JP4805743B2 - Channel blocker - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow path blocking device for identifying whether there is a liquid or the like in a liquid circulation pipe (tubes) used for passing a liquid or the like, and simultaneously blocking the flow path. It is.

  Valves are used to shut off fluids in flexible, transparent tubes, hard plastic tubes and glass tubes, which are liquid distribution tubes made for the purpose of flowing fluids such as liquids. .

JP 2006-117310 A JP 2005-163811 A

  The means using a valve or the like for shutting off the fluid has a possibility of contaminating contents such as food and medicine because the valve and each movable part are present in the pipe. There is also the effect of corrosion and dust generated from moving parts.

  It is also difficult to clean. For example, the beer server regularly cleans filth adhering to the inside of the tube through the sponge ball, but if there is a valve or moving part, the sponge ball cannot pass through and remove it every time it is cleaned. Troubles such as disassembling.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention does not directly touch the fluid in the tube, does not obstruct the flow in the tube as much as possible, realizes detection and control with a single device, and is not affected by the type of fluid. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow path blocking device that achieves the above.

According to the present invention, in order to solve these problems, 1) a flow path blocking tube made of a flexible material;
2) A connecting means attached to one or both sides of the flow path blocking pipe and connected to the liquid circulation pipe drawn from the tanks;
3) compression means for the flow path blocking pipe
4) It consists of a sensor that recognizes the presence or absence of liquid flowing in the liquid distribution pipe in a non-contact manner,
The flow path blocking pressure means is a means for pressing the flow path blocking pipe made of a flexible material based on the signal of the sensor and blocking the liquid flowing through the liquid distribution pipe in a non-contact manner. A flow path blocking device is provided.

The compression means is
1) an actuator;
2) a pressure part with an elastic body;
3) It consists of a hook part that holds a pressure part with an elastic body, and the pressure part presses the flow path blocking pipe made of a flexible material by releasing the holding state of the actuator hook part based on the signal of the sensor. A flow path blocking device is provided.
Here, the elastic body is, for example, a spring or rubber.

Further, the compression means comprises a pressurization unit driven by a motor or the like, and the pressurization unit compresses the flow-path isolation tube with a motor based on the signal of the sensor. Is provided.
Further, the unit has a housing, the flow path pressing means and the sensor are incorporated in the housing, and the flow passage blocking pipe and the liquid circulation pipe connected through the connecting means can be incorporated. An apparatus for blocking a flow path is provided.

  Further, the difference in refractive index between the light from one or a plurality of light projecting means for irradiating light to the attached tube and the light projecting means that passes through the tube depends on the presence or absence of liquid in the tube. 1 or a plurality of light receiving means arranged at a position where it can be recognized that the position and the light amount have changed, means for determining whether or not there is a liquid based on a signal from the light receiving means, and means for outputting a detection signal based on the determination result There is provided a flow path blocking device characterized by being a sensor having the following.

  Further, there is provided a flow path blocking device characterized in that the flow path blocking pipe, the liquid circulation pipe and the connecting means are connected and detachable from the housing. If it is configured to be detachable while connected, replacement and installation are facilitated.

In addition, there is provided a flow path blocking device characterized by having means for operating a flow path blocking pipe compression means by inputting an external input signal instead of or in addition to a sensor.

  Further, there is provided a flow path blocking device to which light emitting means such as an LED and a sound means such as a buzzer are added to notify the outside of a blocking or sensor detection signal. If a means for notifying a human by means of an LED, a buzzer or the like is provided, a monitoring signal such as running out of liquid or abnormality can be recognized, so that maintenance and the like are facilitated.

  In addition, a flow path blocking device is provided in which a portion where the flow path blocking tube is connected to the connecting means is a portion using a member having high hardness by fitting or integral molding.

  Further, there is provided a flow path blocking device in which the flow path blocking pipe and the connecting means are integrated or integrally molded.

  In addition, a flow path interrupting device is provided which is connected to an infusion tube and recognizes the instillation state of the infusion solution by a sensor, thereby interrupting the supply of the infusion solution under certain conditions. It is possible to prevent the drip liquid from dripping at an abnormal speed due to a setting failure of the drip device or the like, and at the same time, an abnormal state can be notified by a buzzer or the like.

  As described above, the present invention can shut off a fluid such as a liquid or a gas in a tube without touching the liquid in the tube such as a tube. The flow path shutoff device according to the present invention detects and shuts off each liquid used in the factory, and detects the phenomenon that the beer tank is empty at the beer server and at the same time shuts off the tube and causes bubbles to blow. Can be used widely for applications such as reduction. Since this apparatus can be attached in the middle of the tube, the attachment location can be selected flexibly.

  If a non-contact optical sensor is used, there is no influence such as touching the liquid to be measured for detection or flowing an electric current, and it is not affected by the transparency of the liquid.

  By incorporating it into an infusion device, it is possible to prevent heart failure and the like due to excessive instillation of infusion solution, prevent infusion delay, and realize infusion at an appropriate speed. Moreover, when dripping stops for some reason, the situation can be notified to a nurse or the like with a buzzer or the like, and an early response can be made.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. A sensor for identifying the liquid or gas in the pipe is installed in the housing, and a part of the pipe is replaced with a pipe made of a material with extremely high flexibility. Next, when the sensor recognizes a change in state such as running out of liquid and drives the actuator, the trigger holding the pressure bar is pulled, and the pressure bar presses the highly flexible part with a restoring force such as a spring. In this configuration, the flow path is blocked in a non-contact manner. Hereinafter, a tube is used for explanation as a representative of the tube.

  A tube used as a conventional liquid distribution tube and a blocking silicon tube made of silicon rubber having a low shore degree (high flexibility) are fitted together using a connecting portion. Both ends of the blocking silicon tube may be connected to a conventional tube by a connecting portion, one end may be connected to a conventional tube, and the other end may be connected to a connecting portion connected to a conventional tube. .

  The reason why only a part of the tube is made of a highly flexible material as described above is that if all the tubes are made flexible, the stress from surrounding objects and the tubes will deform when they are stacked. This is because the flow path is blocked immediately and the role of the tube is lost. Therefore, it is necessary to use a tube having a certain hardness as in the past for a portion to be handled such as stretching or storing.

  The casing is provided with a pressure rod for pressing the blocking silicon tube and blocking the flow path. The force pressed by the pressure bar uses stress generated by a spring or the like. In addition, the pressure rod is pulled up so as not to block the flow path in a normal state, and is configured to be hooked and held.

  A sensor capable of detecting a fluid change in the tube is disposed in the housing. The place where the sensor is arranged may be any of a conventional tube, a blocking silicon tube or a connecting portion. Further, as described above, an input signal from the outside such as a sensor installed outside may be used.

  As an example, the case where the liquid in the tube is cut and changed to gas will be described as a case where the liquid is cut and the flow path is blocked. The sensor outputs a detection signal as the fluid in the tube changes, and drives an actuator such as a solenoid plunger. The movable part of the actuator is connected to the hook that holds the pressure rod through an appropriate mechanism, and the hook is released when the actuator is driven. Press down.

  By making the silicon tube for blocking sufficiently flexible, the tube is deformed by the pressing force of the pressure rod, and the flow path of liquid and gas is blocked as when pressing the air port of the rubber balloon with your finger. It becomes possible.

  As a return method, a method of pushing the pressure bar back by hand and holding it again with a hook can be considered. In addition, a method of returning to the original state by an electric motor or the like can be considered.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment. 1a and 1b are tubes for passing liquid, 9 is an upper cover of the main body, 10 is a lower cover of the main body, 6 is a pressure bar, 7 is an LED, 8 is a buzzer, and 11 is a push button switch. As shown in the figure, this device is used in the form of a tube. The LED 7 is turned on when the sensor output in the apparatus is turned off or the sound is notified by the buzzer 8.

  FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the first embodiment. First, FIG. 2A shows a state in which each part constituting the tube part is fitted. 1a and 1b are the tubes, 2 is a blocking silicon tube, and 3a and 3b are connecting portions for connecting the tubes. Since these can be fitted together, they can be attached and detached while being integrated with the inside of the apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2B shows a state where the apparatus is opened. The tube part of Fig.2 (a) is made detachable as it is. As an example, the sensor 4 and the pressure bar 6 that capture changes in the tube are incorporated in the upper cover 9. The pressure bar 6 is configured so as to hold down the shut-off silicon tube 2 during fitting by the restoring force of the spring 14. A pair of sensors 4, a hook 12 for holding the pressure rod 6, and an actuator 5 for driving the hook are incorporated in the lower cover 10. A battery or the like can be loaded on the lower cover 10. In the figure, the sensor is disposed separately on the upper and lower covers, but may be disposed only on one side.

  When the apparatus is installed with the above configuration, the tubes are first fitted together as shown in FIG. 2 (a) and then assembled between the apparatuses as shown in FIG. 2 (b). Thus, the upper cover 9 and the lower cover 10 can be fitted and attached. After that, if the pressure rod 6 holding the tube by the restoring force of the spring 14 is manually lifted, the pressure rod 6 is held by the hook 12, so the blocking silicon tube 2 is opened to secure the flow path. And become available.

  Further, as a method for driving the pressure rod 6, a method using a motor with a speed reducer can be considered. In that case, the motor may be driven so that the pressurizing rod 6 moves in the pressurizing / depressurizing direction with respect to the blocking silicon tube 2 based on the sensor signal.

  In order to start the state monitoring, a method of starting by pressing the push button switch 11 can be considered. The push button 11 can be used for switching between start and stop alternately, and can also perform a switching operation such as power ON / OFF while being pressed for a long time. As another method for starting the state monitoring, a method of automatically starting a signal by inputting a signal such as a limit switch when the pressure bar 6 is restored may be considered.

  As an example of the sensor 4 incorporated in this apparatus, a method of detecting a difference in refractive index between liquid and gas by an optical means is conceivable. If this method is adopted, the sensor can be configured to have a detection function without contact with the fluid in the tube. As a means to detect the difference in refractive index, if a projector and a light receiver are arranged so that light can pass through the attached tube, the positional deviation of the light and the change in the amount of light caused by the difference in refractive index due to the presence or absence of liquid Can be recognized. Based on the recognized change, the sensor 4 outputs a signal informing the presence or absence of liquid in the tube. In FIG. 2, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion for the sensor 4 are attached to the upper case 9 and the lower case 10, respectively. However, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion may be attached to either case.

  FIG. 4A is an external view in a non-detected state, and the flow path is not blocked. When the sensor 4 detects a change such as a liquid shortage in the tube, a signal is first output from the sensor. When the actuator 5 is driven by the signal and the connected hook 12 moves in a direction not holding the pressure bar 6, the pressure bar 6 is dropped by the restoring force of the spring 14 and presses the blocking silicon tube 2. Since the blocking silicon tube 2 is made of a very soft material, both the liquid and the gas are blocked so that the air mouth of the rubber balloon is pressed with a finger. FIG. 4B is an external view of this state.

  Simultaneously with the shut-off, the LED 7 is turned on, and the buzzer 8 sounds a sound to inform the person of the shut-off state. Depending on the application, it is possible for a person to recognize the fact that it is shut off, and the LED 7 and the buzzer 8 can be made unnecessary for such an application. It is also possible to have an external output such as a relay contact or a wireless output.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the pressure rod 6 can be added so that the blocking silicon tube 2 can be properly blocked. FIG. 3 (a) is a non-blocking state, and FIG. 3 (b) is a blocking state.

  When the blocking is recognized, the pressure bar 6 is held again by the hook 12 only by manually returning the pressure bar 6 to the original position. FIG. 4C is an external view showing the manual operation. As a method for resuming the monitoring, it is possible to select a means according to the application such as operation of the push button switch 11, return of the pressure rod 6, or a certain period of time.

  FIG. 5A is an internal cross-sectional view in a non-detected state, in which the flow path is not blocked. The place where the pressure bar 6 moves downward by the restoring force of the spring 14 is held by the hook 12. In FIG. 5B, the hook 12 moves in the lateral direction by driving the actuator 5, and the pressure rod 6 that is no longer held moves downward by the restoring force of the spring 14, so that the blocking silicon tube 2 is pressed. In this state, the flow path is blocked.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a state in which each part constituting the tube part is fitted. 1a is a conventional tube, 2 is a blocking silicon tube, 3a is a connecting portion for connecting the tubes, and 3c is a connecting portion with the tank 15 to which the conventional tube 1a is attached. Since these can also be handled as a unit, they can be attached and detached while being integrated into the apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6B shows a state where the apparatus is opened. The tube part of FIG. 6A is made detachable as it is. As an example, even when the shape of the coupler 3c and the tank 15 is large, a structure that can be easily attached and detached from the right side of the present apparatus as shown in the drawing is possible.

  Of course, the LED, the buzzer, and the external output signal can be set in various ways depending on the application, such as an output when there is a liquid, an output when there is no liquid, or an output in a state for a certain period of time.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. Since the blocking silicon tube 2 is highly flexible, a situation in which the connection with the connecting portion 3 cannot be achieved may occur in some cases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 (a) and the cross-sectional view thereof (b), the problem of connection can be avoided by fitting or integrally molding the material 13 having high hardness at the connecting portion with the connecting portion 3. If there is a risk of separation with this configuration, a method of fitting or integrally molding the material 13 with high hardness is possible by using a fitting structure that does not separate as shown in FIG. 7C and its sectional view (d). It is.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment. If the blocking silicon tube 2 is manufactured by molding, it can be integrated with the connecting portion 3. In that case, as in Example 3 described above, it is of course possible to fit a part of the material with high hardness or to integrally mold it.

  The present invention is a technology that can safely and hygienically cut off a tube or the like based on the presence or absence of a liquid such as beer, and can be widely used.

1 is a configuration diagram of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of Example 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of Example 3. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of Example 4.

Explanation of symbols

1a to 1b tube
2 Blocking tube 3a to 3c Connector 4 Sensor 5 Actuator 6 Pressure rod 7 LED
8 Buzzer 9 Upper cover 10 Lower cover 11 Push button switch 12 Hook 13 Hard part 14 Spring 15 Tank

Claims (1)

A flow path blocking pipe made of a flexible material, and connecting means attached to both sides of the flow path blocking pipe to connect the front and rear liquid flow pipes or the liquid flow pipe and tanks; and the flow path A blocking pipe pressing means and a sensor for recognizing the presence or absence of liquid flowing in the liquid distribution pipe, and the pressing means presses the flow path blocking pipe based on a signal of the sensor; In the flow path blocking device for blocking the liquid flowing through the liquid flow pipe in a non-contact manner,
The compression means includes an actuator, a pressurizing unit that presses the flow path blocking tube by a restoring force of an elastic body, and a hook unit that holds the pressurizing unit,
The pressurizing part presses the flow path blocking pipe by releasing the holding state of the hook part of the actuator based on the signal of the sensor,
The sensor emits light from one or a plurality of light projecting means for irradiating light to the attached tube, and the light from the light projecting means that passes through the tube is a difference in refractive index depending on the presence or absence of liquid in the tube One or a plurality of light receiving means arranged at a position where it can be recognized that the position and the amount of light have changed, a determination processing means for the presence / absence of liquid based on a signal from the light receiving means, and a means for outputting a detection signal based on the determination result By having it, the presence or absence of liquid in the tube is recognized in a non-contact manner,
Further, the upper cover and the lower cover can be fitted and attached, and the inside thereof has a casing that fits in the shape of the liquid circulation pipe and the connecting means, Incorporating the compression means and the sensor into, and unitizing the flow passage blocking pipe and the liquid circulation pipe connected through the connection means,
A flow path blocking device characterized in that the flow path blocking pipe, the liquid circulation pipe, and the connecting means are connected and detachable from the housing .