Seat valve and seat valve body

Abstract

A seat valve disclosed herein is formed in a sheet shape and controls the flow of a fluid. The seat valve has: a flow path bag which is formed in a bag shape and into and out of which a fluid to be controlled flows; and a control bag which is formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag, and into and out of which a control fluid for controlling the flow of the fluid to be controlled flows. The control bag has a front-side sheet and a back-side sheet that overlap each other, and a storage chamber for storing the control fluid is formed between the front-side sheet and the back-side sheet. The flow path bag has a flow path sheet overlapping the front-side sheet from the opposite side as the back-side sheet in the thickness direction, and a flow path chamber through which the fluid to be controlled flows is formed between the flow path sheet and the front-side sheet. The dimension of the flow path bag in a width direction intersecting the thickness direction and the flow direction of the fluid to be controlled is smaller than the dimension of the control bag in the width direction, and both ends of the flow path sheet in the width direction are fixed to the front-side sheet.

Description

Sheet valve and sheet valve body

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet valve and a sheet valve body.

[0002] Conventionally, a lightweight sheet valve formed in a sheet shape and controlling the flow of a fluid has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a bag-shaped body having a first chamber and a second chamber and an electrochemical cell unit, wherein an outer wall of the bag-shaped body and a partition wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber are formed of a flexible organic polymer sheet, the first chamber is used as a fluid storage unit, and the second chamber is used as a gas pressurization unit. A fluid discharge port is provided in the first chamber, and gas generated by applying a direct current to the electrochemical cell unit is introduced into the second chamber, and the fluid is discharged from the fluid discharge port of the first chamber.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-24619

[0004] By the way, in a sheet valve, it has sometimes been required to make the control of the fluid easier. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sheet valve or the like in which the control of the fluid is easy.

[0005] The technology of the present disclosure is a sheet valve formed in a sheet shape and controlling the flow of a fluid, including a flow path bag formed in a bag shape and through which a controlled fluid flows in and out, and a control bag formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag and through which a control fluid controlling the flow of the controlled fluid flows in and out. The control bag has a front sheet and a back sheet provided overlapping each other, and a storage chamber for storing the control fluid is formed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The flow path bag has a flow path sheet provided overlapping the front sheet on the side opposite to the back sheet with the front sheet sandwiched in the thickness direction, and a flow path chamber through which the controlled fluid flows is formed between the flow path sheet and the front sheet. The flow path bag is a sheet valve in which a dimension in a width direction intersecting with the flow direction and the thickness direction of the controlled fluid in the flow path bag is smaller than a dimension in the width direction of the control bag, and both end portions in the width direction of the flow path sheet are fixed to the front sheet.

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a lightweight seat valve and the like that allows for easy fluid control.

[0007] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of opening and closing the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the basic configuration of the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the pressure state acting on the first region and the second region in the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the deformation state of the film-like members constituting the first region and the second region in the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment that applies the principle of opening and closing the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a linear embodiment in which the first region and the second region in the flow control valve according to the present invention are arranged in parallel. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a multiple linear embodiment in which the first region and a plurality of second regions in the flow control valve according to the present invention are arranged in parallel. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tension-type embodiment in which the first region and the second region in the flow control valve according to the present invention are arranged between fixed ends. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tension-type embodiment in which a plurality of first regions are arranged at fixed ends for one second region in the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is an explanatory flowchart of the manufacturing method of the flow control valve according to the present invention. This is a schematic perspective view of the seat valve according to this embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the seat valve. This is a plan view of the seat valve. (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIVa-XIVa in Figure 13, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIVb-XIVb in Figure 13, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIVc-XIVc in Figure 13. This is a plan view showing the seat valve body. This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the seat valve. This diagram shows the control bag inflated, with (a) being a perspective view, (b) being a front view, and (c) being a side view. This is a plan view for explaining Modification 1. This is a plan view for explaining Modification 2 (2A-2C). This is a plan view for explaining Modification 3 (3A, 3B). This is a plan view for explaining Modification 4. This is a cross-sectional view for explaining Modification 5.

[0008] [Title of Invention] Flow channel opening / closing valve and method for manufacturing the same [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a flow channel opening / closing valve for opening and closing a flow channel and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0009] [Background Technology] Many mechanisms for opening and closing or adjusting flow paths exist in our everyday lives. Examples include water taps and garden hoses. The flow control valves used in water taps are mainly globe valves, which open and close the flow path of liquid by moving the valve body up and down.

[0010] There are also clamps used in the medical field. These clamps are devices attached to the middle of an intravenous drip tube and adjust the flow rate by physically changing the opening of the flow path cross-section by clamping the tube using roller clamps that rotate to grip the tube, or slide clamps operated by levers. In medical settings, clamps are used to precisely adjust the drip rate and administer the appropriate amount of medication to the patient (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-125592).

[0011] [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the medical field, clamps sometimes cannot keep up with flow rate settings that change moment by moment. The present invention aims to provide a small, lightweight, and inexpensive flow path opening / closing valve and a method for manufacturing the same that can keep up with flow rate settings that change moment by moment. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] The present invention provides a valve for opening and closing a fluid passage, wherein a flexible film-like member is fixed using fixing means to form a first region and a second region, the first region having a pressurized fluid inlet and folding into a film shape when no control pressurized fluid is present, and the second region having a controlled fluid inlet and a controlled fluid outlet and folding into a film shape when no controlled fluid is present, and the change in the flow area in the second region is controlled by the pressure of the control pressurized fluid flowing into the first region.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention can also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is adhesive.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention may also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is welded.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention may also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is sewn.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a flow path valve, which is a method for manufacturing a valve that opens and closes a fluid flow path, comprising: a cutting step of cutting a flexible film-like member to a predetermined size and shape; and a forming step of using fixing means such as adhesion, welding, or sewing to fasten the film-like member cut in the cutting step so as to form a first region and a second region, wherein the flow path area of ​​the second region is adjusted by pressurized control fluid flowing into the first region, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the flow path.

[0017] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a flow channel opening / closing valve according to the present invention can also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is adhesive.

[0018] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a flow channel opening / closing valve according to the present invention can also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is welded.

[0019] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a flow control valve according to the present invention can also employ a configuration in which the fixing means is sewn.

[0020] [Effects of the Invention] The flow path opening / closing valve and its manufacturing method according to the present invention exhibit the excellent effect of being able to follow flow rate settings that change moment by moment.

[0021] [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention] The present invention is characterized by a film-like member being fixed together using fixing means to form a first region and a second region, and by adjusting the flow area of ​​the second region by a pressurized control fluid flowing into the first region, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the flow path. The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the shapes and configurations shown in the drawings, and can be modified within the range that provides the effects that can be achieved as a creative expression of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of opening and closing the flow path valve according to the present invention. Figure 1(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the most basic principle of opening and closing the valve when both the first region 20 and the second region 30 are composed of a single system; Figure 1(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of opening and closing the valve when there is one first region and multiple second regions; Figure 1(c) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of opening and closing the valve when there is one first region and multiple second regions of different sizes; and Figure 1(d) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of opening and closing the valve when there is one first region and multiple second regions of different sizes, and these second regions of different sizes are in communication via a bypass.

[0023] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the basic configuration of the flow path on / off valve according to the present invention. Figure 2(a) is a perspective view showing the overall configuration, Figure 2(b) shows the front view, Figure 2(c) shows the bottom view, Figure 2(d) shows the side view, and Figure 2(e) shows the A-A cross-section.

[0024] Figure 3 is a pressure state diagram illustrating the pressure state acting on the first and second regions in the flow control valve according to the present invention. Figure 3(a) shows the most basic configuration when both the first region 20 and the second region 30 are composed of a single system. Figure 3(b) shows a configuration in which the second regions are provided on both sides of a single first region. Figure 3(c) shows a configuration in which two systems of the second region are provided on one side of a single first region. As shown in Figure 3(d), this invention has very few components and a simple structure, which reduces manufacturing costs. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0025] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the deformation state of the film-like members constituting the first and second regions in the flow path valve according to the present invention. Figure 4(a) shows that the lowest layer of film-like member 10 (13) is made of a resin that does not stretch easily, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC: rigid) (elongation 2-40%) or polystyrene (elongation 1-2.5%), and the film-like member 10 (12) that forms the layer above it, and the film-like member 10 that forms the layer above that (11), are laminated with polycarbonate (elongation 60-100%), polyethylene terephthalate (elongation 70-130%), or high-density polyethylene (elongation 15-100%), which have a small elongation but a slightly larger elongation than the base film-like member 13, thereby constructing the flow path valve 1 in an almost flat plate shape. In this embodiment, by laminating the film-like members 10 in a flat plate shape, the state of the first region 20 and the second region 30 becomes easier to visually inspect, making it easier to confirm the open / closed state. The reason why materials such as low-density polyethylene (elongation rate 90-800%) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (elongation rate 650-900%) are not used is that if an easily stretchable material is used, not only the shape of the channel cross-section but also the cross-sectional area will change. The elongation rates are determined according to test method D638. Furthermore, Figure 4(b) shows a state in which the film-like member 10 is stacked in such a way that a first region and a second region are formed in the gaps between each of the three stacked film-like members, and Figure 4(c) shows the arrangement positions of the fixing means T that fix each of the stacked film-like members 10. When the pressurized control fluid K flows in, the film-like member 11 that forms the second region 30 is pulled with the fixing means T as a fulcrum so that the first region becomes circular, pressing the second region 30 and reducing the flow path area M.

[0026] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment that applies the principle of opening and closing operation of the flow path valve according to the present invention. Figure 5(a) shows an embodiment in which there is one system of pressurized control fluid K flowing in, and two systems of the second region 30 controlled by it are controlled. Figure 5(b) shows an embodiment in which it is possible to have discharge volumes with different flow rates. In the drawings, the sizes of the first region 20 and the second region 30 are all shown as being the same size, but since the flow rate is determined by the size of the controlled fluid discharge section 32 and the controlled fluid inlet section 31, the discharged flow rates can be individually controlled by making the size of the controlled fluid discharge section 32 different. Alternatively, a time difference can be created until the controlled fluid filling the first region is completely filled, which is suitable for chemicals and the like in which the mixing order is predetermined.

[0027] Figure 6 is a linear diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the first region 20 and the second region 30 of the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention are arranged in parallel. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view showing the overall configuration, Figure 6(b) is a front view, Figure 6(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 6(d) is a cross-sectional view along A-A.

[0028] Figure 7 is a series of linear diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a first region 20 and a plurality of second regions 30 are arranged in parallel in the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view showing the overall configuration, Figure 7(b) is a front view, Figure 7(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 7(d) is a cross-sectional view along A-A.

[0029] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of a pull-type embodiment illustrating an embodiment in which a first region 20 and a second region 30 are arranged between a fixed end 40 in a flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention. Figure 8(a) shows a state in which there is little control pressurized fluid K and the valve is stretched in the vertical direction, and Figure 8(c) shows this state in a perspective view. Figure 8(b) shows a state in which the control pressurized fluid K is filled into the first region 20, expands into a circular shape, pulls the second region 30, and deforms in the vertical direction to block the flow path L, and Figure 8(d) shows this state in a perspective view.

[0030] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of a pull-type embodiment illustrating an embodiment in which a plurality of first regions 20 are arranged at a fixed end 40 with respect to a single second region 30 in the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention. Figure 9(a) shows a state in which there is little control pressurized fluid K and the area is stretched in the vertical direction, and Figure 9(c) shows this state in a perspective view. Figure 9(b) shows a state in which the plurality of first regions 20 are filled with control pressurized fluid K, which swells into a circular shape, pulls the second region 30, and deforms in the vertical direction to block the flow path L, and Figure 9(d) shows this state in a perspective view.

[0031] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention.

[0032] Next, we will describe the various components of the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention.

[0033] The flow path valve 1 is a valve that opens and closes a flow path L of fluid R, and is characterized in that a first region 20 and a second region 30 are formed using a flexible film-like member 10 with fixing means T, and the flow path area M of the second region 30 is adjusted by a control pressurized fluid K flowing into the first region 20, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the flow path L.

[0034] The film-like member 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a film or membrane-like material that is flexible, and a wide variety of materials can be used. Specifically, for example, a strong film-like material that is not easily stretched can be made of resin, but the type of resin varies depending on the application and the required strength, and the type of resin can be appropriately selected considering the usage environment, adhesive strength, safety, etc. For example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polystyrene (PS), ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, etc. can be considered.

[0035] The first region 20 expands into a roughly cylindrical shape due to the control pressurized fluid K, thereby compressing the second region 30 and closing the flow path L, or releasing the pressure in the first region 20 to open the flow path L, thereby performing opening and closing operations of the second region 30.

[0036] The second region 30 is the region that becomes the flow path L for the controlled fluid R. The flow path area M changes as the first region expands and deforms due to the pressurized working fluid, allowing for adjustment of the flow rate or opening and closing of the flow path. The flow rate is obtained by multiplying the flow path area by the flow velocity.

[0037] A fluid R is a substance that does not have a fixed shape and deforms and flows when an external force is applied to it. Water and air are typical examples of fluids. Fluids can be broadly divided into two types: liquids, such as water and oil, have a fixed volume but not a fixed shape, and gases, such as air and helium, have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape.

[0038] The flow path L is the path of the controlled fluid R flowing inside the second region 30, and the flow rate of the controlled fluid R is determined by the change in the flow path area M of the flow path L due to the overpressure in the first region 20.

[0039] The control pressurized fluid K is a pressurized liquid or gas, such as water, oil, gas, or air, that has been overpressurized by a compressor or pump. This follows the fundamental principle of hydrostatics, as shown by Pascal's principle, which states that "a fluid in a sealed container transmits the same pressure per unit area at one point to all other parts of the fluid, regardless of the shape of the container."

[0040] The flow path area M is the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L, and the flow rate is obtained by multiplying the flow path area M by the flow velocity.

[0041] Adhesion S is a state in which the adhesive and the surface of the film-like member 10 of the adherend are bonded by chemical force, physical force, or both. In order to form the first region 20 and the second region 30, the adhesive is applied to predetermined locations on each of the laminated film-like members 10 without any leakage. Specifically, for example, if the film-like member 10 is polyethylene (PE), a polyolefin-based adhesive, cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, or hot-melt adhesive is preferred; if it is polypropylene (PP), a polyolefin-based adhesive, cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, or hot-melt adhesive is preferred; if it is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a vinyl chloride resin-based adhesive, rubber-based adhesive, or cyanoacrylate-based adhesive is preferred; if it is acrylic, an acrylic-based adhesive, cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, or epoxy-based adhesive is preferred; if it is polystyrene (PS), a solvent-based adhesive or cyanoacrylate-based adhesive is preferred; if it is ABS resin, a solvent-based adhesive, epoxy-based adhesive, or cyanoacrylate-based adhesive is preferred; if it is polycarbonate (PC), a solvent-based adhesive, epoxy-based adhesive, or cyanoacrylate-based adhesive is preferred; if it is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyester-based adhesive, epoxy-based adhesive, or urethane-based adhesive is preferred; and if it is nylon, an epoxy-based adhesive, urethane-based adhesive, or rubber-based adhesive is preferred.

[0042] Welding Y is a processing technique used for joining thermoplastic resins (plastics). It involves heating the resin at the joint to the melting temperature, applying pressure, and then cooling to achieve the joint. It is also called fusion welding or thermal adhesion. Heating methods include external heating, which uses heat conduction from an external heat source such as a heater to heat the non-heated object, and internal heating, which heats the non-heated object from within. External heating takes time because it relies on heat conduction, while internal heating is characterized by heating only the welding part, thus requiring less time. After heating, pressure is applied for joining. However, if the pressure is too high, the welding time of Y will be shortened, but if it is too high, the welding strength may become weak or deformation may occur. Cooling is carried out to increase the strength of welding Y. Since insufficient cooling time will reduce the strength, it is important to allow sufficient time for cooling. Even when welding Y is used as the fixing means T for the film-like member 10 according to the present invention, attention is required regarding problems such as peeling because the fixing force by welding Y varies significantly due to differences in these heating capacity, pressing force, and cooling capacity.

[0043] Sewing H is a fixing means T when a configuration is adopted in which, when fixing with each film-like member 10, a predetermined portion is sewn without leakage. Sewing H provides a seal with excellent durability and aesthetics and is unparalleled in certain applications. It is optimal for heavy or bulky items that may fail with other sealing methods. However, because sewing H is time-consuming, it is not always suitable for all materials, especially those that require a highly airtight and watertight seal. Nevertheless, the strong and physical bond created by sewing H can withstand the burden of an inflowing overpressure gas, etc. Also, sewing H has a unique aesthetic charm, and the appearance of the seal can contribute to creating a sense of luxury that enhances the overall presentation of the product.

[0044] The fixing means T is a means for engaging the film-like member 10 to form the first region 20 and the second region 30. Specifically, as described above, there are adhesion S, welding Y, sewing H, etc.

[0045] <First Embodiment> The flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention adjusts the flow path area M of the second region 30 by the control pressurized fluid K flowing into the first region 20, enabling the opening and closing of the flow path L. Hereinafter, it will be described for each example.

[0046] <Example 1> Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(a). Example 1 forms the first region 20 and the second region 30 by laminating film-like members 10. For example, three film-like members 10 (11, 12, 13) are laminated, and as shown in FIG. 3(a), the gap between the film-like member 12 and the film-like member 13 is taken as the first region 20, and the film-like member 11 is laminated along the first region 20 of such a gap to form the second region 30. According to such an example, it exhibits an excellent effect that the constituent members are extremely few, and it can be manufactured in a small, lightweight, and inexpensive manner.

[0047] <Example 2> Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(b). Example 2 forms the first region 20 and a plurality of second regions 30 by laminating film-like members 10. For example, four film-like members 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) are laminated, and as shown in FIG. 3(b), the gap between the film-like member 12 and the film-like member 13 is taken as the first region 20, and the film-like member 11 is laminated along the first region 20 on both sides of such a gap to form the second region 30.

[0048] <Example 3> Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(c). Example 3 forms the first region 20 and a plurality of second regions 30 by laminating film-like members 10. For example, three film-like members 10 (11, 12, 13) are laminated, and as shown in FIG. 3(c), the gap between the film-like member 12 and the film-like member 13 is taken as the first region 20, and the film-like member 11 is laminated along the first region 20 on one side of such a gap to form a plurality of second regions 30.

[0049] <Example 4> Example 4 will be described using Figure 1(d). In Example 4, a first region 20 and a plurality of second regions 30 are formed by laminating film-like members 10. For example, three film-like members 10 (11, 12, 13) are laminated, and as shown in Figure 1(d), the gap between film-like member 12 and film-like member 13 is made into the first region 20, and a plurality of second regions 30 are formed by laminating film-like member 11 along the first region 20 on one side of the gap, and these plurality of second regions 30 are connected by bypass.

[0050] <Example 5> Next, Example 5 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Example 5 is a linear flow path on / off valve 1 in which a second region 30 is formed by a gap between a film-like member 10 that has been attached to cover a part of the first region 20 by a cylindrical rolled film-like member 10. As shown in Figure 6, a part of the substantially cylindrical flow path becomes a shared wall that separates the first region 20 and the second region 30, thus forming the first region 20 and the second region 30. When there is no control pressurized fluid K in the first region 20, it is folded, and when there is, pressure is applied into the first region 20 to make it cylindrical. The second region 30 is folded when there is no fluid to be controlled R, and is pulled in the circumferential direction by the pressure of the control pressurized fluid K flowing into the first region 20, thereby changing the flow path area M in the second region 30.

[0051] <Example 6> Next, Example 6 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Example 6 is a linear flow path on / off valve 1 in which a film-like member 10 rolled into a cylindrical shape is attached to cover a part of the first region 20, and a gap is formed between the film-like member 10 and the first region 20 to form a plurality of second regions 30. As shown in Figure 7, a part of the substantially cylindrical flow path becomes a shared wall that separates the first region 20 and the second region 30, thus forming the first region 20 and the second region 30. When there is no control pressurized fluid K in the first region 20, it is folded, and when there is, pressure is applied into the first region 20 to make it cylindrical. The second region is folded when there is no fluid to be controlled R, and is pulled in the circumferential direction by the pressure of the control pressurized fluid K flowing into the first region 20, thereby changing the flow path area M in the second region 30.

[0052] <Example 7> Next, Example 7 will be described with reference to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, Example 7 is an embodiment in which a first region 20 and a second region 30 are provided between the fixed ends on both sides, and the first region 20 expands in a circular shape, shortening its length in the diametrical direction, and this deformation generates a tensile force, which reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 30, and this deformation controls the flow rate of the controlled fluid R. In this embodiment, it is possible to form the first region 20 and the second region 30 by folding a single film-like member.

[0053] <Example 8> Next, Example 8 will be described with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, Example 8 has a plurality of first regions 20 between fixed ends on both sides and a second region 30 between them. The first region 20 expands in a circular shape, making its length in the diametrical direction shorter compared to Example 7. This deformation generates a stronger tensile force, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 30, and this deformation controls the flow rate of the controlled fluid R. In this configuration, it is possible to fold a single film-like member to form the first region 20 and the second region 30.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> The second method for manufacturing a flow path opening / closing valve is a method for manufacturing a valve that opens and closes a flow path L of a fluid to be controlled R, and consists of two extremely simple steps, a cutting step A and a forming step B, as shown in Figure 10.

[0055] Cutting process A is a process of cutting the film-like members 10 to be laminated in forming process B to a predetermined size and shape. Specifically, for example, the shape is a roughly rectangular shape as shown in Figure 2, and the size is cut such that the width in the flow direction of the film-like members 10 constituting the second region 30 is reduced, and the width in the flow direction of the film-like members 10 constituting the first region 20 is increased. However, the shape and size of the flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention can be diverse, and for example, it is conceivable to construct three film-like members 10 (11, 12, 13) of the same shape and size, and to construct a flow path with fixing means T, in which case the same film-like members 10 are used, so it is easy and mass production is possible.

[0056] Forming step B involves arranging the laminated film-like members 10 cut in cutting step A in a predetermined order and securing them with fixing means T. At this time, a pressurized fluid inlet 21, a controlled fluid inlet 31, and a controlled fluid outlet 32 ​​for introducing fluid R are attached in the forming step B to allow the pressurized fluid K to flow into the first region 20 to increase the pressure or to stop the inflow and reduce the pressure.

[0057] [Industrial Applicability] The flow path opening / closing valve 1 according to the present invention can be made extremely thin, so it is considered to have high industrial applicability in fields such as medicine, such as artificial muscles, and agriculture, such as the mixing and spraying of pharmaceuticals.

[0058] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the seat valve 101 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the seat valve 101. Figure 13 is a plan view of the seat valve 101. Figure 14(a) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 taken along the line XIVa-XIVa, (b) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 taken along the line XIVb-XIVb, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 taken along the line XIVc-XIVc. First, the configuration of the seat valve 101 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. In the following description, the schematic configuration and operation of the seat valve 101 will be described, followed by a detailed description of each part.

[0059] <Outline Configuration of Seat Valve 101> As shown in Figure 11, the seat valve 101 is formed in a sheet shape and controls the flow of fluid. As shown in Figures 11 and 14, the seat valve 101 has a flow path bag 130 formed in a bag shape through which water (controlled fluid) L flows in and out, a control bag 120 formed in a bag shape and disposed in the flow path bag 130 through which air (control fluid) G that controls the flow of water L flows in and out, a water inlet tube (flow path bag inlet passage) 140A that allows water L to flow into the flow path bag 130 and a water outlet tube (flow path bag outlet passage) 140B that allows water L to flow out, and an air tube (control bag flow path) 150 that allows air G to flow into and out of the control bag 120. In addition, the seat valve 101 is a flat, hollow container. Furthermore, the seat valve 101 is a deformable container. This seat valve 101 includes a water inlet tube 140A, a water outlet tube 140B, and an air tube 150 as flow paths for guiding the fluid flowing inside the container.

[0060] In the following explanation, the seat width direction of the seat valve 101 may be simply referred to as the "width direction," the seat depth direction of the seat valve 101 may be simply referred to as the "depth direction," and the seat thickness direction of the seat valve 101 may be simply referred to as the "thickness direction." Also, the dimension in the width direction may be referred to as the "width dimension," and the dimension in the depth direction may be referred to as the "depth dimension."

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, the control bag 120 and the flow path bag 130 are constructed by stacking multiple sheets of resin material. Specifically, the control bag 120 and the flow path bag 130 are constructed by stacking a flow path film sheet 115, a front film sheet (front sheet) 110A, and a back film sheet (back sheet) 110B in the thickness direction and fixing them together. The configuration of the control bag 120 and the flow path bag 130 will be described in detail below.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, the control bag 120 is composed of a portion of the front film sheet 110A and a portion of the back film sheet 110B that face each other in the thickness direction. The front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are roughly rectangular in shape, with their longitudinal direction aligned with their width direction. Furthermore, the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are transparent enough that their reverse sides are visible.

[0063] As shown in Figure 13, the control bag 120 is formed in a rectangular shape, with a width dimension w2 in the sheet width direction being longer than a depth dimension d2 in the sheet depth direction. The control bag 120 is formed in a bag shape by fixing the peripheral edge 111p of the front film sheet 110A and the peripheral edge 111p of the back film sheet 110B to each other. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(a), the control bag 120 has an airtight storage chamber 122 where air G is stored between the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B. Note that in Figure 14, for ease of understanding, the storage chamber 122 is shown in a state where it is considerably inflated.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, an air tube 150 is provided at one end 121c in the depth direction and one end 121a in the width direction of the control bag 120. The air tube 150 is a tubular member made of resin. As shown in Figure 14(b), the air tube 150 has an air inlet / outlet 151 opening into the storage chamber 122. The air tube 150 extends from the air inlet / outlet 151 in one direction in the depth direction.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the flow path bag 130 is composed of a portion of the flow path film sheet 115, which is arranged overlapping the front film sheet 110A in the thickness direction, and a portion of the front film sheet 110A. That is, the front film sheet 110A constitutes both the control bag 120 and the flow path bag 130. The flow path film sheet 115 is approximately rectangular in shape, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the depth direction. The flow path film sheet 115 is transparent enough that its back surface is visible.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, the flow path bag 130 is formed in a rectangular shape, with a width dimension w3 smaller than the depth dimension d3. Furthermore, the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is smaller than the width dimension w2 of the control bag 120. The flow path bag 130 is formed by fixing both ends of the flow path film sheet 115 in the width direction (one end 116a and the other end 116b) to the front film sheet 110A. The ends of the flow path bag 130 in the depth direction (one end 131c and the other end 131d) are also fixed. This forms the flow path bag 130 in a bag shape. As shown in Figure 14(a), the flow path bag 130 has a flow path chamber 132 through which water L flows between the flow path film sheet 115 and the front film sheet 110A. The flow path bag 130 is configured such that the flow direction of water L in the flow path chamber 132 coincides with the depth direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, a water inlet tube 140A is provided at one end 131c in the depth direction of the flow path bag 130. The water inlet tube 140A is a tubular member made of resin. The water inlet tube 140A extends in one direction in the depth direction from the water inlet 141a which opens into the flow path chamber 132. A water outlet tube 140B is provided at the other end 131d in the depth direction of the flow path bag 130. The water outlet tube 140B is a tubular member made of resin. The water outlet tube 140B extends in the other direction in the depth direction from the water outlet 141b which opens into the flow path chamber 132.

[0068] With this configuration, when no air G is stored in the storage chamber 122, water L flows smoothly through the flow path chamber 132. On the other hand, when air G is stored in the storage chamber 122 and the control bag 120 is inflated, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 decreases, and the flow of water L in the flow path chamber 132 is restricted. In other words, the flow rate of water L in the flow path chamber 132 is controlled by increasing or decreasing the amount of air G in the storage chamber 122.

[0069] <Detailed Configuration of Each Part of the Seat Valve 101> In addition to the basic configuration described above, the seat valve 101 has the following components, each formed in a tab shape. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the seat valve 101 has an air tube sealing tab 160 formed at one end 121c of the control bag 120 into which the air tube 150 is inserted, water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B formed at one end 131c and the other end 131d of the flow path bag 130 into which the water inlet tube 140A and the water outlet tube 140B are inserted, and a pair of one-end hole tabs 180 (180U, 180V, a pair of one-end hole portions) arranged on either side of the water tube sealing tab 170A at one end 121c of the control bag 120, and a pair of other-end hole tabs 180 (180W, 180X, a pair of other-end hole portions) arranged on either side of the water tube sealing tab 170B at the other end 121d of the control bag 120.

[0070] <Configuration of the air tube sealing tab 160> As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the air tube sealing tab 160 is composed of a part of the front film sheet 110A and a part of the back film sheet 110B. The air tube sealing tab 160 protrudes from one end 121c of the control bag 120 in one direction in the depth direction. As shown in Figure 14(b), the air tube sealing tab 160 is welded between the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B with the air tube 150 sandwiched in between.

[0071] <Configuration of Water Tube Sealing Tabs 170A and 170B> As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B are each composed of a part of the flow channel film sheet 115 and a part of the front film sheet 110A. As shown in Figure 13, the water tube sealing tab 170A protrudes in one direction in the depth direction from one end 131c in the depth direction of the flow channel bag 130. The water tube sealing tab 170B protrudes in the other direction in the depth direction from the other end 131d in the depth direction of the flow channel bag 130. As shown in Figure 14(c), the water tube sealing tab 170A is welded with the water inlet tube 140A sandwiched between the flow channel film sheet 115 and the front film sheet 110A. The water tube sealing tab 170B is welded with the water outlet tube 140B sandwiched between the flow channel film sheet 115 and the front film sheet 110A.

[0072] <Configuration of a pair of one-end hole tabs 180 and a pair of other-end hole tabs 180> As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pair of one-end hole tabs 180U, 180V and the pair of other-end hole tabs 180W, 180X are composed of a part of the front film sheet 110A and a part of the back film sheet 110B. The one-end hole tabs 180U, 180V each protrude in one direction in the depth direction from one end 121c of the control bag 120. The other-end hole tabs 180W, 180X each protrude in the other direction in the depth direction from the other end 121d of the control bag 120. The one-end hole tabs 180U, 180V and the other-end hole tabs 180W, 180X each have a through hole 182 that penetrates in the thickness direction and a metal reinforcing ring 183 that is crimped and attached to this through hole 182. Note that in Figure 12, the metal reinforcing ring 183 is omitted from the illustration for ease of understanding.

[0073] <Configuration of Front Film Sheet 110A and Back Film Sheet 110B> The front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are made of, for example, polyester (PE), and have a relatively high modulus of elasticity and are not easily stretched. As shown in Figure 12, the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are almost identical in shape, differing only in the presence or absence of the water-sealing tab film portions 114A and 114B described later. The front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B have, as shown in Figure 13, a control bag film portion 111 formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction, an air-sealing tab film portion 112 formed at one end 111c in the depth direction of the control bag film portion 111, and four perforated tab film portions 113 (113U to 113X) formed in pairs at one end 111c and the other end 111d of the control bag film portion 111.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, the control bag film portion 111 is formed with a width dimension w2 that is longer than the depth dimension d2. As shown in Figure 12, the control bag film portion 111 has one end 111c that extends longer in the width direction on one side in the depth direction, and another end 111d that extends longer in the width direction on the other side in the depth direction. The control bag film portion 111 also has one end 111a that extends shorter in the depth direction on one side in the width direction, and another end 111b that extends shorter in the depth direction on the other side in the width direction. These one end 111c and other end 111d, as well as one end 111a and other end 111b, constitute the peripheral edge portion 111p of the control bag film portion 111.

[0075] The air-sealing tab film portion 112 is formed on the side end 111a of one end 111c and protrudes in a tab shape (small piece shape) from one end 111c toward one side in the depth direction. The air-sealing tab film portion 112 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction and extends so as to extend one side end 111a toward one side in the depth direction (see Figure 13).

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the perforated tab film portions 113 (113U to 113X) are each formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction, and as shown in Figure 12, through holes 113a are formed that penetrate in the thickness direction. Each of these perforated tab film portions 113 is formed to have a depth dimension that is approximately equal to that of the air-sealing tab film portion 112. Here, "approximately equal" is not limited to the case where the dimensions of the two are exactly the same, but includes equal lengths within a range that does not substantially affect the sealing performance. To further explain, here "approximately equal" means that the difference in length between the two is within 10% of the length of either one. The perforated tab film portions 113U and 113V are formed with a gap between them at the center of one end 111c in the width direction. The perforated tab film portions 113W and 113X are formed with a gap between them at the center of the other end 111d in the width direction. Each of the perforated tab film portions 113 (113U to 113X) protrudes outward in a tab shape in the depth direction.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the front film sheet 110A has water-sealing tab film portions 114A and 114B formed in the widthwise center of one end 111c and the other end 111d, which distinguishes it from the back film sheet 110B. The water-sealing tab film portion 114A protrudes in a tab shape from one end 111c toward one direction in the depth direction. The water-sealing tab film portion 114B protrudes in a tab shape from the other end 111d toward the other direction in the depth direction. As shown in Figure 13, the width dimension of the water-sealing tab film portions 114A and 114B is formed to be about twice that of the perforated tab film portion 113, and the depth dimension is formed to be approximately the same as that of the perforated tab film portion 113. As shown in Figure 12, the water-sealing tab film portion 114A is sandwiched between the perforated tab film portions 113U and 113V at one end 111c. Furthermore, the water-sealing tab film portion 114B is sandwiched between the perforated tab film portions 113W and 113X at its other end 111d. Note that in the illustrated example, the back side film sheet 110B does not have the water-sealing tab film portions 114A and 114B formed thereon.

[0078] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are heat-sealed together by overlapping the peripheral edges 111p, 111p of their respective control bag film portions 111 to form the control bag 120. Furthermore, one end 111c, 111c of the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are heat-sealed together to form one end 121c of the control bag 120. Similarly, the other ends 111d, 111d of the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B form the other end 121d of the control bag 120, one end 111a, 111a of the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B form one end 121a of the control bag 120, and the other end sides 111b, 111b of the back film sheet 120 form one end 121b of the control bag 120. An air tube 150 passes through one end 121c of the control bag 120.

[0079] Furthermore, an air tube sealing tab 160 is formed by overlapping the air sealing tab film portion 112 of the front film sheet 110A and the air sealing tab film portion 112 of the back film sheet 110B in the thickness direction and heat-welding them together. The air tube sealing tab 160 is heat-welded to each other with an air tube 150 inserted between the two air sealing tab film portions 112 to reinforce the airtightness of the storage chamber 122. In addition, the hole tab film portions 113 (113U to 113X) of the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B are overlapped in the thickness direction and heat-welded together. Furthermore, a metal reinforcing ring 183 is attached to a through hole 182 formed by two through holes 113a that are connected in the thickness direction. In this way, one-end hole tabs 180U, 180V and the other-end hole tabs 180W, 180X are formed, respectively.

[0080] <Structure of the flow channel film sheet 115> The flow channel film sheet 115 is made of the same material as the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the flow channel film sheet 115 has a flow channel bag film portion 116 which is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction, and flow channel film tab portions 117A and 117B which protrude from the flow channel bag film portion 116 in one and the other direction in the depth direction, respectively. As shown in Figure 13, the flow channel bag film portion 116 is formed with a width dimension w3 shorter than the depth dimension d3. The flow channel bag film portion 116 has one end portion 116c which extends shorter in the width direction on one side in the depth direction, and another end portion 116d which extends shorter in the width direction on the other side in the depth direction. Furthermore, the flow channel bag film portion 116 has one end portion 116a which extends longer in the depth direction on one side in the width direction, and another end portion 116b which extends longer in the depth direction on the other side in the width direction. These one end 116c and the other end 116d, as well as one side end 116a and the other end 116d, constitute the circumferential end 116p of the flow path bag film portion 116.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12, the channel film tab portion 117A is formed at one end 116c and protrudes in a tab shape toward one direction in the depth direction. The channel film tab portion 117B is formed at the other end 116d and protrudes in a tab shape toward the other direction in the depth direction. The channel film tab portions 117A and 117B are formed in the center in the width direction. The width and depth dimensions of the channel film tab portions 117A and 117B are formed to be approximately equal to those of the water-sealing tab film portion 114 of the front film sheet 110A. As shown in Figure 13, when viewed in the thickness direction, such a channel film sheet 115 is arranged to overlap the center portion 120o in the width direction of the control bag 120.

[0082] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the flow channel film sheet 115 has its peripheral end 116p heat-sealed to the front film sheet 110A, and together with the front film sheet 110A, it forms a flow channel bag 130. The water inlet tube 140A and the water outlet tube 140B pass through the peripheral end 116p. Furthermore, the flow channel film tab portions 117A and 117B of the flow channel film sheet 115 and the water sealing tab film portions 114A and 114B of the front film sheet 110A are overlapped in the thickness direction and heat-sealed to form the water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B. The water tube sealing tab 170A is heat-sealed with the water inlet tube 140A inserted between the flow channel film tab portion 117A and the water sealing tab film portion 114A, thereby reinforcing the liquid-tightness of the flow channel chamber 132. Similarly, the water tube sealing tab 170B is heat-sealed with the water outlet tube 140B inserted between the flow path film tab portion 117B and the water sealing tab film portion 114B, thereby reinforcing the liquid-tightness of the flow path chamber 132.

[0083] <Detailed Configuration of Water Inlet Tube 140A and Water Outlet Tube 140B> The water inlet tube 140A and water outlet tube 140B are made of resin, and in the illustrated example, polyethylene is used. As shown in Figure 13, the water inlet tube 140A is inserted into the water tube sealing tab 170A and passes through one end 131c of the flow path bag 130, opening a water inlet 141a into the flow path chamber 132. The water outlet tube 140B is inserted into the water tube sealing tab 170B and passes through the other end 131d, opening a water outlet 141b into the flow path chamber 132. These water inlet tube 140A and water outlet tube 140B are connected to an external pump P.

[0084] <Detailed Configuration of Air Tube 150> The air tube 150 is made of resin, and in the illustrated example, a polyethylene tube is used. As shown in Figure 13, the air tube 150 is inserted into the air tube sealing tab 160 of the control bag 120, passes through one end 121c of the control bag 120, and opens an air inlet / outlet 151 to the storage chamber 122. Thus, the seat valve 101 is mainly composed of a resin film sheet member and a tube member, and is relatively lightweight even when including the metal reinforcing ring 183.

[0085] <Relative relationship between the flow path bag 130 and the control bag 120> As shown in Figure 13, when viewed in the thickness direction, the control bag 120 has an overlapping portion 123 where the flow path bag film portion 116 of the flow path bag 130 overlaps with the control bag film portion 111 of the front film sheet 110A of the control bag 120, and a non-overlapping portion 124 where the flow path bag film portion 116 does not overlap with the control bag film portion 111. The non-overlapping portion 124 is divided into two by the overlapping portion 123. The width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is less than half of the width dimension w4 × 2 of the non-overlapping portion 124. The depth dimension d2 of the control bag 120 is formed to be approximately equal to the depth dimension d3 of the flow path bag 130. Also, the depth dimension D2 of the front film sheet 110A is formed to be approximately equal to the depth dimension D3 of the flow path film sheet 115.

[0086] <Seat Valve Body 102> Figure 15 is a plan view showing the seat valve body 102. As shown in Figure 15, the seat valve body 102 is constructed by inserting a fixing string 102a through a pair of one-end tabs 180 (180U, 180V) and a pair of other-end tabs 180 (180W, 180X) of the seat valve 101 to fix the seat valve 101. The fixing string 102a is elastic, and in this embodiment, a rubber string is used. It is desirable that the fixing string 102a does not hinder the deformation of the seat valve 101, but tightens in such a way that it appropriately restrains the displacement of the seat valve 101.

[0087] <Operation of each part of the seat valve 101> Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the seat valve 101. Next, the operation of each part of the seat valve 101 will be explained with reference to Figure 16. First, in the initial state of the seat valve 101, as shown in Figure 16(a), there is no water L in the flow chamber 132 and the amount of air G in the storage chamber 122 is extremely small. When the pump P is driven from this state, water L flows from the water inlet tube 140A (see Figure 13) into the flow chamber 132, flows through the flow chamber 132 in the other direction in the depth direction, and then flows out from the water outlet tube 140B. In this process, as shown in Figure 16(b), the flow chamber 132 expands in the thickness direction and the flow cross-sectional area increases. As the flow rate of water L in the flow chamber 132 increases, the flow chamber 132 expands further and the flow cross-sectional area also increases, reaching the maximum flow rate as shown in Figure 16(c). In this configuration, since the water inlet tube 140A extends in one direction in the depth direction and the water outlet tube 140B extends in the other direction in the depth direction, the deformation of the flow path bag 130 is less likely to be hindered by the water inlet tube 140A and the water outlet tube 140B compared to a configuration in which the water inlet tube 140A and the water outlet tube 140B are arranged to extend in the thickness direction.

[0088] Next, when air G flows from the compressor C into the storage chamber 122 via the air tube 150 (see Figure 13), the control bag 120 expands in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 16(d). As the amount of air G in the storage chamber 122 increases, the control bag 120 expands further. During this process, the center of the front film sheet 110A of the control bag 120 is pulled outward in the width direction (see arrow A1). Consequently, the flow path film sheet 115, to which one end 116a and the other end 116b are fixed to the front film sheet 110A, is also pulled outward in the width direction (see arrow B1). Meanwhile, as the amount of air G in the storage chamber 122 increases further, the control bag 120 expands even more, and the pressure of the air G in the storage chamber 122 becomes greater than the pressure of the water L in the flow path chamber 132. As a result, as shown in Figure 16(e), the overlapping portion 123 of the front film sheet 110A presses the flow path chamber 132 in the thickness direction, reducing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 (see arrow A2). In this case, since the air tube 150 extends in one direction in the depth direction, the deformation of the control bag 120 is not easily hindered by the air tube 150.

[0089] When the amount of air G in the storage chamber 122 of the control bag 120 reaches its maximum, the flow path cross-sectional area becomes extremely small, as shown in Figure 16(f), and the flow of water L stops.

[0090] Figure 17 shows the inflated state of the control bag 120, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a side view. In this state, as shown in Figures 17(a) to (c), the control bag 120 becomes a so-called pillow shape, with its central part 120o becoming thicker while its peripheral part 111p becomes thinner. The front film sheet 110A bulges in an arc shape (dome shape) when viewed from the depth direction, as shown in Figure 17(b), and also bulges in an arc shape (dome shape) when viewed from the width direction, as shown in Figure 17(c).

[0091] Here, the curvature of the dome-shaped portion is greater when viewed from the width direction, as shown in Figure 17(c), than when viewed from the depth direction, as shown in Figure 17(b) (the radius of curvature is smaller). As a result, the flow path bag 130 fixed to the control bag 120 has a greater curvature when viewed from the width direction than when viewed from the depth direction.

[0092] Now, contrary to the procedure described above, when the air G in the storage chamber 122 of the control bag 120 is discharged through the air tube 150, the control bag 120 deflates, and the pressure on the flow path chamber 132 by the overlapping portion 123 of the outer film sheet 110A weakens. Also, the outward tension in the width direction of the flow path film sheet 115 weakens, increasing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132. As a result, the flow rate of water L increases (see Figures 16(f) to (c)). In the deformation process associated with the flow rate control of the seat valve 101 described above, as shown in Figure 15, the fixing string 102a flexibly restrains the displacement of the seat valve 101 without hindering its deformation.

[0093] As described above, with the seat valve 101, the width dimension of the flow path bag 130 is formed to be smaller than that of the control bag 120, and one end 116a and the other end 116b in the width direction are fixed to the outer film sheet 110A. As a result, as the control bag 120 expands, a tensile force acts on the flow path film sheet 115 outward in the width direction. In this state, when the pressure of the air G in the storage chamber 122 of the control bag 120 becomes greater than the pressure of the water L in the flow path chamber 132, the water L in the flow path chamber 132 is directly pressed by the air G in the storage chamber 122 via the overlapping portion 123 of the outer film sheet 110A. As a result, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 can be reduced more reliably and stably. On the other hand, as the control bag 120 shrinks, the tensile force on the flow channel film sheet 115 in the width direction is relieved, and the pressure of the non-overlapping portion 124 on the flow channel chamber 132 is quickly relieved, allowing the flow channel cross-sectional area to be reliably and stably increased. Therefore, a lightweight seat valve 101 that allows for easy control of the flow of water L can be provided.

[0094] Furthermore, the width dimension w2 of the control bag 120 is formed to be larger than the depth dimension d2. This allows the flow path bag 130, which is fixed to the control bag 120, to be deformed so that the curvature when viewed from the width direction is greater than the curvature when viewed from the depth direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the depth dimension is made larger than the width dimension w2 without changing the width dimension w2, the flow of water L can be controlled more reliably.

[0095] Furthermore, since the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is formed to be smaller than the depth dimension D2, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the width dimension is greater than or equal to the depth dimension D2. This improves the control responsiveness of the water flow rate L. Also, since the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is smaller than half the width dimension of the non-overlapping portion 124, the control responsiveness of the water flow rate L can be improved more sufficiently. In addition, since the depth dimension d3 of the flow path bag 130 is formed to be approximately equal to the depth dimension d2 of the control bag 120, the ease of manufacturing can be improved by forming the front film sheet 110A, the back film sheet 110B and the flow path film sheet 115 to predetermined dimensions in advance and then overlapping and welding them together, or cutting them after welding. Similarly, since the depth dimension D3 of the flow path film sheet 115 is formed to be approximately equal to the depth dimension D2 of the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B, the ease of manufacturing can be improved.

[0096] Furthermore, since the water inlet tube 140A opening at one end 116c and the water outlet tube 140B opening at the other end 116d of the flow path bag 130 extend in the depth direction, the water inlet tube 140A and the water outlet tube 140B are less likely to hinder the expansion of the flow path bag 130 compared to, for example, a case where the tubes extend in the thickness direction. Therefore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 can be reliably and stably secured. Also, since the air tube 150 opening at one end 111c of the control bag 120 extends in the depth direction, the air tube 150 is less likely to hinder the expansion of the control bag 120. Furthermore, by using a single air tube 150 for both the inflow and outflow of air G, the expansion of the control bag 120 is further less likely to be hindered. Therefore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path chamber 132 can be reduced even more reliably and stably. Furthermore, since the air tube 150 is located on one end 121a side of the control bag 120, it is possible to further suppress the air tube 150 from hindering the expansion of the control bag 120.

[0097] Furthermore, since the flow path bag 130 is positioned so as to overlap the central portion 120o of the control bag 120 in the width direction when viewed in the thickness direction, it is possible to apply a stronger tensile force outward in the width direction to the flow path film sheet 115 and a stronger pressing force to the flow path chamber 132 compared to when it is positioned towards one or the other side in the width direction of the control bag 120. In addition, since the control bag 120 is formed into a bag shape by fixing the peripheral portion 111p of the front film sheet 110A and the peripheral portion 111p of the back film sheet 110B to each other, the ease of manufacturing the control bag 120 can be improved.

[0098] Furthermore, since the control bag 120 has a pair of one-end hole tabs 180U and 180V formed at one end 111c and a pair of other-end hole tabs 180W and 180X formed at the other end 111d, the seat valve 101 can be suitably fixed using the fixing string 102a. Also, since the fixing string 102a inserted through the pair of one-end hole tabs 180U and 180V and the pair of other-end hole tabs 180W and 180X are elastic, the displacement of the seat valve 101 can be flexibly restrained without hindering the deformation of the seat valve 101.

[0099] In this embodiment, the front film sheet 110A, the back film sheet 110B, and the flow channel film sheet 115 are made of polyester material. However, film materials with relatively low stretchability, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), unoriented polypropylene (CPP), rigid vinyl chloride film (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), may also be used. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a pair of one-end hole tabs 180U, 180V and a pair of other-end hole tabs 180W, 180X were used, but these are not necessarily required and may be omitted. In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the flow rate of water L is controlled by the amount of air G stored was described, but other fluids may be used for each, or the same type of fluid may be used for both. These fluids may be either liquids or gases.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B, and the front film sheet 110A and the flow channel film sheet 115 are welded together was described, but they may be bonded or sewn together as long as they can be fixed and sealed to each other. Alternatively, the front film sheet 110A and the flow channel film sheet 115 may be bonded together via other members such as sealing members. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the water inlet tube 140A is arranged on one end 116c side and the water outlet tube 140B is arranged on the other end 116d side of the flow channel bag 130, but these positions may be swapped. Of course, the shape and arrangement of each part of the above-described embodiment may also be changed as appropriate.

[0101] <Modification 1> Figure 18 is a plan view illustrating Modification 1. Figure 18 corresponds to Figure 13, which shows the embodiment described above. In the description from Figure 18 onward, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the embodiment described above, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. In the embodiment described above, the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is formed to be smaller than the depth dimension d3, and also smaller than half the width dimension w4 × 2 of the non-overlapping portion 124, but it is not limited to this. For example, as in the seat valve 201 shown in Figure 18, the width dimension w30 of the flow path bag 230 may be formed to be larger than half the width dimension w4 × 2 of the non-overlapping portion 124 (first dimensional relationship), and may also be formed to be larger than the depth dimension d3 (second dimensional relationship). With this configuration, the volume of the flow path chamber 132 and the flow path cross-sectional area are large, so the responsiveness of flow control can be made slower compared to the seat valve 101 of the embodiment described above. The responsiveness of flow control can be changed by using a configuration that satisfies only one of the first dimensional relationship or the second dimensional relationship.

[0102] <Modification 2> Figure 19 is a plan view illustrating Modification 2 (2A to 2C). Figures 19(a) to (c) correspond to Figure 13, which shows the embodiment described above. In the embodiment described above, the control bag 120 was formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, a control bag 220A with rounded corners 210 may be used, as in the seat valve 202A according to Modification 2A shown in Figure 19(a). With this configuration, the durability of the corners 210 can be improved and the tactile feel to the human body can be improved compared to the seat valve 101 of the embodiment described above. It is also acceptable to round only a part of the four corners 210.

[0103] Furthermore, a control bag 220B formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction may be used, as in the seat valve 202B according to the modified example 2B shown in Figure 19(b). With this configuration, a larger storage chamber 122 is secured compared to the seat valve 101 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the responsiveness of flow control can be made slower compared to the seat valve 101.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in the modified example 2C in Figure 19(c), a control bag 220C formed in an elliptical shape when viewed in the thickness direction may be used for the seat valve 202C. With this configuration, the durability of the control bag 220C can be improved and the tactile feel to the human body can be improved compared to the seat valve 101 of the above-described embodiment. The control bag 220C may also be formed in a circular shape.

[0105] <Modification 3> Figure 20 is a plan view illustrating Modification 3 (3A, 3B). Figures 20(a) and (b) correspond to Figure 13, which shows the embodiment described above. In the embodiment described above, the air tube sealing tab 160 was disposed at one end 121c of the control bag 120, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as in the seat valve 301A according to Modification 3A shown in Figure 20(a), the air tube sealing tab 160 may be disposed at one end 121a in the width direction of the control bag 120. Also, in the embodiment described above, only one air tube sealing tab 160 was provided and only one air tube 150 was used to allow air G to flow in and out, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the modified example 3B of Figure 20(b), the seat valve 301B may have air tube sealing tabs 160 arranged at one end 121c and the other end 121d of the control bag 120, with an air inlet tube 250A arranged at one end and an air outlet tube 250B arranged at the other. These configurations can also obtain the same main effects as the embodiments described above. Note that the positions of the air inlet tube 250A and the air outlet tube 250B may be swapped, or they may be arranged at other positions.

[0106] <Modification 4> Figure 21 is a plan view illustrating Modification 4. Figure 21 corresponds to Figure 13, which shows the embodiment described above. In the embodiment described above, the air tube sealing tab 160 and the water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B are arranged in the flow path bag 130, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the seat valve 401 according to Modification 4 shown in Figure 21, the air tube sealing tab 160 and the water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B may be omitted. In the seat valve 401, instead of the air tube sealing tab 160, the airtight sealing of the storage chamber 122 is ensured by increasing the welding width of one end 121c and the other end 121d of the control bag 120. Similarly, instead of the water tube sealing tabs 170A and 170B, the liquid-tight sealing of the flow path chamber 132 is ensured by increasing the welding width of one end 131c and the other end 131d of the flow path bag 130. This configuration also provides the same main effects as the embodiments described above, and allows for a simpler shape.

[0107] <Modification 5> Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating Modification 5. Figure 22 corresponds to Figure 14(a) showing the embodiment described above. In the embodiment described above, the control bag 120 is formed by fixing a plurality of sheets, namely the front film sheet 110A and the back film sheet 110B, to each other, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0108] For example, as shown in Figure 22(a) for the seat valve 501, the control bag 520 may be formed from a single sheet. More specifically, the control bag 520 is formed into a bag shape by bending a single sheet at the other end 521b in the width direction and fixing it at the one end 521a in the width direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 22(b) for the seat valve 601, the control bag 620 may be pre-formed into a cylindrical shape without fixing the sheets together by welding or other means.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains that one control bag 120 and one flow path bag 130 are provided, the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the seat valve 701 in Figure 22(c), multiple control bags 720 may be provided in one flow path bag 130. To further explain, in the seat valve 701, a first control bag 721 and a second control bag 722 are provided, sandwiching the flow path bag 130 in the thickness direction.

[0110] Although not shown in the illustrations, the seat valve 101 in the above embodiment may be configured as follows. That is, in the above description, the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 is described as being smaller than the width dimension w2 of the control bag 120, but this is not limited to this. For example, the width dimension w3 of the flow path bag 130 may be formed to be approximately equal to the width dimension w2 of the control bag 120.

[0111] Furthermore, although the above description mentions the provision of a water inlet tube 140A, a water outlet tube 140B, and an air tube 150, the container is not limited to these as long as it is a flow path that guides the fluid flowing inside the container. For example, the flow path may be formed by a sheet-like member that is provided in continuous with part or all of the flow path film sheet 115, the front film sheet 110A, and the back film sheet 110B. To further explain, the flow path may also be formed by stacking and fixing a plurality of sheet-like members together.

[0112] <Note> The valve may be provided in the following embodiments. (Note 1) A seat valve formed in a sheet shape for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a flow path bag formed in a bag shape through which a controlled fluid flows in and out; and a control bag formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag through which a control fluid that controls the flow of the controlled fluid flows in and out, wherein the control bag has a front sheet and a back sheet that are stacked on top of each other, and a storage chamber for storing the control fluid is formed between the front sheet and the back sheet, the flow path bag has a flow path sheet that is stacked on top of the front sheet on the opposite side of the back sheet with the front sheet in the thickness direction, and a flow path chamber for the controlled fluid to flow is formed between the flow path sheet and the front sheet, the dimensions in the width direction intersecting the flow direction and the thickness direction of the controlled fluid in the flow path bag are smaller than the dimensions in the width direction of the control bag, and both ends of the flow path sheet in the width direction are fixed to the front sheet. (Note 2) The control bag is a seat valve according to Note 1, wherein the width dimension is larger than the flow dimension. (Note 3) The flow path bag is a seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the width dimension is smaller than the flow dimension. (Note 4) The flow path bag is a seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the flow path bag has a dimension approximately equal to that of the control bag. (Note 5) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, comprising a flow path bag inlet passage that opens on one side of the flow path bag and the width direction and allows the controlled fluid to flow into the flow path chamber, and a flow path bag outlet passage that opens on the other side of the flow path bag and allows the controlled fluid to flow out of the flow path chamber, wherein at least one of the flow path bag inlet passage and the flow path bag outlet passage extends in the flow direction. (Note 6) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a control bag passage that opens to one side of the control bag in the flow direction and allows the control fluid to flow into and out of the storage chamber, and the control bag passage extends in the flow direction. (Note 7) The seat valve according to Note 6, wherein the control bag passage is provided on one side of the control bag in the width direction.(Note 8) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the flow path bag is provided so as to overlap the central part of the control bag in the width direction when viewed in the thickness direction. (Note 9) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the flow path bag when viewed in the thickness direction, and the flow path bag has a width dimension that is less than half the width dimension of the non-overlapping portion. (Note 10) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the flow path bag when viewed in the thickness direction, and the flow path bag has a width dimension that is greater than half the width dimension of the non-overlapping portion. (Note 11) The seat valve according to Note 1 or 2, having a pair of end holes provided in a pair at one end in one direction of the flow, each having a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction, and a pair of other end holes provided in a pair at the other end in the other direction of the flow, each having a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction. (Note 12) The seat valve body according to Note 11, and a plurality of fixing strings inserted through the pair of end holes and the pair of other end holes, respectively. (Note 13) The seat valve body according to Note 12, wherein the fixing strings are made of an elastic material. (Note 14) A seat valve formed in a sheet shape for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a flow path bag formed in a bag shape through which the controlled fluid flows in and out; and a control bag formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag through which a control fluid that controls the flow of the controlled fluid flows in and out, wherein the flow path bag has a flow path sheet provided superimposed on the control bag in the thickness direction, a flow path chamber through which the controlled fluid flows is formed between the flow path sheet and the control bag, the dimensions of the flow path bag in the width direction intersecting the flow direction and thickness direction of the controlled fluid are smaller than the dimensions of the control bag in the width direction, and both ends of the flow path sheet in the width direction are fixed to the control bag. (Note 15) A seat valve body comprising the seat valve described in Note 14 and a plurality of fixing strings inserted through a pair of one-end holes and a pair of other-end holes, respectively. (Note 16) The seat valve body described in Note 15, wherein the fixing strings are elastic.(Note 17) A valve for opening and closing a fluid passage, wherein a flexible film-like member is fixed together using fixing means to form a first region and a second region, the first region includes an inlet for introducing a pressurized control fluid into the first region, the second region is a region that becomes a passage for the fluid to be controlled, and the change in the passage area in the second region is controlled by the pressure of the pressurized control fluid introduced into the first region. (Note 18) A method for manufacturing a valve for opening and closing a fluid passage, comprising a cutting step of cutting a flexible film-like member to a predetermined size and shape, and a lamination step of fixing together the film-like member cut in the cutting step using fixing means to form a first region and a second region, wherein the passage area of ​​the second region is adjusted by pressurized control fluid introduced into the first region, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the passage.

[0113] Now, various embodiments and modifications have been described above, but these embodiments and modifications can of course be combined to form a complete system. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0114] 101...Seat valve, 102...Seat valve body, 102a...Fixing string, 110A...Front film sheet (front sheet), 110B...Back film sheet (back sheet), 111p...Peripheral part, 115...Flow path film sheet, 116a...One end, 116b...Other end, 120...Control bag, 120o...Central part, 121c...One end, 121d...Other end, 122...Storage chamber, 124...Non-overlapping part ,130...flow path bag, 132...flow path chamber, 140A...water inlet tube (flow path bag inlet passage), 140B...water outlet tube (flow path bag outlet passage), 150...air tube (control bag flow path), 180 (180U, 180V)...pair of one-end hole tabs (pair of one-end hole sections), 180 (180W, 180X)...pair of other-end hole tabs (pair of other-end hole sections), 182...through hole, L...water (controlled fluid), G...air (control fluid)

Claims

1. A seat valve formed in a sheet shape for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a flow path bag formed in a bag shape through which a fluid to be controlled flows in and out; and a control bag formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag through which a control fluid that controls the flow of the fluid to be controlled flows in and out, wherein the control bag has a front sheet and a back sheet that are stacked on top of each other, and a storage chamber for storing the control fluid is formed between the front sheet and the back sheet; the flow path bag has a flow path sheet that is stacked on top of the front sheet on the opposite side of the back sheet in the thickness direction, with the front sheet in between, and a flow path chamber for the fluid to be controlled is formed between the flow path sheet and the front sheet; the dimensions of the flow path bag in the width direction intersecting the flow direction and thickness direction of the fluid to be controlled are smaller than the dimensions of the control bag in the width direction, and both ends of the flow path sheet in the width direction are fixed to the front sheet.

2. The seat valve according to claim 1, wherein the control bag has a widthwise dimension that is larger than the flowwise dimension.

3. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dimension of the flow path bag in the width direction is smaller than the dimension in the flow direction.

4. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path bag has dimensions in the flow direction that are substantially equal to those of the control bag.

5. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a flow bag inlet passage that opens on one side of the flow bag in the width direction and the flow direction and allows the controlled fluid to flow into the flow chamber; and a flow bag outlet passage that opens on the other side of the flow bag in the flow direction and allows the controlled fluid to flow out of the flow chamber, wherein at least one of the flow bag inlet passage and the flow bag outlet passage extends in the flow direction.

6. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a control bag channel that opens to one side in the flow direction and allows the control fluid to flow into and out of the storage chamber, and the control bag channel extends in the flow direction.

7. The seat valve according to claim 6, wherein the control bag flow path is provided on one side of the control bag in the width direction.

8. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path bag is provided so as to overlap the central part of the control bag in the width direction when viewed in the thickness direction.

9. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the flow path bag when viewed in the thickness direction, and the width dimension of the flow path bag is less than half the width dimension of the non-overlapping portion.

10. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control bag includes a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the flow path bag when viewed in the thickness direction, and the width dimension of the flow path bag is greater than half the width dimension of the non-overlapping portion.

11. The seat valve according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a pair of end holes provided at one end of the control bag in one direction of the flow, each having a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction; and a pair of other end holes provided at the other end of the control bag in the other direction of the flow, each having a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction.

12. A seat valve body having the seat valve according to claim 11 and a plurality of fixing strings inserted through the pair of one-end holes and the pair of other-end holes, respectively.

13. The seat valve body according to claim 12, wherein the fixing string is made of an elastic material.

14. A seat valve formed in a sheet shape for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a flow path bag formed in a bag shape through which a fluid to be controlled flows in and out; and a control bag formed in a bag shape and provided in the flow path bag through which a control fluid that controls the flow of the fluid to be controlled flows in and out, wherein the flow path bag has a flow path sheet provided superimposed on the control bag in the thickness direction, a flow path chamber through which the fluid to be controlled flows is formed between the flow path sheet and the control bag, the dimensions of the flow path bag in the width direction intersecting the flow direction and the thickness direction of the fluid to be controlled are smaller than the dimensions of the control bag in the width direction, and both ends of the flow path sheet in the width direction are fixed to the control bag.

15. A seat valve body comprising the seat valve according to claim 14 and a plurality of fixing strings inserted through a pair of one-end holes and a pair of other-end holes, respectively.

16. The seat valve body according to claim 15, wherein the fixing string is made of an elastic material.

17. A valve for opening and closing a fluid passage, wherein a flexible film-like member is fixed using fixing means to form a first region and a second region, the first region having an inlet for introducing a pressurized control fluid into the first region, the second region being a region that becomes a passage for the fluid to be controlled, and the change in the passage area in the second region is controlled by the pressure of the pressurized control fluid introduced into the first region.

18. A method for manufacturing a valve for opening and closing a fluid passage, comprising: a cutting step of cutting a flexible film-like member to a predetermined size and shape; and a lamination step of using fixing means to fasten the film-like member cut in the cutting step so as to form a first region and a second region, wherein the flow area of ​​the second region is adjusted by pressurized control fluid flowing into the first region, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the passage.

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