Liquid circulation device

Abstract

To provide a liquid circulation device which can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: The liquid circulation device 2 includes the accommodation member 6 which is detachably attached to the main body 4 and in which the accommodation space 14 for accommodating the liquid and the flow path 20 for circulating the liquid between the accommodation space 14 and the main body 4 are formed, the valve body 26 which is displaceable between the open position where the accommodation space 14 and the flow path 20 are communicated with each other and the closed position where the accommodation space 14 and the flow path 20 are shut off from each other, the first magnet 28 arranged in the valve body 26, the second magnet 30 which is arranged in the accommodation member 6 and is rotatable with respect to the first magnet 28, and the third magnet 32 arranged in the main body 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid distribution device for distributing liquid between the inside and outside of a containing member. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid distribution device for distributing liquid between the inside and outside of a container is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of liquid distribution device includes a main body, a container that is detachably attached to the main body, and a valve for opening and closing a through hole formed in the bottom of the container. The valve is movable between a closed position that closes the through hole and an open position that opens the through hole. The valve is biased by a coil spring in a direction from the open position to the closed position.

[0003] When the container is removed from the main body, the valve element is held in the closed position by the biasing force of the coil spring. This allows the liquid in the container to be sealed by the valve element. When the container is attached to the main body, the valve element moves from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the coil spring by a mechanism for pushing up the coil spring. This allows the liquid in the container to be supplied to the main body through the through-hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-95988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional liquid distribution device described above, in order to reliably seal the liquid in the containing member with the valve body, it is necessary to increase the length of the coil spring and the spring constant of the coil spring, but this requires the length of the valve body to be increased, which creates the problem of an increase in the size of the liquid distribution device.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a liquid distribution device that can be made smaller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid flow device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a container member detachably attached to a main body, the container member having a container space for storing a liquid and a flow path for circulating the liquid between the container space and the outside, a valve body displaceable between an open position that connects the container space with the flow path and a closed position that blocks the container space from the flow path, a first magnet disposed on the valve body, a second magnet disposed on the container member and rotatable relative to the first magnet, and a third magnet disposed on the main body, wherein when the container member is attached to the main body, When the second magnet receives a magnetic force from the third magnet and rotates, the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, and the valve body is displaced from the closed position to the open position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and when the accommodating member is removed from the main body, the second magnet receives a magnetic force from the first magnet and rotates, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, and the valve body is displaced from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0008] These general or specific aspects may be realized by an apparatus or a method, or by any combination of an apparatus and a method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the liquid flow device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, miniaturization can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid flow device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid flow device according to the first embodiment taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of the liquid flow device according to the first embodiment, with the containing member removed from the main body. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of the liquid flow device according to the first embodiment, in a state immediately before the containing member is attached to the main body. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of the liquid flow device according to the first embodiment, in a state in which the containing member is attached to the main body. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid distribution device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid distribution device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid distribution device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid flow device according to a fourth embodiment, with the containing member removed from the main body. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid flow device according to a fourth embodiment, in a state in which a containing member is attached to a main body. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism of a liquid distribution device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A liquid flow device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a container member detachably attached to a main body, the container member having a container space for storing a liquid and a flow path for circulating the liquid between the container space and the outside, a valve body displaceable between an open position that connects the container space with the flow path and a closed position that blocks the container space from the flow path, a first magnet arranged on the valve body, a second magnet arranged on the container member and rotatable relative to the first magnet, and a third magnet arranged on the main body, wherein the container member is attached to the main body. When the accommodating member is removed from the main body, the second magnet rotates due to the magnetic force from the third magnet, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, causing the valve body to be displaced from the closed position to the open position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and when the accommodating member is removed from the main body, the second magnet rotates due to the magnetic force from the first magnet, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, causing the valve body to be displaced from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0012] According to this aspect, the valve element utilizes the magnetic force between the first and second magnets to move between the closed and open positions in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the containing member to the main body. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for pushing up the coil spring as described in the Background Art section, thereby enabling the liquid distribution device to be made more compact.

[0013] In addition, in the liquid distribution device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, when the storage member is attached to the main body, the distance between the second magnet and the third magnet may be configured to be shorter than the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0014] According to this aspect, when the housing member is attached to the main body, the second magnet is more likely to receive magnetic force from the third magnet, so that the second magnet can be easily rotated.

[0015] Furthermore, in the liquid distribution device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, the third magnet may be an electromagnet.

[0016] According to this aspect, the magnetic pole of the third magnet facing the second magnet can be easily controlled.

[0017] Furthermore, in the liquid distribution device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, the third magnet may be rotatable relative to the second magnet, and the liquid distribution device may further be configured to include a drive source that rotates the third magnet so that the magnetic pole of the third magnet facing the second magnet is reversed.

[0018] According to this aspect, the magnetic pole of the third magnet facing the second magnet can be easily controlled.

[0019] In addition, in the liquid distribution device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the storage member is attached to the main body, the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet may be configured not to be arranged in a straight line.

[0020] According to this aspect, when the housing member is attached to the main body, the second magnet can be rotated more reliably.

[0021] Furthermore, in a liquid distribution device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the accommodating member may further include a space for a valve body arranged between the accommodating space and the flow path, the valve body being slidable between the open position and the closed position in the space for the valve body, and a recess formed on the side of the valve body, so that when the valve body slides from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the recess protrudes into the accommodating space, thereby connecting the accommodating space and the flow path via the recess, and when the valve body slides from the open position to the closed position, the recess retracts into the space for the valve body, thereby blocking the accommodating space and the flow path.

[0022] According to this aspect, the valve element slides between the open position and the closed position, so that the communication between the accommodation space and the flow path can be easily switched between open and closed.

[0023] In addition, in a liquid distribution device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the accommodating member may have a bearing portion that supports the valve body so that it can be tilted, and the valve body may be configured to be able to tilt between the open position and the closed position around the bearing portion in the accommodating space.

[0024] According to this aspect, the valve element tilts between the open position and the closed position, so that the connection between the accommodation space and the flow path can be easily switched between connection and disconnection.

[0025] In addition, in the liquid distribution device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the valve body is in the open position, the flow path may be configured to allow liquid to circulate between the storage space and the main body.

[0026] According to this aspect, liquid can be passed between the housing space of the housing member and the main body.

[0027] In addition, in the liquid distribution device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the valve body is in the open position, the flow path may be configured to allow liquid to circulate between the storage space and a storage member other than the storage member.

[0028] According to this aspect, liquid can flow between the storage space of the storage member and other storage members other than the storage member.

[0029] These general or specific aspects may be realized by an apparatus or a method, or by any combination of an apparatus and a method.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step sequences shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily strict illustrations. In each drawing, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0032] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration of the liquid distribution device] First, the configuration of a liquid flow device 2 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the liquid flow device 2 according to embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid flow device 2 according to embodiment 1 taken along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 24 of the liquid flow device 2 according to embodiment 1 with the containing member 6 removed from the main body 4.

[0033] 1 to 3, the left-right direction of the liquid distribution device 2 is the X-axis direction, the front-rear direction of the liquid distribution device 2 is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the liquid distribution device 2 is the Z-axis direction. In the following description, the positive side of the Z-axis is referred to as "upper" or "upper side", etc., and the negative side of the Z-axis is referred to as "lower" or "lower side", etc.

[0034] In this embodiment, the liquid distribution device 2 is used, for example, as a humidifier for humidifying a room. The humidifier includes a housing (not shown), the liquid distribution device 2, and a main body 4. The liquid distribution device 2 includes a container 6 for supplying water (an example of a liquid) to the main body 4, which is outside the liquid distribution device 2. The liquid distribution device 2 may include the main body 4 as a constituent element.

[0035] The humidifier housing contains a liquid distribution device 2 and a main body 4. An outlet for blowing out vaporized water for humidification is disposed at the top end of the housing.

[0036] The main body 4 is an evaporation unit for evaporating, for example, water. The main body 4 has an attachment portion 8, a water conduit 10, and an evaporation portion (not shown). The attachment portion 8 is disposed at the upper end of the main body 4. The bottom portion 12 of the housing member 6 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 8. The water conduit 10 is a pipe for guiding water supplied from the bottom portion 12 of the housing member 6 to the evaporation portion. One end of the water conduit 10 opens from the upper surface of the attachment portion 8 to the outside of the attachment portion 8. An O-ring 13 is disposed around the outer periphery of one end of the water conduit 10. The other end of the water conduit 10 is connected to the evaporation portion. The evaporation portion generates evaporated water by vaporizing the water guided through the water conduit 10. The evaporated water generated in the evaporation portion is supplied to the outlet of the housing.

[0037] The accommodation member 6 is a container for storing, for example, water. A storage space 14 for storing water is formed inside the accommodation member 6. A water inlet 16 communicating with the storage space 14 is formed at the upper end of the accommodation member 6. As shown in FIG. 3 , a valve space 18 for arranging a valve 26 (described later) and a flow path 20 for circulating water between the accommodation space 14 and the main body 4 are formed at the bottom 12 of the accommodation member 6. The upper end of the valve space 18 is open to the accommodation space 14, and the lower end of the valve space 18 is closed. In addition, a wall portion 22 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve space 18, protruding in an annular shape toward the radially inward direction of the valve space 18. The flow path 20 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 22 to the lower surface of the bottom 12 of the accommodation member 6. That is, one end of the flow path 20 opens from the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 22 into the valve body space 18, and the other end of the flow path 20 opens from the lower surface of the bottom portion 12 of the accommodating member 6 to the outside of the accommodating member 6. As shown in Fig. 5 described below, when the bottom portion 12 of the accommodating member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4, the other end of the flow path 20 is connected to one end of the water conduit 10 of the main body 4. At this time, the gap between the other end of the flow path 20 and the one end of the water conduit 10 is sealed (watertight) by an O-ring 13.

[0038] The bottom 12 of the containing member 6 is detachable from the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4. When the bottom 12 of the containing member 6 is attached to the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the valve body 26 connects the containing space 14 to the flow path 20, and water in the containing space 14 is supplied to the water conduit 10 of the main body 4 through the flow path 20. On the other hand, when the bottom 12 of the containing member 6 is detached from the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the valve body 26 blocks the connection between the containing space 14 and the flow path 20, sealing off the water in the containing space 14. In this state, the containing member 6 can be carried, and water can be poured into the containing space 14 through the water inlet 16 of the containing member 6.

[0039] The liquid distribution device 2 further includes a valve mechanism 24 for switching communication between the storage space 14 of the storage member 6 and the flow path 20 and blocking communication therebetween in response to the attachment and detachment of the storage member 6 to and from the main body 4. The valve mechanism 24 includes a valve body 26, a first magnet 28, a second magnet 30, and a third magnet 32.

[0040] The valve element 26 is disposed in the valve element space 18 of the housing member 6. The valve element 26 is displaceable between a closed position (a position shown in FIG. 3) and an open position (a position shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later) in the valve element space 18. Specifically, the valve element 26 is slidable up and down between the closed position and the open position while being guided along the inner circumferential surface of the valve element space 18. The closed position is the lowest position in the valve element space 18, and the open position is the highest position in the valve element space 18. When the valve element 26 is in the closed position, the housing space 14 of the housing member 6 and the flow path 20 are blocked from each other. On the other hand, when the valve element 26 is in the open position, the housing space 14 of the housing member 6 and the flow path 20 are connected to each other.

[0041] The valve body 26 has a main body 34, an upper flange 36, and a lower flange 38. The main body 34 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, and a recess 40 is formed in the side surface of the main body 34. The upper flange 36 protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the main body 34 in an annular shape. An O-ring 42 is disposed at the boundary between the upper flange 36 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 34. The lower flange 38 protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the main body 34 in an annular shape. An O-ring 44 is disposed at the boundary between the lower flange 38 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 34.

[0042] First magnet 28 is formed of, for example, a permanent magnet. One end of first magnet 28 is formed with N magnetized portion 28n magnetized to an N pole, and the other end of first magnet 28 is formed with S magnetized portion 28s magnetized to an S pole. First magnet 28 is fixed inside valve body 26. Specifically, first magnet 28 is arranged so that N magnetized portion 28n faces upward (the side opposite to main body 4) and S magnetized portion 28s faces downward (toward main body 4). Note that the orientation of the magnetic poles of first magnet 28 is not limited thereto, and first magnet 28 may be arranged so that N magnetized portion 28n faces downward and S magnetized portion 28s faces upward.

[0043] The second magnet 30 is formed, for example, by a permanent magnet. One end of the second magnet 30 is formed with an N magnetized portion 30n magnetized to an N pole, and the other end of the second magnet 30 is formed with an S magnetized portion 30s magnetized to an S pole. The second magnet 30 is rotatably disposed on the bottom 12 of the housing member 6. Specifically, the second magnet 30 is rotatably disposed in a guide space 46 formed below the valve disc space 18 on the bottom 12 of the housing member 6. The second magnet 30 is rotatable relative to the first magnet 28 while being guided along the inner circumferential surface of the guide space 46. As the second magnet 30 rotates relative to the first magnet 28, the magnetic pole of the second magnet 30 facing the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 alternates between the N magnetized portion 30n and the S magnetized portion 30s.

[0044] The third magnet 32 ​​is formed of, for example, a permanent magnet. One end of the third magnet 32 ​​is formed with an N magnetized portion 32n magnetized to an N pole, and the other end of the third magnet 32 ​​is formed with an S magnetized portion 32s magnetized to an S pole. The third magnet 32 ​​is fixed inside the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4. Specifically, the third magnet 32 ​​is arranged so that the S magnetized portion 32s faces upward (toward the housing member 6) and the N magnetized portion 32n faces downward (away from the housing member 6). Note that the orientation of the magnetic poles of the third magnet 32 ​​is not limited thereto. When the N magnetized portion 28n and the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 are arranged so that they face downward and upward, respectively, the third magnet 32 ​​may be arranged so that the N magnetized portion 32n faces upward and the S magnetized portion 32s faces downward.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 described later, when the bottom 12 of the storage member 6 is attached to the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the first magnet 28, the second magnet 30, and the third magnet 32 ​​are arranged in a straight line in this order along the vertical direction.

[0046] [1-2. Operation of the liquid distribution device] The operation of the liquid flow device 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 24 of the liquid flow device 2 according to the first embodiment in a state immediately before the accommodating member 6 is attached to the main body 4. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 24 of the liquid flow device 2 according to the first embodiment in a state after the accommodating member 6 has been attached to the main body 4.

[0047] 3, when the bottom 12 of the containing member 6 is detached from the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the second magnet 30 receives a magnetic force from the first magnet 28 and rotates relative to the first magnet 28, causing the magnetic pole of the second magnet 30 facing the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 to reverse from the S magnetized portion 30s to the N magnetized portion 30n. At this time, an attractive force (magnetic force) acts between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the N magnetized portion 30n of the second magnet 30. As a result, the valve disc 26 is held in the closed position in the valve disc space 18 by utilizing the attractive force between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the N magnetized portion 30n of the second magnet 30.

[0048] When the valve element 26 is held in the closed position, the upper flange portion 36 of the valve element 26 contacts the upper end of the wall portion 22, and the lower flange portion 38 of the valve element 26 contacts the lower end of the valve element space 18. The gap between the upper flange portion 36 and the upper end of the wall portion 22 is sealed by an O-ring 42. The recess 40 of the valve element 26 is retracted into the valve element space 18. This blocks the connection between the accommodation space 14 and the flow path 20 via the valve element 26, sealing off water from within the accommodation space 14 of the accommodation member 6.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 4 , when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 approaches the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the distance D2 between the second magnet 30 and the third magnet 32 ​​becomes shorter than the distance D1 between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30. Generally, the magnetic force acting between two magnets is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two magnets. Therefore, the magnetic force acting on the second magnet 30 is dominated by the magnetic force from the third magnet 32 ​​rather than the magnetic force from the first magnet 28. As a result, the second magnet 30 begins to rotate relative to the first magnet 28 due to the magnetic force from the third magnet 32 ​​(i.e., due to the repulsive force between the S magnetized portion 28s of the second magnet 30 and the S magnetized portion 32s of the third magnet 32).

[0050] Next, when the bottom 12 of the accommodating member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4, the distance between the second magnet 30 and the third magnet 32 ​​becomes even shorter than the distance D1 between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30 shown in FIG. 4 described above. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the second magnet 30 receives further magnetic force from the third magnet 32 ​​and rotates relative to the first magnet 28, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet 30 facing the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 is reversed from the N magnetized portion 30n to the S magnetized portion 30s. At this time, a repulsive force (magnetic force) acts between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the S magnetized portion 30s of the second magnet 30. As a result, the valve body 26 utilizes the repulsive force between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the S magnetized portion 30s of the second magnet 30 to slide upward from the closed position to the open position in the valve body space 18, and then is held in the open position.

[0051] As described above, when second magnet 30 rotates relative to first magnet 28, the magnetic pole of second magnet 30 that faces S magnetized portion 32s of third magnet 32 ​​becomes N magnetized portion 30n. As a result, an attractive force acts between N magnetized portion 30n of second magnet 30 and S magnetized portion 32s of third magnet 32, making it easy to position bottom portion 12 of housing member 6 relative to mounting portion 8 of main body 4.

[0052] When the valve disc 26 is held in the open position, the upper flange portion 36 of the valve disc 26 protrudes from the upper end of the valve disc space 18 into the accommodation space 14, and the lower flange portion 38 of the valve disc 26 contacts the lower end of the wall portion 22. The gap between the lower flange portion 38 and the lower end of the wall portion 22 is sealed by an O-ring 44. The upper end of the recess 40 of the valve disc 26 protrudes into the accommodation space 14, and the recess 40 is positioned across the accommodation space 14 and one end of the flow path 20. This allows the accommodation space 14 and one end of the flow path 20 to communicate via the recess 40 of the valve disc 26, and water in the accommodation space 14 is supplied to one end of the water conduit 10 of the main body 4 through the recess 40 and the flow path 20.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is removed from the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4, the distance between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30 becomes shorter than the distance between the second magnet 30 and the third magnet 32. Therefore, the magnetic force acting on the second magnet 30 is dominated by the magnetic force from the first magnet 28 rather than the magnetic force from the third magnet 32. As a result, the second magnet 30 becomes unstable due to the magnetic force from the first magnet 28 (i.e., due to the repulsive force between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the S magnetized portion 32s of the second magnet 30), and begins to rotate relative to the first magnet 28.

[0054] Thereafter, the second magnet 30 rotates relative to the first magnet 28, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet 30 facing the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 is reversed from the S magnetized portion 30s to the N magnetized portion 30n. At this time, an attractive force acts between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the N magnetized portion 30n of the second magnet 30. As a result, the valve disc 26 utilizes the attractive force between the S magnetized portion 28s of the first magnet 28 and the N magnetized portion 30n of the second magnet 30 to slide downward from the open position to the closed position in the valve disc space 18, and then is held in the closed position.

[0055] [1-3.Effects] As described above, in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the containing member 6 to and from the main body 4, the valve element 26 slides between the closed position and the open position by utilizing the magnetic force (attractive or repulsive force) between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for pushing up the coil spring as explained in the Background Art section, and allows the liquid distribution device 2 to be made more compact.

[0056] [1-4. Modifications] The configuration of a liquid flow device 2A according to a modification of embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism 24A of the liquid flow device 2A according to the modification of embodiment 1. Note that in this modification, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0057] 6, in the valve mechanism 24A of the liquid distribution device 2A, the arrangement of the third magnet 32A of the main body 4A is different from that in the first embodiment. That is, when the bottom 12 of the containing member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4A, the first magnet 28, the second magnet 30, and the third magnet 32A are not arranged in a vertically aligned line. More specifically, the third magnet 32A is arranged shifted in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from the vertically aligned line of the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30.

[0058] This allows the second magnet 30 to rotate more reliably relative to the first magnet 28 due to the magnetic force from the third magnet 32A when the bottom 12 of the storage member 6 approaches the mounting portion 8 of the main body 4A.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) The configuration of a liquid distribution device 2B according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism 24B of the liquid distribution device 2B according to embodiment 2. Note that in the following embodiments, the same components as those in embodiment 1 above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, in a valve mechanism 24B of a liquid distribution device 2B, the configuration of the third magnet 32B of the main body 4B is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, the third magnet 32B is configured as an electromagnet. The main body 4B also has a control unit 48 for controlling the current supplied to the third magnet 32B. The control unit 48 switches the supply of current to the third magnet 32B on and off in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the accommodating member 6 to and from the main body 4B.

[0061] When the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is detached from the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4B, the control unit 48 turns off the supply of current to the third magnet 32B, so that no magnetic force is generated from the third magnet 32B.

[0062] On the other hand, when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4B, the control unit 48 turns on the supply of current to the third magnet 32B. As a result, an N magnetized portion 32n magnetized to an N pole is formed on the upper side (the housing member 6 side) of the third magnet 32B, and an S magnetized portion 32s magnetized to an S pole is formed on the lower side (the side opposite to the housing member 6) of the third magnet 32B. As a result, a magnetic force is generated from the third magnet 32B, and the second magnet 30 receives the magnetic force from the third magnet 32B and rotates relative to the first magnet 28, as in the first embodiment.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the control unit 48 switches the supply of current to the third magnet 32B on and off in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the housing member 6 to / from the main body 4B. However, this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 48 may switch the magnetic pole orientation of the third magnet 32B in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the housing member 6 to / from the main body 4B. Specifically, when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is removed from the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4B, the control unit 48 controls the third magnet 32B so that the N magnetized portion 32n and the S magnetized portion 32s are on the upper and lower sides, respectively. On the other hand, when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8 of the main body 4B, the control unit 48 controls the third magnet 32B so that the N magnetized portion 32n and the S magnetized portion 32s are on the lower and upper sides, respectively.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) The configuration of a liquid flow device 2C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism 24C of the liquid flow device 2C according to the third embodiment.

[0066] 8, in a valve mechanism 24C of a liquid distribution device 2C, the configuration of a third magnet 32C of a main body 4C differs from that of the first embodiment. That is, the third magnet 32C is formed, for example, by a permanent magnet, and is rotatably disposed in a guide space 50 formed in an attachment portion 8C of the main body 4C. The third magnet 32C is rotatable relative to the second magnet 30 while being guided along the inner circumferential surface of the guide space 50.

[0067] Furthermore, main body 4C has driving source 52 that rotates third magnet 32C. Driving source 52 is configured with, for example, a motor. When driving source 52 rotates third magnet 32C, the magnetic pole of third magnet 32C that faces second magnet 30 alternates between N magnetized portion 32n and S magnetized portion 32s.

[0068] When the bottom 12 of the storage member 6 is removed from the mounting portion 8C of the main body 4C, the driving source 52 rotates the third magnet 32C so that the N magnetized portion 32n and the S magnetized portion 32s of the third magnet 32C are on the upper and lower sides, respectively.

[0069] On the other hand, when the bottom 12 of the housing member 6 is attached to the attachment portion 8C of the main body 4C, the driving source 52 rotates the third magnet 32C so that the S magnetized portion 32s and the N magnetized portion 32n of the third magnet 32C are on the upper and lower sides, respectively. That is, the magnetic pole of the third magnet 32C facing the second magnet 30 is reversed from the N magnetized portion 32n to the S magnetized portion 32s. As a result, the second magnet 30 receives a magnetic force from the third magnet 32C and rotates relative to the first magnet 28, as in the first embodiment.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0071] (Fourth embodiment) The configuration of a liquid flow device 2D according to embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 24D of the liquid flow device 2D according to embodiment 4 in a state where the accommodating member 6D is detached from the main body 4D. Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 24D of the liquid flow device 2D according to embodiment 4 in a state where the accommodating member 6D is attached to the main body 4D.

[0072] 9 and 10, in a valve mechanism 24D of a liquid distribution device 2D, the configuration of a valve element 26D is different from that in the first embodiment. That is, the valve element 26D is tiltably supported by a bearing 54 provided on the bottom 12 of the storage member 6D, and is displaceable between a closed position (the position shown in FIG. 9) and an open position (the position shown in FIG. 10) in the storage space 14. Specifically, the valve element 26D is tiltable between the closed position and the open position around the bearing 54. Note that the flow path 20D extends vertically through the bottom 12 of the storage member 6D from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the bottom 12 of the storage member 6D does not have a valve element space as described in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the closed position, the valve element 26D is disposed so as to cover the upper end of the flow path 20D. This blocks the connection between the accommodation space 14 and the flow path 20D by the valve element 26D. On the other hand, in the open position, the valve element 26D is disposed above the upper end of the flow path 20D. This allows communication between the accommodation space 14 and the flow path 20D.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0075] (Embodiment 5) The configuration of a liquid flow device 2E according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism 24E of the liquid flow device 2E according to the fifth embodiment.

[0076] In this embodiment, the liquid flow device 2E is used as a liquid mixing device for mixing, for example, two types of liquid medicines (one example of a liquid). The liquid mixing device includes the liquid flow device 2E, a container member (not shown) other than the container member 6E of the liquid flow device 2E, and a main body 4E on which the container member 6E is placed. Different types of liquid medicines are contained in the container member 6E and the other container member, respectively.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 11, in a valve mechanism 24E of a liquid distribution device 2E, the configuration of a flow path 20E of a storage member 6E is different from that in the first embodiment. That is, the flow path 20E extends from the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 22 to penetrate to another storage member. As a result, the flow path 20E allows water to circulate between the storage space 14 and the other storage member. Note that, as shown in Fig. 11, a main body 4E does not have the water guide pipe described in the first embodiment.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0079] (Other embodiments) While the liquid flow device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0080] In the above embodiments 1 to 4, the liquid is circulated from the storage space 14 of the storage member 6 (6D) to the main body 4 (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D), but the liquid may alternatively be circulated from the main body 4 (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) to the storage member 6 (6D).

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the valve disc 26 (26D) is displaced from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the attractive force between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30, but it may also be displaced from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the repulsive force between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30. Furthermore, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the valve disc 26 (26D) is displaced from the closed position to the open position by utilizing the repulsive force between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30, but it may also be displaced from the closed position to the open position by utilizing the attractive force between the first magnet 28 and the second magnet 30.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the liquid distribution device 2 (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is used in a humidifier, but is not limited thereto and may be used, for example, in a collector for electrostatically collecting fine particles in the air. The collector includes a cylindrical duct, a liquid distribution device disposed inside the duct, a main body, and a valve mechanism. The storage member of the liquid distribution device is cylindrical and rotatable about its axis relative to the duct. A liquid is stored in the storage space of the storage member. When the storage member rotates relative to the duct, fine particles adhering to the inner surface of the storage space of the storage member are collected by the liquid. The main body and the valve mechanism have the same configurations as those of the above-described first to fourth embodiments.

[0083] When the storage member is detached from the main body and rotated relative to the duct, the valve of the valve mechanism is in the closed position, sealing off the liquid in the storage space of the storage member. After the liquid has captured the particulates, the rotation of the storage member relative to the duct is stopped and the storage member is attached to the main body. At this time, the valve of the valve mechanism is displaced from the closed position to the open position, allowing the liquid in the storage space of the storage member to be supplied to the main body. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] A liquid flow device according to the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a humidifier for humidifying a room. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 2,2A,2B,2C,2D,2E Liquid distribution equipment 4,4A,4B,4C,4D,4E Main body 6, 6D, 6E Storage member 8,8C mounting part 10 Water Pipe 12 Bottom 13, 42, 44 O-ring 14 Containment Space 16 Water inlet 18 Valve body space 20, 20D, 20E flow path 22 Wall 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E Valve mechanism 26,26D Valve body 28 First Magnet 28n,30n,32n N magnetized part 28s,30s,32s S magnetized part 30 Second Magnet 32, 32A, 32B, 32C Third magnet 34 Main body 36 Upper flange 38 Lower flange 40 recess 46,50 Guide space 48 Control Unit 52 Power Source 54 Bearing section

Claims

1. a containing member that is detachably attached to the main body, the containing member having a containing space for containing a liquid and a flow path for circulating the liquid between the containing space and the outside; a valve element that is displaceable between an open position that connects the accommodation space and the flow path and a closed position that blocks communication between the accommodation space and the flow path; a first magnet disposed on the valve body; a second magnet disposed in the housing member and rotatable relative to the first magnet; a third magnet disposed on the body; When the containing member is attached to the main body, the second magnet rotates due to the magnetic force from the third magnet, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, whereby the valve element is displaced from the closed position to the open position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, When the containing member is removed from the main body, the second magnet rotates due to the magnetic force from the first magnet, and the magnetic pole of the second magnet facing the first magnet is reversed, whereby the valve element is displaced from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet. Liquid distribution equipment.

2. When the housing member is attached to the main body, the distance between the second magnet and the third magnet is shorter than the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

3. The third magnet is an electromagnet. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

4. the third magnet is rotatable relative to the second magnet; The liquid distribution device further includes a drive source that rotates the third magnet so that the magnetic pole of the third magnet facing the second magnet is reversed. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

5. When the housing member is attached to the main body, the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet are not arranged in a straight line. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

6. The housing member further includes a valve body space disposed between the housing space and the flow path, the valve body is slidable between the open position and the closed position in the valve body space; A recess is formed on the side surface of the valve body, When the valve element slides from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the recessed portion protrudes into the accommodation space, thereby connecting the accommodation space and the flow path via the recessed portion, When the valve body slides from the open position to the closed position, the recessed portion retreats into the valve body space, thereby blocking the accommodation space and the flow path. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

7. the housing member has a bearing portion that supports the valve body so that the valve body can tilt, The valve element is tiltable between the open position and the closed position around the bearing portion in the accommodation space. The liquid flow device according to claim 1 .

8. When the valve body is in the open position, the flow path allows liquid to circulate between the storage space and the main body. The liquid flow device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When the valve body is in the open position, the flow path allows liquid to circulate between the storage space and a storage member other than the storage member. The liquid flow device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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