Fluid transport device and flow path switching valve

Abstract

To provide a fluid carrier device and a flow channel switching valve advantageous for accelerating switching speed regarding feeding of fluid by simple device configurations.SOLUTION: A valve body part 12 comprises: a common flow channel C0; a first valve flow channel C1; a second valve flow channel C2, and a third valve flow channel C3 connected with the common flow channel C0. A valve rotor 13 is rotatably arranged centering on a rotational axis Ar on the common flow channel C0. At least either of an angle to be formed by a part connected with the common flow channel C0 of the first valve flow channel C1 and a part connected with the common flow channel C0 of the second valve flow channel C2 on the basis of a rotational axis Ar, or an angle to be formed by a part connected with the common flow channel C0 of the second valve flow channel C2 and a part connected with the common flow channel C0 of the third valve flow channel C3 on the basis of the rotational axis Ar is less than 90 degrees.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid transport device and a flow path switching valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a filling device that controls the amount of compressible viscous material delivered by a switching valve.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a filling mechanism that controls the amount of liquid content delivered by a four-way rotary valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 135105 / 1983 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-222023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The amount of fluid delivered can be controlled by using a valve unit that switches between delivering and stopping fluid depending on the rotational position of a rotor, as in the devices and mechanisms disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In this case, the switching speed for delivering fluid depends on the rotational speed of the rotor of the valve unit.

[0006] On the other hand, the rotational position of the rotor in such a valve unit is predetermined, and is generally determined according to a rotation angle at intervals of 90 degrees.

[0007] One way to increase the switching speed for fluid delivery is to increase the rotation speed of the rotor of the valve unit. However, the upper limit of the rotation speed of the rotor is determined by the performance of the drive device that rotates the rotor. Rotating the rotor at high speed and stopping it accurately at the desired angular position requires a high-performance drive device, which can result in increased device costs.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique that is advantageous for increasing the switching speed for fluid delivery using a simple device configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a valve rotor including a valve body having a common flow path and first, second, and third valve flow paths connected to the common flow path; a rotor arranged rotatably about a rotation axis in the common flow path, the rotor being selectively positionable between a first rotation position where the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path are connected via the common flow path, and a second rotation position where the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path are connected via the common flow path; a supply unit connected to the first valve flow path and supplying a fluid to the first valve flow path; a delivery unit connected to the third valve flow path and receiving a fluid from the third valve flow path; The fluid transport device comprises an intermediary unit that receives fluid via a first valve flow path, a common flow path, and a second valve flow path, and supplies the fluid to the second valve flow path so that the fluid is sent to a delivery unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and a third valve flow path, wherein at least one of the angles formed by the point of the first valve flow path where it is connected to the common flow path and the point of the second valve flow path where it is connected to the common flow path, with the rotation axis as the reference, and the angle formed by the point of the second valve flow path where it is connected to the common flow path and the point of the third valve flow path where it is connected to the common flow path, with the rotation axis as the reference, is less than 90 degrees.

[0010] At least one of the angle formed between the extension direction of the first valve flow channel and the extension direction of the second valve flow channel and the angle formed between the extension direction of the second valve flow channel and the extension direction of the third valve flow channel may be less than 90 degrees.

[0011] The fluid transport device includes a discharge unit, the valve body has a common flow path and a fourth valve flow path connected to the discharge unit, the valve rotor is selectively positionable to a third rotation position that connects the first valve flow path and the fourth valve flow path via the common flow path, and the angle formed by the portion of the first valve flow path that is connected to the common flow path and the portion of the fourth valve flow path that is connected to the common flow path with respect to the rotation axis may be less than 90 degrees.

[0012] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another, the axis of rotation extends along the Y-axis, and the valve body does not necessarily have to be provided with a spatial passage extending from the common flow path in a direction including a negative Z-axis component along the Z-axis and leading to the outside of the valve body.

[0013] The relay unit may selectively take a metering mode in which it receives a target amount of fluid via the first valve flow path, the common flow path, and the second valve flow path, and a delivery mode in which it delivers the target amount of fluid to the delivery unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and the third valve flow path, and the delivery unit may discharge the target amount of fluid delivered from the relay unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and the third valve flow path.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve comprising: a valve main body having a common flow path and first, second, and third valve flow paths connected to the common flow path; and a valve rotor arranged in the common flow path to be rotatable about a rotation axis, the valve rotor being selectively positionable between a first rotation position at which the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path are connected via the common flow path, and a second rotation position at which the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path are connected via the common flow path, wherein at least one of the angle formed with the rotation axis by the portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and the portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path, and the angle formed with the rotation axis by the portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path and the portion of the third valve flow path connected to the common flow path is less than 90 degrees. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a simple device configuration is advantageous in increasing the switching speed for fluid delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a fluid transport device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a valve rotor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a valve main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a flow path switching valve including the valve rotor shown in FIG. 2 and the valve main body shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a rotation drive unit that rotates the valve rotor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transport device, showing a state in which the valve rotor is disposed at the first rotation position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transport device, showing a state in which the valve rotor is disposed at the second rotation position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transport device, showing a state in which the valve rotor is disposed at the third rotation position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The fluid transport device described below is configured as a fluid discharge device that separates a target amount of fluid and discharges the separated target amount of fluid. However, the fluid transport device of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific device or method, and can also be applied to devices and methods for transporting fluids for any other purpose.

[0018] The concept of fluid here includes all fluid substances. Typically, substances with a liquid or paste-like composition (e.g., food or daily necessities) can constitute a fluid, but the specific state, composition, and use of the fluid are not limited.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a fluid transport device 10. In Fig. 1, a flow path switching valve 11 and portions of a supply pipe 21, a relay pipe 31, a delivery pipe 41, and a discharge pipe 51 are shown in a cross section (XZ cross section) extending perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0020] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. In this example, the X-axis and Y-axis extend horizontally, and the Z-axis extends vertically. In the following description, the "X direction" refers to the direction along the X-axis, the "Y direction" refers to the direction along the Y-axis, and the "Z direction" refers to the direction along the Z-axis. The Z direction includes the positive Z-axis direction (upward in this example) and the negative Z-axis direction (downward in this example), which are directed in opposite directions. Similarly, with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, there are the positive X-axis direction, negative X-axis direction, positive Y-axis direction, and negative Y-axis direction.

[0021] The fluid transport device 10 includes a flow path switching valve 11, a supply unit 20, a relay unit 30, a delivery unit 40, and a discharge unit 50, which are connected to the flow path switching valve 11.

[0022] The flow path switching valve 11 is configured as a so-called rotary valve, and includes a valve main body 12 and a valve rotor 13 .

[0023] The valve main body 12 has a common flow path C0, and a first valve flow path C1, a second valve flow path C2, a third valve flow path C3, and a fourth valve flow path C4 connected to the common flow path C0.

[0024] The valve rotor 13 is disposed in the common flow path C0 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Ar extending in the Y direction. As will be described later, the valve rotor 13 switches the communication state between the valve flow paths (first valve flow path C1 to fourth valve flow path C4) depending on the rotation position.

[0025] The supply unit 20 is connected to the first valve flow path C1 and supplies a fluid F to the first valve flow path C1.

[0026] The supply unit 20 of this example has a supply pipe 21 connected to the first valve flow path C1, and a supply tank 22 connected to the first valve flow path C1 via the supply pipe 21. The supply tank 22 is provided as a storage section that stores the fluid F, and is installed at a position higher than the flow path switching valve 11. The height position of the supply tank 22 is not limited, but as an example, the portion of the supply tank 22 that is connected to the supply pipe 21 (i.e., the supply and discharge port portion) is placed at a position higher than the relay unit 30, the delivery unit 40, and the discharge unit 50.

[0027] The relay unit 30 is connected to the second valve flow path C2, and fluid F is supplied via the first valve flow path C1, the common flow path C0, and the second valve flow path C2, and supplies fluid F to the second valve flow path C2 so that the fluid F is sent to the delivery unit via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3.

[0028] The relay unit 30 of this example has a relay pipe 31 connected to the second valve flow path C2, and a pump device 32 connected to the second valve flow path C2 via the relay pipe 31.

[0029] Pump device 32 has a pump cylinder 33 connected to relay pipe 31, and a pump piston 34 arranged inside pump cylinder 33. Pump piston 34 is moved by pump driver 35, which is driven under the control of controller 60, and moves back and forth horizontally (in the X direction in the example shown in FIG. 1 ) along the inner wall surface of pump cylinder 33. That is, controller 60 moves forward and backward a forward and backward movement drive shaft 35a of pump driver 35, thereby moving pump piston 34, which is attached to forward and backward movement drive shaft 35a, forward and backward in the horizontal direction.

[0030] The pump piston 34 slides along the inner wall surface of the pump cylinder 33 while being in close contact with the inner wall surface of the pump cylinder 33 so that the space between the pump piston 34 and the inner wall surface of the pump cylinder 33 is basically maintained as an airtight and liquidtight structure.

[0031] The pump device 32 sucks (receives) the fluid F via the relay pipe 31 and pushes (sends) the fluid F via the relay pipe 31 in accordance with the movement of the pump piston 34. That is, by moving the pump piston 34 in a direction from the pushed-in position toward the retracted position (leftward in FIG. 1), a negative pressure that sucks the fluid F into the pump cylinder 33 is generated in the pump cylinder 33. On the other hand, by moving the pump piston 34 in a direction from the retracted position toward the pushed-in position (rightward in FIG. 1), a force that pushes the fluid F from the pump cylinder 33 toward the relay pipe 31 acts on the fluid F in the pump cylinder 33.

[0032] Therefore, the amount of fluid F drawn in and delivered by the pump device 32 can be adjusted according to the amount of movement of the pump piston 34. That is, the amount of fluid F drawn in and delivered by the pump device 32 is determined according to the pushed-in position and retracted position (the amount of movement between the pushed-in position and the retracted position) of the pump piston 34. Therefore, by accurately moving the pump piston 34 back and forth between the target pushed-in position and the target retracted position, the pump device 32 can accurately draw in (receive) and push out (deliver) the target amount of fluid F. Therefore, by the pump drive unit 35 adjusting the movement of the pump piston 34 (i.e., the target pushed-in position and target retracted position of the pump piston 34) under the control of the control unit 60, the amount of fluid F drawn in and delivered by the pump device 32 can be variably controlled.

[0033] The delivery unit 40 is connected to the third valve flow path C3, and the fluid F is supplied from the third valve flow path C3.

[0034] The delivery unit 40 of this example has a delivery pipe 41 connected to the third valve flow path C3, and a discharge nozzle part 42 connected to the third valve flow path C3 via the delivery pipe 41. The lower end of the discharge nozzle part 42 forms a discharge part 42a, and the fluid F supplied to the discharge nozzle part 42 via the delivery pipe 41 is discharged from the discharge part 42a to the outside (downward in the example shown in FIG. 1).

[0035] The fluid F discharged from the discharge portion 42a of the discharge nozzle portion 42 is applied to a container (not shown) (for example, a bag) or any other desired object.

[0036] The discharge unit 50 is connected to the fourth valve flow path C4, and is supplied with the fluid F from the fourth valve flow path C4. The discharge unit 50 of this example has a discharge pipe 51 connected to the fourth valve flow path C4, and a discharge tank 52 connected to the fourth valve flow path C4 via the discharge pipe 51. The discharge tank 52 receives the fluid F (including a cleaning agent and waste liquid, which will be described later) sent from the fourth valve flow path C4 via the discharge pipe 51.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the valve rotor 13. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the valve main body 12. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the flow path switching valve 11 including the valve rotor 13 shown in Fig. 2 and the valve main body 12 shown in Fig. 3.

[0038] The valve rotor 13 shown in Fig. 2 has a structure in which the side of a cylindrical body is cut out in two places, and the central axis of the cylindrical body coincides with the rotation axis Ar of the valve rotor 13. One of the cut-out portions of the cylindrical body of the valve rotor 13 forms the first rotor recess 14a, and the other cut-out portion forms the second rotor recess 14b.

[0039] 1, the valve rotor 13 disposed in the common flow path C0 divides the common flow path C0 into a first partition space S1 corresponding to the first rotor recess 14a and a second partition space S2 corresponding to the second rotor recess 14b. The side of the valve rotor 13 has a first partition surface 13a that partitions the first rotor recess 14a, a second partition surface 13b that partitions the second rotor recess 14b, and a rotating peripheral surface 13s.

[0040] 3, the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2 have circular cross sections and extend in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and oblique to both the X axis and the Y axis. On the other hand, the common flow path C0 has a circular cross section and extends in the Y direction, and the third valve flow path C3 and the fourth valve flow path C4 have circular cross sections and extend in the X direction.

[0041] 3 includes a pentagonal prism (a prism having a home-base-shaped pentagonal XZ cross section) as its main body, with the first valve flow path C1, the second valve flow path C2, the third valve flow path C3, and the fourth valve flow path C4 opening on four of the five lateral planes of the pentagonal prism. Furthermore, both ends of the common flow path C0 open on the bottom and top surfaces of the pentagonal prism (two planes configured as XZ planes in the example shown in FIG. 3).

[0042] The valve rotor 13 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the common flow path C0 to form the flow path switching valve 11 shown in FIG.

[0043] The diameter of the common flow path C0 (i.e., the maximum diameter perpendicular to the rotation axis Ar) is approximately the same as the diameter of the valve rotor 13 (particularly the rotation peripheral surface 13s) (i.e., the maximum diameter perpendicular to the rotation axis Ar), but is slightly larger than the diameter of the valve rotor 13 (rotation peripheral surface 13s). This provides a slight gap (clearance) between the valve main body 12 and the valve rotor 13. Therefore, the valve rotor 13 is arranged in the common flow path C0 so that it can rotate substantially without receiving frictional resistance from the valve main body 12 or with only a small frictional force from the valve main body 12.

[0044] The gap between the valve main body 12 and the valve rotor 13 is very small so that the fluid F in the first compartment space S1 defined by the first rotor recess 14a and the fluid F in the second compartment space S2 defined by the second rotor recess 14b do not substantially leak from the gap. Therefore, while the valve rotor 13 rotates around the rotation axis Ar in the common flow path C0, the rotating peripheral surface 13s of the valve rotor 13 slides on the inner wall surface of the valve main body 12 that defines the common flow path C0.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the rotation drive unit 17 that rotates the valve rotor 13. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The rotation drive unit 17 rotates the valve rotor 13 about the rotation axis Ar to position it at a desired angular position under the control of the control unit 60. The rotation drive unit 17 can typically be configured by a servo motor.

[0047] 5 has a drive main body 17a and a rotary shaft 17b that is rotated by the drive main body 17a. The tip of the rotary shaft 17b is fixed to the valve rotor 13, and the valve rotor 13 also rotates when the rotary shaft 17b rotates.

[0048] The valve rotor 13 of this example can be selectively positioned at a first rotational position, a second rotational position, and a third rotational position.

[0049] The valve rotor 13 (see FIG. 6 described later) arranged in the first rotation position connects the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2 via the first partition space S1 (first rotor recess 14a; common flow path C0). Note that communication between the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3, and communication between the first valve flow path C1 and the fourth valve flow path C4 are blocked by the valve rotor 13 arranged in the first rotation position.

[0050] The valve rotor 13 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 described below) arranged in the second rotation position connects the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3 via the first partition space S1 (first rotor recess 14a; common flow path C0). Note that communication between the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2, and communication between the first valve flow path C1 and the fourth valve flow path C4 are blocked by the valve rotor 13 arranged in the second rotation position.

[0051] The valve rotor 13 arranged in the third rotation position (see FIG. 8 described later) connects the first valve flow path C1 and the fourth valve flow path C4 via the second partition space S2 (second rotor recess 14b; common flow path C0). Note that communication between the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2, and communication between the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3 are blocked by the valve rotor 13 arranged in the third rotation position.

[0052] 2 form a first partitioned space S1 and a second partitioned space S2 in the common flow path C0 of the valve main body 12. The first partitioned space 14a and the second partitioned space 14b (i.e., the first partitioned space S1 and the second partitioned space S2) function as a communication path that connects two valve flow paths and allows fluid F to flow from one valve flow path to the other, depending on the rotational position of the valve rotor 13 in the common flow path C0.

[0053] In the fluid transport device 10 (particularly the flow path switching valve 11) having the above-described configuration, the angle formed by the portion of the first valve flow path C1 that is connected to the common flow path C0 and the portion of the second valve flow path C2 that is connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar is less than 90 degrees.

[0054] Furthermore, the angle formed by the portion of the second valve flow path C2 connected to the common flow path C0 and the portion of the third valve flow path C3 connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar is less than 90 degrees.

[0055] Furthermore, the angle formed by the portion of the first valve flow path C1 that is connected to the common flow path C0 and the portion of the fourth valve flow path C4 that is connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar is less than 90 degrees.

[0056] This makes it possible to reduce the rotation angle of the valve rotor 13 when switching the connection state between the valve flow paths (first valve flow path C1 to fourth valve flow path C4), shortening the time required for rotating the valve rotor 13 and enabling the connection state between the valve flow paths to be switched quickly.

[0057] The "angle formed by the point of the first valve flow path C1 that is connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the second valve flow path C2 that is connected to the common flow path C0, with the rotation axis Ar as the reference" is determined, for example, as follows.

[0058] In other words, the angle formed by the line passing through the "position where the center line of the first valve flow path C1 extending along the extension direction of the first valve flow path C1 (i.e., the center line where the center of the cross section of the first valve flow path C1 is located) connects to the common flow path C0" and the "rotation axis Ar" and the line passing through the "position where the center line of the second valve flow path C2 extending along the extension direction of the second valve flow path C2 connects to the common flow path C0" and the "rotation axis Ar" is the "angle formed by the point of the first valve flow path C1 where it connects to the common flow path C0 and the point of the second valve flow path C2 where it connects to the common flow path C0, with the rotation axis Ar as the reference."

[0059] The "angle formed by the point of the second valve flow path C2 where it is connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the third valve flow path C3 where it is connected to the common flow path C0, with the rotation axis Ar as the reference" and the "angle formed by the point of the first valve flow path C1 where it is connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the fourth valve flow path C4 where it is connected to the common flow path C0, with the rotation axis Ar as the reference" are also determined in a similar manner.

[0060] Each of the first-valve flow paths C1 to fourth-valve flow paths C4 in this example extends linearly, has a constant cross-sectional shape and constant cross-sectional area along the extension direction, is connected to the common flow path C0 at one end, and opens to the outside of the valve main body 12 at the other end. Therefore, the angle formed by the extension direction of the first-valve flow path C1 and the extension direction of the second-valve flow path C2 is less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the angle formed by the extension direction of the second-valve flow path C2 and the extension direction of the third-valve flow path C3 is also less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the angle formed by the extension direction of the first-valve flow path C1 and the extension direction of the fourth-valve flow path C4 is also less than 90 degrees.

[0061] The "extension direction of the first valve flow path C1" here corresponds to, for example, the direction along the straight line connecting the position where the center line of the first valve flow path C1 connects to the common flow path C0 and the position where the center line of the first valve flow path C1 connects to the outside of the valve main body 12. The same applies to the "extension direction of the second valve flow path C2," the "extension direction of the third valve flow path C3," and the "extension direction of the fourth valve flow path C4."

[0062] In the fluid transport device 10 (particularly the flow path switching valve 11) of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the valve main body 12 does not have a spatial passage extending from the common flow path C0 in a direction including a negative Z-axis component along the Z-axis (the downward component in Figure 1) and connecting to the outside of the valve main body 12.

[0063] This eliminates the need to connect piping to the negative Z-axis direction side of flow path switching valve 11, thereby reducing the Z-axis direction space of fluid transport device 10. When the negative Z-axis direction is set downward as in this example, there is no need to provide piping on the underside of flow path switching valve 11. This allows flow path switching valve 11 to be installed at a low position, which in turn allows external devices (e.g., supply tank 22) connected to flow path switching valve 11 to be installed at a low position, thereby reducing the overall vertical space of fluid transport device 10.

[0064] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of maintenance and safety, it is preferable that external devices having a large weight and / or size be installed at a low position. Therefore, the fluid transport device 10 (flow path switching valve 11) of this example can improve ease of maintenance and safety.

[0065] Next, an example of the operation of the fluid transport device 10 (fluid transport method) will be described.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transfer device 10, showing a state in which the valve rotor 13 is positioned at the first rotation position Pr1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transfer device 10, showing a state in which the valve rotor 13 is positioned at the second rotation position Pr2. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the fluid transfer device 10, showing a state in which the valve rotor 13 is positioned at the third rotation position Pr3. The arrows shown in Figs. 6 to 8 indicate the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0067] In this example, depending on the rotational position of the valve rotor 13, a target amount separation process is performed in which the relay unit 30 separates a target amount of fluid F, and a target amount delivery process is performed in which the target amount of fluid F is delivered to the delivery unit 40.

[0068] First, under the control of the control unit 60, the rotation drive unit 17 (see FIG. 5) rotates the valve rotor 13 to place the valve rotor 13 at the first rotation position Pr1 shown in FIG. 6. Then, with the valve rotor 13 placed at the first rotation position Pr1, under the control of the control unit 60, the pump drive unit 35 (see FIG. 1) moves the pump piston 34 from the target push-in position to the target retracted position (target amount separation step).

[0069] As a result, the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2 are connected to each other via the first partition space S1 (common flow path C0), and the pump device 32 sucks in the fluid F, and the target amount of fluid F is drawn into the second valve flow path C2, the relay pipe 31, and the pump cylinder 33.

[0070] Thereafter, under the control of the control unit 60, the rotation drive unit 17 rotates the valve rotor 13 to place the valve rotor 13 in the second rotation position Pr2 (see FIG. 7). Then, with the valve rotor 13 placed in the second rotation position Pr2, the pump piston 34 is moved from the target retracted position to the target pushed-in position (target amount delivery process).

[0071] As a result, the pump device 32 pushes out the fluid F while the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3 are in communication with each other via the first partition space S1 (common flow path C0), and the target amount of fluid F is sent out to the third valve flow path C3, the delivery pipe 41, and the discharge nozzle portion 42. As a result, the target amount of fluid F is discharged from the discharge portion 42a.

[0072] In this way, the relay unit 30 selectively operates between a metering mode in which it receives a target amount of fluid F via the first valve flow path C1, the common flow path C0, and the second valve flow path C2, and a delivery mode in which it delivers the target amount of fluid F via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3 to the delivery unit 40. The delivery unit 40 also discharges the target amount of fluid F delivered from the relay unit 30 via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3.

[0073] By repeating the above-mentioned target amount separation process (see Figure 6) and target amount delivery process (see Figure 7), the target amount of fluid F is intermittently delivered to the delivery unit 40, and the target amount of fluid F is intermittently delivered from the delivery unit 40 (ejection section 42a).

[0074] In order to accurately separate and deliver the target amount of fluid F by the above-mentioned target amount separating step and target amount delivering step, it is a prerequisite that the supply pipe 21, the first valve flow path C1, the first partition space S1, the second valve flow path C2, the relay pipe 31, the pump cylinder 33, the third valve flow path C3, and the delivery pipe 41 are filled with fluid F. Therefore, by carrying out a preparation step prior to carrying out the above-mentioned target amount separating step and target amount delivering step, the supply pipe 21, the first valve flow path C1, the first partition space S1, the second valve flow path C2, the relay pipe 31, the pump cylinder 33, the third valve flow path C3, and the delivery pipe 41 are filled with fluid F.

[0075] As an example, in the preparation step, the fluid transport device 10 is driven to perform a preparatory operation in the same manner as in the target amount separation step and the target amount delivery step described above. That is, the pump device 32 repeatedly performs a suction operation with the valve rotor 13 positioned at the first rotation position Pr1 and a push operation with the pump device 32 positioned at the second rotation position Pr2 as the preparatory operation. As a result, air within the supply pipe 21, first valve flow path C1, first compartment space S1, second valve flow path C2, relay pipe 31, pump cylinder 33, third valve flow path C3, and delivery pipe 41 is gradually discharged via the discharge nozzle portion 42 together with the fluid F, eventually completing the filling of the fluid F.

[0076] The fluid transfer device 10 (fluid transfer method) of this embodiment can further perform a fluid discharge step of discharging the fluid F in the supply pipe 21 and the first valve flow path C1 to the discharge unit 50.

[0077] That is, under the control of the control unit 60, the rotation drive unit 17 rotates the valve rotor 13 to place the valve rotor 13 at the third rotation position Pr3 (see FIG. 8) (fluid discharge step). As a result, the fluid F in the supply pipe 21 and the first valve flow path C1 flows into the fourth valve flow path C4 and the discharge pipe 51 via the second partition space S2 (common flow path C0), and is ultimately discharged into the discharge tank 52.

[0078] In addition, in the fluid discharge process, the flow of the fluid F in the supply pipe 21, the first valve flow path C1, the second partition space S2 (common flow path C0), the fourth valve flow path C4 and the discharge pipe 51 may be promoted by a device (not shown) that actively applies an extruding force to the fluid F in the supply pipe 21 and the first valve flow path C1 and / or a device (not shown) that actively applies a suction force to the fluid F in the fourth valve flow path C4 and the discharge pipe 51.

[0079] Furthermore, the fluid transfer device 10 (fluid transfer method) of this embodiment can further perform a cleaning step in which a cleaning agent is flowed through the common flow path C0, the first-valve flow paths C1 to the fourth-valve flow paths C4, the supply pipe 21, the relay pipe 31, the delivery pipe 41, and the discharge pipe 51. That is, the cleaning step can be performed by performing the above-described fluid transfer method (the target amount separation step, the target amount delivery step, and the fluid discharge step) using a cleaning agent having flowability as the above-described fluid F (for example, a cleaning solution consisting of only water or a cleaning solution containing cleaning components other than water). In this cleaning step, the common flow path C0, the first-valve flow paths C1 to the fourth-valve flow paths C4, the supply pipe 21, the relay pipe 31, the delivery pipe 41, and the discharge pipe 51 are cleaned with the cleaning agent.

[0080] As described above, the fluid transport device 10 of this embodiment comprises a valve main body 12 having a common flow path C0, and a first valve flow path C1, a second valve flow path C2, and a third valve flow path C3 connected to the common flow path C0, and a valve rotor 13 rotatably arranged around a rotation axis Ar in the common flow path C0, the valve rotor 13 being selectively positionable between a first rotation position Pr1 at which the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2 communicate with each other via the common flow path C0, and a second rotation position Pr2 at which the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3 communicate with each other via the common flow path C0. the supply unit 20 connected to the first valve flow path C1 and supplying fluid F to the first valve flow path C1, a delivery unit 40 connected to the third valve flow path C3 and supplied with fluid F from the third valve flow path C3, and an relay unit 30 connected to the second valve flow path C2, the relay unit 30 receiving the fluid F via the first valve flow path C1, the common flow path C0, and the second valve flow path C2, and supplying the fluid F to the second valve flow path C2 so as to deliver the fluid F to the delivery unit 40 via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3. At least one of the angles formed by the point of the first valve flow path C1 connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the second valve flow path C2 connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar, and the angle formed by the point of the second valve flow path C2 connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the third valve flow path C3 connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar, is less than 90 degrees.

[0081] The flow path switching valve 11 also comprises: a valve main body 12 having a common flow path C0, and first valve flow paths C1, second valve flow paths C2, and third valve flow paths C3 connected to the common flow path C0; and a valve rotor 13 arranged rotatably in the common flow path C0 around a rotation axis Ar, the valve rotor 13 being selectively positionable at a first rotation position Pr1 at which the first valve flow path C1 and the second valve flow path C2 communicate with each other via the common flow path C0, or a second rotation position Pr2 at which the second valve flow path C2 and the third valve flow path C3 communicate with each other via the common flow path C0, wherein at least one of the angle formed, with reference to the rotation axis Ar, between the point of the first valve flow path C1 connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the second valve flow path C2 connected to the common flow path C0, and the angle formed, with reference to the rotation axis Ar, between the point of the second valve flow path C2 connected to the common flow path C0 and the point of the third valve flow path C3 connected to the common flow path C0 is less than 90 degrees.

[0082] The above-described fluid transport device 10 and flow path switching valve 11 can reduce the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the valve rotor 13 for switching the communication state between the valve flow paths. This is therefore advantageous for increasing the switching speed for the delivery of fluid F with a simple device configuration. Specifically, this is advantageous for shortening the time required for "separating a target amount of fluid F" and "delivering a target amount of fluid F."

[0083] Furthermore, at least one of the angle formed between the extension direction of the first valve flow path C1 and the extension direction of the second valve flow path C2 and the angle formed between the extension direction of the second valve flow path C2 and the extension direction of the third valve flow path C3 is less than 90 degrees.

[0084] This is advantageous in that the switching speed for dispensing the fluid F can be increased with a simple device configuration.

[0085] The fluid transport device 10 also includes a discharge unit 50, the valve main body 12 has a common flow path C0 and a fourth valve flow path C4 connected to the discharge unit 50, the valve rotor 13 can be selectively positioned at a third rotation position Pr3 that connects the first valve flow path C1 and the fourth valve flow path C4 via the common flow path C0, and the angle formed by the portion of the first valve flow path C1 that is connected to the common flow path C0 and the portion of the fourth valve flow path C4 that is connected to the common flow path C0 with respect to the rotation axis Ar is less than 90 degrees.

[0086] This allows the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the valve rotor 13 required to switch the communication state between the first valve flow path C1 and the fourth valve flow path C4 via the common flow path C0 to be reduced, which is advantageous for increasing the switching speed for the discharge of fluid F with a simple device configuration.

[0087] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another, the axis of rotation Ar extends along the Y-axis, and the valve body 12 does not have a spatial passage extending from the common flow path C0 in a direction including a negative Z-axis component along the Z-axis and connecting to the outside of the valve body 12.

[0088] This can simplify the device configuration around flow path switching valve 11 (particularly around the negative Z-axis side) and / or improve the degree of freedom in device installation.

[0089] The relay unit 30 also selectively operates in a metering mode in which it receives a target amount of fluid F via the first valve flow path C1, the common flow path C0, and the second valve flow path C2, and in a delivery mode in which it delivers the target amount of fluid F to the delivery unit 40 via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3, and the delivery unit 40 ejects the target amount of fluid F delivered from the relay unit 30 via the second valve flow path C2, the common flow path C0, and the third valve flow path C3.

[0090] This allows the separation and discharge of the target amount of fluid F with high precision.

[0091] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of the above-described embodiments and modifications, or the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined partially or entirely. Furthermore, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and unique effects may also be achieved according to the specific configuration of each embodiment. Thus, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible to each element described in the claims, specification, and drawings, as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 fluid conveying device, 11 flow path switching valve, 12 valve main body, 13 valve rotor, 13a first section surface, 13b second section surface, 13s rotating peripheral surface, 14a first rotor recess, 14b second rotor recess, 17 rotation drive unit, 17a drive main body, 17b rotation shaft, 20 supply unit, 21 supply piping, 22 supply tank, 30 relay unit, 31 relay piping, 32 pump device, 33 pump cylinder, 34 pump piston, 35 pump drive unit, 40 delivery unit, 41 delivery piping, 42 discharge nozzle unit, 42a discharge unit, 50 discharge unit, 51 discharge piping, 52 discharge tank, 60 control unit, Ar rotation axis, C0 common flow path, C1 first valve flow path, C2 second valve flow path, C3 third valve flow path, C4 fourth valve flow path, F Fluid, Pr1 first rotation position Pr1, Pr2 second rotation position Pr2, Pr3 third rotation position Pr3, S1 first compartment space, S2 second compartment space

Claims

1. a valve body having a common flow path and a first valve flow path, a second valve flow path, and a third valve flow path connected to the common flow path; a rotor that is rotatably arranged in the common flow path around a rotation axis, the rotor being selectively positionable between a first rotation position at which the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, and a second rotation position at which the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path; a supply unit connected to the first valve flow path and supplying a fluid to the first valve flow path; a delivery unit connected to the third valve flow path and supplied with the fluid from the third valve flow path; a relay unit connected to the second valve flow path, the relay unit being supplied with the fluid via the first valve flow path, the common flow path, and the second valve flow path, and supplying the fluid to the second valve flow path so as to send the fluid to the delivery unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and the third valve flow path, at least one of an angle formed by a portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path with the rotation axis as a reference, and an angle formed by a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the third valve flow path connected to the common flow path with the rotation axis as a reference is less than 90 degrees, The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, The rotation axis extends in a direction along the Y axis, A fluid transport device in which the valve body is not provided with a spatial passage that extends from the common flow path in a direction including a negative Z-axis component along the Z-axis and leads to the outside of the valve body.

2. 2. The fluid transport device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the angle formed between the extension direction of the first valve flow path and the extension direction of the second valve flow path and the angle formed between the extension direction of the second valve flow path and the extension direction of the third valve flow path is less than 90 degrees.

3. A valve body having a common flow path and a first valve flow path, a second valve flow path, a third valve flow path and a fourth valve flow path connected to the common flow path; a rotor that is rotatably arranged in the common flow path around a rotation axis, the rotor being selectively positionable at a first rotation position where the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, a second rotation position where the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, and a third rotation position where the first valve flow path and the fourth valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path; a supply unit connected to the first valve flow path and supplying a fluid to the first valve flow path; a delivery unit connected to the third valve flow path and supplied with the fluid from the third valve flow path; an intermediary unit connected to the second valve flow path, the intermediary unit being supplied with the fluid via the first valve flow path, the common flow path, and the second valve flow path, and supplying the fluid to the second valve flow path so that the fluid is sent to the delivery unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and the third valve flow path; a discharge unit connected to the fourth valve flow path and supplied with the fluid from the fourth valve flow path, an angle formed by a portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path, with the rotation axis as a reference; an angle formed by a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the third valve flow path connected to the common flow path, with the rotation axis as a reference; and A fluid transport device, wherein at least one of the angles formed by the point of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and the point of the fourth valve flow path connected to the common flow path with respect to the rotation axis is less than 90 degrees.

4. the relay unit selectively takes a metering mode in which it receives a target amount of the fluid via the first valve flow path, the common flow path, and the second valve flow path, and a delivery mode in which it delivers the target amount of the fluid to the delivery unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path, and the third valve flow path, A fluid transport device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the delivery unit ejects the target amount of fluid sent from the relay unit via the second valve flow path, the common flow path and the third valve flow path.

5. A valve body having a common flow path, and a first valve flow path, a second valve flow path, and a third valve flow path connected to the common flow path; a valve rotor rotatably disposed in the common flow path around a rotation axis, a valve rotor that can be selectively positioned at a first rotation position that connects the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path via the common flow path, and at a second rotation position that connects the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path via the common flow path, at least one of an angle formed by a portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path with respect to the rotation axis, and an angle formed by a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the third valve flow path connected to the common flow path with respect to the rotation axis is less than 90 degrees, The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, The rotation axis extends in a direction along the Y axis, The flow path switching valve is such that the valve body does not have a spatial passage extending from the common flow path in a direction including a negative Z-axis direction component along the Z-axis and leading to the outside of the valve body.

6. a valve body having a common flow path and a first valve flow path, a second valve flow path, a third valve flow path, and a fourth valve flow path connected to the common flow path; a valve rotor that is rotatably arranged in the common flow path around a rotation axis, the valve rotor being selectively positionable at a first rotation position where the first valve flow path and the second valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, a second rotation position where the second valve flow path and the third valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, and a third rotation position where the first valve flow path and the fourth valve flow path communicate with each other via the common flow path, a flow path switching valve in which at least one of an angle formed, with respect to the rotation axis, between a portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path, an angle formed, with respect to the rotation axis, between a portion of the second valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the third valve flow path connected to the common flow path, and an angle formed, with respect to the rotation axis, between a portion of the first valve flow path connected to the common flow path and a portion of the fourth valve flow path connected to the common flow path is less than 90 degrees.

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