JPH02157755A - Automatic liquid feeding system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make effective utilization of a working place and to improve workability by replenishing an original liquid and filtered water when the min. storage volume is sensed in a mixing tank and stopping respective pumps and operating a stirrer when the max. storage volume is sensed. CONSTITUTION:A liquid level detector 7B of a mixing tank 3 detects the min. storage volume and operates the pumps 9a to 9c provided in respective original liquid tanks 1 and water tank 2 to feed the filtered original liquid and filtered water at prescribed mixing ratios from the respective tanks to the mixing tank 3 when the volume of the liquid mixture stored in the mixing tank 3 decreases to the min. volume. The pumps of the respective original liquid tanks 1 and the water tank 2 are stopped to stop feeding the respective original liquids and the filtered water when the volume of the liquid injected into the mixing tank attains the max. storage volume. The liquid level detector of the mixing tank operates the stirrer 12 provided in the mixing tank for the required period of time. The liquid is automatically replenished from the mixing tank 3 into a replenishing tank 5 in the same manner. The need for such wasteful spaces for tanks for developing solns. and fixers which are heretofore required for individual automatic developing machines is eliminated in this way and the effective utilization of the space is possible. The workability thereof is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a system for automatically replenishing stock solutions by mixing them in a predetermined ratio and concentration. This invention relates to an automatic liquid supply system suitable for liquid replenishment.

[Conventional technology]

Until now, the replenishment of developer and fixer for automatic processors was
A tank containing a solution mixed at a predetermined ratio and concentration is placed near the automatic processor, and is fed as needed by a replenishment pump built into the automatic processor. Two tanks had to be prepared, which required wasted area.

In addition, each time replenishment is required, two types of stock solutions are poured into each tank at a predetermined ratio, filtered water is added to achieve a predetermined concentration, and the pumps installed in each tank are used to stir the mixture. was. The specifications for this mixing are such that one bottle of each stock solution is mixed, and filtered water is added so that the total amount is, for example, 401, so the work is complicated. Furthermore, the final amount varies each time depending on the amount of solution remaining in the tank at the time of replenishment, making it difficult to always replenish the solution at a constant concentration. In addition, since the undiluted solution is an acidic or alkaline solution, it is difficult to dispose of it if it gets on clothes or the floor, so handling must always be careful, and there is no escape from the odor emitted by the undiluted solution. It was something.

On the other hand, attempts have been made to prepare a large amount of solution in advance by mixing the stock solution in a predetermined ratio and concentration and replenish it each time, but this still requires a space for a tank, and it is difficult to dilute. However, since it is an acidic or alkaline solution, it stains clothes, floors, etc., and it is impossible to escape from the odor. Moreover, the biggest drawback of this method is that it takes time to use a large amount of the prepared solution, so the activity of the solution deteriorates when it is actually used. .

In addition, the work of supplying new mother liquor after cleaning the built-in tank of an automatic processor is complicated because the amount of liquid is large, so the internal cleaning can be omitted, resulting in a uniform and high quality product. This made it difficult to perform quality work.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

The present invention eliminates the need for wasteful space such as tanks for developing solution and fixing solution, which are required in individual automatic processors, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the workplace, improve work efficiency, and avoid staining with solutions. Our objective is to provide an automatic liquid supply system.

The present invention also makes it possible to constantly supply a solution of a predetermined concentration, eliminate the time and effort required for mixing and stirring the stock solution and diluted solution, and improve the efficiency of the original work that is hindered by the preparation of the mixed solution. The objective is to provide an automatic liquid supply system that can perform the following tasks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic liquid supply system that can replenish a highly active solution and always use the solution under constant conditions.

[Means to solve the problem]

The automatic liquid supply system according to the present invention includes a stock solution tank that stores at least two types of stock solutions, a water tank that stores filtered water to make the stock solution into a predetermined concentration, and a stock solution that is fed from the stock solution tank and the stock solution that is fed from the water tank. It consists of a mixing tank that mixes and agitates filtered water and stores it, and a replenishment tank that stores the mixed liquid fed from the mixing tank and supplies the mixed liquid to two required devices.

Each of the above types is equipped with a liquid level detection device to sense the required maximum and minimum storage volume of each tank, and the stock tank is equipped with a pump to feed each stock solution at a predetermined mixing ratio to the mixing tank. is equipped with a pump to feed filtered water to the mixing tank at a predetermined ratio to the stock solution, the mixing tank is equipped with a stirring device to mix and stir the fed stock solution and filtered water, and the replenishment tank is It is equipped with a solenoid valve to interrupt the transport of the mixed liquid.

The liquid level detection device in the mixing tank operates the pumps in the stock solution tank and water tank to replenish the stock solution and filtered water when the minimum storage amount is detected, and stops each pump when the maximum storage amount is detected. , the stirring device is operated for the required time, and the liquid level detection device in the replenishment tank opens the solenoid valve to replenish the mixed liquid when the minimum storage amount is detected, and closes the solenoid valve when the maximum storage amount is detected. It is configured.

[For production]

Each stock solution is placed in its own stock solution tank, and water is injected into the water tank via a filter.

When the amount of mixed liquid stored in the mixing tank reaches the minimum storage amount, the liquid level detection device of the mixing tank senses it and activates the pumps installed in each stock solution tank and water tank, and the filtered stock solution and Filtered water is fed from each type to the mixing tank at a predetermined mixing ratio, and when the amount of liquid injected into the mixing tank reaches the maximum storage volume, the pumps for each stock solution tank and water tank are stopped and each stock solution is and stop the filtered water supply.

The liquid level detection device of the mixing tank also operates a stirring device provided in the mixing tank for a required period of time to stir each stock solution and filtered water injected at a predetermined mixing ratio, and store a mixed liquid of a constant concentration.

When the amount of the mixed liquid stored in the replenishment tank reaches the minimum storage amount, the liquid level detection device of the replenishment tank senses it and opens the solenoid valve to feed the mixed liquid stored in the mixing tank, When the amount of liquid injected into the container reaches the maximum storage amount, the solenoid valve is closed to stop feeding the mixed liquid.

Replenishment of the mixed liquid from the replenishment tank to each required device is performed by operating a replenishment pump provided in each device.

When the amount of stock solution stored in each stock solution tank reaches the minimum storage amount, the liquid level detection device of each stock solution tank detects this, and an appropriate display means notifies that the stock solution needs to be replenished.

〔Example〕

Drawing shows a case where an automatic liquid supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an automatic processor, and for the sake of simplicity, only one of the developer and fixer required for the automatic processor is shown. There is.

The automatic liquid supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a stock solution tank 1 that stores two types of stock solutions, a water tank 2 that stores filtered water for diluting the stock solution to a predetermined concentration, and a stock solution tank 1 and a water tank 2 that supply liquid from the stock solution tank 1 and the water tank 2. Mixing tank 3 that mixes and stores each stock solution and filtered water.
and a replenishment tank 5 that stores the mixed liquid fed from the mixing tank 3 and supplies the mixed liquid to the required automatic developing machines 4, respectively.

When this automatic liquid supply system is installed in a building, the mixing tank 3 is usually placed on the same floor as the raw solution tank 1 and the water tank 2, and the replenishment tank 5 is placed on the same floor as the mixing tank 3 or a lower floor. The automatic developing machine 4 is disposed on the same floor as the mixing machine 3 and/or the replenishing tank 4 or a lower floor, and the automatic developing machine 4 is arranged on the same floor as the mixing machine 3 and/or the replenishing tank 4 or on a lower floor. The arrangement is such that the mixed liquid can be fed to the machine 4 by gravity.

The stock solution tank 1 has two chambers 1 a s 1 b separated by a partition wall 6 so as to store two types of stock solutions in amounts corresponding to predetermined mixing ratios. Each chamber 1aslb includes a liquid level gauge 7a, a proximity switch 7b provided below the level gauge 7a, and a float 7C housed in the level gauge 7a and serving as a contact point for operating the proximity switch 7b. The configured liquid level detection devices 7A are respectively provided.

Covers 8a and 8b each having an injection port for replenishing the stock solution are provided on each chamber 1a and lb of the stock solution tank, respectively.

At the bottom of each chamber 1a, 1b of the stock solution tank, metering pumps 9a, 9b such as bellows pumps are connected via strainers, respectively. They are connected to inlets 10a and 10b, respectively.

The water tank 2 is provided with a liquid level detection device 7A similarly to the stock liquid tank. A similar metering pump 9C is provided at the bottom of the water tank 2 to transfer the filtered water stored in the water tank 2 to the water inlet 1 of the mixing tank 3.
0c, and a filter 11 is provided for filtering the injected water.

Although not shown, the water tank 2 is provided with a float valve that opens the valve as the water surface rises and falls to inject a required amount of water into the tank.

The mixing tank 3 is similar to the above-mentioned various types, but a liquid level detection device 7B further equipped with another proximity switch 7d is provided above the liquid level gauge 7a, and at the bottom thereof, the liquid level detecting device 7B is provided with a liquid level detecting device 7B that is further equipped with another proximity switch 7d. Stirring pump 1 for mixing and stirring the stock solution and filtered water
2, and a liquid supply vibrator 1 connected to the solenoid valve 13 provided in the replenishment tank 4 to feed the stored mixed liquid by gravity.
4.

The mixing tank 3 also includes a liquid feeding pump 15a for directly pumping the mixed liquid in the tank to the built-in tank of the automatic developing machine 4 on the same floor, and a liquid feeding pump 15a for feeding the mixed liquid by the built-in pump of the automatic developing machine 4. and a replenishment vibrator 16a.

The replenishment tank 5 has a liquid level detection device 7 similar to that in the mixing tank 3.
A solenoid valve 13 is provided at the bottom of the tank for intermittently injecting the mixed liquid into the tank, which is fed through the liquid supply vibrator 14, and a solenoid valve 13 is provided at the bottom of the tank to directly pressure feed the mixed liquid in the tank to the built-in tank of the automatic developing machine. and a replenishing vibrator 16b for feeding the mixed liquid by the built-in pump of the automatic developing machine 4.

Liquid level detection device 7B provided in the mixing tank 3 and replenishment tank 5
The proximity switch 7d located above is designed to ensure that the liquid in the tank is frequently replaced and a highly active liquid is always supplied.
It is arranged at a position appropriately spaced from the proximity switch 7b.

At a position near the automatic developing machine 4, as shown in FIG. will be placed.

Each of the liquid feed pumps 15 a, 15 b, the electromagnetic valve 13 and the control valve 17 is provided with a bypass to ensure the feeding of the mixed liquid when they fail. A drain vibe 18 connected to a sewer is connected to the bottom of all the tanks and the automatic developing machine 4, and a drain vibe 18 connected to a sewer is connected to the bottom of all the tanks and the automatic developing machine 4. , and an overflow vibe 19 connected to a waste liquid tank (not shown).

Each liquid level detection device 7A is configured to centrally display the various stored liquid amounts, the flow state of each calibration solution, the flow state of the mixed solution to the automatic developing machine, and the stirring state of the stirring tank by light and/or sound. Proximity switch 7b, 7d of 7B, metering pump 9as9bs9C of stock solution tank 1 and water tank 2, stirring pump 12 of stirring tank 3, solenoid valve 12 of replenishment tank 5, liquid sending pump 15a of stirring tank 3 and replenishment tank 5 , 15b, and a built-in pump of each automatic processor 4, respectively, are provided with a central display panel (not shown) electrically connected to them.

The various liquid level detection devices 7 provided operate as follows.

When the amount of liquid in the built-in tank of the automatic developing machine 4 becomes insufficient, the built-in pump operates to suck up the mixed liquid, and the corresponding one of the indicators provided on the central display panel lights up to display the liquid supply status.

When the mixed liquid is supplied by the built-in pump of the automatic developing machine 4 and the storage amount of the replenishment tank 5 decreases, the float 7C of the liquid level detection device 7B provided in the replenishment tank 5 descends, and the float 7c
operates the proximity switch 7b placed at the position of the lowest storage amount, and turns off or blinks the corresponding display on the central display panel. At the same time, the solenoid valve 13 is opened to replenish the mixed liquid from the stirring tank 3.

When the mixed liquid is replenished and the float 7C rises and the proximity switch 7d placed at the position of the maximum storage amount is activated, the solenoid valve 13 is closed to stop the replenishment of the mixed liquid and the indicator returns to the lighting state. .

When the amount of liquid supplied to the mixing tank 3 decreases and the float 7c activates the proximity switch 7b at the position of the lowest storage amount, the corresponding indicator on the central display panel turns off or flashes and a buzzer or chime sounds to alert you. At the same time, metering pumps 9a, 9b, 9c for the stock solution tank and the water tank, respectively.
is operated to supply each stock solution and filtered water to the mixing tank 3 at a predetermined mixing ratio. At the same time, the stirring pump 12 is operated to mix and stir the stock solution and filtered water, and the display is also turned on or blinking.

When the flow) 7c operates the proximity switch 7d at the maximum storage amount by replenishing the stock solution and filtered water, the metering pumps 9a, 9b, and 9c are stopped and the corresponding indicators are returned to the lighting state. At the same time, a timer (not shown) is operated to continue operating the stirring pump 12 for an additional required period of time, and when the stirring pump 12 is stopped by the timer, the indicator is turned off.

When the amount of each stock solution in the stock solution tank 1 decreases and the flow) 7c operates the proximity switch 7b at the position of the lowest storage amount,
Each corresponding indicator on the central display panel turns off or blinks, and a buzzer or chime sounds to notify that the stock solution needs to be replenished. Add each stock solution to stock solution tank 1.
When the liquid is replenished from the injection port, each float 7c rises and separates from the proximity switch 7b, and each indicator returns to the lighting state.

Similarly, when the float 7C operates the proximity switch 7b at the lowest storage level due to a decrease in the filtrate in the water transfusion tank 2, the corresponding indicator on the central display panel is turned off or blinks and a buzzer sounds to call attention. However, since water is automatically replenished by the float valve, it is only necessary to confirm that the float 7c has risen and moved away from the proximity switch 7b, and that the indicator has been returned to the lit state.

Here, the metering pump 9 of the stock solution tank 1 and the water tank 2
a, 9 b, and 9 c are electrically connected to each other in series or to form an AND circuit, so that
To prevent a mixing ratio and concentration of a mixed liquid from being changed by supplying only another liquid to a mixing tank when one of the tanks becomes empty.

To remove all the solution for cleaning, etc., open the drain valve (not shown) provided in each tank and the automatic processor, and it will be dumped into the waste tank via the overflow pipe 19. The used detergent and the like are also discarded via the drain pipe 19.

When washing with water after sufficient cleaning has been performed, the washing water is discarded into the sewer via the drain pipe 18.

To replenish a new mixed solution, each chamber 1a of the stock solution tank 1,
When each stock solution is poured into 1b and the water supply valve of water tank 2 is opened, the stock solution and filtered water are automatically fed to mixing tank 3 to create a mixed solution, and then to replenishment tank 5. The mixed liquid is fed.

When the mixed liquid is stored in the mixing tank 3 and the replenishing tank 5, a switch (not shown) installed near the mixing tank 3 and the replenishing tank 5 or at another appropriate place such as near the display panel is operated. , the liquid sending pumps 15a and 15b provided in the mixing tank 3 and the replenishing tank 5 are operated to forcibly replenish the mixed liquid into the built-in tank of the automatic developing machine. At this time, each corresponding indicator on the central display panel is lit to indicate that liquid is being supplied.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, wasteful space such as developing solution and fixing solution tanks, which were conventionally required in individual automatic processing machines, can be eliminated, and the space can therefore be used effectively, and its workability has also been improved. In addition, it is possible to avoid staining clothes, floors, etc. with the solution, and it is possible to create a clean work environment without odors.

In addition, since the mixed solution is prepared by mixing and stirring each stock solution and filtered water at a predetermined mixing ratio, a mixed solution with a predetermined concentration can always be obtained, eliminating the time and effort required to mix and stir the stock solution and diluted solution. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the original work that was hindered by the preparation of the mixed liquid.

Furthermore, since the present invention prepares and feeds the required amount by appropriately mixing and stirring in a mixing tank, a highly active solution can always be used.
This means that work can be performed under certain conditions.

Furthermore, it is highly useful as it allows for centralized management of various storage states, inspections, and feeding states to required equipment.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figure is a diagram schematically showing an automatic liquid supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1... Raw solution tank 2... Water tank 3... Mixing tank 4... Automatic developing machine 5... Replenishment tanks 7A, 7B... Liquid level detection device 9 a, 9 b, 9 c... - Metering pump 1.1...
・Filter 12... Stirring pump 13... Solenoid valve 14... Liquid supply pipes 16a, 16b... Supply pipes 15a, 15b... Liquid feed pump 17... Control valve patent applicant Ohtsuka Denshi Color Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Sumiko Shimosaka

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A stock solution tank that stores at least two types of stock solutions, a water tank that stores filtered water to make the stock solutions at a predetermined concentration, and mixes and stirs the stock solution fed from the stock solution tank and the filtered water fed from the water tank. It consists of a mixing tank that stores the mixed liquid supplied from the mixing tank and a replenishment tank that stores the mixed liquid supplied from the mixing tank and supplies the mixed liquid to the required equipment. Equipped with a liquid level detection device to detect the minimum storage amount, the stock solution tank is equipped with a pump to feed each stock solution to the mixing tank at a predetermined mixing ratio, and the water tank is equipped with a pump to feed each stock solution at a predetermined mixing ratio. The mixing tank is equipped with a pump for mixing and stirring the supplied raw solution and filtered water, and the replenishment tank is equipped with a pump for supplying the mixed liquid to the mixing tank. Equipped with a solenoid valve for intermittent supply, the liquid level detection device in the mixing tank operates the pumps in the stock tank and water tank to replenish the stock solution and filtered water when the minimum storage volume is detected, and the system replenishes the stock solution and filtered water until the maximum storage volume is reached. The liquid level detection device in the replenishment tank opens the solenoid valve to replenish the mixed liquid when the minimum storage amount is detected, and the stirring device is operated for the required time. An automatic liquid dispensing system characterized in that it is configured to close a solenoid valve when a quantity is sensed. (2) The automatic liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the replenishment tank is provided with a pump for forcibly replenishing the mixed liquid to required equipment. (3) The automatic liquid supply system according to claim 2, wherein the mixing tank is provided with a pump for forcibly replenishing the mixed liquid to required equipment. (4) Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the water tank is provided with a filter for filtering the water to be replenished and a float valve for intermittent supply of the water to be replenished. The automatic fluid supply system according to any one of the above. (5) The operating status of at least each of the liquid level detection devices, each of the pumps, and the stirring device of the mixing tank is centrally displayed on a display panel, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Automatic fluid supply system.