JP2003235964A - Dissolving device and dissolving method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dissolving device and a dissolving method establishing excellent dissolution and improved in workability when manufacturing the dissolving liquid. <P>SOLUTION: The dissolving device is provided with a holding means for holding a container A (B) housing an agent A (B) inside thereof and having an opening part in one end thereof, and a connecting means 16 liquid-tightly connected to the opening part of the container A (B) held by the holding means and having a filling port 16a for filling water to dissolve the agent A (B) and a lead-out port 16b for leading the dissolving liquid inside of the container A (B) to the outside thereof. The connecting means 16 is connected to the opening part in the condition that the opening part is directed upward to dissolve the agent A (B). This dissolving device is also provided with a turn-over means for rotating the holding means till the opening part of the container A (B) is directed nearly downward to discharge the residual solution inside the container A (B) after dissolution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is to hold a container having an opening at one end while accommodating a liquid, powder or granular material therein, and to discharge a dissolving liquid from the opening of the container. The present invention relates to a dissolution apparatus and a dissolution method for injecting and dissolving a content to derive a dissolution liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, bicarbonate-based and acetic acid-based dialysis fluids are used. Of these, bicarbonate-based dialysis fluids consist of powdered agent A that does not contain sodium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate. It is obtained by dissolving each of the powdery agent B and the diluent with diluting water to prepare a concentrated solution. The concentrated liquid is supplied to a separate dialysate adjusting device, diluted again with water to a desired concentration, and then administered to the patient.

By holding the container containing the above-mentioned agent A or agent B in order to obtain a concentrated solution and discharging the obtained solution while injecting the dilution water from the opening, the agent A or As a conventional dissolving device for dissolving the agent B, for example, the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-849667 can be mentioned. The opening of the container is provided with a seal that seals the agent A or the agent B.

According to such a dissolution apparatus, the container is held with the opening facing downward, and the connecting member having the inlet for diluting water and the outlet for discharging the solution obtained in the container is connected to the opening. By so doing, while injecting the dilution water into the container, the dissolution liquid is led out to a separate dissolution tank (see FIG. 2 of the same publication), and stirred by circulating between these containers and the dissolution tank. The concentrated liquid can be automatically prepared.

The container is held with the opening facing upwards,
By injecting the dilution water into the container by connecting the connecting member to the dissolution liquid, the dissolution liquid is led out to the dissolution tank (see FIG. 6 of the same publication), and agitated by circulating between these containers and the dissolution tank. Then, a method for automatically producing a concentrated liquid is also disclosed.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional melting apparatus has the following problems. That is, in the case where the container is held with the opening facing downward, when the seal of the container is opened in the state where the connecting member is connected to the opening, the contents A agent or B agent immediately drops downward. However, there is a problem in that the dropped portion may not be satisfactorily melted, or if the seal with the connecting means is insufficient, there is a possibility that it may scatter around.

Further, in the case of holding the container with the opening facing upward, the dissolved liquid remains at the bottom of the container after dissolution, so that the operator releases the holding of the container and manually collects it at the bottom. It was necessary to supply the residual solution to a dissolution tank (or a storage tank that stores the solution that has been stirred by circulation). Therefore, there is a problem that the workability in producing the concentrated liquid is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a dissolving apparatus and a dissolving method capable of performing good dissolution and improving workability in preparing a solution.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Holding means for holding a container having an opening at one end while accommodating the contents made of a liquid, powder or granules therein,
An inlet for liquid-tightly connected to the opening of the container held by the holding means, for injecting a dissolving liquid for dissolving the contents, and an outlet for discharging the dissolving liquid in the container. In a dissolution apparatus comprising a connecting means having the above, the contents are melted by the connecting means with the opening facing substantially upward, and the residual dissolution liquid in the container after dissolution is discharged. It is characterized by comprising a reversing means for rotating the holding means until the opening of the container is oriented substantially downward.

According to this structure, the dissolution liquid is injected from the injection port of the connecting means and the dissolution liquid obtained in the container is extracted from the extraction port with the opening of the container facing substantially upward. On the other hand, after the dissolution, the holding means is rotated by the reversing means, and the residual dissolution liquid in the container is discharged with the opening portion facing substantially downward.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a spiral ridge or groove is formed at the inlet of the connecting means so that the dissolving liquid injected into the container causes a swirling flow in the container. It is characterized by being done.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that a seal for sealing the contents is formed in the opening of the container, and an opening means for opening the seal is provided in the connecting means.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the unsealing means comprises a cutting tool projecting toward the container side with respect to the inlet and the outlet in the connecting means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, after the container is inverted by the rotation of the holding means, air is fed into the container from either the inlet or the outlet, while the residual dissolved liquid is supplied from the other. Is discharged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, after the residual solution is discharged from the container, the holding means is swung by the inverting means, so that the opening of the container is directed substantially downward. It is characterized by shaking.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a container having an opening at one end is held while accommodating the contents consisting of liquid, powder or granular material inside, and the dissolving liquid is supplied from the opening of the container. In a dissolution method of injecting and dissolving the contents to derive a dissolution liquid, after dissolving the contents in a state where the opening is oriented substantially upward, the opening is oriented substantially downward. It is characterized in that the container is rotated to discharge the residual solution in the container.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that a swirling flow is generated in the container for the dissolving liquid injected from the opening.

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the residual solution in the container is discharged while air is being sent into the container.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, after the residual solution is discharged from the container, the container is shaken with the opening facing substantially downward.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. The dissolution apparatus according to the present embodiment is a powder A containing no sodium bicarbonate.
The agent and the powdered agent B composed of sodium bicarbonate are each dissolved in diluting water, and the dissolved solutions are mixed to prepare a concentrated solution that is prepared. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the concentrated liquid preparation apparatus is mainly composed of a container apparatus 1, a transfer apparatus 2, a dissolution apparatus 3, and a volume reduction apparatus 4.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the container A has a substantially cylindrical body A3 having a bottom surface A4 and an opening A at one end.
And a neck portion A2 continuously reduced in diameter from the body portion A3, which is made of a resin integrally molded product, and a film for sealing the agent A accommodated in the body portion A3 in the opening portion A1. The sticker Aa is attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the container B containing the agent B has a neck portion B2 having an opening B1 formed at one end and a body portion B3 having a bottom surface B4 (more than the body portion A3 as shown in FIG. 4). It has a small diameter) and is made of a resin integrally molded product, and a seal Ba is attached to the opening B1.

The accommodating device 1 is capable of accommodating a plurality of containers A and B respectively and sending them out one by one to the transfer device 2 side. Four chain conveyors 5a to 5d are provided side by side in the vertical direction to perform the operation, and two chain conveyors 6a and 6b are provided in the up and down direction to perform the feeding operation while accommodating the container B.

The chain conveyors 5a to 5d are arranged so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined dimension (approximately the same as the outer diameter of the container A). Moves to the right in Fig. 1,
The container A is configured to be transported in the same direction, and the container mounting surfaces of the chain conveyors 5b and 5d are moved leftward in the figure to transport the container A in the same direction.

Similarly, the mounting surface of the container B on the chain conveyor 6a moves rightward in the figure to convey the container B in the same direction, and the mounting surface of the container B on the chain conveyor 6b is Move to the left in the figure, and move to container B
Are driven by a drive motor (not shown) so as to convey the sheets in the same direction.

As a result, the container A reaching the right end of the chain conveyor 5a falls to the right end of the chain conveyor 5b, the container A reaching the left end of the chain conveyor 5b falls to the left end of the chain conveyor 5c, and then the chain conveyor 5c. Container A reaching the right end of 5c is a chain conveyor 5d
Since the corresponding end portions of the conveyors are formed so as to drop to the right end of the chain conveyor, the containers loaded into the left end of the chain conveyor 5a are sequentially conveyed and reach the left end of the chain conveyor 5d.

Similarly, since the right end portion of the chain conveyor 6a is formed so that the container B reaching the right end of the chain conveyor 6a falls to the left end of the chain conveyor 6a, the container B placed at the left end of the chain conveyor 6a is formed. Are sequentially conveyed to reach the left end of the chain conveyor 6b.

A sending-out means 7 is arranged near the left end of the chain conveyor 5d, and the sending-out means 7 has four blades serving as stoppers as shown in FIG. A common rotary stopper 9 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary stopper 9 includes a rotary 9a having claw portions 9aa at portions (equal to 4 intervals) corresponding to the positions of the blades, and claw portions 9aa.
And a ratchet 9b that can be swung so as to be locked or separated.

That is, when the ratchet 9b is oscillated from the state shown in the figure and the tip end thereof is separated from the claw portion 9aa, the blade is made rotatable and rotates until the ratchet 9b is locked by the next claw portion 9aa. Therefore, when the ratchet 9b is swung while the chain conveyor 5d is driven, the blades rotate 1/4, and the container A at the leftmost end on the chain conveyor 5d is sandwiched by the two blades. While being sent out, the blades protruding upward after rotation regulate the sending out of the subsequent container A. Similarly, the delivery means 8 is also provided at the left end of the chain conveyor 6b so that the containers B can be delivered one by one.

The transfer device 2 mounts the containers A and B sent by the sending means 7 and 8 of the accommodation device 1,
It is transferred to the melting device 3, and as shown in FIG.
Two claws 10 formed with a concave portion 10a for the container A on which the container A is placed and placed and a concave portion 10b for the container B on which the container B is placed and placed (the other one is arranged on the back side of the paper)
And the claw 10 in the horizontal direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface)
And a vertical guide 12 for guiding and moving the horizontal guide 11 and the claw 10 in the vertical direction (vertical direction in the figure).

Then, the pawl 10 is previously positioned at the lowermost end of the vertical guide 12, and after the containers A and B are delivered one by one by the delivery means 7 and 8, the pawl 10 is raised. First, the container A at the standby position is placed in the container A recess 10a. When the pawl 10 is lifted as it is, the container B in the standby position is moved to the container B as shown in FIG.
Therefore, the container B can be placed on the tip side of the claw 10 and the container A on the base end side.

In this state, the claw 10 is guided by the horizontal guide 11 to move horizontally with respect to the floor surface, and the neck portions A2 and B2 of the containers A and B are placed on the lower holding member 13 of the melting device 3. At the same time, the body parts A3 and B3 are mounted on the mounting member 15. The dissolving device 3 is composed of the agents A and B in the containers A and B.
This is for diluting the agent with pure water or the like to prepare a concentrated liquid having a predetermined concentration. As shown in FIGS.
3, a holding means for holding the containers A and B, which is composed of the upper holding member 14, the mounting member 15 and the like, a connecting means 16, and a reversing means such as a shaft 18 and the like.

The placing member 15 and the lower sandwiching member 13 are connected by a frame F1 and are separated from each other by a predetermined size, and the body portions A3 and B3 of the containers A and B are provided in the recesses formed in the placing member 15.
The bottoms A4 and B4 of the container are supported, and the necks A2 and B2 of the containers A and B are supported by the recesses 13a and 13b formed in the lower holding member 13.

Further, the upper holding member 14 is fitted in the recesses 13a and 13b of the lower holding member 13 respectively, and the container A
Recesses 14a and 14b are formed at predetermined positions so as to sandwich the necks A2 and B2 of B and B, respectively. Upper clamping member 14
Is formed at a predetermined position of the frame F2, and the frame F2 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 19 with respect to the frame F1. That is, the frame F2 is the rotary shaft 19
When it is rotated around, the upper holding member 14 is also interlocked and separated from the lower holding member 13.
Therefore, the containers A and B are placed.

Further, the frame F2 has a rotating shaft 19 inside.
Is fixedly connected to a hollow shaft 18 having
When the shaft 18 is rotated by a motor (not shown), the frame F2 is rotated and the upper holding member 14 is rotated.
Is abutted (state of FIG. 11) or separated (state of FIG. 10) from the lower holding member 13. Since the rotational force generated by the shaft 18 is not directly transmitted to the frame F1, the mounting member 15 and the lower side will not rotate even if the shaft 18 rotates unless the pin 20 described later locks the frame. The holding member 13 does not rotate. here,
The shaft 18 and a motor (not shown) connected to the shaft 18 constitute reversing means for rotating the holding means.

The connecting means 16 is an opening A of the containers A and B held by the placing member 15 and the lower sandwiching member 13.
1 and B1 are liquid-tightly connected, and the dilution water (dissolving liquid) for dissolving the agent A and the agent B is injected, and the solution in the containers A and B is discharged. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting means 16 is arranged on a plate member 21 connected to the frame F2, and the base end of the plate member 21 is connected to an operating rod 17a extending from the cylinder 17. Therefore, when the cylinder 17 is driven to reduce the length dimension of the operating rod 17a, the plate member 21 moves from the state shown in the figure, and the connecting means 16 contacts the openings A1 and B1 of the containers A and B. Become.

Here, a pin 20 which can be inserted into the hole 22a of the stay 22 extending from the lower holding member 13 and the hole 14c formed in the upper holding member 14 is formed at approximately the center of the plate member 21. And the plate member 21 has the lower holding member 13
Also, when the pin 20 comes close to the upper holding member 14, the pin 20 has a hole 22.
The lower clamping member 13 and the upper clamping member 14 are configured to be inserted through the a and 14c.

When the shaft 18 is rotated in the locked state, the rotational force is transmitted from the frame F1 to the frame F2, and the holding means of the melting device is integrally rotated, so that the opening portions of the containers A and B are opened. The containers A and B can be rotated in a direction in which A1 and B1 face upward or downward. Thus, in the process of the operation of connecting the connecting means 16 to the openings A1 and B1 of the containers A and B, the lower holding member 13 and the upper holding member 14 are connected, and the holding means of the dissolving device is integrally rotated. Since it can be performed, the device configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the connecting means is separately provided.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connecting means 16 is provided in the container A or B and the injection port 16a formed in the substantially central part of the housing for injecting water into the container A or B. It has an outlet 16b for leading out the solution. Inlet 1
A spiral groove 16aa is formed on the inner peripheral surface of 6a so that the injected water creates a swirling flow in the container A or B. As a result, the agent A or agent B adhering to the inner wall or the like of the container A or B can also be flooded with water, and can be efficiently dissolved with a simple structure. It should be noted that instead of the spiral groove 16aa, a convex ridge portion formed in a spiral shape (projected to the inner peripheral surface of the inlet 16a) may be used, or a plurality of nozzles may be directed in different directions. It may be installed.

On the other hand, the outlet 16b is communicated with an annular recess 16c formed on the outer periphery of the inlet 16a via a communication hole 16d, and the dissolution liquid reaching the annular recess 16c is communicated with the communication hole. 16d, and is led out from the outlet 16b. Also, as shown in FIG.
Three blades 30 (opening means) are fixed (fixed in a state of enclosing three sides of the injection port 16a) to the outer rib forming the recess 16c, and the opening A1, B1 of the container A or B is fixed. The attached seal Aa or Ba can be cut off and opened.

Since the cutting tool 30 projects more toward the side where the containers A and B are arranged than the inlet 16a and the outlet 16b (recess 16c) of the connecting means 16, a seal is made when connecting the connecting means 16. After opening the Aa and Ba, water is injected and the dissolving solution is drawn out, so that the dissolving solution can be prevented from being injected while the seals Aa and Ba are unopened, and more reliable dissolving work can be performed. .
In addition, since the cutting tool 30 is in a state of enclosing three sides of the injection port 16a, the seals Aa and Ba cut off at the time of opening are cut.
Can be prevented from falling into the containers A and B.

Further, the container A or B in the connecting means 16
A ring-shaped packing 31 is formed on the connection surface with and the water or the solution leaks from the connection portion with the connection means 16 in close contact with the edges of the openings A1 and B1 in the container A or B. Is being prevented. The packing 31 is preferably made of a gel material or soft rubber, and in this case, even if the flatness of the edge surfaces of the openings A1 and B1 is deteriorated due to deformation or the like, the packing 31 can be reliably sealed. it can. Further, according to the packing 31 made of a gel material or soft rubber, due to its elastic deformation, a dimensional error in the height direction of the containers A and B due to a melted state at the time of molding or sealing the containers A and B (product (Variation) can be effectively absorbed.

As shown in FIG. 16, the inlet 16a is connected to the bottom surface of a separately provided dissolution tank T1 via a flexible tube (water supply line L1), and the outlet 16b.
Is connected to the upper surface of the dissolution tank T1 via a flexible tube (lead-out line L2). The water supply line L1
Is provided with a pump P, and is configured to pump water or a solution in the water supply line L1 and circulate the water or the solution between the dissolution tank T1 and the containers A and B. There is. Further, reference numeral Y shown in the figure and FIG. 17 indicates a melting tank T1.
An electromagnetic valve for sending air into the inside is shown, and is controlled so as to be opened when water is supplied to the melting tank T1 and closed during circulation described below.

Thus, in order to perform the dissolution work of the agents A and B, water is supplied from the water source W into the dissolution tank T1 and
The water is led to the connecting means 16 via the water supply line L1,
The water is injected from the inlet 16a into the container A or B, while the injected water flows through the container A or B, and then the outlet 16b.
And the dissolution tank T1 again via the derivation line L2.
Be led to. That is, water (dissolution liquid) is circulated between the dissolution tank T1 and the container A or B and dissolved until a predetermined concentration is reached.

Further, the melting tank T1 is connected to the compressor C and is constructed so that air can be supplied into the container A or B through the air layer in the melting tank T1. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the containers A and B are inverted and the openings A1 and B1 are directed downward (at this time, the pump P is stopped and the water or the solution flows through the water supply line L1). In this state, the compressor C is driven to supply the air from the melting tank T1 through the outlet line L2, so that the air can be sent into the containers A and B from the outlet 16b.

By feeding the air, it is possible to easily draw out the residual dissolved liquid remaining in the container A or B from the injection port 16a, and the residual dissolved liquid can be discharged outside the container (that is, the storage tank T2) more quickly and reliably. Inside). Here, since the storage tank T2 is installed lower than the containers A and B, the residual dissolved liquid derived by sending in air is guided to the storage tank T2 instead of the dissolution tank T1. In the present embodiment, while the air is injected from the outlet 16b and the residual solution is discharged from the inlet 16a, the residual solution is discharged from the outlet 16b while injecting the air from the inlet 16a. It may be configured to.

The volume reducing device 4 cuts the empty containers A and B after the residual dissolved liquid is discharged, and reduces the volume thereof to facilitate the disposal. As shown in FIGS. The mounting long members 23a to 23d, the guide plate 2
4, pusher 25, bottom cutting blade 26 and side cutting blade 2
Mainly consists of 7.

The mounting long members 23a and 23b are columnar members for mounting the container A, and the container A can be mounted in the space between them. The mounting long members 23a and 23b are provided with gaps 23aa, 2 through which the pair of claws 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) can pass vertically.
3ab and 23ba, 23bb are respectively formed, and when the container A is placed on the claw 10, the gap 23a is formed.
By passing through a, 23ab, 23ba and 23bb while descending, the container A is placed on the elongate members 23a and 2 for mounting.
It is configured to be placed on 3b. Similarly, the mounting long members 23c and 23d can mount the container B in these gaps, and the gap 23ca that can pass through the claws 10.
And 23cb are formed. The long member used here may be a member such as a hollow pipe or a plate member having another shape.

The guide plate 24 is made of a plate material having guide holes 24a and 24b having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the container A or the container B. Such guide plate 24
Is erected on the base end side (the left end side in FIG. 19) of the elongate members 23a to 23d for placement, and passes the guide holes 24a and 24b to the containers A and B pushed by the pusher 25 described later. It is configured to guide you while.

As shown in FIG. 18, the pusher 25 has a container A pushing portion 25a capable of pushing the opening A1 of the container A and a container B pushing portion 25b capable of pushing the opening B1 of the container B. It is formed and slides in the direction of the arrow in the figure to move the containers A and B to the guide plate 24 side. still,
In the container A pushing part 25a and the container B pushing part 25b,
Grooves 28 (see FIG. 19) for avoiding interference with the side surface cutting blade 27 described later are formed respectively.

The bottom cutting blade 26 is a long member 23 for mounting.
a and the container A on 23b, and the mounting long members c and 2
It is composed of a bent blade for cutting off the bottom surfaces A4 and B4 sides of the container B on 3d, and is swingable around the shaft 26a. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 18, when the bottom cutting blade 26 swings around the shaft 26a,
The blade portion of the bottom cutting blade 26 is the bottom surface A4 of the containers A and B.
And B4 sides are cut, and the cut bottom surfaces A4 and B4 can be dropped.

The side cutting blades 27 are formed of cutting tools facing the guide holes 24a and 24b, respectively, and the opposite side surfaces of the containers A and B introduced into the guide holes 24a and 24b by the pusher 25. To cut each. A partition plate 29 is provided behind the side cutting blade 27 (on the left side in FIG. 19) in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface, and the upper side cut by the side cutting blade 27 is mounted on the partition plate 29. It is configured to be placed. The lower container A and the container B cut by the side cutting blade 27 are accommodated below the partition plate 29.

According to the volume reducing device 4, after placing the containers A and B conveyed from the dissolving device 3 by the claws 10 on the mounting long members 23a to 23d, first, the bottom cutting blade 26 is placed.
Rocks to cut the bottom surfaces A4 and B4 of the containers A and B. Thereafter, the pusher 25 slides to slide the container A and the container B through the guide holes 24a and 24b, and in the passing process, the opposite side surfaces of the container A and the container B are cut by the side cutting blade 27. Divided into two,
The upper one is on the partition plate 29, and the lower one is on the partition plate 29.
Will be accommodated below.

Next, the operation of the concentrated liquid preparation apparatus having the above structure will be described. First, the containers A and B sent out by the sending-out means 7 and 8 in the housing device 1 are placed on the claws 10 by the claws 10 waiting at the descending end rising along the vertical guides 12. It
The claw 10 reaches the rising end with the containers A and B placed,
After that, by moving along the vertical guide 12, the containers A and B are placed over the placing member 15 and the lower holding member 13 of the dissolving device 3.

Since the frame F2 is in the state shown in FIG. 10 and the upper part of the frame F1 is opened in the waiting dissolution apparatus 3, the containers A and B are placed on the mounting member 15 and It is smoothly placed on the lower gripping member 13. After transferring the containers A and B to the dissolving device 3, the claw 10 stands by under the placing member 15 and the lower holding member 13.

Thereafter, the shaft 18 rotates and the frame F2 rotates, and the state of FIG. 10 is changed to the state of FIG. 11, so that the necks A2 and B2 on the opening side of the containers A and B are clamped. Then, the cylinder 17 is driven to move the plate member 21 toward the upper sandwiching member 14 and the lower sandwiching member 13 so that the connecting means 16 opens the openings A1 and B of the containers A and B.
1 and connect the pin 20 to the holes 22c and 14
The frames F1 and F2 are connected to each other by inserting them through c and engaging the lower holding member 13 and the upper holding member 14 with each other.

On the other hand, when the connecting means 16 connects the containers A and B, the blades 30 seal the containers A and B with the seals Aa and B.
a is opened, and then the packing 31 is brought into liquid-tight contact with the openings A1 and B1 of the containers A and B. Then, by rotating the shaft 18 by a quarter turn in the direction opposite to the previous rotation, the frames F1 and F2 are integrally rotated, and the openings A1 and B1 of the held containers A and B are directed upward (opening). It is assumed that A1 and B1 face upward. It should be noted that such an upwardly facing state may be such that the medicines in the containers A and B do not spill due to gravity, and may be tilted upward by about 45 degrees, for example.

In this state, dilution water is supplied from the water supply source W shown in FIG. 16 into the dissolution tank T1, and the pump P is driven to flow the dilution water in the dissolution tank T1 into the water supply line L1. As a result, the dilution water is injected into the containers A and B from the injection port 16a, and the dissolved liquid overflowing from the openings A1 and B1 reaches the outlet 16b through the recess 16c and the insertion hole 16d. The dissolution liquid is discharged through the discharge port 16b to the discharge line L2.
And is supplied again into the melting tank T1. in this way,
Circulating the dissolution liquid between the dissolution tank T1 and the containers A and B,
The solution is brought to a predetermined concentration.

When a separate concentration sensor (not shown) or the like recognizes that the solution has reached a predetermined concentration due to such circulation,
The pump P is stopped, and the circulation operation of the solution is stopped. In this state, the holding means is rotated by rotating the shaft 18 a half turn, and the containers A and B are inverted until the openings A1 and B1 of the containers A and B face downward (FIG. 1).
7 state). Then, by driving the compressor C, air is sent into the containers A and B through the melting tank T1 and the outlet line L2. When the openings A1 and B1 are facing downward, the outlet 16b is at the bottom, and the residual dissolved liquid is easily discharged.

Due to such air supply, the containers A and B are
It is possible to accelerate the discharge of the residual dissolved liquid in the storage tank T2 through the water supply line L1. That is, the storage tank T2
Is installed below the containers A and B, the melting tank T
If the air layer of No. 1 is opened, the residual dissolved liquid in the containers A and B will be drawn out to the storage tank T2 by gravity even if the air is not sent. This is preferable because the liquid can be led to the storage tank T2. Alternatively, air may be sent from the inlet 6a of the connecting means 6 through a separate line and the residual solution may be discharged from the outlet 16b.

After recognizing that most of the residual solution in the containers A and B has been discharged to the storage tank T2, the shaft 1
The container 8 holding the containers A and B is swung by rotating the container 8 by a predetermined angle a few times. When the holding means is swung in this manner, the containers A and B are shaken with the openings A1 and B1 facing downward, and the residual dissolved liquid remaining on the inner walls of the containers A and B is also bottom surface A4. Since it can be collected and discharged in a part of B4 and B4, the residual solution can be discharged more reliably.

Next, after rotating the shaft 18 to return the holding means to the initial state, the claw 10 standing by under the melting device 3 is lifted and the empty containers A and B are mounted again, and The empty containers A and B are moved along the horizontal guides 11 and the vertical guides 12 to place the empty containers A and B on the long member 23 for mounting.
a to 23d. The subsequent volume reduction operation is as described.

According to the above embodiment, the containers A and B are accommodated in the accommodating device 1, one of them is sent out, and the agent A and the agent B in the containers A and B are dissolved by the dissolving device 3. On the other hand, since the containers A and B that have become empty after the dissolution can be volume-reduced, the series of operations necessary for producing the dialysate (concentrated liquid) can be continuously and automatically performed.

When dissolving the agents A and B in the containers A and B, when pouring dilution water, the openings A1 and B1 of the containers A and B are directed upward to prevent the agents A and B from falling. In addition, when discharging the residual solution, the openings A1 and B1 can be directed downward to facilitate the discharge, so that good dissolution can be performed and the workability in preparing the solution can be improved.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, A
In place of the agent and the agent B, other materials such as liquid, powder or granular material may be used as the content. In this case, the content is not limited to the one for producing the concentrated liquid as in the present embodiment, The injected water may be used as another solvent (solution for dissolution). Also,
The accommodating device 1, the dissolving device 3, and the volume reducing device 4 may be separate and independent devices, and the transfer by the transfer device 2 may not be performed.

[0065]

According to the inventions of claims 1 and 7,
During the dissolution work, the opening of the container is oriented substantially upward to prevent the contents from falling, and after the dissolution work, the opening of the container is directed substantially downward and the residual dissolution liquid is retained while maintaining the container. Since it can be discharged, good dissolution can be performed and workability in preparing a solution can be improved.

According to the second and eighth aspects of the invention, the dissolving liquid is injected so that a swirling flow is generated in the container, so that the dissolving liquid is also applied to the contents attached to the inner wall of the container. The content can be efficiently dissolved with a simple structure.

According to the invention of claim 3, since the opening means is provided in the connecting means, the seal can be opened when the connecting means is connected to the opening of the container, and is separate from the connecting means. The device can be simplified as compared with the one in which the opening means is provided.

According to the invention of claim 4, since the cutting tool as the opening means projects toward the container side with respect to the inlet and the outlet, when the connecting means is connected, the dissolving liquid is injected and after the seal is opened. Since the dissolution liquid is discharged, it is possible to prevent the dissolution liquid from being injected while the seal is left unopened, and more reliable dissolution work can be performed.

According to the fifth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the residual dissolved liquid in the container is discharged while the air is being sent into the container. Therefore, the residual dissolved liquid can be discharged to the outside of the container more quickly and reliably. You can

According to the inventions of claims 6 and 10,
Since the container is shaken after the dissolution with the opening facing substantially downward, the residual dissolved liquid can be more reliably discharged out of the container.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a concentrated liquid production apparatus to which a dissolution apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a concentrated liquid production apparatus to which the dissolution apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a container that is applied to the dissolution apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and that contains the agent A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a container that is applied to the dissolution apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and that contains the agent B.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a delivery means included in a container device in a concentrated liquid preparation device to which a dissolution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a claw (a state in which a container A is placed) included in a transfer device in a concentrated liquid preparation device to which a dissolution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a claw (a state in which a container A and a container B are placed) included in a transfer device in a concentrated liquid preparation device to which a dissolution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing a melting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an upper holding member and a lower holding member in the melting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8).

FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a state in which the frame F2 is opened in the melting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a left side view showing a state in which the frame F2 is closed in the melting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing a state in which frames F1 and F2 are connected in the melting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing the connecting means in the melting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting means in the melting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cutting tool (opening means) included in the connecting means in the melting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state (when the opening of the container faces upward) with the dissolution tank and the storage tank in the dissolution apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state (when the opening of the container faces downward) with the dissolution tank and the storage tank in the dissolution apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a volume reducing device provided in a concentrated liquid preparation device to which a dissolving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 19 is a left side view showing a volume reducing device provided in a concentrated liquid preparation device to which a dissolving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Housing device 2 ... Transfer device 3 ... Dissolution device 4 ... Volume reduction device 5a-5d, 6a, 6b ... Chain conveyor 7, 8 ... Delivery means 9 ... Rotary stopper 10 ... nails 11 ... Horizontal guide 12 ... Vertical guide 13 ... Lower clamping member (holding means) 14 ... Upper clamping member (holding means) 15 ... Mounting member (holding means) 16 ... Connection means 16a ... injection port 16b ... Outlet port 17 ... Cylinder 18 ... Shaft (reversing means) 19 ... Rotary axis 20 ... pin 21 ... Plate material 22 ... Stay 23a to 23d ... Long member for mounting 24 ... Guide plate 25 ... pusher 26 ... Bottom cutting blade 27 ... Side cutting blade 28 ... Groove 29 ... Partition board 30 ... Cutting tool (opening means) 31 ... Packing A, B ... Container A1, B1 ... Aperture Aa, Ba ... Seal C ... Compressor T1 ... Melting tank T2 ... Storage tank L1 ... Water supply line L2 ... Derivation line F1, F2 ... Frame

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Satoshi Ozeki             498-1 Shizuya, Haibara-cho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture             Shizuoka Manufacturing Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 4C077 AA05 BB01 DD17 EE03 GG09                       KK25                 4G035 AA16 AA19 AA28 AC01                 4G037 DA16 EA01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A holding means for holding a container having an opening at one end while accommodating a content made of a liquid, powder or granular material inside, and an opening of the container held by the holding means. In a dissolution apparatus comprising: a liquid-tightly connected inlet for injecting a dissolution liquid for dissolving the contents, and a connection means having an outlet for discharging the dissolution liquid in the container, The contents are dissolved by the connecting means in a state where the opening faces substantially upward, and the holding is performed until the opening of the container becomes substantially downward in order to discharge the residual dissolution liquid in the container after dissolution. A lysing device comprising reversing means for rotating the means. 2. A spiral projecting portion or groove is formed at the injection port of the connecting means so that the dissolving liquid injected into the container causes a swirling flow in the container. The melting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein a seal for sealing the contents is formed in the opening of the container, and an opening means for opening the seal is provided in the connecting means. The dissolution apparatus described. 4. The dissolving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the unsealing means is composed of a blade protruding toward the container side with respect to the inlet and the outlet of the connecting means. 5. The container is turned upside down by rotation of the holding means, and then air is sent into the container from either the inlet or the outlet, while the residual solution is discharged from the other. The melting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The container is shaken with the opening of the container facing substantially downward by swinging the holding means by the reversing means after discharging the residual dissolved liquid from the container. The melting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. A container having an opening at one end is held while accommodating a content made of a liquid, powder or granule inside thereof.
In a dissolution method of injecting a dissolution liquid from the opening of the container to derive a dissolution liquid while dissolving the contents, after dissolving the contents in a state in which the opening faces substantially upward, A dissolution method, wherein the container is rotated so that the opening is oriented substantially downward, and the residual dissolution liquid in the container is discharged. 8. The dissolution method according to claim 7, wherein a swirling flow is generated in the container for the dissolution liquid injected from the opening. 9. The dissolution method according to claim 7, wherein the residual dissolution liquid in the container is discharged while air is being sent into the container. 10. After discharging the residual solution from the container,
10. The dissolving method according to claim 7, wherein the container is shaken with the opening portion facing substantially downward.