JPH068998A - Liquid supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use a throwaway type liquid container section for hygienic handling by a method wherein the liquid container section is of a detachable unit type consisting of a liquid container, a liquid supply tube connected to the liquid container, and a pump chamber which has a flexible wall and is connected to the liquid supply tube, and is attached to a stationary section including a pump driver. CONSTITUTION:A liquid feeder applied to a liquid dispenser of coffee, juice and chemical solution consists of a portable liquid container section A and a stationary section B. When the liquid container section A is attached to the stationary section B, a pump main body 2 of the liquid container section A is accommodated inside a driver section 6 of the stationary section B and the flexible wall of the pump main body 2 is bonded on a driver 7 with a double face adhesive tape. A delivery tube 9 is inserted in a groove 11a, and a manual pinch valve 12 is opened by a protrusion when a lid 8 is closed. In this state, an automatic pinch valve 11 is opened, and the driver 7 consisting of a piezoelectric element is operated for a specified period of time to expand and shrink a pump chamber 5, so that a constant amount of liquid is discharged.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid supply device applied to liquid dispensers for liquid foods and liquid chemicals used for coffee, juice, black tea, noodles, etc., and liquid dispensers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present application has already filed Japanese Patent Application No. 4-1126.
No. 58 proposed this type of liquid supply device. This includes a liquid supply container section for storing concentrated liquids such as coffee and juice and liquid supply such as alcoholic beverages, a liquid supply pipe connected to the liquid supply container, a solenoid valve provided in the liquid supply pipe, and the like. It was composed of opening and closing means. When supplying the liquid supply, the liquid supply container is exchanged. To detach the liquid supply container, the electromagnetic pinch valve (automatic pinch valve) 11 is used.
Is closed (pressing the discharge tube 9) in the following steps. (1) Remove the locks 10a and 10b of the drive unit 6. (2) Open the lid portion 8. (3) Remove the pump body 2 from the drive unit 6 (remove the surface bonding member 7a). (4) Remove the discharge tube 9 from the groove 11a of the pinch valve 11. (5) Take the old container 1. (6) Discard the old liquid collecting part A. (7) Set a new container 1. (8) Pull the knob of the new container 1 to send the liquid supply to the liquid supply pipe 1a. (9) Set the pump body 2 on the drive unit 6. (10) Insert the discharge tube 9 into the groove 11a of the pinch valve 11. (11) Close the lid 8 and close the locks 10a and 10b. (12) Cut the tip of the discharge tube 9.

[0003]

As described above, conventionally, since the attachment / detachment is performed with the pinch valve 11 closed, it is difficult to attach / detach the discharge tube 9. However, when the pinch valve 11 is open, there is a problem that liquid leakage occurs when the pinch valve 11 is attached and detached.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above object, and is a container 1 filled with liquid supply, a liquid supply pipe 1a having one end connected to the container 1, and a liquid supply pipe 1a. Liquid pipe 1
a wall surface 2 made of a flexible material, one end of which is connected to the other end of a
a collecting chamber A having a pump chamber 5 having a and a discharge tube 9 connected to the other end of the pump chamber 5, the pump chamber 5 is detachably held, and It has a pump drive unit 6 that displaces the wall surface 2a to change the volume of the pump chamber 5, and a groove 11a into which the discharge tube 9 is inserted, and clamps the discharge tube 9 except when the liquid supply is being discharged. A manual pinch valve means 12 that opens and closes the discharge tube 9 in conjunction with a fixed portion B composed of an automatic pinch valve means 11 and opening / closing of the pump drive portion cover 8 or by a drive mechanism 15a provided in the drive portion 6. ，
This is a liquid supply device composed of 14 and 14b.

[0005]

[Function] The double-sided tape of the pump main body 2 of the liquid collecting part A or the protective tape of the surface joining member 7a such as a fastener is peeled off to expose the joining surface, and the flexible material is inserted into the driving part 6 of the fixing part B. The wall surface 2 a made of is connected to the driving body 7. Thus, when the drive part 6 of the fixed part B is operated, its vibration drives the wall surface 2a through the drive body 7 and the surface joining member 7a, the pump chamber 5 expands and contracts, the pump body 2 operates, and the liquid is kept constant. Send quantity. Since the manual pinch valve 12 that opens and closes the discharge tube 9 is provided in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid 8 or by the drive mechanism 15a provided in the drive unit 6, the lid 8 is attached when the liquid supply container is attached or detached. When the valve is opened, the manual pinch valve 12 presses the discharge tube 9 to prevent liquid leakage, and when the lid 8 is closed, the discharge tube 9 is opened, and liquid supply is performed without any trouble.

[0006]

EXAMPLE A liquid collecting section A is a container 1 containing a liquid supply, and a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped pump main body 2 connected to the container 1 by a liquid delivery pipe 1a.
And a discharge tube 9 connected to the pump body 2. The pump body 2 is provided with check valves 3 and 4 (not shown) provided on the suction side and the discharge side, and is provided so as to project on a surface facing the check valve, and is sealed with a flexible wall member 2a. The pump chamber 5 has a variable volume.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container 1 is a flexible bag which swells in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A vinyl plate 1b for closing is provided at the bottom of the container connected to the liquid feed pipe 1a, and a cut 1c is formed in the vinyl plate 1b. The connected lid 1d is connected to the outer knob 1f via a hook and a pin (not shown), and the knob 1f is torn to tear off the liquid supply in the container 1 at the time of use.
Send to a. An inert gas such as nitrogen gas is enclosed in the liquid supply pipe 1a during storage.

The pump body 2 comprises a check valve 3 on the suction side communicating with the container 1 side and a check valve 4 on the discharge side communicating with the discharge tube 9 side made of a soft resin. The diaphragm 3 faces away from the stop valve 4 in the opposite direction.
The side opposite to a and 4a communicates with the pump chamber 5. The end of the discharge tube 9 is heat-sealed and cut off at the time of use.
Polyethylene terephthalate can be used for the flexible wall material 2a on the outside of the pump chamber 5, for example.

The fixed portion B has a lid body 8 and a pump body 2
Corresponding to the above shape, it comprises a drive unit 6 for detachably accommodating the pump body 2, a drive body 7 for driving the wall surface 2a made of a flexible material of the pump body 2, and an automatic pinch valve 11. The driving body 7 of the driving unit 6 is made of, for example, a stainless steel plate, and in order to improve driving efficiency, the pump chamber 5 is provided via a surface joining member 7a such as an adhesive double-sided tape or a surface fastener.
It is detachably joined to the wall surface 2a made of the flexible material.
For example, when using an adhesive double-sided tape, the bonding force of the surface-bonding member 7a is set so that the adhesive force on the side in contact with the driving body 7 is weak so that the tape does not remain on the driving body 7 side when the pump body is attached and detached. To do. A pump actuator 7b made of a piezoelectric material is fixed to the back surface of the driving body 7, and is driven by applying an AC voltage to the pump actuator 7b.

It is to be noted that 10a and 10b in FIG. 1 are locks for closing the lid 8 and 10c and 10d are hinges thereof. An automatic pinch valve 11 for tightening and closing the discharge tube 9 is provided below the drive unit 6. The automatic pinch valve 11 has a groove 11a through which the discharge tube 9 is inserted and an electromagnetic device 11b which normally tightens and closes the discharge tube 9. Position 6a between the pump body 2 and the automatic pinch valve 11 on the upper side of the portion of the discharge tube 9 which is clamped by the automatic pinch valve 11 or position 6b between the lower automatic pinch valve 11 and the tip of the discharge tube 9. A manual pinch valve 12 as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. The manual pinch valve 12 is a bifurcated member made of an elastic material such as plastic or rubber, and is shaped to normally fasten the discharge tube 9 inserted into the crotch portion as shown in FIG. 4 (a). The tip portions 12a and 12b are opened in a Y shape, and the inner surface of the lid body 8 is provided with a protrusion 8a which is inserted between the end portions 12a and 12b to open the manual pinch valve 12 as shown in FIG. 4B. . If necessary, a protrusion 12c at the other end of the manual pinch valve 12 is provided, the protrusion 12c is inserted into the groove of the pump body 2, and positioning springs 13, 13 are provided on both sides thereof to prevent the tipping. .

Next, the operation of this device will be described. Collection part A
Bends the liquid supply pipe 1a and the discharge tube 9, stacks the pump body 2 on it, and stores it in a box or the like for transportation. Next, when this is used, the whole is expanded, and once the manual pinch valve 12 is inserted into the discharge tube 9 to prevent liquid leakage, it is closed. Next, the protective tape of the surface-bonding member 7a provided in advance on the wall surface 2a made of the flexible material of the pump body 2 of the liquid collecting part A is peeled off to expose the bonding surface, and it is inserted into the drive part 6 of the fixed part B, The wall surface 2a is joined to the driving body 7. At the same time, the discharge tube 9 is inserted into the groove 11a, and the manual pinch valve 12 is inserted into the position 6a or 6b of the drive unit 6 as shown in FIG. 3 (a) or 3 (b). Next, the lid 8 is closed and the lock 1
It is closed by 0a and 10b. This makes the protrusion 8
a is inserted between the ends 12a and 12b of the manual pinch valve 12, and the manual pinch valve 12 opens as shown in FIG. 4 (b).

Thus, when the knob 1f is pulled to open the lid 1d, the liquid supply in the container 1 flows into the pump body 2, and the diaphragm 3a outside the check valve 3 swells due to hydraulic pressure. Next, the ends of the discharge tube 9 are cut with scissors. At this time, the automatic pinch valve 11 presses the discharge tube 9 and the liquid supply is not discharged. When supplying the liquid supply, open the automatic pinch valve 11,
The actuator 7b is driven. The vibration of the actuator 7b drives the wall surface 2a made of a flexible material through the surface bonding member 7a, and the pump chamber 5 expands and contracts. If the driving time of the actuator 7b is made constant, a fixed amount of liquid can be discharged from the discharge tube 9. Post-discharge actuator 7b
At the same time as the driving of the
It is pinched and closed to prevent liquid leakage. When the lid 8 is opened when the liquid supply is completely consumed, the manual pinch valve 1 is opened as shown in FIG.
2 closes. Discard the entire liquid collecting part A and replace. The pump actuator 7b includes a piezoelectric element, an electrostrictive material, a magnetostrictive material, etc.
Any material can be used as long as it is deformed or its volume is changed by the application of electricity or magnetism.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in (a), the manual pinch valve 14 is made of an elongated rectangular elastic body having an elongated cut 14a at the same center, and as shown in (b), the discharge tube 9 inserted into the cut 14a is normally closed. , (C), when the lid body 8 is closed, the lid body 8 is pushed by the lid body 8 and contracts in the vertical direction to open the discharge tube 9.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment in which the manual pinch valve 14 is pulled by a drive mechanism 15a such as a solenoid rod 15 provided on the drive portion 6 side to open the discharge tube 9. As shown in FIG. 6A, the manual pinch valve 1
4 is provided with a vertical groove 14d, and the engaging piece 16 made of a plastic spring or the like shown in FIG. 6B is provided in the vertical groove 14d.
And a spring portion 16a bent in a U-shape is continuously provided to the engaging piece 16, and a vertical groove 16b provided in the spring portion 16a.
The projection 15b at the tip of the solenoid rod 15 is inserted into the. In this device, when the plastic spring 16a of the manual pinch valve 14 is pulled by the solenoid rod 15, the discharge tube 9 is opened. In this case, it is necessary that the lid body 8 does not press the manual pinch valve 14 when the lid body 8 is closed.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the drive mechanism 15a and the manual operation are combined. As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the manual pinch valve 14 b is a U-shaped elastic body and is a manual operation part 1.
4c. In this device, the discharge tube 9 is mounted while manually opening the manual operation part 14c of the manual pinch valve 14b. Then, when the hand is released, the discharge tube 9 is closed as shown in FIG. Next, the lid 8 is closed, and then the solenoid rod 15 is pulled to open the discharge tube 9.

FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention which facilitates manual operation.
The embodiment is shown, and the description of the same parts as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted. In this device, as shown in FIG. 8A, the drive unit 6 is provided with a claw 6c that engages with a claw of the operation unit 14c of the manual pinch valve 14b. In this device, when the discharge tube 9 is attached while manually pushing open the manual operation part 14c of the manual pinch valve 14b as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the claw of the manual operation part 14c engages with the claw 6c. Then, when the lid 8 is closed, as shown in FIG. 8C, the projection 6a pushes the claw 6c, and the manual operation portion 14c is disengaged from the claw 6c. Thus, the solenoid rod 15 is pulled to open the discharge tube 9.

FIG. 9 shows a cover handle 18 for opening and closing the lid 8.
The sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in which a manual pinch valve opens and closes the discharge tube 9 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the handle 18, and the handle 18 is pivoted on the lid 8 by a shaft 17. The drive portion 6 is provided with a pin 15c projectingly engaged with the inclined surface 18a of the handle 18, and the pin 15c serves as the drive mechanism 15a. In this device, when the handle 18 is rotated in the closing direction,
The sloped surface 18a pushes the pin 15c outward at a portion of the handle 18 that engages with the pin 15c. In conjunction with this, the manual pinch valves 14 and 14b are pulled and the discharge tube 9 is opened.

[0018]

As described above, in the liquid supply device according to the present invention, the liquid supply is supplied by the pump, so that a constant amount can be injected regardless of the remaining amount, and the liquid supply container, the pump, and the valve portion are integrated. Since it is configured by the liquid collecting part A and the fixed part B for driving the pump, it is possible to put the liquid supply and the entire liquid supply passage in the sterilization tank for disinfection, and it is disposable and sanitary and convenient. is there. Further, since the liquid collecting part A has no electric parts or the like, it has an effect that it can be manufactured at low cost. Further, although the surface-bonding member is used in the embodiment, it is not always necessary if the vibration of the pump drive section is efficiently transmitted to the wall surface of the pump chamber. Further, since the manual pinch valve is inserted in the discharge tube 9, liquid leakage can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of essential parts of a vending machine and a liquid supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pump body 2 of the liquid supply device.

FIG. 3A is a longitudinal sectional view of the manual pinch valve portion,
(B) is a longitudinal sectional view of another example.

FIG. 4 (a) is an explanatory view when the manual pinch valve is closed,
(B) is explanatory drawing at the time of opening.

5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Is a sectional view when it is closed, and (c) is a sectional view when it is open.

6A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the engagement piece 16 and the solenoid rod 15.

FIG. 7A is a discharge tube 9 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Is an explanatory view of a main part when it is closed, and (b) is an explanatory view of the main part when it is opened.

8A is an explanatory view showing a normal state of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8B is an explanatory view when a discharge tube is attached, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory view when a lid 8 is closed; (D) Solenoid rod 15
It is explanatory drawing at the time of operating.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a lid body 8 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a front view thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A liquid collecting part B fixing part 1 container 1a liquid feeding pipe 2a wall made of flexible material 5 pump chamber 6 driving part 8 lid 9 discharge tube 11 automatic pinch valve 11a groove 12 manual pinch valve 14 manual pinch valve 14b manual pinch valve

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A liquid supply device comprising the following [1], [2] and [3]. [1] A container filled with liquid supply, a liquid delivery pipe having one end connected to the container, a pump chamber having one wall connected to the other end of the liquid delivery pipe and having a wall surface made of a flexible material, A liquid collection part including a discharge tube connected to the other end of the pump chamber. [2] While holding the pump chamber detachably,
A pump driving unit that changes the volume of the pump chamber by giving a displacement to the wall surface of the flexible material, and a groove into which the discharge tube is inserted, and an automatic presser for clamping the discharge tube except when discharging the liquid supply. A fixed part composed of a pinch valve means. [3] Manual pinch valve means for opening and closing the discharge tube in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover of the pump drive section. 2. A liquid supply device comprising the following [1], [2] and [3]. [1] A container filled with liquid supply, a liquid delivery pipe having one end connected to the container, a pump chamber having one wall connected to the other end of the liquid delivery pipe and having a wall surface made of a flexible material, A liquid collection part including a discharge tube connected to the other end of the pump chamber. [2] While holding the pump chamber detachably,
A pump driving unit that changes the volume of the pump chamber by giving a displacement to the wall surface of the flexible material, and a groove into which the discharge tube is inserted, and an automatic presser for clamping the discharge tube except when discharging the liquid supply. A fixed part composed of a pinch valve means. [3] Manual pinch valve means for opening and closing the discharge tube by the drive mechanism provided in the drive section.