Liquid supply device

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid supply device which can reduce the number of openings arranged in a liquid container and can reduce the operation load of a user. The liquid supply device includes: a liquid container including a container body, a sealing member, and a cover; and a container holding section that holds the liquid container. The container holding portion has a cap accommodating portion and a needle. The seal member is made of an elastic material and has a cutout portion. The cover is made of a hard material and is provided with a cover part which is arranged in a state of facing the sealing component. The cover portion is configured such that the cover portion is broken along the groove portion by being pushed and pressed by the needle. The sealing member is configured such that the cutout portion is pushed away by the needle pressing the sealing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device. Background Art

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that rapidly and highly accurately analyzes various components contained in a specimen, and is used in various fields such as biochemical examinations and blood transfusion examinations. The automatic analyzer includes a measurement unit that measures the specimen. In addition, in the measurement unit, liquids such as a dilution liquid and a cleaning liquid are used. Such liquids are stored in a box or the like provided in the automatic analyzer. For example, a pump and a tube are used to transport the liquid stored in the box to a predetermined part.

[0003] When the liquid stored in the box is transported to a predetermined part by a pump or the like, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the box decreases accordingly. Therefore, before the box becomes empty, it is necessary to supply (refill) the liquid into the box. Thus, the automatic analyzer includes a device for supplying liquid into the box, that is, a liquid supply device.

[0004] Regarding the liquid supply device, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known, for example. Patent Document 1 discloses the following structure: openings are provided at the upper and lower parts of a liquid container, a threaded lid is attached to the upper opening, and a diaphragm and a lid are attached to the lower opening. In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses the following structure: a needle is provided at the bottom of a mounting frame on which the liquid container is placed, and the diaphragm is pierced by the needle.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4945572 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since two openings are provided in the liquid container, for example, in the case of manufacturing the liquid container by blow molding or the like, the difficulty of manufacturing the container becomes high, and the manufacturing cost of the liquid container becomes high. In addition, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the diaphragm is pierced by the needle, in order for the liquid in the liquid container to flow down through the needle, the user needs to loosen the threaded lid that closes the upper opening to allow air to flow into the inside of the liquid container. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the operability of the user, there is a problem that needs to be improved.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid supply device that can reduce the number of openings provided in a liquid container and can reduce the operation burden on the user.

[0011] Solution for Solving the Problem

[0012] The liquid supply device of the present invention includes: a liquid container having a container body for storing a liquid, a sealing member for sealing an opening of the container body, and a lid for fastening the sealing member to the opening; and a container holding part for holding the liquid container with the lid facing downward, the container holding part having a lid accommodating part for forming a space capable of accommodating the lid and a needle disposed in the space formed by the lid accommodating part. The sealing member is made of an elastic material and has a cut portion. The lid is made of a rigid material and has a lid portion disposed opposite to the sealing member, and the lid portion has a groove portion formed to locally reduce the thickness dimension of the lid portion. The lid portion of the lid is configured such that when the lid portion is pushed by the needle, the lid portion breaks along the groove portion. The sealing member is configured such that when the sealing member is pushed by the needle, the cut portion is pushed open.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the number of openings provided in the liquid container can be reduced, and the operation burden on the user can be alleviated. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is to Figure 1 A diagram showing a partial enlargement of the liquid supply device shown.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the sealing member included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 It is to show Figure 3 A perspective view showing a state in which the cut portion of the sealing member shown is pushed open.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside of the container body.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside of the container body.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a top view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 It is to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the lid shown.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a view that magnifies part B of Figure 8 .

[0024] Figure 10 It is a view obtained by cutting the liquid supply device shown at the position of line C-C Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 11 It is a view of the manifold observed obliquely from above.

[0026] Figure 12 It is a top view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, observed from the top end side.

[0027] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the lid portion of the lid breaks along the groove portion.

[0029] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing a state where the lid portion of the lid breaks along the groove portion.

[0030] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the cut portion of the sealing member is pushed by the needle and pushed open.

[0031] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the liquid container is placed in the container holding portion in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 18 It is a view that magnifies part of Figure 17 the liquid supply device shown.

[0033] Figure 19 It is a perspective view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 20 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the arrangement state of each part when the liquid container is placed in the container holding portion in the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, observed from the outside of the container body.

[0036] Figure 22 It is a perspective view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, observed from the inside of the container body.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of the lid included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which there is a positional deviation between the central axis of the lid and the central axis of the needle when the user places the liquid container on the container holding portion.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals

[0040] 10. Liquid supply device; 11. Liquid container; 15. Container body; 16. Sealing member; 17. Lid; 21. Mouth portion; 21a. End face; 28. Side wall; 38, 99. Thin wall portions; 39. Second groove portion; 30. Ring portion; 31. Flange portion; 35 (35a to 35f). Groove portions; 70, 80. Needles; 74, 84. Hollow portions; 75. Notch hole (hole); 85. Long hole (hole); 98 (98a to 98d). Groove portions; 36, 95. First surface; 37, 96. Second surface; 41. Notch portion; 55. Key mounting portion; 56. Key; 97. Tapered portion. Detailed description of the specific embodiment

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the following description and drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and for the sake of convenience, sometimes omissions and simplifications are made. Each component may be single or multiple as long as there is no particular limitation. In addition, for the sake of easy understanding of the invention, the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the respective components shown in the drawings sometimes do not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0042] <First Embodiment>

[0043] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the liquid supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is Figure 1 a view showing a partial enlargement of the liquid supply device 10 shown in Figure 1 The up-down direction of Figure 1 is a direction parallel to the vertical direction,

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the liquid supply device 10 includes a liquid container 11, a container holding portion 12 that holds the liquid container 11, and a tank 13 that stores the liquid flowing down from the liquid container 11. The liquid supply device 10 is provided in, for example, an automatic analyzer that uses various liquids such as diluents and cleaning liquids. However, there are also cases where the liquid supply device 10 is provided in various devices other than the automatic analyzer that handle different types of liquids. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the liquid supply device 10 is provided in the automatic analyzer. As described above, the automatic analyzer is a device that quickly and highly accurately analyzes various components contained in a specimen, and is used in various fields such as biochemical examinations and blood transfusion examinations. Usually, a plurality of liquid supply devices 10 are provided in one automatic analyzer. In addition, the liquid container 11 among the components of the liquid supply device 10 can be replaced, and the container holding portion 12 and the tank 13 are permanently provided at a predetermined place of the liquid supply device 10.

[0045] (Liquid container)

[0046] The liquid container 11 is configured to be detachable from and attachable to the container holding portion 12. When the liquid container 11 is placed on the container holding portion 12, the liquid container 11 is inserted into the container holding portion 12 from above downward. In addition, when the liquid container 11 is removed from the container holding portion 12, the liquid container 11 is lifted upward from the container holding portion 12. The user performs the attachment and detachment operation of the liquid container 11 with respect to the container holding portion 12. In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 represents a state in the middle of placing (inserting) the liquid container 11 into the container holding portion 12.

[0047] The liquid container 11 has a container body 15, a sealing member 16, and a lid 17. The container body 15 is composed of a bottle that stores the liquid. The bottle of the container body 15 is, for example, treated as a disposable replacement bottle. In this case, the sealing member 16 and the lid 17 are treated as disposable members in the same manner as the above-mentioned replacement bottle. However, regarding the container body 15, it may not be disposable but can be reused by performing a cleaning process or the like. In addition, the bottle of the container body 15 is manufactured by blow molding, for example. The container body 15 is a hollow body having a volume capable of storing a predetermined amount of liquid.

[0048] The container body 15 integrally has a mouth portion 21 and a handle portion 22 (see Figure 1 ). When the liquid container 11 is placed on the container holding portion 12, the mouth portion 21 is arranged downward. The mouth portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An external thread portion 23 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mouth portion 21 (see Figure 2 ). The handle portion 22 is at Figure 1is disposed on the opposite side to the mouth portion 21 in the vertical direction. The handle portion 22 is a portion for the user to hold the liquid container 11 when the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12. In addition, a label 24 is integrally formed on the liquid container 11 (see Figure 1 ). The label 24 is a portion for detecting whether the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12, that is, the presence or absence of the liquid container 11, by a sensor (not shown).

[0049] In addition, in this example, an example in which the label 24 is provided on the liquid container 11 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to detect whether the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12 via another member. In the housing portion 51 of the container holding portion 12 described later, there is provided another member that comes into contact with and rotates when the liquid container 11 is placed. Then, it is also possible to detect whether the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12 by using a sensor that detects the rotation of the other member. As the sensor, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting portion that irradiates light and a light receiving portion that detects the light from the light emitting portion can be used. Then, when the liquid container 11 is placed and the other member rotates, the other member blocks the light from the light emitting portion. Thereby, it can be detected that the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12. In addition, as the other member, an opaque, non-transparent member is preferably used.

[0050] (Sealing member)

[0051] The sealing member 16 is a member that seals the mouth portion 21 of the liquid container 11. The sealing member 16 is made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, for example. That is, the sealing member 16 is a rubber-like elastomer. The sealing member 16 is disposed in a state of being in contact (close contact) with the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 (see Figure 2 ).

[0052] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the sealing member 16 included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, the sealing member 16 is formed in a disc shape having a predetermined thickness. A slit-shaped cutout portion 26 is formed in the sealing member 16. The cutout portion 26 is formed in a state of penetrating the sealing member 16 in the thickness dimension. However, the surfaces on which the cutout portion 26 is formed are in contact (close contact) with each other by the elasticity of the sealing member 16.

[0054] The sealing member 16 has a plurality of cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) extending radially outward from the central portion of the sealing member 16. In the present embodiment, as an example, four cut portions 26a to 26d are formed in the sealing member 16. The four cut portions 26a to 26d are formed to be rotationally symmetric. In addition, the four cut portions 26a to 26d are formed in a cross shape.

[0055] The sealing member 16 is configured such that when the needle 70 (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) presses the sealing member 16, as Figure 4 shown, each of the cut portions 26a to 26d is pushed open. In addition, the sealing member 16 is configured such that when the needle 70 is pulled out from the sealing member 16, each of the cut portions 26a to 26d closes by the elasticity of the sealing member 16. The structure of the needle 70 will be described in detail in a later part.

[0056] Here, as Figure 3 shown, if the thickness of the sealing member 16 is set to t (mm), the thickness t of the sealing member 16 is preferably 3 mm or more and 7 mm or less. In addition, if the radius of the needle 70 is set to r (mm), the length L (mm) of each of the cut portions 26a to 26d preferably satisfies the following formula (1). The radius r of the needle 70 is Figure 12 and Figure 13 the radius of the needle shaft portion 71 of the needle 70 shown.

[0057] r + t ≤ L ≤ 5t …(1)

[0058] When the length L of each of the cut portions 26a to 26d satisfies the above formula (1), the following effects can be obtained. First, when the four cut portions 26a to 26d are pushed open by the needle 70, a predetermined gap can be formed between each of the cut portions 26a to 26d. When viewed from the central axis direction of the needle 70, each of the cut portions 26a to 26d extends in a V shape, and thus a predetermined gap is formed around the needle 70. Therefore, the predetermined gap formed between each of the cut portions 26a to 26d can be used as a flow path for air and liquid. In addition, when the needle 70 is pulled out from the sealing member 16, each of the cut portions 26a to 26d can be restored to its original state (the state before being pushed open by the needle 70) by the elasticity of the sealing member 16 and the above-mentioned predetermined gap can be closed. Therefore, when the needle 70 is pulled out from the sealing member 16, leakage of liquid from the cut portions 26a to 26d can be suppressed.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sealing member 16 is formed with four cut portions 26a to 26d in a cross shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sealing member 16 may be trisected in the circumferential direction with the center portion of the sealing member 16 as a reference point to form three cut portions. Alternatively, five or more cut portions may be formed in the sealing member 16.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cut portion 26 is formed in a state of penetrating the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cut portion 26 may be formed with a cut depth that does not penetrate the sealing member 16 in the thickness direction and a thin wall portion may be left on the inner side in the depth direction of the cut portion 26. In this case, when transporting and storing the liquid container 11, the sealing performance (sealing property) of the sealing member 16 against the mouth portion 21 can be improved. In addition, when the needle 70 (see Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) presses the sealing member 16, the above-mentioned thin wall portion is broken by the needle 70. Therefore, the needle 70 can push open the respective cut portions 26a to 26d.

[0061] (lid)

[0062] The lid 17 is a member that is attached to the mouth portion 21 in order to fasten the sealing member 16 to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15. The lid 17 is made of a hard material. Specifically, the lid 17 is made of a hard resin such as polypropylene, for example.

[0063] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lid 17 provided in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outside ([[]] Figure 1 lower side) of the container body 15, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lid 17 provided in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside ([[]] Figure 1 upper side) of the container body 15. In addition, Figure 7 is a top view of the lid 17 provided in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the lid 17 shown in [[[]]], Figure 9 is Figure 8 an enlarged view of part B.

[0064] As shown in [[[]]] Figures 5 to 9 , the lid 17 has a cylindrical side wall 28, a lid portion 29 formed in a state of closing one opening of the side wall 28, an annular portion 30 formed in a state of protruding radially inward from the inner side surface of the side wall 28, and a flange portion 31 formed in a state of protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 28. The lid 17 is an integrally molded resin product.

[0065] The above-described annular portion 30 and internal thread portion 32 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the side wall 28.

[0066] The internal thread portion 32 is a portion that engages with the external thread portion 23 of the mouth portion 21 when the lid 17 is attached to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15. As Figure 2 shown, the lid 17 is fastened by engaging the internal thread portion 32 with the external thread portion 23 of the mouth portion 21, so that the lid 17 is firmly fixed to the mouth portion 21 of the liquid container 11. The annular portion 30 is a portion that presses the sealing member 16 against the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 by fastening the lid 17 as described above. When the lid 17 is attached to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, the mouth portion 21 is arranged upward. In this case, the sealing member 16 is arranged between the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 and the annular portion 30 of the lid 17, and the sealing member 16 is fixed in a state of being in close contact with the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 by fastening the lid 17 in this state.

[0067] As Figure 2 shown, the lid portion 29 is arranged in a state opposite to the sealing member 16. When the lid 17 is viewed from the front direction, the lid portion 29 is formed in a circular shape. In addition, the lid portion 29 is formed in a disk shape. In a state where the lid 17 is attached to the mouth portion 21, the lid portion 29 is arranged at a position at a predetermined distance (described later) from the sealing member 16.

[0068] A groove portion 35 is formed in the lid portion 29. The groove portion 35 is formed so that the thickness dimension of the lid portion 29 is locally smaller. Therefore, in the lid portion 29, the mechanical strength of the portion where the groove portion 35 is formed is smaller than that of the portion where the groove portion 35 is not formed. However, including the portion where the groove portion 35 is formed, the lid portion 29 does not have a portion that penetrates the lid portion 29 in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15 is sealed with the sealing member 16 and the lid 17 is fastened, the mouth portion 21 is in a state of being double-sealed by the sealing member 16 and the lid 17. Thereby, the sealing performance during transportation and storage of the liquid container 11 can be improved.

[0069] The lid portion 29 has a plurality of groove portions 35 (35a to 35f) extending from the central portion of the lid portion 29 toward the radially outer side. The groove portions 35 (35a to 35f) are formed such that when the lid portion 29 is pressed by the needle 70, the lid portion 29 breaks along the groove portions 35 (35a to 35f). In the present embodiment, as an example, six groove portions 35a to 35f are formed in the lid portion 29. The six groove portions 35a to 35f are formed in rotational symmetry. In addition, the six groove portions 35a to 35f are formed in a radial shape. The cross-sectional shape of the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) is preferably a V shape, but may also be other shapes, such as a U shape.

[0070] The lid portion 29 has a first surface 36 configured to face the sealing member 16 (see Figure 6 , Figure 8 ), and a second surface 37 disposed on the side opposite to the first surface 36 (see Figure 5 , Figure 8 ). In a state where the lid 17 is attached to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, the first surface 36 of the lid portion 29 becomes the inner surface of the lid portion 29 facing the inside of the container body 15, and the second surface 37 of the lid portion 29 becomes the outer surface of the lid portion 29 facing the outside of the container body 15.

[0071] In contrast, six groove portions 35a to 35f are formed in both the first surface 36 and the second surface 37. The depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the first surface 36 is the same as the depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the second surface 37. However, the depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the first surface 36 may be different from the depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the second surface 37. The six groove portions 35a to 35f are formed at corresponding positions on the first surface 36 and the second surface 37, respectively. The corresponding positions on the first surface 36 and the second surface 37 mean positions that coincide with each other when the lid 17 is viewed in perspective from the front direction, that is, the same positions.

[0072] A thin wall portion 38 for suppressing the positional deviation of the needle 70 is formed at the center portion of the lid portion 29 (see Figure 5 , Figure 6 ). The thin wall portion 38 is formed in both the first surface 36 and the second surface 37, similarly to the above six groove portions 35a to 35f. In addition, the thin wall portion 38 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The depth of the thin wall portion 38 in the first surface 36 is the same as the depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the first surface 36, and the depth of the thin wall portion 38 in the second surface 37 is the same as the depth of each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the second surface 37.

[0073] In addition, as Figure 5 shown, a second groove portion 39 is formed in the second surface 37 of the lid portion 29. In contrast, as Figure 6 shown, the second groove portion 39 is not formed in the first surface 36 of the lid portion 29. The second groove portion 39 is formed to facilitate the lid portion 29 to break along the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) when the needle 70 presses the lid portion 29. In addition, the second groove portion 39 is formed such that, when the needle 70 presses the lid portion 29, the portion of the lid portion 29 that breaks along the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) does not become fragments and separate from the lid 17.

[0074] The depth of the second groove 39 in the second surface 37 is the same as the depth of each groove 35a to 35f in the second surface 37. The second groove 39 is formed in a state where the radially outer ends of the plurality of grooves 35a to 35f formed on the second surface 37 are connected. In the present embodiment, six grooves 35a to 35f are formed on the second surface 37. Thus, the second groove 39 is formed in a hexagonal shape when the cover 17 is viewed from the front direction. However, the shape of the second groove 39 is not limited to a hexagonal shape, but may be a polygon corresponding to the number of grooves formed on the second surface 37. For example, when four grooves are formed in a cross shape on the second surface 37, the second groove 39 is formed in a quadrilateral shape, which is not shown in the figure. In addition, the second groove 39 may be formed in a circular shape regardless of the number of grooves formed on the second surface 37.

[0075] A plurality of notch portions 41 are formed in the flange portion 31. In the present embodiment, as an example, two notch portions 41 are formed on the circumference of the flange portion 31. The two notch portions 41 are formed at positions staggered by 180° in the circumferential direction of the lid 17. In addition, each notch portion 41 is formed with a predetermined width in the circumferential direction. In the circumferential direction of the lid 17, the position of each notch portion 41, i.e., the notch position, is determined according to the type of liquid contained in the container body 15. The number of notch portions 41 may be one or may be three or more. When the lid 17 is fastened to the mouth 21 of the container body 15 by the meshing of the threads, the position of the notch portion 41 in the circumferential direction of the lid 17 is determined by the end surface 21a (refer to FIG. 2 ) of the mouth 21 being abutted against a portion of the lid 17. Figure 2 ) or manage the tightening torque of the cover 17 and set it to a pre-conceived position.

[0076] The notch 41 of the flange 31 is formed to prevent the liquid container 11 from being inserted into the container holding portion 12 by mistake. The misinsertion of the liquid container 11 refers to the insertion of a liquid container 11 into the container holding portion 12 that is different from the liquid container 11 that should be inserted (placed) in the container holding portion 12. Specifically, the following situations are considered. For example, consider the case where there is a liquid container 11 that contains a first diluent and a liquid container 11 that contains a second diluent that is different in type (components, etc.) from the first diluent. In this case, the liquid container 11 that contains the first diluent should be inserted into the container holding portion 12, but the user may mistakenly insert the liquid container 11 that contains the second diluent into the container holding portion 12. This is the misinsertion of the liquid container 11. The flange 31 and the key 56 described later (see Figure 10 ) to prevent the liquid container 11 from being inserted incorrectly.

[0077] (Container holding part)

[0078] The container holding portion 12 holds the liquid container 11 in a manner such that the lid 17 faces downward. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the container holding part 12 includes a housing 45 and a manifold 46. The manifold 46 is fastened and fixed to the lower part of the housing 45 by a plurality of bolts 47. In addition, an annular sealing member 48 is installed at a position inside the fastening position by the bolts 47. The sealing member 48 is a member for suppressing leakage of gas or liquid at the contact interface between the housing 45 and the manifold 46.

[0079] (shell)

[0080] The housing 45 has a rigidity sufficient to hold the container body 15 containing a predetermined amount of liquid. The housing 45 integrally includes a housing portion 51 forming a space for containing the container body 15, a container receiving portion 52 provided at the bottom of the housing portion 51, and a connecting portion 53 connected to the manifold 46.

[0081] The container receiving portion 52 is a portion that receives and supports the liquid container 11 inserted (placed) in the container holding portion 12 from below. Specifically, the container receiving portion 52 is a portion that receives and supports the bottom surface of the container body 15 from below at a position further outward than the mouth portion 21. Thus, the mass of the entire liquid container 11 is applied to the container receiving portion 52. The mass of the entire liquid container 11 includes the mass of the liquid contained in the container body 15.

[0082] like Figure 10 As shown, the container receiving portion 52 is formed in a substantially annular shape. Figure 10 The section is made at the CC line Figure 1 1. A plurality of key mounting portions 55 are formed on the same circumferential surface as the container receiving portion 52. Each key mounting portion 55 is a portion to which a key 56 is mounted in a detachable manner. The key 56 is a member for preventing the above-mentioned liquid container 11 from being inserted by mistake. The key 56 is mounted at a position that avoids interference with the flange portion 31 according to the type of liquid contained in the container body 15. The key mounting portion 55 and the key 56 are elements that constitute the housing 45 of the container holding portion 12 together with the above-mentioned container receiving portion 52.

[0083] Each key mounting portion 55 is formed in a state where a part of the circumferential surface is recessed in a concave shape. In the present embodiment, as an example, six key mounting portions 55 are provided. The six key mounting portions 55 are formed at equal intervals (60° intervals) in the circumferential direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, one key 56 is mounted on each of two of the six key mounting portions 55. The number of keys 56 is the same as the number of notch portions 41 formed in the flange portion 31 of the lid 17. Each key 56 is mounted on the key mounting portion 55 by a bolt 57. Therefore, a threaded hole 58 that meshes with the external thread of the bolt 57 is provided in each key mounting portion 55. In addition, the recessed dimension of each key mounting portion 55 is set such that when the key 56 is mounted on the key mounting portion 55 by the bolt 57, the head of the bolt 57 is disposed at a position lower than the upper surface of the container receiving portion 52. The key 56 is disposed in a state of protruding radially inward from the container receiving portion 52. The protruding dimension of the key 56 is set such that when the liquid container 11 is erroneously inserted, the key 56 interferes (contacts) with the flange portion 31 of the lid 17.

[0084] As Figure 2 shown, the connecting portion 53 is formed at a position radially outside the container receiving portion 52. In addition, the connecting portion 53 is formed in an annular shape. A threaded hole (internal thread) that meshes with the external thread of the bolt 47 is provided in the connecting portion 53. Moreover, the housing 45 and the manifold 46 are fixed to each other by tightening the bolt 47 that meshes with the threaded hole of the connecting portion 53.

[0085] (Manifold)

[0086] Figure 11 is a view of the manifold 46 as viewed obliquely from above.

[0087] As Figure 11 shown, the manifold 46 is a hollow member integrally having a lid receiving portion 60, a first mounting portion 61, a second mounting portion 62, and a needle mounting portion 63. The lid receiving portion 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lid receiving portion 60 forms a space capable of receiving the above-mentioned lid 17. A needle 70 (refer to Figure 2 ) is disposed in the space formed in the lid receiving portion 60. The needle 70 is an element that constitutes the container holding portion 12 together with the housing 45 and the manifold 46. The upper end portion of the lid receiving portion 60 is fitted inside the above-mentioned connecting portion 53.

[0088] The first mounting portion 61 is a portion for mounting the manifold 46 on the housing 45. A through hole 61a for inserting the rod portion (external thread portion) of the above-mentioned bolt 47 is formed in the first mounting portion 61. In the present embodiment, as an example, four through holes 61a are formed in the first mounting portion 61. In this case, the manifold 46 is fixedly fastened to the connecting portion 53 of the housing 45 using four bolts 47.

[0089] The second mounting portion 62 is a portion for mounting the manifold 46 to the case 13. As Figure 1 shown, the second mounting portion 62 is fixed to the upper end portion of the case 13 by a fixing member 65. The fixing member 65 fixes the second mounting portion 62 to the upper end portion of the case 13 by, for example, the fastening force generated by the engagement of the threads with each other.

[0090] The needle mounting portion 63 is a portion for mounting the needle 70 to the manifold 46. A plurality of communication holes 64 are formed around the needle mounting portion 63. The plurality of communication holes 64 are holes that connect the space above the needle mounting portion 63 and the space below the needle mounting portion 63 inside the manifold 46. Communication means being connected in space. In the present embodiment, as an example, four communication holes 64 are formed around the needle mounting portion 63.

[0091] The needle mounting portion 63 is provided with a fixing hole 63a for fixing the needle 70. The fixing hole 63a is formed as a threaded hole (internal thread), for example, when the needle 70 is fastened and fixed to the needle mounting portion 63 by the engagement of the threads with each other. In this case, an external thread that engages with the fixing hole 63a is formed on the needle 70. The mounting structure (fixing structure) of the needle 70 to the needle mounting portion 63 is not limited to fastening by threads, and may be other structures such as adhesion or press-fitting, for example.

[0092] In addition, the manifold 46 is provided with a sensor mounting hole 66. The sensor mounting hole 66 is a hole for mounting a not-shown remaining amount sensor described later.

[0093] Figure 12 is a top view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the top end side. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the needle 70 integrally has a needle shaft portion 71, a needle flange portion 72, and a needle base portion 73. The needle 70 is preferably made of a chemical-resistant metal. The top end of the needle 70 (the needle shaft portion 71) is arranged upward. In addition, the top end of the needle 70 is formed in a conical shape.

[0095] The needle 70 has a hollow portion 74. Except for the conical portion at the top end of the needle 70, the hollow portion 74 is formed from the needle shaft portion 71 via the needle flange portion 72 to the needle base portion 73 along the central axis direction of the needle 70. That is, the needle 70 has a hollow structure.

[0096] A notch hole 75 is formed at the tip of the needle 70. The notch hole 75 is formed as a hole communicating with the hollow portion 74 at the tip of the needle 70. In the present embodiment, as a preferred example, a plurality of notch holes 75 are formed at the tip of the needle 70. Further, in the present embodiment, as an example, four notch holes 75 are formed at the tip of the needle 70. The four notch holes 75 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with an angular pitch of 90°. As Figure 12 shown, the notch hole 75 is formed in a semi-elongated hole shape. The notch hole 75 is formed in such a manner that a part of the conical surface at the tip of the needle 70 is removed.

[0097] The needle flange portion 72 is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction of the needle 70 more than the needle shaft portion 71 and the needle base portion 73. The needle flange portion 72 is a portion that abuts against the upper surface of the needle mounting portion 63 when the needle 70 is mounted on the needle mounting portion 63 of the above-described manifold 46.

[0098] The needle base portion 73 is formed on the side opposite to the needle shaft portion 71 with the needle flange portion 72 interposed therebetween. Further, the needle base portion 73 is formed at the rear end portion of the needle 70. The needle base portion 73 is a portion that is inserted into the fixing hole 63a of the needle mounting portion 63 when the needle 70 is mounted on the needle mounting portion 63 of the above-described manifold 46. Further, the needle base portion 73 is a portion formed with an external thread when the needle 70 is fastened and fixed to the needle mounting portion 63 of the above-described manifold 46 by, for example, meshing of threads with each other.

[0099] As Figure 2 shown, the needle 70 configured as described above is mounted on the needle mounting portion 63 of the manifold 46. Further, the needle shaft portion 71 of the needle 70 is arranged in a state where the tip of the needle 70 faces upward and stands vertically from the needle mounting portion 63. Further, the needle shaft portion 71 of the needle 70 is arranged at the center of the space formed by the lid accommodating portion 60 of the manifold 46.

[0100] Next, the procedure for placing the liquid container 11 in the container holding portion 12 in the liquid supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0101] First, the user inserts the unused liquid container 11 into the container holding portion 12. Specifically, the user holds the handle portion 22 of the liquid container 11 with a hand and inserts the liquid container 11 into the housing portion 51 of the container holding portion 12 from above the housing 45. At this time, the mouth portion 21 of the liquid container 11 and the lid 17 attached to the mouth portion 21 are arranged downward. Further, the mouth portion 21 of the liquid container 11 is sealed by the sealing member 16 and the lid 17. Further, the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 is arranged at a position lower than the sealing member 16.

[0102] Here, when the liquid container 11 is inserted into the container holding part 12 as described above, there is a case where the two notch parts 41 of the flange part 31 provided on the lid 17 and the two keys 56 of the key mounting part 55 mounted on the outer shell 45 are not aligned. Specifically, there is a case where, due to the user's mistake, the type of liquid stored in the liquid container 11 that should be placed in the container holding part 12 is different from the type of liquid stored in the liquid container 11 that the user intends to place in the container holding part 12. In this case, before the tip of the needle 70 contacts the lid part 29 of the lid 17, the flange part 31 of the lid 17 contacts (interferes with) the key 56 of the outer shell 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wrong liquid container 11 from being placed in the container holding part 12 due to the user's mistake, that is, the misinsertion of the liquid container 11.

[0103] In contrast, as Figure 10 shown, when the two notch parts 41 of the flange part 31 provided on the lid 17 and the two keys 56 of the key mounting part 55 mounted on the outer shell 45 are aligned, the flange part 31 of the lid 17 does not contact (interfere with) the key 56 of the outer shell 45. In this case, the needle 70 contacts the lid part 29 of the lid 17. Specifically, the tip of the needle 70 contacts the central part of the lid part 29. In the present embodiment, a thin wall part 38 is provided at the center part of the lid part 29, and there is a thick wall part (the part other than the groove part 35) around the thin wall part 38. Therefore, when the tip of the needle 70 contacts the lid part 29, it is possible to suppress the position deviation of the needle 70 by using the thick wall part around the thin wall part 38.

[0104] In addition, as described above, in a state where the tip of the needle 70 contacts the central part of the lid part 29, if the user presses the liquid container 11 downward, due to this pressing force, the central part of the lid part 29 is pushed upward by the tip of the needle 70. As a result, an opening is formed in the thin wall part 38 formed at the central part of the lid part 29, and this hole is pushed open by the tip of the needle 70. Therefore, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, the lid part 29 of the lid 17 breaks along the groove part 35 (35a to 35f). In other words, the lid part 29 breaks into six parts with the groove part 35 (35a to 35f) as the boundary. In addition, in the lid part 29 of the lid 17, the part where the groove part 35 (35a to 35f) is formed is bent upward in a rolled-up manner. As a result, a gap 77 is formed around the needle shaft part 71 of the needle 70 (refer to Figure 15 ). One gap 77 is formed at each groove part 35 (35a to 35f). In addition, the gap 77 is formed by the lid part 29 breaking along the groove part 35 and a part of the lid part 29 being bent upward in a rolled-up manner.

[0105] Here, in the lid portion 29 of the lid 17, a second groove portion 39 is formed in the second surface 37, and the second groove portion 39 is not formed in the first surface 36. Therefore, when the user presses the liquid container 11 downward, in the lid portion 29, the hexagonal portion surrounded by the second groove portion 39 is likely to break along the groove portion 35, but this hexagonal portion remains in the lid 17 as a part of the lid portion 29 and does not separate as fragments. Therefore, when the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 is broken along the groove portion 35 by the pressing of the needle 70, the generation of fragments can be suppressed.

[0106] In addition, as Figure 14 shown, a space corresponding to a predetermined distance 76 is ensured inside the lid 17 to prevent the part of the lid portion 29 that breaks along the groove portion 35 from interfering (contacting) with the sealing member 16. The predetermined distance 76 is a distance greater than or equal to the length of the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) measured from the central portion of the lid portion 29 as a reference point. Thus, the part of the lid portion 29 that breaks along the groove portion 35 does not hinder the opening and closing operation of the sealing member 16 caused by the insertion and removal of the needle 70. The opening and closing operation of the sealing member 16 refers to the operation in which the cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) formed in the sealing member 16 are pushed open by the needle 70 and the operation in which these cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) are closed due to the removal of the needle 70.

[0107] In addition, when the user presses the liquid container 11 downward as described above, the tip of the needle 70 breaks the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 along the groove portion 35, and then contacts the central portion of the sealing member 16 and presses the sealing member 16. As a result, the cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) formed in the sealing member 16 are pressed by the needle 70 and are pushed open as Figure 4 and Figure 16 shown. At this time, when the cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) are pushed open, a gap 78 is formed around the shank portion 71 of the needle 70 (see Figure 16 ). One such gap 78 is formed at each of the cut portions 26 (26a to 26d).

[0108] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12 in the liquid supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a diagram Figure 17 showing a partial enlargement of the liquid supply device 10 shown in

[0109] As Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, when the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding portion 12, the tip (upper end) of the needle 70 is disposed in a state of penetrating the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 and the sealing member 16 from below. When the liquid container 11 is thus placed in the container holding portion 12, the tip side of the needle 70 intrudes into the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15. Therefore, the tip portion of the needle 70 comes into contact with the liquid (not shown) stored in the liquid container 11. Further, as the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 ruptures along the groove portion 35, a gap 77 (see Figure 15 ) is formed around the needle shaft portion 71 of the needle 70, and the cutout portion 26 of the sealing member 16 is pushed open to form a gap 78 (see Figure 16 ).

[0110] Therefore, inside the lid accommodating portion 60 of the manifold 46, an air flow path 79 (see Figure 18 ) is formed in such a manner as to pass through the above-described gap 77 and gap 78, and air flows into the inside of the container body 15 through this flow path 79. As a result, the liquid stored in the container body 15 flows out of the container body 15 due to its own weight. Specifically, the liquid in the container body 15 mainly flows out of the container body 15 into the box 13 along two paths.

[0111] The first path is a path that flows out along the hollow portion 74 of the needle 70 from the notch hole 75 at the tip of the needle 70. The second path is a path that flows out along the above-described gaps 77, 78, and the communication hole 64. The liquid flowing out of the container body 15 along the first path and the second path flows into the box 13 through the inner space below the manifold 46. As a result, the liquid flowing out of the container body 15 accumulates in the box 13.

[0112] Then, when the surface height (liquid level) of the liquid accumulated in the box 13 reaches a predetermined height H as shown in Figure 18 , the liquid comes into contact with the lower surface of the flange portion 31. As a result, a part of the flow path 79 is blocked by the liquid, and thus air no longer flows into the container body 15. Therefore, the outflow of the liquid from the container body 15 stops.

[0113] Then, when the liquid in the box 13 is sent out to the outside through a pipe, a pump, etc. and the surface height of the liquid becomes lower than the above-described predetermined height H, air flows into the container body 15 through the flow path 79. Therefore, the liquid flows out of the container body 15 into the box 13. Each time the liquid in the box 13 is sent out to the outside, such an outflow of the liquid is repeated. Therefore, while there is liquid remaining in the container body 15, the inside of the box 13 is filled with the liquid, and the surface height of the liquid is maintained at the predetermined height H.

[0114] On the contrary, when no liquid remains in the container body 15, i.e., the container body 15 is in an empty state, even if the liquid surface height is lower than the predetermined height H, the liquid will not flow out of the container body 15 into the box 13. Therefore, when the liquid in the box 13 is sent out to the outside through a pipe, a pump, etc., the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 gradually decreases. Therefore, the user needs to replace the empty container body 15 with an unused container body 15. In addition, the user needs to be urged to replace the container body 15.

[0115] Therefore, a remaining amount sensor (not shown) for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 is installed in the box 13. As described above, the remaining amount sensor is installed in the sensor mounting hole 66 provided in the manifold 46. Moreover, when the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the remaining amount sensor outputs a detection signal indicating this meaning to the control unit (not shown) of the automatic analysis device. Then, the control unit of the automatic analysis device controls the display unit so that a message urging replacement of the container body 15 or the like is displayed on the display screen of the display unit provided in the automatic analysis device. In addition, when the automatic analysis device is equipped with a plurality of liquid supply devices 10, the control unit displays the information of the liquid supply device 10 in which the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 has become less than the predetermined amount together with the above message or the like on the display screen of the display unit. Thereby, the user identifies in which liquid supply device 10 the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 has become less than the predetermined amount by confirming the display screen of the display unit, and performs the replacement operation of the container body 15 based on the identification result.

[0116] The following describes the procedure for the replacement operation of the liquid container 11 performed by the user.

[0117] First, the user holds the handle portion 22 of the liquid container 11 placed in the liquid supply device 10 in which the remaining amount of the liquid in the box 13 has become less than the predetermined amount with a hand, and lifts the liquid container 11 from the container holding portion 12. At this time, the needle 70 is pulled out from the sealing member 16 and the lid portion 29 of the lid 17. As a result, the sealing member 16 returns to its original shape (the shape before being pushed by the needle 70) by the elasticity of the sealing member 16. In addition, the cut portions 26 (26a to 26d) formed in the sealing member 16 return to Figure 3 the closed state shown. Thereby, for example, when a small amount of liquid remains in the container body 15, or when a human error such as the user lifting a liquid container 11 different from the liquid container 11 to be replaced occurs, the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15 can be sealed by the sealing member 16 to suppress liquid leakage.

[0118] Then, the user places the unused liquid container 11 in the container holding portion 12 in the same order as the above procedure. Thereby, the replacement of the liquid container 11 is completed.

[0119] As described above, the liquid supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 15, and the container body 15 includes a sealing member 16 having a cutout portion 26 and a lid 17 having a groove portion 35 in the lid portion 29. Further, the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 is configured to break along the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) by being pressed by the needle 70, and the sealing member 16 is configured such that the cutout portion 26 (26a to 26d) is pushed open by the needle 70 pressing the sealing member 16. Thereby, by providing only one opening portion 21 in the liquid container 11, it is possible to achieve the inflow of air into the liquid container 11 and the outflow of liquid from the liquid container 11. Therefore, compared with the case where opening portions are provided separately in the upper and lower portions of the liquid container as in the past, the number of opening portions provided in the liquid container can be reduced. Therefore, for example, in the case of manufacturing the container body 15 by blow molding or the like, the manufacturing of the container body 15 becomes easy and the manufacturing cost is reduced. In addition, the user does not have to loosen the threaded lid that seals the upper portion of the liquid container. Therefore, the operation burden on the user can be reduced.

[0120] In addition, the sealing member 16 has a plurality of cutout portions 26 (26a to 26d) formed radially outward from the central portion of the sealing member 16, and the plurality of cutout portions 26 (26a to 26d) are formed to be rotationally symmetric. On the other hand, the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 has a plurality of groove portions 35 (35a to 35f) formed radially outward from the central portion of the lid portion 29, and the plurality of groove portions 35 (35a to 35f) are formed to be rotationally symmetric. Thereby, when the sealing member 16 is pressed by the needle 70, the cutout portions 26 (26a to 26d) can be evenly pushed open in the circumferential direction of the sealing member 16. In addition, when the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 is pressed by the needle 70, the lid portion 29 can be evenly broken along each of the groove portions 35a to 35f in the circumferential direction of the lid portion 29.

[0121] In addition, the lid 17 has a cylindrical side wall 28 and an annular portion 30 protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 28. Further, the sealing member 16 is pressed by the annular portion 30 against the end surface 21a of the opening portion 21. Thereby, while fastening the lid 17, the sealing member 16 can be brought into close contact with the end surface 21a of the opening portion 21, and the opening of the opening portion 21 is sealed by the sealing member 16.

[0122] In addition, a notch portion 41 for defining the notch position according to the type of liquid stored in the container body 15 is formed in the flange portion 31 of the lid 17. On the other hand, the container holding portion 12 has a key 56 installed at a position that avoids interference with the flange portion 31 according to the type of liquid stored in the container body 15, and a plurality of key mounting portions 55 for detachably mounting the key 56. Moreover, the container holding portion 12 is configured to be able to change the mounting position of the key 56 relative to the plurality of key mounting portions 55 according to the type of liquid stored in the container body 15. Thereby, misinsertion of the liquid container 11 can be prevented. In addition, when the automatic analysis device is provided with a plurality of liquid supply devices 10, the mounting position of the key 56 can be freely changed according to the type of liquid stored in the container body 15 of each liquid supply device 10. Therefore, even when the types of liquids stored in the container bodies 15 of the respective liquid supply devices 10 are different, components other than the lid 17 can be shared. In addition, in this example, an example in which the key 56 is detachably mounted on the key mounting portion 55 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the key 56 may be integrally formed with the container receiving portion 52.

[0123] In addition, the tip of the needle 70 is formed in a conical shape. Thereby, when the liquid container 11 is placed on the container holding portion 12, the pressing force of the needle 70 can be concentratedly applied to the central portion of the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 and the central portion of the sealing member 16. Therefore, when the liquid container 11 is placed on the container holding portion 12, the user can cause the tip side of the needle 70 to penetrate through the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 and the sealing member 16 and enter the mouth portion 21 by simply pressing the liquid container 11 downward with a relatively light force.

[0124] In addition, the needle 70 has a hollow portion 74, and a notch hole 75 communicating with the hollow portion 74 is formed at the tip of the needle 70. Thereby, when the tip side of the needle 70 enters the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, the hollow portion 74 of the needle 70 can be used as one of the flow paths for the liquid flowing out from the container body 15 toward the box 13.

[0125] <Second Embodiment>

[0126] Next, the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0127] The liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a different needle structure compared to the case of the first embodiment described above.

[0128] Figure 19 It is a perspective view of the needle included in the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20FIG. 0 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the arrangement state of each part when the liquid container is placed in the container holding part in the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] As Figure 19 shown, the needle 80 integrally has a needle rod part 81, a needle flange part 82, and a needle base part 83. The tip of the needle 80 (the needle rod part 81) is formed in a conical shape. The needle 80 has a hollow part 84. Except for the conical part at the tip of the needle 80, the hollow part 84 is formed in the needle 80 along the central axis direction from the needle rod part 81 via the needle flange part 82 to the needle base part 83. That is, the needle 80 has a hollow structure. The above structure is basically the same as that of the needle 70 in the first embodiment described above.

[0130] A long hole 85, which is a hole communicating with the hollow part 84, is formed in a part of the needle rod part 81 other than the tip (the conical part) of the needle 80. The long hole 85 is formed longitudinally on the peripheral wall of the needle rod part 81. In addition, two long holes 85 are provided in one needle 80. The two long holes 85 are provided at positions opposite to each other across the central axis of the needle 80.

[0131] The needle flange part 82 is formed in a state of protruding more radially outward of the needle 80 than the needle rod part 81 and the needle base part 83. The needle flange part 82 is a part that abuts against the upper surface of the needle mounting part 63 when the needle 80 is mounted on the needle mounting part 63 of the above-mentioned manifold 46.

[0132] The needle base part 83 is formed on the side opposite to the needle rod part 81 with the needle flange part 82 interposed therebetween. In addition, the needle base part 83 is formed at the rear end part of the needle 80. The needle base part 83 is a part that is inserted into the fixing hole 63a of the needle mounting part 63 when the needle 80 is mounted on the needle mounting part 63 of the above-mentioned manifold 46. In the present embodiment, for example, in the case where the needle 80 is fastened and fixed to the needle mounting part 63 of the above-mentioned manifold 46 by the engagement of threads with each other, an external thread is formed on the needle base part 83.

[0133] As Figure 20 shown, the needle 80 constituted by the above structure is mounted on the needle mounting part 63 of the manifold 46. In addition, the needle rod part 81 of the needle 80 is arranged in a state where the tip of the needle 80 faces upward and stands vertically from the needle mounting part 63. In addition, the needle rod part 81 of the needle 80 is arranged at the center of the space formed by the lid accommodating part 60 of the manifold 46.

[0134] In the liquid supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the liquid container 11 is placed in the container holding part 12, as Figure 20 shown, the lid part 29 of the lid 17 is configured to break along the groove part 35 (35a to 35f) by being pushed by the needle 80, and the sealing member 16 is configured such that the cut part 26 (26a to 26d) is pushed open by the needle 80 pushing the sealing member 16 (seeFigure 4 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 ). Therefore, similar to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to reduce the number of openings provided in the mouth portion of the liquid container and to reduce the operation burden on the user.

[0135] In addition, compared with the liquid supply device 10 of the first embodiment described above, the liquid supply device of the second embodiment of the present invention differs only in the structure of the needle 80. Therefore, in addition to the above effects, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can also be obtained.

[0136] In addition, the tip of the needle 80 is formed in a conical shape. Thus, similar to the first embodiment described above, the user can cause the tip side of the needle 80 to penetrate through the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 and the sealing member 16 and enter the mouth portion 21 by simply pressing the liquid container 11 downward with a relatively small force.

[0137] In addition, the needle 80 has a hollow portion 84, and a long hole 85 communicating with the hollow portion 84 is formed in a portion of the needle shaft portion 81 other than the tip (conical portion) of the needle 80. Thus, when the tip side of the needle 80 penetrates into the mouth portion 21 of the container main body 15, the hollow portion 84 of the needle 80 can be used as one of the flow paths for the liquid flowing out from the container main body 15 toward the box 13.

[0138] However, in the second embodiment, as Figure 20 shown, when the tip side of the needle 80 penetrates into the mouth portion 21 of the container main body 15, a part of the sealing member 16 pushed aside by the needle 80 may block a part of the long hole 85. Therefore, there is a risk that a part of the flow path of the liquid using the hollow portion 84 of the needle 80 becomes locally narrower. In addition, when the needle 80 is pulled out from the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 in order to replace the liquid container 11, there is a possibility that a part of the lid portion 29 that has broken along the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) catches on the upper edge portion of the long hole 85. Therefore, when the liquid container 11 is lifted from the container holding portion 12, there is a risk that the above-described part of the lid portion 29 catches on the upper edge portion of the long hole 85, resulting in deteriorated operability.

[0139] In contrast, in the above-described first embodiment, the tip of the needle 70 is formed in a conical shape, and a notch hole 75 is formed in the conical surface of the needle 70. Therefore, when the tip side of the needle 70 penetrates into the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, a part of the sealing member 16 pushed by the needle 70 does not block the notch hole 75. In addition, when the needle 70 is pulled out from the lid portion 29 of the lid 17 in order to replace the liquid container 11, a part of the lid portion 29 that has broken along the groove portion 35 (35a to 35f) does not catch on the notch hole 75. Therefore, regarding the structure of the needle, it is preferable to adopt the structure of the needle 70 employed in the above-described first embodiment.

[0140] <Third Embodiment>

[0141] Next, the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0142] The liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a different lid structure compared to the case of the above-described first embodiment.

[0143] Figure 21 FIG. is a perspective view of the lid 87 included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outside of the container body. Figure 22 FIG. is a perspective view of the lid 87 included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside of the container body. In addition, Figure 23 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the lid 87 included in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Figures 21 to 23 The lid 87 shown is a member that fastens the sealing member 16 to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15. The lid 87 is made of a hard material. Specifically, the lid 87 is made of a hard resin such as polypropylene, for example.

[0145] The lid 87 has a cylindrical side wall 88, a lid portion 89 formed in a state of closing one opening of the side wall 88, a ring portion 90 formed in a state of protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 88, and a flange portion 91 formed in a state of protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the side wall 88. The lid 87 is an integrally molded product of resin.

[0146] The above-described ring portion 90 and internal thread portion 92 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the side wall 88. The internal thread portion 92 is in contact with the external thread portion 23 of the mouth portion 21 when the lid 87 is attached to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15 (refer to Figure 2)The engaged part. The lid 87 is fastened by engaging the internal thread portion 92 with the external thread portion 23 of the mouth portion 21, so that the lid 87 is fastened and fixed to the mouth portion 21 of the liquid container 11. The annular portion 90 is the part that presses the sealing member 16 against the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 by fastening the lid 87 as described above. When the lid 87 is installed on the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, the mouth portion 21 is arranged upward. In this case, the sealing member 16 is arranged between the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21 and the annular portion 90 of the lid 87, and by fastening the lid 87 in this state, the sealing member 16 is fixed in a state of being closely attached to the end face 21a of the mouth portion 21.

[0147] As Figure 24 shown, the lid portion 89 is arranged in a state opposite to the sealing member 16. When the lid 87 is viewed from the front direction, the lid portion 89 is formed in a circular shape. In addition, as Figure 21 shown, a plurality of (4 in the illustrated example) ribs 93 are formed around the lid portion 89. The ribs 93 are formed in a state of connecting the side wall 88 and the lid portion 89 in the radial direction of the lid 87.

[0148] In addition, the lid portion 89 has a first surface 95 arranged in a state opposite to the sealing member 16, a second surface 96 arranged on the side opposite to the first surface 95, and a conical portion 97 having a quadrangular pyramid shape. In the state where the lid 87 is installed on the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15, the first surface 95 of the lid portion 89 becomes the inner surface of the lid portion 89 facing the inside of the container body 15, and the second surface 96 of the lid portion 89 becomes the outer surface of the lid portion 89 facing the outside of the container body 15. The conical portion 97 is formed such that the first surface 95 side is convex and the second surface 96 side is concave.

[0149] A plurality of groove portions 98 (98a to 98d) are formed in the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89. The groove portions 98 (98a to 98d) are formed to locally reduce the thickness dimension of the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89. Moreover, the groove portions 98 (98a to 98d) are formed such that when the needle 70 presses the lid portion 89, the lid portion 89 breaks along the groove portions 98 (98a to 98d). Figures 21 to 23 Shows the structure of the lid 87 before the lid portion 89 breaks along the groove portions 98 (98a to 98d).

[0150] In the present embodiment, as an example, four groove portions 98a to 98d are formed in the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89. The four groove portions 98a to 98d are formed in rotational symmetry. In addition, the four groove portions 98a to 98d are formed in a radial shape so as to extend from the central portion of the lid portion 89 toward the radial outside.

[0151] The four grooves 98a to 98d are formed on both the first surface 95 and the second surface 96. Specifically, the four grooves 98a to 98d are formed along the ridgeline of the convex tapered portion 97 on the first surface 95 side, and along the ridgeline of the concave tapered portion 97 on the second surface 96 side. In other words, the four grooves 98a to 98d are formed at corresponding positions on the first surface 95 and the second surface 96, respectively.

[0152] The depth dimension of each groove part 98a-98d on the side of the first surface 95 is the same as the depth dimension of each groove part 98a-98d on the side of the second surface 96. However, the depth dimension of each groove part 98a-98d on the side of the first surface 95 may be different from the depth dimension of each groove part 98a-98d on the side of the second surface 96.

[0153] A thin-walled portion 99 is formed at the center of the tapered portion 97 to suppress positional deviation of the needle 70. The thin-walled portion 99 is formed on both the first surface 95 and the second surface 96, similarly to the four grooves 98a to 98d described above. The thin-walled portion 99 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The depth dimension of the thin-walled portion 99 on the first surface 95 side is the same as the depth dimension of each groove 98a to 98d on the first surface 95 side, and the depth dimension of the thin-walled portion 99 on the second surface 96 side is the same as the depth dimension of each groove 98a to 98d on the second surface 96 side.

[0154] like Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, a plurality of notch portions 100 are formed on the flange portion 91. In the present embodiment, as an example, two notch portions 100 are formed on the circumference of the flange portion 91. The two notch portions 100 are formed at positions staggered by 180° in the circumferential direction of the cover 87. In addition, each notch portion 100 is formed with a predetermined width in the circumferential direction. In the circumferential direction of the cover 87, the position of each notch portion 100, i.e., the notch position, is determined according to the type of liquid contained in the container body 15. The number of notch portions 100 may be one or more than three. The notch portion 100 of the flange portion 91 is formed to prevent the liquid container 11 from being inserted by mistake. The principle of preventing the liquid container 11 from being inserted by mistake is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0155] In the liquid supply device of the third embodiment of the present invention, when the user places the liquid container 11 on the container holding portion 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 24As shown, sometimes there is a positional deviation S between the central axis of the lid 87 and the central axis of the needle 70. Regarding this positional deviation S, when the container body 15 of the liquid container 11 is inserted into the housing portion 51 of the container holding portion 12, by improving the positioning accuracy of the container body 15 relative to the housing portion 51, this positional deviation S can be suppressed to a small value. However, if the positioning accuracy of the container body 15 relative to the housing portion 51 is improved, it becomes difficult to insert the container body 15 into the housing portion 51. If the positional accuracy is improved, the manufacturing costs of the liquid container 11, the lid 87, and the housing portion 51 increase. Therefore, in order to smoothly insert the container body 15 into the housing portion 51 and suppress the increase in the manufacturing costs of the liquid container 11, the lid 87, and the housing portion 51, it is necessary to relax the above-mentioned positioning accuracy.

[0156] In contrast, in the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a tapered portion 97 is formed in the lid portion 89 of the lid 87, and a groove portion 98 (98a to 98d) is formed in the tapered portion 97. Therefore, when there is a positional deviation S between the central axis of the lid 87 and the central axis of the needle 70, the inclined surface of the tapered portion 97 comes into contact with the tip of the needle 70. At this time, the inclined surface of the tapered portion 97 functions as a guiding surface for guiding the tip of the needle 70 toward the central portion (thin wall portion 99) of the tapered portion 97. In addition, when the user is inserting the container body 15 into the housing portion 51, if the tip of the needle 70 comes into contact with the inclined surface (concave surface) of the tapered portion 97, a lateral (horizontal direction) force F for reducing the positional deviation S is applied to the lid 87. The lid 87 is attached to the mouth portion 21 of the container body 15. Therefore, when a lateral force F is applied to the lid 87, the positions of both the lid 87 and the container body 15 are corrected. Therefore, during the process in which the user places the liquid container 11 in the container holding portion 12, the positional deviation S is eliminated. Therefore, the tip of the needle 70 can be brought into contact with the central portion of the lid portion 89.

[0157] Further, as described above, in a state where the tip of the needle 70 is in contact with the central portion of the lid portion 89, if the user presses the liquid container 11 downward, the lid portion 89 of the lid 87 is pushed by the needle 70 and thus ruptures along the groove portion 98 (98a to 98d). Specifically, when the central portion of the lid portion 89 is pushed by the tip of the needle 70, a thin wall portion 99 formed in the central portion of the lid portion 89 is perforated, and the hole is pushed open by the tip of the needle 70. Thereby, the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89 is broken into four parts with the groove portion 98 (98a to 98d) as a boundary. Therefore, even when the positioning accuracy of the container body 15 relative to the housing portion 51 is relaxed, the tip of the needle 70 can reliably contact the central portion of the lid portion 89, and the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89 can be broken along the groove portion 98 (98a to 98d). In addition, the inclined surface of the conical portion 97 functions as a guiding surface for guiding the tip of the needle 70 to the central portion of the lid portion 89. Thereby, the pressing force of the user required for breaking the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89 along the groove portion 98 (98a to 98d) can be made constant. Therefore, a liquid supply device with good usability for the user can be provided.

[0158] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the conical portion 97 of the lid portion 89 is formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The conical portion of the lid portion 89 may be a pyramid shape other than a quadrangular pyramid or may be a conical shape. In addition, the number of groove portions 98 formed in the conical portion of the lid portion 89 may also be changed according to the shape of the conical portion. In addition, the liquid supply device of the third embodiment of the present invention may also be a structure including a needle 80 instead of the needle 70.

[0159] <Examples of Modifications, etc.>

[0160] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and also includes various modified or improved modes within the range capable of deriving specific effects obtained by the constituent elements of the invention or their combinations.

[0161] For example, in the above-described embodiments, as a preferred example, the needle has a hollow portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the needle may also have a structure without a hollow portion.

[0162] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, as a preferred example, the tip of the needle is conical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the tip of the needle may also be pyramidal. In addition, as long as the tip of the needle is a shape such that the lid portion 29 can rupture along the groove portion 35 when the tip of the needle presses the lid portion 29 of the lid 17, it may be any shape.

[0163] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, as a preferred example, groove portions 35 are formed on two surfaces (the first surface 36 and the second surface 37) of the lid portion 29 of the lid 17. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the groove portion 35 may be formed on a single surface of the lid portion 29 of the lid 17. In this regard, in the above-described third embodiment, the same applies to the groove portion 98 formed in the tapered portion 97 of the lid portion 89.

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, wherein: The liquid supply device comprises: A liquid container having a container body for storing liquid, a sealing member for sealing a mouth provided on the container body, and a lid for buckling the sealing member on the mouth; as well as a container holding portion for holding the liquid container in a manner that the lid faces downward, the container holding portion comprising a lid accommodating portion forming a space capable of accommodating the lid and a needle arranged in the space formed by the lid accommodating portion, The sealing member is made of an elastic material and has a cutout portion. The cover is made of a hard material and has a cover portion arranged to face the sealing member, and the cover portion has a groove portion formed so as to locally reduce the thickness dimension of the cover portion. The cover portion of the cap is configured so that the cover portion is broken along the groove portion when the needle pushes the cover portion. The sealing member is configured so that the incision portion is pushed open when the sealing member is pushed by the needle.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member has a plurality of cutouts extending from a central portion of the sealing member toward a radially outer side, and the plurality of cutouts are formed to be rotationally symmetrical. The cover portion has a plurality of groove portions extending from a center portion of the cover portion toward a radially outer side, and the plurality of groove portions are formed to be rotationally symmetrical.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 2, wherein: A thin-walled portion for suppressing positional deviation of the needle is formed at a central portion of the cover portion.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover has a cylindrical side wall and an annular portion formed in a state of protruding radially inward from an inner surface of the side wall. The sealing member is pressed against the end surface of the mouth by the annular portion.

5. The liquid supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The lid has a flange portion formed in a state of protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the side wall, and a notch portion is formed in the flange portion, and a notch position of the notch portion is specified for each type of liquid contained in the container body. The container holding portion has a key mounted at a position that avoids interference with the flange portion according to the type of liquid contained in the container body.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The container holding portion includes a plurality of key mounting portions to which the key is detachably mounted, and the container holding portion is configured such that mounting positions of the key can be changed according to the type of the liquid.

7. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: A distance greater than or equal to the length of the groove portion based on the center of the cover portion is ensured between the sealing member and the cover portion.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The cover portion has a first surface arranged in a state opposite to the sealing member and a second surface arranged on the side opposite to the first surface, the plurality of grooves are formed at corresponding positions of the first surface and the second surface, and a second groove is formed on the second surface in a state of connecting radially outer ends of the plurality of grooves.

9. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover has a first surface arranged to face the sealing member, a second surface arranged on the opposite side of the first surface, and a tapered portion formed so that the first surface side is convex and the second surface side is concave, and the groove is formed in the tapered portion.

10. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The tip of the needle is conical.

11. The liquid supply device according to claim 10, wherein: The needle has a hollow portion, A hole communicating with the hollow portion is formed at the tip or the peripheral wall of the needle.

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