SIPHON TUBE
A siphon tube which is mounted on the brim of a container to take a liquid out from the container, includes a flow path, of which one end is immersed in the liquid inside the container and of which the other end extends to a position outside the container lower than a liquid level assumed; a relay liquid tank joining with the other end of the flow path; a takeout tube, of which one end joins with the relay liquid tank and of which the other end has an outlet at a position higher than the liquid level assumed; and a pumping device which generates a negative pressure inside the flow path. After establishing siphon or pressure siphon state with the liquid lead into the flow path by the pumping device, the siphon tube and the container are inclined together to take out the liquid.
This invention relates to siphon tubes, which take liquid out from a container.
BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGYA siphon tube which can be set to the brim of a container and take liquid out like a teapot inclining together with the container is disclosed in Embodiment 2, Patent Document 1.
In prior art above, capillary effect of the liquid in the siphon tube is used to prime siphon or pressure siphon state. With no need of pump or other alternatives, very simple applications are possible with fine portability and space efficiency, low risk of trouble.
Here pressure siphon means states user can take liquid out of the container like in siphon state, with some gas remaining in a siphon pipe.
‘Siphon or pressure siphon’ state are called simply ‘siphon’ state all together hereinafter.
And below, ‘siphon tube’ means a whole siphon device, covering all flow path from inside the container to the pouring end.
In distinction from it, ‘siphon pipe’ indicates a portion of the flow path essential to establish siphon state, from inside the container to the lowest waypoint outside the container, structured airtight.
PRIOR DOCUMENT Patent DocumentPatent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 4806095
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. H11-243809
CONCEPT OF THE INVENTION Technical ProblemsThe prior art above involved several problems below.
1. Siphon breaks soon when carelessly the container is inclined to the reverse, especially with a little liquid remaining in the container. To continue pouring, siphon state is required again.
If there are some liquid left in the flow path after the siphon break, it sometimes block next siphon priming.
In such situation, user need to take the siphon tube away from the container and drain the liquid out from the flow path.
The same situation might occur when priming next siphon with refilled liquid, after a siphon break with empty container.
2. User must be sensitive priming siphon, because the container need to be inclined so as to the liquid surface in the container comes almost to its brim. Although the attention needed vary according to the degree of capillary effect, in some bad conditions the liquid is likely to spill: rocking conditions like in a car, dark conditions the liquid surface is hard to be seen, shivering with cold or strain, etc. Also there were challenges to be accessible to everyone.
3. Inner surface of the siphon tube need to have hydrophilicity to some extent, which affect the capillary effect to prime siphon, so there were restrictions on the material used.
Inner shape and dimensions of the tube also affect easiness of priming siphon, so there were issues on manufacturing: processing methods, dimension managements, etc.
4. Easiness of priming siphon is also affected by dirt of inner surface, because hydrophilicity influences easiness, as mentioned above. Cleaning it or boiling it are effective way to recover easiness, but there were some inconveniences washing it with other tableware. Bent portion of the pipe was shaped narrow, so there were a little bit difficulty washing it even with a small tapering brush.
Solution to ProblemsIn this invention, following alterations have been made to the prior art to solve the problems above.
A. Provided a relay liquid tank on the flow path outside the container, for stable operation.
Relay liquid tanks have been utilized on liquid pipelines from old times, which make liquid flow stable, buffering bad influences of unstable flow or intruding gas from upstream or downstream.
In this invention, it delays siphon breaking with respect to problem 1 above.
When the container is inclined to the reverse, and when liquid back-flow volume exceed the liquid volume in the siphon tube downstream from the lowest waypoint, siphon breaks with gas back-flow passing through the lowest waypoint.
Providing the relay liquid tank downstream of the lowest waypoint outside the container, the back-flow volume to make siphon break can be increased. As a result, a character is obtained short time back-flow do not cause siphon break.
Either type of the relay liquid tank can be adopted: an open type with gas in its upper part, or a closed type filled up with liquid when operating. Preferably the opened type tank has open to the atmosphere upper than the liquid surface assumed. According to the kind of pump adopted, mentioned in the following item, there are some case gas flow resistance is required for the degree not to obstruct the pump function.
B. By providing a pumping means outside the container, adopted a system which generate negative pressure in the siphon pipe to prime siphon.
There has been many proposals using pumping means for priming siphon: Patent Document 2, for example.
Even if there were any liquid remaining in the siphon tube, the pump will suck and force siphon. Therefore, there is no need to concern about the liquid remaining in the tube.
Also the material to structure siphon pipe, if it meets airtightness and strength required, now does not affect the easiness of priming siphon. It can be freely chosen from materials which have adequate temperature character and tolerance to liquids required in its application.
At the same time, design flexibility of its shape are improved, especially on the bending top portion of the siphon tube. It can be designed, reducing manufacturing difficulty, paying attention to easy cleaning by users.
Remarkable improvement on cleaning convenience can be achieved structuring the bending top portion of the siphon tube with obtuse bent parts connected airtight, with inner diameter of the flow path suitable for sponge cleaning. Using pumping means, large inner diameter is allowed in this invention. The siphon pipe in the prior art could not prime siphon with the flow path few mm higher than the liquid surface, when inclining the container.
Enlarged inner diameter of the siphon top also reduce total flow resistance of the siphon tube. Higher pouring speed can be easily achieved than the prior art.
Preferably suction capacity of the pump is larger than the capacity of the siphon pipe, and not too larger than each required capacity, depending on the kind of pump. Herewith, solving the problems 2, 3, 4 of the prior art as explained above and, reduce inconvenience of unexpected liquid spill or intrusion into the external pump.
Like many other prior experiences, there are some case It can't prime siphon with relation to the inner diameter of the descending portion of the siphon pipe outside the container, and the suction speed of the pump. Preceding liquid drop with an amount of gas remaining in the top causes it. Increase the suction speed of the pump, or shrink the inner diameter of the descending portion.
Adding a pump function to the relay liquid tank above, is a reasonable idea.
Patent Document 2 is the same kind, at least about the configuration of the flow path. In the composition type of Patent Document 2, user modulates the height of the pouring end to change pouring speed because the container (aquarium) is immovable. Now assume that user drip coffee taking hot water out from a container. User would like to vary pouring speed, with the drop between the pouring end and the coffee powder kept close to some degree. In the composition type of Patent Document 2, user should move up and down the coffee powder with coffee dripper, synchronized with the height modulation of the pouring end. It answers the purpose in small amount dripping, but inconvenient in case like with a big cloth filter when drip large amount. Composition of this invention is suitable for such situation. User can easily vary pouring speed with the coffee dripper left fixed, modulating the inclination of the container with the pouring end kept at constant height. Including cases the pouring target is not easy to be moved, wide range of application suit with the portable container from which a liquid is taken out.
Advantageous Effects of the InventionAs described above, this invention realizes siphon tubes to take out liquid with easy priming even in bad conditions, latitude to rough operations with no siphon break, easy cleaning after use, less restrictions on designing and manufacturing about materials and shape, dimensions.
Embodiments of this invention are explained hereunder, referring to figures.
There are plenty of compositions to generate negative pressure in the siphon pipe. Here nine example compositions especially easy to use are given, each has difference from others on overall composition of siphon tube and the portion where the negative pressure is generated.
Embodiment 114 is a pouring tube of liquid made of elastic tube. 15 is a frame which keeps pouring tube 14 to the height around the brim of cup 1 and, assists pumping function of casing 13 as explained later.
Siphon pipe 2 is composed of portion 111 inside the container and portion 12 outside the container connected airtight, so easy to be cleaned.
Casing 13 is a elastic tank composed of body portion 114 and lid portion 112 connected. Siphon pipe 2 is set piercing lid portion 112, by insertion or like. Pouring tube 14 is connected airtight to the flow out port, lower part of body portion 114 of the casing.
Lid portion 112 of the casing has also small hole 113 open to the atmosphere. Small hole 113 is not required in case the connection between lid 112 and siphon pipe 2 have adequate open to the atmosphere.
For better portability, casing 13 should be designed to be able to store siphon pipe 2, pouring tube 14, frame 15 detached, when not in use. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
In
Operation of frame 15 assisting pumping function is explained next, referring to
The structure is explained with
Operation of frame 15 with above structure is explained referring
When the side plates 115 are pressured evenly in the direction of white arrows in
When the pressure of the white arrows removed next, side plates 115 proceed to the initial position with the recovering force of casing body 114 and springs 120,121. But with the block of hook portion 119, recover of left portion in the figure delays. After coming to the state of
Operation of embodiment 1, with composition above, is explained hereunder.
To prime siphon from the state of
Casing body 114 is squashed by the pressure, and the gas inside is ejected through the pouring tube 14 which is not clogged yet, and through small hole 113 on casing lid 112. When the side plates are pressed to the end, the state of
When user releases the side plates, casing body 114 increases its capacity with pouring tube 14 clogged, until it comes to the state of
When hook portion 119 released and the side plates return to the initial state, pouring tube 14 is released from clogging and the flow path comes to have its cross section shown in
Pouring out flow 105 occurs when inclined so as to the end of pouring tube 14 comes to the lower height than liquid surface 101 in cup 1. Liquid surface 103 in casing body 114 goes down slightly in accordance with the pouring out speed.
According to this embodiment, User can prime siphon with one-handed operation, pressuring and releasing frame side plates 115, after setting the siphon tube on the cup. The better usability can be achieved, with arrangement on the operations to work together: the siphon tube mounting and fixing operation on the cup, and the frame operation.
With no valve means or other alternatives, there are low risk of fatal trouble. In case the structure of frame 15 is lost, still user can do manually the pump operation and the squashing operation as same as in
Not only siphon pipe 2, casing 13 is also structured dividable, so very easy to be cleaned.
If casing body 114 or pouring tube 14 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 1 is an example of composition which generate negative pressure in the whole relay liquid tank, which is an open type, and in the siphon pipe.
Above is explanation of an example which press and release casing 13 itself, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition using suction by an external pump.
Embodiment 2Siphon pipe 2 is composed of three parts: portion 210 inside the container and portion 22 upper part outside the container, portion 211 lower part outside the container. All flow path parts are connected airtight, from siphon pipe 2 through flexible pump liquid tank 23, to pouring tube 24.
Valve 212 with lower specific gravity than the liquid is prepared on flow out port downstream end of pump liquid tank 23. With the behavior of valve 212, merely operating pump liquid tank 23 squashed and then released, siphon state is primed.
The said figure shows liquid surface of a stable condition after priming siphon, so liquid surface 203 inside pouring tube 24 is almost at the same height as liquid surface 201 in cup 1.
Each flow path connection can be detached for storing, cleaning, and for maintenance, when not in use. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
Squashing pump liquid tank 23 when the liquid exists only in cup 1, the gas inside the said tank go outside through valve 212. Releasing pump liquid tank 23 causes negative pressure in the said tank and siphon pipe 2, with its recovering force. With valve 212 closed, liquid 0 in cup 1 is sucked and proceed to the lower part of pump liquid tank 23, then siphon state is established.
Operation after the siphon priming is almost the same as embodiment 1,3, so omitted explanation here.
According to this embodiment, with no need of mechanism like frame 15 in embodiment 1, simple holding parts (not shown in the figure) can work. The better usability can be obtained, with arrangement on operation to work together: the siphon tube mounting and the fixing operation onto the cup, and the pump liquid tank operation.
Pump liquid tank 23 is a closed type relay liquid tank, without gas in its upper part.
Valve 212 can be placed downstream than illustrated. Select the suitable position between pump liquid tank 23 and the end of pouring tube 24, and suitable kind of valve.
If pump liquid tank 23 and pouring tube 24 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 2 is an example of composition which generate negative pressure in whole relay liquid tank, which is a closed type, and in the siphon pipe.
Above is explanation of an example where pump liquid tank 23 itself is squashed and released, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition using the suction by an external pump.
Embodiment 3A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 34, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
Relay liquid tank 33 has parts below, which compose a pump function.
Piston 310, together with slide plates 311, slides inside the relay liquid tank up/down. Spring 324 pushes piston 310 upward in the liquid tank. Piston 310 also has an opening in its side, corresponding to the connection with pouring tube 34 at upper part. Motor drive 312 makes leading shaft 314 spin, with switch 313 pushed down. The power supply and the motor, the control circuits are sealed. Bearing 315 holds leading shaft 314 and spring 324 at the lower part of the liquid tank, provided with holes not to impede liquid flow.
There are open-pins 317 on motor drive 312, and close-pins 318 on bearing 315, for the operation of the slide plates, explained later.
316 is a cap of the relay liquid tank, keeps the parts in relay liquid tank 33 above held, with elastic portion corresponding to switch 313.
The flow path parts above can be stored detached when not in use, and the parts in relay liquid tank 33 can be taken out and cleaned, maintained easily, taking off cap 313. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
In
Open/close behavior of slide plates 311 is explained next, referring
Piston 310 has notches 324, and with rails not shown on the inside wall of relay liquid tank 33, slides up/down without spin. Corresponding to open-pins 317 and close-pins 318, here are open-holes 322 and close-holes 323, and slits 319 opening drawn with dotted lines.
Slide plates 311 consists of two plates mounted on the surface of piston 310 with slide rail not shown, has guide portion 321 to follow the corkscrew runner of leading shaft 314, and slits 320 drawn with solid lines.
Slide plates 311 has two positions, slid by open-pins 317 and close-pins 318.
In
In
Operation of embodiment 3, with composition above, is explained hereunder.
To prime siphon from the state of
With the slits closed, gas flow between both sides of piston 310 is not fast. Negative pressure is generated in the part of the relay liquid tank lower than piston 310 and in siphon pipe 32 and 2, suck liquid 0 and prime siphon.
Pouring out flow 305 occurs when inclined so as to the pouring end comes to lower height than liquid surface 301 in cup 1. Liquid surface 304 in the relay liquid tank is almost at the height of the pouring end.
Either type of cap 313 can be adopted: sealed type, or with some open to atmosphere upper than the liquid surface assumed. Liquid surface 304 shown in
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, a single touch of the switch can prime siphon. If relay liquid tank 33 and pouring tube 34 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 3 is an example of composition which adds a pump function to an open type or a closed type relay liquid tank, and generate negative pressure in part of the relay liquid tank and the siphon pipe.
Above is explanation of an example with a leading shaft and a piston, but other compositions are possible, for example a composition adopting an axial-flow pump with adequate size and performance for alternative.
Embodiment 4A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 44, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
Relay liquid tank 43 has parts below, which compose a pump mechanism.
Piston 410 is a ring magnet, which is connected with open-close plate 411 via leaf spring 412, slides inside relay liquid tank 43 up/down. Spring 414 pushes piston 410 upward, with its lower end supported by ribs 416 on the inner wall of the liquid tank. 413 is a magnet which slides outside relay liquid tank 43 up/down. 415 is a cap part of relay liquid tank 43, which seals the liquid tank and prevent magnet 413 from going away.
The flow path parts above can be stored detached when not in use, and magnet 413 and the parts in the relay liquid tank can be taken out and cleaned, maintained easily, taking off cap 415. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
In
The composition of open-close plate 411 is explained next, referring to
Open-close plate 411 has openings 417, and projecting part 418 downward, which goes into the central opening of piston 410. When piston 410 is stopping or moving downward, the central opening of piston 410 and openings 417 on open-close plate 411 compose a flow path of liquid or gas, with a little distance between piston 410 and open-close plate 411 made by leaf spring 412. When piston 410 is moving upward, the flow path is almost closed with the central opening of piston 410 closed by projecting part 418 on open-close plate 411.
Operation of embodiment 4, with composition above, is explained hereunder.
To prime siphon from the state of
When the recovering force of spring 414 comes to be superior with further slide of piston downward, piston 410 slides back upward.
For next use, magnet 413 is lifted back to the initial position upward. Ribs 416 on the inner wall of upper liquid tank work as a stopper of the piston, so the magnet is able to go back overcoming the repelling force. Ribs 416 on the inner wall of upper liquid tank are detachable, so do no evil on easiness of maintenance.
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, single slide of magnet 413 downward can prime siphon. Relay liquid tank 43 of this embodiment is a closed type, filled up with liquid when operating. If relay liquid tank 43 and pouring tube 44 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 4 is an example of composition which adds a pump function to a closed type relay liquid tank, and generate negative pressure in part of the relay liquid tank and the siphon pipe.
Above is explanation of an example with a magnet piston, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition adopting an axial-flow pump with adequate size and performance for alternative.
Embodiment 5A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 54, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
512 is a suction pump made with elastic material, which can be inserted almost airtight in the pouring end.
For better portability, relay liquid tank 53 should be designed to be able to store the parts above detached, when not in use. This composition has less parts used and can be cleaned, maintained very easily. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
Operation of embodiment 5, with composition above, is explained hereunder.
To prime siphon after the siphon tube is set on the cup, user operates suction pump 512 inserting in the pouring end.
When squashing the pump, there are cases siphon pipe 2 in cup 1 ejects gas from its opening, with the squashing speed faster than the gas ejection through small hole 511. User should preferably wait for a while in this case, with the suction capacity margin of pump 512 not sufficient. With gas ejected through small hole 511, the liquid surface inside siphon pipe 2 comes back to almost the same height as the liquid surface in cup 1. This inconvenience can be solved by inserting pump 512 after squashing it.
Releasing the pump cause negative pressure in the siphon tube, liquid 0 is sucked and siphon state is established. Liquid surfaces 502,503 in
Operation after the siphon priming is almost the same as embodiment 1,3, so omitted explanation here.
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, siphon can be primed operating pump 512 after insert it in the pouring end. More primitive way, sucking the pouring end with mouth, is widely done but this composition is preferable in safety, hygiene.
With no valve means or other alternatives, there are low risk of fatal trouble. Relay liquid tank 53 of this embodiment in
Relay liquid tank 533 is the difference from above, connected airtight with siphon pipe 522 at its lower part. The tank has lid portion 513 which has connection with pouring tube 544 at its upper part, both sides connected airtight, so this is a closed type tank filled up with liquid when operating.
With no open to the atmosphere on the flow path in this composition, siphon priming is operated, with pump 512 inserted after squash, or with pump 512 which has big suction capacity allowing the gas ejection in cup 1.
Liquid surface 504 in
Embodiment 5 is examples of composition which generate negative pressure in the whole relay liquid tank and in the siphon pipe, with suction from pouring tube.
Above is explanation of examples with a elastic pump, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition adopting an electric pump. Also it is possible to compose siphon tubes using the same principle, for example using an axial-flow pump with adequate size and performance added to the pouring tube.
Embodiment 6A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 64, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
Relay liquid tank 63 has parts below, which compose a pump mechanism.
For better portability, relay liquid tank 63 should be designed to be able to store the flow path parts above detached. And for easy maintenance, the parts shown in
In
Operation of embodiment 6, with composition above, is explained hereunder, referring to
To prime siphon with the siphon tube set on the cup, user pushes switch 614 down. The rotation of motor drive 613 is transmitted to beveled gear 616, then wheel 610 moves along oval bearing 612 squashing siphon pipe 62 first, and rotate to the direction of arrow shown. Rollers 611 each rolls down, with corresponding part of siphon pipe 62 clogged, and with negative pressure generated in siphon pipe 62,2, liquid 0 is sucked out of cup 1. The liquid surface in the siphon pipe transitionally passes through the position shown as 603, and establish siphon state. Releasing switch 614 after priming siphon causes wheel 610 pressed back by the recovery force of siphon pipe 62 with no driving force, and the flow path in siphon pipe 62 is recovered.
Operation after the siphon priming is almost the same as embodiment 1,3, so omitted explanation here.
According to this embodiment, with siphon tube set on the cup, a single touch of the switch can prime siphon.
Relay liquid tank 63 is an open type with gas in its upper part when operating. Also, a lid with adequate opening to the atmosphere can be added to the tank. Sealing the upper part of the liquid tank may cause unstable pouring flow, because the liquid surface in the liquid tank doesn't rise.
If relay liquid tank 63 or pouring tube 64 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 6 is an example of composition which adds a pump function to the siphon pipe. Negative pressure is generated only in the siphon pipe. The relay liquid tank can be a closed type.
Above is explanation of an example with a motor drive, other composition is possible using a manual driven tube peristaltic pump. And still other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition adopting an axial-flow pump with adequate size and performance for alternative.
Embodiment 7A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 74, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in figure.
Relay liquid tank 73 has parts below, which compose a pump function.
Priming plate 710 has an shape exactly fits with the shape inside of relay liquid tank 73 lower portion than rib 714, and held on slide bearing 712 with its projecting parts 711 on both sides. Spring 713 press priming plate 710 to the inclination shown in the figure, and also press projecting parts 711 to the left-upper end in the figure of slide bearings 712. With this position of projecting parts 711, the lower edge of priming plate 710 has some distance from the bottom inside relay liquid tank 73, and also the cup side surface of priming plate 710 has some distance from rib 714.
Each parts above should preferably designed to be able to detached and cleaned, maintained easily. And for better portability, relay liquid tank 73 should be designed to be able to store the parts above detached. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
In
Operation of embodiment 7, with composition above, is explained hereunder, referring to FIGS. 23,24 which show cross section of liquid flow path in transitional states priming siphon.
To prime siphon with the siphon tube set on the cup, user pushes the tongue part top of priming plate 710 to the direction toward the cup. Projecting parts slide to the right-lower end of slide bearings 712, causing the lower edge of priming plate 710 touches the bottom inside relay liquid tank 72, also causing the cup side surface of priming plate 710 pressed to rib 714. An almost sealed space appears, with rib 714, inner wall of relay liquid tank 73, priming plate 710, where the lower end of the siphon pipe 72 is opening.
Operation after the siphon priming is almost the same as embodiment 1,3, so omitted explanation here.
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, user can prime siphon with simple operation, pressing the tongue part of the priming plate.
Relay liquid tank 73 is an open type with gas in its upper part when operating. Also, a lid with adequate opening to the atmosphere can be added to the tank. Sealing the upper part of the liquid tank may cause unstable pouring flow, because the liquid surface in the liquid tank doesn't rise.
If relay liquid tank 73 or pouring tube 74 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 7 is an example of composition which adds a pump function to an open type relay liquid tank, and generate negative pressure in part of the relay liquid tank and the siphon pipe.
Above is explanation of an example with a solid priming plate, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition which use recovering force of an elastic part.
Embodiment 8A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 84, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
In this composition, there are parts below to compose a pump function.
811 is a suction pump made with elastic material, set to be able to operated above relay liquid tank 83, and has its suction end 810 connected with the upper part of the lower end opening of siphon pipe 82, opposite to each other. Siphon pipe 82 has elastic membrane valve 812 at its lower end. As shown in front-view
Each parts above should preferably designed to be able to detached and cleaned, maintained easily. And for better portability, relay liquid tank 83 should be designed to be able to store the parts above detached. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
In
Operation of embodiment 8, with composition above, is explained hereunder, referring to FIGS. 27,28 which show cross section of liquid path in transitional states priming siphon.
To prime siphon from the state of
Operation after siphon priming is almost the same as embodiment 1,3, so omitted explanation here.
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, user can prime siphon by simply operating pump 811. The better usability can be achieved, with arrangements on the operation mounting and fixing the siphon tube onto the cup and the pump operation work together.
Relay liquid tank 83 is an open type with gas in its upper part. Also, a lid with adequate opening to the atmosphere can be added to the tank. Sealing the upper part of the liquid tank may cause unstable pouring flow, because the liquid surface in the liquid tank doesn't rise.
If relay liquid tank 83 or pouring tube 84 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
In this composition, user cannot establish siphon when sucking liquid 0 only by the operation of pump 814. Though priming siphon with inclined cup 1, with suction end 813 lifted lower than liquid surface 801 in cup 1 can prime siphon only by the operation of pump 814. The height of the connection between suction end 813 and siphon pipe 822 is preferably positioned lower, for siphon establishing.
More simple composition than
Furthermore, adding a one-way valve at upstream of the connection between suction end 813 and siphon pipe 822 can work like a siphon pump which can operate with several operations of pump 814. No need to incline cup 1, and possible to adopt small pump 814. Still in this case the portion where negative pressure is generated, and the principle of priming siphon is the same as above.
Embodiment 8 is examples of composition which generate negative pressure in the siphon pipe with an external pump. The relay liquid tank can be a closed type.
Above is explanation of examples with a elastic pump, but other compositions are possible using the same principle, for example a composition adopting an electric pump.
Embodiment 9Membrane valve 912 is provided to open/close siphon pipe 92, at the opening lower end of siphon pipe 92. 93 is a relay liquid tank. Pouring tube 94 is connected airtight with the flow out port, lower part of relay liquid tank 93, and has its pouring end opening at the height around the brim of cup 1.
A series of connected parts from siphon pipe 2 to pouring tube 94, is mounted on cup 1 with holding parts not shown in the figure.
The parts above can be detached, and cleaned, maintained easily. And for better portability, relay liquid tank 93 should be designed to be able to store the parts above detached. Shapes and structures of each parts illustrated are for explanation. In order to obtain better utility and manufacturing efficiency, suitable shapes and assembly mechanism should be chosen.
Operation of embodiment 9, with composition above, is explained hereunder, referring to
To prime siphon with the siphon tube set on the cup, user pushes tongue 910 to the direction toward cup 1.
During the compression of pump 910, liquid 0 exists only in cup 1. Liquid surface 902 inside siphon pipe 2 has no major lift with the pump compression, because gas is ejected through the opening on the upper relay liquid tank and the pouring end with the membrane valve 912 in open state. It stays almost at the same height as liquid surface 901 in cup 1, except for vibration.
When the recovery of pump 910 is almost finished, membrane valve 912 comes to open state with no negative pressure. With relation to the volume of liquid 0 gathered in pump 910 at this time, there occurs a down flow of liquid 0 toward the lower end of siphon pipe 92, in case the potential energy of liquid in the flow path outside cup 1 is superior. If the inner diameter of siphon pipe 92 is not too large, siphon state is established with no gas intrusion against the down flow of liquid. There are cases in which the gas in pump 910, siphon pipe 2,92 all ejected to relay liquid tank 93 or pouring tube 94, in relation to the conditions on the shape of the pump, etc.
According to this embodiment, with the siphon tube set on the cup, user can prime siphon by simply operating pump 910. Very simple composition is possible. The better usability can be achieved with arrangements on the operations to work together: mounting and fixing the siphon tube onto the cup, and the pump operation which can be arranged to be done with two fingers compressing/releasing. Pump 910 may be positioned lower than in the figure. When pump 910 is at the height lower than liquid surface 901 in cup 1, chance of complete siphon rises with ability to establish siphon before finishing recovery of pump 910. Membrane valve 912 may be positioned upper than in the figure. Suitable position should be selected between the lower end of siphon pipe 92 and pump 910, and suitable kind of valve should be selected.
Furthermore, adding a one-way valve at upstream of pump 910 can work like a siphon pump which can prime siphon with several operations of pump 910. Smaller pump 910 can be adopted, and also possible to position the pump at the top of the siphon pipe.
Relay liquid tank 93 is an open type with gas in its upper part. Also, a lid with adequate opening to the atmosphere can be added to the tank. Sealing the upper part of the liquid tank may cause unstable pouring flow, because the liquid surface in the liquid tank doesn't rise.
If relay liquid tank 93 or pouring tube 94 are fabricated so that the liquid surface inside could be seen from outside, it would be convenient to know approximate volume of remaining liquid when placed flat.
Embodiment 9, together with embodiment 6, is an example of composition which adds a pump function to the siphon pipe, although does not expect all the step of priming siphon from the pump function, upon conditions. Negative pressure is generated only in the siphon pipe. The relay liquid tank can be a closed type.
Above is explanation of an example which compress/release pump 910 itself, but other composition is possible using the same principle, with external pump sucking from pump 910 which is regarded as a liquid tank in this composition. This is an example of composition which generate the negative pressure in the siphon pipe with an external pump like embodiment 8, but does not expect all the step of priming siphon from the pump function, upon conditions.
Claims
1. A siphon tube which is mounted on the brim of a container to take a liquid out from the container, the siphon tube comprising:
- a flow path, of which one end is immersed in the liquid inside the container and of which the other end extends to a position outside the container lower than a liquid level assumed;
- a relay liquid tank joining with the other end of the flow path;
- a takeout tube, of which one end joins with the relay liquid tank and of which the other end has an outlet at a position higher than the liquid level assumed; and
- a pumping means which generates a negative pressure inside the flow path,
- wherein, after establishing siphon or pressure siphon state with the liquid lead into the flow path by the pumping means, the siphon tube and the container are inclined together to take out the liquid.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 17, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2015
Inventor: Takashi YOSHIDA (Tokyo)
Application Number: 14/439,911