Liquid container and liquid container filled with liquid

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid container and a liquid container filled with a content liquid, which suppresses dripping of the content liquid to the outside from a nozzle and is easily disposed separately. A liquid container (100) of the present application is characterized by being formed by integral molding with a container main body (10) that divides a content liquid-receiving space (S), a cylindrical nozzle (20) that is connected to an upper portion of the container main body (10) and guides the content liquid to the outside, and a liquid recovery flow path (R) that returns the content liquid on the radially outer side of the nozzle (20) to the content liquid-receiving space (S).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-125840, filed July 30, 2021; Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-178247, filed October 29, 2021; Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-12391, filed January 28, 2022; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-30499, filed February 28, 2022, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a liquid container having a container body and a nozzle, and a liquid container containing a liquid contents. Background Technology

[0004] In the past, as containers for holding liquid detergents, fabric softeners and other liquids with relatively high viscosity for washing, there are known liquid containers with a nozzle cap having a nozzle installed at the mouth of the container body having a space for containing the liquid contents (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] In such liquid containers, the nozzle is typically formed in the shape of a flow channel and is configured to be supported by the partition wall of the nozzle cap, with its front end protruding outward from the front opening of the nozzle cap. This allows the contents to be easily discharged through the nozzle to the target location.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5094620 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] However, in the aforementioned conventional liquid containers, since a nozzle cap is installed as another component on the container body containing the liquid contents, there is room for improvement in terms of making separate disposal complicated.

[0011] The present invention addresses this problem by providing a liquid container that suppresses dripping from a nozzle to the outside and facilitates easy separation of waste liquid and liquid container containing contents.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the liquid container of the present invention is characterized in that... [1]

[0015] The following components are formed by integral molding:

[0016] The main body of the container is divided into spaces that contain the liquid.

[0017] A nozzle, connected to the upper part of the container body and guiding the contents to the outside, wherein the nozzle is cylindrical; and

[0018] A liquid recovery flow path that returns the contents of the nozzle radially outside to the containment space.

[0019] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [2]

[0021] In the structure described above [1], it is preferable that the liquid recovery flow path is inclined downward in the circumferential direction, and a connecting path is provided at the lower end of the liquid recovery flow path to connect the liquid recovery flow path with the receiving space.

[0022] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [3]

[0024] In the structure described in [1] or [2] above, it is preferable that the bottom wall of the liquid recovery flow path has a reduced thickness portion that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall, and the wall thickness in the region of the bottom wall where the reduced thickness portion is provided is approximately the same in the direction along the flow path.

[0025] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [4]

[0027] In any of the structures described in [1] to [3] above, preferably the bottom wall of the liquid recovery flow path has a reduced portion that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall, and the area of ​​the lower surface of the bottom wall other than the reduced portion extends circumferentially in the horizontal direction.

[0028] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [5]

[0030] In any of the structures described in [1] to [4] above, it is preferable that the upper surface of the bottom wall of the liquid recovery flow path slopes downward from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side.

[0031] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [6]

[0033] In any one of the structures described above [1] to [5], it is preferable that an outer cylinder is formed on the radially outer side of the nozzle, and the liquid recovery flow path is formed at a radial position between the nozzle and the outer cylinder.

[0034] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [7]

[0036] In the structure described above [1], it is preferable that a discharge groove is provided on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle wall, the discharge groove being recessed radially outward and extending to the upper end of the wall, and the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle wall being located on a perfect circle when viewed from above.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [8]

[0039] In the structure described above [7], it is preferable that the circumferential width of the discharge groove increases with the amount of indentation that faces upward and outward in a radial direction.

[0040] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention, [9]

[0042] In the structure described above [1], the liquid container preferably also has a cover that covers the nozzle from above, the cover having a top cylindrical measuring cylinder, which is arranged radially inside the nozzle when the cover is installed.

[0043] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention,

[10]

[0045] In the structure described above [9], it is preferable that when the cover is installed, the lower end of the metering cylinder extends downward past the nozzle and is disposed within the container body.

[0046] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention,

[11]

[0048] In the structure described above [9] or

[10] , the container body preferably has: a main body that divides the containment space forming the contents; a bottom that closes the lower end of the main body; and a neck that is connected to the upper end of the main body and is narrower than the main body, wherein the radial distance between the outer circumferential surface of the metering cylinder and the inner circumferential surface of the neck is more than 1 mm and less than 3 mm.

[0049] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention,

[12]

[0051] In any of the structures described in [9] to

[11] above, preferably the cover further has a mounting cylinder installed on the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path, wherein the vertical distance from the lower end of the mounting cylinder to the lower end of the metering cylinder is greater than the vertical distance from the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path to the upper end of the nozzle.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention,

[13]

[0054] In any of the structures described in [9] to

[12] above, the radial width of the liquid recovery flow path is preferably 3 mm or more.

[0055] Furthermore, the liquid container containing the liquid contents of the present invention is characterized in that,

[14]

[0057] It is a liquid container containing liquid contents that contains liquid contents within the containment space of the liquid container described above

[10] .

[0058] When the cap is installed, the lower end of the measuring cylinder is located in the top space of the container body where the contents are not contained.

[0059] Furthermore, regarding the liquid container of the present invention,

[15]

[0061] In the structure described above [1], the liquid recovery flow path is preferably configured such that the contents of the nozzle on the radially outer side return to the receiving space through a cutout provided in a portion of the nozzle in the circumferential direction, and the container body and the liquid recovery flow path have a longitudinal strip-shaped window in a portion of the circumferential direction for visually confirming the contents of the receiving space.

[0062] The circumferential position of the cut portion includes the circumferential position of the window portion.

[0063] Technical effect

[0064] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid container that suppresses dripping from the nozzle to the outside and is easy to separate for disposal, as well as a liquid container containing the contents. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is a front half-sectional view of the liquid container as the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid container as a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view of section AA.

[0068] Figure 4 It shows the use of a cover to cover. Figure 3 A magnified sectional view of the nozzle from the front.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a front half-sectional view of a preform used to manufacture a liquid container as a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a top view of a liquid container as a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A sectional view of the BB section.

[0072] Figure 8 It shows the use of a cover to cover. Figure 7 A magnified sectional view of the nozzle from the front.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a front half-sectional view of a preform used to manufacture a liquid container as a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a front half-sectional view of a liquid container containing liquid contents, as a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 11 This is a top view of the container body, nozzle, and liquid recovery flow path that constitute the liquid container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the CC section.

[0077] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Enlarged front sectional view of the nozzle, liquid recovery flow path, and cover section.

[0078] Figure 14 This is a front half-sectional view of a preform used to manufacture a liquid container as a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 15 This is a front sectional view of the liquid container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 16A This is a top view of the liquid container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 16B yes Figure 15A sectional view of section DD in the image.

[0082] Figure 17 This is a side view of a liquid container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 18 yes Figure 16A A sectional view of the EE section.

[0084] Figure 19 It shows the use of a cover to cover. Figure 18 A magnified sectional view of the nozzle from the front.

[0085] Figure 20 This is a front sectional view of a preform used to manufacture a liquid container as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Symbol Explanation

[0087] 10: Container body

[0088] 11: Key Cadre

[0089] 12: Bottom

[0090] 13: Shoulders

[0091] 15: Mouth

[0092] 15a: Neck

[0093] 18: Window

[0094] 20: Nozzle

[0095] 21: Cylinder wall

[0096] 21a: Nozzle orifice

[0097] 21b: Discharge trough

[0098] 21c: Outer circumferential surface of the cylinder wall

[0099] 22: Incision area

[0100] 23: Chamfered section

[0101] 30: Outer cylinder

[0102] 31: Peripheral wall (outer periphery)

[0103] 31a: External thread section

[0104] 32: Neck ring

[0105] 33: Bottom wall

[0106] 33a: Thickened section

[0107] 34: Outer edge

[0108] 35: Connecting Path

[0109] 40: Cover

[0110] 41: Peripheral wall

[0111] 43: Top Wall

[0112] 44: Flange portion

[0113] 44a: Sealing protrusion

[0114] 45: Mounting cylinder

[0115] 45a: Internal thread section

[0116] 46: Sealed wall

[0117] 47: Inner cylinder

[0118] 47a: Measuring cylinder

[0119] 100, 300, 500, 700: Liquid containers

[0120] 110: Main body

[0121] 111: Key Cadre

[0122] 112: Bottom

[0123] 120: Nozzle

[0124] 121: Cylinder wall

[0125] 121b: Discharge trough

[0126] 121c: Outer circumferential surface of the cylinder wall

[0127] 122: Incision site

[0128] 123: Chamfered section

[0129] 130: Outer cylinder

[0130] 131: Zhou Bi

[0131] 132: Neck ring

[0132] 133: Bottom wall

[0133] 133a: Thickened section

[0134] 134: Outer edge

[0135] 200, 400, 600, 800: Preforms

[0136] HS: Headspace

[0137] O: Central axis

[0138] OP: Opaque resin layer

[0139] R: Liquid recovery flow path

[0140] S: Containment Space

[0141] S2: Interior space

[0142] TT: Transparent resin layer Detailed Implementation

[0143] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0144] Figure 1 The liquid container 100 shown as a first embodiment of the present invention is suitable for containing liquid contents with relatively high viscosity, such as liquid detergents and fabric softeners, and includes a container body 10, a nozzle 20, and an outer cylinder 30. It should be noted that in this specification, claims, abstract, and drawings, the side where the nozzle 20 is located is depicted as upwards (…). Figure 1 The upper side of the container body 10 is designated as the lower side (where the bottom 12 of the container body 10 is located). Figure 1 (The lower side of the middle). Additionally, radially outer refers to along the path through... Figure 1 The radial inward direction refers to the direction along the central axis O of the liquid container 100 extending vertically and perpendicular to the central axis O, away from the central axis O. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The central axis O is used to define the radial outer and radial inner sides, and does not mean that the components of the liquid container 100 in this embodiment are always formed symmetrically around the central axis O.

[0145] In addition, in this specification, claims, abstract and drawings, "integral molding" means a component that is molded as a single piece in a mold. Although it includes components that are molded as a single piece by insert molding, two-color molding, etc., it does not include components that are integrated with other components molded in a separate mold by bonding or other processes that do not involve subsequent resin molding.

[0146] The container body 10 is formed into a bottle shape having a main body 11 that divides the inner side into a receiving space S for containing liquid contents, a bottom 12 that closes the lower end of the main body 11, and a cylindrical opening 15 connected to the upper end of the main body 11 via a shoulder 13, and is capable of containing liquid contents (not shown) in the receiving space S. The container body 10 can be made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It should be noted that the opening 15 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and can be formed into other shapes such as an elliptical cylinder or a square cylinder.

[0147] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle 20 is integrally formed with the container body 10, connected to the upper end of the opening 15. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape, with a chamfered portion 23 formed on the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 21 where a cutout 22 is formed. The C-shaped cross-section has a cutout 22 extending axially from one end to the other at a circumferential location on the generally cylindrical cylindrical wall 21. With this structure, the contents of the receiving space S contained in the container body 10 can be easily discharged to the desired location through the nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 protrudes upward from the upper end of the opening 15 and is formed of the same synthetic resin material as the container body 10.

[0148] It should be noted that the front end of the nozzle 20 is not limited to the shape of having an inclined chamfered portion 23, and can be set to various shapes such as a shape cut with rounded corners when viewed from the side.

[0149] A cover 40 is provided on the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 (see reference). Figure 4 The outer cylinder 30 is integrally formed with the container body 10, similar to the nozzle 20, and connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. The outer cylinder 30 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 31, an annular neck ring 32 protruding radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 31, and a bottom wall 33 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31. The inner periphery of the bottom wall 33 of the outer cylinder 30 is connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. In this embodiment, the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the outer cylinder 30 are integrally formed from the same synthetic resin material.

[0150] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 21 of the nozzle 20, the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, and the bottom wall 33 functions as a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents leaking to the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 back into the receiving space S. That is, the bottom wall 33, which extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, functions as the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R.

[0151] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the liquid recovery flow path R, the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 is formed such that the height is highest at the left end and lowest at the right end where the cutout 22 is provided. That is, the bottom wall 33 slopes downwards along the flow path, gradually decreasing in height from the left end to the right end. Figure 2 In the liquid recovery flow path R, there are paths from the left end to the right end in a clockwise direction and paths from the left end to the right end in a counterclockwise direction. However, in either path, the flow path slopes downwards from the left end to the right end of the upper surface of the bottom wall 33. That is, the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R is spiral-shaped, extending half a circumference from the left end to the right end. Furthermore, the bottom wall 33 slopes downwards from the radially outer side to the radially inner side at the same circumferential position. The upper surface of the bottom wall 33... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The phrase "gradually decreasing from the left end to the right end" refers to the gradual decrease in height from the left end to the right end at the same radius position (the same width direction position of the flow path).

[0152] In this embodiment, the lower end of the cutout 22 located circumferentially on the nozzle 20 becomes a connecting passage 35 that connects the liquid recovery flow path R to the receiving space S. Liquid contents leaking radially outward from the nozzle 20 enter the liquid recovery flow path R and... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The contents of the liquid moving from the left end of the bottom wall 33 toward the right end and downwards are further moved radially inwards within the liquid recovery flow path R to the right end of the bottom wall 33, passing through the connecting path 35 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Return to the containment space S of the main body of container 10.

[0153] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, for the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R, by providing a thickened portion 33a that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 33, the area other than the outer edge portion 34 is thinned. Furthermore, the wall thickness in the area of ​​the bottom wall 33 that is thinned by the thickening is formed to be approximately the same in the direction along the flow path. Additionally, the wall thickness in the area of ​​the bottom wall 33 that is thinned by the thickening is also approximately the same in the radial direction. That is, in the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R, the thickened area, except for the upper surface for the flow of the contents, also has a lower surface that is recessed upward from the lower surface. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The left end slopes downward toward the right end and also slopes downward toward the radially inward side.

[0154] As described above, by configuring a thickness reduction portion 33a in the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R, the wall thickness of the thickened area becomes uniform, particularly in the circumferential direction, thereby enabling the integral molding of the preform 200 (described later) for manufacturing the liquid container 100. Figure 5 When the molten resin flows evenly back into the area of ​​the bottom wall 133 within the mold, molding defects such as shrinkage marks can be suppressed. It should be noted that the structure can also be configured without the thinning portion 33a. In the absence of the thinning portion 33a, for example, the lower surface of the bottom wall 33 can be configured as a cone with approximately the same height in the circumferential direction, and the wall thickness of the bottom wall 33 gradually decreases in the circumferential direction.

[0155] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the outer edge portion 34 of the bottom wall 33, where the thickness reduction portion 33a is not provided, is configured to extend in a generally horizontal direction throughout the circumference. That is, the lower surface of the outer edge portion 34 is formed to have approximately the same height regardless of the circumferential position. According to this structure, for example, when forming the liquid container 100 by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 200 described later, by bringing the lower end of the outer edge portion 34 of the bottom wall 33 into contact with and fixing it to the reference surface of the blow molding die, even if the circumferential position of the preform 200 relative to the blow molding die is not accurately aligned, the preform 200 can be installed on the blow molding die without tilting it.

[0156] It should be noted that the preform 200 can also be fixed by having the upper or lower surface of the neck ring 32 contact the reference surface of the blow molding die instead of the outer edge 34 of the bottom wall 33.

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the bottom wall 33 other than the outer edge 34 is thickened so that the outer edge 34 contacts the reference surface of the blow molding die. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the area of ​​the bottom wall 33 other than the inner edge is thickened so that the inner edge contacts the reference surface of the die.

[0158] An external threaded portion 31a is provided on the upper outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30 for mounting the cover 40 (described later) by means of threaded engagement. It should be noted that, instead of the external threaded portion 31a, an annular protrusion may be provided on the peripheral wall 31 for mounting the cover 40 by means of snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0159] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 40 includes an outer peripheral wall 41 that covers the nozzle 20 from the radially outer side, a top wall 43 that closes the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 41, a flange portion 44 that protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 41, a mounting cylinder 45 that hangs down from the outer edge of the flange portion 44, a sealing wall 46 that hangs down from the lower surface of the flange portion 44 on the radially inner side of the mounting cylinder 45 and abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral wall 31 to provide a liquid-tight seal, and an inner cylinder 47 that hangs down from the lower surface of the flange portion 44 on the radially inner side of the sealing wall 46.

[0160] An internal thread 45a is formed on the inner surface of the mounting cylinder 45, and this internal thread 45a engages with an external thread 31a formed on the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30. For example... Figure 4 As shown, by threading the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 into the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, the sealing protrusion 44a on the lower surface of the flange 44 abuts against the upper end face of the peripheral wall 31 and the sealing wall 46 abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral wall 31, thereby achieving a liquid-tight seal relative to the outside.

[0161] In this embodiment, the cap 40 serves to prevent the contents from leaking out of the nozzle orifice 21a formed by the nozzle 20. However, by marking the outer peripheral wall 41 with metering graduations indicated by, for example, rib-like protrusions or printing, it can function as a metering cap. When the cap 40 is used as a metering cap, for example by making the cap 40 transparent or translucent resin, it is easy to meter the contents.

[0162] When the cover 40 is also used as a metering cover, the liquid can be metered by adopting an arrangement in which the top wall 43 of the cover 40, which is formed as a flat plate, is positioned on the lower side and the opening of the cover 40 is positioned on the upper side.

[0163] If from Figure 4 With the nozzle 20 covered by the cap 40, rotating the cap 40 around the central axis O releases the threaded connection between the cap 40 and the outer cylinder 30, allowing the cap 40 to move upward relative to the container body 10. Then, by pulling the cap 40 upward with the threaded engagement completely released, it can be removed from the outer cylinder 30.

[0164] With the cap 40 removed from the outer cylinder 30, exposing the nozzle 20, the contents of the container body 10 can be discharged from the front end of the nozzle 20 through the nozzle orifice 21a to the outside by setting the container body 10 from an upright position with the front end of the nozzle 20 facing upwards to an inclined position with the cutout 22 facing upwards. At this time, the contents of the container body 10's containing space S are guided along the nozzle 20, which is formed in the shape of a flow channel, and discharged from the front end of the nozzle 20. Furthermore, when the container body 10 is returned to an upright position after the contents are discharged, even if the contents adhering to the front end of the nozzle 20 drips along the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 20, the contents will not drip onto the outside of the outer cylinder 30, but will drip downwards along the nozzle 20 and be caught by the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R. The contents dripping into the liquid recovery flow path R move along the slope of the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 and return to the containing space S of the container body 10 via the connecting passage 35. Therefore, according to the liquid container 100, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging the contents from the nozzle 20.

[0165] After use, the cover 40 can be installed by re-engaging the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 with the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, thereby closing the nozzle 20.

[0166] The liquid container 100 of this embodiment can be formed, for example, by integral molding using injection molding or the like. Figure 5 The preform 200 shown is then fixed to the mold by bringing the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the liquid recovery flow path R into contact with the reference surface of the blow molding mold, and then subjected to biaxial stretch blow molding.

[0167] The preform 200 has a main body 110 in the shape of a test tube, and a nozzle 120 and an outer cylinder 130 integrally formed on the upper end of the main body 110. The main body 110 has a cylindrical main stem 111 and a generally hemispherical bottom 112 that closes the lower end of the main stem 111. The main body 110 is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 200 to form the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main stem 11 and bottom 12 of the liquid container 100, and has an internal space S2.

[0168] The nozzle 120 and outer cylinder 130 of the preform 200 have the same shape as the nozzle 20 and outer cylinder 30 of the liquid container 100, and are the parts that do not expand during biaxial stretch blow molding. Figure 5 As shown, the nozzle 120 is formed in the shape of a C-section, i.e., a flow channel. A chamfered portion 123 is formed on the circumferential edge of the cut portion 122 on the upper part of the cylinder wall 121. The C-section shape is a shape in which a cut portion 122 is provided on the circumference of the generally cylindrical cylinder wall 121, extending axially from one end to the other.

[0169] The outer cylinder 130 of the preform 200 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 131, an annular neck ring 132 that protrudes radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 131, and a bottom wall 133 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 131 downward, and the inner periphery of the bottom wall 133 of the preform 200 is connected to the upper end of the main body 110.

[0170] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 121 of the nozzle 120, the peripheral wall 131 of the outer cylinder 130, and the bottom wall 133 forms a liquid recovery flow path R. A thickened portion 133a that is recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 133, and the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 that is not thickened extends circumferentially at approximately the same height.

[0171] In use Figure 5 When the preform 200 shown is used to form the liquid container 100, the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the preform 200 is brought into contact with and fixed to the reference surface of the blow molding die. Biaxial stretch blow molding is performed by supplying pressurized fluid to the interior of the preform 200 while the main body 110 is stretched axially using a tension rod. In this embodiment, the main body 110 is stretched only axially and radially by blow molding to form the liquid container 100. Figure 1 The liquid container 100 is formed by the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main body 11, and bottom 12 shown. In the manufacturing method of this liquid container 100, the main body 110 of the preform 200, which is integrally formed with the main body 110, nozzle 20, and outer cylinder 130, is expanded by biaxial stretch blow molding, thereby forming a liquid container 100 integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and outer cylinder 30. Since the liquid recovery flow path R is formed by the nozzle 20 and the outer cylinder 30, the liquid container 100 becomes a container integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R.

[0172] As described above, this embodiment is configured to integrally form a container body 10 that divides a receiving space S for forming the contents, a cylindrical nozzle 20 connected to the upper part of the container body 10 and guiding the contents to the outside, and a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents radially outward from the nozzle 20 to the receiving space S. By adopting this structure, it is possible to effectively suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging them from the nozzle 20. Furthermore, because the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed, the amount of resin used can be reduced, and since it is not necessary to separate the nozzle cap from the container body, it is also easy to dispose of them separately.

[0173] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid recovery flow path R is configured to slope downwards in the circumferential direction, and a connecting passage 35 is provided at the lower end of the liquid recovery flow path R to connect the liquid recovery flow path R with the receiving space S. By adopting such a structure, the inclined surface of the liquid recovery flow path R can be used to efficiently return the liquid contents leaking to the outside of the nozzle 20 back into the receiving space S.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R is configured such that a thickened portion 33a is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 33, and the wall thickness in the region of the bottom wall 33 where the thickened portion is provided is approximately the same along the flow path direction. By adopting such a structure, when the preform 200 for manufacturing the liquid container 100 is integrally molded, the molten resin can easily and evenly flow back to the bottom wall 133 portion within the mold, thus suppressing molding defects such as shrinkage marks.

[0175] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R is configured such that a thickened portion 33a is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 33, and the area of ​​the lower surface of the bottom wall 33, excluding the thickened portion 33a, extends horizontally in the circumferential direction. By adopting such a structure, the area of ​​the bottom wall 33, excluding the thickened portion 33a, contacts and is fixed to the reference surface of the blow molding die. Thus, even if the preform 200 is not accurately aligned with the circumferential position of the blow molding die, it can be installed on the blow molding die without tilting the preform 200.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R is configured to slope downwards from the radially outer side to the radially inner side. By adopting such a structure, the liquid contents within the liquid recovery flow path R can be concentrated on the radially inner side, making it easier to return the liquid contents to the receiving space S by using the cutout portion 22 of the nozzle 20 as a connecting passage 35.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an outer cylinder 30 is formed radially outward of the nozzle 20, and a liquid recovery flow path R is formed radially between the nozzle 20 and the outer cylinder 30. By adopting such a structure, the space between the outer cylinder 30 and the nozzle 20 can be used as the liquid recovery flow path R, thus maintaining a compact structure and suppressing liquid leakage from the liquid container 100. The outer cylinder 30 is fitted with a cap 40 required to suppress leakage of the contents.

[0178] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a liquid container 300, which is a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described in more detail.

[0179] Figure 6 and Figure 7The liquid container 300 shown as a second embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 10, a nozzle 20, and an outer cylinder 30. It should be noted that the definitions of "vertical direction," "radial direction," "central axis," and "integral molding" are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore further explanation is omitted here. In the description of the tilted posture of the liquid container 300, the side where the upper end of the nozzle 20 is located is sometimes described as the front end side. Furthermore, since the structure of the container body 10 is also the same as in the first embodiment, an overall view of the liquid container 300 including the bottom 12 of the container body 10 is omitted. It should be noted that parts having the same function as in the first embodiment are described using the same symbols.

[0180] like Figure 7 As shown, the nozzle 20 is integrally formed with the container body 10, connected to the upper end of the opening 15. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape, where a cutout 22 extending axially from one end to the other is provided at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 21. Furthermore, a chamfer 23 is formed at the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 21 where the cutout 22 is formed; this chamfer 23 is cut with rounded corners when viewed from the side. With this structure, the contents of the receiving space S contained in the container body 10 can be easily discharged to a desired location through the nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 protrudes upward from the upper end of the opening 15 and is formed of the same synthetic resin material as the container body 10.

[0181] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 has a circular arc shape when viewed from above. That is, although the cylinder wall 21 is not a perfect circle when viewed from above due to the cutout 22, it has an arc shape that is part of a perfect circle. It should be noted that the cutout 22 can also be omitted so that the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 forms a perfect circle when viewed from above. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 can be provided as shown in the figure. Figure 7 Besides the example shown, where the diameter is the same from bottom to top, it can also be a shape where the diameter decreases or increases from bottom to top. According to the above structure, the outer circumferential surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 lies on a perfect circle in all areas when viewed from above. It should be noted that the outer circumferential surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 refers to the outer surface of the cylinder wall 21 extending circumferentially. Figure 6 In the middle, the radially extending surface formed by setting the cut portion 22 is not included in the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21.

[0182] Conventional nozzles are configured such that their front end protrudes radially outward, allowing the contents to be discharged to a desired location via this protrusion. In this embodiment, to improve the accuracy of the liquid container 300, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the nozzle 20 is configured to lie on a perfect circle when viewed from above, making conventional structures impractical. Therefore, to discharge the contents from the nozzle 20 to the desired location, a discharge groove 21b is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle 20's cylindrical wall 21 to guide the contents to the desired location.

[0183] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the discharge groove 21b is provided at a circumferential position on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20's cylindrical wall 21, opposite to the cutout 22. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the discharge groove 21b is recessed from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 toward the radially outward side, and as... Figure 7 As shown, it extends to the upper end (front end) of the cylinder wall 21. In this embodiment, the discharge groove 21b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of upward and radially outward indentation. That is, the discharge groove 21b has an inverted triangular cone shape in which the circumferential and radial widths increase upward. According to this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired position. In addition, it also provides excellent fluid cut-off when discharging the contents.

[0184] It should be noted that the front end of the nozzle 20 is not limited to the chamfered portion 23 cut in a rounded shape when viewed from the side, but can be set to various shapes such as the chamfered portion that is inclined in a straight line.

[0185] A cover 40 is provided on the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 (see reference). Figure 8 The outer cylinder 30 is integrally formed with the container body 10, similar to the nozzle 20, and connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. The outer cylinder 30 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 31, an annular neck ring 32 protruding radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 31, and a bottom wall 33 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31. The inner periphery of the bottom wall 33 is connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. In this embodiment, the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the outer cylinder 30 are integrally formed from the same synthetic resin material.

[0186] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 21 of the nozzle 20, the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, and the bottom wall 33 functions as a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents leaking to the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 back into the receiving space S. That is, the bottom wall 33, which extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, functions as the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R.

[0187] It should be noted that the structure of the liquid recovery flow path R, the cut-out portion 22, the connecting path 35, the thickened portion 33a, the peripheral wall 31, and the cover 40 is similar to that of the first embodiment, so detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0188] If from Figure 8 With the nozzle 20 covered by the cap 40, rotating the cap 40 around the central axis O releases the threaded connection between the cap 40 and the outer cylinder 30, allowing the cap 40 to move upward relative to the container body 10. Then, by pulling the cap 40 upward with the threaded engagement completely released, it can be removed from the outer cylinder 30.

[0189] With the cap 40 removed from the outer cylinder 30, exposing the nozzle 20, the container body 10 is positioned so that the cutout portion 22 is tilted upwards from its upright position with the front end of the nozzle 20 facing upwards. As a result, the discharge groove 21b faces downwards, allowing the contents of the containing space S to be guided through the nozzle hole 21a into the cylinder wall 21, and then discharged to the outside through the discharge groove 21b located at the front end of the cylinder wall 21.

[0190] In this embodiment, the discharge groove 21b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of concavity towards the front end and radially outward. With this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired location. Furthermore, it also provides excellent flow interruption during discharge.

[0191] Furthermore, after the contents are discharged, when the container body 10 is returned to an upright position, even if the contents adhering to the tip of the nozzle 20 drips along the outer peripheral surface 21c of the nozzle 20, the contents will not drip onto the outside of the outer cylinder 30. Instead, they will drip downwards along the nozzle 20 and be caught by the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R. The contents dripping into the liquid recovery flow path R move along the slope of the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 and return to the receiving space S of the container body 10 via the connecting passage 35. Therefore, according to this liquid container 300, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging the contents from the nozzle 20.

[0192] After use, the cover 40 can be installed by re-engaging the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 with the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, thereby closing the nozzle 20.

[0193] The liquid container 300 of this embodiment can be formed, for example, by integral molding using injection molding or the like. Figure 9 The preform 400 shown is then fixed to the mold by bringing the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the liquid recovery flow path R into contact with the reference surface of the blow molding mold, and then subjected to biaxial stretch blow molding.

[0194] The preform 400 has a main body 110 in the shape of a test tube, and a nozzle 120 and an outer cylinder 130 integrally formed on the upper end of the main body 110. The main body 110 has a cylindrical main stem 111 and a generally hemispherical bottom 112 that closes the lower end of the main stem 111. The main body 110 is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 400 to form the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main stem 11 and bottom 12 of the liquid container 300, and has an internal space S2.

[0195] The nozzle 120 and outer cylinder 130 of the preform 400 have the same shape as the nozzle 20 and outer cylinder 30 of the liquid container 300, and are the parts that do not deform (expand) during biaxial stretch blow molding. Figure 9 As shown, the nozzle 120 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape. This C-shaped cross-section has a cutout 122 extending axially from one end to the other at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 121. In addition, a chamfer 123 is formed on the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 121 where the cutout 122 is formed. The chamfer 123 is cut in a manner that gives it a rounded corner when viewed from the side.

[0196] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 has a circular arc shape when viewed from above. That is, although the cylinder wall 121 is not a perfect circle when viewed from above due to the cutout 122, it has an arc shape that is part of a perfect circle. It should be noted that the cutout 122 may also be omitted, and the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 may form a perfect circle when viewed from above. According to the above structure, the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 lies on a perfect circle in all areas when viewed from above. It should be noted that the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 refers to the radially extending surface formed by the cutout 122 on the outer surface of the cylinder wall 121 that extends circumferentially, and is not included in the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121. According to this structure, when the nozzle 120 and the main body 110 of the preform 400 are integrally molded using a mold, the mold components for molding the nozzle 120 and the main body 110 can both be designed as components including a perfect circle or a circular arc shape. Therefore, since the mating surfaces of the mold components can be designed as perfect circles, the molding accuracy of each mold component can be improved. Furthermore, by improving the positional alignment accuracy of the mold component molding the main body 110 relative to the mold component molding the nozzle 120, eccentricity can be suppressed. Therefore, uneven wall thickness of the container body 10 in the liquid container 300 can be suppressed.

[0197] In this embodiment, a discharge groove 121b for guiding the contents to a desired position is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 120 cylinder wall 121.

[0198] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the discharge groove 121b is provided at a circumferential position on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 120's cylindrical wall 121, opposite to the cutout 122. Figure 9 As shown, the discharge groove 121b is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 121 and extends to the upper end of the cylinder wall 121. In this embodiment, the discharge groove 121b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of recessed upward (towards the front end) and radially outward. According to this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 of the liquid container 300 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired location. Furthermore, it also provides excellent fluid interruption during discharge.

[0199] The outer cylinder 130 of the preform 400 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 131, an annular neck ring 132 that protrudes radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 131, and a bottom wall 133 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 131 downward, and the inner periphery of the bottom wall 133 of the outer cylinder 130 is connected to the upper end of the main body 110.

[0200] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 121 of the nozzle 120, the peripheral wall 131 of the outer cylinder 130, and the bottom wall 133 forms a liquid recovery flow path R. A thickened portion 133a that is recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 133, and the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 that is not thickened extends circumferentially at approximately the same height.

[0201] In use Figure 9 When the preform 400 is formed into the liquid container 300, the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the preform 400 is brought into contact with and fixed to the reference surface of the blow molding die. Biaxial stretch blow molding is performed by supplying pressurized fluid to the interior of the preform 400 while the main body 110 is stretched axially using a tension rod. In this embodiment, the main body 110 is stretched only axially and radially by blow molding to form the liquid container 300. Figure 7 The liquid container 300 is formed by the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main body 11, and bottom (not shown).

[0202] In the manufacturing method of the liquid container 300, by using biaxial stretch blow molding, only the main body 110 of the preform 400, which is integrally formed with the main body 110, nozzle 120, and outer cylinder 130, is expanded, thereby forming a liquid container 300 integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and outer cylinder 30. Since the liquid recovery flow path R is formed by the nozzle 20 and the outer cylinder 30, the liquid container 300 becomes a container integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R.

[0203] As described above, this embodiment comprises a container body 10 that divides a receiving space S for forming the contents, a cylindrical nozzle 20 connected to the upper part of the container body 10 and guiding the contents to the outside, and a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents radially outward from the nozzle 20 to the receiving space S. The container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed. A discharge groove 21b is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20, which is recessed radially outward and extends to the upper end of the nozzle 21. The outer circumferential surface 21c of the nozzle 20's cylinder wall 21 is located on a perfect circle when viewed from above. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to effectively suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging the contents from the nozzle 20. In addition, since the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed, the amount of resin used can be reduced. Since it is not necessary to separate the nozzle cap from the container body, it is also easy to dispose of them separately.

[0204] It should be noted that "easy to separate and discard" as used here means that it eliminates the hassle of separating the nozzle cap and the container body, allowing them to be disposed of together.

[0205] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 is located on a perfect circle when viewed from above. By employing this structure, the nozzle 120 and the main body 110 (see reference 1) of the preform 400, which serves as the precursor of the liquid container 300, are integrally molded using a mold. Figure 9 When forming the nozzle 120 portion, both the mold component forming the main body 110 and the mold component forming the main body 110 can be configured as components including a perfect circle or a circular arc shape. Therefore, since the mating surfaces of the mold components can be made perfect circles, the forming accuracy of each mold component can be improved. Furthermore, by improving the positional alignment accuracy of the mold component forming the main body 110 relative to the mold component forming the nozzle 120 portion, eccentricity can be suppressed. Therefore, uneven wall thickness of the container body 10 in the liquid container 300 can be suppressed.

[0206] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a discharge groove 21b is provided at a circumferential position on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20 opposite to the cut portion 22, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20 can be concentrated in the discharge groove 21b, making it easy and accurate to discharge to the desired position. In addition, it also provides excellent fluid interruption when discharging the contents.

[0207] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge groove 21b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of upward and radially outward indentation. By employing this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired location. Additionally, it also provides excellent flow interruption during discharge.

[0208] Next, a more detailed description of the liquid container 500, which is a third embodiment of the present invention, will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0209] Figure 10 The liquid container 500 shown as a third embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 10, a nozzle 20, an outer cylinder 30, and a cap 40. It should be noted that the definitions of "vertical direction," "radial direction," "central axis," and "integral molding" are the same as in the first embodiment, therefore further explanation is omitted here. Furthermore, parts having the same function as in the first embodiment will be described using the same symbols. In the description of the tilted posture of the liquid container 500, the side where the upper end of the nozzle 20 is located is sometimes described as the front end side. Also, in the description of the state where the cap 40 is removed, the lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a of the cap 40 is sometimes described as the front end. Figure 10 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 13This shows the state in which the containment space S of the container body 10 is filled with liquid contents.

[0210] The container body 10 is formed into a bottle shape having a main body 11 that divides the inner side into a receiving space S for forming the contents, a bottom 12 that closes the lower end of the main body 11, and a cylindrical neck 15a connected to the upper end of the main body 11 via a shoulder 13, and is capable of containing the contents (not shown) in the receiving space S. The container body 10 can be made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0211] like Figure 12 As shown, the nozzle 20 is integrally formed with the container body 10 in such a way that it is connected to the upper end of the neck 15a of the container body 10. In this embodiment, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the nozzle 20 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape. This C-shaped cross-section has a cutout 22 extending axially from one end to the other at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 21. Furthermore, a chamfer 23 is formed at the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 21 where the cutout 22 is formed. This chamfer 23 is cut with rounded corners when viewed from the side. With this structure, the contents of the receiving space S contained in the container body 10 can be easily discharged through the nozzle 20 to a desired location. The nozzle 20 protrudes upward from the upper end of the neck 15a and is formed of the same synthetic resin material as the container body 10.

[0212] In this embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 has a circular arc shape when viewed from above. That is, although the cylinder wall 21 is not a perfect circle when viewed from above due to the cutout 22, it has a circular arc shape that is part of a perfect circle. The outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21, in addition to being designed as shown... Figure 12 Besides the example shown, which has the same diameter from bottom to top, it can also have a shape where the diameter decreases or increases from bottom to top. It should be noted that the outer circumferential surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 does not necessarily have to be a perfect circle.

[0213] Alternatively, a discharge trough for guiding the contents to the desired position can be further provided on a portion of the circumferential surface of the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21.

[0214] It should be noted that the front end of the nozzle 20 is not limited to the chamfered portion 23 cut in a rounded shape when viewed from the side, but can be set to various shapes such as a chamfered portion that is inclined in a straight line.

[0215] A cover 40 is provided on the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 (see reference). Figure 13 The outer cylinder 30 is integrally formed with the container body 10, similar to the nozzle 20, in a manner connected to the upper end of the neck 15a of the container body 10. The outer cylinder 30 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 31 (outer peripheral wall), an annular neck ring 32 protruding radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 31, and a bottom wall 33 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31. The inner periphery of the bottom wall 33 of the outer cylinder 30 is connected to the upper end of the neck 15a of the container body 10. In this embodiment, the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the outer cylinder 30 (including the peripheral wall 31 and the bottom wall 33) are integrally formed from the same synthetic resin material.

[0216] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 21 of the nozzle 20, the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, and the bottom wall 33 functions as a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents leaking to the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 back into the receiving space S. That is, the bottom wall 33, which extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, functions as the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R, and the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30 functions as the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path R.

[0217] It should be noted that although the liquid recovery flow path R, the cut-out portion 22, the connecting path 35, and the peripheral wall 31 have slightly different shapes, their structures are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0218] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the lower surface of the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R is arranged approximately parallel to the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 in a manner where the wall thickness is constant. By making the wall thickness of the bottom wall 33 configured as the liquid recovery flow path R uniform, particularly in the circumferential direction, the preform 600 (described later) used for integrally molding the liquid container 500 is made more uniform. Figure 14 When the molten resin flows through the mold, it easily and evenly returns to the area of ​​the bottom wall 133 within the mold, thus suppressing molding defects such as shrinkage marks. However, it is not limited to this configuration; for example, at least a portion of the lower surface of the bottom wall 33 may be configured to be approximately the same height in the horizontal direction, and when passing through the preform 600 described later (see reference...). Figure 14 In the case of forming the liquid container 500 by biaxial stretch blow molding, by bringing the horizontal surface of the lower surface of the bottom wall 133 into contact with and fixing it to the reference surface of the blow molding die, the preform 600 can be installed on the blow molding die without tilting it, even if the circumferential position of the preform 600 is not accurately aligned with the blow molding die.

[0219] like Figure 13As shown, the cover 40 includes an outer peripheral wall 41 that covers the nozzle 20 from the radially outer side, a top wall 43 that closes the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 41, a flange portion 44 that protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the outer peripheral wall 41, a mounting cylinder 45 that hangs down from the outer edge of the flange portion 44, a sealing wall 46 that hangs down from the lower surface of the flange portion 44 on the radially inner side of the mounting cylinder 45 and abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral wall 31 to provide a liquid-tight seal, and a metering cylinder 47a that hangs down radially inward from the outer peripheral wall 41 of the top wall 43.

[0220] An internal thread 45a is formed on the inner surface of the mounting cylinder 45, and this internal thread 45a engages with an external thread 31a formed on the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30. For example... Figure 13 As shown, by threading the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 into the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, the sealing protrusion 44a on the lower surface of the flange 44 abuts against the upper end face of the peripheral wall 31 and the sealing wall 46 abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral wall 31, thereby achieving a liquid-tight seal relative to the outside.

[0221] In this embodiment, the cap 40 serves to prevent the contents from leaking out of the nozzle orifice 21a formed by the nozzle 20. However, by marking the measuring cylinder 47a with measuring graduations indicated by, for example, rib-like protrusions or printing, it can function as a measuring cap. When the cap 40 is used as a measuring cap, for example by making the cap 40 transparent or translucent resin, it is easy to measure the contents.

[0222] When the cap 40 is also used as a metering cap, by adopting an orientation in which the top wall 43 of the cap 40, which is formed as a flat plate, is set to the lower side and the lower end (front end) of the metering cylinder 47a is set to the upper side, the contents of the liquid can be filled into the inside of the metering cylinder 47a for metering.

[0223] In this embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, with the mounting sleeve 45 of the cover 40 installed on the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, the top cylindrical metering cylinder 47a is positioned radially inside the nozzle 20. At this time, the lower end (front end) of the metering cylinder 47a extends downward past the lower end of the nozzle 20 and enters the interior of the container body 10. Figure 13 In this container, the containing space S of the main body 11 of the container body 10 is filled with liquid, but the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a extends to the area of ​​the top space HS that is not filled with liquid. Figure 10As shown, the top space HS is the space above the liquid surface and below the upper end of the neck 15a when the containing liquid is filled to its maximum capacity within the containing space S. The volume of the top space HS varies depending on the shape of the liquid container 500, the type of containing liquid, etc., and is approximately 10% to 40% of the containing space S. However, the ratio of the top space HS to the containing space S is not limited to the above range.

[0224] In this embodiment, as described above, the metering cylinder 47a is configured to be disposed radially inside the nozzle 20. According to this configuration, even though the ease of pouring the contents from the metering cylinder 47a to the outside and to avoid dripping (avoiding the contents adhering to the mounting cylinder 45 and improving the ease of pouring the contents from the front end of the metering cylinder 47a), the vertical distance RH between the lower end (front end) of the metering cylinder 47a and the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 is increased (see reference RH). Figure 13 The lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a only penetrates relatively deeply into the main body 11 of the container body 10, without interfering with other components. Therefore, the vertical distance RH between the lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a and the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 can be determined with consideration for ease of use by the user without increasing the overall length of the liquid container 500.

[0225] In this embodiment, the vertical distance RH is set to approximately 15.4 mm, which is greater than... Figure 13 The vertical distance NH (approximately 15.0 mm) between the upper end of the peripheral wall 31 and the upper end of the nozzle 20 is longer. Here, the vertical distance NH between the upper end of the peripheral wall 31 and the upper end of the nozzle 20 is a length that serves as an indicator of the ease of pouring and the prevention of dripping when the contents are poured out from the nozzle 20. Thus, by making the vertical distance RH between the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a and the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 longer than the vertical distance NH between the upper end of the peripheral wall 31 and the upper end of the nozzle 20, the ease of pouring and the prevention of dripping can be improved not only when the contents are poured out from the nozzle 20, but also when the contents are poured out from the metering cylinder 47a of the cap 40.

[0226] In this embodiment, the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a extends downward beyond the lower end of the nozzle 20, but only to the area of ​​the top space HS that is not filled with the contents (see reference). Figure 13 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents of the liquid container 500 from adhering to the lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a. Thus, when the contents are measured with the top wall 43 of the cap 40 facing downwards and the lower end (front end) of the measuring cylinder 47a facing upwards, the contents do not adhere to the front end of the measuring cylinder 47a, thereby preventing leakage of the contents to the outside of the measuring cylinder 47a.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap G between the outer peripheral surface of the measuring cylinder 47a and the inner peripheral surface of the neck 15a (refer to...) Figure 13 The gap G is set to be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. By setting the gap G to 1 mm or more, liquid recovery through the gap G can be carried out smoothly. Furthermore, by setting the gap G to 3 mm or less, the width of the liquid recovery flow path R and the inner diameter of the metering cylinder 47a can be easily and sufficiently guaranteed. That is, without changing the width of the liquid recovery flow path R, the inner diameter of the metering cylinder 47a can be easily guaranteed to be sufficiently large, and without changing the inner diameter of the metering cylinder 47a, the width of the liquid recovery flow path R can be guaranteed to be sufficiently large.

[0228] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the lower end (front end) of the metering cylinder 47a is configured to have approximately the same height throughout the circumference, but this configuration is not limited to this. The lower end of the metering cylinder 47a may also be configured to have a chamfered portion, such as the nozzle 20, so that the metered liquid can be easily discharged to the desired position through the metering cylinder 47a.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radial width of the liquid recovery flow path R is 3 mm or more. With this structure, the liquid contents leaking to the outside of the nozzle 20 can be contained within the liquid recovery flow path R instead of leaking to the outside of the peripheral wall 31.

[0230] If from Figure 13 With the nozzle 20 covered by the cap 40, rotating the cap 40 around the central axis O releases the threaded connection between the cap 40 and the outer cylinder 30, allowing the cap 40 to move upward relative to the container body 10. Then, by pulling the cap 40 upward with the threaded engagement completely released, it can be removed from the outer cylinder 30.

[0231] With the cap 40 removed from the outer cylinder 30, exposing the nozzle 20, the container body 10 is positioned so that the cutout portion 22 is tilted upwards from its upright position with the front end of the nozzle 20 facing upwards. This allows the contents of the containing space S to be guided through the nozzle orifice 21a into the cylinder wall 21 and discharged to the outside.

[0232] Furthermore, after the contents are discharged, when the container body 10 is returned to an upright position, even if the contents adhering to the tip of the nozzle 20 drips along the outer peripheral surface 21c of the nozzle 20, the contents will not drip onto the outside of the outer cylinder 30. Instead, they will drip downwards along the nozzle 20 and be caught by the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R. The contents dripping into the liquid recovery flow path R move along the slope of the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 and return to the receiving space S of the container body 10 via the connecting passage 35. Therefore, according to this liquid container 500, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging the contents from the nozzle 20.

[0233] After use, the cover 40 can be installed by re-engaging the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 with the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, thereby closing the nozzle 20.

[0234] The container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R of the liquid container 500 in this embodiment can be formed, for example, by integral molding such as injection molding. Figure 14 The preform 600 shown is then fixed to the mold by bringing the reference surface of the neck ring 132 and the like provided on the preform 600 into contact with the reference surface of the blow molding mold, and biaxial stretch blow molding is then performed.

[0235] The preform 600 has a main body 110 in the shape of a test tube, and a nozzle 120 and an outer cylinder 130 integrally formed on the upper end of the main body 110. The main body 110 has a cylindrical main stem 111 and a generally hemispherical bottom 112 that closes the lower end of the main stem 111. The main body 110 is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 600 to form the neck 15a, shoulder 13, main stem 11 and bottom 12 of the liquid container 500, and has an internal space S2.

[0236] The nozzle 120 and outer cylinder 130 of the preform 600 have the same shape as the nozzle 20 and outer cylinder 30 of the liquid container 500, and are the parts that do not deform (expand) during biaxial stretch blow molding. Figure 14 As shown, the nozzle 120 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape. This C-shaped cross-section has a cutout 122 extending axially from one end to the other at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 121. In addition, a chamfer 123 is formed on the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 121 where the cutout 122 is formed. The chamfer 123 is cut in a manner that gives it a rounded corner when viewed from the side.

[0237] The outer cylinder 130 of the preform 600 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 131, an annular neck ring 132 that protrudes radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 131, and a bottom wall 133 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 131 downward, and the inner periphery of the bottom wall 133 of the preform 600 is connected to the upper end of the main body 110.

[0238] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 121 of the nozzle 120, the peripheral wall 131 of the outer cylinder 130, and the bottom wall 133 forms a liquid recovery flow path R.

[0239] In use Figure 14 When the preform 600 shown is used to form the liquid container 500, the reference surfaces of the neck ring 132, etc., of the preform 600 are brought into contact with and fixed to the reference surface of the blow molding die. Biaxial stretch blow molding is performed by simultaneously stretching the main body 110 axially and supplying pressurized fluid into the interior of the preform 600 using a tension rod. In this embodiment, the main body 110 is stretched only axially and radially by blow molding to form a liquid container 500. Figure 10 The neck 15a, shoulder 13, main body 11 and bottom 12 shown form a liquid container 500.

[0240] In the manufacturing method of the liquid container 500, by using biaxial stretch blow molding, only the main body 110 of the preform 600, which is integrally formed with the main body 110, nozzle 120, and outer cylinder 130 (including peripheral wall 131 and bottom wall 133), is expanded, thereby forming a liquid container 500 integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and outer cylinder 30 (including peripheral wall 31 and bottom wall 33). Since the liquid recovery flow path R is formed by the nozzle 20 and the outer cylinder 30, the liquid container 500 becomes a container integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R.

[0241] As described above, this embodiment comprises a container body 10 that divides a receiving space S for forming the contents, a cylindrical nozzle 20 connected to the upper part of the container body 10 and guiding the contents to the outside, a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents radially outside the nozzle 20 to the receiving space S, and a cap 40 covering the nozzle 20 from above. The container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed. The cap 40 has a top cylindrical metering cylinder 47a, which is positioned radially inside the nozzle 20 when the cap 40 is installed. By adopting this structure, it is possible to effectively suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging them from the nozzle 20. In addition, since the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed, the amount of resin used can be reduced, and since it is not necessary to separate the nozzle cap from the container body, it is also easy to dispose of them separately.

[0242] It should be noted that the phrase "easy to separate and discard" used here also has the same meaning as in the second embodiment.

[0243] In particular, in this embodiment, since the metering cylinder 47a is disposed radially inside the nozzle 20, even if the vertical distance RH between the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a and the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 is increased to improve the ease of pouring out the contents and avoid dripping (see reference), Figure 13 It will not interfere with other components such as the liquid recovery flow path R. Therefore, the vertical distance RH between the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a and the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 can be determined with consideration for ease of use by the user without lengthening the overall length of the liquid container 500, thereby improving the ease of pouring out the contents and avoiding dripping. In addition, by lengthening the axial length of the metering cylinder 47a, a slender shape can be maintained without radially expanding the liquid container 500, and the volume of the metering cylinder 47a can be guaranteed.

[0244] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cap 40 is installed, the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a extends downward past the nozzle 20 and is disposed within the container body 10. By adopting this structure, the vertical length of the metering cylinder 47a can extend beyond the vertical distance between the top wall 43 and the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R. Therefore, the ease of pouring out the contents can be further improved, and dripping can be avoided.

[0245] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container body 10 is configured such that it has a main body 11 dividing a receiving space S for forming the contents, a bottom 12 closing the lower end of the main body 11, and a neck 15a connected to the upper end of the main body 11 and having a reduced diameter compared to the main body 11. The radial distance between the outer peripheral surface of the metering cylinder 47a and the inner peripheral surface of the neck 15a is ( Figure 13 The gap G is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. By adopting this structure, and setting the gap G to 1 mm or more, liquid recovery through the gap G can be carried out smoothly. In addition, by setting the gap G to 3 mm or less, the width of the liquid recovery flow path R and the inner diameter of the metering cylinder 47a can be easily and adequately guaranteed.

[0246] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover 40 is configured such that it also has a mounting cylinder 45 installed on the outer peripheral wall (peripheral wall 31) of the liquid recovery flow path R. The vertical distance from the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 to the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a is greater than the vertical distance from the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path R to the upper end of the nozzle 20. By adopting such a structure, not only when pouring the contents out from the nozzle 20, but also when pouring the contents out from the metering cylinder 47a of the cover 40, the ease of pouring and dripping can be improved.

[0247] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radial width of the liquid recovery flow path R is 3 mm or more. By adopting such a structure, the liquid contents leaking to the outside of the nozzle 20 can be contained within the liquid recovery flow path R instead of leaking to the outside of the peripheral wall 31.

[0248] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid container 500 contains the liquid contents within its receiving space S. When the cap 40 is installed, the lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a is located within the top space HS of the container body 10, which does not contain the liquid contents. By employing this structure, when the cap 40 is installed to store the liquid container 500, the liquid contents do not adhere to the lower end of the measuring cylinder 47a. Therefore, when measuring the liquid contents with the top wall 43 of the cap 40 facing downwards and the lower end (front end) of the measuring cylinder 47a facing upwards, the liquid contents do not adhere to the front end of the measuring cylinder 47a, thus preventing leakage of the liquid contents to the outside of the measuring cylinder 47a.

[0249] Next, a more detailed description of the liquid container 700, which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention, will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0250] Figure 15 The liquid container 700 shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 10, a nozzle 20, and an outer cylinder 30. It should be noted that the definitions of "vertical direction," "radial direction," "central axis," and "integral molding" are the same as in the first embodiment, therefore further explanation is omitted here. Furthermore, parts having the same functions as in the first embodiment will be described using the same symbols. In the description of the tilting posture of the liquid container 700, the side where the nozzle 20 is located is sometimes described as the front end side.

[0251] The container body 10 is formed into a bottle shape having a main body 11 that divides the inner side into a receiving space S for forming the contents, a bottom 12 that closes the lower end of the main body 11, and a cylindrical mouth 15 connected to the upper end of the main body 11 via a shoulder 13, and is capable of containing the contents (not shown) in the receiving space S.

[0252] In this embodiment, such as Figure 16B As shown, a portion of the container body 10 in the circumferential direction has a window 18 for visually confirming the contents of the containment space S. Figure 15 As shown, the window portion 18 is configured as a longitudinal strip from the upper end of the outer cylinder 30 (described later) to the bottom 12 of the container body 10.

[0253] like Figure 16B As shown, the container body 10 is circumferentially adjacent to a transparent resin layer TT forming a window 18 and an opaque resin layer OP having light-blocking properties.

[0254] The container body 10 can be made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS). Furthermore, it is not limited to a single-layer structure; for example, it can be a structure formed by laminating layers of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin, nylon resin, etc., which have high gas barrier properties.

[0255] like Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, the nozzle 20 is integrally formed with the container body 10 in such a way that it is connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape, which is a shape in which a cutout 22 extending axially from one end to the other is provided at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 21. In addition, a chamfer 23 is formed on the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 21 where the cutout 22 is formed, and the chamfer 23 is cut with rounded corners when viewed from the side. With this structure, the liquid contents contained in the receiving space S of the container body 10 can be easily discharged to the desired location through the nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 protrudes upward from the upper end of the opening 15 and is formed of the same synthetic resin material as the container body 10. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 is made of an opaque resin layer OP (see reference). Figure 18 The nozzle 20 has a cutout 22 at a circumferential position where a window 18 is provided in the container body 10, but does not have a window 18.

[0256] In this embodiment, such as Figure 16AAs shown, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 has a circular arc shape when viewed from above. That is, although the cylinder wall 21 is not a perfect circle when viewed from above due to the cutout 22, it has a circular arc shape that is part of a perfect circle. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 21c of the cylinder wall 21 is, in addition to being designed as shown... Figure 15 In addition to the form shown in the example, where the diameter is the same from bottom to top, it can also be a form where the diameter narrows or expands from bottom to top. Furthermore, the cylinder wall 21 can also be an elliptical shape or a shape other than a perfect circle when viewed from above.

[0257] In this embodiment, in order to discharge the contents from the nozzle 20 to a desired position, a discharge groove 21b is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20 to guide the contents to the desired position. It should be noted that the structure of the discharge groove 21b is similar to that of the second embodiment, so further description is omitted here.

[0258] Furthermore, the front end of the nozzle 20 is not limited to a chamfered portion 23 cut in a rounded shape when viewed from the side, but can be set to various shapes such as a chamfered portion that is inclined in a straight line.

[0259] A cover 40 is provided on the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 (see reference). Figure 19 The outer cylinder 30 is integrally formed with the container body 10, similar to the nozzle 20, and connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. The outer cylinder 30 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 31, an annular neck ring 32 protruding radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 31, and a bottom wall 33 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31. The inner periphery of the bottom wall 33 is connected to the upper end of the opening 15 of the container body 10. In this embodiment, the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the outer cylinder 30 (including the peripheral wall 31 and the bottom wall 33) are integrally formed from the same synthetic resin material.

[0260] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 21 of the nozzle 20, the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, and the bottom wall 33 functions as a liquid recovery flow path R that returns the contents leaking to the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 back into the receiving space S. That is, the bottom wall 33, which extends radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 31 of the outer cylinder 30, functions as the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R.

[0261] In this embodiment, a window 18 is also formed in the outer cylinder 30 at the circumferential position where the window 18 is provided in the container body 10.

[0262] Thus, as Figure 15 and Figure 17As shown, for the liquid container 700 of this embodiment, a longitudinally strip-shaped window 18 is formed from the bottom 12 of the container body 10 to the upper end of the outer cylinder 30 at the circumferential position where the cutout 22 is provided on the nozzle 20. With this structure, for example, when using... Figure 20 In the case of forming the liquid container 700 by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 800 shown, as described later, during the molding of the preform 800, it is less likely that the flow of the transparent resin layer TT forming the longitudinally striped window 18 will be disturbed by the mixing of the opaque resin layer OP adjacent to the transparent resin layer TT. Therefore, the window 118 of the preform 800 does not deform, and the appearance of the liquid container 700 after biaxial stretch blow molding can be adjusted.

[0263] It should be explained that, for example Figure 16A As shown, in this embodiment, the circumferential position of the window portion 18 is completely contained within the circumferential position of the cutout portion 22. This structure prevents the opaque resin layer OP from mixing into the transparent resin layer TT constituting the window portion 18.

[0264] It should be noted that the structures of the liquid recovery flow path R, the cut-out portion 22, the connecting path 35, the thickened portion 33a, and the peripheral wall 31 are the same as in the first embodiment, except that a window portion 18 is provided in a part of it; therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted here. Furthermore, the structure of the cover 40 is also the same as in the first embodiment; therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0265] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the cap 40 is formed of transparent resin, but it is not limited to this form; a resin that has light-blocking properties through coloring or the like may also be used. In this case, a structure in which a transparent window is provided at a circumferential position marked with graduations to facilitate the measurement of the contents may also be adopted.

[0266] If from Figure 19 With the nozzle 20 covered by the cap 40, rotating the cap 40 around the central axis O releases the threaded connection between the cap 40 and the outer cylinder 30, allowing the cap 40 to move upward relative to the container body 10. Then, by pulling the cap 40 upward with the threaded engagement completely released, it can be removed from the outer cylinder 30.

[0267] With the cap 40 removed from the outer cylinder 30, exposing the nozzle 20, the container body 10 is positioned so that the cutout portion 22 is tilted upwards from its upright position with the front end of the nozzle 20 facing upwards. As a result, the discharge groove 21b faces downwards, allowing the contents of the containing space S to be guided through the nozzle hole 21a into the cylinder wall 21, and then discharged to the outside through the discharge groove 21b located at the front end of the cylinder wall 21.

[0268] In this embodiment, the discharge groove 21b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of concavity towards the front end and radially outward. With this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired location. Furthermore, it also provides excellent flow interruption during discharge.

[0269] Furthermore, after the contents are discharged, when the container body 10 is returned to an upright position, even if the contents adhering to the tip of the nozzle 20 drips along the outer peripheral surface 21c of the nozzle 20, the contents will not drip onto the outside of the outer cylinder 30. Instead, they will drip downwards along the nozzle 20 and be caught by the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R. The contents dripping into the liquid recovery flow path R move along the slope of the upper surface of the bottom wall 33 and return to the receiving space S of the container body 10 via the connecting passage 35. Therefore, according to this liquid container 700, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the contents to the outside while discharging the contents from the nozzle 20.

[0270] After use, the cover 40 can be installed by re-engaging the internal thread 45a of the cover 40 with the external thread 31a of the outer cylinder 30, thereby closing the nozzle 20.

[0271] The liquid container 700 of this embodiment can be formed, for example, by integral molding using injection molding or the like. Figure 20 The preform 800 shown is then fixed to the mold by bringing the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the liquid recovery flow path R into contact with the reference surface of the blow molding mold, and then subjected to biaxial stretch blow molding.

[0272] The preform 800 has a main body 110 in the shape of a test tube, and a nozzle 120 and an outer cylinder 130 integrally formed on the upper end of the main body 110. The main body 110 has a cylindrical main stem 111 and a generally hemispherical bottom 112 that closes the lower end of the main stem 111. The main body 110 is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding of the preform 800 to form the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main stem 11 and bottom 12 of the liquid container 700, and has an internal space S2.

[0273] like Figure 20 As shown, similar to the container body 10 of the liquid container 700, the main body 110 of the preform 800 has a window 118 made of transparent resin in a portion of its circumferential direction. Figure 20 As shown, the window portion 118 is configured as a longitudinal strip from the upper end of the outer cylinder 130 to the bottom 112 of the main body portion 110.

[0274] The main body 110 has a transparent resin layer TT portion that forms a window portion 118, and an opaque resin layer OP portion that has light-blocking properties.

[0275] The nozzle 120 and outer cylinder 130 of the preform 800 have the same shape as the nozzle 20 and outer cylinder 30 of the liquid container 700, and are the parts that do not deform (expand) during biaxial stretch blow molding. Figure 20 As shown, the nozzle 120 is formed in a C-shaped cross-section, i.e., a flow channel shape. This C-shaped cross-section has a cutout 122 extending axially from one end to the other at a circumferential location on the cylindrical wall 121. In addition, a chamfer 123 is formed on the circumferential edge of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 121 where the cutout 122 is formed. The chamfer 123 is cut in a manner that gives it a rounded corner when viewed from the side.

[0276] In this embodiment, the nozzle 120 has a cutout 122 at a circumferential position where a window 118 is provided in the main body 110, but does not have a window 118.

[0277] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 has a circular arc shape when viewed from above. That is, although the cylinder wall 121 is not a perfect circle when viewed from above due to the cutout 122, it has an arc shape that is part of a perfect circle. According to the above structure, the outer peripheral surface 121c of the cylinder wall 121 is located on a perfect circle in all areas when viewed from above. According to this structure, when the nozzle 120 and the main body 110 of the preform 800 are integrally molded using a mold, both the mold component for molding the nozzle 120 and the mold component for molding the main body 110 can be set as components including a perfect circle shape or a circular arc shape. Therefore, since the mating surface of the mold component can be set as a perfect circle, the molding accuracy of each mold component can be improved, and by improving the positional alignment accuracy of the mold component for molding the main body 110 relative to the mold component for molding the nozzle 120, eccentricity can be suppressed. Therefore, uneven wall thickness of the container body 10 in the liquid container 700 can be suppressed.

[0278] In this embodiment, a discharge groove 121b for guiding the contents to a desired position is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 120 cylinder wall 121.

[0279] like Figure 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the discharge groove 121b is provided at a circumferential position on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 120's cylinder wall 121, opposite to the cutout 122. Figure 20As shown, the discharge groove 121b is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 121 and extends to the upper end of the cylinder wall 121. In this embodiment, the discharge groove 121b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of recessed upward (towards the front end) and radially outward. According to this structure, the contents guided along the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 21 of the liquid container 700 can be gradually guided radially outward within the discharge groove 21b, thereby facilitating accurate discharge to the desired location. Furthermore, it also provides excellent fluid cut-off during discharge.

[0280] The outer cylinder 130 of the preform 800 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 131, an annular neck ring 132 that protrudes radially outward from the lower part of the peripheral wall 131, and a bottom wall 133 that slopes radially inward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 131. The inner periphery of the bottom wall 133 of the outer cylinder 130 is connected to the upper end of the main body 110.

[0281] In this embodiment, in the outer cylinder 130, a window 118 is also formed at a circumferential position where the window 118 is provided in the main body 110.

[0282] like Figure 20 As shown, for the preform 800, a longitudinally striped window 118 is formed from the bottom 112 of the main body 110 to the upper end of the outer cylinder 130 at the circumferential position where the nozzle 120 has a cut portion 122. With this structure, during the manufacturing of the preform 800, turbulence is less likely to occur in the flow of the longitudinally striped transparent resin layer TT. Therefore, deformation is less likely to occur in the window 118 of the preform 800, and the appearance of the liquid container 700 after biaxial stretch blow molding can be adjusted.

[0283] The following explains why the window portion 118 of the preform 800 is not prone to deformation.

[0284] A cylindrical molten resin body is injected into the cavity from the nozzle of the injection molding machine of the preform 800. The molten resin body includes a transparent resin forming a window 118 and an opaque resin adjacent to the transparent resin in the circumferential direction. A portion of the molten resin body in the circumferential direction has a transparent resin corresponding to the window 118 of the preform 800.

[0285] The longitudinally striped transparent resin formed within the molten resin injected into the mold cavity travels from the bottom 112 of the preform 800 towards the upper end of the outer cylinder 130 within the mold cavity, forming the window 118. For example... Figure 20As shown, in this embodiment, the preform 800 is configured such that the circumferential position where the cut portion 122 is provided includes the circumferential position where the window portion 118 is formed. That is, in the circumferential position where the window portion 118 is formed, there is no part where the nozzle 120 is cut by the cut portion 122. Therefore, if the longitudinally strip-shaped transparent resin injected from the gate reaches... Figure 20 The upper part of the main body 110 does not flow to the nozzle 120 side, but reaches the upper part of the outer cylinder 130 through the bottom wall 133 and the peripheral wall 131 of the outer cylinder 130.

[0286] Thus, in this embodiment, the transparent resin layer TT forming the window portion 118 does not flow towards the nozzle 120 at the upper end of the main body portion 110, but flows to the upper end of the outer cylinder 130. According to this structure, the transparent resin layer TT forming the window portion 118 does not split into two paths at the upper end of the main body portion 110, thereby stabilizing the flow of molten resin and preventing the mixing of the opaque resin layer OP adjacent to the transparent resin layer TT, thus avoiding the formation of a longitudinal strip.

[0287] In contrast, assuming that the nozzle 120 does not have a notch 122, or that the notch 122 is offset from the circumferential position of the window 118, the transparent resin reaching the upper end of the main body 110 branches and flows towards the outer cylinder 130 side and the nozzle 120 side, so there is a tendency for opaque resin to be irregularly mixed into the transparent resin. Furthermore, the transparent resin flowing within the nozzle 120 tends to flow obliquely along the chamfered portion 123 (towards the front end of the nozzle 120). On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the notch 122 of the nozzle 120 is provided at the circumferential position where the transparent resin flows, the transparent resin forming the window 118 does not flow towards the nozzle 120 side, and the transparent resin layer TT can be formed into a longitudinal stripe shape while maintaining a good appearance.

[0288] In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the cylinder wall 121 of the nozzle 120, the peripheral wall 131 of the outer cylinder 130, and the bottom wall 133 forms a liquid recovery flow path R. A thickened portion 133a that is recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 133, and the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 that is not thickened extends circumferentially at approximately the same height.

[0289] In use Figure 20 When the preform 800 is formed into the liquid container 700, the outer edge 134 of the bottom wall 133 of the preform 800 is brought into contact with and fixed to the reference surface of the blow molding die. Biaxial stretch blow molding is performed by supplying pressurized fluid to the interior of the preform 800 while the main body 110 is stretched axially using a tension rod. In this embodiment, the main body 110 is stretched only axially and radially by blow molding to form the liquid container 700. Figure 15The liquid container 700 is formed by the mouth 15, shoulder 13, main body 11 and bottom 12 shown.

[0290] In the manufacturing method of the liquid container 700, by using biaxial stretch blow molding, only the main body 110 of the preform 800, which is integrally formed with the main body 110, nozzle 120, and outer cylinder 130 (including peripheral wall 131 and bottom wall 133), is expanded, thereby forming a liquid container 700 integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and outer cylinder 30 (including peripheral wall 31 and bottom wall 33). Since the liquid recovery flow path R is formed by the nozzle 20 and the outer cylinder 30, the liquid container 700 becomes a container integrally formed with the container body 10, nozzle 20, and liquid recovery flow path R.

[0291] As described above, this embodiment comprises a container body 10 that divides a receiving space S containing liquid, a cylindrical nozzle 20 connected to the upper part of the container body 10 and guiding the liquid to the outside, and a liquid recovery flow path R that allows the liquid on the radially outer side of the nozzle 20 to return to the receiving space S through a slit 22 provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the nozzle 20. The container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed. The container body 10 and the liquid recovery flow path R have a longitudinally strip-shaped window 18 in a portion of the circumferential direction for visually confirming the liquid in the receiving space S. The circumferential position where the slit 22 is provided includes the circumferential position where the window 18 is provided. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to effectively suppress the dripping of the liquid to the outside while discharging the liquid from the nozzle 20. In addition, since the container body 10, the nozzle 20, and the liquid recovery flow path R are integrally formed, the amount of resin used can be reduced, and since it is not necessary to separate the nozzle cap from the container body, it is also easy to dispose of them separately.

[0292] It should be noted that the phrase "easy to separate and discard" used here also has the same meaning as in the second embodiment.

[0293] Furthermore, since this embodiment is configured to have a longitudinally striped window 18 for visually confirming the contents of the container body 10 within its containment space S, the user can easily confirm the remaining amount of contents within the containment space S through the window 18.

[0294] In particular, in this embodiment, when manufacturing the preform 800 for blow molding the liquid container 700, it is not easy for the opaque resin adjacent to the longitudinally striped transparent resin to be irregularly mixed in. Therefore, the window portion 118 of the preform 800 will not be deformed, and the appearance of the liquid container 700 after biaxial stretch blow molding can be adjusted.

[0295] The present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be noted that various modifications and / or alterations can be easily made based on the present invention by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that such modifications and / or alterations be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each structural part can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, multiple structural parts can be combined into one, or they can be divided. It is intended to be understood that the above-described contents are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0296] For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the cutout 22 provided in the nozzle 20 constitutes a communication passage 35 that connects the liquid recovery flow path R with the receiving space S, but it is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible to provide a communication hole in the cylinder wall 21 of the nozzle 20 and / or the liquid recovery flow path R that connects the liquid recovery flow path R with the receiving space S.

[0297] Furthermore, in the first, second, and fourth embodiments, a thickening portion 33a that is recessed upward from the lower surface is provided on the bottom wall 33 of the liquid recovery flow path R at a position near the radially inner side, but this configuration is not limited to this form. Alternatively, the thickening portion 33a may not be provided on the bottom wall 33, or it may be provided on the radially outer side or radially central side.

[0298] Furthermore, in the second and fourth embodiments, the discharge groove 21b is configured such that its circumferential width increases with the amount of indentation upward and radially outward, but it is not limited to this configuration. The discharge groove 21b can be any groove provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 20's cylinder wall 21, and the circumferential width and the amount of indentation radially outward can be arbitrarily set.

[0299] In addition, in the third embodiment, the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a is configured to extend downward beyond the nozzle 20 and to the top space HS within the container body 10, but is not limited to this configuration. The lower end of the metering cylinder 47a may also be positioned above the lower end of the nozzle 20, and may extend beyond the top space HS and be immersed in the contents.

[0300] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the vertical distance RH from the lower end of the mounting cylinder 45 to the lower end of the metering cylinder 47a is greater than the vertical distance NH from the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path R to the upper end of the nozzle 20, but this configuration is not limited to this form. The vertical distance RH may also be less than or equal to the vertical distance NH.

[0301] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the window 18 is a single-layer structure made of a transparent resin layer TT, but it is not limited to this form and may also be a layered structure with other functional layers. Furthermore, the window 18 does not necessarily need to be made of a completely transparent resin layer; it may also be made of a semi-transparent resin layer, as long as it has enough transparency and visible light transmittance to allow visual confirmation of the remaining amount of the contents.

[0302] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the area other than the window portion 18 has a single-layer structure made of an opaque resin layer OP, but it is not limited to this form and may also be a stacked structure with two or more layers. In the case of a stacked structure, it is preferable to make at least one layer of resin opaque to ensure light-blocking properties.

Claims

1. A liquid container, characterized in that, The following components are formed by integral molding: The main body of the container is divided into spaces that contain the liquid. A nozzle, connected to the upper part of the container body and guiding the contents to the outside, wherein the nozzle is cylindrical; and A liquid recovery flow path that returns the contents of the nozzle radially outward to the receiving space. The bottom wall of the liquid recovery flow path has a thickened portion that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the bottom wall, and the wall thickness in the region of the bottom wall where the thickened portion is provided is approximately the same along the flow path direction. The area on the lower surface of the bottom wall, excluding the thickened portion, extends circumferentially along the horizontal direction.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid recovery flow path is inclined downward in the circumferential direction, and a connecting path is provided at the lower end of the liquid recovery flow path to connect the liquid recovery flow path with the receiving space.

3. The liquid container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the bottom wall of the liquid recovery flow path slopes downward from the radially outer side toward the radially inner side.

4. The liquid container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An outer cylinder is formed on the radially outer side of the nozzle, and the liquid recovery flow path is formed at a radial position between the nozzle and the outer cylinder.

5. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid container also has a cap that covers the nozzle from above. The cover has a top cylindrical measuring cylinder. When the cover is installed, the metering cylinder is positioned radially inside the nozzle.

6. The liquid container according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the cap is installed, the lower end of the measuring cylinder extends downward past the nozzle and is disposed within the container body.

7. The liquid container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The container body has: a main body that divides the containing space for the contents; a bottom that closes the lower end of the main body; and a neck that is connected to the upper end of the main body and is narrower than the main body. The radial distance between the outer circumferential surface of the measuring cylinder and the inner circumferential surface of the neck is more than 1 mm and less than 3 mm.

8. The liquid container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The cover also has a mounting cylinder installed on the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path, wherein the vertical distance from the lower end of the mounting cylinder to the lower end of the metering cylinder is greater than the vertical distance from the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the liquid recovery flow path to the upper end of the nozzle.

9. The liquid container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The radial width of the liquid recovery flow path is 3 mm or more.

10. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid recovery flow path is configured such that the contents of the nozzle on its radially outer side return to the receiving space through a cutout located on a portion of the nozzle's circumferential direction. The container body and the liquid recovery flow path have a longitudinally striped window in the circumferential direction for visually confirming the contents of the containment space. The circumferential position of the cut portion includes the circumferential position of the window portion.

11. A liquid container filled with a liquid, characterized in that, It is a liquid container containing liquid contents that contains liquid contents within the receiving space of the liquid container as described in claim 6. When the cap is installed, the lower end of the measuring cylinder is located in the top space of the container body where the contents are not contained.

12. A liquid container, characterized in that, The following components are formed by integral molding: The main body of the container is divided into spaces that contain the liquid. A nozzle, connected to the upper part of the container body and guiding the contents to the outside, wherein the nozzle is cylindrical; and A liquid recovery flow path that returns the contents of the nozzle radially outward to the receiving space. A discharge groove is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle cylinder wall. The discharge groove is recessed radially outward and extends to the upper end of the cylinder wall. The outer circumferential surface of the nozzle's cylinder wall lies on a perfect circle when viewed from above. The circumferential width of the discharge groove increases as the amount of indentation increases upward and radially outward.

Images