Fluid supply device

Abstract

To stabilize an automatic discharge operation of fluid even when a cartridge filled with the fluid is soft.SOLUTION: A fluid supply device 1 comprises: a housing container 2 which removably accommodates a cartridge 90 that includes a filling container 91 filled with fluid F and a discharge port 92 provided at one end of the filling container 91 to discharge the fluid F from the filling container 91; a discharge outlet 4 which discharges the fluid F discharged from the cartridge 90; a first pressing part 3A which presses the other end of the filling container 91 with first pressing force P1; and a second pressing part 3B which supplies fluid pressurized at second pressing force P2 into an annular space 2c between the filling container 91 and the housing container 2. When the first pressing part 3A and the second pressing part 3B are activated to start the discharge of the fluid F, after the fluid supplied by the second pressing part 3B reaches the second pressing force P2, the pressing force of the first pressing part 3A reaches the first pressing force P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a constant-volume dispensing device that dispenses a constant amount of liquid material from a cylindrical cartridge. The cartridge has a piston that compresses a filling chamber that is filled with the liquid material. The constant-volume dispensing device has a cylindrical device body that houses the cartridge. The piston is pressed by supplying compressed air into the device body, and the liquid material is dispensed from the cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6084322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, some cartridges have been made of soft materials in consideration of the environmental impact. If pressure is applied to such cartridges without considering the pressure balance as described above, the cartridge may be partially bent, or in the worst case scenario, it may be destroyed by a sudden increase in the internal pressure of the cartridge, making it difficult to dispense a fixed amount of ink.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to stabilize the operation of automatically discharging a fluid even if the cartridge in which the fluid is filled is soft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One form of the present invention provides a fluid supplying device comprising a storage container that removably houses a filled container molded from a thin film and filled with a fluid, and a cartridge having an outlet provided at one end of the filled container for allowing the fluid to flow out of the filled container, an outlet provided in the storage container for discharging the fluid flowing out from the cartridge, a first pressing section that presses the other end of the filled container with a first pressing force when the cartridge is stored in the storage container, and a second pressing section that supplies a fluid pressurized to a second pressing force to a space between the filled container and the storage container in the stored state, wherein when the first pressing section and the second pressing section are activated to start discharging the fluid, the fluid supplied by the second pressing section reaches the second pressing force, and then the pressing force by the first pressing section reaches the first pressing force.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the cartridge having the filling container and an outlet provided at one end thereof is removably housed in the storage container. The fluid filled in the filling container is automatically discharged from the storage container through the outlet provided in the storage container by the action of the first pressing part and the second pressing part. Since the filling container is formed of a thin film, it can be folded up small after the fluid is emptied, which contributes to reducing the environmental load by reducing the volume of waste, etc., but since it is soft, it has a weak ability to maintain its shape for good discharge of the fluid.

[0008] The first pressing section applies a first pressing force to the other end of the filled container, that is, the end opposite to the outlet. On the other hand, the second pressing section supplies a fluid with a second pressing force to the space between the filled container and the storage container, thereby applying a second pressing force to the outer peripheral surface of the filled container. Therefore, even if the first pressing force is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the filled container, the outer periphery of the thin-film filled container is sufficiently supported by the second pressing force, and the first pressing force is applied in the direction of the outlet while the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure is also small, so that the filled container can be prevented from being deformed or bursting, which would make it difficult to discharge, without being crushed. In particular, at the start of discharge, the pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing section reaches the second pressing force before the pressing force by the first pressing section reaches the first pressing force. In the transitional period before the first pressing section and the second pressing section enter stable operation, the risk of the filled container being deformed or bursting, which would make it difficult to discharge, can be reduced. This allows the first pressing force to be effectively utilized as energy for ejection, and the ejection action of the fluid can be stabilized even if the cartridge is soft.

[0009] The first pressing portion may have a pressing member that slides inside the storage container, and the inside of the storage container may be divided by the pressing member into a storage space in which the cartridge is to be stored and a pressure chamber to which pressurized fluid is supplied, and the pressing member may be driven to press the other end of the filled container by the fluid supplied to the pressure chamber.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the first pressing force can be evenly applied to the other end of the pressing member, stabilizing the discharge operation. In addition, the pressing member slides in response to the discharge operation, compressing the storage space and automatically reducing the volume of the thin cartridge. This contributes to reducing the labor required for cartridge disposal. Furthermore, the size of the fluid supplying device can be reduced compared to other types of pressing mechanisms.

[0011] The first pressing force may be greater than the second pressing force.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the first pressing force is applied to the end portion opposite the outlet, and the second pressing force is applied from the outside to the peripheral surface of the filling container. When the first pressing force is greater than the second pressing force, the fluid is more likely to flow toward the outlet in the filling container, improving the ease of use of the cartridge.

[0013] The pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing portion may rise prior to the pressing force by the first pressing portion.

[0014] According to the above configuration, at the start of discharge, before the pressing force by the first pressing section reaches the first pressing force, the pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing section can be appropriately increased to reach the second pressing force. Therefore, during the transitional period before the first pressing section and the second pressing section enter stable operation, the risk of deformation or bursting of the filled container that would make discharge difficult can be reduced.

[0015] The fluid supplying device may further include a speed adjustment unit that adjusts at least the rate at which the pressing force by the first pressing unit increases so that the pressing force by the first pressing unit reaches the first pressing force after the pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing unit reaches the second pressing force.

[0016] According to the above configuration, in the transitional period before the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion enter stable operation, the risk of the filled container deforming or bursting, which would make it difficult to discharge, can be further reduced.

[0017] The second pressing portion may have a pressure relief portion that maintains the pressure of the fluid supplied to the annular space at the second pressing force.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned configuration, even if the volume of the cartridge decreases as the fluid is consumed and the volume of the space becomes smaller, the pressure of the fluid in the space can be prevented from becoming excessively high. Therefore, the fluid dispensing operation is continuously stable until the cartridge is used up.

[0019] The storage container may have a container body open at both ends, a first head selectively attached to one end or the other end of the container body, and a second head attached to the side of the one end or the other end of the container body opposite the first head, and the discharge outlet may be provided in the first head, and the first pressing portion may be provided in the second head.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the position of the ejection port and the position of the first pressing portion can be interchanged. When the container has such a "reversible structure", the cartridge replacement operation can be performed quickly.

[0021] The device may further include a control unit that controls operations of the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit.

[0022] According to the above configuration, at the start of discharge, the increase in pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing portion and the increase in the pressing force by the first pressing portion can be automated, which makes it easier to reduce the risk of the filled container bursting. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, even if the cartridge filled with the fluid is soft, the operation of automatically discharging the fluid can be stabilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a discharge system to which a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a front view of a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a side view of a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid supplying device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5]4 is a timing chart of the fluid supplying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the fluid supplying device according to the first embodiment when discharging a fluid. [Figure 7A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing device showing a new cartridge housed therein and having a discharge port at one end. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing device showing a state after the fluid in the cartridge has been used up and the head has been removed from the state shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing device showing a state in which an exhausted cartridge is removed from the container and a new cartridge is inserted into the container; [Figure 7D] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing device showing a state in which a new cartridge is accommodated and a discharge port is provided at the other end. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a discharge system to which a fluid supplying device according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a fluid supplying device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a timing chart of the fluid supplying device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] (First embodiment) 1, a fluid supplying device 1 according to a first embodiment is applied to a discharge system 100 that discharges a fluid F and applies the fluid F to a required portion of a workpiece (not shown). In addition to the fluid supplying device 1, the discharge system 100 includes a cartridge 90, a dispenser 80, a fluid supply path 85, and a movement mechanism (not shown). The fluid supplying device 1 includes a container 2 and a pressing unit 3.

[0027] The cartridge 90 is removably housed in the storage container 2. The cartridge 90 has a filling container 91 filled with a fluid F, and an outlet 92 provided at one end of the filling container 91. The storage container 2 is provided with a discharge port 4. The discharge port 4 is connected to the dispenser 80 via a fluid supply path 85. The dispenser 80 is constituted by, for example, a single-shaft eccentric screw pump, and has a discharge nozzle 81 provided at the tip of the pump.

[0028] The pressing portion 3 applies a pressing force necessary to cause the fluid F to flow out to the cartridge 90 while it is contained in the storage container 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "contained state"). The pressing portion 3 includes a first pressing portion 3A and a second pressing portion 3B. The first pressing portion 3A presses the other end of the filling container 91 with a first pressing force P1. The second pressing portion 3B supplies the fluid pressurized to a second pressing force P2 to the annular space 2c between the filling container 91 and the storage container 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first pressing section 3A, like the second pressing section 3B, supplies a fluid pressurized to a first pressing force P1. The fluid may be a liquid such as hydraulic oil, or may be air as in this embodiment. Both the first pressing force P1 and the second pressing force P2 are higher than atmospheric pressure. The first pressing force P1 is higher than the second pressing force P2.

[0030] The storage container 2 has a first pressure port 5 to which air with a first pressing force P1 is supplied, and a second pressure port 6 to which air with a second pressing force P2 is supplied. The first pressure port 5 is provided at an end of the storage container 2, the end opposite the discharge port 4. The second pressure port 6 is provided at an end of the storage container 2, the end on the same side as the discharge port 4.

[0031] A piston 7 as an example of a pressing member is accommodated inside the storage container 2. The piston 7 is not provided for each cartridge 90. The piston 7 constitutes a part of the first pressing section 3A. The inside of the storage container 2 is partitioned by the piston 7 into a storage space 2a in which the cartridge 90 is to be accommodated and a pressure chamber 2b to which the first pressure port 5 opens. Air of a first pressing force P1 is supplied to the pressure chamber 2b via the first pressure port 5. The piston 7 is driven by the air to slide inside the storage container 2 and press the other end of the filling container 91.

[0032] The fluid F flows out of the filling container 91 and into the storage container 2 through the outlet 92, and is discharged out of the storage container 2 through the discharge port 4. Furthermore, the fluid F is supplied to the dispenser 80 through the fluid supply path 85, discharged from the discharge nozzle 81, and applied to a workpiece (not shown).

[0033] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the movement mechanism displaces at least the dispenser 80 and changes the relative position of the discharge nozzle 81 with respect to the work. When the fluid supply path 85 is formed by a tube, which is flexible and long, the container 2 may be stationary. The movement mechanism may displace the container 2 together with the dispenser 80. For example, the movement mechanism may be realized by an industrial articulated robot. In this case, the dispenser 80 is attached to the tip of a robot arm.

[0034] 2, the cartridge 90 has a filling container 91 and an outlet 92. The filling container 91 is in the shape of a long bag, and the fluid F is filled inside the filling container 91. The filling container 91 is cylindrical, at least when new. The outlet 92 is provided at one end of the filling container 91. When the inside of the filling container 91 is pressurized, the fluid F flows out of the filling container 91 through the outlet 92. In this embodiment, the filling container 91 has no opening other than the outlet 92.

[0035] Filling container 91 is formed of a thin film. The thickness of the film is, for example, 10 to 50 μm. Polyethylene resin materials such as LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate), materials obtained by subjecting these resins to aluminum deposition processing, or pressed aluminum foil are suitable examples of thin film materials that can be applied to filling container 91 in view of their excellent barrier properties and flexibility.

[0036] Since the filling container 91 is formed of a thin film, the filling container 91 is easily compressed in response to the outflow of the fluid F. When the fluid F is used up, the volume of the cartridge 90 is significantly reduced compared to when it is new. This reduces the amount of waste and contributes to reducing the environmental impact.

[0037] The fluid F may be an adhesive, a sealing agent, a filler, a heat dissipation agent, a lubricant, or a coating agent. The viscosity of the fluid F is, for example, 10 to 10,000 Pa·s.

[0038] The cartridge 90 has an outflow head 93 provided at one end of the filling container 91, and a pressure-receiving head 94 provided at the other end of the filling container 91. The outflow head 93 and the pressure-receiving head 94 are molded from a resin that is harder than the filling container 91. The outflow head 93 is cylindrical and joined to one end surface of the filling container 91. The pressure-receiving head 94 is cylindrical and joined to the other end surface of the filling container 91. The means for joining the filling container 91 to the head is not particularly limited, and adhesion using an adhesive or heat fusion may be applied.

[0039] The outflow head 93 has a disk-shaped bottom wall 93a joined to the filled container 91, a cylindrical nozzle 93b protruding from the center of the bottom wall 93a on the side opposite the filled container 91, and an outer peripheral wall 93c protruding from the periphery of the bottom wall 93a on the side opposite the filled container 91. The nozzle 93b has a through hole that is open at both ends, and this through hole constitutes the outflow port 92. A male thread is cut on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 93b.

[0040] The pressure-receiving head 94 has a disk-shaped bottom wall 94a joined to the filled container 91, and an outer peripheral wall 94b protruding from the periphery of the bottom wall 94a. The outer peripheral wall 94b is fitted onto the other end of the filled container 91 and joined to the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the filled container 91.

[0041] 2, 3A, and 3B, the storage container 2 has a container body 20, a first head 21, and a second head 22.

[0042] The container body 20 has high rigidity and is made of a metal such as steel or an aluminum alloy. The container body 20 is cylindrical with both ends open. Male threaded portions 20a, 20b are formed on one end and the other end of the outer circumferential surface of the container body 20. The thread specifications (e.g., pitch, etc.) of the two male threaded portions 20a, 20b are the same as each other.

[0043] The first head 21 has a cylindrical portion 21a. An internal thread portion 21b that can be screwed into both the external thread portion 20a and the external thread portion 20b is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 21a. The second head 22 also has a cylindrical portion 22a. An internal thread portion 22b that can be screwed into both the external thread portion 20a and the external thread portion 20b is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 22a.

[0044] The first head 21 is selectively and removably attached to one end or the other end of the container body 20. The second head 22 is also selectively and removably attached to one end or the other end of the container body 20. When attached, the cylindrical portion of the head is tightened onto the end of the container body 20. The opening of the end of the container body 20 is closed by the head attached to that end.

[0045] When the first head 21 is attached to one end, the second head 22 is attached to the other end on the opposite side. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "first state (of the storage container 2)." When the first head 21 is attached to the other end, the second head 22 is attached to one end on the opposite side. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "second state (of the storage container 2)." Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the storage container 2 is in the first state.

[0046] The discharge port 4 is provided in the first head 21. Specifically, the first head 21 has a protruding portion 21c protruding outward from the center of the cylindrical portion 21a, and the discharge port 4 is formed inside the protruding portion 21c. The discharge port 4 includes an axial portion 4a extending in the axial direction inside the protruding portion 21c, and a radial portion 4b extending from the axial portion 4a to the radially outer periphery side. The axial portion 4a opens into the inside of the cylindrical portion 21a, and the radial portion 4b opens to the outer surface of the protruding portion 21c. The axial portion 4a is formed by blocking the tip of a through hole formed in the protruding portion 21c with a plug 8. A female thread is cut on the inner peripheral surface of the axial portion 4a.

[0047] The first pressure port 5 is provided in the second head 22. Specifically, a threaded hole is formed in the center of the bottom wall of the cylindrical portion 22a of the second head 22, and the first pressure port 5 is configured by a plug member screwed into the threaded hole. One end of the first pressure port 5 opens to the outer surface of the plug member, and the other end of the first pressure port 5 opens within the threaded hole.

[0048] 2 and 3C, the second pressure port 6 is provided in the first head 21. Specifically, an annular groove 6a is formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cylindrical portion 21a of the first head 21. A plurality of axial grooves 6b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each axial groove 6b extends in the axial direction from the annular groove 6a and opens to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21a of the first head 21.

[0049] 2, the piston 7 is cylindrical. A ring 7a is fitted in the axial center of the outer circumferential surface of the piston 7. The ring 7a is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the container 2 while allowing the piston 7 to slide in the axial direction within the container 2.

[0050] In the state where the cartridge 90 is accommodated, the nozzle 93b is screwed onto the axial portion 4a, and the cartridge 90 is removably fixed to the accommodation container 2. The inside of the filling container 91 communicates with the discharge port 4 via the outlet 92.

[0051] The end face of the piston 7 on the housing space 2a side abuts against the outer surface of the bottom wall 94a of the pressure-receiving head 94 of the cartridge 90. The outer diameter of the filling container 91 is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing container 2. Therefore, the above-mentioned annular space 2c is formed. The annular space 2c communicates with the annular groove 6a of the first head 21, i.e., the second pressure port 6. On the other hand, the annular space 2c as a part of the housing space 2a is closed by the piston 7 and isolated from the pressure chamber 2b.

[0052] 3B and 3C, the proximity sensor 11 is attached to the first head 21 via a bracket 23. The proximity sensor 11 detects the approach of the piston 7, more specifically, when the piston 7 reaches bottom dead center (BDC) near the first head 21. The principle of the proximity sensor 11 is not particularly limited. When the proximity sensor 11 is, for example, a magnetic type, a permanent magnet 7b is built into the piston 7.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 1, the pressing unit 3 has an air pressure source 30, a common line 31, a first branch line 32A, a second branch line 32B, a primary regulator 33, a residual pressure exhaust valve 34, a first opening / closing valve 35, a first speed controller 36 (speed adjustment unit), a secondary regulator valve 37 (pressure relief unit), a second opening / closing valve 38, and a second speed controller 39 (speed adjustment unit).

[0054] The air pressure source 30 stores high pressure (original pressure P0) air. The common line 31 extends from the air pressure source 30. A first branch line 32A and a second branch line 32B extend from the common line 31, branching off from each other. The first branch line 32A is connected to a first pressure port 5. The second branch line 32B is connected to a second pressure port 6. Air in the air pressure source 30 is supplied to the first pressure port 5 via the common line 31 and the first branch line 32A, and is connected to the second pressure port 6 via the common line 31 and the second branch line 32B.

[0055] The primary regulator 33 and the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 are interposed on the common line 31, and are arranged in this order from the air pressure source 30. The primary regulator 33 adjusts (reduces) the original pressure P0 to a first pressing force P1. The residual pressure exhaust valve 34 switches between an exhaust position where the first pressure port 5 and the second pressure port 6 are released to the atmosphere, and a pressurizing position where the first pressure port 5 and the second pressure port 6 are connected to the primary regulator 33.

[0056] The first on-off valve 35 and the first speed controller 36 are interposed on the first branch line 32A and are arranged in this order from the branch point with the second branch line 32B toward the first pressure port 5. The first on-off valve 35 switches between a closed position where the first pressure port 5 is cut off from the residual pressure release valve 34 and an open position where the first pressure port 5 is connected to the residual pressure release valve 34.

[0057] The first speed controller 36 has a variable throttle 36a and a check valve 36b connected in parallel to the variable throttle 36a. The check valve 36b blocks a flow in the pressurizing direction (from the residual pressure release valve 34 to the first pressure port 5) and allows a flow in the exhaust direction (from the first pressure port 5 to the residual pressure release valve 34). As a result, when air flows in the pressurizing direction in the first branch line 32A, the air passes through the variable throttle 36a.

[0058] The secondary regulator 37, the second on-off valve 38, and the second speed controller 39 are interposed on the second branch line 32B, and are arranged in this order from the branch point with the first branch line 32A toward the second pressure port 6. The secondary regulator 37 is, for example, a pressure control valve called a precision regulator and equipped with an internal relief valve. That is, it adjusts (reducing) the first pressing force P1 output from the primary regulator 33 to the second pressing force P2. In addition, the secondary regulator 37 relieves air to the outside by the internal relief valve when the air pressure on the second pressure port 6 side as viewed from the secondary regulator 37 (i.e., the secondary pressure) becomes equal to or higher than the second pressing force P2, thereby maintaining the secondary pressure at a constant pressure.

[0059] The second on-off valve 38 switches between a closed position where the second pressure port 6 is isolated from the secondary regulator 37, and an open position where the second pressure port 6 is connected to the secondary regulator 37. The second speed controller 39 is configured similarly to the first speed controller 36, and has a variable throttle 39a and a check valve 39b.

[0060] The first pressing section 3A and the second pressing section 3B are equipped with an air pressure source 30, a common line 31, a primary regulator 33, and a residual pressure exhaust valve 34 as common components.

[0061] 2, the first pressing section 3A further includes a first branch line 32A, a first on-off valve 35, and a first speed controller 36 in addition to the above common configuration. The first pressing section 3A further includes a first pressure port 5, a pressure chamber 2b, and a piston 7. When the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 is in the pressurized position and the first on-off valve 35 is in the open position, the first pressing section 3A adjusts the air from the air pressure source 30 to a first pressing force P1 and supplies it to the first pressure port 5. The air with the first pressing force P1 is supplied to the pressure chamber 2b, which causes the piston 7 to slide. The other end of the filling container 91 is pressed by the piston 7.

[0062] In addition to the above common configuration, the second pressing section 3B further includes a second branch line 32B, a secondary regulator 37, a second on-off valve 38, and a second speed controller 39. The second pressing section 3B further includes a second pressure port 6. When the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 is in the pressurized position and the second on-off valve 38 is in the open position, the second pressing section 3B sequentially reduces the air from the air pressure source 30 to a second pressing force P2 and supplies the air of the second pressing force P2 to the second pressure port 6. The air of the second pressing force P2 is supplied to the annular space 2c between the storage container 2 and the filling container 91, and the second pressing force P2 is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the filling container 91. Since the second pressure port 6 has a plurality of openings, the downstream end of the second branch line 32B is further branched according to the number of openings of the second pressure port 6 and connected to each of the plurality of openings.

[0063] In this embodiment, the primary regulator 33 and the secondary regulator 37 are pilot-operated valves that use the secondary pressure as a pilot pressure. The residual pressure exhaust valve 34, the first on-off valve 35, and the second on-off valve 38 are manual switching valves. The throttling amounts of the variable throttles 36a, 39a of the first speed controller 36 and the second speed controller 39 are manually adjusted. In this embodiment, the pressing unit 3 does not have any element that is operated by electronic control.

[0064] 4, the fluid supplying device 1 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned proximity sensor 11, a first pressure sensor 12a, a second pressure sensor 12b, an operation panel 19, a controller 10 (controller), and an alarm 18. The first pressure sensor 12a detects the secondary pressure of the primary regulator 33. The second pressure sensor 12b detects the secondary pressure of the secondary regulator 37. The operation panel 19 is operated by an operator. The operation panel 19 is provided with, for example, a switch for starting the discharge operation and a switch for emergency stopping the discharge operation.

[0065] The controller 10 is connected to the first pressure sensor 12a, the second pressure sensor 12b, an operation panel 19, and an alarm 18. The controller 10 may be realized by a computer having a memory, a CPU, and an input / output interface. The CPU reads out a program pre-stored in the memory, and executes information processing according to the procedure instructed by the program. The alarm 18 may be in any form, and may notify the worker of information visually, such as a lamp or a display, or may notify the worker of information auditorily, such as a buzzer or a speaker.

[0066] The operation of the fluid supplying device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below. In Fig. 5, the first pressing force P1 and the second pressing force P2 are gauge pressures relative to the atmospheric pressure.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, when the fluid supplying device 1 is stopped, the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 is located at the exhaust position, and the first on-off valve 35 and the second on-off valve 38 are located at the open position. The first pressure port 5 is opened to the atmosphere via the first speed controller 36, the first on-off valve 35, and the residual pressure exhaust valve 34. The second pressure port 6 is opened to the atmosphere via the second speed controller 39, the second on-off valve 38, the secondary regulator 37, and the residual pressure exhaust valve 34. As a result, the pressure chamber 2b and the annular space 2c become atmospheric pressure (gauge pressure: 0). After that, the operator manually switches the first on-off valve 35 and the second on-off valve 38 to the closed position. The time chart in FIG. 5 starts from this state.

[0068] In order to start the fluid supplying device 1, an operator manually switches the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 from the exhaust position to the pressurizing position (time t0). Next, the operator manually switches the second opening / closing valve 38 from the closed position to the open position (time t1B). At this time, the first opening / closing valve 35 is maintained in the closed position, and the pressure of the air supplied by the second pressing part 3B rises before the pressing force by the first pressing part 3A. Therefore, the first pressure port 5 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, while the pressure of the second pressure port 6 rises by the supply of air from the air pressure source 30. A second speed controller 39 is interposed in the second branch line 32B. Therefore, the pressure of the second pressure port 6 rises from atmospheric pressure to the second pressing force P2 at a speed according to the throttling amount set by the second speed controller 39.

[0069] The operator waits for a predetermined time to elapse after switching the second on-off valve 38. During the wait, the pressure at the second pressure port 6 reaches the second pressing force P2 (time t2B). The predetermined time is appropriately determined according to the pressure value of the second pressing force P2 and the pressure rise speed set by the second speed controller 39.

[0070] After a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, after the pressure of the air supplied to the annular space 2c reaches the second pressing force P2, the operator manually switches the first on-off valve to the open position (time t1A). Then, the pressure of the first pressure port 5 increases as air is supplied from the air pressure source 30. A first speed controller 36 is interposed in the first branch line 32A. The pressure of the first pressure port 5 increases from atmospheric pressure at a speed according to the throttling amount set by the first speed controller 36, and reaches the first pressing force P1 (time t2A).

[0071] In the illustrated example, the pressure increase speed set by the first speed controller 36 is the same as the pressure increase speed set by the second speed controller 39, but this is merely an example. In the present embodiment in which the pressure increase at the first pressure port 5 starts after the second pressing force P2 is reached, either pressure increase speed can be faster.

[0072] 2 and 6, the cartridge 90 is in a new state, and the piston 7 is at top dead center (TDC). When the piston 7 is at top dead center, the axial length of the cartridge 90 is maximized, the volume of the accommodation space 2a is maximized, and the pressure chamber 2b is minimized. The end face of the piston 7 on the accommodation space 2a side abuts against the pressure-receiving head 94 of the new cartridge 90N.

[0073] 6, in this embodiment, when the first pressing section 3A and the second pressing section 3B are activated to start discharging the fluid F, the pressure of the air supplied to the annular space 2c by the second pressing section 3B reaches the second pressing force P2. After that, the pressure of the air supplied to the pressure chamber 2b by the first pressing section 3A reaches the first pressing force P1. In particular, in this embodiment, while the pressure of the air supplied by the second pressing section 3B is increasing, the pressure of the pressure chamber 2b is maintained at atmospheric pressure. From the start of the pressure increase in the annular space 2c by the second pressing section 3B to the completion of the pressure increase in the annular space 2c, the pressure of the pressure chamber 2b is consistently maintained lower than the pressure of the annular space 2c.

[0074] Here, it is assumed that there is no pressure supply to the annular space 2c, and the piston 7 presses the pressure-receiving head 94 of the cartridge 90 from the other end toward one end with a first pressing force P1. In this case, a high pressure corresponding to the first pressing force P1 is applied to the fluid F in the filling container 91. As a result, the fluid F flows out of the outlet 92, while the fluid F applies high pressure to the inner peripheral surface of the filling container 91. Since the filling container 91 is formed of a thin film, the axis of pressing may be offset due to a slight inclination of the piston 7, causing the filling container 91 to bend in the middle, or the filling container 91 may be damaged due to a sudden change in the differential pressure between the inside and outside.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, air with a second pressing force P2 is supplied to the annular space 2c, and the outer peripheral surface of the filled container 91 is pushed back by the second pressing force. The outer peripheral surface of the thin film filled container 91 is sufficiently supported by the second pressing force P2, and the first pressing force P1 toward the outlet 92 is applied in a state where the differential pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure is also small. Therefore, the filled container 91 is prevented from collapsing, and from bursting. In response to the sliding of the piston 7 from the top dead center, the fluid F in the filled container 91 is stably discharged from the outlet 92.

[0076] In this embodiment, at the start of discharge, the pressure of the air supplied by the second pressing part 3B reaches the second pressing force P2, and then the pressing force by the first pressing part 3A reaches the first pressing force P1. Even in the transitional period before the first pressing part 3A and the second pressing part 3B enter stable operation, the risk of the filled container 91 bursting can be reduced.

[0077] When the piston 7 slides from the top dead center, the cartridge 90 is reduced in volume due to the high flexibility of the filling container 91 while the piston 7 maintains a state of abutting against the pressure-receiving head 94. The accommodation space 2a is compressed, and the annular space 2c as a part of the accommodation space 2a is also compressed. The pressure chamber 2b expands, but the first pressing portion 3A continues to supply air with the first pressing force P1, and the internal pressure of the pressure chamber 2b is stabilized at the first pressing force P1.

[0078] As the annular space 2c is compressed, the pressure of the air supplied to the annular space 2c may increase. In this embodiment, a secondary regulator 37 having a relief function is provided in the second branch line 32B. The relief valve inside the secondary regulator 37 operates to maintain the pressure on the second pressure port 6 side at the second pressing force P2 using the secondary regulator 37 as a reference. Therefore, even if the annular space 2c is compressed, the internal pressure of the annular space 2c is immediately maintained at the second pressing force P2 by the action of the relief valve of the secondary regulator 37. Therefore, the first pressing force P1 is not overpowered by the pressure of the annular space 2c, and the discharge does not become unstable, and the discharge operation of the fluid F can be stably continued.

[0079] When the piston 7 moves to bottom dead center (BDC) (see FIG. 7A), the proximity sensor 11 outputs a detection signal. The controller 10 activates the alarm 18 in response to the detection signal. The operator can know that it is time to stop the discharge. Referring to FIG. 5, the operator manually switches the residual pressure release valve 34 from the pressurizing position to the exhaust position (time t3). The pressures in both the pressure chamber 2b and the annular space 2c drop to atmospheric pressure. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the switching of the residual pressure release valve 34, the operator manually switches the first opening / closing valve 35 and the second opening / closing valve 38 from the open position to the closed position (time t4).

[0080] 7B, in order to replace the cartridge 90, an operator removes the first head 21 from one end of the container body 20 and removes the second head 22 from the other end of the container body 20. At this time, the fluid supply path 85 and the second branch line 32B may remain connected to the first head 21. Also, the first branch line 32A may remain connected to the second head 22.

[0081] 7C, the used cartridge 90 is discharged from an opening on one end side of the container body 20. This waste cartridge 90W has a significantly reduced volume compared to the new cartridge 90N, and is easy to dispose of. At the same time, the new cartridge 90N is inserted into the container body 20 from the opening on the other end side of the container body 20. At this time, the new cartridge 90N is inserted into the container body 20 from the pressure-receiving head 94 first.

[0082] Next, referring to FIG. 7D, the first head 21 is attached to the other end of the container body 20 and screwed into the nozzle 93b of the new cartridge 90N. The second head 22 is attached to one end of the container body 20. In this manner, the storage container 2 is switched from the first state to the second state. The bottom dead center of the piston 7 in the first state becomes the top dead center in the second state. By supplying air with the first pressing force P1 to the pressure chamber 2b, the piston 7 slides from the top dead center on the one end side to the bottom dead center on the other end side. The bottom dead center of the piston 7 in the second state becomes the top dead center in the first state.

[0083] In this way, the storage container 2 according to this embodiment is configured as a reversible type. This eliminates the need for an operator to return the piston 7 to its original position during replacement, and shortens the time it takes to restart the dispensing operation.

[0084] Second embodiment Next, with reference to Figs. 8 to 10, the fluid supplying device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, in the fluid supplying device 1 according to this embodiment, the residual pressure exhaust valve 34, the first on-off valve 35, the secondary regulator 37A, and the second on-off valve 38 are solenoid valves. In addition, a pressure sensor 12c is provided on the first branch line 32A upstream of the first on-off valve 35. The secondary regulator 37A is different from the first embodiment, and is a pressure control valve having a relief function and capable of setting the pressure by an electric signal, such as an electropneumatic regulator. The pressure gauge 12a is attached to the primary regulator 33 and indicates the primary pressure (original pressure P0) or secondary pressure (first pressing force P1) of the primary regulator 33 with a pointer, allowing an operator to visually confirm the pressure. The pressure sensor 12c detects the secondary pressure of the primary regulator 33 (in other words, the primary pressure of the secondary regulator 37A). The pressure sensor 12d detects the secondary pressure of the secondary regulator 37A.

[0086] 9, the pressure sensors 12c and 12d are connected to the controller 10. The controller 10 is connected to the residual pressure exhaust valve 34, the first on-off valve 35, the secondary regulator 37A, and the second on-off valve 38, and outputs drive signals to these valves.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10, when an operator performs an input operation on the operation panel 19 to start a discharge operation, the controller 10 sequentially controls the operation of the valves.

[0088] First, the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 is switched from the exhaust position to the pressurizing position (time t0). Next, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first opening / closing valve 35 and the second opening / closing valve 38 are switched from the closed position to the open position (time t1). The pressure of the air supplied by the second pressing part 3B and the pressing force by the first pressing part 3A rise simultaneously.

[0089] In this embodiment, the pressure increase rate set by the first speed controller 36 is slower than the pressure increase rate set by the second speed controller 39. The second pressing force P2 is lower than the first pressing force P1 by a predetermined pressure difference Pn required for normal discharge of the fluid F. Therefore, the pressure of the second pressure port 6 remains higher than the pressure of the first pressure port 5 and reaches the second pressing force P2 (time t2A). With a delay, the pressure of the first pressure port 5 reaches the first pressing force P1 (time t2B).

[0090] In this embodiment as well, at the start of discharge, the pressure of the air supplied by the second pressing part 3B reaches the second pressing force P2, and then the pressing force by the first pressing part 3A reaches the first pressing force P1. Even in the transitional period before the first pressing part 3A and the second pressing part 3B enter stable operation, the risk of the filled container 91 bursting can be reduced.

[0091] In this embodiment, the controller 10 monitors whether the pressure difference between the secondary pressure (of the secondary regulator 37A) acquired by the pressure sensor 12d and the primary pressure (of the secondary regulator 37A) acquired by the pressure sensor 12c is always a predetermined value Pn. When the volume of the cartridge 90 decreases with consumption of the fluid F and the volume of the annular space 2c decreases due to the movement of the piston 7, causing the secondary pressure to rise to or exceed the second pressing force P2, the controller 10 opens the relief valve of the secondary regulator 37A by an electric signal to reduce the secondary pressure. This allows the pressure difference between the primary pressure and the secondary pressure to be always maintained at the predetermined value Pn, and the amount of fluid F discharged from the cartridge 90 to be stabilized.

[0092] When the proximity sensor 11 outputs a detection signal, the controller 10 switches the residual pressure exhaust valve 34 from the pressurizing position to the exhaust position (time t3). This opens the first pressure port 5 and the second pressure port 6 to the atmosphere, and the operation of the piston 7 stops. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the first on-off valve 35 and the second on-off valve 38 are switched from the open position to the closed position (time t4). In this way, after the piston 7 has moved to the bottom dead center, the stopping operation of the piston 7 can be automated.

[0093] (Modification) Although the embodiment has been described above, the above configuration can be appropriately added to, modified, or deleted within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the first pressing portion 3A has a piston 7 driven by air with a first pressing force P1. The first pressing portion 3A may be configured in any manner as long as it can press the other end of the cartridge 90 toward one end, and may be configured by a plunger, a hydraulic cylinder, or any other mechanical actuator.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the secondary regulators 37, 37A are pressure control valves equipped with relief valves therein. However, instead of this, a configuration in which a pressure control valve without a relief function and a separate relief valve are combined may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Fluid supply device 2. Containment Container 2a Containment space 2b Pressure chamber 2c Annular space 3 Pressing part 3A First pressing part 3B Second pressing part 4 outlet 4a Axial section 4b Radial section 5. First pressure port 6 Second pressure port 6a Circular groove 6b Axial groove 7 Piston 7a Ring 7b permanent magnet 8 Plug 10 Controller 11 Proximity Sensor 12a First pressure sensor 12b Second pressure sensor 12c,12d Pressure Sensors 18 Alarm 19 Control panel 20 Container body 20a, 20b Male threaded portion 21 Head 1 21a Cylindrical part 21b Female thread 21c Protrusion 22 No. 2 Head 22a Cylindrical part 22b Female thread 23 Bracket 30 Air pressure source 31 Common Line 32A 1st branch line 32B 2nd branch line 33 Primary regulator 34 Residual pressure release valve 35 First opening and closing valve 36 First speed controller 37,37A Secondary Regulator 38 Second opening and closing valve 39 Second Speed ​​Controller 80 Dispenser 81 Discharge nozzle 85 Fluid supply channel 90 Cartridges 91 Filling containers 92 Outlet 93 Outflow Head 93a Bottom wall 93b Nozzle 93c outer wall 94 Pressure Head 94a bottom wall 94b Outer wall 100 Dispensing System F Fluid P0 Source pressure P1 First pressing force P2 Second pressing force

Claims

1. a container for removably housing a filled container formed of a thin film and filled with a fluid, and a cartridge provided at one end of the filled container and having an outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out of the filled container; a discharge port provided in the storage container and configured to discharge the fluid flowing out from the cartridge; a first pressing portion that presses the other end portion of the filling container with a first pressing force in a state in which the cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation container; a second pressing portion that supplies a fluid pressurized to a second pressing force to an annular space between the filling container and the storage container in the storage state; Equipped with When the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit are activated to start discharging the fluid, the fluid supplied by the second pressing unit reaches the second pressing force, and then the pressing force by the first pressing unit reaches the first pressing force. Fluid supply device.

2. the first pressing portion has a pressing member that slides inside the storage container, and the inside of the storage container is partitioned by the pressing member into a storage space in which the cartridge is to be stored and a pressure chamber to which a pressurized fluid is supplied, the pressing member is driven by the fluid supplied to the pressure chamber so as to press the other end of the filled container; 2. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1.

3. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

3. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 2.

4. The pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing portion rises prior to the pressing force by the first pressing portion. A fluid supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a speed adjusting unit that adjusts at least an increasing speed of the pressing force by the first pressing unit so that the pressing force by the first pressing unit reaches the first pressing force after the pressure of the fluid supplied by the second pressing unit reaches the second pressing force, A fluid supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The second pressing portion has a pressure relief portion that maintains the pressure of the fluid supplied to the annular space at the second pressing force. A fluid supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The storage container has a container body having both ends open, a first head selectively attached to one end or the other end of the container body, and a second head attached to one end or the other end of the container body opposite to the first head, the ejection port is provided in the first head, and the first pressing portion is provided in the second head; A fluid supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit. A fluid supplying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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