Applicator

Abstract

The invention provides an application tool which is provided with a valve mechanism which is opened by increasing the internal pressure of an application liquid container and can perform air replacement after the application liquid is discharged. The application tool is provided with: an application liquid container which is a flexible container that deforms when pressed by a finger of a user; a front rod which is fixed to the smearing liquid container and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the smearing liquid; the smearing part is fixed on the front rod; and a valve mechanism that connects the application liquid container and the application unit, the valve mechanism being provided with at least two valve mechanisms, i.e., an air inlet valve and a drain valve, the air inlet valve mechanism being provided with a valve stem and a second valve container, and the valve stem and the second valve container being capable of introducing air from a gap between the valve stem and the second valve container when the interior of the application liquid container is at a negative pressure, and the drain valve being capable of discharging liquid from the valve stem when the interior of the application liquid container is at a negative pressure. The air inlet valve mechanism and the first valve container are arranged in the drain valve mechanism, and when the pressure in the smearing liquid container is positive, the smearing liquid can flow through a gap between the air inlet valve mechanism and the first valve container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating tool for supplying coating liquid in an ink container to a coating portion. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an applicator having a pen tip pressing type valve mechanism. In many of these applicators, when the tip of the applicator is pressed against the application surface, the applicator moves back to open the valve.

[0003] However, when the tip of the application body is repeatedly pressed against the application surface, the tip of the application body is deformed, and there is a problem that accurate application cannot be performed.

[0004] Furthermore, particularly when the application portion is formed as a pen tip, the waist of the pen tip is fragile and it is difficult to operate the valve mechanism by pressing from the front, and these application tools are not suitable for use with the pen tip.

[0005] Therefore, an applicator using a valve mechanism that opens the valve by increasing the internal pressure of the coating liquid container, as in Patent Document 2, rather than an applicator using a valve mechanism that opens the valve by pressing the application portion, as in Patent Document 1, is considered.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-63276

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 6-3686 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, in an applicator that uses a valve mechanism that opens the valve by increasing the internal pressure of the coating liquid container, after the internal pressure is increased to discharge the coating liquid, if the pressure on the coating liquid container is released to reduce the internal pressure, the internal pressure of the coating liquid container becomes negative pressure. In this case, there is a problem that the valve mechanism does not work and air replacement cannot be performed.

[0012] In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides an applicator that can perform air replacement after discharging the coating liquid even if the applicator is provided with a valve mechanism that opens the valve by increasing the internal pressure of the coating liquid container.

[0013] Solutions for solving problems

[0014] The present invention is an applicator, which comprises: an applicator container, which is a flexible container that is deformed when pressed by a user's finger; a front rod, which is fixed to the applicator container and has a discharge port for discharging the applicator liquid; an applicator portion, which is fixed to the front rod; and a valve mechanism, which connects the applicator container and the applicator portion. The applicator is characterized in that the valve mechanism comprises at least two valve mechanisms, an air intake valve and a liquid discharge valve, the air intake valve mechanism comprises a valve stem and a second valve container, and when the pressure in the applicator container is negative, air can be taken in from the gap between the valve stem and the second valve container, and the liquid discharge valve mechanism comprises the air intake valve mechanism and a first valve container, and when the pressure in the applicator container is positive, the applicator liquid can flow from the gap between the air intake valve mechanism and the first valve container.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid discharge valve mechanism includes a first spring for applying force in a manner to close the gap between the second valve container and the first valve container, and the air intake valve mechanism includes a second spring for applying force in a manner to close the gap between the valve stem and the second valve container, and the force of the second spring is set to work at least under atmospheric pressure.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the valve mechanism includes the first spring, the second valve container, and the valve stem coaxially arranged in the first valve container.

[0017] In the present invention, the applicator preferably includes an occluding body in the front stem, which has a function of suppressing the flow of the coating liquid discharged from the valve mechanism and suppressing the amount of the coating liquid flowing to the application portion.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, a stirring rod slidable in a front-rear direction is arranged in front of the valve stem of the drain valve mechanism on the same axis as the valve stem, and the stirring rod can abut against the valve stem.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the applicator of the present invention, the valve mechanism includes at least two valve mechanisms, an air intake valve and a liquid discharge valve. The air intake valve mechanism can take in air from the gap between the valve stem and the second valve container when the pressure in the coating liquid container is negative, and the liquid discharge valve mechanism allows the coating liquid to flow from the gap between the second valve container and the first valve container when the pressure in the coating liquid container is positive. Therefore, when the coating liquid container becomes under negative pressure after the coating liquid flows out, the air intake valve mechanism opens to replace the air, thereby reliably releasing the state in which the coating liquid container has been under negative pressure after the coating liquid flows out.

[0021] Therefore, when using the applicator, the coating liquid container is not always in a negative pressure state during the coating liquid outflow operation, and troubles such as poor outflow of the coating liquid can be eliminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is the appearance diagram, Figure 1 (b) is Figure 1 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of .

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the state when the pen holder is pressed in the applicator and the air intake valve mechanism moves forward. Figure 2 (a) is the appearance diagram, Figure 2 (b) is Figure 2 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of .

[0024] Figure 3 is Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the valve opening state of the air intake valve mechanism when the pressure on the pen holder is released and the air intake valve mechanism retreats in the applicator of FIG. Figure 3 (a) is the appearance diagram, Figure 3 (b) is Figure 3 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of .

[0025] Figure 4 It is composed Figure 1 Detailed longitudinal section of the valve mechanism of the applicator.

[0026] Figure 5 is Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the valve mechanism when the pen holder is pressed in the applicator and the air intake valve mechanism moves forward.

[0027] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism when the pressure on the pen shaft is released and the air intake valve mechanism retreats in the applicator.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a detailed longitudinal sectional view of the intake valve mechanism constituting the valve mechanism.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism according to a first modified example in the applicator of the embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the valve mechanism according to the first modified example when the pen holder is pressed in the applicator according to the embodiment and the air intake valve mechanism moves forward.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of the first modified example when the pressure on the pen holder is released and the intake valve mechanism retreats in the applicator of the embodiment.

[0032] Fig.111 is an overall explanatory diagram of an applicator according to a second modified example of the applicator according to the embodiment. Fig.11 (a) is the appearance diagram, Fig.11 (b) is Fig.11 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of .

[0033] Fig.12 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism according to a second modified example in the applicator of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 to Figure 3 This is an overall explanatory diagram of the applicator according to the embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the applicator is provided with a valve mechanism 11 for connecting the coating liquid container 10 and the coating portion 21 .

[0037] The valve mechanism 11 includes two valve mechanisms, namely, an intake valve and a drain valve.

[0038] The drain valve mechanism includes a second valve container 15 , a first valve container 13 and a first spring 14 . When the internal pressure of the coating liquid container 10 becomes positive relative to the external pressure, the first spring 14 elastically deforms, allowing the coating liquid to flow through the gap between the second valve container 15 and the first valve container 13 .

[0039] The air intake valve mechanism 12 includes a valve stem 17, a second valve container 15 for accommodating the valve stem 17, and a second spring 16. When the air intake valve mechanism 12 becomes under negative pressure on the coating liquid container 10 side compared to the coating part 21 side, the second spring 16 elastically deforms and can take in air from the gap between the valve stem 17 and the second valve container 15.

[0040] Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

[0041] [Coating liquid container 10]

[0042] The coating liquid container 10 is a pen body that is integrated with the outer peripheral wall in the range from the center to the rear, and has a function of changing the internal pressure by deformation of the pen body in the radial direction to cause the coating liquid to flow out.

[0043] The front end portion 10a of the coating liquid container 10 has a smaller diameter than the main body 10b, and the rear portion of the front rod 20 is fitted over the front end portion 10a. The main body 10b is a flexible container.

[0044] Specifically, the coating liquid container 10 is a blow-molded resin container, and is a thick-walled, flexible container that is set to elastically deform when pressed in the radial direction by the user's finger, thereby increasing the internal pressure in the container. The coating liquid container 10 is a pen holder that is held by the user for coating operations, and is a container that is pressed in the radial direction by the finger to deform when the coating liquid needs to be supplied, thereby reducing the internal volume and increasing the internal pressure.

[0045] The coating liquid container 10 can use, for example, the following containers: as the material, appropriately use resin materials such as PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PA (polyamide), POM (polyacetal), PES (polyether sulfone), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), vinyl chloride, EVOH (vinyl alcohol copolymer resin), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer resin), metal materials such as stainless steel, iron, brass, copper, aluminum, etc., a container formed by one of the resin forming methods such as blow molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, metal processing methods such as cutting, deep drawing, stamping, or a combination of multiple methods; a container formed by making thin film materials such as resin film and metal foil into a sealed bag by bonding, welding, sewing, etc.

[0046] 〔Front rod 20〕

[0047] The front portion of the front rod 20 is formed in a tapered shape with a narrow tip, and is formed in a substantially tubular shape with a hollow portion (mounting hole 20a), and the application portion 21 is housed therein so that the front end of the application portion 21 is exposed.

[0048] The flange 21a with a larger diameter at the rear end of the application part 21 is locked to the front step 20b in the front rod 20 to prevent it from falling off. In the mounting hole 20a, an absorbing body receiving member 23 for accommodating an absorbing body 22 for accommodating the application liquid is mounted on the rear surface of the flange 21a.

[0049] [Absorption body 22]

[0050] The absorbing body 22 is accommodated in the absorbing body receiving member 23 described later, and has the function of suppressing the flow of the coating liquid discharged from the valve mechanism 11 and suppressing the amount of coating liquid flowing to the coating part 21; the aforementioned absorbing body receiving member 23 is installed in the installation hole 20a formed in the front rod 20.

[0051] The storage body 22 can be made of so-called sponge material, such as fiber bundles of natural fibers, synthetic resin fibers, fiber bundles processed by felt, etc., or resin particle porous bodies formed of hard sponges, resin particle sintered bodies, etc.

[0052] [Valve mechanism 11]

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, within the valve mechanism 11, there is an intake valve mechanism 12 (a second valve container 15 constituting a part of the intake valve mechanism 12), a first valve container 13 which accommodates the intake valve mechanism 12 inside, and a first spring 14 which applies force to the intake valve mechanism 12 rearward relative to the first valve container 13 as a drain valve mechanism.

[0054] The first valve container 13 is fixed by sandwiching a flange-shaped front end portion 13 a between a step portion 20 c at the rear of the front rod 20 and the front end portion 10 a of the coating liquid container 10 .

[0055] In detail, Figure 4 As shown, the annular ferrule 13a1 is embedded and fixed to the front end portion 13a of the first valve container 13 in a manner that it is located in the range from the front end surface to the inner surface of the first valve container 13. A gap through which liquid can flow is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule 13a1 and the outer peripheral surface of the second valve container 15, and the second valve container 15 is inserted into the ferrule 13a in a manner that it can slide.

[0056] The first valve container 13 is a roughly cylindrical body whose inner circumference at the rear portion becomes smaller in diameter than that at the front portion due to a step portion 13b, and a flow hole 13c is opened in the wall portion 13d at the rear end, and drainage and air intake can flow between the first valve container 13 and the coating liquid container 10 through the flow hole 13c.

[0057] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the intake valve mechanism 12 includes a valve stem 17 , a second valve container 15 that accommodates the valve stem 17 , and a second spring 16 that urges the valve stem 17 forward with respect to the second valve container 15 .

[0058] The rear end of the second valve container 15 is a roughly cylindrical body (partially blocked by the guide member 15b1), and an air intake flow hole 15a is formed on the side surface of the front part of the second valve container 15, and a rearward inclined surface 15c (a tapered surface that tapers at the rear) is formed on the outer periphery of the flange 15b. The open cover-shaped guide member 15b1 is integrated with the flange 15b in the range from the rear end surface to the inner surface of the second valve container 15.

[0059] The stem 17b of the valve stem 17 is slidably inserted into the inner periphery of the opening 15b2 of the guide member 15b1, and an inclined surface 15c is formed on the rear end surface of the guide member 15b1. A gap is provided between the inner periphery of the opening 15b2 of the guide member 15b1 and the outer periphery of the stem 17b to allow intake air to flow.

[0060] The valve stem 17 is a substantially rod-shaped body having an annular convex portion 17a having a forwardly inclined surface (a tapered surface tapered forward) 17a1 on the outer peripheral surface at the front. The annular convex portion 17a bulges larger in diameter than a rod-shaped stem portion 17b at the rear.

[0061] The air intake flow hole 15a of the second valve container 15 is formed on the forward inclined surface of the inner periphery of the opening formed on the wall-like portion at the front end of the second valve container 15, and an air intake path (air replacement path) is formed in the gap between the inclined surface of the inner periphery of the opening and the inclined surface of the outer periphery of the annular protrusion 17a of the valve stem 17.

[0062] A spiral resin or metal first spring 14 is installed between the front surface of the flange 15b of the second valve container 15 and the rear end surface of the front portion (hoop 13a1) of the first valve container 13, and the intake valve mechanism 12 (second valve container 15, valve stem 17, second spring 16) is urged backward by the first spring 14. This urging force maintains the contact force between the rearward inclined surface 15c of the flange 15b (the guide member 15b1) and the front inner surface of the step portion 13b.

[0063] A second spiral spring 16 made of resin or metal is installed between the stepped rear surface of the annular protrusion 17a and the front surface of the rear portion (guide member 15b1) of the second valve container 15, and the valve stem 17 is urged forward by the second spring 16. The contact force between the forward inclined surface 17a1 of the annular protrusion 17a and the front inner surface (inclined surface of the opening) of the air intake flow hole 15a is maintained by this urging force.

[0064] The operation of the applicator according to the embodiment will be described.

[0065] [When the coating liquid container 10 is pressed to deform and pressurize]

[0066] Since the coating liquid container 10 is a flexible resin container formed by blow molding, it is possible to Figure 1 Shown is cylindrical.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, when the user of the applicator applies radial force (indicated by reference numeral F) to the coating liquid container 10 with his fingers, the coating liquid container 10 elastically deforms and the internal volume decreases, so that the internal pressure becomes higher than the external air.

[0068] Due to the pressure difference, a force is generated to move the intake valve mechanism 12 in the valve mechanism 11 forward. When this force is greater than the force of the first spring 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the intake valve mechanism 12 moves forward, and the rearwardly inclined surface 15c of the flange 15b of the intake valve mechanism 12 separates from the step portion 13b of the first valve container 13, thereby opening the valve.

[0069] Therefore, in the valve mechanism 11, if Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, when the valve is opened, the coating liquid flows through the flow hole 13c and the gap between the rearward inclined surface 15c of the flange 15b and the step portion 13b (at Figure 5 (In the figure, the dotted line with reference numeral IF indicates the flowing coating liquid). When the coating liquid flows forward and the internal pressure of the container is released, the intake valve mechanism 12 of the valve mechanism 11 moves backward under the action of the first spring 14, and the rearward inclined surface 15c of the flange 15b of the intake valve mechanism 12 abuts against the step portion 13b of the first valve container 13 to close the valve.

[0070] [When the pressure on the coating liquid container 10 stops and the deformation is about to be restored]

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the force of the finger is relaxed and the pressure on the coating liquid container 10 is released, the elastic deformation of the coating liquid container 10 tends to return to the original state, and the internal volume tends to increase, so the internal pressure is lower than the external air, forming a negative pressure. Based on this pressure difference, a force is generated to move the valve stem 17 in the intake valve mechanism 12 backward. When this force is greater than the force of the second spring 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the valve stem 17 moves rearward, and the annular protrusion 17a of the valve stem 17 separates from the front inner surface of the air intake flow hole 15a of the second valve container 15, thereby opening the valve.

[0072] Therefore, the coating liquid container 10 is replaced with air by the air intake valve mechanism 12 .

[0073] When the air intake valve mechanism 12 is opened, air passes through the air intake flow hole 15a and enters the coating liquid container 10 through the gap between the annular convex portion 17a and the air intake flow hole 15a (at Figure 6 The circulating air (displacement) is represented by the dotted line with reference numeral AF in the figure.

[0074] When air enters the coating liquid container 10 and the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external air disappears, the valve stem 17 of the air intake valve mechanism 12 moves forward under the action of the second spring 16, and the annular protrusion 17a of the valve stem 17 abuts against the air intake flow hole 15a of the second valve container 15 to close the valve (becoming Figure 1 , Figure 4 status shown).

[0075] According to the embodiment, the valve mechanism 11 is used to allow the coating liquid to flow through the gap between the air intake valve mechanism 12 and the first valve container 13, and the air intake valve mechanism 12 is used to take in air from the gap between the valve stem 17 and the second valve container 15. When the coating liquid container 10 becomes under negative pressure after the coating liquid flows out, the air intake valve mechanism 12 opens to replace the air. Therefore, the negative pressure in the coating liquid container 10 can be relieved after the coating liquid flows out, and the state of negative pressure can be reliably relieved.

[0076] In addition, since the air intake valve mechanism 12 includes the valve stem 17 and the second valve container 15, and the liquid discharge valve mechanism includes the air intake valve mechanism 12 and the first valve container 13, the valve mechanism 11 is gathered together as a whole, and the length of the valve mechanism 11 in the front-to-back direction can be shortened. Therefore, the applicator as a whole does not become longer, the design freedom is high, and it is easy to be compact.

[0077] Furthermore, since the first spring 14, the second valve container 15, and the valve stem 17 are coaxially arranged in the first valve container 13, the length of the valve mechanism 11 in the front-rear direction can be further shortened, making it easy to make the applicator compact.

[0078] [Valve mechanism of first modified example]

[0079] The valve mechanism is not limited to the embodiment and can be made into Figure 8 A valve mechanism 11A like the first modified example shown.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, in the valve mechanism 11A of the first variant, there is an intake valve mechanism 12A (a second valve container 15A constituting a part of the intake valve mechanism 12A) as a drain valve mechanism, a first valve container 13A which accommodates the intake valve mechanism 12A internally, and a first spring 14A which applies force to the intake valve mechanism 12A rearward relative to the first valve container 13A.

[0081] In detail, Figure 8 As shown, the annular ferrule 13Aa1 is fitted and fixed to the front end portion 13Aa of the first valve container 13A so as to be located in the range from the front end surface to the inner surface of the front end portion 13Aa of the first valve container 13A. A convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the ferrule 13Aa1 in an annular shape.

[0082] In addition, the annular ferrule 15Ab1 is integrated from the front end surface of the second valve container 15A. The first spring 14A is installed between the inner peripheral convex portion of the ferrule 13Aa1 and the front end concave portion of the ferrule 15Ab1, and the elastic force of the first spring 14A is used to rebound and force the second valve container 15A backward relative to the first valve container 13A.

[0083] The intake valve mechanism 12A includes a valve stem 17A, a second valve container 15A for accommodating the valve stem 17A, and a second spring 16A for urging the valve stem 17A forward relative to the second valve container 15A. A gap for allowing the coating liquid to flow is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first valve container 13A and the outer peripheral surface of the second valve container 15A.

[0084] In addition, the opening portion 13Ae and the opening portion 15Ad are respectively opened at the rear of the first valve container 13A and the second valve container 15A forming the valve mechanism 11A so as to face the inside of the coating liquid container. Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) to allow for the circulation of coating liquid and air between the two parts.

[0085] In pressing Figure 2 In the state where the pen holder (coating liquid container 10) is pressurized, the pressure difference is generated to make the pen holder Figure 8 The force of the intake valve mechanism 12A in the valve mechanism 11A shown in FIG. 1 is greater than the force of the first spring 14A. Fig. 9 As shown, the intake valve mechanism 12A moves forward, and the rearward inclined surface 15Ac of the intake valve mechanism 12A separates from the step portion 13Ab of the first valve container 13A, thereby opening the valve.

[0086] Therefore, in the valve mechanism 11A, if Fig. 9 As shown, when the valve is opened, the coating liquid flows through the gap between the rearward inclined surface 15Ac and the step portion 13Ab (in Fig. 9 The dotted line in the figure marked IF represents the circulating coating liquid).

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the force of the finger is relaxed and the pressure on the coating liquid container 10 is released, the pressure difference (negative pressure) is generated to make the coating liquid container 10 move. Figure 8 The force of the valve stem 17A in the intake valve mechanism 12A shown in FIG. 1 is greater than the force of the second spring 16A. Fig.10 As shown, the valve stem 17A moves rearward, and the annular protrusion 17Aa of the valve stem 17A separates from the front inner surface of the air intake flow hole 15Aa of the second valve container 15A, thereby opening the valve.

[0088] Therefore, the coating liquid container 10 is replaced with air by the air intake valve mechanism 12A (at Fig.10 The circulating air (displacement) is represented by the dotted line with reference numeral AF in the figure.

[0089] In addition, since the opening portion 13Ae and the opening portion 15Ad are respectively formed in the first valve container 13A and the second valve container 15A forming the valve mechanism 11A, the space in the valve mechanism is released to the outside. Therefore, when the pen body is stored with the pen body facing downward, it is easy to stir the sediment of the liquid component accumulated in the valve, thereby preventing poor sliding of the valve caused by the adhesion of the sediment.

[0090] In addition, it is clear that the above-mentioned embodiment is an example of the present invention and can be freely changed within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] [Valve mechanism of the second modified example]

[0092] The valve mechanism is not limited to the embodiment and can be made into Figure 11-12 In the second modification, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the embodiment and the first modification.

[0093] Fig.11 It is an overall view and a cross-sectional view of the second modified example. Fig.12 It is a detailed cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism 11A.

[0094] like Fig.11 As shown, the second variant is Figure 1 to Figure 3 Unlike the embodiment shown, the front end of the storage body 22 for the coating liquid is inserted from the rear surface of the flange 21a, and the rear end of the storage body 22 is inserted into the through hole 23Ba formed on the front side of the storage body receiving member 23B that accommodates the storage body 22.

[0095] In addition, in the second variant, Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve mechanism 11A has a structure in which a stirring rod 34 is added to the first modified example.

[0096] like Fig.11 As shown, a stirring rod 34 is arranged in the space from the rear side of the through hole 23Ba of the storage body receiving member 23B to the inner surface side of the spring 14A of the valve mechanism 11A. The stirring rod 34 can improve the spreadability of the coating liquid with a large particle size, and prevent the malfunction of the valve mechanism 11 caused by the adhesion of the deposit of the coating liquid in the range from the air intake flow hole 15Aa of the coating liquid to the opening 15Ad. By arranging the stirring rod 34 on the front side of the valve stem 17A, a stirring action is performed in the front-to-back direction of the axis before use, so that the stirring rod 34 gives an impact caused by the collision with the front end surface of the valve stem 17A, and the fixed valve stem 17A and the air intake flow hole 15Aa can be separated to make the valve mechanism 11A function.

[0097] The material of the stirring rod 34 is not particularly limited as long as the valve stem 17 can be moved by the stirring action, but is preferably austenitic stainless steel having a high specific gravity, being less likely to be corroded by the coating liquid, and having little influence on the coating liquid.

[0098] The coating liquid used in the second modification is preferably a coating liquid having a large particle size as described above. An example of a coating liquid having a large particle size is a cosmetic containing at least titanium oxide having an average particle size of 0.2 μm or more and resin particles having an average particle size of 0.01 μm to 100 μm.

[0099] More specifically, from the perspective of whiteness and hiding power, the average particle size of titanium oxide is preferably 0.2 μm or more. Titanium oxide having an average particle size of less than 0.2 μm is not preferred because of poor whiteness and hiding power.

[0100] In addition, the "average particle size" means a primary average particle size, and refers to a value measured based on an electron microscope photograph.

[0101] From the perspective of imparting whiteness and hiding power, the content of titanium oxide is preferably 1% to 40% by mass (hereinafter referred to as "%") of the total amount of the cosmetic. When the content of titanium oxide is less than 1%, the whiteness and hiding power are poor, while when the content of titanium oxide is more than 40%, the fluidity and feel of the cosmetic are poor, which is not preferred.

[0102] If the average particle size of the resin particles that can be used is within the range of 0.01μm to 100μm, due to the interaction with the titanium oxide having an average particle size of 0.2μm or more, compared with the case of titanium oxide alone, at the same solid content, the content of titanium oxide is suppressed and the failure caused by precipitation is reduced, and it does not affect the feeling of use of various cosmetics, and can highly impart higher whiteness and hiding power. In addition, if the average particle size of the resin particles used is less than 0.01μm or greater than 100μm, the effect cannot be exerted, resulting in insufficient hiding power or poor effectiveness. In addition, if the above-mentioned resin particles are hollow particles, it can exert a higher whiteness, hiding power, and the drying speed can be further improved.

[0103] As the resin fine particles that can be used, (styrene / acrylate) copolymers and (acrylate / maleic acid / styrene) copolymers are preferably used because they can provide higher whiteness and hiding power by interaction with titanium oxide.

[0104] From the point of view of being able to exert whiteness and hiding power, the content (solid content concentration) of the above-mentioned resin particles is preferably 1% to 50% of the total amount of the cosmetics. When the content of the resin particles is less than 1%, the whiteness and hiding power cannot be exerted. On the other hand, when the content of the resin particles is more than 50%, the fluidity of the cosmetics deteriorates.

[0105] The cosmetic contains the titanium oxide and the resin fine particles, and may contain a film-forming resin, a thickener, and a colorant from the perspective of the use of the cosmetic and the preferred formulation.

[0106] The film-forming resin can be used without particular limitation as long as it is a film-forming resin used in various cosmetics. The content (solid content concentration) of the film-forming resin is preferably 0.1% to 30% of the total amount of the cosmetic.

[0107] As colorants, organic pigments, inorganic pigments, pearl pigments, other bright pigments, and dyes commonly used in cosmetics can be used, but dyes are preferably used from the viewpoint of exerting higher whiteness and hiding power. The content of the colorant varies depending on the use of the cosmetic, but is preferably 0.001% to 10% of the total amount of the cosmetic.

[0108] As the thickener, any thickener commonly used in cosmetics can be used, and the content of the thickener is preferably 0.001% to 10% of the total amount of the cosmetic.

[0109] In addition, as the remainder, water (purified water, distilled water, ion exchange water, pure water, etc.) may be contained. For the purpose of adjusting the drying property, a water-soluble organic solvent, other optional components, such as pH adjusters, neutralizers, ultraviolet absorbers, ultraviolet scatterers, waxes, surfactants, moisturizers, fragrances, antioxidants, preservatives, metal ion chelating agents, defoaming agents, various extracts, and other various components may be appropriately formulated as needed. It is particularly preferred to use an organic solvent, and in order to obtain better drying properties, its content is preferably 0.001% to 20% of the total amount of the cosmetic.

[0110] The cosmetics used as the coating liquid of the embodiment vary depending on the purpose of the cosmetics, but the viscosity at a shear rate of 3.83 (s-1) at 25° C. is preferably 10 (mPa·s) to 1000 (mPa·s) from the viewpoint of usability and the covering power after application. When the viscosity is less than 10 (mPa·s), titanium oxide is more likely to form deposits in the range from the air inlet flow hole 15Aa of the coating liquid in the valve mechanism 11 to the opening 15Ad, and the target performance may not be obtained.

[0111] The above-mentioned cosmetic is an example of the coating liquid of the present invention, and can be freely modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] Industrial Applicability

[0113] The applicator of the present invention can be used as various applicators such as writing tools, makeup tools, spray paints, etc. It is particularly suitable for an applicator using a thinner pen core or a soft pen tip that is difficult to pump at the pen tip.

[0114] Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 10. Coating liquid container; 11. Valve mechanism; 11A. Valve mechanism (first variant); 12. Air intake valve mechanism; 12A. Air intake valve mechanism (first variant); 13. First valve container; 13A. First valve container (first variant); 14. First spring; 14A. First spring (first variant); 15. Second valve container; 15A. Second valve container (first variant); 16. Second spring; 16A. Second spring (first variant); 17. Valve stem; 17A. Valve stem (first variant); 20. Front stem; 21. Coating portion; 22. Storage body; 23. Storage body receiving member; 23B. Storage body receiving member (second variant); 24. Stirring ball; 34. Stirring rod (second variant).

Claims

1. An applicator comprising: an applicator container, which is a flexible container that deforms when pressed by a user's finger; a front rod, which is fixed to the applicator container and has a discharge port for discharging the applicator liquid; an applicator portion, which is fixed to the front rod; and a valve mechanism that connects the applicator container and the applicator portion, wherein the applicator is characterized in that: The valve mechanism includes at least two valve mechanisms, an air intake valve and a liquid discharge valve. The air intake valve mechanism includes a valve stem and a second valve container, and when the coating liquid container is under negative pressure, air can be taken in from a gap between the valve stem and the second valve container. The drain valve mechanism includes the intake valve mechanism and a first valve container, and when the coating liquid container is under positive pressure, the coating liquid can flow through a gap between the intake valve mechanism and the first valve container.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that The drain valve mechanism includes a first spring that applies force in a manner to close the gap between the second valve container and the first valve container, and the intake valve mechanism includes a second spring that applies force in a manner to close the gap between the valve stem and the second valve container, and the force of the second spring is set to work at least under atmospheric pressure.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve mechanism includes the first spring, the second valve container, and the valve stem coaxially arranged in the first valve container.

4. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The applicator includes an absorbing body in the front rod, and has a function of suppressing the flow of the coating liquid discharged from the valve mechanism and suppressing the amount of the coating liquid flowing to the application portion.

5. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A stirring rod is arranged in front of the valve stem of the drain valve mechanism on the same axis as the valve stem so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The stirring rod can abut against the valve stem.

Images