Pinch valve for liquid dispenser

A pinch valve that includes a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The pinch valve receives a dispensing tube for liquids and controls the flow of liquid in the dispensing valve. The insert defines an inner wall portion against which a plunger assembly pushes the dispensing tube to stop liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. The insert and the holder define a throttle portion that throttles the flow of liquid when the plunger assembly is moved from the pinch position, where is pushed the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to pinch valves. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pinch valves used in liquid dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning existing liquid dispenser pinch valves often requires that the entire assembly of the pinch valve be taken apart, using tools to remove fasteners, prior to cleaning. This requires time, tools, training, and tracking of the fasteners so they do not get lost. As such, the liquid dispensers can experience considerable downtime, which can result, for example, in coffee shops, in customers desiring cream dispensed in their coffee, to wait longer than necessary.

Additionally, existing pinch valves do not allow easy and quick removal/insertion of dispensing tubes when removing a spent liquid container from a liquid dispensing machine and installing a replacement liquid container.

Further, existing pinch valves often lack suitable control of the volume of liquid being dispensed.

Therefore, improvements in pinch valves are desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a pinch valve that comprises a holder defining a recess; and an insert shaped to fit in the recess of the holder. The insert has an inner wall portion. The insert and the holder are structured for the insert to be moved, along an axis, from an installed position where the holder holds the insert, to a removed position, where the insert is removed from the holder. The holder and the insert are configured to receive a dispensing tube and to cooperate, when in the installed position, with a plunger assembly biased to push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a pinch valve that comprises a holder defining a recess; and an insert shaped to fit in the recess of the holder. The insert has an inner wall portion. The insert and the holder are structured for the insert to be moved, along an axis, from an installed position where the holder holds the insert, to a removed position where the insert is removed from the holder. The holder and the insert are configured to receive a dispensing tube. The pinch valve also comprises a plunger movable from a pinch position where the plunger pushes the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position where the plunger is retracted from the inner wall portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description relates to a pinch valve for dispensing liquids. The pinch valve comprises a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The insert, the holder, or both, define an aperture in which a dispensing tube can be installed. The insert, the holder, or both, also define a throttle region along which dispensing tube is deformed and has a reduced cross-section. When the pinch valve is in an open state, the flow of liquid through the dispensing tube is reduced compared to what it would be if the pinch valve did not have a throttle region. This reduced flow of liquid, caused by the throttle region, allows for greater dispensing accuracy with respect to the volume of liquid dispensed. Further, the insert of the pinch valve of the present disclosure can be easily removed from the holder to allow for quick and easy cleaning.

FIG. 1shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine30having a refrigerated area32where a container of liquid to be dispensed (e.g., milk, cream, etc.) can be refrigerated. Also shown is a refrigeration unit compartment34where a compressor and condenser, used to refrigerate the refrigerated area32, are housed. Further shown inFIG. 1is an example of a pinch valve36in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2Ashows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve36where an insert38is shown in an installed position where the insert38is installed in a holder (not shown). An axis37is also shown. As described further below, the insert38can be moved along the direction defined by the axis37in order to remove the insert38from the holder.FIG. 2Aalso shows a part of a plunger42, which will be described in detail further below.

FIG. 2Bshows a further perspective view of the pinch valve36where the insert38is shown, in a removed position, outside the holder40.FIG. 2Bfurther shows the plunger42, the tip44of which is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve36, against an inner wall of the insert38. The plunger42is part of a plunger assembly46that, in this embodiment, is a solenoid activated plunger assembly (a solenoid unit39is shown mounted to a bracket47). Other types of plunger assembly can be used such as, for example, a manually activated plunger assembly, stepper motor plunger assembly, or any other suitable electro-mechanical plunger assembly.

The holder40can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine30through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.).

FIG. 3Ashows a front perspective view of the insert38. The insert38defines a front opening48, which, in collaboration with an opening defined in the holder40(the opening defined by the holder40is described below), allows for a dispensing tube (not shown) to be easily installed in the pinch valve36, and removed from the pinch valve36, without requiring the dispensing tube to be unduly bent.

FIG. 3Bshows a back elevation view of the insert38, which has a top50, a bottom52, sidewalls54, and a window56. The window56defined by the insert38is to allow through, when the insert38is in the installed position, the tip44of the plunger42. The insert38also defines a recessed bottom perimeter region55that allows the insert38to be held in the holder40, when the insert38is in the installed position.

FIG. 3Cshows a top view of the insert38. The front58, the back60, the sidewalls54, and the opening48are shown inFIG. 3C. Further,FIG. 3Cidentifies where, along the back60, the window56is located. To install a dispensing tube in the insert38, the dispensing tube is placed at the opening48from where it is moved to the position identified at reference numeral62. Once at position62, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip44, which can traverse the window56and push the dispensing tube against an inner wall portion64of the insert38. The plunger42is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip44pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall64to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger42and plunger tip44can be said to be in a pinch position, from where they can move to a flow position where the plunger42and plunger tip44are retracted from the inner wall portion64, the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

With reference toFIG. 3C, the inner wall portion64and an opposite wall portion65define a throttle portion61of the pinch valve36. When a dispensing tube is inserted at position62, the dispensing tube will have a circular cross-section from the top50of the insert down to where the inner wall portion64and the opposite wall portion65begin, which can be referred to as the throttle input section57, shown atFIG. 3B. From the throttle input section57down to the bottom52of the insert38, the dispensing tube will have an oval-type cross-section. The throttle portion61allows for greater control of the amount of fluid being dispensed through the dispensing tube. Further, the pinch valve36can be designed to have a throttle portion that has a width, which is the spacing between the inner wall portion64and the opposite wall portion65, selected for any one of the viscosity of a specific fluid being dispensed, the material (e.g., Kryton™ or Surgical Tubing) of the dispensing tube being used, the inner diameter of the dispensing tube, the outer diameter of the dispensing tube, the thickness of the wall of the dispensing tube, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 3Dshows a bottom view of insert38. Shown in this figure are the sidewalls54, the recessed bottom perimeter region55, the front58, the back60, the location of the window56, the opening48, and the position62.

FIG. 4Ashows a bottom perspective view of the holder40, of the pinch valve36ofFIG. 2A. The holder40defines an opening66, which, together with the opening48of the insert38, allows for a dispensing tube (not shown) to be easily installed in the pinch valve36, and removed from the pinch valve36, without requiring the dispensing tube to be unduly bent and without requiring that the insert36be removed from the holder40.

FIG. 4Bshows a back view of the holder40where the top68, the bottom70, the back72and the sidewalls74are shown. Further shown is a channel76defined by the holder40. The channel is configured to allow therethrough the tip44of the plunger42. This is shown clearly inFIG. 2B.

FIG. 4Cshows a top view of the holder40where a recess78, defined by the holder40, is shown.FIG. 4Calso shows a shelf portion41onto which the insert38is positioned when the insert38is in the installed position. In this position, the recessed bottom perimeter region55(shown at Figure B andFIG. 3D) of the insert38sits on the shelf portion41. The recess78is located between inner sidewalls43and the inner back wall82.FIG. 4Calso shows the sidewalls74of the holder40, the back72, and the location of the channel76along the back72.

FIG. 4Dshows a bottom view of the holder40where the channel76, the opening66, the recess78, the bottom70, the inner sidewalls43and the sidewalls74are shown.

FIG. 4Eshows a top view of the insert38in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder40. Shown inFIG. 4Eis the throttle portion61, defined as the space between the inner wall portion64of the insert38and the opposite inner wall portion65of the insert38.

When the insert38is in the installed position as shown atFIG. 2A, it can be moved upwardly, along the axis37(also shown atFIG. 2A) to a removed position where the insert is removed from the holder, as shown atFIG. 2B. The removal of insert38from the holder40, i.e., moving the insert38from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert38through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, the insert38can be put back in the holder40. Further, as the dispensing tubing does not come in contact with the inner back wall82and the tapered walls80of the holder40(shown atFIG. 4C), there should be no accumulation of fluid on these surfaces, which reduces the amount of cleaning required and thereby minimizes the downtime of the liquid dispensing machine30ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5shows perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine30ofFIG. 1but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve84.

FIG. 6Ashows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve84where an insert86is shown in an installed position where the insert86is installed in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert86are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert86is in the installed position. The insert86is thus held in the holder by an interference fit.

FIG. 6Aalso shows a dispensing tube87installed in the pinch valve84, and a bracket88onto which the insert86can be pivotally mounted through complementary mating features defined by the bracket88and the insert86. In this example, the bracket88defines (or has) a cylindrical post90and the insert86defines a cylindrical opening (not shown) that receives the cylindrical post90when the insert is pushed down from the installed position to an intermediary position, as will be described further below. Further shown inFIG. 6Ais a portion of a plunger92.

The pinch valve84can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine30, in close proximity to where the dispensing tube87joins the container from which fluid is to be dispensed. As is known in the art, the storage of such containers prior to being installed in a liquid dispensing machine sometime leads to the dispensing tube being unduly bent near where the dispensing tube joins the container, which can cause a kink to be formed in that portion of the dispensing tube. Such a kink causes the dispensing tube to have a reduced cross-section in the kink region; the reduced cross-section produces a diminished liquid flow through the dispensing tube.

By securing the pinch valve84to the liquid dispensing machine, close to where the dispensing tube joins the container, and by installing the dispensing tube in the pinch valve, the kinked portion of the dispensing tube will be positioned, in many cases, within the pinch valve. The pinch valve will typically squeeze out the kink, thereby allowing for normal liquid flow through the dispensing tube. That is to say, the design of the pinch valve, namely the vertical length of the pinch valve and the diameter of the passageway of the pinch valve, traversed by the dispensing tube, causes the pinch valve to reform the kinked section and the dispensing tube to conform to the passageway.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure can also be secured to a liquid dispensing machine, close to where the dispensing tube87joins the container from which fluid is to be dispensed, in order to remove kinks from the dispensing tube.

FIG. 6Bshows a further perspective view of the pinch valve84where the insert86, the bracket88, and a holder94are shown. The insert86is shown in the intermediary position where the insert86is pivotally connected to the bracket88. Further shown inFIG. 6Bis the tip96of the plunger92. The tip44of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve84, against an inner wall of the insert86.

FIG. 6Cshows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve84with the insert86pivoted 90 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert86to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube (not shown) in the pinch valve84and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve84.

FIG. 6Cfurther shows a plunger assembly100that comprises the plunger92and the tip96of the plunger.

The holder94and the bracket88can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

FIG. 7Ashows a top, back perspective view of the insert86. As shown inFIG. 7A, the insert86has a tab102, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert86by a user. The insert86defines a top recess110, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube.

FIG. 7Bshows a front elevation view of the insert86where the top104, the bottom106, and the sidewalls108are shown.FIG. 7Balso shows the top recess110and an inner wall portion112.

FIG. 7Cshows a bottom view of the insert86where the inner wall portion112is shown as well as part of the top recess110. Also shown inFIG. 7Cis a cylindrical hole114. The insert86can be pivotally connected to the bracket88(FIG. 6A) by pushing down on the insert86from the installed position to the intermediary position to fit the cylindrical post90into the cylindrical114.

FIG. 7Dshows a top view of the insert86where the top recess110, the inner wall portion112, the sidewalls108, and the tab102are shown.

FIG. 8Ashows a top front perspective view of the holder94, which defines an opening118that allows passage to the tab102of the insert106as the insert86is inserted into and removed from the holder94.

FIG. 8Bshows a front elevation view of the holder94. The holder defines a recess120that aligns, in concert with the recess110of the insert86(seeFIG. 7B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve84. The holder94defines a channel130for the tip96of the plunger92to penetrate the pinch valve84.FIG. 8Balso shows the top122, the bottom124, and the sidewalls126of the holder94. The holder94also defines an opposite wall portion113, which, when the insert86is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion112of the insert86.

FIG. 8Cshows a top view of the holder94where the recess120, the opening118, the opposite wall portion113, and the sidewalls126are shown.

FIG. 8Dshows a back elevation view of the holder94.

FIG. 8Eshows a top view of the insert86in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder94. Shown inFIG. 8Eis a throttle portion127, defined as the space between the inner wall portion112of the insert86and the opposite inner wall portion113of the holder94.

To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve84, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert86in the open position shown atFIG. 6C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder94with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess120of the holder94and the recess110of the insert86when the insert86is moved back to the installed position by is pivoting the insert86from the open position to the intermediary position shown atFIG. 6B, and from the intermediary position, moving the insert86upwardly to the installed position. Once at the installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip96, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion112of the insert86. The plunger92is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip96pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall112to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger92and plunger tip96can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger92and plunger tip96are retracted from the inner wall portion112of the insert86, the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

When the insert86is in the installed position as shown atFIG. 6A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the pivot axis defined by the cylindrical post90shown atFIG. 6A. The removal of the insert86from the holder94, i.e., moving the insert86from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert86through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert86can be put back in the holder94.

FIG. 9shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine30ofFIG. 1but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve150.

FIG. 10Ashows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve150where an insert152is shown in an installed position where the insert152is installed in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert152are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert152is in the installed position. The insert152is thus held in the holder by an interference fit.

Also shown inFIG. 10Ais a bracket154onto which the insert152can be pivotally mounted through complementary mating features defined by the bracket154and the insert152. In this example, the bracket154defines (or has) a cylindrical post156and the insert152defines a cylindrical opening (not shown) that receives the cylindrical post156when the insert is pushed down from the installed position to an intermediary position, as will be described further below. Further shown inFIG. 10Ais a portion of a plunger158.

FIG. 10Bshows a further perspective view of the pinch valve150where the insert152, the bracket154, and a holder160are shown. The insert152is shown in an intermediary position where the insert152is pivotally connected to the bracket154. Further shown inFIG. 10Bis the tip162of the plunger158. The tip162of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve150, against an inner wall of the insert152. The plunger158and tip162of the plunger are part of a plunger assembly shown at reference numeral164inFIG. 10C.

FIG. 10Cshows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve150with the insert152pivoted 180 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert152to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube (not shown) in the pinch valve150and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve150.

FIG. 10Cfurther shows the plunger158, the tip162of the plunger, and the plunger assembly164.

The holder160and the bracket154can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine30through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

FIG. 11Ashows a back perspective view of the insert152. As shown inFIG. 11A, the insert152has a tab166, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert152by a user. The insert152defines a top recess168, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube.

FIG. 11Bshows a front elevation view of the insert152where the top170, the bottom172, and the sidewalls174are shown.FIG. 11Balso shows the top recess168and an inner wall portion176.

FIG. 11Cshows a bottom view of the insert152where the inner wall portion176is shown. Also shown inFIG. 11Cis a cylindrical hole178. The insert152can be pivotally connected to the bracket154(FIG. 10A) by pushing down on the insert152in the installed position to fit the cylindrical post156into the cylindrical hole178.

FIG. 11Dshows a top view of the insert152where the top recess168, the inner wall portion176, the sidewalls174, and the tab166are shown.

FIG. 12Ashows a top front perspective view of the holder160, which defines an opening180that allows passage to the tab166of the insert152as the insert152is inserted into and removed from the holder160.

FIG. 12Bshows a front elevation view of the holder160. The holder defines a recess182to align, in concert with the top recess168of the insert152(seeFIG. 11B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve150. The holder160defines a channel184for the tip162of the plunger158to penetrate the pinch valve150.FIG. 12Balso shows the top186, the bottom188, and the sidewalls190of the holder160. The holder160also defines an opposite wall portion192, which, when the insert152is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion176of the insert152.

FIG. 12Cshows a top view of the holder160where the recess182, the opening180, the opposite wall portion, and the sidewalls190are shown.

FIG. 12Dshows a bottom view of the holder160.

FIG. 12Eshows a top view of the insert152in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder160. Shown inFIG. 12Eis a throttle portion194, defined as the space between the inner wall portion176of the insert152and the opposite inner wall portion192of the holder160.

To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve150, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert152in the open position as shown atFIG. 10C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder160with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess182of the holder160and the recess168of the insert152when the insert is pivoted back to the intermediary position shown atFIG. 10B. From the intermediary position, the insert152is moved upwardly to the installed position. Once at that installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip162, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion176of the insert152. The plunger158is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip162pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion176to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger158and plunger tip162can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger158and plunger tip162are retracted from the inner wall portion176, the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

When the insert152is in the installed position as shown atFIG. 10A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the pivot axis defined by the cylindrical post156shown atFIG. 10A. The removal of insert152from the holder160, i.e., moving the insert152from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert152through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert152can be put back in the holder160.

FIG. 13shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine30ofFIG. 1but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve200.

FIG. 14Ashows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve200where an insert202is shown in an installed position in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert202are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert202is in the installed position. The insert202is thus held in the holder by an interference fit.

Also shown inFIG. 14Ais a button and bead unit204, which will be described in more detail further below. The button and bead unit204is integral with the insert202. The button and bead unit204includes a button205.FIG. 16Afurther shows a portion of a plunger206.

FIG. 14Bshows a further perspective view of the pinch valve200where the insert202and a holder208are shown. The insert202is shown in an intermediary position where the insert202is pivotally connected to the holder208. A bead207of the button and bead unit204is also shown. Further shown inFIG. 14Bis the tip210of the plunger206. The tip210of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve200, against an inner wall of the insert202. The tip210of the plunger is part of a plunger assembly.

FIG. 14Cshows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve200with the insert202pivoted 180 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert202to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube (not shown) in the pinch valve200and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve200.

FIG. 14Cfurther shows the plunger206and the tip210of the plunger, which are part of the plunger assembly203.FIG. 16Calso shows the bead207.

The holder208can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine30through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

FIG. 15Ashows a top, back perspective view of the insert202. As shown inFIG. 15A, the insert202has a tab212, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert202by a user. The insert202defines a top recess214, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube.FIG. 15Afurther shows the button and bead unit204, the button205, and the bead207.

FIG. 15Bshows a front elevation view of the insert202where the top216, the bottom218, and the sidewalls220are shown.FIG. 15Balso shows the top recess214and an inner wall portion222.

FIG. 15Cshows a bottom view of the insert202where the inner wall portion222, the tab212, the button205, and the bead207are shown.

FIG. 15Dshows a top view of the insert202where the top recess214, the inner wall portion222, the button, and the tab212are shown.

FIG. 16Ashows a top, front perspective view of the holder208, which defines an opening224that allows passage to the tab212of the insert202as the insert202is inserted into and removed from the holder208. Also shown atFIG. 16Ais a channel209defined by the holder208. The channel209allows passage of the button205when the insert202is moved from the installed position to the intermediary position.

FIG. 16Bshows a front elevation view of the holder208. The holder defines a recess226to align, in concert with the top recess214of the insert202(seeFIG. 15B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve200. The holder208defines a channel228for the tip210of the plunger206to penetrate the pinch valve200.FIG. 16Balso shows the top230, the bottom232, and the sidewalls234of the holder208. The holder208also defines an opposite wall portion236, which, when the insert202is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion222of the insert202. Additionally, the holder208defines a button housing238in which the button205of the insert202is received when the insert202is in the intermediary position shown atFIG. 16B. The button205and the button housing are dimensioned to allow the button205to rotate in the button housing238when the insert202is moved from the intermediary position to the open position shown atFIG. 14C.

FIG. 16Cshows a top view of the holder208where the recess226, the opening224, the sidewalls234, the opposite wall portion236, and the button housing238are shown.

FIG. 16Dshows a bottom view of the holder208.

FIG. 16Eshows a top view of the insert202in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder208. Shown inFIG. 16Eis a throttle portion240, defined as the space between the inner wall portion222of the insert202and the opposite inner wall portion236of the holder208.

To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve200, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert202in the open position shown atFIG. 14C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder208with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess226of the holder208and the recess214of the insert202when the insert is pivoted back to the intermediary position shown atFIG. 14B. From the intermediary position, the insert202is moved upwardly to the installed position. Once at that installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip210, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion222of the insert202. The plunger206is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip210pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion222to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger206and plunger tip210can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger206and plunger tip210are retracted from the inner wall portion222, where the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

When the insert202is in the installed position as shown atFIG. 14A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the channel209shown atFIG. 16A. The channel209also defines the pivot axis about which the insert202pivots when moved from the intermediary position (FIG. 14B) to the open position (FIG. 14C). The removal of insert202from the holder208, i.e., moving the insert202from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert202through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert202can be re-installed in the holder208.

FIG. 17shows a top, front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a pinch valve of the present disclosure. The pinch valve242shown atFIG. 17has an insert244installed in a holder246. The insert244defines a button and bead unit248, which comprises the button249, configured to allow the insert244to be pushed downward into an intermediary position, shown atFIG. 18.FIG. 18also shows a bead250of the button and bead unit248. From the intermediary position shown atFIG. 18, the insert244can be rotated or pivoted to an open position shown atFIGS. 19 and 20.

The holder246defines a channel252that guides the button249(or allows passage of the button249) as the insert244is moved from the installed position shown atFIG. 17to the intermediary position shown atFIG. 18. The channel252has a diameter that, in some embodiments, is reduced at the top portion254to prevent passage of the button249. That is, to prevent the insert244from being removed by lifting the insert244along the direction indicated by the arrow256(FIG. 17).FIG. 19also shows an inner wall portion260of the insert244, an arrow264, and a groove266.

FIG. 21shows a front view of the pinch valve242with the insert244in the open position. The holder246defines a recess258that allows for passage of a plunger tip. The plunger tip is to collapse a dispensing tube against the inner wall portion260(shown atFIG. 19) of the insert244.

FIG. 22shows a top view of the insert244in the installed position. That is, installed in the holder246. As in some of the other embodiments, the insert244and the holder246define a throttle portion262, which is defined as the space between the inner wall260of the insert244and an opposite wall portion261of the holder246.

To remove the insert244from the holder246, the insert244can be placed in the open position shown atFIGS. 19 and 20. Then, the insert244is moved in the direction of the arrow264shown atFIG. 19. Movement of the insert244is possible due to a groove266(shown atFIG. 19) defined by the holder246that allows passage of the button249when the insert244is moved from the open position to the position shown atFIGS. 23, 24, and25, from which the insert244can be moved out of the holder246to a removed position.

FIG. 26shows an embodiment of the plunger assembly46previously shown, atFIG. 2B, as part of the pinch valve36ofFIG. 1. The plunger assembly46can be used with any of the pinch valve embodiments described in the present disclosure. The plunger assemblies100,164, and203shown atFIGS. 6C, 100, and 14Crespectively, are similar to the plunger assembly46. Other types of plunger assemblies can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, manually activated plunger assemblies, stepper motor plunger assemblies, or any other suitable electro-mechanical plunger assemblies can be used. The plunger assembly46comprises the plunger42, the plunger tip44, a retainer sleeve132, a retaining ring136, and a movable actuator134. In this embodiment, the movable actuator134is configured to fit into a solenoid core (not shown) which, when energized, creates a magnetic field that pulls the movable actuator in the direction of the arrow138.

FIG. 27shows an exploded view of the plunger assembly46ofFIG. 26. The exploded view ofFIG. 27shows a plunger42with a plunger tip44, a helical spring140, a sleeve132that defines an insert portion138, which is configured for insertion into the plunger42. The exploded view ofFIG. 27further shows a threaded stud142connected to an actuator134. The actuator134defines a groove144into which a retainer ring136is inserted. In the assembled configuration, the retainer sleeve abuts against retainer ring136.

FIG. 28shows another embodiment of a plunger assembly300that can be part of the pinch valve of the present disclosure. The plunger assembly300comprises most of components of the plunger assembly ofFIG. 27, except that the plunger42is replaced with a plunger302, to which a false wall304component is secured. The false wall component304cooperates with the opposite walls portions, shown in the examples atFIG. 4E(reference numeral61),FIG. 8E(reference numeral127),FIG. 12E(reference numeral194),FIG. 16E(reference numeral240), andFIG. 22(reference numeral262), to abut the dispensing tube located in the respective pinch valve. That is, a given opposite wall portion by itself abuts the dispensing tube along a length of the tube equal to the height of the opposite wall portion. However, using a plunger assembly that has a false wall component such as false wall component304, causes the dispensing tube to be abutted along a length equal to the height of the opposite wall section plus the height of the false wall component. Having such an extended abutment length causes the normally circular cross-section of the dispensing tube to be deformed—and to have a reduced cross-section area—along a greater length of the dispensing tube than when a plunger assembly without a false wall component is used. This can further diminish the flow of liquid from the dispensing tube and can improve dispensed liquid volume accuracy.

FIG. 29shows an exploded view of the plunger302ofFIG. 28. In this embodiment the plunger302defines an aperture303and includes a body305, the false wall component304, a plunger tip306, and a pin308. The false wall component304defines a pair of opposite grooves310. The pin308is dimensioned to fit through the grooves310and through the aperture303to secure the false wall component304to the body305. When secured to the body305, the false wall component304can be moved back and forth with respect to the body305, along the axis shown at312. The false wall component304has false wall portion314that is for abutting a dispensing tube. The false wall portion314has a height316.

In some embodiments of the plunger assembly, the plunger can have an extended tip.FIG. 30shows such a plunger assembly320, which has a plunger322, with an extended plunger tip324. Also shown is a movable actuator325.

Plunger assemblies with extended plunger tips, such as shown atFIG. 30, can be used in pinch valves provided with a plunger cover.FIG. 31shows such a pinch valve326, which comprises a holder328, an insert330, and the plunger assembly320. The holder328defines a plunger tip cover332.FIG. 31also shows a dispensing tube321and a solenoid334, attached to a bracket336. The top portion of the dispensing tube connects to a container (not shown) containing a liquid to be dispensed. When the pinch valve326is in an open configuration, liquid is dispensed out of the bottom of the dispensing tube321. The holder328and the bracket336can be secured to a liquid dispensing machine through any suitable means such as, for example, screws, bolts, etc. The plunger assembly can include a bushing338, which is secured to the bracket336. The bushing allows for precise alignment of the movable actuator325(FIG. 30) of the plunger assembly with the solenoid334. Such alignment allows for greater pull back of the movable actuator upon energizing the solenoid.FIG. 32shows a perspective view of the bushing338and a partial view of the movable actuator325.

FIG. 32shows a top, front perspective view of the holder328, which comprises the plunger tip cover332.FIG. 32shows a side view of the holder328, with the plunger tip cover332.FIG. 33shows a bottom view of the holder328, with the plunger tip cover332. The plunger tip cover332defines a recess335, within which the plunger tip324(FIG. 30) can move.

FIG. 34shows a side view of holder of the pinch valve ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 35shows a bottom view of holder of the pinch valve ofFIG. 31.

Although the pinch valve embodiments described above used either a shelf defined in the holder to hold the insert in the holder in the installed position, or an interference fit to hold the insert in the holder in the installed position, any other suitable type of fit can be used. For example, the holder and the insert can held together, in the installed position, using a ball detent mechanism where a small ball bearing secured on one of the holder and insert is aligned, in the installed position, with a corresponding indentation on the other of the holder and the insert (the ball bearing is biased away from the object—the holder or the insert—to which it is secured). In another example, the insert and the holder can be held together, in the installed position, through a magnet assembly formed in the insert an holder (e.g., a small magnet in the holder can align with a magnetic material in the insert when the insert is in the installed position). In yet another example, the insert can have tapered outer walls and the holder can have tapered inner walls angled to abut the tapered outer walls to the insert when the insert is in the installed position.

Although, in some of the embodiments, pivoting of the insert from the intermediary position to the open position is enabled by a post defined on a bracket cooperating with an aperture defined in the insert, or by a button sitting in a button housing, any other suitable mechanism that allows the insert to be pivoted from the intermediary position to the open position is also within the scope of the present disclosure. That is, any insert and holder pair that include complementary pivoting features that allow the insert to be pivoted with respect to the holder from the intermediary position to the open position is within the scope of the present disclosure, and, any insert and other part (e.g., a bracket) that include complementary pivoting features that allow the insert to be pivoted with respect to the other part from the intermediary position to the open position is within the scope of the present disclosure.

The insert and the holder of the pinch valve can be made of any suitable material such as, for example, acetal, high-density polyethylene, etc.

As described above, the present description relates to a pinch valve for dispensing liquids. The pinch valve comprises a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The insert, the holder, or both, define an aperture in which a dispensing tube can be installed. Advantageously, the insert, the holder, or both, also define a throttle region along which dispensing tube is deformed and has a reduced cross-section. When the pinch valve is in an open state, the flow of liquid through the dispensing tube is reduced compared to what it would be if the pinch valve did not have a throttle region. This reduced flow of liquid, caused by the throttle region, allows for greater dispensing accuracy with respect to the volume of liquid dispensed. As a further advantage, the insert of the pinch valve of the present disclosure can be easily removed from the holder to allow for quick and easy cleaning.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the particular embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent with the specification as a whole.