Upright and handstand unit

Abstract

The present invention is an upright / inverted unit (1) provided with an upright introduction port (63a), an inverted introduction port (65a), a relay port (64c), a first switching valve (61), a second switching valve (62), and at least one of a first suppression unit (75) that suppresses the entry of the second switching valve (62) into a first path (L1) when an ejector (10) is upright, and a second suppression unit that suppresses the entry of the second switching valve (62) into a second path (L1) when the ejector (10) is upright, and a second suppression unit that suppresses the entry of the second switching valve (62) into a second path (L2) when the ejector (10) is upright. And a second suppression unit (61) that suppresses the entry of the first switching valve (61) into a second path (L2) that is a path for the content liquid from the introduction port (65a) to the relay port (64c) when the ejector (10) is inverted, the first path (L1) being a path for the content liquid from the introduction port (63a) when the ejector (10) is upright toward the relay port (64c) when the ejector (10) is inverted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an upright and inverted unit. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-191685 filed in Japan on November 30, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-047074 filed in Japan on March 23, 2023, and incorporates their contents herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] As an upright and inverted unit installed in the cylinder part of a discharger, a structure is known which includes: an upright inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container main body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part when the discharger is upright; an inverted inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container main body into the content liquid inlet when the discharger is inverted; a relay port that can communicate with the content liquid inlet, the upright inlet, and the inverted inlet; a first switching valve that abuts against an upright valve seat when the discharger is upright to cut off the communication between the inverted inlet and the relay port; and a second switching valve that abuts against an inverted valve seat when the discharger is inverted to cut off the communication between the upright inlet and the relay port.

[0003] In this upright and inverted unit, when the discharger is upright, the inside of the container main body and the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part are communicated through the upright inlet and the relay port, and when the discharger is inverted, the inside of the container main body and the content liquid inlet are communicated through the inverted inlet and the relay port.

[0004] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-47355 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem In the above upright and inverted unit, when the discharger is upright and introducing the content liquid in the container main body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part, the second switching valve approaches the inverted valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid, and the decompression in the cylinder part acts on the second switching valve through the relay port. Thus, the second switching valve may be pressed against the inverted valve seat.

[0006] On the other hand, when the discharger is inverted and introducing the content liquid in the container main body into the content liquid inlet, the first switching valve approaches the upright valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid, and the decompression in the cylinder part acts on the first switching valve through the relay port. Thus, the first switching valve may be pressed against the upright valve seat.

[0007] Based on the above, it may not be possible to smoothly introduce the content liquid in the container main body into the cylinder part.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an upright and inverted unit capable of smoothly introducing the content liquid in the container body into the cylinder part.

[0009] Technical solution A first aspect of the present invention is an upright and inverted unit that is installed on the cylinder part of a discharger and includes: an upright inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part when the discharger is upright; an inverted inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet when the discharger is inverted; a relay port that can communicate with the content liquid inlet, the upright inlet, and the inverted inlet; a first switching valve that abuts against an upright valve seat when the discharger is upright to cut off the communication between the inverted inlet and the relay port; a second switching valve that abuts against an inverted valve seat when the discharger is inverted to cut off the communication between the upright inlet and the relay port; and at least one of a first suppression part and a second suppression part. The first suppression part suppresses the second switching valve from entering a first path when the discharger is upright, and the first path is the path of the content liquid from the upright inlet toward the relay port. The second suppression part suppresses the first switching valve from entering a second path when the discharger is inverted, and the second path is the path of the content liquid from the inverted inlet toward the relay port.

[0010] In this case, the upright and inverted unit includes at least one of a first suppression part and a second suppression part. The first suppression part suppresses the second switching valve from entering a first path when the discharger is upright, and the first path is the path of the content liquid from the upright inlet toward the relay port. The second suppression part suppresses the first switching valve from entering a second path when the discharger is inverted, and the second path is the path of the content liquid from the inverted inlet toward the relay port. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part, at least one of the following situations can be prevented: when the discharger is upright, the content liquid flowing in the first path contacts the second switching valve, and the second switching valve approaches the inverted valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the discharger is inverted, the content liquid flowing in the second path contacts the first switching valve, and the first switching valve approaches the upright valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0011] Thus, when introducing the content liquid into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part, at least one of the following situations can be prevented, so that the content liquid in the container body can be smoothly introduced into the cylinder part: when the discharger is upright, the second switching valve is pressed against the inverted valve seat due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder part applied through the relay port; and when the discharger is inverted, the first switching valve is pressed against the upright valve seat due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder part applied through the relay port.

[0012] In the second aspect of the present invention, based on the upright and inverted unit of the first aspect, it further includes an outer cylinder member that is externally mounted on the cylinder portion and has a lower end opening as the upright inlet. A top-shaped tubular covering portion that protrudes upward and covers the upright inlet from above is formed at the opening peripheral portion of the upright inlet on the inner surface of the outer cylinder member. A side opening that opens in the radial direction and communicates the upright inlet with the inside of the outer cylinder member is formed in the peripheral wall of the covering portion. The first restricting portion that restricts the second switching valve from entering the first path when the ejector is upright protrudes upward from the top wall of the covering portion.

[0013] In this case, a side opening that communicates the upright inlet with the inside of the outer cylinder member is formed in the peripheral wall of the covering portion, and the first restricting portion protrudes upward from the top wall of the covering portion. Thus, when the ejector is upright, the second switching valve is located in the space surrounded by the first restricting portion, the upper surface of the top wall of the covering portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the second switching valve from entering the first path.

[0014] In the third aspect of the present invention, based on the upright and inverted unit of the second aspect, the first restricting portion is formed in a plate shape whose surface faces the side where the side opening opens in the radial direction when viewed from the vertical direction. The portion of the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member that faces the side opening and the surface of the first restricting portion in the radial direction serves as the inlet portion of the first path. A guiding portion is provided inside the outer cylinder member, and the guiding portion guides the second switching valve that is about to enter the inlet portion of the first path when the ejector is upright to the back side of the first restricting portion.

[0015] In this case, a guiding portion is provided inside the outer cylinder member, and the guiding portion guides the second switching valve that is about to enter the inlet portion of the first path when the ejector is upright to the back side of the first restricting portion. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the second switching valve from entering the first path.

[0016] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the upright and inverted unit of any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, it further includes at least one of a first retracting recess and a second retracting recess. The first retracting recess allows the second switching valve to enter when the ejector is upright, and separates the second switching valve from the first path in a direction opposite to the inverted valve seat and intersecting the opening direction of the upright inlet. The second retracting recess allows the first switching valve to enter when the ejector is inverted, and separates the first switching valve from the second path in a direction opposite to the upright valve seat and intersecting the opening direction of the inverted inlet.

[0017] The upright and inverted unit has a retraction recess that is at least one of a first retraction recess and a second retraction recess. When the ejector is upright, the first retraction recess allows the second switching valve to enter, and separates the second switching valve from the first path on the side opposite to the upright valve seat and in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the upright inlet. When the ejector is inverted, the second retraction recess allows the first switching valve to enter, and separates the first switching valve from the second path on the side opposite to the upright valve seat and in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the inverted inlet. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations: when the ejector is upright, the content liquid flowing through the first path contacts the second switching valve, and the second switching valve approaches the inverted valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector is inverted, the content liquid flowing through the second path contacts the first switching valve, and the first switching valve approaches the upright valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0018] Thus, when introducing the content liquid into the content liquid inlet, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations, and thus smoothly introduce the content liquid in the container body into the cylinder part: when the ejector is upright, the second switching valve is pressed against the inverted valve seat due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder part applied through the relay port; and when the ejector is inverted, the first switching valve is pressed against the upright valve seat due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder part applied through the relay port.

[0019] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, based on the upright and inverted unit of the first aspect, the upright valve seat faces upward, the inverted valve seat faces downward, at least one of the suppression parts is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and faces at least one of the upright valve seat and the inverted valve seat in the vertical direction. At least one of the switching valves of the first switching valve and the second switching valve is received inside the at least one suppression part when separated from at least one of the valve seats in the vertical direction.

[0020] In this case, at least one of the switching valves of the first switching valve and the second switching valve is received inside the at least one suppression part when separated from the valve seat in the vertical direction. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part, it is possible to reliably prevent at least one of the following situations: when the ejector is upright, the content liquid flowing through the first path contacts the second switching valve, and the second switching valve approaches the inverted valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector is inverted, the content liquid flowing through the second path contacts the first switching valve, and the first switching valve approaches the upright valve seat along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0021] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, based on the vertical inversion unit of the fifth aspect, at least one of the suppression parts is the first suppression part and the second suppression part. The second suppression part is provided at a position that faces the valve seat in the upright state in the vertical direction and is accommodated inside the first switching valve when the ejector is inverted, and is provided at a position that faces the valve seat in the inverted state in the vertical direction and is accommodated inside the second switching valve when the ejector is in the upright state.

[0022] In this case, at least one of the suppression parts is the first suppression part and the second suppression part. The second suppression part is provided at a position that faces the valve seat in the upright state in the vertical direction and is accommodated inside the first switching valve when the ejector is inverted, and the first suppression part is provided at a position that faces the valve seat in the inverted state in the vertical direction and is accommodated inside the second switching valve when the ejector is in the upright state. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part, it is possible to reliably prevent both of the following situations: when the ejector is in the upright state, the content liquid flowing through the first path contacts the second switching valve, and the second switching valve approaches the valve seat in the inverted state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector is inverted, the content liquid flowing through the second path contacts the first switching valve, and the first switching valve approaches the valve seat in the upright state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0023] Since the suppression parts are provided at these two positions, it is possible to easily make the two components respectively provided at the above positions and having the suppression parts have the same shape and the same size.

[0024] Technical effects According to the present invention, the content liquid in the container body can be smoothly introduced into the cylinder part. Description of the drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ejector having a vertical inversion unit shown as the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the vertical inversion unit.

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a sectional view taken along the line III-III.

[0028] Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 2 the ejector in the inverted state.

[0029] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ejector having a vertical inversion unit shown as the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of the upright and inverted unit.

[0031] Figure 7 shows the ejector in the inverted state in Figure 6 the figure.

[0032] Reference Signs 1, 2 Upright and inverted unit 10, 110 Ejector 11, 111 Pump 12, 112 Discharge head 12c Discharge hole 21 Cylinder part 21f Inner liquid inlet 51 Cover part 51a Side opening 52 Guide part 61 First switching valve 62 Second switching valve 63 Outer cylinder part 63a Upright inlet 64c Relay port 64d Upright valve seat 64e Inverted valve seat 65 Flow path forming part 65a Inverted inlet 65b Plug part (top cylinder part) 68 Common flow path 69 Retraction recess (second retraction recess, second suppression part) 75 Suppression part (first suppression part) 90 Retraction recess (first retraction recess) 175a Suppression part (first suppression part) 175b Suppression part (second suppression part) L1 First path L2 Second path W Container body W1 Mouth part Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the upright and inverted unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] As Figure 1As shown, the upright and inverted unit 1 forms a part of the ejector 10, and the ejector 10 includes a pump 11, an ejection head 12, a pressing member 13, and a mounting cover 14.

[0035] First, the pump 11, the ejection head 12, the pressing member 13, and the mounting cover 14 will be described.

[0036] The pump 11 includes a cylinder portion 21, a piston portion 22, a first biasing member 23, and a lower valve body 24. Due to the decrease in internal pressure caused by the increase in the internal volume of the cylinder portion 21, the content liquid in the container body W is introduced into the cylinder portion 21 through the content liquid inlet 21f, and due to the increase in internal pressure caused by the decrease in the internal volume of the cylinder portion 21, the content liquid in the cylinder portion 21 is sent to the ejection head 12.

[0037] The cylinder portion 21, the piston portion 22, and the first biasing member 23 are each formed in a cylindrical shape and are coaxially arranged with a common axis.

[0038] Hereinafter, the common axis will be referred to as the axis O, the side of the ejection head 12 will be called the upper side along the direction of the axis O, the side of the upright and inverted unit 1 will be called the lower side along the direction of the axis O, and the direction along the axis O will be called the vertical direction. The direction intersecting the axis O when viewed from the vertical direction will be called the radial direction, and the direction surrounding the axis O when viewed from the vertical direction will be called the circumferential direction.

[0039] The cylinder portion 21 is inserted into the mouth portion W1 of the container body W that houses the content liquid. A flange portion 21a protruding outward in the radial direction is formed on the cylinder portion 21. The flange portion 21a is placed on the upper end opening edge of the mouth portion W1 with a gasket interposed therebetween. A first connecting cylinder portion 21b protruding upward is formed on the flange portion 21a. The first connecting cylinder portion 21b is coaxially arranged with the axis O.

[0040] The piston portion 22 includes a sliding portion 22a having an annular top wall and a cylindrical portion 22b extending upward from the inner peripheral edge portion of the top wall of the sliding portion 22a. The sliding portion 22a is fitted into the cylinder portion 21 so as to be able to slide up and down. The cylindrical portion 22b is inserted into the first connecting cylinder portion 21b, and the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 22b protrudes upward from the first connecting cylinder portion 21b.

[0041] The upper end portion of the first biasing member 23 is inserted into the sliding portion 22a and abuts against the lower surface of the top wall of the sliding portion 22a. The lower end portion of the first biasing member 23 abuts against a stepped portion facing upward formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 21. The first biasing member 23 is a helical spring extending in the vertical direction.

[0042] The lower valve body 24 is a ball valve, for example, and is disposed inside the lower end portion of the cylinder portion 21. A valve seat portion 21e is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the cylinder portion 21. The valve seat portion 21e protrudes toward the radially inner side and has a reduced diameter as it extends downward. The lower end opening of the valve seat portion 21e serves as a content liquid inlet 21f for introducing the content liquid in the container body W into the cylinder portion 21. The lower valve body 24 is placed on the upper surface of the valve seat portion 21e so as to be separable upward. The lower valve body 24 is a check valve that cuts off the communication between the container body W and the cylinder portion 21 when the cylinder portion 21 is pressurized, and on the other hand, allows the communication between the container body W and the cylinder portion 21 when the cylinder portion 21 is depressurized.

[0043] The mounting cover 14 is mounted on the mouth portion W1. The mounting cover 14 is formed in a toped cylindrical shape having an annular top wall, and the first connecting cylinder portion 21b is inserted inside the top wall. The flange portion 21a is fixed by being clamped between the lower surface of the top wall and the upper end opening edge of the mouth portion W1 in the vertical direction.

[0044] The pressing member 13 includes a support portion 25 and a rod portion 26.

[0045] The support portion 25 includes a toped cylindrical second connecting cylinder portion 25a that fits over the first connecting cylinder portion 21b, and a protruding portion 25b that protrudes upward from the second connecting cylinder portion 25a. The top wall of the second connecting cylinder portion 25a is formed in a ring shape, and the cylindrical portion 22b of the piston portion 22 is inserted inside. The upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 22b protrudes upward from the second connecting cylinder portion 25a. The protruding portion 25b is radially away from the axis O.

[0046] Hereinafter, the side of the protruding portion 25b away from the axis O in the radial direction will be referred to as the rear side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the front side.

[0047] The rear portion of the rod portion 26 extends forward from the upper end portion of the protruding portion 25b and straddles the axis O in the front-rear direction. The front portion of the rod portion 26 extends downward from the front end portion of the rear portion of the rod portion 26. The rod portion 26 is arranged to be rotatable in the vertical direction about the upper end portion of the protruding portion 25b. The rod portion 26 has an engaging portion 26a that engages with the discharge head 12. When the rod portion 26 rotates downward about the upper end portion of the protruding portion 25b, the engaging portion 26a presses the discharge head 12.

[0048] A restricting member 31 is mounted on the support portion 25. The restricting member 31 is arranged to be movable between a restricting position that restricts the rod portion 26 from rotating downward and an allowing position that allows the rod portion 26 to rotate downward.

[0049] The discharge head 12 includes a main body portion 27, a pressure accumulating valve 28, and a second biasing member 29.

[0050] The main body portion 27 includes a horizontal cylinder 12a extending in the radial direction and a vertical cylinder 12b extending downward from the horizontal cylinder 12a. The horizontal cylinder 12a extends in the front-rear direction and penetrates the front portion of the rod portion 26 in the front-rear direction. A discharge hole 12c opening forward is formed at the front end portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a. The vertical cylinder 12b extends downward from the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a. The vertical cylinder 12b is externally fitted to the cylinder portion 22b of the piston portion 22.

[0051] The pressure accumulator valve 28 is disposed in the horizontal cylinder 12a and cuts off the communication between the inside of the vertical cylinder 12b and the discharge hole 12c. The pressure accumulator valve 28 is disposed in the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a so as to be movable back and forth, and is biased forward by a second biasing member 29. When the internal pressure in the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure accumulator valve 28 moves backward against the action of the second biasing member 29. As a result, the inside of the vertical cylinder 12b communicates with the discharge hole 12c, and the content liquid is discharged from the discharge hole 12c.

[0052] Next, the upright and inverted unit 1 will be described.

[0053] The upright and inverted unit 1 is mounted on the cylinder portion 21. The upright and inverted unit 1 includes a first switching valve 61, a second switching valve 62, an outer cylinder member 63, an inner cylinder member 64, and a flow path forming member 65. The outer cylinder member 63 and the inner cylinder member 64 are coaxially arranged with the axis O.

[0054] The flow path forming member 65 has an inverted inlet 65a capable of introducing the content liquid in the container body W into the content liquid inlet 21f of the cylinder portion 21 when the ejector 10 is inverted. The flow path forming member 65 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is externally fitted to the lower end portion of the cylinder portion 21. A sealing cylinder portion 65c protruding downward is formed at the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65.

[0055] The outer cylinder member 63 is externally mounted on the cylinder portion 21 with the flow path forming member 65 interposed therebetween. The outer cylinder member 63 has an upright inlet 63a and a take-in hole 63c. The upright inlet 63a can introduce the content liquid in the container body W into the content liquid inlet 21f of the cylinder portion 21 when the ejector 10 is upright, and the take-in hole 63c can introduce the content liquid in the container body W into the inverted inlet 65a when the ejector 10 is inverted.

[0056] The upright inlet 63a and the take-in hole 63c open in the container body W. The take-in hole 63c and the inverted inlet 65a are located above the upright inlet 63a when the ejector 10 is upright.

[0057] The outer cylinder member 63 is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape that gradually reduces in diameter toward the bottom. The outer cylinder member 63 is constituted by connecting a first outer cylinder portion 71, a second outer cylinder portion 72, a third outer cylinder portion 73, and a fourth outer cylinder portion 74 in order from above to below.

[0058] The first outer cylinder part 71 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 65 with a radially spaced gap therebetween. An annular gap extending in the circumferential direction is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 65 and the inner peripheral surface of the first outer cylinder part 71. The inverted inlet 65a opens into this gap. The upper end opening of the first outer cylinder part 71 serves as the intake hole 63c. The sealing cylinder part 65c of the flow path forming member 65 is tightly fitted inside the lower end part of the first outer cylinder part 71.

[0059] It should be noted that as the first outer cylinder part 71, the following structure may also be adopted: it only has a part that is externally fitted to the lower end part of the sealing cylinder part 65c and does not have a part above the lower end part and the intake hole 63c, and the inverted inlet 65a opens into the container body W.

[0060] The relay port 64c of the inner cylinder member 64 described later opens into the second outer cylinder part 72.

[0061] The lower end part of the inner cylinder member 64 is tightly fitted inside the upper end part of the third outer cylinder part 73. The lower end opening of the third outer cylinder part 73 serves as the upright inlet 63a that opens in the vertical direction. The second switching valve 62 is movably housed inside the third outer cylinder part 73. The second switching valve 62 is a ball valve, for example.

[0062] The upper end part of the suction cylinder 67 is fitted inside the fourth outer cylinder part 74. The lower end part of the suction cylinder 67 is located at the bottom of the container body W. The upright inlet 63a is communicated with the inside of the container body W through the suction cylinder 67. It should be noted that a structure may also be adopted in which the upper end part of the suction cylinder 67 is connected to, for example, the third outer cylinder part 73 and the fourth outer cylinder part 74 is not provided.

[0063] As Figure 2 As shown, the inner cylinder member 64 has: a lower end opening 64a that communicates with the upright inlet 63a; an upper end opening 64b that communicates with the inverted inlet 65a; and a relay port 64c that can communicate with the content liquid inlet 21f, the upright inlet 63a, and the inverted inlet 65a. The relay port 64c communicates with the content liquid inlet 21f, the upright inlet 63a, and the inverted inlet 65a through different flow paths respectively.

[0064] The inner cylinder member 64 is formed in a gourd shape (a shape like a gourd) in which the middle part in the vertical direction contracts inward in the radial direction. The upper end part of the inner cylinder member 64 is connected to the bottom wall part of the flow path forming member 65. The inner cylinder member 64 is constituted by connecting the first inner cylinder part 76, the second inner cylinder part 77, and the third inner cylinder part 78 in sequence from above downward.

[0065] The upper end opening of the first inner cylinder portion 76 becomes the upper end opening 64b of the inner cylinder member 64. On the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the first inner cylinder portion 76, an upright valve seat 64d facing upward is formed. The upright valve seat 64d extends toward the inner side in the radial direction as it faces downward.

[0066] When the ejector 10 is upright, the first switching valve 61 enters the second path L2 described later and abuts against the upright valve seat 64d, thereby cutting off the communication between the inverted inlet 65a and the relay port 64c. The first switching valve 61 is disposed above the upright valve seat 64d. The first switching valve 61 is, for example, a ball valve and is detachably abutted against the upright valve seat 64d facing upward.

[0067] The second inner cylinder portion 77 constitutes the contracted portion of the inner cylinder member 64. A plurality of relay ports 64c penetrating in the radial direction are formed in the second inner cylinder portion 77 at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0068] The lower end opening of the third inner cylinder portion 78 becomes the lower end opening 64a of the inner cylinder member 64. The lower end portion of the third inner cylinder portion 78 is fitted into the upper end portion of the third outer cylinder portion 73 of the outer cylinder member 63. On the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the third inner cylinder portion 78, an inverted valve seat 64e facing downward is formed. The inverted valve seat 64e extends toward the inner side in the radial direction as it faces upward.

[0069] The second switching valve 62 is disposed below the inverted valve seat 64e. The second switching valve 62 is arranged so as to be able to abut against the inverted valve seat 64e from below. When the ejector 10 is inverted, the second switching valve 62 enters the first path L1 described later and abuts against the inverted valve seat 64e, thereby cutting off the communication between the upright inlet 63a and the relay port 64c.

[0070] An adhesion prevention portion 64f for preventing the adhesion of the second switching valve 62 is formed on the inverted valve seat 64e. As the adhesion prevention portion 64f, grooves or ribs radially provided on the inverted valve seat 64e can be exemplified, but as long as it is an unevenness capable of preventing the adhesion of the second switching valve 62, it can be appropriately changed. The adhesion prevention portion 64f may not be formed on the inverted valve seat 64e. In this case, the inner cylinder member 64 may also be formed in a vertically symmetric shape, and when the ejector 10 is inverted, the sealing performance between the second switching valve 62 and the inverted valve seat 64e can be improved, and the communication between the upright inlet 63a and the relay port 64c can be reliably cut off.

[0071] A plug portion (a top cylinder-shaped portion) 65b and a common flow path 68 are formed on the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65.

[0072] The plug portion 65b is provided at a position radially inner than the sealing cylinder portion 65c. The plug portion 65b protrudes from the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 toward both sides in the vertical direction. The portion of the plug portion 65b that protrudes downward from the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 is fitted into the upper end opening 64b of the inner cylinder member 64. The plug portion 65b is formed in a toped cylinder shape extending in the vertical direction. An inverted inlet 65a is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall of the plug portion 65b that is located below the upper end portion. The inverted inlet 65a extends in the radial direction and penetrates the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 in the radial direction, and opens on the inner peripheral surface of the plug portion 65b and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 65 to communicate with the intake hole 63c.

[0073] The common flow path 68 connects the content liquid inlet 21f of the cylinder portion 21 and the relay port 64c. The common flow path 68 penetrates in the vertical direction a portion between the plug portion 65b and the sealing cylinder portion 65c in the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65, and opens inside the flow path forming member 65. The common flow path 68 opens toward the upper end opening edge of the first inner cylinder portion 76.

[0074] Here, the upper end portion of the first inner cylinder portion 76 is inserted into the sealing cylinder portion 65c. An annular gap extending in the circumferential direction is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the sealing cylinder portion 65c and the outer peripheral surface of the first inner cylinder portion 76. The lower surface of the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 is separated upward from the upper end opening edge of the first inner cylinder portion 76. The annular gap between the inner peripheral surface of the sealing cylinder portion 65c and the outer peripheral surface of the first inner cylinder portion 76 communicates with the common flow path 68.

[0075] Here, in the present embodiment, the upright and inverted unit 1 includes at least one of a suppressing portion 75 (first suppressing portion) and a suppressing portion (second suppressing portion). The suppressing portion 75 (first suppressing portion) suppresses the second switching valve 62 from entering the first path L1 when the ejector 10 is upright. The first path L1 is a path through which the content liquid flows from the upright inlet 63a toward the relay port 64c. The suppressing portion (second suppressing portion) suppresses the first switching valve 61 from entering the second path L2 when the ejector 10 is inverted. The second path L2 is a path through which the content liquid flows from the inverted inlet 65a toward the relay port 64c.

[0076] It should be noted that the latter suppressing portion (second suppressing portion) for the first switching valve 61 is provided in the plug portion 65b. In the case of the present embodiment, the latter suppressing portion (second suppressing portion) for the first switching valve 61 is a retracting recess 69 (second retracting recess) described later.

[0077] In the illustrated example, a toped cylindrical covering portion 51 that protrudes upward and covers the upright introduction port 63a from above is formed at the opening peripheral portion of the upright introduction port 63a on the inner surface of the outer cylinder member 63. A side opening 51a that opens radially and communicates the upright introduction port 63a with the inside of the third outer cylinder portion 73 is formed in the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51. The above-described suppression portion 75 for the second switching valve 62 protrudes upward from the top wall of the covering portion 51.

[0078] The protruding amount of the suppression portion 75 (first suppression portion) upward from the top wall of the covering portion 51 is equal to the outer diameter of the second switching valve 62. As Figure 3 shown, the suppression portion 75 is formed in a plate shape whose surface faces the side where the side opening 51a opens in the radial direction when viewed from the vertical direction. The suppression portion 75 is at the end of the top wall of the covering portion 51 on the side where the side opening 51a opens in the radial direction. As Figure 2 shown, when viewed in a longitudinal section along the vertical direction, the surface of the suppression portion 75 and the opening surface of the side opening 51a are on the same straight line. Since the suppression portion 75 is formed in the above-described plate shape, spatial constraints are less likely to occur compared to, for example, a structure formed in a cylindrical shape that continuously extends over the entire circumference.

[0079] The interval between the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces the back surface of the suppression portion 75 (first suppression portion) in the radial direction and the back surface of the suppression portion 75 is larger than the outer diameter of the second switching valve 62. The interval between the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51 in the radial direction and the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second switching valve 62.

[0080] The second switching valve 62 is located in the space (i.e., the retraction recess 90) surrounded by the back surface of the suppression portion 75, the upper surface of the top wall of the covering portion 51, and the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 when the ejector 10 is upright.

[0081] The interval between the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces the side opening 51a and the surface of the suppression portion 75 (first suppression portion) in the radial direction and the side opening 51a and the surface of the suppression portion 75 is larger than the outer diameter of the second switching valve 62.

[0082] The interval (gap) between the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces the side opening 51a and the surface of the suppression portion 75 and the side opening 51a and the surface of the suppression portion 75 becomes the inlet portion of the first path L1 for the content liquid to flow from the upright introduction port 63a to the relay port 64c. A guiding portion 52 is provided inside the third outer cylinder portion 73, and the guiding portion 52 guides the second switching valve 62 that is about to enter the inlet portion when the ejector 10 is upright toward the back surface side of the suppression portion 75.

[0083] The guiding portion 52 protrudes inward in the radial direction from a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces, in the radial direction, the surfaces of the side opening 51a and the restraining portion 75 (first restraining portion). The guiding portion 52 extends upward from the lower end portion of the third outer cylinder portion 73. The upper end portion of the guiding portion 52 is located above the upper end portion of the restraining portion 75 and abuts against the lower end portion of the inner cylinder member 64 in the vertical direction. The upper end portion of the guiding portion 52 extends outward in the radial direction as it extends upward. The guiding portion 52 is formed in a plate shape with its front and back surfaces facing the circumferential direction. As Figure 3 shown, one guiding portion 52 is provided on each of two portions of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that sandwich, in the circumferential direction, a portion that faces, in the radial direction, the central portions in the circumferential direction of the side opening 51a and the restraining portion 75, respectively.

[0084] Here, in the present embodiment, at least one of a retracting recess 90 (first retracting recess) and a retracting recess 69 (second retracting recess and second restraining portion) is provided. When the ejector 10 is upright, the second switching valve 62 enters the retracting recess 90 (first retracting recess), and the second switching valve 62 is separated from the first path L1 in a direction opposite to the inverted valve seat 64e and intersecting the opening direction of the upright inlet 63a. When the ejector 10 is inverted, the first switching valve 61 enters the retracting recess 69 (second retracting recess and second restraining portion), and the first switching valve 61 is separated from the second path L2 in a direction opposite to the upright valve seat 64d and intersecting the opening direction of the inverted inlet 65a.

[0085] It should be noted that, as the former retracting recess 90 (first retracting recess) for the second switching valve 62, for example, the following structure or the like can be adopted: on the basis that the interval between a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder portion 73 that faces, in the radial direction, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51 and the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51 is larger than the outer diameter of the second switching valve 62, the gap portion is recessed more downward than the upright inlet 63a.

[0086] In the illustrated example, a portion inside the bolt portion 65b and above the inverted inlet 65a serves as a retracting recess 69 (second retracting recess and second restraining portion) into which the first switching valve 61 enters when the ejector 10 is inverted. As Figure 4 shown, the first switching valve 61 that enters the retracting recess 69 is separated from the second path L2 in the vertical direction, that is, in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the inverted inlet 65a.

[0087] Next, the operation of the ejector 10 will be described.

[0088] If the rod portion 26 is rotated downward about the upper end portion of the protruding portion 25b and the discharge head 12 is pressed, the piston portion 22 together with the discharge head 12 is pressed against the acting force of the first biasing member 23. At this time, the sliding portion 22a of the piston portion 22 slides downward on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 21, and the internal volume of the cylinder portion 21 decreases, whereby the inside of the cylinder portion 21 is pressurized. With the increase in the internal pressure of the cylinder portion 21, the lower valve body 24 inside the cylinder portion 21 comes into close contact with the valve seat portion 21e, cutting off the communication between the inside of the cylinder portion 21 and the inside of the container body W. Thus, the content liquid pressurized inside the cylinder portion 21 rises inside the cylindrical portion 22b of the piston portion 22, flows through the vertical cylinder 12b of the discharge head 12, and flows into the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a, whereby the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a is pressurized. And when the internal pressure in the rear portion of the horizontal cylinder 12a exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure accumulation valve 28 moves rearward against the acting force of the second biasing member 29, so that the vertical cylinder 12b communicates with the discharge hole 12c, and the content liquid is discharged from the discharge hole 12c.

[0089] After that, if the pressing of the discharge head 12 is released, the piston portion 22 together with the discharge head 12 rises by the upward acting force of the first biasing member 23.

[0090] If the piston portion 22 slides upward on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 21, the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the piston portion 22 increases, and the inside of the cylinder portion 21 is decompressed. Due to the decrease in the internal pressure of the cylinder portion 21, the lower valve body 24 separates upward from the upper surface of the valve seat portion 21e, the content liquid inlet 21f opens, and the main flow path from the content liquid inlet 21f to the relay port 64c becomes a decompressed state.

[0091] This main flow path includes: the inside of the flow path forming member 65, the common flow path 68, the gap between the lower surface of the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 and the upper end opening edge of the first inner cylinder portion 76, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the seal cylinder portion 65c and the outer peripheral surface of the first inner cylinder portion 76, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder portion 72 and the outer peripheral surface of the first inner cylinder portion 76, and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder portion 72 and the outer peripheral surface of the second inner cylinder portion 77.

[0092] If the main flow path becomes a decompressed state, when the ejector 10 is upright, the first switching valve 61 comes into close contact with the upright valve seat 64d, and the communication between the inverted inlet 65a and the relay port 64c is cut off. Therefore, the inside of the third inner cylinder portion 78 and the inside of the third outer cylinder portion 73 are decompressed through the relay port 64c and the inside of the second inner cylinder portion 77. Thus, the upright flow path from the content liquid inlet 21f through the main flow path, the relay port 64c, the inside of the second inner cylinder portion 77, the inside of the third inner cylinder portion 78, the inside of the third outer cylinder portion 73, the upright inlet 63a, and the suction cylinder 67 to the inside of the container body W becomes a decompressed state, and the content liquid inside the container body W is sucked into the cylinder portion 21.

[0093] At this time, the second switching valve 62 is separated from the first path L1 of the content liquid flowing from the upright inlet 63a toward the relay port 64c by the suppressing portion 75. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the contact between the content liquid flowing in the first path L1 and the second switching valve 62.

[0094] On the other hand, as Figure 4 shown, when the ejector 10 is inverted, the first switching valve 61 is separated from the upright valve seat 64d due to its own weight, the inverted inlet 65a communicates with the relay port 64c, and the second switching valve 62 is in close contact with the inverted valve seat 64e due to its own weight, cutting off the communication between the upright inlet 63a and the relay port 64c. In this state, if the discharge head 12 makes a recovery movement after discharging the content liquid, similarly to when the ejector 10 is upright, the lower valve body 24 is separated from the valve seat portion 21e, the content liquid inlet 21f is opened, and the main flow path from the content liquid inlet 21f to the relay port 64c becomes a reduced pressure state. Therefore, the inverted flow path from the relay port 64c through the inverted inlet 65a to the intake hole 63c also becomes a reduced pressure state.

[0095] The inverted flow path includes: the inside of the second inner cylinder portion 77, the inside of the first inner cylinder portion 76, the inside of the plug portion 65b, the inverted inlet 65a, and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 65 and the inner peripheral surface of the first outer cylinder portion 71.

[0096] If the inverted flow path becomes a reduced pressure state, when the ejector 10 is inverted, the content liquid in the container body W is introduced into the content liquid inlet 21f through the intake hole 63c, the inverted flow path, the relay port 64c, and the main flow path.

[0097] When the ejector 10 is inverted, the first switching valve 61 enters the plug portion 65b, reaches the retraction recess 69 (the second retraction recess and the second suppressing portion) in the plug portion 65b, and abuts against the top wall of the plug portion 65b. At this time, the first switching valve 61 is away from the inverted inlet 65a in the vertical direction. Thereby, the first switching valve 61 is away from the second path L2 of the content liquid flowing from the inverted inlet 65a toward the relay port 64c in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the contact between the content liquid flowing in the second path L2 and the first switching valve 61.

[0098] As described above, the upright and inverted unit 1 according to the present embodiment includes at least one of a suppression unit 75 (first suppression unit) and a suppression unit (second suppression unit). The suppression unit 75 (first suppression unit) suppresses the second switching valve 62 from entering the first path L1 when the discharger 10 is upright, and the suppression unit (second suppression unit) suppresses the first switching valve 61 from entering the second path L2 when the discharger 10 is inverted. In the case of the present embodiment, the suppression unit (second suppression unit) is a retraction recess 69 (second retraction recess). Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body W into the content liquid inlet 21f, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations: when the discharger 10 is upright, the content liquid flowing in the first path L1 contacts the second switching valve 62, and the second switching valve 62 approaches the inverted valve seat 64e along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the discharger 10 is inverted, the content liquid flowing in the second path L2 contacts the first switching valve 61, and the first switching valve 61 approaches the upright valve seat 64d along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0099] Thus, when introducing the content liquid into the content liquid inlet 21f, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations, and thus smoothly introduce the content liquid in the container body W into the cylinder portion 21: when the discharger 10 is upright, the second switching valve 62 is pressed against the inverted valve seat 64e due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder portion 21 applied through the relay port 64c; and when the discharger 10 is inverted, the first switching valve 61 is pressed against the upright valve seat 64d due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder portion 21 applied through the relay port 64c.

[0100] A side opening 51a that communicates the upright inlet 63a with the inside of the outer cylinder member 63 is formed in the peripheral wall of the covering portion 51, and the suppression unit 75 (first suppression unit) protrudes upward from the top wall of the covering portion 51. Thus, when the discharger 10 is upright, by positioning the second switching valve 62 in the space surrounded by the back surface of the suppression unit 75, the upper surface of the top wall of the covering portion 51, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member 63 (i.e., the retraction recess 90), it is possible to reliably suppress the second switching valve 62 from entering the first path L1.

[0101] A guiding portion 52 is provided inside the outer cylinder member 63. The guiding portion 52 guides the second switching valve 62 at the inlet portion that is to enter the first path L1 when the discharger 10 is upright to the back surface side of the suppression unit 75 (first suppression unit). Thus, it is possible to reliably suppress the second switching valve 62 from entering the first path L1.

[0102] The upright and inverted unit 1 has at least one of a retraction recess 90 (first retraction recess) and a retraction recess 69 (second retraction recess and second suppression portion). When the ejector 10 is upright, the retraction recess 90 (first retraction recess) allows the second switching valve 62 to enter, and separates the second switching valve 62 from the first path L1 in a direction opposite to the inverted valve seat 64e and intersecting with the opening direction of the upright inlet 63a. When the ejector 10 is inverted, the retraction recess 69 (second retraction recess and second suppression portion) allows the first switching valve 61 to enter, and separates the first switching valve 61 from the second path L2 in a direction opposite to the upright valve seat 64d and intersecting with the opening direction of the inverted inlet 65a. In the case of the present embodiment, the retraction recess 69 (second retraction recess) is a suppression portion (second suppression portion). Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container body W into the content liquid inlet 21f, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations: when the ejector 10 is upright, the content liquid flowing in the first path L1 contacts the second switching valve 62, and the second switching valve 62 approaches the inverted valve seat 64e along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector 10 is inverted, the content liquid flowing in the second path L2 contacts the first switching valve 61, and the first switching valve 61 approaches the upright valve seat 64d along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0103] Thus, when introducing the content liquid into the content liquid inlet 21f, it is possible to prevent at least one of the following situations, and thus smoothly introduce the content liquid in the container body W into the cylinder portion 21: when the ejector 10 is upright, the second switching valve 62 is pressed against the inverted valve seat 64e due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder portion 21 applied through the relay port 64c; and when the ejector 10 is inverted, the first switching valve 61 is pressed against the upright valve seat 64d due to the reduced pressure in the cylinder portion 21 applied through the relay port 64c.

[0104] The flow path forming member 65 forming a common flow path 68 connecting the content liquid inlet 21f and the relay port 64c has a plug portion (a top cylinder-shaped portion) 65b. Inside the plug portion 65b, the portion located above the inverted inlet 65a serves as a retraction recess 69 (second retraction recess and second suppression portion) for the first switching valve 61 to enter when the ejector 10 is inverted. Thus, the upright and inverted unit 1 capable of suppressing the complication of the structure and smoothly introducing the content liquid in the container body W into the cylinder portion 21 is obtained.

[0105] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7 the upright and inverted unit 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0106] It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0107] The upright and inverted unit 2 forms a part of the discharger 110, and the discharger 110 includes a pump 111, a discharge head 112, and a mounting cover 14.

[0108] First, the pump 111 and the discharge head 112 will be described.

[0109] The pump 111 includes a cylinder portion 21, a piston portion 22, a first biasing member 23, a lower valve body 24, a lower support cylinder 81, a valve stem 82, and a pressure accumulation mechanism 120.

[0110] The lower support cylinder 81 and the valve stem 82 are coaxially arranged with the axis O.

[0111] The lower support cylinder 81 is fitted into the upper end portion of the cylinder portion 21.

[0112] The valve stem 82 includes a valve stem cylinder 82a and an upper support cylinder 82b.

[0113] The upper support cylinder 82b is formed in a double cylinder shape coaxially arranged with the axis O. The upper support cylinder 82b surrounds the periphery of the valve stem cylinder 82a. The upper end portion of the upper support cylinder 82b is located below the upper end portion of the valve stem cylinder 82a. The upper support cylinder 82b is connected to the valve stem cylinder 82a via a plurality of connecting pieces 82c arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0114] The first biasing member 23 is clamped by the upper support cylinder 82b and the lower support cylinder 81 in the vertical direction while surrounding the periphery of the valve stem cylinder 82a. Thus, the first biasing member 23 supports the valve stem 82 in a state where it can move downward while biasing upward.

[0115] The pressure accumulation mechanism 120 includes a pressure accumulation cylinder 121, a pressure accumulation piston 122, a pressure accumulation valve body 123, and a third biasing member 124. When the pressure accumulation mechanism 120 sends the content liquid in the cylinder portion 21 toward the discharge hole 12c by the descent of the piston portion 22, it assists in pressurizing the inside of the cylinder portion 21.

[0116] The accumulator cylinder 121 is disposed above the sliding portion 22a of the piston portion 22 and is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxially arranged with the axis O. The accumulator cylinder 121 and the piston portion 22 are integrally formed. The accumulator cylinder 121 penetrates the lower support cylinder 81 in the vertical direction. The lower end opening of the accumulator cylinder 121 is located within the cylinder portion 21. The lower end edge of the accumulator cylinder 121 is located at a position lower than the lower support cylinder 81 and is connected to the sliding portion 22a of the piston portion 22. The upper end portion of the accumulator cylinder 121 is inserted between the valve stem cylinder 82a and the upper support cylinder 82b. A gap in the vertical direction is provided between the upper end edge of the accumulator cylinder 121 and the connecting piece 82c. It should be noted that the accumulator cylinder 121 and the piston portion 22 may also be formed separately.

[0117] The accumulator piston 122 is disposed across between the accumulator cylinder 121 and the valve stem cylinder 82a. The accumulator piston 122 is coaxially arranged with the axis O and is formed in a multi-stage cylindrical shape with a smaller outer diameter as it is located higher. In the accumulator piston 122, the upper piston small-diameter portion 122a is inserted into the valve stem cylinder 82a through the lower end opening of the valve stem cylinder 82a, and the lower piston large-diameter portion 122b is fitted into the accumulator cylinder 121. When the accumulator piston 122 moves up and down relative to the accumulator cylinder 121, the piston large-diameter portion 122b closely slides in the vertical direction on the inner peripheral surface of the accumulator cylinder 121. The piston large-diameter portion 122b is located at a position higher than the locking projection 121a formed on the inner peripheral surface of the accumulator cylinder 121.

[0118] The accumulator valve body 123 is disposed across between the valve stem cylinder 82a and the accumulator piston 122. The accumulator valve body 123 includes a cylindrical body 123a and a seating portion 123b.

[0119] The cylindrical body 123a is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxially arranged with the axis O. The upper end portion of the cylindrical body 123a is fitted and fixed within the valve stem cylinder 82a. The accumulator valve body 123 can move up and down integrally with the valve stem 82. Communication grooves 82d are formed in a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the valve stem cylinder 82a where the cylindrical body 123a is fitted. The communication grooves 82d extend in the vertical direction and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The inside of the valve stem cylinder 82a is communicated in the vertical direction through the communication grooves 82d. A radial gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 123a and the inner peripheral surface of the piston small-diameter portion 122a.

[0120] The seating portion 123b projects outward in the radial direction from the middle portion in the vertical direction of the column 123a. The seating portion 123b is configured to be able to contact and separate from the lower end edge of the piston small-diameter portion 122a as it moves up and down relative to the accumulator piston 122. That is, by seating the seating portion 123b on the lower end edge of the piston small-diameter portion 122a, the communication between the accumulator cylinder 121 inside the accumulator piston 122 and the valve stem cylinder 82a is cut off. On the other hand, by separating the seating portion 123b downward from the lower end edge of the piston small-diameter portion 122a, the accumulator cylinder 121 and the valve stem cylinder 82a communicate with each other through the accumulator piston 122.

[0121] The third biasing member 124 is a helical spring extending in the vertical direction. The third biasing member 124 is disposed in the clearance in the vertical direction between the valve stem cylinder 82a and the accumulator piston 122 in a state of surrounding the lower end portion of the valve stem cylinder 82a and the periphery of the piston small-diameter portion 122a inside the accumulator cylinder 121. The third biasing member 124 biases the accumulator piston 122 downward (toward the seating portion 63b).

[0122] The discharge head 112 is externally fitted to the upper end portion of the valve stem cylinder 82a located above the upper support cylinder 82b and does not have the accumulator valve 28 and the second biasing member 29. The discharge hole 12c communicates with the inside of the valve stem cylinder 82a.

[0123] When the discharge head 112 is pressed, the valve stem 82, the accumulator valve body 123, and the accumulator piston 122 descend integrally with the discharge head 112. At this time, the valve stem 82, the accumulator valve body 123, and the accumulator piston 122 descend by the amount of the clearance in the vertical direction between the lower end edge of the piston large-diameter portion 122b and the locking projection 121a of the accumulator cylinder 121 relative to the accumulator cylinder 121. In this way, the accumulator piston 122 having a diameter smaller than that of the piston portion 22 descends (operates) earlier (i.e., prior to) the piston portion 22. Therefore, the initial pressing force when the discharge head 112 is lowered can be reduced.

[0124] After the lower end edge of the large-diameter portion 122b of the piston comes into contact with the locking projection 121a of the pressure accumulator cylinder 121, the piston portion 22 also descends. As a result, the sliding portion 22a of the piston portion 22 slides on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 21, thereby pressurizing the inside of the cylinder portion 21. When the piston portion 22 reaches the descending end position that restricts further downward movement, the valve stem 82 and the pressure accumulator valve body 123 descend relative to the pressure accumulator piston 122 against the acting force of the third biasing member 124. As a result, the seating portion 123b separates downward from the lower end edge of the small-diameter portion 122a of the piston. Then, the content liquid in the cylinder portion 21 flows into the valve stem cylinder 82a through the inside of the pressure accumulator cylinder 121, the gap between the pressure accumulator piston 122 and the pressure accumulator valve body 123, and the communication groove 82d. After that, the content liquid passes through the upper end opening of the valve stem cylinder 82a and is discharged forward through the discharge hole 12c.

[0125] When the pressing of the discharge head 112 is released, the valve stem 82 and the pressure accumulator valve body 123 are pushed up by the acting force of the third biasing member 124, and the seating portion 123b abuts against the lower end edge of the small-diameter portion 122a of the piston. As a result, the communication between the inside of the cylinder portion 21 and the inside of the valve stem cylinder 82a is cut off. In addition, the valve stem 82 is pushed up by the acting force of the first biasing member 23, and the valve stem 82, the pressure accumulator valve body 123, the pressure accumulator piston 122, the pressure accumulator cylinder 121, and the piston portion 22 rise relative to the cylinder portion 21. Then, a negative pressure is formed inside the cylinder portion 21. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the content liquid is supplied into the cylinder portion 21 from the content liquid inlet 21f.

[0126] The upright and inverted unit 2 includes a first switching valve 61, a second switching valve 62, an outer cylinder member 63, an inner cylinder member 64, a flow path forming member 65, a first connecting member 83, and a second connecting member 84.

[0127] The outer cylinder member 63 is formed by connecting a first outer cylinder portion 71, a fifth outer cylinder portion 163, and a fourth outer cylinder portion 74 in sequence from above downward. The relay port 64c of the inner cylinder member 64 opens inside the fifth outer cylinder portion 163. The lower end opening of the fifth outer cylinder portion 163 becomes an upright inlet 63a that opens in the vertical direction. A third connecting cylinder portion 163a that protrudes upward is formed at the opening peripheral edge portion of the upright inlet 63a on the inner surface of the fifth outer cylinder portion 163.

[0128] A plug portion 165b and a common flow path 68 are formed on the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65. The plug portion 165b is provided at a position radially inside the seal cylinder portion 65c. The plug portion 165b protrudes downward from the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65 and does not protrude upward from the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65.

[0129] The first connecting member 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and connects the flow path forming member 65 and the inner cylinder member 64 in the vertical direction. A plug portion 165b of the flow path forming member 65 is tightly fitted inside the upper end portion of the first connecting member 83. The upper end portion of the first connecting member 83 is inserted into the sealing cylinder portion 65c. The first connecting member 83 is provided to straddle the inside of the lower end portion of the first outer cylinder portion 71 and the inside of the upper portion of the fifth outer cylinder portion 163. An annular gap extending in the circumferential direction is provided respectively between the outer circumferential surface of the upper end portion of the first connecting member 83 and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing cylinder portion 65c, and between the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the first connecting member 83 located below the upper end portion and the inner circumferential surface of the fifth outer cylinder portion 163. The upper end opening edge of the first connecting member 83 is separated downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall portion of the flow path forming member 65, and the gap on the outer circumferential surface side of the first connecting member 83 communicates with the common flow path 68. The upper end portion of the first inner cylinder portion 76 of the inner cylinder member 64 is tightly fitted inside the lower end portion of the first connecting member 83.

[0130] The second connecting member 84 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and connects the inner cylinder member 64 and the third connecting cylinder portion 163a of the outer cylinder member 63 in the vertical direction. The lower end portion of the third inner cylinder portion 78 of the inner cylinder member 64 is tightly fitted inside the upper end portion of the second connecting member 84. The third connecting cylinder portion 163a of the outer cylinder member 63 is tightly fitted inside the lower end portion of the second connecting member 84.

[0131] Moreover, in the present embodiment, both a suppressing portion 175a (first suppressing portion) and a suppressing portion 175b (second suppressing portion) are provided. When the ejector 110 is upright as shown in Figure 6 , the suppressing portion 175a (first suppressing portion) suppresses the second switching valve 62 from entering the first path L1, which is a path through which the content liquid flows from the upright inlet 63a toward the relay port 64c. When the ejector 110 is upside down as shown in Figure 7 , the suppressing portion 175b (second suppressing portion) suppresses the first switching valve 61 from entering the second path L2, which is a path through which the content liquid flows from the upside-down inlet 65a toward the relay port 64c.

[0132] It should be noted that either the suppressing portion 175a or the suppressing portion 175b may be provided alone.

[0133] The suppressing portion 175a (first suppressing portion) and the suppressing portion 175b (second suppressing portion) are each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and are coaxially arranged with the axis O. The suppressing portion 175a and the suppressing portion 175b each continuously extend over the entire circumference. It should be noted that the suppressing portion 175a and the suppressing portion 175b may each intermittently extend in the circumferential direction, or may be C-shaped when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0134] The suppression part 175a (first suppression part) is provided inside and is opposed to the inverted valve seat 64e in the vertical direction, and is located at a position where the second switching valve 62 can enter the inside when the ejector 110 is upright and is accommodated. The suppression part 175a is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The upper surface of the bottom wall of the suppression part 175a supports the second switching valve 62 that enters the inside of the suppression part 175a and is accommodated when the ejector 110 is upright. The outer peripheral edge part of the upper surface of the bottom wall of the suppression part 175a extends downward as it faces the inside in the radial direction. It should be noted that when the ejector 110 is upright, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the suppression part 175a may also support the second switching valve 62. The size in the vertical direction inside the suppression part 175a is the same as the diameter of the second switching valve 62.

[0135] The suppression part 175b (second suppression part) is provided inside and is opposed to the upright valve seat 64d in the vertical direction, and is located at a position where the first switching valve 61 can enter the inside when the ejector 110 is inverted and is accommodated. The suppression part 175b is formed in a toped cylindrical shape. The lower surface of the top wall of the suppression part 175b supports the first switching valve 61 that enters the inside of the suppression part 175b and is accommodated when the ejector 110 is inverted. The outer peripheral edge part of the lower surface of the top wall of the suppression part 175b extends upward as it faces the inside in the radial direction. It should be noted that when the ejector 110 is inverted, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the suppression part 175b may also support the first switching valve 61. The size in the vertical direction inside the suppression part 175b is the same as the diameter of the first switching valve 61.

[0136] The suppression part 175a (first suppression part) is provided inside the second connecting member 84. The outer peripheral surface of the suppression part 175a is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting member 84 via first connecting pieces 84a provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The suppression part 175a is located at a position below the upper end part of the second connecting member 84. The radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the suppression part 175a and the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting member 84 forms a part of the first path L1.

[0137] The suppression part 175b (second suppression part) is provided inside the first connecting member 83. The outer peripheral surface of the suppression part 175b is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting member 83 via second connecting pieces 83a provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The suppression part 175b is located at a position above the lower end part of the first connecting member 83. The radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the suppression part 175b and the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting member 83 forms a part of the second path L2.

[0138] The suppression part 175a (first suppression part), the second connecting member 84, and the first connecting piece 84a are integrally formed into one component. The suppression part 175b (second suppression part), the first connecting member 83, and the second connecting piece 83a are also integrally formed into one component. The former component and the latter component are formed in the same shape and the same size, and are common components assembled with an upside-down orientation.

[0139] As described above, according to the upright and inverted unit 2 of the present embodiment, at least one of the switching valves of the first switching valve 61 and the second switching valve 62 enters the inside of the suppression part 175b (second suppression part), 175a (first suppression part) when separated from the valve seats 64d, 64e in the vertical direction and is accommodated therein. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container main body W into the content liquid inlet 21f of the cylinder part 21, it is possible to reliably prevent at least one of the following situations: when the ejector 110 is upright, the content liquid flowing in the first path L1 contacts the second switching valve 62, and the second switching valve 62 approaches the valve seat 64e in the inverted state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector 110 is inverted, the content liquid flowing in the second path L2 contacts the first switching valve 61, and the first switching valve 61 approaches the valve seat 64d in the upright state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0140] The suppression part 175b (second suppression part) is provided at a position opposed to the upright valve seat 64d in the vertical direction and where the first switching valve 61 enters the inside and is accommodated when the ejector 110 is inverted, and the suppression part 175a (first suppression part) is provided at a position opposed to the inverted valve seat 64e in the vertical direction and where the second switching valve 62 enters the inside and is accommodated when the ejector 110 is upright. Thus, when introducing the content liquid in the container main body W into the content liquid inlet 21f of the cylinder part 21, it is possible to reliably prevent both of the following situations: when the ejector 110 is upright, the content liquid flowing in the first path L1 contacts the second switching valve 62, and the second switching valve 62 approaches the valve seat 64e in the inverted state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid; and when the ejector 110 is inverted, the content liquid flowing in the second path L2 contacts the first switching valve 61, and the first switching valve 61 approaches the valve seat 64d in the upright state along with the liquid flow of the content liquid.

[0141] Since the suppression parts 175b, 175a are provided at the above two positions, it is possible to easily form the two components respectively provided at the above positions and having the suppression parts 175b, 175a in the same shape and the same size.

[0142] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0143] The covering portion 51 and the guiding portion 52 may not be provided inside the outer cylinder member 63 either.

[0144] The retraction recess 69 (the second retraction recess and the second suppression portion) for the first switching valve 61 and the retraction recess 90 (the first retraction recess) for the second switching valve 62 may not be provided either.

[0145] The covering portion 51 may also be configured as a toped cylinder shape extending over the entire circumference and coaxially disposed with the axis O. The side openings 51a may also be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the circumferential wall of the covering portion 51. As the suppression portion 75 (the first suppression portion) for the second switching valve 62, it may also be configured as a cylindrical shape continuously extending over the entire circumference and coaxially disposed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the top wall of the covering portion 51. In this structure, the second switching valve 62 is located on the upper surface of the top wall of the covering portion 51 inside the suppression portion 75 and is disposed on the axis O.

[0146] In this case, when the ejector 10 is inverted, it is possible to easily bring the second switching valve 62 into close contact with the valve seat 64e in the inverted state.

[0147] Industrial availability According to the present invention, the content liquid in the container body can be smoothly introduced into the cylinder portion.

[0148] In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the structural elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with known structural elements, and the above-described embodiments and modification examples can also be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. An up-and-down unit, characterized in that, Installed in the cylinder part of the discharger, the upright and inverted unit includes: An upright inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet of the cylinder part when the discharger is upright; An inverted inlet that can introduce the content liquid in the container body into the content liquid inlet when the discharger is inverted; A relay port that can communicate with the content liquid inlet, the upright inlet, and the inverted inlet; A first switching valve that abuts against the upright valve seat when the discharger is upright to cut off the communication between the inverted inlet and the relay port; A second switching valve that abuts against the inverted valve seat when the discharger is inverted to cut off the communication between the upright inlet and the relay port; and At least one of a first restraining portion and a second restraining portion. The first restraining portion restrains the second switching valve from entering a first path when the discharger is upright. The first path is the path of the content liquid from the upright inlet toward the relay port. The second restraining portion restrains the first switching valve from entering a second path when the discharger is inverted. The second path is the path of the content liquid from the inverted inlet toward the relay port.

2. The upright and inverted unit according to claim 1, wherein: The upright and inverted unit further includes an outer cylinder member that is externally mounted on the cylinder part and has a lower end opening as the upright inlet. On the opening peripheral portion of the upright inlet on the inner surface of the outer cylinder member, a roofed cylindrical covering portion that protrudes upward and covers the upright inlet from above is formed. On the peripheral wall of the covering portion, a side opening that opens in the radial direction and communicates the upright inlet with the inside of the outer cylinder member is formed. The first restraining portion that restrains the second switching valve from entering the first path when the discharger is upright protrudes upward from the top wall of the covering portion.

3. The upright and inverted unit according to claim 2, wherein: The first restraining portion is formed in a plate shape whose surface faces the side where the side opening opens in the radial direction when viewed from the up-down direction. The portion of the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder member that faces the side opening and the surface of the first restraining portion in the radial direction serves as the inlet portion of the first path. A guiding portion is provided inside the outer cylinder member. The guiding portion guides the second switching valve that wants to enter the inlet portion when the discharger is upright to the back side of the first restraining portion.

4. The upright and inverted unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The upright and inverted unit further includes a retraction recess which is at least one of a first retraction recess and a second retraction recess. When the discharger is upright, the first retraction recess allows the second switching valve to enter, and separates the second switching valve from the first path on a side opposite to the inverted valve seat and in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the upright inlet. When the discharger is inverted, the second retraction recess allows the first switching valve to enter, and separates the first switching valve from the second path on a side opposite to the upright valve seat and in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the inverted inlet.

5. The upright and inverted unit according to claim 1, wherein the upright valve seat faces upward, the inverted valve seat faces downward, the at least one restraining portion is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and faces at least one of the upright valve seat and the inverted valve seat in the vertical direction, when at least one of the first switching valve and the second switching valve separates from the at least one valve seat in the vertical direction, it enters the inside of the at least one restraining portion and is accommodated.

6. The upright and inverted unit according to claim 5, wherein the at least one restraining portion is the second restraining portion and the first restraining portion, the second restraining portion is provided at a position facing the upright valve seat in the vertical direction and allowing the first switching valve to enter the inside and be accommodated when the discharger is inverted, the first restraining portion is provided at a position facing the inverted valve seat in the vertical direction and allowing the second switching valve to enter the inside and be accommodated when the discharger is upright.

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