JP4065608B2

JP4065608B2 - Open end closing device for fluid flow path

Info

Publication number: JP4065608B2
Application number: JP20846698A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 哲哉廣木; 純一伊坪; 義朗茂知野
Original assignee: Nippon Closures Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nippon Closures Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-07-24
Filing date: 1998-07-24
Publication date: 2008-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2018-07-24
Also published as: JP2000043993A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、炭酸ガス等の圧力気体を流入させることにより、充填された濃縮液等の液体を流出させることができる液体充填圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に離脱自在に装着される、流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置、特に、流体の導管が接続されると上記開口端を開き、流体の導管が離脱されると上記開口端を閉じる形態の開口端閉鎖装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ポストミックス型の清涼飲料水自動販売機は、コーラ、ジュース等の濃縮液と、炭酸水又は水、あるいは濃縮液と炭酸水及び水とが、カップ内で混合させられるよう構成され、広く実用化されている。この種の自動販売機には、上記の如き濃縮液が充填された液体充填圧力容器が離脱自在に設置されている。この圧力容器は、濃縮液の製造工場において濃縮液が充填された後、密封された状態で搬送され、自動販売機に離脱自在に設置される。
【０００３】
特公平６−４５３９６号公報には、口頸部にねじ部を有し、かつ口頸部の先端開口が薄肉のシール部材により密封される形態の液体充填圧力容器が開示されている。口頸部内には支持体によって、圧力容器の底部まで延在するチューブが支持されている。この圧力容器は、上記の如く、例えば濃縮液の製造工場において濃縮液が充填された後、口頸部にキャップを螺合した状態で例えばポストミックス型の清涼飲料水自動販売機まで搬送され、設置される。自動販売機において、口頸部からキャップが離脱され、取付部が装着される。取付部には、第一の管と、第一の管内に配置された第二の管が配設されている。第一の管と第二の管との間には環状の空間が形成され、第一の管と第二の管とが上端で螺合されることにより、上記空間は上端で密封されている。第一の管及び第二の管の下方端は開口されている。上記空間は、圧力容器内に圧力ガスを流入させるための流体流路であるガス流入路の一部を規定し、第二の管の孔は、容器内から液体を流出させるための流体流路である液体流出路の一部を規定している。
【０００４】
第二の管の上端は液体流出路の開口端を規定している。第一の管の上方部分には半径方向外側に延出する突出部が設けられており、この突出部には上記空間に連通する孔が形成されている。この突出部の先端はガス流入路の開口端を規定している。圧力容器の流体流路の開口端である、上記液体流出路の開口端及びガス流入路の開口端には、それぞれ、相互に実質上同一の構成を有する流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置が装着されている。この開口端閉鎖装置の各々は、対応する流体流路の開口端に離脱自在に装着（螺着）されかつ貫通孔が形成されたケース部材と、貫通孔内にその一端から離脱自在に挿入されかつバルブ部材を含むバルブ組付体とを備えている。ケース部材の各々が対応する開口端に装着された状態で、バルブ組付体のバルブ部材が貫通孔の他端部を開自在に閉じるよう構成されている。バルブ組付体の各々の最大外径寸法は、対応するケース部材の貫通孔の内径より小さく規定されている。第一の管の下端部外周には略円筒状の螺合部材が回転自在にかつ軸方向には移動できないように配設されている。
【０００５】
概ね上記の如く構成された取付部が、上記螺合部材を圧力容器の口頸部に螺着させることにより、該口頸部に離脱自在に装着されると、液体流出路を構成する第二の管の下端が上記薄肉のシール部材を切断してチューブに接続される。第二の管の孔とチューブとは連通されて圧力容器の液体流出路を規定する。また第一の管と第二の管との間の上記空間は口頸部内に開口し、したがって、上記突出部内の孔と上記空間とは口頸部内に連通されて圧力容器のガス流入路を規定する。
【０００６】
ガス流入路の開口端に装着されたガス流入路の開口端閉鎖装置のケース部材は、圧力ガス源、例えば炭酸ガスボンベに連通するガス流入導管に離脱自在に接続される。ガス流入導管にはガス制御弁が設けられている。このためケース部材の外周面には密封及び連結を確実にするためのＯ−リング及び突部が配設されている。ガス流入導管がケース部材に接続されると、ガス流入導管に設けられた突起によりバルブ組付体のバルブ部材がばね部材に抗して内側に強制される。これにより貫通孔の他端部が開口され、圧力容器側のガス流入路とガス流入導管とが連通される。同様に、液体流出路の開口端に装着された液体流出路の開口端閉鎖装置のケース部材は、圧力容器から濃縮液、例えばコーラをカップ内に供給するための液体流出導管に離脱自在に接続される。液体流出導管には液体制御弁が設けられている。ケース部材の外周面には上記と同様にＯ−リング及び突部が配設されている。液体流出導管がケース部材に接続されると、液体流出導管に設けられた突起によりバルブ組付体のバルブ部材が内側に強制され、貫通孔の他端部が開口され、圧力容器側の液体流出路と液体流出導管とが連通される。
【０００７】
上記のように取付部を介して圧力容器に各導管が接続された後、ガス流入導管のガス制御弁を開くと、炭酸ガスボンベから炭酸ガスがガス流入導管、ケース部材の貫通孔、取付部の上記突出部の孔、第一の管と第二の管との間の環状の空間及び口頸部を介して圧力容器内に供給され、圧力容器内に充填されている濃縮液に圧力を加える。そして液体流出導管の液体制御弁を開くと、圧力容器内に充填されている濃縮液は、チューブ、第二の管の孔、ケース部材の貫通孔及び液体流出導管を介してカップ内に供給される。カップ内には公知の機構によって、希釈液である、水及び炭酸水が供給される。
【０００８】
圧力容器内の濃縮液が実質上使用され尽くすと、ガス流入導管のガス制御弁及び液体流出導管の液体制御弁が閉じられる。そしてガス流入導管がガス流入路の開口端閉鎖装置のケース部材から離脱させられる。バルブ組付体のバルブ部材に対するガス流入導管の突起の強制が解除されるので、バルブ部材が貫通孔の他端部を閉じる。これにより、圧力容器側のガス流入路の開口端が閉じられる。また、液体流出導管が液体流出路の開口端閉鎖装置のケース部材から離脱させられる。バルブ組付体のバルブ部材に対する液体流出導管の突起の強制が解除されるので、バルブ部材が貫通孔の他端部を閉じる。これにより、圧力容器側の液体流出路の開口端が閉じられる。圧力容器から取付部が離脱され、口頸部がキャップで閉じられた後、圧力容器は自動販売機から取り外され、上記濃縮液の製造工場に搬送される。この圧力容器は洗浄された後、再び液体が充填され、上記の如く口頸部が薄肉のシール部材により密封され、更にキャップにより閉じられた状態で自動販売機に搬送され、再使用される。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
圧力容器のガス流入路及び流体流出路の各々の開口端には、上記の如く開口端閉鎖装置が離脱自在に装着されている。開口端閉鎖装置の、対応する開口端に対する最初の装着は工場においてなされる。開口端閉鎖装置の各々のバルブ組付体は、対応するガス流入導管又は液体流出導管が接続、離脱される毎に開閉される。そしてバルブ部材は一般に合成ゴムから形成されており、経時変化を免れることはできない。したがって、充分確実なシール機能を保証するためには、その耐用期間に応じてバルブ組付体を適宜交換する必要がある。バルブ組付体の交換は、対応する開口端からケース部材をバルブ組付体と共に離脱した後、新しいバルブ組付体を挿入した状態でケース部材を対応する開口端に装着することにより遂行される。
【００１０】
而して上記従来の開口端閉鎖装置の各々におけるバルブ組付体の最大外径寸法は、対応するケース部材の貫通孔の内径より小さく規定されている。したがって、開口端閉鎖装置を、対応する開口端に装着する場合には、バルブ組付体がケース部材の貫通孔の一端から離脱しないように、バルブ組付体の一端を開口端に当接させて位置決めしながらケース部材の貫通孔内に嵌合しつつケース部材を開口端に装着（螺着）しなければならない。このため開口端閉鎖装置の開口端に対する装着作業は著しく面倒で相当の時間を要し、しかも装着作業の過程でバルブ組付体が落下してしまうこともしばしば生じている。特に開口端が上方に向けられている場合には、上記装着時にケース部材の貫通孔の一端側が下方に向けられるので、バルブ組付体はより落下し易くなって、装着作業が一層困難となる。
【００１１】
またバルブ組付体を交換するために、ケース部材を対応する開口端から離脱した場合には、バルブ組付体がケース部材の貫通孔の一端から簡単に離脱してしまう。バルブ組付体の離脱を阻止するためには、ケース部材が対応する開口端から離脱する前に指によりバルブ組付体を押さえる必要があり、細心の注意が要請される。しかしながらこの注意が不足した場合には、バルブ組付体の落下を防ぐことはできない。特に開口端が上方に向けられている場合には、上記離脱時にケース部材の貫通孔の一端側が下方に向けられるので、バルブ組付体はより落下し易くなって、離脱作業が一層困難となる。したがって、上記従来の開口端閉鎖装置においては、圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に対する装着及び離脱作業、特にバルブ組付体の交換作業を、バルブ組付体を落下させることなく、容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行することは著しく困難であり、改善が要望されていた。
【００１２】
なお、上記従来の開口端閉鎖装置が離脱自在に装着される、圧力容器の流体流路の開口端は、圧力容器の口頸部に装着された取付部に配設された液体流出路及びガス流入路の各開口端により規定されているが、これらの開口端は、圧力容器に直接配設される形態もある（例えば、圧力容器に形成された口頸部。開口端閉鎖装置は直接この口頸部に装着される）。そしてこの形態においても、上記解決すべき課題が上記したとおりに存在することは、容易に理解されるであろう。
【００１３】
本発明は上記事実に基づいてなされたものであり、その主目的は、液体充填圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に対する装着及び離脱作業を、バルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実に遂行することができる、改善された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置を提供することである。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明によれば、液体充填圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に離脱自在に装着されかつ貫通孔が形成されたケース部材と、該貫通孔内にその一端から離脱自在に挿入されかつバルブ部材を含むバルブ組付体とを備え、該ケース部材が該開口端に装着された状態で該バルブ組付体の該バルブ部材が該貫通孔の他端部を開自在に閉じる流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置において、
該バルブ組付体には実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能な係止手段が配設され、該バルブ組付体は、該ケース部材の該貫通孔内に挿入されると該係止手段が半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられて該貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、該貫通孔内に強制移動可能に保持される、
ことを特徴とする流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置、が提供される。
【００１５】
上記本発明における流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置において、バルブ組付体は、ケース部材の貫通孔内に挿入されると、その係止手段が半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられて貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、貫通孔内に強制移動可能に保持されるよう構成されている。この構成により、バルブ組付体は、それをケース部材の貫通孔内に挿入し、その一端から他端に向けて強制移動させるだけで、すなわち押し込むだけで、係止手段によって貫通孔内の所定の位置に保持される。また、ケース部材の貫通孔内に保持されたバルブ組付体は、貫通孔の他端から一端に向けて強制移動させるだけで、すなわち押し出すだけで、ケース部材の貫通孔から容易に離脱させることができる。
【００１６】
その結果、開口端閉鎖装置を対応する流体流路の開口端に装着する場合には、バルブ組付体をケース部材の貫通孔内に押し込んだ後、ケース部材を開口端に装着するだけの作業を遂行すればよい。開口端の向きが上方に向けられ、ケース部材の貫通孔の一端側が下方に向けられたとしても、バルブ組付体がケース部材の貫通孔から離脱することはないので、開口端閉鎖装置の、圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に対する装着作業は、バルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行せしめられる。また、開口端閉鎖装置を対応する流体流路の開口端から離脱する場合には、ケース部材を開口端から離脱するだけの作業を遂行すればよい。開口端の向きが上方に向けられ、ケース部材の貫通孔の一端側が下方に向けられたとしても、バルブ組付体がケース部材の貫通孔から離脱することはないので、開口端閉鎖装置の、圧力容器における流体流路の開口端からの離脱作業は、バルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行せしめられる。したがって、バルブ組付体の交換作業は、バルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止しながら、従来に比較して、著しく容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行せしめられる。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の好適実施形態を、添付図面を参照して更に詳細に説明する。なお、図１〜図１０において、実質上同一部分は同一符号で示し、説明は省略する。図１を参照して、液体が充填されたステンレス製の圧力容器２は、図示しない自動販売機内の設置台４に正立状態で離脱自在に支持されている。圧力容器２の上端の２箇所には、内外を連通する流体流路を備えた口頸部６及び８が鉛直上方に突出するよう配設されている。口頸部６には開口端閉鎖装置１０が、また口頸部８には開口端閉鎖装置１２が、それぞれ離脱自在に装着されている。口頸部６及び８の各々の構成は実質上同一である。また口頸部６及び８に装着される開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１２の各々の構成は実質上同一であるので、以下口頸部６に装着された開口端閉鎖装置１０について説明する。なお圧力容器２の上端には液体を充填するための開口を有する他の口頸部１４が配設され、口頸部１４は、液体が充填された後、キャップ１６により開口自在に閉じられる。
【００１８】
図３を参照して、圧力容器２の口頸部６は直立の円筒部を含み、この円筒部の外周面には雄ねじ１８が形成されている。口頸部６にはステンレス製のチューブ２０が配設されている。液体流出用のチューブ２０の上端には半径方向外方に延び出すフランジ２２が形成され、このフランジ２２がＯ−リング２４を介して口頸部６の上端面に載置されることにより、チューブ２０は口頸部６内を貫通して圧力容器２の底部まで延びるよう位置付けられている。チューブ２０のフランジ２２の上端面には、略円筒状の受部材２６が配設されている。例えばステンレス等の金属、あるいはポリエーテルイミド等の合成樹脂から形成することができる受部材２６の上端には半径方向外方に延び出すフランジ２７が形成され、このフランジ２７がＯ−リング２８を介してチューブ２０のフランジ２２の上端面に載置されることにより、その下方部分がチューブ２０内に突出するよう位置付けられている。チューブ２０及び受部材２６の孔は圧力容器２の流体流路、すなわち液体流出路を規定し、口頸部６の孔の上端、更に具体的には受部材２６の孔の上端は、該液体流出路の開口端を規定する。
【００１９】
図３及び図４を参照して、本発明に係る開口端閉鎖装置１０は、ケース部材３０と、バルブ組付体４０とを備えている。略円筒形状をなすケース部材３０は、比較的小径の上部３１と、比較的大径の下部３２とからなる。上部３１内には比較的小径の貫通孔３３が形成され、下部３２内には比較的大径の貫通孔３４が形成され、貫通孔３３と３４との間には環状の肩部３５が形成されている。小径の貫通孔３３の上端部には、下方から上方に向かって径が小さくなるような環状の円錐面からなるバルブシート３６が形成されている。小径の上部３１の上端部の外周面には環状の凹部が形成され、この凹部内にはＯ−リング３７が装着されている。下部３２の上端部の外周面には周方向に等間隔をおいて３本のピン３８が半径方向外側に突出するよう圧入され（図４参照）、その大径の貫通孔３４の下方には雌ねじ３９が形成されている。
【００２０】
バルブ組付体４０は、上端（一端）に第一大径部４１を、下端（他端）に第二大径部４２を備えた支持ロッド部材４３と、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合されたバルブ部材４４、第一リテーナ部材４５及び第二リテーナ部材４６と、第一リテーナ部材４５と第二リテーナ部材４６との間に介在されたばね部材４７とを備えている。合成ゴムから形成されているバルブ部材４４は、ステンレス製の支持ロッド部材４３の第一大径部４１に隣接して支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合されている。バルブ部材４４は、上記バルブシート３６に、その一部の外周面が全周にわたって密着しうるような円板形状をなしている。例えばＰＯＭ（ポリオキシメチレン）樹脂等の合成樹脂から形成することができる第一リテーナ部材４５は、バルブ部材４４に隣接して支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合されている。第二リテーナ部材４６は、第一リテーナ部材４５に間隔をおいて対向するよう、支持ロッド部材４３に軸方向に移動自在に嵌合されている。
【００２１】
ステンレス等の金属薄板から形成されている第二リテーナ部材４６の、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合している平板状の基部４８には、図４に明確に示されているように、周方向に等間隔をおいてその周縁から半径方向外側に延びる３本の脚部４９が形成されている。脚部４９の各々には、支持ロッド部材４３の第一大径部４１と反対方向に延在するような先端折曲部４９ａが形成されている。先端折曲部４９ａの各々の、支持ロッド部材４３の軸心からの半径方向の最大寸法は、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の内径と略同じ、もしくは若干小さく規定されている。ばね部材４７は、第一リテーナ部材４５と第二リテーナ部材４６との間に介在されてバルブ部材４４を第一リテーナ部材４５を介して第一大径部４１に当接させかつ第二リテーナ部材４６を第二大径部４２に当接させているが、若干のばね力が作用するようにその初期荷重を設定しておくことが好ましい。
【００２２】
バルブ組付体４０には、更に、実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能な係止手段５０が配設されている。更に具体的に説明すると、係止手段５０は、第一リテーナ部材４５に形成された一対の板ばね部５２からなる。第一リテーナ部材４５は、基部５４と、円筒状のスリーブ部５６と、上記一対の板ばね部５２とを備え、合成樹脂により一体成形されている。支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合された基部５４は円板形状をなしている。スリーブ部５６は、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合されかつ基部５４からばね部材４７の半径方向内側を支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向（すなわち第二大径部４２の方向）に向かって延在している。係止手段５０を構成する一対の板ばね部５２は、基部５４の周縁に周方向に等間隔をおいて（直径方向に対向するよう）形成され、それぞればね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向に向かって半径方向外側に延びている。バルブ組付体４０がケース部材３０に装着されない状態において、板ばね部５２の各々の、支持ロッド部材４３の軸心からの半径方向の最大寸法はケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の半径よりも大きく規定されている。そして板ばね部５２の各々は、実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能であるよう、その材質（この実施形態においては、上記したようにＰＯＭ樹脂）、幅及び厚さが規定されている。なお、第一リテーナ部材４５のスリーブ部５６の外周部を囲む空間は、ばね部材４７の取付位置を安定して保持する機能を有している。なお、この実施形態において、円板形状をなすバルブ部材４４の下側には小径の環状突部が形成されており、また第一リテーナ部材４５の円板形状をなす基部５４の上側には環状の凹部が形成され、この凹部はバルブ部材４４の上記環状突部に嵌合されている。
【００２３】
バルブ組付体４０は、ケース部材３０の大径の貫通孔３４の下端から小径の貫通孔３３内に挿入される。バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入されるに際し、板ばね部５２の各々は半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられる。そしてバルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入されると、板ばね部５２の各々の先端部の半径方向外側が貫通孔３３に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、バルブ組付体４０は貫通孔３３に強制移動可能に保持される。すなわち、バルブ組付体４０は、貫通孔３３内に挿入されると、その自由落下は係止手段５０を構成する一対の板ばね部５２の、貫通孔３３の内周面に対するフリクションによって確実に防止される。バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入された状態で、第二リテーナ部材４６における上記先端折曲部４９の各々の下端は、ケース部材３０の肩部３５よりも下方に所定量突出するよう位置付けられる。
【００２４】
図２及び図３を参照して、バルブ組付体４０が、ケース部材３０の小径の貫通孔３３内に挿入され、保持されてなる開口端閉鎖装置１０は、ケース部材３０の大径の貫通孔３４の雌ねじ３９を、圧力容器２の口頸部６の雄ねじ１８に螺合することにより、口頸部６に装着（螺着）される。ケース部材３０の肩部３５は、口頸部６に装着された受部材２６のフランジ２７の上端面に圧接される。チューブ２０の外周面及び受部材２６の外周面と大径の貫通孔３４の内周面との間は、それぞれＯ−リング２４及び２８によりしっかりとシールされる。バルブ組付体４０における第二リテーナ部材４６の先端折曲部４９ａの各々の下端は、受部材２６のフランジ２７の上端面によって所定量上昇移動せしめられるので、そのストローク分、ばね部材４７が圧縮され、バルブ組付体４０のばね部材４４は小径の貫通孔３３のバルブシート３６に圧接される。ケース部材３０の大径の貫通孔３４及び小径の貫通孔３３は圧力容器２の液体流出路に連通され、液体流出路の一部を構成する。チューブ２０及び受け部材２６の孔により構成される圧力容器２の液体流出路は、バルブ組付体４０のバルブ部材４４により閉じられる。
【００２５】
上記説明から容易に理解されるように、バルブ組付体４０は、ケース部材３０の小径の貫通孔３３内に挿入されると、その係止手段５０を構成する板ばね部５２の各々が半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられて貫通孔３３に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、貫通孔３３内に強制移動可能に保持されるよう構成されている。この構成により、バルブ組付体４０は、それをケース部材３０の大径の貫通孔３４の下端側から、したがって小径の貫通孔３３の下端側から貫通孔３３内に挿入し、その下端から上端に向けて強制移動させるだけで、すなわち押し込むだけで、板ばね部５２の各々によって貫通孔３３内の所定の位置に保持される。また、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３内に保持されたバルブ組付体４０は、貫通孔３３の上端から下端に向けて強制移動させるだけで、すなわち押し出すだけで、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３から容易に離脱させることができる。なお、バルブ組付体４０の貫通孔３３内からの離脱は、貫通孔３３の上端から適宜のピン部材により支持ロッド部材４３の第一大径部４１を大径の貫通孔３４に向けて押すことにより容易に遂行される。
【００２６】
その結果、開口端閉鎖装置１０を液体流出路の開口端である口頸部６に装着する場合には、バルブ組付体４０をケース部材３０の貫通孔３３内に押し込んだ後、ケース部材３０を口頸部６に装着（螺合）するだけの作業を遂行すればよい。図示の如く、開口端である口頸部６の向きが上方に向けられ、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の下端側が下方に向けられたとしても、バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３から離脱することはないので、開口端閉鎖装置１０の、口頸部６に対する装着作業は、バルブ組付体４０の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行せしめられる。また、開口端閉鎖装置１０を口頸部６から離脱する場合には、ケース部材３０を口頸部６から離脱する（螺合を解除する）だけの作業を遂行すればよい。口頸部６の向きが上方に向けられ、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の下端側が下方に向けられたとしても、バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３から離脱することはないので、開口端閉鎖装置１０の、圧力容器２の口頸部６からの離脱作業は、バルブ組付体４０の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行せしめられる。したがって、バルブ組付体４０の交換作業は、バルブ組付体４０の落下を確実に防止しながら、従来に比較して、著しく容易かつ確実にしかも迅速に遂行することができる。
【００２７】
なお、先に述べたように、圧力容器２の口頸部８に装着される開口端閉鎖装置１２の構成は上記開口端閉鎖装置１０の構成と実質上同じであるので説明は省略するが、幾つかの相違点について補足する。主として図１を参照して、口頸部８には、チューブ２１（図１参照）が上記と同様にして配設されている。ステンレス製のチューブ２１は、チューブ２０に比較して著しく短く、圧力容器２内に充填された液体の上面（図示せず）より上方に開口するよう位置付けられている。口頸部８は、圧力容器２の流体流路、すなわちガス流入路の開口端を規定している。ケース部材３０の下部３２の上端部の外周面には周方向に等間隔をおいて２本のピン３８が圧入されている。開口端閉鎖装置１２のピン３８の数（２本）を開口端閉鎖装置１０のピン３８の数（３本）と相違せしめている理由は、後述するように、開口端閉鎖装置１０には液体流出導管が離脱自在に接続されるのに対し、開口端閉鎖装置１２にはガス流入導管が離脱自在に接続されるので、それらの誤接続を防止するためである。
【００２８】
次に、図１及び図２を参照して、上記開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１２を備えた圧力容器２を自動販売機に設置して使用する典型例について説明する。なおこの使用形態自体は、先に述べたとおり公知であるので、図示はしないで説明する。例えば濃縮液の製造工場において口頸部１４から圧力容器２内に濃縮液が充填された後、口頸部１４はキャップ１６により密封される。もちろん、口頸部６及び８は、開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１２により上記の如く密封されている。圧力容器２は自動販売機に搬送され、設置台４に正立状態で離脱自在に設置される。
【００２９】
自動販売機において、口頸部８に装着されたガス流入路の開口端閉鎖装置１２のケース部材３０は、図示しない圧力ガス源、例えば炭酸ガスボンベに連通するガス流入導管に離脱自在に接続される。ガス流入導管にはガス制御弁が設けられている。ガス流入導管の接続端部の外周部には接続用の短管が相対回転自在にかつガス流入導管から離脱できないように装着されている。短管の端部には、その周縁から軸方向に延びてから周方向にＬ形に折れ曲がる切欠きが、開口端閉鎖装置１２のピン３８と同数である２個、対応するピン３８と同じ周方向位置に形成されている。この短管がガス流入導管と共に軸方向に移動せしめられることにより、ガス流入導管の接続端部はケース部材３０の小径の上部３１に挿入され、短管はケース部材３０の大径の下部３２に挿入される。短管の切欠きの各々が、その軸方向の移動によりケース部材３０の対応するピン３８に係合され、更に周方向に回転させられることにより、ガス流入導管はケース部材３０に対し軸方向に移動できないよう離脱自在に接続される。
【００３０】
ガス流入導管に設けられた突起によりバルブ組付体４０の支持ロッド部材４３が内側に押し込まれ、その結果、バルブ部材４４がばね部材４７に抗して内側に強制移動させられる。これにより貫通孔３３のバルブシート３６が開口され、貫通孔３３の上端部が開口されて圧力容器２側のガス流入路とガス流入導管とが連通される。上記と同様にして、液体流出路の開口端である口頸部６に装着された液体流出路の開口端閉鎖装置１０のケース部材３０は、圧力容器２から濃縮液をカップ内に供給するための液体流出導管に離脱自在に接続される。液体流出導管には液体制御弁が設けられている。液体流出導管がケース部材３０に接続されると、上記したとおりにバルブ組付体４０のバルブ部材４４が内側に強制移動させられ、貫通孔３３の上端部が開口され、圧力容器２側の液体流出路と液体流出導管とが連通される。
【００３１】
上記のように圧力容器２に各導管が接続された後、ガス流入導管のガス制御弁を開くと、炭酸ガスボンベから炭酸ガスが、ガス流入導管、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３、受部材２６及びチューブ２１を介して圧力容器２内に供給され、圧力容器２内に充填されている濃縮液に圧力を加える。そして液体流出導管の液体制御弁を開くと、圧力容器２内に充填されている濃縮液は、チューブ２０、受部材２６、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３及び液体流出導管を介してカップ内に供給される。カップ内には公知の機構によって、希釈液である、水及び炭酸水が供給される。
【００３２】
圧力容器２内の濃縮液が実質上使用され尽くすと、ガス流入導管のガス制御弁及び液体流出導管の液体制御弁が閉じられる。そしてガス流入導管がガス流入路の開口端閉鎖装置１２のケース部材３０から離脱させられる。この離脱は、先の記載から容易に理解されるように、ガス流入導管の短管を周方向に回転させ、ケース部材３０のピン３８の各々が短管の対応する切欠きの軸方向に延びる部分に位置付けた後、短管をガス流入導管と共に軸方向に引き抜くことにより遂行される。バルブ組付体４０に対するガス流入導管の突起の強制が解除されるので、バルブ部材４４が貫通孔３３のバルブシート３６、したがって貫通孔３３の上端部を閉じる。これにより、圧力容器２側のガス流入路の開口端が閉じられる。また、上記と同様にして、液体流出導管が、液体流出路の開口端閉鎖装置１０におけるケース部材３０から離脱させられる。バルブ組付体３０に対する液体流出導管の突起の強制が解除されるので、バルブ部材４０が貫通孔３３のバルブシート３６、したがって貫通孔３３の上端部を閉じる。これにより、圧力容器２側の液体流出路の開口端が閉じられる。口頸部１４はキャップ１６により閉じられているので、圧力容器２は密封された状態に維持される。次いで圧力容器２は自動販売機から取り外され、上記濃縮液の製造工場に搬送される。この圧力容器２は、その口頸部１４からキャップ１６が離脱されて洗浄された後、再び濃縮液が充填される。濃縮液が充填された圧力容器２は、その口頸部１４がキャップ１６により閉じられた後、自動販売機に搬送され、再使用される。
【００３３】
次に図５を参照して、本発明に従って構成された開口端閉鎖装置の他の実施形態について説明する。図５に示す開口端閉鎖装置１００には、係止手段５０の他の実施形態である係止手段６０が配設されている。係止手段６０は、第一リテーナ部材６２に形成された一対の板ばね部６４からなる。第一リテーナ部材６２は、基部６６と、円筒状のスリーブ部６８と、上記一対の板ばね部６４とを備え、例えばＰＯＭ樹脂等の合成樹脂により一体成形されている。支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合された基部６６は円板形状をなしている。スリーブ部６８は、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合されかつ基部６６からばね部材４７の半径方向内側を支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向に向かって延在している。係止手段６０を構成する一対の板ばね部６４は、基部６６の周縁に周方向に等間隔をおいて（直径方向に対向するよう）形成され、それぞればね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向に向かって半径方向外側に延びている。板ばね部６４の各々が先に述べた板ばね部５２の各々と若干相違するところは、各々の先端部が、略支持ロッド部材４３の軸線方向に延びるよう構成されていることである。板ばね部６４の各々も板ばね部５２の各々も、それぞればね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向に向かって半径方向外側に延びている構成である点では共通である。上記第一リテーナ部材４５及び第一リテーナ部材６２はそれぞれ合成樹脂により一体成形されるので、係止手段５０及び６０を構成する板ばね部５２及び６４は、これらを容易にかつ低コストで形成することができる。開口端閉鎖装置１００のその他の構成は先に説明した開口端閉鎖装置１０と実質上同一であり、したがって開口端閉鎖装置１００は、上記開口端閉鎖装置１０と実質上同一の作用効果を達成できる。
【００３４】
次に図６及び図７を参照して、本発明に従って構成された開口端閉鎖装置の更に他の実施形態について説明する。図６及び図７に示す開口端閉鎖装置２００には、係止手段の他の実施形態である係止手段７０が配設されている。係止手段７０は、第二リテーナ部材７２の外周部を規定するよう第二リテーナ部材７２の周方向に等間隔をおいて形成された三つの板ばね部７４からなる。なお、第一リテーナ部材７５はこの実施形態では単なる円板形状をなしている。ステンレス等の金属薄板から形成されている第二リテーナ部材７２の、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合している平板状の基部７６には、図７に明確に示されているように、周方向に等間隔をおいてその周縁から半径方向外側に延びる上記三つの板ばね部７４が形成されている。板ばね部７４の各々は、ばね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の上端の方向に向かって延びてからＵ形に反転して支持ロッド部材４３の下端の方向に向かって延びるよう構成されている。なお、支持ロッド部材４３と板ばね部７４（ばね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の上端の方向に向かって延びる部分の半径方向内側）との間の空間は、ばね部材４７の取付位置を安定して保持する機能を有している。
【００３５】
バルブ組付体４０がケース部材３０に装着されない状態において、板ばね部７４の各々の、支持ロッド部材４３の軸心からの半径方向の最大寸法はケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の半径よりも大きく規定されている。そして板ばね部７４の各々は、実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能であるよう、その材質（この実施形態においては、上記したようにステンレス等の金属）、幅及び厚さが規定されている。
【００３６】
バルブ組付体４０は、ケース部材３０の大径の貫通孔３４の下端から小径の貫通孔３３内に挿入される。バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入されるに際し、板ばね部７４の各々は半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられる。そしてバルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入されると、板ばね部７４の各々の半径方向外側が貫通孔３３に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、バルブ組付体４０は貫通孔３３に強制移動可能に保持される。すなわち、バルブ組付体４０は、貫通孔３３内に挿入されると、その自由落下は係止手段７０を構成する三つの板ばね部７４の、貫通孔３３の内周面に対するフリクションによって確実に防止される。バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入された状態で、第二リテーナ部材７２における板ばね部７４の各々の下端は、ケース部材３０の肩部３５よりも下方に所定量突出するよう位置付けられる。この構成の機能は、図２及び図３において、第二リテーナ部材４６における先端折曲部４９ａの各々の下端が、ケース部材３０の肩部３５よりも下方に所定量突出するよう位置付けられている構成の機能と実質上同じである。したがって、板ばね部７４の各々は、第二リテーナ部材４６における先端折曲部４９ａの各々の機能をも、合わせ持っているといえる。その結果、板ばね部７４の各々は、第二リテーナ部材７２の構成を複雑にすることなく、シンプルな形態に維持しながら第二リテーナ部材７２に形成することができる。板ばね部７４の各々を第二リテーナ部材７２に形成することによって、第一リテーナ部材７５の構成を著しく簡略化することができる。上記説明から明らかなように、開口端閉鎖装置２００も、先に説明した開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１００と同様の作用効果を達成することができる。
【００３７】
次に図８及び図９を参照して、本発明に従って構成された開口端閉鎖装置の更に他の実施形態について説明する。図８及び図９に示す開口端閉鎖装置３００には、係止手段の他の実施形態である係止手段８０が配設されている。係止手段８０は、第二リテーナ部材８２の外周部を規定するよう第二リテーナ部材８２の周方向に間隔をおいて形成された三つの板ばね部８４からなる。なお、この実施形態において、円板形状をなすバルブ部材４４の下側には小径の環状突部が形成されており、また第一リテーナ部材８５は円筒スリーブ形状をなし、かつその上端に形成された大径部には環状の凹部が形成され、この凹部はバルブ部材４４の上記環状突部に嵌合されている。ステンレス等の金属薄板から形成されている第二リテーナ部材８２の、支持ロッド部材４３に嵌合している平板状の基部８６には、図９に明確に示されているように、周方向に等間隔をおいてその周縁から半径方向外側に延びる上記三つの板ばね部８４が形成されている。板ばね部８４の各々は、ばね部材４７の半径方向外側を支持ロッド部材４３の上端の方向に向かって延びるよう構成されている。板ばね部８４の各々の先端部は、支持ロッド部材４３の軸線に向かって（半径方向内方に向かって）若干傾斜して延びるよう構成されている。なお、支持ロッド部材４３と板ばね部８４との間の空間は、ばね部材４７の取付位置を安定して保持する機能を有している。
【００３８】
第二リテーナ部材８２の基部８６の、板ばね部８４が形成されていない周方向の部位には、周方向に等間隔をおいてその周縁から半径方向外側に延びる３本の脚部８８が形成されている。脚部８８の各々には、支持ロッド部材４３の第一大径部４１と反対方向に延在するような先端折曲部８９が形成されている。先端折曲部８９の各々の、支持ロッド部材４３の軸心からの半径方向の最大寸法は、ケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の内径と略同じ、もしくは若干小さく規定されている。
【００３９】
バルブ組付体４０がケース部材３０に装着されない状態において、板ばね部８４の各々の、支持ロッド部材４３の軸心からの半径方向の最大寸法はケース部材３０の貫通孔３３の半径よりも大きく規定されている。そして板ばね部８４の各々は、実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能であるよう、その材質（この実施形態においては、上記したようにステンレス等の金属）、幅及び厚さが規定されている。バルブ組付体４０が貫通孔３３内に挿入された状態で、第二リテーナ部材８２の先端折曲部８９の各々の下端は、ケース部材３０の肩部３５よりも下方に所定量突出するよう位置付けられる。この構成の機能は、図３において、第二リテーナ部材４６における先端折曲部４９ａの各々の下端が、ケース部材３０の肩部３５よりも下方に所定量突出するよう位置付けられている構成の機能と実質上同じである。上記説明から明らかなように、開口端閉鎖装置３００も、開口端閉鎖装置１０、１００及び２００と実質上の作用効果を達成することができる。
【００４０】
図１０には、図１に示す開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１２が取付部９０に装着され、取付部９０が設置台４に支持された圧力容器２に装着された状態が示されている。取付部９０は、先に詳細に説明した従来技術と実質上同じであり、説明は省略する。この実施形態においても、実質上同一の構成を有する開口端閉鎖装置１０及び１２が、先に説明したと同じ作用効果を奏することができることは、説明するまでもなく、容易に理解されるであろう。
【００４１】
以上、添付図面を参照して、本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の好適実施形態について説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲を逸脱することなく種々の変形乃至修正が可能である。例えば、図示の実施形態において、第一リテーナ部材４５に一体に形成された板ばね部５２（図３及び図４参照）、第一リテーナ部材６２に一体に形成された板ばね部６４（図５参照）は、それぞれ二つであるが、複数であればよく、したがって三つ以上でもよい。また第二リテーナ部材７２に一体に形成された板ばね部７４（図６及び図７参照）、第二リテーナ部材８２に一体に形成された板ばね部８４（図８及び図９参照）は、それぞれ三つであるが、複数であればよく、したがって二つでも、三つ以上でもよい。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係る流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置によれば、液体充填圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に対する装着及び離脱作業を、バルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止しながら、容易かつ確実に遂行することができる。したがって本発明に係る流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置によればまた、バルブ組付体の交換作業を、従来に比較して、著しく容易かつ確実に遂行することができ、しかもバルブ組付体の落下を確実に防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の実施形態を、設置台に支持された圧力容器に装着した状態で示す、一部破断正面図。
【図２】図１の開口端閉鎖装置の一方が圧力容器の口頸部の一方に装着された状態を示す断面図。
【図３】図２を分解して示す断面図。
【図４】図３に示す開口端閉鎖装置の下面図。
【図５】本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の他の実施形態の要部を示す断面図。
【図６】本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の更に他の実施形態を示す断面図。
【図７】図６に示す開口端閉鎖装置の下面図。
【図８】本発明に従って構成された流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置の更に他の実施形態を示す断面図。
【図９】図８に示す開口端閉鎖装置の下面図。
【図１０】図１に示す流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置が取付部に装着され、該取付部が設置台に支持された圧力容器に装着された状態で示す、一部を破断して示す正面図。
【符号の説明】
２液体充填圧力容器
６、８口頸部
１０、１２、１００、２００、３００開口端閉鎖装置
２０、２１チューブ
２６受部材
３０ケース部材
３３小径の貫通孔
３４大径の貫通孔
３６バルブシート
４０バルブ組付体
４１第一大径部
４２第二大径部
４３支持ロッド部材
４４バルブ部材
４５、６２、７５、８５第一リテーナ部材
４６、７２、８２第二リテーナ部材
４７ばね部材
５０、６０、７０、８０係止手段
５２、６４、７４、８４板ばね部
９０取付部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fluid that is detachably attached to an opening end of a fluid flow path of a liquid-filled pressure vessel that allows a liquid such as a concentrated liquid to flow out by flowing a pressure gas such as carbon dioxide. More particularly, the present invention relates to an open end closing device configured to open the open end when a fluid conduit is connected and close the open end when the fluid conduit is detached.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The post-mix type soft drink vending machine is configured so that concentrated liquids such as cola and juice and carbonated water or water, or concentrated liquid and carbonated water and water can be mixed in a cup, and widely used. Has been. In this type of vending machine, a liquid-filled pressure vessel filled with the concentrated liquid as described above is detachably installed. The pressure vessel is transported in a sealed state after being filled with the concentrate at the concentrate manufacturing factory, and is detachably installed in the vending machine.
[0003]
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-45396 discloses a liquid-filled pressure vessel having a threaded portion in the mouth-and-neck portion, and having a distal end opening of the mouth-and-neck portion sealed by a thin seal member. A tube extending to the bottom of the pressure vessel is supported in the mouth and neck by a support. As described above, this pressure vessel is conveyed to a post-mix type soft drink vending machine, for example, in a state where the cap is screwed into the mouth and neck after the concentrate is filled in the concentrate manufacturing factory, for example. Installed. In the vending machine, the cap is detached from the mouth-and-neck portion and the attachment portion is attached. A first tube and a second tube disposed in the first tube are disposed in the attachment portion. An annular space is formed between the first tube and the second tube, and the space is sealed at the upper end by screwing the first tube and the second tube at the upper end. . The lower ends of the first tube and the second tube are open. The space defines a part of a gas inflow path that is a fluid flow path for allowing pressure gas to flow into the pressure vessel, and the hole of the second pipe is a fluid flow path for allowing the liquid to flow out from the container. A part of the liquid outflow path is defined.
[0004]
The upper end of the second tube defines the open end of the liquid outlet. A projecting portion extending radially outward is provided in an upper portion of the first tube, and a hole communicating with the space is formed in the projecting portion. The tip of this protrusion defines the open end of the gas inflow path. An opening end closing device for the fluid flow path having substantially the same configuration is attached to the opening end of the liquid outflow path and the opening end of the gas inflow path, which are the opening ends of the fluid flow path of the pressure vessel. Has been. Each of the open end closing devices is removably attached (screwed) to the open end of the corresponding fluid flow path and has a through hole formed therein, and is inserted into the through hole from the one end thereof. And a valve assembly including a valve member. The valve member of the valve assembly is configured to freely open the other end of the through hole in a state where each case member is attached to the corresponding opening end. The maximum outer diameter dimension of each valve assembly is defined to be smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding through hole of the case member. A substantially cylindrical threaded member is disposed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the first tube so as to be rotatable and not movable in the axial direction.
[0005]
When the mounting portion configured as described above is detachably mounted on the mouth and neck portion by screwing the screwing member onto the mouth and neck portion of the pressure vessel, the second portion constituting the liquid outflow path is formed. The lower end of the tube is connected to the tube by cutting the thin seal member. The hole of the second tube and the tube communicate with each other to define a liquid outlet for the pressure vessel. Also, the space between the first tube and the second tube opens into the mouth and neck, and therefore the hole in the protrusion and the space communicate with each other in the mouth and neck so that the gas flow into the pressure vessel Define the road.
[0006]
The case member of the open end closing device of the gas inflow path attached to the open end of the gas inflow path is detachably connected to a gas inflow conduit communicating with a pressure gas source, for example, a carbon dioxide gas cylinder. A gas control valve is provided in the gas inflow conduit. For this reason, O-rings and protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the case member to ensure sealing and connection. When the gas inflow conduit is connected to the case member, the valve member of the valve assembly is forced inward against the spring member by the protrusion provided on the gas inflow conduit. As a result, the other end of the through hole is opened, and the gas inflow path and the gas inflow conduit on the pressure vessel side communicate with each other. Similarly, the case member of the open end closing device of the liquid outflow passage mounted on the open end of the liquid outflow passage is detachably connected from the pressure vessel to a liquid outflow conduit for supplying concentrated liquid, eg cola, into the cup. Is done. A liquid control valve is provided in the liquid outflow conduit. Similar to the above, an O-ring and a protrusion are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the case member. When the liquid outflow conduit is connected to the case member, the valve member of the valve assembly is forced inward by the protrusion provided in the liquid outflow conduit, the other end of the through hole is opened, and the liquid outflow on the pressure vessel side The channel and the liquid outflow conduit are in communication.
[0007]
After each conduit is connected to the pressure vessel through the attachment portion as described above, when the gas control valve of the gas inflow conduit is opened, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder is drawn into the gas inflow conduit, the through hole of the case member, Pressure is applied to the concentrated liquid that is supplied into the pressure vessel through the hole of the protrusion, the annular space between the first tube and the second tube, and the mouth and neck, and filled in the pressure vessel. . When the liquid control valve of the liquid outflow conduit is opened, the concentrated liquid filled in the pressure vessel is supplied into the cup through the tube, the hole of the second tube, the through hole of the case member, and the liquid outflow conduit. The Water and carbonated water, which are diluents, are supplied into the cup by a known mechanism.
[0008]
When the concentrate in the pressure vessel is substantially used up, the gas control valve of the gas inlet conduit and the liquid control valve of the liquid outlet conduit are closed. The gas inflow conduit is then detached from the case member of the open end closing device of the gas inflow path. Since the forcing of the protrusion of the gas inflow conduit with respect to the valve member of the valve assembly is released, the valve member closes the other end of the through hole. Thereby, the opening end of the gas inflow path on the pressure vessel side is closed. Further, the liquid outflow conduit is detached from the case member of the open end closing device of the liquid outflow path. Since the forcing of the protrusion of the liquid outflow conduit to the valve member of the valve assembly is released, the valve member closes the other end of the through hole. As a result, the open end of the liquid outlet channel on the pressure vessel side is closed. After the attachment portion is detached from the pressure vessel and the mouth and neck portion is closed with a cap, the pressure vessel is removed from the vending machine and transported to the concentrate manufacturing factory. The pressure vessel is washed and then filled again with liquid. As described above, the mouth and neck are sealed with a thin seal member, and further closed with a cap, and then transported to a vending machine for reuse.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the open end closing device is detachably attached to the open ends of the gas inflow passage and the fluid outflow passage of the pressure vessel. The first installation of the open end closure device on the corresponding open end is done in the factory. Each valve assembly of the open end closure device is opened and closed each time the corresponding gas inlet conduit or liquid outlet conduit is connected and disconnected. The valve member is generally made of synthetic rubber, and cannot change over time. Therefore, in order to guarantee a sufficiently reliable sealing function, it is necessary to appropriately replace the valve assembly according to its service life. Replacement of the valve assembly is performed by removing the case member from the corresponding opening end together with the valve assembly, and then mounting the case member on the corresponding opening end with the new valve assembly inserted. .
[0010]
Thus, the maximum outer diameter of the valve assembly in each of the above conventional open end closing devices is defined to be smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding through hole of the case member. Therefore, when the opening end closing device is attached to the corresponding opening end, one end of the valve assembly is brought into contact with the opening end so that the valve assembly does not separate from one end of the through hole of the case member. The case member must be attached (screwed) to the open end while being fitted into the through hole of the case member while positioning. For this reason, the mounting operation on the open end of the open end closing device is extremely troublesome and requires a considerable amount of time, and the valve assembly often drops during the mounting operation. In particular, when the opening end is directed upward, one end side of the through hole of the case member is directed downward at the time of mounting, so that the valve assembly is more easily dropped and mounting is further difficult. .
[0011]
Further, when the case member is detached from the corresponding opening end in order to replace the valve assembly, the valve assembly is easily detached from one end of the through hole of the case member. In order to prevent detachment of the valve assembly, it is necessary to press the valve assembly with a finger before the case member detaches from the corresponding opening end, and careful attention is required. However, if this attention is insufficient, the valve assembly cannot be prevented from falling. In particular, when the opening end is directed upward, one end side of the through hole of the case member is directed downward at the time of detachment, so that the valve assembly is more easily dropped and the detachment operation becomes more difficult. . Therefore, in the conventional open end closing device described above, the mounting and dismounting operations with respect to the open end of the fluid flow path of the pressure vessel, particularly the replacement operation of the valve assembly, can be performed easily and reliably without dropping the valve assembly. Moreover, it is extremely difficult to carry out quickly, and improvement has been demanded.
[0012]
The open end of the fluid flow path of the pressure vessel to which the above conventional open end closing device is detachably attached is a liquid outflow path and gas disposed in a mounting portion attached to the mouth neck of the pressure vessel. Although defined by the respective open ends of the inflow channel, these open ends may be arranged directly on the pressure vessel (for example, the mouth and neck formed on the pressure vessel. Attached to the mouth and neck). Also in this embodiment, it will be easily understood that the problem to be solved exists as described above.
[0013]
The present invention has been made on the basis of the above facts, and its main purpose is to prevent the valve assembly from dropping while reliably mounting and removing the liquid filling pressure vessel from the open end of the fluid flow path. It is an object to provide an improved open end closure device for a fluid flow path that can be easily and reliably performed.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a case member that is removably attached to an open end of a fluid flow path of a liquid-filled pressure vessel and has a through hole formed therein, and is detached from the end of the through hole. A valve assembly including a valve member that is freely inserted, and the valve member of the valve assembly can open the other end of the through-hole while the case member is mounted on the opening end. In the open end closing device of the fluid flow path closing to
The valve assembly is provided with a locking means that can be elastically deformed substantially in the radial direction. When the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole of the case member, the locking means has a radius. By being elastically deformed in the direction inner direction and being locked in a state of being pressed against the through hole, it is held in the through hole so as to be forcibly movable.
An apparatus for closing an open end of a fluid flow path is provided.
[0015]
In the fluid channel open end closing device according to the present invention, when the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole of the case member, its locking means is elastically deformed radially inward and pressed against the through hole. By being locked in this state, it is configured to be held in the through hole so as to be forcibly moved. With this configuration, the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole of the case member, and is simply forcibly moved from one end to the other end, that is, simply pushed, by the locking means. Held in the position. Further, the valve assembly held in the through hole of the case member can be easily detached from the through hole of the case member only by forcibly moving from the other end of the through hole toward the one end, that is, by simply pushing it out. Can do.
[0016]
As a result, when the open end closing device is attached to the open end of the corresponding fluid flow path, the operation of simply attaching the case member to the open end after pushing the valve assembly into the through hole of the case member. Can be accomplished. Even if the direction of the opening end is directed upward and the one end side of the through hole of the case member is directed downward, the valve assembly does not detach from the through hole of the case member. The mounting operation on the open end of the fluid flow path of the pressure vessel can be easily and reliably performed quickly while reliably preventing the valve assembly from dropping. Further, when the opening end closing device is detached from the opening end of the corresponding fluid flow path, it is only necessary to perform an operation for removing the case member from the opening end. Even if the direction of the opening end is directed upward and the one end side of the through hole of the case member is directed downward, the valve assembly does not detach from the through hole of the case member. The detachment operation from the opening end of the fluid flow path in the pressure vessel can be easily and reliably performed quickly while reliably preventing the valve assembly from dropping. Therefore, the replacement operation of the valve assembly can be carried out remarkably easily, reliably and quickly as compared with the prior art while reliably preventing the valve assembly from dropping.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a fluid flow path opening end closing device constructed according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 10, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Referring to FIG. 1, a stainless steel pressure vessel 2 filled with a liquid is supported detachably in an upright state on an installation stand 4 in a vending machine (not shown). At two locations at the upper end of the pressure vessel 2, neck portions 6 and 8 having fluid flow paths communicating between the inside and the outside are arranged so as to protrude vertically upward. An open end closing device 10 is attached to the mouth neck 6 and an open end closing device 12 is detachably attached to the mouth neck 8. The configurations of the mouth and neck portions 6 and 8 are substantially the same. Since each of the open end closing devices 10 and 12 attached to the mouth and neck portions 6 and 8 is substantially the same, the open end closing device 10 attached to the mouth and neck portion 6 will be described below. In addition, the other mouth neck part 14 which has the opening for filling with a liquid is arrange | positioned at the upper end of the pressure vessel 2, and the mouth neck part 14 is closed by the cap 16 so that opening is possible after filling with the liquid.
[0018]
Referring to FIG. 3, mouth neck 6 of pressure vessel 2 includes an upright cylindrical portion, and external thread 18 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of this cylindrical portion. A stainless steel tube 20 is disposed in the mouth and neck portion 6. A flange 22 extending radially outward is formed at the upper end of the liquid outflow tube 20, and this flange 22 is placed on the upper end surface of the mouth-and-neck portion 6 via the O-ring 24. 20 is positioned so as to extend through the mouth neck 6 and extend to the bottom of the pressure vessel 2. A substantially cylindrical receiving member 26 is disposed on the upper end surface of the flange 22 of the tube 20. For example, a flange 27 extending outward in the radial direction is formed at the upper end of the receiving member 26 which can be formed of a metal such as stainless steel or a synthetic resin such as polyetherimide. The flange 27 is interposed via an O-ring 28. The lower portion of the tube 20 is positioned so as to protrude into the tube 20 by being placed on the upper end surface of the flange 22 of the tube 20. The holes of the tube 20 and the receiving member 26 define a fluid flow path, that is, a liquid outflow path of the pressure vessel 2, and the upper end of the hole of the mouth and neck portion 6, more specifically, the upper end of the hole of the receiving member 26 is the liquid. Define the open end of the outflow channel.
[0019]
3 and 4, the open end closing device 10 according to the present invention includes a case member 30 and a valve assembly 40. The case member 30 having a substantially cylindrical shape includes an upper portion 31 having a relatively small diameter and a lower portion 32 having a relatively large diameter. A relatively small diameter through hole 33 is formed in the upper portion 31, a relatively large diameter through hole 34 is formed in the lower portion 32, and an annular shoulder portion 35 is formed between the through holes 33 and 34. Has been. A valve seat 36 is formed at the upper end of the small-diameter through hole 33. The valve seat 36 is formed of an annular conical surface whose diameter decreases from below to above. An annular recess is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the small-diameter upper portion 31, and an O-ring 37 is mounted in the recess. Three pins 38 are press-fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the lower portion 32 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to protrude outward in the radial direction (see FIG. 4), and below the large-diameter through hole 34, An internal thread 39 is formed.
[0020]
The valve assembly 40 is fitted to the support rod member 43 having a first large diameter portion 41 at the upper end (one end) and a second large diameter portion 42 at the lower end (the other end), and the support rod member 43. A valve member 44, a first retainer member 45, a second retainer member 46, and a spring member 47 interposed between the first retainer member 45 and the second retainer member 46 are provided. The valve member 44 formed of synthetic rubber is fitted to the support rod member 43 adjacent to the first large diameter portion 41 of the stainless support rod member 43. The valve member 44 has a disk shape such that a part of the outer peripheral surface thereof can be in close contact with the valve seat 36 over the entire circumference. For example, the first retainer member 45, which can be formed from a synthetic resin such as POM (polyoxymethylene) resin, is fitted to the support rod member 43 adjacent to the valve member 44. The second retainer member 46 is fitted to the support rod member 43 so as to be movable in the axial direction so as to face the first retainer member 45 with a space therebetween.
[0021]
As shown clearly in FIG. 4, the plate-like base 48 of the second retainer member 46 formed of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel is fitted in the circumferential direction. Three leg portions 49 extending outward in the radial direction from the peripheral edge at equal intervals are formed. Each of the leg portions 49 is formed with a bent end portion 49 a that extends in the direction opposite to the first large diameter portion 41 of the support rod member 43. The maximum dimension in the radial direction from the axial center of the support rod member 43 of each of the distal bent portions 49a is defined to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 33 of the case member 30. The spring member 47 is interposed between the first retainer member 45 and the second retainer member 46 to bring the valve member 44 into contact with the first large-diameter portion 41 via the first retainer member 45 and the second retainer member. 46 is in contact with the second large-diameter portion 42, but it is preferable to set the initial load so that a slight spring force acts.
[0022]
The valve assembly 40 is further provided with locking means 50 that can be elastically deformed substantially in the radial direction. More specifically, the locking means 50 includes a pair of leaf spring portions 52 formed on the first retainer member 45. The first retainer member 45 includes a base portion 54, a cylindrical sleeve portion 56, and the pair of leaf spring portions 52, and is integrally formed of synthetic resin. The base 54 fitted to the support rod member 43 has a disc shape. The sleeve portion 56 is fitted to the support rod member 43 and extends from the base portion 54 inward in the radial direction of the spring member 47 toward the lower end of the support rod member 43 (that is, in the direction of the second large diameter portion 42). ing. A pair of leaf spring portions 52 constituting the locking means 50 are formed on the periphery of the base portion 54 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (so as to face each other in the diametrical direction). The member 43 extends radially outward toward the lower end. In a state in which the valve assembly 40 is not attached to the case member 30, the maximum radial dimension of each leaf spring portion 52 from the axis of the support rod member 43 is larger than the radius of the through hole 33 of the case member 30. It is prescribed. Each of the leaf springs 52 is defined by its material (in this embodiment, as described above, POM resin), width and thickness so that it can be elastically deformed substantially in the radial direction. The space surrounding the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 56 of the first retainer member 45 has a function of stably holding the mounting position of the spring member 47. In this embodiment, a small-diameter annular protrusion is formed on the lower side of the disc-shaped valve member 44, and an annular shape is formed on the upper side of the disc-shaped base portion 54 of the first retainer member 45. , And the recess is fitted to the annular protrusion of the valve member 44.
[0023]
The valve assembly 40 is inserted into the small diameter through hole 33 from the lower end of the large diameter through hole 34 of the case member 30. When the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through-hole 33, each of the leaf spring portions 52 is elastically deformed radially inward. When the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, the valve spring assembly 52 is engaged with the distal ends of the leaf spring portions 52 in the state of being pressed against the through holes 33. The body 40 is held in the through hole 33 so as to be forcibly moved. That is, when the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, the free fall is reliably caused by the friction of the pair of leaf spring portions 52 constituting the locking means 50 with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 33. Is prevented. In a state where the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, the lower end of each of the distal bent portions 49 of the second retainer member 46 protrudes a predetermined amount below the shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30. Positioned as such.
[0024]
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the open end closing device 10 in which the valve assembly 40 is inserted and held in the small diameter through hole 33 of the case member 30 is the large diameter penetration of the case member 30. The female screw 39 of the hole 34 is screwed onto the male neck 18 of the pressure vessel 2 by being screwed onto the male neck 18 of the mouth neck 6. The shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30 is pressed against the upper end surface of the flange 27 of the receiving member 26 attached to the mouth / neck portion 6. The outer peripheral surface of the tube 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving member 26 and the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter through hole 34 are firmly sealed by O-rings 24 and 28, respectively. Since the lower end of each of the front bent portions 49a of the second retainer member 46 in the valve assembly 40 is moved upward by a predetermined amount by the upper end surface of the flange 27 of the receiving member 26, the spring member 47 is compressed by the stroke. The spring member 44 of the valve assembly 40 is pressed against the valve seat 36 of the small-diameter through hole 33. The large-diameter through hole 34 and the small-diameter through hole 33 of the case member 30 communicate with the liquid outflow path of the pressure vessel 2 and constitute a part of the liquid outflow path. The liquid outflow path of the pressure vessel 2 constituted by the tube 20 and the hole of the receiving member 26 is closed by the valve member 44 of the valve assembly 40.
[0025]
As can be easily understood from the above description, when the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the small-diameter through hole 33 of the case member 30, each of the leaf spring portions 52 constituting the locking means 50 has a radius. It is configured to be held in the through-hole 33 so as to be forcibly movable by being elastically deformed inward and being locked in a state of being pressed against the through-hole 33. With this configuration, the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through-hole 33 from the lower end side of the large-diameter through hole 34 of the case member 30, and hence from the lower end side of the small-diameter through hole 33. The plate spring portion 52 is held at a predetermined position in the through-hole 33 only by forcibly moving it toward, i.e., pushing it in. Further, the valve assembly 40 held in the through-hole 33 of the case member 30 is simply forced to move from the upper end to the lower end of the through-hole 33, that is, simply pushed out, from the through-hole 33 of the case member 30. It can be easily detached. The valve assembly 40 is detached from the through hole 33 by pushing the first large diameter portion 41 of the support rod member 43 toward the large diameter through hole 34 from the upper end of the through hole 33 with an appropriate pin member. This is easily accomplished.
[0026]
As a result, when the opening end closing device 10 is attached to the mouth / neck portion 6 that is the opening end of the liquid outflow passage, the valve assembly 40 is pushed into the through hole 33 of the case member 30, and then the case member 30. What is necessary is just to perform the operation | work only to mount | wear with the mouth neck part 6 (screwing). As shown in the figure, the valve assembly 40 is disengaged from the through-hole 33 even if the mouth-and-neck portion 6 that is the open end is directed upward and the lower end side of the through-hole 33 of the case member 30 is directed downward. Therefore, the attaching operation of the open end closing device 10 to the mouth / neck portion 6 can be performed easily, surely and quickly while reliably preventing the valve assembly 40 from dropping. Further, when the opening end closing device 10 is detached from the mouth / neck portion 6, it is only necessary to perform an operation of removing the case member 30 from the mouth / neck portion 6 (releasing the screwing). Even if the direction of the mouth-and-neck portion 6 is directed upward and the lower end side of the through hole 33 of the case member 30 is directed downward, the valve assembly 40 will not be detached from the through hole 33. The operation of detaching the device 10 from the mouth / neck portion 6 of the pressure vessel 2 can be performed easily, surely and quickly while reliably preventing the valve assembly 40 from falling. Therefore, the replacement work of the valve assembly 40 can be performed remarkably easily and reliably as compared with the prior art, while reliably preventing the valve assembly 40 from dropping.
[0027]
As described above, the configuration of the open end closing device 12 attached to the mouth neck portion 8 of the pressure vessel 2 is substantially the same as the configuration of the open end closing device 10 described above. I will supplement some of the differences. Referring mainly to FIG. 1, a tube 21 (see FIG. 1) is arranged in the mouth and neck portion 8 in the same manner as described above. The stainless steel tube 21 is significantly shorter than the tube 20 and is positioned so as to open above the upper surface (not shown) of the liquid filled in the pressure vessel 2. The mouth / neck portion 8 defines the fluid flow path of the pressure vessel 2, that is, the open end of the gas inflow path. Two pins 38 are press-fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the lower portion 32 of the case member 30 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The reason why the number (two) of the pins 38 of the open end closing device 12 is different from the number (3) of the pins 38 of the open end closing device 10 is that, as will be described later, the open end closing device 10 includes a liquid. This is because the outflow conduit is detachably connected to the open end closing device 12 while the gas inflow conduit is detachably connected to prevent the erroneous connection.
[0028]
Next, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the typical example which installs and uses the pressure vessel 2 provided with the said open end closure apparatuses 10 and 12 in a vending machine is demonstrated. Since the usage pattern itself is known as described above, it will be described without illustration. For example, after the concentrate is filled into the pressure vessel 2 from the mouth / neck portion 14 in the concentrate manufacturing factory, the mouth / neck portion 14 is sealed with a cap 16. Of course, the mouth necks 6 and 8 are sealed as described above by the open end closure devices 10 and 12. The pressure vessel 2 is transported to a vending machine and is installed on the installation table 4 so as to be detachable in an upright state.
[0029]
In the vending machine, the case member 30 of the open end closing device 12 of the gas inflow path attached to the mouth / neck portion 8 is detachably connected to a pressure gas source (not shown), for example, a gas inflow conduit communicating with a carbon dioxide gas cylinder. . A gas control valve is provided in the gas inflow conduit. A short pipe for connection is mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the connection end of the gas inflow conduit so as to be relatively rotatable and cannot be detached from the gas inflow conduit. At the end of the short pipe, two notches that extend in the axial direction from the periphery and then bend in an L shape in the circumferential direction have the same number as the pins 38 of the open end closing device 12, and have the same circumference as the corresponding pins 38. It is formed at a directional position. By moving the short pipe together with the gas inflow conduit in the axial direction, the connection end of the gas inflow conduit is inserted into the small diameter upper portion 31 of the case member 30, and the short pipe is inserted into the large diameter lower portion 32 of the case member 30. Inserted. Each notch of the short pipe is engaged with the corresponding pin 38 of the case member 30 by its axial movement, and is further rotated in the circumferential direction, so that the gas inflow conduit is axially connected to the case member 30. Removably connected so that it cannot move.
[0030]
The protrusion provided on the gas inflow conduit pushes the support rod member 43 of the valve assembly 40 inward, and as a result, the valve member 44 is forcibly moved inward against the spring member 47. Thereby, the valve seat 36 of the through hole 33 is opened, the upper end portion of the through hole 33 is opened, and the gas inflow path on the pressure vessel 2 side and the gas inflow conduit are communicated. In the same manner as described above, the case member 30 of the open end closing device 10 for the liquid outflow passage that is attached to the mouth / neck portion 6 that is the open end of the liquid outflow passage supplies the concentrated liquid from the pressure vessel 2 into the cup. Is detachably connected to the liquid outlet conduit. A liquid control valve is provided in the liquid outflow conduit. When the liquid outflow conduit is connected to the case member 30, the valve member 44 of the valve assembly 40 is forcibly moved inward as described above, the upper end of the through hole 33 is opened, and the liquid on the pressure vessel 2 side is opened. The outflow channel and the liquid outflow conduit communicate with each other.
[0031]
After each conduit is connected to the pressure vessel 2 as described above, when the gas control valve of the gas inflow conduit is opened, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder is fed into the gas inflow conduit, the through hole 33 of the case member 30, the receiving member 26, and Pressure is applied to the concentrate supplied into the pressure vessel 2 via the tube 21 and filled in the pressure vessel 2. When the liquid control valve of the liquid outflow conduit is opened, the concentrated liquid filled in the pressure vessel 2 is supplied into the cup through the tube 20, the receiving member 26, the through hole 33 of the case member 30, and the liquid outflow conduit. Is done. Water and carbonated water, which are diluents, are supplied into the cup by a known mechanism.
[0032]
When the concentrate in the pressure vessel 2 is substantially used up, the gas control valve of the gas inflow conduit and the liquid control valve of the liquid outflow conduit are closed. Then, the gas inflow conduit is detached from the case member 30 of the open end closing device 12 of the gas inflow path. As will be readily understood from the foregoing description, this separation causes the short tube of the gas inlet conduit to rotate circumferentially so that each pin 38 of the case member 30 extends in the axial direction of the corresponding notch in the short tube. After being positioned in the part, this is accomplished by withdrawing the short tube along with the gas inlet conduit in the axial direction. Since the forcing of the protrusion of the gas inflow conduit to the valve assembly 40 is released, the valve member 44 closes the valve seat 36 of the through hole 33, and thus the upper end portion of the through hole 33. Thereby, the open end of the gas inflow path on the pressure vessel 2 side is closed. Further, in the same manner as described above, the liquid outflow conduit is detached from the case member 30 in the open end closing device 10 of the liquid outflow path. Since the force of the protrusion of the liquid outflow conduit with respect to the valve assembly 30 is released, the valve member 40 closes the valve seat 36 of the through hole 33, and thus the upper end of the through hole 33. Thereby, the open end of the liquid outflow path on the pressure vessel 2 side is closed. Since the mouth-and-neck portion 14 is closed by the cap 16, the pressure vessel 2 is maintained in a sealed state. Next, the pressure vessel 2 is removed from the vending machine and transported to the concentrate manufacturing factory. The pressure vessel 2 is filled with the concentrated liquid again after the cap 16 is removed from the mouth-and-neck portion 14 and washed. The pressure vessel 2 filled with the concentrated liquid is conveyed to a vending machine and reused after the mouth and neck portion 14 is closed by the cap 16.
[0033]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the open end closing device constructed in accordance with the present invention will be described. The opening end closing device 100 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a locking means 60 which is another embodiment of the locking means 50. The locking unit 60 includes a pair of leaf spring portions 64 formed on the first retainer member 62. The first retainer member 62 includes a base portion 66, a cylindrical sleeve portion 68, and the pair of leaf spring portions 64, and is integrally formed of synthetic resin such as POM resin. The base 66 fitted to the support rod member 43 has a disk shape. The sleeve portion 68 is fitted to the support rod member 43 and extends from the base portion 66 on the radially inner side of the spring member 47 toward the lower end of the support rod member 43. The pair of leaf spring portions 64 constituting the locking means 60 are formed on the periphery of the base portion 66 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (so as to face each other in the diametrical direction). The member 43 extends radially outward toward the lower end. Each of the leaf spring portions 64 is slightly different from each of the leaf spring portions 52 described above in that each tip portion is configured to extend substantially in the axial direction of the support rod member 43. Each of the leaf spring portion 64 and each of the leaf spring portions 52 is common in that the radially outer side of the spring member 47 extends radially outward toward the lower end of the support rod member 43. . Since the first retainer member 45 and the first retainer member 62 are each integrally formed of synthetic resin, the leaf spring portions 52 and 64 constituting the locking means 50 and 60 are formed easily and at low cost. be able to. The other configuration of the open end closing device 100 is substantially the same as the open end closing device 10 described above, and thus the open end closing device 100 can achieve substantially the same operation and effect as the open end closing device 10. .
[0034]
Next, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, other embodiment of the open end closure apparatus comprised according to this invention is described. The open end closing device 200 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is provided with a locking means 70 which is another embodiment of the locking means. The locking means 70 includes three leaf spring portions 74 that are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second retainer member 72 so as to define the outer periphery of the second retainer member 72. In this embodiment, the first retainer member 75 has a simple disk shape. As shown clearly in FIG. 7, the second base member 76 of the second retainer member 72 formed of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel is fitted in the circumferential direction. The three leaf spring portions 74 extending outward in the radial direction from the peripheral edge at equal intervals are formed. Each of the leaf spring portions 74 is configured to extend radially outward of the spring member 47 toward the upper end of the support rod member 43 and then reverse to a U shape and extend toward the lower end of the support rod member 43. Has been. The space between the support rod member 43 and the leaf spring portion 74 (the radially inner side of the portion extending radially outward of the spring member 47 toward the upper end of the support rod member 43) is the attachment of the spring member 47. It has a function to hold the position stably.
[0035]
In a state where the valve assembly 40 is not attached to the case member 30, the maximum radial dimension of each of the leaf spring portions 74 from the axis of the support rod member 43 is larger than the radius of the through hole 33 of the case member 30. It is prescribed. Each of the leaf springs 74 has a material (in this embodiment, a metal such as stainless steel as described above), a width, and a thickness so as to be substantially elastically deformable in the radial direction.
[0036]
The valve assembly 40 is inserted into the small diameter through hole 33 from the lower end of the large diameter through hole 34 of the case member 30. When the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through-hole 33, each of the leaf spring portions 74 is elastically deformed radially inward. When the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, the valve assembly 40 is locked by locking the radially outer sides of the leaf spring portions 74 in pressure contact with the through hole 33. It is held in the through hole 33 so as to be forcibly moved. That is, when the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, its free fall is reliably caused by the friction of the three leaf spring portions 74 constituting the locking means 70 with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 33. Is prevented. In a state where the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, each lower end of the leaf spring portion 74 in the second retainer member 72 is positioned so as to protrude a predetermined amount below the shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30. It is done. 2 and 3, the lower end of each of the front bent portions 49a of the second retainer member 46 is positioned so as to protrude a predetermined amount below the shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30. It is substantially the same as the function of the configuration. Therefore, it can be said that each of the leaf spring portions 74 has the function of each of the front bent portions 49a in the second retainer member 46. As a result, each of the leaf spring portions 74 can be formed on the second retainer member 72 while maintaining a simple configuration without complicating the configuration of the second retainer member 72. By forming each of the leaf spring portions 74 on the second retainer member 72, the configuration of the first retainer member 75 can be remarkably simplified. As is clear from the above description, the open end closing device 200 can achieve the same effects as the open end closing devices 10 and 100 described above.
[0037]
Next, with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9, other embodiment of the open end closure apparatus comprised according to this invention is described. The opening end closing device 300 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is provided with a locking means 80 which is another embodiment of the locking means. The locking means 80 includes three leaf spring portions 84 formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second retainer member 82 so as to define the outer periphery of the second retainer member 82. In this embodiment, a small-diameter annular protrusion is formed below the disk-shaped valve member 44, and the first retainer member 85 has a cylindrical sleeve shape and is formed at the upper end thereof. An annular recess is formed in the large diameter portion, and the recess is fitted to the annular protrusion of the valve member 44. As shown clearly in FIG. 9, the plate-like base 86 of the second retainer member 82 formed of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel is fitted in the circumferential direction. The three leaf spring portions 84 extending radially outward from the peripheral edge at equal intervals are formed. Each of the leaf springs 84 is configured to extend radially outward of the spring member 47 toward the upper end of the support rod member 43. Each distal end portion of the leaf spring portion 84 is configured to extend slightly inclined toward the axis of the support rod member 43 (inward in the radial direction). The space between the support rod member 43 and the leaf spring portion 84 has a function of stably holding the mounting position of the spring member 47.
[0038]
Three leg portions 88 extending radially outward from the periphery of the base portion 86 of the second retainer member 82 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are formed in the circumferential portion where the leaf spring portion 84 is not formed. Has been. Each leg portion 88 is formed with a bent end portion 89 that extends in a direction opposite to the first large diameter portion 41 of the support rod member 43. The maximum dimension in the radial direction from the axial center of the support rod member 43 of each of the front bent portions 89 is defined to be substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 33 of the case member 30.
[0039]
In a state where the valve assembly 40 is not attached to the case member 30, the maximum radial dimension of each leaf spring portion 84 from the axis of the support rod member 43 is larger than the radius of the through hole 33 of the case member 30. It is prescribed. Each of the leaf springs 84 has a material (in this embodiment, a metal such as stainless steel as described above), a width, and a thickness so as to be substantially elastically deformable in the radial direction. In a state where the valve assembly 40 is inserted into the through hole 33, the lower end of each of the front bent portions 89 of the second retainer member 82 protrudes below the shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30 by a predetermined amount. Positioned. The function of this configuration is the function of the configuration in which the lower end of each of the front bent portions 49a in the second retainer member 46 is positioned so as to protrude a predetermined amount below the shoulder portion 35 of the case member 30 in FIG. Is substantially the same. As is clear from the above description, the open end closing device 300 can also achieve substantially the same effect as the open end closing device 10, 100 and 200.
[0040]
FIG. 10 shows a state in which the open end closing devices 10 and 12 shown in FIG. 1 are attached to the attachment portion 90 and the attachment portion 90 is attached to the pressure vessel 2 supported by the installation base 4. The mounting portion 90 is substantially the same as the prior art described in detail above, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also in this embodiment, it will be easily understood that the open end closing devices 10 and 12 having substantially the same configuration can achieve the same effects as described above. Let's go.
[0041]
The preferred embodiment of the fluid channel open end closing device configured according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the scope of the present invention. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the leaf spring portion 52 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) formed integrally with the first retainer member 45 and the leaf spring portion 64 (FIG. 5) formed integrally with the first retainer member 62. Reference) is two each, but it may be plural, and therefore may be three or more. Further, a leaf spring portion 74 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) integrally formed with the second retainer member 72 and a leaf spring portion 84 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) integrally formed with the second retainer member 82 are: Although there are three each, it is sufficient if there are a plurality of them, so two or three or more.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
According to the fluid channel open end closing device of the present invention, the attachment and detachment operations of the liquid filling pressure vessel with respect to the fluid channel open end can be easily and reliably performed while reliably preventing the valve assembly from falling. Can be accomplished. Therefore, according to the opening end closing device for a fluid flow path according to the present invention, the replacement operation of the valve assembly can be carried out remarkably easily and surely as compared with the prior art. It is possible to reliably prevent the fall.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front view showing an embodiment of a fluid flow path open end closing device constructed according to the present invention in a state of being mounted on a pressure vessel supported by an installation base.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where one of the open end closing devices of FIG. 1 is attached to one of the mouth and neck portions of the pressure vessel.
3 is an exploded sectional view of FIG. 2;
4 is a bottom view of the open end closing device shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of another embodiment of the fluid channel open end closing device constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of a fluid flow path open end closing device constructed according to the present invention.
7 is a bottom view of the open end closing device shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of a fluid flow path open end closing device constructed in accordance with the present invention.
9 is a bottom view of the open end closing device shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
10 is a partially cutaway view showing a state where the fluid channel open end closing device shown in FIG. 1 is attached to a mounting portion, and the mounting portion is attached to a pressure vessel supported by an installation base. Front view.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Liquid-filled pressure vessel
6, 8 mouth and neck
10, 12, 100, 200, 300 Open end closing device
20, 21 tubes
26 receiving member
30 Case material
33 Small diameter through hole
34 Large diameter through hole
36 Valve seat
40 Valve assembly
41 1st large diameter part
42 Second large diameter part
43 Support rod member
44 Valve member
45, 62, 75, 85 First retainer member
46, 72, 82 Second retainer member
47 Spring member
50, 60, 70, 80 Locking means
52, 64, 74, 84 Leaf spring
90 Mounting part

Claims

液体充填圧力容器の流体流路の開口端に離脱自在に装着されかつ貫通孔が形成されたケース部材と、該貫通孔内にその一端から離脱自在に挿入されかつバルブ部材を含むバルブ組付体とを備え、該ケース部材が該開口端に装着された状態で該バルブ組付体の該バルブ部材が該貫通孔の他端部を開自在に閉じる流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置において、
該バルブ組付体には実質上半径方向に弾性変形可能な係止手段が配設され、該バルブ組付体は、該ケース部材の該貫通孔内に挿入されると該係止手段が半径方向内側に弾性変形せしめられて該貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止されることによって、該貫通孔内に強制移動可能に保持される、
ことを特徴とする流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。A case member that is removably attached to an opening end of a fluid flow path of a liquid-filled pressure vessel and has a through hole formed therein, and a valve assembly that includes a valve member that is removably inserted into the through hole from one end thereof. An opening end closing device for a fluid flow path in which the valve member of the valve assembly closes the other end of the through hole in a state where the case member is attached to the opening end.
The valve assembly is provided with a locking means that can be elastically deformed substantially in the radial direction. When the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole of the case member, the locking means has a radius. By being elastically deformed in the direction inner direction and being locked in a state of being pressed against the through hole, it is held in the through hole so as to be forcibly movable.
An apparatus for closing an open end of a fluid flow path.

該バルブ組付体は、一端に第一大径部を、他端に第二大径部を備えた支持ロッド部材と、該支持ロッド部材に嵌合された該バルブ部材、第一リテーナ部材及び第二リテーナ部材と、該第一リテーナ部材と該第二リテーナ部材との間に介在されて該バルブ部材を該第一リテーナ部材を介して該第一大径部に当接させかつ該第二リテーナ部材を該第二大径部に当接させるばね部材とを備え、該ケース部材の該貫通孔の該他端部にはバルブシートが配設され、該ケース部材が該開口端に装着された状態で該バルブ部材が該ばね部材により該バルブシートに押圧され、該係止手段は該第一リテーナ部材又は該第二リテーナ部材に配設されている、請求項１記載の流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。The valve assembly includes a support rod member having a first large diameter portion at one end and a second large diameter portion at the other end, the valve member fitted to the support rod member, a first retainer member, A second retainer member, interposed between the first retainer member and the second retainer member, the valve member abutting against the first large diameter portion via the first retainer member, and the second retainer member A spring member that causes the retainer member to abut against the second large diameter portion, a valve seat is disposed at the other end of the through hole of the case member, and the case member is attached to the open end. 2. The fluid flow path according to claim 1, wherein the valve member is pressed against the valve seat by the spring member in a closed state, and the locking means is disposed on the first retainer member or the second retainer member. Open end closure device.

該係止手段は該第一リテーナ部材の周方向に間隔をおいて形成された複数の板ばね部からなり、該板ばね部の各々は、該ばね部材の半径方向外側を該支持ロッド部材の該他端の方向に向かって半径方向外側に延びるよう構成され、該バルブ組付体が該貫通孔内に挿入されると該板ばね部の各々の先端部の半径方向外側が該貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止される、請求項２記載の流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。The locking means includes a plurality of leaf spring portions formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first retainer member, and each of the leaf spring portions has a radially outer side of the spring member on the support rod member. The valve assembly is configured to extend radially outward toward the other end, and when the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole, the radially outer side of each distal end portion of the leaf spring portion becomes the through hole. The fluid channel open end closing device according to claim 2, which is locked in a pressed state.

該第一リテーナ部材は、該支持ロッド部材に嵌合された基部と、該支持ロッド部材に嵌合されかつ該基部から該ばね部材の半径方向内側を該支持ロッド部材の該他端の方向に向かって延在する円筒状のスリーブ部と、該基部の周縁に周方向に間隔をおいて形成された複数の該板ばね部とを備えると共に合成樹脂により一体成形されている、請求項３記載の流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。The first retainer member includes a base that is fitted to the support rod member, and a radial inner side of the spring member that is fitted to the support rod member and extends from the base toward the other end of the support rod member. 4. A cylindrical sleeve portion extending toward the periphery and a plurality of leaf spring portions formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the periphery of the base portion, and integrally formed of synthetic resin. Opening end closing device for fluid flow path.

該係止手段は、該第二リテーナ部材の外周部を規定するよう該第二リテーナ部材の周方向に間隔をおいて形成された複数の板ばね部からなり、該板ばね部の各々は、該ばね部材の半径方向外側を該支持ロッド部材の該一端の方向に向かって延びてからＵ形に反転して該支持ロッド部材の該他端の方向に向かって延びるよう構成され、該バルブ組付体が該貫通孔内に挿入されると該板ばね部の各々の半径方向外側が該貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止される、請求項２記載の流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。The locking means includes a plurality of leaf spring portions formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second retainer member so as to define the outer circumference portion of the second retainer member. The valve assembly is configured to extend radially outward of the spring member toward the one end of the support rod member and then reverse to a U shape to extend toward the other end of the support rod member. 3. The fluid channel open end closing device according to claim 2, wherein when the attachment is inserted into the through hole, the radially outer side of each of the leaf spring portions is locked in a state of being pressed against the through hole. .

該係止手段は、該第二リテーナ部材の外周部を規定するよう該第二リテーナ部材の周方向に間隔をおいて形成された複数の板ばね部からなり、該板ばね部の各々は、該ばね部材の半径方向外側を該支持ロッド部材の該一端の方向に向かって半径方向外側に延びるよう構成され、該バルブ組付体が該貫通孔内に挿入されると該板ばね部の各々の該先端部の半径方向外側が該貫通孔に圧接された状態で係止される、請求項２記載の流体流路の開口端閉鎖装置。The locking means includes a plurality of leaf spring portions formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second retainer member so as to define the outer circumference portion of the second retainer member. Each of the leaf spring portions is configured such that a radially outer side of the spring member extends radially outward toward the one end of the support rod member, and the valve assembly is inserted into the through hole. 3. The fluid channel open end closing device according to claim 2, wherein a radially outer side of the tip end portion of the fluid channel is locked in a state of being pressed against the through hole.