ordinary designing method. 
In the above embodiment, the replenishing apparatus replenishes the tablet 
type solid processing agent. However the replenishing apparatus of the 
present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The replenishing 
apparatus of the present invention may be applicable to a replenishing 
apparatus for replenishing a granular, powdery, or pill-shaped solid 
processing agent. 
FIG. 19(A) is a sectional view of a replenishing apparatus for replenishing 
a granular, powdery, or pill-shaped solid processing agent (powdery 
chemical) K. FIG. 19(B) is a sectional view of the filter means. 
The replenishing apparatus 50 comprises a hopper 51 for storing the 
granular, powdery, or pill-shaped solid processing agent (powdery 
chemical) K, a housing member 52 which is connected with the hopper 51 and 
is fixed on the upper cover 102, a rotary type drum 53 (rotor) which is 
connected with a driving source mentioned later. A feeding port 52a on an 
upper portion of the housing member 52 is connected with a discharging 
port on a lower portion of the hopper 51. A discharging port 52b of a 
lower portion of the housing member 52 is connected with the upper opening 
of the dropping cylinder 371. The rotary type drum 53 is provided with a 
metering hole 53a to meter the granular, powdery, or pill-shaped solid 
processing agent (powdery chemical) K by a predetermined amount. Reference 
No. 55 is a water-feeding nozzle connected to the replenishing water tank 
41. The solid processing agent K deposited on a slanted surface of the 
dropping cylinder 371 is washed away with the use of the water-feeding 
nozzle. 
FIGS. 20(a), 20(b) and 20(C) show the feeding process of the solid 
processing agent K. FIG. 20(d) is a sectional view of FIG. 20(a). 
FIG. 20(a) shows a stop condition before replenishing the solid processing 
agent K. On this stop condition, the metering hole 53a of the rotary type 
drum 53 is deviated from the feeding port 52a of the housing member 52 so 
that the solid processing agent k in the hopper 51 does not drop. When the 
rotary type drum 53 locates a position shown in FIG. 20(b) as the rotary 
type drum 53 is rotated by the driving source 54, the feeding port 52a 
conforms with the metering hole 53a so that the predetermined amount of 
the solid processing agent k is charged from the hopper 51 into the 
metering hole 53a. When the rotary type drum 53 locates a position shown 
in FIG. 20(c) as the rotary type drum 53 is further rotated, the 
predetermined amount of the solid processing agent K charged in the 
metering hole 53a drops from the discharging port 52b and is supplied to 
the dropping cylinder 371. Further, the solid processing agent K is fed 
through the connecting cylinder 372 to the processing solution in the 
vicinity of the filter means 22. In the solid processing agent 
replenishing apparatus 50 using the solid processing agent k, the solid 
processing agent supplying section of the present invention in which the 
guiding means 37 and the filter means are integrated can be applied. 
As discussed above, when the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 
30 of the present invention is mounted as a unit on the upper cover 102 of 
the conventional automatic processing apparatus AP (AN) and the guiding 
means 37 is set on the upper portion of the filter, the solid processing 
agent J can be easily dropped into the dissolving tank. With such the 
arrangement, in the location on which the conventional automatic 
processing apparatus is provided, an additional space for mounting the 
solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 of the present invention 
is not needed, it may be not necessary to increase the amount of the 
processing solution, and troubles such as crystal precipitation may not 
take place. Further, with a short time work, the newly setting work for 
the solid processing agent replenishing apparatus 30 of the present 
invention and an additionally setting work for the guiding means can be 
conducted easily rapidly. 
In particular, with the above arrangement of the present invention, the 
solid processing agent discharged from the newly mounted solid processing 
agent replenishing apparatus can be supplied to the small size dissolving 
tank in which a large number of machinery parts are arranged in high 
setting density.